Tuesday, December 30, 2014

MOP #1 !!!!!!!


Okay.... here is my first project for January!  These are stackable trays on my desk...that somehow get everything in the wolrd shoved in them.  I always start with:

1.  "DO NOW"
2.  Camp Blanding 
3.  Mail Orders
4.  Receipts
5.  Scratch paper

and so on..... Now.. I don't know about you... but I think it's OUT OF CONTROL!!

I'm so excited to show you this area when I'm DONE!  

I love all the comments you have shared with me.... I'm so happy tons of you are joining me!

Remember... MOP !!!  (Merge.... Organize... Purge!!)

Happy sorting!!!  

Saturday, December 27, 2014

2015 - MY ORGANIZATIONAL PLANS!

Hi!! 

Today is the last day of our Christmas Celebration... the family is arriving around 1:00 and we are going to have a heavy food "munching" day... open gifts (for the kids) and just visit and have a good time.  

I'm hoping the kids enjoyed their Christmas day at home with their little ones.  It was pretty quiet around here... I cooked a BIG dinner for  Vicky & Larry, Linda  and of course Jack.  It was wonderful (if I do say so myself).  It was a bit unusual but fun to fix!

Shrimp Scampi & pasta
Fried Oysters
Cornbread
Caesar Salad
Gingerbread 

Then we just hung out and watched GREAT movies.

So.... the title of my post today is 2015 - ORGANIZATIONAL PLANS!!  I am going to work on this next year of cleaning, reorganizing, purging, etc. every nook and cranny in my house.  We've only been here a little over 2 years... but it's time.... know what I mean?

I have a HUGE walk-in pantry and I noticed the other day it looks like a typhoon swooped through it.

We have cabinets over our desk area that have things inside we have not touched since we moved in... so why do we have them?

I have tons of drawers in the kitchen... many of them contain (for lack of a better word) "junk"... you know.. it's those things you DO need to keep but only use them in a blue moon.  Well... I'm going to post pictures of what I'm working on "pre-organized" and what I've done after it's organized.

Now...this is baring my sole people.... letting you see my short comings!  But I feel it will give me inspiration to get some control back in my life and to  ACTUALLY know where things are!

Are you all game for this plan too?  I read an article that said if you take 15 - 30 minutes every day to straighten and reorganize something in your house you will feel so much better eah day...so
2015 is my year.  If you plan on working right along with me.... send me a comment and let me know!!!  We'll help each other get through this UGLY process.

Now... one more comment and then... I'm done with this posting.... here's what happens in my brain... when I start organizing certain things...it only makes my CREATIVE BRAIN CELLS go crazy and I can truly, truly get off track.  I'm now thinking of a million things I want to make and/or design.  So... as I work I have a notepad with me.  This too I will show you each day.... (what in the heck am I thinking...)  eeekk..... so you can see how a creative person's brain works!

Now... who's with me?  Do I hear a ton of you shouting... "MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"  !

Let me know... our mission begins on January 2 (after the holiday.... HA!!)


Organizingly yours,

Gloria

I'm off to take pictures....

Friday, December 26, 2014

The Party is Over.... NOT!!

Hi All!!

Today is December 26, 2014 - the day after Christmas... my sweet daughter's birthday - Heather!!!

I remember (40 years ago) when we lived in Great Lakes, IL (Jack was still in the Navy) and my doctor told me he would see me on Christmas Day... !!  She was due December 10... I told him NOOOOOOOOOO ... I don't want my baby born on Christmas - I want her to have HER special day.  Well...he just chuckled and told me... Merry Christmas!

Sure enough... Christmas NIGHT - I woke up and it was time... Just a few hours later...this wonderful little girl was born.  Back then we had no idea what sex we were having... it was a total surprise.  

When the doctor told me I had a baby girl... I cried... you see... I already had the best little boy in the world (Toby) and I wanted a little girl too since we decided two children was all we thought we wanted.  I was the happiest mommy in the whole wide world.

