SHERI HOWARD DESIGNS

ART JOURNALING

2012-02-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I bought a large artist's sketch book, 11x 14. It is huge and has a lot of pages. I think I blogged about it years ago. I keep pictures from magazines in it that I like. I started doing some art journaling....doodling in it and now I don't like it as much. So I am going to refine some of the doodling. I may even color copy some of the pages and re-do them. The next art journal I am working on is mostly collage.

My friend Teresa asked me about art journaling. Here is the link to my previous post from a year or two. It really is just cutting "stuff" up, pasting it someplace, and doodling around it and making an ARTFUL mess on paper to keep your brain occupied.

VALENTINE BOOKMARKS

2012-02-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

I am making these!

Here is where you can get the instructions.....they should be easy!

SNICKERDOODLE QUILT

2012-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Here is my finished SNICKERDOODLE quilt. The pattern is Cotton Way, find it here! The fabric is Bonnie and Camille's (they are the Cotton Way and Thimble Blossom ladies from Moda.) This is their newest fabric, Vintage Modern. I said in my other post that I put their flannel on the back...........OH MY GOODNESS, it is INCREDIBLE!! You must get some. I waited until it was on sale and I am not sorry! Not too heavy, but OH SO SOFT!!

KATY KITY DOLLS

2012-02-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

Are these cute or what?
Larissa was kind enough to let me share them with you.
I LOVED THEM.
Check out her etsy shop here.

PIN CUSHIONS CRITTERS

2012-02-03T10:23:00.001-08:00

Michele's creations make me

SMILE.

She is so clever, you will really want to make this little bottle cap critter!

Thanks Michele for sharing your creative mind!

BASKET PROGRESS

2012-01-28T17:11:00.001-08:00

Two down, 4 to go.......stay tuned, it's going to have some serious appliqueing!

A TISKET A TASKET

2012-01-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

I know these may not look too exciting right now....

But they are going to be a darling quilt......called, A Tisket A Tasket a pattern from Primitive Pieces by Lynda.....I have had this pattern for 6+ years. I LOVE it. I get it out and look at it a lot....FINALLY, I am making it!

You MUST check out LYNDA's web site....she has the most WONDERFUL primitive things. I do think most of her patterns would be so darling even in brighter fabrics or pastels.....

So, when I get this all together....it may take a while as I am working on it during my Wednesday sewing days....and need something to get me through the January-February....stay tuned for the progress.

A WEDDING QUILT

2012-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

This is the quilt for my son Adam and Danielle. This photo isn't the best, the big stars are a really pretty plum color.

Isn't the quilting cute? Susan Hansen of Suzy Q's quilting did it using Anne Bright's designs. Love the little swirls!

A WEDDING......

2012-01-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

My son Adam and his new bride, Danielle.

Me and my son.

My son Adam, Danielle, and Adam's children.

Adam, Danielle, nieces and nephews.

WALL POCKETS

2012-01-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

When I saw this on Cathe's blog I fell in love. I thought they were so ingenious and so quirky. Cathe is so generous she even has directions and a tuturial, make sure you check it out here on Craftzine. Okay everyone....LET'S CREATE!

OH MY GOODNESS....RUBY FABRIC

2012-01-06T14:23:00.001-08:00

I am sewing the most darling quilt, with some of my VERY favorite fabric of all time. RUBY by Bonnie and Camille for Moda. ( I know I showed it before, but see it here.) You can find a fun kit here at Bonnie's site. I am using their flannel on the back. If you are old enough to remember when flannel was "super soft" before they made it flame retardant? That is how SOFT this flannel is! It will be my new Spring bedspread! I can HARDLY WAIT!

A NEW DAY

2012-01-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

My new list today is:

I will think happy thoughts today.

I will go walking outside in the brisk "El Nina" winter air.

I will call my children and tell them how much I love them.

I will write my grandchildren a note and send in the mail.

I will breath deep breaths.

I WILL GO SEWING TODAY WITH MY SEWING FRIENDS

and hope all of you have a great day too!

And today I will wear

PINK.

SOMETIMES.....

2012-01-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes......

I just want to stay in bed all day.

I wish I could spend the entire winter in a warm place.

I want to go dancing in a pretty dress.

I wonder if my children know how much they are loved.

I want a kitten....sometimes I don't

I want to eat all day long whatever I want whenever I want.

Sometimes I listen to my music really really loud!

I just want to sit down and cry about all the crazy things that bother me and have someone really care.

I want to scream at all the mean people and leaders of nations and ask, "Why can't you just be nice?"

Sometimes I want summer to be 3 months longer.

I wish I could play the violin really good.

I wonder if my grandchildren will be my friend when they get old.

I wish I were more positive.

I want to go see my friends in the Ukraine.

I wish my sister and I lived closer.

Sometimes I wish I could stay up all night and not be tired the next day.

