So Many Ideas, So Little Time

My First Blog in Eternity

2010-06-13T19:35:00.001-07:00

I saw these spirals on a quilt shown at the Tokyo quilt show. Does anyone know what they are, or what they are made of? I think that they are really neat, but for the life of me, can't figure out what they are. The quilt show can keep me online for hours, not that I have been sewing lately. Have a good week.

Jackie's post from Tallgrass Prairie Studio!

2010-01-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the most wonderful and romantic post from Jackie? It is written so well, you can almost feel like you were there.'

Go over and read it, I don't want to copy it and get into trouble with her. It is wonderful. Oh, to be so romantic!!!!!!

Pattern Book

2010-01-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is the book that has the pattern for the purse. Does this look like the same purse? I think it is really ugly on the front of the book. Really ugly. I wouldn't have given this a second look, but I love the black bag. I got a note on my blog from someone saying she would be willing to help me. How kind!!!! It will be a great project. If she lets me know how to proceed, I will send the name of the blogsite where I originally saw it and possible yarns I am going to use. I also had a wonderful note from the owner of a shop on Ebay who also gave me great help. I plan to order my yard from her, she was so helpful. You can really meet some nice people on your blogsites!!!

Walking Today

2010-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

It is -20 below here in North Dakota this morning!!! I didn't feel like going walking this morning, I was so warm and snug in my bed with the new flannel sheets. The big Christmas ball lights were still strung on our metal bed posts,on and shining in the dark. But, my desire to get fit and thin was so much more than the pleasure of my bed, I rousted Heinrich and pulled on my sweathirt, pants, and such and got the car warming to head for the church gym to walk. It turned out to be a 45 minute walk, I put on my Ipod and tuned in a download I had of Beth Moore, which was on the Desires of Your Heart, from Psalms 37. It was inspiring to say the least.

Iwent to a party last night with 12 other women, it was lots of fun.We drove through visibility so bad you prayed you wouldn't go in the ditch or get stuck in a big drift. The gathering was short, we were home at 8:00 and it was better outside. The best thing about it, I didn't over eat. The hostess told me that there would be lots of food, so please go lightly on supper, which I did. There were lots of cold warm up drinks, cider, wine, etc. but I asked for Diet Pepsi. YEA. I had a small piece of veggie pizza, a dill pickle, and other low calorie things to fill up my plate instead of the fattenning cranberry desert with buttersauce. I didn't miss it at all. Small steps, planning ahead, one day at a time, wearing the new sweater that is one size smaller all help in the attitude. Think like you are a thin person!!!!!!!!! Think like you have already achieved your goal of thinness. It makes a difference. Note the dress, I want to wear this dress this spring!!!I will wear this dress this spring.

New Year!

2010-01-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Here is a project that I would like to get started on. It came from a blogsite and I just love it. After a lot of searching on the internet, I finally found the pattern. Guess what! IT is in Japanese and I am not a good crocheter in the first place, so hopefully the person who did this will help me out a little. I need to figure out the crochet hook size for beginners and try and locate some yarn. Remember, I love out in the boon docks, and one does not just hop or drive over to the yarn shop in the middle of the afternoon. It is a great looking bag, I want to own it and make it!!!!!! Isn't it cute? If any of you want one, I will let you know more about it.

I LOST A WHOLE SIZE! Yes, finally this walking and dieting is paying off. My stomach feels so much smaller now, and I have lots more energy to get moving. I did something that I should have done long ago. I bought 2 outfits in my current size, got my hair highlighted, and have started sprucing myself up while dieting, AT MY CURRECT WEIGHT! Make yourselves feel better now, don't wait to loose weight to feel better about yourself and then plan to go buy new things. The improvement in having done something for yourself seems to spur you on to continue on your weight loss or general health improving status.

I lost 45 pounds at an earlier time. I BELIEVE the key to loosing weight starts in your head. Really I do. I used to get up and think, "I am going to act like I was thin, eat like I am thin, and start looking at clothes that make me feel good. I always used to slump into the I am fat, I can't do that, I look awful, Why bother? I am fat. It seemed that because I was fat, I didn't deserve a life, to have good things happen to me, or have fun!!!! That is the wrong way to think. Your thought life has a large part to play in how you lead your life, and what you get out of life. In fact, I read that in the Bible the other day. I believe the verse comes from Proverbs23:7 For as he thinketh in his heat, so is he.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! It is beautiful outside today in the Dakotas. A real Christmas storm is brewing, beautiful white snow is coming straight down and covering everything. When the wind picks up it will be a white out. It looks like all of us will be staying close to home tomorrow and Saturday. Guess what I am going to do? I am going to Sew!!!! Sit around the tree, with my diet pepsi , have the television on or Christmas carols and enjoy the day with my husband and dog!!!!!!! Hope your day is wonderful celebreating the birth of Our King!!!!!!!

