Cindy's Stitches in Time

A twist and more

2012-01-20T12:26:00.001-06:00

This is my sewing room.

This is Lucy looking very confused and suspicious, number one, she is not usually allowed in there and number two, even if she wanted to come in she would not be able to walk across the floor with out stepping on something.

These are my closet doors. They are rarely closed. Not that I don't like them closed 'cause I do, it just that usually there is so much stuff spilling out I can't possible get them shut.

This is my cutting table, it's always there but sometimes I can't find it.

My ironing area is usually piled with projects that have gone awry that I will never finish.

And here is my good ol' trusty sewing machine that never gets dusty because when I'm not using it there are projects piled on top of it.
After days of plunging though years of accumulation, I have managed to get all areas neat and tidy at the same time and thought I should celebrate by working on a long lost project. So I pulled out a pattern and kit for a table topper that I bought up in Brainerd last fall. It called Served With a Twist and I remember it being ever so cute.

Now I know my memory isn't what it used to be, but I know for a fact the sample they had hanging in the shop was not all crazy and puckering like this.

I never questioned it when I was sewing it as the instructions said the squares will be misshapen until it's assembled. I don't know what I did wrong and no amount of tugging and pressing is going to fix it.
Perhaps my sewing room was just too neat and tidy and I just couldn't think straight. I'm off to do some messing up, maybe my sewing room, maybe my next project, we'll just have to wait and see.

More napkins rings

2012-01-18T15:45:00.000-06:00

Here are some fun and funky napkin rings that I made for my Etsy Shop. Wouldn't they be a charming addition to your decorated patio table? We love to eat outside when the weather is permitting and now I can hardly wait to have a flower themed decorated table.

There was a little learning curve to them but now that I've think I've mastered it I may make more using old vintage buttons.

Napkin rings

2012-01-16T11:44:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the Valentine theme I had going, I went ahead and made some napkins rings using wool felt and hearts cut with my die cutter.

Here is the front and back version.

Gearing up for Valentine's Day

2012-01-12T11:02:00.000-06:00

I needed some decorations for for February so I designed a couple of small mats using my die cutter.Not having to cut the hearts by hand makes the job get done much faster.

Just because

2012-01-07T14:48:00.002-06:00

Just because I haven't posted for awhile and I need a break from cleaning some clutter out of my closet and because my pets haven't gotten any blog time recently, this is today's post.

I thought I should also toss in a picture of our children as well.

Matt and Michele sporting their new ~~ugly~~ holiday sweaters.

Holiday sweaters for all the cousins.
This is a little side note for all my foreigner friends - holiday sweaters are all he rage here for the younger generation. Not that they would wear them to work or anything like that, but they have ugly sweater parties and contests with the ugliest being the winner and wear them just for fun.

Just stuff I've been doing

2011-12-17T08:16:00.000-06:00

After I made the gingerbread garland for my railing, I thought the other side looked a little bare so I made a tea dyed snowflake garland.

Then keeping with my quick and easy theme I decided to make napkin rings.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again I love gingerbread men!
And lastly project was neither quick or easy mainly because they started out a knitting project.

It all started one day when I decided I needed a pair of knitted fingerless gloves to wear around my house on those below zero days when my hands never seem to warm up. My friend said she had some easy patterns she would share with me. Well after a few very unsuccessful attempts at two of the patterns, I then tried ~~begging~~ hiring a friend, then another friend to make a pair for me and when that was unsuccessful I thought I would try crocheting some. They aren't what I expected, but they will suffice for now.

Gifts

2011-12-13T15:43:00.000-06:00

Remember the beaded braclets and my endless supply of beads I have aquired? Well, here's what I'm doing now.

They are bookmarks and a great way to use up all your odd beads.

And if you have an e-reader and don't read books anymore, you can use it to embellishment a bottle of wine, candle or anything you want to jazz up a bit.
I also decided to use up a few odds and ends of fabric and make a couple more pillow cases.

I love the sheep fabric that I made a set of pillowcases out of but didn't have enough for another case. I thought it was just too cute to be laying in the bottom of my closet, so I just used it for the ends instead of the main color. The cupcake fabric was leftover from the potholders I had made last Christmas.

Receipt Dilemma

2011-12-09T11:35:00.000-06:00

I have a receipt dilemma in the bottom of my purse, especially this time of year they just seem to take over. So I decided to make a little zippered pouch to take care of the problem. I was inspired by these purses.

Many moons ago my daughter made and sold tons of these purses, at the same time we were drinking a lot of Caribou Coffee. So I had a brainstorm idea to save the empty bags and make purses out them them. Needless to say, that never happened so I've been hanging on to multiple bags for years. Then when I started to have the receipt problem in my purse I thought it would be fun to make something to hold them and came up with this.

It was my kind of project, quick, easy, fun and functional .

Gingerbread Men

2011-12-06T15:32:00.000-06:00

Slowly I'm getting my Christmas decorations out and about. I have a soft spot in my heart for gingerbread men, makes no different to me if they are editable or not.

So this little gingerbread men garland hit the spot.

Wool felt

2011-12-03T15:47:00.000-06:00

I've been selling a lot of wool felt flowers and snowflakes in my Etsy shop so today I thought it would be fun to show you what Femia has done with hers.

You can check out her Etsy shop at Porshas Place

Let it Snow

2011-11-19T19:46:00.000-06:00

It snowed here today and I was so busy with my snowman cookies I didn't get a picture of the huge beautiful lightly falling snowflakes so delightfully covering the ground.

This is just half of the batch of these very time consuming cute little guys that I will be selling this holiday season. Yes, that right, I'm selling candies, cookies and bars this holiday season. Since I love to bake and always bake more than my family can possible consume, I decided to bake for others that don't have time or just don't care to take the job on themselves.

Not only are they cute but they are really tasty as well.

Beads Beads and More Beads

2011-11-10T08:53:00.001-06:00

I have a lot of beads. More beads than one person should be allowed to have. Since I'm always on some sort of quest, my newest quest is to use up a few of my gazillion beads.

A knitted beaded breaclet

Another knitted beaded bracelet.

This is a great way to use lots of beads as it takes about 200 for one bracelet.

A beaded serving spoon

A button and beaded napkin ring

And now I'm off to conquer the quest and use more beads.

Retreat

2011-10-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

This weekend was our annual retreat and here we are all packed up and leaving after a very productive weekend.

Jeanette always takes her work so seriously that's how she can get so much done.

She put the binding on this, don't you just love it?

Sally is hard at work making doll quilts for charity

These are the two tops she finished.

Then she started hand stitching a double wedding ring.

Evy got this scrapbook done before I arrived.

Evy - she's so happy she finished stitching on these flowers that she has been working on ever since I've known her and longer.

Then she started making hearts fast and furious - Evy style.