I wish I would have been an elementary school teacher.

What about you?

Jeanne said.....

NEW DOLLS

2012-01-03T07:43:00.001-08:00

I made new dolls for the shop.

I didn't have much Christmas to sew, and needed SOMETHING to sew on, so I made new dolls.

They are all tea stained and so creamy.

All the dolls have their only little "bunny dolly" Oh boy, those little bunnies take just about as long to stuff......

HELLO 2012

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I quit setting "New Year's Resolutions" because I felt so terrible when I didn't or couldn't accomplish them. So now I look back over the past year and see what I did accomplish and think of all my blessings....with a hope in my heart that I can do better in the coming year.

1. I am thankful for my family and for their good heath.

2. I am thankful my children are friends.

3. I am thankful my grandchildren live close.

4. I am thankful my son-in-law got a job "out west" so we can be closer.

5. I am thankful for my talents, and my good health that allows me to be active and do the things I enjoy.

6. I am thankful for a husband that is generous, kind and encouraging.

7. I am thankful for the beauties and bounties of the earth.

8. I am thankful for friends who love and encourage me.

9. I am just plain thankful!

MY WISH FOR ALL OUR US IS TO HAVE A GOOD, SAFE AND PROSPEROUS 2012.

SCARLET QUILT

2011-12-26T10:11:00.001-08:00

My Scarlet Quilt is finished. I love all the quilting by Susan at Suzy Q's quilting; and how the scalloped border turned out.

You can find it here.

Click translate on the top bar!

Special Winter edition.

DO YOU HAVE ROOM

2011-12-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and was born in Bethlehem all those years ago. I believe He lives and that our lives will be more worthwhile if we make room for Him. I believe He wants us to be His hands in helping and lifting our fellow man. My wish is for you and your families to have a very Merry Christmas.

SECRET SANTA GIFT EXCHANGE

2011-12-19T07:51:00.001-08:00

Remember when I posted about the Secret Santa Swap? My package from Lucy in Missouri came this past weekend. It was wrapped in red and white polka-dot wrapping.....LOVE THE RED!

Everything was connected to the word, HO, HO,HO. Including homemade fudge!!!

This is a very bad yellowish picture, but the doll is made from little tiny spools...so sweet. And homemade soap that you can just barley see in the right corner.

The doll is an ornament! Thanks Lucy!

RAINBOW SNOWFLAKES

2011-12-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

You must check out Michele's blog. These snowflakes are made from junk mail. The projects on her blog are SO clever!

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite rendition of this song. I love their a cappella harmony. Do you know what kind of an "ear" that takes! LOVE IT!

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

2011-12-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

It is an interesting time of Christmas when you are all alone without children or grandchildren for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, although our children and grandchildren are coming the day after. In trying to make for a Christmas feeling, I decided to make us new Christmas stockings....bigger than the last ones!

This year we are filling stockings for each other....the rule is, everything must (should) fit in the stocking. We are going to watch Christmas movies, eat junk and perhaps invite friends over Christmas Eve....Christmas day, we will go to church and celebrate the Saviour's birth. I hope your Christmas is memorable.

EDIT: Sorry, this is a combination of two patterns and some ideas of my own.

OWLS ANYONE?

2011-12-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Can you believe one person can make this many owls? They were SO FUN to make!

CHRISTMAS CRAFTING IN NO TIME

2011-12-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

Several people have asked about the owl ornament I am sending on my Santa Swap. It is found in this darling book called, Christmas Crafting In No Time by Claire Youngs. I saw an ad for it in a magazine while I was at Barnes and Noble. They didn't have it in my store, but ordered it and it came direct to my house and was cheaper because I didn't have it go the the store.

This is the back, aren't those owls the cutest?

I looked on the Barnes and Nobles site and this is the cover on their site, so it must have a couple different covers but same book! I love mine and plan to make a lot of the crafts inside! Hope you can find one too!

SANTA SWAP

2011-11-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things..... My package is ready to send for the Santa Swap. I hope she likes it!

I AM THANKFUL FOR

2011-11-22T08:52:00.001-08:00

Grandchildren

Of course my very loving husband and three wonderful children. My good friend Donna whose sweet husband died unexpectedly last year found a great quote.... "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." I loved it. Happy Thanksgiving.

BIG EYED DOLLS

2011-11-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

These are my new big eyed dolls.

They are pretty crazy!

It is difficult to get a good picture so their eyes don't glare.

