GO~Doodles~N~Quilt

I Love Ruffles!

2012-01-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

I decided to make a tote bag with ruffles for my Color Palette Challenge! Color Challenge that Judy L. and Vicki Welsh are hosting together..You can find more info if you go to the button on the side of my blog! I want to learn more about colors...Both Vicki and Judy are so inspiring to me!

This is the Color Palette Vicki Welsh gave us to work with! Nice huh!

I wanted to work with my stash! So off I went looking through..and then I went to work...and made ruffles...here they are!

I put them on a canvas bag..

The put handles on! I decided to put on a funky posies flower too! I washed and dried the bag to make sure it held up in the tumble of everyday life! It did!!! Woo hoo!

I had fun! That is what it was all about...and thanks to Judy and Vicki, I have a new bag..and some family members have asked I make them one so I am off to do that... (pictures are not that clear...I took with an IPhone, didn't get out the Nikon...)

Happy 8th Birthday to My Grandaughter!

2012-01-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

Eight Years ago our Hanni Rose was born.. I cannot imagine life without her...what a blessing...our first grandchild..our first grandaughter..yes the Princess of the family! She is so good to her brother Ethan...and vice versa...oh what fun grandchildren are....Happy Birthday sweetheart...We love you!

Hannah and Ethan...good times..

Quilted Sled Wallhanging

2012-01-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

I made a wall hanging in December for my sister-in-law! Just wanted to share the picture..(although not great because I didn't have anyone to hold it up for me, you get the idea)!

Thanks for stopping by..enjoy your day!!!

My Paperpiecing Class

2012-01-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

December 3, 2011 I took a paper piecing class with Carol Doak at Pine Tree Quilt Shop! I loved it! The class was full, had a waiting list! I was hesitant to go as my son married the most wonderful girl the night before! But I packed up my gear and went..determined to learn paper piecing for the last time..I took a class with Carol a few years back and didn't remember how to do it! Here is the class piece I made! It was not completely finished in this picture!

After I practiced more I made a couple different designs to send to some family members...here is one of them!

I finished off the cards by stamping them and adding my name...In Carol's book, 50 Little Paper-Pieced Blocks there are numerous patterns and it also tells you how to make these cards along with ideas for year round gift giving! You can make cards, small quilts, framed pieces, whatever you want! I was lucky enough to purchase the book with my class fee...signed by Carol! Now I am confident I can practice paper piecing and get better as I go along! I am taking that off my bucket list!

Enjoy your day!

Anyone follow Ladies In The Pink Blog

2012-01-03T09:15:00.000-05:00

I follow a blog, Ladies In The Pink. In December I entered a giveaway and was fortunate enough to get a package in the mail..I won this!

How lucky was I! Thank You!!! I love LadiesInPink ..She tells it like it is..makes me laugh and has lots of opinions...now onto the gorgeous necklace from LaVidaLola..

Have a great day!

Erin

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:17:00.002-05:00

December 28th ..No Snow!

2011-12-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

Here in New England we usually have snow by now..it's very rare we don't! We didn't have snow for Christmas...haven't made snow angels yet...we are saying goodbye to 2011 without snow...am I sad...NOT! In this area since weathermen started keeping track of weather..and recording it...going back hundred years..this is one of the three rarest so far where we have had trace of snow for December..YAY! It meant I could walk better, drive somewhat ok...shop when I could...and wanted..and most of all not clean sidewalks...or the driveway..so that is my rant about snow...this post might come back to bite me in the butt...but one time and one time only I am writing off topic from quilting, sewing, knitting, cooking. I am thrilled we have not had snow!

Camp Loopy

2011-06-25T19:58:00.001-05:00

I have been camping along with others at Camp Loopy! Yes I love smores...campfires...and girl talk...I am having a blast with my Camp Loopy Project! Started with Daybreak..yes- bought the pattern and yarn..but was not happy with the colors..frogged back a pattern I was working on prior to start of camp due to errors...and on June 15th..re-started my Scalloped Shawl...in Malabrigo Book 3 .. The Shawl is on the cover! So happy to be camping in Cabin 5 with everyone who is similar to me -making up my mind..just hard to do sometimes! The shawl is half way done...I am using Malabrigo silky merino..pradera ~a color that reminds me of the ocean..mixed with sun and sky..love it...and will blend it in with a green/blue solid...so it will be a nice mix I think!

I also have been taking knitting classes at my local yarn shop and loving it! Having fun with a great group of girls! We are knitting everything from sweaters, socks, wraps, shawls, socks, to funky scarves! Summer time classes will be cut back as vacation time is upon us..that's ok...I am a very slow learner so for me it gives me time to catch up! I have 2 pairs of socks finished..well sort of..just toes need to be sewn up..will start on my third pair! 2 Scarves are in the works...Plus I will have some medical procedures so time off is ok with me!

On the quilting aspect of the things..I have some things cut...will get back to sewing soon...had a lot of fun at my local quilt shop this winter...we participated in the Jo Morton Club..I loved it! I do have to finish up those projects!

Happy Summer everyone!

Erin

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T12:30:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Time to look forward to a great 2011! From our house to yours we wish everyone all the best for this upcoming year!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-20T14:49:00.006-05:00

I guess now is a good time to start blogging again! Time went by way too fast this year! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Erin

One Finish and One Question...

2010-02-19T13:04:00.008-05:00

Above is a jar of candy that is topped off with a needle punch pattern I did! I love it! The candy in the jar is all a throwback of memories from the year 1949! The jar was a gift for someone special!

The above quilt top is almost finished...I have to decide what to do about borders...any suggestions? Leave it like it is and just bind it...or put borders on..if so how many..one or two? It is for a twin size bed...the pattern I took out of the Stir Crazy Book by The Buggy Barn http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=18942191338501894&Store_id=425&page_id=23&Item_ID=1365. I started out making a Christmas Tree Skirt, yes, then decided to take out my stash and add on and make a twin quilt! I need to figure out what to do to finish this and yes this year!!!!

Off to take out more stash and see if I have enough to figure out borders...just in case...

Erin

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T07:26:00.003-05:00

Where did the time go? I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! WOW 2010! Here already! All the best to everyone, Best wishes, Blessings...Health and Happiness to everyone! I have been so busy when I think oh I will blog a little something comes up and I don't do it...so now before I head out of my house this early morn of New Year's Day I am writing this!

Here we are looking forward to a New Year's snow storm...I am a summer girl of flip flops and beaches I have decided...not a snow girl..some day I have to change my location....LOL

Anyone have any life changes (notice how I say that~not resolutions!) for the new year they want to add in or take out? I made some this past year and must say wow...all for the best for sure!

Hugs N Kisses

2009-11-05T09:02:00.002-05:00

Head on over to Hugs and Kisses Blog...see what is new! Belle of the Ball and Tags and Bags...very nice...maybe you will win the patterns!

Erin

2009-10-31T06:26:00.006-05:00

Wow the end of October! I don't know where the time went! I have not posted....been so busy....Fall is here..trees are so pretty now leaves are gorgeous!

I did get a new computer and had to actually learn how to use the new software! I am getting the hang of it now! I am liking this new one!

I am a Stitcher's Angel for 2009! I sent out my package across the ocean and had a lot of fun this year...I remained friends with an angel from last year!

Also I have been involved with Home Of The Brave Quilts, the NH Division, volunteering with quilts for them...that is rewarding. It is also heartbreaking. Here are two quilts finished by me..I put the backing on and binded them..others put the blocks together....a community effort!

I have done a lot of Needlepunch, now they are ready to frame, when done I will show pictures!

Here in New England we will be turning back the clocks tonight! YUK! Darker earlier!

I Am Still Here!

2009-06-30T09:39:00.002-05:00

I apologize for not writing for so long I guess life got in the way. Gary and I moved in December right before Christmas...I have been so busy and promised myself to write on the blog and day after day never got around to it! Winter passed then Spring...now Summer is here in New England and here I am finally posting! I have been doing needlepunch...and some sewing...not much....some projects are finished and will post pictures soon!

What a Nice Surprise!

2009-01-21T11:47:00.006-05:00

A couple of weeks ago a package came in the mail from Australia! Jan sent both Woody and I a nice surprise! What fun we both had opening the packages!! Thank you Jan! Jan is someone whom I have gotten to know online over the past months and am very glad I have! Here are some pictures of what she sent! Woody enjoys playing with his toys..loves his treats! I love the cats wall hanging too..awesome!

I am determined to learn how to knit a pair of socks. I started this after New Years! YUP! I am still on the first sock! I started it three times, tore it out, and now am starting it again, for the fourth time. I really have not been feeling well, but will get it...really will...if it takes me all year oh well I will learn it for sure! Hopefully down the road I can show you even a half of a sock!

Until tomorrow...

Erin

Happy New Year!!!!

2009-01-01T15:33:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! All the best for 2009! We are just hanging out today....relaxing. I haven't posted in the couple months...due to a relocation, thus packing, unpacking etc., the Holidays, and the ice storm we had here in NH! It has been a little crazy! I am still getting my sewing room set up. I developed pneumonia so have to recover from that first.

I have been learning to knit socks..well I am working on my first sock. It should be interesting. MY hubby says that the sock will end up to be a huge sock, so it will be used as a stocking for Christmas of 2009! I beg to differ my dear hubby! He says that when I started Kate's quilt it was to be a double size. It turned into a queen/king. I tried didn't I? and it turned out 'out of this world' she loved it! Here it is all finished!

I am thrilled with the way it came out. Now I am off to practice knitting...I still have projects to work on, UFO's, but will wait til I feel better.Once again Happy New Year!

GoDoodles....

I'm So Excited..I Just Can't Hide It, I'm About to Loose Control...

