Baby quilt

 I am working on a baby quilt for a shower gift. It is for a boy.

Expected to arrive in November.

I'm using Diary of a Quilter pattern Lattice Baby Quilt. I made this pattern for another baby and I loved how it turned out.

AND I had a package arrive yesterday. 

My July sampler from the Fat Quarter Shop. And it is a really good one!

Are you organized?

 My sister in law has the most beautiful (and organized) sewing room.

And I love this quilt that hangs on the back of her sofa.

My sewing room is always in a constant state of chaos! What about you? Do you work in chaos or order? 

Uncondtional love

I met her when I was first married. She was my husband's aunt and what one might call, a real pistol. She was inquisitive, and honest. Boldly honest.

She and her husband never had any children, but as the "great" aunt, she mothered all of  her nieces and nephews. I can hardly remember a time when she did not light up a room she entered.

I lost my Mom when I was still in my twenties. Not having any siblings, it was a time that left me feeling very much alone. None of  my friends had lost parents. Yet here I was, young and newly married, feeling a deep sense of loss in my life.

Five months after my Mom passed away, this aunt lost her own 91 year old mother. Her loss drew us together like a magnet.  Three years later, when her own husband died, she showed her resilience during her time of deep loss. The bond between us grew even more.

What started as visits and spending time together, grew into a deep loving relationship. She became the "adopted" mother to me, and when my children came along, she became their "adopted" grandmother.  She came to every family event. Never failed to send birthday and anniversary cards. We enjoyed going to lunch or just out for ice cream. Shopping excursions became a fun day. At Christmas, my kids would decorate her whole house. For twenty five years, she was a fixture in our lives.

As her health began to fail, it became necessary to move her into an assisted living facility. My children and I helped her downsize from her home to a little apartment. Then came the day when she could no longer live alone. A caregiver was hired to tend to her needs. Visits became more difficult.

When a stoke finally left her with little strength, it broke my heart to see her struggle. Dementia started creeping in. But she never forgot us. Her eyes would light up and a smile would shine on her face whenever we came to visit.

Through all the years, the one thing that radiated within her, was her unconditional love. It wasn't just with our family, she loved and cared for everyone that came within her radar. She took meals to lonely widows, even when she was a widow herself. She visited anyone who was sick. She was a party girl, and loved being included with family and friends. Everyone loved her as much as she loved them. At times she would tell me she didn't think she was very pretty. But in my eyes, she was beautiful. Her smile alone was like a ray of sunshine.

In all the years we shared together, I only heard her speak once of a person who had hurt her. But she never withheld her love.

We don't always seek out close friendships with people older than our peers. But my life has been richer for having experienced this kindred spirit.  I learned so much from her and deeply miss our times together. She will be forever in my heart as an example of sharing unconditional love.

Birthday quilt

 I think the birthday quilt was a hit. 

I also made a pillowcase to compliment the quilt.

We celebrated by singing Happy Birthday and with cupcakes and ice cream. It was a fun day all around for a new 7 year old.

Once upon a time ....

 Do fairy tales come true?? Maybe sometimes they do. I know that in the providence of a loving God, I met a special man who has been the light and love of my life. We've walked together through the good times and the not so good. I've learned that genuine love has no expectations from those who are loved. Love is giving, not getting. That's what happily ever after is all about.

A simple idea

While visiting a friend several years ago I was a guest in her basement apartment. She has it decorated so beautifully. One of the things that stood out to me was how she uses her quilts around her home.

The vintage Singer stand at one time had a top on it.

My friend took the top off and had rods made to fit across the frame. She now uses it as a quilt rack.

Pretty clever huh? A simple idea made into a lovely display area :-)

Almost finished

 Working on a deadline. Birthday for #1 Grandson is this weekend. 

I found this cool panel when we were traveling in Texas two years ago. I wanted to make it for my grandson. Just have the binding to finish. I hope he likes it.

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Strawberry/Blueberry Truffle

Want a dessert that will keep them coming for more? How about one that adds patriotic look.

My daughter found this Taste of Home recipe and it is certainly a winner.

DD added the blueberries, and it was not only pretty, it was delicious.

I won't copy the recipe for you here but will send  you to the Taste of Home link.

Enjoy!

                                                      Love Your Creativity 

Happy Independence Day

 

Independence Day, July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Wishing you a Happy 4th!

Class Act

 Back in February I found this heart pattern on the Fat Quarter Shop website.

It turned out ok, but I was just not all that happy with it. The grays just aren't my thing. So I decided to class it up a bit

Now that's much better :-)

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Before We Were Us

 Before We Were Us is a heartfelt story.

Lauren and Jonah find their way back to love after Lauren has a fall and suffers from a concussion where she loses her memory. She isn't sure she wants to remember because she can't stand the man she is told is her boyfriend. Jonah is struggling living with the way things were before Lauren's accident, which has totally changed everything. Lauren is not the women he knows, being rude and cold towards him. 

The story is in dual time. Before Lauren's fall and concussion and four months after. The book was a slow start but is a nice clean read. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's here!

 My June Sew Sampler arrived!! I'm telling you it's like getting a Christmas present every month.

This month I received a Honey Bun. I have never worked with a Honey Bun before, so I'll give it a try.

Happy Quilting!

