InspiredTokens

NEW BLOG, NEW NAME!

2010-01-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

I'm closing my blog

'Inspired Tokens'
I've been wanting to change my blog name for awhile now.

Thus my new blog....
ADVENTURE'S IN ALICE LAND
has been born.
Please stop over for a visit;

I do so hope you like the new name!

LOOK WHO'S SIX!

2010-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

SOMEBODY TURNED SIX!

Can you guess who?

My Sweet Little Granddaughter!

She's a New Year's Baby!

She was the first baby born in Iowa for

the New Year! January 2, 2004!

****

So, can you guess what I made her?

What do you get when you take one new pair of jeans?

And ...a pile of ripped out threads?

You get a pair of jeans with ripped open legs!

Why you ask?

****

Because you get this ....

One super cute embellished outfit!

I used bit's and pieces of fabric to embellish

a purchased T-Shirt!

Then I embellished the ripped jeans to match.

And, sewed them back up!

Oh ...we can't forget the back!

I also made here this one!

Super Cute!

She was one happy little girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS AUDREYANNA!

2009-12-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

As the New Year approaches,

I find myself thinking of the past year

and wondering what happened?

It wasn't the best of years

...I think we were all struggling to keep it together.

I'm not one to make resolutions.

I never keep them;

then, feel like a failure because

I didn't keep any of them. You know the drill

.... lose weight, exercise more,

watch less TV, and on, and on, and on!

This year I've decided to not make the usual

New Year Resolutions.

I've made what I am calling my

'How I want to live my life in 2010!

Probably the same as resolutions ...I just think it sounds better!!!!

SO HERE GOES!

Live Life More Simply!

Keep life simple.

Life doesn't have to be complicated!

Buy Less, Spend Smarter!

Before buying anything; I will consider ...

How much does it mean to me?

Will it substantially benefit my life?

Does it support simple living?

Shed Stuff!

Every month, I will throw out at least

50 items! If they are reusable, donate them!

The house will thank me and my heart will be lightened!

Be Kind To The Earth!

Reuse, Recycle and Reclaim.

If there is anything that I can reuse,

put it in a 'Re-purpose Box' in my studio.

Recycle anything that I can possible recycle.

Try to buy more earth friendly products and

take those darn reusable bags with me to the store!

I'm forever forgetting them at home!

Slow Down!

I will slow down ..rushing revs up the stress

levels and leaves little room for simple pleasures.

I will walk slowly, breathe slowly, drive slowly

and eat slowly. In Thoreau's words,

I will begin to 'live deliberately,' enjoying

every morsel of life.

Once A Month, PAY IT FORWARD!

Once a month I will do something kind for someone.

Be Kind to Myself!

This one is a hard one!

I'm so hard on myself! Always questioning

myself, doubting myself! Get rid of all those

'little voices' in my head telling me

I'm not good enough, talented enough!

Ease up a little, after all there is only one of

me and I don't want to leave this world

thinking I was never good enough!

Be More Creative!

Allow myself to be more creative!

As I travel through blog land, visiting new

and wonderful blogs. I find myself questioning

my confidence, my talent, my accomplishment's.

Wishing that I could be as talented as those I

visit, all while secretly wishing that I too

could obtain my full potential and

accomplish my dreams.

I want to be an artist.

I want to be creative.

I want to be one of those talented blogger's

I visit each and everyday!

Deep down in my heart I'm a little jealous of

these wonderful people ...wondering what the

creative secret is?

I suppose there are others out there;

questioning and wondering! The fear of

failure, the lack of belief! Why is it

we never think we are good enough,

never talented enough, always comparing

ourselves to others?

Sometimes I think I get in my own way!

I suppose I need to just get out there and DO IT!

I want to reclaim my inner self; I want to put aside

the negative images that swirl within my head!

Each of us holds a talent, we just have to find out

how to obtain it and not compare ourselves to others!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

WHAT'S ON YOUR '2010'

LIST OF THINGS TO DO?

A BIT OF HOLIDAY CHEER ...

2009-12-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

A BIT OF HOLIDAY CHEER....

FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!

'Our Tree'

'A Few Adored Ornaments'

'Some Holiday Vignettes'

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY HOLIDAY!

I WISH YOU MUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS;

AND PEACE AROUND THE WORLD!

CRAFTING A.D.D.

2009-12-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

While Sugar Plum's dance ....

I'm obsessed!

The holiday decorations are in place!

The gifts have been wrapped!

The cards have been mailed!

But, can I stop? NO!

I'm crocheting!

What started out as a project quite awhile ago;

is once again being worked on.

Remember the Cath Kidston Granny Blanket?

Well ...what can I say? I LOVE this blanket.

I'm working my main color in RED!

Do you think I will get it done before next Christmas?

I'm knitting!

It's a last minute Christmas gift!

And.....knitting!

Legwarmers for Daughter Dear!

One down, one to go!

... still knitting!

A simple cashmere cowl!

It was going to be a Christmas gift;

now I've decided it will be mine!

Crocheting yet again!

I'm obsessed with this project!

One big granny square done with

Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn.

Color way S252!

And, dare I show you my sewing?

Oh yes, Oh yes I will!

Quilt Number 1!

Blocks completed, ready for sashing!

Not sure when I'll get to this one!

Quilt Number Two!

Blocks are sewn and also awaiting sashing!

I think I have CRAFTING A.D.D.!

SOME HOLIDAY REDO!

