The Lazy Stitcher

August Bee-Quilting Under the Rainbow

2011-07-22T21:39:00.018-04:00

August is my month for Quilting Under the Rainbow Bee. I am sending everyone 2 center white blocks and 8 colored blocks. I'm asking everyone to make 2 blocks following this tutorial : http://higheredhands.blogspot.com/2011/05/stop-drop-and-roll-quilt-along-part-1.html

I made 1 of my blocks, so everyone could see it. Please mix up the fabrics like I have...you will have duplicates and if you wish you may alternate with fabrics you have, just keep with the color scheme of the fabric you receive. Here are the photo's of the block I made.

The tutorial says the block is 8 1/2" finished. My block came out closer to 9". So, everyone can just leave their block and I will trim them up when they come home.

So, have fun and any questions just email me:)

Susan

A Quickie

2011-03-21T10:55:00.006-04:00

A quick post since we finally got the computer back after it had to be wiped clean:( Darn virus!
Anyhow, I just wanted to show you the block I made for Pam, in Feb. for The Block Swap Adventure. It's the purple and green block and the red,pink and aqua is the one she made for me. I can't wait to see what next month brings! I figure by the end of the year I'll have enough blocks for a red, pink, and aqua quilt. Which will be just for me:)

Well, I'm off to the dentist for my checkup. Till next time...
Susan

Progress

2011-02-17T09:17:00.002-05:00

Well, I made some progress in the past week or so. I was able to work on my 3 x 6 blocks and finish them up. There was a lot of gray requests in this group. These blocks have now been mailed off to their new owners.

I also, managed to find a little bit of time to complete another Freedom Block. This one's for Claudia. She sent these 3 fabrics and I got to choose which block to make her. I'd seen a version of this block on my internet travels and decided to give it a whirl. I kinda like how it turned out. So, next up for me are 3 blocks that are due at the end of this month. 2 of them are in various stages of completion. I've also managed to sew another 2 rows on my son's guitar quilt...now I'm worried it might be just too wide. I still have a couple more rows to sew on then I guess I'll have to decide if I leave it or take away a panel from the side..if I do this I could always use it on the back of the quilt.

Off to sew a bit more before I'm due in to work:)

Susan

WARNING! Overdose of Pictures! Proceed With Caution...

2011-02-02T17:56:00.020-05:00

Oh MY Goodness! I didn't realize how many blocks I've made since my last post. Guess, you could say I've been busy......and here are the results..... These 2 blocks are for Jeanne -Coast to Coast Block Party

She asked for log cabins and I managed almost 2[ran a little short on fabric, so she'll add to it]

Scrap Bee

Dustin asked us to make her a Donkey block.

Isn't he adorable?!

This is Jess's radiating square-Rosey Little Bee

I made some progress on my 1st PhD
This ticker tape quilt just needed binding and viola ...it is now complete.
I have begun putting my son's quitar quilt top together since it's 2nd on my list.
I hope to get that pieced by the end of Feb.

Next up is the block I made for Karen In Oregon. She was my partner for Jan. in the Block Swap Adventure. She requested a star and said she liked the wonky one I had my blog, so I made her one using her color scheme.

Here's Tracy's asterick block-Moody Blues Bee

These 2 blocks are for the "Comfort" Group of do.Good Stitches

a charity bee

This next group is for the Freedom Block Swap

There are 17 of us in this swap and we have till 3/15/11 to make everyone a 12 1/2" square block. Fabric has been arriving at my house...I'm like a kid in a candy store and my husband is having a hard time believing I haven't gone on a shopping binge. Everyone sends their fabrics and we get to choose which blocks to make for them.Below are the results so far.....

Wendy's Dr. Suess

Emily's- Snowball-ish block

Katie's Halloween String

Deb and Reuben's block

Becky's Block

LeeAnn's block and her siggy square

Jackie's Christmas block and her siggy square

This one is for Jennifer. She's making a quilt for her son and asked for a square in square in blue, green, and browns- Scrap-Bee

This next photo is of my sample block for the [3 x 6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee-Beehive #18

I had a date with Ty[Pennington], those are his grey fabrics in the strip section. I really like how this came out and am now in the process of making my beehive partners their versions using their colors, though the same style of block.

And finally here is one I get to KEEP! This is the block Karen of Oregon made for me as part of the Block Swap Adventure[Jan]

I just LOVE it!! I asked for aqua, red, pink and white for this exchange. We got to list the type of block we'd like and since I wasn't sure of everyone's abiltities I sent a list of possiblities: pinwheel, string, snowball, square in square, and 9 patch
Karen really got it right with her choices and I look forward to seeing what else this exchange brings my way...definitely a quilt for me in the future:)

And so we come to the end of my overdose of photos. I hope you enjoyed seeing what I've been up to and I hope I don't wait as long to post next time.

Peace,

Susan

PhD Challenge 2011

2010-12-31T10:04:00.003-05:00

Well, I've taken the plunge and joined Myra's 2011 PhD Challenge [Projects Half Done]. I have commited to completing 4 project by the end of June. These 4 that I have in mind are in different stages of completion. 1st up is a small ticker tape quilt that needs the binding done, next is my son's guitar quilt, which I'm still sewing the top together, next up is my Halloween quilt top...I got it 1/2 done and stopped just prior to the holiday, so hopefully, I can complete so it can be used next year, and finally the daughters wonky star quilt...this one is still awating the completion of blocks from members of 2 bees I'm in, so that one will be last on my list. I plan to take pictures of each and post photos as I go along. So wish me luck in this venture and if you have any PhD's check out Myra's link.

Susan

More Stitchy Goodness

2010-12-13T09:39:00.005-05:00

Here's a few shots of what I've been up to lately:

Molly's Nov. Disappearing 9 patch block-Rosey Little Bee
Fair & Square LHN design for Pokua

A photo of my finished blocks for the Simple Sampler Stitch Along -next up I need to decide on sashing

Sabrina's Wonky Star -Moody Blue's Bee

Hopefully, my next post will include a picture of the finished top for my son's quilt. I sent out guitar fabric back in July to the other Coast to Coast Bee members and got back 29 fantastic pinwheel blocks for his quilt. On my days off last week[thursday and sunday], I started sewing the blocks/rows together with a little bit of imput from my son[ he picked out a 5 1/2" black sashing/border]. Now I need another day to get the rest of it sewn together, but I don't have a day off till friday:( Also, in the works is my daughter's Wonky Star Quilt. So far, I have 16 blocks for her quilt from the other members of The Rosey Little Bee and a few I made. Since this isn't enough to make her a full size quilt I've sent out the same request to the members of The Scraptastic Bee. Hopefully, between the 2 bee's I'll have more then enough blocks to make her quilt.

So, now I'm off to get ready for work, since I close tonight.

Till next time....

Susan

Happy Holidays!

2010-11-26T10:20:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone had a Wonderful Thanksgiving! We did! I've fallen a bit behind on my blogging...that's life in retail, especially at this time of year. SO, this post is a catch up on all the stitchy goodness I've been up to since my last post. This string block is for Lynz-Scraptastic Bee[Nov]. She sent some scraps from Breakfast at Tiffany's and some Moda bella grey for us to use. I only added a bit of fabric here and there.

This is a photo of my finished Circle Quilt in Fall colors. I gifted this to a pen pal who I finally met after 15 plus years, in Oct. She and her husband were visiting the DC and Baltimore area, so we were able to get together several times. We share a love of crafting and always give each other handmade gifts..this was an early Christmas present.

These 2 photo's are of Shari's Union Jack Blocks-Oct Coast to Coast Bee . She supplied the fabric and asked us to make 2 blocks. These are paper pieced and I was surprised how well mine turned out since this was a new block for me.

These 2 Halloween blocks were for Tami-Oct Scraptastic Bee. She sent a focus fabric[the spider web with eyes] and asked us to make whatever type of block we wanted. She plans to use these blocks to make her Halloween loving daughter a quilt.

So, that's what I've been up to lately. I know I've got more photo's of bee blocks to share, but my camera battery has just gone dead, so will save them till the next time.

On the home front the kids are doing well. My Daughter has adjusted to living at College and is enjoying that. Plus, she's doing extremely well in her classes. We are very happy and proud of her. She's planning a trip to New Orleans for Spring Break with some Professors and students to help rebuild for Habitat for Humanity.

I have joined couple more bees that start in Jan. I had so much fun with this first batch and since most of them end in Dec., I wanted to make sure I keep the fun coming:) I've also signed up for a Charity Bee-do.Good Stitches I'll be responsible for making 2 blocks a month for our group-Comfort-benefiting Christian Ministries through our Local Churches . Our quilter of the month will then put the quilt together/quilt it and send it off to our charity.

