We survived Christmas

It seems like we wait all year for Christmas to come and then in the blink of an eye it's over with. I actually had thoughts of taking the tree down yesterday but decided instead to move it from in front of my window to the corner where it's more out of the way.

Maggie Mae celebrated in style. Christmas Eve we spent with my good friend Debbie and her parents. She was such a good girl and we had a blast. I brought home one very sleepy puppy. Christmas day the two of us slept in a little and then it was time to get up and let the celebrations begin. In the afternoon Jen and Holly came over and then later on Mike joined them. We had such a lovely day. Absolutely no drama of any kind, just a peaceful day. Holly is getting along better with Maggie and I think we'll see some playing going on in the near future. Of course Holly brought over some huge raw hides to chew on and the little one who has her own mini raw hides decided to take on the big ones and she did. I've found nothing so far that she's afraid of or won't tackle. OK there is one exception, I vacuumed yesterday and she his under my bed and fell asleep.

Now it's time to start thinking about next year and start sewing. My daughter gave me the coolest gift ever. She made me a coupon book full of different things from piecing backings together for me to quilting quilts and cutting out kits. I just love it and think it was a terrific idea. By this time in life we all pretty much have what we need or want so something homemade from the heart is really the best. I'll just leave you with a few pictures of Maggie on Christmas.

IT'S A GIRL

As most of you who follow my blog know I'm a dog lover. I had to put my Murphy down last January 4th. Since then I've been going back and forth between do I want another dog or don't I. If I get one what kind do I want. The only thing I knew for sure was I wanted a female and her name was going to be Maggie Mae. I've searched the Humane Society web sits around here on a daily basis and I knew that once the right little face came up I'd know it. Well, this morning I was again checking the site and taaaa daaaaa. Up came a little face that just yelled to me. Within half an hour I was walking in the front door of our Humane Society. I was there to see if the little girl they were calling Lizzie was still there. She was and right now she's asleep in the livingroom in her new crate. She is part Terrier and part Labrador Retreiver. She's fawn colored and was born on October 15th and she weighs in at 9 pounds. She's just adorable. So far she's played with toys, thinks running around the bottom of my Christmas tree is really fun and can find her food and water bowls. OK so she doesn't like to walk on a leash but that will come with time. Right now she's just getting used to my house and me. She thinks it's really cool when you lay on the floor with her and she can crawl all over you. I'll leave you with a few pictures of my newest family member. We go for our first vet visit this afternoon and then of course to the pet store for a pretty new collar and leash and a couple of toys......Merry Christmas to me.

We saw Santa

Last night I decided that I needed to take my Grand-dog Holly to see Santa and have her picture taken with him. I emailed Holly through her Mom Jen's email address. I waited and the response was yes she'd love to go. Jen made her a new Christmas bandana with what else on it but Holly Berries. Off we went to Pet Smart. It was a really good deal you got a digital picture that is about a 5X7 in a really cute frame all for $9.95 and $5.00 of that goes to local animal shelters. We were the next ones in line so she was busy looking around while we waited. OK, it was her turn. So far not too bad. The "Elf" took her up to Santa. The "Elf" gave her a treat, I'm thinking so far so good. Until Santa put his hand on her head. Her eyes just about bugged out of her head, she was so scared. Then Santa asked if she wanted to sit on his lap? Was this Santa on crack?????? No way was she going to sit on his lap. She didn't even want to sit next to him. We got her in position, Jen quickly moved away and snap went the picture. I think it turned out really cute. It even looks like she's sticking her tongue out at us. Next up we took her shopping in the store but nothing really caught her eye. She did meet up with several other dogs and they talked over this whole Santa thing. Then the fun really began. Holly was trying on winter coats. She is now the proud owner of a great pink winter coat. It's made out of waterproof material and was cozy flannel on the inside. She just loves it and just walked all over the store with it on. I asked Jen when we got to the check out if we could just run her across the scanner but she took the coat off of her. All in all it was a pretty fun day and I even got some time in sewing with Jen and Holly.

Is it really December already???????

