HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I want to wish all my blogging friends a very Happy New Year!

I just read my goals that I posted for 2011 and updated them.  

Missed a few but had a fun year sewing so that's okay!

Maybe 2012 will be a better year for FINISHING ALL THOSE UFO's!

Wishing you all good health, happiness and good fortune!

Colleen

The Happy and the Sad!

I hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday Weekend with family, friends and loved ones alike!

We had a amazing weekend and a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
All of the children were here on Christmas Eve for dinner and my Grandson's Birthday Celebration.

I made him a cake with lots of sprinkles ~ his favorite.  As you can see, he turned 4 years old this year!  I had only purchased one round 8" pan as of this day because I am using my coupons to buy them at a discount, so not knowing what to do about the top layer and running out of time I grabbed my Christmas Tree pan and made 6 little trees that we put in a circle on top.  It really was cute and absolutely delicious too!

The next day my son and his new wife were at her family for the day and we missed them but had an awesome day.  My little guy had a ball opening ALL the gifts ~ such a good helper!
Santa's little helper...

Yes, you do see a broken arm here in this photo.  My little guy fell and broke his arm on his birthday.  Kids a so resilient ~ that cast didn't bother him one bit!

After opening gifts he decorated Christmas Tree Cookies...

And tested them...

They were yummy!

We had a wonderful day filled with lots of playing and delicious food!

Now, here's the sad part...this little guy and his parents left Monday morning about 7am and moved to Idaho.

I thought my heart stopped beating ~ it did!  Really, couldn't breathe my chest was so heavy.

I cried most of the day.  They have to live their lives and follow their dreams and I know that but I am still so sad that they are going to be so far away (more than the usual day trip for sure)!

I WILL MISS THEM ALL!

Today, back to work and settling into the regular routine ~ SEWING!
Have a wonderful day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas!  I will be enjoying the day with my Family!

What? 11 Days Until Christmas?

For me that means 11 days to get ready for Christmas.  

This year my one true goal is to enjoy Christmas and this beautiful season of joy and happiness.

So, with a lot of things to get done and with me moving and doing as fast as I can I promise to also enjoy what I am doing.  If it all gets done ~ GREAT ~ if it doesn't all get done ~ GREAT!

For me it is also 10 days until I see my precious grandson!  Now, that is really a joyful thing too!

So, as I continue my journey to Christmas Day I continue to slowly clean and decorate the house and to make the gifts I can finish in time without stress!

Yesterday I cleaned and decorated a little more and then I worked on this gift for my Manicurist.

Yes folks, I have one big indulgence and that is to have my nails done every two weeks ~ today is appointment day.  Here is her gift (she just loves hand made gifts).

 Once again I apologize for the crooked photo!

It came out really cute and I think she will really like this one.

After nails I go to lunch with a friend, it is a relaxing and fun afternoon for me.

I also stitched this little design on a flour sack towel.  I think I will give this to my daughter and make two more...one for me and one for my daughter-in-law.  It is so cute but I don't know what happened in that little circle area...my solution ~ will be putting a cute star button there!

Tonight it will be time for more stitching!  Fun and relaxing!

Have a wonderful sew-full day!

Colleen

Yup, two posts in one day!

I have to add another post today because yesterday was such an exciting day for me.

MY SWAP QUILT ARRIVED FROM MY SWAP PARTNER!

Remember two posts ago I showed you this photo of the swap quilt and goodies I sent off to my Small Quilt Swap Partner?

Well, here's what Judy sent to me!  

Isn't it great.  I was truly pleased with it all!  The card is beautiful, the vintage fabric ~ amazing, and the little mouse is just too cute for words.  BUT, that little quilt in the background!  WOW.  And can you see it?  What are the chances that we would both use a friendship star pattern for our swap quilts?

Look at this gorgeous little quilt Judy sent to me.

Here is a shot of the back...

And a close up shot ~ yes, it is hand quilted too!

I am tickled pink!!!  Thank you so much to my new friend Judy, you are amazing!

