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Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T08:49:00.001-06:00

I hope you're loved too!

A Little Bit of Maria....

2012-02-13T22:13:00.002-06:00

on Monday.

Maria P Oliver, that is. Make a little more progress! I also made a little progress on "THE CLOOOOOUUUUUD" aka And They Sinned, but I won't bore you with a pic just yet!

What did you work on today?

*Peace!

Weekend Rundown And A Doll Quilt For Avery....

2012-02-12T16:15:00.005-06:00

Are you having a great weekend? I certainly am! I kicked off the weekend by loading up some handwork....

and headed out to Twyla's for our repro group get together. Always a grand time, I worked on quilt binding, yacked, and laughed. Not necessarily in that order!

Twyla had finished machine quilting a quilt for me....

so I came home with another for the 'needs binding' pile!

Saturday was spent mostly with the hubs...lunching...shopping....and then home for some knitting. Except I wasn't liking what I was seeing come off the needles.

Bleck! This Spirit Trailworks Sunna was not looking as wonderful as it should in this pattern. Not enjoying the way the colors were settling, I ripped the whole thing out and went in search of a new pattern.

And I found it!

I worked on it this morning and yes....This is working much better for me!

This afternoon I decided it was time to go down and take care of that quilt in progress!

and succeeded!

Another quilt top done! 30s and a Westminster print....such fun color, it was a joy to work on!

and with the leftovers....

a doll quilt for Avery!

I hope you're enjoying an equally enjoyable weekend! I'm off to knit...and stitch! Happy Sunday!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2012-02-09T06:19:00.001-06:00

It's Thrifty Thursday and I finally have a little find to share! I either haven't felt like traipsing thru the thrift shops or have traipsed thru them and found nothing, but this week I did bring a little treasure home!

Who doesn't love blue and white? and sugar bowls?

I was willing to pay the price for this beauty in excellent condition! Not even a flea bite.

I may use it to hold sugar when I have my spot of Earl Grey. Wouldn't that be the English thing to do?

I'm not sure what the pattern is, but will see what I can find out! I'd love to find some matching pieces!

Did you find any trinkets or treasure this week?

*Peace!

Wordless Wednesday!

2012-02-08T08:58:00.001-06:00

Knitting Is Complete!

2012-02-07T22:54:00.002-06:00

The Guernsey Wrap that I started on New Years Day is done!

Well...I should say all the knitting is done! I really REALLY loved working with the Shelter yarn. So springy and that rustic tweedy effect....LOVE! And I taught myself the sewn bind off method and WOW! I love that too!

So all that's left is to block it! I best be hurrying up and getting some blocking wires!

Excited to have this done!

*Peace!

Samplers On Sunday!

2012-02-05T08:47:00.001-06:00

Today is the Sunday of full 'samplers-in-progress' disclosure!

Is thirteen too many?

DUTCH BEAUTY
Very glad to have this one started. I know it's not going to be done any time soon, but I'll enjoy the process! Remind me I said that in 2 years or so!

MARY PRENTICE 1831
A January start, I've always loved the color in this one and I don't think it will take too long before it's done and ready to frame!

FREDERICK
My 2012 new year's day start, I love working with silks and already have his mate, Frederika, kitted, though not started. He's quite stitch intensive, so this one won't be a quick one, but I'll definitely be on a mission to get him done this year!

MARTHA BRADY'S ACKWORTH SAMPLER
How could I have forgotten about Martha?? I was stunned when I was sifting through kitted projects for my January starts, to unearth her! Lovely Vikki Clayton silks are there and I stitched one motif. And then it slipped into the realm of the forgotten samplers! But no more! I'll be spending some time with Martha!

THOMAS
Thomas...Thomas Thomas Thomas....I started him late last year. Maybe he'll be ready to frame by turkey day this year!

ABIGAIL BROWN SAMPLER
Another "oh my gosh I totally forgot about this one" is the Abigail Brown Sampler! I LOVE this sampler so much and am glad to have rediscovered her in the pile! You'll be seeing more of her!

FAITH HOPE AND HONOR
EEEEEK! Faith Hope & Honor....and Vintage Navy Bean...and silks. With the heavy stitching, this one could be another that I at least attempt to put one or two lengths in a week. Every little bit helps! I've always loved this one!

SARAH BRIGNELL
Oh Sarah.....I couldn't ditch you. You may remember that Paulette and I started Sarah as our New Years sampler start...oh......back in 2010. And it wasn't long before we were bored with her and decided to pitch her. But I couldn't do it. The colors...the finished pic...I just couldn't toss her into File 13. Instead I cast her aside...but I'm resurrecting her this year! We'll see how much attention she gets.

MARIA P OLIVER
Maria was another January start and I can say she's almost done! One day of vacation, non-stop streaming of Downton Abbey and this is what I ended up with! That was a glorious day!

SDW REPRODUCTION SAMPLER
Clearly I fell off of my 'one-page-a-month' goal with SDW, but will definitely be working consistently to get caught up and see some more progress on this beauty!

AND THEY SINNED
Sure to be another 'slowly but surely' sampler project, I did work on this one this past week! The cloud...oh the cloud. I keep a needle threaded and put in a length here and there when I'm just sitting. I don't think it will take too long to move on from the cloud!
::fingers crossed::

THE GARDEN OF EDEN SAMPLER
This was another January start and I think it will be a rather easy one to finish in a short amount of time. A very pleasant stitch with that linen, I'll be sure and pick this one up often!

LUCRETIA MAUS 1832
and then there was Lucretia. *SIGH* Lucretia drew me in with her color and her playfulness. I ordered her....kitted her...was excited to start her. And then......I actually looked at the thing. QUEEN STITCH. Lots and LOTS and LOTS of queen stitch...almost the entire border. I thought about trying to rechart it...to change it to something other than queen stitch. But...I don't think it's to be. Now the question is whether I want to tackle all. that. queen. stitch.
or not.
Lucretia is the only one in danger of not seeing time under my needle.
Queen.
Stitch.
*sigh*

So...there you have it! The complete rundown!
I think I'll revamp the blog layout a bit and post a running list.
If they stay out there in front of me in one form or another, I'll be more prone to work on all of them! At one time or another. In one year or another! ;o)

What do you have started? Care to join me in the full disclosure?
I'd love to know I'm not alone in this!

and now....I think I'll knit.

*Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T13:52:00.001-06:00

Sampler Sunday Start #5 - The Finale

2012-01-29T14:34:00.002-06:00

Well here we are!! The final Sunday in January...the last Sunday to start a new sampler, as challenged by Laurie.

Today I decided to start this!

The Garden of Eden Sampler by the Needles Prayse DMC on 32ct Days Gone By Silkweaver

Thoroughly enjoying every stitch! I do have an aversion to hearts, so there will definitely be changes to the design!

It was a fun challenge to start something new each Sunday in January! Let's recap!

1st Sunday - Frederick by CHS
2nd Sunday - Maria P Oliver by CHS
3rd Sunday - Dutch Beauty
4th Sunday - Mary Prentice 1831 by CHS
5th Sunday - The Garden of Eden Sampler by the Needles Prayse

Now if you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I don't do well with a set stitching schedule, rotation or assignment. I'm a stitching rebel that way I guess. ha! But...having said that, I feel good about adding these into the stitching mix!

I'm planning to continue the Sampler Sunday theme! It feels good to get back to some sampler stitching!

Next week I'm going to bare my soul aka the pile of WIPs in the sampler department. I can't quite remember everything I've got stitches in, so it will be good to get them all out and document them.

The plan is this: there will be NO MORE new starts until something I've already begun is finished! That should work out well! Some of the January starts have been smallish...some not so much. A nice mix!

Okay..back to the needle! Happy Sunday!

*Peace!

My Head In The Clouds

2012-01-28T11:40:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was spent mostly with my head in the clouds. or should I say CLOUD, singular.

The mammoth cloud of And They Sinned.

