KNOT-Y EMBROIDERY LADY

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

2012 is going to be good, because I am going to make it that way.

It will be a joy - right. If I think it, it will be - right. Wishing you good health and that all your dreams for 2012 come true.

Thank you for stopping by - I am trying to stop by my peeps and wish them a Happy New Year, and am falling behind - I am sorry!!!

Happy New Year to you my special blog land friend.

Tootles.

Secret Reader

2011-12-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

What is a doctor to do after being up most of the night in surgery? Fulfill his obligation as the Secret Reader in Peter Pan's kindergarten class. It was on the calendar for months, sweet daughter-in-heart prepared the costume and off he went early this morning, making a little boy happy. Seeing this is the best Christmas gift a mother could have. What a goofy guy!!!

Merry Christmas!

News Alert Mr. Bill Has Been Rescued

2011-12-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

I had the first public interview with Mr. Bill last night after his top secret rescue from his undisclosed location. Pictures and interview exclusive will be aired (posted) tomorrow when my technical assistant flies in today from his current assignment (fall semester at university). I need help figuring out how to get the pictures off of my IPhone into the blog...

In the mean time for your reading pleasure (background) I will link you to the Command General who was a victim and also Lead Commander on the heroic undercover leader in the rescue. I can tell you that MI-5 and Dr. Who were instrumental on the international departments of this rescue mission.

Day One Kim's Blog - Oh, Noooooo

Day Two Kim's Blog - First Rescue Pictures

Tootles

Hey

2011-11-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Been struggling with the updated blogger interface and don't have the time to get a degree in programing - are you with me ... So I have switched back to the OLD version - thanks for hanging in there with me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this - tomorrow I will have my arms around the "Stinky Feet Gang" and yes, I will be posting pictures.

Life is good at Fabric Garden and all the support we have receive. It is going to be a good December with the fun things we have planned.

Just for me please, eat a great big Cranberry Sandwich, with a little salt and pepper and Oh, yes some turkey too. Yum!

Let's Try The Special Message Again - Yupiq Eskimo Village in Alaska

2011-11-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

A Friend sent this to me yesterday and I thought you might enjoy this

Very Special Message from the Yupiq Eskimo Village in Alaska

What a clever way to get everyone in the village involved.
Done like you've never seen before. This video from the small Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska , was a school computer project intended for the other Yupiq villages in the area. Much to the villagers' shock, over a half million people have viewed it.
For your turn to view, Click: HERE

Starting the Holiday Season Off With Something Special

2011-11-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

A Friend sent this to me yesterday and I thought you might enjoy this

Very Special Message from the Yupiq Eskimo Village in Alaska

What a clever way to get everyone in the village involved.
Done like you've never seen before. This video from the small Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska , was a school computer project intended for the other Yupiq villages in the area. Much to the villagers' shock, over a half million people have viewed it.
For your turn to view, Click: HERE

Up At Sparrows Fart & Turkey Joke

2011-11-17T08:30:00.001-08:00

Needed a picture - thought I would share one of my "assistant" who got into the applique thread I left to close to the floor...

"She expects me to pose - not gonna do it!"

Well we are, UP AT SPARROWS FART, and that is a real saying in Australia! Yup, learned it in blogland from Chookyblue some time ago and have not forgotten it. It is a cool dark Thanksgiving morning here in sunny California. What does one do when they are waiting for a jet plane to come in - wait, look at the sky and figure out what to call this time of the day ... I suppose there are lots of you Up At Sparrows Fart reading blogs etc. in between stuffing, rolling and getting that "jello" salad ready. Happy Thanksgiving - there is much to be thankful for.

OK the Turkey Joke - (read it on Kelly Ann's facebook sometime ago and thought it was funny ...

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family.

She asked the stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?"

The stock boy answered,

"No ma'am, they're dead."

See, it was funny, eh?!

Marriage Thoughts/Advice ...

2011-11-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

Sorry the picture did not show on some blogs -

The caption was the best part. Credit given to Geezer Planet.

Marriage is like a deck of cards ...

In the beginning all you need is two hearts, and a diamond.

By the end, you wish you had a freakin' club and a spade.

OK let's take on the day -

Advice for Our Engaged Son and His Bride to Be

2011-11-16T21:15:00.001-08:00

A friend sent this to me this morning and I HAD to share it with a special couple and you my blog land friends.

Love, Mum and Your Future Mother-In-Law

Awwwww, life is good - sometimes ... eh?!

Baby It is "Cold" Outside

2011-11-10T08:35:00.001-08:00

This past weekend the weather changed to "cold" here in the northern California area - it is getting down into the 40's at night! Don't laugh - it is a damp cold and it is bone chilling. Soooooo, being from the "Old Country" we have two sets of clothes (don't most people who live in the Northern Hemisphere)? It is something like shorts until Thanksgiving and then switch to long pants and on a real cold day put on socks ... at least that is what my boys did most of the time and even at that it was crying and screaming at the wish of their mother to put on long jeans after Thanksgiving.

For me it is bring down the three bags full of the family "winter" sweaters and wool socks. Oh, it has been wonderful wearing my wool socks and snuggling in my sweaters this week.

It has been long wonderful days at the shop this week. Lots of fun day and evening classes. Today is Beginning Embroidery morning and evening - the best students too! AND tomorrow (11-11-11) is the Friday Evening Shindig - starts at 5:30 pm and lasts until we roll out of the shop - if you are in the area and are looking for a nice place to hang out and sew - call the shop (916-483-2955) - we each bring munchies for the potluck table too, we have the whole shop to ourselves :o), we have good sewing, chatting and food!!!!

PS - mother and new grandbaby are doing well.

First Time In Paris for Thelma and Louise

2011-11-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

Paris Flea Market, that is, Livermore, California. Link here.

On Friday one of our "side kicks" joined us. Woo Hoo!

Yup, we were on the road again.

There was a lot of "stuff" to see!

I have not seen long white gloves since - well, a long time ago.

I had to have this cake stand!

And this cast iron tea pot.

On the way home we stopped at a quilt shop (of course) and then hit the Ghirardelli Factory Outlet near Lathrop. here.

Chocolate, a perfect end to a wonderful road trip.

Thanks for stopping by.

I would love to hear if you have been to Paris, Flea Market, that is.

Baby Love

2011-11-04T23:51:00.001-07:00

Morning Cup of Tea

2011-11-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking ... Oh, Oh ... it would be fun to have a morning cup of tea at the shop - Fabric Garden link here. Today was the day - we did it!

Natalie and Martha
Check out those mugs - I want one of each!

Jane - she even looks good early in the morning.

Dena's DH gave her this special cup and saucer

you can see how it makes her happy!

Michelle looks like a model
- how does she do it so early in the morning.

Lois, who is a dear heart, came with the best mug ever - had it's own wire basket for loose tea and the cute saucer that also doubles as a cover to keep the delicious tea hot longer.

Martha brought along three dresses she made up
for one of our community service organizations -
"Dress a Girl" - way to go Martha!

Come join the fun - The first Thursday morning of the month, set it aside for a morning cup of tea at Fabric Garden with me. Come join us next time - January 05, 2012, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, $10.00, call the shop (916) 483-2955 to make your reservation. You bring your favourite tea cup or mug and I bring the tea and muffins. Oh, and you bring something to stitch - and get inspired to finish or start something fun.

Tootles.

While the Cats Are Away (at Quilt Market) We Will Play

2011-11-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your partners are away at Quilt Market? Play. And play we did yesterday for the first annual "While the Cats Are Away (at Quilt Market) We Will Play." A good time was had by all and requests have been received to do it again. Enjoy the pictures.

Can't have a gathering without "refreshments!"

I wish I captured more of the things they brought to work on - beading, embroidery, pennants, charity pillow cases, quilts of honor, applique, wool projects and wool applique quilting just to name a few. A very nice group of women who are talented and a joy to spend the day with at the shop - Fabric Garden - I love being there.

Thanks for coming by.

A Star is Born

2011-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

New Addition to the "Stinky Feet Gang."

He is the Sun and the Moon

and all the colours in the

Northern Aurora Borealis.

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell are still trying to figure out,

"How did you get it out?"

Mother and Father are doing well ...

so are Gran and Grandad!

One Special Knot-y Embroidery Lady

2011-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Knot-y Embroidery Ladies Evening Group (and the Day Group) love to have "treats" at our gatherings - almost as much as being together to embroider - just sayin' ... Every now and then I remember to bring my camera so that I can share what they bring to eat. They have the dates all figured out for the year and who is bringing treats down to a science - Lonnie was on for our October Evening and last time she was up for treats she brought the best homemade apple pies (we all still remember!).

Well look at her spread. We all enjoyed the buffet and commented on how she has raised the bar for the next round.