She made a lot and they just kept getting cuter and cuter.

I even got something done myself.

And then started a new project.

My Etsy Shop

2011-10-12T15:59:00.000-05:00

I've decided to put a few more things in my Etsy Shop and with Christmas just around the corner, at least according to the stores that already have started putting up tress and such I'm going with a holiday theme. These are just a few of my newest treasures for sale, if you want to see more or have a closer look just pop on over to Cindy's Stitches in Time.

Cutie Pies

2011-10-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

Really! That's what they are called. I've been watching Martha again, yes we are on a first name basis. She had Dani Cone on and she makes the cutest little pies in fruit jars. So I decided to give it a whirl.

Aren't they cute?

They are not very quick and easy but boy are they delicious. They are made with apple, cheddar cheese and fresh rosemary and oh so sweet and savory. You can find the recipe here - Apple-Cheddar-Rosemary Piejars.

Over Achieivers

2011-10-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

No I'm not talking about myself, I'm talking about the Prairie Women's group that I'm in. Each month we received a pattern for a project that we are expected to have completed when we come back the next month. We've been getting together for quite a few months and I have yet to get a project done in a timely matter, in fact for the last five months I haven't completed a project and yet they still let me come back. One project I started just wasn't working for me and I didn't like it, so I tossed it into the garbage. I hope that' not grounds for dismissing me from the group.I am raising my right hand and I solemnly swear and here by pledge to get a project done for next month.
Well, there are a few picturesof their projects.

Another fun day

2011-09-13T16:50:00.001-05:00

Today was the monthly road trip to make cards with friends, Jeanette and Kathy. It started out with a fun, relaxing, uneventful drive to Alex with me at the wheel. On the way home we stopped for a wonderful meal overlooking Lake Minnewaska. Then things took a turn for the worst. Coming out of Glenwood my low fuel light came on and with traffic ahead of me and traffic behind me and no convenient place to turn around, I made a executive decision to not turn around and find a gas station. I just kept driving and hoped for the best. As we approached a stop sign in a small town, Jeanette said the name of the town and in my mind I was thinking there is not station in this town and trying to calculate about how far we were from home, when I pulled out in front of a car. We didn't get hit and no one had a heart attack so I thought luck was on my side. Then about 13 miles from home, the vehicle jerked and sadly, this is not the first time this has happened so I knew exactly what was happening started pulling over, then my sensor told me the vehicle was shutting down, I pulled over unto a gravel road and called my husband, as he was the one who last used the vehicle and has a history of leaving me without gas.

While we were waiting for our gas to arrive, we had a chance to admire and critique our cards.

At last, our gas arrived and we were on the road again.

Once back at my house they had to check out my deck and new pergola. They were really good sports about the whole escapade and as you can see they are still smiling.

It's that time of the year again

2011-08-31T10:35:00.000-05:00

Here are a few highlights from the state fair this weekend. I try to eat as much food in one day as humanly possible. I did remember to wear my step counter this year and put on 15,784 steps. I thought it would be more, but when there area so many people and everyone is moving at a snails pace, a person doesn't take as many steps as you would think.

Do you ever wonder what I do in my spare time?

2011-08-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

I didn't think so, but I'm going to show you.

I like to can. I used to can green beans, tomatoes and spaghetti sauce, then I got lazy and decided I was money ahead going to the grocery store and stocking up when it's on sale. Now I just can things that I can't just go to the local grocery store and buy.

Like strawberry jalapeno jam.

and zucchini relish

Dill pickled green beans

Texas Jalapeno Jam

And Pepper Jam

Card Making Road Trip

2011-08-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

This week was my monthly road trip to Alex with my friends Kathy and Jeanette which always proves to be a learning experience as well as entertaining.

These are the adorable cards that we made this week.

We are doing a card swap at home among ourselves and these are the cutie pututie cards I received from Kathy.

Then after a grueling morning of making cards we are famished and need to go out to eat. Every month we go somewhere different and this time we went to Bella's. One thing that never changes about our road trips - we think a lot about food, talk a lot about food and eat at nice places. There was a dessert involved as well, but didn't think about a picture until it was long gone.

I was looking for something ....

2011-07-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, I was looking for something in my sewing room, that seems to be the story of my life. Well, I didn't find what I was looking for but I did find some fabric that I bought about a year ago to make some pillow cases. I decided to quick make them up while I had the fabric in my hand, and quick they were. I used that great method where all the seams are finished. You can see the video here.

I think they turned out pretty cute, and who couldn't fall asleep as soon as your head hit those little cutie pies. This would be great for those of you that bring your own pillow with you to a hotel, I know I would certainly remember to grab my pillow before I checked out,

Bird Key Chains

2011-07-21T10:45:00.001-05:00

I just finished making 50 birds key chains and they are on there way to Canada for a baby shower.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-01T10:08:00.003-05:00

In the midst of doing some summer cleaning, I've been trying to restock my Etsy shop. Here are a couple of things that I listed this morning.

Aren't these funky? They are little tooth fairy pillows. I was trying to come up with something that I haven't seen before and these are it. I don't know if they will sell but I think they are as cute as a bugs ear, if I do say so myself.

This is a little brooch/pin. I listed one earlier and it sold the next day so I thought I should throw another one it just for fun.
Hope you have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Table Topper

2011-06-28T07:15:00.000-05:00

I whipped up this table topper for my Daughter for her birthday. I did the quilt as you go method and it was super fast and easy. In fact I should make one for every season and it would be a great way to use up some of my stash.

I'm so excited.....

2011-06-10T08:13:00.001-05:00

I found something I've been looking for months and months, perhaps even a year or more.

I have been looking everywhere for these little guys, tearing my sewing room apart and looking in very nook and cranny in my family room.

I was so thrilled to find my isty bisty teeny weeny ~~yellow polka dot bikini~~ oh I mean blue yo yo maker, as well.

They were shoved in the back of this little drawer right in my family room the whole time.

Eventually they will be going on this little number right here. It's called Blooming Trails by Chickadee Designs. Now I am going to have to get crackin' at this and not let it out of my sight until it's finished, before I lose the borders and binding.

Fun With Friends

2011-05-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got together with my super fun friends to make cards. We met at Kathy's house for wine and hors d' oeurvres. Then we got crackin' at making some super cute cards.

Evy, Jeanette and Kathy showing off their treasures.

Kathy had little kits all ready to go for us so all we had to do was stamp, glue and embellish.
Then when we finished the cards, we were ready to move on to other fun projects.

A bookmark and post-it note holder. Aren't these cleaver? Did you know paper burns easily if you get too close to it with an embossing gun? That's good to know, wish someone would have told me before I learned the hard way.

We had a really productive evening.

Then as if that was grand enough, Kathy prepared a wonder meal for us along with a yummy dessert. What a perfect day.