It sure doesn't look like it would take that long to lay the groundwork.

or should that be laying the skywork? I thought I would do the big outline of the cloud. And then I'll stitch the motifs that are inside the clouds.

And all that will be left will be the fill-in.

Lots and lots of fill-in! But it has to be done!

Today I'm setting it aside, and picking up the knitting needles, the dust rag, and possibly making a trip down to the quilt den to cut out the next quilt while I get the laundry going! It's a multi-tasking Saturday!!

What's on your creative agenda for the day?

*Peace!

Hello Friday!

2012-01-27T10:10:00.001-06:00

Home alone and stitching! Maria P Oliver is getting some attention! It's a good day! Yesterday I spent much of the day stitching and partaking in a Downton Abbey marathon, courtesy of Netflix. I woke up speaking in a Beitish accent. Ha! Enjoy your day!!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T09:00:00.001-06:00

As The Wurm Grows

2012-01-23T20:27:00.001-06:00

The Wurm hat is growing! Can't blog now....must keep knitting!!

Sampler Sunday Start #4

2012-01-22T18:12:00.004-06:00

As you may know, I've taken Laurie up on her challenge to start a new sampler each Sunday in January! This is the 4th Sunday.....and here is my fourth start!

Mary Prentice 1831 by Carriage House Samplings! I'm using DMC and a piece of what appears to be Lakeside Linen vintage exemplar. This is all I had time to stitch for now, but it's a definite Sunday start!

I don't have time to stitch. I've got to get back to this.

Did I mention the Jakester is leaving on WEDNESDAY! I gotta get back to the knitting! I hope I can get it done in between full days at the office tomorrow and Tuesday! Wish me luck!

What did you start today??

*Peace!

Rewind to Saturday

2012-01-22T10:59:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I....

baked a cake. And it was good! Homemade chocolate whipped ganache finished it off just right...not too sweet!

I also pulled fabrics....

for the next quilt! A look to spring, perhaps? The colors made me smile!

And then I walked away from the fabrics.....and picked up some yarn to knit a hat for the Jakester. They're leaving on Wednesday for 4 days in Laramie, WY to snowmobile and I thought it only right that he have a new nice warm hat. I decided on the Wurm hat...for it's coolness factor.

And this morning...this is what I have.

UGH! A lovely pile of charcoal Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. In a fit of silent semi-rage, I ripped the whole thing out at approximately 12:30AM this morning. LOL I was not a fan of the folderover double thickness band. Probably because mine was twisted a bit after I folded it and knit it. Frustrating! Today I'm going with a good ol' 1x1 rib for the band! We'll see how it goes!

Today I'll also be selecting and starting a 4th sampler! Check back later to see what I've chosen! I haven't quite decided yet...so I'll be surprised too!

Happy Sunday!!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2012-01-19T09:43:00.001-06:00

Not the normal fodder for Thrifty Thursday but it's keeping it real! I troll for nice denim shirts....and this is my most recent $2.50 acquisition in action today! Do you realize how many denim shirts are on the thrift store racks !? Lots! And I love 'em! What did you discover thrifting this week?

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T12:32:00.001-06:00

Snuggled In

2012-01-16T19:24:00.001-06:00

After the shock of starting a new work week, I'm retreating this evening. Snuggled in with a quilt, knitting, and Antiques Roadshow. That's better!

Sampler Sunday Start #3

2012-01-15T19:30:00.003-06:00

In keeping with the decision to participate with Laurie in her challenge to begin a new Sampler each Sunday this month, I started a new one today!

"Dutch Beauty" using DMC on 32ct Antique Tan linen

Please....don't judge me. ha! ;o) I, once again, told myself I can't finish if I don't start, so why the heck not start it!

I've almost got the entire vine done on the first page today. I feel good about the start!

Did you start a sampler today?

*Peace!

Fun & Done!

2012-01-14T19:54:00.002-06:00

Today I got up entirely too early for any sane person on a Saturday, and headed north to spend the day with my quilty buds at Kay's clubhouse. Always a fun time!

I packed only handwork....so as to force myself to get it done! I started and finished binding a queen size quilt and then I finished this....

Sue Spargo's pattern...Saffron Hill...with my own modifications. All that's left is the quilting!

Fun & Done...what could be better?

*Peace!

And another....

2012-01-13T22:55:00.001-06:00

I finished another quilt this evening. This one was also started on New Years Day. As a leaders/enders of sorts. Simple. I used four charm packs of assorted French General lines. I tossed them all in a box and just pulled them out willy nilly and sewed them together. I paired the pairs up blindly, as well. And then I laid them out and came up with the final arrangement. Scrap quilts need not stress you out! I used 2 yards of a print for the border (cut 9") and finished it tonite!

I'm trying out the blogger app on my new iPhone, so we'll see how this works!

*Peace!

Right Before My Eyes!

2012-01-10T19:52:00.002-06:00

The Guernsey Wrap is coming together.....

right before my eyes! This was the pic Sunday evening....

and now this evening....

walaah! I love how quickly it's moving! Makes me feel like I might actually really truly be a knitter! Wooohooo!

I'm using the Wool Socks colorway of the Shelter yarn. And I am loving it! So rustic!

First pass of Chart A is complete! I think I'll stitch for a bit now..while I pretend to be a Braverman for an hour this evening. Do you watch Parenthood? Best show on TV!

Happy Tuesday evening!

*Peace!

Challenge, you say?

2012-01-08T21:04:00.003-06:00

CHALLENGE - noun. Dare - Defiance - Provocation

Laurie over at Corgi Cottage spoke of a January challenge today. Starting a new project each Sunday in the month of January. Am I crazy? The idea actually appeals to me! 4 new starts in the new year.

I considered Laurie's post a provocation and immediately acted.

I started Maria P Oliver today. Simple enough...nothing too over the top. I'll save that for NEXT week's start! ha!

And yet another challenge entered my inbox this week! Sheri over at The Loopy Ewe has challenges each quarter. I sat idly by last year...not participating. But this year I decided "Why the heck NOT!" This first quarter challenge is easy enough...purchase your yarn prior to January 6, and knit something---anything---and be finished by April 4.

I caked up a ball of Sunna by Spirit Trail Fiberworks....in the Antique Tapestry colorway....

and cast on this scarf this evening. I've got the 19 knit rows done. And a little over two months to complete it. Another provocation....another project begun.

I figure what's a few more projects...really? I mean, you can't finish if you don't start!!

*Peace!

Quilt Tops Done!

2012-01-07T15:33:00.004-06:00

Today I finished my New Years Day quilt start! Woooohooo!

A scrappy cracker box using civil war repros. It ended up being approx 69 x 80....a rather nice "curl up and take a nap under" size!

I do love scrap quilts! And civil war prints.

And speaking of both scraps and civil war prints, I had a multitude of 9 patch blocks leftover from the quilt I put together during the retreat this fall so I decided to put them together into a utility quilt.

I love the funky garish repro print that I paired these up with. So for me...it's about that funky blue print!

Utilitarian for certain!

So nice to have a couple more tops done!

I'll contemplate the next quilt start......as I knit and stitch away the rest of the weekend!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2012-01-05T06:10:00.000-06:00

It's the first Thrifty Thursday of 2012! YAY! I kinda fell down on the thrifty posts as the year drew to a close. I'm looking forward to getting back out and about in search of 'stuff'!

This week....I brought home this...because I cannot pass up Warren Kimble prints

and this one was a great buy!

Just a little spiffing up of the frame and it will be good to go!

And then I spied this little lovely....

abalone and silver........

from Mexico....

and another great buy!

I'll be venturing out this weekend to another thrift store that I don't get to very often! I'm excited for the change of scenery! Here's hoping I find some good 'stuff'!!

*Peace!

One More Day!

2012-01-02T21:12:00.002-06:00

That's certainly what I wish I had! One more day away from the office! But...today is the last day of that lovely thing called a three-day weekend.

I tried to make the best of it. I lounged around and knitted this morning until mid-morning. Then I headed downstairs to the quilt den and worked some more on my New Year's quilt start.