So, that's what I've been up to lately. Till next time....

Susan

Sew Scraps Along....another quilt along I've just gotta do!

2010-10-20T10:11:00.001-04:00

http://www.pleasant-home.com/2010/10/sew-scraps-along-with-me.html

Go check it out!

Catching Up

2010-09-20T13:29:00.007-04:00

This post is to catch up on all the sewing good stuff I've been up to lately.

Ist up is this Map of The States Block for Bibi. Her month was August in the Coast to Coast Bee. Next up are the lovely Wonky Stars for Nichol. She had September in the Scaptastic Bee. I just love these Wonky Stars and am having the ladies in the Rosey Little Bee do them for my month of October.

Wendy picked houses for her month of September in the Coast to Coast Bee. She said we could do some trees too, so I made a couple of those as well as 2 houses.

Sarah picked Little Miss Shabby's scapbuster block for September at The Rosey Little Bee.

And finally Sharon had us do this string block for September at the Moody Blues Bee. She sent some lovely batiks to use.

Life has been hectic here in our household. Am still getting used to working full time[in retail], while still running my high schooler around. Am also still adjusting to my daughter, who is in her 1st year at college and is living away from home:( I know it's ridiculous of me since she's only a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes away from home, but after 18 years of having her underfoot it's a big adjustment and I miss her!

I'm keeping up with my bees and a little bit of me sewing here and there. I've got 1 quilt in the binding stage[shh... it's been there for over a month now...just need to wait for a nice quiet evening with something good on TV that I had hand sew to]. Otherwise all is well here and I am looking forward to adjusting to life, so I can get more me/sewing time.

Till next time,

Susan

OHHH A Giveaways over at a la mode fabric

2010-08-24T23:22:00.003-04:00

Accuquilt Go cutter and dies being given away over at a la mode fabric. Go check it out!

Simple Sampler Quilt a Long-Week 7 and Bee Blocks

2010-08-06T12:45:00.011-04:00

Here are my latest quilt a long blocks and bee blocks.

Mosaic #10

This one was fun to do...really had to take my time so all the stripes went the correct way. I also had to add a new fabric since I'm just about out of my red sparkly solid fabric. Luckily, I had a white sparkly fabric in my stash:)

Practical Orchard Block

These two blocks were easier for me. Guess all those HST are coming in handy, still need a bit of work, but not so overwhelming anymore.

Sandie's August Block for the Moody Blues Bee

Pam asked for wonky crosses that are more rectangular then square for her August blocks-Rosey Little Bee

This was my 1st attempt, a bit straight

My 2nd block more wonky then the 1st

And finally a 3rd since I had fabric left.

Till next week, when I'll have my last set of quilt a long blocks to show off and another bee block to show you all.

Susan

I entered a Quilting Contest

2010-08-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

I decided to enter my Wonky Log Cabin quilt over at The Quilting Gallery . Go check it out and vote for your favorite!

Week 6-Simple Sampler Quilt A Long

2010-07-30T16:34:00.004-04:00

Here are the lastest additions in Amy's Simple Sampler Quilt A Long. I love the looks of these 2 blocks, though I need to work on not cutting off the points in the New Album block. New Album

Cross #5

I can't wait to see what Amy has in store for us next monday.

Week 5-Simple Sampler Quilt A Long Progress and Bee Blocks

2010-07-25T22:42:00.005-04:00

Well, It took me till yesterday to complete this weeks quilt a long blocks. First up is the 6 grid chain...left side and on the right side is a variation on the 4 patch with hourglass blocks added. If you'd like to see the rest of the blocks I've made so far just check out the previous post.

Next up are 3 blocks I made for Liz's August Bee Blocks- Scraptastic Bee. Liz sent the Alexander Henry Owl print and asked us to made a wonky/funky square in square blocks for her. Here is what I managed to come up with. Hope she likes them.

So, I'm actually ahead of the game on my bees, since Liz mailed her fabric early and I had the free time to do them this month.

On another note I finally pulled out my circle quilt top yesterday and started quilted it...am just stippling it. Will post a photo once it's complete. My goal is to get the quilting done this week and make the binding for it. It would be a bit too much to think I could finish it completely this week, so the binding may be next week's challenge. Amy is helping to motivate me to complete a few things with her One Thing, One Week Challenge.

So, Not only am I doing her Quilt a Long, I'm challenging myself to complete the goals I set forth each week. So, far I'm ahead of schedule, as this week my goals were to make the 3 bee blocks and the 2 quilt a long blocks. And I managed to start quilting, too. Thanks, AMY! It's just the push I needed to get me going again.

So, until next time...

Susan

Week 4-Simple Sampler Quilt A Long & Bee Blocks

2010-07-18T20:29:00.007-04:00

So, this is what I did this week....on my days off from work. These are week 4 blocks from the Simple Sampler Quilt A Long.

This week Amy had us doing a log cabin and a mosaic block. My mosaic needs work, but it's good practice. Below is a picture of all the blocks so far. I'm loving this. Unfortunately, my next day off isn't till thursday, so I probably won't have time to "play" with the next set of blocks till then...can't wait to see what's next. Here are a couple of Bee blocks that I completed this week. First up are small pinwheels using Oz by Moda for Nichol [Rosey Little Bee].

And finally a Wonky Star for Claire {Scraptastic Bee}. Claire sent us the center block and white and we added the fabric points. I really enjoyed this one and have added it to my to do list.

This month is my month for the Coast to Coast Bee and the ladies over there are making my son large pinwheels using 2 quitar fabrics I supplied and kona white. I'm so excited about this and so is my son...hopefully, he'll have a completed quilt for a Christmas gift this year:). I still need to pick out a block for my daughters "future" quilt. { Gotta take care of the kiddies first}. October is my month over at Rosey Little Bee, so I'm thinking that'll be "her" month, too, though I won't promise it as a Christmas gift.

Well, I'm off to work on the next set of bee blocks... Liz [Scraptastic Bee-August] sent some Alexander Henry Owls print fabric and asked for wonky/funky square in square blocks. She mailed her fabric early since she's away the later part of this month, so it's a perfect opportunity for me to get ahead for the month of August, since I should be busy getting my daughter ready to go to college and my son ready for his sophmore year in high school.

Till next time,

Susan

Quilt A Long Progress and Flea Market Find

2010-07-09T10:51:00.007-04:00

First up is this Christmas fabric I found at a local Catholic Church Carnival that we attend every year. Inside one of the school building they always have a flea market to benefit the church. I got this 2 yards of snowflake fabric for.....50 cents! Here are my block pictures of week 3's Simple Sampler Quilt A Long. Love the red in these!

And here's a picture of my progress so far....

Can't wait to see what Amy has in store for us next!

Till Next Time,

Susan

Quilt A Long Blocks

2010-07-08T10:06:00.003-04:00

I decided to join in on Amy's Simple Sampler Quilt a Long, but of course I've gotten off to a late start. [You can check out the details by clicking on the button on my side bar.] I had off on monday and today of this week, so I started catching up. I pulled my fabric....decided to go with some Christmas fabric I bought at the end of last season. Monday I did the 1st 2 blocks . Pictures posted below.

On monday I also cut out the fabric for the 1st of 2 , week 2 blocks...the one to the right and bright and early this morning I completed it and the 2nd block. So, I'm almost caught up, since week 3's instructions are up now. So, I'm off to write them down so I can get them done while I still have the time...since my "teenagers" are still asleep and the house is quiet:)

Maybe, I'll have a Christmas Quilt done before the holiday this year!

Susan

School Year's Coming to A Close...Finally!

2010-05-30T20:39:00.005-04:00

School is finally coming to end in the next week and with this I will finally be down to working one job....so maybe I'll have time to keep up with all my sewing and blogging:) I am hopeful. Since November I've been working two jobs averaging 50-60 hours a week and just barely keeping up with my stitching obligations. Below are some photos of the May quilting bee blocks I've made...I still have two crumb blocks to finish up, but luckily I have tomorrow off from both jobs and plan to catch up then.Kelly at Scraptastic Bee asked for wonky houses, don't know how wonky mine are, but hope she likes them.

Ellen at C2C asked for squares in her blocks and this is what I came up with

Till next time,

Susan

Alive and Well

2010-03-30T22:32:00.008-04:00

Yes, I'm still alive. As you can see from the massive upload of photos, I have been busy sewing and stitching. All of the blocks are for the various quilting bee's I have joined for this year. Concentric Squares for Heidi-Scraptastic Bee
LHN cross stitch pillow for Ina-HOE

Wonky houses for Jen-Rosy Little Bee

Family Blocks for Jennifer-Coast to Coast Block Party

Circle Blocks cut into 4" squares for Kristin-Scraptastic Bee

So, this is what I've been doing for Feb. and March. All are done and in the mail, just in the nick of time. Now I'm ready to start on April's blocks. Can't wait till my month's arrive...I've gotten tons of ideas from seeing what the other ladies have chosen, but I've got a bit to go since my months are in the 2nd half of the year.

