Neither Brilliant Nor Beautiful But a Real Gem

Recent find, is it a good one?

2011-08-18T13:39:00.005-04:00

I recently purchased these fun looking yarns at the newly open Christmas Tree Shop in Fayetteville. I think they would be great for couching on under the sea blocks. When I read the label it states 'Do not iron'. Is this common with these types of yarn? They are 100% polyester. Should I strike them from my list of sea weed possibilities? I'd appreciate any input!

UTS continues

2011-07-27T14:39:00.004-04:00

So I added rocks, beads and shells... ...some ribbon sea weed and needle woven fronds ...and beads and twisted gimp in pink and feather and fern stitches over some bias binding.

It went Under the Sea

2011-07-27T13:28:00.017-04:00

my Half and Half round robin block that is! The guidelines required that we stitch a block in two colors. This is the naked (unembellished) block I sent out. It measures 10 1/2 inches within the stitching area.I really appreciate Amber, Lynn and Jenni stitching on my block. This is the block I received home. The ladies did some great stitching but I wanted to add some more to my ocean floor scene. I let the block sit for a while before I began. I'll do a second post. Blogger is having fun with me today!

Thanks for posting a Tutorial

2011-07-21T15:29:00.007-04:00

The instructions for business card holders was shared on Stitchmap (see side button). A fellow member found them here at The Crafty Cupboard. Thanks Melanie! The internet has opened the world of crazy quilting to me and I love it!! I have found so many sharing sites. I have visited Kathy here many times. On the CQ4Newies group we are doing an Underwater or Under the Sea (UTS) Round Robin. I remembered Kathy posting about UTS. Her post taught me the needle weaving leaves or fronds in pea green. Thanks Kathy! The cup cake pincushion was another Stitchmap project. I really layered on the icing! The tutorial was posted on Buzzing and Bumbling. Linda shares several other good tutorials. Thanks Linda! These small pincushions were talked about on CQI but I don't remember any particular website. I think there's a flickr site for these. They are made from soft drink 2 liter caps and the cap from a spray starch. Almost like potato chips... you can't make just one!! I have swapped several mug rugs and have enjoyed making them. There are several sites that offer instructions.

Fabulous First Timers Round Robin

2011-07-19T16:40:00.004-04:00

This is Pam's block. I was the third person to work on this. My work is in silk ribbon on the right side. Purple, beige and turquoise flowers and at the bottom a group of cattails. This block belongs to Linda. I am the second person to work on her block. I did the long trail of silk ribbon, beads and stitches again on the right side. The white patch at the top holds a spider web but I did it in DMC effervescence and it doesn't show up well. I'd love to rearrange and add to the button trail! This is Katy's block. I had to restrain my stitching. I tend to like bigger and more. I found some great embroidery motifs on flickr and used them. There's the purple butterfly and the blue fan in the lower left. The smaller butterfly Linda tatted. The dark brown patch included a diamond emblem in it's design so I created a birdhouse out of it and added a branch. I don't know where I got the blue heart. I added beads to it. The yellow-orange half fan, the yellow roses and the orange medallion I bought from Nicki Lee. This is Judy's block. I added the purple irises in silk ribbon on the lower left and a button trail to the right of that. I added six dragonfly charms, a butterfly bead and a bee charm to the rest of the stitching. This is the gorgeous block I sent out bare and received back with loads of stitching. The girls really out did themselves! I love it!

An ode to Alfalfa

2011-06-25T15:04:00.003-04:00

My DH was able to catch our 18 pound cat resting. Wish I could come up with some great captions!

News from the Chicken Coop

2011-06-25T11:27:00.006-04:00

I have a weeping cherry tree that is at times a real burden. It is about 20 years old and has almost out grown it's location. The spring show of blossoms has kept me from cutting it down! This spring had an added bonus when I found the chickens feasting on the dropped petals. This is Esmeralda, my light Brahma. The petals are like snow. I was able to photograph one of the new flocks of chicks. The hen was last year's hatching and suffered a accident that caused a limping gate. I affectionately call her Gimpy! Gimpy and her chicks June 2011

Crazy Quilt Garden Baggie Swap

2011-06-22T15:14:00.004-04:00

Crazy Quilting International is one of the yahoo groups I enjoy participating in round robins, challenges and swaps. The last swap I received was a garden swap. I was running close to the deadline so did not get any pictures of the baggies I sent to our hostess Debbie. The photos show the lovely crazy quilt supplies I received from Debbie, Lorrie, Susie and Lynn.

It's not a Swap or a RR , it's a Challenge

2011-06-22T14:00:00.003-04:00

Sue is our host for the Asian Challenge on CQ4Newbies. Each participant creates a block to keep and embellish. The challenge is over the next six weeks( each week) one or two stitches will be posted for use as a seam treatment or motif. Later this summer there will be voting and prizes awarded!!! This is my naked block for the challenge.

Underwater Round Robin on CQ4Newbies

2011-06-22T12:56:00.003-04:00

A New round robin has begun on CQ4Newbies. The theme is underwater, ocean, under the sea. This is my block that I am sending around for the ladies to stitch on.

Only Pink Round Robin

2011-06-22T12:41:00.006-04:00

I have been participating in a round robin on the CQ4Newbies yahoo group. Pink is the selected color. Fabric and all embellishments are to be some shade/tone of pink!! Here's my 'naked' block. And below is Jenni's block, the first one I have stitched on. This one belongs to CathyL I have not quite finished my work.

