So, Who Wants To Travel?

First off, I thank you all so much for your kind words regarding my finish of "ABCD" by La-D-Da.  I've had tons of complements and lots of you have decided to add it to your wish lists.  I'm so happy to help spread a little inspiration.

Now, you may or may not know this, but Peggy Lee at Kentucky Sampler was actually my inspiration for wanting this chart. (Check out her posts here, here, here, here and here.)  I had seen this chart in the past, but I never managed to put it in my stash and she so very kindly offered to me on loan.  The first time I saw it a very dear friend of mine was working on it and finished it while I was visiting her last May.  In fact, that's where I borrowed the idea of making the "J" a different color.  (Thanks Sharon!  Hug, hug.....miss you!  Hope to see you soon!  Maybe in August???)

Long story endless, Peggy Lee came up with the idea of making this a traveling pattern.  I LOVE THIS IDEA!  So, after some email correspondence with Peggy Lee, I have received her blessing to see if there is enough interest in her idea.  Of course, there will have to be a few ground rules, as follows: 

1. If you decide to join in our travels, you must have an active blog.  (After all, how else will you be able to offer it up to fellow stitchers?)
2. You must also be willing to stitch this pattern in a timely manner so that it can be sent on to someone else.  Or, if you can't stitch it in a reasonable time, you will need to forgo your chance and offer it up to the next person.  
3. You must also be willing to post your progress on your blog.  (How else are we supposed to share in your Happy Dances?)
4. If a suitable stitcher can not be found, the package will then be sent back to Peggy Lee.

If we get enough interest, I will draw a name and the chart will be off to you in a jiffy.  Included with the chart will be a small "autograph" book.  This way you can sign your name and maybe leave some facts about how you stitched the pattern.  Maybe you can include a swatch of fabric and floss.  Or, maybe you could even include a picture showing how you finished it.  It doesn't matter what you choose to write, just be creative.  Eventually the package will make its way back to Peggy Lee.  That way she can have a fun little memento to remember this by.

Let me know by July 10th.  If the interest is there than I will get the rolling!

Happy Stitches!

Quilting Conundrum

The fat quarter bundle and the jelly roll that I ordered came in early last week.  I have to say, they are both very lovely and I can't wait to use them.  (As an aside, I find that it is hard to order any kind of fabric online due to screen color inconsistencies, but I was quite pleased with these.) 

The loveliness in itself isn't the problem.  My problem is that I can't seem to find the right pattern for either of these pre-cuts.  I want something simple because I am such a novice.  After all, I haven't finished either of my class projects and the three strip quilt kits that I bought are still sitting in my fabric box.  I feel like I should be hanging my head in shame!  **Sheesh!**

In my efforts to acquaint myself with the quilting community, I came across an amazing blog called The Jolly Jabber....live from the Fat Quarter Shop.  Recently, there was a wonderful post about Sweet Jane's Quilting & Design.  After reading Sue's story I knew I had to check our her Etsy shop.  She has some wonderful patterns and they look like something that I think I can handle.  In particular, I'm looking at the "Between the Lines" pattern for the jelly roll and the "Flowers in the Garden" pattern for the fat quarter bundle.  My only problem is that I don't know enough about patterns to feel confident about purchasing one online, or at all for that matter!  HELP!!!!!

I would be grateful for any feedback that my fellow quilters can give.  Thanks so much!

Happy Stitches!

Minute Madness and a Quick Finish

I'm quite proud of myself these last few days.  I've managed to keep up with my fifteen minute a day promise for the time being.  While it doesn't look like much to me, I know that every little bit helps.  This "E" shot is the result of three days of fifteen minute (or sometimes half hour) stitching.

ABC's of Aging by L*K

When I finish my daily fifteen, I make myself ready for the next day's fifteen.  In today's case it meant that my needle is ready to continue with the "ate" in chocolate.  I find that the simple act of starting the needle makes the next fifteen minute session so much easier. 

Speaking of quick and easy, I'm so excited to say that my "ABCD" by La-D-Da was a quick, easy and extremely fun piece.  In fact, I finished it last week, but this was the first chance that I have had to post a good picture.  Too bad it wasn't part of my Crazy January Challenge!

ABCD by La-D-Da
Stitched on 40ct Vintage Dark Ltd. Run
using Peacock and Petunia Belle Soie

I also spent some time "finishing" over the weekend, but that will have to wait for another day.

Happy Stitches!

I Hope You Dance

ABC's of Aging Artfully by Lizzie*Kate

I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time dancing between everything I have to do and everything I want to do.  So, I have decided that I'm going to try and work a little bit on my stitching each and every day.  Be it for five minutes or five hours.

Between about fifteen minutes last night and almost half an hour this morning, I was able to stitch up a nice "Dance" on this Crazy January Challenge piece.  After all, we are almost halfway through the year and I'm nowhere near halfway through my challenges.  I guess next year's challenge will be a "What The Heck Was I Thinking?" Challenge.  Maybe I'll actually be able to finish everything in two years instead of one.  **I must be dreaming again!  Ha, ha!**

Happy Stitches!