Christmas Card and Ornament

2009-12-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you Deb for the very cute Christmas ornament and card that you sent to me. I hung it on my tree right away, it is so cute and I think of you every time I sit and look at the tree. Thank you very much. You have a package coming in the mail too, I think it will be after Christmas!!! Merry Christmas to all who come here to visit.

Dye Candy selvages arrived!

2009-10-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

I just received my box of dyed selvages from Chris at Dye Candy. Thank you so much it is gorgeous. It was just like Christmas opening up the box. While watching television I decided to sort the selvages, look who bounded onto the ottoman! Heinrich has been enjoying resting in them since. Chris cuts into the fabric, about 1/4 inch and then rips off the selvages. This keeps the fabric from twisting up on her. Please correct me Chris, if this isn't correct. She sells her dyed fabric from her etsy shop. It is lovely and she does a nice job. I used to dye fabrics about 10 years ago, and it is a process. I used Procion dyes with salt and soda ash to set the color. It seems to me that I ordered a box full of recipes with gradations in it to help get the correct color. You would take the amount of dye and half it each time to get the next lighter gradation. The instructions had all of the color gradations on it with the dye colors to use. A very good exercise in color. I first saw the materials in a quilt magazine that came out four times a year. It was so long ago that I can't remember the name of it.

McKenna Ryan Pattern

2009-10-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

I bought this pattern two weeks ago when I saw it made up at Millend Textiles in Fargo. It was made with shades of purple and on the third panel there was some printing on the fabric. As I stood at the checkout I thought to myself, I have lots of batiks in the purple tones that would look great in that pattern and I could save myself some money if I used them up. Now I can't remember how it looked. I will have to go back to the store, 150 miles away, and look at it again. This time I am going to put my fabric in a bag and take it along and try and visualize what it will look like. It was absolutely gorgeous. I called yesterday, the salesclerk said that since they put it up on display the fabric literally flew out of the store and no remnants either.

Please Leave a Comment!!!

2009-10-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Please leave a comment along with your email address or your blogsite so I can come and visit you!!! I went to all of the sites yesterday that left a note and really enjoyed seeing what each of you had made. I have to limit my own viewing today as I need to get something done in my house and I have stayed up too late on my computer!!!!

Remember This Monkey!!!!

2009-10-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Sandy made these monkeys a few years ago. At the time I thought they were the ugliest things I had ever seen. Yesterday I saw this fabric at the fat quarter shop and decided to order some. This morning my friend and I went out for breakfast, I mentioned the fabric, and now I have in my possession a new pair of socks and the directions to make the monkey. I think he is so cute!!!! I wonder how long it will last with my pooch around. I will have to set it up high so he doesn't take ownership of it and tear it to pieces. What do you think of my new friend??? Have a great weekend and have fun browsing at the quilt show.

Julia and Julie

2009-10-16T20:29:00.001-07:00

It is a great movie! You have got to go, my friend and I went twice. Lots of fun, the music is great and the sets are well done. It is quite long, but you will enjoy it. I learned French a long time ago in college, it is surprising what you retain.

Quilt Guild Project

2009-10-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

I joined a quilt guild earlier this fall up in Altona, Manitoba. Last night we received handouts with directions to do English paper piecing. It was a great time and a good chance to meet the other members. Probably my favorite part of the evening was sitting next to Sharon Schmidt and helping myself to some of her wonderful scraps. I took a few, like the cat,the red print and the turquoise pieces shown in the photo. To be nice, I left her a few of my mine that were done. It was the least I could do, after rooting through her container!!!!!!! The other members brought their show and tell pieces, they do very high quality quilting. I am glad I joined.During announcement time, I told everyone about the virtual quilting bee online and give them the web address as well as my own. One can spend lots of time sitting and viewing all of the beautiful designs.

Close-up of French Roses Fabrics

2009-10-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Virtual Quilting Bee-Click on the Button to Link

2009-10-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Virtual Quilt Show

2009-10-15T09:18:00.001-07:00

There is a virtual quilt show going on. Please go to www.parkcitygirl.com to view the quilts. There are 600 entries so far. The deadline to put in your entry is this coming Friday. I have gone to view the quilts, a great selection, I saw a few that I really liked that were really modern in nature. I have chosen to enter the quilt that my sister made called French Roses. She passed away about a year and a half ago, we both had purchased the same fabrics to make this small throw sized quilt. I am just finishing mine up now, and am getting ready to send it to be quilted. This was a fun pattern to do and would be particularly good for beginners.

New Jelly Roll Ordered!

2009-10-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

I ordered this jellyroll from Hancocks of Paducah. They had a good price on all of the fabric strips. These are so beautiful and will make a great looking project. All are Kona cottons. Anybody got any good ideas on what to make out of them?