Lil' Pillow Swap

2011-06-22T12:18:00.008-04:00

Have you a hanging pillow on a cupboard door knob? I do have one I picked up at a thrift store but now since I joined the Lil' Pillow Swap on Stitchmap yahoo group I have three more!!The 3 dimensional flower came from Gayle in MO The honey bee garden was created by Connie from CO The clamshell decorated with a crotchet flower came from Amber in OH. The following are the little cushions I sent to Connie, to Gayle and to Susie

Half and half round robin continues

2011-06-22T12:14:00.005-04:00

Jenni's block is the first one that came to me. I had just acquired a new to me book. It's The New Ribbon Embroidery by Victoria Adams Brown. My inspiration is found on page 88. The center ribbon motif was inspired by the author and book. This is my naked block I sent around. Will post the finished block soon. Amber's block after I stitched a few things. I was the last in the rotation and mailed it home to Amber.

Pincushion Swap Part 2

2011-06-22T11:31:00.007-04:00

So I recently received my pincushion from Wendy herself. Wendy made sure I received a treasure of a pincushion. And what a cute pincushion it is!! I love it. This pincushion held extra surprises because inside were some crazy quilting goodies. AND because she is such a very sweet lady Wendy included more crazy quilting goodies in the package. I am over whelmed!! Thank you Wendy!!

Pincushion Swap

2011-06-22T10:16:00.008-04:00

I joined a pincushion swap at Wendy's blog . These are photos of the pincushion I made from a yard sale shoe. I thought it was providence that they only had one shoe and the lady gave it to me. The velvet with embellishment is from a skirt. The side 'buttons' are earrings. I hoped to be able to add to the beading but found it beyond my skill !!

Half and half round robin

2011-05-11T14:55:00.001-04:00

My work on Lynn's block

Flying bugs and birds--A stash swap at CQI- PART II

2011-04-18T10:26:00.006-04:00

These are photos of the baggies of stash I sent for the flying bugs and birds swap hosted by DebbieS for CQI. I enjoyed the swap immensely.

Flying bugs and birds--A stash swap at CQI

2011-04-15T00:32:00.005-04:00

Over at Crazy Quilting International (CQI) I participated in a swap. You were to gather fabric, threads and a specific number of other items centered around the theme of 'flying bugs and birds'. These photos are the baggies I received. Thanks to Debbie for hosting these swaps and to Debbie, Joyce, Darlene and Kerry for these wonderful stash enhancements!!

Neither Brilliant Nor Beautiful But a Real Gem: Memory Quilt

2011-04-13T07:44:00.000-04:00

Neither Brilliant Nor Beautiful But a Real Gem: Memory Quilt

In Honor of Our Pets

2011-04-10T15:09:00.005-04:00

The first three blocks are the ones I created and sent to be exchanged for another block. I used trims, surface embroidery, applique, buttons and ink stamped motifs to embellish the pieced fabrics. I have some Christmas fabric with 12 days of Christmas depicted with felines. It still has a Christmasy feel I could not seem to tone down. The batik in the lower left corner was a bad choice in that I couldn't seem to tie it into the block. Angel kitties represent all those beloved pets who have crossed the bridge before us. I found this one impossible to embroider on. Why I don't know. Instead I used ribbons ,trims and buttons. These blocks were created by Lori . These are the blocks I received in the Cat and Dog block swap on CQ for Newbies. Crazy quilting is a free form of expression using a pieced foundation. Then buttons, embroidery of all descriptions and trims is used to embellish the block. This block I received from Chris. I think I have the great beginnings of a small quilt. I plan to piece an additional three blocks in coordinating colors and theme.

Another CQ block in yellow--Summer

2011-04-04T23:13:00.003-04:00

I won some great yellow goodies on SimplyCQ . See this post here.The first block I made was inspired by my blooming forsythia and spring. This block is for Summer. The chair, flipflops and umbrella are machine stitched. I would like to add a table at the umbrella. A sandcastle by the flipflops. Maybe a large sun hat by the chair. Please add some summer suggestions.

MORE Rugs for Mugs and a MUG too!

2011-04-04T22:58:00.003-04:00

I am in a Mug Rug Swap on the Mentors group associated with Stitchmap. MicheleP sent me this one from Texas. Just lovely and vibrant! Shari from Colorado sent this one. A matching mug and some great tea selections. I still need to mail one Rug and am expecting one from Australia! I love swaps!

What will you wear this SPRING?

2011-03-31T13:57:00.002-04:00

I am joining Suzanne at Coloradolady on Vintage Thingy Thursday. I was thinking last night about what I could post! The snack set and horse figurines will have to wait until another time. My lighting was bad and the dust is gathering faster than I can remove it! Oh, dear! I am organizing my sewing room once again and came across some of my vintage patterns. The bells rang, the whistles went off and I'm sure somewhere eagles are soaring! LOL With these 2 patterns Simplicity is offering some great skirts for the beach, hiking or a day at the local thrift store shopping for vintage items. The beach pattern originally cost 15 cents, while skirts are 35 cents. Patt-O-Rama patterns give you easy to follow instructions. I have a halter top, a split skirt or a sundress and jacket for the Saturday dance. I don't know who produced these patterns but they were mail ordered. Butterick and Simplicity offer you more skirt choices . After a long spring or summer day in the sunshine we must have some comfy pajamas. Simplicity offers "Truly Teen Style" for 25 cents or a cosy version at 15. I found no dates on any of the patterns. I'm guessing 1940's to early 1950's.

What's YOUR Mug sittin' ON!

2011-03-24T08:09:00.007-04:00

I joined a swap on Stitchmap (see sidebar button) to make 3 mug rugs and send them to different ladies. Three ladies are sending me 'little' rugs too. Then another friend (thanks Moon!) told me about Erin's spree of Mug Madness ( sidebar) or check out this link. Lots of good information and FUN! Here's the 2 Mug rugs I have created so far. They get addictive ! UPDATE! Here's one I received in the mail this week. Michele from down Texas way is one of my swap partners. MARCH 26, 2011 MORE RUGS POSTED..... It's not that I'm finishing these Mug Rugs but just now getting photos!

Yellow fabrics won!

