what a win-dfall . . .

Winner, winner! 

I know a lot of folks like to say, "winner, winner, chicken dinner!"  I just cannot bring myself to do that.  I served as a legalman in the USNavy.  Big Chicken Dinner was our euphemism for a BCD or Bad Conduct Discharge.  There's *nothing* winning about that in my book!  But I digress.

I won a lovely package from The Teacher's Pet!  This is the same shop from which I got the free patterns to make "Ewenice" (which I blogged about here)!  Anyway, let's check out this loot, because you know it's going to be good, when the sender labels the outside packaging this way . . .

Right away, I saw that beautiful bundle of wool—especially that multi-colored herringbone—and thought it was delicious!  And then I thought PUMPKINS!  

But there was so much more!  A sweet bundle of flannels, a cute bag, other fabrics, tea . . .

And a panel. This panel is SO cute!!  Check this out . . .

Right??  I see a quilted baby alphabet book for Ezra!!!  It was a fun win—the box really was stuffed—and opening it made my day!

Sometimes, when I can't (or don't want to) get into the Nook or into handwork, I like to pull up EQ and be fanciful.  Last October, Moda a block a day quilt for breast cancer awareness.  It was in their pink grunge line, and I downloaded the blocks.  But October is also down syndrome awareness month, and since I have a darling niece, Liesl, who rocks that 23rd chromosome, I wanted to do something using those blocks, but supporting her. I quickly decided that I did not want to make thirty blocks.  

I wanted something a little simpler.  So I picked two blocks that looked fun, found a way to put them together, and here we go . . . 

I do love getting lost in EQ! I could play with colorways forever. Probably won't have this together for this year, but looking ahead to October, 2022!!

:)

may day, may day . . .

It's been a very busy Spring! I looked up and realized if I didn't post something here, May would go by (along with the bottom two-thirds of April) without a word from me. Heaven forbid!!  ;)

Our guild strives to be active in community-oriented events.  One of those events is Panoply, an annual arts festival held in downtown Huntsville's Big Spring Park.

This year at our booth, we went interactive! We had hexies prepped and ready to baste to engage passersby!  

Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, over 200 people, adults and kids alike, basted up a hexie!

We'll whip the hexies together (after allowing members of our guild to participate) and it will become the #HEXIEquiltthatHSVbuilt! Go Team Hexie!

I also found a new-to-me LQS -- Hook & Bobin.  Cute little place ... this fabric *immediately* caught my eyes . . .

Isn't it marvelous??!!  Cat-finity!  Tah-dah! At this point I have absolutely no idea what I'll do with it, but I don't mind waiting until it speaks to me. Sometime in the summer of 2011, I fell head-over-heals in love with Moda's "Dragonfly Summer" line.  Bought yardage in several of the fabrics and a layer cake.  Once again I had absolutely NO idea what I was going to do with it all.  In fact, it's still sitting in my stash, nearly eight years later!  But it finally did speak to me . . .

This will be a picnic quilt -- 80" X 90" -- for Joc and her family. Whew! It's a very simple design, but I think it works for a big utility quilt.  Anyway, maybe I'll have something figured out for the cat fabric by 2025?

The older two local grandgirls had their end of the year ballet recitals!  They both did so well!

This was Evey's first year and she was the epitome of grace!  Edith wanted in on the picture, of course.  She's already gung-ho to start ballet and dances with her older sisters every chance she can!  

Joc and her crew were at the beach for Mother's Day, so we celebrated this past Friday.  Jocelyn set a lovely table and prepared a feast for our "Ladies' Lunch"!

Delectable, non?!  Everything was so pretty and tasted so yummy!  It was a fun treat. After lunch, they spoiled me with presents!

A little bit of something representing all my favorite things!  A book on tea that doubles as a tea diary, a pretty owl spoon rest, two wooden trivets that look like they were EPP'd, and Kathy Schmitz's book, Stitches from the Garden.  I have the other two books -- Stitches from the Yuletide and Stitches from the Harvest, so it feels nice to "complete" my set!  In fact, I think Joc has gifted me with all of them!

I'll leave with a photo of the girls and me . . .

They're growing so fast . . . and more beautiful with each day!

Linking up to sarah did it! and the HeLP post!

:)

declutter to design . . .

Gosh it's lovely this morning -- cool and dry and clear skies.  Is it the end of September or August?!?  Whatever it is, I'll take it!

Thought I'd share some pics of a my newly decluttered space.  Keep in mind, however, that when you declutter a fulltime RVer's space, you don't end up with spacious, roomy spaces.  You end up with every space filled in a neat, organized way.  LOL!

***Edited to add:  Todd thought this would be more interesting if I started with a "before" picture.  So here's one right after I started the process:

Pretty scary, right?!?***

Okay starting up with the space immediately to the left, as you walk into the bunkroom . . . 

The pegboard hangs over the 1/2 bath (which we're *very* grateful for right now -- long story, different post, perhaps).  

Next, the slideout with the bunk beds (minus the mattresses -- we don't need no stinking mattresses!) . . . 