I didn't get it done, but did make some progress. I think I'm going to like it!

I've got my work cut out for me....

so I'll work on it here and there this week in the evenings. We'll see if I can get it done by the end of next weekend. That would be swell!

I've spent the evening knitting....again. I did start the Brooklyn Tweed Guernsey Wrap yesterday and it's moving along, but I felt compelled to work on the scarf I had started last week for Miss Ashley.

So that's what I've had in my lap this evening.

I hope you were lucky enough to have the day off and did something wonderful!

*Peace!

Fresh Starts!

2012-01-01T21:00:00.002-06:00

Aaaaah! New Year's Day! A new year...and new starts of the creative type!

This morning, I wasted no time. My new stitching start...

Frederick by Carriage House Samplings....using NPI silks and 40ct Vintage Exemplar. YIKES! Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to start this first thing this morning...my eyes! my eyes! I was not accustomed to 40ct! But I'm sure once my stitching corner is back in place, the light will help and things will go well. I've loved this fellow and his mate for quite some time, and it was kitted and waiting. This is the year! I had tossed around the idea of starting something a bit larger, but...ahem.........I have enough largish ones started already! So Frederick got the call!

After a couple hours it was time to head down to the quilt den for the New Years quilt start!

These lovely repros have been waiting....

and I got all of the first round cutting done!

I'll be sewing yet this evening and again all DAY tomorrow! Wooohooo! I do love a three day weekend! And a new quilt start! ;o)

Then I moseyed upstairs and decided to make a batch of The Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls. Which took most of the afternoon.

They're tasty..but almost too sweet for me! But I loved how easy the dough was to make..much easier than how I usually do it! So I'll make 'em again...with less frosting.

And then it was time to start a new knitting project!

Brooklyn Tweed's Guernsey Wrap using Shelter yarn in the Wool Socks colorway.
This is my first time ever reading a chart...and so far so good! I just need to remember to remember where I leave off! ha!

It's been a fun day! I love fresh starts...of every variety! Hope your year has gotten off to a great start!

*Peace!

Hello Twenty-Twelve!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!!

*Peace!

Look Who Stopped By!

2011-12-31T21:30:00.002-06:00

Avery...in her hat! We had a fun evening...can you see how wound up we got her? Look into those brown eyes...yep....she was going big time!

and then she went home. ;o)

*Peace!

And So....I Knit

2011-12-28T21:34:00.002-06:00

I'm not quite ready to box up the glow of the Christmas tree.
This means that my stitching area is still disassembled.

Which means that there....behind the tree.....my scroll rods languish.

My stitchy fingers are getting itchy with anticipation of some needle time!

And so...I knit.

This is a scarf for Ashley. Super easy...mindless....easily memorized.

And you don't need good lighting to knit it!
Which works out perfectly because I've really REALLY been enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree....and this candle!

Mmmmmm! Marshmallow Fireside. Smells delightful....a Christmas gift from the Jakester.

I hope you're still basking in the Christmas glow!

*Peace!

Avery's Anemone

2011-12-27T19:42:00.002-06:00

I did finish knitting up Avery's anemone hat last week! It was on her head Thursday night, but I have yet to snap a pic.

Until then...

here's a taste of the colors! Fruity fun!

I must say, I'm a bit tired of making the tendrils. Glad I only have two little heads to knit those for right now, although there are some adults that are dropping hints. They will have to wait for now!

*Peace!

Quilts await!

2011-12-26T21:02:00.003-06:00

Look at one of the great gifts I received for Christmas!

A real true barn ladder! How exciting! Now to find a spot for it! Quilts await!

*Peace!

Happy Christmas....All Year Long!

2011-12-25T21:54:00.001-06:00

Who's with me? ;o)

*Peace!

The Stockings Were Hung....

2011-12-23T22:13:00.003-06:00

Okay...they're not really actually hanging...but they're done!

Nothing like last minute huh? But I made myself go down and finish them off with the faux fur cuffs this evening.

I found this fur for the cuffs.

It's actually this...

But the pile was right..the color was right...it was just....well...right! So I bought the plush throw and cut it so that the already-finished edge was the edge of the cuffs. Less work for me! ;o)

I think they'll work! And they're easy enough to add more...and more and more...as the family grows!

Now if I only had a fireplace mantle on which to hang them! Must improvise....

*Peace!

He Likes It!

2011-12-21T20:49:00.002-06:00

and it fits!

I may be biased, I'm certain of it, but isn't he just adorable? :o)

Off I go to finish Miss Avery's!

*Peace!

...and in other knitting

2011-12-20T20:23:00.003-06:00

the stealth gift knitting was finished last week, and the scarf was gifted yesterday to my co-worker, Amy. She just happens to love the color orange.

It's the "Gathered Scarf"...a free pattern on Ravelry. Are you on Ravelry?

I knit this per pattern and used Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga yarn,

which was an absolute pleasure to knit. And I LOVE the color!

I hope that if you're gift-knitting, it's almost done! Happy Tuesday!

*Peace!

Hats All Around!

2011-12-19T22:28:00.002-06:00

Miss Avery spent the night with Grams and Gramps on Saturday.

Gramps wanted her to try on his fishing hat.

And we thought she looked adorable in it!

However...

she wasn't so keen on it!

And decided it needed to go back on the head from which it came...

back on the head of Gramps!

And speaking of hats....I just finished knitting this super cute anemone hat by Cat Bordi...

it's for Mr. JJ.

I had mentioned that it doesn't photograph well...that it needs to be on a head.
So Jake decided he would assist....

but his head's a little big for it....so he pseudo-modeled it.
I think it will look better on the head for which it was knit...Mr. JJ's!

Next up...a girlie version for Miss Avery! And then I have this feeling I will be knitting the adult sizes for a few others!

*Peace!

Weekend Winner!

2011-12-17T23:16:00.003-06:00

WOWZERS!! How much fun has this Quilt Blog Hop been? Thank you so much for all of the entries in the drawing for the Blackbird Designs book! And hello to all of my new bloggy friends and followers!

The winner of the book is number 232. (ahem...don't you wish Blogger numbered the comments?? I do!).

SUSAN said: "If you came to my sewing room and had a look at my stash...you would see this is my color. The book would be a lovely addition to my shelf."

Congrats, Susan! Please email me at kwiltykim at hotmail dot com and let me know where to mail your new book! And oh by the way...I'd love a peek at your sewing room and your BLUE stash! ;o)

Thanks so much for everyone's interest in the giveaway! I hope you'll stop by often!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-12-15T07:04:00.003-06:00

It's back!! Thrifty Thursday! Finally! I was in a bit of a drought for a while! Either not in the mood to treasure hunt, or not finding anything but chipped ceramics and old tupperware. Bleck! But....I did find a few things yesterday to share with you today!

Lovely....

Heavy....

copper molds.

I appreciate the depth of the designs and the weight!

And the price!

I hope this means I'm getting my thrifty mojo back! Right now most of the stores are filled with Christmas cast-offs and snowmen. I'm hopeful after the first of the year, the good stuff will reappear!

Have you thrifted lately?

*Peace!

While I've Been Gone....

2011-12-14T07:05:00.002-06:00

we had a birthday!!

Yes it's true! Can you believe that Mr. JJ turned one! 12/11/10 was his birthdate....Sunday we celebrated a year! Luckily he was feeling just fine, having underwent some surgery on Thursday. Poor little guy has suffered with reflux and many, many ear infections, bronchial issues etc since he was born. But we hope he's all better now!

He certainly enjoyed his cupcake!

Happy Birthday sweet Mr. JJ!

In the meantime, you've probably noticed the Quilt Blog Hop going on! If not, check out this post and join in the fun! I love that there are new friends dropping by the blog! So exciting!

Christmas baking will ensue shortly! And oh yeah...those stockings....still the stockings!!

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

*Peace!

Holiday Quilters Blog GIVEAWAY!!