2009-12-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

MAKING HOLIDAY HEAD WAY!

The tree is decorated!

The snowmen have taken their place!

The Fairies are in their place!

The cards have been made and put in the post!

And ...there's been a bit of hot cocoa and crafting!

There's even been a room redo ....

This room is our upstairs TV area. As you can see; this

'area' is one long room. It houses a TV area,

a dining area and the kitchen!

See this old couch! I hated this couch!

It's not that old, but it was never really what I

wanted; and....the back cushions were terrible!

See! Cute Little Sophie is saying 'what's up with this couch?'

There's even a matching old chair and ottoman!

And ...yes! There's knitting!

There is always a project or two hanging around!

NOW, I have this!

A brand spank'n new chair and couch!

Here's the new couch! Sooooo, much

more comfy! Dear H and I agreed on this set.

It's Micro-Fiber with the look

of old worn leather!

Bonus ...both ends open into recliners!

Dear H is very happy with his new recliner chair!

I wasn't looking for recliners, but sometimes

a girl just has to give in!

Now, I am VERY HAPPY with the new room redo!

Even got a new carpet out of the deal!

Now I'm off for a bit of crafting and a bit of

last minute holiday knitting!

I hope you are making headway on your

holiday to do list!

2009-12-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

OMG ...is it really the FIRST OF DECEMBER?

Really ...are you sure? I keep checking the calendar!
It keeps saying it's the FIRST, but I still don't believe it!
(Even Santa looks like he's behind in his TO DO LIST!)

But, see! There it is! Right there ...in black and white!

DECEMBER 1st!

I know I just had turkey ...because I have turkey noodle soup

by the container full ...so I know we just had Thanksgiving!

But, the FIRST OF DECEMBER! Well now, that's just

not right. It's too soon! There is still so much to be done

before the BIG GUY arrives on his sleigh!

There is knitting to finish, sewing to finish,

ornament making to finish, shopping to finish,

and baking to finish!

The list could go on and on!

ONE ITEM THAT IS FINISHED!

Dear Daughter's quilt is finally done.

Isn't it beautiful?

It looks like 'Neapolitan Ice Cream'.

Lot's of pinks, browns and black

I sent it off to

The BackPorch Quilter's for quilting and

we received it back this past Saturday!

BackPorch Quilter's, they

do such a beautiful job with

putting quilts together and quilting it.

We chose a really nice swirling pattern

for them to use on the quilt. It

turned out just gorgeous!

One item I can check off that ever

growing list!

Dear Daughter and I have also been busy

doing a few holiday crafts.

Here is one we just finished!

We made this cute Advent garland!

(The 'Merry Christmas' banner I already had!)

We made this ....

I made the little felt pockets. Not my

idea ...the sky would fall if I could

ever design something so cute.

You can find the idea and pattern at

Allsorts. She has the cutest blog and

the cutest ideas!

Dear Daughter painted the wooden

snowmen on the garland. They turned

out so cute. It just warms my heart to

see her crafting! Makes a mother proud!

We added touches of black gingham and

red stripe ribbon to finish off the

holiday garland!

(FYI ..the snowman garland was purchased at Micheal's for those of

you who might wish to do this project!)

I'm off to get busy and check off some

of those unfinished items from my list!

I hope that you are making better headway

on your TO DO LISTS than I am!

A BOOK SIGNING ...

2009-11-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

I'M BEYOND EXCITED!

Miss Susan B. Anderson

Yesterday, I had the great honor to meet

one of the most talented woman in the knitting arts.

Miss Susan B. Anderson!

That's right! She was here in Salt Lake City
at The Wool Cabin for a book signing of

her latest book ''Itty-bitty Toys.

The Wool Cabin also offered a limited number

of seats to take a two hour class with Miss Susan B;

and I was able to snag a seat!

She shared a new little pattern, just for those attending.

It was fantastic ...and now I realize

I do not need to be intimidated

by new knitting patterns.

She made it all so easy and her patterns from this book are ......

OH...SO EASY!

A larger than life size cover of her new book!

These are adorable little pincushions which are offered here.

The display table was chock full of the

cutiest little critters from Susan's new book.

There were little duckies!

There were little puppies!

and ...this is what we made in class!

This cute little bunny!

But, wait there is a surprise!
You turn the little bunny inside out.....

and...it becomes a little chick!

Now how adorable is that?

I'm off to knit my next Itty-Bitty Toy project.

I hope you all enjoyed my visit with Miss Susan B!

CHRISTMAS .....COUNT DOWN!

2009-11-10T15:00:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS ….ONLY 44 DAYS TO GO!

Oh my! Where does the time go?

Christmas ….already?

I’m making my list and checking it twice …

Wrapping paper bought – check
Christmas gifts bought – check
Christmas card supplies bought – check

HAVE A GLASS OF WINE!

Make Christmas cards – working on it
Make ‘Felt’ Cookie ornaments - check
Finish making gifts – check

HAVE ANOTHER GLASS OF WINE!

Finish Advent Calendar – check
Finish two Holiday Table Runners – check
Finish two Holiday Wall Hangings – check

….PERHAPS .... ANOTHER GLASS OF WINE!

Now, where was I …OH!

I was making my list and checking it twice.

Well, now I've forgotten what I was going to write on my list.

Must be the wine?

*****

Actually, Dear Daughter and I have been

spending a few afternoons ‘crafting’.

Here’s a peek at one of our projects.

We’re making these adorable felt Christmas Cookies!