Cards

2011-05-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to get into the swing of making cards and having a few on hand since I have more than an ample supply of paper, stamps, punches , ect.

Here are a few that I made, I need to practice a little more before I really get the hang of it but I will never get there if I don't stop thinking about it and just do it!

This is just a fun little pocket that was made from an envelope. I love making funky things like this, but then don't quite know what to do with them once I finish them.

Wool felt project and more

2011-05-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

I finished this little wool felt basket using my growing number of flowers cut with my Big Shot.

If you haven't seen the magazine Crazy Quilt Gatherings-Celebrating Crazy Quilting of Today put out by Pat Winter, you really should check it out.. It comes out four times a year and this is the second issue. Last month she put out a call for pictures of pets that help us quilt so I submitted my two fur balls.

Here they are in all their glory, Lucy Lu and Sophie Mae.

Tulips

2011-05-19T08:24:00.001-05:00

Weeds don't bother me, if they bother you, perhaps you should look the other way.

I have a special gift. I can look into a garden and only see the beauty and not the weeds.

Paper Flowers

2011-05-16T06:30:00.001-05:00

We have had way too much of cloudy, dreary, cold and rainy weather the last few ~~days~~ weeks and I haven't been able to get outside much to tend to my flowers and ever growing weeds. So I decided to make some paper flowers. These I bought at the spring home show.

When I saw them I thought 'Oh those look simple, I can make those' so I bought them so I would have something to go by.

Then I made these. They aren't as nice but with a little practice and perhaps some leaves or something, I think they will get there. They really are fun to make. Most of the paper I used was from an old wall paper book, so there really isn't much cost to making them. And it always gives me a good feeling to use something I already have on hand.

Flowers

2011-05-14T21:11:00.000-05:00

I had a birthday this week that went by pretty uneventful with the exception of receiving this beautiful bouquet of flowers at work from my children.

I also got this super cute little post-it note holder from my friend Kathy.

Graduation

2011-05-14T21:03:00.000-05:00

With joy and pride I present to you - graduate, our baby Michele from Augsburg College. We spent last week end in Minneapolis celebrating first with baccalaureate then on to graduation, followed by a reception with other business graduates. From there we went to the party room at Michele's apartment and celebrated more family and friends.

You might think that was enough partying for one day, but no the party didn't stop there. After ~~kicking out~~ persuading her friends to leave, we headed over to Chino Latino in uptown for a late night dinner with our children, my sister, brother and sister in-law.
Before the ceremony we had to go to the chapel and seek out my great grandfathers room to take some pictures

.Matt (NDSU) and Shele - college graduates!

Random Stuff

2011-04-23T10:23:00.000-05:00

I have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the hummingbirds and last year I came across this cool map that shows exactly where the ruby red-throated are.

Here is the link if you are interested. Where are they now?

Always match your dog to your carpet.

At last but not least, I finished a project.

This is a kit I bought and the pattern it's from the book Bits and Pieces 18 small quilts from fat quarters and scraps by Karen Costello Soltys. Then keeping in the oriental theme I made some cute little origami book marks.

Using up Fabric

2011-04-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

In my never ending quest to use up what I have, I've started two new projects. So today I cut fabric.

Three inch squares and then more fabric.

Lots of 5 1/2 inch squares.

The first project started when my friend Bev came over to play and gave me a few cute pieces of fabric that were too small for her project. I kept looking at them thinking they are just way to stinkin' cute to put into my stash never to be seen again.

So I started a cathedral window project.

I'm not sure how big it will be, my plan is to work on it until I either get tired of it or run out of fabric. I started with a bolt of white muslin and looking at my stash, I'm pretty sure I know which one will happen first.

My other project is yo yo's, lots and lots of yo yo's. And what am I going to do with all the yo yo's? That's a good question, but you may have guessed it, I don't have a plan.

Easter Cards

2011-04-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

These are a couple for Easter cards that I finished last week.

They were so much fun to make. The head is a heart punch turned up side down and the nose is a tiny brad.

Giant Easter Eggs

2011-04-08T09:09:00.001-05:00

These are some giant Easter Eggs made from wool felt and flowers cut with my Big Shot. The pattern was all little chicks and rabbits and Easter decor so I thought I would change it up and leave mine out all spring and perhaps into summer.

I've had a couple of people asked about my swirls I add to a lot of projects so I thought I would show you how easy they are. First start with a roll of Press'n Seal. I love this stuff, not just for crafts but for food too.

Draw your swirly swirls on the Press'n Seal with a pigma pen.

Then just place them where you want them and finger press down. It stays exactly where you want it too.

Stitch over the top of the pen marking, then gently pull the Press'n Seal off and wa-la you have the perfect swirl.

Cards at Evy's house

2011-04-02T08:28:00.001-05:00

This is George and he lives with my friend Evy. Evy is my friend that rarely makes one of anything. I went to her house yesterday to help her make some thank you/place cards for a hospice volunteer thank you dinner.
We started out with a wonderful lunch (Evy is a fantastic cook as well)

We had a scrumptious bowl wild rice soup and quesidillas.
Then we worked like crazy - Evy style and mass produced hundreds of cards. We took a short break for some flaming dessert.

You can't see it flaming in the picture but it was. The flame went out pretty quickly so I may have been a little too slow and missed it with my camera, but it really was flaming.

It was delicious, however I had to eat fast as Evy was cracking the whip.

.By the time I left we had mass produced over 60 cards. On one side they have a little thank you note and the other side has a pocket for a piece of Ghirardelli chocolate. No, it wasn't really hundreds, however after I left Evy keep on working and made 30 more. She's like the Energizer bunny and just keeps going and going.

Yo Yo's

2011-03-26T10:34:00.000-05:00

This month has not been very productive for me as far as finishing projects or anything else for that matter. Since it's been a long time since I've posted I'll show you what I am working on.

Last month I got together with my friends Bev and Evy and we made yo yo's, not for any particular reason just 'cause they are fun, they are easy to make and visit at the same time and they wanted to learn how to make them with yo yo makers. I decided to use mine to decorate the bottom of a tray.

I went to the local hardware store and had them cut a piece of Plexiglas glass to size to protect the yo yo's. I still have to finish stitching them together which is much more time consuming that what I expected. I think it's much cuter in person and can hardly wait to have someone over so I can put it good use.

It's been a long time

2011-03-19T12:53:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I finished something and this particular project was a kit I picked up at the Quilt Show up in Fargo 5 years ago.

I had my friend Susan quilt it for me and she did a fabulous job.

This is the back side.

Home Show

2011-03-08T09:17:00.000-06:00

Saturday we went to the Minnesota Spring Home Show. I love going there and getting into the spring spirit even thought it snowed most of the way home and the roads were a little hairy.

