SewSow in Love

Smile

2012-02-24T12:37:00.001-06:00

Sometimes grownups feel like children. Sometimes you wish fairytales were real. Sometimes things seem too hard. But we know God is good and always in control. And so.... We smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu-rLA4POkI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Much love to you all. xoxo

Hey! Hey!

2011-12-17T19:34:00.001-06:00

Yep. I know I'm always saying I'm going to do better. But life happens.

Here's a peek at what I've been working on....

The difference is in the details. :)

Another bag...

How about a few ornaments?

Let's see... How about another bag? Just a tote with a few details. :)

Yes. SewSowinLove has been very busy!

More later. xoxo

Happy Sunday!

2011-10-30T21:44:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday, everybody!! Did you get your nap? I did!! Woot! Nothing better than a Sunday afternoon nap! ;)

Woke up ready to work! Made a couple of scarves.

Then worked on mom shirts...whew...they are wearing me OUT! But I love it and am soooooo grateful! xoxo

Now I'm working on a new project that I'm super excited about! Taking these...

Cutting them up and throwing in a little funk...

Can't wait to show you what it's going to be!! Gonna have to hurry! Must be done by Thursday. Yikes!!

Guess what? Tomorrow's Monday! Who's excited?? I know, I'm crazy, but I LOVE Mondays!! Why?? I'm not sure, maybe the promise of a new week? Who knows... ;-)

Catch ya later! xoxo

Ok, ok....

2011-10-29T22:38:00.001-05:00

So was chatting with a friend this evening, and she ever so gently reminded me of how well I keep up with my blog. Yeah, I'm talkin' about you, Christine. ;)

Every month I say, "I am going to do a solid month...Lol...and....it never happens. Haha. Obviously.

Hey! I'm a busy girl. Do I still get to call myself "girl"? ;)

So here's what's going on. This week...

Had the pleasure of helping with the 2yos at Bible study. After two hours, I was thinking, "Somebody pass the Xanax." Who knew attending Bible study could lead to drug use? ;)

My DD, BonnieLove was born 14 years ago. Here she is the day she was born. Her AuntK taking care of her while her tired momma ate some lunch and rested just a bit. Yes. She was about an hour old here. Beautiful then, and you should see her now.

Wanna see? Here she is. Can't believe I gave birth to this lovely creation. What a blessing.

And she is just as beautiful on the inside. :)

Working on a new project. Very excited. Can't wait to share when it's completed!

Yep! Fatigues! Curious?? ;)

We hit a new high on the FB fan page! Had a contest and got a winner!!

Woot!! 202 fans!!!

Seems like I'm missing something... But it'll have to wait. I'm off to bed.

Night, All! xoxo

Uberfest Block 12

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

So, here we are, October 12, and I have not been the the best blogger... but I've been here in spirit! I'm super excited to share my little piece of Uberfest with you. Calling my block Autumn Sun, as it is inspired by cool crisp autumn days, when the sun shines brightly(cause ya know, I'm a sunshine kinda girl). Scott sent me these four fab pieces of fabric, from Nel Whatmore's Sleeping Beauty line, you can read all about it here. The rules said I could add in one fabric of my own(it's from my stash, no clue as to where it came from ;) ) I chose a cheddar, or gold, if you will, so here they are:

Instructions were to include either half square triangles or log cabin. Of course, I went to work trying to incorporate both. My first attemp at rough sketching was horrible! ...no fancy software here. ;0)
And one night on my way to bed it hit me. Thank goodness I keep notebooks everywhere! This is what I came up with:

And colored it in with the kiddos crayons:

Really just a log cabing with the inside strips made up of half square triangles. I could tell you how to do these but Miss.Print has done a wonderful job expaining it here.

After you make your squares, layout your block.

See? It's really just a simple log cabin. No rocket science here. Lol! After you have all your strips made it's time to sew it all up!

Round one.

Round two, and all done. :)

Lights not so great in my sewing room(yeah, I know), so here's another taken downstairs. Yes, Kandis if you're reading this, I know I need a "real" camera! My phone STILL is not cutting it! :-/

The PDF is available for download here.

You can find tomorrow's block by Erin Singleton of Two More Seconds just by clicking her name, but you'll have to wait... ;-)

Oh, My Word!

2011-10-11T23:01:00.000-05:00

Holy Moly!! It's been a while! Not going to apologize but how about we play a little catch-up? ;-) Real quick like, ya know. :-)

Since you've last heard from me, I've....

Sewn a forest of trees...

Done some of my best work yet, IMHO, on a friends pillow for her bed. Yes, I did cut those birds and branches out, each one is a solid piece. Yeah....kinda proud of that one.

Went and had a wonderful visit with the Divine Miss Em(and her sweet momma, too)! Isn't she lovely? Love her so!!

Have done a load of team wear!!! Keep it comin', it's my bread and butter, no lie!

Opened a little Etsy shop...made one sale, and sewed these scarves...that have yet to be listed. :-/ But, hey, they were fun to make, and I can always give them as gifts! ;-)

*ahem* bought a little fabric...just a little...

Made a bonnet...for that Etsy sell. ;-) What American girl, at sometime doesn't want to BE Laura?

My baby turned 7.

To celebrate, we took the monkeys to the zoo. Haha...yes, I know I'm funny. Lol....at least give me credit for trying!

While the kiddos were admiring the animals, their mom was drooling over the flora... Found a fav..Confetti Lantana! Why do I NOT have this in my yard???

My friend Chrissey and I fell in love with a little girl named Grace...Repeating to myself..."J, you are too old to start over, besides, you just got your life back!" AND.....repeat

And finally, at midnight, this blog will post my Uberfest post! I know, I've been horrible and I feel the guilt, but it's done!! I've designed an original(at least to me)block, learned how to do a PDF, upload it and link! I thought I was signing up to do just a regular quilt-a-long...hahahah....nope...WAY out of my league for sure, but I love a challenge and learning new things! Here is my starting 4 1/2 inch square...

As you can see it's been a full 5 weeks, and, as always, no promises, but.... I will try to do better. ;-) xoxo

Just Another Manic Monday

2011-08-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

Ok, when I was thinking, "What's a cute title for a post on this Monday afternoon?", and those who know me well, know my thoughts are complete with a running soundtrack in my mind.... "Just Another Manic Monday" popped into my brain. BUT then, I thought, really? Maybe I should look up the true definition, just to be sure... And, drum roll, please....definition 2. Frenetically busy; frantic: "the pace is manic as we near our deadline". Yep! I'd say it fits. ;)

Just as you think things are slowing down, they rev back up. I'm thinking my new word is "Zoom". Remember that PBS show from the '80's...."I"m gonna zooma, zooma, zoom. I'm gonna zooma, zooma, zooma, zoom". I loved that show! Haha... Yes, I was raised in the country, we had 5, count them FIVE channels. Lol
Here's what's hot in the workroom tonight and for the rest of the week! Yep, I'm a busy girl! Busy and Blessed!!

These can be found at Creative Whit on Old Greenwood Road, next door to FCA, and that new day spa, can't remember their name at the moment, but I've heard they are trade friendly!!!! You KNOW what I am thinking!!!

Later! xoxo

Remember WonderWoman? I KNOW Her!! ;)

2011-08-26T18:13:00.001-05:00

Surprise!!

New look, huh?

There's one woman to thank....Tiffany, from Another Pie In the Sky Designs!!! Some of you may know her as @anthrpienthesky from Twitter. If you don't follow her there...you should, 'cause you are missin' out!!! Cannot begin to say how grateful I am!!! Sorry, the spot of "Biggest Fan" has been taken, but feel free to fill in the ranks!! ;-) xoxoxoxoxo to my Sweet Tiffany!! Oh, yeah...almost forgot! She IS for hire!! Leave me a comment, and if you don't know her, I'll be ever so glad to put you in touch.

Last week, I had just contacted a company that specializes in branding...my current business obsession, and when I mentioned some of what I was hoping to accomplish, Tiffany said, "Let me see what I can do for you first." I gotta tell ya, I'm one blessed girl! (side note: one of my WWF buddies thought maybe I should call myself "SewWoman" because of my age....a PR student, no less...punk kid) Anyway, back to Tiffany! :))
She has also challenged me to get my sewing room in order, and it's coming along. The agreed to date for show and tell is Sept. 1, but if the IRS grants extensions....I'm wondering if I can get one? Hmmmm...??? Honestly, progress has been made, and I just contacted my personal decorator today(you know who you are ;) ), because I'd love to show it "cute" not just "clean", although "clean" is a HUGE improvement!!!

I hate to post without including a picture, can we let my new profile pic count? Many thanks, Buddy ;) xo

Cake on the Brain

2011-08-22T03:26:00.001-05:00

So it's 2:50 in the morning, and I can't sleep. Archer woke me when the dog irritated him, and that's been well over two hours... Yes, I could be reading, and probably will after this, but for now, I can't help but think about cake... Go figure.

Growing up, I really wasn't into sweets. I was a meat, veggies and bread kinda girl. My sweet Grandpa always made the cousins jealous, because I got soda with meals at our grandparents, simply because I never ate dessert. BUT, let me tell ya, I could clean up a bowl of green beans in nothin' flat! Haha..

My grandparents lived just down the road, could've walked to their house, but always rode my bike~ let's say...3 miles? Close enough. ;) And family reunions were VERY important to my grandparents. Could not count my "cousins" if I tried! I was fortunate to ride home from said family reunions with my sweet grands, and one year, sitting next to me in the backseat, were the remains of Grandma's carrot cake. I was hungry, and must have thought it looked appealing. One bite, two bites...I was hooked. Cream cheese frosting was just sweet enough, but not too sweet...divine. Pretty sure there wasn't much left once we got home.

Still, I wasn't a fan of that many sweets(oh, how I wish that were still true today, although, still a little picky). My mom did not bake, but she could make a mean Rice Crispy Treat, though! Lol.

A few years later, I was intrigued by another cake, this one, like the first, sported a topcoat of cream cheese frosting, but had nuts and coconut...you guessed it Italian Creme Cake! With raspberry preserves between the layers...have mercy!!! I started making this cake when I kinda hit my baking stride in my mid twenties. It was a hit and my mom loved it, and I loved to watch her eat it. The look of bliss on her face was priceless!! Kinda like last night, when I made Monte Cristos for the first time, and TallGuy actually licked his plate!! Lol. No joke!

My most recent love in the world of cake has been the Red Velvet. Yumo!! Only since LittleGuy has come have I indulged in this pleasure...funny thing is, the best one I've found? It comes from Wal-Mart! Lol

Hungry yet??

