Oh my a few days since I last posted!!

I had a great day yesterday ... Mom and I went to Joann's the day before and we purchased fabric ;) We spent about 30 mins or so trying pick out fabrics for the new baby to be ;) We auditioned several fabrics, and we ended up with animal print on white. We chose an orange plaid for the binding and other sqs. The backing fabric is a very sweet green plaid. I think we are going to put a huge orange heart on the back. Mom and I just talked about putting a label on the back of quilt saying the date and who it was from :) I know this is something that should be done for each quilt that you make.
The quilt pattern we are using is the disappearing 9 patch. Remember girls this is... only the second quilt that my sister has made. I didn't want the pattern to be hard or difficult for her to do. My sister loves how the blocks are coming together and how it looks like you spent hours on them. I think we have another 9 patch addict on our hands now ;) She is already thinking about the next quilt using this block.
We worked on the quilt yesterday and got it half way done. She is hoping we can almost get it done before I go home next Monday. She has planned on coming over early on Thursday to work on it a few hours. All the 9 patch squares are sewn just waiting to be cut, into the 4 new squares to add to the top. Some of the quilt top rows are sewn together. Sister wanted to sew some of the top together yesterday to see how it would look. She is pretty excited about how it looks. I think the rest of the quilt top will go together very fast on Thursday. I am hoping we will get it done to the point I get to do the hand stitching. I finished up the handstitiching on the other quilt she made prior to my arrival to CA. That quilt was for my niece.. sis says Kit Kat carries it all over the house. I am so happy for my sister she love it so much, since it was my sisters first efforts of making a quilt. I think it turned out fantastic. I will have photos to share when I return home.
Nadine and I might spend the day together today :) She has been off visiting family and friends further south of where my Aunt lives ;)
I got a chuckle out of her when she was here last... when we went to the fabric store she had me drive. LOL it had been years since I drove out here, now I would get lost just turning the corner :) It was a fun driving experience when I went with her..... She has a GPS it was fantastic... I recommend one of these to anyone that is traveling out of their area. But don't forget to clear it every time you get out of your car. Because if your car gets broken into.. the GPS could lead the thief right to your door step! That silly thing talks to you every little bit. Its like turn right, turn left two blocks.. no please or thank you ... bossy ole gal. :) The GPS took us right where we wanted to go without much difficulty. We did have one snafu but it worked out fine. I just hung a C turn in the road. In ta town U turns are not recommended... so we called them C turns... so they were not considered U turns.. now if we got stopped by the cops that would be a different story!!! A Ticket to the policeman's ball :)

~~**~~******* ON A SAD NOTE TA TOWN LOST A DEPUTY TO A LINE OF DUTY DEATH ON MONDAY. HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH A MAN WHO HAD, JUST GOTTEN OUT OF PRISON. THE BAD GUY PULLED A GUN AND SHOT THE 26 YEAR OLD DEPUTY WHO HAD ONLY BEEN SERVING OUR CITY LESS THAN A YEAR. THE BAD GUY SHOT THE DEPUTY ONCE IN THE LEG AND POINT BLANK IN THE CHEST. OUR DEPUTY DID HAVE A VEST ON.. BUT TO MY UNDERSTANDING THE ROUND WENT THROUGH HIS PROTECTIVE VEST. THE DEPUTY MADE IT THROUGH SURGERY BUT SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES A FEW HOURS LATER TO COMPLICATIONS. THE KILLER WAS FOUND IN A FIELD A FEW HOURS AFTER THE INCIDENT AND FIRED ON OTHER OFFICERS. THE OFFICERS RETURNED FIRE AND THE COP KILLER DIED OF A GUN SHOT WOUND.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SURVIVORS OF THE SLAIN OFFICER and also for the FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE BAD GUY... THANK YOU!! For letting me share this with you. As some of you know police work has been my life story.

Thinking of you Today :)

Its been one year today since I lost my sweet friend J-Michael. There has been a lot going on since that fateful day. So many things happening in life. The loss of some great movie stars Paul Newman and Heath Ledger. The election of our first Black President. Of course our most recent loss of MJ ... but alas I did not know them personally. I do know my beloved J-Michael.. I just wanted to say to the world.... I miss you my sweet friend :)

Its lazy daze :)

