My, oh my. Where does the time go?! I have such good intentions but it seems I just can't keep up. I didn't realize it had been so long since I'd posted on the blog. Yikes! The wedding is eight weeks away (and counting down) and I'm pedalling as fast as I can. Tomorrow is the bridal shower so I thought I should catch up here. Since there will be more after the shower . . .

Here are a couple of display samples I hadn't gotten around to showing yet. If you are familiar with Sew Beautiful magazine, this dress is from one of their feature articles. (Wait a minute, that sounded funny, not this dress, ours is a re-creation.)

If you know me, you know I am not a fan of purple. But the lime green ribbon and red button in the trim really set this off.

The fabric is from a collection called Calypso. You might recognize it's the same fabric collection (different colorway) as the turquoise Bellanca bag.

Speaking of bags, this one is called the Abigail bag. I like the gathering and the tiny ruffle, such nice touches.

The back has an exposed zipper pocket. Nice. Functional. Everybody likes that. :)

And how about a Cricut-enhanced project to close? This was made for the company of a friend of mine.

I was amused at how tattered their old mail bag was. Certainly not befitting his sophistication or that of the two lovely girls who work for him.
His land development company is called Compass West. (I was trying to be clever with words/images.) He and his dad have several entities working out of the same office, thus the "York Enterprises" kind of incorporates everything.

So that's all for today. Much more to come. Shower, wedding, and a benefit for my cousin Lisa tucked in between. And then, as if there weren't enough going on there's the possibility we may have a pretty signifcant change coming along in our lives. Nothing for certain and I can't even talk about it as we haven't shared it with all our family yet. But it weighs on the mind . . . and no, we're not moving to Kentucky - chuckle,chuckle.

Wishing you a special and blessed day!

Cupcakes, anyone?

Who doesn't love cupcakes?! And now that they are all the rage, they're popping up everywhere. Maybe it's an appeal to the kid in all of us, just a fistful of simple pleasure when the world around us these days is so chaotic.
Wouldn't you love to be five again so you could wear this outfit?

Here's a close-up of the cupcake. The orange icing and the white whipped cream dollop got their dimension with Texture Magic. It's a new product the store wanted to showcase. I'm telling you, it is fun!
Here's a bag from Lila Tueller's pattern line. It's the Bellanca bag. It looks cute here but the picture doesn't do it justice. There's a layer of batting (Warm & Natural) that gives it body and a comfy, quilty feel. Lots of grommets and hardware catch your eye too. I think this one looks a little boho. And I think it would make a cute diaper bag too . . . don't you?

This one I just finished today. Isn't the fabric precious? It's from Henry Glass.

And the bow! What a perfect touch. Since these are all displays, I can't take credit for picking out any of these lovely fabrics or patterns.



Maybe these will brighten your day just a tad and remind you, as they do me, that spring is on the way. Hooray!

It Feels Like Spring in My Sewing Room

Over the last several weeks, I've been head-over-heels sewing spring samples for the fabric stores -- and hoarding photos! ~LOL~

But before I get to that, a couple of things I've meant to get to and hadn't yet . . .

I got the kindest anonymous comment a couple of weeks ago about how my entries have improved as the blog has developed. Wow, you don't know how I appreciated that as I thought I'd become boring as of late! I do appreciate every comment much more than you know.

There was a comment/question with the last post asking about the bags and whether I cut the fabric with the Cricut. The answer is no. Not yet anyway and there's a reason for it. The projects I make that I will also teach must be techniques that can be duplicated in class and can't be restricted to specialty equipment like the Cricut. I can however use it to trace the designs as that could be duplicated in another way. So what I did was to apply paper-backed fusible web to my fabric, adhere it to the mat fabric side down, create a mirror image utilizing the 'FLIP' button (so text will read correctly), then trace onto the paper side of the webbing using the Cricut markers. I then cut the images manually and used traditional applique finishes. I haven't experimented yet with cutting fabric in the Cricut but it's on my list of things to do. And if I can master it, yeah I might consider a tutorial. ;)

I also haven't mentioned on the blog yet that I was offered and accepted a part-time job. It's expected to be just a couple days a week and it's my intent to keep up with the blog and everything else that I'm doing at the present time. Time will tell, so wish me well!

