Brynwood Needleworks

An Evening of Inspiration...

2012-03-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

Last night was our monthly quilt guild meeting and we were fortunate to have a sales rep from Sulky® as our featured guest. Eric actually lives right down the road from where we meet in Port Charlotte!

If you're a quilter or seamstress, I'm sure you've heard of Sulky® for their great thread selections and huge assortment of stabilizers for machine embroidery. Eric gave each one of us a folder containing flyers and samples of all the types and sizes of thread (including a huge color chart!).

What really got my attention was when he pulled out his samples created using some of the stabilizers, and explaining how their products might be used in non-conventional ways.

These openwork leaves were created on a regular sewing machine by stitching completely on a wash away stabilizer!

Erik also used stabilizer as his template for the waves on one of his underwater-themed quilts. He just drew his pattern on a piece of paper and then traced it (multiple times) onto one of Sulky's water soluble lightweight stabilizers. Then he used a quilters spray adhesive to hold the stabilizer in place while he stitched the pattern onto the block.

When he was finished with all the quilting, he just put the quilt into the washer and all the stabilizer disappeared.

He did the same thing here. The actual quilt has a Serengeti scene with dark fabric elephant appliques in the main block. Again, he traced the outline of a row of elephants with all their trunks joining onto stabilizer and used the same spray adhesive to affix the outline all the way around the outside border. Stitch and then soak. The design is left behind and the stabilizer is gone. I love this!

This scarf was created using Sulky's Ultra Solvy Washaway Stabilizer™. First, follow the grid lines as you sew down the length of the scarf, and then do the same for the width.

After that's finished, create your design over the top of the grid - including the fringe! - using a free motion setting on your sewing machine. When you're finished stitching to your heart's content, just wash away the stabilizer and you're left with a truly funky scarf. Eric told us that the woman who created this piece uses the large spools of thread on her long-arm machine, but it can easily be made on anyone's home sewing machine.

Finally, if you love English paper piecing, can you even imagine how much easier it would be to use Paper Solvy Wash Away Stabilizer™ for your projects? When everything is assembled, wash the piece and all the stabilizer disappears. No paper pieces to tear away!

Paper Solvy™ can even be run through a copy machine, ink jet or bubble jet printer avoiding all the tracing steps! It does use a lot of water to dissolve the paper, but what a great idea!

Well, you can see that I was inundated with mountains of inspiration last night, but it's time for me to get back to focusing on Farmer's Wife blocks and the Wedding Peacocks quilt. No time to play with stabilizers and threads right now. I'll have to save that for another time.

When I got home from the meeting, I found out that our refrigerator had died - but not before giving Handsome cause for concern over some serious smoke smells. Lucky someone was home because it was getting worse until he finally shut down the electricity to it. Looks like we're in for a change. I'll tell you all about it soon. (I hate that fridge!)

Happy Stitching, y'all. Do something fun today, ok?

Tuesdays With Tag - Chillaxin'...

2012-03-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tag here.

Today I want to talk with you about the Fine Art of Chillaxin'.

That's right.

It's the combination of "chilling out" and "relaxing".

I am the 'King of Chillaxin'"!

You've gotta tuck those front paws under your chin

and let your back legs just sprawl out behind you.

What's that?

Is something in the yard interrupting my lesson?

I guess not.

But now I'm distracted.

I'm going to have to start all over again.

Well. Take my word for it.

It won't take me long to be back in the zone.

I'm a pro at kickin' back and goin' with the flow.

I don't expect you to hang around while I chillax some more.

But, we have a date for next Tuesday, right?

Great! I'll be ready with a new "tail" to share.

'til then,

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

A New Week, A New Quilt...

2012-03-19T00:11:00.001-04:00

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might have noticed that until this year I usually only have one quilt going at a time. (I'm always working on a few things at once, but usually only one quilt at a time.) So far in 2012, I'm working on a Scrappy Plates quilt and our Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt QAL.

I told you recently that we'll be going to Michigan in May to a friend's wedding. That beautiful card with a peacock feather attached is their wedding announcement. When I decided that I wanted to make something special for them, I knew that a quilt would be our gift to them. (I asked each of them their favorite colors when we had dinner with them. Bara said he loved blues and black, and his future wife, Iman said she loved jewel tones and green.) With that knowledge in hand, I went in search of fabric.

A few days after our dinner with the couple, I was sitting with the gals in our Saturday morning coffee group at Sandy's Quilt Shop. We were chatting away when I noticed a piece of fabric hanging on the wall. I was stunned! It was perfect!

Kathy and Nora went and grabbed the newly arrived collection for me to see and after I chose which of the fabrics in the line I wanted to use, they had to unwrap them to cut the yardage!

My appointment date for Kathy to do the long-arm quilting on this piece is April 20th (or thereabouts), so now I have a deadline, too. This week, I'll be laying out the fabrics, deciding on a design and I'll commence to cutting and sewing. I'm so excited to see how this queen size quilt will look. Can you even believe my great good fortune in finding this collection? Kathy and Nora were tickled for me!

So, although I have Farmer's Wife blocks to assemble and Scrappy Plates to finish, the Wedding Peacocks will be at the front of the line this week.

Today, I'll close with a photo of me with my very own little leprechaun, "Taggart O'Corgi". Did you know that he'll be a year old on April 3rd? I can't believe how quickly time flies with a growing puppy!

Tag asked me to remind you about our Third Blog Anniversary giveaway. If you haven't signed up for the drawing yet, here's the link to our giveaway post.

Tag will be back tomorrow with his own post, but today, we both wish you a beautiful and creative week!

Sunday Scripture...

2012-03-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of The Catholic Company

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit."

- Psalm 51:12

An Irish Prayer From My Little Leprecaun...

2012-03-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Although it's not officially one of Tag's post days, I can't imagine anything better than photos of my own little Leprecaun with his favorite playmates. Taggart loves kids!

Especially little girls!

I offer a St. Patrick's Day prayer courtesy of my friend,
Marydon at Blushing Rose Boutique:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial,
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Blog Anniversary Post (click here) for a chance to win my giveaway. Perhaps you'll have your own "Luck of the Irish"!

The Happy Couple on their wedding day.

Before I close, Handsome and I would like to send Happy Anniversary (#11) wishes to our younger son and his beautiful wife. May you always find delight in each other. We love you both!

Celebrating My Third Blog Anniversary...

2012-03-16T01:08:00.000-04:00

Yahoo!

"There's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate and party with you."

Have I got you hummin' and dancin' yet?

Who would have thought when I started writing this daily journal

to myself on March 15, 2009, that I would still be writing -

and have all of you, my blog friends, sharing my days with me?

I've had so much fun doing this, mostly because I've had all the

kind words and friendship to lift me up, so to thank you,

I think this celebration calls for another giveaway!

One lucky person will have
their choice of the following gifts.


Photo courtesy of Pier One

A $30 Gift Card from Pier One Imports

Photo Courtesy of McCall's Quilting Magazine

Perhaps you'd rather choose a dvd of

one year's worth of McCall's Quilting Magazine?

Photo courtesy of PieceWork Magazine

You might be a needleworker or knitter

who would swoon over a 1 year collection on cd

from

Piecework Magazine?

My Third Blog Anniversary Giveaway

will end at 10 pm • March 31st.

All you need to do to enter is
leave a comment on this post

and

be a follower of my blog.

Remember, I think that if you're willing to follow my musings on a regular basis, you deserve a little compensation! I only wish that I could reward each and every one of you for putting up with me for three whole years! I appreciate your friendship beyond words.

"It's time to come together
It's up to you, what's your pleasure?
Everyone around the world
Come on!
Yahoo! It's a celebration
Yahoo!"

I just know you're dancing now! So, just leave a little note for me and you'll be entered in the drawing. That simple! Good luck everyone!

PS. In case you didn't recognize it, those are part of the lyrics from Cool and The Gang's "Celebrate"!

March Mini Quilt...

2012-03-15T00:18:00.001-04:00

My March mini quilt fabric choices

I'm so happy to have been able to get into the studio for a little sewing yesterday afternoon. Funny how much happier I am when I've had my "fabric fix".

I pulled the fabrics to make my mini quilt from my stash, and set to making the transfers from the design to fabric.

Flo's Design for March

This is the original quilt, designed by one of our Saturday morning coffee group gals, Flo Shannon. It was only appropriate that she do the design for March with her Irish last name! I love her design with the shamrocks and pot of gold.

My March Mini Quilt

I reversed Flo's drawing prior to putting it onto my bonding paper, but once it was all fused, it appears that Flo had already done the reversing for me. We're only required to use the elements as we choose, so it's not critical that my shamrocks are reversed. (whew!)

I still have to layer and quilt the design, but all the elements are fused and stitched down and the border has been applied. Plenty of time to finish and find before Saturday morning when I'll take it over to the quilt shop.

It's fun to have these little monthly projects that we can do in between the more involved pieces. I'm going to be doing a wedding quilt to finish before April 15th, too. It's going to be a busy few weeks coming up!

Come back tomorrow when I'll be debuting my latest giveaway!

Sharing Some Favorites...

2012-03-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

While sorting through all those knitting and crochet magazines to add to my Stash Buster Sale last weekend (and this), I realized something important. I'm sick of being owned by "stuff". Stuff that takes up too much space, leaving little elbow room for the things I really love - or love to do.

I have a hard time cutting a few pages out of the magazine, when I could pass it on to someone else intact, and I also don't want to give the thing away that might have my next project between its covers.

For at least one favorite magazine, I've found a solution. Each year, Fons & Porter puts the previous year's complete magazine issues into a dvd format! How cool is that? I just purchased three dvds that have eleven years' worth of magazines in two small, compact cases! Everything, including templates, is on these discs. Fabulous, I tell you. Simply fabulous!

If you have limited space for your pursuits - or if you have lots of space that you'd rather not give up to magazines - I can suggest this as a great solution. Believe me. I'm going to be looking online to see if other favorite publications do this, too!

Now, I've had this little gem in my studio for at least a year, but truthfully hadn't even tried it yet. Last week, while at Paneras, I was having a heck of a time threading my needle to work on my scrappy plate applique' under their low light conditions.. So, I pulled my Clover Needle Threader out of the drawer this weekend and decided to see just how it worked.

What a great surprise! See the little circle-shaped slot there? (Um. The arrow says "needle slot" and is pointing to it in this picture.) Just put the needle, eye-end-down, right in there. Then place the thread across the groove marked "thread slot" (See it in the first photo? That's where it goes.) Then, push the white plastic lever, and it pushes the thread in a loop through the eye! Just pull the loop and voila! Needle threaded!

I took it with me to Paneras last night and it was a godsend! All the girls wanted to see my "toy" and a few of them said they're going out in search of one of their own!

I highly recommend this little tool. Especially if you're working in lower light, or your "mature" eyes are occasionally making life difficult for you. There's no shame in having a handy little helper!

I'll be back tomorrow with photos of my latest work, and don't forget...This week I'm celebrating my Third Blog Anniversary! You'll want to check back to find out about my celebration giveaway!

Tuesdays With Tag - Takin' A Walk...

2012-03-13T00:03:00.001-04:00

It's me again...Tag!

How would you like to take a little walk with me today?
It'll be fun, and you don't even have to change your shoes!

I love taking walks in our neighborhood (we call them "walkies"),

and sometimes I get to see really cool things!

I asked Mom to bring along her camera just

in case I might spot something to share with you.

I stopped here to take care of a little "business", if ya know what I mean.

See my back leg? It's a new trick I've added to my repertoire.

Right after I relieve myself, I kick my back legs.

I'm not sure why I do it. Something in me says I should,

but I didn't really understand why until Mom explained it.

She says it's an old survival instinct deep inside me that

makes me want to push my scent as far from me as possible.
It's to protect me from predators.

Gee, thanks, Mom. Pffffttt!

I'm not afraid of anything, so I don't think you're right.

I'm just kickin' everything around to let people know I was here!

Hey! Do you see what I see?

My friends the ponies!

They're actually big horses, but when Mom chirps at them to

get them to come closer, she always says (in a funny high voice),

"Hi, ponies! Here, ponies. Tag, look at the ponies!".

Works every time!

I get all curious and happy and the horses come right to the fence

to say hi. It's really a lot of fun. They sniff on me and I sniff them right back!

I don't want to get closer to them today.

Their people are out in the yard with their German Shepherd dog

and I don't want to get him all riled up for nothin'.

Anyway, I hear the call of the open road. You hear it, too, right?

Come on, Mom. Let's head back home to check out my Flying Cloud.

Mom's gotta take some measurements inside.

She's going to be making a few homey touches that she thought would be nice.