Thank you Lonnie

for sharing your joy/passion of Halloween Treats with us at

Knot-y Embroidery Ladies.

The Rest of The Verna Mosquera Retreat

2011-10-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

You know when I got home from the best retreat ever!!!, I realized that I was taking pictures of her new fabric line "October Skies" and Verna's new designs - to be released at Quilt Market - so I hesitated to share them on my blog. These are from the last day together. Enjoy - PS I have all of her new fabric and it is to die for delicious!!!

Best table mates!!!! Bonded forever!

We were laughing so hard at some of the names for the quilt

- well, she asked ... and I can not repeat ...

Got to have this one too.

Let me see - how many years

is it going to take me to do this one

- oh, well - I don't care. It is so wonderful to look at!

Thanks for stopping by.

Verna Mosquera Retreat Day Two

2011-10-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

Neta (table mate) and Pam (Verna's Assistant Extraordinaire)

Having the time of my life!
It is such a happy experience and Verna Mosquera has a wonderful talent - first and foremost she is a happy woman, who puts her family and mothering first and then she shares her passion for design and applique so abundantly that everyone feels uplifted and excited to be there.

She is so beautiful while she appliques!

I have to get names tomorrow - sorry.

All the women are so talented and joyful!

Amazing talent!

Check out her needle case.

Two of my table mates collaborating.

Our Watering Hole

So much to see and learn and do

but this girl's heading for bed.

There is another full day tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by.

Guess Where I Am????

2011-10-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Wish you were here!!!

Primitive Angels - Part II

2011-10-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

The other day I was having problems with saving my post -

I am sure it was operator error ...

These are the rest of the pictures that I wanted to share.

Between Mona, Cookie and I we had quite a pile of fabric to make choices from.

And there was a pile in the chair too.

Can you see the vase, flowers, leaves and dragon fly? LOL

The tracing was done, and Mona loaned me her snake pattern so I did not have to trace that one. Mona and Cookie tutored me in threads and needle turn applique and were very gentle in their critique. Before I went to bed that night I had one snake appliqued and the other one ready to applique.

This is going to be fun.

Primitive Angels

2011-10-03T11:19:00.001-07:00

Friday was one of those rare days - I had it off. Called up a couple of girlfriends, Mona and Cookie, who were interested in primitive quilts and who had also shared some of their treasured "stash" with me (Kim had a Mother daughter date) and she was missed.

Mona made this yummy quiche and salad for lunch.

And the best carrot cupcakes - all from scratch!!

Blogger won't let me save this post - I will try publishing it, to see if that works. Story to be continued. At least I have shared on of the best parts of the day - the food :o)

Going Primitive

2011-10-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

Garden Club Quilts

by Country Threads, Inc., Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene

does anyone know where these two talented ladies are now?

circa 1967 (yes before I was born ...)

Picture of the quilt I am "learning Primitive" with.

And from the best teacher in this discipline - Gretchen Jennings. Gretchen lives in our area and has taught the "primitive art" for years on the West coast. When we opened Fabric Garden Gretchen was a must have on our schedule. We are blessed to have all of her 70 years with us and her vast experience in the "art of primitive." Her kindness, and energy are an inspiration to us all.

From time to time I will share this primitive journey of mine and the fun it has been and is. i.e. field trips with Kim and wonderful days spent around my kitchen table with friends who have walked the "primitive walk" before me.

Have you dipped your toe in the "waters of primitive" and learned the things I am now getting excited about? I would love to hear your comments.

Wow - I Won a GIVEAWAY

2011-10-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last night when I came home about 9 PM after teaching my wonderful students (we have so much fun) in the "Tea Towel and Red Work Class" at my Fabric Garden, look what was on the kitchen counter waiting for me!

Basic Grey picked my post number with their Random Number Calculator during the recent Moda - Blog Hop.

THANK YOU BASIC GREY.

Another exciting thing about my "win" was when Melanie at Basic Grey notified me she said I could pick a friend to receive a prize too! My friend Kim came to mind here. If you have not read her blog you might check it out - I love to read her ramblings ... I expect to hear any day she received her "prize" too.

You can check out Basic Grey and their wonderful presentation on September 11, 2011 Right HERE and see why I love Basic Grey and took the time to comment.

I would also like to give a Big Thank you to Moda too!!!!
You can still catch their Moda Country Fair Bog Hop HERE.

It feels good to be back in the Blogland groove again. I hope to post more often now, not feeling so "numb" after my mother's death, and the "win" sure "snapped" me out of my slump and I want you to know that you are important to me and I look forward to your comments and friendships.

Tootles

Ten Things Women Should Know About Men

2011-09-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Grandad sharing a quiet moment with Tinkler Bell

and admiring her pink cowgirl boots

(that she wore constantly from sun up to sun down, rain (mud) or shine ...)

This morning after reading Kelly Guy's blog post Ten Things Women Should Know About Men, I knew that I had to share it with you. It is a must read and a must see the pictures - her last two pictures are my favourites!!! I have a link for you -

Kelly Guy's - Charming Chatter Blog post September 08. 2011

Let me know what you think.

Fabric Garden Has Gone Live

2011-08-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Our Fabric Garden Quilt Shop's website

has gone on line.

We are so excited.

As an old radio broadcaster

used to say,

"Stand By For News!"

Link to Fabric Garden

Missing My Mom

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of one of my sweet sister's saying a last goodbye before leaving. The dust is settling (no pun intended) and all in the family are back in their own homes scattered here and there in different cities across North America.

The turn my mother's health would take towards the end of March was a surprise to her and to all of us. She and our son had planned a road trip touring the Canadian Rockies. She came up with the idea - He was still recovering from his health issues and she was going to enjoy being driven to see some of the land that she loved. Relaxing, no stress ... It was not to be, she fell a few days before he was to fly there, and he decided to go instead to be with her in her recovery (no broken bones, thankfully) and perhaps take her on little day trips after her hospital stay was over. The hospital stay was good, in that tests were done to understand more about her fall and a diagnosis made.

Mom passed away July 8th. Her journey this last three months was a hard one. Seems so short a time looking back now, but it was long and hard for her. Between my sisters and my step-sisters and brothers she was never alone. Her doctor in the hospice unit said to me, "Dying is hard work for her and hard work for those attending to her." It was. For me it was a blessing to be with her the last weeks of her life and to be with her when she took her last breath.

Ever a mother to the end the lessons she taught me will be treasured always until we meet again.

A Message Meant Just For You

2011-06-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Slowly I am catching up on reading my favourite blogs. Opening Fabric Garden a little over a month ago has been wonderful. If you have stopped by - thank you. Our web site will be up and running in the not to distant future - when that happens I will let you know here.

In the middle of the Fabric Garden Adventure my mother's health has continually declined. She who was one of my biggest supporters from the inception of Fabric Garden has never seen the shop. She now is in hospice and struggling with the loss of her independence and that she is not going to be going home. So many of you have faced these same experiences with your mothers, so many of you have learned the lessons my sisters and step sister are learning now. Each of us, but one, live in a different city, and we share the latest needs and changes via email and phone, as each of us takes a turn flying to be there with her.

Sitting for a bit this evening and reading blogs was meant to be - I read Becky's post at Sweet Cottage Dreams and it was just as if her post was for me. I got to pondering and thought that you might think the same after you read her thoughts from her heart.

Take a moment to follow this link - it will not take long to read Becky's post and just maybe it will lift you, as it did me, just when I needed it most.

Becky at Sweet Cottage Dreams

Tomorrow I am going to buy some flowers! Thanks Becky!

Tootles

God Bless Those Who Have Prepared For and Gone to War

2011-05-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

God Bless all those who have returned and God Bless those who mourn the valiant that have not returned home.

My heart goes out to you who care for loved ones that have returned from war.

My heart goes out to our son who works hard and long hours on the wounded who return to Bethesda Navel Hospital. My heart goes out to his sweet little family who carry on while he is away from them.

My heart goes out to the beautiful quilting angels who make quilts for our wounded warriors. Their time and talent being given freely. It is an honour to host them at our quilt shop - Fabric Garden.

My heart goes out to my father, long dead, and who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force all through the second world war and beyond.

My heart goes out to my dear husband who served with honour for six years during the Viet Nam War.

All brave and true to their commitment to serve others.

I remember and our family remembers, we will never forget.

Thank you.

Collage of Fabric Garden

2011-05-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

One of my partner's proud daughter's sent this collage to her this morning. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought that I would send it on to you - since I have not been using my camera a whole lot and just having fun running behind myself at the shop - Fabric Garden. Enjoy.

Open, Open, Open Fabric Garden is Open

2011-05-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

The dust is starting to settle, and we had a wonderful three day Grand Opening.
The following are some of the photos in our early morning preparation before we opened the doors. Enjoy.