They look good enough to eat.

Don't they look SCRUMPTIOUS?

Best of all they are ZERO calories!

And, donuts! I can smell them now!

*****

I’m not quite sure why we are doing this;

other than we are having fun

and we will be adorned with admiration

on Christmas Day as everyone exclaims

‘Oh, what cute little package decoration’!

You know that holiday syndrome

…you want everything perfect

and you want to DO IT ALL!

Why do we do this to ourselves?

I’m still trying to figure that one out!

All I know now, is that Dear Daughter and
I are having loads of fun!

...and, that means the world to me!

I WANT TO BE A COWGIRL!

2009-11-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

ALL I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP ....

IS A ROOT'N TOOT'N COWGIRL!

I’m a wanta’ be COWGIRL!
Yep, that’s right par’ner!
I want to saddle up my horse and
ride into the sunset;
or at least ride into the hills
with my red cowgirl boots upon my feet
and my suede cowgirl hat upon my head!

Yea right ….I must be dreaming!
It would be fun though, to sit upon a saddle and round up about 700 head of buffalo! For those wanna be cowboy's and cowgirl's for a fee of $25.00 each and one’s own horse, you indeed can participate in the Annual Bison Roundup.

Only those with ‘brave spirit’ need apply!

This past weekend we ventured out to Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake to view the 23rd Annual Great Bison Roundup. It was really a treat to see cowboys and cowgirls in the saddle rounding up a large herd of Bison. Really makes one want to become a cowgirl!

For those who wish a bit of history on Antelope Island. Antelope Island is located on the Great Salt Lake. Antelope Island is the largest of the Great Salt Lake’s nine islands and is part of the Utah State Park systems. From the mainland, its 28,022 acres appear barren and deserted. But Antelope Island is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the Great Basin region. The island was without its namesake antelope for many years, but they were reintroduced in 1993 and can now be seen in many areas of the park. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, many varieties of birds and waterfowl also call the island home. But most famous are Antelope Island's American Bison, introduced to the island in 1893 and now numbering some 600 animals. The world-renowned herd is managed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and visitors are welcome at the island's buffalo corral and management facilities. During the annual bison roundup each November, visitors can get a close-up look at the bison and the techniques used on a working buffalo ranch.

YEP! ....I JUST WANT TO BE A COWGIRL
WITH RED BOOTS UPON MY FEET!

A BIT OF GHOSTLY VIGNETTES...

2009-10-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL WHO VISIT!

Here are just a few of my ghostly vignettes. I do hope you enjoy!

HAPPY HAUNTINGS!
*****
JUST A NOTE - I posted lots of fabrics on my Etsy from my latest stash busting crusade. I do hope you run on over a take a look! I'll be posting a few more things later this week or next.

STUDIO DO OVER ....

2009-10-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

MY COMPUTER WAS DOWN,,..SO I DECIDED TO DO A STUDIO REDO AGAIN!

My computer is back and she is up and running again! I won't go into detail as to what happened, but I will say it was caused by Operator Error! Yep, that's right! I caused a fatal error with my ITunes and lost my entire ITunes Library. That's when the computer decided that it was just all too much to handle, she just froze up! She back now ...and running perfect; but without my ITunes Library!

While she was away; the mice will play! Since I did not have my computer, I decided to launch on another 'Stash Busting' expedition in my studio. Let's see ...how many times is this now? I think perhaps I've launched this expedition on four or five other occasions. I think I have finally accomplished the cleaning and organizing of my studio though. Hopefully this is the last reorg!

REPEAT AFTER ME! I will pledge from this day forward to buy NO more fabric, yarn or tool for my studio!

YEA RIGHT, like that's going to happen!

******

THE BEFORE PICTURES

EEEKKKKKKKK! What a mess!

Does anybody else have this problem?

There were bags and bags of garbage!

AND NOW ....

I can B R E A T H E!

Everything is once again all organized!

Part of my inspiration wall! The banner reads 'CREATE'!

AND NOW .....

I have lots and lots of things set aside to list on my Etsy account. I've already listed some yarn and have more to come. There will also be fabric, kits and patterns. I just decided it was all too much and I would never get to all of it in my lifetime. So, over the next few weeks I will be posting these 'over excess' items on Etsy. I may even decided to do a giveaway or two!

No ....IT'S NOT ANOTHER BLOG BREAK!

2009-10-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

So, once again I have not posted in awhile! This time for sure it's not a 'blog break'! My dear sweet computer died. That's right, she just up and decided it was time for her to take her own 'break'. I think it rather rude of her, but there you have it! My computer has decided to leave me. I do hope that once she has realized what she missing out on she will return home. Until then, I apologize. In the meantime, I'm hard at work de-stashing my office/studio. As soon as dear sweet computer returns home I'll post with pic's!

I MUST BE ON ANOTHER BLOG BREAK!

2009-10-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

YIKES ....does time ever fly by? I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. Let me just say things are crazy-busy around here 24/7! I have been so sad because I just don't get to my craft room any more to do any sewing! I watch my two grandchildren during the week; let me just say the youngest is two! Need I say more! Since I haven't been sewing ...the to do pile of quilts is stacking up! In lieu of sewing, I've opted to knit lately. At least while watching a two

year old I can get a few knit stitches in here and there!

*****

Here's a peak of a few of the items I've been working on!

I've finally finished this shrug for my daughter. Wow, was it ever a project. It's knitted with Noro Silk on size 2 needles. For all you non-knitters ....size 2 needles a very small!

