KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, BUT IT DOESN'T MAKE MY BLOW DRYER RUN!

Friday, February 28, 2014

Freezing Cold Friday


The other day I came across this blog called, We Use Coupons that had a cute, quick little pin cushion.



I followed most of the directions but changed it up. I did find a frame at the Dollar Tree. It is plastic.


I painted it using Delta craft paint because it was what was in the house. Two coats.



Instead of using a piece of plain fabric, I decided to look into my bag of embroidery that am hoarding  saving for a worthy project. The colors in this piece were perfect but it was too big.



This one was perfect and it shows off those perfect buillion stitches. I also liked the texture of the linen.
I love that some one had the patience to make all those pretty stitches.


 I cut 2 pieces of batting the same size as the glass and put it behind the embroidery. It poofed out just enough and then I replaced the cardboard backing. There is no glass on the front.



It looks cute next to my notions. I don't know if I can stick pins in it....


One more FW block complete. I think there will be more this weekend.

Kelly


Thursday, February 27, 2014

Inspiration, Temptation, Education and an Anniversary


I love the colors and design of this West Elm catalog. It might be the circles I like.


I am inspired by these colors on my scarf. Of course it looks way better in real life.


Today I came home to a large box. My son and his family sent us a Key Lime Pie. Look how perfect it is!


That's because today my husband and I have been married 38 years! I got his name tatooed on my finger when I turned 50. It is covered up by my rings so no one ever really sees it, but I know it is there. Good thing his name wasn't long....



This is our new book for book club next  month. I am going to start it soon because I really want to  read...


this! It comes highly recommended. Has anyone read either of these books? Opinions are welcome.

Not a lot of sewing got done this week, but guess what? Another giant snow storm is on the way for the beginning of next week. My project planning has started.

Kelly

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Skinny Mail and Tastykakes


I participated in a skinny pin cushion swap over at Amy's blog, Amy Made That. It was a fun swap and look at the cool pin cushion I got from Carol over at The Polkadot ChickenI love the heart button and the faux ruler is great too.



Here's the back.



Carol sent along some goodies, let's just say that chocolate is no longer around....



and this adorable hand made card, with stitching along the edge. Thank you so much again Carol!



Today is the 100th birthday of Tastykakes. Every kid had one of these in their lunch box when I was growing up. It is a company that is based in Philadelphia and is not sold around the country, it's a regional delight! The Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes is their best selling product which really surprised me.


I thought for sure it was the Krimpet. These are still in our home even though the kids are gone. My husband eats them every day. Have you ever tasted one? I had relatives that asked us to send boxes to them in Illinois. Don't even compare them to Hostess!
Happy Birthday Tastykake!

Kelly

Monday, February 24, 2014

Good Monday Morning


Good Morning! Yesterday I came home from our quilt getaway and am ready to greet the new week. It is amazing how just a little break from life and can get you into a different frame of mind. It helps that the sun is coming up earlier and staying light later, even if snow is predicted this week.



Every one had a good time and lots of work was accomplished.



I think the award of the weekend goes to Denise who made this quilt in time for a baby shower that was held yesterday  Talk about cutting it close! Yeah Denise!



I got 5 more FW blocks made.




Love this one!



I am not correcting the mistake in this one. It adds character....





I got half of these blocks completed and have plans to get them finished this week.



I also am about 3/4 the way through these. They took longer than I thought but were still pretty easy to do.


I won these in the Chinese Auction.



There was some shopping too. Lesson learned, look at the fabric your friends pick out before you check out. Stephanie had this in her pile when I spotted it. The line was about 15 people deep so I decided to skip it. She was nice enough to share a piece with me.



I also found this favorite in gray.



I am now in charge of our unofficial mascot, Max. He has been with us now for about 18 years??
I will warn you now, if you are easily offended don't look at the next picture. Why is he wearing a vest you ask?




Are you shocked? We quilters can get a little wild!

Kelly

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Getaway


I am getting ready to leave for the Penn Oaks Quilt Guild annual getaway. Before I go I wanted to squeeze in one more post. This is a baby quilt for my niece who is due in July. She already knows she is having a boy and I think the wild colors will be fun for a baby to look at.



I have 25 blocks put together (not all are buttonholed yet) so I could see if I would like the colors together. I do! I especially like how a few of the light ones fade out.....like the original antique. In real life it is a little more visible.


My projects are packed. Don't I look so organized? I have 5 projects to work on, 2 that I am pretty sure I can get completed in the 3 1/2 days.



I feel like I am packing light this year, hope I didn't forget anything!
See you next week.

Kelly

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Icy Blue


We all know you can be inspired by anything, anywhere at anytime. I am going to say I am being inspired by the cold weather with these icy blue baskets.






I have had this in the back of my mind for a while. I originally was going to do it on a solid white background but I need more.....so I added the dots. I pieced them and knew that would take forever.





I am using a wide range of solids in blues, turquoises to a touch of purple. Instead of piecing I am using a buttonhole stitch. I like this very much, I still don't know how large I am going to make it. I would like to name it A Million Baskets.



This is my inspiration, an antique quilt that is so cool! There are 525 baskets in this quilt!
I need to be sure that at our getaway this week I have enough projects to work on, just in case.



My grandsons Griffin and Elliot are here today because there is no school, not because of snow {though it did snow again}but an in service day. They have been off of school now since last Wednesday. Seriously they couldn't have changed the in service day? These kids are going to be in school until July at this rate!

Bob

An update on my brother in law's kitchen. Not much has been done during the snowy weather because all the people working there plow snow! The fireplace surround and mantel turned out beautiful. The wood is recycled elm.

Dylan
They are getting towards the end. It is always good when the painter is there, it won't be long.

Kelly

Monday, February 17, 2014

Cabin Fever


I just realized that I have been in the house for a long time. When I went out to shovel the other day I decided to have some fun and make a different kind of snowman. My husband laughed his head off when he rolled in after another long day of plowing. The neighbors enjoyed it too!


I got a few more blocks made this weekend.



This one makes me a little uncomfortable because I think it looks like a swastika. Does it? The sashing in the middle makes it a bit different, but enough?



I like the colors in this one.



This one refuses to lay flat.



I like this color combo too.

I would like to hear opinions about that first block, if you don't mind.

Kelly