And here she is... my sweet, sweet Heather.  
I do believe she's one of best mothers, wife, friend, and Christian woman I know.  I'm sssssssssoooooooooo proud of her!  God certainly blessed Jack and I with she and TOBY.  

Happy Birthday my sweet Heather.... I simply love you more than words can describe...   Mommy

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Mistletoe!!



Merry Christmas to everyone!       


I recently gave these to my sewing friends and posted them to a Facebook page that I belong to for all of us wool addicts!  

Everyone loved them so much I decided to pass on the instructions to you.  I'm hoping this works... I use OneNote for my designs and I'm hoping I can get it moved to the blog.... here it goes!

Size:  Large 5"L x 3" w    Med 4" L x 2 1/2" w   Small  3" L , 2.75" w 
You may have to adjust drawings  on your printer to get these sizes.



Step 1:  Choose 2-3 colors of wool felt (you may use all wool - however the fibers must be tight together - wash in soapy water and dry).

Step 2:  Take a square of the light green and iron it together with a medium green using Heat-n-bond Lite.  Using two pieces of wool felt together give the leaf more stability.

Step 3:  Trace each of the above shapes on Freezer paper and press to the two joined pieces of wool felt.  Cut them out on the drawn line.  Remove Freezer paper.  It can be used over and over to make more!

Step 4:  Thread your sewing machine with green thread.  Stitch vein lines down the center and out on each leaf.

Step 5:  Attach buttons (stitch or glue)

Step 6:  Tie together in a group of 3 leaves and tie with red/white butcher string and a red jingle bell!

Step 7:  Attach a tag if you would like.

There you go.... My Christmas Gift To YOU!!!!  
These are so pretty on packages, hanging in the house, or as tree ornaments!

Enjoy!!

Gloria
Olde Green Cupboard Designs
www.oldegreencupboard.com




Monday, December 15, 2014

Recipes!!

Wow.... I had no idea I was causing a "cooking storm" with my Christmas yummies....

My friend, Mary Ellen, asked me if I had the chance to read my blog comments yet.... of course I told her "no".... "you'd better read them... you have a bunch of women that want recipes!"  So... here you go... Let's start with the YUMMY Cheese Dip!  This is a recipe that one of my employees(Kathy) brought to an event and it has been my NUMBER 1 favorite since then!


Green Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients:  2 large packages cream cheese, 1 small can of green chilis, 1 FULL cup of "fresh" shaved parmesan cheese.

Soften cream cheese to room temperature.  Combine the cream cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, and green chilis into a bowl.  Stir until mixed well.  Place in a round pie pan.  Bake in the oven at 350 degrees until bubbly and a bit brown on top! 30 - 45 minutes

Serve hot with scoops, crackers or a spoon!  (I swear I can just eat the stuff)


Denise's Caramel Corn    

This yummy treat recipe was given to me from my friend Denise.... Wow, how I love caramel corn... it reminds me of when we were kids and went to the fair.  That was one time when mom and dad bought us great things!  We got cotton candy, caramel corn, corn dogs... the best homemade lemonade you've ever had.... Our fair was in our little town of Columbia City, Indiana - called Old Settler's Day.  I loved that time of the year... rides.... cake walks... auctions.  What a wonderful childhood memory!

Ingredients:  2 large bags of microwave popcorn (popped)
1 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter or margarine (I use butter)
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 small bag pretzel sticks - optional
1 cup nuts (your favorite) - optional
1 cup craisens - optional
brown paper grocery bag (1 per recipe...if you are doubling recipe - 2 bags)

1.  Pop popcorn and place in a large brown grocery bag.

2.  In an oversized medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, salt, butter, corn syrup and vanilla.  NOT THE BAKING SODA.  Heat the mixture on the stove until melted, stirring until well blended.

3.  Set timer and boil mixture for 5 minutes.  IF YOU DO NOT BOIL FOR 5 MINUTES, THE CARAMEL CORN WILL BE STICKY INSTEAD OF CRUNCY.  Remove from store and add baking soda.  Stir well.  It will expand to the top of the pan and become a bit frothy.