I need to go on a fabric diet as well as a food one. Check out www.theangelandthepukelo.blogspot.com Deb has some good utube clips of Il Divo.

My Walking World

2009-09-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

These are pics of Icelandic State Park. The park is located 6 miles from our home, so I have been going out there to walk with my dog each day. Weight loss is a real pain in the butt~ it is easier to think of walking to better your health and get fit. Walking over three miles a day is so much easier with a nice place like this to go. Heinrich roams free and I listen to my Ipod or the birds or whatever. There are many short trails or loops like this,and three main places to go , so lots of variety in choosing your path . There are inclines too, making some courses a little tougher than other.

Finally, A New Post

2009-09-17T14:37:00.001-07:00

I saw this fabric while looking and drooling at new fabrics. IT is $55.00 a yard. I just about wet my pants!!!!!! I just love it and can imagine it in a lot of really cute things, but it will just have to stay on the shelf, I cannot afford it at or am willing to pay for it.

After a few days at Maple Lake, guess what came? Yoshiko Jinzenji fabric!!!! Yipee. and I have a line on a bunch of scraps that I am buying too. It will be fun to make something different for the quilt show next spring/ summer. I will post that fabric too in a bit.

Beth Moore Conference

2009-08-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

It was a really great conference starting Friday night at 7:00 until 9:30 and then Saturday morning from 8:30 until after 12:00. On the way home, my friends and I talked about what we thought was the highlight of the conference. For me, it was when she talked about all of the spiritual warfare going on in the heavenlies, warfare being fought for each of us. She said that the moment a group of women she knew got together to pray in a small group, they actually heard a swoosh sound as swords were drawn above. That just sent chills down me when I heard that. It makes the bible verse Ephesiabs 6:12 really take on significance. "For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evin in the heavenly realms." Imagine sitting down to pray with your friends about your everyday troubles and imagine hundreds of angel warriors pulling out a big sword to fight off the evil that wants to destroy us!!!!!!!!! Take that to the spiritual bank!!!!!!

Elbow Update

2009-08-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is week 3 of the broken elbow. Two more weeks to go with my arm in the sling. There was a little setback yesterday, so am icing today. Physical therapy is on hold for a while. So, my friends, I am sitting in the chair bored to pieces!!!!!!!! I have lots of ideas of projects lying in wait!!!!! Please leave a note as I am bored and would love to visit your blog. Have a great day!!!!!!!!

Cute Project With Scraps

2009-07-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

This was taken from the blog of fotaniche, or at least that is what I wrote underneath the bottom of the photo. Now I can't find her blog or address to ask permission to use her picute.I will keep trying to find her. Aren't these cute? You also need to click over on Tallgrass Prairie Studio and see what Jacquie just added to her blog. Great inspiration.

Christmas Runner

2009-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a runner my sister and I did a few years ago, it is really a lot cuter in person. I would like to make another one and redo it with something a bit different. Any ideas?

Laugh for the Day!!!!

2009-07-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Giveaway!!!!!!!

2009-07-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

I am going to host a giveaway and it is going to be a good one!!!!!! What would you like to see me give away? What is it that you would love to add to your fabric inventory? Perhaps you would like a piece of china painting from me!!!! Please leave your comments and tell all of your friends to stop by and leave me a note and I will post in two weeks from today,with the winner and the item!!!!!!! If there are lots of great suggestions, I will give more than one item away. Barb

"It is better to give then to receive!"

A Great Week!!!

2009-07-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

This has been a great week! Many of you will wonder how I can possibly say that after all that has happenend in our household. But it truly has. People are so kind and always willing to go the extra mile for you. For instance, I went to the quilt show in Canada, and forgot my camera. Lori Hiebert volunteered to take photos for me, after I made up a list for her, and is going to send them to me to put on the blog. I took back some strawberry pails for the people at the local bank and guess what, Frieda, gifted me a large pail of the most beautiful strawberries you have ever seen!!!!! Then DH did the dishes for me and cleaned up the house and went to Music in the Park. WE had a nice time listening to the music, it was a gorgeous evening. Another friend brought over two meals, delicious, with another drop of fresh cherries later one evening. My swap partner sent me a gorgeous package, more fabric came in the mail, and my friends called from the library and gave me first chance on the new Quilt magazines to check out. The painting arrived and was to me a great treasure, I will love it forever!!!!Friends are driving me places and I am visiting with so many people and getting calls of encouragement daily.
Most of all, I am so happy not to have a cast, surgery, or lots of pain or have had a head injury or been severely hurt from my fall. God was watching out for me. I also hit DH vehicle while backing out of the garage, he laughed. Can you believe it? He didn't get mad!!!!!
Life is good. Deb from New Zealand (www.theangelandthepukeko.blogspot.com) has sent me some lovely notes and shared patterns with me . If I have forgotten anyone I am sorry, you are all the best!!!!