Are you getting spring fever yet?

I signed up to win this adorable little gnome house, I really need a house for my gnome garden, but they never called so I guess it went to someone else.

While I was there I had to go see my friend Marjorie. Actually I had never met her before but she is the type of person that once you meet her you just feel like you are friends. If you don't know of her, she is a baking queen. She is on the Jay Leno Show quite often and has recently been on the Dr. Oz Show. She is well known for her impeccable baking skills and has won thousands of blue ribbons at the state fair. Since I love to bake I just had to buy her book The Road to Blue Ribbon Baking.

And then it was back home to a reality check

Prairie Women's Mini

2011-02-28T16:23:00.000-06:00

I finished the Seneca Falls quilt for the Prairie Women's Sewing Circle group.

After having problems from the get-go, making mine smaller, putting on three borders instead of one, I then sewed buttons on, tea dyed it and tossed it in the dryer for an aged look.

Make Mine a Mini

2011-02-19T11:00:00.002-06:00

The saga continues with my Prairie Woman's Circle wall hanging. First of all, the quilts are supposed to be make-do quilts so we are asked to bring a 6 inch square of a certain color of fabric to swap with another person, then use that in our quilts. Well, duffus here brought the wrong color so didn't swap it with anyone. Then when I was cutting out my fabric I was working on three projects at once two of which called for 1 1/2 strips of black fabric. Now what do you think the chances of me getting my black fabric mixed up and sewing them into the wrong projects? I'll tell you, it's 100 percent.
Then as they say stupid is as stupid does, I did this.

When I should have done this.

I don't how why I did something so stupid, there were no drugs or alcohol involved. So with all this trouble I decided to just make mine a mini.

The quilt in the pattern is 25 x 31 with one border. Mine is 21 by 25 with three borders. And I found a use for four of my four patch mistakes and put them into the corners. Now I just need to quilt it.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T22:44:00.000-06:00

I made this little table topper using wool and my favorite crazy quilt stitches.

Sometimes I'm such a duffus

2011-02-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

Well, most of the time that is. Let me just start by saying my sewing room is really cold in the winter, so sometimes I use my kitchen island as my cutting board. Well, I decided to be an over achiever and cut borders for two different projects and my Prairie Woman's project all at once, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Then somewhere between my kitchen counter and my sewing room things went a-rye.

Two of my borders should have been made into four patches and inadvertently went on a mini quilt.

And then a whole bunch of little bitty four patches ended up with the border fabric in them. Don't you just hate that when that happens?

Have you seen these super cute purse handles?

2011-02-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

If you have been in a quilt shop in the last year, I'm sure you have seen these super cute purse handles as they seem to be all the rage. Well, of course I had to jump on the band wagon and and make myself a little purse.

I made mine crazy quilted and did the embellishing on my machine so it was super fast to make.

I had to add a couple of pockets for the inside, 'cause my purses and bags have to have pockets.

I thought it was be fun to make one out of wool too since the handles come off easily for interchanging, but I think at this point I may have to wait until next fall since I'm getting into a spring mode now.

This handy dandy over-the arm chair organizer pattern was bought on one of my road trips with my friends Jeanette and Kathy. I think it was last summer and I'm pretty sure they got theirs done in a much more timely manner than me.

It done, it very functional and it's Sophie Mae's new best friend.

Wool Garden Crazy

2011-02-07T09:22:00.000-06:00

This piece of work has been on my blog a time or two during the process and is now complete. All I need to do now is hang it. I bought the frame at Good Will and painted it four times before I was happy with it.

Crazy quilting

2011-02-04T08:19:00.000-06:00

In the spirit of finishing projects I got a couple of non-quilty things done.

This cat is from a round robin with a local group of crazy quilters. I made the base then it was passed around to each member to add their own touch and personality to it. My requirements were - nothing big and gaudy and only white and off white.

This one is from an international crazy quilt group with only four people doing all this work. It's the exact pattern as the cat, I just adjusted the ears on the other one to make him more cat-like.

I Hear By Declare a Winner

2011-01-28T11:53:00.001-06:00

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for the positive and encouraging comments. It has been an eye opening experience for me to say the least and I'm going to do my best to get some of these finished before I buy anything new to work on.
The winner is ...........Jan from A Passion for Vintage Textiles with her guess of 16 and just in case you lost track I posted 17 unfinished projects. Second place goes to Sharon over at Dandelionmom and third goes to Betty.

Since everyone that guessed is a winner, and in celebration of Valentines Day I made heart ornaments. Jan you can be the first to choose which one of these you want. Please e-mail me with your mailing information and your choice. Sharon and Betty e-mail me with your first and second choice. You can hang it on your door, hang it on a tree or.....................

Use it as a cat pillow.

Yuck, something left a bad taste in my mouth.

A Couple More

2011-01-27T09:08:00.000-06:00

I don't know where yesterday day went, but it's gone for ever and I forgot to post so with out further ado I will post more than one today to make up for lost time. This is a smaller lap size in flannel that was going to keep my legs and feet warm and cozy while stitching in my recliner.

I'm hand quilting it.

This one I had in my basement and totally forgot I even had. I don't have any recollection of why or when I started it. It's pretty big, I'm guessing queen size and looks like a sampler, perhaps I thought I needed to practice my sewing skills. This one I started hand quilting as well and must have planned on having friends over to help as it has several needles and thread in place and ready to go. I'm pretty sure that's the only way it's going to get finished in my life time is if I invite quilters over on a regular basis and they can't leave until they done a few stitches.

This is a little wall hanging I saw in a quilt shop and had to buy the kit. I just wasn't sure how I wanted to quilt it or what I will do with it when it's finished.

Little doll dresses

2011-01-25T07:32:00.001-06:00

These little doll dress quilt blocks were from a swap we did with the 30's group I'm in. I have 9 more but decided to make a little wall hanging with three of them. I love the cute little dresses but thought it was getting a little to puffy when I was hand quilting it, so I just stopped working on it.

Pinwheels on the prairie

2011-01-24T07:20:00.001-06:00

At least that is what I think this one is called. It' been so long ....... my memory has started to fade. But I do remember it was a block of the month from our local quilt shop. For the pinwheel blocks we were given the fabric and pattern one month at a time. If we brought back the completed block from the month before, we were then given the material and pattern for the next month. I pulled fabric from my stash to make the nine patch blocks, then used black for the shashing and set them on point. I think I need to get this to a quilter as soon as possible so I can get it finished and resting peacefully one of my beds.

Hey what's everybody looking at?

Just for Fun

2011-01-23T07:52:00.001-06:00

This one I thought would be really fun to make and my plan is to machine buttonhole around everything while quilting at the same time.