2011-03-19T20:53:00.005-04:00

Who doesn't love giveaways? I enter them haphazardly and occasionally I win! Yea! I put my name in the hat over at Simply CQ and I won.I have scattered my winnings but you can see another photo here. Here's what I've created so far by adding a bit of blue. Thank you Deb and the other great gals at SCQ. Here's a couple of photos of my yellow bells. They are planted with a spirea and a flowering quince.

Crazy Quilting supplies

2011-02-18T13:08:00.002-05:00

I have ordered from several online sources. Today I would like to recommend Evening Star Designs. Carolyn has a survey about embroidery thread sold in her store. If you have a moment please fill it out. I am still so new at this crazy quilting adventure, I do not have enough knowledge to answer these questions.

Seasons of Love

2011-02-18T09:37:00.003-05:00

Kathy shared a link to Sherry's blog. Sherry is sharing a lovely designed heart in Brazilian Embroidery. Absolutely amazing. Do check it out. We are requested to suggest finishing types for the design. This photo of the Christmas ornament Shari send me last July shows the perfect way to finish the heart design.

New crazy quilt block/panel

2011-02-16T08:27:00.008-05:00

Here's a block I am sending on a round robin. I have joined CQI and am excited about this adventure. There's still some finishing stitches left to do and I must make a small booklet for the others to sign. The block measures 9 X 18.

Vintage planter and ashtray

2011-02-04T12:50:00.005-05:00

Joining Suzanne for Vintage Thingy Thursday. I am sharing a planter and a ashtray today. They are a lovely shade of green. The planter is a donkey wearing baskets with a man taking a siesta. The ashtray is a cobbler's bench I think. It is clearly marked McCoy. I love the details shown in each of these items. Thanks for coming by! Ruby

Birthday for Two

2011-02-03T23:31:00.006-05:00

After reading Donna's inspiring story, I have been searching for a photo that might 'tell a story' for me. I thought I might post a bout my brother but that photo has slipped through my fingers and will have to be shown at a later date. Speaking of my brother, he maintains a family history web page. I was over at his house and he'd been scanning some photos. This one spoke to me. I was born on my grandfather's birthday. We shared many birthday parties/ cakes together. Looks like we had ice cream too. I'm not sure but I think I am 13/14 in this picture. Granddaddy was born in 1880. He would have been 89 here if I date this picture correctly. I wish I had a better memory. I always enjoyed sharing a birthday but don't know what he actually thought. His health during those days was not great. Thank God for family and photos! Linking to Making Memories Monday

Book Giveaway at Serendipity Handmade

2011-01-28T08:15:00.004-05:00

Serendipity Handmade has a book review on Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions. Check it out without delay! She's giving away a copy of the book.

Fabric Giveaway

2011-01-22T21:28:00.005-05:00

http://lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com / Lila Tueller is having a giveaway. She's an awesome woman. Mother of seven, painter, fabric designer, quilter, grandmother! Drop by for your chance to win. Ruby

Stitch related items for sale here

2010-10-25T21:45:00.003-04:00

I have recently been spending some money!! LOL Just in case you want to here's a link. Pat is cutting back and lists stuff from her local group, too. Great to work with. Here's a few things I bought

Stash and Such

2nd Annual Rooster Blog Party

2010-08-06T11:22:00.003-04:00

Barb at Bella Vista is holding a ROOSTER blog party. I have many roosters and hens of various materials. Fabric, glass, metal, and real ones!! Wish I could show them All!

Metal, glass, thread and linen

2010-08-04T21:22:00.018-04:00

Thanks to Suzanne at Coloradolady for hosting Vintage Thingie Thursday. Please visit. I found these nut grinders in a Etsy shop. I would love to know more about them. The shop had a collection of crocheted potholders. I love the different patterns. The fan I already had but it fits right in with the collection. The heavy cotton tablecloth is a rectangle. I didn't measure it but probably 48 X 60. I included it in today's post because the colors looked good with my potholders! :) The next two items are finds. One I picked up at the local thrift store run by the Methodist ladies. The other one was left at the swap building at the dumpster site. Two little horses .

Dayton Ohio Flea Market

2010-07-22T08:08:00.011-04:00

Please join Suzanne at Coloradolady for Vintage Thingy Thursday. Thanks for hosting Suzanne! When DH and I were planning vacation in MI, he began looking for a local hamfest (amateur radio) to attend. Not finding anything listed for the state he extended his search to surrounding area. Behold Dayton, reported to be THE hamfest of all. There was over 500 exhibitors inside the arena and at least half that number outside. This is where I found two Mother Goose books. This one has a copyright page and is still somewhat bound. It contains full page illustrations. The cover on the second volume is exquisite. Pages are loose in this one and there is no copyright. I've seen this one on a blog but cannot recall where. There are more pages devoted to poetry in this version but still many full page illustrations.

Mermaid adventure continues

2010-07-21T14:13:00.002-04:00

I have begun to build on the landscape around my 'Mermaid'. I think this part of the scenery is complete enough to begin embellishment. At this point I do not know what I will do with the sky. Original idea can be seen here. I added some color to the rocks with the zig memory pens. Also used Wilton's concentrated gel for cake icing! Will photograph these so you will know what I'm talking about. As I see it the next step is to begin gathering threads ,yarns and ribbon.

Summer-Season to Season block Revisited

2010-07-13T21:59:00.007-04:00

Early this year CQ4Newbies group began a series of blocks called Season to Season. Marianne of NJ worked on my Summer block. I felt that I gave her a hard task because I tried to use some of my button collection to build a tree. She contributed some leaf beads. Here's photos of the block. I love the ribbon seagulls. I've seen some great trees that others have done and decided the buttons had to go. Kathy has a great tutorial here. Ann created a neat tree shown here. I still want to try Ann's but this time I decided to attempt one like Kathy's. I need to move the sun and finish the couching but this is a beginning. I think I will be adding to the block size. Maybe a border of 3 inches or so. The block is only 8 inches square. I am trying to depict a live oak tree. There was a large one in Grandma's yard during my childhood.

