Sparkle Jars

Home School Art Project

2012-01-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is one of my youngest daughter's paintings inspired by a youtube lesson by Yusinha Pintura.

And I've been having a little fun myself.

Alice

2012-01-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

You may find inspiration in this article. Enjoy!

2012-01-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

Advent(ure) Calendar

2012-01-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

I loved this idea of making an Advent(ure) Calendar. We'll be making a Advent(ure) Calendar today as a home school art activity. My own personal adventure for the day is to learn to make broomstick lace and youtube is a great source for tutorials.

I used small balls of yarn left over from holiday projects to make some wonderful crocheted hearts over the weekend (no camera available today so I'll post the video instead).

Inspirational Blogs

2012-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

As a long-time quilter, I go to quilting and non-quilting blogs for inspiration. Art Education blogs are a great place to start. Here are the winners of Art Ed Blogs of the Year. Have fun exploring. They certainly inspire me as a quilter and home schooling mom.
This one goes out to my daughters: Listen and Enjoy

Opportunity

2012-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

I was able to borrow my youngest daughter's camera. Here are some of the pink/red blocks I've been working on this week. Enjoy!

Watch and Enjoy

I Miss My Camera

2012-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

After several years of faithful service, my digital camera "bit the dust". Once I buy a new camera, I'll be back up and running. Until then...

Linen Stitch...Creating Fabric!

2012-01-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, I love this blog. Early this morning I watched Staci's video and learned the linen stitch...a new favorite.

I decided to make these into leg warmers for camping/hiking instead of slipper socks...wasn't happy with the way the toe looks once completed...but I like the pattern overall.

Tunisian Crochet and More

2012-01-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad my local friend, Anna M., suggested I check youtube for fiber arts tutorials. Late last night I found some scrap yarn in my basket, watched a few youtube tutorials and learned three different Tunisian crochet/knit stitches. Early this morning I practiced while I had my morning cup of coffee. My next adventure will be broomstick lace.

And, yes, I'm quilting again each morning before I home-school my youngest daughter. This time I'm working in reds, pinks, oranges. I'm liking the results.

Shed a Little Light

2012-01-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Chunky, Twisty, Warm

2012-01-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

I've decided to try to make these spiral tube socks using a thicker yarn and larger needles. I'll use them as slipper socks. I've been practicing sock knitting with larger needles until I feel comfortable with the techniques.

And no quilting yet...but everything "Christmas" is put away and life is calming down a bit. I've actually been thinking of ways to combine knitting, crocheting and quilting in a crazy quilt. We'll see if it works.

Listen and Enjoy

Yes, I'm Still a Quilter...

2012-01-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Alpaca Wool Scarf

Cotton Scarf

...but I've been doing a lot of crocheting, weaving and knitting over the holidays. I can do all three and have conversations with my family. But I am looking forward to starting some batik blocks today with fabric that my mom gave me for Christmas.

Happy New Year (and Two Completed Scarves!)

2012-01-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

For the past few years, I've chosen a Word of the Year instead of making New Year's Resolutions. The only difference is that now I've decided not to share the word until the end of the year. It's easy to share intentions, it's harder to do the actual work involved in meeting those intentions. I read an article several months ago that mentioned that people who keep their goals/resolutions to themselves while tending to them daily through action/prayer/meditation meet them with greater success. The minute they are shared with others, they lose their "punch"...psychologically speaking, once the goal is verbalized or written and made public, the brain registers the task as completed. I wish I had saved the article so I could give credit where credit is due.

My word for 2011 was illuminate. My goal was to live each day to the best of my ability by 1 Corinthians 13.

Happy New Year! I know it my heart that 2012 will be a year full of blessings. Never, ever, ever give up!

Listen and Enjoy

These Are the Good Old Days

2011-12-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

2011-12-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

My husband surprised me with a rigid heddle weaving loom this Christmas...so happy...so much fun!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:23:00.001-08:00

Season of Charity (and Carrot Cake Jam)

2011-12-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Today I'm posting a few websites that help to empower women. When women are empowered, families are strengthened. When families are strengthened, communities thrive...and so on...and so on. Please feel free to include any charities that you support in my comments.
Happy Holidays!

FINCA

Courage To Be You

Heifer International

Listen and Enjoy

"Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace."