So, now -- on to the projects.

This tote is a class sample. Zip closure and six exterior pockets plus more inside (3 patch pockets and 1 hidden zip pocket). The fabrics are from Lila Tueller's Soiree collection.

I love, love, LOVE this piece! The 'create' image was traced by Cricut from the Home Decor cartridge. The bird was drawn free-hand (inspired by the bird on HD but I needed mine to be shaped more short & wide), and the flower layers were created by cutting a large circle pattern (Plantin Schoolbook), folding the pattern in half, in half again and half again (eighths), then cutting to a petal shape. Stem and leaves drawn free-hand. The pieced border was done with foundation piecing technique. As you may be able to tell, this piece is unfinished, it will probably become a wall-hanging when I get it back -- but I'm not sure yet.

This is a display sample -- for Valentines Day. I must say when I opened the box and saw these fabrics I was hesitant. Certainly nothing I would have chosen (the look is a bit too traditional for me) but this is a lesson in keeping an open mind -- it came out darling.

Here's a close-up of the heart-shaped yo-yos. Both the ivory and the pink dot fabrics have a metallic sheen in the design that adds shimmer and interest.

By the way -- if you sew, you like yo-yos, and haven't tried the yo-yo makers -- you should do it! They are so much fun.

And lastly, don't these 'Sassy Bags' make you think cheery thoughts of spring and summer? They are also display samples.

OK! I still have more photos but I don't want to overload you for one day. I still have another purse (the Abigail bag), a child's halter dress (from Sew Beautiful) and remember the ruffled NieNie skirt? I have the other one in bright colors with a cupcake top -- OMGoodness, it's my favorite! Stay tuned . . .

Fireman Birthday and a Prayer Request

These last two weeks have been trying. My mind has certainly been distracted as you will see later in this post . . .

Last week I couldn't get photos to upload. Today I noticed a teeny-tiny box asking me to agree to revised terms of service -- geez, that was all that was holding me back.

So here's the fireman jacket for the handsome 2-yr old junior fireman.

And here's his birthday card to go with it.

And then . . . my serious news. I told you in my last post of my uncle's untimely death. I feel fortunate to be in a position that I was able to spend some time with my aunt in this difficult time. During my stay, I took her daughter and my cousin Lisa, for some medical tests. That was Wednesday. On Friday she got the results. She has a brain tumor. I can't tell how frightening and devastating that news was. However, once the initial shock settled, we were told that this type of tumor (acoustic neuroma) is benign and non-cancerous. Thank you Lord! Nevertheless, it is still a sizeable tumor that must be removed in a very serious surgery and this is immensely frightening.

If you have the inclination to remember Lisa in your prayers, I would be forever grateful.

Honoring Their Memory

Remembering that day eight years ago puts a lump in my throat. But it also reminds me of the strength and triumph of the American spirit. And the bonding we felt as a nation. Every year I recall a tearful conversation I had at work with a colleague in New York City. I'd never spoken to him before but we shared tears and prayers. Moving memories . . .


This week has been an eventful one for us. On Tuesday a good friend of my husband's had a very scary accident. He was climbing an aluminum ladder to the roof of his business building when electricity from a main power line five foot away arched from there to his ladder. His son had to knock him from the ladder. He was taken by ambulance to our local hospital then flown out by AirEvac helicopter to a larger hospital in Springfield. He was badly burned but otherwise deemed to be okay. Thank you Lord! And then - can you believe this, on the same day another good friend of my husband's (a young man) had a pacemaker put in. What an emotional week. So, I did the only thing I know how to do to make them feel better - I made cookies . . . and cards! :)

Sunday is my son's birthday. I still can't believe he will be 25! I am so proud him and the person he has become. He is a young man of integrity, compassion, intelligence -- and wit! (Sure didn't get that from me.) Last night we celebrated early by taking him and his darling fiancee out for dinner. Now that our kids are older, we usually give them cash so they can pick out their own gift (his will be binoculars this year) but we also try to come up with some little gifts as well. And I like to try to make something personal when I can. So among other things, my husband had came up with this monster spatula - about 2 ft long.