It was a wonderful three days!

If you are in the area stop on by:

Fabric Garden

Town and Country Village

2623 El Paseo Lane

Sacramento, CA 95821

Tootles.

Three More Sleeps

2011-05-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

Until FABRIC GARDEN is OPEN!!

Saying, good night, to all you kind blogettes who have commented and emailed me. I am flying home tomorrow from "the Old Country" where I have been for the past four days. My mother took a turn for the worst (cancer), is stable now, and under very good care. She has enjoyed hearing about my Fabric Garden journey all along the way. And she informed me she wants to hear updates about our Grand Opening. She has been my cheerleader.

If you are in the Sacramento area come on by and say, "Hello".

My previous post has the dates and times.

Saying Good Night from the land where the snow has just finally gone and the promise of Spring is knocking at the door.

Fabric Garden Grand Opening

2011-05-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

We are all so excited - our Grand Opening is Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 5, 6, and 7th, 2011.

Our hours for those days will be 10-6. Come on by and enjoy!
Fabric Garden
Town and County Village
2623 El Paseo Lane
Sacramento, CA 95821

Phone number 916 - 483 - 2955

Come on by for inspirations in quilt making and embroidery.

PS - The Knot-y Embroidery Lady can be found there stitching away or having a "Knot-y Good Time!"

Fabric Garden Temporary Web Site Is Up

2011-03-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

Our temporary web site is up while our permanent one is being created. Stop by and leave a comment and your email address so we can keep you up to date. These are exciting times.

The link to Fabric Garden is here - Fabric Garden

We Are Building A Quilt Shop

2011-03-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

We are building a quilt shop

A wonderful quilt shop

Inspirations abounding

Excitement surrounding

My blogging got pushed

to the bottom of my list

You thought I was in hiding

That is not surprising

I am bursting to share

My partners are extraordinaire

Oh, it will be so inviting

A place of good tidings

I am building a quilt shop!

A most wonderful quilt shop!

Something Worth Looking At

2011-03-01T22:38:00.000-08:00

National Film Board of Canada - Film Called Quilt

Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T02:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know when you read this it will be the day after, Valentine's Day, but I am up still, probably from the chocolate I have enjoyed this evening. It was a chocolate kind of day here and we all enjoyed wonderful chocolate from Belgium, a local chocolatier - Capital Confections, Bridge Mix from The Peanut Shop in Williamsburg, Lindt, and last but not least Ghirardelli.

This morning something so special happened that I have to share it with you. While I was in the garage working hard on sorting my fabric stash into bins to put onto the shelving DH and son#2 & #3 installed all day Saturday, a special delivery came to my front door step. No one knew when it arrived. It was all wrapped in cellophane and tons of pretty white scalloped tissue. When I opened it I burst into tears of joy and deep appreciation of the precious treasure I held in my hands. Melinda, one of the Knot-y Embroidery Ladies made this. It is beautiful to see and hold.

It is still bringing tears to my eyes.

I feel loved by my friends and family and I sure do love them. Son#1 called me across the country at the end of his shift as he headed home to "the other two women in his life", my daughter-in-heart and Tinkerbell. Got to talk to my 85 year old mother in the "old country". I am blessed beyond measure and far more then I deserve.

Addicted

2011-02-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am addicted!

My name is Gran and I am addicted to blogging.

94%

Survey taken January 20th.

92%
Survey taken today.

Way back in January, Kelly Ann's Quilting Blog had a blogging survey on her blog and I, like a follower with an inquiring mind ... decided to see what the survey was all about. 94% Eeeeickes! The reality scared me into an, "OMGosh, I am spending to much time blogging mind set." Life was busy then and has been for the time in between and I thought that I would check out the survey again, yes, it had been bothering me ...

So, while I am not blogging, I think about my blogette friends and felt like a "smuck" because I have not spent the time with you that I have enjoyed in the past. Truth be told, yes, I am addicted to the time that I blog and the friends that I visit. You mean a lot to me. Yes, time can get away from me, I have a timer for that now, and I think that it is safe to travel in blogland again.

Did you take the test? How did you do?

Embroidery Supplies for Queensland - Update

2011-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the embroidery donations that have arrived on my doorstep, and in the mail. Your heart is BIG and shining bright!

Bonnie F.

Linda McK.

Gael

Dianna M.

Marie B.

Please Note -

At this time I have decided to end

this type of collection.

I should have done my homework on postage to Australia and have found that what I have collected is all that I can afford to send. (It is going to between $100.00 and $200.00 US.) Shocking, eh!? Since I send packages to Canada I thought that I was up on International postage rates. When I went to the post office this week to mail my mother's birthday gift, I practically fell over when they gave me a quote.

You can contribute to an official site by clicking onto

Queensland Australia Flood Government Donation Site

Thank you for your response to the call to help - I know that there are stitching sisters in Queensland whose hearts will be lifted by you donations. You are wonderful!

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-01-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

I had a whole other post planned for Thoughtful Thursday, until I read High Road Quilter's post yesterday, January 26, 2011, titled "Oprah's High Road". High Road Quilter's blog post

Shasta asked, "What does taking the high road mean to you?"

My comment, "Taking the High Road to me is letting the sunshine around me shine through me. When I gather up my talents, and stretch the undeveloped ones, I get closer to this desire of my heart."

My question is the same to you,

"What does taking the high road mean to you?"

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T00:30:00.000-08:00

The other day - gulp

and swallow.

Gran's Tidbit Tuesday

2011-01-25T02:41:00.000-08:00

I love the name Tidbit Tuesday that I read on a blog called Freckled Whimsey Link to Freckled Whimsy.
Soooo, after checking with Karrie Lyne, at Freckled Whimsey, and she was totally "down" with using her Tidbit Tuesday Title, I am starting my own Gran's Tidbit Tuesday. Do you want to know something? Most of what I know is "tidbits" and why not share those morsels with you, eh?!

The Rings have it.

When I am using skeins of floss for an embroidery project, the rings hold it all in addition to my needles and scissors. The two sizes (3'' and 1.5") that I use the most can be found at thrift or office supply stores. This particular cluster goes with my "Never Ending" project, really it is never ending! The ring clusters keeps my supplies handy in one place, can easily be picked up and tucked in an embroidery bag or basket for when I am on the go.

Tidbit Tuesday Tootles to YOU

That Civil War Look

2011-01-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

You have got to go see what I just found through the Quilt Hollow link - here
She talk about bathing her quilts in a tea bath. I hope she shares how she does that. On top of all the good information I always read on Mary's blog, she is one outstanding and gifted long arm quilter. She has done some of my Schnibbles quilts and they were beautiful when she is finished with them. Yes, she is so good, I send them clear across the country!

Barbara Brackman's Civil War Blog

Barbara has put together a blog just to "Commemorate the 2011 Sesquicentennial with a Block of the Week". I even got so excited about finding this blog, that I added the button on my side bar, to give you a permanent link. There now, see that late Christmas present "Blogging for Dummies", is coming in handy! Well you are in for a treat at these sites.

Let me know what you think, eh!?

Thoughtful Thursday - Update on Need

2011-01-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

Received today from Melinda S.

In my January 13th, 2011 post I put out a call for help - here - for
our Knot-y Embroidery Sisters in Queensland, Australia. I am so thankful for your emails and dropping embroidery supplies on my door step and sending here by mail. I hope more of you are able to spread the word of this great need, no it is not giving blood, yet it is important. For years these same women in Australia have developed a strong embroidery tradition. Their talents have reached our shores and we have embraced them whole heartedly. We can show them we care and are thinking of them. I am going to share a couple of emails from my dear friends who live in Queensland.

Alison email January 12

Hello there and so wonderful to get your email. It is very difficult here - and there's so much devastation. Our relatives were rescued from Murphy's Creek - the worst hit and they are still looking for 2 other families who were simply washed away. Our relatives have only the shirts on their backs and it was a miracle they made it onto their roof. They have their lives and for that we are so so grateful. I am waiting to be sent into the zone as part of my job includes community recovery - so I have been on the "helping side" before but not had people / relatives / friends who have been caught up in the actual disaster.
It is affecting everywhere - we are safe and high and dry - and so are Lorraine and Keith - both of us send you a great big hug back across the pond.
Take care. Ali xxx

It was after reading Ali's email that I realized that there was something that we could do to touch the hearts of the hands hanging down in Queensland. Her email and Lorraine's email show you the kind and caring, Can Do Women, that they are.

