Why Knot?

A Day ....

2012-02-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hello and good wishes to each and every one

that graces my rambling words with time ....

I wanted to share a couple of

quick items and a wish or two,

First, I used an Izzy & Ivy Designs pattern

called Many Giggles to create:

This dress for Abbie

(front and back)

and this dress for Emily

(front and back)

Believe it or not, each dress

was made in one evening!

I KNOW!

How easy is that ?!!???!!!

Very cool.

Second dress was made

from jersey and hangs real nice.

These goodies I received from Robin in Ontario for

the Bag Swap we both participated in recently.

Two very sweet bags and something I hadn't

seen before but this is brilliant ... a Soup Koozie.

You ever have a bowl of oatmeal or soup and the

bowl is too hot to hold but you want to eat????

How brilliant is this koozie???

Gonna have to make me one of these :)

Oh, at the end of January, a new friend of mine had a birthday and of course, I just had to make something.

I found this pattern in the book "Charm School"

and it was quick and simple.

I believe my new friend liked it.

And, of course, I can't remember

which charm pack I used, but I thought

it was pretty so went with it.

For me, personally, life is what it is ...

challenging to say the least.

However, I found this picture on line

and thought it very worthy of sharing.

Truly words to live by.

Very soon, I will be packing up those that

matter the absolute most to me in my life,

and we will soon be swimming in calmer waters.

Until we next visit, I wish every one of you

the sweetest and most sincerest valentines day

with those who you hold dearest to your heart.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

for being a part of my world!

Isn't this Tweet???

2012-01-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Middle of January!!

Jeez, it seems as if it was just yesterday that

I posted my new years good wishes to you ...

I hope you are all doing marvelous :)

Okay, as far as post titles go, that might be

a little on the lame side, but I had to go with it once

it got stuck in my head this morning ....

You see, this morning I made this:

Yes, a new cover for my Kindle Reader ...

Some of you may recognize the birds as leftover material

from a dress I made for my oldest this past year ...

I thought it was "tweet" and found the strips in my

stash that worked perfectly for the binding....

yes, bias binding so the strips were on an angle ...

I quilted straight lines just so as not to detract

from the cute birdies. Fun :)

Next, you may have noticed an icon over on the rightside of my

blog that I joined Dandelion Quilts Accessory Bag Swap??

Oh, well, I did ... Kris hosts the coolest swaps, so

of course, I just had to throw my "bag" in ...

I made this one yesterday. I think it's kinda pretty.

And, of course, since I still have a bit more time before

the deadline, I've got a few more things in mind for

which I may "accessorize" this bag with.

I've really enjoyed the satisfaction of finishing these

quick and simple projects and look forward to starting a

few more things in the days to come,

but the alarm clock jingles early in the morning for me,

and though these two adorable creatures:

have no school tomorrow, I have to convince the eldest

night owl that yes, Mom does need to get to bed and

that means she has to go to bed first...

"REALLY?" she queries!!

Yes, dear ... night-night.

I wish you all a very good morning, noon and night....

Thank you for coming by to visit me and

I hope to see you again real soon!!

Happy hugs and very warm hearted wishes to each of you!

Goodness!

2012-01-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Goodness, me!

I cannot believe I let a whole month go by without a post ....

and what a month it was!

Well, I found my computer, dusted off the cobwebs,

determined the keyboard still works,

and I'm dropping by to say I'm still here ...

pretty much anyway!

Happiest New Year Wishes!!

I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to see the end of 2011!!

While what has kept me away isn't quite finished,

I do see a glimmer of hope that the end of the tunnel is near

and what remains of me may one day be whole again

.... if not stronger and better. Praise be!!

I can report I am still dearly attached to quilting,

though I've more often than not been making

smaller projects lately instead of full size quilts....

take a look:

Commissioned bag ... client chose fabrics

Table runner for Gift Exchange at Work

Better picture of fussy-cut centers

mug mats for daughters' teachers' Christmas gifts

Table topper for my boss and his wife for Christmas

Table topper for my friend and day-care provider,

Computer bag for myself ... not quite as pleased with color combination ...
so may have to end up turning inside out ... or maybe a large applique :).

Gift for my co-worker ... colors and design
just had her name all over them :)

Okay, so the pictures aren't the best, but heck, I'm just lucky I got them taken before I had to gift wrap most of these for Christmas gifts. ... I really missed time to sit down at my machine, it felt good putting stitches in fabric again. Better make sure I don't wait too long before it happens again.

My job is going well and my daughters amaze me every day,

and though I didn't say always in a good way ...

they amaze me by teaching me how much patience I've learned to have.

I hope to have more to share with you again soon.

To all of you who have emailed to check on me,

bless your heart and thank you so very much for letting me know you care...

the long distance hugs are so very appreciated!

Blessings to you!

and, until next time,

Happy hugs and warm hearted wishes~~

Seriously????

2011-12-01T19:26:00.001-07:00

Seriously ...

what good is a flu shot

when you get the flu anyway!!!?????

Oh well, like many other things ...

This too shall pass.

Stay warm and healthly!!

Happy hugs and warm hearted wishes ~

I Was Here but Now am There

2011-11-27T23:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, I was here for a very short time,

but was graciously invited to a Block Party

by none other than Madame Samm of Sew We Quilt ....

Won't you join me???

If you FALL behind,

I promise not to

LEAF you in the dust!

I am here ...

2011-11-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

I am here ... I am Here ... I AM HERE !!!

Thank you everyone for staying with my blog and checking in to see how I'm doing ...

Blessings to each and every one of you!

This is what I've been up to ...

Oh wait, I mean besides

my day job and every day life

with my daughters,

that is ...

