Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sewing my butt off....

Good Morning... (it's Sunday...)

Wow...what a wonderful sewing marathon I've had from Friday (3:00 pm ) until last night!  We have about 25 at Cinnamon's for their "Summer Barbecue" Retreat!  OMG!  I'm having a blast!  They are letting us work on cute projects, cooking up a storm for us... playing fun quick games and sewing, sewing... and more sewing!  I WILL have my Pioneer Braid Quilt finished today!  It's my sample for the class I am teaching in September and it's coming out wonderful.  I LOVE IT!!  As soon as I have my rows put together, I'll post a picture for you.

Then, Vicky... finished making one of our new quilt pattern designs... with our new fabric (Marcus Brothers Fabric Co.).  It's inspiration came from an antique basket quilt I have in my dining room hanging over one of my cabinet doors.  Vicky fell in love with it and wanted to make it ours... we've added a great new "twist" to the design.  You'll see later.  It's 25 baskets set on point... so lovely!!!  We're still working on a name.

Here are some other great photos I took this weekend of quilts (for upcoming classes) in the classroom!!

Now.... you know how "modern" quilting is the rage?  Well... you would know why if you saw this quilt in person!  It's such fun... and the actual quilting is the "bomb dot com"!!! (that's another way of saying AWESOME!)    If you look real close you can see how it's in the square look... simply made the quilt!


Then we have the Cathedral Window... with a twist!  The corners have a new technique that simply makes this quilt something to die for!  I've never made one of these and I think it should be on every one's bucket list.  It's just one of those quilting experiences that everyone should have in their lifetime!



And of course...it's time for the holiday quilts to make their debut!  How about this happy, happy one?  The center block... on the bottom row????  Can you tell what that is?  Yep... you are correct... it's a NASTY spider!  ickiepoo!!!   However, you must admit... it "makes the quilt"!!!


Then.. for the pastel lovers... and NEW quilters... here you go!  This sweet quilt is so easy (rail fence) for you to learn all of the important techniques (cutting, 1/4" seam allowance, seam alignment, pressing)... and then you end up with this beauty!  



Then... you can make this sweet, sweet, sweet ruffled gem!  EVERYONE that walks into the classroom looks at this quilt.  It is so stinkin' precious!  How can you not like cute ruffles?  I'm just askin' ?




There were plenty more to photo and I will truly try to get to that today.  We resume back in the classroom at 9:00 am for more SEWING...then we get brunch!  YUM!!!  (thanks to Janice for being such a great cook).  Yesterday... with our barbecue theme... we had the yummiest lunch!  OMG!!!  Barbecue sandwiches, salads, chips, corn pudding casserole (it was sooooooooooo good) then banana pudding for dessert!  I'm sure we stacked on the pounds yesterday...(and me...who is on a diet!)

It's time for me to hit the shower and get some things ready to take in for the gals.  I love my phone...the "Reminders" app... it helps me so much.  I make my list and then set the reminder..... beep...beep...beep... it pops up the things I'm supposed to remember to bring with me today!  Ahhh...life is good in my hectic world.

Chat with you later... get busy.... sit in that chair and get some sewin' done!  It feels sooooo good!

Gloria

Friday, June 28, 2013

What a Whirlwind....

Oh My Gosh....

My mind is racing like crazy...!!!  Heather and I worked on so many things together yesterday...we kept loosing track of which project we were working on.  Can I say... I love my daughter to death... I love her spirit, her creative talent, her love for her family, her love for God, and the way she is always there for me.  She's so darn quick on the computer (so stinkin' smart...the things she does simply amaze me...)... then there is her love for photography... it just doesn't end with that girl.  She has so many irons in the fire - I simply have no idea where in the heck she gets all of her energy... here she is ... just in case you've not met her before... "my Heather"...  Isn't she beautiful?  LOVE YOU SWEET GIRL!!

Then...there is my sweet, sweet son.. Toby!  OMG!  What a wonderful MAN he is.  I'll brag about him on another day... enough of my children...