Morten Juvet

2009-07-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Many of the Norwegian bloggers may recognize this painting or work by Morten Juvet. Mr. Juvet is a famous painter who has work in many art galleries throughout Norway. For more information on his work, you may go to www.mortenjuvet.no to learn more about his work and exhibits. I recently purchased this painting and am enjoying it immensely. Not everyone in our home thinks it is a great piece of artwork. Guess who?

Fabricworm Delivery!

2009-07-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I also received a package from Fabricworm. She has a great shop on Etsy which I order many things from. I thought I needed more variety in my Spare Change quilt and also extra pinks and oranges for another project. These are all half yard pieces, which will be nice to have on hand.

More Photos

2009-07-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more photos for those who could not distinguish everything in the last photo.

Two Wonderful and Generous Swappers!

2009-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much Lisa and Sarah!!!! When I opened my package, I smiled and smiled as I opened all of the lovely items I received. Each one was so special and so nicely done!!!!! I laughed outloud when I saw the dog fabric,I absolutely love my dog, looking to see if there was a print that looked like Heinrich and also trying to think of how I would use it in a project to show all of you. The gift tags made out of paint chips was very clever!!!!!The chips were punched with a Christmas tree, I believe it is a punch from scrapbooking supplies! They added ribbons and wrapped everything up so lovely. This was a great swap, anyone who receives a special gift from both of you will be blessed. It really was uplifting and made my day when my husband brought in the mail

Update!

2009-07-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

The doctor just called and the radiologist in Fargo said that my elbow was indeed broken. Luckily for me, it was a clean break, no cast and same treatment, sling and ice. I am so thankful and so cheerful, things could be worse.

Accident!

2009-07-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

I tripped and fell last night just as I was finishing weeding the garden in front of our house. Unfortunately, I fell back on the cement and hurt my right arm and elbow just like Hillary Clinton. Fortunately, no fracture or hairline crack showed up on the ex ray , but I am in a sling with an ice bag sitting on the sota like Queen Bee. Just what can a person do with a right hand injury? Nothing but entertain all of my company who has come to see me and accept the wonderul gestures of food and good will. DH is busy doing dishes, putting away laundry and running errands for me. Life is good, the swelling is down tonight. Thank goodness for wonderful men. Poor Heinrich sat beside me outside last night and wouldn't go for help. Loyal man, my little furry child.

cute cupcake papers!

2009-07-18T22:43:00.001-07:00

I have done nothing today, absolutely nothing!!!!! I drove out to the lake to see all of the spectacular Christmas in July lights and then came home and read blogs until I was blurry eyes. I saw these on poppytalk.blogspot.com. I will have to order some.

Exchanged Fabric Already!!

2009-07-18T07:54:00.001-07:00

Jacquie from Tallprairiegrass.blogspot.com emailed me a great suggestion on how to swap my fabric. You have to be invited, so I sent in my request, got invited and swapped the fabric all within an hour!!!! It is a very reliable source she said. I will let you know how the swap goes. It is fun too look through everyone's fabric and see what everyone has left over and all of the up to date fabrics to choose from. Did you know that there is a big sale over at Pink Chalk?????

P.S. On the Fabric Exchange

2009-07-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

I like the fabric I have listed under July 7!!

Fabric Exchange

2009-07-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

"Kiwi" by Alice Kennedy is shown in the above photo. There are 6 pieces of assorted prints in half yard cuts. I would like to exchange it with other fabrics you don't like or some that are just sitting in your stash. It would be great to receive a box of your scraps or anything comparable in prints using orange or blue. I like bold colors and prints but especially like Amy Butler, Denise Schmidt, Kaffe Fassett. Please email me privately at my email address or leave a comment if you have anything available. It would be wonderful to mail this within a week from todays date!!!!! Happy stitching this weekend!!!!!!!!

An Unedited Version

2009-07-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

The small quilt started like this, then I modified the bows for a totally different look to send to my swap partner. I bought the small gift bows uptown at the drug store and am planning on using them for another small quilt that needs a bow. The quilt is cuter in real life. The basic design is going to be modified again tomorrow in another project.

Swap Item is Done!!!!!!! YEA

2009-07-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my items today and got them in the mail!!! I am so excited you have no idea!!!!!! Now to get photos downloaded so you all have a sneak peak is a real problem. Something must be wrong with my printer because two different cameras will not work !!!!!! This swap idea is great and I for the first time in a long time I get things done in a timely fashion!!! My items are not like my new swap partners, hopefully they will grow on her. What is the use in sending her things ike she already has?????? See you all tomorrow.

Dieting is Underway!!!!!