Oh, and our neighbor came over with a jar of Carrot Cake Jam...soooo good!

2011-12-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

We are having a simple Christmas at home this year. I just started looking through some of my vintage cookbooks (something I like to collect) while listening to Christmas music and I'm putting together a Christmas menu before we head out to the grocery store.

While thrift shopping with one of my daughters and my mother last month, I found the pattern on the right...a pattern I remember seeing as a young adult...but was too busy working and studying that I didn't have a chance to make it then. Last week I found a wreath made with this pattern. I bought it, brought it home and laundered and reshaped it, gave it a brand new bright red bow (on the top instead of the bottom of the wreath) and it found a home near my cookbooks.

Happy Holidays!

Read and Enjoy

I Know...I Know...

2011-12-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

...this is supposed to be a quilting blog. But knitting and crocheting are so quiet and peaceful and relaxing that I decided to give my sewing maching a rest this holiday season. Let's be real...sometimes preparing for the holidays can be challenging...there...I said it...bah humbug...Grinch, Grinch, Grinch. And besides, I had to give a pair of these circular knitting needles a test drive. I bought 15 pairs plus some other knitting goodies in a grab bag for only 2.99 while shopping at a local thrift store with one of my daughters!

An Update, Gift Ideas and a Favorite Poem

2011-12-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas has always been a time of creating together at our home. Our daughters and I have been busy crocheting and knitting gifts for friends and family. The photo above shows some of the gifts our youngest daughter has been making for her friends.

Speaking of doing things together, our daughters grew up with these drawing books by Ed Emberly. They are now young women, but we still use these books when we draw together during the holidays. The Big Red Drawing Book and Big Orange Drawing Book are favorites at our home. If you still need to purchase gifts for children, I recommend any of his books. Enjoy time together drawing...time together being the greatest gift.

I'm also a huge fan of Shel Silverstein. His books also make great gifts. I have fond memories of reading his books to my students when I was an elementary school teacher as well as reading aloud to our daughters. When I served as a hospital chaplain, our Alzheimers/Dementia patients loved to hear his poetry (the woman who assisted me would read aloud to them while we had coffee together). His poetry created an effortless connection.

I've posted the poem below in a previous post. It is a favorite and is posted on our fridge. I thought I would post it again.

Happy Holidays!

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child.

Listen to the don’ts.

Listen to the shouldn’ts,

The impossibles,

The won’ts.

Listen to the never haves,

Then listen close to me…

Anything can happen, child.

Anything can be.”

~Shel Silverstein

2011-12-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

This ornament measures 1"x2". I love it! I had to share.

We've been busy home schooling and making gifts. I'll be sharing some of the gifts soon.
A pattern was requested for the yo-yo wreath ornament. I finally found this pattern on the internet. I hope it is helpful.

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-12-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Artwork from Kind Over Matter

Holiday Crochet

2011-12-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time hosting a holiday get-together today. Our daughters invited several friends from high school and college to come to our home and crochet and get into the Christmas spirit. It was a wonderful afternoon and while some of them already knew how to crochet, three more young women can now say, "I crochet!".

I made three batches of maple popcorn (very yummy!) as well as some other holiday treats. It was an all-around great afternoon and we plan on getting together again soon for another art/craft project.

I've been making ornaments with yo-yos and found a fun yo-yo tutorial from one of my oldest daughter's favorite blogs.

Happy Holidays!

Easy Quilty Yo-Yo Wreath Ornament

2011-12-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

Simply make 13 yo-yos (any size will work...just always make 13...no more, no less...I started with four inch circles). Stuff them with a little poly-fluff before closing and tying them off. String all thirteen together with embroidery floss (strong enough to tie a tight circle of yo-yos without breaking the thread). Add a ribbon and you are good to go!

This is an older pattern and I don't have the original source so I am unable to give credit where credit is due.

Here's a great yo-yo tutorial.

Wonderful World

2011-12-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

Holiday Expectations

2011-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

"While children may be quick to tell their parents that what they want is designer clothes, the latest electronic gear, and brand name clothes, underneath these predictable requests is a plea for four, more basic requirements.

1. A relaxed and loving time with the family.
2. Realistic expectations about gifts.
3. An evenly paced holiday season.
4. Reliable family traditions."

~Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli, Unplug the Christmas Machine

Pockets, Plaids and Performances

2011-12-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

I think I have the courage to finally use these pockets in a project. I've collected different pockets over the years (most of them from my husband's shirts). But these denim pockets are begging to be used now!
I also crocheted a bowl using homespun fabric strips. I still want to embellish it so more photos will follow.

And finally, our oldest daughter was a featured contralto soloist at UNR's performance of the Messiah last night. It is always a pure joy to listen to her sing. I'll never forget how she would passionately sing "When You Wish Upon a Star" (in it's entirety) at the age of two (while sitting in her car seat as we ran errands...or while sitting in the grocery cart while I shopped)...who knew then what the future held :-). This is not our daughter's performance but this was the solo she performed.

Season of Crafting

2011-12-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Does anyone miss Carol Duvall's show as much as I do?

Season of Friendship

2011-12-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to see the names on the stockings in this photo...they are actually very glittery. These were made for my oldest daughter and her roommates away at college. A stocking hangs on each door in their apartment.

Listen and Enjoy

"Let us see what love can do."~William Penn

It's All Coming Back to Me

2011-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

My beautiful Grandma taught me Swedish Weaving/Huck Embroidery when I was about thirteen years old. After the subject of Huck Embroidery came up at my quilting bee...where we happened to be crocheting instead of quilting...don't ask :-)...I knew I had to give it another try. Here is a great resource for getting started by preparing the monk's cloth. You may continue with her wonderful videos as she takes you through the entire process.

I was very fortunate to have a grandma who took the time to teach me a number of needle arts during my visits.

Listen and Enjoy

Season of Hope

2011-12-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; the heart of Christmas which is love."
- Ada V. Hendricks

Retro Christmas Trims, Swedish Weaving and George Bailey

2011-12-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

I came across a few retro Christmas trims yesterday while shopping for monk's cloth (for Swedish Weaving) at a local fabric outlet store. I can't wait to fit them into projects.

Read and Enjoy

Warm Wrists and Ears (and Hearts)

2011-12-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

My daughters have been crocheting/knitting up a storm. I currently don't have any photos of my older daughter's projects (she's making gifts for friends) , but wanted to share some details of ear warmers (below) and a wristlet (above) made with my younger daughter.

Listen and Enjoy

Knitting and "Letting Go"

2011-11-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

Listen and Enjoy

“Letting go is the lesson. Letting go is always the lesson. Have you ever noticed how much of our agony is all tied up with craving and loss?”-Susan Gordon Lydon, The Knitting Sutra: Craft as Spiritual Practice

Candy Cane Christmas Socks

2011-11-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting socks with larger needles and thicker yarn. I'm knitting a pair of ribbed tube socks first and then I will tackle "grown up socks" using smaller needles/etc. This variegated yarn is actually making a candy cane swirl around the sock! Now I understand why Judi likes using variegated yarns as it is very fun to watch the patterns emerge. While I'm telling others I am "practicing", the truth is, this is very addictive.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Photo by A. Ayres

Happy Thanksgiving from Our Home to Yours!

Read and Enjoy then Listen and Joy

With Gratitude This Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Photo by A. Ayres

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

~Elizabeth Kubler-RossListen and Enjoy

Each One Teach Two

2011-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Crocheted Christmas Scarf

My friend, Judi, came over yesterday morning and taught my oldest daughter and me how to knit socks (while putting up with our little black terrier's desire for her constant attention). We fumbled at first, but after practicing for a couple of hours, it looks like we've mastered the cuff of a sock.

My friend, Regis, taught our quilting group to crochet a couple of weeks ago. I was able to pass it on and teach my daughters that same week and they are loving it.

I hope they know what a difference they've made in our lives. It's less about making a pair of socks, a hat or a scarf. It's more about feeling connected.

Thank You Judi and Regis.

We'll pay it forward during the holidays.

Each One Teach Two

Persimmons

2011-11-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

From this...

...to this! Yum!!!

This is a great recipe for persimmon cookies. I didn't have any powdered sugar in the house, but I did have a can of cream cheese frosting...so I softened it for about 10+ seconds in the microwave and added the pulp and orange peel (same amounts) to the frosting and then used it as a glaze. I'm happy with the results.
Oh, and persimmons are high in vitamins A and C and are loaded with potassium...so they're good for you too (probably best for you in their original form...but the cookies are so yummy)!