2008-10-18T13:44:00.003-05:00

Yup, there is a package I am showing you! It is actually ready to go; just needs a label and off it goes! In this box is a gift for my Stitcher's Angel! I hope she is going to be happy with what she receives..she loves greens, naturals, and oh I can't tell you the rest or you might know who you are! It will go to the post office on Monday...and since it is INTERNATIONAL..hint hint...it will take 6-10 days to get there! I hope six days and no more! My Angel lives where the Koalas and Kangaroos are! Lucky her..I love Koalas..I am so excited I had to share that the box is ready to go!!!

My Stitchers Angel Gift Arrived!!!

2008-10-17T10:03:00.004-05:00

Thank you Cecilia! What a pleasant surprise to see a package for me!! I opened it and was in awe! Cecilia lives in Northern Sweden! She and her family live in Skelleftea on the east coast of Sweden! She is married and has two little boys, ages 1 1/2 years and five months old!

Cecilia sent me multiple items, such as a block roll, a bag (both have stitchery), a needle case (her own design!), a brooch ( you can use it to pin on you, and then put pins there instead of the blouse, shirt or jersey you are wearing!), some chocolate (which is not pictured because it was already devoured!), and a necklace with the cloudberry on it, which is called "the gold of the forest" there, handmade by Cecilia's mother, who is also a quilter! I will tell you the chocolates had cloudberry in them and omg, yummy! I have a little angel notepad to write down my notes...oh oh and a specially made measuring tape, it is a little bird, a crow!! Little did she know I love those little measuring tapes...and the bird is so adorable!! I just pull the birds tail and out comes the tape to measure! What is also nice is now were are emailing each other, so I have another online friend!

Thank you Cecilia!! Go visit her blog and say hello to my Stitcher's Angel! Thank you to Helen also who is in charge of this fantastic swap!

Erin

I Am Working On ......

2008-10-16T09:21:00.005-05:00

Our grandson turned 3 recently! I made him a twin size quilt with all firefighter fabrics..He loves to play with trucks, cars, firefighter trucks, etc...so I thought this would be just perfect for him. You really can't see the fabrics too well, but you can get the gist of what I am telling you! Our little guy loved it, so did his mom but she wants to put it away and not use it! I told her this is to be used, abused, and used again...it will last...not to worry! The pics are not that good...but you get the idea of what I did here~

I am a participant of the Stitcher's Angels...so I am going to finish up my projects for that this week and send them on their way to a place far off....to someone who is very talented....and in following her blog she is an inspiration to me! I can tell you that this has been fun...learning about new quilters, stitchers~what they are up to and what they like...I also made this pillow (shown below)! A little boy named Jacob was looking for something for his mother for her birthday! I decided to let him trace and color his hands on fabric, let him do what he wanted..on another piece of fabric he wrote and drew some things....then I made it into a pillow for her! It is very simplistic, yet just perfect! Jacob was so proud of making this! His mom, Cherrie loved it! I was so happy for them..Have a great day! Erin

A Big Thank You to Katherine of Quilter Going Bananas!

2008-10-15T15:35:00.003-05:00

Wow is all I can say! I was so thankful to Katherine of Quilter Going Bananas of Canada! I had a very nice surprise in my mailbox today! I won a give-away from her blog! Katherine thank you so much! I love the wall hanging, will hang it later on, love the fabric, the magazine, the labels, the book, everything!!! I wish you all the best!! If you have not visited Katherine's blog, I urge you to! Katherine has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun to follow...
Erin

Quilter Going Bananas is Having a Give-AwAy!!!

2008-10-01T13:04:00.003-05:00

Quilters Going Bananas is a great blog to read! She is having a give-away in honor of her 100th post! Go on over and wish her congratulations!!!

Erin

My Great Pumpkin Block One!

2008-08-30T12:55:00.003-05:00

This is my first block for The Great Pumpkin Quilt I am doing! I love fall colors so this is fun for me to do! I also love to decorate with fall items so I am headed out today to 'shop for fall' !

I ordered some needles from Colonial Crafts! I love Colonial Crafts! I cannot wait until they come. I am not happy with the needles I have to do stitchery and am hoping I will be happy with what I ordered.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Erin

My New Layout

2008-08-29T12:24:00.002-05:00

I am changing my blog template so please be patient..I am figuring this all out! I am tired of the same old page..I get like that, change room layouts in my home, try new foods, etc. Maybe that is why I like to quilt...we can make new things, and it doesn't have to be the same thing...I will post pics when I am done with this template of a pumpkin block I made for my group~Great Pumpkin!

Farmyard Crafts is Having a Give~Away!

2008-08-06T13:25:00.002-05:00

Farmyard Crafts is having a give away in celebration of her 50th post! Head on over and visit her blog! I love it! I especially love the picture in her header of the lightening! What Mother Nature can do is phenomenal!

Erin

Block #1 Finished

2008-08-05T08:48:00.005-05:00

I finished block #1 of Judy's Star BOM! Here is a picture of it! Thanks Judy for doing this BOM! I am loving it, looking at other blocks and seeing everyone's accomplishments! Sorry the picture is a little crooked! I hung it that way!

Erin

August Already!

2008-08-01T17:04:00.002-05:00

Where has half the summer gone? I cannot believe it is August already! I have been having fun with my grandchildren! It is a joy to have them come visit, use the pool, and watch them learn how to swim! Other than that, we have been hanging around. We had Jenna here with her son Sy, who is going to be 3 in September Wednesday night...he loved swimming and playing with his grandpa! Today two more grandchildren are here...we went swimming, now they are playing, where you ask? In my sewing room..hehehe....

I did 'straighten out' the sewing room again...does anyone else have to do that once in a while? It if gets too messy I end up not wanting to go in there and sew! I cannot stand a mess and it does get real messy! I do realize that is hurting myself by not going in there, not doing something I really enjoy, but just swish that thought out of my mind and read a book...I just finished Danielle Steele's book, Rogue, it was OK...Years ago I loved all her books. Now I am not that interested in them for some reason...they do not have the zest they used to as far as I am concerned..they seem a lot alike..one book to the next. I did make another quilt top using Firefighter fabrics...I had fun doing it...now I will quilt it.

I am going to start on another project..have to decide what...I have to be 'in the mood' to do it...I am doing Judy L's Star BOM that started today! I also am looking for fabrics that are country and fun at the same time...to use in a stitchery project....when I find it I will let you know what it is..One thing that is great is because I am not able to drive for a long period or walk at least I enjoy being here and sewing, quilting, doing stitchery or reading...maybe next time I post I will show some pictures of what I have made so far...not much but it is nice to have pictures isn't it!!

Watermelon Table Runner is Done!

2008-07-09T18:28:00.005-05:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful week! I finished my table runner! Perfect for July I think! We love watermelon here so this is a perfect runner for our table..

I also started another quilt using sangria fabrics by Thimbleberries...the center is done..now onto the borders, then quilt it and whoopee...I will send it to ...hmmm don't know yet...

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Erin

Star BOM~These Are My Fabric Choices

2008-07-08T09:55:00.002-05:00

These are my fabric choices for the Star BOM that Judy is doing for us! I was not too keen on the background fabric being a Kona Bay Snow but I am pulling from my stash and am determined not to purchase fabrics! Thank you Judy for your color chart because that helped me immensely. Now off to press the fabrics! I had washed the fabrics previously so that is why they need a good pressing!

Thank you Anne Sutton!!

2008-07-07T15:45:00.004-05:00

Look what the mailman brought me today! I am so happy! Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs posted on her blog that she was sending magazines to Julia in Germany! She asked if anyone wanted to join in, which I did graciously! Today I received this nice package as a thank you for doing so! I was so excited..I cannot wait to start on this new pattern!

Happy Fourth of July to Everyone

2008-07-03T17:04:00.005-05:00

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Have a safe holiday weekend! I will be staying put but hopefully doing some stitchery or sewing! Fireworks are awesome this time of year aren't they? I hope you get to enjoy watching some!

Nutbud Quilter..

2008-06-29T08:37:00.004-05:00

Faith from Nutbud Quilter is in need of some cheering up! Her dog Scratch had to have his leg amputated a couple of weeks ago..which Faith was attending to very well..and really caring for Scratch when she had an episode of no feeling on one side of her body! Faith was rushed to the hospital, had multiple tests, and was diagnosed with MS. I have her address and would be more than happy to email it to you..even if you can send a card, or postcard, or a little something to cheer her up it would be appreciated..
Erin

Last Weekend in June!

2008-06-27T09:03:00.007-05:00

Last weekend in June can you believe it? I wonder where the time goes? I finished my Lap Quilt, with the Strawberry Lemonade fabrics...it is just to have around the house, or use at a picnic...what a fun quilt to make!

I purchased this Thimbleberries Melon TableRunner Kit from Keepsake Quilting in 2006 on sale! I didn't realize I had it until I was rearranging my sewing room...so I figured I would make it to use for the summer...I do not like fusible things...do not want to do that as a staple in my quilting life...I do have to quilt it..maybe just an 'in the ditch' and bind it.

Have a great sewing weekend everyone!

Strawberry Lemonade ~ Woody Loves IT!

2008-06-22T18:26:00.002-05:00

I am making a quilt with fabric I purchased from the Fat Quarter Shop..Strawberry Lemonade is the fabric line....Woody loves the bright colors so he gave me such a hard time while sewing this...he was always right on top of the fabric...I would lock him in the bedroom and he would find a way to open the door. Well the top is done...and here is a portion of it...with him on it..it might just be his little quilt because if he is not locked in the bathroom, when I have this out to work on, he is snuggling up to it! This is what I have been doing. I will post a picture of it when it is completed...all by it's lonesome self...as long as Woody is held by my hubby...so he won't be in the picture...cats...love them but pain in the butts....they love fabric!

Happy Stitching!

Jackie is Having a Give Away!!!`

2008-06-17T12:41:00.003-05:00

Jackie is having a give away! Go check it out!! See the bag she made also and read about Rolo her cat!!! She does gorgeous quilting...so ..if you want to enter a contest go girl go!!!