You know...Girly stuff!

I think it would be great if she'd make me a doggie bed to sleep on!

I'll let her tell you about her plans another time.

I love my camper! It was my first home with Mom and Dad,

and I can't wait for us to take a few trips in it again this summer.
Nothin' quite like the call of the open road!

Well, I think I've done enough gassin' for today.

Time for me to get back on neighborhood patrol.

Gotta run! See you next week!

'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Brynwood's Weekend Update...

2012-03-12T00:09:00.000-04:00

My weekend sale was such a success that the girls asked me to repeat it next weekend for our girlfriends who couldn't make it this time. I agreed. I'm also going to advertise in the local shopper to draw in outside traffic, too. Nothing is coming back into the house at the end of all this. I'll either eBay or donate what's left after next weekend.

On another subject...Last summer our elder son suggested that I add the Angry Birds app to my iPhone and iPad. I did that months ago, but never sat down to try to play it until Friday night. I played from 7 pm until 1:30 am!!! Then, I played it Saturday night (but not as long) and during odd moments on Sunday.

The reason I'm telling you this is because you need to be warned! Angry Birds is so much fun that I didn't accomplish another single thing all weekend! (And I don't apologize one little bit! lol) I'm definitely going to enjoy it at random moments while traveling in the Flying Cloud this year!

I promise that you'll see some quilt progress photos and other work this week. I'm going to have to turn off the iPad and put it under my bed for a few days!

Happy Daylight Savings Time! Hope you have lots of fun planned for those extra daylight hours.

Sunday Scripture...

2012-03-11T00:03:00.002-05:00

"From the rising of the sun unto its setting

the name of the Lord is to be praised."

- Psalm 113:3

Just Like The Good Ol' Days...

2012-03-10T00:08:00.001-05:00

Our garage looks like a shop this weekend. I'm selling a considerable amount of my knitting and crochet supplies to create more elbow room in my studio. It feels like the old days when I had my needlework shop, Stitches in Wisconsin. Perhaps not as polished as my shop used to be, but definitely as well-stocked!

I have cotton yarn, wools and many high quality blends, along with sock yarns and a few bulky weights, too.

I have crates, boxes and plastic containers full of books. Knitting and crochet patterns and lots of techniques within their covers. I'm moving out about 150 books. (Don't ask how this happens. ~~I'm sick, I tell you!~~ I have no idea!)

Lots and lots of books. If you're looking for a specific knitting or crochet book or leaflet, send me an email. I just might have it, and I'm happy to send out anything that you might want for actual shipping costs.

There are also sewing patterns that I've pulled to share for a song (25¢ each!) and Amy Butler patterns and fabrics.

I'm "open for business" again today, and I've been asked to do this again next weekend, which I will. In addition, I'll be listing up many of the items on eBay to make the items I have after the sale is over available online.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the studio. You know, my fingers ache when I'm not working on something! I need to get back to my Farmer's Wife blocks! What are you doing this weekend?

"Stash Buster" Oriental Salad...

2012-03-09T00:18:00.001-05:00

If you're a friend on my Brynwood Facebook group (or my personal page), you know that I've been preparing all week for a "Stash Buster Sale" in our garage this weekend. I'm purging lots of knitting supplies, but also some sewing patterns and a few household items.

Yesterday was my set up day as I open the doors this afternoon, so I was pretty busy. Handsome had band rehearsal and was going to join friends for dinner afterward, so I decided that something in the salad family would be in order for my dinner. A nice meal and then I could finish up marking and arranging things for the sale.

This recipe was shared with me by my friend, Wendi, when I still lived in Wisconsin. The temperature got into the mid-80s yesterday in south Florida, so salad was a perfect choice. Here's the recipe, in case you're interested in trying it for yourself.

Oriental Salad

Melt in a pan:

3/4 c. butter
seasoning packets from 3 packages Oriental Ramen noodles

Add:

Ramen noodles, broken up
1/2 c. sesame seeds
package slivered almonds
2 cans water chestnuts, sliced, drained
fresh mushrooms, sliced

Saute' only until golden brown. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine:

Romaine lettuce, torn up
green or red onion, chopped (optional)
red, green or yellow peppers, chopped

Combine with saute' ingredients, and then mix with dressing (recipe below). Once all the ingredients are mixed and covered with the dressing, refrigerate until cold. Serve.

Dressing

Mix together in a shaker:

1/2 c. vegetable oil
3/4 c. sugar (I never use the entire amount of sugar)
1/4 c. cider vinegar
3 T. soy sauce

Pour entire mixture over the salad and mix well before serving.

I hope you enjoy it!

I'll be running around all day today, but will take photos before it gets busy around here to share with you. Hope you have something fun planned for today!

Meet The Woodstock Hooker...

2012-03-08T00:03:00.002-05:00

Meet Jonathan James. He's The Woodstock Hooker, and a frequent attendee at our Tuesday night gatherings at Paneras.

He's actually an accomplished crocheter and artist, with his own website and crochet business. I've only seen hats like his in Dr. Suess books and movies! The best part is that they don't just sit on your head. These works of art actually morph!

My friend, Helen put one of Jonathan's hats on and it looked pretty darn cute just the way she styled it.

Then, Jonathan came over to do a little styling of his own, and he had all of us giggling. Those appendages on the hat stand right up on their own, but I don't think "covering the eyes" is quite the look Helen was looking for.

This is another of Jonathan's hats. the two rows of blue yarn are actually vented sections. He crochets open work under each row making it comfortable to wear whether it's cold or warmer. If the wearer gets cold, they just turn down those two rows and they cover up the openwork to keep the person wearing the hat warmer. Ingenious, don't you think?

Helen modeled the second hat, along with a beautiful shawl that her friend, Kathy knitted for her. We all thought her ensemble matched and she looked quite jaunty!

The girls really get a kick out of Jonathan. I can tell you that there is an abundance of teasing that goes back and forth between all of them. I think Margaret is his biggest fan. She tries on every hat he brings in to show off (and frequently either she or Helen try to hide his creations in their bags just to get a rise out of him).

If you're interested in learning more about Jonathan's works of art, you can go to his website: Woodstock Hooker (click here). You'll be truly amazed at his creations. We have to get him to add that he's currently frequently seen with us at Panera's on Tuesday evenings to his "sightings" locations. He's bringing his Mom to knit/crochet with us now, too. She's just delightful, and a welcome addition to the group.

Have fun exploring his site. These hats are even cooler "in person"!

Lesson Learned...

2012-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Exact 1/4" seam on block on left. Regular 1/4" sewing foot block on right (smaller).

You may think that it doesn't matter whether you're stitching consistent 1/4" seams, but today I can tell you. It matters.

You may also think that it's cool to be working on two quilts at one time, going back and forth between the two. It's not cool if you're stitching an exact 1/4" seam on one, and just using the measurement of the 1/4" foot as your seam guide on the other. And, then you forget to reset your needle between projects.

I completed twelve Scrappy Dresden plate blocks using the 1/4" machine foot to define the seam allowance. At the same time, I had determined where my machine needed to be set to sew an exact 1/4" seam on the Farmer's Wife Blocks. (Once I knew where the needle position needed to be for that project, I hit the "memory" button on Miss Ellie to default to that setting whenever I turn her on.)

Significant difference when using two different 1/4" seam measurements

Having completed those needed dozen blocks, I laid the Scrappy quilt components on our guest room bed to decide how I wanted to position the blocks. Once they were previewed, I realized that I needed six more blocks to fill in where I was originally planning to place empty blocks. (Too much "empty" on those blocks.) Back to the sewing machine I went.

I put together all six blocks, hand sewed them to the background fabric and pulled out my centers, which were ready and waiting. But, wait...what the...? This isn't right. The centers weren't fitting the plates. They should have, as I made them all at the same time and the others fit the original dozen blocks just fine. I finally thought to place one of the new blocks on top of one of the originals to see if the plates were the same size. No. They. Were. NOT! The new ones were too big!

I sat in front of my sewing machine trying to figure out what I'd done wrong, when voila! I realized that I hadn't reset my machine between the Farmer's Wife settings and my Scrappy Plates settings.

I pressed "reset", selected fabrics and laid out another plate. I made a test block on the new setting to confirm what I thought I'd done wrong. I sighed a sigh of relief when I checked the new block against the originals. (They matched again.) Then I sighed a sigh of "mild peeve" realizing that I'd need to make six new blocks.

I made the new plates yesterday, and I'll spend the next couple of days stitching them to the ground fabric...again.

I think I've learned two valuable lessons:

In future, use the same 1/4" criteria on any projects that I work concurrently, and
Think twice about working on more than one quilt at a time

My goal is to finish the piecing on this quilt next week. Then, I'll concentrate on the Farmer's Wife quilt blocks!

Tuesdays With Tag - Tag The Tenacious...

2012-03-06T00:07:00.000-05:00

It's me, Tag!

"Tag The Tenacious"

That's what Mom's been calling me this last week.

I bet you're wondering why.

Mom tried giving me all of Fezzik's old toys when we first got home, but

I pretty much knocked the stuffing out of them in about three days flat!

(That stuffed squirrel never saw it coming. HA!)

Since then, she's tried a couple of times to let me play with soft toys,

but I just can't help myself. They're chew toys, after all.
What does she expect?

That I should put 'em all on those little shelves on her tables and just look at 'em?

How could I be a self-respecting corgi and not chew?

So, now Mom gives me Nylabones and Kong toys to play with.

I really go to town on 'em, too! Take these, for instance

(Don't take them for real. That's just a figure of speech.)

These originally had things Mom called "knuckles" on the ends.

Not anymore!

So, that's how I got my nickname.

Tag The Tenacious.

TA DA!

Sing it with me..."I GOTTA BE ME!!! I GOTTA BE FREE!!"

"What, Mom?"

"No, I'm just playing with my toys and singin' a little song."

"AaaARrOoooooo!"

Mom says it's a good thing we live out in the country.

That way I don't bother our neighbors! Pffft! Real funny.

I'll see you again soon.

'til then...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Bowls Of Hope...

2012-03-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

These are the pieces I chose. L-made by a school child; R-made by a local potter.

In addition to the time I spent in the studio yesterday, I also spent part of my afternoon "doing good". I met up with my friend, Tammy and her husband at the North Port City Center for the first annual "Bowls of Hope" event.

We were a little concerned early in the morning because there were thunderstorms overnight, but the skies cleared and we enjoyed a cool, breezy afternoon. It was perfect weather for a "soup event".

I'm not sure if you're familiar with "Bowls of Hope", but it is a fund raiser for the All Faiths Food Bank in our area. Their stated mission is "To feed those in need, reduce food waste, and educate the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition." I know they hold events like this in other cities, although I'm not sure if the events share the same name.

Local artisans created beautiful and unique pottery bowls and cups. I couldn't believe how many there were! Each person paid a fee and received a ticket to choose their own favorite bowl to take home. I can tell you that it wasn't easy choosing. They were all so lovely.

When the decisions were finally made, we took our other three tickets into the food area. Local restaurants provided their signature soups for everyone to sample and we were able to choose three different soups to try. I can say that everything was delicious!

As the crowds gathered, we ate our food and listened to a great, live band called "Three of a Kind". In addition to the bowl I chose with my ticket, there was also a table with bowls made by local school children, available to purchase for an additional five dollars each.

My bowl will be used for many things in the kitchen, but the beautiful mug, created by a school child will reside in my studio. I'll smile when I look at it and remember a fun day I spent with friends for a good cause.

One thing before I close today...March 15th will mark the third anniversary of my blog. I'm going to have a celebration giveaway which I'll tell you about soon.

Sunday Scripture...

2012-03-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

This image hangs in Grace's home

"Pray without ceasing."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God."

- Phillippians 4:6

It's All About People...

2012-03-03T00:24:00.002-05:00

Almost four years ago, I was a regular over on the Ravelry website. Although I don't get to visit there much these days, I'm still a member of the Grandma's Hand group. Some of my friends here were friends there first.

In August of 2008, Handsome had traveled to Massachusettes to visit his brother while I created a wedding gown for my niece (who is also my goddaughter) here in Florida. As that trip came to an end, rather than receive a call from him to tell me he was on his way home, I got a call from my brother-in-law to tell me that Handsome had been flown (Flight for Life) to Boston Brigham & Women's Hospital.

I was journaling my wedding dress progress with the Grandma's Hand group, but it quickly turned into me sharing my concerns and fears with them. I'm not ashamed to say that those women, along with my faith, sustained me during the time I was with my husband in Boston. I'll never forget how those friendships forged on the internet, became a lifeline for me, while I was so far from home. (Thank you, Marrianne - and so many others for your help during a time that seems like a lifetime ago.)

