SO COOL!

Christmas is over, but all you snowman aficionados, can relax. Snowmen still exist! They exist mostly through the efforts of children, and sometimes adults who are still young at heart. My very creative grandchildren built themselves a snowman this week that will go down in snowman history! Why? Because I said so, and it’s my history! Take a look at what they did with their frosty friend. Can you believe that hair? I love it!

On top of that, my very good and slightly twisted friend sent me a cartoon that I am compelled to share. Let’s send 2008 out with a laugh! Tomorrow we begin anew!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

FUNNY BONES

Guess what got pulled out of my daughter-in-laws Christmas box? I bet some of you will remember this pattern. It says on the back that I made it in 1988! I was not yet into quilting, but always loved working with fabric. Looking at this now, it makes me laugh, but it is still a cute design. No quilting on this at all. I just machine appliqued right through the sandwich. I have to say, I feel better about what I am doing now! LOL! Don't know how these photos are turning out on this computer.
Arizona is not as sunny as usual! In fact it has pretty much rained the whole time we have been here. When the sun comes out the air is cool. but we are glad to be here and enjoy the family, etc. I looked out the window this morning and noticed this grapefruit tree, and I swear one of the grapefruit was smiling! Can you see it? Ha ha! (Yup, I did it)!

We had a lovely Christmas and now it is over and we can relax! Today is our 41st wedding anniversary! We are not into big celebrations, but every year is a milestone, and I am grateful to have had a good and loyal companion for all these years. And he is funny too! To me, that is priceless!

GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

Paula at A Latte Quilts tagged me to play a game. Here are the four simple rules:

*Go to the fourth photo file on your computer

*Choose the fourth picture in that file

*post it and explain

*tag four people to do the same

Here is evidence that I am not very good at following rules. What fun would it be if I actually chose the 4th picture, etc? Boring, according to my photo file. So I was just reading my granddaughter's blog and found this photo, above, of my granddaughter. She just had her wisdom teeth out and needed to do something creative with them. You can't just let them go to waste! Now with that I feel the need to ask, why are they called "wisdom teeth"? Doesn't this picture say it all?

If you have a ridiculous photo that you would like to share, consider yourself tagged! That is my new adaptation of the rules! I would love to hear back from you so I can see what you posted, but I won't make that a rule. You would just laugh and ignore me like all those sick e-mails I get that promise me good luck for the rest of my life if I pass the e-mail on to ten people within 30 seconds.

LITTLE GIFTY THINGS

I have a few little things to share today. Above is my own little calico creation! I just love the way it turned out. I was sewing scrappy strips together, and thought about adding little tongues and buttons. One of my friends is receiving this in the mail, probably Monday.

This sweet little guy is from Sweden. They call him Tomte! He belonged to my Swedish mother-in-law and I am lucky enough to have him now. He has always been a favorite! His face really looks like he has spent a lot of time in the cold outdoors! Now any of you Swedes out there feel free to enlighten me.

I guess I have a thing for gingerbreadmen. I cross stitched this pillow quite a few years ago. I think the pattern was in a magazine. Just thought I would share it with you as it is one of the few things I get out at Christmas. You must think I am a big humbug, but we are never here at Christmas. Someday I will decorate again!

In spite of the fact that we never decorate, I do love making things for Christmas. I showed a picture of a mitten I made in my last post, then I got on a roll and made more. I just noticed that the kitty doesn't have his snowflake on. It is amazing what a difference these little details make! The little trees and birds are from my mother's collection of trinkets. I think she would be happy to see that I am using them. And the mittens are from old wool blankets.

Everything has been mailed and all that is left for me to do is clean the house (somewhat) and pack. Then we are off to the nice warm climate of Arizona! We have someone staying at our house while we are gone, so that is good too. I will be reading blogs as best I can from my son's house, but for now let me say, as I ride out of sight,

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS

"Hang up the Christmas stockings, be sure that you don't forget! For the dear little dimpled darling, has never seen Christmas yet!" So goes the beginning of a song that my grandmother sang to me every Christmas from the time I was a baby. Does anyone know that song? I don't remember the rest. Well, no one has sung it to me for 30 years!

Every year I try to make an ornament for each of my six grandchildren. These little snowmen are my creation for this year. I took the idea from one of Cheri's snowmen and adapted it to my needs. I hand embroidered on each of them (oh for an embroidery machine)! Each child's name and the year are on the back. A few years ago I stopped making ornaments, and then my grandson caused me to reconsider. He was helping trim the tree and had all his ornaments lined up and realized that they were not current. Well you know, when grandchildren speak, grandmas hop to! So the tradition was re-established. When I had small children at home all we always had homemade ornaments. My mom was very creative and we all made whatever she designed. Now I am on my own! But the tradition continues.