What Have You Been Up To

2008-06-17T10:40:00.010-05:00

I made some pillowcases, standard size, with Thomas the Train fabric! Boy, was that fun! I have two grandsons and they both love Thomas. A friend of mine from Texas sent me the fabric and I knew right away what it was for! I also made some other standard pillowcases, what my granddaughter would call "pretty" pillowcases...so two will go to the granddaughters..I enjoy sewing and with the weather so hot here this past week it was tough to get up the energy to do anything! At one point here in Nashua it was 102 degrees last week. I am hoping this week stays cooler, yes in the 70's is great!

My husband is still out of work, he was laid off in January of this year. He was a retail manager. June 24 his unemployment runs out and here in NH there are no extensions on unemployment! He has tried to find work in stores, calls every day, asking if they are hiring, and the answer is no all the time...so I am asking for prayers! He will take anything for a job and still can't find one. I believe we are heading or in a recession...Times are tough for a lot of people I guess..so if you can keep us in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it!

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

2008-05-26T20:24:00.002-05:00

The winner of my first Give Away in celebration of my new Internet business, Hannies Annies, is drum roll please...Chris...so congratulations to Chris! Stop by her blog...it is very nice...and Chris, send me your full name and address and this cute adorable doll will be sent to you this week!!!

I would like to thank all 35 of you for posting nice messages about the website..this is the first of multiple give-aways to celebrate a new fun enjoyable business in our lives...

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend!! We did! We relaxed...sat by the pool..the pool water was just too cold to even put your feet in...but that was okay..

Until tomorrow,

Erin

Memorial Day Weekend...

2008-05-25T17:33:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone has a safe Holiday weekend and takes the time to pray for all our men who served our country and are continuing to serve! I am very thankful for all they have done for us.

JoJo is having a give away and will draw next Friday, May 30th! Go check out her blog..and link back to yours, comment on hers and you are entered my friends!

I will draw a winner for my Blue Check Annie ~Handmade by me...on Monday, May 26th! I will wait until evening to give more people a chance to enter...so good luck! Just check out my site..HanniesAnnies..by clicking on the Annie Doll icon on the right of the screen..keep checking back on my blog too! I am so sure there will be more give aways in celebration of my website up and running!!!

Until tomorrow!!

Erin

Candle Making..Princesses..fun fun fun

2008-05-18T18:56:00.005-05:00

4 Year old Hannah is on the left, 2 year old Shelby on the right! My grandaughters had a princess sleepover at my house Friday night! They made their tiaras!! We also watched "Enchanted", had bubble baths, and more..Saturday we all went to the park, and on and on I could go..we dropped them off at their homes Saturday night..and today I felt like what the heck am I going to do now? My knees were bad, but I hate to give in to the pain. My husband watched the Red Sox game and then the Celtics game..and I did something new, never tried before!

I made candles..what a blast I had..My dad made candles with me when my brother and I were young...memories of those candlemaking days are great! We used milk cartons to fill up with the colored wax and decorated them with glitter after they were hard...around the holidays..they were ours and we loved them! So I had a strawberry margarita and made some candles..we will see how they come out...one mixture I call `Chill Out' made with lemon, lime, eucalyptus, and lavender.... the other was vanilla and lavender...Yvonne has agreed to try one and see how it is, how long it lasts and whether the scents are ok...

yes I used empty cans..and they seem to be fine..hey recycle right?

Don't forget my post of May 16th! My give away! Leave a comment on that post and I will enter you in the drawing for Miss Blue Check Annie!

Thanks for stopping by..take care..Erin

Celebration of Opening~A Give Away!

2008-05-16T14:20:00.006-05:00

My website, HanniesAnnies is now up and running! In celebration of this wonderful journey I am going on, I am giving away the Blue-Check Annie I hand made pictured above!!! Just visit my site by clicking on the HanniesAnnies Icon at the right and leave a message on this blog! I am praying that the website is going to operate without glitches..but if there are glitches I am sure they will be worked out! More dolls will be uploaded and other items within the next week! The winner will be announced on May 26th in celebration of Memorial Day! Pass the word around please!!!

Hope Everyone Had a Nice Mother's Day

2008-05-12T15:09:00.010-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! I did. My husband and I went to our daughter Jennifer's for a cookout, (picture of Jenna and Sy, our 2 year old grandson on the left. We were blessed with three of our five children there, and the rest of their families! It was wonderful! We then left Jennifer's and visited our other daughter and her family! We will see our youngest (son) tomorrow! This is the first time ever I will have seen all the kids on Mother's Day or around it! I feel very lucky and blessed. We all had a wonderful time.

I finally finished our daughter Kate's quilt top! It is 84x93. It was just too big for my husband to hold up to get the entire quilt in the picture! But you can see how I bordered it! Now I have to layer and pin, then quilt it! I am looking forward to it. I have no idea what to do for quilting..maybe circles in the squares, or something funky, or just stippling..I am using the red as a backing so I need to pick threads too. I will definitely use red in the bobbin so my mistakes won't show!!

I mentioned in a previous post I went to the Hannah Dustin Quilt Guild Show! I won a basket, Pamper Yourself! I entered some raffles and was pleasantly surprised when I received a phone call to pick up my fantastic prize! Many thanks to the Guild members, they put on a wonderful show and I was so fortunate to win such a nice prize!!

Hannah Dustin Quilt Guild~19th Annual Quilt Show 2008

2008-05-03T14:41:00.007-05:00

Last night was the opening of the Hannah Dustin Quilt Guild Quilt Show~ Hudson NH ..went along with friends. What a wonderful time! I am posting some pictures of the quilts that won prizes..the very first one at the top is hand quilted! Talented people for sure!!

I could not believe the pieces involved in making this quilt! It was absolutely stunning!

Below are the blocks and label that go on the Home of the Brave Quilts that are made for soldiers who have died for our country in Iraq and Afghanastan..sad..I am now going to be involved in making labels for the Massachussetts Chapter..as well as piecing the blocks for the NH Chapter. I thank Linda Heminway for her help!

In the center of the block is the stitcher's name

and town/state of where she is from.

I would have taken more photos but unfortunately my batteries in my camera died..sigh...but the memories are in my mind..quite and experience and met a great group of people!!!

MOTIVATION FRIDAY!!

2008-05-02T13:11:00.002-05:00

I read LA Quilter's post today and Vicki mentioned motivation Friday! Well what a great idea to have Motivation Fridays!

My Friday is so far NOT motivated at all..I am sitting here watching an experienced rug cleaner fix my rug! We brought home groceries, placed the bags on the carpet in the living room and what a surprise we got! A bottle of Clorox Clean-Up had leaked into the bag, and onto the carpet, and bleached a circle in the carpet! We learned a valuable lesson, put the grocery bags immediately in the kitchen, on the counters on floor!

This nice gentleman, Len, is going to do some spot cleaning for me too! Now that we have no 'visitors' with us~ we are back to setting up our little abode for the two of us and the rugs will be clean..when you have your two sons here to 'visit' at different times you are extremely happy to have them~ and also do a happy dance when they leave as you can see what you have to do to clean up! One was into Kool-Aid, nachos and salsa, chili! The other was into Red Bull~Italian sauce and meatballs...next place is having tile everywhere so if we ever have 'visitors' we can wash the floors!!!

I have accomplished nothing this past week! Sad but true!! My sewing machine is at the cleaning doctor..getting its' yearly cleaning/tune up. I have another machine to use as back up and can pull it out...so I am going to go do that now! Have a great day!!!

Give A Way ~Yes a Gorgeous Quilt!!!!

2008-04-23T21:42:00.003-05:00

I suggest you go to Camille's site, Thimble Blossom's, to see a gorgeous quilt!! Read her blog and enter to win the Bloom Quilt!! I suggest you go to her site and you will drool, yes sit there with your mouth open and say to yourself how gorgeous her quilts are!! Camille is an inspiration for sure!!! I better get working on my UFO's for sure!! Have a great day!!

Whew What a Week!

2008-04-12T21:02:00.003-05:00

Our prayers were answered this week! Above is our grandson ~ Sy~ he is 2 years old, will be 3 in September. He caught that nasty virus that is going around. This past Monday he was so sick, and after going back and forth to the emergency room, and his pediatrician, he ended up in the hospital for three days. Our little guy came home tonight and is doing better! Of course as grandparents, seeing your children upset and grandchild so sick is heartbreaking. Now we will all get some rest and hope he remains stable and improves daily. The great thing is the weather is warmer here in NH and we saw some sun! We have had more rain, snow and clouds in the past month or two! It is depressing!

In between having friends and family over I am also knitting another dishrag. I think the patterns I have are too big. The finished size of the rags are 8.5x8.5. I am going to make them smaller from now on. Maybe the ones I am making can be used as wash cloths hehehe!!! Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Woody has been his pesty self too! He has tangled the yarn numerous times by climbing into my knitting bag. If I do not put it inside a cabinet, behind closed doors, he will get at it. He will be 2. When do cats stop this antagonizing? No kidding..we love him and know yarn is fun for him!

Well off to bed for me ... until another day..when I can show a picture of the funky quilt..Erin

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2008-03-30T13:42:00.007-05:00

My grandson turned 2 today! Ethan Christopher! So little man, Happy Birthday to you!!! We will celebrate next weekend!

This is my first dish cloth I have ever made! Yippee!! I knitted it, yeah I did. For me that is an accomplishment! It is a huge dish cloth. The pattern called for size 8 needles..to make a 10.5 inch cloth. Well next time I am using size 7 needles and having a finished size smaller. I do not like large dish cloths. I have not knitted since my daughter Keri was born 29 years ago! I couldn't remember much. I learned how to bind off last night from a book, thank God, or Yvonne would have received a phone call at 9 PM!