I guess, in a perfect world, the "perfect cake" would have three layers, because no one should ever have to choose just one. ;-)

Ok, 3:18 now. Just two more hours until Paul's bakery opens. Anybody wanna meet me there? Haha.. You know I'd be more than happy to share. :)

Hope your day is the BEST!! xoxo

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone! Woot! From my phone, people!! LOVE! ;))

Let's Finish What We Started

2011-06-30T01:19:00.001-05:00

Yep, it's been a week...let's finish up and move on. ;)

Days 3, 4 & 5

Can I just say, and it's my blog, so I can ;), VBS was incredible this year!! We had the best, Best, BEST group if kiddos....EVER! :) I put in for 3rd Grade B for 2012. Yes, they were that special. How about a few more pics....

Where we met every morning.

Having fun at music time!

Mrs.Charlene. Mr.Matt may be at the helm, but she makes sure the sails are in place and ready to go!!! We love you Mrs.C! (FYI~ absolutely thrilled to call this lady Friend, she is a treasure! Just thought I'd let you know)

Sweet Chloe. A sweetheart for sure and the voice of an angel. This girl has a set of pipes, can't wait to watch her grow up!

Miss Madison. Precious with a willing spirit, my goto girl! This sweetie can sing and if your blessed, you might get to hear her play the piano!!! Big things in store for this young one!

Hahaha!! This is not even from our church...lol, highjacked it off FaceBook. ;) But I have loved this guy for....oh my goodness...about 25 years?!?! Love his sense of humor...you're still makin' me smile Ern.

Yep, yep. We're calling this done, we're calling this good. That is....until next year.

Later! xx

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone! Woot! From my phone, people!! LOVE! ;))

VBS Day 2 :-D

2011-06-21T21:55:00.001-05:00

Day 2 down! Woot!! So today we weren't blessed with 20 Second Graders, but 23. Woah... Woah... Woah... It may not SOUND that different, but it sure FELT different! ;) Thank goodness they are sweeties, because they sure are a handful. Lol.

Here they are working on a backdrop for a theater in the park.

And notice who gathered around TallGuy's backdrop. ;) Yeah, he's a heartbreaker, but a sweetie.

Here's the view from our room, the pre-school playground.-

These children even at the age of 8, are full of stories and plans for the future. Promises, and some of them, well, if I could bring them home with me....I would. :,(

Who's at the helm of this mighty moving vessel we call VBS? that would be Mr. Matt. A seriously swell guy! Loved by many!

And after a morning of VBS, what's a mom with five hungry kiddos to do? Take them to MickyD's! Smiles all around. ;)

Many thanks to K for letting us "borrow" LittleMan! :)) We had a blast with him, and you know I am THRILLED that he thinks Aunt Jans house is the "funnest!"

Later! xx

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone! Woot! From my phone, people!! LOVE! ;))

VBS Day One :-D

2011-06-20T11:11:00.001-05:00

Ok. I'll be honest, I actually brought Xanax in my purse. I thought I could take half of one after I got to church, and then it would have worn off before I had to drive my four children home. ;) You see, large groups of little people are not usually compatible with my type A personality, but I do love Jesus, and want to pass that on to as many as possible, soooo....I put it in His hands and decided just to trust Him(and not what's in my purse). Guess what? (faith-building moment here) I've been blessed with 20 sweet second graders! Seriously have never seen better behaved children in my life!

Here they are in music time.

Also have the BEST partners working with me.... My two oldest, TallGuy and BonnieLove

And, of course, the ever lovely K(@CherryBlossomkb)

Until tomorrow....
Later! xox

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone! Woot! From my phone, people!! LOVE! ;))

Just Giving This a Try

2011-06-18T08:02:00.001-05:00

So I was reading @Killerella, my sweet twitter friends, blog, and saw that she posted from her phone! Do you KNOW how many times I'd thought, "If only...." Woot! Thank you, Dee!(I'll try and figure out the link thing later)

While we're here I'll show you what I was working on yesterday. :)

Yeah, note to self "rotate pics before posting here," give me a bit we'll get this figured out. While the front is ok, the back is my fav! Wanna see?

Love a neat back!

Later! xox

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone! Woot! From my phone, people!! LOVE! ;))

Happy May Day!!!

2011-05-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, no promises, but I'm just gonna ask if we can pick up where we left off, and catch up along the way. Sound good? Great!

Let's see...where to begin? Since you last heard from me "for real." ;) We have had the coldest, snowiest winter on record for our part of the country. Seriously! Remember my picture of our lane last fall? Here's a reminder

For those of you who might be new to my blog, don't expect to be wowed by any pictures. I use my phone, it's handy. ;) I do plan on upgrading this summer, tho and there by, obtaining a flash! Woot!!(it's the little things...hehehe)

Now on with the story... Cold, snow, wet, winter...none of these words are ones that I am sewsowinlove with(just a hint). Here is our lane one cold February day at about 2:30 in the afternoon...

And, yes, this picture is even worse, because this chick Did Not Get Out of the van to take the picture! Yep, thru the windshield. ;) But, you get the idea. One more then I'll stop with the weather, cause that's NOT why you're reading this blog, Lol.

This is our driveway, that I slid down(oh the things a mother will do for her 13yo daughter and her sleepover plans), but could not get back up! Had to use the neighbor's next door and drive across. I am seriously addicted to the sun, and this season of gray did nothing for my mood. :-/

Let's see... I did finish the Brown Bag Quilt, but not only have I not been blogging, I haven't even been reading...not that I don't think of you often, I just haven't been on the computer much. So I don't even know what happened with the whole BBQ thing. I know it got moved off StashManicure to it's own blog...anybody wanna catch me up? Oh, about my BBQ, all it needs is a label, and then I'll post a pic, but as LittleGuy says, "It works good, mommy."

I have monogrammed my little heart out with "team wear" for players, coaches, moms and sisters... here's a cute one

(remember ~ phone camera)

And made jeans to match...

Yeah, she rocked it! ;)

Pieced a quilt for Archer. Must make the sandwich and get it finished!

Did my first complete bedroom...professional pics to follow but here are a couple from the "process." Boy, you want to talk about a "learning experience." Whew....that's all I'm gonna say. ;)

Started using Twitter, so much fun! AND Pinterest, so many ideas!

Garden is non-existent, with the cold weather, then the rain... I was feeling awful about this, but with the fact that we've had hail twice in the last week, I'm okay with it going in late. :)

Well, that's just a few things that have been going on...we'll catch up more later. :)

Oh, one more thing...guess who came to see me on Easter? Nope, not the Easter Bunny...a Cuddle Bug!

I'm going to ask you to excuse my posture, I tend to melt when she's around!

Happy May Day!!

yes.....

2011-04-08T23:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still kickin'.... ;) thanks to those of you who've checked on me. Love to you all! oxoxo

Our Weekend.....

2011-01-23T12:00:00.001-06:00

How do you spell fun when your at 40 or pushing it?? How about getting together with 19 friends for the weekend!?! Ok, the who, what, when, where and why....
The who. Well, as I said 19 friends, several smaller circles within a larger... All female, of course, some of us have know eachother for almost 17 years...17? Yeah, that long...we've gotten engaged, married, birthed babies, sang songs, cried tears, buried parents, and the hardest...buried precious children. Many joys and sorrows make for strong bonds. I'd love to show you a picture of these dear women, BUT it's a weekend of no makeup, sloppy clothes and "not so fixed hair." They sadly declined to have their photo taken and POSTED! Bahahahaha.....

The what. An excuse to get together, men go fishing, hunting, play sports, compete...women create. ;) It started as a scrapbook weekend, you say, "j, you don't scrapbook!" And, you, would be correct. It's evolved into a do whatever you want weekend. I brought four projects....

BrownBag Quilt, Farmer's Wife Sampler, Cathedral Window's, and fabric for bedskirts for a bedroom redo.

The GOOD NEWS??? I finished the Brown Bag quilt!!!!!!!

Got it basted, quilted and bound!! What am I gonna do with it now? I really don't know. Thinking it may need to find a new home....

Felt great about getting BBQ finished, and did not feel like starting another big project, sooooo.... since I'm to a point that I "know" why people keep reading glasses EVERYWHERE, and I'm still getting used to needing them...I decided it was time to stock up. the thing is, you gotta keep them somewhere...my solution..make my own cases.. Wanna see?

Maybe I can show some of the other projects later, got some pics, but I'm having serious issues with uploading pics right now... :P such a pain in the rear! (one hour later) Got a few pics to upload...here ya go...

Gaye's mixer, thank you, Mr. Cricut! CUTE!!!

Three wreaths. I could not count the WREATHS that were made this weekend! These three made of balloons, acorns and paper.

These were very cute. Felt circles folded and attached to wreath forms. Hehehe...for all you quilters out there, here's a "funny." ;) These girls were cutting these circles of felt with PAPER sissors...yeah, I'm laughing...sorry, friends. ;) (you should hear how they talk about how "mean" I am...just because I'm honest! Can you imagine?!?!? hehehehe...I am ;) ). They were amazed when they used my spring loaded Fiskars, and Ginghers! Still giggling...

The when. Twice a year, once usually later in spring, this time earlier, and once in the fall. Something to look forward to!!

The where. Ususally the gathering takes place at a retreat center The Oaks, but this time we met in the home of one of our own. Many thanks, G!! It was great! We did throw a breaker, and G's hubster had to come home to the rescue...hehehehe....his words when he saw us all..."wow, I've got my own sweatshop!" Only, we all do speak English. ;)) AND, just to be clear, we "split" up the food, not "spit" up the food. Wanna see?

The Carnage that is the kitchen...

And the MOST important...Coffee station...

Now the biggie...The why. Seriously? Is that a question in any one's mind? Collectively we have, and I'm just doing my best here, please do not hold me to this, are you sitting down...? I'll give you just a minute to brace yourself...47 children. Now ask me "why" again. ;)) And we love each one! BUT sometimes momma needs a break! So, friends, food, time, coffee...lots of coffee(and for some diet coke), good music, p.j.'s(all day if you want), and, of course, WWF. ;)

Love to you all!!!

Stash Report Week 3....

2011-01-22T21:23:00.000-06:00

Can you say CHECKED OUT?!?!?

Stomach bug!!!

See you tomorrow!!

Stash Report.....week 2

2011-01-09T04:41:00.000-06:00

Where has this week gone? I'll tell you where! Well......on second thought, this blog is rated G... :-/ Lol!

