A few projects and Antique finds!

Where have I been?  Well been working on lots of fun projects and buying lots of fabric of course!  I have just a few pictures to share, others will be posted as I have more time to photograph.

First up a block that when I saw it at the Quilt store I just couldn't resist!  Its another block of the month and this was Green month...I jumped in and two others were already completed , Pink and Orange....will post those when I get them finished.

Next up are these really adorable Easter treat bags I hand embroidered and then added a top binding.  I used ones burg for the body.  I got the tutorial from Amy at Nana Company.  She makes the cutest things....saw this and knew I had to make them for some great niece and nephews....adorable. 

So then I just HAD to make this cute table runner on Sherri's

Blog, for her monthly club.....first let me explain something, I just couldn't bring myself to throw out the left over pieces of the half square triangles so I incorporated them into my boarders, love the way this turned out....what do you think?

Okay so the day after thanksgiving Home Depot had these beautiful Pointsettia plants and I bought quite a few to pass out to dear friends and I can't believe it but the one I kept for our home is STILL going strong!  Look at this!  Have you ever had one last this long???

So a couple of weeks ago DH, DD and I went for a drive to the little neighboring town of Star and visted my most favorite junk store.  Love this place.  Anyway I found a few treasures that totally made me one giddy little lady!  First there is this Santa display piece.  My neighbor who is going to be 90 has one of these that used to be her mothers!!!  She treasures it and I have always admired it...and there it was on the counter 50% off and in PERFECT condition !!!  I snapped that baby up for a meir $6!!!!  And then I couldn't believe my Mind!!!! I found this OLD FASHIONED Elf on the Shelf....cute don't you think?  I REMEMBER having one of these!!! And then I stopped right in my tracks....this pencil....I OWNED one exactly like this many many years ago!!!  Grabbed it up too....yep it came home with me.  Lastly buried under a bunch of stuff was this really adorable doll quilt.  I gasped when I saw it and knew it would know love in my home so it went on the counter as well....totally hand stitched....I only paid $8 for it.  I could cry.  So that has been about it on my end.....let me know what you think!!! leave some love.  TTFN!!!!

AYOS March.....CHICKEN FEED!!!!

So this month we got to choose which pattern by Carrie we were to make and I choose Chicken Feed.  I absolutely 100%  LOVED this pattern!!!  I used Potluck Charm Squares (3packs) by Moda for the fabric and the background I purchased from my LQS is offwhite with red dots.  I love that fabric, Me thinks me needs more!  Anyway This pattern was a pure joy to sew up and the results are a great quilt to grace my dinning table.  Now to work on that quilting and binding.  To see more of the parade go to Sintas and Sherri's blog for AYOS goodness!  You wont be disappointed!

AYOS Jersey Girl

Although I am really a New York Girl I have to say I love love love this quilt!   Once again Sherry and Sinta picked another FABULOUS quilt designed by Carrie of Miss Rosies QUilts.


I was going to post this the same day as my below post BUT right after I hit the post button I got a phone call that our daughter was in a car accident.  Needless to say my heart stopped.  She was fine.  Someone rearended them at the light because they locked their breaks on ice.  She was a passenger.  She was a bit sore but did great.  She has fully recovered and is back at her developmental therapy.

Okay so I tried posting this post for about a week but for some reason my desktop would not upload this picture...oh brother, what a week!  Stay tuned for the March first Schnibbles.  Mine is in the works, and I am hoping it all comes together very soon.  Until then.....enjoy!

 So sorry for the delay but here is my version of Jersey girl

Busy stuff at the homestead!

Hi all,


I owe you an apology....I have deserted my blog since OCTOBER!!!! Crazy I know but I have been so super busy I didn't know If I was coming or going!  We had an awesome Holiday Season and celebrated the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, PTL.  It was all smooth going and just a peaceful relaxing time.


Okay so I have been sewing, didn't put down the needle and thread for very long BUT I don't have pictures to share just yet....I will with my next post....I have to take them, I find it is just to convenient to take it with my cell and forget to upload them to my computer and so I will do that later this afternoon. 


I am currently doing Schnibbles quilts, a Saturday sampler with my local quilt group and then just sewing for fun...so you could say I do have a "few" projects in the works. 


So as you can see I am still alive and sewing, just been a bit busy with the "stuff" of life.  Will be back to post some pictures!!! Thanks for hanging in!

AYOS October "Clover"

This by far has got to be my absolute FAVORITE quilt.  Period.  The cutting is easy peasy, the piecing is easy and the placement is not to bad BUT you really have to concentrate.  It is what I would call for the intermediate to advanced quilter.  I think it would frustrate a beginner.  Its all done on a diagonal but you have to follow the pattern.  I ended up copying the paper with the layout on it and everytime I sewed a row I crossed it out with bright yellow marker...I had to keep myself straight and this was the best way to do it.  I did finish it tonight with three hours to spare for the deadline of midnight. 