My sewing room is bustling with all kinds of things in progress. Little gifty, quilty things. I also have a little candle cooker going with a lovely cinnamon-vanilla candle that is wonderfully fragrant. Josh Groban sings from his NOEL cd over and over and over. It is such a wonderful cd. For years Perry Como was my very favorite Christmas album, but unfortunately we no longer have the means to play it. I suppose I should look on I-tunes for it. But let me tell you, this Josh Groban -Noel is wonderful. My aunt gave it to me for Christmas last year. I highly recommend it!

Oh look! Another Cheri design! Many of you will recognize this design from Cheri Saffiote Payne called Embrace Each Day. I took the liberty of changing the words. I borrowed the verse that Wendy, Snippets of a Quilter, has on her blog banner, "My soul is fed by my needle and thread". We can all identify with that little verse! Hopefully "someone" will be happy to recieve this gift.

Christmas Kisses and Good Wishes to one and all!

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Really, I don't deck the halls much any more because we always go to Arizona for Christmas. But I do have a few favorites that I like to get out. I LOVE my Santas! My dear and talented friend, Kathy, has made these for me over the years. When we lived in Seattle she made the Santa in the yellow slicker with the fishing pole and the fish. These are all hand made with paper mache. The Santa in the back holds all kinds of sewing objects, including a little sewing machine, scissors and fabric bundles on his back. His face is paper mache and his boots are furry, etc. The faces that Kathy makes are so detailed and beautiful! I hope these all click to open larger so you can see the detail.

I had to photograph the back of these guys as well. Look at the posture on the center Santa. It is so real! I have no idea where she comes up with all these little detail items, but she is a collector of grand scale, and finds things that many of us would pass right by.

Now as for little ol' me, I keep my activities quite simple. Last year my friend Kathy sent me a box of old wool blanket pieces. So now I am making these cute little woolly mittens. I was all over Michaels the other day looking for little things to stuff in these mittens. I found a few things, but I found the best stuff at home in a box of craft items from my mom's huge reservoir of things. I saved some of it after she passed away and now I wish I had saved more. All these little items are so old and forsaken. Chipped paint and discolored felt, etc. In other words, just perfect for all the shabby chic, primitive stuff we love!

THANKSGIVING

At this time of year some people like to bring up stories about how difficult relations were between the Indians and the Pilgrims, how Thanksgiving is just a big sham. Many historical accounts have survived that depict times when Indians and Whites lived together in harmony. So many times we focus on the negative. Thanksgiving offers us an occasion to focus on the things for which we are grateful. The First Thanksgiving gives us an example to aspire to, as people from two different cultures came together to share a meal and celebrate the harvest. Maybe the Thanksgiving story has reached mythical proportion, but isn’t it a wonderful story? If we could re-write history, wouldn’t we love to say, “And they lived happily ever after”?

There is an expression that I like and it is called THE LAW OF THE HARVEST. It seems especially relevant this time of year. Essentially it means, "We reap what we sow”. If it is our desire to live in peace among our fellow men, and even in our own family, what are the seeds we must sow?

Maybe that is something we could focus on for a while this Thanksgiving.

CHRISTMAS STITCHES

I stopped in at the LQS the other day, namely What's Your Stitch 'N Stuff. The shop is looking so good and decked out with all things Christmas. I asked if I could take some photos for my blog. I always love visiting quilt shops around the country via quilt blogs, so I thought I would share with you what my favorite shop looks like right now.

Pattern above: Christmas Sampler by Country Faces

They have projects and kits galore! I just had to buy that book from Primitive Gatherings with that wonderful sampler in it. And these stockings are the absolute cutest! They have patterns for six of them (from Under the Garden Moon) and they were all hanging off the fireplace mantle. There is no actual fireplace, but a year or so ago they brought in a mantle and it is always fun to see how it gets decorated. Now take a look at that Advent Santa! All wool of course!

That is it for now. Wishing you all a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

MY QUILTING PORCH

This pretty little quilt comes to us from Eileen at My Quilting Porch. Actually, that is HER quilting porch, lest you become confused. Using only nine blocks, Eileen made this darling Sparkler, adding a border of trumpeting angels! Eileen makes wonderful quilts and her blog is full of those that she has made in the past, as well as her current work. She also does beautiful hand quilting. Such a talent! Thanks for participating in our Christmas Sparkler Extravaganza!

MORE SPARKLERS

Two more Christmas Sparklers have shown up in Blogland! (Are there any others I don't know about?) The one above was made by Dot at Rantala Rags. Check out the fabric Dot chose by clicking on the picture. It is always a delight to see what people decide to use. In this case Dot surprised me by using red and blue bandana prints! Does Dot have a certain cowboy in mind? I don't know, but this does not scream Christmas to me. Nor does it have to. The design is good for other seasons and events...like maybe a picnic! Thanks for sharing Dot. It's a winner!