Two more stars for Johna'lee of The Scrappy Appleyard and her Soldiers' Quilts.

A "fall-colored" commissioned Margo bag...

(notice the snow in the background!!!)

Seriously ... FALL???

Bag for moi as those I use for myself keep getting purchased.

Yes, another Margo bag.

This is a quilt I'm making for my dad ...

He turns 70 on Thursday ...

Thanksgiving Day

I'm ever so grateful and thankful to have

him another year!

I was going to attempt to take a picture of this quilt outside today ...

This is what happened:

The wind wouldn't stop blowing it and with the snow ...

just couldn't swing a nice enough picture.

So ... I'll get back to my "other" life and hope to finish

quilting this throw for my Dad's birthday this week.

Love and hugs to each of you and again,

thank you for stopping in!

P.S. Don't forget to check in on the

Block Party over at Sew We Quilt ...

I'm guest posting there on Monday, November 28th!!

Pack Sand???

2011-11-06T11:21:00.001-07:00

Can you imagine having to pack sand and mail it?

I can't either ... so these little dears

will have to be mailed empty:

Doesn't this picture look as if the flower
is seeking the sun's warmth????
:)

Have to admit ... the first thing that came to mind when I was told "yellow, black and white" was a bumble bee ... lol ... how do I make a doorstop bumblebee??

Well, I make the next best thing, a flower

that a bumble bee would want to visit.

How'd I do?

For this next one, I was told "Civil War fabrics" ....

think, think, think ....

You can't tell me this ol' thing doesn't look run down ... LOL

I thought of an ol' run down shack that

has made it through some pretty tough times.

Therefore, here's my Civil War shack doorstop ...

I certainly hope my dear friends like them.

I've stitched love in every inch.

Yes, these are my own designs,

straight from my bitty brain ...

each is an original and probabably

can't be exactly duplicated ...

Please ask if interested and I'll try

real hard to put together

pattern & instructions ... I just haven't

had time yet to make that tutorial.

Yet. :)

Now, off to bake some cookies with the girls

and do the week's laundry ... before the day is done

and the new week brings it new adventures ...

and of course, sweep up the sand

that now isn't being packed.

Happy Hugs and Warm Hearted Wishes!!

My Little Pumkins

2011-10-31T19:54:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!!!

My girls and I have been busy .... notice the pumpkins above?

Yep, we did those :)

Now ... here are my darlin' little pumkins:

All dressed up and ready for trick or treatin' with their dad.

I took them to a little party last Wednesday:

And for school treats for today's party,

I made my very first batch of popcorn balls!!

Will have to do these again ... Yum!

And just to try and stay busy ....

I made this wallet for a birthday that happens this week ...

Happy Birthday Dear Mother!

It'll be in the mail, soon, I swear!!

And last week's birthday recipient received this little number:

Now ... what shall we do next????

Oh yeah ... there's a wee-little matter of visiting

a super-duper blog hop!!!

Have ya all be following the Ghastlie Blog Hop??? Isn't this group of Ghastlie Sistaahhs just amazingly talented??? Holy buckets but it's fun to see all of the projects made using the same materials. My thanks go to Madame Ghastlie and all the Ghastlie Sistahs for sharing ... and just as a reminder ... this week's schedule is:

ON Monday October 31st
Day 6

Mrs. Tonya Ghastlie
Mrs Tiramisue Ghastlie

Mrs. Angela Ghastlie

Mrs Pauline Ghastlie

Mrs. Karin Ghastlie

Mrs Barb Ghastlie * lost her power during snow storm
will keep you updated when it is back on...

ON Tuesday November 1st
Day 7

Miss Daisy Ghastlie
Mrs. Dana Ghastlie

Mrs. Elaine Ghastlie

Mrs. Gramma Sheri Ghastlie
Ms. Suz Ghastlie

ON Wednesday November 2nd
Day 8

Mrs. Jane Ghastlie
Mrs. Laura Ghastlie ( sadly she will not be available)

Mrs. Mary Ghastlie

Mrs. Michelle Ghastlie

Mrs. Dawn Ghastlie
Mrs Mary Ghastlie

ON Thursday November 3rd
Day 9

Mrs. Sharon Ghastlie
Mrs Corrie Ghastlie

Mrs Cheryl Ghastlie

Mrs. Linda Ghastlie
Mrs. Pickles Ghastlie

ON Friday November 4th
Day 10

Mrs Nan Ghastlie

Mrs. Gmama Jane Ghastlie
Mrs Joan Ghastlie
Mrs. Nancy Ghastlie

Ms Susan Ghastlie
Madame Ghastlie

And remember ...

visit, leave complimentary comments

and you could possibly win prizes!!!!

And just so you know, to each and every one of you that was so kind as to leave me a comment on my blog hop post, I thank you OH SO VERY, VERY MUCH!! but was absolutely floored by the sheer blog love that I don't think I could possibly respond to each and every comment, but please know, I read and appreciated each one!!

As soon as I find a smidge more free time, I'll be back again, so please stay posted!!

Happy hugs and warm-hearted wishes!

A Ghastlie GASP!

2011-10-24T22:33:00.000-06:00

Wow! and just Wow again!! I am blown away by all the nice comments left for me on yesterday's Blog Hop post .... wow! lol

I laugh because I so doubted sharing my doorstop since it was actually a "failure." But then I realized without failures we never learn success and you all proved to me my doorstop was a true success.

As much as I honestly and truly try my hardest to reply to every comment, I just do not know if it's possible this time and again, I'm humbled. I thank each and every one of you who did stop in long enough to comment...thank you.