On the Farm, washed up on the beach

2010-07-13T20:06:00.006-04:00

DH took pictures of the leghorn (chicken) with her one chick on the bamboo roost. Aren't they cute?? Inside where it was cooler I was playing with ideas and fabric. You know I can't go to the dumpster without bringing some thing home? Yep! I have 'dumpster dived'. The county turned the garbage collection over to a company with fenced in areas and maned facilities. But they have a building where you can hang clothing. I am getting long winded!!! I brought home a shirt thinking it would make a great purse. 100% polyester and 'snake' skin design. Then I 'found' the "girl on the beach" shirt in my stash of recyclables. I haven't had too many people interested. Here's one of my ideas. I colored the fabric with pigment ink pens by ZIG memory system. Not sure where I go from here. Any suggestions welcome. I've got coral ,seaweed and shells in mind but not sure where that will go. :)

Once upon a Shirt

2010-07-05T11:42:00.006-04:00

At a yard sale or thrift store I picked up a man's shirt: 100% rayon and beachy type. Or it should be a girl ON the beach. I neglected to get a photo before the scissors came out! Yep, I cut this baby up and want to share with you. Crazy quilting, mixed media or other. You tell me what these could become and I'll give you one( or more). I have 12 complete girls and 8 partials ( legs or heads??) There's only one of this last pose, so the first comment gets it if that's the one you want! The blue is not quite this pretty. It's more dusty.

Winners of the Yarn Giveaway

2010-07-05T07:54:00.004-04:00

My assistant, Trav'ler! I scatter large folded paper strips on the floor and he chooses. I can't get photos because either he's trying to eat the paper or he's so quick with his choice I don't have time. It's not science or math just paper with a little doggy slopper!! The winners are listed in order. I'll be contacting the winners for their addresses and choice of colors.

Clamped in a buffet drawer!

2010-07-05T07:19:00.004-04:00

Twisted yarn or rope. You need three or more strands of yarn. Three yards is about all I can handle. If you have help you can do a longer piece. Whatever length you begin with divide in half for the finished rope. I began this with 5 strands of yarn but only 3 different yarns. I am using two strands of two different thin yarns and one boa yarn. You tie a knot in the end and clamp it to a table or place it in a drawer. Choose one that has a tight fit. You must have enough room to stand the length of your strands. On the other end tie yarn to a pencil or wooden spoon. Twist the yarn in one direction. The more you twist the better the end result. Maintain a firm grip on the ends of yarn. When you have twisted enough, remove the pencil while still holding. With your other hand grasp the middle of the yarns and fold the length toward your end clamped in the drawer (or however tethered). Match the two ends. It can be tricky getting the two ends together. You need to maintain the tension and not let the twisting begin to curl or untwist until the next step. Hold the center and release the opposite ends. The yarns should twist themselves together creating one length of rope.

Lace and bangles-- yard sale find!!

2010-07-03T10:22:00.002-04:00

I wanted to share my finds from the yard sale this morning. A blouse with a bit of lace. Lace is 5 inches wide and there's almost a yard and half of it! Then the necklace of bangles. I plan to use them on my thread rollup I'm creating at Stitchmap. Will post photo of finish later!

Cool giveaways Hot Summer days!!

2010-06-24T21:24:00.001-04:00

There's a couple of giveaways going on that I want to tell you about. Kerry has one here. She plans to have several so you better sign on to follow! If you crazy quilt she has lots of great tutorials. Such inspiration. Then Pat is having a giveaway here She often shares vintage images and has a separate blog for her crazy quilting. Part of her giveaway is silk ribbon which she is a master at using! I have purchased some of her ribbon and it is lovely stuff. Lastly I am giving away some fluffy yarn. I find these orphan skeins at yard sales and the thrift store. Here we have red and lime green feathery type stuff. And a blue and green eyelash yarn. The next photo shows black eyelash, white feathery, a black and white boucle (?) and a gray and black eyelash. The third photo highlights 2 of the three browns. The 2 color is "normal" yarn with a touch of glitter. The tan is similar to the feathery stuff but with a permanent curl! This photo shows the purple eyelash in good color. Can you pick out the blue suede like yarn in the blue green eyelash? Sorry I didn't get it separated!! I have a brown in the suede stuff, also. Lastly I have a length of ribbon with butterflies and beads. Another feathery type yarn. This one counts (3) because it is variegated. Lime, orange and pink and then it repeats. About 4 yards in each color. I will cut it by color or leave it if you select these as your choice. I use these to make twisted rope or couch them down on a bit of crazy quilting. A ball will last me a long time so I thought I'd share some with you. There's 15 colors of yarn and a length of ribbon with dangling butterflies and beads. To be in the drawing you must comment on this post. There will be 4 names drawn. First one gets your choice of 4 colors. Drawing ends on June 30. Names announced by July4th.

Sunbonnet Sue Quilt

2010-04-08T08:56:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! I love to include photos and sometimes they are such work. Then there's the time to edit everything. How do ya'll manage?? I often spend my time looking at your blogs and run out of time to post to mine! LOL Today I am joining Vintage Thingie Thursday once again. Thanks to Suzanne at Coloradolady for hosting! DH had a amateur radio show to attend at the fairgrounds in Raleigh. There is almost always a flea market in the area too. I found some great things and am sharing the Sunbonnet Sue quilt this week.

An Artist in the Family

2010-02-25T22:14:00.005-05:00

DH's great grandmother was an artist. We have several of her pictures. Using the dates I know I date this late 1800's to early 1900's. DH remembers this one hanging in his grandfather's basement. Please join Suzanne at Coloradolady to view more vintage thingie thursday posts.