Oh well, I'll keep this update short and hopefully I won't take so long till my next post. But life and working 2 jobs sure gets in the way. Till next time...I wish you all well.

Susan

Snowed in in Maryland

2010-02-06T21:32:00.005-05:00

Well, we're snowed in. We got at least 26". It started friday afternoon and didn't stop till this evening. It'll be a miracle if schools open up at all this week. I finished up my XMAS quilt...I used a charm pack and jelly roll of Mary Englebert's "The Caroler" with a few added fabrics for the borders. Still need to wash it for that crinkley goodness, but that's one more in the finished pile and the good thing is the fabrics don't look too christmassy, so it can be used all year long.

Pictures from the front and back of our house and the snow storm's damage.

Here's Ebony's free form log cabin blocks for Febuary. I got her fabric in the mail yesterday and took advantage of being snowed in to make them today.

So, next up for me is to work on basting my circle quilt and to sew together my ORB #4. I was able to make my string blocks this past week, though I still need to decide if I'm going to add a border or not. Being snowed in should give me plenty of time to finally do that. So, hopefully the next time I blog, I'll be able to show off my finished circle quilt and make some good progress on the ORB #4 quilt.

Susan

Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-01-15T20:12:00.005-05:00

Well, I took the plunge and joined 2 quilting bees for 2010. My 1st ever and my 2nd, too...I just couldn't stop at one. The 1st is the Coast to Coast Block Party....of course I made my blocks, but forgot to take a picture, so they'll have to wait till Katie gets time to post the pictures. The 2nd group is the Scraptastic Quilting Bee , Jenna sent us Alexander Henry Stalling pink fabric as the focus fabric and we were to add to it using our scraps/stash. She requested log cabin blocks, varying widths, but no wonky blocks...12x12 is the finished size.Here's what I did[notice this time I remembered to take photos:)...I guess working 2 jobs has made me forgetful].Focus fabric is the center square with the birds

On the quilting front I'm in the middle of quilting my Xmas quilt...still have one more row and the borders to quilt, then binding to make and sew on. I'm off my "day" job on monday, so maybe I'll get to work on it then. I still have the ORB #4 quilt in the sewing process, need to make the string blocks before I can play with putting it together. I've also got my circle quilt top finished, need to buy some more basting spray so it can go into the quilting pile....you'd think since I now work part time at Joann's I'd already have a can purchased, but I keep forgetting to pick one up, plus all my spare cash has been going to buying more FABRIC! Hopefully, I'll have some more photos to show the next time I post and they'll be of finished quilts.

Have A Great Day!

Susan

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T00:02:00.001-05:00

Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful!

2009-12-19T11:03:00.005-05:00

We've got SNOW!!! And that means I got the day off from work. Joann's called this morning and told me to stay home:) Good thing I picked up some fabric to play with last night when I was there...even though I already have plenty here at home:) Here's a couple photo's of what I've been up to.I made myself a warm pair of fleece pj bottoms last week...nice and long so my ankles don't get cold at night!

I stitched these squares for Heidi B. over at F & S. She's now received them, so I can share a picture of them.

So, now I have a FREE day and lots of project I can tackle...hmmm...wonder which I'll do. I have my XMAS quilt all basted and ready to be quilted[running out of time since Chistmas is almost here], I picked up some fleece last night to attempt my 1st fleece tie throw, and I've got several quilting projects in various stages that I could always work on. So, I guess I'll head on down to the dungeon and get busy!

Till next time,

Susan

Goodies in the mail

2009-12-01T15:05:00.003-05:00

Here are 2 exchanges I received in the mail last week. The 1st is this cute picture featuring a Prairie Schooler design from Book #133-Winter Wind. Gwen stitched this for me. Isn't it adorable?! As you can tell it's found a home on one of my living room end tables. The next goody I received were my round #16 F & S squares from Heidi B. Heidi stitched this cute reindeer. She says this design came from The JCS Ornament isue and is called Run Run Rudolph by Raise the Roof Designs.

Thanks so much ladies, I just love them.

Susan

Another Quilt Done!

2009-11-27T22:22:00.004-05:00

Here's my 2nd finish of 4 items that were on my Joy in the New Year Challenge -to be finished list. This pattern came from the origianl ORB quilt a along...my 2nd quilt using this pattern, though I still need to quilt that one:) Small steps, one at a time.... This one got priority over the 1st one because it's for my husband. I pieced the back using the left over block I had and some of the other fabrics I used in the front.

On another note I got a part time job at Joann's. I started there a week ago....hopefully, I don't spend my entire paycheck there:) I did pick up some more batting today...50% off! You can't beat that, plus I needed more if I'm to complete the other 2 quilts for the challenge. I think I'm going to baste the XMAS quilt I made using Mary Engelbert's The Caroler line next. I also am going to try using an Ikea sheet for the backing...I've read on several blogs that Ikea sheets are great for backings. I found the perfect red sheet and it was only $4.50. Cheaper than fabric by the yard. But that'll have to wait till the end of next week since I work monday through wednesday at Joann's, plus a full week at my regular day job.

Till next time,

Susan

P.S. GO check out the Sew & Tell Friday receipes or finishes

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sew and Tell

2009-11-13T22:36:00.004-05:00

Here's my Sew and Tell for this week. I finally got all the quilting done on my Wonky Log Cabin Quilt last weekend and finished sewing the binding on monday. Then today I washed and dried it. I just LOVE the crinkly goodness. Below are a couple of close up shots.
Here's a pix showing the fabric I used for the backing.

So, now I managed to complete one of the items I had on my Joy in the New Year Challenge list. I still have 3 more items that need finishing. Hopefully, this weekend I can either sandwich the next quilt on my list or piece a backing for one of the other 2 quilts I have waiting. Of course, since I joined the challenge I have managed to start a couple new projects. So, I hope to squeeze in a bit of "play" time on them, too.

Susan

UFO -Joy In the New Year Challenge

2009-11-03T14:12:00.003-05:00

Do you have unfinished objects [UFO's] laying around your house? Jacquie over at Tallgrass Prairie Studio is hosting a 'Joy In the New Year' challenge. Head on over and check it out.

FINISHES! And The Cat In The Hat!

2009-10-30T18:53:00.008-04:00

First up is a picture of my coworker. She dressed up at The Cat In The Hat today and the kids just Loved it! Me, I was party pooper...just wore my work clothes. I would've looked silly going to do the bank deposit all dressed up like that:) Here's my 2nd quilt finish since I started quilting this past July....it's still a bit scary to machine quilt these babies, but I'm larning to let go and enjoy...it doesn't need to be perfect. This is a baby quilt for my nephew who's expecting his 1st child[a boy] in January.

Don't mind the crocheted afghan....my loveseat needs a new one....hmmm ...maybe another quilt in my future:)

Here are 2 Lizzie Kate XMAS pillows I finally finished late last night, so they could go into the post today....they have a long way to travel to their new home. Happy Holidays is from JCS 2006 Ornament Issue and Peace, Joy, Love is a freebie found on the Lizzie Kate website.

close ups

I'm hoping to either machine quilt my wonky log cabin quilt top or add the last border to The Caroler quilt top....maybe I'll get lucky and have enough time to do both:) Miracles do happen:)

Till next time,

Susan

I'm Still Here

2009-10-27T17:02:00.008-04:00

Here's what I've been working on for the last few weeks. This is Georgena's RR. I stitched the black birdhouse. Her RR so far

I've been working on a new quilt using The Caroler Charm Pack and Jelly Roll by Mary Engelbreit for Moda Fabrics, plus a few other fabrics.

I didn't really use a pattern for this, just played around and came up with this. Since I took this picture, I've added a red border and a piano key border. I still need to add the black border...found a pretty fabric that'll work well with this at Joann Fabrics. Hopefully, I'll get some free time this week to work on it, if not it'll have to wait for the weekend. I also, finally basted my wonky log cabin quilt top, so now that's waiting for a few free hours of uninterrupted time so it can be machine quilted. Oh, if only I had more free time:)

Hopefully, I'll have more pictures to share next week.

Till then,

Susan

Check out this Giveaway

2009-10-19T13:57:00.002-04:00

http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-happy-halloween-giveaway.html Check out this great fabric giveaway!