Next we have a quilt with a bit more of a Christmas flair. Karen Diane, the Sparkler of LeeHaven, created this version. Karen likes those dark, rich colors that make the stars pop!

Be sure and check out the Sparkler Gallery and you can see all of the photos that have been sent to me. It is really fun to see the variety. Now I am waiting to see YOURS!

AT THE SPEED OF LIFE

Can you believe it is Thursday? I hate how fast my life is speeding past. You know how they say that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die? Maybe that is what's happening. My life is flashing by. Boring, but fast. Pretty soon I will be dead and this picture of me sitting at the computer in my bathrobe will flash before my eyes. Oh mercy!

Meanwhile, I have a few things in the works! I bought a yard or so of some dishtowel fabric made by MODA of all things! My LQS had it a while back. One of the designs that I ordered from Primitive Stitches fit perfectly in the center between the stripes. The Moda dishcloth is wonderful to embroider on. Of course it is, it's Moda!
Be sure and check out Primitive Stitches if you haven't been there before!

Also, I have another project I am preparing for a gift exchange. I made this earlier in the year for myself, and I love it, so hopefully someone else will love it also. I know that a few of you can recognize what this project is just from this photo! (Dawn-for sure!)

The holiday season has burst upon us, and not being much of a shopper any time of year, I avoid the stores as much as I can this time of year. I am not one of those that feels it is my patriotic duty to spend. Instead, my husband and I "throw money" at our grandchildren, and they spend it the way they want to. My gift ideas of socks, underwear and books just don't go over! LOL! But they do like the ornaments that I make for them every year, so those are in the works and I will show pictures of them soon. My contribution to making the season jolly!

MOVING RIGHT ALONG

Much to my delight, I received three entries on the Story Chain! Now if each of you will link back to the Story Chain here, maybe we will get even more participants! Scroll down to read the prior entries if you have missed them. By the way, I also will welcome pictures that go along...

...he knew not until he saw the sign and the lights! "The Wild Boar" ~ surely they would bow down to their new King, William the Conqueror. All he wanted, after all, was fresh bread and a tankard of ale. He knew he still had to do battle with the man from the Scottish Highlands over the wench. Pretty lass she was, too! (Karen Dianne Lee, the Mistress of LeeHaven)

Karen Dianne Lee said...

When he came to the table and gnawed his loaf, he listened to the man at the bar spouting out for all to hear. "Do you know, on the road here, I came me 'cross a great 'art 'arrying Lord Shedsalot? Dey was stuck in de muck dey was. Da wheel cracked hers shaft her did. The Scottish Highlander - Drummond Macgregor himself I did see. On his way to find William of Conquers he is.

Rebeccah Louise said... (adding to the above)

William moved closer to the bar, pulling his hood up to dispel any chance of recognition. "Did he look up to the fight?" He asked, deepening his voice. "How quickly do you think he can make it into town?" William was not eager to fight him, but would rather it happened sooner than later.

Wanda said...
What Ho! Who is this?? It is the squire from the castle of the Queen of Quilts. Does he recognise the King? And what is his mission for My lady?

YOU are next! Tell us a story!

THE PLOT THICKENS

Karen Dianne Lee, the Mistress of LeeHaven, added a few more lines to our continuing story. It's like pulling teeth, but I yanked out this from her:

...he knew not until he saw the sign and the lights! "The Wild Boar" ~ surely they would bow down to their new King William the Conqueror. All he wanted, after all, was fresh bread and a tankard of ale. He knew he still had to do battle with the man from the Scottish Highlands over the wench. Pretty lass she was, too!



I am laughing hysterically! Who knew her mind worked like that? Well, probably we all did, actually. Karen Diane always makes me laugh!


So who is next? Come on! Belly up to the bar and tell us a story!
(Am I the only one having fun here?)

LEAD BALLOON

Apparently my idea of a continuing story has gone over like the proverbial LEAD BALLOON! But, as I am not able to let go of this idea, I decided to add another verse myself. Heck, maybe I will write my own silly continuing story. Feel free to jump in at any time... You are all being much too shy.
This is where we last left off:

Far away, on a warm, tropical island, King William lay with his head in the lap of a long-haired, dark eyed beauty. What need had he of quilts in this perfect temperature? He found himself thinking less and less of the Royal Hearth, the kingdom he'd left behind, or the Queen of Quilts. Was it an enchantment? (Added by Susan-Desert Sky Quilting)

But alas, no, for he was already growing weary of the fair maiden. Beautiful to look at, lovely to touch, but other than that, she was really not much. Pushing his disappointment aside, the king rose and wandered further down the beach. Still searching for something, but what it was, he knew not. (added by mp)

Back to reality, I find that it is one month until I leave for Arizona for Christmas! EEEK! I have little ornies to make for my grandchildren, a gift for the LQS Christmas party exchange, Sparkler quilts for my daughters. Oh me, oh my! I have been working on a few things, however. Take a look at these cute little gingerbread men from Primitive Stitches! I just couldn't resist ordering the pattern and stitching up a little "bread cloth". There are so many darling things on that site! You will love it!