Another table runner

2011-01-22T10:50:00.001-06:00

Here is another table runner that is almost finished. Don't have a clue why I didn't finish it, I like it, so that's not it. And just in case you are getting tired of looking at all my unfinished projects, I thought I would try to make it a little more interesting and take a picture by one of my sewing machines from my sewing machine collection.

This is what the machine looks like when it is in it's cabinet state. As you can see it gets put to good use, even if it's not by me.
And as you can see, our house is well protected, when they see someone coming, Sophie make a beeline away from the front door and Lucy makes a bee line to the front door.

Table runner

2011-01-21T07:33:00.003-06:00

This table runner is about 10 years old, I think. I was making two at a time and didn't have a plan for this one so just never finished it. I think all it needs is binding. #10

#9

2011-01-20T06:53:00.001-06:00

This one I liked the saying, but just lost interest when it came to finishing.

I can't believe I'm up to #8 already

2011-01-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

This quilt top is new enough that it's been on my blog. It's from a class I took this spring. You can read about it here, if you wish. It's really not my style or color wave so I was thinking of finishing it and donating it to the nursing home.

I went shopping

2011-01-18T05:47:00.003-06:00

You get a prize! You get a prize! You get a prize! I feel like Oprah. I don't know why I had so few people guessing how many unfinished quilt projects I have, perhaps they feared the prize might be one of the unfinished projects or thought I might give away something undesirable. But lucky for the ones that guessed, you are all getting a prize and you can rest assured, it won't be something you have to finish yourself. The person that guessed the closest is going to get something I picked up at an antique shop and something I made, as well. The others will be getting something I made.

This is a quilt top I really like and have plans to take it to a quilter and have her quilt it for me. It's a crazy log cabin and was really fun to make.
And because I can't keep a secret here is a little something for the winner of the contest.

You will be getting 5 yards of this vintage lace.

be thankful

2011-01-17T17:47:00.000-06:00

I really liked this when I saw it in the quilt shop, but after I got started I didn't like it all that much so I just lost interest and quilt working on it.

Love this one

2011-01-16T13:05:00.001-06:00

This wall hanging is a kit I bought and have since either misplaced the binding or used it for something else. It's by Lynette Jensen.

I really like it, I put a lot of work into it, I don't know why I don't finish it.

Look at that, it still has the needle in it just where I left off. How crazy it that! It's #5.

Say Cheese

2011-01-15T11:51:00.001-06:00

I'm trying to teach Lucy to smile on command. So far she hasn't really caught on to the concept, but now that I know she knows how, I'm really going to work on that trick. She just did this on her own, I wonder what she was thinking. She had been just sleeping in her chair so I know she wasn't mad.

# 4

2011-01-15T07:38:00.002-06:00

This little number I found scrunched up in the corner on my cutting board.

I don't like it, period, there is nothing more to say about it.

Flower Baskets Wall Hanging

2011-01-14T09:38:00.000-06:00

This wall hanging is called Flower Baskets by Wooden Spool Design. I bought the pattern and kit up in Fargo with my friend Mona about 5 or 6 years ago. It's made with wool and homespun fabric and was really fun to make. I really like it so it's on the top of my list to get quilted.

Quilt #2

2011-01-13T08:55:00.000-06:00

This one is from the Prairie Woman's Sewing Circle and is the first one from that series that I made. It's the same one that I posted about the no waste prairie points during my marathon black Friday craziness.

I realized that I never took a picture of the second one from that series. I guess I was just so excited about everyone elses I forgot about my own so here is a picture of mine in it's completed state, I might add.

Now that I see a picture of it I think I may need bigger buttons in the corners. They kind of got lost in all the busyness.

Quilt Tops

2011-01-12T11:36:00.001-06:00

I like to start projects, I don't like to finish them. I don't know why, I can't explain it, that's just how I roll. I often talk about my many quilt tops that need to be finished, so just for fun I thought I would post a picture a day just to see how many days it will take before I get tired of showing them and perhaps I will finish one in the process.

I'll start with this one as it's my most recent one. It was really fun and was a free block of the month project from Laura's blog over at Quilt Happy Quilt Often. Actually she came out with two each month and you can find the pattern here.
If anyone wants to take a gander and guess how many I'll be posting, please do and I'll be giving away a little something to the person that comes the closest. I don't even know myself how many there will be as I will be including quilt tops, wall hangings and table runners.
I'm adding a couple of rules to the give away. First, you have until midnight Friday the 14th to make you guess and secondly you guess must be in the comments on this post.

Prairie Women's Sewing Circle

2011-01-07T09:47:00.002-06:00

Our local quilt shop has a group going that is inspired by the women and their quilts from the mid 1800's. It's so much fun and educational as well. We sit in a circle, well sort of, around tables and our lovely host Darcie reads a short story about their trials and tribulations while we sit and make yo yo's.

Each month we have an assignment, we are supposed to finish them and bring them the next month for show and tell. The first month of course I didn't finish mine, it's still waiting to be quilted. Here are a few pictures from the group.

This is Sharon's, isn't she clever with the way she integrated the ribbon into the lace? She has a great blog that you can check out here.

This is Betty's. Sorry it's blurry, she must have been swinging it though the air. I'll blame her anyway, and not the camera operator.

This is Cindy's, don't you love the wide lace?

This is Judy's from last month, I think she's proud as punch.

This is Phyllis. She made her's very vintage, I love that look. I'm not so sure what she is finding so intriguing, I must have missed out on something great.
This pattern is called At Mama's Knee. You can find more on this designer at HeartspunQuilts.com.

Michele's Stuff

2010-12-24T09:59:00.001-06:00

My daughter Michele decided to jump on the gift making band wagon and make something for her cousins.

She made these post it note holders. Are they super cute or what?

Gifts

2010-12-23T21:33:00.001-06:00

I've been busy as a beaver making Christmas gifts and I finished with a day to spare.

These are for my sisters, sister-in-law and nieces if they want them. Most of them are hand towels and the two red background are pot holders. Then I decided the guys shouldn't go home empty handed so I bought a bunch of thin mints and chocolate covered cherries.

I have this little assortment of potholders and a hand towel for my next door neighbor. I am also giving her pictures from her garden that I took when she wasn't home, then attached them to cards especially made for pictures.

Foodie Tree

2010-12-20T17:39:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday my friend Marsha had the coolest post with pictures of her kitchen tree. I just couldn't get it out of my mind so I decided to make my own miniature version of a kitchen tree.

I brought my Charlie Brown tiny tree into my kitchen and started digging out some little charms and miniatures that I had brought to attach to an apron quilt I'm working on.

Now I'm going to be scoping out places to see if I can find some food and super cute stuff like she has. Then perhaps someday I'll get a bigger tree and I can give Charlie back his tree.
If you haven't been to Marsha's Blog you are missing out so hop on over there right now and check it out.