SECRET SANTA SWAP

2011-11-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

If you don't have anything else to worry about for the next 3 weeks, here is a swap you can sign up for.....hurry ...sign up by Novermber 17th.
Here are my answers to the swap questions.
What are your hobbies? Sewing, art journaling
What are your favorite colors? red and pink
Do you collect anything? red fabric and sharpie markers
Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? no
Do you have any pets? no
Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? none flavored chocolate
What do you like to read? Summerset Life magazines, home decorating magazines
Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? dark chocolate candy
What is your favorite holiday treat? Russle Stover dark chocolate marshmellow santa
Describe your favorite holiday tradition. Leaving the tree lights on all night, getting up in the morning when it's dark and seeing the Christmas lights
Did you believe in Santa as a child? yes, until I was about 8
When do you open presents? p.j's Christmas eve, presents Christmas day
Do you put up a tree and when? If not, how do you celebrate? I put the tree about the first Sunday or Monday of December
Does your tree have a theme? Yes, sort of...I have a lot of old glass glittery ornaments
What has been your favorite gift to give? Homemade peach jam, most people don't make peach jam to receive? homemade candy because I don't make candy

PRIMITVE QUILTS AND PROJECTS

2011-11-10T14:46:00.001-08:00

This is the new issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects. I had heard of this magazine, but was not able to find one. I found this one at Barnes and Nobles. My editor said they had been spotted at JoAnn's. It is full of fun, warm projects just right for winter. Check here for their web site.

RUBY

2011-10-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

Bonnie and Camille's new fabric RUBY is out in stores now. This is one of Bonnie's new pattern...it's my favorite. Check out her blog....
You have got to get some of this fabric....and the flannel is "to die for soft!" Ruby is my favorite line they have done so far!

APPLE PIE FILLING

2011-10-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend LeAnn for her yummy apples!!!
Apple Pie Filling
Peel, core, and slice apples, fill bottles after sauce has boiled.
Sauce:
In large pot mix:
10 cups cold water
4 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1 TB cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
Cook over medium high heat until comes to a boil.
Boil one minute. Stir constantly. Remove from heat.
Add:
1/2 tsp. salt
3 TB lemon juice

Fill jars with apples, pour sauce over apples. Fill to 1/2 inch from top.
Seal with lids and water bath for 30 minutes for quarts, 20 minutes for pints.
Can be frozen.
For pie: Make crust, pour 1 quart into pie shell, add dots of better and add top crust.
Cut vent holes in top crust. Brush lightly with milk. Sprinkle white sugar over the top crust to absorb the milk.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Place pie on cookie sheet and put in oven. Check crust around the pie at 30 minutes. Cover the edge with foil to avoid getting too brown. Continue cooking for 15 minutes. Bake until center crust is golden brown. 10 minutes more may be needed in cooking time.

VINTAGE ROSE QUILT

2011-10-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's always very flattering to see your work in print. Here is a really fast and fun play on a reproduction two-toned quilt! Thanks to Susan Hansen of Suzy Q's Quilts for her beautiful quilting. Thanks to Marcus Fabrics for their beautiful fabrics: Gallery in Red II by Faye Burgos.

Check out the Dec/Jan 2012 issue of Quilt for the pattern on page 90! In stores NOW!

EDIT: I have to tell a funny story: My sister called yesterday from California and told me she had just bought this quilt magazine because she liked the scrappy quilt on the front. She was looking through the magazine and came upon my quilt. She thought that picture looked like me, but didn't know I had a quilt in this magazine. She hurried and looked at the designer and it was me and called me on the phone! I had just received my copy in the mail today too, so I didn't even know it was on the shelves. Too funny!

OKAY IT'S FALL

2011-10-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

I've been in denial about Fall.

We had such a short summer, that I keep hoping it will stay "warmish" until Thanksgiving. However, today as I drove to town, the leaves were falling from the trees.

I finally put up my Fall decorations....I am still praying it stays nice until Thanksgiving! It doesn't have to be in the 70's, but the high 50's could be nice!

NEW BLOG LOOK

2011-10-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

YIKES

Well, I am fussing with my blog...all on my own...I know, don't faint....hopefully I will not mess it up too bad. However, because of my limited knowledge I will have to in list the help of my computer specialist...hold on until then!

GOLDEN COLOR OF FALL

2011-10-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

You find them in the normal places.

Every where you look, even when you look "up.

You can find the golden colors of Fall in the most interesting places!