I won't share the details of the scary three weeks (and subsequent months) that followed, but I do want to tell you about the doctor we met there. Dr. Bara Zuhaili cared for my husband every day, and frequently took the time from his busy schedule to make sure I was alright, too.

In the process, a friendship was forged. Bara was born in Syria. He has studied medicine here in the United States and is looking forward to completing his degree in plastic surgery. His desire is to help burn and accident victims to be whole again.

He speaks with the most wonderful accent, and we're learning more about his life and culture the longer we're friends. He's the age of our sons, so we feel like we've added another loving and generous young man to our family.

We were so happy when we received an invitation to his wedding in Michigan in May, which was soon followed by a telephone call to tell us that he and his fiancee' would be visiting family in the Orlando area this past week.

Last evening, we met them in Tampa for dinner. Iman (his betrothed) was born in America and lives in Michigan near her family. She and Bara have known each other for years (introduced to each other by their sisters!), and are now engaged. We are beyond happy for them. She is a beautiful woman, completing her studies in corporate law.

As Handsome and I drove home from the restaurant, smiling nearly all the way, we talked about how happy we are for both of them. They're a perfect match for each other, and we know they'll have a wonderful life together. We can't wait to travel to Michigan in May to watch them pledge their lives to each other.

More than anything, the four of us agreed that our friendship is about "people" and not "politics". We're glad they're in America, safe from the sadness in his home country. We're glad that the two of them have found love together, and pray that they'll always find happiness and home in each other.

Dogs and Cats...

2012-03-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

My "For The Love of a Corgi" Quilt

Our guild's quilt show was last weekend, (that's why my trip to Wisconsin had such a quick turnaround time!) and I had three quilts entered.

Kathy (Sandy's Quilt Shop) called Wisconsin while I was away to tell me that I'd won a ribbon! I was so tickled to have placed third in the Rookie category. (That means I had never entered a quilt in a show before, not that I'm a novice quilter.)

But the bonus for me was that it was for my corgi quilt, dedicated to Fezzik's memory. Two Third Place ribbons for my first thread painting effort. One from the guild last fall and now this one. I'm very happy.

My "Love Birds" Quilt Show Entry

When I got to the show on Saturday, I found out that my needleturn applique' quilt, "Lovebirds" won an honorable mention ribbon! Again, I had done this quilt completely on my own, including the machine quilting. Another pleasant surprise for this Rookie!

We were allowed to take photographs of the show, but not place them online, so I'm unable to share all the wonderful quilts that were on display (other than my own). I did, however, ask my friend, Ranee, for permission to photograph and share her quilt and she agreed.

Ranee's Quilt Entry

I love this quilt! She paper pieced all the blocks and borders and did a fabulous job. As if that wasn't enough, she hand quilted her piece when the assembly was complete! She was given a well-deserved First Place ribbon for her efforts.

Ranee's Quilt Detail

Here's a closeup of her quilt. I love that the tails are appliqued' into the sashing! Isn't it clever? If you'd like to create this design yourself, the pattern is from City Stitcher (Janet Miller) and it's called "Sawtooth Cats". Just click here to go to a link to view or purchase the pattern.

I wish I could share more of the beauties I saw at the show. They were all so great it was hard to pick a favorite. Thanks to all the guild members who planned and participated in the show. It was a roaring success and all of us are looking ahead to 2014 when we'll do it all again!

Farmer's Wife QAL - Barns and New Blocks...

2012-03-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

My Wisconsin Barn Mosaic

In October of 2009, I wrote a blog post with this mosaic I created from all the barns I photographed on a trip to Wisconsin. (You can read that post here.) When I see barns, I feel something inside that's difficult to explain.

On more than one occasion, I've found myself spellbound by light coming into a barn between the boards. The last time it happened, I looked at Handsome with tears in my eyes. I don't know how I feel about reincarnation, but it's like I was meant to be there. It felt like home. Like I'd been there before. Like I knew that place.

Stock Photo from web

These deep feelings prompted me to want to create the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt...and the desire to share my project with some of you. Imagine my pure joy to find that twenty four other women wanted to join me in a quiltalong.

We started in February with a list of quilt blocks from the book. I blogged and emailed the list to the participants, with a promise that this would be a no-pressure endeavor. We've been uploading our block photos to a special Flickr album, and we've also shared comments and questions among the group. It reminds me of the old-time barn raising, where everyone worked together to create something beautiful...the barn.

We're all working from the same book...The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. We're also using either the templates from the cd inside the book, or plastic templates from Marti Mitchell's website.

This is how I'm using my book to chronicle my Farmer's quilt journey. I start by taking colored sticky notes and bookmarking the blocks chosen for the month. (I used pink stickies for February and yellow for March.)

You'll notice that there are still pink stickies in there. I haven't sewn those blocks yet (but will this month). Remember, I said that the group is "no pressure", and I'm proving it by showing how I'm working at my own pace.

As I stitch each block, I write the date that I created it, along with my initials. I'm also writing notes on the pages so that whoever sees my finished quilt years and years from now, they'll know what I was thinking as I created the quilt.

I keep all of my supplies (except the fabric I have on bolts) in one of those plastic organizers (like this) so that everything is in one convenient place when I sit down to work on my blocks.

I know farming folk who keep daily records of the weather, along with other information that serves as a diary of their farming life. They keep track of all the grains, seeds and supplies they purchase toward running their farm. Women keep detailed budgets to enable them to purchase the supplies used to run their households, but in days past, they also wrote down their inventories of precious possessions. In some cases, they cataloged their linens and fabrics needed to clothe and comfort their families.

I just added a new app to my iPad that I can use to inventory my fabrics, patterns and threads. How much easier it might have been for the farmer's wives of yesteryear had they been able to use technology as we do.

Before I end my thoughts for today, I'll leave you with the list of blocks that our group will create for March. There are ten this month.

These are the blocks:

Block # 2 - Autumn Tints
Block # 6 - Big Dipper
Block #10 - Bowtie
Block #15 - Buzzard's Roost
Block #29 - Economy
Block #31 - Evening Star
Block #34 - Flock
Block #51 - Hovering Birds
Block #52 - Hovering Hawks
Block $103 - Whirlwind

These block names make me smile, and some of them hold special meaning.

I think back on the Autumn tints seen in crisp Wisconsin twilights when I could hear the last of the flocks of geese heading out to the marsh to settle in for the night. Gazing up at the evening stars in the sky with the Big Dipper the most prominent - the first constellation I learned to identify as a child.

We built our home there and called it "Hawk Hill" for the red-tailed hawks that lived on our property year-round. I can still envision lying in the grass and watching the hawks hover, lift and soar on the breeze.

We have many new memories in the eleven years we've been in Florida. Days seem to pass so quickly, like a whirlwind in time. (No, I'm not going to mention the hurricanes.)

One frequently sees the buzzards that patrol for "opportunities" (meals usually provided when automobiles and wildlife collide), as they roost in the trees along the roads, or even perched on the street lights lining the main roads into town (makes me laugh out loud. "Welcome to North Port, my pretties!").

Better to focus instead on the afternoon and evening musical performances when Handsome dons his tuxedo and black bowtie. I think of a friend's favorite quote "Music softens life's hard edges."

And then, there is the wonderful time we spend in the Airstream. There, our furnishings are more sparse, and our life is spent enjoying the economy of our mobile accommodations.

I think you can see why this group of blocks will be so meaningful to me. I hope that all the other participants are making notes and sharing their thoughts as they create their blocks. You can click on the QAL link at the top of my blog to find a list of participants and links to their blogs. (No link, no blog - yet!)

You might also enjoy clicking on the Farmer's Quilt book image in my sidebar. That's how you can get to the Flickr album with all our block submissions. Everyone gets to see the blocks being created by their friends, and they can upload their own for an online "bring and brag". Feel free to leave comments on their blocks. They're all so wonderful!

I'll share my newest blocks here when I finish the March group (and those I haven't completed for February), as well as in the group album.

Look What I Found...

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

A new book, called It's Quilting Cats & Dogs by Lynette Anderson. I paid full price for it when I found it in a shop in Wisconsin, but if you click on the title, the link will take you to the discounted Books-a-Million price. Don't feel bad for me, though. I'm so tickled to have found it that I'm not grumping about paying what I did.

Remember this fabric that I'm using in my Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt? I chose it mainly because I couldn't resist the animal images on it.

I just love the sweet dog, cat, bluebird, owl and butterfly images. They're just adorable, don't you think?

Image from "It's Quilting Cats and Dogs" book

Then I found the book and look what was inside! The same animals that appear on my fabric, along with other project patterns and transfers for sewing and/or stitching!

Image from "It's Quilting Cats and Dogs" book

You know I won't be able to resist stitching this piece. It even has a little Airstream on this block!

But mostly I think I might have to add those appliqued' animals on the purse onto a block to add to my Farmer's Wife quilt. They're just too cute to resist! I'll be working on my other blocks this week as I prepare for the new batch for March, but believe me, those little animal applique's are going to be calling to me the whole time!

Oh, before I close, I've started a Brynwood Needleworks group on Facebook. If you already hang out on FB, you're invited to join my new group.

Wishing you a week filled only with good things and time for something creative, too!

Tuesdays With Tag - Best In Show...

2012-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi again. It's me...Tag.

It's not what you think. I'm not a show dog, but they intrique me.

Mom had the Westminster Dog Show on a couple of weeks ago.

All that clapping, hollering and carrying on got my attention.

Then I saw this dog trotting across the tv screen.

I couldn't believe it!

I had to sit down and watch for a while.

I saw some pretty interesting dogs.

I thought they were acting like sissies.

Letting people stick their hands in their mouth,

(I don't let anyone do that to me except Mom, Dad and my doctors!)

being accosted by strangers, and

I won't even mention how they had to stand funny while

some important-looking man checked them out.

Not even one piece of fur out of place, either.

It was all so curious to me.

Me. Almost 11 months old.

Mom said I shouldn't lose any sleep over it.

She said I'll always be her "Best In Show".

'til next time...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Memory Lane Monday - Uncle Johnny...

2012-02-27T00:48:00.000-05:00

I'd like you to meet my Uncle Johnny. He's the younger of my mum's two younger brothers and he lives in England. I love this picture of him with their family dog, Lizzie. The photo was taken in 1953, which is the year before I was born. He's always reminded me of the singer, Paul Anka here.

My sweet uncle gave me this teddy bear when I was born, and I still have it. In fact, I wrote a blog post about "Coco" here in May, 2009. I've loved and cared for this bear all these years and it's still a treasure to me...

as is my uncle. He and my Aunt Anette have been to the United States to visit, but now that we all live in different parts of the country (and world), we don't see each other very often.

I love that we're able to talk with each other on Skype from time to time, and we're "friends" on Facebook. Don't you just love the miles that can be bridged with "technology"? It makes the world seem smaller and loved ones closer. I'm so glad that I'm still able to converse with this loving man and that we can share the stories of our lives with each other.

Thanks for joining me for another Memory Lane Monday. I hope you'll share a tale from your past on your own blog and then link back here. Don't worry if you haven't written it yet. You'll have a whole week to link back (below).

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Sunday Scripture...

2012-02-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

image that hangs in Grace's home

I have created you and cared for you since you were born.

I will be your God through all your lifetime,

Yes, even when your hair is white with age.

I made you and I will care for you.”

- Isaiah 46:3b-4a

I'm Baaack...

2012-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

In case you're looking for me - or are in the area with a free day - I'll be here.

I called the "Quilt Girls" (Kathy and Flo) when I got home Friday afternoon, and they told me the show is really wonderful. I can't wait to see it. I'll be one of the White Glove people from 9 am to 1 pm today, and will try to get some photographs to share with you next week.

Happy Weekend!

Celebrate Me Home...

2012-02-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Some of my fabric stash. Mine. AAALLL mine!

I made it to Chattanooga last night, which leaves an easy drive home for today. I'll be home mid-afternoon and although I can poke my head in the studio to see some of my favorite things, I won't be spending any time in there 'til Sunday.

Goodies that sit on my sewing table

Just a quick peek to make sure it's waiting for me to sew a few stitches later in the weekend.

My Little "Man About Town".

I don't need to share a photo of Handsome for you to know that I'll be home once I see his smile, so I'll close with the face that will be jumping up and down when he sees me walk through the door. (I think I'll jump up and down right along with him.) You didn't get your Tuesday With Tag fix this week, so I thought you might like to say "hi" to him, too! He'll be back to visit with you next week.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Country Roads, Take Me Home...