Check out this Giveaway

2009-10-12T20:48:00.002-04:00

http://opalmoonenchantments.blogspot.com/2009/10/im-having-give-away.html

Weekly Progress

2009-10-10T09:37:00.003-04:00

Here's the progress I made on my Value Quilt A Long project. The 1st photo is what I managed to put together on Oct. 2nd. And the 2nd photo is what I've done up until yesterday. I have another 46 blocks I need to iron and square up this weekend. As you can see this is still a work in progress, I think I need to rearrange a few of these blocks to get a better flow. You can also see in the background that I share the dungeon with my teenage son and he has some old Raven players posters hanging on the cork board, so I used one of his old school tri fold boards and some double stick tape to make a design board for this project. Am off work monday, so hopefully I can make some good progress on this this weekend...at the very least get all the blocks make and placed, so I can start sewing them together.

Till next time...

Progress

2009-10-02T13:32:00.006-04:00

Here's a pix of my next quilt a long project. It's a values quilt a long. I'm off work today, so I sewed up 9 different sq.'s [18 total- since they're duplicates], using some scraps I had laying around. Apparently, I like dark fabric, because I sure had a lot...actually that's my daughter's influence, she used most of the dark fabric to make a bag...of course I got the scraps:) Good thing since I bought all the fabric:) Here's my Wonky Log Cabin quilt a long quilt top. I ended up adding some of the leftover strips since my white border seems didn't match up, but I like how it turned out...very wonky. Now I really need to practice my machine quilting, so I can finish up some of these tops I have laying around.

Till Next Time,

Susan

Working my fingers to the bone

2009-09-14T14:09:00.006-04:00

So, here's what I've been up to lately....This is the 1st quilt-a-long top I made. I now need to decide if I'm going to attempt to quilt it or have a professional do it. I just love the way this turned out. The PS exchange I made...combining my love of cross stitch and sewing.

After the 1st quilt top. I decided it was way too much fun to stop there, so I picked up some fall fabrics and made another one. This one will have a place of honor on our living room chair, though I have to add another round of sashing on the outside in burgandy. I planning on quilting this one myself as soon as I get up the nerve:)

ORB is having another quilt-a-long. This one is the wonky log cabin quilt. Here's a look at my 1st 4 blocks....I managed to make another 4 over the weekend, but will save that photo till I have them all done.

And finally, here's the 1st PIF I promised. I decided to combine my quilting and cross stitch and made a book bag for Lisette and sent her a little journal, too. Lisette's blog is called T.V and Book Addict. Go check her out.

So, now I'm heading back to the basement where my sewing machine is to get my wonky back on. Till next time....

Susan

open house and Giveaway at.....

2009-09-03T14:14:00.002-04:00

Check out the giveaway and open house at Pleasant Home. Candace from Daffodilhill is GIVING AWAY 6 - half yard cuts of the new Funky Christmas line from Michael Miller! So, go check it out.

Susan

Wonky Quilt Strips and PS Pillow

2009-09-01T21:12:00.004-04:00

I cut my strips for the wonky log cabin quilt a long. I'm using Ava Rose by Tanya Whelan. Can't wait to see how this takes shape. Here's a picture of a pillow I made for the PS Exchange. I used Measure of a Year Leaflet and stitched 4 of the season squares. Hope my partner likes it.

So, I went back to work yesterday, both my kids started school at the same time. So, now my body is trying to adjust to having the summer off. Boy, is it a killer.

Susan

What I've been up to

2009-08-28T13:52:00.002-04:00

Here's some quilting goodies I won from Carol She had a giveaway over at her blog and I won this 30's quilt pattern book and a Thangles Mapple Leaf Quilt pattern and a package of thangles to use with it. Thanks so much Carol, I can't wait to try these things out.

I also learned I've won some warm and white batting from Dana over at Old Red Barn Co.

How exciting! I've never tried this batting, but have heard great things about it. I look forward to trying it out on the quilt I'm working on now. Which is the Original Quilt Along quilt that Dana did. There's a Flickr group with the details if anyone's interested. They're getting ready to start their 3rd quilt a long...a wonky log cabin quilt, but I couldn't restist trying the original quilt 1st...so easy, especially with me being a beginner quilter. I'm also planning to do the wonky log cabin quilt, too.

Susan

Pratice, Practice, Practice

2009-08-18T11:52:00.007-04:00

So, this is what I've been doing for the past 2 weeks.....practicing! My attempt at the log cabin squares were a bit off, so I decided to work on some simple 9 patch squares. Am doing much better with these. I made several sets of these with some fat quarters and fabric I picked up at Joann's. Of course, since I only bought small quantities of fabric I didn't have enough to make anything too big, so I made another bag. I think it turned out cute. Very girly! So, now I'm going to attempt a baby quilt-9 patch style. I've been working on cutting my squares and hope to start sewing them together tonight.

I even got adventurous and added some pockets, though my quilting is just some zig zag stitching between each of the squares.

So, now I'm off to finish my cutting and start my sewing.

Susan

Another Giveaway!

2009-08-18T11:08:00.001-04:00

30's fabric giveaway Just click to read all about it.

Giveaway At P.S. i Ouilt

2009-08-15T13:50:00.003-04:00

P.S. i Quilt is giving away a $50 gift certificate over at her blog go check it out!

Susan

Check out this Giveaway

2009-08-07T20:19:00.000-04:00

"Quilter's Stimulus Package Give-A-Way"

Susan

My Quilting Adventure

2009-08-04T10:41:00.006-04:00

So, Here's my 1st quilt top. I decided to use Moda's Love is in the Air charm packs to make this "Christmas Table Topper" quilt[ the pattern by Rachel of p.s. i quilt can be found on Moda], though I guess I should rename it "Valentine Table Topper". I think it turned out pretty good for my 1st attempt. I'll be leaving the quilting part for when I get a machine that can quilt[ hint hint...possibly my Christmas present this year]. It's 43" X 43" and I also bought some Love is in the Air fabric to use as the backing.

So, now that the quilting bug has bit me. I drug my DD [17] to the fabric store with me. 1st up was Joann's, where I picked out all these neutral colors in the hopes to one day make a quilt that will go in my living room. Apparently, I'm afraid to try larger patterns, DD had to help with a few of the choices. So, after this trip my DD decided maybe she'd like to try to make a quilt. This is the same child who shows no interest in any of the crafty things I do. So, finally a crafting buddy....maybe...

So, when we were in AC Moore we were checking out their sale section and looky what we found these colorful fat quarters were on sale for $1.10 ea. The black fabric wasn't on sale but DD liked it, so I let her get it {maybe a 2nd project in her future?!} So, once we got home from the store, she wanted to start right away. We picked an simple pattern...Clara's Quilt from Moda Bake Shop and away she went. I had to show her how to use the sewing machine...her 1st time ever sewing. Of course, I got the job of doing all the ironing for her:)Here's her progress so far. Not exactly perfect matching the seams, but hey, I'm just glad to have someone in this house who understands why I get so excited when I sew or cross stitch. You know the men in my life[DH and DS] are like..."yeah, that's great" and then move on with their conversation, but you gotta love them! So, now she's taking a break till she decides on the border fabric. Me, I'm getting the itch to cut up those neutrals ....just so many patterns out their to choose from and I'm trying to start off slow....so maybe another 9 diappering patch, like I did on the "valentine" quilt. Decisions, Decisions!! Susan

Stitching Exchanges Recived

2009-08-04T10:34:00.006-04:00

Here are 2 exchanges I received in the mail in the past 7 days. The 1st is a Lizzie Kate scissor fob from Kathy K. She even sent these adorable peacock scissors. I just love both items and all those stitches are over 1. Beautiful!

The 2nd item I received was from April. This was the Summer House exchange over at HOE. April made me a pin keep and used the most adorable buttons on this. Thanks to both of these ladies for a great exchange!

Susan

Giveaway At P.S. i Ouilt

2009-07-30T11:05:00.001-04:00

Check out this giveaway that Rachel and the Fat Quarter are offering. http://rachel-griffith.blogspot.com/

Check out this Giveaway

2009-07-24T12:47:00.004-04:00

Kim's giving away a Charmed Gift Bag...check it out at: http://bittybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/

This is what I've been up to lately...plus a quilting/sewing question

2009-07-21T14:08:00.007-04:00

To start with here are some photo's of the Lizzie Kate and HOE's Summer House exchanges that I made. I stitched part of LHN's Traveling Stitcher for my partner and decided to turn it into a stitching bag [summer house]. For the LK exchange I did Stitching Friends and made it into a pillow. In the following photos you can see the close ups and back of the pillow.