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Look how my wool applique is turning out... I'm lovin' this!!
I've named it Londonderry Garden.


Today I'm sewing on my sample for my September Cinnamon's Class - Pioneer Braid Quilt.  I know I've told you this before...but the sewing is immense and it's turning out so pretty.  Wow.. I wish I had a penny for each stitch.  That would be very nice!

Vicky is working on our Londonderry Baskets and it's quite lovely!!  Here's a quick picture of the drawing on EQ.
The finished quilt will have a beautiful floral border.. it just didn't look good on this drawing so I showed it with the blue and I love it also!  She can't wait to get it finished because she has another adorable one she wants to make.




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CRUISE UPDATE....

We have MORE gals that have signed up for our cruise!  YIPPEE!!!
Lynn & Denise... and Joyce Weeks and her girlfriend!  Joyce is from Utah... many of you know her... you just don't know it!  She's from Geoff's Mom Pattern Company!

So... for all of you that join us on our cruise... you will get to meet JOYCE!!!  Yippee!!!

So... here's the deal... Joyce is from UTAH!  She and her girlfriend are flying to Florida and going on the cruise together... for her birthday present!

If a Utah girl can make this trip... SO CAN YOU!

Which leads me to my next reminder... PLEASE send in your deposits NOW so we can get a good head count on the number coming.  We have a block of 50 rooms that we get to keep together until July 10, 2013... that's JULY of this year!  (Cruise lines work way ahead on bookings...can you tell?)  

So... if you have been wanting to come... now is the time to get on the boat and get that paperwork completed and faxed to CruiseOne (904-263-4570).  Or you can call them direct and register (800)2-LUV-SEA or 904-280-1992.

Let's Party together and sew up a storm (not an actual storm.... NOT while we are on the ship!)  Lot's of surprises... you're really gonna' love them!

You OWE yourself a once-in-a-lifetime-trip like this!

Gloria 

Have a happy day sewing!



Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Here we go again!

I've redesigned my center block... here it is...  Still have a little "tweeking" to do... but I think it will be smashing!!  Ha!!!  I love it when a plan finally works out.


I just read one of my favorite blogs.... With Thy Needle and Thread - Brenda Gervais... Look at this antique sampler she is reproducing!!  OMG!!!  I'm simply in love!  I can't wait for it to be finished so I can order it.  It... along with about 100 others will go in my "to do" drawer!  I simply adore cross-stitch samplers and she is the best of the best!   With Thy Needle and Thread Blog



Another "Best of the Best" is Stacy Nash!!!    She too... is so wonderful.  I wish I could have gotten a closer photo of this super sampler she has just finished!  Oh my.... go to her blog  Stacy Nash Primitive Designs Blog and click on the picture.  It will enlarge and you can see all of the fine detail.  My favorite of the entire sampler????   (the sweet little turtle under the flower pot on the right)



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More exciting news.... Pam Buda - Heartspun Quilts and Lynne Hagmeier - Kansas Troubles Quilts will be here in St. Augustine in January 2014 for an awesome Quilting Retreat!  I can't wait... I'm checking my calendar and seeing if I can attend.  I've been to their retreats before and they are so darn much fun.  They are so generous with their knowledge... prizes and goodies they give to us are wonderful... and it's simply a blast!..  Go to Pam's Blog and read more about the trip and contact them today!!  Pam's Blog!!!!  Hope to see you there.  

p.s.  For those of you that normally attend our January Camp Blanding retreat in January... we are trying to book it in February so it will not conflict with this retreat... that way we can attend BOTH OF THEM!  YIPPEE!!!!  

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And one more thing I'm excited about.... my NEW Loose Feathers from Blackbird Designs!  I simply love these two gals... they are so sweet and talented and I buy everything they design, make or do!  (I'm a groupie....can you tell?)  This Loose Feathers will be a series of small samplers!  Good... SMALL IS GOOD!!!  Maybe I'll get more of them finished!!  It's pretty fitting we have a bee one... Alma is now raising bees!!!  Isnt' that cool.  She's such a neat lady!

