Basket Full of Posies

Ta-da! It is finished. Back in December each person in our Quilt Guild, Hands Across the Lake, took a packet of similar material and were instructed to create a "basket" block set on point. I chose to applique mine. i think it turned out quite spiffy if i say so myself. and i do. there are three flowers that are 3-dimensional. can you figure out which ones they are? its a little hard to tell in the photo, but they are the ones with "pointy" petals.

I have to admit i'm a little lax in the motivational department these days. Is it the winter blues? all the snow? cold temps? Why yes it is. All of those things.

A Good Yarn

A new year, a new yarn! A while ago i was ranting about a new Japanese crochet book. Well, i did end up ordering it and absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with this blanket. Love, love,love the colors!!! i wanted to keep this one really soft and fluffy so i chose Caron yarn. i would like to have more choices, but where i live you have to drive at least 50 miles one way to the yarn shop. so, i chose what was in town. which is fine, i really prefer to buy local when i can. it's just that sometimes you are quite limited.

So, being on my budget of sorts, i couldn't purchase all the yarn at once. these lovelies are the chosen few to begin with. And i'm off.....

I Feel a Looming Presence...

Yes! My new friend, Erlys, and I ventured over to Benson, MN to visit Diane at Swift Weavers. We spent a wonderful afternoon learning all about the looming experience. Above is Erlys working on her beautiful wall hanging.

Here is my table runner complete with buttons that were left on the recycled garments that were cut up to make this wonderful creation. I love the fact that it is the ultimate in recycling! I remember growing up we had woven rugs like this made of old denim and i swear, they NEVER wear out!

Here i am at my loom. I need lipstick or blush or something.....

Here we are together with our finished projects. Aren't they beautiful??? If you are ever over in western MN, make sure to stop in and see Diane. Her store is so special! You will find jewelry, clothing, napkins, seasonal items, drapes, coffee, any giftable item you would need! Thank you, Diane, for your knowledge and patience!

ps--does anyone see a loom in my future???

Stinkin' Cute

So over the weekend, i'm searchin' the web for some new little do-dad to whip up. I came across wine gift bags made from old denim! And, i say to myself--I have old denim. I can do that. So i did. i gotta tell you, i had to text a girlfriend right away. Isn't the little pocket on the front just the sweetest thing you ever did see??? I put a vintage hankie inside, but it would be great to stick in a cork screw, coffee spoons, candy, ect. And, instead of wine, you could put in gourmet cooking oil, or bubble bath. The taller bottles from Avon would work superb! And, you could use any ribbon like plaid for Christmas or polka dot for birthday. Can you tell my mind is just in a whirl? If you would like to have one of these for yourself, just let me know they are $6 plus shipping. I can do them for ANY occasion!

In Lust

I gotta tell ya. really. aren't these the absolute cutest crocheted pieces ever??? why, oh, why do i have to come across these things??? I was visiting Lucy over at attic24. She's the one that MADE me order the Japanese crochet book. Remember i made the octagon blanket?
And, now she tells me there is another one. Lord have mercy!!! Honestly, why doesn't anyone in the good old US of A have cute patterns like this? i certainly can't find them.

Another octagon blanket! Just look at the brightness! Takes my breath away. i foresee a new book in my future....

Leaves and Sunshine

This Autumn quilt is so beautiful as a table cloth. And, yes, it does get spilled upon. This time it was mac & cheese. First my son, then me! Oh, well. It is washable and nice things are meant to be used. It got left out on the deck table from this weekend and i thought the dappled sunshine falling on it created such a neat effect.
There are some "real" leaves on it too. Leaves on leaves....

Its In The Bag!

How cute are these??? Saw the pattern in a new quilt magazine and just had to give them a try! I made autumn ones, i made Halloween ones, i made some denim ones. And in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, i made pink ones (see last pic on post).
Gotta tell ya, these are nifty! And re-usable! Hello! Think green, green, green! they measure 6 inches wide, 4 inches deep, are lined, and have a squared off bottom. Treat bags, birthday bags, party favors, hostess gifts, the sky's the limit! If anyone would like one they are $4.95. If i have to send them to you, i will send up to 6 for an extra $2. Just let me know what color combo/season/occasion you want.

Remember to have your mammies grammed!

Sunday's Inspiration

Sunday we (friend Linda and I) started out to the Art Meander. Our first stop was at Shorewood Castle where Mary hand makes these wonderful art dolls. They are beautifully themed with beads, ribbons, trinkets and thoughtful sayings to match. She is so talented please check her site out!