For those of you many who asked .... now that I know you like it, I will definitely pursue a tutorial/pattern for the doorstop. I've already got a Thanksgiving/Fall theme and Christmas/Winter theme in mind, so please stay tuned. The ideas in my head are just rolling ... and like this doorstop, until I get it completed, I know it will keep rolling in my head til there is no rest!

Now, enough about me ... we have a Ghastlie purpose! The lucky commenter from yesterday's post is

piece peace said...

The pillow is fantastic but the doorstop is just Ghastlie! I love it!

Piece Peace, your email has been sent to Madame Ghastlie to be entered into the daily grand prize drawing...best of luck to you! Winner will be posted at Sew I Quilt and I will update this post once it's announced.

Now, my Ghastlie visitors:

Remember that every weekday for ten days, this blog will be hoppin' so that also means that many more opportunities for giveaways from Madame Ghastlie, but only if you comment on our Ghastlie Sistaahhhs' blogs and you can find those listed below for Tuesday:

ON Tuesday October 25th

Mrs. Annie Ghastlie
Mrs Doris Ghastlie
Mrs Brandie Ghastlie
Ms. Alidiza Ghastlie
Mrs. JudyC Ghastlie

To all of my wonderful new friends and followers, you oh so matter to me! Please stay tuned, I've got more planned and my goodness, hope to keep up with Madame Samm!!

Happy hugs and warm hearted wishes ~

Welcome Ghastlie Blog Hoppers

2011-10-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome!! Welcome to Day 1 of Ghastlies Blog Hop!!

If you have this thing for Ghastlies

and they have tied you in a knot

and you wish you could get them out of your mind

than this may be a thought.

We heard her plea for a cure

Mdm Samm was pos/it/ively sure

that we could stitch the nights away

in hopes that we MAY----???

( all 54 of us)

Well, I started with this ...

A 20x20 inch pillow with every face

giving you the Ghastlie "eye" ....

Even Sybastian ...

But then, I thought and thought

and thought some more

and wound up staring at the door ...

when those Ghastlie breezes of Fall

blow through the halls from bottom to top,

what better way to hold them back,

than with a Ghastlie Door Stop ???!!!!!

Of my own design ... for which I originally

intended it to be a pincushion ... LOL

I couldn't decide on which side I loved best, so

I'm sharing pictures of all of the Ghastlie sides ...

Doesn't this Ghastlie Mansion

look perfect among the rocks???

This Ghastlie beauty is on two sides,

and is also the reason for a doorstop

instead of a pincusion ...

just couldn't cut it down!

However ...

The side effects are Ghastlie

there is no mistaking too.

if you don't run this very minute

YOU too will catch the FLU...

We suspected all along

this was her master plan

she did not want to be alone,

with all YOU Ghastlie FANS...

Each day we will have a giveaway...

Some of my Ghastlie Sisters have made some special

projects to giveaway and we will have daily BIG PRIZES

from these sponsors....to sweeten the CAULDRON....

Some of our Sponsors:

Alexander Henry Fabrics- lot's and lot's of Ghastlie Fabric

Colonial Needle -sewing basket

Janes Fabrics -Kona fabrics in PINK -fat quarter bundle

Reliable Iron - orange Velocity 50

IHAN ( kelly )- aurifil threads

Coeurdalenegifts- 2 sets of Halloween lights

Forth Worth Fabric Studio - gorgeous gift set of Ghasltie fabric

Creative Grid -3 Rulers their top 3

Blue FIG- wheeled bag in PINK

and of course some sweet surprises from our

Guest Ghasltie Sissssssssssssters..!

(I suspect there will be a CURE somewhere

in one of these blogs...)

HERE is OUR Schedule today.....

each name will link you to my Ghastlie

Sistahhhhhhhhhhhhhs!

today, Monday, October 24th

Mrs Kirie Ghastlie

Ms Carol Ghastlie

Ms. Carrie Ghastlie

Mrs Holly Ghastlie

One name will be drawn

from every comment entered here and

that name will be given to Madame Ghastlie's

daily Ghastlie Blog Hop Drawing and the

Ghastlie Blog Hop winner will be announced

tomorrow by our own dearest Madame Ghastlie

over at Ghastlie central ...

Ghastlie Wishes to you and thank you

for joining in our Ghastlie Blog Hop!!

Now, hop along and visit my Ghastlie Sisters ...

(more chances of winning!!)

today, Monday, October 24th

Mrs Kirie Ghastlie

Ms Carol Ghastlie

Ms. Carrie Ghastlie

Mrs Holly Ghastlie

Workin' on a Cure ...

2011-10-18T17:45:00.002-06:00

While I'm busily working on a cure

for that which is Ghastlie

{{wink, wink}} ...

You see ... she and I have a date on Monday, October, 24th

And it just MIGHT have something to do with this house ...

BUT ...

That's all for another post

So, meanwhile, what I can show you ...

most of you have heard of chain-piecing???

Well, how about chain, quilting?

LOL

Friday, one of our Executive Assistants thought it'd be cool

for Bosses' Day to put together little treat bags,

and, me being me ...

well, can't have coffee and a treat

without a mug mat ...

twelve of them.

Yes.

Twelve.

Started Sunday.

Finished Monday evening.

Even printed fabric logo labels.

Yes, I rock ...

as in ...

rock hard head!

Don't know no better!

I now have anodher chod.

LOL

I'm off to shop online for some

Cold FX

Hear it's the BOMB for the immune system!

Let's hope so :)

since I obviously have no plans to sleep

and my daughters are here to stay...

Hugs to you all and thank you a million for

supporting me with your kind comments ...

each is felt like a hug in my heart!!