Ali's email January 13

Hi there and that is such a generous idea. I actually get to work in the worst affected areas - and am happy to be the recipient / conduit for you. My address: Alison George, 169 Niebling Road, Tarome via Aratula, QLD 4309 AUSTRALIA
You tell me where you'd like them to go and I'll make it happen on the ground - if you are unsure of where they should go then I am also happy to coordinate through the various guilds / organisations that do know where the greatest need is ... if that helps.
Your generosity knows no bounds ... thanks Gran it is wonderful of you.
Thanks for your kind thoughts - your sisters in stitchery
ALison (and Lorraine too)

Lorraine's email January 14

Hi Gran, that's a wonderful idea for a collection of threads and materials for all the unfortunate ladies who have lost so much. And, because they would have necessary home items to buy first, craft supplies would be right at the bottom of their list.
I am a member of Country Bumpkin in South Australia, who are embroidery suppliers and will act as a collection point for anyone wishing to donate materials and threads, and will contact guilds in the affected areas to distribute them.
Their address is 916 South Road, Edwardstown S. Australia 5039
Alison also has contacts through her quilting group. It would be so devastating to lose everything and just to know people are thinking of them would be a wonderful boost to their moral.
Where we are there was no danger of flooding but some towns approx. 2 hours away from us had to be evactuted and all homes were distroyed. It must be so hard to pick up the pieces and start all over especially the elderly.
Hope you and you loved ones are well, Love Lorraine

Please note the address you can directly send to if you wish. Laurie Becker emailed me she has a contact address and was sending Fat Quarter muslin for embroidery in a box. Feel free to send your embroidery supplies to:

Lorraine W.,

c/o Country Bumpkin,

916 South Road,

Edwardstown,

QLD 5039 AUSTRALIA

Alison G.,

169 Niebling Road,
Tarome via Aratula,

QLD 4309 AUSTRALIA

Moi

Received in the mail today from Lillieanne C.

Any questions please do not hesitate to email me.

Yes, you can send your partially used floss.
Remember all those skeins of floss we gathered during the cross stitch craze - well, that is the kind of stash you can get rid of - see it is a win/win for all of us.
A Big Thank you to YOU for caring about our stitching sisters in Australia.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

What no words?

This is going to be hard, eh!?

Word Up - UP

2011-01-17T00:03:00.000-08:00

For "Word Up" - Can you believe my word is - "UP", eh?!

MUF'S GIRLS

You know when Kelly announced her word challenge for us in Charming Chatter, she used a cute button with "Word Up" to inspire us to pick a word to reflect on for this year. Well, right from the first time I read the post, all I could think about was the word "Up". Now, I am a person who loves words, have been since I was knee high to a grass hopper. So, what was the matter with me, just "Up", no brain twisting pun or a word borrowed from 17th century Scotland (and there are plenty of those words spinning around in my head), or no profound word that reflects the meaning of life, etc., etc., etc. Just "Up" surfacing again and again. So "Up" it is and I am excited about it.

With getting that off of my chest, phew, I am "Up" to sharing a poem that my sweet Daughter-In-Heart, Tianna, posted in her reflections of 2010 blog post. Our family has been through so much since the beginning of the year, yet we are all "Up" to the challenges ahead, the fun times, and all the dreams that we dream. "Up" is a verb to me.

I do not know the name of the poem, yet the meaning is so beautifully stated - Perhaps the author would consider naming it "Up", eh?!

For every Winter there's a Spring-
   Oh, that's the beauty of the thing!
For ev'ry midnight there's a morn,
   For ev'ry loss a hope is born,
For ev'ry sultry day the dew,
   For ev'ry old year there's a new!

Yes, buds for all the leaves that fall-
   That is the beauty of it all,
New dreams for all the dreams that die,
   For ev'ry night a dawning sky-
For ev'ry heartache, failure, fear,
   Another chance, another year!
   -Douglas Malloch

Goals for January

Reorganize "The Room" and find places to ~~hide~~ relocated my stash. (Son #3 needs to move back into it during his recovery).
Make a Fermentation list, with looking ahead, due dates and shop sample dates need by dates.
Find the colour chart for Callie's embroidered quilt, send to my Daughter-In-Heart (we are making it together).
Begin the embroidery on Callie's quilt.
Make an "Up" stitchery.
Start Jenny's BOM Give Thanks (Make the hanger/base for the monthly sayings.
There is so much that I am "Up" too - take time for rest.
Write shorter and more often on my blog - who wants to read my long windiness - not me, that is for sure.
These goals are something that I can accomplish - starting now until the of the month.

Take care and be kind to yourself - you deserve it, especially after reading through all my bather.

Finally Some Pictures ... Son #3

2011-01-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

He continues to improve. (As in, he can swallow more and more and with healing.) Doc. said, "His throat is like a bomb went off in there.) The virus was vicious. I made up a little photo scrap book for you. The pictures are not of the earlier days in the hospital. Just from the time that he was, " - able to sit up and take a little nourishment ...". He tires very easily and is so patient with all the things he can not do and focuses on the things he can do each day.

Disclaimer - The slide show area is still a work in progress for me. Anything that you see that is not so great - it is the operator error i.e. I can not figure out how or why I can not change out this intro picture ... Oh, well!! Sorry.

Customize a free photo slideshow

Thank you for your support, prayers and emails. Reading them to him has been encouraging especially when he needed that!

Calling All Embroidery Sisters - From Far and Wide

2011-01-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

I am calling for help! I am gathering embroidery "materials" from far and wide and shipping them to our stitching sisters in Queensland. The goal is to bring comfort to women who have lost so much and give them the tools they have lost and to be able to enjoy a little "embroidery heaven" while they live through such a catastrophe.

Right now, I am working with two of my friends who live in Queensland, Australia, but whose homes are high enough that they are safe. (They both are quilters and embroiderers.) So many services are wiped out, yet, when the waters subside and the mud dries enough for the postal service to begin working, I want to have boxes of supplies, ready to be shipped. They are going to share them through their quilting guilds, friends and neighbours who have lost so much.

My Knot-y Embroidery Ladies have a service project - we do not advertise our service, we just do it quietly. However, now is the time to share what we do, in hopes that it will give you some idea of how we (you and me) can help our stitching sisters in Queensland, Australia.

The Knot-y Embroidery Ladies donate our "left over" embroidery floss, hoops, patterns, fabric to embroider onto, and even trace items for the homeless ladies of Families Promise. This has meant a great deal to the women of families that have lost their homes here in the area. They are taught by Melinda, one of the Knot-y Embroidery Ladies. The ladies at the shelters are given the materials that they are working on, so that they can keep them, and work on them, as they move through temporary housing at churches in the area. We hear story after story of how much it has meant to the women to learn or refresh the art of embroidery. Nights are long and lonely ... Personally, I know that I could not have dealt with things on my plate without turning to the comfort my embroidery gives me.

If you are not able to send any supplies you can contribute to an official site by clicking onto Queensland Australia Flood Government Donation Site

So my fair ladies, while you are going through your stash and clearing the decks for a new year, please consider my call for help. No amount of embroidery supplies is too small or too large. Do NOT send cash or cheques or money orders!

Please email me for directions of where to bring the supplies if you live in the Sacramento area or for mailing directions.

Gran at telligran@gmail.com

Come On - Make my mailbox run over

for our "Knot-y Embroidery Stitching Sisters in Queensland, Australia"!!!

Thank you for considering this opportunity of service.

Home - Safe and Sound

2011-01-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

Got home about 8:30 pm tonight! We did not drive through any snow or rain!!! We did not have some of the problems the doctor prepared us for and our dear sweet guy snored most of the way home. Snoring never sounded so sweet!! DH, bless his heart drove all the way. Thank you for your prayers that lifted us on wings - now I really understand the saying, "On Wings and A Prayer."

You know being a "blogger" I just had to take a peek before heading to bed and also to share with you that we are safely home. Everyone has been fed, meds. have been given, lights are out and I'll ttyt and share some pictures.

Hugs

He Made It!!!

2011-01-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

We just about lost him - his throat was closed down to 5mm - yes, the size of a pencil lead!!! Since being admitted to the hospital, with all the best of care and medicines, he has made steady improvements. He is not out of the woods yet, however, the doctor is willing to release him as soon as he is stable enough for the 12 hour drive back home. We are looking into closing down all of his business matters here in this state and getting things set up with doctors in our state. Thank God for good student health insurance. He is going to need two to three months recovery before he can head back to school. Your kind words and thoughts have all been read to him and he appreciates your caring about him. You, my blogging friend, are talked about with him whenever he comes home for visits, we are connected. I was amazed that he remembered many of you from your comments. Please keep him in your prayers - they have made a difference, and he has been surrounded with the spirit of peace, which is comforting him and holding him close to Heavenly Father.

Boy, I Was Doing So Good ...

2011-01-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

At posting to my blog, that is ...

I was really committed ...