It's such a cute shrug. I didn't show a picture of the sleeves; but, they are sewn together at the cuff and then there are four buttons which go up the arm.

I love the drape on this shrug and I like the colors as well! One project finished!

Here is the second project ...finally completed. And, yes it's for my darling daughter! It's the Wonderful Wallaby Sweater by Cottage Creations. It a great pattern ...sort of like a really neat sweatshirt, only a bit more stylish! There is a great kangaroo pocket in the front.

And ....a great hood! One more item finished!

*****

Here are a few items I'm currently working on now!

Once again ...an item for darling daughter! I do believe she is a lucky lady to be getting all these hand knit pieces! I've started a pair of anklets in a marvelous hand dyed sock yarn. Of course ...they have to be pink!

I'm using this new book I purchased. It has a wonderful assortment of sock patterns. What makes it so wonderful is that the patterns are written in an array of different sizes.

Last, but certainly not least ...I'm making a 'Wonderful Wallaby' sweater for me in this gorgeous shade blues! The yarn is Cascade 220 'Paints'. I thought it was about time I knitted something for ME!
****
Hopefully I'll be back a lot sooner than I have been! I tell you it's just really CRAZY-BUSY around here! What more can I say?

SORRY TO HAVE BEEN GONE!

2009-09-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

...BUT I'M BACK!

*****

So sorry I was MIA ....I just needed a bit of time to get a few things in order and to finish a few UFO's. You know how it is ...to many things to do and so little time!

One little thing that I had to finish up ...was this 'Friendship Bag' for a swap I joined.

You can check out it out here. Rachel Griffith also put together this

great tutorial here. Here is the little bag I made

for my secret partner. I will say ....I did have

to mail it out of the country. That's all I'll say, I'm not sure

if she has recieved it.

I had a lot of fun sewing this and using up a few of my fat quarters.

It's a fun little project and so easy to sew.

I used a feather stich to quilt this bag. The little bags were to be 5″ high, 5.5″ wide, 3″ depth.

And....here is what I sent along with my bag! A few fat quarters, a little crochet covered tape measure and a flower pin cushion.I also included a few buttons, pins and rick-rack trim! I also sent along a few 'Made in Utah' truffle bars!

Here is it ...all filled up and ready for the post. It's amazing how much stuff you can stuff into this little bag! I sure hope my 'secret partner' likes my 'Friendship Bag'!

*****
Thanks for letting me share! If you like to see more 'Friendship Bags' you can go over to the 'Flickr' group. There are some really cute bags to see!

TAKING A BREAK!

2009-09-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a short break, but will be back soon!

Until later ...

ZUCHINNI & BLUEBERRIES!

2009-09-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

When you have an abundance of
garden zucchini .....

Add a few of these ....and,

You will end up with this!

DELICIOUS, DELECTABLE

BLUEBERRY ZUCHINNI BREAD!

****

This is the best bread recipe that I

have found to use up some of that extra

garden zuchinni. I make it in large

batches this time of year and freeze them.

During the winter months it's so nice

to be able to pull one of these loaves

out of the freezer to have with

a warm cup of tea!

*****

Though I would gladly take credit

for this one ...I can't! You can

find this recipe here.

ENJOY!

OH ....BABY!

2009-08-25T11:16:00.001-07:00

OH ....BABY!

If you remember from my last post

I was working on a baby gift

for my niece.

The baby was delivered by

C-Section on August 20th.

We are so excited ...it

was a little girl!

(I don't have any photo's of her yet!)

But, in the meantime ...I thought

I'd share my finished gift!

I crocheted this adorable Bath Set.

It consists of a 100 % cotton hooded

bath towel and two little washcloth's.

The bath towel is about 25" x 25", and

each little washcloth is about 8".

I love how it turned out. The

crochet stitch makes it very

thick and soft. Perfect for

baby's bath time.

And, of course ...

since I now know it's a girl!

I had to make this ....

A little brown beanie with

a huge pink flower!

(Since I don't have a little baby

at home ...I used the next best thing!)

Don't you just love this pink flower?

It just shouts 'LITTLE GIRL'!

*****

Finally ...it's all in the details!

The wrapping!

I always try to use a see-through

cupcake box if I can when

wrapping up baby gifts.

Using a cupcake box makes a

great way to wrap gifts!

I adorned it with the perfect

little stick on design!

And, a nice satin ribbon.

And, finally attached a cute little

brown envelope with a little

message tucked inside!

*****

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my

baby gift. I know there were lots

of pic's, but I just couldn't help it!

It turned out so cute!

Now ...if I can just get my

hands on a photo or two of

the new baby!

LITTLE MISS SOPHIE, Part Two

2009-08-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

LITTLE MISS SOPHIE IS HOME!

Little Miss Sophie is home resting after her

ordeal at the local vet's office.

She was spayed, shot's updated,
blood work taken, heart worm testing,

nails clipped and a micro chip was implanted.

Needless to say she is quite happy to

be back home again.

Though she is a little tired and a little sore,

she will shortly be back to her spunky self!

In the meantime ....I was a wreck!

Little Miss Sophie and I have not really

ever been apart and having her gone all

day yesterday and all night ...it was rough

going for me! So to keep calm ....

I kept my hands busy!

...working on a new project!

My niece is due on Thursday the 20th!

So, I started a cotton hooded bath towel

for the new little baby.