Love you both Alma and Barb!!


Have a super happy day... I'm heading to the sewing machine!  

Gloria

Monday, June 24, 2013

A new Project... take a peek!!!!

It's going to be a wonderful Monday!!!  

I checked the weather.... 90 degrees... partially cloudy!!!  Great day for sewing...don't you think?  

You will NEVER believe what I did... (sometimes I scare myself.... does that happen to you?).  I've been working on a NEW table topper out of our County Londonderry fabric and when the idea hits you... you must act quickly!!!  Or... at least I must... or the inspiration will be gone!

So... I cut out my blocks... pieced them all together (it looks wonderful)... then proceeded to work on my wool applique medallion center.  OMG!!!  It is so pretty.... here are the drawing and photos...

It's not fancy... nice and simple and easy!!  It measures 38" square.



Here is the center applique - from luscious wool!!!  Of course... it will piece into the quilt on point!

I madly stitched it all down....went back into the sewing studio to give it a good press and my heart sunk to the floor!



I don't know where my mind was... but I read the measurements incorrectly!  The applique block is WAY TOO SMALL!!  Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!  For some reason I had it in my head it was 16" square... so I cut it 18" (larger because of the applique...then I cut mine down to size when it's all stitched...)  It's supposed to be 26" !!  

So... I took a deep breath... and told myself what a gorgeous pillow top this wool applique block has now become.  Yes... I wanted to make several pillow patterns from our fabric line... and this just brought me to the resolution of what to design for them even quicker.  I'm going to add double ruffles around the pillow... it will be so sweet!!!  Now I can't wait to finish it!

However... I must get back on track and finish the table topper first.  So today it's back to my wool and designing another medallion... I will be adding more flowers, etc. to fill the larger block up more evenly.  

I woke up early this morning thinking about it...so that means I may as just as well get out of the bed and get busy...because there is NO going back to sleep when my brain in in the "thinking creative" mode!  Know what I mean?  

I did finish my "B-a-a-a-d Girls" project for the girls to work on in July and August!!!
It's our "Sewing Arm Cozy" !  I adore it... even if I do say so myself.  I showed it to them this weekend to get them excited... I think it may have done the trick!

Here are some photos of it for you....

It fits over the arm of your easy chair...or couch... with pockets on both sides and a pin cushion on top.

One side has a flower with a bee button on one of the leafs... and a sweet bird on the other side pocket.





This is the entire cozy laid out flat.




This is our pincushion... When it's lying this way it kind of looks like a BIG eye is watching you...doesn't it?  Creepy....


I will be writing a pattern for this project and putting it on our NEW website under "E-Patterns" !!  You too can make this sweet little "Sewing Armchair Cozy"!!!  

I'll let you know when it's ready for you to download.

Ok...that's it for me today.. I'm off to the sewing studio to get busy!  I have to prepare my new applique center and finish piecing my new sample for Cinnamon's.... Pioneer Braid Quilt!!!
It's coming out so awesome.... I can't wait for you to see it!

Happy Sewing!!!

mmm....time for more coffee....

Gloria

Friday, June 21, 2013

I'm Home!!

Vicky and I went to Crosby, TN for a few days to sew with some of our friends!!!  What a great time we had too!  We were in a retreat house with the quilt shop within easy walking distance away from us!  Tell me that wasn't dangerous!  We had such fun sewing, driving and seeing the countryside, relaxing, chatting, and having fun with great friends.  Thanks John, Kathy, Bruce and Rhonda for a great relaxing time.

While we were there we got to finish one of our new fabric quilt patterns and got a great start on the second one!  I can't wait until they are all finished so you can see them!  Here is a sneak peak at Londonderry Baskets!!!   We still have the handles to add...then set them all within the "on-point" quilt.  Can't wait to see it all finished!