(Yes, it is laughable but will be good for campfire cooking and he loves that!)



That gave me the idea of making a potholder. I was trying to think of how to personalize it when Ashley reminded me that Sunday night is his night to cook. He looks forward to it all week. Seriously. Don't ask him to dinner on Sunday cause he ain't coming! So here's the pot holder. The back is a cute moose fabric.

And last but not least, his birthday card. Although I can't really take credit for it. I made it, but it was at a stamping party so the ideas, layout and colors were not mine. (Don't tell Kyle though! Even if I didn't tax my brain, it was one of my favorites and special just for him.)

Today is the 2nd birthday of Thacker - my friend Tammy's grandson. Today I will help her and Brandi (Thacker's mom) get ready for the party. A BIG FUN party, they don't do any other kind! So . . .

Happy Birthday to Thacker and Kyle!!! And a happy day to you too.

Where oh where has the time gone?! We have been back home for a month now and I still can't believe it even when I say it! Being so busy has something to do with it, I'm sure. We took Tim, Jamie & Preston to the airport a week ago today after a two-week stay at our home. Here's a glimpse into those days . . .

Randy, his mother Helen, Tim & Preston, visiting at Granny's

Here's "KY-oh" (aka Kyle) and Preston at the 80 (our precious country getaway).

Tim, Jamie & Preston share a moment at Granny's.

Having a full house seriously limited my free time and thus my crafting opportunities, but sometimes it's just necessary (besides, I gotta get my fix, you know!) -- so I did manage a few fun things.

My nephew turned 18 - oh, I can't believe it! - so I had to make a special card for him. (He's not really my nephew, he's actually he's my cousin's son, but we're really close, he's always been 'nephew' to me.)

And I made a small makeup sized bag as a gift for a very special young lady. You know how some people just warm your heart? So it is with her. We got the most precious thank you note!

And finally, one of joys of summer. I don't recall another year when fresh fruit has been so plentiful and affordable! This was an exercise in patience -- I cleaned and prepared each fruit and froze the individual pieces before adding to the mix. There's pineapple, strawberries, peaches and blueberries. Judging from the way Randy swiped pieces each time he went through, I think I better get started on another batch of this!

Hope you have a blessed day wherever you are!

Little Girls are so much fun!

But big girls are too! Yesterday I spent some much needed time organizing my photos and when I did I found a couple of projects I hadn't shown yet.

Here are bags I made for my favorite little sweethearts' birthdays. I made them early and had the pictures hidden away until their birthdays came. They have come and gone now so I'm safe to show the photos without spoiling a surprise.

Maddi is the little sister - 5 years old and pure sweetness, she will make your heart melt with her big bear hugs. Recently after spending the day with my future daughter-in-law Ashley (who is precious in her own right), Maddi whispered to me "I love Atch-a-lee". Then she made me promise not to tell anyone. Don't tell her you know! Maddi is crazy about animals and especially horses so the pony was perfect for her.

These adorable sisters share the same birthday - isn't that too cool?! So when Maddi turned 5, her big sister turned 8.

Make that 8 going on 17. At least! A total "tween", she is a pro at fashion, trends, and all things girly. She is also amazingly creative and talented. She loves to do paper crafts and can whip up some things that make you think - did she really do that herself? Yes she did! . . . She loves the Jonas Bros. If I remember right, I think it's Joe that catches her attention.

And last but not least, here's a first communion banner I made at the request of Alex's mom. I asked for ideas and he had some -- he wanted Jesus on the cross. He wanted it to be blue, brown and gold. I think the gold and silver lame made it fun and more young-hearted, don't you?

SO -- all this, plus a recent visit to a lady at the campground who is making a cathedral windows quilt (full size, totally by hand!) is really giving me the sewing fever. It's been a while!

Thanks for coming by, I'll catch you soon!