Hello all my sweet little friends. Its been a slow vacation so far. I have been to see Grandma Peachy and she seems very well and happy. She really liked the items that I made her. But of course they had to be brought back home. She didn't want them lost in the care facility. I can understand, but darn I wanted her to use the pillowcases that I made her. I even put her name on them hoping they would not get lost. Oh well she at least loved them that is what is important. I think we.. me and mom have decided to refashion the cases.. to use them as ditty bags for grannies laundry. We can throw one down in the bottom of the basket with the dirties. LOL no one will take them that way :) ... hee hee hee.
Speaking of sewing I finished the hand work on my sisters quilt over the last couple of evenings while I was watching TV. She made this very fun T-shirt quilt for my niece. The shirts were T-shirts that were collected or ones that my nephew and niece made over the last few years. I have taken photos.. I will share the quilt with you when I get home.
I was reading a quilting Magazine and saw where my favorite Sewing Machine brand has come out with a what they are calling a reasonable long arm machine. If any of you have the prices on the baby lock long arm Jewel... send me a post.. I have been surfing the net for a couple of hours trying to get an idea on how much they cost.
Ok nothing interesting to report except!!!!.................. The very fun day I spent with Nadine. We went to a quilting shop in Lafayette. Both of us purchased material that we shared with each other. She purchased some fun patterns and I purchased some fun Japanese quilting books. I also purchased a couple of quilting rulers. After that we went walking around the square. First thing up was a stop in the pet store. We saw a lot of cute items but nothing we couldn't live without. Then we decided it was lunch time ....We lunched at a place where we could eat outside and Pitty could sit in her own chair. It was such a fun relaxing lunch. We talked about quilting, sewing and just life ;) It was a lot of fun laughing and joking with a dear friend. It was just like we have been friends forever. She spent the day with me and then the next day went on down south to see another friend. But she will be back this way to spend a couple more days with me :) Before she heads home to Washington. Yeah!!!
Oh before I forget.. I almost lost the Pitty!!!! LOL to Nadine... the two of them fell in love with each other instantly. Pitty just begged and begged for Nadine to pick her up and love on her.. and Nadine obliged without complaint :)
More later :)

We're here :0)

We're here in Sunny Ca and boy is it ever hot. It got up to around 100 yesterday when we arrived. Man oh man was it hot!!! It was a nice flight .. I sat beside some very lovely people... so it made my journey very enjoyable. In fact I spoke to a lovely young man that owns an organic veggie farm in Southern Ca. It was a really nice way to pass time while you wait. Visiting with others.
Speaking of temps, its been very pleasant in Ta Town. We were having temps in the low 70's. I am laughing because the Pitty had to get out and stretch her legs in my Aunts back yard when we arrived. Her tongue was hanging out a mile, when she came back in. She is so funny she spotted the Hummers this morning and started barking at them.... and guess who got dive bombed yes her ;) Speaking of the Pitty she was so good on the plane as usual, no noise no barking. Just a good quiet girl ;) She was so cute when I was wheeling her through the airport. She had the zipper lid open on her case and I was pulling her around the airport with her head poking out. She was watching everything that was going on. No barking and just watching the people going everywhere ;) It was so funny when people would see her sitting there with her little head poking out... You would hear them chuckle and say its a dog and its so cute ;) She is such a good traveling companion. As soon as I got here she had to have her collar and tag put on. Poor Poor little girl ....she is scratching and trying to run at the same time.. such a hoot to watch. She was even doing that rub the head and shoulder thing with the butt in the air trying to rub it off, scooting along the carpet. She doesn't wear a collar at home, I am with her at all times when she is out at home. To many dangers... Like the National bird the Bald Eagle.. they try to swoop down and get her. They must think she is a rabbit .. lunch!!!
I am going to be laying low a couple of days. Getting back my sea legs so to speak. I had some trouble with my ears clearing after I landed. It took almost 8 hours before they cleared. My mom thinks it might have been my allergies that cause some of the ear problems. Other than all of the excitement of the flight... we're here and will probably have something fun to report in a couple of days... Oh yes I forgot the most exciting news... I am going to be a Great Aunt again in April :) I am so excited!! Time to get started on a baby blanket for the BABY :) Maybe I will have to get that fabric while I'm here. I did see that mom has two sewing machines set up one in Grannies room and one out in the Atrium. I might get started on it here ;) Ok I am just jabbering.. but I wanted everyone to know I had a safe trip out here :) I will continue to post while on vac :)
Sorry no photos while on vac.. I don't want load my photos on my moms computer...

This is too Funny for words... ENJOY :)

Weiner Dog!!

