Busy hands

We've had company staying with us this week, so there has not been much quilting going on in my little sewing area. However, my daughters friend likes to crochet, so there's been busy hands crocheting during the visit.

Here is what my dear daughter finished this week.

And her friend's hands have been busy doing this.....

Now years ago, MANY years ago, someone taught me how to knit. I have long forgotten how to knit and pearl, but recently came across some knitting needles and a book "Teach Yourself to Knit". Which made me want to try my hand at knitting again. Is it doable??

I bought a skein of yarn at the thrift store the other day, thinking that maybe I would give it a try. Okay girls, how hard can it be?? Nothing ventured, nothing gained :-)

Happy quilting (knitting?)

Mall Quilt!

Mall Quilt!! MALL Quilt??? What is a Mall Quilt, you ask?

Well it is not a quilt that has been ravaged by a bear or anything quite so violent. (That would actually be mauled) Nor does it have anything to do with a game called Pall-Mall.

No this mall is actually a shopping mall, a large retail complex containing a variety of stores, restaurants and other business establishments.

So what exactly is a Mall quilt? Well as I rarely go to the shopping mall anymore, I was surprised to see this on display -


This quilt was so beautifully displayed in the Pottery Barn window. It was a simple quilt, but very striking in color. I peeked into the store and grabbed a closer shot -

I know people must have thought I was a little crazy to be taking a picture of a window display :-)

My daughter and I also browsed through the new Crate and Barrel store and they too had a very bright cheery quilt on display.

Guess the whole world is catching up with Quilting Fever!

What do you do.........

........... when your baby has a birthday?

And that baby turns 18!

sniff, sniff, sniff...... You cry...................

Happy Birthday baby boy. I love you!

Teacup Tuesday

Kim at Shabby Pink and Pretty, is hosting Teacup Tuesday once again. So many beautiful teacups that have been showcased, by Kim and the other participants. Please be sure to stop by Kim's blog.

So today this is my teacup -

This teacup sits with my collection but it actually belongs to my dear daughter. She bought this teacup on our one and only trip to Canada several years ago.

Isn't the saucer lovely? It is marked "Niagara Falls" Bone China, England on the bottom of the cup and saucer.

It was a wonderful trip, and we all enjoyed visiting Niagara Falls together as a family. This teacup is a sweet little memento of our trip to Canada.

Do I hear sleigh bells?

Have you ever enjoyed Christmas in July?? Well let me tell you, I could almost hear the sleigh bells ringing when the mailman brought me an exciting Christmas box! Let me show you...........

First the box. It came all the way from Australia. Miles and miles over land and sea. It made it's way to my little cottage home.

And when I opened the box, this is what I found...........

I was so excited to see all these beautifully wrapped packages. I really felt like it was Christmas.

This beautifully embroidered pillow was the first gift unwrapped -
Isn't it just lovely?? The hand work just takes my breath away.

And then this little lady made her appearance -
She is just SO darling!!

AND then this precious cornicopia filled with mouth watering candies.... yum!

I'm telling you, I was really starting to hear Jingle Bells, and looking for snow :-)

Look how cute these Santa's are!

Now how can I put a cup or glass on these cute coasters?
And to join the coasters -

.... a tea towel, with a jolly embroidered Santa! Just too cute!

Oh and I just LOVE this covered journal -

I have been wanting one. Maybe now I can be brave enough to try to make one!

AND as a bonus............

......... these darling Christmas fabrics with rick rack and floss. What a great way to continue the Christmas spirit.

This incredible prize came from Barb of Barb's Creations.

It was the most exciting summer day. I've never had Christmas in July before, but Barb's very generous gift had me humming Christmas songs all day. Please stop over and give Barb a visit. She is one very creative lady.

Whadayathink?

My wonderful dear sweet hubby put up my $4.00 Goodwill quilt rack today!! I LOVE it. The only place we could hang it was down the hall. He put it up this morning and my daughter and I hung the antique quilt I found a couple of months ago.

So whadayathink?

The lighting is not good in the hallway, but I thought the flash on the camera would give enough illumination.

Keep on thriftin' girls :-)

Sad to say...........

..........not much sewing or quilting going on around here this week. Sigh...... makes me a little sad. Although I had been working on my Sunshine Quilt, that process has been briefly interrupted. My dear daughter is having a friend come to visit for a few days. And, well, you know what that means :-)

But I did manage to get by the LQS and find some border fabric for the Sunshine quilt.

I'm not exactly sure how I will use the peach fabric yet. I may fussy cut some of the yellow flowers. I loved the soft pale yellow check too. So, inspiration awaits.

But for now, the cleaning commences!

Have a happy quilting weekend!