The bunks we converted to storage space for our assorted Rubbermaid drawer systems -- which are totally hodge-podge -- our office filing cabinet and the printer.  The drawers hold my quilting/crafting supplies and fabric (the bulkier yardages, my Christmas fabrics, my Friendship collection and one {little} drawer of assorted charm squares) and then some have Todd's things and a couple of sets hold office supplies.  My make shift design wall is rolled up there at the top.  When I need a big design wall, I simply drop it and it covers the entire space.  

Under the bottom bunk is more storage space, accessible from both the inside *and* the outside.  Crafting stuff is kept close to the front, so I can get to it easily -- Christmas crafting stuff and ladies ministry materials are kept in the back.

In this corner we have my stash, stored in containers by color (mostly).

And you might notice that I also have a bitty design window.  Just for blocks and whatever (saves me having to unroll the big guns)!

Now the table ... 

We put all space to good use ... there's a couple of more sets of Rubbermade drawers underneath there, as well!  And I have a lovely view out the back window while I sew.  Deer often cross my line of vision out here.

Then we skip a corner and move to the farthest corner (which is actually to your right as you walk into the bunkroom) . . .

This is also a bunkbeds -- the top is a regular bunk, which we use for storage of bigger stuff -- my quilter's hoop, two additional tables, a folding chair, and some other stuff.  If we needed to, we can lower it, clear off the stuff, and use it as a bed. The bottom couch (which is nice to have back there) unfolds into a bed as well.  And of course, there's storage under the couch as well -- this is Todd's side.  :)

And here's one of the things I'm working on ... this pretty little block (for a second time).  

I swear, I think that hydrangea fabric may be my all-time fabric for the ages.  Or top ten, at least!

And, finally, remember this?

The collection I won from Meg Cox and Moda earlier in the year?

I've held on to it, wanting to use it for something special -- but I've also felt bad about not using it, too. 

Until this weekend!  Barbara Brackman's newest BOW -- Grandmother's Choice -- starts up on Saturday, September 1. It will be a blog and block chronicling the fight for women's rights (similar to the Civil War Quilts blog and BOW Barbara did). I knew I wanted to participate, but didn't know what fabric I'd use ... until I realized that this line would be *perfect*!  And I think I've got more than enough of it to do the entire top -- except for perhaps sashing, binding, and the back.  But still, I'm so excited!!  I've followed the blog and gotten on the Flickr group, too.  Ready, set, GO!

Okay ... so I've got *space* (without chaos) to play in today. I'm going there. You head over to Judy Laquidara's Patchwork Times and check out what's going up on design walls 'round the quilting blogosphere!

HAPPY MONDAY!!

:)

brown paper packages . . .

Well, well, well . . . look what the UPS man brought me yesterday . . . 

Yup.  That thar box has "Moda" packing tape on it.  Yup, yup, yup.  What could it be, you ask?

Let me share.  You see about a month ago I was reading Meg Cox's News From Quilt Journalist Tells All newsletter and she was discussing chain fabric stores versus the local quilt shop and asked readers to submit, in a hundred words or less, a paragraph completing "My quilt shop is the best because . . . "

Well it just so happens I'm lucky enough to have several great LQS in my area, and further blessed to have struck up a lovely friendship with Cindy, the owner of Hooked On Quilting (and Sew Much More) in Fayetteville, Tennessee.  Cindy touched my life in a very thoughtful way not long after my accident, and I've never forgotten that kindness and generosity ... I blogged about it HERE.  Anyway, I knew immediately that I wanted to submit that story.  The only question was, could I keep it to under 100 words?!?  I took me a lot of editing, but this is what I finally submitted.  My quilt shop is the best because:

. . . of the incredibly personalized service that the owner, Cindy, gives.  Hooked on Quilting is situated in Fayetteville, TN and Cindy’s an active member in our Huntsville, Alabama guild.  She takes orders and delivers fabric yardage, notions ... whatever you need ... to customers at guild meetings, saving them the travel mileage.  Best of all she's incredibly thoughtful.  When I had an accident and smashed up my right foot (I couldn't walk, much less work my Janome), she gifted me everything I needed to try my hand at redwork – keeping my hands busy and spirits lifted.  Definitely above and beyond service!

I sent it off to Meg, got a polite response, and didn't think anything more about it.  Until a couple weeks later when I received another e-mail from Meg with "You won the Moda Fabric prize from Meg Cox!!!" in the subject line!  Wow -- out of all her terrific entries, she picked ME!  And do you know what that Moda Fabric prize was?!?!?  LET ME SHOW YOU!!

Here it is ... in all its 'leaning tower of Moda' goodness!!

It was packed full of stuff . . . three great books:

I've especially wanted the The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt book!  Whoohoo!

A double set of Elan scissors.

A fat quarter and fat eighth bundle (and not skimpy bundles, either -- BIG bundles)!

Two charm packs and a cake layer.

This darling little tin with Moda candy bar goodness inside.

This fun Moda canvas pouch . . . 