We don't know if it's a boy or girl,

so I'm crocheting it in a wonderful yellow.

Once the baby is here ...I'll add the

corresponding color on the edge!

Either pink or blue! I'll also make up

a couple of baby washcloth's to add to the set!

(You ask ...How do I know for sure the

baby will be here on the 20th?)

C-SECTION!

I love the way this stitch is working up.

It's so thick and soft!

It's quite easy and works up quickly.

I'll post the finished piece in a day or two!

*****

For now ....I'm so glad

Miss Sophie is home again!

Resting comfortably!

POOR SOPHIE!

2009-08-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

OH DEAR!

LITTLE MISS SOPHIE!

I'm stressing a bit! You see tomorrow

Little Miss Sophie will be going to

the vet for spaying! She's not

ever been away from me

and the doctor tells me she will

have to spend the night.

I'm not quite sure who

will be the most upset

...me or Miss Sophie!

I will be so worried until

she is back home!

I'm sending her with her

little binkie in hopes it will comfort

her while she is away!

Now if I can just find something to comfort me!

****

P.S. I Quilt is having a fabulous giveaway! Winner will be announced August 23rd ...so run on over and enter!

REVAMP IT!

2009-08-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

NATASHA BURNS AT 'Artistic Creations'

is having a 'REVAMP IT' style show!

She asked everyone to 'revive something

from your wardrobe or find an interesting piece of

clothing that just needs that extra 'something' to make it

FABULOUS DARLING!' So here is what I revived!

I started with a plain white jersey jacket!

A few doilies ....and,

lace table runners!

I brought out my stash of old linens!

I had actually revamped this jacket several years ago!

To revamp it, I took doilies and lace and started sewing them on in a random pattern until I liked where it was going. I did all the sewing by hand.

For Natasha's 'REVAMP', I took the jacket

and added more beautiful patina lace pieces!

Look at the detail in this vintage crocheted piece.

Tea stained yo-yo's and vintage buttons.

Layers and layers of lace. Part of the table runner is on the back. I cut the table runner in half and sewed it to the back. I took the other half and cut it in half (vertically) and sewed those two pieces to each half of the front jacket.

Up close detail of the back edge.

Detail of one of the shoulders. See, lots of layers of lace!

I also added a bit more detail to the front, continuing the yo-yo detail.

The finished back!

And, this is the finished front!

I hope you have enjoyed my REVAMP IT fashion piece!

****

Please run over to Natasha's to view more

fabulous REVAMP's. She has links to those who

signed up for this event.

SWEET TREATS!

2009-08-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN .....

You take one fabulous cookbook? Add ....

One Chocolate Cake and

One Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie?

Then add .....

....A few peanut butter cups?

You end up with ONE fabulous

COOKIE PIZZA CAKE!

DELICIOUS!!!!!

*****

Copy of recipe can be found here

SUMMER DAYS!

2009-07-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

With hot summer days comes an array of outdoor activities!

ACTIVITY #1

Helping in the garden!

ACTIVITY #2

Making sure the garden soil is just right!

ACTIVITY #3

Are those pototatoes ready for picking?

ACTIVITY #4

Grandpa ...can we pick a few carrots?

ACTIVITY #5

Relaxing a bit in the shade!

ACTIVITY #6

A bit of reading and a glass of cold ice tea!

(My FAVORITE activity!)

*****

So, tell me what is your favorite summer time activity?

******

P.S. I QUILT is having a great giveaway! Hurry on over ...it ends August 1st!

I MUST BE DREAMING!

2009-07-27T15:27:00.001-07:00

OHHHHHH ... TELL ME I'M NOT DREAMING!

I came home Saturday from doing

the usual weekend errands! And...

there waiting for me on the dining table

was this ....

I got a present!

Wait for it ....

Wait ....

Dear Hubby bought me a new C A M E R A!

I've been wanting a new camera forever! A camera that is easy for us non-professionals. A camera with great photo taking ability, but very easy to use! At first I was just looking at the small little CoolPix camera! But, after seeing this L-100 I was sold!

I also got a carrying case, a little table tripod and an 8GB memory card! Now I'm all set to take great new fantastic photo's for my blog!

I am just soooooooooooo happy! Isn't my Hubby the sweetest?

I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THIS!

2009-07-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm just not too sure about this!

These are KAYAK'S!

These are KAYAK paddles!

Or is that technically called an OAR?

And...these are LIFE VESTS!

Dear Hubby recently went to a

'Paddle Fest'!

(Not sure what he's checking in

this pic? Hopefully it's the zipper of the

life vest and not his pants zipper!)

And, there he goes! Out to test kayaking!

Needless to say, he had lots of fun!

(I did too! I stayed on dry land!)

See, there he is! A little further out!

He spent the whole day, just testing

out different kayak's!

And... there he is way, way out in the water! I'm a little concerned? Not because he's out so far ...because he's having too much fun! And, you know what that leads to....

Purchasing a new KAYAK! (Photo uploaded from SeaEagle.) He purchased not one, but two KAYAK'S! You know what that means ...I will no longer be on dry land!

I will DEFINITELY tell you I won't be doing this!

That's just crazy! There's something called

an 'Eskimo Roll' that you need to learn to do before hitting the rapids!

I don't even want to know what that is!

Photo uploaded from SeaEagle.

This is more like it ...this is my kind of KAYAKING!

Calm waters, slow paced, enjoying the scenery!

Oh lordy ...what did that man get me into now?