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

l-r: Donna, DeeDee, granddaughter Sarah and Deb

Yesterday was a good day. Grace's daughters and I spent the day together with one of her granddaughters (Sarah). When the nurse came in to see Grace, she asked if we were all sisters and before I could say anything, her daughters said, "Yes. Donna is our half-sister." Later, they told me, "You know Donna, you even look like you belong to our family." (The conversation started when they that all of Grace's children's names begin with a "D", as does mine.) I smiled to know that they love and embrace me as much as I love them.

It warmed my heart to witness the love and generosity Grace has instilled in her family. I can say, without a doubt, that she also had a hand in shaping the woman I've become, and I'm proud to be her "daughter". Although so much of what has to be done was difficult, watching her daughters make decisions with consideration and concern for her was further testament to the examples she set for all her children.

The four of us toured a nursing home/assisted living facility in town and we agreed that it would be a perfect place for Grace (as she won't be allowed to go back home to live alone). Even better is that there was a lovely room with a garden view immediately available for her. It was most important for them to find a place where she will be happy and cared-for, and this place perfectly fit their parameters.

I'm leaving for home today, but my heart is at ease knowing that Mom will be moving into her new home while I'm driving. We all enjoyed the time we were able to spend together while I was there, and although the doctors still cannot pinpoint the source of her most immediate health issue, they were able to stabilize her and improve her condition so that she was alert and comfortable while we visited. I prayed that she would be this way when I arrived, and my (and your) prayers were doubly answered.

There were no tears at our parting (which has not always been the case). She is happy and hopeful, and I am leaving her with a calm heart. We are looking forward to seeing each other again this summer and she told me she'll do her best to get stronger.

My goal is to reach Chattanooga, TN today and then finish my journey mid-day tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing Handsome and Tag, so I won't be taking the long route!

(Note: This is what a picture looks like when a short photographer uses the screen instead of the viewfinder on the camera. There's more than a little image distortion. Note to self: Next time, set up to use the viewfinder.)

How To Make A Spool Elephant...

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Adorable Alert!

This is a vintage J.P. Coats - Clark card for John Martin's Spool Zoo. The copyright date is 1921.

There was a whole series of these cards including the elephant, fox, bear, zebra, lion and hippo. (Look close to the back of the card. They're all listed.)

The card is meant to be cut around the animal shape (you can enlarge the card to see the dotted lines) and then each side of the animal was glued to an end of a spool. Once assembled, the animal was free-standing. The card advertises acquiring an entire zoo. The little red square on the back of the card shows a tiny illustration of the finished spool elephant.

There was also an insert to order a 48 page book of "Sewing Secrets". Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone. lol

I'm having a wonderful time visiting with Grace, her daughters (my "sisters" by choice) and last night, one of Grace's granddaughters (Sarah) joined me at "Grammies" house to stay overnight. It was wonderful catching up with her. I haven't seen her since she was in elementary school. She's grown into quite the lovely young woman.

It's nice to remember that every cloud has its silver lining.

We're Together Again...

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

So, this is how I dressed yesterday morning when I left the hotel just north of Nashville. It was 27º and I had frost all over the windows of the Explorer!!! (It was 82º when I left Florida on Sunday. sigh) No more sandals until after I get back home. You have no idea how long it's been since I wore a turtleneck. I was warm and comfortable as I covered the second leg of my trip.

I drove the final miles back to Wisconsin and arrived at 5:30 yesterday afternoon. I was able to meet up with Sis so that she and I could get to the hospital to visit Grace before it got too late. Grace knew that I was coming, but was surprised that I saw her right away rather than just curl up somewhere and take a nap.

Sis told me that one of Grace's three remaining sisters died yesterday, too. And, another sister totalled her car on a short trip yesterday. It was not a good day for the sisters, but thankfully, there were no injuries with the car accident - unless you count the car. We broke the news to Grace last night. I'm glad I was there to hold her hand and as the sister who died had been in a coma for that past two weeks, it wasn't a complete shock for her.

This is a photograph I took out the windshield of my ~~car, truck~~ SUV as I drove through Effingham, IL. It never ceases to lift my spirits. A message to motorists that God is always watching over them as they travel. I smiled again just to see it. Seeing the "Welcome To Wisconsin" sign was almost as wonderful.

My visit with "Mom" was so nice. She's in good spirits and has gone through a barrage of tests. We still have no idea what's wrong, but while she's in the hospital, her symptoms are being managed and she's alert, coherent and funny. It's so nice to be here so that I can spend the time with her.

I'll see her again today, and I'll take my scrappy plates to work on while we chat. I'll be sure to rest and refresh, too. Thanks again for all your sweet notes. You warm my heart with your prayers and good wishes.

A Secret Revealed...

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I'll share a secret with you. Some of you know, but perhaps most of you do not, that I write my daily blog posts late at night the day before they appear on my blog. Sometimes, but rarely, I'll write them and schedule them to appear on a certain day, but usually it's just the night before.

I write them as though I'm writing them the day of the post, but now you know. I cheat...except for today.

Today - Sunday - I've spent on the road in my Explorer. I've left Handsome, Tag, hearth and home to go to Wisconsin to be with Mom Grace. She's been quite ill, and those of us who love her are concerned. Out of respect for her privacy, I will not go into detail, but I felt compelled to travel back into cold weather and possibly snow, rather than wait until summer, when we'd planned to go back again.

I left home at 7:30 this morning and drove over 800 miles to Nashville, TN. As I write this (7:42 pm central time - an hour earlier than home), I'm in my pj's with my laptop on my...er...lap...exhausted. It seemed that there was heavy traffic all bloody day for every. single. mile. I drove! The photo above was mostly stopped traffic in Atlanta. (There was an accident about 2 miles ahead.) Grrr!

I got to do the stop and go traffic two more times, but mostly there was just lots of humanity on the road...on a Sunday! What the...? I had expected an easy day of driving and found something quite different.

I'll drive the rest of the way to Wisconsin today, and hope to arrive early enough to get to the hospital for visiting hours. Mom said she wants me to stay at her home, so I'll accept her gracious offer. About 600 miles to go and I'll be with her.

For now, I'm tired, cold and a bit weepy (I know. Just like a little kid.) I already ate a little something hot and will close this note to you with a few notes of thanks...

Thank you, my Quilt shop Coffee friends - Kathy, Nora, Betty, Brenda and Flo (Faye wasn't there yesterday, or I know she would have helped, too!). I saw you on Saturday, ~~a bit~~ completely frazzled because I had things that I needed to finish for the quilt show next week. You took my quilt submissions for the show. You added a sleeve to the one quilt that needed one (because I did it wrong), delivered them to Joan today because I wouldn't be home to do it, and took a huge load off my shoulders. I love all of you and thank you again from the bottom of my heart for caring for me.

Thank you, Farmer's Wife QAL girlfriends for taking care of each other by answering questions and helping solve problems while I am unable to do so.

Thank you, Handsome, for understanding that I had to go - and for supporting my decision to drive. Oh, yes...and for caring for Tag while I'm away. I won't say more. You already know.

Thank you to my own mum and my beautiful sister, Diana for calling me on and off throughout the day to break up the tedium with stories and news.

Thank you to all my friends, near and far, for adding your prayers to mine that Grace will be alright.

I'll close for tonight before I get further "soppy". I will tell you that I brought those scrappy plates with me so I can continue to stitch centers on the blocks once I settled in in Wisconsin. That way, I'll have some crafty posts while I'm away from home. More tomorrow. I have to turn off my brain and my lights now.

Sunday Scripture...

2012-02-18T22:31:00.000-05:00


Flowers from Grace's backyard last summer.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and

not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:31

My Newest Valentine...

2012-02-18T00:16:00.000-05:00

What a delightful surprise to receive an envelope this week from my friend, Wendy at The Frog Palace!

I opened it to find a fun pink-theme Valentine.

Wendy used part of a dictionary page and made the

definition of "pink" the focal point

Then, she added cutout leaves and a pearly pink button.

(Here's her blog post about all the Valentines she created.)

Then, she added lots of fab-u-lous vintage buttons and

a length of vintage trim (see top photo).

See those soft pink buttons? They're my favorites, but

I love all of them. Remember that Handsome frequently

calls me "Scrooge McDuck" when I'm playing in my buttons!

Everything surely brightened my day, and I couldn't

stop smiling at her generosity and thoughtfulness.

Thank you, Wendy!

You've got my creative juices flowing, and I can't wait to play!

You'd giggle to see me dancing a little happy dance.

I'll hope you'll visit her blog and leave a note for her to read.

There are emergency travel plans in my near future. I'll know more later today, and I'll tell you more on Monday. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

A Scrappy Update...

2012-02-17T00:20:00.000-05:00

I played in the studio most of the day yesterday. I am enjoying the quiet process of hand stitching. My needle was dancing and I smiled with every stitch.

I placed nearly-finished blocks on the fabric I've chosen for the sashing, and imagined how it's going to look when it's assembled. Adding the centers will really make the plates pop. I had originally chosen the aqua fabric for the centers, but am doing a rusty red now. Perhaps I'll do some of each!

Late in the day, I received word that my dear friend, "Mom" Grace is not doing well. As I continued to sew, I stitched prayers for her into my quilt.

I've always believed that if I'm going to pray, I shouldn't worry, and if I'm going to worry, I shouldn't pray. I know worrying accomplishes nothing, but prayer can move mountains. So, I prayed that God will care for Grace.

I'll know more about her condition later today, and I may decide to go north to be with her and her family. In the meantime, if you're moved to add a thought or two on her behalf, I would appreciate it, and I know she and her family would, too.

I'll be attending a training class today with Handsome. We're learning to work at our local polling place. I'm looking forward to "doing my part" for the process.

When we get back home, I'll finish tacking down the last two plates and then work on attaching the rest of the centers - and praying.

By the way...Tag is doing great. I think my little bug was just pulling my leg!

A Little Vintage Goodness...

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

I took Tag to the vet for a checkup yesterday. He was limping around and favoring his left front leg. Seems he just pulled a muscle trying to catch a squirrel on Tuesday! He's alright (so is the squirrel), but I just have to try to keep him from running like a fool for a while. Yeah. Good luck with that!

After we got back home from Sarasota, I spent the rest of the day hand stitching my scrappy plates to the background fabric. I'm not finished yet, but I'm moving right along with them...and loving how they're looking.

Today, as I continue my stitching, I thought I'd leave you with an image from my studio. I have this pretty, oval ironstone dish on my sewing table. It's always filled with buttons and I toss in bits of ribbon or other embellishments from time to time.

I added one of my ribbon-embroidered rose strawberries and did a little re-arranging before I took this picture. All that vintage goodness - along with the girly pink touches - makes me smile. I hope it makes you feel good, too.

Enjoy your day today, and I'll be back tomorrow with project updates to show you.

February QAL Finish and Winners...

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

I finished my QAL piece for February for our group

at Sandy's Quilt Shop. I love the way it turned out!

Completed in Moda's French General fabrics, I also added vintage buttons...

and even a little French General embroidered ribbon.

je t'aime...I love you...

perfect for my February mini quilt!

I'm looking forward to the design for March, and

I sure won't be dawdling on the next one!

It's time to announce the winners of my 1000th Post Giveaway!

Winner of the First Giveaway Gift - Set of 6 napkins

DAWN of The Feathered Nest

Winner of the Second Giveaway Set - Vintage linens assortment

MARY ANN of Handcrafted by Mary Ann Miller

Congratulations to both winners. I'll be sending out your gifts right away!

Thank you to everyone who entered.

It won't be long before I celebrate THREE years of blogging -

with another giveaway, of course!

I hope you'll stay with me, so that we can continue this journey together.

Tuesdays With Tag - Heart Day...

2012-02-14T00:14:00.001-05:00

Hi! It's me...Tag!

Mom helped me find some pictures of hearts in nature. You know. Hearts that just happen without anyone making them. We went for a little walk to see if we could find any...

web image

She told me that these are strawberries and people eat them. I've never had a taste of one, but she says they're really good.

web image

I like this one of a rock. I bet Kessie would try to eat it if she were still around to join us on our daily walks! (Yeah, and another trip to the vet for surgery, too!)

web image

Even these leaves are curled into a heart shape!

web image

Mom showed me this picture of a little cow with a heart on its forehead, and then she had an "ah ha!" moment!

She said, "Hey, Tag (that's me!)! We don't have to look for any more hearts. Sometimes the happiest hearts are right before our very eyes. We just have to be open to seeing them."

I don't think I know what she means, but she giggled and said we had all the photos we'd need for today's post. I'm a good boy, so I'll believe her.

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody.

'til next week...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Don't forget that Mom's 1000th Post Giveaway ends tonight! Hope you're all entered in the drawings. Mom says, "Good luck!"