Let me introduce you to my new bunny! I designed her with my previous bunny makin experience from years ago when I owned Country Crafts in Massachusetts! I had a lot of fun making her...she is 16 inches tall and has printed fabric on the outer ears to match the dress! Let me know what you think!

This is Matty, or as my hubby calls her Matilda! Sewing Matilda! She is holding an old heirloom sewing spool. She is antique looking and has stitchery on her little pantaloons! I didn't get a good picture due to rushing to take one. I have fun making the dolls. Matty is 12 inches and made with medium tea stained fabric! I know you cannot see her dress but it has a little ruffle that goes around the lower half of her that is adorable. I designed the dress also; Matty is my own pattern too!

That is what I have been up to lately! Having fun making dolls and knitting. I would love to know what everyone else has been up to!

Top Of Ole Morning!

2008-03-17T01:19:00.003-05:00

I just want to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Gary and I are going out to lunch with friends today for corned beef and cabbage! I also will be having a Platinum Margarita..I just found out I absolutely love them! Now we usually do not drink but what the heck it is St. Patrick's Day so a drink to celebrate will be fine. With irish names and heritage...we will be happy today!

Fun Time

2008-03-15T16:51:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to say hello to everyone! I cannot believe St. Patrick's Day is going to be here already! Time is going by so fast it seems. I don't know whether to make corned beef and cabbage or not! Maybe I will for the 'cooking smell' of it! I do love corned beef, my hubby can take or leave it! I think it is also so salty, not good for my heart so I guess it will depend on my mood! I did have two of my grandchildren stay over and bought them special decorated cookies! This is little Ethan, who will be 2 on March 30! He loved the cookie! Can you tell! I love taking pictures of the kiddos when they are covered in frosting! He was so funny, he kept saying "oh grammie this is sooooooo good..."

I finished block five for the 'Journey of a Quilter' finally. I had forgotten to put the border stitchery on the block! Now I am going to finish up a few more things and enjoy being healthy again..we did go to the gym and that was fun. It has both indoor and outdoor pools. I need that for my legs so this gym was a Godsend for sure! My husband does go with me but that is fantastic! The owners are so nice there, the atmosphere is fun and that is just the beginning of it. I think for me the best thing, feeling in the world sort of is being in water! Maybe I should have been a fish!...Nemo!

Until tomorrow...have fun Erin

Saturday a Day to do what?

2008-03-07T19:57:00.009-05:00

This is the Annie I made with the help of De's patterns and had a blast! I am NOT good at taking pictures so the coloring is not exactly right. I will cut patterns out next week.

I am really bummed today. I have been sick with a stomach virus for the past three days! I wanted to go to Yvonne's dad's wake this afternoon. I was just too sick to go. My daughter and her husband are going..Yvonne is my best friend. I know what it is like loosing your dad (my dad passed away May of 2006) and wanted to go for her as well as for me to say good bye to a wonderful, generous, caring, loving, patient....great father, husband, grand father, great-grandfather! He has gone on to heaven for sure! When I was in the company of Yvonne's parents they were always so vibrant and welcoming! Yvonne is just the same way!We have raised our children together but now I live about 25 miles away from her..sigh..and driving for me is tough most of the time so I do not see her much. We still keep in touch via Internet, phone and once in a while visits. I thank God for finding such a nice friend!

Off to get some more rest..oh and go to HFC'S record company and check out my son's new CD that is coming out March 11! I have to be honest..this music is not my cup of tea..hehehe..but I am so proud! Christopher is touring and playing and happy..Maybe your kids would be interested or even know who they are...we did buy some Cd's and will see them when they come to Nashua at the end of the month!

For those of you wondering what Woody is up to, well he is now getting tired of his food, wants shrimp and is aggravated! His ruff is growing quite nicely, but it is funny it curls when it gets wet and he reminds me having Santa's beard! Woody will be 2 years old May 31! He must weight 17 lbs! We measured his body length and yes he is 29"! We had to measure him because he does not fit in his post where he likes to sleep..time for a huge one if they sell them!!!

Some of you wanted the pattern for the Quilter's Journey block I posted! I purchased my BOM from the Buggy Barn I love their items..I am about done the center block..yippee!

Giveaway!

2008-03-07T19:52:00.003-05:00

On De's website, (where I purchased the pattern for the bunnies) is giveaway! Go enter to win and check out her site! She is a wonderful person! Wait until you see the bowls her husband makes too, along with her Annies and more!

Bunny..Oh Yeah!

2008-03-03T19:05:00.007-05:00

Well what do you think? Like her? She is a primitive bunny I made and had a lot of fun doing it! Here she is making her debut with her pretty little paisley and polka dot dress! I felt like a little girl again..making her and her dress was a blast. I purchased the pattern from De! Her directions are very clear! I just love De!

Now here is the Block 5 of Journey of a Quilter.. (above) this kept me busy this past week with the grandchildren here. When they went to bed I relaxed and did some stitchery. I just love doing different things once in a while.

Now I am off to finish some Raggedy Annie's........and Kate's quilt!

Woody is having shrimp withdrawal..hehehe..since there hasn't been football on the television my hubby has not bought shrimp! He keeps giving me a look..like..ok girl..lady..I have had it with you both..he leaps mid-air to get my attention too! He tries to tackle me..ya me..all that does is trip me but that's OK..he has played with all the grandchildren, had tuna, salmon, and treats..spoiled he is! I will add pictures of Woody and the kiddies tomorrow..

Until tomorrow..

March 3 2008

2008-03-03T09:45:00.002-05:00

I realized I have not posted in a month! That is terrible of me! I guess I am a slacker and am so sorry! We had the flu.. grandchildren came and stayed too! We have four grandchildren and have seen all of them quite a bit which has been very nice..they are 4, 2, 2, 23 mos.

I have been sewing some on the black, red and white crazy log cabin..all blocks are done and rows are put together. When the borders are on I will post a picture. I also did some stitchery and the center square of 'something' is just about done! I will also post a picture of that but not until that last word is done! I made a bunny too! So I will post pictures maybe tonight or tomorrow..we have had quite a bit of snow here..I am really hoping spring comes fast here in New England. An online friend from Vegas was telling me last night it was 80 degrees there and sunny!

More to come in the next couple days! Let me know what you have been working on!!

Until tomorrow!

Stashbustinging..Report or Not too!

2008-01-29T12:14:00.000-05:00

According to my doodles I have used about ten more yards of fabric then planned, oh yeah! That is because I have wasted a couple yards on not liking what I was doing with it, or made mistakes! This week I did have six yards of fabric, that kona bay red Asian print delivered because I needed it for finishing the quilt I am making, that crazy log cabin. Thus I am ahead 4 yards of clearing out my room!!!

I wish everyone a great week of stash busting!

Primitive Annies I Love them!

2008-01-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

I just love it when the sun is shining! I smile more! I wanted to acknowledge a couple sites for you to take a look at when you get a chance! Kerri is having a giveaway for her blogonniversary! Go check out her site! I love it! She is a sweetheart and I am anxious to get to know her better!

My granddaughter Hannah turned 4. Nicole Ellison made a Cowgirl Raggedy Ann Doll for Hannah to have as a keepsake of her 4Th birthday! I didn't get a good picture of the doll yet but when I do I will show you, it is out of this world!

I collect primitive old Raggedy Annie's! As you can see from my picture posted above Woody some are sitting above a quilt! I have them in my sewing room! I have two favorite doll makers! You have to Nicole's blog and De's blog too! From there they will lead you also to their doll sites if you are ever interested in buying them or learning how to make them!

This is Hannah with my husband Gary before the party started! Grampy gave her flowers! She said all she wanted for her birthday flowers from Grampy! Until tomorrow!!

Living Well Wednesday January 23, 2008

2008-01-23T19:21:00.000-05:00

What a week it has been. I am just getting over bronchitis and a sinus infection. My ears are still blocked and the ringing in both ears is still bothering me. Reading Darlene's post today made me realize that perseverance is so important. I had a rough time with staying on track and eating properly. I did not journal. I had a lot of stress also. I had to ask myself why I was not aware of what I was eating and when I was. I could have cared less. I really need to journal. I also need to take the vitamins. I am on various medicines. After reading another post it was mentioned to take vitamins. I am going to make sure I do that also. I have been slacking. I prepared my journal. I am ready to do this in a way that I think is proper now. I have not gained weight, as a matter of fact I have lost a couple of pounds this past week. I can honestly say though it was not the proper healthy way! I was not Living Well. I did not put my mind to it. One step at a time right? Until next Wednesday!! Healthy hugs...

Late Report Better Than Never !!

2008-01-22T14:09:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone! Sorry I missed the Sunday report! We got so involved in the football games! Along with that I was still not feeling too well so I was not on the computer much of the day! I really need to catch up on my blog reading!

I did do some more of my crazy log cabin! I did another 12 blocks, so I have sewn 36 in all! I have here a picture to show you some with the red in it! I just love it with the red!

This quilt is enabling me to use approximately 36-45 fat quarters! I am happy with that! I will use an additional 8 yards for more borders and whatever else I decide to do with it!

It has been cold here in Nashua NH! I do like the warmer weather, maybe I should convince my hubby to look for a job in the warmer climate..time to move again maybe?

I have to decide how to border this quilt..I have ordered six yards of the red..since I found it out in Washington..I want to put more red into it. Once I figure that out I will finish it up. I have 12 more blocks to make. I will do that today. I am anxious to give this to Kate...

Until tomorrow...

