A Mid Week Progress Report and a Finish!

I’m happy to be sewing again, although in small spurts. Tomorrow I’m going to get my next quilt basted (come hell or high water), but in the meantime, just some plain ol’ sewing was called for to scratch my Need To Sew itch.

I had planned to sew myself an apron, and finally got it done. However, there was enough fabric to make two, so I made matching aprons for Cousin Kim and me. In the end, I omitted  the red ruffle at the bottom, seeing much better opportunities for the red in my quilty sewing, hehe.

They’re pretty plain jane, but cute when on. I did some fancy stitching on the upper edges of our pockets; butterflies for Kim (her Etsy shop is ButterfliesandDonuts) and some flowers for me. Only the picture of Kim’s turned out, and it’s hard to see anyway because the thread matches the pocket. But oh well.

This was #5 on my Quarter 4 Finish Along 2018 Goals. My list is here, and the quarterly linky party is HERE.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I have a pile of mink stoles (and jackets) that I need to get rid of. I was the “lucky” (*cough*) person to inherit those that belonged to my mother, grandmothers, former mother-in-law and.... I don’t know, maybe the dog catcher’s wife or something. Sheesh, I think they multiplied in their hanging case over these years. Don’t laugh - there is even a neck stole of mink bodies (about 3) sewn together. I’m embarrassed to own these things and do not want them!! Originally my plan was to cut them up and make teddy bears for my kids out of them. That never happened, and I have no desire to make them for the grands, either. Should I just take them to the thrift store? Will they even take them? Anyone want them or know of someone who could use them?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Another thing I’ve been meaning to share. As a member of the Days For Girls organization, I receive a monthly PERIODical (newsletter, but their choice of words is wonderful, isn’t it?). In the October issue under the category of strong women leaders, there was a great article about the Hon. Soipan Tuya, a Maasai woman elected to national office. It talks about her visit to the Great Rift Valley, specifically the Narok area, where she met with hundreds of young girls and parents. She has partnered with DFG and the government to bring some interest changes along. You may enjoy reading the article; the link is HERE.  If some of the faces and styles and colors look familiar, well you may just have read my recent posts about my visit to the Maasai Narok area of Kenya this summer!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Finally, I had to share these cute pictures with you. Cousin Kim and I usually go walking every Wednesday morning, and last week we were once again at Wheeler Farm, our favorite place (even better than Disneyland!).

They are really getting into the spirit of Halloween this year!  We just laughed and laughed at this.

The school kids (there are always busloads here on field trips) thought it was cool, too. Then we went inside the barn, because I had to get a look from the inside.

HAHAHAHA!!  He even has hay in his mouth!!!  Naturally, there are scarecrows, pumpkins, witches, etc etc. all over the farm. Plus the annual Hay Maze and Pumpkin Days events for kids and the parents. Fall was always my most favorite time when I worked at the farm, and it just keeps getting better! My hat is off to Reagan S. and the whole team who work there!!

Bits and Bobs ...

Today I’m just doing a quick post to share some of this week’s happenings with you...

This is the apron I was asked to make for my friend Darci at work.  She picked the fabrics and style. It turned out sooo cute (much better than the picture shows) and looks adorable on her.

And her are the latest pictures of my dear granddaughter London.  She is almost 23 months (where does the time go?) and is a very active and chatty little toddler.

I need to buy her some magnetic letters to play with on the refrigerator, since she has a fascination with refrigerator magnets!

These pictures were taken on Tuesday, and we just let her hair go all curly.  That is a sippy cup (not a bottle) that she is drinking from.  After all, she is a Big Girl!  

Lots of teeth now... Loves her “Dammy” (Grammy - me), and “Papa” (Grandpa Bruce), goes down easily for her afternoon nap, loves cheese, strawberries and peanut butter (there’s a girl after my heart!), loves Boomer our cat (the feeling is NOT mutual, hehe), and loves to “weed boots” (read books).  Wish I could freeze time!

Hugs,

Classes and Goodies from CQ Adventure

I’m rather late posting today because I was watching DGD London all day, and she wore me out!  :-)   Well, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it....

One of the things I was really looking forward to - and I was not disappointed - was taking classes from Sharon Boggon, Allie Aller, and Betty Pillsbury.  I’ve had the pleasure of taking classes years ago from Betty, including a week at the John Campbell School in 2001.  So, I knew I was in for a treat again.  But it was a triple treat! All three teachers were excellent. Each had their own unique style and sense of humor. They were all very clear and patient with their lessons and explanations, guiding us along as we learned new techniques.  I kept a journal for Sharon’s 3-day stitch workshop (so many new stitches and motifs!), but ended up relying on my camera and examples from Betty’s and Allie’s classes.