Books of Yesterday

2010-02-17T20:49:00.008-05:00

Be sure to visit Suzanne at Coloradolady and see all the posts!.These are from a series called Tell a Tales. 1964 1951 1954 1953 And one published by Rand & McNally Company in 1934

Hurry,Hurry it's melting fast!!

2010-02-13T21:21:00.006-05:00

These fun photos of animals in the snow were taken before 9am (eastern). By noon the snow is 80 percent gone. Heavily wooded and shaded areas are the last to give up their cloak of white. This is a view from our front steps. Then DH found some of the chickens exploring. Toby or Tobias Midnight had a ball of fun in the snow. This is the dog you have to force out in the rain. I think with his ears flat out and tail erect he looks like a airplane! LOL I have several cats. Doodle is one of the outside cats and the only one I could get a shot of with head up and facing me. He is quite a handsome fella but can be a bully!

February 12 Snow

2010-02-12T22:26:00.002-05:00

It started snowing about 7 eastern time. We have at least 2 inches and it's still falling. My DH took a few pictures.

2010-01-27T17:42:00.006-05:00

Suzanne hosts Vintage Thingie Thursday. Check out all the fun VINTAGE stuff!! I have a quilt top that was hand pieced in the 1940's. Newsprint was used as a template/ foundation. This could be an example of paper piecing before the term was coined. Each photo is clickable . You can see some great 1930 and 40's fabric in this quilt.

Merry Christmas--Stocking Swaps

2009-12-22T21:39:00.009-05:00

Lyn had a stocking swap on her blog earlier this year. I posted about the stocking I created here. I have been neglectful in getting a post about the one I received. It's Karen's. Thanks,Karen , it's a lovely stocking. Thanks, Lyn for hosting this one! The yahoo group CQ4Newbies holds a Victorian Boot Swap. Mary hosts the swap. I received Janet's boot full of goodies. Thanks Janet, I love this boot! Thanks, Mary for hosting the swap.

What's Been in the Mailbox Lately?

2009-12-14T06:16:00.008-05:00

I participated in a Santa Elf swap sponsored by Pat Sloan and hosted by Margi Borck. Patti L. was my partner and sent me some scrumptious gifts. The cookies were so scrumptious they are not pictured! They did not stay around long enough for a photo! LOL A cocoa mix in a festive Santa box, a wooden sheep ornament, a red elephant ornament, an angel photo holder,a bright candy cane/snowflake bag, a pincushion kit and a tin with needles and magnetic needle keeper! Cupcake sticky notes and Christmas stocking stickers! Patterns, Patterns, Lots of patterns! Thanks Patti!!!

Civil War Reenactment Weekend

2009-11-11T19:59:00.009-05:00

November 6,7 and 8 I spent at a Civil War reenactment. My favorite part is the sutlers who come to sell their wares. I bought pumpkin bread, jam, fabric, pegs for hanging clothes, an vintage linen runner and some doilies. I also found a beautiful oil lamp , a scrappy quilt and a heavy tapestry OR light rug. (??) Ft. Branch near Williamston, NC. The Confederates. The Union infantry. The Union cavalry. The battle! The camp.

Thoughts on 'Fall'

2009-10-18T21:09:00.011-04:00

We are having a Season to Season RR at CQ 4 Newbies. It is time for the 'fall' block. I spent several days beginning the end of September taking pictures of my 'fall' here in North Carolina. Until now (the middle of October) our temperatures were still high 70's to 80's during the day. There have been a lot of late summer and fall flowers. While the pyracantha shown on the left displays orange berries; my 'knockout' roses are still blooming. The ditch banks and fallow fields are ripe with goldenrod and other 'weeds' that add a rich color to the landscape.While the deciduous trees are beginning to turn color the pine trees continue to be a rich green. The dogwood shows it bright red berries. And the hickories are loaded with nuts. My yard becomes a 'hard hat' zone because of the falling nuts. They can damage a vehicle or a bare head!! The crepe myrtles are still blooming and the summer geranium. The perennial sunflowers add a bright yellow while the bronze sedum has just begun to turn color. Here's my fall block my swap partner, Genie, will be working on for me! Thanks Genie!

Stocking Exchange

2009-10-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

This is my submission for the stocking exchange at Lyn's blog Quilting Lion. Here's the specific post. My stocking is 6 1/2 inches wide at the cuff and about 9 1/2 inches long not including the upper heart.

Picking Up A Dropped Ball or The Winners Are...

2009-09-26T00:06:00.004-04:00

This is Trav'ler . He is half dachshund and half something else. He 'picked' the winners in my halloween applique giveaway posted here. I severely dropped the ball, lost my wits, left town or something. I apologize to my commentators and followers. Oh, yes, the winners are PomieMommie and Sewing grannies place. I have your addresses and will get the goods in the mail tomorrow. I'm adding a few surprises to make up for my misstep . The recipients of the horse appliques offered here are Karen and Hope. I'll need a mailing address for you both. You will also receive some lace and thread. Lesley please contact me. Just click on the profile link, it has my email. Hope, Ann, Eileene, Donna, Beckie, DeniseMarie and Karen are to receive lace and thread. I have some addresses and will contact those I need. If I have neglected anyone please contact me and I'm sure I can find something to make it right.

Aluminum

2009-09-03T13:19:00.000-04:00

Over at Coloradolady, Suzanne is hosting this week's Vintage Thingies party. Do drop in and visit or put up a post and join us. Thanks Suzanne and all participants. I do enjoy this day! Today I have some aluminum to show you. First it comes in funnels and measuring cups and a juicer. One cup is an advertising item for Swans Down cake flour. Then we have a water pitcher. No marks on this one. Alfalfa was kind enough to steady the pitcher. He says, " Got milk?". Then he shows us the first of two cake carriers. This one is by Mirro, the finest aluminum, made in U.S.A. 2002 M He is pointing out one of the four latches that secure the top to the base. Click on photos for better viewing. The latches are operating by a ratchet type thingie on the bottom of the base. Murphy said 'big brother' had enough of the limelight and he could do this job in his sleep. This is a Regal , Regal Ware Inc., quality aluminum, Kewaskum, Wis. U.S.A. This carrier has two latches that perform on the swivel method. Thanks for dropping by. I'll be visiting a little later.

