I AM CHALLENGING YOU!!!!

I was just over to one of my favorite blogs.. Jane's Fabrics..
and what did I spy this:


Jane the sweet lady that she is... is wanting to make a quilt for Lissa. You are saying to yourself who is Lissa.. Well Lissa is a sister-in-law to our very own Mel.. from Mel's Place. From what I read Lissa.. she has been in the hospital for over 7 months now. Her condition was and is very serious, although Mel's up dates on her condition has improved over time. It sounds like Lissa needs to have some joy brought into her life.. That is why Jane wants to make Quilts...
So here is the Challenge.. You can send in one set of blocks or you can send in a dozen... I am going to send in blocks... hopefully up to 12 block sets.. I Challenge you to send in 12 block sets or batting and thread to help make these wonderful quilts. These quilts are for a very special sweet sick woman that needs some joy in her life.

Here is what Jane says about the size of blocks:

I am asking for 4-Patches. One or more; made with 5 inch squares.
Lissa colors: Purple, Green, Cream. Think; calm, serene.
Also, please send one 5 inch CREAM square as a siggy block. Add your name, where you live and any words of love, faith and encouragement. She will love these to read.

Jane has posted examples on her blog... so run over to Jane's Fabrics .. click Here to get more details about these blocks. Jane has given a due date of Sept 4th when all blocks and supplies need to be received at her home. Ladies that gives us a ton of time to come up with these needed blocks and supplies. Lets go forth and show all the love in our hearts!!!
Even if you only have time for one block set that helps~~

So lets burn up some more of that stash and do something wonderful for some very sweet women :)

Sniff Sniff Sniff... I'm Lonesome..

Sniff sniff sniff.. I am lonesome.. no emails... no chats.... no comments... whats up??? I miss you!!! Did you forget its all about me!!! T hee hee hee ... Am I not entertaining you enough with all my banter??? I know what it is....I haven't posted any of my recent projects.. I just haven't been in the sewing mood.. or have I ... well I have but the items are surprises.. and I can't reveal them on the blog... We don't want to spoil the surprise do we??? I have posted another voting pole to vote for the item we will make for our Christmas Swap... so look to the right side bar and vote :0) You can vote for more than one item :)
Speaking of Christmas I just purchased a new Police ornie ..
its an adorable police car.. its all glittery... So cute.. in the old car style :)
APP loves anything that is police!
She collects all sorts of police memorabilia :0)
I was surprised to find such a cute one at Hobby Lobby this time of year!
But it is Christmas in July :)

I better git going before its too hot to work up in the attic.. I am doing some sorting and moving around of Christmas and Halloween items to make room for the extra patterns and other recycle sewing stuff.. that I am saving to make projects with... I better get a move on .. have a great day!!

Starting those Christmas Presents.... Isn't it Christmas in July???

I spent the last 3 1/2 hours working on quilt blocks for Big Daddy O's and Bubba's Quilts. I am making each of them a quilt for Christmas. I now have all the blocks traced and on muslin. I spent two weekends on the computer looking for photos that I could sort of copy to make the blocks for Bubba's and Big Daddy O's Quilts. It's sort of hard to find just the right photo of a Hearse to draw. After several days and several hours I found 12 photos that would be perfect to follow to make my blocks that I will hand stitch. I don't know how pretty these two quilts will be, but I hope they like them. I am not only using the traditional black, grey, dark blue and purple colors.. I am going to use copper, silver, and light brown. I might even throw in a green and red :) I think all quilts should have some fun colors. I can't decide if I want to make the other blocks with just the purple and black.. or go with Skull material.. what do you girls think on that???