Christmas Sparklers are still in the works at my house. Everyone who has made this little quilt has found it to be fun and easy! Claire from Newport News, VA made this one. Claire added another blue to hers and don't the stars and snowballs just pop! Claire does not (yet) have a blog, but Claire, feel free to leave a comment any time! And thanks for sharing your quilt with us! All the quilt pictures that I have received thus far are on my website in the Sparkler Gallery.

THE REST OF THE STORY

I posted this the other day: Did you ever play that game where you start a story and then pass it along to the next person to continue, and so forth? Well, do I have any takers?

The thread of the story of the Queen of Quilts has been picked up by Liz and Susan. Will someone please take a shot at this and add another paragraph?! Post it on your blog with a link back. Let's see where it goes!

Far, far away in a distant land the Queen of Quilts was silently stitching. The cold wind blew outside her castle, but the queen, wrapped in her own handiwork, was warm and cozy before the glowing embers of the Royal Hearth. "Oh, I wonder where Sweet William is tonight?" She pondered.

"Sweet William. He had been away for so very long. There had been no word from him in all these long months." (Added by Liz-In Search of the Empty Nest)

Far away, on a warm, tropical island, King William lay with his head in the lap of a long-haired, dark eyed beauty. What need had he of quilts in this perfect temperature? He found himself thinking less and less of the Royal Hearth, the kingdom he'd left behind, or the Queen of Quilts. Was it an enchantment? (Added by Susan-Desert Sky Quilting)

Let the games begin!

SPARKLER GALLERY AND MORE!

Far, far away in a distant land the Queen of Quilts was silently stitching. The cold wind blew outside her castle, but the queen, wrapped in her own handiwork, was warm and cozy before the glowing embers of the Royal Hearth. "Oh, I wonder where Sweet William is tonight?" She pondered.

Did you ever play that game where you start as story and then pass it along to the next person to continue, and so forth? Well, do I have any takers?

I am excited to share three more little Sparkler quilts with you today. Yes I know, you see four. Well, Picasa doesn't make a grid for three, so the fourth one is mine again. And, here is another little game for you. I will give you the names and blog links, and you can go to their blog and see for yourself who made which quilt! Aren't they great? I love them!

Mary B. at Nana B Quilts in St. Michael, MN made one, and

Julie at Through the Barn Door, in California, made two!

Nice job ladies!

Also, for your viewing pleasure, I have added a link to the new Sparkler Gallery on my website! Also, you can find a link right under the Friendship Star block on my sidebar.

Ya'll come on back now, ya hear?

FRIENDLY LITTLE STARS

I am so happy to see that a few of you are making your little Christmas Sparkler quilt well ahead of the seasonal rush! This cutie was made by Mary at Quilt Hollow in North Carolina. She even has hers quilted and hanging on a quilt rack! Nice going Mary! And thanks for sharing with us.

Remember this basket? This was the logo I used when I first began blogging two and a half years ago. I have had a blast reading your blogs and getting to know so many quilters. When I first began I was so clueless about the whole thing. I had seen a few blogs and found them to be so interesting and I didn't want to be left out. I soon realized that many bloggers seemed to be good friends. Gifts were being exchanged, personal e-mails, etc. I kind of felt more left out, actually. But I kept blogging and making comments on other blogs. I asked questions on my blog, and got comments from very helpful bloggers. One of the comments said that I needed to open my e-mail so people could write me back directly! (Ever hear that one before?) So I very bravely added my e-mail address. I even opened a new g-mail account for this. Turns out it was no big deal! Lots of other advice came my way as well. I still have questions from time to time, and I know someone will come forward and help me out. AND, I have "met" some lovely ladies as I continue to blog and exchange ideas and inspiration. My sidebar contains a list of many of you, and there are many more out there. Many of you laugh along with me as I make my silly jokes. I appreciate that. As I told one friend the other day, laughing alone is no fun. So my whole point is this: all you quilt bloggers out there, I appreciate you and enjoy your friendship. Thanks for reading my humble blog and for leaving your nice comments. These Friendship Stars will always remind me of all of you!