Even rusted- golden colors are beautiful.

~~~~~~

To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy and wealthy, not rich, to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart, to hear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never - in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony. - William Ellery Channing (1780-1842)

SEWING AGAIN

2011-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Now that it is October and getting cooler, I am feeling the "stay in and sew bug." This is my current project. I will show you the finished top soon.

FLOWERS

2011-09-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

There is just something about these Corn flowers that are so intriguing.....the blue is SO blue.

This looks like a Zinnia-kind-of Black- eyed Susan. So pretty.

You know I LOVE these pink daisies! Flowers are such a happy thing; so intricate and wonderful.....I love that they are all different and have their own scent! Oh sweet summer....you are so fleeting!

SUSAN JACKS- EVERGREEN

2011-09-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember this song? I love it.

BIKINI BREAD?

2011-09-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

I don't normally show a lot of pictures of the same subject.....except this one today was a riot!!!

We were playing Barbies and when my husband came in from outside, she said, "Grandpa we are playing Barbies, do you want to be Ken?"

She made grandpa a sandwich for lunch, and while he was eating it she played in the kitchen sink....she loves to play in the water.....and off the top of her head she said, "How is your sandwich mister?" Like she was his waiter or something!

We had a big zucchini on the cupboard. She asked, "Is that a bikini?" I had to explain it wasn't a bikini....we later made zucchini bread....she kept laughing and calling it bikini bread. She makes me laugh SO HARD!!!

OLD CHAIR--NEW CHAIR

2011-09-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Let me think about how many times this poor chair has been given a new cover.....4-5 for sure....this one is sad and not very exciting.

This one is more exciting and very happy! I loved this fabric so much that I went back to see if the store had anymore......they do not, but are trying to get some from another store. I want new curtains!

WOMEN IN ART

2011-09-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

This is pretty amazing. People's talent just amaze me. AMAZING is the only word I can think of to describe the amount of work (and knowledge) this took.

A NEW ADVENTURE

2011-09-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

As if I needed a new adventure! I am taking an online art class from Jane.... a new concept for me. I have been making art journals for awhile now. Mostly they are a creative release for my brain. Here is a page as of late.....
Because this process is a creative release, most of the pages get really over worked and I don't like them in the end...I just like the process of doodling with markers and letting your mind go where it wants. Most of the quilts I design come from doodles in one stage or another so it seems productive! Hello to all my new friends in the art class!

JOY CAN FIND YOU

2011-08-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is joy....
And so is this...for the boy; not so much for the cat!

My friend and I decided years ago that life is not always happy, but you can find little bits of joy. I saw this interview on the Today show on NBC this morning.(after the advertisement) The woman's comment, "Joy can find you," made my heart swell with happiness for her and her family amid such pain. I hope "Joy" can find you too.

PINK PETUNIAS

2011-08-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

These pink petunias are the cheap ones I bought for $10.00 a flat at Fred Meyers.

They were very small and I wondered if they would even produce very many flowers....but with a little miracle grow every week, they are the prettiest in my garden. I can't remember the name of the color....I should have paid more attention so I could get some more next year. They sure make me happy!

2011-08-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

I bought these 1910-1915 leather bound law books at an estate sale at a fantastic price. They sell for $60-200.00 on ebay...NOT THESE!

They are so cool....well, I think so. When I told my husband he asked, "Really?" Yes, Really! I have 20 if anyone is interested in some. Email me! I will share! I have a paypal account. Tell your friends!

UNDERWEAR STORAGE

2011-08-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

I read a funny thing in a magazine yesterday at the doctor's office about underwear storage that made me smile. Unlike the picture above which you can buy and put in your dresser drawer, the magazine said, "the best way is not to worry about it, just throw your bras and panties in one drawer and rifle through them for the one you want." I thought about when I was a teenager...that is exactly what I did!
Just a random thing that caught my attention and made me smile.

DONE

2011-08-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

The quilt it done and off to the quilters!

I only with I could show you, it turned out so pretty.

PRANG WATERCOLORS

2011-08-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the Prang water colors in this black tin?

I remember having the square ones in grade school. The reason I remember them being square is that when the little boxes got about this far used up, we would fill up the colors with Elmer's glue and let it dry overnight and then the next day at school, peel it out and have "colored gluey, sort of like play dough stuff" that we would mess with during the day....much to our teacher's dismay!

I could have had oval ones like this in sixth grade...they look vaguely familiar. When I found these on the Internet, they brought back a FLOOD of memories. I loved grade school! NOW, what does this have to do with anything? The colors for the quilts in my new book are based on these colors. I think of them as "true colors," not the ones with grey undertones, or brights like we think of brights today. Remember a post a few times back when I showed all the fabrics? This is where they came from....I am using brown and not black for those of you who inquired!

BORDERS

2011-08-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

The bad part about working on a project you can't show everyone, is that you can't show everyone and get an opinion. I worked all day trying to decide on this border....the colors, the shapes, the style, the dimensions.....now, I am not sure it is the right thing....I love the how the border turned out, I just am not sure if it is what is needed to complete the quilt.....I will think about it tomorrow.

SWEET QUILT COLLAGE

2011-07-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Shari posted this and the process is so fun. She asked me to link here for Aneela's blog, who has some really darling things....including fabrics. Such wonderful things to find on the web....(as one not born in the technology era,) I love the world wide web, it is so fascinating what information is available; such a great time to be alive!

IRONING BOARDS

2011-07-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Years ago a friend of mine was ironing his shirt and used the square end of the ironing board. I have remembered it before, but never took the time to try it....until the other day. The shirt fits so nice on the square end, making it so much easier to iron.....I don't know why it took me 20+ years to try it.

Then the entire front fits there too, taking less time to iron. And since I do like to iron, I buy my husband 100% cotton shirts, I love how they look all nice and crisp after ironing. Now I know there are MANY who do not like to iron....that is why polyester was invented and wrinkle-free shirts.....God bless wrinkle-free shirts.

I kept my ironing board turned this way and I found there is more surface space to iron on when I am sewing...and appliqueing. This is a 15" block....and it fits almost perfect. Who knew? I am probably the only person left to use the square end of my ironing board....good thing I figured it out.

NEW FABRICS

2011-07-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

What do two daring red fabrics....

One soft brown fabric....

One bright purple fabric....

Two exciting orange fabrics....

Two mellow yellow fabrics....

Two dashing blues....actually three, but I haven't gotten the third.....

Three amazing green fabrics have in common? They are the fabrics for my new book with Kansas City Star, to come out in April 2012. I know it is wicked to tease you, but it is the only thing I am working on....so when people ask, "Are you sewing on anything exciting?" This is what I tell them.....now all of you are the first to see the fabrics.

OWN YOUR OWN LIGHTHOUSE?

2011-07-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

Lighthouses for sale at bargain prices
You can get an historic lighthouse for a surprisingly low price--or even get one for free----Read about it here.