Yes, just my head is hard,

my heart is pure mush :)

Warm hearted wishes, til next time ...

author's addition:

Tonight, for the lovely Exec Assistant that thought
up the idea of treat bags for the bosses,
and in turn, earned me a
thank you note from my boss ...

It's a small token, but full of gratitude for my co-worker.

This FRIDAY you can win....

2011-10-18T08:54:00.000-06:00

Sew We Quilt Giveaway this Friday Oct 21st.

YES I will be there trying to win too!

It's ALL Good ...

2011-10-11T17:52:00.002-06:00

Doesn't this picture just say ... "crisp, clear Fall day"???

Yes, it was as beautiful as this picture represents.

Sunday, was my day with my girls so I took

them down to walk the annual

Scare Crow walk in the neighboring town ...

This was Emily's favorite:

"Pass me the teeth"

And, of course, Abbie adored:

"Rapunzel"

They both enjoyed these creative creations:

However, this was my personal favorite,

from the local vet:

How flippin' creative!!

lol

On Saturday, when the girls were with their dad, I was blessed with some sewing time with my friend Vicki... this is what I got accomplished:

I do still need to get the borders on, which will be the green fabric I have the runner on, but dang! even if I do say so myself ... woohoo!!! This is my first attempt at this runner, but way cool :) May have found a Christmas present project {{wink}} Remember a previous post when I purchased this beautiful fabric??

Cool, huh??

AND...while I may seriously bemoan the fact that I don't get to visit my blogi-hood neighbors nearly as much as I want to, once in a while I visit someone I haven't been to see in a while. On one such occassion this past week, I stopped in to see the beautiful quilting of Mary of Quilt Hollow. It just so happened that on this visit, Mary was sharing the news of her friend Kimberly Einmo's new book ... Jelly Roll Quilt Magic. When I went to visit Kimberly's really cool blog, Kimberly Einmo, and I'll be darned, but she was having a giveaway of her new book. ...

And yes, I was so very fortunate as to have won a copy ... how cool is that!!!???!!!!

Seriously though, even without the win, her blog is so cool you just need to go visit her and follow along for all her wonderful tips, tricks and posts ... check her out, you won't be sorry!!

Remember the fabulous wraps from Madame Samm's post here ... Stitching Shawl ... another project I've wanted to start for quite some time ...

Well, since cold weather has shown its ugly face ... we're averaging highs in the 50's this week ... I've finally gotten started on my beautiful shawl! Yay!! I'll be stitching this side down, and once I finalize the other side ... I'm thinking blue-bird of happiness drunk on caffiene from a giant cuppa on the other side ... I'll photo it complete and share again.

So ... It's all good ... I'm not finding time for everything, but am fitting in bits of time for this and for that, all the while appreciating ALL that is good in my life.

Thank YOU so much for being part of the good I so appreciate!

Until next time, happy hugs and warm hearted wishes ~

What Can I Say?

2011-10-03T13:10:00.000-06:00

A quick share ... last weekend, I took the girls to a Safe Kids event sponsored by the hospital I work at:

Butter"Fly" girls ... last weekend's adventure.

This was their most important booth to visit :)

Since my friend Vicki and I signed up for The

Buggy Barn's "Crazy" class in November,

she and I went on a road trip this past weekend...

The Buggy Barn in Reardon, Washington.

A place I've wanted to visit for a very long time,

especially since it's only a few hours from my home.

Our "official" greeter ...a real sweetie who loves apples.

This is a shot of my friend Vicki (dark hair, blue sweater)

and the inside of the "Barn" ... while I took more photos,

I actually forgot my camera so was using my iPod for pictures ...

better than nothing as this point, I thought,

though the pictures of the inside

didn't turn out good enough for me to share.

Vicki wanted a specific kit ...

Donna was gracious enough to

dig in the cabinet to find one :)

... they had a few to choose from.

I chose these beautiful Buggy Barn fabrics:

To make this quilt pattern:

Crazy Goose Chase from Certifiably Crazy

by the Buggy Barn.

Wish me luck ... lots of it!

Then, I just had to pick up this material as I had

seen it many times on the internet:

and now I have the perfect table runner

pattern in mind for this selection :)

Then, Sunday was my day with the girls, so took

a very nice Sunday drive to feed the ducks...

They had lots of fun,

and I had more fun watching them :)

I wish I could say my Sunday ended on the good note here ...

I wish!

My Bernina's foot control pedal finally gave up the ghost ...

Hours later and after a paniced phone call to my mom ...

I've found another foot control pedal and now

wait very unpatiently for it to arrive in the mail.

Oh, my wonderful Sunday didn't end there ...

my youngest, who has been complaining of a tummy ache

and sore throat since last Thursday, chose this evening to

start throwing up ... okay, so maybe she's not "playing"

sick to just avoid school...

major mommy-guilt trip here

So, I cancel my 8 am dentist appointment and

email my boss of three months that I will be

staying home from work today ...

you all know how that guilt trip ...

girls' dad is out of town...

Granted, while most times I'd really, really

appreciate some down time at home, especially

as I haven't been feeling top o' the trees either ...

well, new job means no paid leave yet ...

Well ... we can still laugh, right?

So, until next time,

happy hugs and warm hearted wishes!!

Try, Try, & Try Again

2011-09-24T20:17:00.000-06:00

It may have taken me all darn day,

And so many tries, and tries, and tries,

but gosh darn it ...

All I wanted was ONE 8 1/2 inch star block

for dear John'alee of

Scrappy Appleyard

Read the complete details here:

Tory's Soldier's Quilt

You see, John'alee requested 8 1/2 inch

and 12 1/2 inch star blocks.

