Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Scripture


"For since the creation of the world
God's invisible qualities-
his eternal power and divine nature-
have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that men are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

Blessings,

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Birthday Giveaway Winner


Congratulations #62
YTSMom
on winning the birthday giveaway!
Please email me with your mailing info~

A big thank you to all who participated.
I have so enjoyed reading all of your comments.
Thank you for all your support and encouragement on this blog!

Joyfully,

Friday, January 28, 2011

Friday Pretties

The grey, cold days of winter are taking it's toll this week.  I thought it was time to get some Valentines decorations out.  Maybe alittle love can warm things up...



a gift from Shann


For more Friday Pretties
visit Joyce at

Love a vous, mon ami,

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Book Review


While I was enroute to San Diego, I had ample time to read, and read I did.  I managed to get three books read and wanted to share my thoughts with you and see if you had read them as well.  This first book had great potential, but ended up being a bit to risque for me.  I finished it because I make it a point to finish reading a book whether I like it or not.  


This one had me on the edge of my seat.  Once I got familiar with her style of writing, which includes lots of descriptive words for nature, I was hooked.  It had an erie element to it and I was down right spooked at the end.  


This book was by far the best book I read on the trip.  Though it has some difficult scenes with the characters during World War II, and as horrifying as some of the incidents were, it was a very well written story and one that I didn't want to end.


This book is my current read.  "Bittersweet" by Shauna Niequist is a must have for you, your daughters and all the women in your life.  It is about change, grace and learning the hard way.  How change is to be expected, both good and bad and what we can learn while going through it if we are able to open ourselves up to the process.  This one will have me thinking for awhile.

What about you, have you read any good books lately?

Hugs,

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Vintage Notions


My friend, Char, gave me this wonderful vintage notions cupboard for my birthday.  Each little drawer is filled with tiny treasures.  I felt like a child, again, as I would collect little items when I was small.


The long narrow cupboard is hand painted and the drawers are labeled with the words, buttons, thread, snaps, pins, utility and needles.


Some of the tiny gifts included this silver measuring tape.  It is much used and I when I hold it in the palm of my hand I feel connected to someone before me who loved to sew as well.


The lovely pincushion, once red and now faded to a perfect pink was a joy to discover.  It fits perfectly on the top of the cupboard.


Last year, Char gave me this vintage scissor holder.  I love how they compliment each other with the same hand-painted details.


I've placed them on a wall in my sewing room where I can enjoy them daily.  They look like they've always belonged in that space, don't you agree?

There is still time to sign up
for my birthday giveaway

Smiles,

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Mitten Love


I have some very talented friends who make me the most amazing gifts.  I want to share with you my mittens that my friend Sally made for me.  Sally uses recycled wool sweaters and vintage buttons.  They are the softest, warmest mittens I own and perfect for Michigan winters.


These mittens were made using my son's college logo and paw print.  I was speechless.


Sally then told me to look inside.  The enclosed tag has my son's photo on it.  That's when I started crying...thank you, Sally!

I would also like to publically thank Sally
for loaning me a sewing machine over the holidays,
while mine was in the shop, so that I could finish
my custom quilt orders.  I will be forever grateful!

God bless our friends,

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sewing Christmas ~ Birthday Giveaway

A warm welcome to our first "Sewing Christmas" post!  Here in Michigan it is bitter cold and snowy, just the right weather for working on Christmas presents.  This month's project is the "Market Bag" by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree and Co.

Each November I get out my Christmas-themed bag and carry it around through December.  People stop and ask me where I got it.  Mine came from a friend, but it got me thinking that I could make a Christmas-themed bag as a gift, bigger than mine, to hold all kinds of things during the holidays.


I have a ton of Christmas and novelty fabric and it's such a great way to reduce my stash!  This bag uses 24, 5" squares.  You don't have to use Christmas fabrics, the possibilities are endless!


This market bag is one of the simplest I've made.  There is a dart in the front and back and the bottom corners are rounded to add interest.  Buttons could be added for decoration and I thought a fabric flower would be pretty on a spring-themed bag.


The pattern is found in the 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens "Bags, Pillows & Pincushions."  If you don't have this issue, any simple bag pattern would work.


Another pattern that is fabulous is "The Easiest Handbags Ever" and can be purchased through Fig Tree Quilts here.  You can make the same kind of bag and a few other ones as well.

Let's have some fun!
Sign up using the linky below and share your own gift idea,
it doesn't have to be a sewn item, it can be any crafty idea you'd like to share!

AND
don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Giveaway
which is going on until this Friday!



Hugs,

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday Scripture

Artwork by Britt

"Praise the Lord,
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"
Praise the Lord!"

Psalm 150

Joyfully,

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Birthday Giveaway


In celebration of my birthday and because I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful women through blogging, I am offering to you in my giveaway ~

The Jelly Girl Quilt Pattern by Fig Tree & Co.
and
ALL the fabric to make the quilt top
which includes:
One Fresh Cottons Jelly Roll
Cream fabric for background
Green floral fabric for border
and Coral fabric for binding


To Enter:
Be a follower of Sewn With Grace
and leave me a comment on this post

Giveaway ends Friday, January 28th
Winner chosen by Random Generator and announced
Saturday, January 29th

With joy,

Friday, January 21, 2011

Friday Pretties

Friday Pretties finds us today at the San Diego Zoo.  I spent a wonderful day there last week, snapping shots of the most amazing creatures.  Enjoy...










For more Friday Pretties
visit Joyce at

Join me tomorrow for my 
birthday giveaway details!

Joyfully,

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Giveaway in the Making


I am back after a trip to San Diego with my husband.  He had a meeting and asked me to tag along.  I have never been to California, never seen the Pacific ocean, and nearly burst into tears when I saw the Grand Canyon from the plane.  Today is a day of unpacking, laundry, sorting mail and jet lag.   So why the candles?  Yesterday was my 49th birthday!  I was on a plane for all of it, so I've decided to pull together alittle birthday giveaway.  Details to follow... Blessings to all!

Hugs,