2011-12-09T18:13:00.004-06:00

Wooohooo! Tis the season to be jolly! It's time for another Quilters Blog Hop party...with GIVEAWAYS!

This is your chance to discover new quilty blogs...and maybe win a lot of cool stuff! Check out the linky-link over there to the right....the colorful QUILTERS BLOG HOP button! That link will take you to LOTS and LOTS of fun quilty blogs!

For my part...

I'm giving away a brand spanking new copy of the latest book from Blackbird Designs! Weekend! Filled with lovely blue quilts...you need this one in your library!

How do you enter? It's very simple! Just leave a comment on this post! I'll draw a winner on December 17th! Want an extra chance to win? Just become a "follower" over there to the right and leave me another comment telling me you've done that!

It's free and it's fun! Let's get to the blog hopping!

*Peace!

Today...

2011-12-04T19:55:00.003-06:00

the bulk of the stocking work was completed!

Nine of them. Now I just have to decide....

to cuff...or to bind. I can't make up my mind! UGH! I'll think on it this week and decide. There ARE 20 days left until they MUST be hung for Santa. ;o)

The stealth gift knitting continues...

and I really am making great progress....I figure I'm halfway. But then I look down in my knitting bag and this ball (Sanguine Gryphon Bugga! in Orange Assassin Bug) doesn't seem to be shrinking that much!

What's up with that? I suppose it will suddenly collapse on itself at some point. So I shall knit on!

Hope you've had a great day today!

*Peace!

Productive Prep Work

2011-12-02T21:07:00.004-06:00

Finished up some stocking prep work this evening...

at least the first stage of prep! I decided the boys would have green/white stockings and the girls red/white. So I had to dig but luckily found a nice grayish-green solid and got busy when I got home from work tonight. Those stockings may actually get finished after all! Tomorrow I'll stop off and grab some flannel for the inner layer and will get busy cross-hatching these tomorrow evening. Then the fun will begin. I better start practicing my stocking sketches!

The tree is up....

and now stands decorated pretty much. I reserve the right to continue adding to the tree. ;o)

Productive prep work this evening!

*Peace!

Holly Jolly Piecework

2011-11-30T19:28:00.002-06:00

WOW! Looks like I've got a nice start to a lovely red and white quilt top!

But alas...it's merely piecework....piecing this together only to cut it up in the shape of Christmas stockings!

I pulled this off the shelf to use as stocking backs.

Now to find the time to quilt the piecework before I cut it up!

Hope you're having a holly, jolly and productive week!

*Peace!

I Love Long Weekends!

2011-11-27T21:34:00.005-06:00

What's not to love about an extra long weekend? I reveled in the fact that I had four days off and feel like I got quite a bit done!

There was stealth knitting....

that I cannot show you because it's a gifty-gift for someone that could drop in and spy! But I got this project about 1/3 done! wooohooo!

There was also stealth quilt piecing...

on two projects! Both completed! I'll be able to show more of these in a couple weeks. Once they're 'unveiled' at my civil war small group! Until then...they have to stay under wraps!

But I can show you this!

woohooo! 2 x 2 rib on the second Cowboys sock. And speaking of the COWBOYS...how 'bout them COWBOYS! Quite a thriller on turkey day!

And I can also show you this....

I've played around a bit today with these. They are leftover nine patches from the nine patch quilt I put together at the recent quilt retreat. There were LOTS of nine patches leftover! I LOVE when that happens...a big headstart on a quilt..just like that! I hope to have this one put together this week!

Also on tap this week.....making some new Christmas stockings! Dear daughter asked this weekend if she could please have the patchwork stockings we've had since the kids were little. I've got mixed emotions about handing them over. They were crudely pieced...back when I very first started quilting. But there are only 5...and the family is growing with grandbabies and significant others. So I could use this as a motivator to make 9 new stockings. It's not like it's December or anything, right? ha! We'll see!

I hope you had a wonderfully long weekend!

Tomorrow is Monday! Are you ready?

*Peace!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:55:00.005-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with great food, and lots of family time! We'll be enjoying the kids, the grands, and the food. And pie...lots and lots of pie! Mmmmmm.....pie!

*Peace!

Yep...It's A Monday!

2011-11-21T18:43:00.002-06:00

Can't you tell?

Easy dinner...bottle of merlot.....yep...definitely a Monday!

OMGosh the hubs picked this up at Sam's the other day...

YUMMMO! Seriously. We had it on bread....and I heated up some of it to serve over the pasta up there. A little fresh parmesan...crushed red pepper flakes...and a glass of vino....dinner was excellent...and easy!

And now...I'm going to settle in for some Antiques Roadshow and give SDW some attention...

and finish off that bottle of merlot! ;o)

Hope you had a swell Monday!

*Peace!

Oh Yeah.....

2011-11-20T19:52:00.005-06:00

Oh yeah....I have a blog! Yikes I feel like it's been forever since I've blogged! Sorry about that....just kind of fell into a place of "meh".....but I'm departing that land and am back!

I've been knitting since I've been gone.

Another Noro Striped Scarf.

Colors are more subdued in this one...which seems fitting I suppose.

But look what arrived this week!

Oooooh! Aaaaah! Some SHELTER from Brooklyn Tweed! In the great Wool Socks colorway! I must say....it was my first time ordering from Churchmouse Yarns & Teas and it will not be my last! :o) They caked these puppies right up free of charge...saved me a step so I can cast on this sooner! I'm just a little nervous...this will be my first time working from a charted pattern. EEEEK! If you have any tips, pointers or comments, I welcome them!

In the meantime, I'll be enjoying the glow...

of my faux mercury glass pumpkins and readying myself for the short work-week ahead!

Happy Sunday Evening!

*Peace!

The Weekend

2011-11-06T22:12:00.002-06:00

Tried to lay a little low this weekend...feeling a little "eh"....but I'm gonna make it!

Did a little reading...

a little stitching on SDW....

wove in the ends on my Toast wristwarmers....

and put the kitchener stitch to the toe of my Cowboys socks.

All in all not a lost cause for a weekend, but I'm ready to be back to me!

Bring on a new week!

*Peace!

Tasks At Hand

2011-11-01T22:58:00.001-05:00

With finishes come tasks at hand. I finished my Toast wristwarmers...

now to weave in the ends. Simple work.

I also have a toe that's ready to be kitchenered on my Cowboys socks. Another task at hand.

And I've got two quilts that need the hand work done on the binding. Yet another task!

I love these kind of tasks though!

*Peace!

Dinner with Spiderman---Dessert with a Kangaroo

2011-10-31T19:40:00.001-05:00

Spiderman stopped over around dinner time this evening....

and afterwards...

a little marsupial dropped in for dessert!

The grands are growing!

Happy Halloween!

*Peace!

Revisiting an old friend

2011-10-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

A few times this week, I spent some time with my old friend, SDW A German Band Sampler (Scarlet Letter).

I've enjoyed revisiting this sampler....

I think I'll continue on with it! I should be back on track with the progress soon! :o)

What do you have languishing in your stitching pile that could use a revisit? Do tell! All of our sampler UFOs can keep each other company!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-10-27T06:38:00.002-05:00

How perfect is it that part of the quilt retreat weekend involved junkin' and antiqueing!?!?! And is there any better place to find some deals than small-town America? I was so excited to find this for $2.50!

A little covered jar in the Mason's Fruit Basket pattern! I have a couple other pieces in this transferware and I LOOOOOVE it, so I was quite giddy when I saw this on a shelf! It still has some sticky residue that needs removed, but I think it will clean up nicely!

It's one of those patterns that I could definitely get in to collecting and displaying. I love the brown with the colors....love it!

I picked up another great find while I was retreating, but it's seasonal, so I'll wait until the season to share! And besides, I've already got it boxed up and stored, and forgot to take a pic! So you'll have to wait until Christmas decorating begins!!

And my fellow retreater and pal, Kay, who is a rabid...er..uh...I mean AVID new milk glass collector, found this for me when she was out hunting!