2009-07-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I should tell all of you I am watching my caloric intake. Weight Watchers has a great program, I feel better and don't feel guilty about myself since I started. Walking a bit each day is a wonderful day to unwind and have a few minutes to oneself. This is a great photo of a few pieces of furniture I would like in my spare bedroom and another quilting project I have no time to do. This particular piece is from Syko in Norway. She has a great site to visit for inspiration. Thought you might all like another good idea. The blue fabric is great. I will post photos of sneak peaks of my swap tomorrow.

Michael Jackson

2009-07-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

It was a nice funeral, very personal and well done with speakers and personal memories. But, I am sick of it, and actually have kept the television turned off the past week.

Working on my projects today was a total bust so I just put them aside. Tomorrow is going to be a big sewing day for me. Please go to www.theangelandthepukeko.blogspot and see what Deb is making. Very cute embroidery projects and a link to the source where you can make their purchase. She does nice work also. Lucky person who gets her swap item!!!!

2009-07-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

I must have a thing for beds. I just love this one too.

Guess What This Will Be!

2009-07-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

I hope that my swap person will like brights, because that is what I am making. This is the first time I could get my camera to work. It is turning out cute! It took about 2 hours to machine quilt the fabric!!! It must be evident to everyone who looks at my blog that I have a love affair with bright colors, mainly primary colors. But it is interesting that I also like pastels for the bedroom! I am pondering having a giveaway. Could someone tell me how to set it up in this blog? Thank you.

Christmas List!!!!!!

2009-07-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I would make a list of things I would like for Christmas.

1. Striped scraps so I can make the quilt below. The one with the circles.

2. Fat Quarters that are pale blue and would go with my 15 yards of white
Essex cotton and linen blend.

3. A big bag of remnants or scraps from Denise Schmidt, Heather Bailly, Heather Ross
or Kaffe Fassett.

4. Sheets of steam a seam.

5. A really really good book about Paris, maybe a cookbook, or something with
great photos.

6. Needles, assorted shapes and sizes.

7. Carl Larson prints like the one shown with this post.

8. A year's supply of emails that would keep me on track to keep walking every day.

9. A cookbook devoted to breadmaking.

10. A great pair of dangling earrings. Artsy and really uptown!!!!!!

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-04T21:08:00.001-07:00

I spent all day sewing on my Christmas Swap and just have a few touches left. I can't retreive my photos off of my camera, thus this Christmas picture. Tomorrow I will ask a friend to give you a sneak peak!!!! Today, I made my bag so big I turned it into another item for the swap. If the swap director is reading this, aka. Linda, thanks for the call. Tomorrow is my last day to get this project ready to mail, except I need to find tome white organdy. Stay tuned for my next project.

Fourth Of July

2009-07-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

I saw this sleeve today and I just love it! It would look great in other colors too. It would look great as a sleeve when I play my cello.

Too Many Irons in the Fire!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2009-07-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

I thought I had better add the logo for the Christmas In July Swap. I am working on the project, I will take a few days off to actually sew up my things. These poppie would make a wonderful waterfolor painting, like I have time to whip up one of those! Practicing the piano every day is what I am doing, I am going to play the prelude again in church this sunday, it takes me forever to get 4 or 5 songs ready. See you again in a few days.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due~

2009-07-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

I want these earrings!!!! I also want the necklace and bracelet to match. I am going to order them. They were shown on the website, www.shoppassementerie.com . I also need a good looking outfit to wear with them. The kite quilt is called Spare Change from www.2ndavenuequilts.blogspot. Rachel is a dream to help out in answering questions and does great work. It seems like this small quilt is taking my forever to put together.

Now, I cannot for the life of me remember where I saw this cute small striped quilt. If you are the owner, please let me know and I will give you the credit. You did a wonderful job.

More Pictures of the Quilt.

2009-07-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

The cute quilt was one at the quilt show in Morden, Manitoba. I don't know the name of the person who made it, but it sure is cute. I want to make a pillow like the green one. It will look great in my bedroom in another color. When will I have time to get all of this done????????? The sewing fairy will be coming to my house.

Didn't Fall Off the Face of the Earth!!!!

2009-07-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have been away from my posing for quite some time. Here is the scoop, been busy with the yard, in one week helped a friend with graduation, a trip to Fargo, 300 miles, Grand Forks 150 miles, two baby showers, one wedding shower, a trip to the dentist, church and played the cello, entertained company at my house in addition to the cooking, cleaning and laundry. It is tiring. I must say that I am doing my Christmas exchange, and my camera also died!!!!!! Sorry all! I will try and borrow one and put something on here soon.

I was working on a small wallhanging and it is awful! IT is stretching and looks absolutely awful. If any of you have any suggetions please let me know! I am still walking for those of you who are interested. It really makes a difference on how good I feel afterwards.