Channeling Sesame Street

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "A"...

The letter "B"...

And the letter "C"...

Oh, and let's not forget the letters "X, Y and Z"...

So, I guess you could say that covers everything from "A to Z"!

ABC's of Aging Artfully by Lizzie*Kate
and
ABCD by La-D-Da

Happy Stitches!

Faye's Exchange

It seems that my exchange arrived at Faye's house.  I'm just so thankful that the glass items made it through.  You never know what happens to those packages once they leave the nest!

So, here's what I stitched for Faye......

American Strawberry by Prairie Schooler

If you want to see the rest of her goodies, check out this post. (Her pictures are so much better than the craptastic one that I took!)  The wreath was made by a co-worker and I found the sheep at an estate sale back in January. 

I was so excited to put this box together for Faye.  Now, how am I going to top that for Fall?????

Happy Stitches!

Retail Therapy

I've been so overwhelmed by so many things these past few days that I decided I needed some good old fashioned retail therapy.  So, after much deliberation, I'm going to be stalking the office mailman early next week because he will be bringing me some lovely goodies. 

Zinfandel Bali Pop Batiks by Hoffman Fabrics ~ Jelly Roll

Eva by Basic Grey for Moda ~ Fat Quarter Bundle

Now, to decide what to do with these lovelies........any ideas????

Happy Stitches!

Sharing Exchanges

After much aggravation and agitation, I found out that my Blackbird Exchange was picked up from the post office.  Here's what I made for my partner.  It was from a piece that Barb & Alma taught at the 2008 Shepherd's Bush Retreat.

As for the piece that came for me, well.......um.......I guess that person is MIA and that means no exchange for me.  So, instead of getting upset, I'm going to stick to the motto "It is better to give than to receive" and I will leave it at that.  Now I just know to be more careful about whom I exchange with and which exchanges I participate in.

But, on a bright note, my "Friends Stitching Through the Seasons" summer exchange arrived on Friday evening.  Diane spoiled me again!

Isn't this bee the cutest thing you ever did see???

And Diane's stitching.........well, I'll just let the picture do the talking!  (I LOVE IT!)

I sent my summer package to Faye today, so she should have it by the weekend.  Once it arrives, I'll show you the cute little thing I stitched for her.

In the meantime,

Happy Stitches!

And The Winner Is........

.......Kay of Kay's Random World!  Congratulations Kay!  I don't see an email address for you, so you will need to email me with your snail mail information.  Just click on my profile and you will find my email there.

Thanks again to everyone who entered! 

I have a few more things up my sleeve for this summer, so don't be discouraged if you didn't win.  There will be more to come!  (BIG Hint: The more you comment, the better your chances......)

Happy Stitches!

If At First You Don't Succeed.....

.......just start something new.  Well, I am the "Serial Starter" after all!

Here's the start to my Toddler 101 class project. And noooooo, I'm not any closer to finishing my Baby Steps project.  However, once I'm done with this one (snicker, snort, snicker) it will end up being a lovely pillow with pipping.

I guess I'd better get moving on this one since I still need to piece these rows together and put the border around it before Monday.  I would also like to have it pinned so that I can start the quilting process, but I'm not sure if I will get that far since I won't be anywhere close to my sewing machine this weekend.

And speaking of starting something new, I received a lovely note from Peggy Lee along with her copy of "ABCD" by La-D-Da.  She was so kind to loan it to me and I will be starting this one as soon as I can decide between two different color schemes.  Oh, and Peggy Lee, I promise to actually finish this one.  I just hope that those frogs that you had got lost in the mail!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Stitches!

And The Leader Is.....

THE FLATFOLD!!!!  Now, I've had a few questions as to what the cube finish is.  Check out this tutorial on The Twisted Stitcher's site to find out all about them.

Plus, don't forget that my Blogoversary Giveaway ends on Friday.  There is still a chance to get in on the fun.  (And Daffycat, no spiders......I PROMISE!)

Happy Stitches!

CJC Finish

I did it!  I finished Delivering Fleurs last night.  The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking it deserves a finish other than framing. 

Don't forget to cast your vote on my sidebar!

Happy Stitches!

Quilting Update

My oh my, this quilting obsession is really cutting down on my stitching time.  That is not a good thing!  But, I'm really enjoying it, so I'm still trying to find that happy medium between my two hobbies.

I love my "Baby Steps" class.  I've learned so much by taking this class and I can't wait to get into "Toddler 101".  Of course, in going along with my mantra, I'm still a serial starter.  I've already planned out my next few quilting projects and I haven't even finished my "Baby Steps" table runner yet!

Here's where I stand right now.....

I managed to turn this:

Into this:

Not only did I manage to do it once, but I did it four times!