Photo uploaded from SeaEagle.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

2009-07-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our garden is growing like gangbusters!

We've had cooler than

normal temperatures!

We've had lots and lots of rain!

And, now we have this....

(bare with ...there are lots of photo's)

This is the corn patch!

If you look closely you will see

the little tassels of the baby corn

starting to peep their heads out!

Here's the potato patch!

Hopefully there are potatoes growing

underneath ...the tops sure look great!

Just a snippet of the whole garden! If you remember this, The Urban Farmer then you'll understand my bewilderment in where I thought all these plants were going to go! Half my backyard is now farm land!

There is also lots of squash growing

here and there among the corn and also

a few plants in my front yard.

I do believe The Urban Farmer overestimated what

he thought he needed to fill the garden space!

There are carrots and onions!

And peas, beans and tomatoes. So with so much growing ...

there is bound to be some of this....

FREEZING!

We are already picking some of the

sweet peas! So you start with a few of these.

Trim the ends! Then blanch for

90 seconds! Yes, just 90 seconds!

Then you cool with cold water and ice.

After that you put them in your freezer

bags and they are ready for the freezer!

*****

If you are growing a garden, you might

be interested in this

Blanching Vegetables.

I also purchased this at my local grocery store.

I didn't want to invest in an expensive vacuum sealing

machine. This cost about 14 bucks and the bags are

about $3.50 per box of 14 quart size!

Works for me!

*****
Hope you've enjoyed a bit (okay ...a lot) of our garden!
So, tell me how does your garden grow?

QUILTING BLISS!

2009-07-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

A packaged arrived today!

I was so excited!

My hands were shaking!

My heart was skipping a beat!

You see, it was a special package!

It contained my quilt that I made

from Dana's Sew-Along from

Old Red Barn Co.

Isn't it B E A U T I F U L?

I had sent the quilt off to

Russ and Rhonda from

The BackPorch Quilters

to be quilted. They also assembled

the quilt and added the binding!

This is the back of the quilt.

You can see the beautiful stitching

that Russ and Rhonda did.

See ...there among the colorful

stripes ....Daisy's Galore!

I picked this stitch pattern because I

think it went well with the quilts fabric.

I'm so excited to have it finished!

Here is Dear Hubby holding it up!

He's there, really! He's hiding behind the quilt!

And, here is the finished quilt;

displayed on my living room couch.

I think I'll leave it here for awhile. Just

to be able to enjoy it. I may just

have to stitch up some new pillows.

What do you think?

Gingham, Black & White,

perhaps a few Red pillows thown in?

Really, can you tell I'm so excited to

have my finished quilt back?

I'VE GOT THE 'QUILTING' BUG!

2009-07-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

****

I've got it bad ...really bad!

****

After participating in Dana's Sew-Along

Old Red Barn Co.

I'm totally hooked on quilting again!

I had gotten away from sewing ...

was doing more knitting!

Now nothing is stopping me!

It's sew, sew, sew!

This is my quilt top from the Sew-Along!

I'm waiting for it to be returned from

the quilters! I'm so glad that I joined

the Sew-Along because I found

Russ and Rhonda at

thebackporchquilters

****

How wonderful to have found them.

They are great to do business with and

they do an absolutely beautiful quilting job!

****

I was so happy with the first quilt I did.

I just finished this...

Darling Daughter is visiting and

said she would like to have a

quilt. So after picking out

her colors ...pink of course with

black and brown.

This is the second Sew-Along

quilt I finished.

It's going to be mailed out the
end of the week to Russ and Rhonda
for quilting! I'm so happy to
have finished two quilts so quickly!

I also want to work on this lovely
little thing! I got fabric over a
year ago to do this! Now I'm anxious
to get it started. It's from Allsorts Blog!

I've got the QUILT BUG really bad!
I've been reading through some
quilter's magazines and books!
I just found these two
books on Jelly Rolls
written by
a mother and daughter team
....Pam & Nicky Lintott.
You can find the books here
Layer-Cake-Jelly-Charm-Quilts

After reading Pam & Nicky's book.
I got these packages!
I could hardly wait to open them.

They contained wonderfully
delicious Jelly Rolls!
The Jelly Rolls consist of
Mary Englebreit's --'Recipe of Friends' & 'Basket of Flowers'
Chloe's Closet -- 'Hello Betty'
Me & My Sister -- 'Oh, Cherry, Oh'

I have sooooo many quilting ideas! I just need to find more time in the day to get them all sewn up!

*****

HAPPY QUILTING! HAPPY SEWING!

JUST PLAIN HAPPY!

*****

CELEBRATE!

2009-07-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE

AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

CELEBRATION!

“Let every nation know,

whether it wishes us well or ill,

we shall pay any price,

bear any burden, meet any hardship,

support any friend,

oppose any foe,

to assure the survival

and success of liberty.”

'John F. Kennedy'

*****

On this 4th of July let us celebrate and remember all

those who serve to protect our freedom and

those who have given the ultimate

sacrafice so that we can celebrate

that freedom.

TIME FOR SALADS!

2009-06-30T14:20:00.001-07:00

*****

With temperatures rising ....

it's time for salads!

Today we made a huge

bowl of pasta salad!

Here's how we make it!

Start with a large bowl and add

chopped carrots, zucchini, sweet pea's,

yellow squash, and a bit of celery!

Actually you can use whatever vegetables

appeal to your family!

Then....

We precook our pasta for about 6-7 minutes.