I've never been very good at math ...

in fact make a LOT of mistakes ...

So, when I decided I could "simply"

reduce in size a 12 1/2 inch

pattern to make an 8 1/2 block ...

well ...

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

My first attempt ... 8 inches ...

8 inches which includes the seam allowance.

UGH!

My second attempt ... 9 inches ...

I mean seriously!

Well, at this point, I've run out of the

white background fabric I purchased

for my lovely star blocks ...

I've been reduced to using the left-over

squares I previously cut out for

above stated blocks.

What, you think I should have made one

block to start with to make sure I got it right???

Yeah, right, hindsight -- an easy thing!

So, I gave up on my original beautiful star and

created this block.

Ha! One Block!

I did it!!

So, I have one block to contribute :)

for Tory's Soldier's Quilts ...

plus several others I'm donating to

John'alee just in case she needs some fillers

or decides to make a pillow or two.

Now, I think I'll call it a night on my star blocks

and go see what other project needs done

that requires no actual thinking on my part.

Maybe sleep?

Oh, Oh, Oh!!!!

Wantobe Quilter Susan

won yesterday's

Sew We Quilt giveaway!!!

She signed up through my blog ...

WooHoo!!!

You see, try, try, and try again ...

Comment, comment, and comment again,

and you too

may be chosen a winner.

(and if you win, I win!!!)

Happy hugs and warm hearted wishes ~

Yes, It's Me.

2011-09-19T21:57:00.000-06:00

This is me.

oh-kay

This was me.

only

better.

I wish I looked this good last week.

Heck, my family and co-workers

wished I looked this good last week.

Honestly, I'm better

and I sincerely

thank my friends and family

for their good wishes

for feeling better.

You know, there oughta be a vaccine for parents of children

at the beginning of every school year.

I. Do. Not. Jest.

Either that, or we should seriously either receive
massive discounts from Kleenix,

or just break down
and buy stock in the dang company!

Okay.

Done whining.

This week :)

This weekend, I did fulfill my 5 yr old's request

for a new skirt. ... I had these materials pegged

for dresses but knew skirts were quicker

and I'd score in making them happier, faster.

Yay me!

Me, being me, totally did my own thing with the

pattern, so while I did start with a Simplicity pattern, they neither one look like the original picture.

All the better :)

Finally, in a brief moment of peace,

(huh?)

(really???)

This beauty is one of the last moss rose on my front porch ... beautiful and makes me smile.

(... stolen moment of peace ....)

I wish I could supply the beautiful aroma

that this gorgeous old fashioned
Stock provides ...

and when it's warm,

the fragrance is devine!

I wish each and every one of you the happiest of happies in the days until we next get to visit. I have a few projects on the sewing machine that I'm looking forward to sharing with you, so please stay tuned!

Thank you for visiting!!

P.S. .....

Remember the really cool giveaways happenin' over at

Sew We Quilt???

Wantobe Quilters and Quilters have

six more weeks of opportunities.

YAY!!

FAIRly Good Weekend

2011-09-05T23:11:00.001-06:00

What a fairly wonderful weekend!

I hope your was half as productive as mine!

I used the Sweetwater Pure Canvas for this stool, which I've wanted to recover for I don't know how long. Yay me!!

Made this beauty for myself...

Asked my very Dear LQS owner for fabrics a bit out of my comfort zone and have to say, I'm doing okay with this ... for now, or until I find a friend of mine that adores it ...

and it'll be her's just like a few others in the recent past ...

Gives me an excuse to make more, now doesn't it!

lol

I know the pictures are off the mark, but I promise better when Miss Em has it on in the morning!

I did this dress for her today ... another Oliver + S pattern and she picked out the fabrics ...

Really enjoyed this picture of the dress with arms and legs, but no head ...

the model is holding it for big sis, who's in bed where she belongs tonight ...

The girls were in the driver's seat ... literally :) ... on Friday as I took them to the County Fair:

Of course, they ran (and rode) circles around me ...

And what mother can resist the "please, please, please" plea to a little face paint :)

Especially when it matched their very first snow cones so perfectly!!

All in all, the girls and I ... had a wonderous day! So wonderful in fact ....

I believe I accomplished my goal of giving them

a day to remember for a very long time!!

I know they gifted me with wonderful memories :)

The girls were plum wore out on the way home ....

Good night and I thank you for visiting!!

Please come again!

And ... please don't forget to visit

the Wantobe Campaign cuz

remember, if you win, I win too!

:) and you all know I love me some prizes!!

:) LOL :)

Love, hugs, and all things silly!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-24T22:50:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful you are here.

I am extremely thankful for my job ...

I'm thankful I located my sewing machine ...

This one was so very quick and simple ...
gonna have to make one for big girl too :)

I think my girls are thankful too ...

Miss Em's dress is an oliver + s "Ice Cream Dress" pattern

and I used Anne Kelle's Urban Zoologie fabric

Sweet :) ... fabric is Amelia by Me & My Sister Designs

Okay ...
how many of you think the back should be the front ...
adorable, eh?

Most of all ....

I'm thankful for these two ...

May you find your thankful moments today too !!

Happy hugs and warm hearted wishes ~

Wednesday's Words

2011-08-17T06:20:00.000-06:00

Would you believe ...

2011-08-07T16:01:00.001-06:00

Would you believe I actually found and

got time to use my machine???

Proof positive!

Front ...

Inside ...

Backside ....

Are you as impressed with the number of pockets as I am???

LOOOOOVVVVVEEE IT!!

Of course, my daughters believe my new purse,

Serves better as a hat :)

Until I asked them to model :)

They got them some poses :)

This pose is Emily trying to learn to skate with

her brand, new birthday skates

While her younger sister scoots by

on her brand new scooter ...