4.  Pour caramel misture over popcorn.  Roll the top of the bag down and shake the bag, up & down, side to side.  You want to be sure the caramel coats the popcorn.

5.  Put the bag in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes, stoppng after eah minute to shake well.  Open the bag after shaking to make sure it has been mixed well and is not starting to burn.  I toss the popcorn with a long metal spoon to be sure it's all coated well.  Popcorn should be crunchy.

6.  Pour out on ALUMINUM FOIL.  Using a large spoon, spead the caramel corn to cool.  It doesn't take long.  Enjoy!

I normally make a double batch - especially since it seems like the bags of corn have LESS popcorn in them these days.


Meatball - Breadstick Skewers  

Ingredients:
Meatballs (I buy my them frozen in bag)
1 can Pillsbury refrigerated original breadsticks (12 in a pkg_
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Pasta Sauce (optional)
parchment paper
  • 1.  Heat oven to 375°F. Line 2 large cookieets with parchment paper.
2.  Unroll dough; separate into 12 breadsticks.  Thread one end of a breadstick on 10" skewer' add 1 meatball, leaving 1/4" between dough and meatball.  Repeat threading with breadstick and 2 additional meatballs.  Place 1" apart on cookie sheet.  Repeat with remaining breadsticks and meatballs.

3.  Bake 18 to 22 minutes, rotating cookie sheets halfway through bake time, or until meatballs are no longer pink in center. Sprinkle each meatball skewer with about 1 tablespoon cheese (mozzarella & blue cheese). Bake 3 to 4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

4.Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, cook sauce over medium-low heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until thoroughly heated. Serve with meatball skewers.  

ENJOY!!!

 Stuffed Mushroom Caps    

Ingredients:
Mushroom caps (or mushrooms with stems... remove stems and use in other recipes)
Store Top Stuffing (I love this stuff)  - Your favorite flavor
Mozarella Cheese - large package

Spray baking dish with Pam (butter or olive oil)
Prepare mushroom caps and sit in baking dish - with under side up. 
Make Stovetop stuffing as per instructed on package
Spoon stuffing into mushroom cap
Top with mozarella cheese
Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and slightly browned

Serve hot!!

Okay... I think I'm off the hook now for recipes!  Have a super holiday season....  

Merry Christmas! 

Gloria, Vicky & Heather

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Put away those Pumpkins!!


 

Good Morning to all!

Well... it's time to put away those pumpkins...they are so sad...  Getting all shriveled up !

Because it's time to bring out SANTA CLAUS and the ELF ON THE SHELF and the ANGELS and our JESUS in the MANGER scene!!!!..  You know... I just dread getting out all of the Christmas things... it's so MUCH WORK... but once I unpack it... touch it...ew and aw... I'm IN THE MOOD!

The best part of this year... Jack and I are already done with our Christmas shopping.  Of course we only buy for the grandkids now (5) and they are all girls...right up my alley!  Jack was so funny yesterday while shopping... he has NO CLUE about what little girls like.  I was laughing at him... he was very picky about several things I wanted to get our littlest one... but guess what... we compromised and she'll love her presents.  It feels so WONDERFUL TO HAVE ALL THOSE DECISIONS MADE ALREADY.

We are doing something different this year... we are letting our children stay HOME with their little ones on Christmas day!  I remember how awful it was to pack them all up and go to Grandmas when all they wanted to do was play with their toys... so this year we are waiting until Saturday for all the family to come to the house and then we are having Christmas ALL OVER AGAIN!.

I've already started my menu... Ham with those little Hawaiin rolls (what makes them so delicious anyway???)














Barbecued wings   

                               



Baked cheese dip... I could simply eat this with a spoon...forget about the dipping part!



  


stuffed mushroom caps                                

   


  deviled eggs


   Deviled Eggs

meatballs with bread and cheese melted on top... OMG!!!


     

carmel corn (thanks to my friend Denise's recipe)  TO DIE FOR!

 


So... that's my portion of the HEAVY SNACK FOOD day... the rest of the gang is bringing stuff too!