Wow, I can't believe that it is already December. Where did the time go? I remember not that long ago, back in July I said to myself that it was time to start my holiday sewing. Well, here I am and now I'm sewing like a crazy woman trying to get a few things done. I am still in need of ideas of what to make for my Mom and of course my daughter. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Right now I'm almost finished with a quilt top that I started last Wednesday. It's completely out of my comfort zone but I'm working away on it. I'm using the pattern Peaches N Dreams and I'm doing it in all 30s fabrics. The person I'm making it for just loved the last one I made and told me it reminded her of the quilts that her Grandmother used to make. I made her a quilt 10 years ago and she's used it every day since and it's been washed so many times that it's starting to really show it's age. I guess it really is time for a new one. Once I get the top made it's off to Jen's frame so I can quilt it and get the binding on it. By the end of this week I'd like to do that quilt and one other that I have waiting to finish, backings just need to be made. Pictures to follow I promise.

I am going to leave you with another picture from my trip to Arizona. This is one of my favorite pictures of Ethan with a silly little felt reindeer headband I had picked up at JoAnn's.

We made a slip cover

While on vacation my Mom, sister and I made a slip cover for an old upholstered rocker that is to go in Hannah's room. This rocker was ours when we were kids and then it was covered and passed on to my nephew Sean when he was little. It was still in great shape bit it didn't look like it belonged in a little girls bedroom. We shopped for fabric then first day we were in Arizona. We found this really cute flannel with little frogs wearing little pink checked skirts. This was going to fit perfectly in Hannah's room. One night we just jumped in and started to figure out how to make a slip cover. In the end I think we all did a really great job on it. I just wanted to share a picture of it and the special little girl who is going to spend hours rocking in it.

I'm home

Well, I got home from my fantastic trip to Arizona to visit my sister yesterday afternoon. The flight home was nothing special and I passed the time listening to a book on my Ipod. What a shock when we stepped out of the terminal and it was COLD, DRIZZLING and already dark and it was only 4:30. I wanted to turn right around and get back on that plane and go back. I already miss everyone there. It was so nice and special to be able to see my family that has relocated to Arizona and of course to get to meet and play with Ethan and Hannah.

I spent the day today putting things away and doing some odd laundry. Then I decided since it was so gloomy out I'd start decorating for the holidays. The little tree is up and all I need to do is figure out why the lights in the middle of it are off. It's just a little table top tree but I love just sitting with the lights on and watching TV. A few Christmas decorations are out and more are waiting to be put in place tomorrow. I know I'm jumping the gun but why not do it while a person has the time. I came home with this cool talking parrot that my sister Karen gave me so he's the new "pet" in my house. So I placed him on the entertainment center last night and turned him on. He talks and I can also record things for him to say. Anyway I forgot about him there and when it was time to go to bed I shut off the lights and then jumped when he started talking. I have to remember that he's there.

While I was on vacation I made my sister a great purse. I have to admit it turned out really pretty and she's thrilled with it. I was also able to show her how to make pillow cases so I hope she gives them a try. We also did criss cross coasters. I had such a great time just hanging out at her house. This was the best rest I've ever had and boy did I need it. I'm now totally refreshed and feel like my old self again. Thanks Karen for a wonderful time.

I'm alive and having fun

Yes, I'm alive and doing well. I'm in sunny Arizona visiting with my sister and having a great time. I even extended my stay for another week since I've got the time. We've gone a few places shopping. All I wanted to do was sit and do nothing and I'm loving it. I've been doing a little sewing here making my sister a new quilted purse and I'll post a picture of it when it's finished which I think will be tomorrow. The weather has been great and I've been busy playing with my great nephew, Ethan and my great niece, Hannah. These kids are great and keeping me busy but I'm loving it. Tomorrow Ethan and I are going to draw and doing finger painting outside. I just wanted to stop in and say hello and I'll leave you with a few pictures from sunny Maricopa, Arizona.

I just had to share with everyone a great sunset I saw here last week. The rest of the pictures are of the kids and my sister Karen. Sorry for the duplicate but for some reason I'm having problems and I can't delete it.

Sewing Like the Wind

Since Sunday afternoon I've been sewing like a crazed person. I found out Sunday afternoon that I was going to Arizona to see my sister and I'm leaving next Tuesday. The machine starting going with the wind. First up was my tote bag to use on the plane. It's a cross between a Charm Party tote and a regular tote but I added a larger outside pocket and a large zipper in the top. I had this cute bumble bee fabric from the Patched Works so I was good to go.




Next up was a pair of pillow cases from some sock monkey fabric that I had been sitting on for a while. I think they turned out really cute and I can't wait to use them.

A while ago I made quite a few cloth books for the babies in Arizona. Those got mailed out and then Jen gave me this one to make since I had been on a roll. Well I finally made it today so I can take it along with me. These are so easy and fun to make I think I'm going to see what other ones the stores have. Maybe I can add a few for Christmas. So far I've been able to find them at my local WalMart.