Busy week

 But not quilting!  

I had an opportunity to teach a class of ladies who wanted to learn how to quilt. The only thing was....... none of them had ever sewn before! Only three had acquired sewing machines. A little bit of challenge... yes. But a good challenge. I walked them through what they would need to make a quilt, and about how to use a sewing machine. Their assignment was to go home and practice on their machines.

I did work on this panel using the Sidelights pattern.

I'm hoping to get the top finished this week. And maybe be able to quilt it soon after. I really like this pattern and will use another panel to make a summer themed one.  

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Finally!

 

Is this for real?

 

Complements of Lauren Blount

New arrivals

 I love receiving mail from the Fat Quarter Shop. Their service is quick and always filled correctly. Here is what I ordered recently.

I love the Jolly Bars. They are really fun to make up, and there's such a great selection. My order actually came in a day earlier than what was expected :-)

And of course I am signed up for the Sew Sampler box, and that's like getting a Christmas present every month. 

I love seeing the new fabric lines, which so far have been included. Nearly all of our quilt shops have closed and the ones that remain open often don't have the newer lines of fabric. 

I hope you have a great weekend. And Happy Quilting!

Meet Me at the Starlight

 

Meet Me at the Starlight is another well written book by Rachel Hauck.

Tuesday Knight was an unwanted child of a 16 year old unwed mother. She was taken in by Prince Blue who built the Starlight, a skating rink.  He left it in her care but now the city wants to demolish it to make way for progress.

Fashion model Harlow Hayes has a broken heart and is eating her way through her sorrow. Hometown boy Matt Knight has made it big in Hollywood, but is racked by guilt after he ruins his best friends life.

Sea Blue Beach, in the Florida panhandle. is the haven they return to. Matt and Harlow set out to help his granny, Tuesday, save the Starlight from demolition. There is flashback to Tuesday's marriage to LeRoy, sons LJ, and Dupree and the Starlight. 

Characters are well written, giving them depth. A story about second chances and redemption. The duel time novel is compelling, as the characters in both time periods draws you in to their story. A good clean story, very engaging. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

New project

 Working on a new project. 

A panel I bought several years ago. I have been wanting to complete it to take with me when we visit some friends at the end of the month. I will keep you posted on the progress :-) 

Happy Quilting!

The grands

 Grandkids are off from school. So they  had a good time playing in my yard with a water sprinkler.

Ah, summer. And the fun things we get to do with grandkids.

May Sew Sampler

 I was so excited to receive the May Sew Sampler box.

It's just like getting a present every month.

A new line of fabric (jelly roll), and pattern. I have been wanting to try Flatter spray starch, so this is a good way to try it. And an endurance blade for my Olfa rotary cutter. Yay! 

A finish

 Bound and gifted.

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Love on a Whim

Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a delightful story in the Cape Cod Creamery series. 

Brynn Haywood makes a impulsive decision to marry a man she has only know for 24 hours. She panics and heads to Cape Cod to figure out what she has done. Her best friend Dawn Dixon, feeling she knows what is best for her friend, is determined to help her out of the mess she has made for herself. All while making preparations for the wedding of Dawn's mother Marnie's boyfriends daughter. The plans are gruesome, with the mother of the bride making constant changes. And Lincoln's son, Bear, shows up, angry and hostile towards Dawn's family. 

This is the third in the Cape Cod Creamery series, but can be read as a single story. It centers on family, forgiveness and self-discovery. The story is well written and the characters are interesting and well developed. This is clean, enjoyable and faith based. If you haven't read any of Miss Fisher's other books, you definitely should. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Memorial Day

"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.

I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. "

~Benjamin Harrison

In memory and honor of those who have fought and died to keep our country free.

WIP

 Finally getting the border sewn down.

Yay!

Happy Quilting!!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Happy Dreams

Off the Cuff

Several years ago I bought this book.

There are several really cute pincushion patterns and lots of creative ideas.

But truthfully, this is the one that caught my attention.

I had this idea if you use men's shirts for making quilt blocks, wouldn't it be cool to cut off the cuffs and make pincushions??

So, I bought a mans shirt for $1.00 from the thrift store and gave it a try.


Isn't he cute?? I did not follow the exact directions given in the book, but just did my own thing. And I still think he turned out cute :-) The ears are flower buttons.

How about you? Do you ever go out of your comfort zone? Let's be creative today and make something outside of the box!

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

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                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday

Perfect match

 Remember when I shared a shortcut to making half square triangles?  Well I pieced them all together and found some matching fabric for a nice border.

The green fabric matched perfectly with the leaves on the fabric.

That is another charity quilt for the nursing home project for Christmas. Yay!

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                     Beauties Pageant

A wonderful day

 Did you have a good Mother's Day? Mine was great. My daughter took me to get a pedicure on Saturday. I normally don't get them, but it was such a nice treat. Then she went to church with us, which made this mama's heart happy. 

Happy Flowers from daughter 

then my son came by and brought these

and a dozen long stem red roses from sweet hubby.

My youngest son's family sent this amazing picture they painted of Grandma's Garden.

Isn't it adorable? Their mama is so talented and creative.

And to top it all off, I received a fun package from the Fat Quarter Shop!

Whether you are a mom or not, I hope you had a wonderful day