Why I wanted to quilt

I wanted to quilt because I have loved my grandmother's quilts. I'm lucky enough to have a few, and her sewing machine too. The sad thing is that it lives up in the attic. Personally I love my modern machine. But that's a whole other topic.

Anyway, I remember my grandmother's dark curly hair. How in the morning she would have her record player on; you would hear Charlie pride. But I also remember sitting in her room with her while she sewed. I was trying to catch the dog, he bit me. I never had the opportunity to learn quilting from her. But I felt her love at night as I slept under a blanket made for me. It was made out of corduroy and Sesame Street fabric. One one block I drew a smiley face, and my name with a marker. I got in serious trouble for that. But now that's what I think was special about it. It's been long lost. I really wish that I had known to value it more. Hindsight is always a kick in the rump!

My grandmother may have started this obsession, but I am following along. So for a while I will share the quilts and stories that I already have in the house.

Goodbye & Pass it Forward

Did you ever have weeks that never seem to end? Where things just seem so overwhelming.

I have had my fair share, and this week has been no different. As we had to say goodbye to a family pet.I think we all seen it coming, but this one took it the hardest. After all it was his best buddy.

****

So I was completely taken back when something special arrived in the mail. It was a gift from Linda at Stray Stitches. Back in September I told her that I would participate in a Pass it Forward.

On my end of the bargain I didn't really have any takers, officially. But I still tried my best to pass it forward to someone who might need it. Blog or no blog, sometimes it is great just to give a gift to someone just because you can.

This has brightened my week. It's beautiful. Also all the pink makes it absolutely mine.

Linda, Thank You!

A place for everything...

And everything in it's place. This is the view directly across the door in the wash room/mud room/downstairs bathroom(hopefully one day). For now this makes for one happy mom.

Look, there is even room for company to come over and hang up their coat. I think I could put peg's on every wall.

Such as

-one for each of the boy's rooms

-the bathroom wall vs. floor (imagine that)

-one for my room

Maybe I should just stick with one good thing at a time. At least everyone is being consist ant, for now.

Virgin harvest

I still love my husband and my children. But I am going to give up my viginity once again. You've heard right, again and with others. I am going to try something new in the garden that is.



Do you feel a bit relieved? now knowing what I am up to. The point of the virgin harvest is to get out and grow something. No matter how big or how small. Just try something new and share your experience.

Personally, I have always loved gardening from the very first time that I was able to get marigolds to grow. There is just something about playing in the dirt. It is satisfying! But I do so much better with flowers than vegetables, although each year I keep trying.

Earlier this week, this is what my garden beds looked like. The snow has since melted off, due to rain. Lots and lots of rain! The whole North East is under flood watches and warnings, including those close to home. As all the rivers and creeks were allready full and most of the ground is still frozen. The yard is starting to look more like a pond. As the sump pump works today, I dream of warmer, dry weather, to be outside. The planning has just begun, as I dream of things like planting blueberrys, apple trees, garlic, herbs, and don't forget the fresh vegetables. Truely this is just the beginning, when there is endless possiblities. Assuming I don't wash away anytime soon!

A Party

Without all of the calories! This one occassion you can enjoy all the fun of a party with out the guilty after effect. How can you possibly resist? Especially when it's hosted from our friends at Quiltstory. Why not come and enjoy the party, meet other quilters, or just gain inspiration.

I couldn't resist joining in. The only admission needed was one unfinished(unbound, unquilted) singular quilt block. I knew right away what my choice would be. It had been on my mind all week long. So I gave it a go, with the remaining part of a bliss charm pack.

Personally I think this fits most under the tradional section. Even though the fabric is modern.

I really wish that I could have gotten a better picture for you. But this is a party. So you just have to take my block for what it is. After all it's not going to ask you out for a drink later, no hidden pick up lines. Just beautiful fabric put together.

So now you have seen my Carpenter Wheel block. Personally, I'm ever so thankful that I only made one. I spent equally amount of time ripping out seams as I did sewing it together. I don't like the half square triangles, I think the block may have been better when it was made using y-seams. So if you know of a great pattern out there please let me know.

At this point I should behave like any good college student, and return to the books. Too bad quilting books don't count.

White out

Today was another day at home, Yea! It started out quite normal with my coffee and blog reading.

But by this afternoon I decided that I wanted to change my blog heading. Which sent me down a whole other direction, trying to figure out how to make a free photo collage.

I'm no closer to figuring out how to do it for a blog heading. But I did get the chance to play with my photos. Here is what kept me home today.

Another free picture collage by Smilebox