This old cupboard

2010-12-18T11:04:00.000-06:00

If there is one thing I'm known for it is taking a long time to get things done. I start things with the best of intentions, get board, get tired of it or something better comes along, my excuses could go on and on. This is one of those projects that should and have been started and finished in a timely manner and if it wasn't for the fact that my family is coming for Christmas it probably still wouldn't be done.

This is the project for I worked on for months.

These are the before pictures. I sanded it down to the bare wood, then painted it white.

But then I didn't want it to look too nice, so I sanded the paint off the edges to make it look a little distressed. It seemed a little crazy but I like the way it turned out and my kitchen is white so it doesn't look as out of place as it did before..

Cupcakes

2010-12-15T15:34:00.001-06:00

In honor of National Lemon Cupcake Day, which just happens to be today, I made cupcakes. I'm not a cake lover by any means but I do love my sewing machine.

My friend Jeanette made one and I thought it was just too stinkin' cute so I made one. Then like with all my addictions, I couldn't just stop with one so I made five. Opps, I almost forgot, they are pot holders.

Our last get-together of the season

2010-12-11T09:04:00.000-06:00

Our super fun little group had to get together one last time before the snow birds leave so Kathy had us over to her beautiful home for a wonderful meal.

She is such a wonderful cook and it's always such a treat to go to her home.

They are such a hard working bunch. See how diligently they are working? See my hodge podge mess in the front of the picture? That's how I roll.

And then there is Evy. She's the one that worked like a crazy woman at the retreat and made 154 cards! She's still making cards like a crazy woman. Then poor Kathy couldn't get a thing done, she just roved around helping some of us in need.

What a difference can make.

This is the view I have from the window of my three season porch this morning. I am hoping our employees can make it to work today so I can stay home a accomplish some things off my ever so long to-do list.

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days (original from 1998)

2010-12-10T08:20:00.001-06:00

This just made me smile so I had to post it.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

2010-12-06T08:23:00.000-06:00

This weekend we headed to Minneapolis to the 31st Annual Augsburg College Advent Vespers. Our daughter goes to Augsburg so we thought it would be a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. It really is a great service with four different choirs and an orchestra. No over weight Elvis impersonators, no Santa's, just good Christian music and the true meaning of Christmas.
We spent the night then Sunday we went to the Guthrie Theater and saw A Christmas Carol. We didn't have tickets so we did the rush line thing where you show up about 45 minutes in advance get in line, then about 20 minutes before the show starts they sell unsold tickets at bargain prices. We got 58.00 tickets for 25.00. At the Guthrie there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Pictures aren't allowed in the theater but here are a couple with the wonderful view of Minneapolis.

The marathon is winding down

2010-11-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

After making meatballs, mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner. I made a pumpkin pie for our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.
Then made our favorite 5 minute treat.

Frito Scoops

Here is the super simple recipe.
Start with a family size bag of Frito Scoops. Spread over parchment paper or wax paper.

In a large pan place1 cup sugar and 1 cup corn syrup heat until it comes to a boil. Add 1 cup peanut butter and mix until well blended. Pour over the Frito Scoops.

Enjoy

And this concludes my black Friday marathon. Now I am off to play a board game.

Krumkaka Mission Complete

2010-11-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

I asked for a Krumkaka iron for Christmas this year and my DH bought it and gave it to me early. If I would have known how easy and fun it is to make I would have asked for one years ago.

It's one of those two-man operations that would be nearly as fun or easy going solo. Now what to do next?

No Black Friday Madness here

2010-11-26T15:30:00.001-06:00

While I'm pumped up on caffeine and trying to get things done some family members are resting comfortably.

.Michele worked from midnight until 8:30 this morning so her afternoon nap is well desired.

Nothing beats a good cat nap.

OK enough already with the sleeping. Let's make some Krumkaka.

40 Flying Geese

2010-11-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

I just finished making 40 flying geese using the no waste method.

If you haven't tried this method and you find yourself making flying geese you really should try it and you can find out just how easy it is by hopping over to here. They are all trimmed and ready to go.

Marathon part 2

2010-11-26T12:02:00.003-06:00

I thought I would post my accomplishments every so often though out the day just for fun.

I cut out some half eaten gingerbread men. I made these tree ornaments last year.

And listed some mini tape measures in my Etsy shop.

Back Friday Marathon

2010-11-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

In honor of black Friday and me not liking hoards of people I thought I would stay away from all the craziness and see how much I could get done at home.

This is number one. I knitted this wine sack a while back and it needed to be machine felted. It's from the book Knit One, Felt Too by Kathleen Taylor I have a front loading wash machine so my friend Kathy volunteered (or perhaps I begged, I can't remember now) but anyway she felted it for me. It's been sitting around for weeks waiting for me to decorate it with grapes, a leaf and vines. Now it's done and I can move one to something else.

Wool Felt Fun

2010-11-22T07:11:00.001-06:00

I bought a Sizzix Big Shot a couple of months ago and started playing with it this week end. I've been using it only for paper but started experimenting with other medias.

I cut these out of wool felt.

Can you see the possibilities?

My new favorite toy.

I tried cutting fabric but didn't have great results so I may have to do some checking and more experimenting with that.

Waiting for the cable guy

2010-11-18T10:02:00.001-06:00

Actually it was the the satellite guy. He was supposed to come yesterday between the hours of 8 and 12. So I waited and waited, embroidered some work shirts (which I don't enjoy so I always procrastinate as long as possible) then I waited some more. I started working on Tom the Turkey, then got a phone call at 12:01 from the tech that was supposed to be here saying he would be arriving between 12:00 and 1:00 and was that OK? Ummm, what are my other options? I said fine then I waited some more, worked on Tom more, then at 1:15 started getting worried and a little angry so I decided to make a phone call. Their records showed he was at my house. After several phone calls back and forth (not to him, they couldn't find him and he wasn't answering his phone) the final story was he didn't have the right equipment and had to go somewhere it get it. By now it's 2:15 and I asked where did he go and how did he know he didn't have the right equipment if he hasn't been here yet and shouldn't he have told me that when he called and shouldn't he have called again when he realized it was taking much longer than expected?
At 2:45 he showed up, no apology, just asked how I was doing. I told him not very good as I was very worried and where has he been? I left out the part about being mad as I just wanted him to get right to work and do a good job, which he might not do if I started reprimanding him. He had been to a town 40 minutes away to get some equipment, at least that was his story. Anyway, to make a long story short, he didn't have the right equipment and will be back on Friday between 8 and 12. I hope they send someone else.
But on the bight side ..............

Tom the Turkey is done!

Like a Squirrel Gathering Nuts .....

2010-11-14T17:38:00.001-06:00

I gathered a couple of little unfinished projects in anticipation of the 2-10 inches of snow they were forecasting. The snow pretty much missed us but I managed to finish my gathered projects anyway.