I am so excited!! It's almost time :)

Here it is Friday and I am still sick with this stupid cold. Sniffle Sniffle Cough Cough Hack Hack... sounds bad doesn't it???? I didn't have a voice on Wed.. but its back now and I feel much better. I started getting it last weekend.. I am hoping in a couple of more days it will be all but gone.... because I only have two days left before I get on that plane and fly to Sunny CA :) If I could change the plans I sure would, I am just hoping enough of the bug is gone when I get out there. I don't want to make everyone sick. I don't know about you when you go on trips .. when it comes to getting things ready to go.. one of the things on my list is to get the house in order.... but I have been cleaning house and getting all the laundry done. I just hate to think that someone coming in to care for creatures would find such a mess. I tend to be a tad lazy.. well maybe a bit more than a tad!!!.. when it comes to house work now that I live alone and have gotten older. I figure just like Scarlett ...what the heck .. there's always tomorrow. I would rather be sewing. There are a few dishes to do and some floors to sweep and mop, then take out the trash. Other than that its just going to have to do. I might hit and miss on the bathroom too. Just in case they have to make a pit stop ;) I want to have tomorrow night for a fun sewing night before I go. I am still wanting to make some scrappy pot holders for the girls, maybe if time allows I might even make a baked potato bag. That you use while cooking potatoes in the micro. I don't want any chores other than picking up a couple of last min things from the small town north of me.... Waaaaahhhh what will I do????... there will be no sewing for 17 days .. oh my what will I do with all of my time... I know enjoy my family and go see the sites and take some long walks with the Pitty and maybe just maybe read a book. Its been so long since I have done that. I find other things to do with my spare time here at home.... like sew sew sew.... I think while I am gone I just might work on some of my own sewing designs. I think that would be so fun sitting at the kitchen table drinking my ????? what is girls you all know!!! Yes Pepsi :) Anyway it would be so fun sitting there at the table working on my designs and watching the Hummers feed. I just love to go to Granny's and see the Hummers.. I don't get to see many here in Ta Town. Ok my sweet friends.. my break is over and I need to get back to the job of cleaning ;)

I know wheres the Chocolate??? Right???

Rolo Cupcakes

Makes 12 cupcakes

You will need:

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature (separated into 2 egg yolks and 2 egg whites)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 12 Rolos, unwrapped
• cupcake liners

Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 a stick)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.
2. Melt chocolate in a saucepan over the lowest heat possible. Stirring constantly until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Using a hand held mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolks one at a time. Beat in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture to the sugar mixture. Stir in milk. Add remaining flour mixture. Mixture will be thick. Stir in cooled chocolate.
5. With clean beaters, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into cupcake mixture.
6. Spoon mixture into cupcakes, filling 2/3 of the way full.
7. Gently press one Rolo into each cupcake. The top of the Rolo will still be visible.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cupcake comes out with just a few crumbs on it. The Rolo may still be visable but you are topping it with frosting so no one will see it. Cool completely.
9. To make frosting, using a hand held mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla, combine well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting is thick and spreadable.
10. Spread frosting on the cooled cupcakes or use a piping bag.

With this frosting recipe I had just enough frosting for a batch of cupcakes, but if you like more frosting, like Ryan does, go ahead and double the recipe to give yourself more to work with.

Also, if you store these in the fridge, I suggest removing them a few minutes before you plan to eat them. If you don’t the Rolo becomes hard in the center.

Enjoy!

Reprint from lifesambrosia

All People Quilt .com

I was looking at allpeoplequilt.com today when I came across some fun and useful storage ideas. I thought I would share a couple of the ideas with you. For more Ideas head over to their website :) They have lots of awesome stuff to share ;)

I love this storage idea. Use an old/new shoe organizer for holding fabrics and other trims. It would be so easy to use just hang it up on the back of any door and Va' la its right there where you can have easy access and fast viewing of content. I think this would also make a great place to organize all of those scraps by color... Come on admit it!!! I know your like me and every other person that sews... I know that all sewers save their scraps. I don't know about you but I hate to throw away any fabrics. I'm even hard pressed to throw away those tiny little square up slivers. I know they could be used for art quilts. Oh snap... I think, I might put this idea to use for all of my ribbons, trims, lace, and rick rack and those odd bits of fabric scraps when I return home from holiday :)


It looks like they used a door for the top of this storage idea :)

Now here was a very clever idea.. use those kitchen storage racks for holding fabrics and supplies. Just add a table type surface and you have a cutting and ironing station. All handy in one fast and easy to set up spot. I have used hollow core doors for table tops... they work out great. I have used sawhorses and doors to set my sewing machines up on for easy access and use.
I already have a nice cutting station that I up-cycled from old bedroom nightstands. I used an old table top and just set it a top old nightstands and it was an instant place to put my huge rotary cutting mat. I also have drawers to hold things like ... tissue paper, books, patterns, extra supplies. If you look around I am sure you will find something to make an awesome cutting surface out of for next to nothing. I think I paid 5 bucks for both nightstands and I was given the table top free :)
I have used this set up for over 3 years now.. I don't know what I would do with out it now. It is just the right height for this little short fat granny.
I am keeping an eye out for other things I can use to replace the sawhorses, that I am currently using for my sewing machine tables. Some day I will spy the the items that are needed. I have been looking for good used cabinets with drawers.. but so far no luck on good used ones. New ones are too expensive for me :o(
So ladies look around for those fantastic items that can be up-cycled. if you do create something let me know I would love to see photos.