Then the closing of Bearpaws and Hollyhocks was in full swing, right up into the new year. Our #3 son, who was home for a week before Christmas, returned to school and work the last week of the break, and life went on until the end of last week when he called to tell us that he was very sick. The doctor said, "A virus, just go home and rest, treat the symptoms." It has been a very hard week being a long distance mother with a sick son far away and even though the poor guy was doing the right things and going to the doctor, he kept getting sicker. This afternoon he was admitted to the hospital and both DH and I have scrambled and we should be by his bed side by dinner time tomorrow. I will keep you posted if there is time, as I am taking my laptop with us. My heart is aching for him, and his worsening pain/condition and the prayers on my lips are constant.

Please keep him in your prayers.

Blogging for Dummies

2011-01-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

After dragging my weary bones home from the close of Bearpaws and Hollyhocks Quilt Shop - sigh - DH was waiting for me and had some yummy treats he had picked up at a local deli ready to enjoy. We shared about each of our days and he showed me the mail ... For some reason a Christmas present arrived on New Years Eve with a label - "For Mom - do not open until Christmas." Well, You know me I just could not wait ... thank you to one of my three sons, (there was no from name).

How did you know that I needed this book, eh?!

People do say, "when one door closes another one opens".

- I think this is a sign ...

To all my blogland friends - Happy first day of 2011

1-1-11!

Tootles

Thankful For Small Things and HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T07:18:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for small things! For years we have had the world's worst popcorn popper - groan! This year son #3 gave us a brand new pop corn popper and we are in popcorn heaven.

My sweet daughter-in-heart has converted us to white popcorn, clarified butter and sea salt on our popcorn - yum!

DH gave me this small puzzle for Christmas and we put it together for Family Home Evening on Monday night.

Today is the last day the Bearpaws and Hollyhocks Quilt Shop is open. It has been a big thing for me! With our family Christmas holiday week and then working night and day at the shop this week I have not blogged - sorry about that. I will be back at it next week.

I am wishing you a wonderful beginning to 2011! I wish you good health and good friends and may Heavenly Father bless you with peace and joy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU MY BLOGLAND FRIEND!!!!

Lindy's Bearpaws and Hollyhocks is Closing

2010-12-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

My favourite quilt shop is closing.
Link to Bearpaws and Hollyhocks website. Lindy, owner of the shop, has health concerns and she needs to spend some quality time looking after them. I wish her wellness and good health.

This is typical of the spontaneous fun we had and a memory I will always chuckle at. She had just gotten in a very funny children's book and just had to come share it with us after one of Kim's classes last September.

Bearpaws and Hollyhocks has been a wonderful gathering place where we all were nurtured by each other and watched each others talent grow. The friends I have made and the wonderful fun things we all did together are the memories I will always carry in my heart when I think of Bearpaws and Hollyhocks.
For all of my special embroidery friends - we are going to go on. Never fear, have embroidery thread and needle, will travel. All of the Knot-y Embroidery Ladies who meet once a month will be coming to my home to finish out the Knot-y Embroidery Ladies Year. As the dust settles on BP&HH closing and the New Year comes to be, the thoughts I have for embroidery will crystallize. Stay tuned ...

Tootles

Christmas Party with "The Girls"

2010-12-15T02:04:00.000-08:00

Some of us who have been taking a wool penny rug class all year have formed a sewing circle and we had our December meeting at my home last week. These are a few photos of our happenings - mostly eating - and a lot of good chatting with our projects.

The cake was worth making just so I could eat the cream cheese icing ...

Pam is the queen of veggies and keeping us "healthy".

Mona made theses yummy red velvet cupcakes

- her basket and towel are so cute!

Pam's birthday on the 3rd and Jackie's birthday on the 6th was all the excuse we needed to sing ...

My finish.

I guess I better go to bed.

And to all I wish a "good night".

Up At Sparrow's Fart

2010-12-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

Chookyblue in Australia knocked my socks off with that phrase. Up At Sparrow's Fart! Yup, just after reading that yesterday in her blog, Chookyblue, what do you know, I had one of those restless nights and throw in the towel at about 4 am this morning. I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about ... Sparrow fart.

Gotta have a picture - Winter Wishes stitchery I did. Enjoy.

Thumbs Up

2010-12-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Thumb #1 goes to Dianne at A Month of Sundays . She had the most interesting event happen in her home recently. I highly recommend that you visit her post. In fact I highly recommend her blog, that is why you can always find her on my sidebar. Thumbs up Dianne or I should say Auntia.

Thumb #2 goes to Kim for putting on Tamale Making 101.

You can find her rendition of the event here -

Kim's Tamale Sequel Our Tamale making at Kim's home yesterday was a wonderful happening.

Thumb #3 - my hungry guys gave thumbs up this evening when they taste tested some of the tamales for dinner. I think we have a winner here and a new family tradition. THANK YOU Kim and my gal pals.

Create your own slideshow

Got My Tamale Filling Made

2010-12-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

My beef tamale filling is made

and I am ready to go

It won't be long

before the big show

I am leaving in my old car

Don't know if I will ever be the same ...

Sung to I am leaving on a jet plane - kind of

This is the before picture

of Tamale Making 101

At Kim's home today.

Wish me luck getting that hot vat of filling

across town without spilling it -

Ohhh, Right

I can hear you laughing now -

I'll be one Hot Tamale ...

Tootles

"My Soul Is Fed By Needle And Thread"

2010-12-04T00:41:00.000-08:00

Below are some pictures from High Hand Nursery last February -

can not have a blog w/o pictures :o)

Today's Stash Manicure Stash Manicure is featuring Molly of Molly's Place. Perhaps you read the post too, if not, the links are here for you to check it out. Molly is brand new to me and I think she looks like fun and is going to have the cutest FREE BOM next year called Boot Boogie, and has a sneak peek in her post. My gosh it is so cute. I want to do it.

She wrote, "And yes my soul is fed by needle and thread, and I am sure that is for most of you here today!~ Hi, I'm Molly from Molly's Place. I'm here, once again, to try to help you Manicure your stash. I come here regularly to get inspiration from all of you and this is just a little "pay back". It just so happens that I have had a little FREE Block of the Month going on over at my place the past year called "TREE TIME". I started it not only to bring interest to my blog, but to challenge myself. My goal was to learn new hand embroidery stitches and to make sure that the blocks were simple enough for everyone to do--even beginners. In the beginning, I did not plan to use wool, but as my blocks evolved, I decided to do just that."

Over and Out for tonight -

been making my beef filling for Tamale making at Kim's tomorrow.

Tootles

It All Started With ...

2010-12-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

It all started with a cup (two fists together size) of hot chocolate, that had whipped cream piled high on top.

Our server did not bat an eyelash at our choice to start with hot chocolate, and gave us time to sip and enjoy the delicious, sweet and warm drink. In between all the chatting and sipping we decided that our next course should be (drum roll please) the Hand Made Potato Chips with Artichoke and Lemon Dip - we got the "large" order ... Kim had a hand crafted sandwich and I had a seasonal salad. Oh, the conservatory is set in a beautiful nursery that was all primped and primed for their big event tomorrow evening - a celebration of light that starts at 6 PM by flipping a switch. We sat by the windows (a whole wall of windows that open out the the nursery when the weather is warm.) We were without our cameras - so sorry.

However, our "entertainment" was interesting. A big man dressed as a pirate (Captain Hook style minus the hook) arrived about half way through our lunch. He was eating alone but did manage to attract attention as people leaving keep stopping by his table to chat on their way out. So, after going to the ladies room I stopped by the front desk and asked about him and the lady said, "He is just a customer." We had a little fun imagining who, what and why he was there eating and while it was funny then, you just had to be there.

Our girl was as stiff and sore as she has reported and she was moving slow, but she was able to get out, have a nice long lunch, but when I dropped her off at home, she was already going over her list of things she had left to do. What a girl!!!

Tootles

PS When I got up this morning after posting last night ...
I just read Kim's recount of out luncheon - she is so good with word crafting - if you have the time pop on over to her blog - she gives you the rest of the story ... Kim's Blog

Something

2010-12-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

Something I am having fun with is a Thanksgiving piece.

See, I really did take my embroidery on the cruise.

I found a quiet nook one early morning and enjoyed my embroidery heaven while sea bound.

The fabric is a beautiful toile called "Plymouth" from the Alexander Henry collection. It has been out for year or two and has been calling my name. Boy was I in luck to find just enough for an idea ... Knowing me I had to figure embroidery into it, eh! It will eventually be a table topper. I am using Cosmo's Seasons to embroider the turkey's, corn, apples, pumpkins. Someday when I finish it ... you will see the most wonderful border fabrics that compliment the subtle shades of the embroidery floss.

Thanks for stopping by - Tootles.

PS - Thelma and Louise head to High Hand Conservatory tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

Happy December

2010-12-01T01:43:00.000-08:00

Just noticed the time and yup, it is December, the first to be exact.