Results may vary ... and of course ...

This one innocently declares she's innocent!

And so goes life as we all take our hard knocks in this that we call our new life experiences.

I'm now off to start Big Girl #1 a new dress for school ...

I hope to bring back progress and pictures soon.

See the happy smile a small bit sewing accomplishent can give the heart???

Okay, it might have a teensy bit to do with the mongo-huge amount of chocolate, brownies, ice cream and flavored coffee I've resently consumed ... therein the reason for my leaving the house for a few hours today while my darling dears went with their dad this morning
while I could still waddle out the door before
consuming the rest
... but that's our little secret!

I'm also working a deal with my very dear LQS owner to sew in her back room during my lunch hour since her shop is so close ... that might improve my mood too, possibly?

Did you Know??

2011-08-06T09:31:00.001-06:00

If you can't leave comments to win...or you are a NO-REPLY Blogger

(Wantobe Quilter Campaign)

(As Borrowed from Madame Samm ....thanx!!)

GET a free GOOGLE account

and NO REPLY BLOGGERS

( sign up with GOOGLE -- think link will allow you to set up an acct in seconds)

To get a Google email, you still use your own,

this just allows you to be set up to leave comments to win

You really don't want to be one of the over 1000+ visitors leaving comments who are what

NO REPLY BLOGGERS as that means there is no way to contact you

if you've won something from the Wantobe Quilt Campaign .... Seriously?!!???

Here is what you can do:

All comments made on Why-Knot-Kwilt are automatically sent into my inbox, (which is why you get replies from me) ... if you don't hear from me, I am not ignoring you, I just can't reach you. If you have the correct settings in your Blogger profile, your email address comes with it, allowing me to reply directly to you via email. If your settings aren't correct, you are a no-reply blogger, and I have no way of contacting you.

In blogger.com, click on Dashboard.

Select Edit Profile.

Check the box for "Show my Email Address."

Save changes.

That is all you do...

This will take minutes, which means to YOU.

YOU could have won some of these great prizes this week.

YOU didn't but you could have....

Sew WE Quilt @ Stash Manicure

Isn't it worth a try?

One more thing...

To REGISTER IN this Campaign

See the link to STASH MANICURE..the orange button that says JUST GO

that will link you to the Wantobe Quilter Campaign ...lol....

On the right hand side are a list of bloggers Link to them. leave them a comment to write you back) ...go to anyone of them , give them your name, email, phone number..
*( we only call to let you know you won)

They are all destroyed after campaign.. we do not share them with anyone!

Tell them you are a Wantobe Quilter ( if you have no tools or experience ) or a quilter who does not have a blog... If you are a Quilter with a blog you can enter Tues and Thurs.

ON M-W-F...enter those days in comments to win...Wantobe quitlers..

T-T days...this is for Quilters..you must comment to win..

Follow Stash Manicure ..that follower button where all the photos are....

Follow the blog that registers you ... (that's be Why-Knot-Kwilt, if I have)

Sit back, cross your fingers and Pray...it can't hurt...Ü

When I register your name with Madame Samm, we have to be able to match your email address with my blog buttons ... if we're unable too, then we don't win, and after all this,
We Want To Win, don't We???
:)
So, please make sure if I've registered you for the
Wantobe Quilter Campaign
that
I can find your name under my
"People I Adore"
Follower list
YES! YOU CAN WIN MORE THAN ONCE

and items are shipped at the lowest rate possible

(may take longer but we have
everything insured)

Thanks again to Madame Samm for these great instructions!

It's Here!

2011-07-31T23:26:00.000-06:00

It's here!! It's August 1st!!

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

are for Wantobe Quilters

(those who do not quilt, do not have tools, machines, rulers, fabric bundles)

if you do not leave the name

of your sponsor blog

and yours

you will not

be eligible for any wins...

Be sure to give

your name,

email,

phone numbers

to me to register you...

Tuesdays and Thursdays are for QUILTERS...

(all those who quilt..you will be able to win new tools too)

If you do not have a blog you can still enter of course..

but give your name to someone on the list of bloggers

if you only leave a comment with no name,

or host blogger name,

you will not be eligible to win

Now, hurry on over and see what

all the excitement is about!!

Tell 'em I sent ya!

Happy Hugs and Warm Hearted Wishes!!

hint: click on the orange Just Go box above

or to the right and both will take

you straight to Wantobe Quilters

... Good Luck!!

Beauty ...

2011-07-29T22:54:00.000-06:00

Some days, a girl needs to look to the brighter side of life ...

and find beauty in all that surrounds her.

So, today I welcome you to my home ...

home is truly where you hang your heart ...

Aren't the daisies beautiful?

I believe Meg Ryan said in "You've Got Mail"

"Daisies are the happiest flowers"

or something close to that :)

My Heart happens to hang on these two beauties!

My gifts from God which to me are beautiful beyond belief

and I am oh so very blessed and grateful for them...

And, when mom's laid low with back aches or other ills,

we've move our "home" into mom's room ...

Then, some days, when the home and heart learn

that new doors must be opened as others close,

fabric retail is a must to warm a heart!

And, of course, a little chocolate added in :)

Beauty #1 asked for these colors for a new dress ...

And, fabric therapy shopping found this

today for a second dress for Beauty #1.

Of course, can't leave out Beauty #2....

she likes purple and is entering kindergarten ..

how fun will this dress be :)

Found this adorable piece online for Beauty #2 ...