~~~

This struck me so funny as I glanced at it....just what everyone has always wanted..... a lighthouse of their very own.....I seldom read those "news" things that come up on my Yahoo page, but this was one of those weird things that I just had to read. After reading the article, it makes perfect sense, but at first glance my mind thought, "Oh ya, buy a lighthouse, go pick it up next week and put it in your back yard."
(Never mind....just one of those random things!)

TABLE RUNNER

2011-07-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

Older table runner.

New table runner. It came to my attention the other day that the table runner in my bedroom was older...and darker. So of course I needed a new lighter one with a bit of aqua. I love to stitch with wool. Happy summer to you all.

PROJECTS, PROJECTS, PROJECTS

2011-06-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

First of all let me say I have been busy with projects....but I wanted to show you this fun book that my friend let me borrow to read. It has some fun and interesting things to draw. One project is to draw 100 eyes. Do you know how long it takes to draw an eye?

Another project is to draw a face with the hand you don't normally use. Most of the projects are ones that children can do. Great book! Thanks LaPriel.

This is something else I have been working on for the QUILT magazine. It is a beautiful quilt that will be in their Dec. 2011 issue. I will show you when that comes out. It has to be to their photo shoot by July 16th. Busy, busy, busy....hope your summer is going well!

PERIODIC TABLE OF SEWING ELEMENTS

2011-06-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest idea? Carla Crim was generous and let me share her Periodic Table Sewing Elements. When you click on her blog site, scroll through the pictures of her work space. Such cute ideas....love the book pages on the side of her cutting table! Thanks Carla!