Inspiration for my Bed

2009-04-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

I saw this photo a few years ago of a this bed and I fell in love with it. I am hoping to create one just as inviting with my bedframe and room remodel. Isn't it inviting?

Lots of Stamps on Envelope!!!!

2009-04-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

2009-04-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Swap Package Arrived

2009-04-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

My swap package arrived today all of the way from Finland. Thank you very much Jeanette Saari,www.patchespiecesandme.blogspot.com !!! My favorite things arrived; very pretty purple napkins, a heart. and table runner which I think is great and with linen in it!!!!! My husband was busy sampling the chocolate bars and finds them to be very good!!!!! You can not see the stitches on the tablerunner but it was hand stitched, very nicely done, as was a cute bag with machine free motion quilting!!!! P.S. He just came in and was asking for the other candy bar!!!!!!!!! He was wondering where he could get more. LOL I took the tea bags out to my friend Ruth's house, her mother-in-law is staying there because of the flood, we talked and visited across the table and really enjoyed ourselves over cups of tea. Thank you so much again Jeanette and thank you for the nice email I also got today. I appreciate your efforts in making this such a good first swap for me. Best Wishes and Happy Spring. Barbara Gunderson

Spring Swap

2009-04-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Norwegian Bed- Painted Pure White

2009-04-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

2009-04-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

A China Painted Bowl

2009-04-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

I painted this bowl for a friend. I also made one for my niece when she got married. One more is sitting here staring at me today. Sorry for those who are expecting a photo of my free motion quilting with an embroidery hoop. I am busy painting. I finally started on my bed frame this afternoon. It is going to be really cute. I bought it for $35.00 last summer and wanted to give it a fresh coat of white paint, the room is will go in is going to be a pretty light blue.

July Swap!

2009-04-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

I signed up for the Christmas in July swap. It will be loads of fun, I already have my idea in place and now will start to sketch it out. JoAnn Fabrics had 40% off the quilt batt today, so I decided to try the very thin, Bamboo. I also purchased more red batik for my project, it is a beautiful shade of red.

Yesterday I also tried something different in the line of free motion quilting. I put my sample sandwich between some embroidery hoops and started quilting. It worked beautifully and the stitches were almost perfect on the first try. I will show a sample tomorrow. I couldn't believe it. If I had to do it over again, I would definitely do this. A great tutorial on this type of machine quilting can be seen on www.ohfrannson.com .You need to go there as soon as possible and take a look. The quilting is courtesy of www.dontlooknow.typepad.com

New Fabric On The Way

2009-04-04T23:42:00.001-07:00

I ordered more fabric today, I am excited to get going on my Christmas In July Swap! I have ordred more fabric form my favorite etsy person fabricworm. She is so pleasant and efficient, my order comes promptly and the fabric is luscious. I have enclosed a couple of photos for you to see.

2009-04-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

Finished Spring Swap!!!!

2009-04-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

I fnished my item on time, and got it to the mailbox. It was an unhappy household when it left here. It turned out cute and the ladies at the bank, postoffice, and library thought so too. IT was a fun project to do and I hope it likes its new home far far away from here. I had never done free motion quilting before, it was quite nerve racking, but now I am ready to tackle a new and bigger project. It really makes one feel good to go out and do something entirely new they never thought they could master. Fun, I recommend it to everyone. I learned a few tricks doing it, I will share them later in a tutorial. Ordered more fabric today too, to make another small quilt, it will be lots of fun too. Until tomorrow. Sleep tight.

twitter birds

2009-04-04T22:49:00.001-07:00

Today's Projects

2009-03-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

I finished firing this casserole in the kiln with painting and am looking at my feeble attempt to get this project done. I think that I need lots of help!

Spring Is On The Way!

2009-03-16T21:45:00.001-07:00

I spent all day fussing with my Swap Partner's gift today. And I would like to add that I still haven't got any ideas for sure of what to do!!!!!! I spent the day looking at everybody else's blog looking for a good idea or something that I could adapt that would be great! The trouble is, everything that I like is very modern, not to everyone else's taste I am sure. Tomorrow I start on it, come back and see what I finally decide to do.

Spring Swap- Isn't This a Cute IDea for A Swap!

2009-03-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

All Stitched Up

2009-03-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

All Stitched Up

I have signed up to be in the Spring Swap. I have some of the things I need, but I had better get going and get my item finished. How are all of you doing?

Have a Great Day!

2009-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Comments - Graphics - Layouts - Photobucket

Home From Fargo!!!!!!

2009-03-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

This cute quilt was also done by Kellie's daughter on dontlooknow.blogspot.com. She won a great prize and did a wonderful job. Congratulations to you!
I want this quilt and I am going to make one for myself instead of just drooling over it!!!! I thought that groisgrain ribbon would be fun to sew on instead of doing all of the piecing. I have lots of red batiks and a wonderful piece of blue batik that would work just great too.