While driving home yesterday in the mountains... it was early in the morning...and the views were simply awesome.  These photos DO NOT do justice to the splendor of them!!!  So pretty!






















We went to a small village of shops... had lunch at one of the biggest McDonald's I have ever been in!!  I couldn't believe the size of this place!  Outside... the flowers were blooming everywhere... these daisies were HUGE!  I always think of my friend.... Paula... it's her favorite flower.  I just had to take a picture and show you!




We all worked on so many different projects.... it was amazing how much we all finished even with our taking time out to shop and take small drives!!  Rhonda was working on this adorable Christmas Quilt!  So sweet and fun.  Vicky is going to make one too... with wool applique!!  Won't that be great?  The day we left to come home, Rhonda was going to be buttonhole stitching all of these shapes to her background.  I'm sending her some red buttons for her berries!!




Here is the next project for our B-a-a-a-d Girls Club... !  
It's an "Armchair Sewing Cozy" that I've designed (not all finished).  This is one side...the other has pockets for "snippet" trash ... then I need to design the pin cushion for the top!!
I can't wait to use it... I'm so tired of chasing my thread, scissors, etc. all around, down in and on the couch I could scream!  It soon will be an e-pattern on our NEW WEBSITE!!!



YES... I will soon be able to make the announcement of our NEW WEBSITE going LIVE!!!  We are in the final stages of getting it ready.... so keep your fingers crossed it will be soon!

I'm off to get things ready for my class today at Cinnamon's... we are on session two of our Fusion Quilt Class.  I can't wait to see what the gals have gotten finished so far.  They are going to be so pretty... I'll take pictures and post for all of you.

Happy Sewing!!!  

Gloria

Friday, June 14, 2013

Good Morning to all!

Today is FLAG DAY!  I so love to see everyone displaying their flags on their homes.  It's just a wonderful feeling I have in my heart and soul to see America flying proudly.  We've had some rough years lately... haven't we?  Let's all show how proud we are and get those flags flying high today.  I wouldn't mind flying mine everyday... it gives me a feeling of being safe, proud, and full of love.  Here is some tidbit information I found about Flag Day... hope you enjoy it!
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Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and
 makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation .....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and  glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even  stands proudly on the surface of the moon.



As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride! 
Properly Display Our Flag
There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag.  The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for
our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying  the American flag:

 The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
  • In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
  • The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
  • The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
  • After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's  called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
  • When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
  • The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
  • Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
  • Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
  •  When your flag is old and has seen  better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.
Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony. 


Famous Flag People:
Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history.
Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze

Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist!

It's very early here... I woke up with the chickens!!!  However, I'm ready... my flag is sitting by the front door.... waiting for the sun to rise!  Where is yours?

Gloria

Saturday, June 8, 2013

It's National BEST FRIEND DAY!!!

Hi chicklets!!!!

Did you know that today is National Best Friend's Day?  Yep!!!  So... who is your best friend?  

I think I would have to say (not counting my husband...that's kind of a given don't you think?) my twin sister, Vicky!  After all... we've been together for 64 years.... Many of those years we lived realllllllyyyyyy far apart from each other.  I'm here to tell you it was awful!  She was living in Vermont and we were in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba!  Couldn't get much farther could you?

Here we are.... as little girls living on the farm.  Mommy (that's what we called her...) had just made these pretty yellow (some kind of fluffy, soft fabric) dresses.  We had been to the Columbia City Old Settler's Day (the local fair in town) and they had let us have these two little pandas.  We were on our way to see our Pop Clyde (Grandpa) ... he was in the hospital!




Gosh... I loved those little dresses...they were so sweet.  

And...here we are today... best buddies!  Love you Vicky!!!


Remember to call your best friend today and tell them how much you love them!  Just imagine what your world would be without them.  I don't even want to think about that... do you?  

Go Celebrate!!!

Have a fun day!

Gloria


Friday, June 7, 2013

Yippee!!! Another One!!