Linen and the party never ends.

2009-09-02T09:10:00.006-04:00

I'm joining Sue and others with a display of Red. It is Rednesday after all! Sue has the list of party people at It's a Very Cherry World. Please stop by and visit! I do not know if the horse feed panel is a reproduction or vintage. The strawberry tablecloth is a rectangle and brought home by my hubby. He spoils me so! Thanks for the graphics! Get yours here. Never see too many roosters. Here's one or two more stragglers for the party. Remember? Bella Vista. Thanks Barb! Someone (?) posted the pattern for these. I only have the four squares. The embroiderer did not leave much space between each bird. I hope to add some fabric on the sides and make pillows or a wallhanging. Happy Rednesday!

The Party's Over, I'm So Blue

2009-08-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

It's pretty dreary and cloudy with rain out in my real world but over at SmilingSally it is Blue Monday. You will see lots of blue if you drop by but we are all happy to share our blue! Barb at Bella Vista hosted a Rooster Party last week. I'm still trying to get around to all the party goers! Such fun shouldn't end too soon, so for Blue Monday I have a almost blue hen to share. She is resting on a lovely blue, brown, yellow and green quilt. I bought this quilt. I hope you have a wonderful Blue Monday!

Here chick,chick! Calling all ROOSTERS and hens!

2009-08-28T11:00:00.002-04:00

Barb at Bella Vista is having a party of Roosters. Please visit!

Tea, dish,kitchen towels

2009-08-27T18:10:00.002-04:00

Well Thursday is still with us for a little while longer. They are celebrating Vintage Thingies Thursday over at Suzanne's--ColoradoLady. I've seen bears, blenders, pants and pots! More to see but I must get my post up! When is a towel a 'tea' towel? And what is the difference between a dish towel and a kitchen towel? You're not going to find the answer here but I have some vintage towels no matter what they have dried. This is a cotton. I love red but red ivy? Two calendar towels and one with vegetable decor. These are linen. I have three newer (?) cotton towels that commemorate Wales and Scotland And here is a Rhode Island commemorative linen. There's two for Christmas in linen. Identical. Someone sewed them together for a runner. Happy VTT!

RED daisies, poppies and roses

2009-08-26T08:17:00.008-04:00

Rednesday with Sue at It's a Very Cherry World Here's a few red items today. A set of cheery glasses. A worn but still very red linen towel of poppies. It's like those you see calendars on. I'll have some of them tomorrow for VTT. A handkerchief in gray and white with lots of red roses. The red dish towel was seen last week!

Of Birds, Linen, Flowers and Needles- in Blue

2009-08-24T10:23:00.001-04:00

Sally at SmilingSally is hosting blue Monday. A great way to cheer up your Monday. A Grand blue parade. Go visit here. A vintage, made in Japan salt & pepper. Blue checked border on a blue and red Dutch themed linen kitchen towel. Blue flowers compliment the pink roses on this vase from the 40's. My sister gave me the vase. Donna's block in the blue RR on CQ For Newbies yahoo group. I added the button motif on the lower left of the block.

Dishes with a Previous Life- Thrift Store Finds

2009-08-20T08:42:00.000-04:00

It's Vintage Thingie Thursday at ColoradoLady. I love today and have missed posting. Since I had some time this week, I have posted Vintage almost everyday! Today I have some dishes I found at the local thrift store. The store 'Waste Not Want Not' is run by Methodist church ladies. I love the white dessert dishes. One has a scalloped edge. I found two dinner plates. The green and floral one reminds me of Grandmother's everyday dishes. I'll have to unearth the ones still left and compare. Then there's a lovely rose scalloped plate. Roses are and were very popular patterns. I must have six or seven different patterns but only a piece or two of each. That would be another VTT post!! Lastly I have a bowl with the wheat pattern. Have a great VTT and check out all the great vintage posts here.

Winner's Circle and Rednesday

2009-08-19T10:47:00.015-04:00

Be sure to visit the Rednesday participants at It's a Very Cherry World. It's not Wednesay , it's REDnesday! Over at Anything Goes Here I won a lovely red plaid towel. Joan sent it prettily wrapped with a striped red bow and a collection of Bingo cards. Thanks Joan! Don't you just love her tag? Precious! I thought the towel might like some friends so I paired it with a plate and a embroidered doily. Here's another shot of the towel. And one with a couple of friends. Don't you think it's in the right family? Here is a really old friend. Mr. Potato head playing a horn! His towel does have a red stripe on the sides. Hope you enjoy all the red today. I'm still having a party. Here is today's giveaway. Winners will be drawn on Friday for all interested commentators. I'll send 2 people a selection of yarns to be used in crazy quilting or other craft. Some where near a yard or two of each. :)

Boxes, tin, thread and cards AND a Lace giveaway

2009-08-17T22:16:00.009-04:00

I have been inspired by a couple of posts on Vintage Thingies Thursday. Postcardy had a neat post of empheria last week. Fancy word for postcards, advertising scrap and other types of paper art. Then Susan at Vintage Figments shared some things that companies in the past would give away to advertise their products. I have a candy box I received from my MIL. It was filled with buttons. The buttons now grace a glass container but I kept the box. At first I thought it was Landers but I think it is Sanders, Walnut Creams, Detroit. I have had their fudge topping when visiting the family. Of course I HAD to photograph the box resting on some blue vintage napkins. Next is a card box that came from my father's mother. It was probably in a 'trash' pile to be discarded when I rescued it. The title 'In a Garden' caught my eye. The little note cards are quaintly called "conversation cards". Not a term I have heard. There are only three of the twelve left. Maybe Grandmother had a 'conversation' with someone. She taught music before she married in 1916. I'll have to post photos sometime. It was some wedding! So now we move from paper to tin. This lovely tin was bought off ebay. I had a real 'affair' with ebay a few years back. Doesn't the pink embroidered scarf compliment the tin?? So cute! And so PINK. The tin is 10 inches in diameter and just over one inch high. I love tins. This one held Loft candy but not when I bought it. It was filled with 'eye candy'. ***************************** Oh, yes the giveaway. I have some lace. Some white cotton and some black unknown fiber content. Two winners will receive a yard of each.