I Went Swimming This Week!!!!

2009-02-28T16:39:00.001-08:00

I swam for an hour this week,it was great exercise and lots of fun. The pool was very warm, and there weren't many people there to view me!!!!!!!!!!!!! It felt good in the middle of a North Dakota winter to jump in!!!!!

Got My Quilt Pattern Today, February 28

2009-02-28T16:16:00.001-08:00

Here are some really cute quilt ideas shown on dontlooknow.blogsite.com. I ordered the pattern shown on her site for the flower quilt and I got it today, all of the way from Australia in less then 5 days. Kelli was really great in sending the pattern to me very quickly, and she also is sending me a list of fabrics that she has used. I recommend ordering or looking at her blogsite. She is wonderful! Great ideas for some inspiration. I got out some fabric to get started on my secret pals'quilt, but as usual don't have all of the right things. Have a great weekend!!!

Tallgrass Prairie Studio: Pictures Say It All

2009-02-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Tallgrass Prairie Studio: Pictures Say It All

Beth Moore Bible Study!

2009-02-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

I am currently leading a women's Bible study by Beth Moore. If you are looking for a great place to start to really learn and know your Bible, this is a great place to hook up with some Christian women and really delve in and learn about what God has planned for your life!!!! I can't recommend it highly enough. This is the fourth one I have either led or attended. Great!!!!!!!! I would practically like to invite all of you here to ND to stay with me for the 10 weeks to complete the Bible study and to quilt on your off time. LOL LOL

Adult Sunday School- Don't Stop Learning!!!!!!!!

2009-02-25T13:54:00.003-08:00

I am currently teaching Sunday School. We began Romans just after Christmas. It has so much great information. Last Sunday we talked about judging others, and this week we will review many of the covenants God made with Abraham in Genesis. Adult Sunday School is the best!!!!! I have learned so much from teaching. The pastor must ask the one who needs to learn the most to teach, because I sure do learn!!!! There are 9 women in our class and we have the best time with each other. We attend a small church of Methodists and Presbyterians!!!!!!!

Heinrich and Valentine Quilt

2009-02-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

I was going to put my Valentine's Day quilt away today, but decided to take a picture of it with the dog. This was a fun project to do too. It went so fast that I made 5 of them and gave them to my friends for Valentine's Day. It seems like everyone of all ages likes it. I need to put away a few other things too, the feather tree in the background too!!! Oh well.

2009-02-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

I just hung this wall hanging up the other day. It is one my sister did for me and was stored away in a plastic tote. Since she has died, and it is just over a year, I wanted to get it bound and hung. This is called tussilating leaves and is quite easy to do. We used this diamond fabric only as a test pattern so we didn't have to waste any good fabric. Both of us hated to throw it away, so we kept on going and finished it. I like the one she did for herself better with a more muted background, but this is just fine.

2009-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have been busy trying to figure out an item for my swap partner, so far nothing in mind. I guess I will have to go and visit here site to see what she would already have. I tend to pick out things that are a bit contemporary. I think I will make a pillow for her. I have got some really cute fabrics already in my stash, and also about 5 yards of some really nice neutral fabric. This will be fun. I also have a thing going for red and white polka dots now.

Getting Ready for Easter!

2009-02-25T12:17:00.001-08:00

Easter is fast approaching and I am hard at it practicing for Good Friday and the Easter services. I am working on "Were You There", "Christ Arose", and "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today! The girls and I, a.k.a. the Violettes are busy getting ready to play for Music in the Park in June. Right now Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog, sounds really fun as does Orange Blossom Special!!!!!

A New Project!!!!

2009-02-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

I am getting ready to do a project for my exchange!!!!! I have a tendancy to like bright spring colors, so this will be lots of fun. I saw a really great quilt blog that all of you would love!!!! However, before I start that project, here are more items done by the Finnish designer. She has some great things. I will post what I get done tomorrow morning. There are two blogs that I just love!!! One is dontlooknow.typepad.com and the other is tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot. They have wonderful designs and great ideas. Take a look and see what you think!!!!!!!

The image is again from Syko, she gave me permission to use it. I would like to adapt this for a spring project.

Heinrich, My Best Pal!!!!

2009-02-22T21:51:00.000-08:00

This is the real reason I don't get anything done. I am always busy dinkering around with my pal, Heinrich. We go for drives in the afternoon, walks in the neighborhood, and have afternoon naps together. Spoiled or what?????

Good Recipes

2009-02-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Looking for a good idea for lunch or dinner? The women who do their blogsite, www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com have some great recipes. I made these rolls today, they taste as good as mine!!!!!! Is it no wonder that I get no sewing done, I am either cooking, doing laundry, or getting groceries!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cute Idea!!!!