So, where have I been for two months, eh!?

Well, around. Went on my first cruise! And no, I was not on the cruise ship stranded at sea. We were on the same cruise line and the same route, just a couple of days ahead of the sister ship.

Our experience was just the best!

And yes, I did take my embroidery with me.

My tan is fading,

and I am having a hard time not reading all the ads for cruises now ...

December is looking like a fun filled month. We are home for the holidays and gatherings. This Friday evening is the Quilting Books Club December Pot Luck and gift exchange. It will be extra fun this year because three of our ladies are bringing their award winning quilts from the River City Quilt Guild Show a couple of weeks ago. Saturday is our "Circle of Friends" and we are meeting at Kim's home - and she is teaching us how to make tamales.

I want to be the first to wish you a peaceful holiday season.

It is my hope that it is a time filled with the joy of being with family and friends and reflecting on the Light of the World.

Tootles

I am Joining the Layer Cake Quilt Along

2010-10-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last year I let the Jelly Roll Quilt Along pass me by, you know one of those times when I picked out several jelly rolls, kinda had it in my mind and not on the calendar and then and then and then ...

I would watch as Kim posted her blocks and loved her interpretation of each designers block. She added embroidery and made her blocks come alive (even if she embroidered "dead" people). I got to she her finished quilt top at the Schnibbles class on Saturday and it was wonderful.

Treats and the luncheon that Kim put on for us students at class.

I have to take a picture of the other goodies she gave us

when I finish my quilt to this weekend.

Okay, back to the ranch. I am excited to do the Layer Cake Quilt Along and have chosen Claremont Farms for my layer cake. If you are interested in checking it out and how it all works, click on the button on my side bar. I hope you join me. We have a month to get ready! It's do able, come on join me ... :o) Let me know if you join and we can kibitz with each other and keep each other motivated. Tootles

Peek a Boo

2010-09-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a nice week here - and I hope it has been for you too. Monday and Tuesday I was with the wonderful Knot-y Embroidery Ladies. We do have a good time and they take turns bringing the most delicious desserts and treats to share. It is exciting to see what they have been working on during the month and to hear about where they have been since we last met. It is even exciting to teach them new stitches ... but some of them are very Knot-y and you know how that goes.

Here is a little peek at what I have been working on this week as a shop sample.

Bareroots - Halloween wraps and candle mats.

They were fun to do and got me into the Halloween spirit. Well, going on a pumpkin adventure with Kim on Wednesday at lunch time really got me in the Halloween spirit. Here is a link to her blog about our adventure - I left my camera at home ... Kim's Blog Post

It was a great day at the shop today. So many new things kept coming in, students excited about their classes, and wonderful customers. Joe the UPS man is a hoot and we make sure he walks out with a plate of treats. I am looking forward to my Time for Tea and Embroidery tomorrow. If you are wanting to join in, please do. I will save you a spot - a spot tea that is.

Grey's Anatomy's season opener just came on - Tootles!

One For The Squirrel

2010-09-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning while checking into blogland and having my morning cup of tea, what should I see out side my kitchen window -

I grabbed my camera.

Is he smiling?

I did not bother him one bit.

See how he pushes the top down, eh!?

After the "Photo Shoot" and he was through eating ... I checked out the feeder He had eaten right through the top of the bird feeder by pushing down the top (It was supposed to be squirrel proof and slide down and cover the holes where the birds eat if one should try to eat the seed. Everything has worked just fine all this time - who knew that this little guy this year would chew away the top of the feeder on one side and around the corner. His weight does move the outer cage down and sits there happily reaching into the top of the feeder.)

All these years the squirrels have "respected" the routine - the birds always dropped enough sunflower seeds for them ...

Now, we have two, well maybe three choices.

1. Get a new and "improved" anti squirrel, bird feeder.

2. Fill the feeder only half full - well below his reach. Wait and watch when the "fat, full and roundly packed tummy squirrel sits on top of the feeder and the bottom falls off.

(I have visions of him being catapulted into the tree ... )

3. Find the big plastic dome somewhere in the garage ... we bought it a long time ago to deter squirrels ... it did not then. I could dream it might work to keep this guy out of the bird seed.

What should I do?

What would you do?

Giveaway - not mine ... But Shelley has Good Stuff!

2010-09-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Shelley is celebrating her 100th post and it is a celebration worth checking out. Shelley's Red Quilts Blog Congratulations Shelley!

I Have Not Tried This Either and DS's Don't You Even Think About It ...

2010-09-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

GOOOOOD MORRRRRRNING!

While reading Carrie Nelson's blog this morning she had something so interesting to share I checked it out.

Carrie Nelson as in the Schnibble Queen

She writes that she has not tried it ...

I am mostly thinking of my dear sons for this post,

yet, trust me you will find it pretty amazing to watch.

Carrie suggested that we turn up the volume on our sound and enlarge the picture to full view before viewing. I have to admit that I did not follow her instructions the first time because I was so intrigued by what she thought was so cool (impatient I know ... )

but then I went back and replayed the video three times after following her instructions before

I felt like I saw it all ...

Thank you Carrie!

What do you think of the video?

Some Days Are Just Better Then Other Days

2010-09-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yup, some days are just better then other days.

While I was away in Colorado a surprise package and a card came for me. DH tucked it away and I found it yesterday morning while I was unpacking my suitcases - and it was like Christmas.

Dawn at Quilting By Dawn on Pins and Needles...

She had a secret giveaway and I was her secret winner!

She wrote, "The idea for the secret giveaway was from Heidi at All My Scattering Moments, where I was a secret winner! Both the needle case and pin cushion were made from my recently finished quilt scraps.

Can't seem to throw away even the smallest of scraps."

Thank you Dawn.

You will never know how much your thoughtful

surprise gift has lifted me. It made me laugh out loud and snap out of being so down about the trip to Colorado.

Life is good and now that I am back home I celebrate my many blessings

and feel like your secret gift was a sign of how blessed I am.

Tootles

Growing Pains

2010-09-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Learning the Judith Baker Montano Crazy Quilting method has been a blood, sweat and tears experience.

The learning curve has been so outside of my box I have had to stretch and pull from places in me that I did not know existed, just to be able to place my first piece of fabric down.

I only show this tiny snippet because I have not had time to blog in and I wanted you to see I really was learning crazy quilting and not just on holiday.....

I have lots to share -

we were hand dying lace today - loved it.

Well, off to bed we are going on a photo shoot very early

tomorrow morning.

Thinking of you.

Our First Full Day of Class

2010-09-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

It was fun, full of sunshine and learning.

What was a big surprise to me and the others -

this is not just in the studio workshop.

We are out and about as you will see.

And we have many other field trips and events

that we will be attending.

We might get around to crazy quilting!

Create a free slideshow

Please forgive that there are not captions.
I am happy that I had time this evening to make up a slideshow of todays events, well most of them.
We are having a ball.

Tootles

The Inn at Spanish Peaks

2010-09-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Looking at the back of the Inn.

Breakfast being served by Frank - Inn Keeper.

He is a hoot and very nice.

Tracy making final touches to the breakfast. She is a bright, kind and charming lady.

She and Frank have been Inn-Keepers here for 13 years.

I am going to get this recipe! It was delicious.

I needed a nap this afternoon and what should I see out in the back yard - an apple tree. Yup, you guessed it!

I sitting there in the afternoon sun studying for my class and heard the tree calling - "Nap Time, it's Nap Time!"

Grabbed a couple of pillows off my bed and a spare sheet, gathered my books and a timer. It was a heavenly time. Quiet, not much reading happened and I don't remember any apples dropping on me. You can see them in the grass.

The gang is all here. Two Australians, two from New Hampshire and two from California. We had a great introduction with Judith and then she was off to an appointment and we all went out to dinner to really get acquainted. Lots of good times are going to be had

by this lovely bunch of coconuts!)

It was a great beginning!

I am Flying in an Jet Plane

2010-09-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Top of the Mornin' to yaw!

Heading out to Colorado to have fun with Judith Baker Montano. I am going to spend 5 full days with her and 5 other ladies who, like me, have waited a long time to study with her. What is the class you ask? It is basic crazy quilting.

You should see the huge bag I have with her supply list needs. I thought that I wrote through supply lists, well she wins. At lunch yesterday with Kim, I was showing her some of the lists and she then of course had to tease me about my lists.... that Kim.

Yup, I needed a Kim fix before I left town and she suggested that we meet at the corner.....

No, we did not sit in the bar, we were in the respectable restaurant part and we laughed when we ordered the same thing. It was a great sandwich and girl talk!