Valentine Bluebirds...

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm nearly finished with the February mini quilt for the Sandy's Quilt Shop QAL. You know how I adore the French General fabrics from Moda, so I decided to use that line for my interpretation of the design.

When I was at the shop on Saturday, they asked where my piece was. I replied, "It's not even February yet!" There was a lot of chortling and cajoling, to say nothing of the immediate correction I received. Sad, but I was serious! Seems I've been so busy with other things that, even though I've been writing "February" on everything, it hadn't really registered that it was time to make this month's piece. (Nothing like having a "senior moment" in front of God and everybody!)

When Tammy and I got back from the art show (photos later in the week), I immediately set to making my piece. All the fabrics were chosen, templates cut, fabric fused and attached to the background fabric before I went to bed Saturday night. I did the stitching, assembly and machine quilting Sunday before heading to a concert in the afternoon. I didn't want to waste any time finishing it!

This is the original piece as executed by the gal who designed it. (My sincere apologies that I don't know her name so that I can share it with you!)

When we receive our design sheets, we get to see the original - which I always photograph - along with shapes to make templates for the applique' pieces. (One 8 x 10" sheet of paper that's mostly white with a few elements drawn in.) We're left with quite a bit of leeway for decisions about color, placement - even the number of leaves to use in this one. I stuck pretty close to what the designer wanted, but chose to make my statement with the fabrics. I still have birds' eyes and flower centers to do and then I'll show you the entire piece, along with photos of finished minis from some of my other shop pals.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and another Tuesdays with Tag. We're working on a little something special for his post. In the meantime, if you'd like a little gift inspiration, perhaps you'll go over to Button Floozies blog where I left an idea. Of course it uses buttons, so don't be surprised!

Tomorrow is the last day to enter my 1000th Post Giveaway. If you haven't entered yet, be sure to click here to drop your name in the hat. Drawing will close at 10:30 pm. I'll announce the winners on Wednesday. Good Luck!

Sunday Scripture - Faith...

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

"My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh."

- Proverbs 4: 20-22

February Blissfull ATC Swap - Alice in Wonderland...

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

What a perfect theme for our February Blissfull ATC Swap Group. It was "Alice in Wonderland". My partner was Celia of Adventures of the Striped Stocking. I knew right away what I wanted to do!

I grabbed some of my favorite Alice in Wonderland fabric and cut and stitched and glued until it looked just the way I wanted it to. I added a tiny bottle filled with sparkling beads, and attached it to a ribbon which I glued into the seam of the card. Then added a tiny note that said, "Drink me". My final touch was an old clock button I had in my box.

I put together an assortment of goodies for Celia, including a Moda charm pack (5" squares), snippets of Alice fabric, threads, tags, ribbon and pages of decals. I sure hope that she likes them!

Celia and I were exactly on the same wavelength!!! I'm telling you, it was uncanny. Look what she created for me! Nearly the same images, but she added type from the book, which I really love! And if you look at the edge trim from the front, it reminds you a little bit of rickrack, but...

look what I found when I turned her card over! Beautiful red hearts. Just like Alice's Queen of Hearts! It's clever and pretty!

When Celia's package arrived, I was surprised to see that it was a rather large padded envelope. Look what was inside. She included beaded trims, large pieces of two coordinated (and totally fabulous) fabrics and a pin wrapped in lace.

Thank you for such wonderful surprises to accompany my beautiful new atc, Celia. I love everything you sent to me! It was a grand swap, indeed.

Thanks also to Wendy at Blissfull ATC Swap blog. Her tireless work to organize our swaps does not go unnoticed. If you'd like to see the other cards, just click here to go to the list of links.

I'm off to the quilt shop this morning, but today, I'm going with my friend, Tammy. After our coffee group, she and I will be heading to an art show in Sarasota. I think we're going to have a grand day, don't you? I'll try to get some pictures to share with you next week.

A reminder...If you haven't entered my 1000th Post Giveaway yet, be sure to click here to go to that post and drop your name in the proverbial hat. Gotta run!

Spending Time With Family...

2012-02-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

I spent part of the day yesterday sorting through family photographs. Remember, I've made a commitment to reorganizing and decluttering, so this is one of the things that requires some serious attention this year. (We have LOTS of pictures around here!) I figure that if I deal with a little at a time, it won't be such a chore.

I came across these tintypes, carefully tucked into a box with other family images and decided to scan them to share with you before I put them into archival pocket pages for safekeeping. You can see that they've already sustained some damage, mainly in the form of rust, so we want to care for them to keep them from degrading further.

This first one is of Handsome's grandmother, the opera singer (on the right). I don't know who is on the left, but I assume it's a sister or cousin to his grandmother.

I love this one. Look at their beautiful dresses.

I've often wondered why so few of these old images

show smiling faces. Everyone is always so somber.

Look at this Dapper Dan! It appears that

he's pretty pleased with himself, don't you think?

I always love old photos of children with pets. In a day when there were no "speed" shutters, a little dog moving was going to end up looking like a ghost image. I wish this one had turned out. There are actually two of this image...and sadly, both are blurry. I love this little girl's dress, too!

Mommas and babies are another timeless image. They don't look very happy, do they? But they're a family record of loved ones long-gone, and in some cases, unidentified. I do know they're all related to us, but it will take more research - in other old album holding photographs with names carefully written on the backs - to identify these faces. I hope you enjoyed seeing these pictures as much as I did.

I'll have more studio goodies tomorrow. Sewing quilt blocks is on the agenda today.

This Won't Hurt A Bit...

2012-02-09T00:28:00.001-05:00

Just when you've settled into something comfortable, things change. I guess change is inevitable, but sometimes it's just a little inconvenient. So instead of viewing it in the negative, I'm going to choose to embrace and move toward that change.

I read my friend Anne's blog today at Fiona & Twig. She always has the most beautiful photographs, and she's famous because her work has been included in a number of magazines now. I love visiting her vintage images and elegantly, down-home Texas posts.

So, the really great thing about visiting Anne today is that I learn I have an option for something on my blog! I'm going to give you her link to her post (here), so that you can read it all for yourself, but if I boil it down to its essence, bloggers need a backup plan for keeping track of their favorite blogs and blog friends.

Thanks to Brent Riggs at Linky Tools, there is now a beta version for that option. (Brent is responsible for the link tool I add to the end of my Memory Lane Monday posts so that other bloggers can link up their own memories posted on their blogs). If you'll look to my right sidebar, I've now added a new friends widget which Brent calls "Linky Followers". It's easy to sign up for the service, where you'll be able keep track of your favorite blogs and your blog friends.

There's no cost and it's a great option if when the inevitable end comes to Google's follower service. As an added bonus for becoming my follower through this service, you can go back to my giveaway post (here) and leave a note to tell me that you're following me through my new widget and get another entry in the giveaway!

Just click "Follow me" on the widget (either above or in my sidebar - they'll both work) and register. The instructions are easy to follow, and it doesn't take long. After you've and added your name on my widget, add your comment to the giveaway. I know...I'm not completely thrilled that there will be a change in our future either, but I have so many things I still want to tell you, show you and celebrate with you. I'd hate to lose touch because we put off doing this.

More fun stuff tomorrow. See you then!

Ahead Of The Game...

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

I decided that this year, I'm going to have Christmas gifts finished by October at the latest! That means that I need to do a little each month throughout the year. I don't have that many gifts to make, but it always seems to end up a mad dash in December.

My friend, Krisann got me going to use cloth napkins last year. Less paper use/waste and a nice touch for the dinner table. I made all those napkins (here) for the camper and Handsome and I have really enjoyed using them.

With that in mind, I decided that sets of handmade dinner napkins might be a good gift to have on hand. I think they'll be appreciated, and I can select fabrics with certain people in mind. While the napkins I made for the Flying Cloud are slightly smaller (14 1/2"), I'm making sets of four 18" double-sided napkins for my gifts.

I actually finished two sets over the weekend (among other things), but apparently didn't take a photo of one of the sets. I guess I'll do that later and then save it for of future post showing more finished sets.

By the end of yesterday, I had also cut and prepared one more set. These are the fabrics I chose for the third set. (Did I ever tell you that I adore paisley?) I can't wait to sew these and choose the fabrics for the next set! I'm actually getting good at assembly-line sewing the sets and they're working up pretty quickly now.

I'm really going to like being ahead for a change! Once I finish this set, I'll be back to working on the Scrappy Dresden Plates quilt and a Blissfull ATC Swap Group trading card this week. The theme for the artist trading card is "Alice in Wonderland". I'm going to enjoy making a card that reflects that theme.

Have a great day and remember to do something fun today!

Tuesdays With Tag - Doin' My Part...

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi! Tag here again.

Wow (actually, "bow wow"). It's been a tough week around here! Mom was sick with a cold, so I had to find ways to amuse myself when Dad was busy.

I decided to watch some of my favorite videos on Mom's laptop. Videos of ME, of course!

This one is my personal favorite. I'm romping along the sand with a beautiful black Labrador on Venice Beach. Wind is blowing through our fur as we play in the surf. Ah...that was a beautiful day, for sure. (We won't talk about Mom's wet pants from her ~~falling in the water~~...ah...taking a little dip.)

I loved my days at Boot Camp with Uncle Mike, so I thought I'd take another look at my graduation video. He really put me through my paces, and I appreciate all the things he taught me. Mom and Dad seem much easier to work with now!

I found a cute video in Mom's "favorites" in her YouTube files. This is a big, goofy German Shepherd that hears wolves howling on the tv and decides to howl along with them. What a dufus! You wouldn't catch me being silly like that. (That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!)

Speaking of favorite videos...I do have one of my own to share with you today. This is my personal Public Service Announcement for responsible canines (that's us dogs) everywhere. We have to do our part for the environment. (Mom hates her outfit. Says that you shouldn't get dressed up to do the garbage, but she looks like she's dressed to "hop on the short bus", whatever that means!) Anyway, I hope you like it.

That was fun! Well, it's that time again. I've gotta run. I think I just spotted a bottle that needs my attention! 'til next week..."More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

Another Look...

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

I completed the set of six dinner napkins for my 1000th Post Giveaway over the weekend, and I really like the way they turned out.

Sweet little birds and flowers on one side and coordinating green polka dots on the reverse. Notice that I used a decorative stitch on the edge that mimics the little branches on the bird's tails. All six napkins will go to one lucky winner in the giveaway drawing.

I've also selected an assortment of vintage laces and buttons, and I've added some pretty, soft seam binding ribbons to the mix. All of this assortment will go to my second winner.

If you missed my giveaway, you can click here to go to the post where you can leave your comments for entries. Good luck, everyone!

Sunday Scripture...

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me."

- John 14:6

Time For A Celebration Giveaway...

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

I began writing my blog in March of 2009, and today marks my 1000th post! If anyone would have suggested that I would find such pleasure in my daily online "diary", I might have chuckled. Now, one thousand posts later, I can't imagine not keeping this web log!

I think one of the greatest gifts of this venture has been the people I've met along the way. My online friends, who in some cases I've been blessed to meet in person. People with whom I share my thoughts on a joyful and creative life. People who I have come to know and care for through their own blogs, or through their comments with me here. I'm grateful for all of you - and those words just never seem to carry enough import for how I really feel.

To thank my friends who regularly follow my blog,

I'm going to celebrate with a

1000th Post Giveaway!

Small tokens to convey my gratitude.

Now, I have to confess that my plans were to post images of the things I would be offering in the giveaway, but I've been sick in bed with a stinkin' cold all week. I finally was able to spend half of my day upright today. So, instead, I'll tease you by telling you that I'm going to offer TWO different gifts. (You know me. I don't think I could celebrate with just one!)

Gift Number One

Set of Six Dinner Napkins

Double-sided and made by me from 100% cotton fabric
I've made these, but I'll make a set in your favorite color if you prefer.

Gift Number Two

Assortment of Vintage Treasures

Luscious laces, buttons and ribbons to use in your own creations.

It's easy to be included in the giveaway:

Follow my blog (Let me know that you're a follower/friend and you'll get one entry)
PLEASE NOTE: Join my NEW Linky Friends List, TOO - above the Google Friends List (leave another comment and you'll have another entry!)
Post my giveaway button on your sidebar and link back to this post (leave another comment and you'll have another entry)

I'll draw the winners on Valentine's Day - February 14th!

Good Luck!!!
UPDATE: 02/14/12 - 11:30 pm - DRAWING CLOSED.

B.L.E.S.S.E.D...

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know what I've done in my life to deserve such beautiful and generous friends. I recently received two surprise packages that filled my heart with joy.