Day 1  - Sharon Boggon.  I didn’t take pictures in this one-day class; instead, I concentrated on learning new and reviewing other stitches we learned in the 3-day workshop earlier in the week (see pictures from previous post here).

In the evening, Betty Pillsbury gave a great talk on crazy quilts.  Renee and I were her helpers (or “slaves” as Betty so lovingly put it, LOL).  We held up the quilts and other stitched pieces and took them around for everyone else to see and photograph.  Following are 4 pictures of some of the antique pieces Betty showed, which I snapped later on when they were out on display.

Day 2 - Betty Pillsbury’s class.  Another fun day!  We painted on velvet, making paddle-fans.  Below is my effort (sans the handle, which we are to finish outside of class).

Although I did my satin flower with the satin fabric I brought, the satin was too heavy and it didn’t drape well.  I threw it away (yes, another flower in the garbage. Some readers will recognize a pattern in that behavior). Betty was a riot, and did a great job of explaining basic stitches in ergonomic, muscle- and tendon-friendly ways.

And then, when I asked to snap a class picture, Ruth-Ellen decided to give Betty bunny-backs.  I wonder WHO put her up to it ?!?   :-)

In the evening, Shirlee Fassell gave a really interesting and funny talk about her creative journey with cross stitch, crazy quilting and using the tambour hook.   Here is one of her masterpieces.

Our hilarious Mistress of Ceremonies, Susan Elliott (in pink) coaxed Maureen up to the front and presented her with flowers and other tokens of affection from the group.

Check out some of Shirlee Fassell’s framed work on the left.   Then check out Susan being silly on the right. 

Day Three:  Allie’s class.  What a joyous, fun day!  It was like being kids again, stitching, cutting, painting and having a blast....  I wish I could say that the below two pictures were my work, (well, I could say it, but it wouldn’t be true).... but they are Allie’s work.

   

You can see more of Allie’s gorgeous floral celebrations on her blog.  In fact, while you’re there, check out her pictures from the Adventure if you haven’t already!

This is my sad little piece (below).  But you must admit, I’m pretty darn brave to post it, LOL!  It should make you other ladies who were creating gorgeous bloom after gorgeous bloom feel so smug!  No, it is not arranged as a composition yet.  They’re just gathered up to show you some of the things I was working on. Most need to be finished in one way or another, and leaves and stems added.  It was such fun, I want to make lots more flowers to add to it.  It will eventually be a floral sampler to hang in my studio.

I was sitting between Diane Matheson and Gerry Krueger.  Hopefully they will both post pictures of their flower creations because they were just gorgeous!

Here are the motifs I received in the Motif Swap.  Thank you to all you lovely ladies who so generously shared your talents!   (The motifs I created can be seen here).

Thank you to all the ladies who were so generous with your gifties and trades.  I know I didn’t get everything in the picture, but every one of you dear friends is deeply appreciated!

And dear Freda not only gave me the silver owl, but also this amazing vintage child’s apron for my granddaughter London!  I was absolutely blown away!  Thank you, Freda!

The teachers were generous, too.  Sharon provided us with a lot of threads, some sequin waste and a beading tray. And a couple other things, too.   This “booty” is both from the 3-day workshop and the one-day Adventure class.

And then Maureen gifted us with precious treasures at every turn.  Every day of the workshop and every day of class, she had some little packet prepared for everyone.  Silk, lace, vintage images, needles, gimp (see center front).  And do you see the felt flower with chenille sticking out? (lower left quadrant). That’s a needlecase that Reen made herself.  One for every lady who attended!  She started those in January to get them prepared in time!  Unbelievable!  Thank you for all your kindnesses, Reen!!

OK, if you’re still with me (I know this is a long post), I just wanted to show you the goodies I purchased at the vendor boutique.

Actually, I won the set of pastel silk velvet (below) in the door prize giveaway.  I had already bought the bright velvets, above.  The vintage laces and threads were purchased from Maureen.  She has amazing things.  Check out her shop, Maureen’s Vintage Acquisitions.

Tomorrow I’ll blog about our Girls Day Out in New York City.  See you then!

Hugs, 

Hammer Time!

No, “Hammer Time” has absolutely nothing to do with my post today.  It just popped into my mind when I was about to write “Apron Time”.  It was a flashback to the ’80’s and the MC Hammer videos my kids used to watch on MTV.