Next, I have been blog hopping lately and have found a bunch of wonderful blogs about quilting. First I found Moda Bake Shop and they have a bunch of projects that are so easy to understand that I figure ok I can do this and here is my 1st attempt. This is my version the grocery bag dispenser by Rachel at p.s. i quilt I had to shorten it by a row since I had problems trying to quilt it with my sewing machine, but I'm happy with my 1st attempt[ I used some fabric I got at AC Moore since I didn't want to mess up any good fabric]LOL.

Now you need to understand that I have ALWAYS wanted to quilt I even made 1 small blanket for my DD when she was a toddler, but ever since I just didn't feel I could "do it". But with Rachel's help[ she kindly answered my questions about what I needed to get started] and Moda Bake Shop tutorials...not to mention their already cut fabrics I finally feel like I can give it a go. So, I went ahead and ordered some charm packs and am awaiting their arrival so I can

begin a larger project. Now for those of you out there who read this I would love your opinion on a quilting/sewing machine. Right now I have an older Euro-Pro machine which does not have a darning foot. I checked into it and my model doesn't offer one and am still checking to see if I can find a univeral darning foot that'll work on my machine. In the mean time I'm making do...my machine sews fine, so any quilting will have to wait unless I just want to quilt in the ditch or quilt straight lines. I have been checking online for different machines and have come across 2 that have quilting capabilites. They are the Brother XL-3750 and the Singer Confidence Quilter 7469Q. The Brother is less than $150.00 and the Singer around $400.00 . I would love everyone's opinion as my DH has suggested this would be an easy XMAS present for me. I know there are lots of machines out there and I would appreciate all comments. I just don't want to spend too much, so $400.00 would probably be my limit. Thanks for all your help.

And finally here's Anna's RR. I actually did her RR agead of schedule, since it's so small. She just asked us to complete a small section of her wreath. I stitched from the yellow flower on the left hand side down to the blue[next to the empty space]. That way Georgena who stitches on this next only has a small section to stitch since she's been asked to do all the backstitching. So, now I'm back on track and am steadily working on Jackie's RR, which has more details to stitch.

Till next time...

Susan

Happy 4th of July and other stuff

2009-07-03T22:22:00.008-04:00

Well, the big concert didn't happen. Seems DH got an email yesterday that it was postponed due to a band members injury. We did tell the kids, so now we'll have to wait till they reschedule to see...Aerosmith. So, with nothing scheduled for today I took the opportunity to finally frame a RR I've had hanging around here for years. I just love how this piece turned out. It was a band sampler RR and I had included tons of Just Nan charts that the different bands were taken from. I don't know why it took me so long to frame it, as I've had the frame and foam board cut for a couple years, though I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted a mat or not. Finally, I decided it looked good enough without the mat. So, it's now proudly hanging in my front hallway.
On the stitching front..I received these 4th of July squares from Ruth yesterday. Aren't they just perfect?! She said she took the idea from of LHN's Abigail Winslow.

On the RR front..I made some progress on the 12 person RR I'm in. This RR was supposed to have been completed 2 years ago, but several of the projects got held up at one lady's house. I finally received 3[including mine] in the mail in May. This RR is Patti's. Her theme is Portraits of the Wild Life. I stitched the Ptarmigan. I taken photo's of my section and the whole project. So, next week I'm mail this off to the last person to stitch on it before it gets mailed home to Patti.

So, now I'm busy stitching on my HOE Summer House exchange and I have a list of stitching I need to complete by the end of August. I have the weekend off and then next saturday I start my next class. I want to thank everyone for their comments about my stitching and life. I appreciate all your words of support. The stitching community is just GREAT! So, many wonderful and helpful people who share a passion for stitching like I do. And finally, I Wish Everyone A Safe and Fabulous 4th of July!

Till next time,

Susan

Finally some photos to share

2009-06-26T12:34:00.004-04:00

Well, I finally have some photos to share of what I've been up to. 1st are pictures of a RR I'm in. Barbara's theme is snowmen, so I stitched the one holding the birds. I enjoyed doing this in the summer heat, plus I changed things up a bit and choose my own colors for the vest, scarf and bird. I think it turned out nicely. The snowman was taken from a design by Lois Winston called Some of my Friends that was published in the Feb. 2009 issue of The Cross Stitcher. The snowman RR has now flown from my house to the next stitcher's.

2nd- These are the round #13 F & S squares I stitched for Kathy A. I picked a CCN chart from The JCS 2006 Ornament issue. Once again I changed the colors slightly by using some GAST colors I had, as well as DMC.

And finally these are Lizzie Kate squares that Jayne stitched for me for another F & S round. Somehow they got lost in the shuffle and I forgot to post a photo of them. Thanks so much Jayne I just love them.

School- On the school front I started my 2nd course for the medical billing certification. Am doing this as quickly as possible, with the hopes of starting a new career in the next year...since both my children will be in high school and don't need me hovering as much:) The 2nd class is Intro to Medical billing and I'm taking it over 3 saturdays from 9am-3:30pm. I have completed the first 2 classes and have my final one this coming saturday. So, far so good..it's very interesting and I'm "getting" the material quite easily. My 3rd course starts 2 weeks after the 2nd one ends. That one is called Computerized Medical Billing and also runs for 3 saturdays from 9am-2:30pm. Another marathon day. After that I'll just have the HIPPA and Intro to Coding classes to take. Unfortunately, they aren't available till the Falls session at the college. But I feel good about my progress and hopes for a future job that I'll work year round versus the part time job I have now that I only work for 9 1/2 months and only get paid when I work/no holidays or insurance.

Family/Fun- Last friday we[my husband and I] took our 2 teenager down to Wolftrap, VA for a concert. We kept it a surprise till the day we went. We went to see The Rain Experience. A Beatles tribute band. The kids had a great time, as did we. They were awsome and we'd definetly go see them again. Next week we have tickets to another concert, but we haven't told the kids who yet, so I can't share till they know. But I know the kids will be excited, as are my husband and I.

So, I quess that's all I have to share for now. Till the next time....

Susan

PS Exchange/ F & S Squares

2009-06-07T13:33:00.006-04:00

A busy week for me. My last serve day was friday, so I only have to work a 1/2 day on monday to shut down the school kitchen and then I'm out of a job still school starts back up in September. On a good note I received 2 packages in the mail this week! YEAH! The 1st package contained my PS exchange from Rebecca. I just love it and can't wait to hang it in my entrance way.

The 2nd package was my Round #13 squares from Kathy A. She stitched me some summery flowers. Very Pretty! Don't know how I'll finish these up yet. I'm accumulating a pile of sqaures. Need to set aside a day to do some finishing only.

An finally I found out Ruth B. received the 4th of July sqaures I stitched for her. So, I can now show a photo of what I stitched. This chart is from Val's Little Stuff called Long May She Wave.

So, n ow I'm off to my son's ball game. Have A Great Week!

Susan

PS Exchange/Graduation

2009-05-30T12:24:00.006-04:00

On the home front. I finished up my class and passed and have now signed up for 2 classes this summer. So, I guess returning to school at age 45 isn't so bad:) Right now I work at my son's school running the cafeteria. The school year ends next friday, so then I have the summer off unless I can find a summer time job. My son graduated from 8th grade thursday night, so he'll head off to high school next year. :( Both my babies will be in high school in September. He'll be a freshman and my daughter will be a senior. Where did the time go?!
That's him in the center...not looking my way:)I just heard that Goldie received my PS exchange piece so I can post pictures of what I stitched. I choose the lighthouse chart from PS's Weather Wise leaflet. I found a cute box to use at AC Moore. Am so glad she liked it, as I haven't finished many pieces this way, but it wasn't too hard.

Well, I'm off to work on my next exchange, as that's all I've been stitching on with my work and school schedule. Hopefully, once works done I'll have a bit more me stitching time. Till next time.

Susan

Here's a picture of Posy

2009-05-08T16:58:00.002-04:00

LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND!

2009-05-08T16:54:00.003-04:00

Check out Posy, a Pincushion Faerie. A giveaway over at Bearbits. She's adorable. So, go check it out!

Susan

Visit Edgar's blog to win "Lo Rose"

2009-04-27T19:21:00.002-04:00

Edgar is having a drawing to give away his copy of "Lo Rose" book. If you're interested just click on the link.

F & S Square Received

2009-04-24T21:46:00.005-04:00

I just found out that the F & S squares I stitched for Jennifer have arrived, so I can now show you what I stitched for her. I stitched a Spring freebie form Gazette94. I really like how these squares turned out and am happy to say Jennifer likes them, too.

I am now busy working on my next set of F & S sqaures...about all I have time for with work, school, and the kids activities. My class ends in 2 weeks, so hopefully, I'll have a bit more time to stitch then. Once I see how I do in this class I will decide if I'm going to continue on and what classes to take. I think there are 2 available this summer, both saturday classes, so hopefully it works out with my schedule.