Now I have to tell you, we hardly EVER get trick or treaters....maybe 2....so I figured I can sew this no problem, uninterrupted time!!!!  NOT!!! I got 10 trick or treaters.....I know, I know, that is NOT a lot, but when your trying to focus on diagonal lines, 685 pieces and fabric placement that is 10 doorbell rings!  Ten times of finding your place...you get the picture.  I only had to rip out fabric 2 times.  NOT BAD!

So without further waiting here is my Christmas Table runner.  Don't you LOVE it!!!!!

I used Wintergreen by 3Sisters for Moda.  Let me know what you think!

I will be posting a few more projects in the up coming days.....I have been really thinking about posting more then my AYOS projects. 

A much better , Happier day!

Well I thought I would give you an update to my machine dilemma.  Well Saturday as I moped about my hubby told me to just go by a new machine of my choice.  Although I knew he wanted to make me happy, and he is a great guy, really....I was still mourning the loss of my best friend the Janome.  Silly i know that but still.  So I called around asked a lot of questions and set up appointments to sit and sample sew with a few machines for Tuesday.  I spent most of the day researching machines and their reviews online.  Mid afternoon I decided to pick up my baby.  I called the guy and told him I was going to think about thinks but I would like to pick up my machine. He said if I were you I would just sew on it until it is flatlined, just have to turn it off and reboot it, he assured me I did need a new A Board, motherboard in computer talk.  Now this is a man that took over his dad's business which was started in the 1950's.  I bought this machine from him...... I went and he loaded it in the van.  Came home and was just sick.  I decided to just plug her in and see if she would go.  Plugged her in, picked my stitch selection depressed the pedal and nothing , just her light on and motor running. But no movement at all.  I tried in disbelief thinking if I pushed one more time she would just plug along.   Nope, notta, zilch. I went to bed heartbroken.

3:00am...BOING, wide awake with an Epiphany.....it hAS to be the pedal! The machine purs like a kitten, I can change the stitch selection, switch the embroidery and back again and no problem.  Has to be the pedal.  Turn the power on again, select straight stitch, press the pedal and nothing....BUT WAIT, jiggle the cord, push the pedal, nope, move it again, tweet it again and BAM, it works!!!

Quilted three mug mats on Sunday , add binding to one of them.  Now in between this I have two sick kids, so can't do much on Monday.  Tuesday load her up take her to the new Janome dealer  we get it set up plug it in, nothing.  Take out the plug, push the start stop button, it sews smoothly. Plug in the pedal, she presses the pedal while I jiggle the cord...yep it works!  So she gets the new pedal, plugs itin and  she is back in business!  New pedal costs only......drumroll.....$39.95!!!!!  No I did not even need an A board, a $600 A board, guy didn't know what he was talking about....Purchase the new pedal and now I am back in business.  No longer in mourning, but happily quilting again....so yeah, today was a great day!

Stay tuned for some new projects posted....I have a new appreciation for my trusty friend.

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is NOT a very good day.  About 13 years ago my hubby got a flat tire and had a long wait for it to be fixed.  So he took a stroll...right into a sewing machine shoppe...Janome to be specific.  Brought home a top of the line Janome MC 5700 Sewing /Embroidery machine.  Best. Flat. Tire.  EVER!   Loved this machine.  Sewed ALL the time on it.  made many many things on it...made some money on it, made the kids clothes on it, made quilts (LOTS) on it.....you get the idea. 

Well about a week ago I was sewing very happily and I stopped, picked up the final block on a quilt I was working on and pushed down the pedal and NOTHING......WHAT????  couldn't be!!!! Right????  Nope nothing.   BUT ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON....THE MOTOR IS HUMMING!!!!!! 

Take it down to be looked at:  Oh Mrs. H, its an intermittent problem.  You'll just have to shut it down and reboot it.  Well how much to fix this problem?  Only $600!!!!  WHAT????  Will that cure it????  Well that part yes but there is no telling how long the other 2 boards will work for.....WHAT ??????????

I still decided to call around and see what is available machine wise.  Find one at Husquvarna...real nice, real smooth, BUT computerized.  They all are....Every. Single. One.  WHAT TO DO????
Call said store, do you think I can still sew on mine?  Yes, they reply.  Worst case scenario you have to shut it down and reboot.

Well Okay then I will come by and pick it up then.....I can't see spending $600 for an A Board (the brain) with the possibility of having to purchase 2 more brains.  So I bring it home , turn it on, ask Jesus to bless my machine and keep it plugging along.  Cut out fabric.  Turn on machine....good so far, humming nicely.....adjust stitch length.....good......put fabric under foot, start driving it and NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WHAT????????????????????? That's right folks....NOTHING!!!!  I can't use my machine.  SO depressed....this was my trusted friend, we were going to grow old together.  But I guess Elsie is wanting to go RIP.  My heart is torn apart.

Well I certainly don't want my hubby to have another flat tire, but I will be looking at more machines on Monday.....wish me luck. 