Stashbushing Report Sunday January 13, 2008

2008-01-13T23:31:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I don't have much to report! It has been a crazy week here. I am hoping it subsides..I am on new antibiotics..our insurance expired today until we see if we can afford COBRA because my husband lost his job this past week, January 11th! I guess it is just going through the motions again and I am numb. Hopefully I will have more to report next week! I can see there were not any fabrics to add to the stash yet! Next week maybe a surprise for all of you to see though due to a gift certificate I received for Christmas! Have a great week! We are expecting a foot of snow beginning early Monday morning..so that is in about six hours..(I am writing this about 11:45 p.m. Sunday evening)..maybe a day to sew..we will see how I feel..Happy stitching!

Living Well Wednesday

2008-01-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

Today I joined in on Living Well Wednesdays and I am so glad I did. I was surfing the net and I really believe the lord let me to website! I had been wondering do I join Weight Watchers again or do I just wing it. I am not an over-eater. I just do not eat what I should. I eat no more than 500 calories a day. I am about 45 lbs. overweight. I cannot do aerobic exercise due to serious knee issues. I cannot walk anymore than 10 minutes. I take many medicines. So I have serious limitations. I can swim a little. I just convinced my husband to join the health club that has a pool with me so he can help me get out and back home. I want to feel good about myself. But is it not just exercise that is what constitutes Living Well. IT is having faith, a moral compass, loving life, eating right, believing in yourself. "With God All Things Are Possible" is what is quoted on the Christianwomensonline and I believe that. Your body, mind and soul have to be one. I am going to journal my eating habits, and also pray as I usually do, and put it in God's hands. I am going to use this website and my new online friends as learning tools, be open-minded, and giving at the same time. I am thankful, blessed and guided in this direction today! So now I feel renewed! I am on my way! Thank you Jesus!!

Sunday Report

2008-01-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

Hola' It's Sunday Gals! Here is my report..nothing to report..or nada..I am at a standstill..I pressed more stash..and am ready to cut more blocks for the Kwik Crazy Log Cabin Quilt..I still cannot find that one block I made and am missing!! My husband and I are sick with bronchitis so I do not feel like sewing much. My asthma is flaring up so that brings on more meds and blah blah blah. Thats when I loose focus. Here are the pictures of my stash that shows the red that is going in black and white quilt. Two of our girls have tattoo symbols that mean faith, purity, love, peace, etc. so I chose this red fabric by KonaBay to make the black and white fabrics POP! Have a great week!!!!

P.S. This post was written on Sunday and I thought I posted it, I must have felt so horrible, I saved it instead!! sorry!! After I wrote it we headed out to get some juice, popsicles, etc. and I never checked the blogs.

Crazy Log Cabin Quilt

2008-01-04T11:17:00.000-05:00

OK we have a daughter Kate who loves artsy things. Kate has a graphics design degree. She also teaches pre-school. She is into drawing and loves photography. She has decorated her house with photos taken by her, black and white, and framed...do you get the picture here? I had to come up with something to make her! I decided this design for a quilt! I started it yesterday. I am going along. I will throw in some red..when I do I will show you..it is a red and black print..Chinese print..because Kate has a tattoo..a symbol meaning peace or faith or something..lol..and I wanted to put it in her quilt..I wanted to make it personal. I have to say this is a fun quilt to make. I put off making it because I thought it would be stressful. The only thing is I lost one block somewhere in my small apartment!!! I made 12 blocks so far, and yes..one is missing..I was putting them on the design wall and Woody kept climbing it..I kept fighting with him to get off of it..and I have no idea what I did with one block!! Now I like primitive things..so this black and white quilt will be done fast and out of the house..not my style..but I urge everyone to try different things..change is good...The name of the Pattern is Kwik Crazy Log Cabin.

Raisin Bran Muffins

2008-01-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

My Mother In Law, Alice Bennett, passed down to me, this recipe for Raisin Bran Muffins. They are very easy to make. My husband loves them. I was up very early this morning because both my husband and I have very bad chest colds. I could not sleep. It was so cold here too, -3 degrees at 5 A.M.! I decided to make the muffins! The batch makes about 72-80 regular size muffins. IF you do not bake all the batter at once it will keep in the refrigerator covered for one to two weeks. Then you can bake as many you feel like eating at the time! Here is the recipe in case you want to try these delicious muffins:

4 eggs beaten

1 cup oil

1 Quart Buttermilk

1 tsp. salt

3 cups sugar

5 cups flour

5 tsp. baking soda

1 15 oz. Box of Raisin Bran

Beat eggs, add in oil, buttermilk, mix together. Add in dry ingredients, other than Raisin Bran, mix well (You can use a mixer up to this point). Now add in Raisin Bran and mix by hand until blended. Put in muffin tins, either with liners, or can use PAM spray.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Can freeze too!

I made the entire batch and Gary took 24 to work so he could share with fellow employees.

PS ! Yvonne asked if I named the squirrel so my first reaction was nah! Then thought the way he climbs YEAH! His name is MONKEY! Hahaha!!!

Nature...enlightens my day!

2008-01-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

If you look closely you will see the squirrel eating a piece of bread. I made bread, Italian bread. The squirrels were outside looking for food. I decided to give them some. I felt bad because we had so much snow. I thought they were hungry! This particular chubber took a chunk and climbed up into the tree and ate the piece by himself! I had to take a picture of him. He was thrilled! Amazing that it just made my day! Am I loosing my mind or what? There are more things to life I guess. BUT this made me smile. Have a good day! (click on the picture, see if you can see a close up of him, look at the size of his claws!)

Stitchery

2008-01-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

I ordered a stitchery pattern from http://raggedyoldannies.com/, Nicole Ellison..and made the Annie New Years Day! Then I decided to use it as a wall hanging for my sewing room! I loved stitching this pattern!

It snowed here much of New Year's Day. Hope you all had a nice New Years Day! Here we are expecting real cold temperatures for January 3rd. It is about 10 degrees right now..I think it is time to move to a warmer climate year round..where I can be in the sun, swim and sew..sounds great to me!

Stashbushing Report

2007-12-31T18:57:00.000-05:00

I started my Kwik Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt. I am going to use up about 60 fat quarters! Oh Yeah! I am going to make this for our daughter Kate! It will be a lot of fun..other than that nothing to report. I have not bought anything..and am hoping to keep it that way! I have not figured out what to use for a backing yet. I am keeping focused with the fabrics I have.

It will be a nice month of January; just logging in what fabrics I have left to work with. I really look forward to it!

Last Day of December 2007-It's A Marshmallow World Here!

2007-12-31T04:36:00.000-05:00

This is it! Last day of 2007! As I sit here at 4:30 A.M. it is snowing again! We have so much snow here the meteorologist is saying we broke a record going back to the 1800's for the month of December! It is gorgeous outside but I wouldn't mind moving to Arizona right about now! This storm will wind down about noon and another storm is brewing for New Years Day!

I am setting some goals for 2008:
1. to use up my stash I will make sure I work some projects around the fabrics-I was fortunate enough to have friends send me fabrics over the years as gifts or fq's too, as well as buying some, so I want them to be part of what I make. I must say that over the past six months I was pretty good about doing that, and will continue! I have not had a huge amount like some of the girls do, thank God! I would have no where to store it!
2. I am determined to make some paper piecing blocks. I have a acquaintance in Maine who is going to work with me! Thank you Alison! I am always wanting to learn something new every year..this is one thing I have been putting off.
3. I am going to do more with embroidery in my quilts etc.
4. I am going to plan a wedding quilt as my son will be getting married in two and a half years! I will start building the stash now for that, sorry Judy, have to do that..
5. I am going to take it one day at a time, sewing is my savior, since I am in more due to my health. If I can't do something one day it will wait until the next. Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can I say to myself all the time.
I am working on a Kwik Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt! It is fun to make and seems like I can let my mind wander a little while doing it! For me that is good. I have fibromyalgia and sometimes with the pain I am not so focused. I pick things that I can be a little messy with at times and laugh about it! I am using my stash which is great too! I will post pictures when it is finished. With more snow expected on New Years Day who knows maybe the entire top will be done this week! I am anxious to get it done, it seems like a lot of fun to make.

To all my online friends and others, thank you for a great year of friendship! I am so glad I have met you and hope to continue to have fun in 2008! I wish all of you the best of health and happiness for you and your families!

Erin

Happy New Year!

2007-12-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a very nice Christmas! Now with 2008 coming I wish you all the best in the year to come!

This Christmas was low key for my husband and I. It was very nice. I had fun making pillow cases and embroidering names of the grandchildren on them with glow in the dark thread! It was such fun filling them with presents and seeing the look on our daughters faces when they received them and the grandchildren had so much fun opening them up! A lot of the gifts this year were personal for the grandchildren; I made quilts, pillowcases, or bought them things they would need.

Christmas day we went to dinner in the afternoon with extended family! What a nice meal we had. It was more of a feast! Let's just say with the family being Italian there was such an array of food, and it was continuous! I love Italian food, and that mixed in with ham, potatoes, squash, spinach, broccoli casserole, pineapple stuffing, on and on..oh boy! The deserts were to die for! My husband raved about the cheesecakes and said the hostesses mother should go into business and sell them! I must admit they were so pleasing to the eye as well as mouth watering!

Now as I sit here I wonder what to work on next! I guess it is finishing up a couple of things left from this past year! I will post pictures of them when I am finished. Then onto some things I want to make. I am trying to use up the rest of the stash. Not much left which is great!

To everyone all the best in 2008!

Erin Bennett

Happy Birthday Christopher!

2007-12-16T14:26:00.000-05:00

My only son turned 25 today! I cannot believe he is 25! He is the youngest! Where did the time go! 25 years ago I was done the Rocky Horse quilt and it was sitting in the crib waiting for him to be born! He was born at 6:55 P.M. I have been blessed with a great son! He loves guitar, is an awesome player. He is finishing up his bachelor's degree (has his associates degree), is leaving in January 2008 to go on tour with his band, who just signed a contract with a record company (we will miss him!) and will be home off and on, and also just became engaged to a wonderful girl! Her name is Holly! I love it! My husband and I couldn't be blessed with a better family than what we have! Great news is to be shared with great friends!