That was not all for yesterday.  I also received my first issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine.  I had to subscribe because I liked every project I saw that people made from previous issues.  So, now I can drool over every photo of every project and make (or not) whatever I want!

In addition to all this, I signed up for my first ever Block of the Month.  I will be doing the 2012 Thimbleberries Pattern Party BOM.  I must admit that I have taught 2 BOM's but have never been a participant in a BOM.  Cannot wait.  One of the ladies at work talked me into it; she is doing it too.

What an exciting day I had!  I really love the quilt from Judy and all the goodies that came along with it.  I will do another swap with that group of ladies, it was so much fun and I had the best swap partner!

Happy Stitching!
Colleen
PS:  Photos are a good thing.  I did notice that I attached the bottom border on my daughter's little twister (photo in previous post) the wrong way and now I will un-sew it and put it on correctly before I quilt it!

Sewing...sewing...sewing!

I had the best day on Sunday sewing with my gal pals (and a lot of laughter ~ we seam to laugh a lot)!

It was also very productive and I continued to sew into the evening after I got home.

Look at what I accomplished on Sunday!

This runner is for a class I will be teaching at the shop in January.  I started the binding on it yesterday.  Now, a few weeks ago I purchased an Ott Floor Lamp and finally used it last night to sit in my comfy chair and work on the binding.  The light is great!  Good purchase.  I had saved a few dollars here and there so I could get the lamp I wanted; it was purchased with a 60% off special coupon and well worth it!

I love this little Primitive Gatherings pattern that uses the Itty Bitty Twister Tool.  Changed the pattern a little and added this wide border.  Not quilted yet because I am trying to decide if I want to quilt it or frame it ~ any thoughts out there in bloggerville?

This was just a small little center twister piece so I added the outside borders.  I had used some scraps for a demo in a Little Twister class I taught earlier this year.  My daughter saw it and really liked it and really wanted it ~ sew now it is going to be a gift for her for Christmas.  I need to get this quilted today or tomorrow so I can get the binding on it.

Still more sewing to do ~ and these little fingers are moving as fast as they can!

Colleen

Getting things done!

I'm so excited because I finished my little Swap Quilt and mailed it off today to my swap partner!
I hope she likes it.

Along with the quilt I am sending a few little gifty things...

a Holiday Note Pad, a tissue packet holder that I made and it has the cutest little monogrammed tissues inside just for her, and a really nice pin.

Here are the goodies all wrapped and ready for the mail envelope.

I sure hope she likes everything!
Now...the anticipation starts for me because she mailed mine to me today also!
I will be checking the mail everyday!

Since I've gotten this done it is time to put up the Christmas Tree and some other decorations.

The outside trees fell last night because it was so very windy so I was out there when I got home from the post office tying them down so they shouldn't fall again. :)

Happy Stitching all!
Colleen

December Already!

Time really is flying.  I cannot believe that December has arrived and Christmas is just around the corner.

What I really need to do is some decorating!  This weekend...this weekend for sure!

I have been busy working on a lot of gifts and projects and still have many to do.

I joined a Small Quilt Swap and have been working on the quilt for that.

Today was quilting day and of course, I didn't finish it...tomorrow it will be done and then I can bind it Saturday night and mail it to my swap partner on Monday (the deadline for mailing is Dec. 10th so I am ahead of schedule)!

The fabrics were all in my Civil War stash and scrap bin.  I really like the pinks and browns together.  I have been wanting to make one.

I must be honest about this...when I started cutting the fabric for this I liked it so much I cut enough to make two!  Sew ~ this quilt will have a twin quilt.  They will not be identical in layout but they will be made with all the same fabrics!  The size is 18"X24", a wonderful doll quilt.

It actually didn't take much time to cut 2 out at once and I think it is something I will consider in the future to save time.

The pattern is just one I played with and came up with on EQ.  I am sure it is inspired from somewhere or someone but I look at so many quilts on line, in magazines and books that it could be similar to something I saw.  I am sure she will like it, at least I hope she does.

Well, back to the sewing room...