Ok.... Now you gals are in the swing!

Robin (From Jacksonville, FL) is playing the UFO Game with us!  She's sent me her list (via Facebook chat) and here we go:

1.  Flower Power by Peddlecar Quilts - finishing for Jacksonville Quiltfest Show in September

2.  Hawaiin Shirt Quilt (she's llllloooonnnnnggggg lost the pattern) - finishing for the Jacksonville Quiltfest Show in September

3.  Rainbow Baby by Cynthia Brunz - need for a baby shower this summer

4.  Non Sibi Sed Patriaie quilt by Tony Jacobson - making for Wounded Warriors Project




5.  Block 2 - Primitive Garden by Lisa Bongean from Primitive Gatherings  



This Quilt reminds me of some wonderful times.  I first met Lisa Bongean at a show (can't remember which one)... our booths were across from each other.  I simply adored her work, her designs, all of the wonderful color, the wool!!!  I was instantly in love with the entire company.  I spotted two of these blocks (again...sorry... can't remember which two) hanging up in the booth.  Well... they drew me to them like a magnet.  I said... "Lisa, what are these going to be? They are SO WONDERFUL (trying not to drool all over them).  She explained it was a new "garden" theme quilt she was designing (she LOVES to garden... in her spare time... which I have no clue when that is...).  That's how this quilt began... then we had it in the shop and everyone else fell in love with it too.  

Thanks Lisa... for all of the wonderful quilt designs you have made for us... the super wool projects... your beautiful shop in Wisconsin, for all of your hard work attending all the shows you go to (wow... is that ever hard work -  speaking from experience), for Nick and his support for your talent, for your wonderful energy and your beautiful fabric you design for Moda!  You are my inspiration! 



and.... MORE.... EXCITING..... NEWS!!!

Vicky and I were working on our projects when we heard the doorbell ring... not the normal ring of my mailman or UPS guy (they work so hard...don't they?)

Vicky signed for something at the door.... HEAVY BOX!!!  She's reading the label and her eyes got as big as dinner plates.  Gloie... I think this is our fabric!!!!!  I said... NO WAY... NOT YET!!!!
We dug into that box as fast as a raccoon digs into a bag of dry dog food!!!!

YES.....THERE IT WAS.... 
3 YARDS OF EACH PRINT OF OUR FABRIC!!!

We were like two wild women... pulling it all out of  the box and inspecting each piece like it was our first born child!

There on the selvage read....................



So... we are now on the move... yes we have tons to make:

1.  Vicky's Basket Quilt - designed from an antique quilt that Vicky     adores!!

2.  County Londonderry Quilt - an original Olde Green Cupboard Designs pattern

3. Prairie Point Rug - made from an antique rug I found at Houston Quilt Market

4.  Upholstered Chair (it's going to be so darn cute)

5.  Table Runner - our design

6.  Covered Lampshade

7.  Pillow - our design

and... maybe a few other things if we have enough fabric left over!

Oh boy.... I'm exhausted already!

Guess what that means?  Time for me to get busy!  

Chat with you soon!!!

Gloria






Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Congratulations Rhonda - From California!!!

She is the first person to send me her 5 - UFO Projects - here they are for you!  You're gonna love 'em!!

Lisa Bongean's - Primitive Gatherings Quilt Shop's Block-of-the-Week Project for the summer of 2013!  SNOWBALLS.... TONS OF THEM!  I'm so excited for you Rhonda... I almost signed up for this also!  See that word "almost" - well that's what made me back away from the computer.  I still have her beautiful WOOL one she had last summer - all in unopened packages.  What's that tell you?  Yep... haven't even started.

I used to tell the girls... yes... I'm buying all of these kits and fabric to work on when I retire!  HA!!  What a BIG FAT JOKE that is!  I'm NOW retired from the retail world and I'm busier than ever.  How in the heck did I have time to work?