2011-11-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sending love and prayers to our dear friends impacted by the Caughlin Fire in our community of Reno, NV.

A Song for Thursday

2011-11-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

I borrowed this from my oldest daughter's blog...it's her post for today as well.

It's That Time of Year...

2011-11-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

...and I've officially started working with Christmas fabrics. We're keeping it simple this Christmas...the way Christmas was meant to be.

Crochet, Cocoa, Christmas

2011-11-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

I taught my oldest daughter to crochet yesterday (with the help of a youtube video...she's a "lefty"...not easy for a "righty" to teach a "lefty" to knit or crochet). By late afternoon, the three of us were crocheting with cocoa and Christmas music. My oldest daughter is working on a pair of fingerless gloves as her first project.

I was lucky to find several Star booklets (including the one in the photo) yesterday while shopping for vintage linens at our Assistance League thrift shop. I can't wait to give some of a the projects a try. I may even try hairpin lace again (something I recall learning from my grandma during my early teens).

I hope to be able to quilt today. I'm still slowly moving along on my crumb quilt.

Daughter's Fingerless Gloves

2011-11-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our youngest daughter just learned to crochet yesterday afternoon and made these fingerless gloves...very cool! The pattern is from the book Crochet for Children by Claire Montgomerie. I taught her how to add the beads and charms (the pattern uses buttons instead).

Sweater Wreath

2011-11-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

Our youngest daughter made this wreath with me. We wrapped a foam wreath base with long 4" strips of batting. Then we cut a large rectangle of knitted fabric from the body of a thrift store sweater. We carefully wrapped, pinned and hand-stitched it around the wreath base. We were going to add a ribbon bow but she thought it would look better with a large poinsettia and leaves hot glued to the wreath (positioned to cover the stitching). I like the poinsettia better than the bow...good idea! We found the inspiration for this idea from Midwest Living November/December 2011. They made a wreath using the sleeves of a sweater. The sleeves on our sweater were too short for our wreath base so we used the body of the sweater instead.

Takes Me Back

2011-11-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Regis, gave us (our quilting bee) a refresher course in crocheting last night. It took me back forty years...learning how to crochet with my Grandma in South Dakota. I came home and crocheted then woke up and crocheted some more! Thank you, Regis!

Listen and Enjoy...A Bluegrass Favorite

Best of Intentions

2011-11-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

I sat down earlier this weekend to make more 3 1/2" blocks for my crumb quilt...and then life happened as it always seems to do...but that's ok...string blocks are easy to pick up and begin again. Perhaps later tonight or early tomorrow morning. :-)

I found this sturdy but weathered table eighteen years ago at a garage sale...been quilting at this little table ever since.

Agree with God, and be at peace;

in this way good will come to you. ~Job 22:21

2011-11-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

This was sent my way from my friend, Leslie...loved it so much I had to share.

More Fun Embellishment Finds

2011-11-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more of the woven/embroidered ribbons I purchased about a month ago. These are some of my favorites dated 1976 on the ribbon cards.
I think it is about time I can start playing with Christmas fabrics and trims...so here goes.

Watch and Enjoy! I sewed a few dresses and a couple of blouses with the pattern shown at "3:01" on the timer. I learned to make button holes when I worked with this pattern!

Oh, So Happy!

2011-11-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

I was visiting a thrift shop in California with my mom and youngest daughter this week and found one of these in terrific condition...still functional! Once back home I found original instructions on this website! We had a trial run with water tonight. Can't wait to try coffee tomorrow.

Update 11/4/11: Coffee turned out GREAT!

Crumbs and Cookbooks

2011-11-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

I still don't have my crumb along quilt pieced and ready to quilt but I am slowly making progress. I've been making lots and lots (and lots) of 3-1/2" string blocks to tuck into the quilt with my narrow strips of scrap fabric...just right for smaller blocks.

We made a trip to a small town in the Sierra Nevada mountains to visit a dear friend a couple of weeks ago. She volunteers at their small local library. They were having a book sale and I bought several vintage cookbooks. I think this one is my favorite of the bunch. It was written in the 1930's. It is packed with valuable information for running a home and it provides lots of wonderful recipes as well.