Then we add broccoli and cauliflower and

blanch for 2-3 minutes.

Drain well.

We use 1 package of Cheese Tortellini and 2 boxes

of Tri-Colored Pasta.

Next we add chopped green onions and those

little bitty tomatoes cut in half.

We also add 1 can of diced black olives to the mix.

Lastly, the whole bowl is mixed well with

a bottle of 'Kraft' Free Zesty Italian!

And, there you have it!

Four large containers of YUMMY

Pasta Salad!

******

A versatile and easy summer

recipe! You can really add what

you want ...it's always delicious!

Ready to grab for a quick

lunch or dinner!

SUPER CUTE TOTE!

2009-06-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

I adore these kitchen towels from

Anne Marie Horner!

http://store.annamariahorner.com/piboguto.html

I was visiting in 'blogland' today and found these adorable towels

which can be turned into a beautiful tote!

And....I adore totes!

Another delightful kitchen towel

design from Anna Marie is here

http://store.annamariahorner.com/pitoco.html

****

You can find a tutorial for these totes at

http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2009/06/two-girls-4-dishtowels-lots-of-trips-to.html

(photo uploaded from AnnaMarie's Blog)

*****

If you have not visited Anna Marie's Blog before

I highly suggest that you run on over for a peak!

I adore her creativity!

I'm off to purchase my kitchen towels!

Geezzzzz ...I better get busy with so many

projects on my to do list!

PRETTY PILLOW PROJECT!

2009-06-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

I was out visiting friends in blogland this morning and found this little project over at

Pam Kitty Morning

I am totally feeling the love with this pretty pillow! It's a new project from

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/06/sweet-n-shabby-woven-pillow-cover.html

This is a different version. It uses Chenille Bias Tape! Yep, that's right! Am I the only one who has not seen this?

You can find it here at Erica's or just do a Google search for 'Chenille It'. If I get any free time this week, you can bet I'll be sitting at my sewing machine sewing on this little project! I love both pillow tops ...but I'm really feeling the love with the Chenille.

So how about you? What's your favorite project this week?

SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT!

2009-06-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted in eight days!

Soooooo much has been going on...

FIRST TO TALK ABOUT....

Dear Sweet Daughter came to visit for the

summer! I'm so excited to have her home for so long.

We are having tons of fun and even more laughter!

Lucky me to have her back home again!

*****

SECOND TOPIC OF DISCUSSION....

Remember this ....The Urban Farmer

Well, The Urban Farmer's garden looks like this now!

The garden is actually fuller now with all

the rain we've been getting!

The Urban Farmer is quite happy!

*****

THIRD TOPIC OF DISCUSSION!

Is the RedBarnCo. sew along!

I'm all caught up and we are in week 5!

This week we are putting the quilt

together and quilting it.

I have opted to send my quilt to

Russ at "The Back Porch Quilters".

Should be mailing it off the first of

the week! I'm so excited!

Russ will quilt the top using

a long-arm machine and he

will do the binding as well!

Can't beat that! And...

all for a reasonable charge!

Well worth all that he does!

This Sew-Along has been loads of fun!

Here's my finished quilt top!

Not a great picture! But enough

to get the gest of it!

The quilt top turned out

to be 55" x 75".

I'm lik'in the colors! I wanted

bright and cheery! The backing that

I got for it is a small stripe with most of

the colors from the quilt top!

Think it's going to look cute!

I'll post more pic's once I get it back

from the quilters!

****

SEE YOU ALL SOON!

HAVE A FANTASTIC

WEEKEND AND

A HAPPY 'FATHER'S DAY'!

LOOK WHO'S KNITTING!

2009-06-10T08:51:00.001-07:00

Sweet Darling Granddaughter!

****

I was babysitting yesterday and remembered I

had purchased this on my recent trip to California....

I was saving this for a special time

when it was just the two of us.

This is such a wonderful kit.

For ages 5+. It has everything

in it to begin learning how

to 'spool' knit. Just the

right thing for a little one.

So, we spent a good portion of the

day learning to 'spool' knit.

She's so excited! She ran around

the house chanting ...

I'm knitting, I'm knitting!

****

Makes a 'Grandma' proud!

****

Then we made these....

YUMMO - Chocolate Chip Cookies!

What a way to end a good knit day!

Warm cookies and a glass of cold milk!

2009-06-03T15:10:00.001-07:00

OH PLEASE TELL ME .

...IT'S JUST NOT SEW!

Oh, but it is!

****

I'm afraid that I'm starting a new project!

Yep, like I need to start a new project!

I have so many UFO's right now,

I'd be really C R A Z Y to start a new sewing project;

let alone starting a quilt!

But, it's true! Call me crazy!

Really, I was just minding my own

business visiting friends in blogland

and then I found this

http://calamitykim.typepad.com/calamity_kim/2009/06/what-to-do-this-summer.html

ClamityKim introducted me to this

http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/2009/06/quilt-along-week-3-giveaway-too.html

The Old Red Barn Co. is having a

SewAlong! It just sounded like too much

fun. It's six weeks long, each week we work

on a different part of the quilt. The Sew Along

is already in week 3, but I just know I'll

catch up by tomorrow.

I went out and bought my fabric today

and cut them in the required strips.

Tomorrow I'll sew the strips and

cut the blocks and just like

that I'll be all caught

up and ready for week 4.

Here is a sampling of the fabric I purchased.