Have I made you hungry?  It sure did me!!!   Wahhhh.... now I need a snack!

Today I'm headed to Cinnamon's Quilt Shop to sew with my friends.  I haven't seen MANY of them in ages so it should be a GREAT TIME!!

For those of you that may be wondering about the Sew & Stitches Needlework Cruise that we are coordinating for PRIMITIVE GATHERINGS - Lisa Bongean AND  BUTTERMILK BASIN - Stacy West.. it is ALMOST FULL...FULL...FULL!!!!  I think we have 12-14 openings!  So.. if you want to come... you MUST register NOW.. or call me  904-742-1100.  Go to my website and get the details!

Olde Green Cupboard Designs Website

I'm off to pack up my sewing and get dressed for the day!!!  Keep those stitches going....

Gloria

Saturday, November 29, 2014

It's time to SHOP!!!

Good Morning to each of you!




I'm hoping this beautiful Saturday finds you all well and ready to get started with the Christmas decorating, cooking and SHOPPING!  

Cyberspace shopping is ... once again... a "hot" topic this year and we have a great site for you to visit and purchase many of those Christmas gifts you need.

My Halo (Help A Liberian Orphan) Project is an organization that our entire family participates in... it's a wonderful orphanage in Liberia, Africa that Heather's church directly supports.  They have over 40 children which have been orphaned due to the wars in Africa.





To help them grow in a safe environment, receive a good education, and survive all of the "living" conditions in their country...they need help.  With our support in shopping for the Holiday Season  from the Halo Website, 100% of the profit goes directly to the orphanage.  100 % - because we ALL VOLUNTEER from our hearts to help these children.



I know I have so much to be THANKFUL FOR... and I want to share my blessings....




Please get your fantastic "upscale" costume jewelry and fashion pieces today.  They will be shipped directly to your home!


We greatly appreciate your blessings!

Heather, Vicky & Gloria

p.s.  Heather has personally been to the orphanage to work for the past several years and loves these children dearly...!  She has taken all of these photographs to share with you.




Monday, November 10, 2014

New flyer.....

Hi everyone...

I wanted to pass on a NEW - REVISED Cruise flyer to each of you... we've changed a few things and wanted to be sure you had the updated information.

It's going to be faster and less expensive to fly into Ft. Lauderdale, Fl  than Orlando.  You can also fly into Miami and take a shuttle to the Ft. Lauderdale Ship Port.

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS CRUISE.


Thanks!

Gloria


Christmas.... can you believe it?



You know... one of the things I look forward to each Christmas are the very touching
commercials... this is my first one to show you. 

I remember this type of wonderful imagination when I was little... do you?

Please enjoy!  It's so good to see "sweet things" on TV these days!

Merry Christmas!  (early)



Sunday, November 9, 2014

Our NEXT Cruise is planned!

Olde Green Cupboard hosting the 
"Sun & Stitches Needlework Cruise"
 aboard the "Oasis of the Seas"!!

February 6, 2016 
$250 deposit NOW to hold these great rates
 and stateroom!
Full payment by November 23, 2015

Instructors - 

Primitive Gatherings - Lisa Bongean
AND
Buttermilk Basin - Stacy West

 
Check it out and SIGN UP TODAY!
(it's going to fill up fast....!)



Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Camp Blanding!!!

I'm all packed and ready to head to Houston this evening for tons of inspiration!

For those of you interested in attending our Camp Blanding Retreats... be sure to sign up ASAP for our January (30 - February 1, 2015) and/or February (27 - March 1, 2015)!  

The cost is only $50.00 for 3 days!  Here's a little more about it....

Camp Blanding is located in Starke, Florida (south of Orange Park and Middleburg).  It is the Joint Training Center for the Florida National Guard and a wonderful facility.....located on Kingsley Lake.  



Our 3 day retreats begin early Friday morning where everyone begins to line up around 7:00 am for check-in at 8:00 am.  (can you believe that?)  We sew in one GIANT room that has long (8') and round (large round banquet style)tables (and chairs).  We have great lighting and 24 hour service with a group that takes care of our air conditioning, restroom facilities, etc.  We even have a kitchen to the back of the sewing room that has 2 HUGE refrigerators, HUGE ice maker, places for our crock pots.  Other dining options are available on post or many leave post and head to Starke or Middleburg for their meals.  