Music for Monday Morning

2011-10-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Crumb Quilt Update

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

To my fellow Crumb Quilters:
I've had a few unavoidable detours this week and haven't been able to sew my blocks together or add a border yet...but as soon as I am able, I'll post the progress. I'm about a week behind but hope to be able to quilt this weekend.
Until then, I'll enjoy viewing your progress.
Enjoy the photos of Autumn in my backyard.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

This quilt was made several years ago when my daughters were much younger. They designed the faces and cut them out of black wool. I stitched them to the pumpkins.

Sunday Song

2011-10-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-10-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

“In a time of anger or despair, even if we feel
overwhelmed, our love is still there. Our capacity to
communicate, to forgive, to be compassionate is
still there. You have to believe this. We are more
than our anger, we are more than our suffering.
We must recognize that we do have within
us the capacity to love, to understand,
to be compassionate, always.”~Thich Nhat Hanh

Crumb Along Log Cabins

2011-10-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

I've made several Crumb Along Log Cabin Blocks today.

I just keep making Crumb Along blocks and tucking them away. It will be fun to take them out when it comes time to put everything together.

Plaid Dads Blocks

2011-10-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

Just sharing some blocks I made last weekend. I love working with the plaids as wild as they all look together. Some of these plaids remind me of the shirts my dad used to wear and some remind me of the flannel shirts my grandpa wore and those that my husband wears now.

Sweet Little Trims

2011-10-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just sharing a few more of the retro (1970's) trims that I recently purchased. The three above are only 1/2" wide.

This red and white trim pictured above is only 1/4" wide...very sweet.

Another red and white trim is only 3/8" wide...very delicate...I may have to go back and see if they have any more as I fell in love with this one.

This trim is 1-1/4" wide...and would be a great trim for a stocking.

I'll share later how this will embellish Holiday projects.

All Tucked in and Cozy

2011-10-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've tucked in my Crumb Along half square triangles into blocks. I plan on making more in between making string blocks this week.

This and That

2011-10-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've just started making bits and pieces to tuck into the Crumb Along quilt. I'll be adding them to blocks and sharing soon. I can't wait to see how this quilt turns out.

I've been especially busy making autumn and holiday string quilt blocks.

Home Again

2011-10-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

We visited Yosemite National Park over the weekend. This photo was taken at Glacier Point.

My husband climbed Half Dome. It was a challenging hike but he prepared for it by hiking mountain trails during the past few months (we are surrounded by mountains here in Nevada). He took this photo before the final ascent. I'm so proud of him!

I had to share this photo of a gentle coyote that we met on the way to Glacier Point. The coyote walked over and sat near us for the longest time...very calm and beautiful creature. I will never forget the connection we made with this lovely animal.

We were able to spend time at Hetch Hetchy. We actually stayed near this part of the park. It's had to believe there is another equally beautiful valley below this water.

And I love the ride home through the Tuolomne Meadows!

Listen and Enjoy

Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse

2011-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely recording. Enjoy...and see you next week!

Just Toying with Christmas

2011-09-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

I played with a few Christmas fabrics this week...but now they are put away until October...or November...or after the leaves have turned and fallen.

Read and Enjoy...

then Listen and Enjoy.

Crumb Along Four and Nine Patch Blocks

2011-09-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

I made several four and nine patch blocks for the Crumb Along quilt. Instead of using strips today, I used some of my scrap squares left over from two other projects. I will make some blocks with strips later this week. I also tucked a few half circles into one of the blocks. I have several of those left over from a project that will find there way into this quilt. I hope to use up all of my project left-overs once this is completed...I suppose that will ultimately determine the size of the quilt.

Remembering Gwen 9/26

2011-09-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Borrowed from Kind Over Matter

In memory of my dear friend, Gwen, my youngest daughter and I will be participating in this wonderful effort.

Watch and Enjoy. Gwen loved this movie...and loved this scene. :-)

More Crumbs and a Thoughtful Gift

2011-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

I made two more crumb blocks this morning.