Here is one that is made from an old telephone handset. She has telephone wires for hair! Isn't that so clever??? The little saying with this one is titled "Hello Operator".

Then off to the Red Barn where Becky has wonderful photography. Cards, prints, you name it, she can do it for you. She graciously volunteers the use of her "red bard" for the Art Meander and there are several artists inside all showing their work. These pictures are just outside the door.

Just love her pumpkin displays! You can email Becky at: brcstatt@fedteldirect.net . Well, there you have it. What a great inspiring weekend! Now i have to straighten my fabric stash, finish 3 quilt tops, decide which art doll i want, update my camera to get better photos, the list goes on and on.....

Super-Fantastic Creative Inspiring Weekend

Just couldn't wait to get up this morning and share with all of you how wonderful my weekend was! As you can clearly see i went to a quilt show on Saturday. You're just gonna have to wait til tomorrow to see what i did on Sunday. So anyway, talk about inspiration!!! They were all so beautiful! Now, i just want to tell ya, you may be thinking that just because you don't quilt or sew you wouldn't want to attend. Oh, how sooo wrong be you! These aren't just bed covers! These are intricate pieces of art. The colors, the craftsmanship, texture and creativity! Need i go on and on? Of course not, that would be rambling. So i shall stop and let you see for yourself.
Here is what i mean about that "artful" thing. I know it is hard to see in pictures, but the use of netting, beads, sequins, buttons! No, these aren't your grammas quilts anymore!

Here the actual quilting is done in a spiderweb motif on a Halloween quilt. How fun is that? Can't wait to show you what i did the rest of the weekend, tune in tomorrow!

Frighteningly Good

I Really debated whether or not to buy this one. I knew i wouldn't be disappointed or anything like that (and i wasn't), but really? $9.95? Really??? I have purchased fewer magazines this last year due to the rising cost. Anyone else notice this? Whats up with that?
And the backside. I've always wanted to do this with bottles. Of course Martha has the labels on her website. I just might have to get in gear and get it done this year. Also cute ideas inside for candy jar labels like: Twisted Treats, Deadly Morsels and Devilish Delights. VERY cute stuff!

A Stitch In Time

Well, here it is. I think it turned out quite nice. I did gain substantial knowledge about yarn content as well. I have found that i prefer cotton, so much better to work with. I have already started my next project. In fact, it's almost done! More on that tomorrow...

Finially Friday

Yes, it has been a whole week since my last post. Shame, shame, on me. I have given myself a good scolding and will try very, very hard not to do that again (notice no promises were made). Do you realize that the older one gets, the faster time goes? It's true. I don't know how to prove it; however, i'm quite positive it does.

So, wadda ya think? Like the colors? I have one follower who has asked more than once: "So, where are the quilts?". So--TerriCat, here we go. I have to admit, i tend to go in spits and spurts with my whole creative thing. One minute i'm quilting, the next crochet, then on to decorating, etc, you get the idea. So, I haven't quilted in quite awhile, but that won't stop me from sharing a finished project or two with you. This one is called Sunburst, and I'm really quite proud of it. It's draped over a chair for now, but this summer i will hang more of them on my clothes line for you to see.

Playing Hookie

Yes, true confessions...I play hookie in the morning with my cup of coffee. I play hookie in the evenings while watching tv. Sometimes even in the middle of the day if a have a spare minute. Mr. Hook and i have a very good time together!

I now have quite a few grannie squares ready to go. All i need to do is lay them out to see how large the finished project will be. I also need to research how to "block" them first. I really don't know why, but it is recommended, so "block" i will. Not quite sure what stitches to use to get them all together either. Research, research, research......I will make sure to show you the finished creation just as soon as it is fit for it's debut.

Happy Birds

My New Years resolution this year is to be more creative. I used to be, however, when you don't use it, you loose it. One day I woke up and said, "Where did all the creativity go?" I want it back! So, I start looking on my favorite blog spots, and I happen across this cute little happy bird. Now, somethings are just so silly you have to smile in spite of yourself. After all, what would i do with it once created? But, alas i dove in. Isn't he tweet? I mean sweet? He has absoulutey no function other than to just hang there and be cute. He makes me smile, and he makes me happy. So, I figured if one made me happy, think of what a whole flock could do....

Now, I am pondering....what about "Blue Birds" of happiness? And "Valentine Birds" of happines? Will keep you posted if any more flocks arrive...

p.s. i can't quite figure out yet how to link other sites to mine (technology is a work in progress for me). But i wanted to let everyone know the pattern was found on "attic24.typepad.com" . Thank you very much Lucy!