Lodging has many options:


Single Lodge Units: ($30 @ night) - newly remodeled the single units have a double bed, microwave, small refrigerator and you share a "Jack-n-Jill" bathroom with a girlfriend.

Quonset Huts: ($90 @ night) - one large room that holds 2 double beds, 1 single bed, dining area, sitting area, bathroom (shower only) and a kitchenette (2 burner stove, refrigerator, microwave - NO oven) with a few dishes.  (no coffee pot... bring your own)

Cottage: ($90 @ night) - 2 bedrooms - #1 - 2 twin beds, #2 - 1 double bed.  Full kitchen, sitting area, screen porch.

All facilities have their own bedding, TV and air conditioning.
Lodging is acquired through www.oldegreencupboard.com website approximately 30 days prior to the first day of the retreat.  NO refunds, exchanges, transfers, hold-overs are allowed for either room fees and/or retreat fees 21 days prior to the first day of the event.

Click on the "Registration Form" link below - it will take you to the website HOME page - click on the form, print, complete and mail with your check to the address on the form.


If you are flying into Jacksonville for the retreat, use the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). We have people come from all over!!  California, Texas, Vermont, Ohio... you name it. This is NOT a fancy retreat...it's simple, fun and a great way to sew for 3 days on your own projects!

Friday & Saturday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm   
Sunday  8:00 am - 4:00 pm

SALE ROOM

The two extra conference rooms attached to our sewing room are used twice a year for our SALE ROOM!  If you want to participate - the fee is $20.  You are assigned a number that you will use to identify your merchandise (priced).  Once placed in the sale room - we are your cashiers for two days... all the money you make IS YOURS TO KEEP.  The room is a GREAT success and full of things that someone else no longer wants... and now it's your treasure.  It has sold over $13,000.00 in just two days.  It's a great way to clean out your sewing room, crafts, antiques, etc. and earn some cash!  If you are interested, there is a place on your registration form to sign up.

All attendees must include their driver's license number or a State or Federal identification number on the registration form.  This is a new policy the post is enforcing.  You must also have valid identification that you show to the gate guard each time you enter the post.

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!



Sunday, October 19, 2014

Where have I been????

What a great day!!!!  

Today I'm headed to Cinnamon's Quilt Shop to facilitate our "Featherweight Club" !  We all enjoy our featherweights and it's great fun to hear the "huuuummmmmm" of them all running in one room.  Plus... I'm going to show the gang how to make a zipper bag if they are interested!  

Then... off to get my nails and toes all pretty.... I'm heading to Houston Quilt Market on Wednesday to help my friend, Joyce Weeks - Geoff's Moms Patterns in her booth.  I'm so excited for her...she has GREAT new quilt patterns and a wonderful wool BOM that she's debuting!  Take a peak....


Beauty All Around (top right corner) is her BOM!  It's so much prettier in person... I can't wait to see what the response is from the shop owners.  I hope she gets tons of them to sign up!  If you are new to wool applique...this is a great one to begin with.  Talk to your local shop owners and have them check this out.  We will be in booth 2046!

The other exciting thing about market is.. we get to see trends in colors, styles, techniques... it's so mind boggling and so wonderful at the same time.  After market, we will get the booth set up for festival.  I am staying for 2 days just to shop and get inspired.  Actually... it's more like mind overload...but I love it...what can I say?

I'm working on two wool BOM myself and let me tell you...it's a TON OF WORK!  I have one named (for now) LIVING IN AMERICA...  then another one that is all fall.... filled with pumpkins, scarecrow, crows, haystacks, sunflowers, turkey, cats, moon, bats, .... I'm taking it to market with me to see what some of the other designers think of them.  Then... picking out fabric that will still be available by the time I'm finished...that's the challenge.  Fabric moves in and out so fast (almost like being on Project Runway...One day you're IN... the next day you're OUT!)that it's a great challenge to pick some that will be around long enough for you to get the project sample done!  I'm thinking about using those wonderful over dyed muslin and flannels... what do you think?