And I wanted to share a collage that my oldest daughter made for me (below). It's hard to read the writing in this photo but it reads, "You'll be with me like a (hand print) on my heart." The quote comes from the lyrics of the song "For Good". She sang this at my dad's memorial service three years ago...a very special song for our family.

Made by my Oldest Daughter

Vintage and Retro Trims

2011-09-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

I've been adding pieces of vintage and retro trims to some small Christmas blocks. I'm enjoying these holiday fabrics.

And no scraps too small...these will make their way into my Crumb Along quilt.

Listen and Enjoy

2011-09-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Photo by A. Ayres

Listen and Enjoy

Cubes and Tubes Question for Dog Owners and Other Goodies

2011-09-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

So here is my Cubes and Tubes question: Why does our mild-mannered sweet little terrier bark ferociously at the Rubik's Cube on our bookshelf or empty wrapping paper/paper towel tubes? Just putting this question out there in case anyone can make sense of it.

These beautiful postcards came from our friend Linda. The purple one (with reverse applique and embroidery) was made for my youngest daughter and the yellow was made for me. I love how she used a piece of a vintage doily on the postcard.

I also made another wonky heart and star for my Crumb Along quilt.

I need to go through my fabrics and find some lights or solids so that the hearts and stars are more prominent...but I love using my odd sized scraps for these.

Snip, Flip and Stitch...All Better!

2011-09-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

I woke up with a great idea...after two snips with the scissors, a flip of the fabrics and a couple of rows of stitching, this way-too-wonky-heart is on the mend. There is always an alternate solution to a problem! Sometimes you just have to sleep on it.

Now, I'm off to fix the blue floral wonky heart.

"It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it."~John Steinbeck

Autumn Just Around the Corner

2011-09-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

With summer wrapping up this week, I think this will be my last set of bright string blocks before starting some autumn and holiday projects (famous last words...I bet I'll break down and make more). Some of my Christmas fabrics have arrived as well, so I'm eager to get into those.

Listen and Enjoy

Crumb Along #3

2011-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I gave the hearts and stars a try today. I think one of my hearts looks more like a cat with a goatee, but there are no mistakes with this...so I may turn it into a cat with the help of some embroidery and buttons and will focus a bit more with my next hearts. I'll share more results tomorrow once they are made into larger blocks.

Crumb Along

2011-09-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Michele invited me to join "Crumb Along With Me" and I look forward to giving the flying geese a try this weekend. Thank you, Michele!

Hope Chest

2011-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

I was organizing my hope chest this morning and found this t-shirt painted by my youngest daughter roughly ten years ago. Someday this t-shirt will find its way into a quilt. She is still so fond of animals, especially her wonderful little dog.

Watch and Enjoy

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. ~Anne Lamott

Four Crooked Miles

2011-09-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I think this mile-a-minute quilt is becoming more complicated than necessary but that's OK. I've been trying to include all of my partial wayward blocks, left over from four previous quilt projects, resulting in extra planning. So this quilt will eventually be called Four Crooked Miles...eventually.

Listen and Enjoy

2011-09-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

"If we ever leave a legacy, it's that we loved each other well."

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.~
1 Corinthians 13:7

Happy Sixteenth Birthday to Me (Thirty Five Years Later)!

2011-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

I love finding vintage trims and embellishments! What a treat to come across these. See the date in the left-hand corner? That was my sixteenth birthday! So I treated myself to all sorts of lovelies!

I'm still working on my mile-a-minute blocks...hoping to make a set of 8 1/2 inch blocks.

Sharing Ideas/Mile-A-Minute Blocks

2011-09-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by Joyce's post and Joyce shared a great tutorial for making Mile-a-Minute or Crumb Chaos blocks. Thank you to Joyce and Patti for sharing inspirational scrap quilt posts. I wasn't able to finish the blocks this morning but will share the results tomorrow morning. I do my quilting eeeeearly in the morning.
I also thought I would share photos of a few retro trims I purchased the other day. I guess if these are "retro", I'm officially "vintage" as I used to buy these trims to add to embellish jeans, jean purses and denim shirts in high school.

Here's some music to go with the trims...I was probably listening to John Denver while embellishing jeans back in the day.

Fabric Should Include Warning Along Selvage

2011-09-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

I went months without eating a single donut. Then I bought this fabric while shopping with my friend, Susan. I have enjoyed...not one...but TWO coconut raised donuts since purchasing and sewing with this fabric. Thank goodness I only bought 1/4 yard.