Then I was able to sew the four blocks into two blocks:

I think it lined up pretty good for my first try!

Then I put the two blocks together and I now have the inside of my new table runner:

Stop looking at all the mess in the background!!!!  Foucs on the important stuff!!!

In the last class this past week I learned all about borders and faux binding.  I've already put the inner border on, but I don't have any pictures yet.  I plan on breaking out the sewing machine tonight so that I can continue with the outer border and the faux binding.  I really need to try to get most of it together before I attempt my "Toddler" class.  Wish me luck!

Happy Stitches!

More Weekend Talk

Thank you all for your kind Blogoversary wishes!  It is so amazing to me that I've been at this for three whole years.  I love looking back on my older posts to see how I have grown since I started blogging.  What a trip down memory lane!

**************************************

Now, onto the good stuff.........

My four day holiday was crammed full as you all know.  One of the evenings I spent with my Mom.  My Mom is the greatest.  She is my rock and my best friend!  Recently she and my step-dad took my (step) Grandfather (who is 94) to Disney World in Florida for vacation.  While they were gone, we dog sat for them.  In return she brought us all this wonderful stuff:

There was a bowl, plates, salad tongs, corn cob holders, chip clips, chopsticks, reusable straws, a tervis tumbler for Hubby and a Tigger charm for my Pandora bracelet!  See, I told you my Mom was the greatest!

And the design inside the bowl????

Mickey heads are always cool!  But, get a load of the big picture.......

The heads became Mickey himself.  Neat, huh?  (It took my Mom the whole trip to figure that out!  It's okay Mom.....I still love you!)

Okay, okay, I know.  You want to see the good stuff, not a plastic bowl! 

Over the holiday I was hard at work (when I wasn't quilting) on this baby:

Delivering Fleurs by Homespun Elegance
Part of the 2011 Crazy January Challenge

This piece has been so much fun! It has been a quick stitch, once I got my needle smoking again.  (I can't believe that I didn't pick it up sooner.)  I worked on it again last night and all I have left are the colonial knot centers on the flowers.  Then I can add a few button wheels and Voila, I'll be one step closer to finishing this challenge.  I think that I may even make this one into a stand up instead of framing it.  What do you think?  Maybe I'll put a poll up on my sidebar and see......

I finished another piece over the holiday weekend, but I won't be able to show it since it is for an exchange that is due on the 15th.  Uh oh!  The 15th is coming up fast.  Looks like I need to get myself into a finishing mode! 

In addition to the finishig I need to do, my Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler arrived today and now I'm itching to start that as well.  I just don't know how I'm going to get this all in!  I need to win the lottery!!!!

Happy Stitches!

Another Year Older

Happy #3!

My little 'ole blog is another year older.  I can't believe how time flies!  So, to thank all of you for staying with me for the past three years, I would like to offer a little giveaway.

Here are the rules:
For one chance to win, comment on this post only.  Be sure to mention that you are a follower (old or new) and you will get a second chance.  For a third chance, share my Blogaversary with your friends by mentioning this post somewhere on your own blog.  Easy Peasy! 

I will close the contest on June 10th (midnight EST) and I will post the winner on June 13th.

Good luck to all!

Happy Stitches!

Too Much To Talk About

That four day weekend really went by in a blur!  With the exception of the "Monday Hot Water Heater Hiccup", everything was rather pleasant.  The guy who was supposed to show up at 2pm never came, but we did end up hearing from the owner of the company about 2 hours later.  He ended up coming out and fixing the problem, but I won't be using them anymore.  I've been able to get a few names from friends and I think that in the next couple of weeks I am going to call and have someone look at our system to make sure that everything really is alright.

Now that the water heater problem is solved, I can begin to tell you about the fun I had this weekend.  I made lots of progress on many different things, so I think I'm going to break it up over the next few days.

First of all, Hubby and I traveled to a few estate sales on Saturday.  I didn't find any stitching goodies, but I did find this:

A lovely piece of blue Wedgwood.....and in the original box too!  See the stamp on the back?

And, at $5.00 it was a fabulous find!  I don't think I will be that lucky again when it comes to a piece of Wedgwood!  Too bad it is not green.  Then I would have given it to my mom to go with her set.  (Don't worry Mom, I'll be on the lookout for more.  Especially if I can pay those prices!)  I don't know how much it is worth right now, but I do know that it is worth more than what I paid for it.

Saturday afternoon was spent with my Stitching Sisters.  I didn't get too much stitching in as I wasn't able to stay too long because I had to meet my mother for dinner.  But, I did manage to "grow a little grass" on one of my Crazy January Challenges.  (More on that soon!)

I do have so much more to talk about, but time is getting short.  So, I'll leave the rest for another post.

Oh, by the way, tomorrow is my THIRD BLOGOVERSARY!  Stop by tomorrow for details on a giveaway!

Happy Stitches!