An finally, a picture of my daughter at bat this afternoon for her high school softball game. They WON 5-1. YEAH!!

Till Next Time,

Susan

It's a Beautiful Day!

2009-04-18T16:08:00.007-04:00

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Baltimore and I spent the morning at my daughter's softball game...which they won 6-3. I also managed to get some stitching in this weekend, so that makes it an even better weekend:)

I stitched on a RR I'm in and decided to go with a band sampler theme. I have some pretty floss from Australia that I've been saving for something special and decided why wait. It's the lovely variegated floss in the 1st band and2nd to last band.
Yesterday in the mail I received my Round #12 F & S squares from Jennifer F. Jennifer stitched me a beautiful lighthouse and sent along a skein of her hand dyed floss. Thank you so much Jennifer...I love everything! And can't wait to try your floss! My squares to Jennifer are going to the post office on monday. So, I'll post a photo of them after Jennifer receives them.Well, I guess that's all for now,

Susan

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T11:44:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Easter. We'll spend the day with family and friends.

Susan

My RR's Has Come Home

2009-04-05T08:21:00.003-04:00

I was in an over 2 open themed RR over at xscircle and my piece arrived home at the end of last week. I asked everyone to just stitch a few bands onto my RR, which ended up with a rose and green theme. I really like how it turned out. I also, recieved my Round #11 squares from Rima. She stitched me a design from "Cross-Stitch Designs from India".

Easter F and S Squares and PIF

2009-03-27T18:15:00.008-04:00

What a wonderful week! Earlier this week I received these adorable sqaures from Monique K. from the Easter Round at F & S. She also sent some lovely hand dyed thread from Australia...which I can't wait to use. Thanks so much for an easy funfilled exchange, Monique.

And then today, I opened my mailbox to discover this beautiful PIF from Sue.

Here are pictures of the front and back of the ornament. Isn't it beautiful?! Plus, look at the gorgeous hand made card Sue made. Amazing and so talented. Thanks so much Sue. I've already hung it from our wine rack in our dining room...it fits right in.

I haven't been stitching to much, with my class and all. And what I have stitched I can't show since it's for an exchange:(. Class is going okay. AM averaging a B on my quizzes, so I guess I can't complain. My DD is busy playing softball for her high school team, so any free time is spent watching her games and picking her up from practices, but I love it.

Hope everyone is well and finding time to stitch. Be Happy!

Till next time,

Susan

Happy Spring!

2009-03-19T19:50:00.002-04:00

Well, we think we've managed to get the computer up and running good enough to use. So, I'm back. LOL Haven't any stitching to show since I'm working on an exchange item. I have tomorrow off :) I hope to finally be able to complete the March Sampler Girl piece I stitched recently. I was able to get to Joann Fabrics at the end of last week and found 2 fabrics that'll work...just need to see which one I like the best.

I hope everyone is well. I managed an 84 on my 2nd quiz :( 2 silly spelling mistakes. Definetly, need to slow down and take my time, but when I see the clock counting down my time I get nervous and type faster. Oh Well, the good news is that the lowest quiz score will be thrown out, so hopefully, this will be my lowest. Thanks for all the good wishes.

Susan

MIA

2009-03-16T10:36:00.002-04:00

I've been MIA all week because our computer got the google virsus. Basically, I can't sign into any of my google accounts. My BIL's gonna try to fix it later this week. Until then I can only check things at work. So, I just wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive and will be looking, but not commenting until my home computer'sup and running again.

Hope everyone's week is great!

Look What The Mailman Brought Me!

2009-03-11T19:44:00.005-04:00

When I got home from work today I had a package from the LNS. YEAH! I guess you could say I rewarded myself for doing well on my 1st quiz by picking up some stash. I just had to have LHN's Traveling Stitcher chart...just too cute to pass up and it comes with all those delicious threads from Crescent Colours. I also picked up some of the limited edition GAST's ...Christmas bag, Secret Garden, and some of the Simply Shaker colors. No real uses for them, yet, but lately I seem to be using them on some of the freebie charts I have. Now I wonder what I'll reward myself with if I get a good grade on the 2nd quiz:)

Thank you all for your good wishes on my returning to school anf your nice comments about my stitching. Still haven't gotten to the fabric store, but am hopeful I'll find the time before St. Patty's Day, so I can display my latest finish around the house. Now I'm off to watch my son play soccer.

Susan

2009-03-09T17:14:00.001-04:00

A Little Stitch To Brighten My Day

2009-03-09T16:25:00.003-04:00

After more than a week without stitching I was in full swing friday night and started a quick little project. I stitched a freebie from The Sampler Girl in honor off St. Patty's Day. Finished it up on sunday and now to decide how to finish it. Am thinking a little hanging pillow. Now to get to the fabric store, so I can complete it. I started working on my F & S Easter square, not much stitched, and photos will have to wait till it makes it's way to my partner.

Have my 3rd class tomorrow night. Much harder material to learn, but I'm hopeful it'll click sooner than later. Thanks for all the incouragement. It really helps keep me plugging away.

A Beautful Day here in Maryland....very Springlike. And to think a week ago we had a snow day because we got 4 inches of snow. Crazy!

Till next time...

Susan

I'm Still Alive

2009-03-07T12:39:00.005-05:00

Well, I started my medical terminology classs 2 weeks ago and boy is it a big change going back to school. After the 1st class I didn't stitch for a week and a half, but I was able to find some time yesterday to. Thank goodness for teachers meetings, since I run the cafeteria at my sons school and when the teachers have their meetings and school's canceled I get the day off. Hence, my free time to stitch and study. I took my 1st quiz on friday morning....it was online and I checked my grade today. I got 23 out of 25. One was a silly spelling mistake, so will have to watch for that in the future.

Yesterday afternoon I decided to try my hand at a new finishing technique. I'd stitched a small quaker motif and used it to put on top a small 4 x 4 wooden box I found a few months ago at the dollar store. I think it turned out cute for my 1st attempt. I really need to get to a larger fabric store so I can find some neutral braiding and ric rac, not to mention fabric. The close stores are AC Moore, Walmart, and Michaels and their selections are rather small. Joanne's is about 20 minutes away, so if I can find another day off will have to get over there.

Last night I joined in on Let's Stitches SAT. I kept things simple...brain dead from studying. So, I started a new quick piece. It's the March freebie from The Sampler Girl. Only 2 more motifs to stitch and it'll be complete. Hope to get this done this weekend.

I'd like to say Thanks for visiting to all my followers. It's so exciting to see that I am now in double digits:) It's always nice to read everyones comments and to visit the different stitching blogs that are out there. Wishing Everyone A Wonderful Stitching Filled Week.

Susan

Life and Stitching

2009-02-21T13:10:00.002-05:00

To start with this weekend I decided to pull out my MM & I RR and work on it. I added some more trees to the 1st chart to soften the look and then started on the 2nd piece of property. The 2nd building is going to be a church, so far all you can see from the photo is the sky that I managed to get stitched last night.

Now a bit off topic. I have decided to go back to school. Yeah, school at 45! LOL! I'm going to start off slow with just one course [Medical Terminology] and I start tuesday evening. This is a once a week class from 6-9:15pm. Right now I work at my sons school...a Catholic School that goes from grades pre-K to 8. I run the cafeteria. This is a job I literally fell into. The principal, when my son was in K and my daughter was in 3rd grade, was a Nun. I used to be a stay at home mom who volunteered at the school 2 days a week. Well, one afternoon she caught me in the hallway and asked me if I worked and how about running their cafeteria for them. Can you say "no" to a NUN? LOL! So, a new career was born. Prior to this I had gone to college, never completed my degree[pysh/social work], and ended up in Retail Management. So, now with the economic situation being what it is and the fact that both my children will be in Catholic High Schools next year, I feel the need to "help" out our finances a bit more than what I have been. Needless, to say my cafeteria manager job has been more for convienence than economic benefit. I'm hopeful, that I'll be able to get a job in the medical field this summer, and continue on with my schooling in order to get a certification in this field. Otherwise, I'll continue managing the cafeteria until I do get my certification. It's all a bit scary and exciting at the same time.

Now, I'm off to work on my MM & I RR.

Susan

Prairie Schooler and F and S Round # 11 Exchanges Recieved

2009-02-18T19:42:00.002-05:00

I just recently found out that Lisa has received the Prairie Schooler ornament I made for her, so I can post a photo of it now. I stitched Snowy Night form 2008's JCS Ornament issue.

Also, received were the squares I stitched for Rima in the F & S Round #11. I used a freebie flower chart I found at matine290.over-blog.com and stitched in all in Cranberry GAST.