Ok, let's try again. What has been accomplished this week....that's better. ;) We started back to school...Joy of Joys!!! Hehehe... Monday and Tuesday afternoons were spent with a person on my list of favs! My sweet Auntie, she is from Florida, yes, just like my Honey. My Daddy's oldest sister, and the person in the world who is most like my Grandma...Love. We laughed, told stories and cried...all good. :)

Wednesday choir practice started back. Boy, could I tell we had had a few weeks off!! Pipes were a little rough.

Thursday morning went and had my toes done with Glory and J's girl. Hehehe I do have pics of that! Wanna see?
My wonderful next door(read across the field) neighbor, Glory... She is just as feisty as she is sweet...hope to grow up to be just like her!

And....guess what I saved this pic under? Hobbit feet....because that's what those spacers make your feet look like. The color? I did not choose it...I'm more of a pink kinda girl, Glory made me! Remember, she's the feisty one. ;)

Oh, my goodness!!!! Did I just show you my naked feet? I MUST be desperate for material!!!!

Thursday night we had three basketball games....

Friday was a goodbye to a Dear Man, Dr. Calvin Bradford. You will be missed, your boys did a great job!

Saturday morning I met with a new client, a new interior decorator, Julie of Decor Flare. It was a great meeting and I got to say the words, "You better just order a whole bolt." Woooooooohoooooooo!!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW GOOD THAT FELT?!?!?!? Then I was on my way to 7, yes, I said SEVEN, hours of basketball.....the good news? We won!! The bad news....no sewing. Although I did get some monogramming done. Does that count?

So, after ALL my EXCUSES.....my stash report....Let's just keep it simple...

Nothing In...Nothing out!

(but quite a bit has been ordered...hehehe)

Until next week....oh, it may be bad... :-/

Lists...Do I have to?

2011-01-04T00:52:00.000-06:00

Well, from the title, you can see that my enthusiasm is waning as my afternoon coffee wears off. Lists, with the new year comes lists.... And, I guess it's a good thing, because if you don't have a goal, you've got nothing to shoot for. Believe me, in this household, basketball and archery analogies run rampant; I'll spare you. ;) For now I have three concerning sewing goals for the year: UFO's (defined as anything started before January 1, 2011, and, of course, not finished), projects I'd like to start and finish ;)(it's ok, you can giggle or laugh here, if you want...I am), and goals for my business.

UFO's

John's quilt - my oldest UFO, please do not ask...
Stashbuster quilt
BrownBag quilt
Green quilt
Ugly Fabric quilt
Mia's quilt
Patriotic quilt
Crazy quilt
Calendar quilt
1/2 Square Triangles quilt
Cathedral Windows

Projects Wish List

Lone Star quilt
Kitchen quilt
Mariner's Compass
Season's Panels
Farmers Wife Sampler

Business
Well, I'm not sure where to even start. Will say that I'm in the middle of setting up an Etsy shop. Trying to decide if I should change my name(the business name, Lol :-/). Honestly, I'm at a crossroads, and at a loss...
Will be adding a whole new line of items, hopefully by the end of the week. :) Very excited about that! I guess you'll know the shop is open when you see it in the sidebar. ;)

I know this post kind of stinks, doesn't it? I'm going to leave it up tho, because it will make my other posts look sooooooooooo much better! Lol!

We need at least one picture, don't we...how about my Avatar for Etsy? Wanna see?

And for a funny one... How about the Avatar my sweet Sister in Love made for me...hehehe get ready to laugh...

At the beach, complete with books and drink! ;)

Stash Report (here we goooo.......)

2011-01-02T18:52:00.001-06:00

New years resolution number 102 - use up some of this fabric! ;)

Who of us doesn't say this....EVERY YEAR!! Hehehe....

Last year I joined in mid-year, and in my perfectionism was conflicted. The conflict? Well, I use my stash for more that quilting, and, on a good day....it even brings me a little $$. :) I think I'm past that though. Quilters are some of the nicest people I know, and even if my purposes are a little different than yours...I'm praying you will just take me as I am.

This is some of my stash....

I've got the flatfolds...

And sometimes I get busy(did I say "sometimes" Lol!) and things get messy....and uhmmmmm stay that way...hence, have you EVER seen a full picture of my sewing room. Nope, and you probably won't. ;)

And there are containers...that look like this after a mad search. When I've been whispering under my breath, saying, "It's in here, I know it's here, where can it be...." Sound familiar?

And then there are the bolts...yes, bolts. Some of them are near full. Oh, my. Well...I got a "deal." How could I resist?

There's more, but I'll spare you. Yes, I know you're grateful. Lol.....

On to the Stash Report.....

Used this Week: 0
Used YTD: 0
Added this Week: 0
Added YTD: 0
Net used 2011: 0

Can't get any closer to the starting line than that! Let's Goooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

See you next week!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T16:52:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year, EVERYBODY!!!! Oh, yeah, new year, new start, clean slate.... Well, a girl can wish, can't she? The month of December has been crazy busy...as if it isn't always and for everyone...I had to cut my losses, and the blog fell, as Dave Ramsey would say, "below the line." ;) BUT...Watch Out!!! I'm back. Hehehe...

In December we played basketball, well, you know "I" didn't play, but I did attend the games. :) We took a little trip to Branson with the fam, including my sweet Daddy, Brother, Sister in Love, and you know....the Little Cuddle Bug....

Nicey...the Divine Miss Em

Then it was home to finish up rehearsals and put on a Christmas show....Look, Sweet Memory...

I'm home..... oohhhh....how sweet it was and is!

A great time was had by all!!!

Christmas was wonderful filled with family and smiles....

Sweet Sister in Love

And through it all...I was playing Words...Yes, don't say it, I KNOW I'm obsessed! K will say, "no wonder I don't hear from you anymore...you've got a whole other group of friends." And...she would be right! When there's a ballgame on, I'm too tired to concentrate at the sewing machine, riding in the car, and I'm bored...and none of the "regulars" are on... I'll start random games. The first time I did this and hit pay dirt was last spring/early summer...that's when I picked up Sewcute, Mr. Typo's(hehehe don't worry, he doesn't know about this blog, or anything past my first name, so it won't hurt his feelings), Julia, The TX Rider, and The Business Man...still playing with all of these. ;) In August, a No New Opponents rule was put in place, because of a certain Mr.NoName!! Got to be careful... What a jerk! Only recently have I started random games again. And one Tuesday evening in December...I hit the jackpot again!! With this load I got Ms.AZ, Jess, and The Poet...a couple more but these are the three that I've gotten to "know". So, this morning The Poet asks me to finish the sentence, "The new year..." I respond with some dribble about it being my last year of my thirties, the kiddos, you know, nothing earth shattering. Then I informed him that turn about is fair play. His response came off the cuff, and I'd like to share it with you...

"The new year rang in exactly on time - the only given it is allowed. For some, it will be their first, for others their last. For most, the new year is the balance of mind and heart. The mind concerned of what can be; the heart with what should be. The mind leads the way - analytically plotting where our physical body should tread. Concerned as it should be with singular survival. The heart, bless it, is concerned with what is best for all. I only hope that I find the balance between my mind and heart, physical existence and spiritual empathy. It is

my goal; my quest."

The Poet

Happy New Year!!

soooo looking forward to spending it with you, All my Bloggy Friends!!

What's a Girl to Do?

2010-12-03T23:09:00.001-06:00

Okay, I've got an event coming up. Needed something to wear. UUhhhgggg....that means shopping. Unless it's fabric, I want no part of it!! Sights like this...

and this....

Kind of make my head spin, and my stomach queasy. BUT! I must find something to wear. :( AND don't even let me think I might have to try on something in a store! Hate it with a passion. I know, definitely not typical. So called up my Kansas...wanna see her...hehehe...she's gonna kill me...

Thanks to Bobby D for the photo!

And we set up a time to "get er done." When we met that morning, she told me what she thought of my explanation of wanting to go early in the day and "get it over with." How she had thought to herself..."this is jan..." Lol!

We met in the parking lot at 9:15, it was cold, and she laughed when she saw I had worn my flip flops. I told her I had worn flips, low rise jeans and a shirt that would slip over my head, for easy access... I knew she would have me trying on more than I even wanted to think about. :p

Here she is arranging things in order for me to try on....a friend, indeed

The dress in front...lol, can you say, "Austin Powers"

Obviously, there was something I liked, because I ended up with TWO pictures of it! Yeah, if you're looking to buy a jacket, make it leather, if you can. ;))

Do you see this RACK of clothes?!? I tried on the WHOLE thing! My mother would never believe it!

Did love the red ruffles, by the way... ;) Might have to go back and get that AND the leather! :-D

Look at these two! Where does she think I'm going??? And, yes, I tried them on...yeah, I'm laughing, even now. hehehehe

And the winner is....

Grey skirt, black velvet jacket, and that blouse...I don't even know what to call it, BUT I do know that I don't have to worry about jewelry! *bonus*

Whew....after all that...we headed to Panara's for hot chocolate(K), coffee(me) and scones... AND can I just say.... I was home in time to feed my kids lunch!

Thanks, K! oxoxoxo

New Meaning to An Old Phrase

2010-12-03T22:04:00.000-06:00

How many times have you said, "What did you do last night?" Or, how many times have you been asked? Well, two weeks ago I was running on empty, downing that eggnog shake, because I had been up literally the entire night before! Well, I take that back....I did go to bed at 5....in the MORNING! What was I doing? Well, sewing and playing Words, of course!

Remember those Christmas dresses mentioned in an earlier post? Well you know about those promises. ;)

Here they are...

And here they are on....

Merry Christmas!

I had thought I was further along, than I was with these dresses. Then a major distraction hit me head on, and THEN, Tall Guy had to make a trip to the ER for staples. Get this...at basketball practice, he and a friend go up at the same time, and his friends tooth hits his arm. No harm, no foul? Not this time. The tooth broke off in Tall Guys arm, to be found on the floor later, and, needless to say, sliced his arm like a knife. Poor boys! Tall Guy was in the ER that night, and Friend was in the dentist chair first thing the next morning.

AND we were all at a basketball tournament by that afternoon. :p I'm thinking a nap on the couch would have been oh, soooooo nice. :)

Friday Funny :-D

2010-12-03T21:24:00.000-06:00

So, Friday Funnies have become a semi-regular thing with a few friends. Usually including something my 10 or 6 year olds have said or done(they are a wealth of material!). In honor of the weekend arriving...PTL!!! I thought this might brighten your day. :)

Enjoy!