DYING THOUGHTS

2011-06-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

A gruesome title to my post? Not really, when I think to myself, "Please God, when I die, let this picture be the kind of thing that is my last dying thought."
~~~Nothing in this world like family!~~~

LITTLE MISS

2011-05-29T07:20:00.001-07:00

Remember the Easter dresses? Here is "little miss attitude!" Oh these little people make me happy!

BIRTHDAY QUILT

2011-05-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the Trucks and Monsters.......or monster-trucks! You can see the trucks and monsters up close from this post.

The colors are so bright and cheerful, so fun to sew.

I loved this black piece with all the bright circles. It's my favorite piece.

Red- orange flannel on the back, 1/2 off at the quilt shop....LOVE THAT!

ROYAL WEDDING

2011-05-16T12:52:00.001-07:00

My friend emailed me this....so funny. If you watched the Royal Wedding you get it....if not, don't worry!

OLD COAT--NEW COAT

2011-05-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, that was weird. I opened up my blog this morning, and this post from yesterday is gone....blog ghost? Anyway, my old coat has new cuffs. It is more Spring-like and cheerful. It will be the last change it gets.....the new cuffs will probably outlast the coat. Off to town!

YEAR OF 11's

2011-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

My friend sent me this email. I don't know who researches this stuff, but it is interesting.

This year we are going to experience four unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11, and that's not all; Take the last two digits of the year you were born and the age you will be this year and the result will add up to 111 for everyone!!!! This is the year of MONEY.

Also, this year, October will have 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays & 5 Saturdays. This happens only once every 823 years. These particular years are known as Moneybag years.

Perhaps this will mean more jobs for people and lower gas prices.

TULIPS

2011-04-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning my little tulip plant was longingly looking out the window, wishing it could go outside.
This was yesterday, April 28th.

This was this morning, April 29th.........yes, 1+ inches of snow. However, it won't last long as we are suppose to have warmer weather today. I am happy we do not have tornadoes here. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those whose lives have been ruined by unbelievable weather.

PACKAGING?

2011-04-28T11:27:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else have this problem with packaging? You can hardly get inside to the product you purchased! Look how many pieces off packaging I had to go through to get my "very small" ink cartridge! Recently I bought a flat iron for my hair and after I cut through the tough plastic I still couldn't get to the flat iron.....I almost had to mutilate the thing.....GOOD GRIEF!

PARTY--PARTY--PARTY

2011-04-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

This was the table setting for my good friend Sherie's birthday party. We ate scones with REAL clotted cream and jam, deviled eggs, ham and fruit.
I used my pretty plates.
We had party favor bags fill with all kinds of goodies.
I invited her sister, sister-in-law, mom, and four nieces. We sat around after lunch and talked about all favorite memories with Sherie like; favorite Halloween party, favorite trip, favorite reading time, favorite Christmas memory, favorite gardening time.....such a fun day! Sherie and I have been friends since 8th grade. She is my dear, dear friend. Happy Birthday friend!

THE POWER OF WORDS

2011-04-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is so great! Thanks to Lissa for sharing it on her blog.

MONSTERS AND TRUCKS

2011-04-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Remember last year when I made my grandson a birthday quilt when he turned 4?Well, this year I have another one that turns 4 and I will have one next year!

This one has monsters from a coloring book he likes to color in.

And trucks!

Trucks....

And more trucks! Four years old is my very favorite age for children. They love you, they love Jesus, they are happy, they are potty-trained, they can tell you where it hurts....I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED 4's!!! The quilt is off to the quilters,I will post it when it is finished.

CUTEST APRON

2011-04-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is Bonnie's newest apron pattern. I think it is the CUTEST EVER! Check out her blog here. I have wanted to make it since I saw it a few months ago......I am going to look for fabric today!

CLOSET OFFICE

2011-04-11T22:52:00.001-07:00

I love this little closet office in Country Living.....so cute. Makes me want one.

EASTER DRESSES

2011-04-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

I remember having a new Easter dress all the time I was young. I never had a store bought dress until I was married. Here is one of three. So fun to make! Also check out Mary's fat quarter dress, what a great idea!

MACHINE QUILTING

2011-03-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

These are images of a quilt I am working on.

I wanted to show you the beautiful quilting done by Susan Hansen of Suzy Q's Quilts. So pretty! I often think a quilt top is "nice" when you finish sewing, but it becomes "beautiful or wonderful" after it is quilted.

FAIRY PEOPLE

2011-03-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Margaret makes these "oh so sweet fairy people" and shows you how to make them. I found her by way of The Crafty Crow...you know how I love that site. So many talented and cheerful people. Find her Here. Since we don't have sunshine, we will have rain and rainbow fairy people instead! I am going to town to buy some daffodils...my friend said there were some in the grocery store!

JUNK DOLL

2011-03-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

I saw these dolls a little while back and LOVED them. There are so many I would love to have. They are made by Paul. People are so brilliant!

He uses old tins for the bodies.

Each doll has a little "skirt." Mine is the rhinestone piece.... love that! Love her paintbrush legs. Some have old spoons for legs, or old wooden measuring tapes. So fun!

They have porcelain heads, many from Germany. It took me months to decide which one to get.

NEW CUTRAINS

2011-03-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Remember the 54" fabric I bought a few weeks ago for $3.00 a yard?

Here is what it has become. I got the blue and also the sheer for the same price.

I love a good deal...thank goodness no one else thought the fabric was great!

SOMETHING TO BE HAPPY ABOUT

2011-03-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

I received these pictures in an email today from a friend.

They were taken in South Dakota, January 2011.

It's more than enough to make me be happy to live where I live!

This much snow makes be feel short of breath...I would surely go crazy if I had to deal with that everyday for a few months.....like someone said, "It doesn't take much looking around to find someone (someplace) worse off than yourself."

"THAT" KIND OF DAY

2011-03-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

We are still getting snow....this is what I am wearing today.....it "THAT" kind of day! I have my rowdy music up loud....to "concert" levels-- blasting the bleak day away! Boy do I feel better! Hope your day is sunny!

MARCH

2011-03-01T10:50:00.001-08:00

Hello March!

I have waited an entire month for it to be March!

I am so happy about it, I got out my pretty plates.
March
by Emily Dickinson
~~~
Dear March, come in!
How glad I am!
I looked for you before.
Put down your hat---
You must have walked---
How out of breath you are!
Dear March, How are you?
And the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh, March,
Come right upstairs with me.
I have so much to tell!