With more stuff in it, like a rotary blade, a thimble, and a seam ripper.  Plus two MORE pouches!

One with a cloth yard measure.

One with these darling embroidered note cards!

All wrapped up in this darling tin case, which I imagine will someday soon make a terrific case for carrying dinosaurs, legos, blocks, or whatever else little man wants to fill it with.

Ummm . . . tomorrow's stash report day.  Can anyone tell me how much yardage is in a charm pack and a layer cake??  I think I can figure out the bundles.  LOL!

Thank *you* my friends at Moda, Meg Cox, and Cindy at HOQ, too!!

:)

sew, sew, sewing my life away . . .

I do enjoy being a bit dramatic every once in a while!

Today is the first day of February; and here's my third finish of 2010! It's a baby quilt that I started, on a whim, on Saturday. I've had the fabric (it was a Moda charm pack) forever, and I just wasn't sure how to use it, beyond just sewing the squares together. I was inspired by a Dora S'mores quilt, by Me and My Sister Designs, which was done for the Helping Haiti: Silent Auction for Disaster Relief. You can see the original here. Very darling and crafty. Why can't I think of things like that?!?!

Mine is a little different, mainly because I made it a four by four square, and I only used fabrics I had on hand (aren't I thrifty?), and I tied off the center blocks with white satin ribbon to make it look extra girly!

I've never done any tying off before; I didn't really use it a my quilting method. I machine quilted the whole quilt, and then I tied the bows, bringing the ribbon only through the top layer of fabric.

I don't know why this picture wanted to come in sideways, but it did and I'm tired of fooling with it. I did like the hot pink flannel I used on the back.

Mr. Flicker and Mr. Fox Squirrel are both making appearance out my back window right now. Enough of this computer and on to enjoy nature and a spot of tea for a bit, before I work on Sawyer's quilt!

Ciao!

:)

FABRICS . . . YUMMY!

Oh how I love Saturdays! I regret to say that I didn't finish as much on the quilting end as I would have liked, but I *did* have a day of accomplishment, nonetheless!!

I started out this morning by stewing and freezing all the tomatoes Todd had picked from our wonderful garden! I also added some peppers he picked yesterday as well. I was able to put up a couple of quart containers. I put about 3 quarts of tomatoes in brown paper bags, so they could ripen. 'Maters freeze better when they're mostly red!

I also baked and put up some acorn squash that Jeff had brought into work from his garden. I didn't know this, but they have seeds like pumpkins - and you can roast them just the same way! I've got the seeds soaking in salt water for roasting later.

After that, I cleaned up the kitchen, and Kim came over! I wanted to take her to Hooked on Quilting, so she could look at baby fabric with me! I think we decided that we need to wait until we know the baby's sex; especially since she definitely wants to theme the bedroom! Gosh there were lots of beautiful fabrics -- fun and darling and precious and soft. Yay for babies!! Then we headed over to look at the holiday fabrics. Whoa! Kim found some really cute Moda fabric for stockings for James, her and the baby. I found lots of beautiful things, but brought home a sampling of just a few. I also got a Moda panel for a table runner that was *so* cute! It goes with a kit I already have for a wall-hanging. So darling!

I noticed that three of the four fabrics I got today have the glittery gold in them. Really, I don't do it on purpose. I'm *drawn* to it! I do believe I'm becoming a fabric collector. I guess there are worse things! Gotta stock up while I can!

The fourth fabric I got was the chicken coop wire. Isn't that great? Oh, so much fun!

Kim and I had cake, ice cream, chips & dip while we were at the quilt shop. Both the shop owner, Cindy, and Mrs. Martha were there today, so we got chatted up and down both sides! I really do like giving my business to local small business owners. They are personable and remember my name, and that goes a long way with me. And they said sweet things about my Kim. Kim is definitely one of my "joy to love" people.

Finally we were able to head back home. I think Kim went on to do some grocery shopping, and I stayed PUT! :) I finished watching Matilda, then headed for the quilt room. Time passes so quickly when I'm working (on something I truly enjoy)!!! Next thing I know, it's after six! But, much to my delight, I have finished piecing the top of BBS quilt, with the exception of the outer sash! Whoohoo!!! I still have to cut and sew that, and then I can send it off for quilting! What a JOY! I'll post pictures of that later, after batteries are charged. Six sets of batteries, and not a stinking charged set in the bunch!

This was Day 6 of Week 1 of the love Bible study. She asked that I name some folks that I needed God's help in loving. I listed the one name that I knew from the get-go belonged there, but then another name popped into my mind. This was a person I'd thought about all week and how difficult they had been and how hard it was to get near them. BAM! You think I was supposed to make the connection earlier? I am so thankful I serve a patient God. One who waits for me 'get it'. Father, help me to remember Your patience with me the next time I am dealing with someone who's having a hard time 'getting it'. Allow me to think back on this day and how lovingly You waited for me to see it as You wanted me too!

Can you believe that Monday marks the end of August? September and fall are almost here! And tomorrow I'm tackling the chocolate cake!

Sweet dreams!

:)