Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wishing You A Very Happy Thanksgiving!







































I want to thank all you dear readers for your friendship and encouragement over the years as you've visited my little blog and I wish you and your families the most blessed Thanksgiving as we thank the Lord for His provision over the past year.  He has been with us through our darkest times and continues to shine brightly in our times of rejoicing.  May we spend the day in joyful thanksgiving to our Savior Jesus Christ!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Getting My Christmas Groove On






















































































































































The days are gray and cold now.  Today was a high of 23 degrees.  There are snowflakes dropping softly every once in a while but nothing is sticking yet.  The hardest part of living in Michigan, for me, is not the snow, but the gloomy days.  I think I could take winter better in the sunshine.  I've been having fun working on my blocks for the IG quilt along that Lori is hosting.  It's called, "Have Yourself A Quilty Little Christmas".  It's not too late to join in, as new people are coming on daily. There's nothing like Christmas blocks to give you some holiday cheer, even in the gray cold weather! So pour yourself something warm and head over to Lori's blog to read more about it, then join in to get your Christmas groove on!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Monday, November 10, 2014

Around The World Blog Hop


Good morning!  Today I am participating in the Around The World blog hop.  I was asked by the talented Cynthia of DreamQuiltCreate, Cynthia is a friend I met on IG and through blogging.  Be sure to stop by her blog to see what her hands have been up to!

I have a series of questions that I will be sharing my thoughts on...

1.  What are you currently working on?

There are so many projects I'm working on that it's hard to pick which ones to share with you. Topping my list is the current IG quilt along that Lori is hosting. Be sure to check out #haveyourselfaquiltylittlechristmas to see all the gorgeous blocks popping up.  I'm a big fan of Lori's and have enjoyed making lots of her quilts.




My design wall is full of works in progress, the largest being the Scrappy Crossroads blocks, also a pattern by Lori, that I am making.  This is going to be a king-size quilt and I'm really enjoying the process of making it.

I find Lori's patterns very straight forward with a great element of fun.  She is very good at breaking down a new technique into doable steps.  I am having a blast with the Christmas blocks and it's sure helping me to get into the holiday spirit.

Lori recently had the first birthday of her book "Quilty Fun" and designed this adorable birthday cake block which is still available on her blog.  I would love to make a quilt of birthday cakes.  Greg of Greydogwood Studio made a whole quilt of these blocks and it's fabulous.  You can see it here.





2.  How does my work differ from others?

My style is greatly influenced by Japanese fabric, vintage quilts, vintage children's toys, children's literature, my love for Jesus Christ and all things pink, pretty and shabby.

My other passion is knitting.  My knitting really took off when I found the blogs Hey Porkchop and Little Skein in the Big Wool.  These ladies are extremely talented and inspired me to take my knitting to the next level. Thanks to them my yarn stash has grown immensely though nothing compared to the fabric stash!

I have enjoyed participating in online swaps and am currently a member of the Sew Sweet Bee organized by the very sweet and talented Donna of Donnas Lavender Nest.







3.  Why do I create?

I cannot remember a time that I wasn't creating. Growing up I loved to draw and build fairy houses in the woods near my home. There is such an incredible feeling I get when I am making a quilt. The only way I can explain it is that I when I'm quilting I feel like I am truly using the gifts God has given me. Something close to magic occurs when needle, thread and fabric meet.  There is a strong sense of belonging and attachment to the quilters before me.

I find that most quilters have more than one passion, that we like to create in general and will try our hand at many things.  We believe in community and depend on each other and enjoy helping each other.

The online creative community is a great source of inspiration and a big group of cheerleaders who are always there for you.




4.  How do I work?

My sewing room is upstairs in my home.  I have painted it a lovely shade of pale pink and it currently looks like a tornado went through it.  I'm pretty messy when I quilt and then find myself unproductive in the mess and have to stop and reorganize.

I'm surrounded by vintage salt and pepper shakers, owl pitchers and mini quilts from the swaps I've taken part in. I have a bright sunny window where I sit to sew and it's my little slice of paradise.

I sewed on a Brother PC6000 for a number of years and currently sew on a Viking Sapphire.  Last summer I became the happy owner of a Singer Featherweight.  I'm hoping my next purchase will be a serger.




I would like to open this blog hop up to my readers. If you would like to participate and have others get to know you better please plan a post for next Monday, November 16.  Leave a comment on this post letting me know you are participating and I will update at the end of the week to let everyone know where to visit next Monday.

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a little better.  Thank you for all your support and comments through my blogging adventures.  It has meant a great deal to me to have you along on this journey.  I've made some wonderful friendships here.

Sweet blessings,

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

The Button Box Quilt

















































































































There are so many reasons that I love quilting from the connection to the quilters before me, to the beautiful fabrics and patterns as well as the story that each quilt tells.  Recently I was given a wonderful opportunity to help my friend Janet.  Our boys played high school sports together and I sat on many a bleacher with Janet.  Her son is now married and mine is in grad school.  Janet has moved across the country and I don't get to see her but we connect with each other through blogging and Facebook.  I will always remember the fun we had.   Janet is a writer and recently published her book, "The Button Box".  The book includes a picture of a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt that she and her Mother made together when she was growing up.  Janet had gotten the quilt out to put in her guest room and saw that some of the fabric had rotted in one of the flower blocks.  She wrote and asked if I could fix it for her,  she even had some of the original fabric.   I was thrilled to be able to restore her quilt.  Not only did I replace the flower but I also took care to stitch up any spots that were beginning to fray.  The only payment I would accept was a copy of her wonderful book.  It truly was a gratifying experience to work on the quilt.  It was repaired by hand and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Please visit Janet's blog, "Walk Down the Lane" to read more about the quilt and while you're there purchase a copy of her book, it's wonderful!

Blessings,

Sunday, November 2, 2014