NOW FOR SOME SEWING STUFF.....

I did some embroidery for fun! I bet you didn't know that I embroider! I will be posting more on that subject! When I do a lot of quilting I change over to embroidery or stitchery or something else once in a while! I like change. I am making some pillow cases for the grandchildren which I will post in the future. I am also having fun embroidering some towels for them! But here is a picture of the towel I started..I have to sew the ends of it! I just love redwork! The basket is on both ends.

SEW THAT IS IT FOR TODAY!!!! The good thing is I used fabric from

my stash!

More Snow! Oh Boy More Sew!

2007-12-15T08:36:00.001-05:00

This is the view outside my living room sliders. It is gorgeous this morning!

It is just 15.4 degrees here! We are expecting 6-10 inches of snow beginning at midnight! It could change over to sleet/ice! I must say we will be building a family of snowmen! I feel bad though. Here in the northeast we expect this but do not like it. I am not going to complain though. There are areas in the Midwest that are without power still. I pray they get their power back asap! I would not know what to do with myself without power..well maybe I would. I have a headlamp I bought from LL Bean a couple of years ago come to think of it! I bought it because of power loss for a few days and wanted to hand sew! I had nothing to sit by to hand sew. SEW I had to be prepared for the future! I should get that out, make sure the batteries are new, and be prepared for the winter here! I am going to do some machine embroidery and put the squares I do into a quilt. I like to switch into a different mode once in a while. IT is still 'quilting' but a different aspect.

As I do I will look out my windows at this view and watch the snow just accumulate tomorrow! This is the view outside my sewing room windows! snow and more to come!

2 More Quilts Finished

2007-12-12T17:25:00.000-05:00

My Christmas Quilt - Ribbon Candy - made with Holly Jolly fabrics is DONE! One more from my list crossed off..The lime green in this quilt pops. My daughter Keri thought it was stunning. She also thought the size and pattern was great for a baby quilt also.

My Flannel Flower Quilt I had designed myself last year is DONE!!! I wanted a fun, funky flower children's quilt..to do..and had fun doing it! It ended up being a king size..hehehe..my husband and I were laughing last night. We do not know a little girl who sleeps in a king size bed! Oh well...he said I got carried away as usual! Another from my list is crossed off!!! Phew....the stash is going down..down..down.. luckily I must say my grandaughter Hannah came over and loved the quilt so I took a picture of her with it. She will be four January 17th 2008! See how big this quilt is? The picture is not that good..it is really pretty up close..I am not good at taking pictures. I wanted you to get the effect of the size. It is really snowing quite a bit now so if we loose power we can cuddle in the flannel quilt, thats all.

I am thrilled Hannah is here! She has not been here in months! With my health not so good over the past few months this is super special for me..I am thanking God for this special time..I love to spend time with my family or friends, any time I can get! Thank you Keri (our daughter) for bringing her here. We have four grandchildren! We love them all..and don't get to see them all very often. Sewing is my savior. Unfortunately we do not live close to them.

Today, here in NH we are expecting 6-10 inches of snow, yes snow. It could be more. I hope we do not loose power. The forcaster says we can get ice too. Then on Saturday December 15th we can get an additional 1-2 feet of snow! That storm will end on Sunday the 16th. That is the day our youngest will turn 25! I guess we cannot celebrate if I cannot get out to see him or he cannot get here! We will have to pick another day! He just moved out of the house five months ago..sigh..it is tough when the last one goes..maybe that is why I sew sew much!

I Have Been Tagged!

2007-12-12T09:22:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by to tell you five random things about myself ! Random things..um..

#1- I love plain old tea in the morning with skim milk and one sugar, no coffee for me. I drink my tea and say my prayers.

#2- I do not watch TV much. I love music so that is what I prefer..I will watch some movies..love the re-runs of I Love Lucy, Hallmark Channel, do not like horror movies at all.

#3- My very first quilt I made was in December 1982 for my son Christopher and I still have it! He turns 25 December 16th! It is worn, as a nephew and grandchildren have used it! Chris asked that I hold it for him..until he wants it someday!

#4- I make lists..I am the sticky queen. I have post it notes everywhere..packages in the draws.

#5- I love white chocolate more than milk chocolate, but have to admit do like milk chocolate. also am not a soda drinker, I drink water..

Here is a picture of my first quilt. It is called the Rocky Horse Quilt! Made on a Singer machine..

Instead of naming five more bloggers, I think if you are reading this blog, maybe you could comment on what random interests you have! Or you can post on your blog your random interests and I will leave a comment there! How about it? Oh and Happy Blogging..

Santa

2007-12-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

I finished my Thimbleberries Wall hanging! It is the Cover Story series. I love it! I am a sap for old fashioned Santa's anyway! This worked up pretty fast. This is a gift. I love making gifts.

My only hindrance was Woody sitting on the quilt as I was trying to quilt it! He has his own area to stay in. My ragdoll cat is not trained as well as Yvonne's ragdoll's --------------- ************ ( http://quiltingdownthestairs.blogspot.com/) --------------I guess..not yet anyway..but..I have to say he is not even 2 years old..so maybe his is just going to hit his terrible twos and then behave???? It did take a while for Yvonne to train her cats..so give me time I guess...right Yvonne? hehehe..

What I did Today

2007-12-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

I had some extra fabrics left over from the HOllY JOLLY line after making my Ribbon Candy Quilt. I took the nine patche blocks and the stripe blocks, put in a few triangles, added a few quarter borders, essentially came up with a design I liked and one that would fit my kitchen table and made it! I was determined to finish it. I wanted some Jolly atmosphere in my kitchen!

I also made my husband another chocolate creme pie. He loves them. He goes back and forth with his requests from apple to chocolate creme and vice versa.

I think that is enough for today! Thanks for stopping by!!

It's Friday!

2007-11-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

I think with the Holiday last week I got confused on which days of the week I was floating in this week! I say floating, notice that! I feel like I am not with it! I feel like I am My Favorite Martian who just dropped in this week to see if I can sew for a while hehehe. It was a battle with Woody every time I went into the sewing room to sew. For some reason he wanted to play with the fabric, even if I gave him scraps he still loved the Holly Jolly fabrics and took off with them. If I shut him out he cried and cried. What a pain in the butt! So I must say he did in fact help sew this quilt top. I gave up and said, what the heck! So there it is, another top done from a kit I had in my stash. Now I will quilt it, and get it off the list. It is not a good picture but you get the jest of it. I am glad it is put together. I love the holidays with the music playing! I can listen to Christmas music all year! Have a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Wishes to everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful day! I wish you the best in the upcoming Holiday Season! I am grateful for getting to know all of you, for having such a loving family and friends, and knowing such a great group of online friends! I have a lot to be thankful for, and as we said grace today I realized how lucky I was to be sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner this year, as last year I was in the hospital! Last year I didn't even have a blog! How things change! Woody wasn't in our lives either!

Blessings!!
Erin

My List

2007-11-21T17:20:00.000-05:00

I was speaking with Yvonne (Quilting Down the Stairs) a few minutes ago about what I had been doing! Just hanging..well, made two pies and a pie shell. I did have a hair cut for..drum roll..$16.95! The best haircut I ever had oh yeah! I had no idea it would be that cheap! I have not had a haircut in months. I also had a doctor's appointment. I guess I have been busy. My husband has been busy taking me where I needed to go and helping me. BUT he doesn't help me with the works in progress..a quilting term we all know. I love to do that myself..so here goes!

Let's see...I am almost done the Dolly's House quilt! I am just finishing up the binding. Then I will post a finished picture of it. I have the other bindings to put on as well as the other quilts you see on the right to do.

I am working on a redwork Christmas stocking! I love it! It is so simple yet makes a perfect addition to the decor I have.

I have a Monkey quilt ready to start..I love the sock Monkey's don't you? They make me laugh. I love to laugh. I am using Judy's book to make the quilt! I love nine patches!!!

I also have a Cowgirl quilt ready to start! Yes we have a cowgirl in the family, actually two! One is taking lessons! We have had a birthday party where two ponies actually had to be put into a two car garage under a colonial house because of bad weather! The ponies needed to be sheltered and the owner left the party! We didn't know what to do with the ponies so we put them in the garages with us! We love ponies and horses! We have a cowboy in the family too, as well as a fireman! These children are under 12!

I have updated my list on the right...and it will be updated every Wednesday and I will write a brief paragraph about it. That way I will stay FOCUSED...hehehe. Yeah we will see about that.

Weekend Project will be binding

2007-11-08T11:31:00.000-05:00

I thought I better make Pumpkin Boy before it is too late to really be excited to use him! Christmas will be here and Pumpkin Boy will take a back seat to the Holiday decorations! So I decided to make a quilt for the couch rather than a wallhanging out of Pumpkin Boy. It worked up pretty fast. I just have to bind it which I will do Friday. This is one of the the Thimbleberries designs.

Another Thimbleberries design was this Sangria tablerunner that I finished and needed to quilt! Now I just have to bind this! I do have the Sangria full size quilt kit also. That is something I can make up. It is cheery and bright! That will be fun to make and help me twiddle down my stash.

Does anyone remember the Country Flag? Well I stippled that too! Binding that will be on my list now too! I loved making this flag. It has the antique, primitive look.

Here is the Look and Learn Quilt also stippled too! Now you all know what I will be doing this weekend. Binding these projects..I am excited..then onto something new! I will look into my stash again and see what I can get into!!!

For me stippling was a fast easy way to get them quilted and out of the UFO piles. They look nice and are done.