Happy Stitching!
Colleen

November...a photo journal...

There are so many things in life to be thankful for so this might sound silly to some but to others who sew and craft...not sew silly!

I am very thankful to be the proud owner of this...

She is my best friend ~ my sewing machine!

We spend many hours together and like friends we have good times and bad.  She keeps me company and gives me hours of entertaining fun!  We spend time together everyday and she is always there when I need her.

If I didn't have my sewing machine I couldn't do the thing in this world I enjoy most ~ CREATE!

Here are some things I am "creating" right now.

I call these blocks 'alternative friendship stars' and they are for a secret project I cannot discuss right now.

I am also working on this.

This is for a "Small Quilt Challenge" and now that the center rows are complete I need to sew them together and work on the pieced inner border...it needs more red!
And now that I am looking at the photo...I better flip the bottom row before sewing!  The mustard color points should face in to the center!  Good thing I caught that...

I am so thankful that I have the ability and the opportunity to work with my hands and create things ~ it gives me great joy!

I hope you enjoy your sewing adventures as much as I do!

Happy Sewing,

Colleen

November...a photo journal...

Today I am thankful for a gift!

Look what came in the mail the other day...

That's right ~ a pretty package was delivered to my house.

And what was inside?  

A couple of weeks ago I followed a "blog hop". 

You know, you bounce around visiting blogs that are participating, read the wonderful information and stories and many times they have a giveaway.  If you leave a comment by a certain date/time they use a random drawing to choose a winner(s).

WELL...on one of the blogs I was the random winner!

Here is what I received from Sandy Workman at http://pinemtndesigns.blogspot.com/

Sandy's block is featured in the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Magazine, Vol.4
I won a copy of the magazine, her book Laundry Day and a Ruby Charm pack.
LUCKY ME!

Thank you Sandy! and Quiltermaker's Magazine!

Happy Sewing!
Colleen

November...a photo journal...

Today I have to thank all the Veterans ~ including those I love so dearly!

Thank you all for your service and for helping to keep us safe!

I SALUTE YOU!

November...a photo journal...

Day 7...yes, I know...I missed Day 6 and that is because I was busy doing something that today I am thankful for!


I went to a Quilt Show with my friends!


Here are some photo snippets of my journey through the show.

I am NOT a great photographer so pay no attention to the quality of the photos!

There were some lovely quilts in this small show!  They did not disappoint!

I was/am thankful for a fun day with friends and the ability of others to produce a great show with some super 'quilter's eye candy'!

Have a wonderful day!
Colleen

NOVEMBER...a photo journal of the people, places and things in my life I am THANKFUL for and that make me happy!

Day 5

THE AMERICAN FLAG

For me...this is the most beautiful site in the world!
Our American Flag flying proudly in the breeze...

Long may She wave!

November photo journal....

Day 4

MY FAMILY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY SISTER AND HER HUSBAND!

I grew up a lucky kid...six brothers and one sister.

There was never a lonely moment in our home and you always had someone to play with, laugh with and cry with.

I love everyone of them.

In age order; Brian, Sean, Kevin, Doreen, Colleen, Emmett, Dermott, and Damian!

This photo was taken in April 2008 when we gathered for my Dad's funeral.

He was a proud man and had to raise most of us.  My Mom passed away at an early age and 4 of us still lived at home.  I was the oldest at the time at age 18; so it was myself and the three younger boys at home.

My Dad was a Cabinet Maker and made beautiful furniture.  When I owned my store in the late 80's/early 90's he made furniture and other items for me to sell in the shop.  What I liked most about that was he had to visit so he could make deliveries...that meant that I would get to see him at least once per week.  Sometimes he would just come out for a ride to see how the shop was doing and he always had a cup of coffee and a tea biscuit to share!
  

I love this photo of him.

Always a proud Marine!

God Bless you Daddy!

NOVEMBER...a photo journal of the people, places and things in my life I am THANKFUL for and that make me happy!

Day Three!


MY GRANDSON!

He is so much fun!
This little guy has won my heart and I simply adore him!