Very cute dress makings, I do believe :)

Here are the dress patterns I purchased for cutting up such

wonderful fabrics ... I've wanted the patterns for so long,

I figured I best be purchasing them to make before

Beauties 1 and 2 are too big to be wearing them :)

But then ....

There are just some days, when even

fabric retail therapy just doesn't cut it.

Today was one of those days.

But darn it all, a girl has to try!

Maybe I should've tried more chocolate?

So I am here, thinking of all of you and being grateful that you

and this blog are in my life. I'm grateful for every kind word

shared and exchanged, and grateful for the encouragment

and support shared so generously by each of you.

I wish each of you the beauty of whatever makes you smile!

happy hugs ~

I Want You !!

2011-07-28T22:11:00.000-06:00

to be a WANTOBE Quilter!

You need to register with a blogger

(like me... Why Knot ... choose me ??!!! :) )

who has the button up ....

Registering means sending your name, email and phone number to me at wenlay06@msn.com

I promise the utmost confidentiality with your information ...

will only use to enter you into the contest ...

and maybe communicate with you ? :)

New Quilters have chances every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to win prizes, so on those days, be sure to leave a comment at Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure, be sure to tell them you are registered here at Why Knot! otherwise your comment won't count and you won't be entered...

Oh, and did you know that for all of you

more experienced quilters ...

well you wonderful stitchers,

teachers, and sharer's of all that be

quilting knowledge ...

on Tuesdays and Thursdays,

if you leave comments on these days,

you too will be eligible to win prizes

:) :) :) :)

Ah but see, folks ...

no comments, no entry,

no chance at prizes ...

So Comment, leave a little love

for your sponsors, your joy,

your anything about the

Wantobe Campaign

and be sure to include

Why Knot Kwilt

so your comment counts.

Best of luck and oohhh, the possibilities!!

A bit of fine print, winners do pay postage ... if you have any wonderings about postage from Canada ... check out this link to Canada Post ... but remember, you have shipping options, and winning such an abundance of quilting supplies for the cost of shipping is truly special considering the quality of the fifty Sponsors (seriously! have you seen the list of sponsors!!!!!) and if you didn't know before, know this, Madame Samm is over-the-top generous in filling any gift box, so you'll never be disappointed!

Keep in mind that Madame Samm has coordinated this campaign for us. ... for us bloggers, for us quilters, and for all the new, want-to-be quilters that need a hand getting started ... she's connecting all these wonderful sponsors with all of us wonderful quilters, bloggers, and those interested for no other reason than she can. ... that's it.

Yes, that's it.

Happiest hugs and warm hearted wishes~

1 Choice 4 Quilting: A New Giveaway with GORGEOUS Fabric to be Given Away to 3 Lucky Winners!

2011-07-24T19:50:00.000-06:00

You know lately I've just felt behind the eight-ball ... well, tonight I found out I still had time to enter a marvelous giveaway Shawna is hosting over at 1 Choice 4 Quilting ... So worth the trip, so hurry, hurry, hurry, this giveaway ends on Monday, July 25th at 10 p.m. E.S.T.

Pardon Me ...

2011-07-21T22:19:00.001-06:00

Pardon me for just a moment but .....

Okay, so I'm whining ... seriously, I know ...

But come on!

I haven't sat down at my sewing machine for quite some time now

and yes ...

I'm pouting!!!

Okay ... I'm done

Seriously though .... I only started quilting

about seven years ago ...

and those of you who follow my blog

regularly know my "addiction" to my

sewing machine .... second only

to my addition to chocolate ;)

I have so got to find my rhythm of family, new job, house work, yard work and QUILTING!

Family may be the heart of me,

but it's nice to have something assist

Momma's heart keep beating

to a happy drum ... :)

I'm feeling a bit deprived looking at my friendly Bernina sitting there so pretty in her

little cabinet across the room, patiently

waiting for me to come visit her again

(soon ... I promise!!)

But, heck, seven years ago,

I thought quilting was an ...

pardon me ladies ...

please throw sock not shoes ...

remember it's your computer!

but ...

I thought quilting

was an .....

um ....

a "retired ladies"

activity ...

I know! I know!!

How wrong was I ??!!!

I was so hooked after my first

foray into piecing,

and applique,

and stitching,

and ... and ... and ....

seriously, obsessively hooked!

Quilting is so

NOT

just for the ladies of

more accumulated wisdom.

Oh heck no!

In fact ... I recommend to anyone

and everyone to not waste anymore

time, get started now ...

How you ask??

Oh, my goodness, gracious, gosh!!

Haven't you heard???

Everything a Wantobe Quilter

could use can be won here ....

Fast Dash to Stash

Oh! So worth a trip to check out Tobe and her Wantobe Quilter Campaign.

Madame Samm has compiled everything a new quilter (and those of more experience, also) could possibly dream of needing for beginning this wonderful lifetime passion we call quilting.

I'm so thankful to the friend that introduced me to quilting seven years ago ... I'd love to be the one to introduce you to quilting, or help you introduce one of your friends who has never tried it ... if you'd like to be signed up for the Wantobe Quilter giveaways .... check out all the information by clicking here ...

Fast Dash to Stash

and then come back here to sign up

either yourself or your buddies you

think would really love to start quilting ...

even if they don't know it yet ...

trust me, I resisted for years ...

all those wasted years!

See you soon!!

Campaign starts August 1st,

so start spreading the news

And thank you so much for visiting!

Happy Hugs and Warm Hearted Wishes~~

2011 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Sisters, Oregon

2011-07-17T10:36:00.000-06:00

Thank you Madam Samm for sharing this very nice video (from YouTube) of the Sisters Quilt Show!

So, if you like, watch the video and then cruise my many snapshots of the quilts I saw during my walk at the show in yesterday's post.