This is a Crabapple Hill Design. I absolutely loved their designs and have done my part to keep their company going.

This is a close up view where the pattern called for french knots, I added beads instead.

This little number was supposed to be an ornament. I added sand and wool in to inside and mine will be used for a paperweight, or pin cushion or something.

This crazy quilt mitten I started last year and for some reason never finished it. Perhaps every time they forecast snow I'll finish three projects, but for every three I finish I start four more so I'll always have plenty to choose from. The mitten is an ornament and much smaller than it appears.

Paper Fun

2010-11-07T11:35:00.002-06:00

I love working with paper. It's more of an immediate satisfaction thing as opposed to working with fabric.
With these two little paper projects I had something done in less than and hour. It seems like with my fabric projects I can work for hours and still have nothing to show for it.

This is a cute little post-it note holder I made for one of the girls that works for us. She is turning 16 so I thought I would make this just for fun. It's made with a clear plastic 5 x 7 frame with some cute paper inside the frame and jazzed up with funky flowers and her initial.

I got the idea for these little pumpkins from a scrap booking store up in Brainerd. I used a two different sizes of Spellbinders oval shapes, then I made two of them just using my punches. I was just relying on my memory and I couldn't remember if they had the little tendril in them but I thought they needed a little something so I used some green wire I had on hand. I do remember they just used paper for the stems but I have a massive amount of twigs in the yard so I thought I would recycle some of them. These really do look cuter in person, trust me.

This little book took more than an hour but was really fun to make. It's filled with quotes and positive affirmations.

The pillow dilemma solved.

2010-11-05T11:21:00.000-05:00

It all started with a pillow. A very large simple pillow. My daughter bought it for her apartment and wanted me to make a cover for it. I agreed to make one even though I thought the pillow was fine the way it was. So when I was shop hopping with my friends I found a super cute pillow pattern but I forgot one little thing - to put my glasses on when I looked at the size. It turns out the pattern was much smaller than what I had thought it was. So I did what I do best, I procrastinated and soon the days had turned to weeks. I planned my strategy thinking I would just make it following the pattern then add borders. I decided to bite the bullet and get started. I decided to make a sample one first using the pattern to see what size I was dealing with, compared to what I needed. I made the prototype then the weeks turned into months. I had promised my daughter that I would have it done by the time she came home to visit (she doesn't come home often) I did more planning, more strategizing and more procrastinating before I finally decided to bite the bullet and just do it. Oh did I mention in the mean time, she bought a second pillow for me to cover as well?

The pillow before.

The pillow after.

The pillow and the prototype.

I made them as slip covers so they can be taken off easily if needed. The are all finished at last and I must admit they do look pretty cute and funky.

More on the retreat

2010-10-23T17:09:00.002-05:00

I learned a thing or two or three about retreats. One thing I learned is that if I want to finish something I should bring along a project that is almost complete and not a bunch of new projects.
I had brought along a couple of little booklets that I had made earlier.

This is what they look like when they are open and laying flat.

And this is what they look like then they are closed. They are made from three envelopes and I made mine to hold some of my favorite recipes. One is made to pull the recipes out from the right and the other is made to pull from the left.

The other little number is also made from envelopes and you can find the instructions on how to make this super cute mini book here.

Then Kathy showed us how to make this adorable book that is the same concept but using brown paper bags.

I thought they were super cool and have several of them in the works. This one I distressed the edges and will be used for some old family photos.

School and more school

2010-10-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to Alex on business and learned about some new stuff. I won a wonderful door prize. Most of the prizes were taken, so my choices were, a canvas tote bag, a badminton set or this wonderful plant.

There really was no contest and I didn't have to think twice about that one.

From Alex we headed right to Willmar for the last of our dog obedience classes for Lucy.

She didn't graduate "Top Dog", can you see the disappointment in her eyes? But she did get an honorable mention ribbon. One of our downfalls was a spider on the floor that keep distracting us both. And I have taught her to "get it" when there is a bug in my house. She was just trying to do what she had been taught at home.

This was the Best in Show dog, but it was her second time around in school so she deserved to win.

My First Retreat

2010-10-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my first retreat and it is certainly a tradition I want to continue. Friday morning six of us headed off to Baxter, MN to the Steppingstone Cottage. We all managed to fit into a mini van along with many projects, wine, snacks and a few clothes. I'm the newbie in the group but one thing I knew before we left was that food is major in this group. Our first stop was at the Jitters Java Cafe for a wonderful lunch.

Kathy, Jeanette, Bev, Cindy, Sally and Evy.

Sally had a wrap and soup, the rest of us had Spinach & Swiss Quiche.
We arrived about 3:30 and unloaded the van.

Everything had to be strategically packed to leave room for us.

The food was scrumptious and the table settings were so fun to look at with every meal we were blessed with a different set of plates, silverware, napkins and tablecloth.

Sunday was Kathy's birthday so we all got fabric cupcakes and her's had a candle in it.

Sally, Bev, our lovely host, Linda, Jeanette, Evy, and Kathy

We worked until wee hours of the night, some working harder than others.

There were times when some got a little squirrelly. And then there was Evy ...........................

She worked like a crazy woman and made 154 cards.

We had a great time and we'll be back next year, same time, same place.

A Great Find

2010-10-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this wonderful magazine called Creating Vintage Charm and found I just had to have it. You can find out more about it here.

Unfortunately I haven't had much time to read it cover to cover since I had to brainstorm idea to insulate and sheet rock out garage.

We aren't really do-it-yourself-ers kind of people. But when our son volunteered to come home and help, it just seemed to be an offer I couldn't refuse.

With a little help from our friend and neighbor, we did manage to get it pretty much done.

And in the end we were all dog tired.

What else have I been doing?

2010-09-27T17:27:00.001-05:00

We went to the Renaissance Festival this week end. It's really not our thing and my better half said every 10 years is enough. It sounds like a good idea so I think we will stick to that plan.

Michele ate a turkey leg.

Then we learned how to play a game that is supposedly over 3000 years old called Morris. Since I'm the queen of games in my family and probably have over 100 games in my house, I had to buy it. They had wine and chocolate sampling so we did have to partake it that. That was about the most excitement we had at the Festival.
On the way to Mpls we went a different route and I stumbled into a little shop in Litchfield called Very Vintage. If I was going to own a shop this would be it. It has a little of everything. Well, maybe not food, not that I recall anyway.

I did purchase a couple of things. I fell in love this this cute tray, it has a lot of personality and I love the color. It's not just going to sit around collecting dust. I actually use trays a lot. The little chair I bought 'cause I collect old sewing paraphernalia, however I really don't think this is that old but I did think it was cute and inexpensive so it came home with me and I will put this to use also.
Lastly, I've been working on a couple of things for my Etsy shop.