Denise and I have been friends, sharing our lives online for over ten years...and we've never met in person (yet!). She and I have been sending packages and cards back and forth across the miles between Vermont and Florida all this time.

I originally "met" her when I left Wisconsin. I had been a Sales Director with Mary Kay, but decided to leave my business behind when we moved. Denise, a consultant at the time, very generously offered to provide the products to me at cost and that was the beginning of our association.

Since then, we have come to know each other and our families through our cards and emails. She and her husband, Neil recently celebrated the marriage of their son and I was like a shirttail aunt proudly viewing all the photographs!

Denise always sends delicious goodies from Vermont, including maple candies or Lake Champlain chocolates, and she rarely sends a gift that doesn't include something related to acorns for me. This time, I have to say she really outdid herself!

I love every single thing she sent in this box! Leaf-shaped serving dishes with acorns, and four cups and saucers with a pastoral scene amid acorns and oak leaves. I now know that they are called "Memory Lane" from Royal Ironstone...and I want to augment this set. I love them!

They remind me of the Currier & Ives dishes I had in one of my first apartments. They make me smile.

There was a tiny quilting book with a thimble-embellished ribbon bookmark. Inside the covers were many quilt-related quotes...and a tiny sticker that Denise had found inside another book she'd recently purchased.

I'm thinking "The Acorn" is the name of a bookstore in Portsmouth. It's about the size of a postage stamp, but it's so cool! I'm going to have fun mounting this inside a tiny frame to keep it safe.

Denise, your generosity never ceases to take my breath away, and I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to repay your kindness. It's going to be fun trying, though! Thank you, dear friend. Thanks and thanks again.

Sweet Jeanette and I have also been friends nearly since I started blogging. Last week, a package arrived from Valrico, FL with a gift tin inside. I excitedly opened the box to find a gorgeous big pewter acorn atop a super-size paper clip! This is perfect for keeping all my current notes handy on my desk.

I'm not sure if Jeanette created this herself or found it already made, but either way, I'm loving the acorn love from my friend.

If you've never visited Jeanette's blog, click here to stop over and say "hello". I'm always inspired when I visit, and you will be, too.

Thank you again, my friend. I love, love, LOVE your thoughtfulness and generosity! Jeanette, I never realized that we lived so (relatively) close to each other. Perhaps we'll have to plan a day to get together some time this year? I'd really like that!

I know, Shell. S.P.O.I.L.E.D. But I don't think so. I prefer B.L.E.S.S.E.D. with all my fabulous friends.
xoxo

A New View...

2012-02-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

My "Love Birds" applique' quilt.

I've been seeing things in a new light...

My basket full of twill ribbons.

With renewed focus...

Gifts from dear blog friends.

Almost with a new set of eyes...

Handsome's Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Inside and out...

Ta da! My new Coolpix.

I have a new camera!

This photo is the last one taken with my old Olympus

("old" being five years old).

Using my Olympus for blogging every day since I got it

just flat wore the ol' girl out.

Say "Hello" to my new camera...

It's a Nikon Coolpix P500.

Faster and leaner and with higher resolution than my last one.

Handsome has the professional Nikon D4000 and D5000 cameras

that I could use whenever I want, but I prefer a "grab and go"

quality for mine.

We make a good team and

so far, I'm lovin' my new camera.

A Corgi Valentine Card...

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Note: In case this post looks familiar...It originally appeared on Monday, January 30th, until I realized that the 30th was Memory Lane Monday for January. (Ironic, I know. I forgot Memory Lane Monday!) I got MLM posted later that day, but moved this post to today. I now return you to today's blog post...

I got involved in a Valentine swap with one of the corgi groups on Facebook and decided that my swap partner will be getting a handcrafted card from me. Tag agreed, so a corgi card it shall be!

This is what my partner will see when she opens the card. Tag's sweet face. Then, when she opens the card...

here's the fabric card she will find. She has three corgis, but she has a few other pets, too. (Non-corgis and a cat), so I put a corgi, three corgi hearts and another heart to signify all the rest of her furry friends.

The back of the card is a paw print on black fabric, and I finished it off with my corgi label and our signatures. It's already on its way to her, so I hope she likes it!

I worked on Farmer's Wife quilt blocks all weekend, but I won't be sharing them until the official start date. I love how they're looking now, and on February 1st, I'll share photos of the blocks, as well as some of the pointers my quilt shop quilt "gurus" shared with me to help make them fabulous.

Today's post is number NINE HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT. Two posts from today will be Number One Thousand! Any ideas for what I should give away? I'm thinking, and open to suggestions. Just leave a comment if you come up with something that might be fun.

Tag will be here tomorrow for his post, so I'll be back on Wednesday to launch our Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt QAL. See you then!

(NOTE: I received a "No Comment Blogger" note from "Unknown", signed "Elizabeth" yesterday. I'm unable to respond to you through your comment. Please email me (click on the the "Email Me" button under my profile) so I can add all your information to the QAL list. Thanks!)

Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt QAL Starts Today...

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

My already completed blocks from the first set.

Our Quiltalong officially begins today!

I've already sent a few group emails to the participants listed below as I've started creating blocks to stay ahead of the group. I want to be sure that, if there are problems, I encounter them first and help the rest of the group avoid making the same mistakes. Likewise, I welcome input and pointers from each and every member of the group. This is OUR quiltalong - not MY quiltalong - and I want to make it fun for every quilter, both novice and experienced alike.

Some of us will be using Marti Mitchell's acrylic templates to cut out most of our quilt blocks. Others will cut out paper templates from the Farmer's Wife book. Most of us will be using our trusty sewing machines, but I know of at least one seamstress who will be creating all of her blocks by hand sewing each stitch.

Our February set includes the following blocks:

#9 - Box
#16 - Calico Puzzle
#21 - Contrary Wife
#23 - Country Farm
#41 - Friendship Star
#69 - Practical Orchard
#70 - Prairie Queen
#72 - Railroad
#81 - Snowball
#84 - Spool

I have completed these blocks so far are:

Box - renamed "Music Box" for my quilt

Contrary Wife

Country Farm

Friendship Star

Practical Orchard

Snowball

What I want to be sure you know if you're also participating, but are not on the list, is that it is imperative that you confirm your machine sews an exact 1/4" seam. I found that unless you take the time to do this, you will be frustrated that your seams will not line up properly and your blocks will end up different sizes. Once I did this, my blocks looked much better - and measured 6 1/2" as they're supposed to.

I'll assume that you don't know how to do this and share the process with you. Here's what you do: Cut three 1 1/2" strips of fabric about 4 inches long. Now, using your usual method to sew a 1/4" seam, sew two pieces right-sides together and press open. Now, add the third strip using the same method and press open. Measure the width of the assembled strips. Do they equal 3 1/2"? If not, you'll need to move your needle (one click at a time), either left or right until you get that exact 1/4". (Right if the piece measures more than 3 1/2" and to the right if it measures less than 3 1/2".) My seams were actually more than 1/4" using a 1/4" sewing foot, so I moved my needle to the right two clicks until my test strips measured 3 1/2". ***If you're using a 1/4" foot, make sure that your needle is still able to pass through the opening in the foot. Too far and you'll break your needle up against it! Refer to your owner's manual for your machine to see how to move the needle. On mine, the machine has to be in straight stitch mode and then all I had to do was adjust the width indicator (as you usually would for a zigzag stitch), but your machine may work differently, so check to be sure.

Also...I suggest that you only cut out the pieces for one block at a time. You'll then be concentrating on that block through the whole process and you're more likely to get the arrangement and seam allowances right it you do it this way.

When I write the post for our February set, I'll be sharing a story from you from my own QAL journal with you. As I'm creating these blocks, I'm explaining my choices for fabric but more importantly, I'm writing down my thoughts about the meaning behind the blocks I'm choosing.

I've set up a special Flickr group so that participants can upload their own photographs of their completed blocks. (If you're participating in the QAL, click here to go to the group and you can post photos anytime.) Also...Let me know what size quilt you're planning to make. I think we're going to have a whole assortment of sizes!

This is the list of the participants. If they have a blog, you can click on their name to visit their blogs:

Karen of Karen's Needlework
Sunny of Quilting Dreams
Toni (Sewing in CT)
Kris of Lavender Quilts and Other Fineries
Marrianne from New Zealand
Lucy of The Farmer's Attic
Raewyn of lovetostitch (New Zealand)
Mary of JMP Pastimes
Jennifer M of Crafty Imaginings by Jen
Sue of Simply Pieceful Quilting
Mary of Miss Mary's
Renee of Wren's Nest
Janet from Tennessee
Sherry of Createology
Jacque from Texas
Wendy from New Zealand
Elizabeth (need more information, please)
Pat from Illinois

There's still time to join, but don't delay. If you'd like to join in, just email me with your name, blog url (if you have one) and email address and I'll add you to the list. I'll be cutting off official participation on Febuary 10, 2011.

To all who are "official"...time to start your blocks (if you haven't already). I'm looking forward to seeing your completed blocks as we work toward our finished quilt projects. Remember, the most important thing is "Have Fun"!

Tuesdays With Tag - My Camo Throw...

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi again! Tag here. Today I want to show you a present that Mom got for Christmas from Dad's brother, my Uncle Bruce and his wife, Sherre. I call it my camo throw. Bet you can't guess why!

I think it's so cool that they chose a present for her that has some of my peeps on it! Mom really yelped after she opened the package when it arrived last week. I ran to see what all the excitement was about! (She said something about an "extended Christmas", too!)

Dad thinks that one with the big grin on the left looks just like me. Says it's something to do with the ears.

I know you're not giggling at that!!

I love this corgi present, but Mom has made a point of telling me that this is the only time I'm going to be invited to sit on it. She said that she only let me pose here because she wanted to take pictures to send to Uncle Bruce and Aunt Sherre to go with Mom's thank you card.

I think they'll like seeing me sitting on it so much that they'll tell me I can use it all the time. Don't you? (Oops. Mom's shaking her head "no" right now.) I guess I'd better get off it. (Shhhh. Don't tell Mom, but I'll probably cuddle up with it from time to time when she's not looking!)

We have a great video to share with you next week. I'm slowly meeting my neighbors as we take our daily walks, so I'll be sharing our introductions with you.

Well, it's that time again. I've gotta run. I'll be doing my drills and then there are lots of clean floors to hair up today. See you again next week! 'til then...

"More waggin' and Less barkin'!"

Memory Lane Monday - A Box of Photographs...

2012-01-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

This is the house where I grew up. When I was five years old, we moved into 184 E. Division Street in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It was a large two-story home with three bedrooms upstairs, and one more tiny room with a closet that I convinced Mum to let me move into once I became a teenager. (I mean, who wants to share a room with their sister for-ev-er?) If I close my eyes, I can still walk from room to room, seeing every little nook and cranny, as though it were yesterday. (This picture was actually taken to showcase our shiny, new station wagon out in front, rather than the house. Just make believe it's not there, ok?)

See those three windows behind the balcony on the second floor? Well, the two on the left side belonged to the bedroom that I shared for many years with a messy, younger sister. Being more of an ~~anal~~ ~~OCD~~ organized person, I constantly picked up after her so that Mum wouldn't ~~trash the room~~ empty closets and dresser drawers (that we shared) in her ongoing efforts to teach us how to be tidy. Ah, yes, how we spent many a Saturday morning...but, I digress.

What I really wanted to share today was this photograph. A family photo taken on the front porch of that old house, with all the memories that well up inside me when I look at it.

I see my grandparents (my beloved Grandpa with his arm around me in the front row), little cousins, my younger brother next to me and that messy little sister (she still is, by the way!) right in the middle of the group with our grown cousin's (her godmother) hand on her shoulder. I see my Uncle Larry (right behind Grandma on the left with his arm on her shoulder) who passed about eight years ago. He was only five years older than me and the closest I'll ever have to an older brother, and I think of him often. My father (Don't smile at any cost!) in the shirt and tie on the right. Aunts and uncles smiling for the camera - and Mum (up in back) looking down the stairs to be sure her kidlets were being good little angels.

I have a special fondness for these old group photos. Between Handsome and me, we have a lot of them. Memories of days when families took the time to travel to be together. When they cared and looked out for each other.

Many of the people I love(d) in this picture have gone. But there are still people who shine in my life like brilliant stars in the night. My cousin, Sheree (who I wrote about here) and, of course, Mum are two of them. My brother and his family are others.**I realized when I linked to my cousin, that her dad - my Uncle Flis - must have taken this family photo. Thank you, Uncle for capturing this memory for us!

Life goes on. Change is inevitable, but those memories of meals, laughter, happier days spent with people I loved are seared in my memory - and will last forever, thanks to a box filled with photographs like these.