Treasure

2010-12-02T23:52:00.000-06:00

*disclaimer*disclosure*warning* ;) The following post is highly personal and emotional. I'm mainly posting if for a few close friends who read, but if you need a good cry, and promise not to tell me to get my big girl panties on, and get over it....feel free to read on.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Tonight we got in after dark to my Dad's deer camp. Always before he'd had a TV in his 5th wheel, well, he took it out... So, after we got unpacked and the girls and I were settled in, we thought we could watch a movie on the laptop. I started looking around, thinking he surely had a DVD stashed somewhere... Well, no DVD, but I did find something, that for me is a treasure....

Let me back up, just a bit.

My brother was married in October of 2006. There were several people taking pictures, besides the photographer. So, for a while afterwards, we would receive pictures from one family member or another. ALL very welcome. ;) In the late summer of 2007, Sweet Memory gave me a Ziploc bag of pictures. Did you know she was a Kindergarten teacher? She kept EVERYTHING in Ziploc baggies. Lol!

Inside that bag I found pictures, that were good, and soon would become my favorites. I wanted so much to take them to have some editing done, after we lost her, but only had the copies I had and was afraid to let them out of my sight. By now, you know where this is going. The treasure found was the CD with photos I had, and more...of a time past, when all seemed right in the world.

Wanna see?

Oh, happy day! My family...love. Dad, Brother, and my Mom.

Hehehe... This picture caught us unaware, and for that I love it. Kind of like life. ;)

My Grandma. She called me "my girl." She went on Home, December 1, of last year. Yes, exactly one year ago, I was sitting by her bed, holding her hand, and even though she couldn't speak, she gave me the same look you see in this photo. Loved her, love her....still. Home was just as much her house, as my own. The "Sew Sow" in the title of this blog? She's the reason... How else would I know that strawberries grow great in the asparagus patch?

My favorite.

This photo of us...makes my heart swell and eyes water... So wish I knew what was so funny. This was not an uncommon sight or occurrence. Laughter came easy in our home and family. Scott and David are sweethearts, but I'm having this one edited(now that I've got the file). There the three of us are laughing, with my Dad standing in the background. Always, like our Northern Star, our rock, the one who made it so easy to believe in a Heavenly Father, because he was a living, breathing reflection of Him. Mom said she knew I needed something, when I would call from school and ask for Dad. Sorry, Dad, should have called just to say, "hello."

And finally,

My parents, together, smiling...just as it should be. What would I have changed if I had known, that just 369 days later we would be gathered in a cool room in disbelief. Holding her hand as the breath left her body for the last time and her heart slowly...stopped...beating.

Post Script.... It's taken me a couple of days to work up the nerve to post this...still not sure...I will say that God is faithful, and most days I'm in a really good place. :)

Tour(still playing catch-up ;) )

2010-12-02T23:11:00.000-06:00

So, I promised you a tour... Don't let it be said that I don't keep my promises. ;)

What does a momma who loves some fresh venison, appreciates a good shot, but has no desire to sit in a deer stand do in the "deer woods"? She quilts! I made a crazy quilt the first two years we went, and the last two years, I've worked on my "Green Quilt." Why green? Well it's my favorite color, of course! ;)

Aaannnddd...where else can you have army trucks and flowers right next to each other?

In the morning, you've got to have a little comfort. So, remember my eggnog milkshake? Well, how about eggnog coffee?

I had my Daddy try it. Lol! His response was, "That's TERRIBLE!" Well, I like it! Yummy :))

You saw what we did when we drove up in the night, here's what it looks like in the light of day.

And where the momma and girls stay....Thank you, Daddy!! (complete with working plumbing!!)

And a few more sights....

Know what this is for? Don't worry, by the time they get here, they don't feel a thing...hehehehe...

Yeah, if you're a bambi lovin' tree hugger.... you might want to stop reading this....NOW ;)

You gotta appreciate a good group of men with a great sense of humor....

For the "harvest", and just in case you can't read the sign...

Lol!!! Is that not hilarious? Love it! LOVE a man with a sense of humor!!!!

What do you do if it's drizzling and you're bored in the camp house? You talk your Grandpa into going outside and letting you shoot the BB gun...

Okay, you've been warned once, but I'm telling you, DO NOT read further if you are opposed to blood, guts, or dead deer...

My Little Guy got his first deer! Well, he might have had some help, but please don't tell him! He and his Grandpa had a very productive morning!

Okay, there was one more pic I wanted to share, but even with my warnings, I'm afraid it's just too graphic for some of my readers. It is of a 13 year old girl getting a lesson in cleaning and dressing out a deer. Why would I want to share that? Because 30 years ago, that was me. No, I'm not 40....yet! But, I got an earlier start. Hehehe...

The take was great! Archer got two, Daddy got one, Brother took two, and, of course, Little Guy got his first!! Way to go Guys!! Lot's to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2010-11-25T20:29:00.048-06:00

Ha! Ha! Yeah, I know Thanksgiving has come and gone, BUT I've been without internet, since last week. :-/ So you're getting my posts from last week...this week. ;) Sooooooo this is what I wrote last Wednesday night.

Oh, my, this connection is incredibly slow! Let's see how far we get, okay? ;)
Our Thanksgiving is a little different, as I said last week. First, all the cooking is done before hand, at home, because on Wednesday morning, we pack it all up and head for the deer woods. Yes, the deer woods. Now for all you city slickers out there, *read "Kansas"*. Hehehehe.... That just means where you go to hunt. For us it happens to be a lease in Sheridan, Arkansas. There deer don't grow huge, but they are plentiful. When we drove up tonight, this is what we saw....

And this is where we have our Thanksgiving...

Where the boys sleep...

Where the momma sleeps...Yes, I know, I do have the better end of the deal. ;)

This is Mr. D with BettySmiles and Little Guy, showing them pictures from is trail cam...

Earlier in the day Dad had called to say that D had cleaned the floor for us (me) to come. Yeah, I'm not exactly laughing, just a slight giggle...I mean, have you seen the floor? BUT...how incredibly sweet. Although some may call him a bear, I think I'll just call him, "Teddy." ;)

Tomorrow you'll get a tour in the "daylight."

The "No Man Bashing" Zone

2010-11-21T22:22:00.001-06:00

I love men. I've been blessed to know and love some of the most precious men the Good Lord ever created. I have loved my Daddy since the day I was born, I have been blessed with three, yes, THREE of the most wonderful Grandfathers...EVER. On November 2, many years ago, God and my parents gave me a gift, that I call Brother...love him, beyond words. Growing up, I had friends who happened to be boys, Men of God who taught me well(sometimes I listened, sometimes...ummmm...not so much). Heck, I even had a high school sweetheart, that I can still think of as sweet(even if his FB profile pic, this summer, looked like a stinking Corona ad, not nice, P). When the time came I found a man to marry who adores me...still have not figured out why. Together we have had two beautiful boys(I'm their momma, I can call them beautiful. ;) ). I tell you all this so you will not think I am horrible for what I am about to share with you.

So last Thursday, I get this in my email from Archer. It came with a note of apology...that now he understands...and will not ask to go to the grocery store with me...ever...again...

I laughed so hard that my kiddos all came to check on me and ask if I were alright. ;) Enjoy.....

Seasons....

2010-11-15T23:23:00.002-06:00

The seasons are changing...this is what it looks like on our lane right now...

Nice, huh? Just down the hill and to the right, is where we make our home, and wait for you to come on over, and sit on the porch. :) Your feet are welcome under our table anytime!

With the change of seasons comes.......SPECIALTY Shakes!!! LOL!!!

And I had my first of the holiday season flavors Friday night(after a Patriot victory, of course) at Steak and Shake. Wanna see?

What could be better than Eggnog ice cream? Seriously, I'm glad I had laced up the running shoes earlier in the day, because I downed the whole thing! YUMMY!! :0)

Sunday Archer brought in the Christmas trees. Yes, I know it's not even Thanksgiving, yet, and yes, I said "trees"-plural. Just wait.... there is a method to my madness. ;) You see we will go away for Thanksgiving, and will not be home until the Sunday after. I'll be exhausted and overrun with laundry, so, I like to have the trees up before we leave. I plan to blog all through Thanksgiving, let's just say our T-day plans are a little different. Yes, I'm getting to the "trees"-plural. I don't think it's that uncommon for people to have more than one tree, anymore. I know a lot of people who have two, or three.... Me? Well, I have....dare I say it? Five....

OK, I do not go overboard on any other holiday, just Christmas. AND I used to have one tree, then we started having children, and we really NEEDED a "kid" tree. Then, we moved into this house and it has a huge entry, and two windows in the living room, and it just looked better to have a tree in each window.... Don't you think? Hehehe....

I'll get the camera out later and get a better pic later. ;) Oh, the other two, yes, almost forgot. We lost Sweet Memory in October of 2007. That first year my Dad got nothing out or down from the attic for Christmas. The next year, I wanted a few things, so, he lovingly brought everything down for me. Well, she had two trees, and a lifetime of decorations.... She loved Christmas... I loved her then and love her still, how could I leave these things she treasured in the boxes? So....What did I do, but load every single thing up and bring it home with me. Oh, my...When it's ALL out...it looks like Christmas just threw up all over my house! BUT...it's great and the kids love it, and I love it, and when you come to visit, you will love it, too!

Today, as part of their chores, my Guys brought the decorations to the porch for me...and ...here...they... are...

Now to just get it all out... I better go, I've got some work to do! ;)

Brown Baggin' It....(almost done;) )

2010-11-15T22:44:00.000-06:00

Here we go.....one...more...time. Hate to tell you, but it won't be the last. ;) The back of my Brown Bag quilt is done! But......I don't have a picture of it, completed. I will show you what I do have pictures of. :)

I saved this as blue and green make neutral. ;) See I found some black with leaves(the pic refused to upload :-/ ), and saved it as "closebutno", you understand. So to make my back the size it needed to be, I simply added this allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way around. It's not too bad, if I do say so myself.

This is what it looked like before I added the "blueandgreenmakeneutral."

