Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sunday Scripture


"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together
and running over, will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Luke 6:37&38
Blessings,

Friday, July 22, 2011

A Star and a Transformation


The fifth quilt block in the series is simply called the "Star".  It was paper pieced.  I really enjoyed the process but for some reason my block measures at 11.5" and it should measure 12.5".  I'm not worried, I will add a bit of white and cut it to size.  No point in wasting a good block.  I've learned after all these years of quilting and knitting, there are ways to make things work and no one knows but you.  The Amish actually put a mistake in their quilting on purpose because God is the only one who is perfect.  I don't have to purposely place a mistake, they manage to spring up all on their own!


I've been working on a project that is now starting to take shape.  I'm currently redoing the Pretty Room. This picture above is what is has looked like for the past eight years.  I have been feeling the need to pair down and simplify my home and other aspects of my life.  I've been thinking a lot about growing up on Lake Michigan and how that has shaped me.  So I decided to head to a more beachy calm, cottage feeling.


So with that in mind, my daughter and I painted the room this soft shade of grey blue.  We left the Bible verse as I love it so.  Today two chairs were delivered that I have been waiting on for weeks now.  This slip-covered, washable fabric is just as I had dreamed.  A new couch will arrive next week.


I found this lamp at T.J. Maxx and filled it with sand and shells from our trips to Siesta Key, Florida.  It casts the loveliest warm glow in the room.


I started looking around and found other things I could pull into the room from different parts of the house.  This dish was on the porch and I put beach glass and pottery that my brothers and I found on the shores while we were growing up.


The rest of the beach glass has found it's way into a jar I found at T.J.'s as well.  A moved the shell from upstairs to the mantle and continued my search.


These two beauties were hanging out upstairs, part of the collection of salt and pepper shakers that my daughter has.  I knew I could find a new home for them.


The mermaids landed next to this cute salt and pepper clam set that I found on a recent trip to the town I grew up in.


I had to include this plate as well.  So many of the places listed I have been to at some point in my life.


There is still a lot to be done.  The ottomans are getting a new slip cover when I can fit that in.  I have a quilt in mind to hang on the wall, I just have to make it!  I also have a cabinet to paint as well as a little doll chair.  I'm keeping my pink coffee table and shelf in the room but most pink touches will be subtle.  It's fun to go slow and take my time.  I will share more when I get things done.  Blessings!

Joyfully,

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

On This Hot Summer Day


It is hot, hot, hot here.  It's still better than snow, so I'm not complaining too much.  I'm drinking ginger-peach iced tea and staying inside.  I picked up this book the other day.  I've seen the movie but never read it.  One is never too old for the adventures of Anne.


After I laid these blocks out together I noticed a little imbalance.  Too much white and not enough contrast.  I do like them though and will just add a bit more color to a few of the backgrounds with the next blocks.  Today's pattern calls for paper piecing so I need to hone my skills.  When you don't practice paper piecing on a regular basis, you tend to forget.  At least I do anyway.


The garden is still quite colorful, though the air is so hot I don't know how they don't wilt.  I'm wilting for them!  Off to quilt!

Smiles,

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Flower Garden Path


This block is the fourth in the Summer Sampler Series.  This one took quite a while to complete with all the half square triangles, but it's one of my favorites.  Hope you are having a good day today!  The quilt along info can be viewed here.

Hugs,

Monday, July 18, 2011

Flowers Blooming Everywhere


Flowers are blooming inside as well as outside at my house.  This weekend I made some major progress on my applique memory quilt and thought I would share a few of the blocks with you.


This is the state of my sewing room at the moment.  I don't know why I let a quilt project get out of control like this, it just makes me feel anxious.  Some things I will never learn, I guess.


The hydrangea is in full bloom.  I have different varieties in my garden and wanted to share a couple with you.  


I moved this lace cap a couple of years ago and it is now blooming.  They seem to go into dormant mode when moved and take a couple of years to come back.  They will come back though, and as showy as ever.  Sweet blessings today!

P.S.  I know today was suppose to be a Sewing Christmas day, and I'm so busy with my quilt project this month to have something for you, please forgive me.

Joyfully,

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sunday Scripture


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

With joy,

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Mosaic Block


Yesterday I completed block number three of the Summer Sampler Series.  I really like how this one turned out.  It has a lot of movement and I like the way the different colorways of the same Flower Sugar fabric look together.  For more information on the quilt-along, go here.  Have a wonderful Saturday!

Joyfully,