Thank you for letting me share another Memory Lane Monday today. I apologize that it's late, and thank Marydon from Blushing Rose for reminding me. (Ah, yes. Senior Moments. I've come a long way from that picture, Baby!)

I'd love it if you'd like to share a memory, too! My link will be open until a week from now, so just write your post and add it back here. See you with another memory next month.

OOPS!

2012-01-30T09:31:00.004-05:00

Me. Winter of 1974.

Marydon just reminded me that I forgot Memory Lane Monday!

(I guess I just had another Senior Moment!)

Sheesh.

Sorry, girlfriends.

Hold tight. My story and Linky will be up in asap!

(It's 9:30 am ET in North Port right now)

Duh!
UPDATE: 10:15 am - Whew! Done. Thanks for your patience. xoxo

Sunday Scripture...

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

found on Pinterest

Sneaky Peeky Saturday...

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

While ~~patiently~~ awaiting the next installment of the Scrappy Plate Club, I decided to start a few of the Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt blocks. I can already tell that this will be interesting...and a bit challenging.

I'm hoping to work out the bugs before the rest of the QAL members join in so I can share what I've learned with them. I already have a few ideas.

If you're looking for me this morning, I'll be at Sandy's Quilt Shop catching up with my quilting friends. I'm going to take my blocks and ask for some expertise from the masters.

Remember those assorted green blocks from the hands of all the quilt guild members? Ivory/Tan was the fabric color that won in my poll last week. That's next on my machine. Perhaps I'll work on that this weekend. Next week for sure. Thanks to everyone who voted. I appreciate seeing what y'all thought.

Have a great weekend, and make sure you take time to do something you love!

It's Almost Time...

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Such a sweet romantic image. Quite different from my imaginings of the life of a farm wife that might have followed, don't you think? I've managed to find more than a few cover images of the Farmer's Wife Magazine, and this one is from June of 1936.

It reminds me a little of our process for beginning the quiltalong. You're committed to participate (Not signed in blood, but you want to join the fun), you've chosen the fabric (or will soon), and you're busy copying templates. Still in the "honeymoon" phase...

It's almost time for us to begin our Farmer's Wife Sampler Quiltalong! If you're going to join us, I hope you're anxious to get started. February 1st will be the launch date for our party!

If you've signed up, I have your email address. Please be sure to add my email address to your email list so that you're able to receive all my group emails. Your first one will be sent today, so watch for it in your inbox.

Remember, there is still time for you to sign up if you'd like to join us. Not only will I share my inspiration for the blocks I choose to make, but I'll also share what I learn about creating the blocks. Even if you're not going to make a Farmer's Wife quilt, I hope you'll enjoy following the process and reading my own stories to accompany my blocks.

I encourage all of you who will be making your own quilts to get a notebook where you can write your own thoughts as you recreate the beautiful blocks that will become your Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt.

It won't be long now! I hope you'll all join us next Wednesday as we get started.

I'm also very excited to announce that there are only ten more days until I write blog post number ONE THOUSAND! You know there's going to be a giveaway, right? Because I believe that my followers/friends should have a leg up in the prize department (for reading my musings on a regular basis), it will be a Followers Only giveaway. If you're not a follower, you can't win. ("No tickie. No chickie." lol)

I'll put some thought into what I'll be offering for the giveaway and I'll share it with you in ten days.

Pretty Plates...

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

My Dresden plates remind me of color wheels. The spokes are comprised of all the colors and patterns of the Moda fabrics I chose from the Martinique line. They really make me happy!

I finished all twelve, and after rechecking the original pattern, I've decided that twelve will be enough for my quilt. I'm going to make the centers from the fabric I've laid behind this plate. Soft enough so that it won't take away from the differences on each one or bring attention to the centers themselves.

I am also going to throw in a little modification. I've decided to lay out all my blocks on point, rather than lay them out square to the design. That will automatically make my quilt a little wider, and because I'll need to fill in the squares between the squares, it will also be longer. Once I've done that, I'll decide whether or not I'll change the measurements for the sashing and the borders.

Remember that this quiltalong is supposed to run about six months, so I've finished my work for this month. Now to wait until Anne posts the next step. Can I? I don't know. I'm so in love with this fabric, that I might have to forge ahead of the group. But not this week.

These are all the fabrics that will be used to complete my queen size quilt. Now, to start thinking about what I'm going to name it! What do you think? Do you love it, too?

Tomorrow, I'm going to write about the Farmer's Wife Quiltalong I'm hosting here at Brynwood. We're beginning February 1st, so I want to make sure that everyone who wants to join is included in the list.

If you're one of those who will be participating (or if you're just curious), please click on the Farmer's Wife link at the top of my blog. Make sure your name appears there, and if you have a blog, that the link is correct (you'll have to click on your name).

If you've signed up, and for some reason your name isn't on the list, please let me know asap (and accept my apology for not getting your name up by now). If you haven't signed up yet, but would like to participate, please send me an email with "FARMER'S WIFE QAL" in the subject line. Remember, I'll need your name, email address, url for your blog (if you have one) - city, state (if you don't have one).

More on the Farmer's Wife tomorrow. It's really going to be hard for me to leave those plates alone today!

It's Coming Together...

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love making plates...Dresden plates, that is! I've been a busy seamstress, to be sure. I've already made eight of the twelve plates needed for the quilt pattern.

I have a regular assembly line going. All the pieces were cut and sorted for color value and then I started sewing.

There is a certain amount of joy involved in choosing where to place each pattern and color along each wheel. Stitch across all the ends in a continuous line so they stay in order. Then, cut one spoke off the line, turn the point, press and join it to the piece ahead of it. Slowly, each plate came together.

By the end of my sewing day yesterday, I had a beautiful array of plates on my work table. I'll finish the last four today...or decide that I want to make more for a larger finished quilt. Either way, I'll be making more of those lovely Dresden plates.

I'm so glad that I decided to join Anne's Scrappy Plate Club. I've never made the Dresden Plate before, and I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to watching my finished quilt emerge. Thanks to everyone for the feedback you've given me. More soon.

Tuesdays With Tag - Beach Bum...

2012-01-24T00:04:00.000-05:00

Photo taken by Bob Marotta

Hi! Tag here. Now that I'm a graduate of Mr. Mike's Good Dog Camp, Mom said that I can start writing my own posts. Today, I want to tell you how much I liked the Venice Dog Beach on Sunday.

It was great being out in the sunshine and surf with all the other dogs. There were big dogs, little yippy dogs, and dogs of all sizes. I sniffed and wagged at all of them. Mom laughed. She told people I was "networking".

Photo taken by Bob Marotta

One of the things I really liked was running through the water. I even jumped in to play with some little kids who were in the ocean. I think I was swimming with the sharks, even though no one saw any. Maybe I scared them all away!


Photo taken by Bob Marotta

I got to meet other corgis, too! There were a few others that were my same color, but I really liked these guys. That handsome devil out in front is one of my new pals, Taz. (His name is almost like mine!)

DCL photo

My buddy Spark Plug (Mr. Bob's dog) had a nice hole dug in the sand before I got there, but he was happy to share with everybody. I even made it a little deeper for us. (I'm a little bigger than Spark and needed to make it fit me.)

Mom shot this sixteen second "short film" of me on the beach for you to see. I hope you like it as much as I do. If you want autographs, just let me know. I'll ask Mom to help.

I have to go now. Mom says I can't be playing on the computer all day. I've got chores. (She said I should remember to sign off like Fezzik did, so here goes.) 'til next time,

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"

(Did I do that right, Mom?)

Gettin' Scrappy...

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have a button in my left sidebar "declaring" that I'm participating in Bunny Hill's Scrappy Plates Quiltalong. I went into my cabinets to choose which fabrics I wanted to use to make mine. I know the point is to make a quilt from fabric scraps, but I usually share my scraps with one of the gals from the quilt guild...and I have a ~~huge~~ ~~sick~~ ~~copious~~ ~~frightening~~ little fabric stash from which to choose.

I looked at my fat quarter sets and decided on Moda's Martinique line. I also have some yardage of a couple of these fabrics, so I'll be able to use that for sashing, borders and backing. Perfect!

I love these colors, and the patterns include sea coral, geraniums (my favorite!), polka dots and paisleys. You can see that I separated each of these stacks by color values so I was ready to get started. I did move two of the fabrics out of one pile into another. (See that red in the right column of "mediums"? That's one of them).

According to Anne's instructions, I'll need twenty to thirty different fabrics, cut into 4" x 12" strips. (I have over thirty in this fat quarter pack, so I'm good to go.) I started by cutting the strips I needed from all the medium value fabrics. I only need 4" x 12" from each fat quarter, so the remainder of each piece of fabric went back into stash for another project.

After that step was finished, I took out my Easy Dresden ruler and cut stacks of strips into the pieces that will be the start of my spokes in the Dresden Plate blocks. I'll be cutting all of the strips from dark and light values before I start any sewing. I'm planning to spend today doing that. (I'm soooo happy to be back in the studio!)

If you're interested in joining this quiltalong hosted by Anne Sutton at Bunny Hill, just click on the button (like this one) in my sidebar.

I only got this far yesterday because Tag and I headed over to the Venice Dog Beach to meet up with friends with corgis in the afternoon. (Tag will be telling you about that tomorrow!)

I've already chosen my background fabrics for the blocks and think it's going to be a pretty quilt. Because I've taken the "Process Pledge", I'll be sharing my progress on this quilt with you. It will be fun to show you more photos as I go.

Thanks to everyone who has voted so far on my poll. I'm looking forward to seeing which fabric ends up being the sashing for those green blocks! If you haven't voted yet, the poll closes Tuesday evening. I'll let you know on Wednesday which one wins out.

Tag is really looking forward to his first post. I think you'll enjoy it. I'll be back on Wednesday.

Sunday Scripture...

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

-Matthew 11:28

Let's Try This Again...

2012-01-21T00:08:00.000-05:00

Black Sashing and Borders

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question yesterday. I agree with what some of you said...I needed to show you the choices.

Ivory/Tan Sashing and Borders

Orange Sashing and Borders

Purple Batik Sashing and Borders

Yellow Sashing and Borders

Here are all the choices, and I'm going to add a poll to my right sidebar so you can vote. I really appreciate your input, and because I'm having such a difficult time choosing, I'm going to go with the color with the most votes. I'll leave the poll up until next Tuesday.

Thanks again for your input. I think this is going to be fun!

I Have A Question...

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Last fall, our quilt guild had a sale for the members. At that sale, I found a package of finished quilt blocks that had been created by the guild members prior to my becoming a member. They all have the color "green" in common. There were a total of 54 blocks and they're all beautiful. I'm looking forward to creating a quilt with them, and I think the members would love to see them all assembled.

Here's my question...The blocks in the photo are a good representation of all the varieties of green included in the assortment. I'm having a difficult time choosing a color for the sashing and border(s). What color would you choose? I have a beautiful orange batik that really makes the colors pop. I have plenty of ivory, cream or tan prints, but I'm concerned that they would be a little blah. Perhaps a yellow? Brown? I even have a batik that incorporates a lot of the colors (toward purples) like the leafy square you see right behind the "Brynwood" of my watermark in the photo. arghhh! Help!

Choosing color can be a satisfying step. Usually, I can get a feel for the colors I want to use through the process of actually creating the blocks. In this case, that part has already been done for me, so I'm struggling with the next step. I'm interested to see what your thoughts are.

Recent Finishes...

2012-01-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a day to finish projects. I completed my mini quilt for the monthly quiltalong at Sandy's Quilt Shop. Each month is being designed by a different shop customer! Isn't that exciting? I've drawn the month of June from the basket. Then there was still one month left, so I offered to design the July mini, too. (I haven't decided what they're going to look like yet, so it's going to be a surprise!)

I'm really happy with the way my piece turned out. When I take this to the shop on Saturday, I'll take a photo of the whole wall of completed minis so you can see what the rest of them look like. I'll also get the pattern for February's design, so I'll be able to start on that one, too.

On Tuesday night, a call went out for someone to bind a scrappy quilt for the quilt show boutique in February. I love sewing on bindings, so my hand shot in the air to volunteer.

I'll get it back to the committee today or tomorrow so they can put it with the rest of the beautiful items that will be for sale at the quilt show.

It felt good to be back in the studio. Tag kept me company and reminded me to take a break from time to time. I've got an appointment to keep this morning, but this afternoon, I'll be right back in the studio to start something new. I'm looking forward to showing you what's next.

Thanks for all the comments on yesterday's post. Pat's quilts were truly inspirational, and I'm so glad I was able to share them with you. (Now, if I could only talk her into selling the amarylis quilt!)