And....if it's not lying perfectly flat, *ahem-clears throat*, it must be because my youngest, decided it was a great spot to take a rest. ;) She would be the reason I HAVE to use a cutting table. Like her momma, she loves fabric, in fact, it must call to her, as it does me, because if a piece is spread out or put down, she is gonna be on it! :0) Her name is Ella, and she is my cuddle buddy, nap partner and co-fabric hound. Hehehe

My First Quilt

2010-11-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

I started quilting in the summer of 1999, the quilting bug bit me good. At that time I was VERY into rubberstamping. I have a dear sister friend, Ms. Sarah Kate, who at the time was interested in my hobby. So, one afternoon, she and her two littles, at the time, came on over and we set to stamping! It was fun on overdrive. When it was time for her to go home and get supper started, she invited me over for a quilting lesson the next week. Well, I thought I'd never be able to figure it out, but we'd had such a good time that afternoon, what could it hurt? Hehehe.... little did I know!!! Seriously, stop and laugh here! The next week I took my two littles, at the time(the one in the oven, too ;) ), and headed on over not knowing what to expect. I was in wonder at her quilts, and at that time she was even selling to a gallery in Chicago. HOW would I ever learn to DO that? Weirdest thing happened...she pulled out a piece of paper. Then she told me I was going to sew the fabric to the paper, and that would make a quilt block? Really? I had seen my grandmothers and great-grandmothers quilt, and that was NOT how they did it. But since I knew nothing, and it looked like she did, I decided to trust her. :) Ever so glad I did.

Paper piecing was a perfect way for a young mom to learn to quilt. It required no math, even though I thoroughly enjoy that aspect of the process now, when your about brain dead from pregnancy and preschoolers, it's kind of nice to just enjoy the creative process, without too much critical thinking. ;)

She kindly sent me home with patterns and fabric. Sarah Kate, have I ever said, "Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart."?

Well, it wasn't long(read *within the next two days) before I was out buying fabric, and I haven't stopped yet! Hehehehe.....

And, so, within a couple of weeks, I had made my first quilt... and it is entirely paper pieced, borders included. Lol This quilt has been loved, washed, dried, thrown up on and I don't even want to know what else... So, the colors are a little faded, and my color choices certainly have changed, but here it is...

And the girl I made it for "then"...

And "now"....

My sweet Bonnie Love! Who just happened to turn 13 last week. Oh, how time goes by...

And the Winner is.....

2010-11-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

Well I went to random.org, and got the winner! The winner is 2! That would be Mary Lou!!!
AND......it's her BiRtHdAy!!! How ironic is that?!?! Happy Birthday, Mary Lou, and I hope you're feeling better! Everybody hop on over to Cheaper Than Therapy Quilting, and tell her congrats, Happy Birthday, and Get Well Soon! If you're not a follower of her blog, you should be! ;) She is delightful.

Mary Lou, let me know if you want your name or initials...

For the rest of you, thanks for taking time to comment. ;) AND....don't worry, we'll do it again, real soon!

Design Wall Monday

2010-11-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

Ok, here we are. It's Monday, and if you need a good laugh, I've got one for ya. ;) So, I've been updating you on my Brown Bag Quilt, if you haven't seen it it's here. Well, the thing needs a back, and since I am determined to use ALL the fabric sent in the swap, and I had already cut it up.... This is what I've got so far...

I actually saved it under "laugh", cause I know that's what you're doing. Hehehe..... me, too. ;)

And I'm working on a pieced bias binding, wondering if all the work is going to be worth it, since the three fabrics all read black....

AND.... praying I have enough of these three to finish out this back!

Hoping this thing is done soon! I've got to get back to my Stashbuster quilt, and a Farmer's Wife Sampler that I am on the edge of my seat to start! ;) (not to mention Christmas dresses to make, but that's another post ;) )

If you haven't entered the giveaway, yet, you've still got time. Just go here. Giveaway time is 7 p.m., CST. :)

Giveaway.....Yay!

2010-10-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

So some of you know I have a little side business. While monogramming a bag for my sweet Jewel last night, I was thinking of how much I enjoy all of you! Then I realized it was time to share the love! So many have been so kind to me, maybe I could "pay it forward." So, here it goes.....

My first Giveaway...

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. That's it. I'd be thrilled if you decided to follow, but it's not required. ;) Just make sure I can contact you.

A winner will be chosen at random on Monday, November 1.

Oh.... you want to know what you'll win? Yeah, I can understand that. :)

Winner will win a monogrammed bag, name or initials, and color of your choice, just like this one

This font is Comic Sans, but I've got lots, so we can do something different. ;) BUT...that's not all... I'll also send you a travel cup to match!

Good Luck! Remember, only comments left on this post will be entered. :0)

See you, Monday!

*post script* Feel free to share the love and link back on your blog! The more, the merrier!

I love that!!!

2010-10-27T00:38:00.001-05:00

All I can tell you is that I love this song. I heard it first on Tuesday, October 12. I know cause it was kind of a stinky day. :-/ I know it's been out for a while, but I never heard or never noticed it before, and that day I heard it twice! Somebody trying to tell me something? ;) Can't tell you the times I've listened to it since. Hope it makes you smile...

What Homeschooling Looks Like.....on a good day

2010-10-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

I get lots of questions about homeschooling. While it's becoming more popular and socially acceptable, many are still baffled by the whole concept. We home school for many reasons, too many to get into on what is supposed to be a "light-hearted" blog. I will share a verse, though, that completely corresponds to the title of this blog.

"Trust in the Lord and do good;

Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness."

Psalm 37:3

(emphasis mine)

As a homeschooling mom, that's what I'm working toward, hoping and trusting God for. I fail so many times, but He is faithful to take my mistakes and turn them for His good. Really if you've got time today, and your wondering what God has for you, I'd encourage you to read all of Psalm 37. In my Bible, I have written at the top of the chapter "God's job description for me." Here's a picture of my Psalm 37.

Obviously, by the underlining and markings, this speaks to me. If you let it, it will speak to you, too.

Oh, yes! Homeschooling....chased a rabbit there, didn't I? Well, I do come from a long line of hunters. ;)

One thing I love about homeschooling is that I get experience most, if not all, of my children's first. Especially sweet is the light in their eyes as the decoding of letters and sounds evolves into reading. Just this morning Little Guy was having his reading lesson, and missed a word, he gets frustrated when he is not successful on the first try sometimes.

This is the face of the child who rubbed his head and said, "I think I've just had too much sugar, this morning." Lol! Wonder where he's heard that before?!

And this is the moment I get to encourage him, that we all make mistakes, and you just gotta keep trying.

He said some more funny things, but I think I'll save those for a later post, as I will need permission to quote from another blog, for you to get the joke. ;)

Hope you have the best day! I'm off to enjoy my VERY blessed life. :) Thank You, Jesus!!!

*If you've been following the blog, this week, you are probably thinking, "Boy, this chick is all over the place!" You would be right. Welcome to my life. It's a roller coaster around here, might as well hang on and enjoy the ride. ;))

3 in the Morning....and WHAT am I doing up?

2010-10-26T03:44:00.000-05:00

Good Gravy! It's 3:18, to be exact, and what am I doing? Laundry. You know I keep getting these spam emails saying things like, "Adults living with ADD." Seriously, who told them? I had laundry in earlier, towels in the dryer, shirts in the wash. When I went to get the towels... : P... still damp. So round two, while letting them dry just a little longer, get the kiddos in bed, a little sewing time, sit down to watch a movie, take a little nap, wake and think...and smile, and say, "You know it's 2:30, I should maybe go to bed." Start to get ready...half way there... Stop! Wait! You have shirts in the wash.............. You have got to be kidding me. So, I wait. Cause I may looooooove to iron my stash, but I will do whatever it takes to keep from ironing those shirts! Hehehehe

Oh, and can I just say, cause I been wanting to express this for a while, and just had no place to do it, so right here and now in this run-on sentence would be the perfect place. Using an iPhone has just about killed my typing capabilities! While looking for a computer this summer I asked my brother, "Don't they have a computer that will fill in the blanks for you?" He laughed and said sadly, no, there was not a computer that would do my typing for me. I have an app on my phone that I just speak into....it was free. :-/ On the brighter side, I have had two, well..... one highly (*read probably the smartest person I know*) intelligent person and one moderately intelligent person(you can guess which one you are, cause I know you're both reading this. Lol! *it really is getting late, I'm crossing over to the silly side, and I do not want to go there*) call 'me'..., 'jan'... "tech savvy!" What a hoot!!!!

Words...

2010-10-25T21:27:00.004-05:00

Words With Friends.... Scrabble on your phone. Have you played? I have. I gotta tell ya, it's been an experience. Did you know before Words I did not even know this whole "Blogland" existed? Yep, just a mom raising kids, sewing away all by her lonesome. Until, Words. It works like this, you have to choose a user name, just like every other application on the iPhone or Internet, logical choice for me was something to do with sewing. My choice... *sewgirl(a variation of *sewgirl, icon added, if you request "sewgirl" you won't get me ;) ). Then you have to start games. You can start them randomly, which can be very interesting, either good <3 or badX. You can search your contacts, or search by user name. Me, being the dork I am, decided to type in every sewing and quilting term/name I could think of. You would not believe what came up. There are a lot of us out there! I got to play with Jody Burrow one day, you know the inventor of the Square in a Square Ruler. I was so excited! Kinda like the time my mom was a telephone operator in 1969, and got to place a person to person call to ELVIS PRESLEY! Hehehe, well, my news might not have been that big, but I was excited!

In June, I hit pay dirt. I found my Friend, Melissa, of Sewing Adventures. I remember her saying, "Do I know you?" To which, I had to reply sheepishly, "No, I'm just a sewing geek, who typed in random sewing terms. It's okay if you want to resign." Melissa so graciously replied, "No worries, it's all good." From there it's history. Quilting friends. She is the one who introduced me to Blogland. Many thanks, Melissa!!! xoxoxo

And, as a post script, I'll just say today was a good day, as I got to put a voice with a face and name...thanks for the chat. :) Looking forward to many more and a hopeful visit! You made my day.

*Secondary post script, the timing of this post is ironic, in that I am currently taking a break from all games but three ;) FB friends, thanks for the offers to play, I'll definitely let you know when I'm back. :)

Design Wall Monday

2010-10-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I haven't been posting much about my quilting, that doesn't mean I haven't been working on it. ;)
My little business had eaten so much of my sewing time in the last two years, this summer I started MAKING time to quilt again. That has included collecting all my UFO's, and, yes, I do plan on getting them on their own page......eventually. Lol :-D

Since I've been working on my Brown Bag Quilt, and it used to be called the Ugly Quilt, I decided to show you another one. Yes, bless my heart(read *you are an idiot* bahahaha), I have TWO. Remember the good ole days, when you could watch Alex Anderson twice a day if you wanted? Well, one show had a segment called What to do with Ugly Fabric. Being the scrappy kinda girl I am, I thought, "That's for me."
So I set to work....four years ago. How do I know, because a very dear friend was expecting her third baby, and I thought it would make a very cute quilt for a little boy. This sweet child will be four in February. :-/

So here is what I have done....