And I used to sew my son Shane his “Hammer Pants” - remember those wide-legged genie-in-a-bottle-type pants??
He thought he was sooooo cool.  He was, like, ten years old....
Where were the Fashion Police when we needed them???

But I digress......  I had the most wonderful surprise in the mail the other day and I wanted to share it with you.

Many years ago (like ten or so),  I used to travel for my job with relative regularity (once or twice a year) back to our division’s HQ in Morristown, NJ.   Once I asked on the Quiltropolis CQ list if anybody lived out in NJ and could recommend some shopping.  Marilyn L answered, and we ended up meeting.  We had dinner and went shopping that first time, and had alot of fun.  Then we kept in regular touch, gifting each other with treasures from our yard- and thrift-saleing.  Marilyn even brought me back some incredibly beautiful hankies from Italy one year.   Another time when I was back East, Marilyn invited me to stay over one night.  I got to meet her dear hubby Jimmy and her mom.  I marveled at her lovely home and hospitality.  We always had fun!  A couple years ago, Jimmy’s job took them to Rhode Island.  For now they’re sort of biding their time for a handful of years until retirement, when they can return to their New Jersey home.

And over the last two or three years, we’ve corresponded very little, which is primarily my fault.  However, Marilyn does pop in to my blog now and then to say hello, so I know she’s out there!  Imagine my surprise when a package arrived from Marilyn, filled with.... VINTAGE APRONS.  

Apparently she SCORED at an estate sale, and though of me.  They’re lovely, as you can see.  And I got off my ample posterior, tried her email, and wrote a thank you note.  Now we’re back to corresponding again!  I didn’t realize that the email I’d saved for her was her actual, live, current one!

So aren’t these GREAT???   Lots of plaids, checks, vintage florals, rick rack.  Yum!!  

And the best news is that Marilyn will be attending the Crazy Quilting Adventure in Connecticut next April like me, so we’ll get to see each other again!    Thank you, Marilyn, for all the pretties!!

Such a wealth of ideas these aprons are!  The one below is one I found last week at a thrift store for $1.00.  Usually I never see ANY vintage aprons.  But this thrift store was off my beaten path (mental note:  beat a new path, Cathy),  and I was glad I stopped!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I really don’t enjoy cooking too much.  I used to, but now I’d rather be stitching, sewing, reading, gardening, having a root canal, doing Sudoku, or whatever.   But somehow, some sort of nesting instinct has kicked in over the last week or two.  Must have something to do with the fact that we’ve got apricots and squash coming out our ears!!!  :-)

The yellow crooknecks and zucchini above (2 of each) were cooked up in 2 Tblsp.  balsamic vinegar and 1 Tblsp. butter.   Cathy doesn’t like balsamic vinegar.  Ha!  I LOVED the way this turned out.  Garnished it with a touch of salt and lots of fresh ground pepper.  We ate the whole thing!   Now I plan to experiment instead with olive oil,  adding onions and red peppers, garlic and ground pepper.....

And one of my many batches of apricot jam.  The tiny jars were left over from my lemon curd-making days.  These will make nice little neighbor gifties during the Holidays.    I bought a pressure cooker and am waiting now for green beans (not from MY garden; THAT’S a disaster this year) and whatever else strikes my fancy at the Farmers Market.

Well, now that I’ve gotten myself hungry, I think I’d better run and get something healthy to snack on before dinner.  I have a peach just calling my name.......

Reminder & Another African Block

Just a reminder for everyone to get their entry(ies) in to my contest.  Just leave a comment on the post (it’s a few back) - it’ll tell you how to enter.  The deadline is tomorrow, July 9 at midnight.  I’ll draw names sometime over the weekend.  Because you get an entry if you are not only a commenter or follower of my blog, but a follower of Pam Kellogg’s blog (Kitty and Me Designs), I’ll have to double check that everyone is given the proper number of entries, OK?  Just want to be fair.  So, when that’s complete, we’ll do the drawing.  I’ll announce it here and


STOP THE PRESS!!!


I looked and saw that I just went over 100 followers, so you know what???  I’m going to add a THIRD prize to the drawing!!!!!  Woo-hoo!!  I’ll get that together tonight and will post a picture tomorrow.


And speaking of pictures, here’s the next in the Images of Africa quilt blocks....

The seam treatment is adapted from one of Sharon Boggon’s (remember her 100 details in 100 days series?)....