I just made some chicken soup! Yummy for a nice brisk day! We might have some rainy weather tomorrow too so I thought my hubby might enjoy it! I have to admit I did give Woody some broth and chicken breast..He is the shrimp monster but maybe I can spoil him a little and compete with my hubby! Gary has this thing going with Woody, he and Woody eat a little Shrimp together, yep, best buddies!!! They ate it during the Red Sox playoffs. Now well...I won't even touch shrimp! So this is Woody today..sigh..I am not good at fixing red-eye so oh well he has gorgeous blue eyes! He has his Boston cap on..just hanging out.....

Thanks for stopping by..have a nice day!!!

Pumpkins out of My Patch!

2007-10-27T18:12:00.000-05:00

The pumpkins are ready to be squared up and sent off to Brenda! Whew what a job! I loved doing them! They took my mind off of things to come with my medical issues. I will get them ready for mailing tomorrow! I will miss them sigh..they are everywhere! kidding...but will do it again sometime I am sure.. :) I was able to use up some of my stash.

It was rainy today here! But boy was it humid! I wanted to change something about me, I was tired of being sick all the time! I read that book "The Secret" and keep the positive images in my mind. I really do! Has anyone read that book? It is a great book! I just keep thinking OK, it is just in the genes..so put it in God's hands..so what can I change? OH the color of my hair? SO YES! I did it! My husband will be shocked when he comes home! I have been blonde all my life...now I am well...drum roll...............
the box says...... well I figure summer blonde goodbye and I will go with... autumn or amber brown! Do I look Irish now? Oh boy I do! It makes my eyes look real blue now! what a shocker! Even Woody looked at me and ran into the sewing room and has been in there for three hours! I prodded him out by giving him shrimp! Yes and I wouldn't touch them, I took them out of the bag with a pair of scissors! So I can control the color of my hair so I will do that. Now I feel like I can handle something. Will it be the same color in the winter? I do not know. Maybe it will be hmmmm.... Winter Blue??? kidding....

I did my hair red for the Red Sox! Nah! I am not that crazy or am I?

Hey if it takes my mind off the things I don't want to think about it helps!

My next projects are a quilt for the two grand boys and I must say I received Judy Laquidara's new book Nine-Patch Extravaganza (http://judylaquidara.blogspot.com/) and the quilts will come from that book; a couple wall hangings; and to quilt what I have made. I ordered my book on Amazon.com. There are many size quilts in the book. It is well worth buying.

I need to also do my needle punch projects I started. Anyone out there like needle punch? If so do you add material around as a border? I like it like that, then frame it. I like a primitive look. Oh and a good book to read, just another thought, The Wednesday Letters. What a great story about commitments, morals and family values.

Beautiful Fall Day!

2007-10-23T10:16:00.001-05:00

As I sit here and write this blog I am so fortunate to have a great view of the fall foliage. IT is breathtaking here in NH. The sun is glistening through the leaves, the chipmunks are running around trying to gather their nuts for the winter, the squirrels are fending them off so they can keep their finds, and leaves are falling so delicately to the ground! It is quiet and the breeze is so gentle right now. It is so nice and relaxing. You really cannot get the full effect of the colors because the sun is playing "peek-a-boo"!

At the same time I am praying for the people out in California as well as those in New Orleans. I am sure everyone has heard about the wild fires in California and more flooding in New Orleans. It makes you realize how much Mother Nature has control over us. In the end we have to put our faith in the lord and pray that everyone will be ok.

Now for better news I was very fortunate to receive a phone call from Cheryl Cohorn at http://www.fatquartershop.com/ who informed me that I won a Madeira jelly roll! I am so lucky!

If you have not done so, sign up for their newsletter The Jolly Jabber at http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/

They have all sorts of informative things on fabrics, etc., along with recipes, and contests and maybe you too can win! Most of all they are an awesome shop, have great customer service and wonderful to work with! Their shipping is fast too!

Off to sew some pumpkins and wait for a call from my cardiologist. Let's hope that whatever the problem is, it will be a blip for now, as too many blips have caused a huge blob..hehehe it seems the more tests they do the more they find..

Oh anyone do any rug hooking? Just wondering if anyone has any input? need info..like pointers..? advice?

22 Pumpkins made..20 more to go..phew

2007-10-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

Since I joined the Primitive Pumpkins swap I have been trying to sew the pumpkins. They have to be done and sent to Brenda by the 31st of October. I joined in late and do not want to be late in sending them. What a nice time of year to make Primitive Pumpkins! The leaves are all changed to their fullest fall colors now! They are gorgeous here where I live! We are fortunate enough to have a warmer fall too. I am not going to complain!
I want to get them done though so I can start on my fall wallhanging kit from the Fat Quarter Shop! If I don't get it done fall will be over and sigh..I do not want to wait til next year do I? NO! I have a list in my head of things I want to do..that is where it stays..in my head. Until these pumpkins are done...I am determined nothing else is getting done. Then I can move on. I guess I am to anal...one thing on my mind and I cannot put it aside and then go back to it. I hope when I am 70 or older I am not a royal bit%$ if you get my drift...then shoot me...

Ideas needed

2007-10-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

I found these fabrics above at a local quilt shop. the center one is the black background with white, the others are white with black. They are for card players I think! I saw them and thought of my sister in law. She has been asking me to make something, even small, for her, to bring her luck! She is an avid bridge player. Her screen name for IM is Sevenhearts2U! Thus the heart fabric you see too! Now I have to decide what to make. Of course I can add on with other fabrics and make a small quilt, or wall hanging. I can make a quilted chair pad, or what? Any ideas? I do not play cards or know anyone who plays bridge. Linda plays bridge weekly, goes to tournaments, and is quite involved. I have other fabrics in my stash if needed, blacks and whites. I will ponder some more until either I get the right idea or someone has it. I guess I will start Kate's quilt and continue making those 'pumpkins' hehehe....on number 5....and counting.

I am now making stuffed peppers! That will be our dinner tonight.

IT is rainy, dark, windy, BUT, the leaves are just gorgeous! The palate is perfect. Nature knows how to match colors to make a perfect leaf quilt for the birds!

Primitive Pumpkins

2007-10-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

I am making pumpkins for a pumpkin swap! It is fun! I have to make 36 Primitive Pumpkins! I have two done, 34 more to go. I was assigned creme colored pumpkins with either a tan or beige background. I chose Buggy Barn fabrics. I also chose a green stem with Perle' Cotton 8 Color 783 (orange/gold) to do the stem stitch and blanket stitch and I did it by hand. That is what I worked on this weekend. I also had to wash and dry the fabrics. I used Lite Steam a Seam 2 by The Warm Company to fuse the creme fabric onto the beige fabric. While doing the pumpkins Gary and I watched Knocked UP, the movie! It was hilarious! We really enjoyed it! It was something we would not really have picked but our son mentioned we should watch it. We were glad we did.

This past Saturday Gary and I went to the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield Massachusetts! We saw the World Record Giant Pumpkin! 1,689 lbs! Talk about huge! I cannot imagine growing that and transporting that. The day was gorgeous, the crowds were in awe looking at this pumpkin!

We also saw a beautiful sand sculpture, some gorgeous flower arrangements, the rides and lots of food. There were numerous quilts to see also.

Well fairs are nice, crowds are not for me. I do love the fried dough though, or the fresh air, see the children go on the rides, painted faces, people just enjoying life. It creates nice memories.

An October Thursday

2007-10-04T08:16:00.000-05:00

I have not written much due to a very bad sinus infection. Now I am on meds, for three weeks, YUK! Sinus surgery is next, just finished knee arthroscopy. My bloodwork is not where it should be so once it is they will schedule sinus surgery. The doctor said it will not do any harm, but might help; if I do not have it done, I risk more pneumonia and hospitalization this winter; I have asthma and he wants me to have the surgery. I put it off for three years. Now it is time.

DOLLY'S HOUSE QUILT TOP IS DONE! NOW TO QUILT IT!

I just finished the top "Dolly's House" by Michelle Crawford of Flower Box Quilts. I loved making this. It is for our grandaughter, Shelby, who is 2. NowI have to stipple it and bind it. The fabric is by Red Rooster and was great to work with. Michelle was great to work with also when I had some questions regarding the pattern. The pattern was fantastic, the questions were just me needing to find out some things. I highly recommend her site. Michelle's designs were just featured in "The Quilter Magazine", her pattern Autumn Interlude was on the cover, other designs in the magazine, November 2007. See below!

There are some other patterns in this issue I love too. I am glad I purchased this magazine. I like to have some quick patterns around. Just in case I need a quick fix...if you know what I mean. I am not a tv watcher, cannot drive much, so sewing is my therapy.

I went to a new quilt shop near me a while back and bought some black and white fabrics to make a different kind of quilt. The pattern is Kwik Scrappy Log Cabin. I have never done an abstract sort of quilt. Our daughter Kate, who has a graphic design degree, loves black and white. I think since she is artsy, if that is a word, and she loves abstract designs, this will be perfect for her. A lot of photos in her home are black and white! OH I am throwing in a couple of fq's with chinese lettering in red just to give it a 'kick' but Kate has a little tatoo on her back with chinese lettering. I thought the quilt would have a little 'tatoo'..cool huh?

I did get involved in a Primitive Pumpkin exchange thanks to Yvonne from Quilting Down the Stairs! I am looking forward to that. PumpkinPatchPrimitives.com is sponsoring the exchange, you can go on their site, look at the newsletter, and get the info if you are interested. Brenda is wonderful to work with! You can buy the book for the quilt pattern if you want to but no purchase is necessary! I must say the purchase of the book is well worth it. Brenda can get it for you for a great price. I can use some of my stash for the background which is wonderful.

It is just gorgeous today 71 degrees, leaves are changing and sun is out!
Woody is sleeping so I can sneak in the sewing room and snoop around without him getting into things! Have a good one!

Happy Saturday

2007-09-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

Last day of summer! I cannot believe it!