Thirty 4.5 inch blocks, finished this quilt would be 20x24, without borders. Wondering where to go from here. Any ideas? All suggestions welcome. :)

Happy Monday! <3 ;)

Where Has it Gone?!? (installment two...you know you love me;) )

2010-10-25T00:31:00.002-05:00

What else have I failed to tell you about in October? Well, I got to meet my Hero....and everybody reading this is thinking something different...., but... you would be wrong...
Hehehehe. Isn't he a cutie! Iron Man to the rescue, and he LOVES me! What six year old doesn't love his momma? ;)

We also went to the state fair...

Kiddos got to see a miniature cotton gin, and grind corn in the hall of industry.

Funny. The things I took for granted as a child, absolutely thrill my kiddos!

This was the sweetest little burro. I would have brought her home, if I had not thought Archer would wring my neck!

These little piggies were just about 36 hours old. There was another litter just a few hours old, but I decided to spare you that picture(TMI).

There were rides, cotton candy and games on the midway!

It was a great day, and although it marked the third anniversary of Sweet Memory's home going, I know she would be thrilled that her grandchildren were happy and laughing. Made the day a lot better for my Daddy and me, too.

I also got out of town for a little R&R, at a nice little B&B! Naps, long baths, good food, and a little shopping, what more could a girl ask for? Saw the coolest mural...

And Shelli, this one's for you....

As I came down the steps, I looked to my left, and almost stopped to take a pic, while I giggled with memories of years gone by. When I got down the steps, of course, I wished I had taken the picture, but was too lazy to go back up and get it. So, I just took it from the street. Can you read the sign? When I was in college, there was a time when I just almost got... a..... tattoo. *gasp* Oh, and at the moment I was walking down those steps and giggling to myself, I was thanking God for whatever it was that stopped me! Trust me, four pregnancies later, that would not have been attractive! Lol.

Speaking of Shelli, my sweet college roomie. We lived together in a house just across the street from campus and had a blast, but over the years we had lost touch. Well, we talked on Friday, and it was great! Picking up right where we left off, shared history is a good thing. Later that day she texted me that she had assigned me my own ringtone...(if you've only known me for the last 16 years, you might want to sit down) Right Now(for those of you who might be wondering, that's Van Halen ;) ). Oh, to be young again.

And, yes, I do have an opinion in the David/Sammy debate....;)

Brown Baggin' it....(I know your saying, "Will she ever finish?")

2010-10-24T22:15:00.002-05:00

Hello, again! Just wanted to catch you up on the Brown Bag Quilt.... and the winner is... Jacob's Ladder

Now just to decide if I should do borders or leave it. This pic isn't that great as it was taken late last night, just after the last stitches were put in, and the pressing was done. I just put it on the floor, climbed up in a chair and snapped it with my phone. It had been a long day leading up so my hand may not have been so steady.

At one point I did feel the need to get out of the house, so (or sew, hehehehe), I went to the movies, all by myself. Solitude, ahhhhhh.... BUT I saw The Social Network, and can I just say....Do Not waste your time or money. :p Granted, it was a drizzly day and I was in a dark mood, but please, people.... what WAS the point of making that movie? Those of you who know me, know I never walk in without the popcorn, well I walked out with it too, and promptly put it in the trash! Pardon the rant, just needed to get it out. There, ahhhhh........ I feel better now. :)

Anywho, if you've got any ideas about borders let me know, I think Melissa and I have the binding figured out, and I still haven't even measured it yet. It should be 48x48, but we all know about those should be's.
Lol

Where Has it Gone!?! (installment one, it's getting long! Lol)

2010-10-24T21:30:00.003-05:00

Where has it gone? October, that is... This month has been a roller coaster, highs and lows, firsts and lasts. I'll try to catch you up on the highs and firsts, and since this blog is meant to be encouraging, we'll leave out the lows and lasts. ;p

Goodness where to start? I'm not promising these are in any kind of order, but they did all happen in October. :))

Day one, I got to go to the airport and check the arrival board

AND......use the award winning restroom! Lol. If you're ever in the Fort Smith airport, be sure not to miss it. Hehehehe. After all, I'm sure it's on your bucket list, "Use an award winning restroom."

Picked up my sweet Honey, and we headed to Market Place for lunch. Since she had never had it we ordered the Flaming Queso!

No, this is not my Honey, it's me, she's taking the picture. Really it's supposed to be a picture of the queso, I just happen to be in the way. ;)

Later that day we got to cuddle a Little Bug! :)

This child has stolen my heart! I love being her aunt, and cannot wait until she is old enough to come and stay for the week. I have plans to spoil her rotten! ;)

Alas, the day was not over, we had a birthday to celebrate!

Happy Birthday, Little Guy! For the first time in sixteen years, I am driving the "lamest car in the world"(inside joke, leave a comment and I'll share ;) ), with no carseat. The first day this happened I posted it as my status on Facebook, with the tag, "I don't know whether to cry or jump for joy." The consensus was JUMP!!

My sweet Brother and Sister In Love, did just happen to come along with Little Bug

El Lorito's, the perfect ending, to a perfect day!

More to come!

Brown Baggin' It....cont'd (again ;) )

2010-10-01T23:15:00.000-05:00

So, I've made progress this week! Amid racking my brain for my business, taking orders, and working on orders, I've saved my late nights for my Brown Bag quilt. This weekend I'm gonna be taking some naps for sure!

I sliced up some fabric and made some strip sets, laid them out here so you could see how they work together. :)

No basket weaves here, people. Just seeing how it works together, and making sure the black makes enough of a statement. Next order of duty, cut these babies up!

Aaaannnnddddd sew them back together again! :)

How am I able to do this at night, when the house is quiet, and no one is calling, "Momma?"
Say hello to my friend....

Yeah, baby! I'm starting to piece the blocks now, just have to decide how to set them, may have to ask for some help from someone with an analytical mind. ;) Later, gator!

Fall is Here!

2010-10-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

Yay! Fall is here. The air is crisp, and I must were a robe or jacket when I take my coffee to the front porch in the mornings. We have the windows and front door wide open(don't worry, we have a screened in front porch, country people, remember ;) ). AND I bought lovely mums for my front steps. They are just about to bloom. When I came in this afternoon, I noticed this where the mums should have been, hummmmm...

And my mums were on the porch! Arrrgggg.......

No wondering what happened! Thanks, Tall Guy. Who, by the way is still getting taller, turned 15 last month, and has grown a 1/2 inch! Now even Archer must look up to him!

Brown Baggin' It cont'd.....

2010-09-29T09:17:00.001-05:00

Here's what I've got completed so far.

My lovely half square triangles. Hoping the black will read like more of solid, after it all comes together. I pulled the black with fall leaves from my stash, it was Sweet Memory's.

And, now.... It's time to slice the ham!

Hehehe. ;)) Hope that's not too offensive to all you piggy lovers and collectors. ;)

Brown Baggin' It

2010-09-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

It feels great to be back to "normal," whatever that is. ;) For the last two weeks our lives have been consumed with...

So, none of you knew I got a sweet package in the mail last week! ;) It was from Amanda, in New York. My kids are amazed that someone I do not know would send me something in the mail.
With this lovely card, that she made, and she sells on etsy, her shop is here.

Now, if you haven't signed up for the Brown Bag Quilt Swap, yet, there's still time! :) Just click on the button, it'll take you where you need to go.
Wanna see what was in the box? Well, here it is.

And, of course, there's always a ringer...pigs, pink pigs. Lol!

Just a little to bright for me, so I gave them a bath. After all, who has ever seen clean pigs? So first I got them wet. Then, I put them into a bath of.....coffee. Yep, that's right, coffee.

Just enough to take a little of the brightness out. Yeah, I added one tea bag just for good measure. :)
Then out they came, just a little more subtle. Whatta ya think?

I'm already working on my quilt, working late into the night, last night. All the while playing Words...with Friends. ;)
More to come...stay tuned.

Follow the Bouncing Ball

2010-09-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

Fall is here, and, so with the arrival of the brisk morning air....comes Patriot Basketball! Wooohooo! I'm pretty sure we're ready. Well, I KNOW four of us are, the other two...yeah, we're all ready. Patriot Basketball is our local home school team, and they kicked off the boys season Monday night with the start of their yearly camp. Four nights of four hour practices, which payoff, because last year(can I brag just a little ;)?) two of our teams won their divisions at Nationals, in Springfield, Missouri. Here's a picture of the 14u team just after their game:

So, we're excited to see what this year holds. With the beginning of the season comes new shoes...

And for me the Cathedral Windows quilt comes out of hiding. :) This is our third year to be involved in the Patriots' basketball program, and the first year I felt like I had a lot of down time, just sitting at practices. So, in the spring of 2009, our local quilt shop offered a Cathedral Windows class, I knew it was the class for me! Up to that point I had always said, "If it can't be done on machine, I don't have the time to do it," but after seeing the units, and realizing it was a highly portable project...let's just say, "I was up for it."

So now, when we have this going on out on the court...

This is what is happening in my lap...

And when little eyes see this on the table

They can't help but want to join in! :)

Little Guy called this his "Extreme Quilting." Yes, there is some testosterone flowing there. ;) Lol! May just have to keep that one.

The team motto for this season is "Laying it Down" John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." May we all practice what we preach, and follow the bouncing ball.

p.s. Yes, the girls play, too. :) They start next week...more to follow ;)

Stash Report

2010-09-12T21:31:00.001-05:00

Can you count fabric pulled? ;) Nah, guess you can't, but here's what I've got to be cut next

Hopefully, it'll be ready for a picture next week!

Now, on the the Stash Report.....

Fabric in: 0

Fabric in YTD: 12.75yds

Fabric out: 2.5yds

Fabric out YTD: 20.25yds

So, I can still say...Total Fabric out YTD: 7.5yds

At least I'm moving in the right direction(for now). :)

What have I been working on all week? Mostly monogramming, that goes out the door before I even think about taking a picture, but I've also been working on some sweet little dresses, that will be finished tomorrow. So, be sure and check back in the next couple of days to see, but for now here's a peek... ;)

Have a wonderful week, thanks for stopping by. Y'all come back, now, ya hear...;)

Thanks For Sharing

2010-09-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons I enjoy blogs is all the great ideas that people share. Especially in areas where I need help! A couple of weeks ago Rea Ann, over at Stash Manicure, posted a really great tip on organizing. Click here to see ;)
So, wanting to implement this idea as soon as possible, I set to work looking for containers as they came through the door(if sweet Archer brought home the groceries) or off the shelf(if I went to the store myself). I was so proud of my first find!