For more fun Ideas and other wonderful stuff go visit the all people quilt website.. You won't be sorry.

Disappearing 9 patch top

I held a very fun and exciting Disappearing 9 Patch block swap recently. I was astounded at how many signed up for it. Then ...... how many of you wanted to join in on it twice. This swap was one of my famous... use what you have fabric swaps. We received some very fun and exciting blocks from this swap. I have received tons of wonderful feed back and several of you have said you can't stop making these blocks :) And they are blaming me for this new addiction they have. LOL I know these blocks are so darn easy to make ;)

So here are the results of one swappers top!
All laid out under construction
She decided not to use all 40

as not all the colours worked together)

& below sewn together.


Wendy: I made a few extra of my own blocks...so they are the repeats
& I added in some extra strips on the sides . . . all balanced!

Now see what you can do with these fun blocks... This quilt top is Brilliant!! I even think the left overs would look fantastic in a pillow or pillowcase, or why not a tote ;)


Great fun!Wendy from Hartylittlepeaces has given me permission to use her photos and some of the article from her blog post.
Thank you Wendy :)

I think I did... I think I did!!!!

Well I did it.. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.. in CA that is ;0)
I got all of my Christmas presents made!!!! I am so thrilled. I hope everyone likes them :0)
I promise I will take photos of everything to share with you when I return home.
You will notice there are three more items to make.
Those are the three items that.....
I have to make for my family here in Ta Town :)
That is not including the 8 Andy's and Annie's
I promised to make for my family and friends.
Good thing those are all in various stages of being done.
I am not sure what I will make for the remaining three items.. but give me a month
and I will know what I am going to do :)
Thank you everyone for cheering me on.
I don't know if I could have gotten all of my gifts done,
without your words of encouragement and sweet comments.
Thank you :)

Its done.. yeah!!!

A Comfy Tote For the Pitty Pat :)

I have been working on another one of my create as you go sewing projects. I think it turned out pretty good for all the trouble I had with it. I spent every night after work and half of today on this silly tote. Although its not one of my best projects but its not one of my worst either. I am still trying to get use to using bias. I really had a struggle on the corners. OK I had some trials and errors with this little tote but all in all it was a lot of fun to create and make. I made this tote so I could take the Pitty in the quilt shops with me and Nadine. I could have jammed her down inside of my purse... but she would not be able to see out. She loves to watch people and see things too. Yes you guessed it the funny looking material in the center is mesh. I wanted her to be happy going with us and enjoy her day while we shopped :) Now she can ride and look out at all the fun stuff too :)

Swine Flu Symptoms

If you wake up looking like this,

don't come to work.



I got this in an email and it cracked me up!!!
I hope it gives you a laugh too :)
I laughed to myself as this looks more
like a Troll than a Piggy :)

Please Remember!!

We have a little less than a week and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the
United States of America .

THE PROGRAM:

On Friday, September 11, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

So, here's the plan:

(1) Tell everyone you know (at least 12 people).Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation.

God Bless America!

To properly display and fold a flag go to this web site ;)
http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Happy Birthday

I forgot today is the day that Awtem Nymp is holding her Annie birthday party. Today is Annie and Andy's birthday. Run by and check it out.. lots of fun and wonderful comments.

This was my very first attempt at making Annie's.. She is living in Sunny California with my Grandma Peachy :)

I love this Annie.. She started a new life after she made it to her new home after my swap partner received her. This Annie stands for everything I believe in .. My country and the love of it :) I wonder if she is called PVT Benjamin???
Thank you Ronda for this wonderful photo of my Annie that you received :)

It's Monday :)

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday ... all of my American friends :)

I hope all of you get to spend it with your family and friends doing something fun. Please remember if you drink, drink responsibly .... have a Designated Driver and if you don't have a DD ..please call someone to drive you safely to your destination:)

I wonder whats up???