And finally .... a bit of serendipity.  I was at Home Fabrics today.  They’re a national home decorator chain (home dec fabrics and trims, rugs and stuff), and a great source (especially when they have sales) of fabrics I’ve used in my purses and fabric packs.  ANYWAY, I was checking out, having my fabrics measured by the most delightful young lady named Cherokee.  We talked about aprons and fabrics and sewing, etc. and I told her about my blog (shout out to Cherokee if you’re reading this!!).    So, I left feeling great (what a wonderful thing good customer service can be, don’t you think?!?).


Then, in the parking lot, one of the customers from the store stopped me and asked me if I ever used upholstery and other decorator fabrics in small quantities.   I told her not so much the heavy upholstery fabrics, but otherwise Yes and Yes.    She invited me to her store to pick up some sample books “that we end up throwing away several times a year”.  I haven’t gone yet, but will go over the next couple days.  Heck, if I can’t use it, I can find people who will, right?  There are always giveaways, fellow CQ’ers (I like to donate to the Crazy Quilting International Stash Dash every year at the Retreat) and even Wheeler Farm’s summer camp. 


So, that’s it for now.


Tomorrow:  pictures of the third prize giveaway, my wool crazy quilt blocks which have just arrived home from a round robin, and perhaps some apron pictures.  I’m also working on an Art Nouveau crazy quilt block for my friend Ritva in Finland, so perhaps I can share a progress shot (or even a completed block), too.

Recent Sale-ing Finds

As regular readers know, I love to go sale-ing.  Estate sales are my favorites, but I'm also a regular yard sale and thrift store visitor.   It's impossible hard for me to steer by an antique store without dropping in.  Here in Utah, we don't have the "flea markets" that are common in the east and midwest.  Here in the west and intermountain areas, we have Swap Meets.  I think it's basically the same thing.  

Anyway, last Friday afternoon, my daughter Megan and I had some time time to spend together.  So, after my Weight Watchers meeting and lunch together at a little Chinese restaurant we found, we visited a couple sales.  The first was an estate sale up in the Avenues area of Salt Lake and the second was a 200+ family church "rummage sale" with proceeds to benefit their Bell Ringers.

I've never seen so much furniture at one sale as I did at the church rummage sale!  Almost a city block's worth out on their front lawn area.  The only furniture I bought was a $15 solid oak rocking chair  (no picture) - it's all that would fit in the back of my Prius.  I bought it for London's mom Heather, but she's already found one for herself since the last time we'd talked.  But Bruce loved it, and is going to clean it up and use it.  Happy ending.

I have a weakness for vintage embroidered linens, and found several pair of them at the estate sale.  The embroidery was impeccable, so I bought a pair of each of the following patterns.  And what a steal of a deal it was!   Some of these will likely be turned into little girl dresses for my booth at the Farmers Market this summer.

I thought these simple silver-plated bowls were interesting, and since I got them for a total of $3, why resist?  They look wonderfully shabby as-is, so I may leave them tarnished or may clean them up.  Who knows.  Probably will sell them and let someone else decide.

And then there's the silverplate.  I was telling Bruce the other day that I'd seen (and added to my idea files) several cute projects done with vintage silverware.  I mentioned that I may watch for a good coupon to get a metal stamping set on sale, and he replied "No!"  Then he ran to his laBORatory, rummaged around for a few minutes, and emerged proudly displaying not one, not two, but THREE different metal stamping alphabet sets.    The man is a true packrat gem, and boy do I love him!!

There was this pile of vintage fabrics at the rummage sale, and I grabbed it up.  Correction:  The retro floral print on the left came from the thrift store last week.  Three wonderful yards of heavier-weight cotton.  I may use one yard to do an apron (picture it with coordinating modern polka-dots...) and will probably sell the other two yards (contact me if interested).   The other three are yummy, and of various textures.  See the brown and gray print in front?  It's a 36" cotton (?? must do a burn test) from the sixties and has the most glorious soft hand to it.  There are just over two yards, and along the selvage is printed "Everfast Fabrics, Inc.".  I've been doing some research - they're still in business in the PA area.  Anyway, once I touched it, I fell in love....

Finally, some vintage in-package napkins, loop braid trim and some millinery leaves.  PINK  (are you drooling, Pam??)

Tomorrow is Wednesday, and that means Seniors (55 or over) get a 20% discount at the local Savers thrift store.  I haven't been there for two weeks, so I'm due for a visit.   And I'll be happy to take my discount - a small consolation for getting older.   Luckily, I still have to ask for it because they always think I'm younger!  HA!  I used to hate that when I was 21.....