2009-02-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

I love the small pincushion. I saw it in a pincushion challenge and saw it on Flickr. It would be quite easy to make, I have wool that will work great for the stuffing. The cake plate came from a site in Finland. Her name is Syko, she gave me permission to use the photo. I will add more information on her website tomorrow.

Entering Spring Swap

2009-02-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

I saw some of the ideas that were posted on our organizer's blog. they were so cute I could hardly sstand it. I am going to start getting busy tomorrow and doing my sewing, I would aslo like to start a heart like the one with the applique of flowers. I absolutely love the small lady bug on the bottom of the heart!!!

Great Blog Sites

2009-02-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

I wanted to tell you that I ran across a very interesting blogsite the other day, that I just love. It is called Tallgrass Prairie Studio. There are some great looking quilts there many having a contemporary feeling. The one that I especially like is made of houses. It is used as a table topper. The site has a copyright or I would add the picture. I will write and ask permission to do so. Another site is by a Finnish woman who has fantastic ideas. One that I particularly like is of a cake on a pedastool. I have written to her and asked permission to include it here too. Fingers crossed that she will allow me to.

This is my first post since a year ago. What have I done in the quilting world? Nothing. I have been too busy practicing my cello, piano, and leading Bible Study and Sunday School. Today, I signed up for a quilt exchange, so that means I need to get in gear and get going!

It has been really icy here in the Dakotas. Lots of warnings and no travel advisories since Monday! It is a good time to sit at home and sew!

Laugh, This is Going to Be Us in Few Years!!!!!

2008-03-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

Think Spring

2008-03-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

A voice went through the emerald land
And "Wake, wake, wake Robin, " cried,
A brook burst out in laughter sweet
And straight the winter sighed.

--Ella Higginson

Cleaning House- Fly Lady To The Rescue

2008-02-21T12:03:00.001-08:00

I am hard at it cleaning this house!!!!!! I am doing really well this week and have help. The http://www.flylady.com is now coming. I am just about done decluttering so I can start on the "zones" next week!!!! Tim is waiting for the drawers getting cleaned. He has spent time cleaning out his office. Things are looking better around here every day.

Spring is around the Corner, -29 tonight!!!!!

2008-02-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

It is predicted to be very cold tonight. Instead of going out tonight this is what I will be doing tonight. I got mine out of my closet and started knitting a headband to wear out in the cold. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

P.S. Be cure to click on the chicken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

- Anne Bradstreet♥

Today's Happennings

2008-02-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

The weather was blustery today, we weren't able to go to church or to the dinner after the baptism. It was a long day, I didn't even touch any of my projects.

Geranium Wallhanging

2008-02-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

This wall hanging will be made available March 6 from The Quilted Jewel in Morden , Manitoba, Canada. It is so much cuter in real life. I bought the reds to be used in Fargo last week. It will be a fun project to finish in time for spring.

Halloween Wallhangings

2008-02-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

This project was done earlier this fall. It is hand appliqued! Finding the right color of orange is the trick to this!

Birthday Candle Cloth

2008-02-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

This pattern from BareRoots is very quick and easy to make. I added the beads at the last minute, they don't show up as they really are here on my blog. In real life, they are pearl-like and really add to the design. My friend Brenda got this for her birthday present this week on February 14.

2008-02-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

I have two of these projects to get done. The fabric was purchased earlier in January and the pattern comes from a book called Bits and Pieces. It has several very cute projects to complete.
It is snowing outside today and the supper is in the oven, so I am going to work on this. I have very similar fabric and it is also great fun.

2008-02-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

2008-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

My sister made this beautiful quilt called French Roses. I have started the same project only I didn't read the directions before hand. Now I have to rip apart all of my blocks and trim out all of the underlying fabric. I wish I had purchased more of the project so I could have made a queen sized quilt for my bed. If you want a fun project, then try this one out.

Lilac Torte Plate

2008-02-16T14:41:00.001-08:00

pa040013 (2)
Originally uploaded by hittebaby55

This was one of my favorite things to china paint. Lilacs are a fairly easy flower to master as a beginner, so not only did I do one for myself, I made one for my Mother and sister-in-law Susan. The design came from a class which Andrew Orr taught here in the area.

I am going to try and do a watercolor of this!!!

2008-02-16T11:31:00.001-08:00

still_ey119_lrg
Originally uploaded by like it was

Pink Peonies in a White Enamel Pot

2008-02-16T11:30:00.001-08:00

CR02_2c.tif
Originally uploaded by like it was

terrazas4_7g

2008-02-16T11:28:00.001-08:00

terrazas4_7g
Originally uploaded by like it was

This is a beautiful basket of flowers. It reminds me that spring is on its way.

Personalize Your Homepage

2008-02-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Personalize Your Homepage