For about the last three weeks..I have been working on Step Monsters Blocks for her quilt. All the hand stitched blocks are almost done. I think I have about 3 blocks to finish. Then its time to figure out how I want to put the quilt top together. I know I want it scrappy around the hand sewn blocks. From there I am not so sure. I thought it would be fun to have some other wonderful fun blocks next to the hand stitched blocks, like Bento Box, Log Cabin, Court House Steps, or Bulls eye. Just not sure.. but I know it has to be sort of scrappy looking to go along with the hand sewn blocks. I want bright colors on this quilt top... it will be so awesomely cute!!!
Once I get these three quilts done I have to start on one for Bubba's Live in house mouse. She is a sweetie, and I don't mind spending the time to make her a nice lap blanket. I think I will make hers a disappearing 9 patch blanket ;) Or something equally quick.
My families quilts will be slightly bigger than lap blanket size. Most of the hand sewn blocks are about 9-10 inches big, and I have chosen 12 different designs for the quilts. then with the 12 what ever blocks and then sashing.. I think the quilts will be the perfect size to curl up on the couch with ;)
After I get the quilts completed I have to start on gifts for my family in CA. That will take a tad bit of time.. I still don't know what I want to make each of them. I have had some special requests from my family this year.. that will take care of some of the gifts :) Yeah.. don't have to tax the Ju Ju Be brain very hard on some of them :)
Any suggestions from my wonderful blogging friends is greatly appreciated :)

Wanted Dead or Alive_KS Public Servants

I thought I would share some of my life before my accident in June of 2008. These are men and women that I know and have worked with out on the bricks. Some for many years others.. not so long. The people in this video are EMT's, Fire Fighters, Sheriff Deputies, State Troopers, and my beloved Police dept. I can tell you after working on the streets for almost 35 years.. its very hard to say goodbye. I miss everyday being out there on the street. It gets in your blood and its hard to let go!! I may never be able to let it go!! I hope I don't.. because I loved every minute of helping others. I hope I can come to terms with not being in my old job some day!! Now I have to ride the pine and answer the phones. (ride the pine = desk duty) My family members are very happy that I am now setting at a desk.... But I think it S_ _ ks!!! I guess things could be worse!! It's been very hard for me to adjust to this life style change.. I guess I should be thankful I am one of the few that still has a job. I know there are those out there that would give anything to have my job.
I know I have to just learn to adapt.. but some days its really hard!!
Like today it has been gnawing at me all day!!
I think life has given me lemons..
and I better find a good recipe to make tasty lemonade :)
Thanks for listening to my Pitty Party..
and nothing towards my sweet Pitty Pat!
Enjoy the video about my world.

Note from Videographer:
Brent Tiede

I made this video in Honor of all the brave men & women that work Police, Fire, & E.M.S. after the tragic L.O.D.D. of Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Brian S. Etheridge on 09/28/2009.
I am proud to have to worked for Sedgwick County E.M.S. and getting to work with a great group of men & women (some more demented than others). Majority of these pictures were taken by professionial photographers - Craig Hacker, Andy Thomas, & Sean Black...which their websites are listed on the end credits. These are pictures of Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, Sedgwick County Sheriff, Sedgwick County Fire, & Sedgwick County E.M.S.
Rosa L Spainhour, M.I.C.T.
Assistant Director
Kiowa County E.M.S.

Creative Recycling of old clothing items

Most of you know I am always talking about re-cycling items... I have held swaps here on the blog to challenge you and your creativity in making aprons from up-cycled items. The aprons that I saw were amazing.. My apron for Maria from Canada was incredible. She did such a wonderful job of making it.. I know I try to use old clothing items where ever I can. I use old items to make things for sale in my Etsy shop.. mostly those items are pet apparel.. I have made a few other items that have been re-purposed.

I still believe saving Mother Earth one button and fabric at a time :)
Besides you can find some different, cute, and inexpensive clothing items to turn in to something wonderful. Plan a trip to your local recycle center to do some shopping for those 100% cotton fabric items...
Take those old items from a blah to an eye popping wow!!!

I have found some wonderful fun things on the net... I wanted to share with you that have been reconstructed, deconstructed, recycled, up-cycled.. or how every you want to call refashioning an old item into something new.


What was this old man's dress shirt made into??


An awesome Dress... This item was found on Adventures in Dress Making. She has lots of awesome tips and tutorials.. She has this little box waistband skirt... if I was a little skinny Minnie I would so want to wear one of them! Heck I want to wear one of them now.. but I would so look like a balloon in one!!! It would not be a pretty site me in one of those.. it would have to be rated not for the faint of heart!!! LOL


What could possibly be made from this mans work shirt??