Speaking of Kim, she looks wonderful, still has her gorgeous new hair do and I think that her gentle life style change to eat healthy is starting to show in her face with a little weight loss. Yea, Kim. We of course had too short a time to be together before it was time to get her back to work. Speaking of her work, she works in a very luxurious, large ground floor sprawling, high ceilings, nature type office. What a wonderful environment to have to work in. And I have heard that they are VERY happy to have her back.

On the way down to La Veta from Denver, I enjoyed shopping at the outlets in Castle Rock and a quilt shop in Colorado Springs called Ruth's Stitchery.

They boast a 7000 bolt of fabric shop and I thought hm-m-m I have to check it out. Well, it was worth the stop (escaped with only spending $67.00) and managed to cause only a "mild" fiasco...

This is Beth, who works a Ruth's, and who just happens to have known Lindy for years and her mother lives near Marconi and Eastern in my city. She and her mother know Bear Paws well and love it too.

So what is she doing on the floor with all those buttons?

Read on -

See up in the left hand corner of the picture... There was a little plastic case with tiny pull our plastic drawers. No, I did not drop the case, but, I found the most precious brass acorn button and was thinking of Lindy and her love for all things acorn. I turned the button over to check out the back and I dropped it. It happened so fast (officer) I heard it drop into a bucket of buttons on the floor. You know the sound of a button hitting other buttons from a distance. (Come on - I know I am not the only one who plays with buttons and I know you know the sound...) Phew, I thought that was a close call, it has got to be right there in the bucket....

I looked immediately, didn't touch a thing, and could not see it. Groan! Well, Beth happened to come by and asked if I need help. Hm-m-m that would be a yes (visualize me staring into the bucket, caboose in the air and not moving, not breathing either.

So, Beth comes up with lets just scoop some of the buttons in the bucket out onto the floor and look for the button that way. By then I knew I was not going to find it by staring. We went through the whole bucket that way and nada. Other customers and staff happened by and offer to search (play) with the buttons, and pretty soon we had a bunch of women on the floor "looking" for the brass acorn button.

We did however, find many very interesting buttons and even ones that "were not supposed to be in the buckets" because they were something or others and more expensive then the buttons in the buckets." See there is a silver lining to my little adventure - I guess.

Needless to say they have my name and number it they should ever find the acorn button and I promised to stop there on my way back to Denver, just in case they find it. I have never seen so many happy people wanting to "help", even to the point of taking off their shoes, and stretching out on the floor making themselves comfortable for the "job" at hand...

Button, Button who has the Acorn Button, eh!?

Tootles from La Veta

Yes, I have been "chatty Kathy" because I am so ready to go meet the group and Judith and thought this sharing I would settle my nerves a bit. And it did - thanks for listening.

And the Book Winners Are.....

2010-08-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

My book giveaway deadline is over and yesterday evening my selection team got to pick the winners. (Selection team you ask? They are DH, Son#2 and our neighbour who is a police officer.) (To tell you the truth they would be hurt if I did not ask them to do the honours, however, I think the cookies I make as their reward is more to the point....)

A big thank you to my blogette friends/followers who entered! I loved reading about your favourite place to read and what you munched on, if anything, while you read. Thank you!!!

Book - A Single Thread - Marie Bostwick

Winner - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting and Creations
Book - A Thread Of Truth - Marie Bostwisk

The winner is - Jen at Punkie Pie
Congratulations!
Please email me with your mailing address, and thank you for entering!

Charming Girls - Christmas in August Sewing Party

2010-08-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is the post I will up date on Charming Girls!

I will be back about noon pst.
WooHoo - It's a Sewing Party!!!

It's a Finish - started late and ending late :o)

She is done! My angel.....

And I always add a little something or other to the another end of the tea towels - Peace!

Starting on him tonight. He is as goofy looking as my angel was - they "maka" me laugh.

Interestingly enough, lots of family life was lived and enjoyed while working on this Christmas project, yet the most fun was the back and forth kibitzing that we "Charming Girls" engaged in,
not to mention all the snacking we did "together".
Thank you Carol and Kelly for setting this up for us!

Tootles

Update 8:30 am Sunday

Sorry Carol and Kelly - That is as far as I got before I fell asleep watching the end of MI-5. I will pick up where I left off today. I will post a finished photo then.
Thank you for the fun, and especially Carol and Kelly - you two are a hoot.
Tootles
Thank you

Update - 5:30 pm

Six towels are traced!

Someone mentioned I had a lot of towels out on the line - yes, you know me, I have to multi-task and washed the Autumn/Halloween towels in the same load and prepped them for tracing in a couple of days.

Going to clean up my mess now, get my embroidery thread ready, put my feet up and drift off into Embroidery Heaven.

I love MI-5 on PBS and it is on this evening! I have no idea what else is on TV tonight but I will be checking it out. (Our DVD is dead...)

I will check back in later this evening and show you how far I have gotten with the embroidery.

Tootles

Update - 4 pm

Got the towels wash, dried, ironed and hanging outside for the final drying in the afternoon breeze.

I also made some nachos while the washing and drying were going on. I made an extra plate for you. We girls needs our strength....

While out in the "back 40" I sneaked up on my DH (My Gentleman Farmer) and took a picture of him painting one end of the bauchie ball court he has been making this summer.

OK I'll be back later I have some tracing to do.

Tootles

Previous Update earlier in afternoon...

This is what I am working on.
I am sorry that I will not be working on my sewing machine - yet, my reasoning is I have to get these 6 Christmas Tea Towels done for shop samples and our Open House on September 12th, and today is a good day to start them. They are in the wash machine right now, there I used a machine.... When they are washed and damped dry I will iron them dry to take out any wrinkles. I will take a picture after they are ironed and before I trace them.
Sorry, I am getting a late start, had a class this morning (Le Jardin) and we are on block #7. It is so neat and I love the fabric!!!
Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, an when you pop over I have some of my favourites for you to enjoy, Bridge Mix and Red Twizzlers.
Tootles

Yesterdays Correction

2010-08-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I shared an email funny with you - and with the usual operator error it did not cut and paste correctly..... You have to remember the learning curve is still happenin' here.... I am sorry that the picture and the caption did not link up to the rightful author. So, without aude I have typed up the little ditty and given credit where credit is due. As for the picture, you will have to imagine a little girl in the arms of her grandad.

A little girl ran to her grandfather,

jumped into his arms and gave him a great big hug.

Then she ran her fingers along his balding head and

down the side of his wrinkled face.

"Did God make you Grandad?" she asked.

"Yes, honey He made me."

She felt her own cheek and then asked,

"Did God make me too?"

"Yes, honey He made you too."

"Well", she shrugged,

"Don't you think,

He' doing a better job then He used too?"

Sandi V.

www.wackywits.com

Best picture I could grab with Tinkerbell and her Grandad.

Got to run - there are blots of fabric to cut and fat quarters to fold and some of the nicest people in the world to help - quilters .....

Tootles

PS - Don't forget my book giveaway for my followers

on the Aug. 24th post.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2010-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me - I just had to share.....
(Sorry, this is as large as I can make it - you might have to click on the picture to make it larger. I have heard the first thing to go is the eyes.....)

Just when you are excited that they can talk and express themselves...

Thinking of you - and if you are one of my followers check out yesterdays blog post.

Tootles

Books and Books and More Books - Giveaway

2010-08-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Written August 11th - never posted - what can I say - running behind myself......

It is that time of year when I want to sit and read outdoors. Hot August nights are upon us here and I just want to put my embroidery down and read, read, read. A while back Kim and I went to a fantastic used book store. Well, come to think of it, it was the day of her surgery and she wanted to get out of the house for a bit. You know me, well "OK" and we were off.

There were rooms and rooms like this.

The reason I am going on about this is I was thinking of taking my "used" books there and then I got to thinking, hey, what about having a give away to my follower/blogette friends. So, I am - having a giveaway!

All you have to do to enter is be a follower of mine and leave a comment on this post by midnight, Saturday, August 28th, (PST) telling me your favorite place to read AND your favourite thing to munch on while you are reading. Please don't advertise my giveaway - it is just for my blogette friends. If you have been a "peep" until now, become a follower and enter, why not, I would love to hear from you, and I know you are there peeping.... (I know because I used to be a "peep" too.)

There will be two drawings = two winners. Let me know your choice if your name is drawn.

A Thread of Truth by Marie Bostwick

and

A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these books, you will too. I will post the winners on Sunday, August 29th.

Tootles

Update on Cowgirl

2010-08-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl needs our help -

if you can help, I know it would be appreciated.

You can catch up on the latest at the following links:

Cowgirl's Moms Blog....

Cowgirl's moms best friends blog...

Kelly Anns Blog...

The Stinky Feet Gang Have Left

2010-08-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Missing the Stinky Feet Gang!