Christmas Memories - This is Rhonda's OWN DESIGN!!!  It's a photo quilt and she's promised to make one for her son!




In The Woods - another of her creations!  (She's pretty darn talented...don't you think so?)  I don't know about you...but I am a sucker for houses and TREES!!  Love this Rhonda!!!



OH MY GOSH!!!  I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Country Threads!  Those gals are such a hoot!!  I love their farm and their quilt shop - in the CHICKEN COOP!  I too love LINE UP!!  Isn't it simply adorable?  H-m-m-m... I can see this on my kitchen table!!!  Good choice Rhonda!!!  Will you make me one too?  (((((Pretty Please)))))


And of course.... Ohio Star Crossing by Country Threads!  This is also on my "Quilt Bucket List".....  My "bucket" list is actually more the size of a LARGE  (very, very, large) BARREL!!




Okay gals... that's it... remember to email me with your projects so you can win yourself this....

You're The Apple Of My Eye

Remember ... you have 5 months from the date you send me your list!

Join us!!!  It will be so much fun to see photos of everyone's finished projects!!!


Keep Sewing Chickies!!!

Gloria


Saturday, June 1, 2013

Okay.... 

I forgot to add one more UFO to my list... and it's an important one!  Here it is!!  I and several of the gals from our B-a-a-a-d Girls Club want to do SNOWBOUND by Silver Thimble Quilt Co - Pay Wys and her great gals that work with her.  We are going to do our applique in WOOL!!!  This is the perfect size for my table... in either my kitchen area or the dining room.  I even have that same stripe fabric!  Can you believe that?  I'm a sucker for wonderful stripes...especially when it has that "ticking" look!



This is Pat... what a WONDERFUL LADY!!!  She is a riot... she's just one of those gals that you instantly LOVE and she is so funny!  She puts me in such good spirits when I'm around her.  Talented?  Does a duck have feathers!!  The answer is YES, YES, YES!!!  She travels and teaches all over...!  Go to her website and check her out!  You're gonna love her... YES YOU WILL!

Hey... you know my Snowbound quilt above?  I just saw on her website she is going to have a "quilt-a-long" and this is the quilt they are using!  How great is that?  I'll just go with her and work on my quilt.  That way I'll feel like we are "visiting" and "chatting" together like we do when we are at market!

If you ever get the chance to take a class from her... DO IT!  You'll have a blast... !

Here is her website:  Silver Thimble Quilts Website







I wanted to show you my FLOWERS!  Now... I know this may not be a big deal to all of you... HOWEVER, it is hot stuff at my house!  You see... I DO NOT have a green thumb (due to the fact that I kill things very quickly).  

This is my Lantana!  I normally have yellow...but this year I picked an orange color (Klasina... your favorite color !)  I have found that in this HOT, HOT, HOT weather... they need a BIG drink of water every day!  Poor things..they sure do wilt fast!




Then... in the backyard - are my petunias that Jack bought me on Mother's Day... I can't believe they are still alive!  We just bought this bird bath and we haven't seen one silly bird in it yet!  What's up with that?  I thought in this HOT weather...they would be drinking up a storm... or taking a cool bath!!  But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... NOT YET!  

I even went on-line and read up on how to take care of the petunias when they start looking a bit straggly.  If you do what they say... they will bloom all summer through the end of August!  So... I'm surely trying to take care of them!


Then... Toby and Dayle (son and daughter-in-law) bought me this great plant for Mother's Day to!  We have it by the garage... and hopefully will train it to twist around the down spout and brick wall.  It will be so pretty there.  I almost had to chase after the mailman the other day.  He brought several packages to the door and put stuff in the mail box!  When I went out to get the mail (by the street) I saw where he had ripped off one of my long vines!!!!  It was the one that was going up the wall!  I stuck it in the dirt and hope that it will re-root!  I was NOT HAPPY with him!!!!  I'm sure he heard me yell at him even though he was miles and miles away when I discovered it (his ears must have been burning)!!! 
So... we'll keep babying it too.... As it grows I'll give you new pictures.