TRUE DIET

2011-02-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

I asked my husband if he would buy me a pretty heart shaped box of hand dipped dark chocolate from Florence's. He said, "No." I asked him why, and he just grinned! So, I knew I would be getting one. I got this 1 1/2 lb. box of fruit creams, (like lemon and raspberry which are my favorite) nuts and caramels....all for my very own self because my husband doesn't like dark chocolate much.....

I asked him the next day, "If I eat the entire box of chocolates in 2 days, what kind of diet would that be?" He just looked at me like I was crazy! Thank goodness I didn't eat it in 2 days....I still have a few! I do like one for breakfast!

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S QUILT CORRECTION

2011-02-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

Well, it is just one of those things that happen which make you crazy. It has been brought to my attention that I have you making twice as many half-square triangles than you need for the Ohio Candy Rose Quilt in my book.
So, go to http://pickledish.kcstar.com/?q=node/986 address for the corrections. Thanks eveyone for your support. ~~Sheri

GIFT POUCH

2011-02-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

Spoonful of sugar girls have the CUTEST fabric gift pouch ....I made one and it only took 10 minutes! They have step by step directions....go check it out! Read down to Jule's comment about making one like a strawberry! So much fun!

A DARLING WEDDING

2011-02-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

You HAVE to check here for the cutest WEDDING.

Make sure you scroll through the entire post to see their cute lunch and reception ideas!

~~~~~~

"OH TO HAVE A SUMMER WEDDING!"

RETREAT PROJECTS

2011-02-15T23:41:00.001-08:00

Wild and crazy colors for a vibrant table cloth.

Pink strips cut into pink squares for a baby quilt.

Red stars for a red work quilt.

Perfect yellow paper pieced points.

Hearts.

Twist with an amazing ruler. Book: Let's Twist by Marsha Bergren.And an WONDERFUL chocolate cherry cake for dessert!

EDIT: I failed to mention that all these projects were done by others at the retreat...none of them were mine.

HAPPY PINK VALENTINES' DAY

2011-02-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

The March 2011 issue of House Beautiful is completely full of beautiful PINK pages! Here are 50 pink things to make you happy. I am sorry the scan is not a good representation of how beautiful the pages really are....go buy the magazine.
#17. pinque light bulbs from sylvania I looked all over the internet for these....found them.

(wouldn't that make a fun room?)
#24. pink file folders from the containerstore

#35. pink extension cord from coleman

(this could make you smile!)

#45. pink washi tape from Marks: cutetape

#47. pink colander from spoonsisters

~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON,

Happy Valentines' Day everyone!

BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE

2011-02-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a beautiful piece of chocolate that Elizabeth let me share? I know it is poured in a chocolate mold, but someone somewhere had to carve an original! LOVE IT!

PINK

2011-02-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

IMAGINE my delight when my friend gave me her March 2011 copy of House Beautiful dedicated almost entirely to the color PINK! If you know me, you know I love pink.... Stay tuned for more beautiful pink pictures.

BLIND QUILTER

2011-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

My friend Susan sent me this in an email today.....IF THIS DOESN'T MAKE YOU SMILE AND FEEL HAPPY.....I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL!!! I just LOVE positive people.

AND STILL ANOTHER FOLDED FITTED SHEET

2011-02-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is another video that I liked....slightly different that the first one.....(done by a bare-footed man no less.) Perhaps some of you can do it his way! DO NOT ask how many videos I watched to get the two perfect ones!

HOW TO FOLD A FITTED SHEET

2011-02-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, for all of us who need to know how to fold a ftted sheet....here is a good video. I hope we can all do it! Good luck!

WORDS OF WISDOM

2011-02-07T04:53:00.000-08:00

My daughter sent me these words of wisdom, I had to share them!

Truths For Mature Humans

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

I have never driven through the Ghetto, but I think #17 is pretty funny and would be very helpful, especially at night!
Have a great day!

NEW PATTERNS AND PRIZES

2011-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Bonnie at Cotton Way has THREE new patterns....I just love this one for Valentine's Day....isn't that apron so sweet? Also Moda is having a Pillow Talk with one of their designers each day this month....check this out and read all about them, and perhaps you will be a prize winner!!!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?

2011-02-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

This means 2 things:
1--I bought fabric for curtains for my bedroom.....I found it in the $3.00 @yd. bin....it is 54"wide.....SCRORE!
2)--I didn't spend any un-necessary money for 17 days.....that makes me smile so hard.....I knew it wouldn't last, but it was a nice thought. I told someone I was thinking about not spending any money for an entire year, her comment was, "Why?"
Those curtains will now match the quilt I made in 2009...remember this post?

SEW SWEET VALENTINES

2011-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Our Wednesday sewing group is having a retreat for 2 days....I thought it would be fun to make Valentine cards with a little stitching.

The cards measure 3" x 6" The inside colored paper is 2.5" x 4" Put your machine on a cute zig-zag or scallop and stitch the colored paper to the tag. Add stickers, sparkle glue, and ribbon. You can write your love note on the back!

CHERRY CHOCOLATE VALENTIINE

2011-01-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

No calorie Cherry Chocolate Valentines from Cotton Way....so fun, so very "Valentine-y" Charm pack friendly!

Russell Stover marshmallow Valentine chocolates....milk and dark chocolate....the dark chocolate is DIVINE! Just ask my friend Lora, we are both HOOKED! Walgreen's often has a coupon for $.39 each....what a deal and the marshmallow is SO SMOOTH!

VALENTINES DAY PROJECT

2011-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

GET A LOOK AT THESE COOKIES! I have this obsession about frosted Valentine cookies....I know where it came from. I have probably mentioned it before...but when I was in grade school, it was one of three holidays we ever had treats. I only remember frosted Valentine shaped cookies and red punch....every Valentines Day for six years. Perhaps we had other treats, (I don't think so) and the entire school made Valentine Bags for holding all the Valentines. It had such a profound impression on me of fun, colored paper and art time; goodies, cookies and red punch that Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday! I wish I made cookies that look like this. For a very fun Valentine gift holder, check here....SO CUTE!

This Valentina's Baby quit and pillow are still available in my Ruby Red Dots book. Check for it at Pickledish store Ruby Red Dots book or on at Amazon.com. It is fast and fun. More Valentine goodies to come! Send me your favorite Valentine ideas or crafts and I will post them on my blog.

SUNNY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

2011-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

I have left THIS.

And have come to a week of THIS.....okay, not quite this because it is warm here, but not this warm....although the sun is out, the sky is blue and it has been in the 75-80's here the past week...and even though it isn't a month at a beach house, it is a week in the sun with my sister! I'll take it! Wish you were all here!

P.S. There is a very cheerful bird singing outside the window.

12th ANNUAL QUILT SPECTACULAR

2011-01-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

12th ANNUAL

QUILT SPECTACULAR OPEN HOUSE

January 25-26, 2011

Shelly, Idaho

North Bingham County Library District

197 W. Locust St.

208-357-7801

Tuesday January 25th 10:00-6:00

Wednesday January 26th 10:00-7:00

Classes and Demonstrations

