Work in Progress

This morning found me up very early, unable to sleep.  I am waiting on the Lord for answers and have been restless.  My quiet time was spent in Genesis.  I was reading about Rebekah, pregnant with Esau and Jacob.  The twins were making her very uncomfortable.  This is what laid on my heart, "Why is this happening to me?  So she went to inquire of the Lord.  The Lord said to her,..."  I needed the reassurance that when I inquire, he will answer.  Maybe not in the timing I would like, but he will answer.

I finished hand quilting the baby quilt last night.  Here is a close up of my stitching.  This is the first quilt I have hand quilted.  My stitches are all different sizes, but I'm learning.  I truly enjoyed the process.  I want to thank Mary and Trish for being an inspiration.  They are why I gave it a try.  I am hooked!  My daughter said to me last night, you did all that work and now you are going to give it away?  Yes indeed, dear daughter, that's what I do.

I cut the binding this morning, using one of my most favorite fabrics.  I don't know what it is about this stripe, but I love it.  I am down to a very slim piece and it is hard to find.  If any of you have some that you would like to trade, please let me know.  I'll be sad when this fabric is gone.

Besides the t-shirt quilt I'm working on, I have found these blocks that I never used.  Four of them will make a wonderful runner for a bridal event coming up.  Can't wait to show you what I have in mind.  Sweet blessings today!

Smiles,

The Transformation Continues

The transformation of the pretty room continues.  After years of sage green and pink, I have changed to a soft blue and cream color palette with touches of pink and yellow.  It's got a beachy cottage feel to it.  Yesterday I painted this cabinet "Old White" from the Annie Sloan paint collection.  Previously it was the antique yellow that remains on the trim and inside the cabinet.  I had not used this paint before but I love it and highly recommend it.  There is no prepriming and sanding involved.  Once the paint is on you apply their soft wax, distress and wax again.  The process was so easy.  The paint dries almost immediately after putting it on - what a dream!

I filled it with old quilts, some I made and some vintage and my Nicole Sayre pieces I love so much.  I moved this stool near the cabinet.  I found the stool with the pretty cover at a barn sale.

Things are coming along and I'm enjoying filling the room very slowly as I find things I like.   Many touches have come from other parts of the house.  I love it when that happens.

The new couch arrived and we are all loving it.  It has a relaxed feel with the slip cover and is a bit longer than the old one so that we have plenty of room to sit together.

I rehung the mirror that I made years ago in an art class.  I thought I would share a corner of the mirror detail with you.  I still love this piece even after all these years.  I'm off to see what else I can find for the room.  Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,

It's August

Gift from my Mom (so true)

The month of August, for me, is a month of feeling out of sorts.  Whenever something can't be explained, or something isn't right or momentary blues occur my answer is always, "It's August."  Everyday seems to be a day of decisions.  Do we hit the back to school stuff at Target before the good folders are gone or do we go to the beach?  Do we sort through old clothes to make room for new fall clothes or do we pack a picnic and head out into the sunshine?

Gift from my Mom for someday, future spouses (love)

The weather can't seem to decide what it wants to do either.  Sunny and warm? or overcast and cool?  The garden starts to let me know that it's on it's way out.  Once the Black-eyes Susans are in full bloom, I know what lies ahead.  When all watering doesn't perk up the flowers much and the colors seem to not be as bright I know that change is on the horizon.  Each year in August I feel melancholy and I'm wondering today, am I the only one?

It's August,

Sunday Scripture

Photo Southern Living

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly

we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are

being renewed day by day.  For our light and

momentary troubles are achieving for us an

eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is

temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

In Christ,

Kansas Dust Storm

Well, I did it.  I finished all the blocks in the Summer Sampler Series.  The last one was a paper pieced beauty called Kansas Dust Storm.  I learned a lot about paper piecing and don't think I'll be so apprehensive to try other quilts using this method.  

Here are all twelve blocks together.  Now I have to figure out how to set them.  I've been working on other projects as well and will have some things to show you next week.  Hope everyone is having a good Saturday!

Smiles,

Seeing Stars

It has taken me half way through the day to get this post done because that's how long it has taken me to complete the next two blocks in the quilt-along.   Evening Star is on the left and the Rocky Road to Kansas is on the right.  Both were paper pieced.  While this is not my favorite way to quilt, it does ensure seam accuracy and block size are correct.  Tomorrow is the last block in the series and then I need to figure out how I will set the blocks.  I'd like to make it king-size for my bed.

I picked up these pretties yesterday for a project I'm going to start for my daughter's birthday in September.  It's fun picking out fabric for her because she likes the more modern fabric while I remain in love with Lecien.  From aqua dot up they are :

Luna for Maywood Studio

Lennika for Free Spirit

Central Park for Moda

Front Row for Westminster Fibers

Central Park for Moda

I took a step outside a few minutes ago to take a picture of the Lime Light hydrangea that grows by the garage.  It is very overcast today so it's not as bright as I would like the picture to be.  The bush is growing like crazy this summer.  I wish you could smell it.  From just about anywhere in the yard the scent can be found.

Always be certain to read and believe the tag that comes with the plant.  When they said it would grow between 8-10 feet tall, they meant it.  It's such a delight to me.  Hope everyone is having a good day.  Sweet blessings!

Hugs,

Wedding Wednesday

The Brides Cafe

Wedding Chicks

Wedding Chicks

Style Me Pretty

It has been a busy week for me and I haven't been on my blog as I would have liked.  I haven't done a Wedding Wednesday in a while and thought you might enjoy some of the photos I have in my inspirational wedding files.  I will be back tomorrow with the next two blocks in the Summer Sampler Series.  Have a blessed day!

With joy,