Happy Hugs and Warm Hearted Wishes ~~ Wendy

Enjoy the Show ...

2011-07-15T20:09:00.001-06:00

I welcome you to Sisters, Oregon,

as it was on Saturday, July 9th, 2011

We arrived early … along with hundreds of others 

I started snapping pictures of quilts of interest to me,

And of what I thought would interest my readers …

So, enjoy the show … I know I did!

The scenes above are from the inside of The Stitchin Post …

the Host Store of the Quilt Show

This is Kathy Deggendorfer who designed the 2011 Sisters Outdoor

Quilt Show poster I showed in my previous post.

Really! Didn’t I mention there was something for everyone ?!!???!!

Never could get a good shot of the amazing amount of people there that day

Join Me?

2011-07-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

This weekend I won't be in blogland .... I'll be here:

36th Annual

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show™

Saturday, July 9, 2011

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Always on the second Saturday in July

(click on the words above to link into website for more information)

picture borrowed from The Stitchin Post blog

"Nature's Symphony"

the 2011 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show™ poster

Painting by Kathy Deggendorfer.

If you happen to be in the area and are attending the show, email me,

I'd love to meet up with my bloggi-hood friends!!

I did mention in a previous post I was going to attempt

to make a certain tote bag to take with me.

Well ...

Beautiful bag ... even if I do say so myself :) :)

Really like the sides, though they were a real "you know what" to sew!

Even a side-front cell phone pocket!

I did it!!

Word to the wise ... do not attempt this purse under a deadline, unless you enjoy a challenge, a serious challenge. Another hint, follow every. single. solitary. instruction to a "t" ... this is not a pattern to skip ahead on. Do not take short cuts. Seriously!
I'm seriously glad I accomplished this .... I may still attempt the purse,
however, it may take another year to think on it :)

I'm not totally sold on the handle fabric. I know this may cover the soilage a bit better, however, I didn't have enough for the piping on the side panel pockets which would have tied everything together better.

Oh well ... I can always attempt to sell it after this weekend ... or during this weekend :) One slightly used, home made, quality tote bag, created using a pattern by Amy Butler may be up for sale for considerably cheaper than can be bought in stores ;)

The purse will have the zippered interior pockets plus the magnetic closure ... which possibly could have been done here had I taken more time, but since I wasn't totally sold on the fabric .... I'm happy, really happy, its finished!!!

Oh! And can you look at this picture and guess what new skill my darling daughters have learned while mommy's at work?

Yes ... they learned how to make pony tails!!

Yes ... they just had to make mommy's hair "real pretty!"

I love my girls ...

I'm not telling how long we sat and practiced ....

nor how long I walked around the house ...

looking oh so pretty

;)

I will return with what I hope to be very good, nice and beautiful pictures,

from my very exciting trip to visit the Sisters' Oregon Quilt Show ...

I wish you all the happiest of happies this weekend!!

Happy hugs and warm heart wishes~~

Winner, Winner & Winner!!

2011-07-05T21:23:00.002-06:00

Winner, winner .... and winner!!

First, of course, just have to share my cuties!

Our Fourth was safe, happy and fun ... thank you to everyone who wished it so!!

I appreciate you, my blogland friends ... I truly do!

But I know you aren't here to listen to me prose on and on .... who won???

Okay ...

Winner #1 gets this pattern and her fabric of choice:

And ....

Winner #1 is:

28 PunkiePie (Jen) said... Sewing book and pattern is my favorite. I like a good fireworks display as long as it's free. :)

Winner #2, as a consolation prize, gets the fabric not awarded to Winner #1:

So ....

Winner #2 is....

30 quiltma said... I love the pattern and the bits and bobbins fabric. I love to watch fireworks.

AND SURPRISE!

Winner #3 gets a surprise just because I wanted to :)
This is a panel called "Tweet Others with Kindness"
by Kelly Mueller - The Wooden Bear for Red Rooster Fabrics
And that means, Winner #3 is:
18 jennifer said... I like to watch fireworks. Follow, oh yes! I like the Sewing Book collection. You have quite the view. Thanks

All winners were chosen by Random.org and if I had more time and were a little more bloggy savvy, I could have copy and pasted the pictures of Random.org's tool ...
but I'm not, so trust me ....
I appreciate you all and I will have another giveaway.
You know I love you!

Thank you to each and every one who took the time to enter and Lady Winners, please forward to me your snail mail addresses and I will get your packages mailed this week.

Take care, happy hugs and warm hearted wishes!!

EDIT: Darn it! I did have to say that this giveaway was for my followers the original commentor that was drawn as a winner was not a Why Knot? follower... as I truly appreciate you and wanted to reward those of you who stick with me, and Carol I'm sad to say is not a follower so I have to stick with my own rules !!! :( So I had to go to Mr. Random.org again and that means ...

Happy Birthday USA!

2011-07-04T09:47:00.001-06:00

I thank all of my friends for sharing wonderful memories with me

and I wish everyone, whether in the US or not,

a day filled with happiness and lots of moments

to make wonderful memories!!

As a sister of a Marine (my sister who is so little,
she went through most of boot camp without boots because
they couldn't find any small enough for her),
I'm well aware the cost of the ability to celebrate,
not only the fact of the celebration,

but also in any way we choose.
I choose to be thankful.

Thank you for visiting,

thank you for inspiring,

thank you for encouraging,

Thank you!

I've got my tote bag cut and on the sewing table

... so here's to my wonderful day!!!

Happy birthday USA!

Happy hugs and warm hearted wishes!

P.S. isn't my new look absolutely wonderful????

I offer a multitude of thank yous!