~~~

I will be showing a trunk show of the quilts from my latest book,

Not Your Grandmother's Quilt

I will also be talking about how to get your quilts published.

Tuesday January 25th 1:00pm

See you all there!

BUTTON BUTTON

2011-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Sherie gave me these darling vintage glass buttons for Christmas.
These are very bad photos....but you get the picture.

They are too pretty to take off the card and use.

I will wait until I find the "perfect place" to use them.

CHRISTMAS QUILT

2011-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

My daughter called a while back and said if I ever wanted to make a quilt, they could use a new one.....I hadn't planned on making one for Christmas, but I already had a quilt (the center section to the blue border) finished as a throw quilt. When I couldn't decide what to give them for Christmas... I added borders to make the throw a queen size.....hurried and gave it to my quilting friend Susan Hansen of Suzy Q's Quilts....and voile----MERRY CHRISTMAS.....I even had the binding all sewn together waiting for the quilt to be finished, 'oneday'!Isn't this cute....I mean the quilting! My granddaughter wanted to be in every picture. Thank goodness I had the throw already pieced because I didn't have time to make an entire quilt....so having a few things stashed away is a good thing!

PRETTY PLACES

2011-01-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

Erin from House of Turquoise shared this pretty room. Doesn't it look like a soothing place to land at the end of a day....or during the day in the sunshine with a good book?
I saw a show a while back about a lady who didn't buy anything new for an entire year, and the only clothes she purchased was at a second hand shop. At the time, I remember the thought going through my mind, "Could a person really do that?" So, when the new year came around last week, the thought came back to me and I truly wondered if it could be done? It would be an adventure....except it wouldn't help stimulate the economy. ....does that also include fabric? I like a good challenge, but no fabric? I do have a little stash....what do you think?

JACK FROST

2011-01-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

When I woke up this morning this is what the trees looked like from my window.That means it was so cold over night that the moisture in the air freezes to anything...and makes little frosted flakes. It really is very pretty.

Even the fence around my deck was fuzzy! Look at how the frost stuck straight out!

Mother Nature is so amazing!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

FIRST OF ALL, MAY I BE THE FIRST TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is the easiest and most fun bag to make from Cotton Way. I am teaching it as a class at our Church this next month. They are so fun that I wanted to make one for everyone I know.

If you received your new copy of Quilt, you will see Bonnie's quilt; Blissful Day on the cover. You can order kits for this darling, fast quilt, direct from her while supplies last!Next, I wanted to tell you all about the Fresh and Fancy Table toppers available that are "two sided" So fun and so fast and VERY FRESH! Order yours now for a year of table topper sewing here.

So many exciting things to do this coming year!

Happy New Year and Happy Sewing!