Susan

My 2nd PIF Winner is....

2009-02-15T19:07:00.002-05:00

PATTI

I just noticed Patti is interested in joining in on the fun...so she's my 2nd PIF winner. Patti's gonna offer a different version of PIF on her blog, so be sure to head on over and check out her blog starting tomorrow. Congratulations Patti! I'll be making you something over the next 365 days. Hmmm, now I need to figure out what.LOL

Susan

The PIF WINNER Is....

2009-02-15T09:01:00.002-05:00

Sharon

Sharon, within the next 365 days I'll be sending you something handmade by me. Please remember to offer the PIF on your blog. Thanks for playing along.

Susan

My 1st Award

2009-02-14T12:24:00.003-05:00

I've been given an award by Sue and have to pass it onto 8 friends who I think deserve this. The words go with the picture.

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

I've thought it over and l'd like to recognize these people:

Jen @ http://speedystitcher.blogspot.com/

Sharon @ http://thepurplethread.blogspot.com/

Cindy @ http://lonestarstitcherandherramblings.blogspot.com/

Susan

F & S Winter Squares and PIF

2009-02-10T17:32:00.002-05:00

I just heard that Sharon has received the F & S Winter squares I stitched for her, so I can now show you all a photo of them. I stitched CCN's Let It Snow from JCS's 2008 Ornament Issue. I also made my 1st ever fob, using a snowflake design from Prairie Schooler and stitched it on 32ct sky blue linen over 1. I'm glad to hear they made it to their destination and that Sharon likes everything.

PIF

Just a reminder that I still have a PIF running and so far only have 1 person interested in joining, so if anyone else is interested there's still time. I won't be drawing names till Saturday[if I even get enough:)] If interested please leave a comment on this thread. Thanks!

Susan

Gazette94 freebie-thistle colors

2009-02-08T15:43:00.003-05:00

Hi,

I was asked about the colors I used to stitch the thistle freebie from gazette94. I printed this chart in color and used DMC 367 for the dark green squares and 368 for the light green. Fot the purples there were 3 shades....208 for the dark, 209 for the medium, and 210 for the light. The backstitching was done using 367, also. Hope this helps.

Susan

Prairie Schooler Exchange Recieved

2009-02-08T15:37:00.004-05:00

I received my 1st exchange from the Prairie Schooler exchange group I'm in. Lynda stitched and finished a very pretty pinkeep for me. She used a design from the leaflet "From the Heart". Isn't it just lovely! I mailed my piece last week, but it may take a while to get where it needs to go...so I'll post a photo of what I stitched and finished once it reaches it's new home.

Weekend

2009-02-07T16:05:00.007-05:00

Yeah, it's the weekend and I was lucky enough to be home alone last night, so I could stitch in peace:) My DH took our son to his soccer game and our DD decidedto join them. I was so nice and quiet. I really enjoyed myself. I even decided to watch a little bit of HBO and finally got to see Juno. Cute.

So, while I was home alone I joined in on the weekly SAT for Let's Stitch. I started 2 new pieces. Both for the Seasonal Ornament SAL. The 1st is a heart freebie from gazette94. I'm stitching this on 28ct platinum cashel using Needle Necessities #150 and DMC's #315.

The 2nd was also a feeebie, but from The Sampler Girl. Believe. I stitched this one on 14ct country linen aida and used Caron Watercolour's Black Cherry. A more rustic look to the piece.

And finally, I had a finish this week. Another freebie from gazette94, that I used as my SAT piece the last couple weeks. I really like the bright colors on this piece.

I hope everyone has a Wonderful Weekend!

Susan

Lizzie Kate Exchange Received

2009-02-01T18:51:00.003-05:00

On the 28th the mailman brought me a wonderful package. Inside was this lovely Lizzie Kate exchange from Melissa. This exchange was sponsored by HOE,TOO . She stitched me Life's A Stitch and finished it into a scissor pocket. My 1st! Melissa, also included a cute bookmark. Thanks so much Melissa...I love everthing.

Susan

January Ornament Finishes

2009-02-01T18:33:00.003-05:00

Here are the photos of the 3 ornaments I stitched and finished for the month of January. The 1st two are for the Seasonal Ornament SAL.

The 3rd ornament is for the 2009 Christmas Challenge.

I should have plenty of ornaments for my tree come December, if I can keep this up.

F and S Winter Round Received

2009-01-25T16:39:00.002-05:00

These lovely squares arrived from Sharon V. on friday. She's my partner for the F & S winter round. She also included in the package a strawberry that she made. This is my 1st ever strawberry and I was very excited to receive both the squares and the strawberry. Thank you so much, Sharon. You sure brightened my day. I'm still stitching on Sharon's sqaures, but am hopeful they'll be done in the near future. Till next time,
Susan

Updated Blog's Look and PIF

2009-01-22T19:41:00.004-05:00

I know, I know. It's not even February, yet and I've already put out the hearts, but I couldn't resist. I haven't been stitching too much this week. Busy with work, plus, I finally finished the Twilight series....borrowed them from my daughter after she and I saw the movie. The books were so much more detailed.

Tomorrow's the SAT over at Let's Stitch. I haven't figured out what I'm gonna work on, yet, but I will definitely be stitching all evening. I' really looking forward to the end of the work week and some serious stitching time for me:) I still have a F & S square I need to stitch...haven't picked out the chart, yet. Maybe, I'll do that this evening, so I'm ready to go come 6pm tomorrow.

Well, I'm trying this again.

I was one of the lucky ones to be picked for Karen D.'s PIF. I am offering a PIF here at my blog, like I said I would do. So, here are the rules: * If you would like to receive a stitchy gift made by me within 365 days please leave a comment on this post to say that you are interested, the first 2 names I draw on Saturday, February 14th....[in honor of my blog update].(Presuming I get more than 2 people interested that is) will be my PIF members* In return you post the same offer on your own blog. And the chain goes on... :) So easy and so fun. So, please leave a comment and I'll get back to the winners after Valentine's Day.

Well, I'm off to dig through my stash. Till next time....

Susan

Happy Dance!

2009-01-11T13:28:00.002-05:00

I managed to complete Just Nan's Ice Garden friday night. Just had the backstitching and beads to do. Still it took about 3 hours. I've also been working on my Winter F & S square, but can't post a photo till it gets to it's final destination. A rather slow stitching week for me since I started back at work on monday after the Christmas break. Boy, is that a killer:) Hopefully, I'll get back to normal now.

Just Nan's Ice Garden

So, I'm off to work on the Winter square. Till next time.
Susan

Carol's RR

2009-01-04T19:33:00.002-05:00

Here's what I stitched on today while watching the Ravens beat Miami. This is Carol's RR. She asked that we all stitch 2 bands on her robin. She chose Just Nan's With my Needle as her chart for this over 2 RR. I stitched the last 2 bands.

Winner!

2009-01-02T10:35:00.002-05:00

Well I tossed both the names I received into a hat and drew a winner for The Sweetheart Tree's chart. And the winner is.....Karen! Karen, please email me your mailing address. I couldn't find an email addy for you on your blog. Congratulations!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-30T17:43:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I have been busy stitching on my Just Nan Ice Garden piece. I am on the last band, then just the beads to attach....hmm...maybe a finish in my near future. I also managed to start and finish The Sweetheart Tree's teenie tweenie #12...Poinsettia On Parade. Now to decide how I'm going to finish it.

The Sweetheart Tree

Poinsettias On Parade

As a New Year's Wish to Everyone I will be giving away this chart [ this is the chart only, as I used the charm on my piece]. If you would like to enter please leave your name in the comment section and I will draw a winner on January 1st! Good Luck to All.

Happy New Year!

Susan

2008-12-25T09:59:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Finishing Party!

2008-12-23T16:24:00.006-05:00

Well, today I had myself a finishing party. I pulled out 3 ornaments that I had previously stitched plus the 2 I stitched along with the Seasonal Ornment SAL.

Here's the photos I took of them. The first 4 are Victoria Sampler designs and the last one is by The Sweetheart Tree.

Victoria Sampler

Charity

Victoria Sampler

Faith

Victoria Sampler
Poinsetta

Victoria Sampler
Christmas Rose

The Sweetheart Tree

Snowflakes in Abundance

I really enjoyed myself, but will be glad to get back to stitching:) I want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Till Next Time,

Susan

Christmas Mailart

2008-12-14T18:04:00.004-05:00

I received my Christmas Mailart from Joanne the other day. Joanne stitched me a lovely envelope with a Chritmas tree on the front and Santa, a reindeer,and snowman on the back. Thank you, Joanne for the envelope and all the goodies you sent along.