A gloriously big glass pear! Hmmmm....wonder what I'll do with this? ha! I see a mercury glass pear in my future! Thanks, Kay! :o)

So those are this week's thrifty finds! Have you found something wonderful lately?

*Peace!

....and then it was over.

2011-10-23T20:15:00.007-05:00

We arrived at our retreat destination Thursday evening.....

Living Waters Retreat Center on Lake Poinsett provided a beautiful facility with awesome lake views...

Lots of great room for sewing!

And there was a lot of that happening! A lot of sewing...laughing...eating....laughing...sewing...laughing...

A lot of show and tell...

Yes...there were lots of beautiful quilts being shown...

And I did get quite a bit done myself!

Yes I know...another nine patch! I never tire of them!

Love the fabrics!

A great Jo Morton pattern from her Coming Home book.

I was given grief for #1 - not bringing a ton of different projects and #2 - for getting the projects I brought along finished.

I resorted to applique after my piecing projects were finished.

and there was knitting on the ride home....

....and then it was over.

Many thanks to Twyla for organizing such a wonderful weekend! A great time was had, new friends were made, the muscles you use for laughing were engaged....it was a fabulous 3 days!

*Peace!

See You Sunday!

2011-10-20T16:00:00.002-05:00

I'm off.....for three glorious days at a quilting retreat! I've got small quilt projects packed, large quilt projects, applique, small knitting project, bigger knitting project....I think I'm set!

See you Sunday! Have a great weekend!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-10-20T06:39:00.003-05:00

I found some more pottery this week! Imagine that, huh? ;o)

These are marked "Made in Western Germany" and each has a number on the bottom.

I doubt they're anything 'Roadshow Worthy' but I liked the glaze on them.

A sweet little set of juice glasses!

At least that's going to be their purpose here!

Have you found any pottery lately?

*Peace!

I Am A Happy Homebody!

2011-10-15T14:43:00.007-05:00

Happy SATURDAY! Aaaah....a day at home. I love being a homebody! It's when I am the happiest!

This morning I slept in...it was heavenly...and I make no excuses for that, even though the early-rising husband didn't seem too thrilled that it was almost 10 before I decided to get out of bed. I don't do it often, and I loved it!

Once I had my morning java, I did get busy! I pulled out the makings for more faux mercury glass...

taped off the little glass pumpkin I found this week...

took it outside, spritzed the inside of it with water and sprayed the Looking Glass paint...

and walaah...

another mercury glass pumpkin! I love the candle glow!

I took off for some errands....returns at the mall, post office package drop, and then to the grocery store. I brought home some more homebody projects!

There will be homemade granola....and a big apple pie!

And then I'm going to roast these...

Roasted Beets! I haven't roasted beets before, so am anxious to try these. YUM!

I love being a homebody! Do you?

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-10-13T06:46:00.000-05:00

Look what came home last night!

Less than five bucks spent.

The bluebird of happiness...

too cute! I picked up the cardinal version a while back as well! Beautiful little glass birds. They're handmade in Arkansas! I only know this because they both had labels on them and when I looked up the info, it took me here!
Aren't they sweet?

And this cute little glass pumpkin!

The smaller version of the one I turned into faux mercury glass earlier this year! Guess what I'll be doing!?

And I love the character of this little accent mirror.

Seems I can always find just the right little spot to hang a small mirror!

Speaking of mirrors......where did I put that Looking Glass spray paint? I've got a lil' pumpkin and I'm gonna need it!

Happy thrifting!

*Peace!

Cooler With A Chance of Knitting

2011-10-10T19:37:00.003-05:00

The knitting is in my lap this evening.

The temps are a bit cooler...still not our 'normal', but above normal is still fine with me in October! I'm watching baseball (Go Rangers!!) and then will switch over to cheer for the Bears....because I can't cheer for the Lions. It's that whole 'grudge' thing I've got going.

Hope you're having a pleasant evening!

*Peace!

Recuperation Sunday

2011-10-09T10:15:00.004-05:00

I need to recuperate today. Nope...I'm not hungover....I'm in need of some deep sleep!

I had a sleepover last night.

With....

Miss Avery! Our first official sleepover.

Grams needs a nap!

Today....the agenda....knitting...stitching....napping....football....homemade pizza...and maybe a second nap! ;o)

Thank you all so much for your comments on the quilt top finish! It's an adaptation of a pattern in the book Nine Patch Wonders by Blanche Young and Helen Young Frost. Based on the Trip Around The Nine Patch pattern.

I do love a nine patch! :o)

Have a great day!

*Peace!

I'd Rather Not Know!

2011-10-08T14:26:00.003-05:00

I'd rather not know how many squares are in this quilt! I'm just glad it's DONE! Finally!

I'm sure I can do the math...but again...I'd rather not know! I just know there are a LOT!

And I know this quilt took a little longer than normal...what with Bernina issues and whatnot, it's been in the works for about 2 months! EEEEEK!

It was driving me nuts...not having this one done. We all know I'm a 'one at a time' quilter....so I needed to get this one DONE! So I can start another!

And I thought it was going to need a border to fit the bed, but look!

No border necessary! It fits perfect! And I even have enough blue fabric leftover for the binding!

Finally...it's done! And we'll just say that's a LOT of squares......

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-10-06T18:20:00.005-05:00

It's been another one of those weeks...where I really haven't felt like stopping for any thrifty adventures after 8 hours at the office. But this evening I did stop off at G'Willy's and am glad I did!

This bright pottery windchime....

will be a bright spot this winter! I'll hang it outside so I can see and hear it when I'm in the kitchen. $2

I loved the red underglaze on this piece of pottery.

I took the lid off in the store and it was filled with sugar packets. I left those there! ;o) $1

And all I need to do is add a string...

to this fun folksy chicken pull toy! $2

And one last piece of pottery...

LOVE this one a lot! $1

So that's my 'haul' for this week!

Selective...I've been selective. It's a good thing!

*Peace!

Fun And Frolic Amplified!

2011-10-02T20:56:00.002-05:00

A finish to show this evening!

Birds of a Feather - All Hallow's Night

Jolly little pranksters....don't you think?

I doubt it will be framed in time to decorate this year, but it's still nice to have a finish!

*Peace!

A Visit From Mr. JJ

2011-10-01T17:27:00.002-05:00

Little Mr. JJ came calling today!

He's such a sweet soul!

And he's my most favorite little red-head guy...

look at that color! His mommy had such beautiful strawberry blonde hair when she was a baby. But this is much move vivid!

And bright blue eyes to go with it.

I always love visits from Mr. JJ!

Do you have a red-head in your life?

*Peace!

Hurry Up Weekend!

2011-09-29T21:02:00.003-05:00

Hurry weekend...hurry and get here! I've got lots of sewing to do!

I need to get this quilt put together because LOOK what arrived and is waiting....

Lately Arrived from Barbara Brackman! YUM! I can't hoard it all, so if you're interested, I'm sharing some here.

Of course there's knitting to be done as well! And tonight...I'm stitching...in great anticipation of the weekend!

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-09-28T21:51:00.003-05:00

How can you go wrong with blue and white?

My $3 find this week. Unmarked and undamaged, I'm sure I can find a place for this!

Do you collect blue and white?

*Peace!

Tis The Season!

2011-09-26T22:51:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much for the comments on my walnut pedestal bowl re-do!

I've warmed the space up a bit more with a little quilt.

Even though I've started a little autumnal decoration, the geraniums are blooming like we're in the midst of summer!

This week we're in for lovely weather...70s...even perhaps seeing 80, which isn't the 'norm' for South Dakota this late in September, but we'll take it!

The stitching tells the true tale of the impending season...

but the pumpkin people are at least smiling. I'm hopeful we'll be smiling, too...with none of that 's' word until sometime in November!

And oh....HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!! Wooohooo! Great game tonight! I didn't get as much stitching in as I had hoped because I kept tossing it aside to scream at the TV and to cheer and to scream and to pump my fists....you get the idea! Tis the season!

*Peace!