Retro Revival has shared a fantastic tutorial on how to use two Men's work shirts to make this awesome apron :) Visit her blog to get her awesome tutorial on how to make this fun and and exciting up-cycled apron :)



Here is another creative find from Maya*Made:
What did Maya make out of an old T-shirt??


She made this fantastic blouse ;) This clothing re-designer has some other fantastic up-cycled items up on her blog run by and drool over them like I did ;)
The skirt was also re-purposed.. but she forgot to take a before photo.. she was so excited about her design idea .. she forgot..

Wow this is what you can do with some imagination and some old boy scout shirts. Heck I think you could use any type of uniform shirt for this fun and sexy item... Craft Side did just that.. made an awesome item out of an up-cycled item. Run by Craft Side and look at some of her other fun and amazing sewing projects.

Before 2 uniform shirts.... After????


This is one sexy hot little number.. I love it.. and how creative it is. This little dress would look so cute on a teen aged daughter!! Or any young woman for that matter ;) So run over to Craftside and take a look at some of her other fun creations.

I have been checked up on :)

Thank you so much my sweet followers..
It's so nice to get emails wondering if I am ok.
I know I have been remiss in my posting on the blog..
but I have had so much going on this summer.
I am sorting and cleaning in great anticipation of the girls coming here in Oct for the girls week out. I finally got the approval from my Attorney to go to a new Doctor for my auto injuries from workers comp. I have started back to physical Therapy so that takes up 3 of my days, some times 4 if I have other doctors appointments.... Which I have been to at least 6 doctors in the last two weeks.
My job at work has changed. I now work 8 hour days and 5 days a week. I sure do miss that extra day off.. but I so like coming home at 3 in the afternoon. Besides working on Sunday is a very easy day.. not a lot of phone calls or walk ins. I think since the new schedule started I have gotten only 2-3 cases a day on Sunday.. the other days it can be up to 14 cases a day and 100 phone calls and 30-45 walk ins.. Needless to say after days like that all I want to do is veggie in front of the TV. I have been working on some quilt blocks for a child's quilt. I started designing the blocks for Big Daddy O's and Bubba's quilt... I am trying to make them for Christmas. I have been working on a few other secret secret projects.. those will be shared later. I need to work on my potholder!! Its due in Norway... and I haven't even started. I am so bad.. I did email my partner to let her know I am behind on her swap. I have been working in the yard a tad doing some clearing out of trees.... so the other two little dogs can get a breeze circulating around their kennel. It seems like my days off have not been mine in two or three weeks.. spending time with family and friends.. that's ok.. because that is good for all of us to spend time with those that we love. Besides I get free home cooked meals :) Yeah!!

Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

It's once again time for a Chocolate fix. :_)

Photo from Radishes and Rubarb

Recipe found at Radishes and Rubarb:

Blog owner at R&R found the recipe at Sunday Night Dinners

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup firmly packed dark-brown sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into small chunks

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, sift together flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, set aside.

2) In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla; add to flour mixture. Stir batter until just combined. Spread batter evenly into an 8 cup shallow baking dish. Set aside.

3) In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining 1/3 cup cocoa powder, brown sugar, and boiling water. Pour liquid evenly over batter, do not mix. Distribute chocolate chunks into batter. Bake until a tooth pick or skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out with crumbs adhering to it, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Chocolate Ice Cream

Thank you Brown eyed Baker for this wonderful Recipe

Makes about 1 quart

2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
5 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
5 large egg yolks
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Warm 1 cup of the cream with the cocoa powder in a medium saucepan, whisking to thoroughly blend the cocoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer at a very low boil for 30 seconds, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Then stir in the remaining 1 cup cream. Pour the mixture into a large bowl, scraping the saucepan as thoroughly as possible, and set a mesh strainer on top of the bowl.

2. Warm the milk, sugar, and salt in the same saucepan. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan.

3. Stir the mixture constantly over the medium heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula (170°F on an instant-read thermometer). Pour the custard through the strainer and stir it into the chocolate mixture until smooth, then stir in the vanilla. Stir until cool over an ice bath.

4. Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (If the cold mixture is too thick to pour into your machine, whisk it vigorously to thin it out.)

(From The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz)

If you have not visited either one of these web sites Please do they have some fantastic recipes that they have shared with us all.

Winning Vote

Walk into my Parlor

By Mary Howitt

"Will you walk into my parlor?"
Said the spider to the fly:
"Tis the prettiest little parlor that you
ever did spy.
The way into my Parlor is up a
winding stair, And I have many
curious things to
show you when you are there."
"Oh No, no!" said the little fly.
"To ask me is in vain;
For who goes up your winding
stairs can never come
down again."

Awe Ha!! Says the little Witchy Hostess.....
The votes are now in and it looks like we are going to be making
Halloween totes for our next swap.
I will be taking names for those that want to play in this swap starting on
Aug 1st - Aug 21st.
The projects need to be
received not sent to your partner no later than
Sept 25th.

The requirements in this swap:

1. One Halloween tote bag made with Halloween fabrics. Please make your bag at least a 13 X 14

2. 3 little Halloween goodies... exp candy bar, pack of gum, life savers... etc or even sewing notions.

3. 3 Halloween FT Qts and one spool matching thread.

4. One surprise gift... inexpensive!!!! I stress inexpensive!!! Exp: cookie cutter, Halloween decoration you make, old Halloween recipe book you already have... or even fun recipes on card stock. Remember inexpensive.

I would like to see those that participate to use up their fabric stashes and create something wonderful :) Embellish your bags anyway you want :) Exp: buttons, applique, crystals...etc
So ladies get your thinking caps on and lets see what you
can design for your fun Halloween totes.
Send me an E-mail to:
auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com
with the following:
Name
Address
Blog
Phone Number
Ship International

A very touching story :0(

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director
to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or
friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky
back country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and,
being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour
late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere
in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating
lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the
side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I
didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like
I've never played before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing
Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together.
When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my
head hung low, my heart was full. As I opened the door to my car, I heard
one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been
putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Apparently I'm still lost....

Don't you hate it!!!

I just hate how blogger has changed the design page.. now you can't do all the fun stuff that you use to be able to do.. unless you know html language.. I for one want the old style back...

If you don't understand what I mean.. Let me try to explain.... I can't seem to get the little white boxes off my blog now, that surround my post photos. Ugggggggggggg how awful it looks.. Time to go back to straight white back ground again!!!

Who else hates this new design back ground thing????

I could not help myself!!!

I know...... I am an Ebay addict.. do they have a 12 step for it?? If not maybe I should go to a gamblers anonymous!!! I do really really good for a long time .. But there is something about the month of July.. I always loose it and bid on everything in site!!! I am always finding things that I want to own.. but I don't want to give very much money for them. I think I just bid hoping no one else will bid on it.. and I get it on the cheap!!!
I saw this little cover for a Featherweight and I just had to have it. This little beauty was made and auction off by judyjohann.

Judy makes these as one of a kinds... sometimes two.
So if you see one that she has made and you like it... you better bid on it.
There may never be another one like it in her collection of items for sale!!

This fabric is so delicious.. I am going to my local fabric shop and see if she has any tomorrow. I think it would be so fun to have a machine cover for each one of my machines out of this fabric line of material. This fabric is just too darn cute for words :)
Now wouldn't my machine cover and the sewing machine apron that CJ made me look fun together???

The fabric was designed by Amy Barickman for Red Rooster and its call: The Sew-it Book Collection. The entire line is shown at Red Rooster Fabrics.

L@@king hard for a Singer Feather Weight

Hello ladies this is what I am looking for a Singer Feather Weight. I am looking for one that needs tender loving care... IE: It needs to be restored.. I don't care about the paint or whether it runs or not.... the body must be in good condition.. what I mean by this ...the metal needs to be straight without dents. Ok your going to laugh when you hear my price range... I want it to be $100.oo that includes shipping to me. I purchased a really nice.. working one about two years ago for $100.oo plus $25.oo shipping. This was an awesome price.. because they were selling on Ebay no less than $350- $850.oo. I know there are good deals out there.. I just have to keep looking *-) I know if I wait long enough something will come along in my price range :) If you go to garage sales or an auction sort of person keep your eyes out for me... This is suppose to be a winter project for me and the big Daddy O to restore. I have been looking since last fall and I always seem to be 10 mins late on a bid or a couple of bucks short. So ladies keep your eyes open for me PLEASE!!!