Do you remember? Phonograph records

2009-08-17T13:56:00.008-04:00

Recently on Vintage Thursday a blog showcased some albums of the past. Since I've been off work ( had surgery, doing fine now) I've had a chance to photograph some different things. This afternoon it is two albums. One is a Mitch Miller sing along. I can remember watching Mitch on TV. I equate Miller with Laurence Welk. Surprisingly the Bing Crosby album is also a sing along. I do not recall this one. Crosby movies were more memorable for me. Especially those made with Bob Hope. Or possibly Christmas specials with Bing, Dean Martin and others. What do you remember??? The Crosby lyrics are printed on the paper sleeve. The Miller album includes lyrics on the album inside and detached sheets. ********************************************** Here's this afternoon's giveaway. Very small iron on appliques. They are 1 and half inches by 1 inch tall. You could iron on to fabric and then applique if you don't want fusible on your block. But on the other hand they are "vintage" and the fusible may not even work. Two winners will receive 6 brown and 6 black horses. Please leave a comment! Drawing ends at noon on Wednesday, August 19.

A tea cup and a towel

2009-08-17T11:56:00.012-04:00

It's blue Monday over at Sm ilingSally's. Actually the day's half gone here in North Carolina. I 've got to get busy and post!! There's the kitty graphic in her basket of blue flowers. Then I have a lovely bone china tea cup sitting on a cotton embroidered towel. My MIL gave me the tea cup. It's called Rosina and was made in England. Here's a photo of the trademark. All photos are clickable for closer viewing. The towel was in a group of mixed linen my sister found. The design is worked almost like huck weaving. It is beautiful on both sides. I touched it up with the iron and straighten part of the fringe with a dog comb (of all things!) . It brought back memories of Mom combing my naturally curly hair. OUCH! :) Go visit the Blue Monday blogs. There's something for everyone! Thank you, Sally for being our hostess. Here's my FIRST giveaway this week. Keep your eye out I'll be posting more. August is my birthday month and I wanted to GIVE this year. I am truly blessed! There are 2 panels of Sue Dreamer apparel art. Can be used as appliques on bags, quilts or other. Please tell me if you are entering in the drawing. There will be two (2) winners. The drawing ends Wednesday August 19. Just leave a comment on this post. :)

Giveaway Crazy Patch Jacket

2009-07-20T18:23:00.001-04:00

The jacket was given to me by a friend. Thrift store find or other I'm not sure. It will not fit. I could cut it up for a tote bag or something but it is a nice jacket. It was made in India and is of rayon, cotton and acetate. It is a Large but I wear a 18-20w and it is too small for me, especially in the sleeves. While I'm dreaming up some way of choosing a winner, spread the news about my jacket. Maybe someone out there really wants it. I will be posting a quiz. Not today! Stay tuned!!

Enamel Washtub Garden

2009-07-17T22:25:00.005-04:00

Knockout roses, hibiscus, hydrangea, dahlias, geranium,herbs and daisies!

I won! I won!

2009-07-15T22:28:00.005-04:00

Lyn over at QuiltingLion had a blog teaser and I was one of the lucky winners. Follow the links to check it out. She is currently doing a Pay it Forward if you're interested. I'm afraid I'm already commited since I signed up on Lady J's and Amy's blog! Lyn also hosted a mystery photo question. It was Johnny Weissmuller posing with all the bathing beauties. My Mom was a Weissmuller fan. He was her favorite Tarzan! Soooo..... here are photos of what I won. It's a scrumptous stash. Like a brand new box of crayolas in fabric! Thank you Lyn!!

Going Crazy IN Pieces

2009-07-12T12:33:00.015-04:00

This is the first step in the current Crazy Quilting lesson on StitchMAP . This block will become a needle roll-up. I love piecing so once I got started I couldn't stop!! So I pieced the circle for the pincushion and needle book, too! I was not completely happy with the needle book and modified it. Then I made a second set. I was having way too much fun! Then , (yep you guessed didn't you, I made a third set!!Now I think I am ready to embellish!

July Chicks

2009-07-10T08:15:00.003-04:00

The hen was bought just last year. I don't know her breed but she sure is pretty. I think hens are so dedicated setting on nests. I think she has 10 biddies.

Projects at Stitchmap

2009-07-04T18:33:00.001-04:00

Keeping Time

2009-06-24T21:06:00.008-04:00

My beloved found this thirty hour wall clock at an auction recently. Since he is a beekeeper, what could be more fitting for our home but a clock with a bee skep painted on the glass. Since we have plaster walls I prefer not to try hanging heavy items. First the clock was on a mantle but that was directly over my head at the computer. ( the fireplaces are no longer used). I was initiated into the world of a ticking clock at 5:30am! LOL!! Don't get me wrong, I love the clock. I just needed a little more distance between us!! It now reigns supreme on one of my china cabinets in the hallway. Don't forget to visit Colorado Lady. Suzanne is sharing a vintage book today and is hostess for all our Vintage Thingies.