AYOS Septembers Schnibbles......Mercie

So this was an AWESOME and very FUN quilt to make!  The pattern Called "Mercie" and you can find it here on Carrie's shop .   I was SO VERY FORTUNATE to WIN the way to Awesome ruler
Fit to be Quarter 6.5 Ruler from Carrie.  I have to tell you it made this quilt go as slick as can be!!!!  I did do two blogs without the ruler to see how it came together, Very simple.  This is a pattern you want to try!!! 

Okay so Here is my version...I used "Give Thanks" Charm packs by Sandy Garvis for Moda.  Its very Thanksgivineee, is that even a word?  LOL don't know but I will use it.  I wanted to make a runner to put on my table for Thanksgiving.  I have been wanting to do one for years but never did make it by the time Tgiving came around.  So this AYOS has gotten me to make what I have wanted in the past!
People always ask me, "what are you making it for"  I have been replying, "for me."  I have for years given away or sold all the projects I made.  If you walked into my house you would never know a quilter lived here....but that is changing and BIG TIME!!!!  I am spoiling myself.  And its about time I do!  Here's the quilt top, Enjoy!   P.S.  My machine broke right after I finished the borders so I couldn't complete it to the finish.  I hope to have it back by the end of the week.  I will post a picture of it quilted.  Thanks for stopping by!

AYOS Canasta

AYOS for August was Canasta, I fell in love with it the minute I saw it but let me tell you I think my hair is a bit grayer from making it!  I don't know what happened but I ended up with extra pieces and if you look close, but don't please, you will see where those pieces that belonged in the quilt never made it!  I was pretty upset because of course I didn't notice until it was all finished.....sigh.

I have decided I am not going to tear it out and correct it.  I have decided to heavily quilt this topper in hopes you won't see those mistakes.  Can you spot them?  Well I used to tell my quilting students the Amish deliberately put a mistake in their quilt because nobody is perfect only God.  So I guess you can say this is definitely Amish!  Oh well, onto the next fun Schnibbles quilt....wonder which it will be?   

Okay so I checked my stash because I was really trying to use up my stash so I found my charm pack  Blush for Moda by Basic Grey.  The fabrics are pretty and I thought they would make lovely baskets. 
Thanks for stopping by!  Go check out all the other GORGEOUS quilts made by other participants of the AYOS on Sinta's and Sherri's Blog!  Sit back and enjoy!

AYOS "Lincoln"

So when Sherri and Sinta posted the August Schnibbles pattern I was so excited!! The pattern called "Lincoln" was perfect for me!  You see I love Civil War Prints.  When I started to think about this pattern I went on the hunt for Civil War Period Prints.  I searched and searched and found it!  I used Metropolitan fair by Barbara Brackman for Moda.  If you don't know about her she has written many books with patterns for Civil War Era prints.  The stories in her books are fabulous....well more like Journal entries from people alive during that era.  So I thought it fitting to use that fabric! I was only able to finish the quilt top, got it done about 4 hours before leaving for vacation, see below.   So without further ado.....I present to you "Lincoln" Another Schnibbles Pattern.....Enjoy! And feel free to leave any comments! I sit and anxiously await the next pattern! 

Home again....................

Ahhhhh I just love vacation...this year we decided to do a road trip.  Yup, that is what we planned and I must say it was the BEST vacation EVER!  We headed out of here and the first night landed in Burns, Oregon, then onto Crater Lake.....Gorgeous isn't the word.  It just strikes you how amazing our God really is!! The beauty he has created is beyond words!  After a few hours observing we headed to our next stop, Grants Pass, Oregon.  Cute little town.  Our next big adventure was The Redwood Forrest....WOW O WOW~~ NOw that is a site to see!!  I was just Awestruck by the beauty of all the trees!  Crazy big trees!  Next stop was Brookings....not  a bad little town...Great fish dinner and a wonderful couple of Quilt shops.  Next Morning off to Florence, Oregon...I could live there!  After playing for two days there we headed over to Sisters to see some family and of course more quilt stores!! hehe.  After a wonderful time there we headed back home the next day but after we visted a few cute little towns and their shops and a Ghost town!  All in all It was AWESOME!  I have pictures of my quilt shop haul....let me tell you there were a "few" shops that I visited and I can tell you my awesome hubby found them and let me shop!  It was great. I do have to mention however, finding Civil War prints anywhere on the Western coast and Mid Oregon is quite a challenge....when I asked several of the Quilt Shop owners if they carried any they looked at me like I had three heads and said they don't do those dark colors....and one said it is so gloomy over here so much we only sell brights....I probably would have purchased so much more if I had found Civil war prints.  In the 10 shops I visited only ONE has a handful and as you can see I snapped them up!  Tonight I am posting My haul and soon I will post all the beauty we saw!  I just have to upload and crop my photo's.  That will take time because I took over 1000 photos!!! gasp!  but for now here are the cute things I found in the quilt shops along the way!  Enjoy!  P.S.  Notice Sherri's book !!  LOVE IT!!! You really need to check it out....Packed with FABULOUS projects!!!