Sunday Playing w/Paint

2011-09-25T14:07:00.009-05:00

We're having wonderful weather here in South Dakota! This morning I decided to play with some paint and tackle a revamp project!

This is one of those things I picked up on a G'Willy jaunt with an idea in mind!

The shape reminded me of a spider web and I immediately envisioned it black....and part of the seasonal decor in the fall! It's solid walnut.

I rubbed some BriWax on the edges and in other spots.
Then I grabbed the flat black spray paint.

Once it was coated and dried.....I began to rub....

and rub...and rub....all along the edges where the BriWax was applied.
It gave it a nice light distressing!

I sealed it with some satin poly and walaaah!

I pulled out a bag of pumpkin pod things I've had stored and decided to bring my big giant hurricane (also compliments of a G'Willy trip) into the season.

I also let some of my Tom Clark gnomes come out to play...

mischievous little fellas!

Happy Sunday!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday on Friday!

2011-09-23T19:09:00.002-05:00

Did you think I forgot?? Again?? Nah....I wouldn't do that! Truth is last week I didn't even go thrifting so had nothing to share with you! And then this week I've been fighting a cold so didn't feel like doing much of anything yesterday, let alone update my blog. Bad me! But....today is a new day and it's Thrifty Thursday On Friday!!

I made one stop this week and home came these lovely plates.

They'll look lovely on my blue/white plate wall. Already had the plate hangers on them and I just loved them! No markings so I'm not sure of the pattern or maker.

And always pottery....

always. Do you see that? Another candlestick! I left another one at the G'Willy's...it was 80s blue...which just brings up bad memories of wooden geese with hearts and bows and blue and mauve and I just couldn't go back there! See! I really CAN show restraint!

*Peace!

Size Matters!

2011-09-21T06:42:00.003-05:00

Needle size, that is! Wow what a difference needle size and yarn weight makes!

Team Spirit Sport weight......size 4 (or were they size 3? I can't remember) needles...

and just a few sit-downs and the Cowboys socks are moving right along!

Going much faster than the last pair! Now if only I wouldn't get sidetracked with quilting. and stitching. and cooking. and. and. and.

Happy Wednesday!

*Peace!

Back InThe Saddle

2011-09-18T21:07:00.004-05:00

Wow! Where did I go?? A week squandered! No Thrifty Thursday....No posts...nada...nothing...zilch.

But I salvaged the weekend!

I had some Bernina issues but it's back in the quilt den and I took my place back in the saddle!

All the blocks are pieced and pressed! Now to just assemble!

And this evening I took care of another piece of produce...

two Pumpkin Heads complete! Dare I say this one may be complete PRIOR to the season it celebrates?

Also back in the saddle....Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys with their impressive OT win today! Wooohooo!!

We're back......we're back in the saddle again! At least for this weekend!

*Peace!

Daily Dose of Fiber

2011-09-12T20:53:00.004-05:00

I've been getting my daily dose of fiber!

I've been slowly knitting on the Hypoteneuse Scarf from Anne Hanson aka Knitspot...and loving every minute of it! The pattern is great...and yarn...oh my...the yarn. Scrumptious BUGGA! in the Lubber Grasshopper colorway...now extinct. I'm kicking myself for not getting more of this color!

One pumpkin head is done...

this is moving along nicely! I could have a finish in the next couple weeks!

And last night...to kick off Cowboys football, I cast on a new pair of socks...

in the colors of the 'boys. Now if they can just put that collapse behind them and kick some arse the rest of the season....all will be right with the world! ;o)

Are you getting your daily dose of fiber?

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-09-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we hit up two flea markets in the Spirit Lake/Okoboji Iowa area. It was the perfect day for flea marketing! We ran into my pal, Twyla, and just had an all around lovely day!

Although it was fun, a lot of the dealers knew what treasures they had and so there wasn't a lot of deals to be had. But I did manage to find a few!

I've got a little collection of wooden mashers happening in the kitchen, so was happy to bring home a couple more! I also scored that little pottery honey pot for a buck-fifty! Because..uh...er..you know...I collect pottery honey pots. Sssshhhh....I know, I know! And speaking of collecting, do you see that lovely little Purinton Apple slip ware pitcher! My friend, Kathie, has quite the collection of this colorful ware, and I wouldn't help myself when I saw that cute little pitcher! A new collection perhaps!

I picked up these old spools and bobbins...

and they've taken their rightful place in a big ol' antique basket in the quilt den.

And remember when I posted the "I-Am-Not-A-Hoarder-So-Take-My-White-Creamers-Pitchers-Please" post? Well...the creamers DID sell, but I did keep one little ironstone creamer for myself that I couldn't bear to part with. and LOOK!

I found a big sister milk pitcher to keep my vintage ironstone creamer company! Lest you think I'm off my rocker, and am just restocking the white pitchers, be assured I only intend to amass a few very nice vintage ironstone pitchers....not just any ol' white or off-white creamer that comes along gets to come home. Because, you know...I am not a hoarder! ;o)

Speaking of not being a hoarder, I'll be replenishing the Etsy shop in the next week or so with found treasure! I promise not to take this blog to an infomercial status, but will let you know when things have been stocked! Etsy is cheaper than opening my own vintage/antique shop/booth! So we'll go with it for now!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Happy Thursday and Happy Thrifting!

*Peace!

Who Will Be Quilting?

2011-09-07T20:56:00.004-05:00

Thanks for all of your comments and entries! The winner is #12!

Deborah said:

I would love a chance to win this quilt top. I love purple and green together.

Well, Deborah...you won! Please email me at kwiltykim at hotmail dot com and give me your mailing address! Happy Quilting!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a Thrifty Thursday post with my 'finds' from the weekend flea markets!

*Peace!

The Weekend So Far....and a Giveaway!

2011-09-04T13:54:00.004-05:00

There was a flea market...

or two.

A carousel ride.

A car show.

Socks were finished.

Fabric was organized...

ahem....somewhat. We won't delve into this topic right now.

But...due to the time spent in the quilt den rearranging and straightening up, I've got a giveaway!

A quilt top and backing! The top measures approx 56 x 64 and was pieced with lovely Moda Bella Solids. You may remember when I pieced this last year or so. It's just alternating blocks of periwinkle and green, with a mod 70s style backing fabric! Ready for you to quilt!

I am seriously over-run with quilt tops waiting to be quilted, and like I said, we're not going to discuss the fabric stash. So this one can be yours!

If you're interested in bringing this quilt top and backing home (would make a great table topper or lap quilt!), just leave a comment! Please make sure you have your email enabled in your post, or leave a way for me to get in touch with you! I'll draw a winner on Wednesday, September 7th!

I hope your weekend has been full of fun so far!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-31T21:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Thursday! I brought two things home this week from a thrifty jaunt. I spent a whopping $2.12!

I loved the color on this great old tin.

I use these tins. I have one filled with safety pins for quilt basting, another filled with items needed for applique.

This one may follow suite and store applique supplies!

A year or so ago I found this great vase.

I loved the thistle pattern. The graphic pattern and the color palette appealed to me!

Imagine my surprise when I spied this on the shelf at G'Willy's this week!

Both pieces are only marked 'Hand Painted' and 'Made In Italy', so I really don't know anything more about them, other than I really like 'em!

Did you find something you really like this week?

*Peace!

Camp Much?

2011-08-29T20:02:00.004-05:00

I pulled another quilt out that needs the handwork done on the binding.

No sooner did I get it in my lap this evening, but someone decided to 'set up camp'.

Never fails! Emmitt loves quilt tents!

*Peace!

Goodbye Weekend

2011-08-28T22:08:00.004-05:00

What? It's Sunday night ALREADY? It was a fun weekend, and I'm sad to see it end!

Saturday I spent some time with my pal, Blogless Karen.

Laughter ensued.....

Fabric was purchased....

always a good time when we get together!

Today was rather leisurely.

Food was enjoyed....

A new knitting project was started....

and it ended up being a nice relaxing day!