Those of you who do not have sons or daughters and their chicklets near know the feeling. Over the next bit of time I will "entertain" you with slide shows, etc. with the "odd" comment. We had a wonderful time and my hat is off to my sweet daughter-in-heart! Wait until I tell you about her new "I Once Was A Shirt" Apron design and about the classes she taught at my quilt shop Bearpaws and Hollyhocks!

Personalize your own free scrapbook

Got the toys and art supplies all packed away until their next visit. The dawg has been sleeping for the past two days. He was going the whole time with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell....

Catching up with my blogette friends and all the exciting things that have been happening in the past weeks. I have missed you and am having fun reading all about your thoughts and comings and goings and quilting heaven visitations and accomplishments. Please accept my apology for not responding to your enjoyed comments. I was getting better at returning a thank you and a little chat after your comments. I will do better. Fresh start here.

Tootles

The Stinky Feet Beat

2010-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell are here - have been for a week - we are loving every minute! I thought that I would come up for air and share a bit of our goings on. This is hot of the press and the very first issue featuring the

Stinky Feet Beat

This digital scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

Cowgirl - For The Love of Cowgirl

2010-07-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl Boot

Bootiful! Applique Quilt Pattern Artist: OK Carol Rockwell

Artist made by - Sylvia Gauthier, Cody Wy

http://excessive-compulsive-sewing.blogspot.com/

The following is the post from Kelly Ann's Quilting on July 5th, 2010
Kelly Ann's Quilting

Monday, July 5, 2010

Cowgirl

As most of you know I'm a pretty big dog lover...as a matter of fact I love most animals...I say most cause some just don't do it for me. A dear friend of my mine loves, and I mean LOVES her dogs, they are her fur children. Well her little girl, Cowgirl is having some problems with one of her legs. It appears that Cowgirl has cancer and is in need of some treatments, and in order to help pay for these treatments Traci is raising funds through her etsy store, Sundancer So I'm gonna send some stuff her way to help her raise some bucks to help the girl...take a hop over to Traci's site and see what she has going on...who knows you might find something that is perfect for your home, your friends home, your mothers home, your sisters home...okay y'all get the picture....and to send you off with a smile...here's a picture of Cowgirl...

now look...is that not one of the sweetest faces you've ever seen..

thanks for stopping by Traci's etsy shop..

Kelly Ann

End of Quote.

If you can help Traci and Cowgirl through this difficult journey please stop by her Esty Shop. I found the Cowgirl Boot there. After checking with Kelly Ann and Sylvia - this is a true need. Perhaps you are able to send a donation or creation for her Esty Shop - check with Traci at the link above.

Tooles

Tootles Is Different Then Tootling

2010-07-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Tootling is making little warbling sounds either by mouth or with a musical instrument such as a flute.
From the Dictionary of Gran - Knot-y Embroidery Lady.

tootles

variation of goodbye, cya, later, etc.
Betsy: Bye Fran, I'm off to the pool.
Fran: Tootles

Until next time, tootles.

It's an old country thing - something in my genetic makeup.........

Thelma and Louise Ride Again - Part 2

2010-07-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Tried last night for the life of me and I could not get this into my post - operator error no doubt!
We had such a good day - it cleared out all the cobwebs for me and being in cooler sea breezes totally refreshed me from the valley heat.

Benicia was our destination and after there we ventured on to two quilt shops Cotton Patch in Lafeyette, Ca., and Thimble Creek, Concord, Ca. Both minutes away from the lovely downtown Benicia, Ca.

On our trip home we stopped off at the "Premium Outlets" near Vacaville, and I introduced Kim (I can't remember who was Thelma or Louise on that trip...) to purchasing French (yes, made in France) cosmetics at an outlet shop there. (One learns about these things in the old country...)

Thanks for stopping by - come again.

Customize your own photo album

Thelma and Louise Ride Again

2010-07-17T00:37:00.000-07:00

Our official mode of transportation.

Never thought to show you what we took our adventures in. We are both camera shy, so would not catch us posing on the fender. The box in the back seems to hold all of our treasures, and with our goggles on we are good to go.
Working of a slide show and I can not get it to work tonight. Will show later on the weekend.

I AM IN The CGQC - NOW I WANT TO SET MY GOALS.....

2010-07-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

GOT MY EMAILS BACK FROM KELLY AND SHE SAID I AM IN THE CHARMING GIRLS' QUILT CLUB. WOO! HOO!

This is the monthly theme for July and August - and the goals are due by tomorrow July 15th.....

Body, Mind, Spirit and Quilting are the areas I want to focus on:

Body

1. Well, I am lugging around extra weight - going to find my pedometer, like Kelly, and get my 10,000 steps in three days a week.

2. Every three weeks will have an at home Spa Day. You know, the plucking, colouring, waxing, feet soaking, cuticle removing kind of day.

3. Drink more water.

Mind

1. Study about the Civil War and follow along with maps.

2. Read journals and biographies of women and quilting from the Civil War period.
3. Read other books for enjoyment i.e., just started Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

Spirit

1. Read the scriptures daily and study a topic of personal interest in the scriptures, ponder.

2. Date night or day with DH two times.

3. Take time to relax outdoors in our yard, feel the grass and listen to the birds three times a week. Be still in nature.

Quilting

1. Finish one UFO before starting a new project.

2. Keep project area tidy.

3. Make/finish samples for the classes I teach next term.

4. Overcome shyness about displaying my work.

Well, there they are - I really tried to focus on what would make me feel more balanced in the next two months. I am keeping things simple for my self-care. I could have easily written a thesis on each area, for sure I would have overwhelmed myself and then where would I be....

No Spa Days, that's for sure!

Joined the Charming Girls' Quilt Club

2010-07-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I made a commitment to joining the online Charming Girls' Quilt Club. Last year I watched as online blogette's shared how much fun they were having being in the club, and when Kelly who is the hostess/creator of the club mentioned in her blog the year was over and they were starting a new year I was intrigued. She revised some of the guidelines and it looks so good this coming year. The following is a quote from her blog post today:

"On a side note, the July 15 deadline to join the "Charming Girls' Quilt Club" (or to sign-up for another year if you were a member last year) is Thursday. I'll be clearing our member list and creating a new one - so be sure not to miss the deadline (i.e. post your comment) if you want to join us!

For info on how to join the club click HERE!

The deadline to post your July/August goals is also Thursday, July 15. To comment with the link for your July/August Goals, click HERE!

I'm so looking forward to another year of sewing and fun with all of you!

TTFN, Kelly"

There is still time if you are interested in joining. A friend Micki, at Irish Muses, in Ireland just joined and has her goals already posted! I have really enjoyed the Charm Pack Quilt Along with Kelly this past while and think that the club will fit into my life..... or help me be less productive/scattered. Oh, and have some fun :o)

Hope to hear from your soon!

There is a Charm Pack Quilt Along Starting at Freckled Whimsy

2010-07-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

I think it was last week that Kim mentioned the Charm Pack Quilt Along starting at Freckled Whimsey. Moi checked it out and I joined in, and wanted to pass the information on to you just in case you were interested in joining too. There is still time!!!!

I am using nothing but scrap 5" squares that I won in a give away last summer. They are going to be perfect! In fact I have so many misc. 5" scraps I might make several of the layouts.

Here is a picture of the possible layouts. I have the Charm Pack Quilt Along blog button on my sidebar - just click on it and it will take you right to it.

Tootles!

Doggerel Jelly Worm Poetry Win - What?

2010-07-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

Funny thing happened while catching up on reading Heckety Beck (a blogette from ireland) this evening....

I have ~~lifted~~ copied parts of her post to announce the winners of her Doggerel Rhymes contest, and am still laughing that I have a win!

Quote " MONDAY, 5 JULY 2010

Get Ready to Cheer Loudly...

Winners Ahoy! Funniest, Best, and A Grand Draw.
The funniest is a joint prize because after much gleeful chortling, no consensus could be arrived at. So the Winners of the Funniest Doggerel Rhymes are......Ta Da!
Gran and Griselda Pugh! (cue Mad Clapping everyone, thank you thank you!!)

Now the Winner of The Best Doggerel Rhyme was unanimous and easy, no fisticuffs involved: Amanda! (cue Wolf Whistles and More Mad Clapping, thank you thank you!!) And finally to The Grand Draw, much fun was had with this:

Ta Da! LadyDi is the winner of the Grand Draw!!!

(cue Cheers and Even More Mad Clapping, thank you thank you!!)

I'll email the people whose addresses I don't have and by the end of the week there will be THINGS in the post for yez all!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well I don't know about you peeps (that's what Eldest calls everyone) but I had SUCH FUN with this contest! Thank yous all for entering, and if you want to read the winning poems check back to the comments here where they are preserved in aspic for generations to come...well, maybe not...and what's aspic when its at home??