Sunday Scripture

"But because of his great love for us, God, 

who is rich in mercy, made us alive with

Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-

it is by grace you have been saved."

Ephesians 2:4&5

With Praise!

From Sur La Table

It is a frigid 23 degrees here today.  The kind of cold that makes you catch your breath because your body is in a state of shock.  But the sun is shining and that is a huge blessing after days and days of gray skies.  So, I'm firing up this little beauty I purchased at Sur La Table last weekend while on my ladies retreat.  I've never owned a tea kettle and like the cheery whistle that it makes.  Could not pass up the pink for sure.  Here are some other items I did not buy but loved:

This is an ice mold that makes diamond shaped ice,

how cool is that?

Love this color!

This mix is delicious!  Good to have in a pinch!

My one regret!

Very fun colors!

Need a new carafe, but didn't want the $40 tag...

Have a fun Saturday doing something you love!

With joy,

My Laundry Room

I had a successful day yesterday, I finished both t-shirt quilts and got them off to the quilter.  All the journal covers are made, whoo whee, I'm a bit tired today.  I'm itching for a new project and I thought if I showed you my tiny laundry room you might talk me out of redoing it and if I saw the pictures, I might think twice too.  I found the picket fence on one of my flea market trips, loved how it gave that space above the window some texture.

When we moved in almost seven years ago, I took down the dark cabinets from the walls and put the white shelving up.  Then I went about filling it with laundry and garden goodies as well as a little kittie that followed me home.

The dryer sits right below this shelf.  I can't decide if I need to go lighter in paint color, maybe a pretty blue?  My family has vetoed yellow since we have a lot of it.  Yellow says happy to me, that's why I immediately go there.

My friend, Diane, found this needlework picture for $2.00.  So glad she asked me if I wanted it.  Someone worked on it for a long time.  I just love it.

My garden angel has followed me through the last few moves.  She's starting to look a little worn out, bless her heart.  I just don't know.  Do I redo or leave as is?  I certainly have enough quilting UFO's to last me a few years months.  Tell me what you would like to redo in your home?

Be blessed today,

About Me - Part One

I grew up in a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan.

One of my favorite things to do with my Mom was to search the beach for fossils and beach glass in the evening.

I made fairy houses in the woods near my home when I was little.

My sixth grade teacher kept a paper that I wrote about the fairy houses for nearly 20 years that he shared with his students.

I can almost feel the fabric of my Grandmother's dress, hear her shy laugh and taste her birthday cakes though she has been gone many years.

I liked to read and draw and my report cards always said that I talked too much.

I took ballet for four years until I thought it wasn't "cool" anymore.

My high school art teacher secretly applied for me to get an art scholarship and surprised me with it.

I am thankful the Lord gave me something to do with my hands.

I always notice people's hands first, I think they tell a lot about a person.

I am the middle child sandwiched between two brothers.

May your memories bring you joy,

Journal Covers

Tomorrow is my deadline to take two quilts to the quilter.  I got a little side-tracked and started making journal covers for my daughter and her friends who are having a retreat with their Bible Study group.  I just love these girls and the positive influence they are on my daughter.  Best of all, God has blessed them with two wonderful leaders Joyce (I love pretty little things) and Kelly who are two of my dear friends.  They have been doing a study called "And Bride Wore White".

I used fabric from my stash as well as vintage crochet trim, buttons and some crocheted crosses that my Mom had made for me years ago.  I really did enjoy this project and I'm having fun putting together little goodie bags for them.

So, I'm off to do some mad, crazy, sewing at record speed, quilting.  I don't know why I do this to myself but somehow I think I'm a bit more creative when I'm on a deadline.  Asking God to give you showers of blessings today.

With joy,

Fun Pattern Find

I enjoy putting the unexpected into my everyday things, adding a little beauty to the routine.  So I sew pretty fabric on plain kitchen towels, use pretty old tea cups as scoops in my flour and sugar, keep my onions and potatoes in a vintage bread box, store jewelry in porcelain bowls and mouth wash in crystal decanters, to name a few.  When I saw this ironing board cover in the Moda Bake Shop, I knew this would soon be my new sewing project.  The patterns on this site are free and downloadable.  It seems to happen every couple of years that my cover becomes stained with starch and grime of some sort.  I even noticed that my ironing board seems to be a bit warped all of a sudden.  So before I can make this cute cover I have to get a new ironing board.  I was hoping you could tell me a good brand or style of ironing board for a quilter?

My friend, Sally, wants to know if anyone knows where she can purchase clean bulk buckwheat for sachet making?

Joyfully,

They loved them!

My ladies retreat was so much fun and they loved the scarves!  What a joy it was to make all these beautiful women smile.  Joyce (I love pretty little things) and Debbie from my post "Apron Love" look fabulous in them! I apologize for the blurry pic, I'm still learning the ropes here.   I hope all of you hug your friends today and make them smile!

With joy,