I'm sad to see it end! Hope yours was filled with all things wonderful as well!

*Peace!

Of Laps & Lids

2011-08-26T17:53:00.005-05:00

I found myself in a conundrum last evening....

applique? knit? stitch? AAAACK! Couldn't decide. I let them all sit in my lap for a bit while I pondered.

And then my mind wandered (as it sometimes does) to these...

out on the kitchen table...waiting for their overhaul. So I set aside the lap content and traipsed out to the backyard....spray paints in hand.

I'll spare you the boring details....but it was about a 3 step process of black paint...red paint....steel wool....too shiny...BriWax....rubbed off too much red. Called it a night. This morning....sprayed another coat of red...went to work....came home at lunch and sprayed a poly coat....

and walaaaah.

lid overhaul complete! I like the touch of distressing that remains.

Sorry...as I re-read it appears I did NOT spare you the boring details. But consider that a Cliffs Notes version of the overhaul.

Do they still make Cliff Notes? Do kids still USE Cliff Notes?

My mind....it wanders.

Now...where was I?

applique? knit? stitch?

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-25T06:19:00.005-05:00

Big spender am I this week! ha!

Two little things......$2.65

I couldn't pass up this little red tool box! Took me a minute to get it open, but I figured it out. ;o) And the jar....

goes with last week's find, don't you think? Now I have two lids to overhaul! I think I'll try and get that done this evening after the office!

Have a great Thursday!

*Peace!

How Could I Resist?

2011-08-23T22:12:00.002-05:00

This is going to be a fun stitch!

I couldn't stand it....the linen (35 ct Havana by Weeks Dye Works).....the bright colors (DMC)....the design...(All Hallow's Night by BOAF).

I couldn't resist. Yes...another start for me. Two starts in one week or so.....rein me in.

*Peace!

Bind Off---Complete!

2011-08-21T18:22:00.005-05:00

It's done!

The Infamous Noro Striped Scarf.

And I enjoyed every single moment! Such an easy knit for this wannabe knitter! Only took me about 3 weeks, knitting a few rows here and there.

While I wish I was perhaps a little more selective on the 4 skeins I chose (at times I don't like the way these colorways 'played' together), I'll definitely make another!

*Peace!

Ladies & Gentlemen....

2011-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

start your engines! Happy Saturday!

*Peace!

Puckered Up & Ready

2011-08-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

It's done.

This is one I pieced a while ago. But now it's been machine quilted by me....on the Bernina.

The binding is on. And it's been washed and dried.

NOW it's done....puckered up and ready!

*Peace!

Auction Time!

2011-08-19T16:41:00.003-05:00

Because I'm not a hoarder (truly, I'm not!), I've been going thru collections and thrifty finds and I'm ready to move some out to new homes!

It's true...this is a lovely collection of white/ivory creamers, but...I collect clear footed glass creamers! So this is one of the many things that need a new home!

You can find the listing here and please check my 'other items' to see more listings!

I've also added some new fabrics and applique supplies!

It's auction time! Hope you score a deal!

*Peace!

More Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-18T20:51:00.003-05:00

LOOK what the hubs brought home to me today!

He was out of town and stopped off an antiques mall type place. He saw this and thought of me! And it was $19!

NINETEEN DOLLARS. It's hand pieced! It's wonky....it's 30s fabrics.....it needs some love.

I think I'll square it up a bit....and have it quilted....and use it....and love it!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-18T06:50:00.002-05:00

The word must be out that I'm picking up pottery candlesticks....

because another one jumped in my basket this week!

And this great repro canister jar will be put to use.

But first the lid is going to get a makeover!

Buck-fifty for both....another week of cheap entertainment!

*Peace!

But First....

2011-08-17T20:45:00.002-05:00

My Bernina is ready to come home with nothing major fixed. Whew!

I've been getting lots of handwork done while the machine has been in rehab. It's been nice. Yet I'm ready to put the pedal to the metal again!

But first....

one more side.

*Peace!

I'll Trade Ya' a Pumpkin for a Turkey!

2011-08-15T21:18:00.004-05:00

You may recall I pulled some colorful threads for a new stitching start this past weekend.

Don't you love them? So colorful and fun! I was all set, or so I thought, to start this....

but my linen stash is waning and I couldn't find anything dark enough. Drats! I've got an order on the way for some Weeks Dye Works linen in Chestnut, thanks to those wonderful ladies at the Silver Needle.

In the meantime, I've started yet another piece!

Sticking with an autumnal theme....

trading the pumpkin head people for "Thomas".

I think he will be an enjoyable stitch! My pal, Blogless Karen, stitched him up and I fell in love and so now it's my turn to stitch my own Thomas the Turkey!

Have you started anything new in the stitching department?

*Peace!

A Shibori Sunday Morning

2011-08-14T09:56:00.004-05:00

Quite a while ago....a while, as in years, I stumbled across a gal on Facebook that dyed ribbon. Beautiful Shibori ribbons. I purchased a kit.

Etsy is a wonderful thing! Her kits are available here.

This kit has sat idle....actually under some silk floss, linen and such in a drawer. Yesterday I was digging around in said drawer and rediscovered the kit!

This morning, I opened the kit.

It looked pretty straightforward so I decided to tackle it with my morning coffee today.

Ahem....it's not perfect! Not by any means!

Though I chose a different ribbon colorway than what is pictured on the kit, I don't see much similarity, but...flowers are all different...right? ;o)

I think it will look dandy on a denim jacket! The ribbon is so beautiful!

Are you a fan of shibori?

*Peace!

Coloring My Saturday

2011-08-13T19:19:00.003-05:00

It's been a colorful day!!

Time spent with my favorite red-headed blue-eyed munchkin....

getting to be such a big boy!

Finally caved and dove in to the Fiesta world.

I had two Fiesta cereal bowls from thrifty adventures, but this time visited Macy's and added to those two lonely cereal bowls. Now I can say I am a bonafide Fiesta collector! If you haven't seen it live and in person...the new marigold...beautimus!

Though I'm still stitching along on the SDW sampler, I decided to color things up a bit and pulled for a new project!

Something that should stitch up rather quickly...I hope. It may be deceiving though! More to come on that!

And finally I've had colorful Noro in my lap today!

I'm exactly half done with the Noro Striped Scarf! It's time to start adding the last two balls of colorful bliss.

I think I'll thread a needle with some colorful floss and stitch this evening while I watch a colorful program and drink a colorful beverage!

I hope your day's been filled with color!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-11T06:45:00.002-05:00

I found a little something this week!

Isn't it cute? Those little sheep.....cuteness!

And it really IS little!

1 1/2" little! Not sure what I will DO with it, but it was too cute to leave there!

And I also found a couple other things.....
like this celery dish....spoon rest perhaps? It has some age to it by way of lots of crazing.

The underplate...another piece of Frankoma! Always nice to find on the cheap!

Did you find anything 'on the cheap'? Do tell!

*Peace!

A Diversion From My Aversion

2011-08-07T22:13:00.004-05:00

The retreat day yesterday was WONDERFUL! Kay and Blogless Karen were the most gracious of hostesses! There were lovely retreat gifts...

so nice! Great food...loads of laughs.

My beloved Bernina started whining something fierce. *SIGH* I think it has a belt issue, from the sound of it. Thank goodness for friends with extra machines! Kay was so nice and let me use one of her Bernina's....

so there was some sewing accomplished! 284 blocks done....almost all of the remaining strip sets done...and then there will be 283 more blocks to do!

To know Kay is to love her...and to know Kay is to know that she is *THE* *PINK* *AFICIONADO*. She LOVES pink. The walls of her clubhouse...pink...well, except for one that's green, but otherwise...they're pink. And she's had pink hair a time or two...which looks great on her, by the way! To know me is to know I typically don't prefer pink. But I survived and didn't even dream of all things pink!

Was it just a diversion? The laughter...and fun...a diversion to the aversion?

Hmmm....I'm not sure. Another retreat souvenir that came home with me is starting to grow on me.