I need to add a nose and some whiskers and I may do something different around this neck of the cat before he gets listed and the other piece of work is a crazy quilted pin keeper.

What Have I Been Doing?

2010-09-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

Well, for starters I've been sneaking around my neighbors garden when no one is home. At least I think no one is home. If they are home I bet they are wondering why I am tromping throught their garden and pulling weeds, when my own garden so desperately needs attention. These are just a few of the pictures I took, and my plan is to put them on cards and give them to them for Christmas.

Isn't she sweet?

2010-09-10T19:16:00.001-05:00

This is where Lucy is when I get up in the morning.

This is usually where she is when I leave in the morning and get home late afternoon. She leads us to believe that's where is all day. But then one day this week I had to come home early to get something ..........

And this is what I found. Actually she was sound asleep but when she saw me this was the look I got from her. I tried to scold her, I really did, but just look at that face. I don't think she took me seriously.

Fruit Salsa

2010-09-06T10:49:00.001-05:00

Fruit salsa was one of my favorite foods at the state fair this year. I've had it before with mangoes and pineapple and wasn't such a big fan of it. But this one was made with apples, fresh crunchy apples. So I decided to make my own version and here it is.
Fresh Fruit Salsa
2 apples, any firm crisp variety, I used two different kinds and colors but don't know what kind they are-whatever is in my backyard.
1 peach
8-10 strawberries
a hand full of raspberries - only because I had them in my backyard, next time I'm going to try blueberries as the raspberries get a little mushy.
Chop fruit and set aside.
Mix together 2 heaping Tablespoons of raspberry preserves with 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, a teaspoon of white sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Spoon over fruit and mix gently.
Cinnamon Chips
1 package 6 inch tortillas
Cinnamon sugar - I'm guessing about a cup. I always have a shaker of it and had to refill it.
I use about 3/4 cup sugar to 1/4 cinnamon
Spray tortillas with non stick cooking spray. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, flip over and repeat for the other side. Just go ahead and make up the whole package - trust me, if you don't use them all for the salsa, someone in your house will eat them. Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter and arrange on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can get quite a few on the baking sheets as you can place them very close together. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown on edges. You will want them to be nice and crispy but not to dark. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
I found this genius way of making these chips on the internet and wish I would have thought of it myself 15 years ago. I often made these for an after school snack for my kids but did it the painstaking way of standing over a hot stove and deep frying them in hot oil in a frying pan.

More Fair

2010-09-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

These are just a few other things from the fair that I thought were like of cool.

I didn't just eat at the fair

2010-09-04T09:02:00.000-05:00

We saw other stuff too. I like sheep as you may well know if you have read my blog before. As for the pig, well, it's the largest boar in Minnesota. He is 1450 pounds to be exact. I had so many questions in my mind when I saw him. How long will he live? What have they been feeding him? Can he walk? When he was born did they pick him out of the litter and decide they wanted him to be MN largest boar? Why, what is the point ? And lastly does any one else feel bad for him?

Food at the Fair

2010-09-03T15:12:00.000-05:00

This is a sample of some of the food we ate at the Minnesota State Fair. The tasty treats included are: Honey ice cream, alligator and hush puppies, cheese curds, pineapple milk shake, beer on a stick, fruit salsa, hot dish on a stick, Uffda and what was a deep fried Reece's Peanut Butter Cup.
And not for the reviews: The honey ice cream was good. The alligator was tiny pieces, dipped in batter and deep fried and tasted like deep fried batter. The hush puppies were over done and dry. The deep fried cheese curds, well, need I say more? Who can you possibly go wrong there? The pineapple shake from the dairy barn was wonderful. The beer on a stick was very clever and I wish I would have thought of it. As far as the taste, I'm not a beer drinker so I would have to check with my daughter on that one, she seems to be the expert. The fruit salsa was excellent and I'm going to be trying to make that at home. The hot dish on a stick was good but the Uffda was out of this world. I had that last year and was so impressed I had to go back for more this year. And the last picture is the remains of a Reece's Peanut Butter Cup on a stick. That's one of the few things that I must get when I go to the fair. Not pictured and barely worth talking about is the camel on a stick. It was very dry (but I guess we all know camels) and tasteless.

Love is ...... making progress

2010-08-29T16:37:00.000-05:00

This is the progress I'm making with my Love is .... wall hanging from Paula's blog over at Quilt Happy Quilt Often. I started sewing the blue borders on the word blocks and was kind of at a loss as what to do next. I thought if I did them all in blue it would just be a little too much. But with a little help from my friends Kathy, who let me dip into her stash so I wouldn't have to buy more fabric and my friend Susan who suggested that I just sew blue on every other block, my problems are solved.

Every month two more blocks come out and I am managing to keep up so by the end of the year I should have a nice wall hanging finished.

Lilies

2010-08-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

These lilies are picutres from my garden earlier this summer and I just couldn't figure out how to get a them posted from picasa to my blog. With the help from my son I finally figured it out.

Crazy Quilt Pumpkins

2010-08-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

I love fall, it's my favorite season and with that comes decorating. I meant to have this quilt done by last fall but that didn't happen. I love making the tops and I like putting on the binding but it's just that dreaded getting the top, batting and backing together that I just don't enjoy. But lucky me, I have a couple of friends that do a wonderful job and are willing to help me out.

This was quilted by my friend Susan.

It's made with all flannels so I'm sure it was quite challenging to quilt.

Each pumpkin is a different color and has four different crazy quilt stitches in each one.

When I brought it to Susan I told her I loved everything that I have seen of hers and she could do what ever she wanted. She didn't disappoint me and did an amazing job.
I thought perhaps I could use it as a table cloth but after I tossed it over my couch to take pictures I think it looks kind of nice there.

I've been busy

2010-08-17T08:09:00.001-05:00

Over the last two weeks I have been to 23 quilt shops with the Minnesota quilt shop hop. Now I'm on quilt shop overload and don't even know where to begin with my mounting piles of unfinished projects.
I also celebrated my anniversary.

These are flowers from my neighbor, Gert. She is so sweet and thoughtful.

I went to see the play Wicked with my daughter, her roommate Steph and Steph's mom, Teresa.

Which one of us is not like the other? Steph didn't get the memo to wear pink and black but we let her come along anyway. We had a wonderful time and Wicked was just amazing.

I also went to a family reunion in Hastings then the next day headed to Hudson the see the Nina and Pinta.

That was fun and super interesting. If you want more information just go here. You can find out the schedule of when and where they will be.

The Gnomes

2010-08-05T08:14:00.000-05:00

My little gnome garden is now a secret garden.

I cut the grape vine down to almost nothing and this is what happened.

Go here if you want to see the earlier view of the gnomes.

One stray morning glory.