Only problem I ran into was that my hubby and Tall Guy didn't read Rae Ann's post, and I had to rescue this baby from the trash, not once, but TWICE! As soon as I saw it I knew exactly what was going to be put in here. Very rarely do I buy fabric for an entire quilt all at once, but in May of last year, I did. How do I know the date? Well, it was on the receipt, of course, that was still in the bag with the fabric! I have been wanting to make an Ocean Waves quilt, and when I found this line from Moda last year, I knew I had to have it. :)

It fit perfectly into my green container. Yes, I washed(scrubbed) it twice.

I included the receipt to remind myself that, even though the container might have been free, the fabric was not.

And I even got a nifty little handle! ;)

I've since been to the store, and will never buy spinach in a bag again!

I'm the new kid on the block, all of you know much more than me, BUT, on the off chance you've never visited Stash Manicure, click on the button up at the top left column of this blog. You'll be glad you did, I know I am!!

Sometimes You Just Need a Laugh!

2010-09-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

My friend, Jennifer posted this to her Facebook Page, several weeks ago. Since then I've watched it and laughed every time. If you've already seen this, feel free to skip it. If not, my advice would be to make a trip to the restroom before you watch it. ;) Enjoy!

What's Up, SewGirl?

2010-09-07T21:11:00.001-05:00

Ok, wake up, Jan. It's been over a week! A lot has been going on, and I'll catch you up a little at the time.
First, school has been in full swing for over a week now, with one vacation day ;). Little Guy has finally given in to the fact that he MUST "do" school now. When we went to by supplies he told Jewel, "Don't buy me any school supplies!" The other three basically picked up where we left off in May.

I've completed three more blocks in my stash buster quilt(you'll see them in a minute). When I find time to work on it, it goes surprisingly well, and comes together quicker than I thought! Even got to use a block in a lesson to demonstrate one square inch. Who says quilting is just for me? I quilt so I can have examples to enrich my children's education...yeah, I know, that's reaching a bit far, but you can't blame a girl for trying. ;)

So today, while the rain poured and the children read I decided to tackle a project I had been putting off. You see, I've always wanted a design wall, but never really had a place for one. So yesterday I had an idea, okay, everyday I have many ideas, this one just happens to be doable. :)) I asked sweet Archer if he had a spare board out in the shop and could I borrow his staple gun. Soon after I was presented with a six foot board, cleaned and sanded. I already had bought a bolt, yes, a bolt, of flannel some time back, that I was going to put on the back of a quilt, obviously never made it. So here's what I had:

There is no real wall space in my sewing room. It's an upstairs bonus room that I am so grateful for, but as so often happens half of the room is under a sloped ceiling. What I do have is this portable closet that I use to keep extra t-shirts, sweatshirts and the petite skirt from my wedding dress.

My sewing table sits just in front of it so it's hard to get a good picture. Can you tell where I'm going with this? ;) I measured the height and it's about 80 inches high and just under 60 inches wide. Since, my flannel was just over 40inches wide, I decided it would be easier to cut the length of fabric for the width that I needed, and sew the selvages together. Don't ask me why, in the moment it just seemed like the best way.

Just fixing to attach the flannel to the board when two of my most willing helpers decided I must be making a play mat, instead of a design wall. Lol

After lots and lots of staples :)I rolled it up...

And headed upstairs...where I unrolled it about half way and sat the board across the top of the closet. I know, it looks huge, and true, I could have ironed it, but I'm thinking those wrinkles will fall out...eventually.

So now I have my own, and may I add, portable, design wall!

I can audition blocks without laying them out on the bed, or on the floor downstairs, and running(okay, walking) upstairs to look down. Here are the five completed blocks for my stash buster quilt.

We all know that almost everything looks better set on point...

The bonus is that I did not spend a dime(at least not today)!

I know the pictures aren't great, I"m a QUILTER, not a photographer. LOL

Many thanks and blessings to SewCute!! My friend and Words Buddy!

Stash Report

2010-08-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

Nothing, I got nothing... :( BUT, I had a wonderful week! Our sweet Honey came to visit! Soooo... I'm still sitting pretty at:
Fabric out YTD: 5.5 yds

So, even though NO sewing got done, we had a very productive week. We enjoyed the mall...

And the park, but most of all each other, and can't wait to be together again!!

Honey Comes to Visit

2010-08-25T07:02:00.000-05:00

No sewing done yesterday, but we did have a very special visitor! Our Honey came!!! More pics to come, but for now I'll say we had a great first day, and look forward to two more. :) How did we start out our visit? Well, with a trip to Catfish Hole! How many people drive from Orlando to Alma, Arkansas, for good catfish and hush puppies? I know two that do!

Betty Smiles with her Honey

Little Guy with his Honey

My sweet Daddy with Dodge(and Bonnie Love being a toot and getting out of the pic!)

My Guys

Hope your day is as good as mine is going to be!

Legacy

2010-08-23T18:33:00.000-05:00

So, my kids have phones, and I can't tell you how many times I've told them to make sure those things are off and do not come out in church! Well, remember the saying, "Do as I say and not as I do"? Sunday night I looked to my right and could not resist taking my phone out to snap this picture.

Five Bibles open in a row, the oldest 16, the youngest 10, makes a momma's heart swell. Just wanted to share. :)

Stash Report

2010-08-22T16:11:00.000-05:00

Can't believe a week has gone by since I was last on here! I haven't even READ any blogs in the last week! Must spend some time catching up.

This week started off with a bang! :)) Glory and I went north to a quilt shop that had recently changed locations. Before shopping we stopped at Red Robin for lunch, yummmmm! Then on to the quilt shop! I picked up The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt, by Laurie Aaron Hird, can't wait to get started on it!
And...3 3/4 yards of fabric, already used some of it tho... They had one of the "no photo" policies, next time I think I'll explain more clearly WHY and HOW the photos would be used, I mean who doesn't want FREE advertising??? BUT I was just a little sneeky and got this quick one of the floor! Lol

Had to act like I was checking a text, and a lady that worked there even came and looked over my shoulder for a second! Lol

Anyway, we had a great time, and even stopped at a second Red Robin for milkshakes on the way home!

Got my second block done for my Stash Buster quilt, so that would make two so far...

and

For the rest of the week, I made one little dress, two pairs of little pants, and a TON of monogramming!

On to the stash report...

Fabric in: 3.75yds

Fabric in YTD : 12.25 yds

Fabric used: 3yds

Fabric used YTD: 17.75

Total Fabric out YTD: 5.5yds

(at least I'm still able to say out, lol)

On to another busy week! My aunt from Orlando arrives on Tuesday, she has a job interview on Wednesday at noon, so everybody say a prayer! We would so love to have her here!

Blessings to you all, jan

Stash Report

2010-08-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

What a busy week and day!!! Cousin's and Sister in Love have been here this week, and we have had fun, Fun, FUN! They stopped by the house on Wednesday for final measurements for sundresses. Thursday, they came by and picked up Little Guy could spend the night and play with Nifty. Friday, Sister and I went and saw "Eat, Pray, Love." Left Little Guy again, and brought home the Niceys. Late night, up till 3! On top of all that, back to school monogramming started this week!! Backpacks, towels, and lunch bags coming out my ears! Thank goodness, I need the business! AND today, Coach and Jewel celebrated 40 years of marriage. We are so blessed!

On to the Stash Report...
                                      Fabric in: 0
                                      Fabric in YTD: 8 1/2yds(helps when you start keeping track in AUGUST;))

                                      Fabric used: 2 3/4yds
                                      Fabric used to date: 14 3/4yds

                                      Fabric in/out to date: -6.25yds

Many thanks to my webmaster, Jill.

Happy Anniversary!

M&M in their dresses

Stash Busters!

2010-08-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

This morning, before anything else, I met with my good friend...coffee.

This is my new mug. I have two others I had been using, but my aunt(a nurse practioner) told me if the finish on the inside of your cup starts to wear away, and you see black, it's time for a new one! so this is my choice. Yeppers, it's from a set that belonged to my mom.<3

Remember the magazine I bought last week, well, the first block is completed!

I'm happy with it, most of the points came out ok. My new favorite quote is, "If it's still ugly, you didn't cut it small enough!" I have no idea who came up with that one, but it's great! The goal is to only cut one 1 1/2 inch strip from each fabric in my stash for this quilt. You may see a fabric in more than one block, but can't be more than one strip. I think it calls for 140 strips, or 5.8 yards...? Think I can make it , uhmmmm....sadly(or gladly?), yeah I think I can. Lol!!

Basketball started this week, that means cathedral windows came out of hiding. Wonder how much will get done this year? More to come on that one.

Do you have pet progect that only comes out at certain times of the year?

Stash Report

2010-08-08T16:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, since Judy said last week that anybody could jump in anytime...here I am. My name is Jan and I am so new to all of this, but enjoying it so much! I started quilting in the summer of 1999, at that time I was very into rubber stamping, but one afternoon a girlfriend, Sarah Kate, from sarahkatefibers.blogspot.com, had me over and showed me how to paper piece. The quilting bug bit me good, and, needless to say, my poor stamps have been boxed up ever since. In the last two years I've grown a small business with my sewing, but I so miss my quilting.

A WordsWithFriends buddy told me about her blog, Sewing Adventures(sewgreenm.blogspot.com). I was very intrigued, and the rest, well...here I am. :)

On to the Stash Report

In: 8 1/2 yards (feel ok about it cause I DO have a plan for it. hehe)
Used: 12yards (helps that I made curtains, out of my stash, no less!)

Guess that means I'm at a -3.5

Hope it was ok to introduce myself, and many thanks to Jill(jillquilts.blogspot.com) for answering my questions and walking me through. :)

curtains are a great stash buster!

I promise to learn how to link to others by next week!

Sewing Saturday!!

2010-08-07T08:16:00.000-05:00

Saturday is here and I am gonna sew!! Archer and Dad left at 4 this morning for McAlister(sp), OK, for a big tournament, traditional all the way!

Archer doing what he loves

Dad and Little Guy

So it's just me and the kiddos for the day. Not sure what THEY are gonna do, but I'm spending time with Aunt Bee!