We are still designing for our Ohio Company and loving it.  Our Christmas and Halloween products are at the manufacturers NOW and hopefully will have samples ready for the showrooms in January!  How fun it will be to see our inspirations LIVE in a room where shop owners can order them.  As soon as we can...we'll show you some pictures!

Well... I'm off to get packed up for my sewing day!  Oh... I almost forgot...I'm making items to sell in Katie Puckett's Off the Ocean Rug Hooking Conference in January.  It's in Orange Park at the Marriott hotel and it's going to be so great.  If you are interested, you can find it under my retreats (top tab on my HOME page).  There is still time to sign up!!  Here are some designs that we all hook!





Here are some things I'm making to put in the store at the rug conference to sell....

Great fabric envelope to store patterns, notions, etc.



This little guy is going to go into something special... it's a surprise!



These are also fabric envelopes....this is on the front!  Cross stitched and tucked inside a sweet metal frame that is attached to the front!



This cross stitch piece is of the Hook and wool!  It too will be a surprise what it's going to be!




okay... off to sew!!!  Stay safe and well!

Gloria



Friday, October 3, 2014

Today is the day!!!! Our Marcus Blog Hop Quilt Review!



I don't know about you... but I couldn't wait to see the final quilt from our Marcus Designers & Friends Blog Hop! Make sure you visit www.redcrinolinequilts.blogspot.com and see the quilt!

Plus you will also be able to see the cutting and assembly instructions for the finishing of the quilt. It's gorgeous! Thanks to all the designers and Paula Barnes (for the final design). Thanks also to Pam Buda for helping all of us through this new Blog Hop process! Thanks to Marcus Brothers who asked us all to participate! The quilt is gorgeous... we had all of us design the blocks, Paula designed the final quilt, Mary Ellen blogged the directions, I had my fabulous quilters here in Jacksonville quilt the top and my sister, Vicky applied the label and binding! Now...that's what I call a team effort! The label Pam Buda designed for the back of the quilt is even more wonderful. Congratualtions (ahead of time) to the lucky person that wins the quilt.

Don't forget to leave comments on Red Crinoline's blog... from the comments they will have the system capture two comments... one will win the fabulous quilt and the second will win a HUGE basket full of wonderful goodies we have all donated.

Enjoy... and keep on sewin' !!!!

Gloria

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Binding Video

I'm checking to see if the binding video came into the blog for your viewing as it should.  If you are signed up for my blog to automatically receive it in your email... I'm not sure if the video will be attached in the body of the message.  Mine was not!

So... to view the video you must go directly to the blog.  www.oldegreencupboard.blogspot.com.

Click on the video picture and enjoy!  You'll be so happy you did!  What a great way to end your binding...!

Happy Sewing.

Gloria

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Look what I made!!!

Hi Everyone!

Well... I'm on a roll with these wonderful cloth envelopes!  Look... I wanted to make some "sheep" designs so I could have them ready to sell in my friend's little shop at her retreat!

Kiss Rug Hooking - Katie Puckett holds a rug hooking retreat each January here in Jacksonville where she has instructors from all over the US come and teach.  The retreat is 5 glorious days of hooking and FUN!  Read more here:  Off the Ocean Rug Hooking Conference

She always has a little store where gals can buy wool, patterns, etc. and she asks us to help her make cute and fun things to help stock it!  Here is one of my first designs....





So... what do you think?  These envelopes are so wonderful...they are soft on the inside and snap closed.  Perfect for tools, patterns, wool....whatever you want.  I can't wait to make some more!


How are you progressing with your Marcus Fabrics Sew-Along?  Have you been to Red Crinoline Quilts?  This past Friday was Mary Ellen Robison's turn to post her block.  She's 1/2 of the Red Crinoline duo (Paula Barnes),  I adore her block ! This is number 7!  You are on the home stretch!!