Listen and Enjoy

2011-09-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Listen and Enjoy

Remember 9/11/01

2011-09-11T10:29:00.001-07:00

Embroidery and Beading

2011-09-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Photo from NPR Website Mentioned Below

I think you will enjoy this article and radio broadcast recommended by my friend, Susan. I sure did. Enjoy!

Coffee Quilt Blocks

2011-09-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

I was organizing my fabrics and found these fat quarters. I decided to make some string blocks early this morning. As I was sewing I thought of how much the colors reminded me of a great cup of coffee with cream and sugar.

Watch and Enjoy
You won't want to miss this, either.

Ten Years

2011-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

I began this quilt tens years ago shortly after September 11, 2001. I could probably finish the hand-quilting and binding within a matter of a couple of days at most...if I put my mind to it. But I haven't been able to finish this quilt. Every time I put this quilt on the hoop, I tell myself, "not today." As the ten year anniversary of September 11 approaches, it might be a good time to finish this quilt.

Listen and Enjoy

Father Mychal Judge's Prayer
Lord take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say,
And keep me out of Your way.

Jeff & Mister Rogers

2011-09-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Christmas Lovelies

2011-09-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last year I made sooooo many bright red and green Christmas quilt blocks with sooooo many novelty Christmas fabrics. My head was swimming with Santas and ornaments and holly and reindeer and candy canes and...whew...you get the idea. I decided to try a different approach this year and ordered these fabrics at Connecting Threads just for a change of pace. I love the addition of pinks and blues and calicos.

For My Oldest Daughter

2011-09-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Lovely Artwork Found Here

For Miss Mouse

Love, Mom

Early Morning...

2011-09-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Pink, orange, red, yellow...sunrise!

Listen and Enjoy

"You can only come to the morning through the shadows."~J.R.R. Tolkien

Homespun String Blocks

2011-09-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

I may be hooked. I had a lot of fun making these early this morning before the family was up and running.

Listen and Enjoy! What a voice!

Settling into Autumn...

2011-09-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

I've never worked with homespun fabrics...better late than never!

Listen and Enjoy

I think I can...

2011-09-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

You may want to consider donating to this worthy cause. I have been friends with Odessa's mother, Lynne, since 1966. Their family is truly remarkable.

Thank you, Lynne...what an inspiration you are to me.

Someone Like You by Andrea Ross

2011-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

For our oldest daughter, Lara. So proud of you!

2011-08-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Quilting

~Amy Gaither-Hayes

"Piecing," she said, "is the secret

to a beautiful quilt."

A reliable pattern, personal fabrics,

imagination.

Dresses she wore are tiny hexagons

laid out and organized according to

color and print now.

Solids will go in the center of the

Flower Garden, and the prints will

enclose them.

This is how she taught me to begin to

organize all the things in my world.

But my world is still alive and can't be cut

and sorted out

and pieced yet.

Listen and Enjoy

2011-08-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Photo by A. Ayres

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."~Martin Luther

Watch and Enjoy

Summer Afternoon

2011-08-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Our dog loves to find a patch of sunshine in the backyard after giving the birds at the bird feeder a piece of her mind. :-)
No time to quilt lately. Listen and Enjoy.

Collecting Pinks and Reds

2011-08-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting pinks and reds for a very special scrap quilt. Is it still considered a scrap quilt when you purchase quarter yard pieces of fabric and turn them into scraps?

Listen and Enjoy

Color

~Christina Rossetti

What is pink? a rose is pink

By a fountain's brink.

What is red? a poppy's red

In its barley bed.

What is blue? the sky is blue

Where the clouds float thro'.

What is white? a swan is white

Sailing in the light.

What is yellow? pears are yellow,

Rich and ripe and mellow.

What is green? the grass is green,

With small flowers between.

What is violet? clouds are violet

In the summer twilight.

What is orange? Why, an orange,

Just an orange!

prairie town

2011-08-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

wordless wednesday

2011-08-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Colorful, Liberated and Scrappy

2011-08-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

These colorful little blocks were made with some left over scraps from this quilt. :-)

Listen and Enjoy