And I might even crank up ol' Bertha!

See the map on the wall? Well, this used to be our schoolroom, and I sewed in a smaller room downstairs. We finally got our priorities in line and I moved upstairs! I did keep the ironing board downstairs, makes me check on my sweeties, and helps me get my steps in everyday. ;) Yes, there is a method to the madness.

Happy Saturday sewing, to you!!

Stash Busters

2010-08-05T10:35:00.001-05:00

Ok, think of movie theme songs, see if you can guess what I'm thinking...the words go something like this: When the fabric over flows, and you can't walk thru the room, who ya gonna call? Stash Busters!
When all you can say is, "oh, where is that?" Who you gonna call? Stash Busters!

isn't he a cutie

Lol! Yeah, I know I'm corny, but you gotta give me an A for effort. Really, my stash makes me incredibly happy. Just to see it and touch it. Just last night Bonnie Love said, "Good night, mom. Have fun ironing." Lol! BUT it has gotten out of hand. I'm so very blessed to have a room in our home, just for my sewing, and I must apologized to my sweet hubby for the mess I have let it become.

So what do I do? Bring one more thing home, of course! I bought this Monday.

It's full of great ideas for busting up a stash that's been sitting for a while. There are three quilts I want to make for sure in there. It also featured 4 sewing studios. I don't know about you, but I love seeing where other people work! The front cover also sported the words, "Get Organized!" Seriously, who could resist?

I've already started cutting strips for the quilt on the cover.

Can you guess what color I started with? Just now getting to the blues. Go, me, cutting into that stash an inch and a half at the time! I know it doesn't sound like much, but it does make me feel better. A lot of these fabrics have been inherited, you see, I've lost my Mom and Grandma, both in the last two and a half years. With all I had before, then all of their fabric, well, let's just say, I'm blessed. I feel them with me, and know how pleased they would both be to know they are still physically providing for me, even now. One day I'll get to tell them thank you, again!! Now that a post that was supposed to be funny, has brought me to tears...I better get to work. Got some more strips to cut!!

I was just wondering what's your favorite way to bust up your stash?

Have a great day!!

Home Improvements Can Include Sewing! :))

2010-08-04T23:13:00.005-05:00

Well, the last couple of weeks have been busy! We have all been working hard, including our sweet neighbors Amen and Glory. One day I sent Archer a text that said, "Amen is picking up your yard, and Glory is sweeping my floor." Praise the Lord for good neighbors!! It has all been worth it, the house has been appraised and come in at exactly what we needed it to! Can you say, God answers prayers! We finished painting the kitchen

where we had been keeping up with heights on the dry wall

My sweet Daddy brought me this from Pennsylvania two years ago. It's the first thing you see when you come in our front door(did I tell you I painted the front door black? Love it!). So this year he brought me this!

AND...it just happened to have the exact color in the quilt, as we had put on the wall, yeah...I'm smiling. :)

Our kitchen cabinets had these plastic inserts in them, and I forgot to take a picture with them in, but I remembered to take one without.

Then I made some curtains, and this is what we ended up with...(all fabric came from my stash! Go me!!)

Now just to make curtains for the windows! As you can tell our house is a little different. But I think it fits us, I tell people think Silver Dollar City meets Big Cedar Lodge, more on the SDC side. Lol!

What's been your most recent home improvement project?

FNSI, Home Improvement

2010-07-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

Well, my first Friday Night Sew In was a sew not. :( I did get my sweet Bonnie Love home tho, so I'm all smiles about that!
Let's start from the beginning. Friday, my sweet hubby, Archer, decided we needed to do some home improvement projects. So, he comes home with new flooring for the upstairs bathroom and hallway, the only two spaces that have yet to be replaced. This means I have to clear the upstairs hallway...gag! You see, there's about an eight foot space at the end of the hall that leads to no where, and in this space I have a bookshelf where we keep home school curriculum that is not currently being used. I also have put some things there that came to me when my dad sold his house, two boxes to be exact of things Sweet Memory had kept, and I just had not had the heart to go through yet. Okay, moving on with the story. So when I go to move the first box, made of cardboard, who knows how old, it breaks, and things go everywhere. So, instead of dumping them into another box, I decide now is as good a time as any to go ahead and dive in. It was easier than I thought it would be, and I condensed it down by at least 75%! Go me! Praise the Lord, the other box was a Rubbermaid tub!lol
After that, it was time to fix supper and head out to get my Bonnie Love from camp! She had a great time, but I actually think she was ready to come home(maybe just a momma's wishful thinkin'). She had lots to tell and was so tired she could hardly keep her eyes open.
This morning I got up and put some crazy quilt blocks together, so that top's almost finished and I'll post a pic as soon as it is!, Then Archer called a family meeting around the table to discuss the plan for the day, after which everybody got to work, and Little Guy and I went to get what we needed from Lowe's. Archer finished the upstairs floor, kids and I painted the kitchen till we ran out of paint(got some more tonight), and painted the front door, inside and out. The color of the kitchen is Roasted Chestnut, and the front door is black. When we went to Lowe's this morning, I told the girl in the paint department I needed black paint for a door. She asked if I wanted interior or exterior, I said that it was our front door, so half of it is outside. Then she asked what color black I wanted...seriously? I told her, "Black. Can't I just buy black paint?" The answer was yes. I am exhausted and going to bed after a very tiring but productive day. Oh, but our house is a WRECK! When I went upstairs to check progress, I looked down on the dining area and entry way...oh, my goodness! At least the upstairs toilet is back upstairs and not on the front porch, like it was last night! I'm sure our neighbors just love us...

Friday Night

2010-07-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

So much is going on tonight! First we pick our lovely Bonnie Love up tonight from camp. Cannot wait to wrap my arms around that girl, and squeeze her tight! Then, it's also my first Friday Night Sew In. I've got plenty to work on that's for sure; we'll see how it goes. I put the button on the sidebar so just click it for more info(I guess?). Off to finish the day...

Half Way

2010-07-21T15:49:00.000-05:00

Well, we are half way into the week, and remember that list I made on Sunday...? What happened? I've gotta get busy! Heading to the sewing room now. We'll see what I can get done before Archer gets home.

Here's a picture of the "organized corner" of my sewing room.

This is just one little corner, maybe I'll get the rest of it cleaned up so you can see it all, sigh...I've just got tooooooo much stuff. Lol! But I MIGHT NEED IT!

Niceys Come to Visit

2010-07-19T13:30:00.000-05:00

Last week we had a visit from the Niceys. Great to see them, after they had been in California for the whole month of June!

The pic to your right was my first attempt to make dresses from my own pattern. I hope you're thinking, "you've come a long way, baby." Lol! My first love is quilting, can ya tell? :)

When they come, it makes everybody happy, can you tell from Betty Smile's face?

The Little Guy showing off his guns. Lol!

Hot fun in the summertime! Cousins make for good times! :))

M&M found lots to do with a hoola hoop!

Two Cuties in their Little Paula outfits last fall. Love you, girls!!!

Weekly Goals

2010-07-18T09:39:00.000-05:00

1. Make one baby bed dust ruffle(maybe bumper, too)

2. Make on Annabelle size two for fall

3. Mail package to Nicey ;)

4. Consistently plan my work, and then, WORK MY PLAN!

5. Quilt 2 hours just for me

6. Collect all UFO's and log

7. Deliver Zebra dress to DL

8. Have lunch with a friend

9. Read one book

10. Have fun with Tall Guy, Betty Smiles and Little Guy

11. Try to survive while my Bonnie Love is away at camp! She is my right hand and I'm not sure
I can make it a week without her. Praying she has a wonderful time!

My sweet, sweet Bonnie Love.

Hope your week goes well. :)

Blessings, from our house, to yours...j

The End of the Beginning

2010-07-17T20:24:00.000-05:00

Well, last night my Little Guy played his last game of his first tball season. Needless to say, he
LOVED it! After watching Tall Guy and Bonnie Love play basketball, he was thrilled to be on his own team. Now, for those of you that have never seen a Jr. Pee Wee tball game...you have missed the finest baseball around! I'm not knocking anybody, I'm just saying that there is no more free, clean fun than watching a few really good men coaching twelve five year old boys. Archer referred to as "herding cats." Lol! At times...that's exactly what it looked like.

Little Guy made new friends, gained new skills and learned what it meant to 'take one for the team'. There were tears, but many more smiles, and goodness knows how many thumbsups! ;))

The men that took on the challenge are to be commended. Their character was proven by their patience, when repeating themselves for the...let's see 12x10 is...120th time. Christ was reflected each time an encouraging word was spoken, a high five given and most of all when the words were spoken "good job, son." As a mom, I am grateful. Thank you.

We had a great season, fun for everyone, players, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, and friends. In the picture above our boys are running towards a First Place trophy! First overall in their league! Great job guys!

Look at those smiles! Believe me, those cutie pies are as tough as nails. In the last game Little Guy got hit with the ball, and kept on runnin'. He's still talking about it, saying, "It's not fair to throw the ball at a boy to try and get him out. You shouldn't do that, it's not nice." Lol! He is convinced they were really trying to hit him. Too funny!

First Baptist EAGLES

With their First Place Trophy

They began well, and ended well. Finishing first in the season, and second in post season play! As for the title of this post, well, the 2010 season is done, 2011 is yet to come. Bring it on!

Annabelle

2010-07-16T14:04:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I'm new to this, and still figuring this whole blog thing out. I was so proud that I figured out how to post multiple pictures, but got them in reverse order, but as much as I try to do things right, just can't bring myself to redo. ;)
So, the first pic was SUPPOSED to be last....

What I wanted to show you was the makeing of an custom order. Here you'll find the sample I made, I think the colors really work better for fall, then the first pic, which was to last...is a summer look, that was a special order, picture of Lily wearing it to come later. Enjoy!

Have a great day!

Blessings!!

Here We Go....

2010-07-07T22:57:00.001-05:00

You guessed it! This is my sweet Betty Smiles! She caught her first fish!! I think Archer had to take it off the hook, tho. Don't worry, they threw it back. ;)

This is my Little Guy showing me how to skip rocks in creek while we were camping over the 4th, at Shady Lake!

Test

2010-07-07T22:44:00.001-05:00

Okay, let's see if this works. Posting via email? Who knew! Only not sure how I'll handle the tags? Also guess I'll have to choose photos before I start writing, as this is from my phone. Anywho...if anyone reads this leave me a comment so I'll know you've been here.

Blessings!!!