Silent but RED

2009-06-24T06:52:00.006-04:00

Flower inspiration for Crazy Quilting

2009-06-18T13:53:00.005-04:00

Recently when my hubby went by the grocery store he brought me a bouquet of flowers! I used their color palette for inspiration to create a crazy quilt block!

Kittens, kittens, where's my kittens

2009-06-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

Where does the time fly to?? I got these kitties from a neighbor and held a 'name my kitty' on the blog. Here I am months later, finally getting back to the subject. I had several names suggested! They were ALL good names. Thought about going to get more kitties! LOL No, not really! I have eight now!!! That's more than enough for most people. This is Siggie. And this is Stitch. They are sisters but as siblings often are, very different.

Primitive or Utility Quilt

2009-06-18T08:40:00.010-04:00

My dear hubby went to an auction the other week and brought me home a quilt. It is what my Grandma and Mom would can utility. It does have a touch of art to it with the embroidered seams. Perhaps today it would be considered primitive. Upon close inspection I found the "batting" used was another quilt. You can see it peeking through a few places that are worn or frazzled. Each seam of the patchwork is embroidered with what I believe is the herringbone stitch. The quilt is also hand quilted. The quilting from the back view reminds me of Mom and her sisters. They often used plates to mark the circular lines for quilting in this style.Don't forget to click photos for larger viewing. Drop by Coloradolady for more vintage Thursday participants. Suzanne is our gracious host and always has a great party!!

Tablecloths, a bedspread, and a quilt

2009-06-11T20:09:00.015-04:00

Suzanne over at ColoradoLady hosts Vintage Thingie Thursday. Well it's still ThursdayI have an heirloom, a thrift store find, a yard sale steal, and an auction "no one else wanted it". My co-hosts today are Stitch a 4 month old tabby and Cowboy one of my 5 year old dachshunds. First is the heirloom. I have it. It is crotchet. It is a tablecloth. Probably 75 years old?? And the photo does not do it justice. That's all I know. Wish I had known who to ask before they were all gone!! The yard sale find is graciously shown by Stitch. The lady said it belonged to HER great-grandmother. I paid 5 bucks! It is a tablecloth. I like the edging/border on this one. I was told at the thrift store that this white one was a tablecloth. When I got it home and spread it out (the store was very dirty), I find that it is a bedspread. Why else would one short end not have the fringe that is around the other three? I still like it. Not sure it was the best buy but I can't make it for twenty dollars. Cowboy and my pearls I won over at ReadingRosie's is showing the quilt that my hubby found at the auction. It is stitched over another quilt using woolens from suits and such. The embroidery is a not so great herringbone. Primitive but I love it!

Vintage Pearls I Won!

2009-06-09T17:49:00.004-04:00

Last month ReadingRosie held a giveaway for her blog anniversary. I won. Since her Oscar was so kind to model for her, I asked my boys to help me! Please click each picture for larger viewing. Hi, my name is Toby. Mom( human) "made" me do this!! I am the "daddy". Tobias Midnight. I was almost 2 when I came here. Ah,Ah,Ah,Ah....................................................... She actually LET me lie on this dress. She's lost it this time!! I'm Lil' Red. This is my good side! Hi! Remember THIS is my good side. Don't forget! Such a great camerawoman! She named me Cindafella. I prefer 'Fella. What's this? Boy that light is bright! I'm Cowboy. Where's my hat?? That light is bright. I 'm NOT going to tell you again!

Graphics and a return to last week

2009-05-13T07:08:00.007-04:00

Well I didn't get new photos like I wanted but I found these graphics I had saved in my files. Welcome to Rednesday. Be sure to check out Sue's list of participants. Come join us! I missed the link last week. Just click on older post to see last week!.

Tablecloths in Red--Making Double Time

2009-05-06T17:49:00.009-04:00

It's time for all things RED. Check out the Rednesday postings over at My Secret Garden with Sue. And a post for Vintage Thingies Thursday at Coloradolady with Suzanne. Check them out. Today my RED is table coverings. First is a set of 4 placemats. From 1950 or the 60s surely? Then here is the appliqued/embroidered corner of a small breakfast cloth. It is only on one corner of the buttonholed stitched square. I expect this one dates to late 1940s or earlier 1950s Now I have three tablecloths. The first is a rectangular cloth with all manner of kitchen items from scales to potbelly stove. It appears to be an old country store setting. This one is loaded with flowers. No pastels here! And the square has borders of red covered in yellow and rose/pink rose sprays.

Swaps, Motifs and Needlebooks

2009-05-06T07:33:00.005-04:00

Wool and silk tie recycle. Flying geese gone crazy. The needlebooks I received. Aren't they pretty! The motifs I sent in to the Grand Motif Swap! The ones I received from a bunch of great ladies! Thanks

Paperpieced Angel for Blue Monday

2009-05-04T07:03:00.004-04:00

Another UFO ( unfinished object)! This angel is paperpieced. Slide on over to Smiling Sally's for more blue monday visions. I'm blue because this is NOT a finished wallhanging yet!!

Potholders and Linens

2009-04-30T06:50:00.005-04:00

Be sure to visit our host of Vintage Thingies Thursday,Suzanne at Coloradolady. This is a potholder "holder". I was wondering what potholders it might have held. There is no obvious hanger. Was it pinned up or just on the table or hutch? Here's a few potholders close to the same age. I can see using the chicken but the yellow rose is more decorative than useful. This pink one could have been a sachet. The red doily has a edge or lip on the back side. Did it fit over a basket or pillow?

Sugar, Salt and Pepper.VTT

2009-04-23T06:52:00.004-04:00

I found a sugar and salt and pepper that closely matches a teapot I already own. Brownware is pretty. I'm afraid I don't know much about it: I just like it! Please visit Coloradlady for more Vintage Thingie Thursday items. What is a tea without a pretty cloth underneath the service. This linen has 2 corners embroidered and is edged with crotchet.