Here we are!

Gosh, when I finally got my camera out this week I found that it had been nearly a month since I last took a photo! I'm glad you didn't give up on me. Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your patience.

There are so many fun things to look at here, it's hard to know what to photo first! The wildlife is amazing. There are beautiful growing things and a couple of birds that are unfamiliar to me and I have yet to identify. I have my trusty field guides and of course the internet, so I'll be working on that!

So here are some shots of life at the campground . . .

The campsite. Our "home away from home" for the summer.
Randy I mean Rusty got me flowers for Mother's Day. The hummingbirds absolutely love the red million bells. And there are a million hummers! Ashley & Kyle and Amy (my other kids) got me hummingbird feeders and those are well loved too. I have yet to get a pic of the hummers but will keep trying.


When I began to see goldfinches, I wished for a thistle feeder and one magically appeared. (Yes, that husband of mine is a keeper!)











This little fellow waits his turn on the chain above the feeder.




Pretend I did a better job focusing on this beautiful indigo bunting who stopped by for lunch. ;)


And doesn't this lizard look healthy and content!? I've been seeing lizards pretty frequently. Not so terribly many bugs. Hmm. Thanks Mr. Lizard!
And of course - Prince Russell keeps watch over all!

I'm glad you stopped by. Catch you later - have a blessed day wherever you are!

Pine Trees and Baby Gifts

We're here! But only at a temporary site at the moment. The site we chose to make our "home" didn't have water service yet when we arrived. Hopes are that the water issues will be resolved before the end of the week. The water and many, many other issues are continuing ghosts of the monstrous ice storm that ravished this area earlier this year. The damage is widespread and shocking. Literally everywhere you look.

Yesterday I took a walk to snap some photos. It's a challenge to stay out of the way of the work crews, so I walked up to the archery range. Right now attention is being focused on roads and campsites so this area is not a priority.

For whatever reason, it seems this hillside took a particular beating. There are standing trees in the background, however the trees you see in the foreground are not only downed but uprooted. Lots and lots of them, like a swath was taken right across that hillside.

But most shocking is that this kind of damage is not isolated. It's around every corner. The crews here are working ever so hard and making great progress but obviously it can't all be addressed. I can't imagine how many years it will take for nature to restore herself to previous splendor. Probably not in my lifetime!

Here's a typical roadside scene. This beautiful old cedar got a good pruning in order to clear the roadway. Behind is lots more that will lie, at least for the time being.

Nevertheless, the woods are coming to life with spring beauty and here are a couple of uplifting glimpses.

The thrilling beauty of rebirth . . .

So - enough camp talk! On to sewing . . .

Here are a couple more baby gift items from Lyndsay's shower that I promised I would show.

Diaper bag made for my mom to give (Daddy is a trucker, can you tell?!).

And here is a photo album that was my dad's gift.

Are you photo over-loaded?!

Hope your day is a good one!

Honorable Mention

It's been a while since I said it but THANKS once again to all of you kind folks who leave such sweet and inspiring comments for me. I am always touched that you lend me your attention.

Along those lines, I can't tell you how excited I was when I recently visited Paula Prass's blog Show & Tell to find I was featured there - it totally took my breath away!
Paula is a fabric designer for Michael Miller Fabrics and creator of the beautiful Flights of Fancy collection. Of all the lovely things being made with her fabrics, I am incredibly honored that she chose to include my magazine sized totes ("mag bags") on her blog. This was several days ago and I'm still reeling! To have a fabulous designer such as Paula recognize my humble work makes me feel as if I've been sprinkled with stardust.
Thank you Paula, what an honor!

Here are the featured bags.

And another, later creation from the same line.

Switching channels now, I got another little thrill this morning when I got see my quilt block stitched into place on one of the Project Improv quilt tops over at Jacquie's Tallgrass Prairie Studio. Jacquie and her helpers are working to transform these donated blocks into lovely work-of-art quilts for charity. I am so grateful for their hard work and proud to be a part of such a meaningful project. What a nice start to my day. :)
Can you find it? Center row, far right.