Susan

WOOHOO! A Christmas Pillow

2008-12-10T20:10:00.003-05:00

JBW Christmas Purse

I finally had some free time today and was able to turn JBW's Christmas Purse into a pillow. This is the first time I've used my stitching and made it into a pillow. Since I found all these lovely stitching blog I've seen all kind of neat ways to finish my stitching...instead of the standard picture frame. This has open a whole new world for me. I know I have a pile of stitched items I need to dig out and decide how to finish them. I have 2 weeks off over the Christmas holidays, so I hope to be able to tackle them then.

Weekend

2008-12-07T19:57:00.003-05:00

A busy weekend. I spent most of sunday cleaning up the living room getting it ready for the Christmas decorations. Which we'll put up later this week. To reward myself I pulled out a Lizzie Kate that I piece I stitched a few weeks ago for an exchange I'm in and finished it into a cube. This is my 1st time using this finishing technique. I think it turned out cute. I substituted a flower charm for the called for heart charm {since I didn't have it}...it goes well with the fabric I used for the backing, so I was very happy that it worked.

I also started to piece together the fabric for the pillow I want to make out of the JBW Christmas Purse piece. B ut my body decided it has had enough work today, so I hope to work on it tuesday or wednesday since I have both days off from work. Hopefully, then I'll have a finished pillow to show you. Now I'm off to watch The Amazing Race on TV.

Susan

PIF

2008-12-07T19:49:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that I'll be drawing 3 names for the PIF on tuesday, so if anyone else is interested please leave your name in the comment section. So far, I only have 1 taker, Robin. Will email everyone on wednesday. Thanks for joining in.

Goodies in the mail

2008-11-29T13:53:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I received several goodies in the mail. The 1st was a mailart exchange from Mari in Finland. Mari stitched a lovely envelope with a gingerbread man on the front. She sent along some Gast floss, holiday charms, fabric, and a gingerbread ornament. You can see the front and back of the envelope photo's below. Thank you Mari for a wonderful exchange.

front

back

Next, I received my 1st ever F & S squares from Terry P. Terry stitched a design from LHN. I just love them. Now to decide how I'm going to finish them. Thank you Terry for making my 1st round a very enjoyable one. I look forward to many more rounds with this wonderful group of stitchers.

LHN design

stitched by Terry P.

Now I'm off to work on Just Nan's Ice Garden. Till next time.

Susan

Thanksgiving Ornament Finish

2008-11-25T23:07:00.002-05:00

Here's my Thanksgving Ornament. I just couldn't wait to finish it, so I did it this evening. I did this along with Vonna's Seasonal Ornament Blog. Joan Elliott

Give Thanks

Cross-Stitch & Needlework Magazine 11/08

32ct Lambswool

DMC threads

Givaeaways

2008-11-25T17:36:00.001-05:00

Check out this website http://amyclary.blogspot.com/, they're having a 12 days of Christmas Giveaway. It never hurts to enter!

Mailart Finish and PIF

2008-11-23T18:47:00.004-05:00

I just completed my final mailart obligation. This is the Christmas themed mailart that will be mailed to Janien by Dec. 1st. I used the Carpenter's Wheel piece I stitched earlier this fall and finished it off with some cute Christmas fabric on the inside. I hope she likes it. I'm now ready to move onto finishing my Thanksgiving ornament, once I purchase some fall fabric for the backing. I hope to do that tomorrow and have it ready to display in time for the holiday.

Also, just a reminder that there are still spaces available for the PIF. You can read about it in a previous post. So, please sign the comment section if you're interested in participating. I'll be drawing 3 names on 12/9.

Texas RR

2008-11-16T21:41:00.002-05:00

This evening I managed to finish stitching my section of the 4 person RR I'm in for Sandy Jo. Her sampler is Oberlin Texas Sampler. I stitched the letter A. Now I'm off to work on another project.

Susan

TAGGED

2008-11-15T23:33:00.004-05:00

I've been tagged by Cindy to share 6 random things about myself.

The rules are as follows:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Write six random things about yourself.

4. Tag six people at the end of your request.

5. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Here are 6 things about me:

1. I can tune anyone out when I'm reading a good book:)

2. I love Margarita's.YUM!

3. I am an avid soccer or football {for those in Europe} fan. I watch the BPL religiously.

4. I learn about different sports {hockey, football, etc}, so I can have those type of conversations with my 13 year old son.

5. I'm very proud to be a MOM.

So, now I'm supposed to tag 6 people. Since everyone's blog I visit has already been tagged. I will "Tag" anyone who comments here.

Thanks!

Susan

Happy Dance!

2008-11-11T19:49:00.002-05:00

I had a productive weekend and managed to start and finish JBW's Christmas Purse. I substituted DMC's variegated red thread for the called for threads, but am very happy with the results. I plan to turn this one into a pillow to decorate for the holiday season...already found some fabric to use. Now I just need to find a block of time I can cut and sew it all up. I have now moved onto a RR I need to complete. It's an Oberlin Samplers Texas sampler. I get to stitch the letter A. Should be able to finish it up in a week or two.

Till next time,
Susan

Where'd the Weekend Go?

2008-11-08T15:12:00.006-05:00

Well, here it is saturday again. Boy, the weekends seem to fly by. I spent friday night stitching along with http://http//letsstitch.blogspot.com/ SAT. I worked on Just Nan's Ice Garden again. Got a little bit more done on it, but still have a ways to go.

All that white stitching was getting to me, so this morning I pulled out JBW's Christmas Purse chart and took it to my son's soccer game with me. I guess I needed a bit of color in my life. I don't have the called for threads, but have subsituted DMC's red variagted thread instead. I think it looks very nice. This should be a quick stitch up....hmmm possibly a Happy Dance this weekend. Hopefully.

On another note...I just learned that I was picked to be part of Clara's PIF from her blog http://http://threadpainter.blogspot.com/. This is my first time participating in a PIF. Here is how it works.

If you would like something handmade by me, just leave a comment on this post and on my birthday, December 9th I will draw 3 names. Then, within the next 365 days, each one chosen will receive something handmade by me. All I ask in return is that each person chosen make the same offer on their blog. This is a wondeful way to spread some happiness throughout the stitching community. I hope you join me in this.

Till Next Time

Susan

SAT Progress on Just Nan's Ice Garden

2008-11-02T13:41:00.003-05:00

Here's my friday night SAT progress for this week. I didn't get much stitched since we went out to a late dinner. My teenagers decided they were to old to go trick or treating this year, so dinner out was our way of celebrating. I had a good week stitching. I managed to finish my F & S square early friday, just need to mail it off this week. I can't post any photo's till my partner receives these. I hope she likes them. This week I hope to continue stitching on Just Nan's Ice Garden and I also, have a Texas RR I need to stitch on. So, I should have plenty to keep me busy. Till next time.....
Susan

Mailart Finish

2008-10-26T15:00:00.005-04:00

Well, I had a productive sunday. Even though the stitching for this MA has been done for I bit I finally spent today putting this all together. This exchange gets sent out in mid November. I stitched a Christmas Village scene on the front and a varigated snowflake on the back. Very Christmassy, I think. I hope Margaret likes it.

I have several other ongoing projects. Just Nan's Ice Garden which I just started friday night as part of Becky's Let Stitch SAT http://http://letsstitch.blogspot.com/ . This SAT has really motivated me to get some of my stash stitched up. I'm also,still working on my F & S Square. Plus, I have one more mailart envelope to make. I'm going to use the carpenter's wheel square I stitched a few weeks ago...photo is in a previous post. Yesterday, I received a Texas robin I need to stitch on. So, I've got plenty on my plate this week. Till next time.

Giveaway

2008-10-26T10:35:00.001-04:00

I have just found the neatest giveaway check it out at http://sleeplessnbluefield.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-first-giveaway.html
You can win a shirt with your bloggy name on it.

I'm Still Here

2008-10-22T20:23:00.007-04:00

I'm still here, just been busy working and stitching in my spare time. I had a wonderful weekend of stitching that started friday night with Becky's SAT and ended sunday with me completing Just Nan's Summer Stroll. HAPPY DANCE!! I haven't decided how to finish it off, yet. I have seen some lovely wooden boxes that this wood look pretty in...need to check them out.

I'm still working on my next mailart piece. Hope to complete it over the weekend.Will post a photo as soon as it's done. I'm also working on my 1st Fair & Square exchange piece...can't show any photo's till it's received, but it's coming along nicely. I think I'm going to start Just Nan's Ice Garden this coming friday for the SAT. I have a pile of Just Nan charts just waiting to be stitched and these friday night SAT's are a great way to get some of them done. Off to do some stitching. Until next time.