I love you buddy!!!!

And he loves quilts...he thinks everyone of them (and he has and sees a lot of them because his mom is a quilter too) is "bootiful"!!!


These are some of the quilts and items that I have made for him.

Curtains I made for his bedroom out of his parents old jeans!

Monkey Pillow Cases...he has Christmas pillow cases, Valentine's, St. Patrick's Day, Pirates...and more to come this Christmas (SHHH....Grinch on it's way!...along with the movie!)

This little fishy was finished for him.  It was in a class on machine applique and my daughter loved it and wanted it for his room.

The Flannel Bug Quilt.  This one is so cute and cuddly!

His latest quilt made this past Memorial Day weekend...I blogged about this one a few months ago!

Happy Sewing,
Colleen

NOVEMBER...a photo journal of the people, places and things in my life I am THANKFUL for and that make me happy!

MY CHILDREN!

Well, they are really my "Step-children" but since they have been in my life for over 28 years and they grew up in my home...they are MY CHILDREN!
They were born in my heart!

From left to right:

Akison - he is the youngest and loves to cook and bake.  He is going to school for culinary arts and wants to open a Restaurant/Bakery one day.

He has the best dimples...actually they all do but his are the ones that really make you smile when you see them.

Lisa - she is actually my oldest son's wife.  They were married in September.  She is REALLY the BEST thing that ever happened to him.

She is very sweet and adores my son...God bless her!

Yoshiko - my darling daughter.  What can I say about her?

She is so important to me!  We get along very well and we share many common interests.  She is absolutely beautiful and always has been.  She is generous and kind.  Yoshiko is married and has one son...more about him later!  Her husband is Jason, he was home babysitting while they went to the game!  Jason is a good father and takes great care of his family.

Seiken - the oldest and he likes a good party...I had to say it!

  He does work as hard as he plays and always wants to do his best.

He loves his family very much and is going to be a wonderful parent.

He is so good with his nephew.

They all make me very proud and happy to be their "Mom".

I love them to pieces!!!

Colleen

NOVEMBER...a photo journal of the people, places and things in my life I am THANKFUL for!!

NOVEMBER - DAY 1

I am so happy and thankful to spend my life with this amazing man!

My Husband...he is my best friend and I love him dearly!

Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I have so much fun on Halloween...love to see all the little ones in costume!
But I have to work so my husband (who has even more fun) will get to enjoy the parade of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls!!

Enjoy your day!

Where does the time go!

I haven't posted in a while because I have been so busy at work and organizing my sewing room.

The room is not done yet, maybe I need to NOT strive for it to be PERFECT but just ensure it is FUNCTIONAL!!!! 

But I can say that my "Secret Sista"  received her gift and so now I can show it.
Here is the Mug Rug I designed for her...

And here is the Mug Wrap I made for her...

And her is the photo she took as proof that she finally got it after it traveled from NY to CA...and it only took 10 whole days!  Her photo is the greatest!  It was pouring rain all day in NY yesterday so this was a pleasant view!

I am so glad it finally arrived AND that my Secret Sista likes it!
Funny thing, in this swap we actually had each other as swap partners and, well you already saw my great Mug Rug and Mug...that was in the post below!

Today is a beautiful day for two reasons:
1.  Today I get to sew with friends

2.  It really is a beautiful sunny day out there

Happy Sewing!
Colleen

Look what I got...

I belong to a group on a quilting forum and the ladies are all so great.  Well, we had a Mug/Mug Rug Swap.

Mine came in the mail yesterday and I am sew very excited.

It is a "celebration of my new featherweight"!
Look at this...I just had to take one in Black and White!

And here it is in living color!  Isn't it adorable?

I cannot show you the one I made to send out to my swap mate because I don't think she has received it yet. As soon as I know I will share.

As you know from previous posts, I also belong to a Birthday Swap group.

Since this is my month I have been receiving blocks (see earlier post).

I have a few more to show...

I simply cannot wait to put this all together into a quilt for ME!

Happy Stitching!
Colleen