Look What I Just Won :)

I was trying to bid on a stripped down Featherweight on Ebay... I am still looking for that less than 75 dollar Featherweight that needs a lot of tender loving care... I know I might be dreaming to find one that price.. but I am not going to give up my hunt for one!!! Dad has promised me that we can restore one together.. I would love that.. it would be such a great project for the two of us. It would be that special machine to pass down to family. I thought I had one bought and someone snatched it out from under me the very last second of bidding :o( So what did I do.. I bid on this and won it for less than 22 dollars that includes shipping.... New they sell for over 49.00 bucks. So I think I got an excellent deal!! Its been hardly used so the seller says. It still comes with everything in the box like it was brand new ;) I have a collection of vintage toy sewing machines. I am sure you have seen one or two here on my blog ;) I figured it would be fun to have one of these and a Hello Kitty. I am still waiting to purchase the Hello Kitty.. I want the turquoise color .. wouldn't that be cute the two of them side by side!

potholders

Hello ladies.. I have received some questions regarding the swap.

First of all ..... Thank you for joining in on the fun!!
Yes if you want to send extras... you can it is not required on this swap. If you send extras make sure its a small amount... for example an extra potholder or a matching tea towel. I know that some of you have been in many many swaps before and its hard not to send a huge amount of extras. But remember AuntPittyPat is always about the required item not getting all hung up on the extras. Extras are never required in my swaps. So if you send extras please keep them minimal...don't be disappointed if your partner doesn't send anything extra.. because they met the swap requirements. If you haven't read my swap etiquette.. please do to remind yourself of general swap rules ;)
Second.. yes the potholders are made anyway that you want.. they can be crocheted, knitted, appliqued, quilted, or what ever your skill. Yes they can be a holiday potholder if you wish.. This swap is all about fun!!!
So go out there and create create create.... lets see your amazing skills ;)

Work week was crappy last week!!!

I had a horrible week at work last week.. It was very busy and the citizen's didn't like the answers that I was giving them. In fact one of them wanted to come down to the station and kick my behind. NOW I wonder really what was up with that???? I have to tell you that was a very bad day to answer the phones.. I sure didn't make any friends that day...but then on Sat... I got a wonderful surprise in the mail from my sweet dear friend CJ :) Some how or the other we were talking about a photo that she had posted.. of a sewing machine mat. Its one of those little rugs that go under your sewing machine to help keep it from slipping around on your table... I was telling her how much I adored it and guess what.....
You guessed it by now.. Yes she made me one of these fantastic little gems!!!
Here let me show you :) Don't you just love the material???
I have to tell you I am always so pleased and honored
when I receive anything made with love from CJ.
She is such a great seamstress!!!

Look at all the wonderful pockets along the front of this little sewing machine pad. Huge pockets for scissors, turners, pincushion, seam guide and so on... I just love it. I haven't been up stairs to sew all weekend.. but I will get up there soon and put my lovely gift up under my BabyLock.
Psssss thanks CJ for sending me the photos.. its been cloudy and dark here all weekend!! My photos never seem to come out any good when its too cloudy. Still raining here since Friday! Yeah we could always use the rain :)

What my true friends think of me!!!

I called your house the other day and was told you were down at your favorite biker bar with some friends.

I wasn't sure where that was,
but was told I wouldn't have much trouble finding it. Sure enough,
I drove just a couple blocks and there it was...

I received this from an EMS buddy of mine.. he is always making me laugh. I am about 30 years older than him, but that's ok we're great friends. He is always happy and full of fun. Just the sort of guy you want around when things are getting sort of hairy :) I know he has been my angel many a nite, out there on the bricks when times were rough!!!