We had moved this summer, I had surgery, and let's just say it was not a good summer. This week my husband insisted on taking me to the beach to look at the ocean, relax a little and it was well worth it. I enjoyed the fresh ocean air! It is inspiring. The last time I had been to the beach was probably two or three years ago! Sad I must say. I have bad knees and it is very difficult to walk in the sand. My favorite place to be is the beach. I always have said that if I could I would live at the beach. The seagulls were plenty, looking for food. They are not shy at all! We only brought apples, water and books to read. When we were done with our apples believe it or not they ate our apple cores! I did find some seagull feathers! Those feathers reminded me of Forest Gump sitting on the park bench and a feather falling from the sky! Remember that? You never know what kind of chocolate you are going to get when take one from a box of chocolates? you bite into a chocolate and what kind is it? That got me to thinking about quilting. Then I thought I never know what I am going to sew next, quilt next, until I walk into a quilt store and look at fabrics, patterns, you never know what kind of quilt you are going to make. Then one thing kept going back and forth in my mind.... Forest Gump:Judy Laquidara.. http://judylaquidara.blogspot.com/ I want to make one of her nine patches..funny how the mind works... see what the beach did for me? those seagulls....the beach....just that little time on the beach... I needed a little down time and now am ready to LOL?

Oh well it is Saturday..the 22nd of September, my dad would have been 70 today, I miss him so much. He had a great sense of family, a great sense of humor, always wanted to just be happy, go with the flow, loved to talk, hard worker, took good care of my mother, and loved to play ball with my brothers..he passed away suddenly at 68. He will always be missed and never forgotten.

Whew Saturday and What a Day!

2007-09-15T12:55:00.001-05:00

Where do I begin? Yesterday Hannah, my 3 1/2 year old grandaughter came to stay overnight! Oh yeah! I showed her the finished top of the Dick and Jane quilt. She insisted on me taking her outside to get a picture of her with it even though it is not quilted and finished yet! Of course I said yes, I cannot say no! Then we played with sidewalk chalk! I have not done that since I was in grade school! Of course Hanni did the drawing and I encouraged her! Nice grammy huh!

Last night was fun, Hannah developed a fever, sniffles and my husband had to run out to buy childrens IB and Triaminic cough and cold per my daughter. Hannah had a temp that needed to come down. It felt like years ago, when my children were small. Oh boy, those years!

Today was ok, Hannah is feeling better, still a fever, not so high, and her mom is coming to pick her up. Her parents wanted to come right up last night to get her, we said NO! We want to take care of her! We cuddled her up with quilts, grammy's quilts! She loved it!

To top it off so far today I took four blood pressure pills instead of topomax that I am on! YUP! Accidently! Now the doctor had to be called. He said no driving for the next couple days, no heavy lifting, doing much of anything to put a strain on my heart, I will be very tired, do not get up fast, etc. but I will be ok. I want to sew! Will I be too tired? :)

Oh well trials and tribulations of my life.....oh and Happy Birthday to Luke and Tim! Yvonne's son and husband, hope they are having a great little getaway!

Erin

I will have to start quilting my finished tops..I guess

2007-09-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the Dick and Jane Quilt Kit by Michael Miller. I purchased it from http://www.fatquartershop.com/. I am almost done. I have two more borders to put on. I am a little slow. It is fun to do. It brought back memories of when I was in school many moons ago. We learned to read slowly one word at a time. Look! Look Sally! See Spot! So this quilt is certainly a lot of fun to do. Do you think years from now there will be an Apple Computer Quilt Kit? hmmm...never know! Or a Microsoft Quilt Kit? One showing pictures of computer screens with mouse pads, cursors, etc. How technology has changed our world. That is something to think about.

I also made the Country Flag by Eleanor Burns of http://www.quiltinaday.com/. That is ready to be quilted. I enjoyed making that. I didn't use the basic red, white and blues. I went with a more primitive selection. Another project that is ready to be quilted is the Sangria Tablerunner by Thimbleberries. I am excited to get that done. I have new dishes and the colors will fit in just nicely.

Another project I am excited to start is called Dolly's House Quilt by Michelle Crawford of http://www.flowerboxquilts.com/. I have ordered from her before. I love her designs. I believe that is what I will finish next. That is what I have been trying to do this month so far. It has been slow because of recouping from surgery. I have not been feeling that well. Quilting, or piecing is my therapy!

I guess some of you girls are doing some stitchery. I have been doing some needle punch. I love it. My love for hand work is phenomenal. I also have been doing some Hawaiian Applique. Oh and my grandson's Christmas Stocking, that is needlepoint! I pray I get it done in time for Christmas this year. The hands can only take so much. I feel like all of this quilting, fabric, needlework, etc. is like being in a candy store, too much and you just don't know what you want to do, and staying focused is tough! Is that why there are UFO'S? hehehe.....

LL Bean Home Catalog Came Today

2007-09-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

I just love looking through catalogs! I love the inspirations I get from looking! Then I throw them away! YUP! This time though my husband was looking at the LL Bean Home Catalog! Why? He was commenting on their quilts! He even knew the names of them! Hey look honey he says, they have a flying geese quilt in here! I cannot believe he remembered last year when I was doing the border on the Thimbleberries quilt. He was asking me about the borders and what the squares were called! He does remember things! I guess my quilting is making an impression on him. I am doing good.

Labor Day Weekend Upon Us

2007-08-31T22:08:00.000-05:00

Summertime? Beach balls, sand, sun, rain showers, Popsicles and laughter are all reminiscence of fun in the summer. Families getting together for barbecues, talking about old memories, sharing new ones, speaking silently of hopes and dreams and missing members gone by. July 4Th is a time for Celebration of the birthday of our country and our freedom. It was so nice for me to make a quilted flag because I realized how hard it was for someone to actually design the flag and make it all by hand. Years ago it took a lot of time to sit down, find fabrics, work it, and finish it. I , and everyone else of course, am so lucky to have everything I need to make my life so much easier to just whiz through making things (not that fast but compared to hundreds of years ago!) so it is exciting to do! I realized that if I was Betsy Ross I would have given up. I would have had no motivation! I would have been a girl on a farm just grooming the horses. I would have loved the dogs, horses, and that would have been it for me! BUT since I live in this era, give me the sewing machine girls! Sewing and Quilting is what I love now!!! So the summer of 2007 is when I learned that I am not a "Betsy Ross" girl.....

Absolutely Gorgeous Day

2007-08-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

The sun is just touching the tips of the leaves as I sit here. The temp is 70, the air is dry and blue skies are going forever. I am listening to Journey play Lights. They came out with that song in the early 80's. My daughter Keri sang it when she was two! It was her favorite! That was until Jack and Diane came out on 45's and that was her first 45 I bought her, she was 4! Now she is 28, happily married, has a 3 1/2 year old and a 1 year old. Time goes by. Songs still play though. Quilt patterns remain the same too. Fabrics change and we change. We know what we love, don't like, and learn a lot. I know today is beautiful, and just because I didn't sleep last night I am not going to get down, I am going to enjoy the day somehow! Woody will enjoy it too! Time to cut out the Sangria table runner. I can do that sitting down. See ya!

August 1st Time to get ready for Fall?

2007-08-01T00:31:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it is August already? Where is the year going? I am done my flag. I have to take a picture for you to see. Woody did help by attacking the binding as I was sewing it on!

I went to my favorite quilt shop yesterday. Pine Tree Quilt Shop in Salem NH is just perfect. I am excited to make a tablerunner for my kitchen. I purchased the pattern and fabrics called Sangria Splash by Thimbleberries. When you go to Pine Tree you are in awe. Have you seen the new mini irons that are out now? I did get a pink one. It will come in handy for me. Trying to manipulate a larger iron at times is difficult for me. Check them out!

Happy sewing! Erin and Woody

USA

2007-07-29T20:05:00.000-05:00

I am finishing up a flag, a quilted flag. I have to bind it. Then I have to figure out where I am going to put it. I have been delaying finishing it. It is a bargello flag. I first saw it at Pine Tree Quilt Shop in Salem NH. Then Yvonne was making one, and of course I just had to do it. well it was bigger than I remembered the sample being in Pine Tree. I will post a picture when it is done. I take my time doing things because the fibro can just exhaust me. Pain is unbearable at times.

Woody is helping me right now make the binding. He is waiting patiently for me, well, NOT! He is running around with it so I had better go. All the best, Erin and Woody.

Dick and Jane

2007-07-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

Has anyone seen the new lunchbox and kit that is available for the quilt kit Dick and Jane by Michael Miller Fabrics? It is adorable! Of course it brings me back to my childhood and remembering how to learn how to read. Maybe that is why I love animals so much. That is it, I have convinced myself of it. Once I saw Spot, that was it! Well anyway I am going to make that quilt one day. Memories as Katie would say. Good "Karma"! I am staying positive and enjoying life. Anyone want to make it with me, if so let me know.

Of course Woody (A/K/A Spot) will be by my side!
All the best, Erin

Hi there!

2007-07-19T23:51:00.000-05:00

I am just finishing unpacking after moving from our house of fifteen years to a small apartment fifteen miles away. What a change. The sewing and quilting is what will keep me somewhat happy and having a new addition to our family, Woody! Gary and I took him in, he is a year old. He will be my quilting buddy. Yvonne is and has been very kind to me, giving me her sewing and quilting things that she didn't need since she got her new $5,000 quilting machine named Fiona! So I can now quilt better and enjoy it more! She is giving me her stitch regulator, what a friend! I am so fortunate! It is still going to be a while before I can work on projects without feeling cramped in here. I am only able to work a couple hours before I get exhausted and have to rest. I try my best and do what I can. But knowing it is there if I want to sit and dream about it is all worth it.
My mom gave me her car also which I am very thankful. I can go back to my hometown and see her when I can drive and am up to it too. It is very appreciative. Gary and I are very lucky. Every day I thank them in my prayers and pray that they have a good day and are happy.
Pray for our troops please. All the best, Erin and Woody.