Don't forget to visit Red Crinoline's website... they have gorgeous patterns and kits for your pleasure.  
This coming Friday it's time to visit:

 Dolores Smith ~ Homestead Hearth                       www.HomesteadHearth.Blogspot.com

Today... I'm making 120 - 1/2 square triangles to complete the blocks needed for an exchange that I'm doing with 11 of my sewing buddies.  Then I can bag them up... and I'm finished (thanks to my friend Sara!!!    I'll tell you more about that part of the "exchange" later!  

I'm crossing "projects" off my list and it feels sooooooooooooooooooooo good!

Hugs to all!!!      Gloria

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Look What I Made!

Good Day To Everyone!

Gosh... I haven't posted since it was my Friday on the Marcus Friends & Companion Sew a Long.... I've been crazy busy... getting things made for door prizes!  Yes... we have another Camp Blanding retreat at the end of this month and I have 100 door prizes to make so we can give them to the attendees!  I've made some cute things... (sure hope they like them) !

Camp Blanding is such a treat.... a room full of women (and sometimes several fellows) sewing their little hearts out.  Well... we're not all sewing... I've seen knitting, rug hooking, cross-stitch, embroidery, basket weaving, doll making, oh yes... and we do quilt too!!!  It's just a wonderful time... I love walking around the room to see what everyone is working on.  I tell myself... "self, just look, do not pick up any more ideas of things to make"... Well!  We all know how good that statement was!



The next thing I know.. I'm writing a list of the things I need to buy for a NEW PROJECT!  This last time... it was all Mary Ellen's Robison's fault! (Thanks a whole bunch Mary Ellen...)  Oh Yes... she had to be sitting right beside me and decided to whip out her 5 pointed English Paper Piecing stars she is making.  (Honestly... I thought I wanted to slap her... hahahahaha!)
Here they are... it's not a very good picture... but you get the idea.  You fussy cut (with a clear plastic template) fabric and they end up into these awesome stars with great patterns on them.



So... for this retreat... I'm going to go around and visit with everyone... but I'm putting blinders on... not looking at their table... only their faces so I WON'T COME HOME WITH ANOTHER PROJECT!  (oh...who in the heck am I kidding.... )

Look what cool idea I had!!  One of the "hookin' gals" (as in RUG hooking) found these great cloth envelopes at Walmart in the Back-To-School section.  They even snap closed.  

I had forgotten all about them until I ran in the store the other day and whipped by the school supplies.  Well... that silly light bulb popped above my head and I had to find them.  OMG!!!  They had tons of them!  I had such a difficult time picking out the pattern and colors I wanted.

Well... here's one that I made with the red/cream pin stripped fabric!
I simply sketched out a bird, leaves, and limb... and did a little applique out of wool.  Then added a binding!  






 I will be making more of these and selling them on my website!  They measure 9" x 13".  I just think they are perfect for so many things... (they have a soft lining) projects... small rulers, hand work... GREAT for gifts for your FRIENDS!  So... keep watching my website and you'll see some soon.

I'm working on different options for you to all choose from.  Don't you just love the little charm in the birdies mouth  "Hand made with LOVE".  

Well... it's time to get busy this morning... I'm going to sew with my buddies and I haven't even packed a thing.  I do think I'll work on a bit of handwork... 

Our fabric is coming along..."Farmhouse Blooms"   I've worked on three different patterns....  take a peak at the first one.... it's called "Buttons & Bows".  I'm going to add a small button to the center of each bow!!  This design (once pieced and quilted) will look VERY FARMHOUSE "worn"... like an old vintage quilt.  (Heather and I made this sample board for Marcus... If they like this design they will show it at the Houston Market! However, if they choose one of my other designs... I can make this into a pattern!  

Vicky and I cannot wait to get our hands on the fabric... it should be arriving late November - early December!  Farmhouse Blooms will ship early in the year (2015) for spring!!




Okay...now I need to get busy!

Let me know what you think of the wool applique envelopes and this pattern!  Your feedback is the best tool I have when designing!

Hugs to all!!

Gloria