At the last minute I decided that I needed to make a larger bag to carry all my toiletries in. I use two pieces of batiks that came from my friend Sherry a couple of weeks ago. I think the bag turned our really nice and it's going to be very useful.

Last but not least I made a tote bag for my Mom who is also going on the trip with me. Well, actually I'm going with her. She needed something lighter than the big heavy bag she usually carries on the plane. I had these great batiks that I had been sitting on for a while and decided to use them. There are 4 different fabric patterns on this bag. On the front she wanted a large pocket to put her air line ticket in. I added the two buttons to the flap so she would be able to feel where the flap is since her vision isn't the best. I also added a large zipper to the top so her bag would be closed up tight. I took lots of pictures of this bag but just couldn't get the colors to come out right. It's very right looking in person.

Next up I'm going to make myself a few new watch bands to take along and hopefully tomorrow morning I'll run to the Patched Works to buy some more fabric for pillow cases so I can make a few to take along for my sister. I've done alot of sewing in a short time yet I've enjoyed every bit of it.

Barn Hopping

Today was just a wonderful day in the world of Cindy. This afternoon Jen and I went on a Quilt Square Barn Hop in Walworth County. It was a beautiful sunny day and just a tad on the cool side. Off we headed complete with a map, a list of the addresses for the barns we wanted to see and of course a GPS. The directions were relatively easy to follow and we had no trouble coming across our first barn. I was so excited because I hadn't seen these on barns around Wisconsin before. It was a great block. We also talked to the barns owner a wonderful woman who explained how she was on the committee that got all of this started and how they went about picking out their block and the colors for it. She even explained how it took a huge front end loader to lift the panels up high enough so they could be attatched to the barn. While we were visiting this farm we also got some Indian Corn and a couple of really pretty and different looking gourds. I'm a little leary about hanging my Indian Corn outside because I have a squirrel here that will for sure steal it and take off with it. He likes to sit at my livingroom window and stare in at me in hopes that I'll give him something.

I want to just show you a few of my favorite barn squares and of course a cow that I made friends with. She even licked my finger and I wasn't expecting such a rough tongue. We did have one farm dog, very gentle, who did stand up at the open car window while Jen was taking pictures of their block. We didn't want to get out of the car because of the dog so the dog came to us. All in all it was a wonderful day. Thanks Jen for taking me along on the adventure.

My Mom Turned 90

Back on October 2nd my Mom turned 90 years old. What a milestone that is for anyone but for my Mom it meant alot. Three years ago after her heartattacks we didn't think we'd ever make it this far, but here she is still going strong. I just wanted to share her picture with everyone. Just think of all the things that happen in someones life by the time they are 90. She was married to my Dad for 65 of those years, another feat. Mom has 6 kids and 15 grandkids and countless greatgrandkids. Some of us were able to go out to dinner with her for her birthday and tomorrow is another party for her. So Mom, here's to many more years to come and many more birthdays that we'll all celebrate with you. I love you.

My Mom is the one where I got my love of quilting from and she also inspired my daughter Jen and look at the quilter she's become. Mom no longer sews because of her vision but I know just looking at her that she'd love to still be doing it right along with Jen and I.

Jack O'Lantern is finished

Last October I was making a few wall hangings for Halloween when I decided to make this one. Putting it together wasn't hard at all. My friend and fellow quilter Sherry sat and make ours together. They turned out really cute and then in the end all I had left to do was to put on the binding and hand stitch it down. Well, when Halloween was over I put it away and forgot about it. During our UFO Finish It Summer, I pulled it out and added the binding and then it sat again. Finally tonight I stitched the binding down and hung it on the door. I guess now this means I have to do the rest of my decorating for Halloween. I might as well start early and be done with it. It just feels so good to have one more UFO finished.

English Paper Piecing, Oh My!

Last Saturday I went with a group of friends to the Madison Quilt Expo. We had a great time as always. I didn't come home with much but what I did bring home I know I can accomplish. I did pick up several small pattern of paper piecing so I'll need to get started on those soon. While we were walking around checking out the vendors we came across one booth that was strictly English Paper Piecing. I glanced at the booth and thought no way would I ever be doing that. OK, we stopped and watched the demonstration, I was being reeled in slowly. They had these tiny little paper pieces I think they were 1/4 inch and you needed to make 56,000 to have a queen sized quilt. First off there is no way I'd even consider something so small and to think of making thousands of them, NO. We watched and listened and then moved on. Towards the end of the day we were going through the aisles one more time. We stopped at the booth again and the next think you know I was buying 3/4 inch hexagons to give it a try.