I have had a heck of a time getting motivated to sew this weekend. I wander what the story is. I did sew some today but not as much as I needed too.. I guess I will have to hit it hard and heavy tomorrow. I did get the last pillowcase finished for Granny Peachy. Then I started in on the 15 neck coolers for the guys. I have them over half done.. but I was hoping to get them finished today. Maybe just maybe if I'm not too tired after I finish here I might work on them some more tonite. I really needed a break.. I worked on all of those items for about 5 hours. Even though I got a late start sewing. Then I heard this very faint little voice saying... come to the fridgie .. come to the fridgie... Pepsi was calling me :0) Besides I think I need food.. I still haven't eaten dinner or lunch :( I know bad M.
I would like to at least get the seams pressed and creased on the coolers before I got to bed. Then the rest of the sewing should go really really fast tomorrow ;) Then I have one more MUST have present to make. After that I have to make an apron and a purse to carry the Pitty in. I will use it when Nadine and I go out shopping ;) Pitty has to go shopping with us.. she can't stay home. I take her everywhere with me :)
Then after that if time permits I will just make some small stuff...
This purse is going to be one of those design as you go also items.. I want the sides to have mesh panels so Pitty can see outside when she is in side ;) I might need a day for that.. Tuesday was my day to sew that.. Other than that.. I can't figure out why... Or can I????? I really didn't want to get with it in the sewing dept today... I think I know why :)
Nadine was laughing at me because she told me I should check out this web site:
oneprettything.com
Check it out I did!!!
I started looking at that web site and I could not stop until I looked at all of it. Believe me it is a huge web site.. it took several hours to go through all of it. There is some amazing stuff on that site. It was like.... I have to click just one more page... I kept telling myself I will only look a few more pages.. then it was one more and then two.. oh my gosh I was hoping it would go on forever :) It really was ugly to see me so wrapped up in that site.. I lost all track of life around me... I can hear it now..... your asking what about the Pitty???? No I didn't forget the Pitty she was on my lap as I drooled out the side of my mouth and had this daze look on my face. This web site has tons of free tutorials and patterns. It also has a few sites where you have to purchase patterns. There is anything and everything to make.
Like I said .. I was sort of glued to my seat looking at all of the wonderful stuff :)
This web site should come with a warning:
JUST SAY NO..... TO... ONE PRETTYTHING
It is very addictive.. I might have to join a Blogger Anonymous group over it :)
I just couldn't stop!!! LOOKING!!!

Hurry Hurry

Only a micro.....short time left to sign up for my Halloween Apron swap.. then just one more short week to sign up for the fun and creative Halloween Andy/Annie swap. So if your thinking of joining in on these swaps.. you better run now to sign up :) After that both swaps will be closed. Apron swap partners will be assigned .....I hope if all works out on Tuesday :) So look for it in your email boxes :)

I have to say.......I have been very surprised there have been so few ladies signing up for my Halloween Annie swap :( I was hoping it would be interesting and lots of fun. Also a great way to use those creative juices. Although I do understand there are so many swaps to choose from this time of year. Maybe next time you can join in on the up coming fun :) As I have a couple of fun swaps in the works, for the fall and winter season ;) Keep an eye out on the blog for those up coming events ;)
As always ladies thank you so much for following my blog and joining in on my fun.. you always make my life more fun ;)

I am beyond thrilled about this art bag :)

I have just completed one of my hardest projects to date. I machine quilted all the fabric on this project. I also designed this project from scratch. It was one of those sew as you go things, and make it up along the way. I can tell you I am very very please how this awesome 17 X 21 bag turned out. My rough estimate on time.... I spent in the area of 14-16 hours making this project. I really do think the time I spent making this bag was well worth the effort.. and then some :)

I wanted to make my nephew a sketch pad portfolio bag ... so he can carry it back and forth to San Francisco School of Art. I also wanted it nice and manly, so that he would be proud to carry it and he would use it for along time to come. I think I accomplished everything I set out to do with this fantastic little art bag. It is lightly padded, it has an adjustable shoulder strap and a huge center front pocket. The pocket has a Velcro closure so he can get into it fast :) I even made a matching charcoal pencil roll. I was very excited when I came up with the idea.. to incorporated some camo fabric as accent trims ;) I even used some vintage buttons for other fun embellishments on this bag :) Its sort of hard to see the buttons on the bag, there is a close up of the pencil roll. It shows what the buttons look like. I used brownish tan buttons then, dark green buttons stacked on top of each other. I think using the vintage buttons, really gave just the right amount of pop to this bag and pencil roll.
I can see John John now... un-furling his pencil roll...
laying it out just so.....like Leonardo DiCaprio
did in the movie Titanic..
Leo looking like a real artist.
All stern faced with concentration...
all knowingly... musing on how to start his project :)

These photos really don't do this little art bag justice.. it really is awesome!!!
I HOPE HE LOVES IT!!!