Valentine Heart Swag Swap

I am participating in a Heart Swag Swap with the Fabric in Altered Arts 2 Group.  I embroidered the hearts on my Janome 11000 embroidery machine.  Three of the heart designs are from Anita Goodesign.  I'm now sure of  source for the 4th heart.  I used fabric from my stash.  The red rickrack is also from my stash.  I used a vintage red plastic flower belt buckle and button for the hanger at the top.  I'm quite pleased with the swag.  The rickrack is a little difficult as a hanger.  I might consider using ribbon if I did another one. 

My DH is recovering nicely from his knee replacement surgery and I finally have time to work in my studio and post a few items on my blog.  Thanks to all of you for continuing to visit even though I'm not that consistent with my posts due to life's issues.

A Colorful Patchwork Quilt for Granddaughter # 1

I made this Patchwork quilt for Granddaughter # 1 this week.  It's made from 5" squares.  Some were left over from charm pack projects but most were cut from my box of scrap pieces.  The scraps have been accumulating for a number of years.  It turned out to be a very colorful quilt.

I made a throw for Granddaughter # 2 during the Christmas vacation.  When I asked # 1 what type of quilt she wanted, she told me she wanted one like her Daddy's.  My mother made her Daddy's quilt for him when he was a little boy.  It was made from squares from her scrap box.  We tied that quilt but I decided to stitch in the ditch.  A friend suggested a nice thick batting that resembled little puffy squares.  I found this batting at JoAnns and it worked perfectly.

We went to the fabric store a few weeks ago to select her backing prior to beginning the quilt.  I'm so glad I took her along because I would have never thought that she would choose this lovely white fabric with small colorful crosses but that's what she wanted.  It turned out very nice.  I added the rainbow stripped binding and it could easily be reversible.  The quilt is smaller than a twin size because that's the size she wanted.  She wants to be able to cuddle up in it while watching tv or reading.

I showed her the quilt last evening while I was still sewing on the binding.  She said "It's so beautiful!".  That made my "heart sing".  It's always good to have someone appreciate your work.   It's now in the washer. Since I used scraps, I felt it was important to give the entire quilt a nice bath before she snuggles up in it.  

Look What Wanda Did To My Chestnut and Vine Quilt

Wanda sent me this photo of my Chestnut and Vine Quilt.  Isn't it lovely.  She did such a great job.  I can hardly wait to see it.  She will mail it next week.  I will add the binding when it gets here. 

I'm so pleased with the quilting designs in the quilt.  Wanda's photos below show the quilting details.  Isn't it the most beautiful quilt!

Thanks Wanda you are the best.

SIMPLIFY / SIMPLICITY

Today I selected my word for the year.  Early this morning I decided the word should be simplify -verb- to make less complex or complicated.   I then attended church and the pastor's sermon was titled "Simplicity".   Simplicity - noun-  the state or quality of being simple.  Now I know I'm on the right track for 2012.  Wish me luck as I search for "simplicity" and attempt to "simplify" my life.

Christmas Past

As we approach Christmas Day, I am reminded of Christmas past.  This is an old photo of my Mama's tree.  Each year she took her ax and saw and went out in search of "the perfect tree".  She often took along one or more of the 20 grandchildren.  The tree was a cedar tree from the family farm.   The tree was placed in the entry hall of her huge brick home.  The home dated to the early 1880's and had high ceilings but Mama always managed to find that "perfect tree". 

Mama bought presents all year so that she had something for everyone in our huge family.  As great grandchildren arrived they too received special gifts.  I remember my son, John, received a toy gun and holster for Christmas 1977 from Mama.  I remember this because he also received a rocking horse and cowboy hat that same Christmas from Santa.  My grandmother had no way of knowing John was going to be a cowboy that Christmas, since she lived in Kentucky and our family was now living in Arizona.  I guess Grandma's must have a special relationship with Santa.

Thinking of Christmas past is a mixed bag.  I remember those great times we spent at Mama's and Papa's house on Christmas day.  All the cousins running in and out the front door with Papa yellling:  "Close the door.  You're letting the cold air in."  Those were the good times.  On the other hand, the photo above was taken by my best friend and cousin, Doug.  He was a wonderful photographer and took photos of many family events.  But a few days before Christmas 1983, he was killed in a traffic accident on black ice.  I remember that Christmas well as I accompanied my father to Kentucky for the funeral on December 24th. 

I wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas. I'm sure each of you have memories of "Christmas Past". 

A New Favorite for Christmas Time

Just last week I discovered this wonderful Mexican Style Hot chocolate Mix by Nestle.  I had never heard of it until my college friend came for visit last week.  She purchases the mix at the Food City in her Southern Arizona hometown and enjoys a cup each morning.  Then I found the instructions for the Snowman Sauna (see previous post),  and  Jessica stated that her favorite cocoa mix was Nestle's Abuelita. 

So I went in search of Abuelita.  I didn't go to Food City immediately as I thought other groceries in town would carry this mix.  After visiting two groceries, I decided to follow my friend's advice and try Food City.  I found a big display in the store and purchased a few boxes.  The hot chocolate is delicious.  It is now "My Favorite"  (just like Michelle and my friend, Veronica).  You should give it a try.  It's wonderful.  I'm enjoying a cup as I type this post.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. 

Snowman and the Cabinet Door

I'll be posting Snowmen this "Week Before Christmas".  Our home is filled with various snowmen.  The one above I purchased at a boutique a number of years ago.  He is painted on a cabinet door.  He is one of my favorites.  This year he is displayed on a wall in the dining room.