Pink....these are lovely...even though they're pink.

I'm starting to reconsider pink.....at least in an overdyed way. A little rosiness in my future? We shall see!

Thanks again, ladies, for a fabulously fun day!!

*Peace!

Fun Times!

2011-08-05T19:11:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, along with our esteemed President, I turned another year older. To celebrate, I had a lovely dinner with my friend, Blogless Kwilty Karen, on Wednesday evening. We were living on the wild side and decided to enjoy some great salads at Panera Bread. We are SO wild...we shut that place DOWN! Ahem...never mind they close at 9:00. ;o)

Karen is such a sweetheart and she makes the most drool-worthy quilts. She works with 30s quite often and I always love the quilts she makes. But I don't have 30s in my stash....because I don't do pastel....or pink.....or pastel.....or anything remotely "sweet"...or pastel.

Well...

now, thanks to Karen, I have some 30s in the stash. Of course we both laughed when I immediately said "well I'll just overdye them"....because I always say that about anything that seems remotely "sweet" or pastel! Thank you for the lovely gift, and the fun evening out, Karen!!

Last night, with another year under my belt, I spent the evening knitting...

and the Noro Striped Scarf is moving along! You can tell you're getting either a) old or b) content when you're excited to be staying home on your birthday evening so you can knit! I should also say my hubs is up in Canada fishing. But please don't feel sorry for me! Believe me, he almost didn't go on the trip because he knew the dates were going to fall over my birthday. Honestly dear...it's just another day honey...Go! Go fishing! I'll be perfectly fine ordering a pizza...in my PJs....knitting....and controlling the remote! ;o) Happy birthday to me!

And to further the celebration, I had today off from the office. It's been a nice lazy day...filled with some knitting, lots of web surfing, a little this...a little that....and some prep work!

Prepping because I received this in the mail the other day...

Fun huh? A fabric postcard!

Blogless Kwilty Karen and I, and 5 other ladies, are in a quilting small group together....a group that has a fondness for reproduction/civil war quilts.

Tomorrow...

we're having a day long....dawn to late night sewing retreat! Are these not the cutest invites! Karen and Kay are co-hosting the event at Kay's clubhouse. I'll be up before the dawn....getting ready to make the short trip north for a day of fun!

In the meantime, this evening,

I'm trying to get some strip sets done so I can make great progress during the day tomorrow on the next quilt! I'm also packing the knitting, and the applique quilt...you know, for some diversity!

Looking forward to fun times...this evening...tomorrow...and the rest of the weekend! Hope you're doing something fun too!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-04T06:44:00.002-05:00

Monday after a day at the office, I stopped off at G'Willy's on the way home and lo and behold (as always!) I found a few things.

As soon as I saw this great pottery pot, I knew it needed to come home. I'm going shopping for succulents..they'll look great inside!

And another pottery candlestick holder...

that probably could have stayed there, but I brought it home anyway. The days will be growing shorter and candles will be in more use around the house at times, so maybe this one will actually get a little wax dripped on it!

And speaking of candles...

this was my big 'score'.....it's a rather large candle lantern! In brand new condition! Doesn't appear a candle has ever taken it's rightful place inside! It's heavy and oh so 'pottery barnish' and it was just $5.

What did YOU find this week? Do tell!

*Peace!

Strips & Stripes & Everything Nice

2011-07-31T18:25:00.004-05:00

I've been cutting a massive amount of 1 3/4" strips this weekend. In preparation for next Saturday, which is a day-long retreat with my repro quilt buds! The initial cutting is done, and I'm hopeful I'll get some strip sets started this week yet.

Other things that have been capturing my attention...

Noro. Striped. Scarf. Yep...it's true...I'm very late to the game on this, but it's one of those projects I purchased yarn for BEFORE I knew how to knit because I knew I was gonna make one! Well here I am...tackling it! Mel
urged me on, so I cast on and am whizzing along! The Noro....it is mesmerizing. The scarf....well, let's just say I'm already plotting the colors for the next one!

*Peace!

The Excitement Builds!

2011-07-29T14:02:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this??

Oh the excitement is building! I cannot wait for this release from Blackbird Designs!

I've got some on order....they'll be here near the end of August! If you'd like to reserve a copy...Pre-Order, if you will, leave me a note! I'll be passing these along to my sampler-lovin' friends for $25 ppd US!

I've got time to sort linen and threads now....you know, just to get a handle on what I have vs what I will need!

Speaking of....how do you organize your linens and threads? Uber orderly? Tossed in a tin? I'm not very organized. I'll admit it. Gone are the days when I would wind threads around the little cards and file by number. Now my DMC is in a huge biscuit tin....my finer threads are in ziplocks..grouped together for projects, as I tend to order silks by the project. And my linen is in a picnic basket.

What about your stash? Spill on your organizing techniques!

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-07-27T22:06:00.004-05:00

Definitely a thrifty week!

It's true....one stop....$2.92 was spent.

Five items were purchased!

This great Oneida Wicker Sugar and Creamer set! Nary a fleck, chip or crack! Must pay to be a smiling patron among the grump G'Willy shoppers today. The gal charged me .50 for each piece since they were unmarked!

Loved the color on this handpainted Noritake creamer! Again...two quarters!

and my 'big ticket item' of the week....

a celery vase/spooner for .75! In excellent shape with no damage! Wooohoo! You can also catch a glimpse of a tomato pincushion that was also .50!

$2.92 and some lovely pieces! Have you thrifted lately?

*Peace!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-07-21T06:24:00.000-05:00

As I was photographing this week's finds, I decided I need to buy stock in a bubble wrap company because when we finally move, I'm going to need a TON of it to wrap all my pottery! LOL

Oh well...that won't stop me from bringing home things like this!

Two long planters...the yellow one is USA pottery and will join my little growing collection of warm yellow pottery! It's got a neat basketweave pattern. It was .79. And the RED one...well....what can I say...it was RED! And had wonderful color! It says it's from Lake Oswego, Oregon. It was 3.79, so I thought it needed to come home and adorn bookshelves....or perhaps find a place in my quilt den!

Then there was this 2.00 find.

I don't know what drew me to it...the color? the old pottery feel? It's from Japan and is definitely a different type of pottery....great shape. Almost feels like chalkware, but I don't think it is.

Anyone have any info about it?

And then...there was this fellow.

I spied him across the store. He was 'behind the counter', so that meant 'pricey' as far as a thrift store goes. $29. I left him....I walked OUT of the store....I put my purchases in the car. I couldn't stop thinking about him. No marks, but there was just something that kept digging at me.

So I went back in...shelled out the $29 and brought this home.

Isn't it wonderful? It's in excellent condition...nary a chip or crack! And once I started investigating online....I believe this is a piece of McCoy pottery. I love him and his bird-chicken-quirkiness!

Did you find anything special as of late? Would love to hear about it!

*Peace!

A Little Housework

2011-07-17T20:49:00.002-05:00

It was a relaxing, yet somewhat active, weekend, so there wasn't much sewing happening. I did get a little 'housework' done. You may recall my quilt den is located in the basement...so it was a wonderful place to be during this scorching heatwave we've been enduring!

This pattern just cements the fact that I detest paper piecing...but I paper pieced that dang flag. That fills my paper-piecing quota for the year. BLECK!

I've got the main house components put together. Next up...the log cabin foundation. Then it gets appliqued down.

I'm still playing with fabrics for other parts of the quilt, but "Climbing Up On Saffron Hill" is coming along!

In other news, I added to the yarn stash this week with these lovelies...

It was the least I could do. I had to sit thru a long and very boring insurance conference, so this is my reward! ;o) It's some yummy Skinny Bugga! from The Sanguine Gryphon! Gorgeous colors (these are Sea Star and Sitticus Jumping Spider)...scrumptious cashmere....yes...my reward! Already seeking out some great wrap/stole patterns to use these in!

I hope your weekend's been a relaxing one with working A/C, and little to no housework!

*Peace!