Well... that's my update for the day!  It's time to get back to working on our new website!  We are working so hard at getting everything transferred to your new Host.  I'm even adding a section of "How To" Videos.  I think it will be great fun to find things we all wonder how to do and can never remember... like how to make certain embroidery stitches, how to make bias binding (even I have trouble remembering this technique), new tools.... etc.  So.. when the new website is up... get you a big soda or coffee and watch some great videos!!!

Catch you all later!!!

Gloria

Are You Up For The Challenge???

Hi Everyone!!!

Okay... I just had a brainstorm... and I know it's something we can all participate in!


READY???

Let's have a UFO Challenge!!  What do you say?  Are you Game??  

YOU CAN DO THIS!  AND... each of you can win one of these!!!
(please help me out and pay the postage for me... I'll ship it the cheapest way for you...)





Here's how it will work!

Email me with the name of your project/quilt/cross-stitch...along with the designer/company that has authored the pattern... whatever project it is that you are trying to finish! This isn't a race between each of us... this is "us" gettin' stuff done!!  Doesn't it make you feel FABULOUS when you finish something you have been working on?  I mean to tell you... I feel like a ton of bricks have been lifted off my chest!  

In this day-n-age we all have so much on our plates!  You know... work, family, medical stuff, stress... and the only way to make yourself FEEL BETTER is to accomplish something.

Once I have your lists... I will keep them for you.... then when you finish a project - take a picture of it and send it to me!  Now.. I see some of you "backin' off" because you may be using the excuse.. "I don't know how to do that!"  Well... it's simple - ASK YOUR KIDS OR A TEENAGER.. or heck... I think my 6 year old granddaughter knows how!  If you have a cell phone that takes pictures, I CAN HELP YOU! 

There is a time limit!!!  Oh yes there is!!!  How about 1 month for each project... I think that is being pretty darn generous - don't YOU?  I'll date your list - then in 5 months... if you have ALL of your projects finished - YOU WIN THE APPLE!



Then as each project is finished - I'll cross it off your list and post your picture for everyone to see (you do NOT have to finish them in the order you list them.)  Now... are you asking yourself how many "UFO's"  you need on your list?  uh huh... I knew you were! 

Well............. it's only 5 !!!!  So which 5 will they be?  It's your choice... you may select those that have been in the "to do" pile the longest... or you may pick those that have the most urgency .... or those that you have just been dreading to finish... see where this is going?  YOU GET TO CHOOSE!  

As each person signs up ... I'll share their projects with all of you!  Won't it be interesting to see what they are?

Here goes my list... I'll be first (gosh... I can't wait to see what all of you pick)!!




1.  Quilt - Gettysburg -Paula Barnes & Mary Ellen Robison Red Crinoline Quilts   Website     
(This is going on my kitchen table.)




2.  Rug - Prairie Point Pastel Rug - (one of my new designs)  (I'll post a picture when finished)
(This is an antique one I bought in Houston... I will eventually be making one out of our new fabric line - County Londonderry/Marcus
Brothers)







3.  Quilt - Colfax County - Lisa Bongean Primitive Gatherings   
      Website

(This is going to hang in my living room)



4.  Quilt - Pioneer Braid - Jerry Stube - Quilters Quarters    Website
(This is going to be for our couch - TV watching!)


5.  Quilt - Mrs. Billings Coverlet - Somerset Patchwork      Website

(This will be kept for generations to come! Whew!!! What a job this bad-boy is!  I have 4 friends that are making one too!  They are so gorgeously stunning!!  Takes my breath away!)



Okay... that's it!  So... are you game?  Come on and play with me!  It will be great FUN..FUN..FUN!!

Well...with all of this... it's time for me to GET BUSY!!!  OMG!!!  What in the heck have I gotten myself in for?  hahahahahahaha!!!

Remember "Celebrate Handmade"  and keep those needles movin' !!!

Gloria