I'll be back tomorrow. Make today a beautiful day!

Quilts To Die For...

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Last night was our monthly quilt guild meeting, and we had a special guest to share her quilt journey with us. Consider yourselves fortunate that you get to see photos of her work. I was drooling so much that I'm surprised I didn't ruin the images in the camera! Also, the watermark on my photos is only because I took the pictures. Don't think that I had anything to do with the creation of these stunning quilts!

Our guest speaker was Pat C. Jennings. We were all enrapt by her storytelling - and her Kentucky accent. She shared some of her gorgeous art quilts with us, and believe me, each one was more incredible than the last.

I think this amarylis quilt is my absolute favorite! I love the colors, and look how she did the stripey border on only two sides of the quilt, instead of repeating that all the way around. How clever is that? I might just have to ~~steal~~ appropriate this border idea for a future quilt of my own.

Pat is also a painter, and she said that this amarylis image is one of her favorites to paint, too.

I love the separate blocks in this colorful piece. Rather than simply sprinkling these bright flowers all around, she created sections of flowers. I really like her design eye.

Of course, I'm going to love this autumn-inspired quilt. The colors are perfect choices for her theme and I love the juxtaposition of colors across the blocks. It was also beaded for added interest! Oh! Oh! Some of her quilting is by hand, too! Incredible!

Pat has shown her pieces at Paducah, Ky and in a number of other prestigious quilt shows. This quilt is a perfect representation of exactly "why" she is an award-winning quilter/author/teacher. If you're interested in seeing more of her work, you can click here to go to her website. I think I got a huge overdose of inspiration...and I enjoyed every minute!

Tuesdays With Tag - Graduation Day...

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

January 14, 2011 l-r: Mike Sommers, Taggart and Handsome

If you checked in over the weekend, you already know that Tag came home on Saturday. As I've been saying, "There was rejoicing throughout the land". To say I was tickled would be the understatement of the year (and it's only January!).

I spent most of the day watching out the window and trying to estimate when Mike and Joann would pull in the driveway with my boy. They arrived around 4:30 pm, and they also brought along a little Golden retriever named MacKenzie who's living with them for a while. She only stayed overnight with them, but we seriously considered dog-napping her. She is adorable!

We welcomed everyone and then Tag came out of the kennel to my open arms. After cuddling and memorializing his homecoming with photos, Mike took Tag to the front yard to show us how far he'd come since our last visit...and to show off his skills as part of his graduation demo. Naturally, I shot a video for you. I hope you'll accept my apologies in advance for my spontaneous reactions. There were times I just couldn't resist laughing at his exhibition, and I am just so proud of him.

While we were all eating dinner that evening, Mike asked me exactly how old Tag is. I told him nine and a half months. Mike was shocked! He thought Tag was between twelve to eighteen months old. When he learned that Tag is still a puppy, he said he was even more impressed with his drive, maturity and abilities. My buttons were bustin'!

So, please turn up your sound a bit, grab a cuppa tea and relax while you watch Taggart, World's Smartest Corgi (ok. Maybe I'm overstating it a bit, but hey, I'm his mom and I'm allowed to be biased!).

I've promised Tag that he could start writing his own posts after he graduated from camp, so next week, he'll be speaking with you in his own voice. 'til then...

"More Wagging, and Less Barking!"

Wisconsin Cheeseheads...

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I was a sloth yesterday. Slow, lazy, playin'-with-my-little-dog, do-nothing sloth. Our dear friends shared a meal with us and then headed home to the other coast to watch the Packer game. Of course, we watched the game here at home.

Don't you love this cheese box? I saw it two years ago in a Piggly Wiggly in our old neighborhood and called them when we got back home to see how I might be able to buy one. The gal told me that if I paid postage, she'd send it to me FREE. Sold!

I thought it would be appropriate to use this image to represent the Wisconsin cheeseheads who watched their beloved football team end their Super Bowl bid today. It sure was a fun season, and although they're finished for this year, we'll be cheering for them again next season.

I've got Tag's graduation video all ready to share with you tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to sharing a few finished projects with you this week. I'll be in the studio when I'm not playing with my little dog. Have a great week, y'all!

Sunday Scripture - Love...

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

"...with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,"

- Ephesians 4:2

My First Project of 2012...

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've been itching to get back into the studio to create something. Yesterday, I finally managed to steal a little time to go and play.

I belong to a monthly mini hanging quilt QAL at my favorite local shop, Sandy's Quilt Shop. We have a different person designing a quilt for each month, and we got our first design right after Christmas.

It's a really simple design. 12" wide by 14" long. The designer chose a bell as the focal image, and she showcased her ribbon weaving talent for her bell. We can choose any fabric we want to use, and can modify the bell into our own style.

I started by choosing my two main fabrics and getting out Miss Ellie to sew the machine embroidery of a Father Time design. You can see my fabric choices in the first photo. I didn't get it all assembled and quilted today, but I'll finish it next week and show you what it looks like all done. (Remember, Tag is coming home today and our friends will be staying overnight. I'll be spending time with them instead of in the studio this weekend!)

I'd like to finish out this week by sharing a video of Handsome playing the spotlight solo for Ravel's Bolero. I can't tell you how much I enjoy watching him play. My recording can give you just a glimpse into my view from the balcony. I am one proud and blessed wife.

For those of you who might see this post on my Facebook page, this is the link to watch the video: http://youtu.be/Oj8_EGA8UB8

Paint, Planning and Playing...

2012-01-13T00:20:00.000-05:00

You might have noticed that I've been in a redecorating mood lately. Heck, if you've been on my blog at random times during the day, you'll find me experimenting with color, margins, gadgets and what-have-you. I guess it's the desire for something different to begin the new year, whether it be on my blog or in our home.

I've been cleaning rooms, tossing, painting and re-thinking the amount of ~~clutter~~ stuff I have. It has always been a mixed blessing for me. So many things I care for and move from home to home, across hundreds of miles. Yet, there are times I feel more that those things own me than the other way around. I'm really getting better at moving things out of here, but it's a daily challenge.

I love the newly painted guest bathroom and I'm slowly sorting my way through paint chips as I try to decide on a new color in the guest bedroom. I want something as quiet and restful as the color we chose for the bathroom. Not the same color, but something that will coordinate with it. I plan to share it with you when I finally make my decision and start putting paint on the walls.

I forgot to tell you the trick I read about on a blog I found through Pinterest. Add a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to your gallon of paint and you won't have a paint smell permeating the house when you're finished painting. I did this and it really works! (It doesn't affect the color of the paint, either.) All that fresh paint, with none of the yucky paint smell. Magic, I tell you!

Oh, and let me say something about Pinterest. I'm still finding my way around, but it's a great resource. You can bookmark anything you find on the internet into one handy place. (Dang! Like I needed one more place to kill time.) There's a lot I don't know about the site yet (someone told me that she'd seen some of my Brynwood photos "pinned", but I can't find any), but I'll be rationing my time there as I try to figure out how to navigate all the cool places you can get to through them. I have a lot of projects I want to do this year, so I can't be spending all my time there (and believe me, it wouldn't be hard to do).

Last night was Handsome's spotlight solo as he played the main percussion rhythm for Ravel's Bolera with the North Port Concert Band. He was wonderful, so I want you to see him play, too! I haven't downloaded and edited the video yet, but I'll do that today and share it with you tomorrow.

Oh, TOMORROW!!! TAG COMES HOME TOMORROW! As I told my friend, Troy at Junk Exchange yesterday..."There will be rejoicing throughout the land".

Spinning Wheel Decor...

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend, Tammy is planning a move to Virginia by the end of this year. Her husband has accepted a position in Quantico and they'll be transferred by December. I'm not particularly happy about this, you understand. Tammy was the driving force behind the knit/crochet/quilt group that first met at Books a Million in Port Charlotte, FL, and then moved across the street to Paneras.

In anticipation of the move, Tammy and her husband have been purging some of their possessions. Being a spinner, she (naturally) has a real spinning wheel, but she also had two "faux wheels" that she used in her decor that she wanted to leave behind.

Last week, she called and asked me if I'd like one of those two wheels. One was more realistic (even though it's non-functional) and the other was a planter. I told her I'd love to have the one that was more realistic-looking. She took it with her to Paneras on Tuesday evening where we transferred it from her vehicle to mine. I was surprised by how heavy it was!

Yesterday, I brought it into the house, took the wood cleaner and mineral oil to it, and it shined up like the treasure it is. Now, it sits outside the hallway to my studio. (Only because I ~~have so much crap in there that there's no floor space~~ don't have room for it in the studio!)

Thank you, Tammy. I'm grateful to have this beautiful gift from you. I'm going to try not to think about the fact that you'll be leaving before this year is over. Yes. I don't think we'll be talking about that for as long as I can avoid it. There!

Tuesdays With Tag - House Manners...

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

You might think it's Wednesday, but that can't be right. There's just no way I would have forgotten to post a Tuesday With Tag this week. So, Happy Tuesday! It's time for another post about my corgi!

When we went to see Tag on our last visit, I photographed his new house manners. I can't let this week pass without sharing them with you.

After his stellar field workout, we headed back to Mike and Joann's for dinner. Mike told me that his exhibition wouldn't be complete until he showed us how Tag behaves in the indoor environment. Mike invited all of us into the house and when I turned around to check on Tag I didn't see him. We were all in the house, but he was still sitting on the sidewalk outside! Mike said, "OK, Tag", whereupon the little guy stood up and strode into the house.

Mike placed him (had him sit on command) and then said, "Now we're going to simulate someone coming to your front door and how Tag should behave in that situation." He asked Joann to go outside and ring the doorbell like she was a guest coming to visit. Tag didn't budge as Joann went out and closed the door behind her. She waited a second and then rang the doorbell.

Tag looked a little curious, but didn't move. Mike went to the door and made believe he was greeting a long-lost friend. Loud and excited greetings were exchanged while the corgi watched.

Then Joann acted like a typical guest and made a big fuss over little dog. "Oh, look! He's so cute!" He walked up to her to say "hi", and then...

went into a down position so that she could greet him. We all laughed out loud to see his good manners.

There was more. We went into the living room where Joann had placed a small plate containing a piece of torn up lunch meat and a little cheese. She and Mike sat down across from each other with Tag sitting between them. They passed the plate from one to the other, holding it low and directly in front of Tag. He just looked. Then Mike dropped a piece of ham. It sat on the floor until Joann picked it up...no lunging dog. The demonstration ended with Mike placing the plate on the floor as we went outside onto the lanai. Still, Tag stayed away from the food. (Good boy!)

When he was finished, we all applauded his great work and I couldn't cuddle him enough. Eventually, Mike took him back to the kennel and gave him his dinner. Taggart had a great day, and we were all well-pleased.

Tag will be home on Saturday afternoon. Joann said he'll have a bath and get dried before they head over. That means that he'll be blowing coat all over the place by the time he gets back, and I won't care a single bit. To say I'm excited about his return is the understatement of the year. I've put up a brave front in his absence, but I've been missing my boy and can guarantee he won't be going anywhere without me for a long, long time. Three mores sleeps 'til the lad is back home!

Ain't That A Shame...

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Recently, one of my friends from our Paneras knitting group gave me this dress. There were actually four dresses in the assortment she wanted to share with me, but this was the only one that I could even photograph.

All the dresses had been stored in an attic with no protection from heat or cold. Gorgeous vintage pieces that actually were falling apart in my hands when I held them. Crumbling to dust after years of neglect.

This dress is transparent (by design) with old lace and an embellished "apron" on the front. The fabric shimmers in the light, and I can only imagine how glorious this dress must have been when new.

I could have cried looking at it. You can't tell from the photos, but there was so much disintegration that there was scarcely enough fabric across the shoulders to hang it on this padded hanger to show you.

The lace along the neckline is so beautiful, and there is beadwork along the neckline and on the apron hemline.

I don't know what I'd ever do with it, and it's so fragile I don't know how much time it has left. It's just a crying shame that it wasn't better cared for.

If anyone reading my blog post today would like this piece, I'll be happy to send it to you for the cost of priority postage (medium flat rate box). Perhaps someone else can think of a way to salvage some of this fabric for a project (gluing it to vintage bottles, or soldered between pieces of glass to create a necklace). I have the ideas, but would rather share the dress with someone who does these things as a matter of course.

Just email me if you want it, and I'll PayPal you an invoice for the postage. The first person to make the request and pay the invoice will be the new owner. I'll do an update if I'm contacted to let everyone know that it's gone to a new home.

UPDATE: The gown has been claimed and is on its way to its new home with Karen. Thank you!