I looked at these for a couple of days because I really wasn't feeling well so I couldn't get myself to start on them. I made one and stopped. Last night Jen and Holly came to visit and I started on my hexagons. I'm using the 1930's fabrics and so far it's going along just fine. It's a little addicting. I have one flower going now and hopefully when it's just a tad bigger I'm going to turn it into a table topper for my Mom for her birthday. I've really improved since last night and they don't take me nearly as long to make. I've also improved on my sewing them together. It's a great project for when you're watching TV and it keeps your hands busy.

Last Start to Finish for the summer, Notebook cover

I just finished my final Start to Finish for the summer. It's a notebook cover that I made to use at work. I had this Campbell's Soup fabric that Jen got for me a couple of years ago and thought it would be great to make to use at work. So, here's my last start to finish for the summer. I finished this just in time to make the deadline. I have gotton so many projects done this summer it's feels great.

August Accomplishments

I thought I'd give posting my monthly accomplishments a try since I've never done it before. The list isn't all that long but I feel great about what I did get done.

1. Finished and quilted a Christmas Table topper that was a UFO

2. Started and finished a birthday banner for Ethan's 1st birthday.

3. Made a quilt as you go notebook cover for Linda's birthday.

4. Finished my Flying Geese quilt top.

5. Did a start to finish Peaches and Dreams scrappy quilt top.

6. Did a start to finish Maggie Mae quilt top.

7. Made a small drawstring bag for my purse.

Not bad for the month of August. I did things I've never done before like the scrappy quilt top and the quilt as you go notebook cover.

Flying Geese UFO top DONE

I finished this top a few weeks ago and just needed someone to hold it so a picture could be taken of it. This fabric is what was left over from the wedding double wedding ring quilt I made when Jen and Mike were married. I had gone to Arizona to visit my sister and of course to pick up this fabric. I wasn't sure at the time what quilt I was going to make so I bought alot of each one. One queen sized quilt made and still I had lots left over. Then I did my bedroom in Southwestern and decided to make myself a quilt for my bed. It got many starts but never a finish until now. Now that the top is finished it will have to wait a little longer until I make the backing for it. Again I'm using the same prints to piece together the back and then I'm finally done with that fabric. I can't wait to use it on my bed.

You can see a little bit of the double wedding ring on the right side of the quilt I'm holding. I just happened to notice that. When it's done I think I need a picture with the two quilts together.

Peaches and Dreams Start to finish DONE

A while ago" ONE I" challenged Jen to make a scrappy quilt. I of course was sucked into making one too. Now we all know I'm not a scrappy person when it comes to quilting so this was something TOTALLY out of the box for me to try. I checked all my scraps and decided the biggest selection of scraps I had were all in the purple family. I put all the purple scraps in a box and set it next to my sewing chair on the floor. OK, I got brave and pulled out the first scrap. That wasn't as hard as I thought it would be but the next move was a real challenge for me. Next up I had to put my hand in the box again and pull out the next piece. If I wanted this to be totally at random I had to do it this way. Out came the second piece to be sewn to the first and all I could think of is what had I gotton myself into. This went along for the entire middle of the quilt. Could it be I was actually relaxing and enjoying my new scrappy quilt? The more I put together the more I couldn't wait for this to be done. I stood back and loved the middle section but to me it needed some punch for the first border. Some of the purples I had did have a little red in them and I had a great piece of red with a tiny pin dot of white in it. The first border was born and I couldn't wait to finish the top. Now I love the whole scrappy thing and of course I love this pattern and can't wait to make another one. Of course the top is finally done and had it's picture taken and I still have enough purples to make a scrappy back of I think ten and a half in squares.

Maggie Mae UFO DONE

Last year I picked up this kit at the shop where I work. I fell in love with the quilt because of it's bright colors but I also loved it's name Maggie Mae. When the finish it up summer was about to start I started cutting out the top and then stopped. Well, within the last couple of weeks I started working on it again since it was on my UFO list. Last night I finshed up the top. Next up I'll take it into the shop to find it a backing since I know we have some of the fabrics left. I really enjoyed making this quilt. I've been saying at our Friday night sewins at the shop that I'm making it for someday when I'm in the nursing home. I'll be the little old lady with the really bright quilt.