You need half yard pieces of 12 different

prints. Most of the pieces come from

'Bubblegum Basics' by Barbara Jones of

Quiltsoup for Henry Glass & Co.

I was looking for fun and whimsical. Not sure if I achieved that, but I like the overall look of the prints and colors.

And ....here are my strips!

All cut nice and neat in 2 1/2" widths.

Tomorrow I'll sew and will share the

completed blocks.

This is going to be so fun!

Like going to a sewing class, without

leaving home!

Call me C R A Z Y! But, I think I'm

going to like this SewAlong!

2009-05-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

I'm home!
After spending a bit of quality time
with Daughter Dear and friends in
California; I've finally returned home!
****
It was a fabulous visit and I was treated
to a wonderful day at the spa complete
with sauna and steam room! It was
heavenly!
****
Since being home it seems with spring
comes numerous home projects
to keep me busy. Dear Hubby
and I are currently working to refurbish
our front yard. Since moving in we have
devoted most of our spring planting time
to our backyard. Now it's time for
some great curb appeal for the front.
The only great thing that my front yard
currently has going for it is the
fact that I have 19 rose bushes!
With that said ....

Here is a sampling of what I cut yesterday!

My roses are gorgeous this year!
With so many bushes ...there are so many colors.

Roses, Roses, Roses!
Roses everywhere!

Just a small sampling of the
beautiful shapes, sizes and colors!

For these I just cut ...
I used one of my favorite
vases! Two sweet love birds!

I really don't think the photo does
justice ...the bouquet is gorgeous!
A full two dozen roses ...all in one vase!
Simply gorgeous!
****
So what favorite flower is
blooming in your garden?

TAKING A BREAK!

2009-05-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a short break from blogging!

I'm off for a short trip with my sister!

My Sweet Little Niece is having a

baby and we're off to attend the baby shower!

I also have an alternative reason for

going on this trip!

Some much needed R&R

...and, I plan on getting lots of that!

I hear there may be a Spa involved!

I'll be back in 'blogland' by the end of the month!

EXPERIMENTING!

2009-05-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with beads!

What happens when you play with
a few beads, some 'very' fine

metallic yarn, and a very small

needle?

You get a knitted bracelet!

I started by stringing 200 or so

assorted beads onto the thread.

Then I knit adding beads throughout.

The experiment ...work in progress!

And this is one of the bracelet's. This one is now listed in my Etsy shop.

To top it off ...I'm packaging the bracelet in this beautiful vintage envelope box. I'm working on other bracelet designs so stay tuned.

Isn't it amazing what can happen when you put a few wonderful things together?

WHAT'S ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE?

2009-04-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

A Touch of Spring!

That's what's on my coffee table!

I had filled a cloche with

faux chocolate eggs for Easter!

I thought it too pretty to put away

right now!

So ....

I added another one of my glass pieces filled with a little nest!

and....lilacs from the garden!

One of my favorite flowers.
The simplicity of them is beautiful.

Also tucked away inside the
little nest is
a little silver charm with the word 'NEST'!
How perfect!

So ....
what do you have
on your coffee table today?

THE URBAN FARMER...

2009-04-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

In lieu of 'Earth Day' ....

I give you ....

The Urban Farmer

(aka Dear Hubby)

The Urban Farmer came to be about

two months ago when DH

wanted a bigger garden.

Is the 'Urban Farmer' myth, legend or fact?

You be the judge!

As the story goes,

it all started late one night ...

The Urban Farmer had an idea!

Plant a bigger garden ...

with more crop ... with more seed ...

with more land!

So ...The Urban Farmer began his journey!

He planted and planted and planted!

Mind you ...The Urban Farmer did all of

this at the kitchen table!

The little plantings grew and grew and grew!
They grew too fast. The Urban Farmer said
that the seedlings would sprout in four to
six weeks ...they sprouted in days!

Those little seedlings are everywhere.
The Urban Farmer says the weather is
not cooperating ...it's suppose to be
Spring; but it's acting more like Winter.

The little seedlings are suppose to
be here ....instead they are ....

HERE!

Gotta love 'em! Why else would the
Urban Farmer's Wife put up with
shelves of sprouting seeds in her
living room and dining room?
****
Here's hoping that the weather
warms up very soon so that
The Urban Farmer can
get his crop in the ground!
****
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
(One day late)

Granny Square

2009-04-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with Granny Square's.

There is just something mesmerizing

about working on Granny's. I think it's the

constant repeat of the pattern; you can just

sit and be very quiet and meditative.

I finished this little blanket for my niece. She is

expecting her second baby in August. She and

hubby have decided not to know the

sex of the new baby. So I guessed on

the color's she is painting the nursery.

I used two shades of turquoise along with

a tweed which has some of the

turquioise color running through

it ...and cream. I love the calmness that the

colors evoke. Very beachy!

I added a slightly ruffled edge once the

blanket was complete. I used a pattern

from Nicky Epstein's 'Crocheting on the Edge'.

You can find the book here

http://www.amazon.com/Crocheting-Edge-Bobbles-Ruffles-Scallops/dp/1933027355

I'm really happy with how this

little blanket turned out.

I used Plymouth Encore. It's such

a versatile yarn ...75% Acrylic and 25% Wool.

The warmth of wool, but the washability of acrylic.

The Purl Bee has a great
tutorial on Granny's.
http://www.purlbee.com/granny-square-project/

WHEN LIFE IS WHIRLING AROUND YOU ...

2009-04-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

When you find that life is

whirling around you, and you

don't quite know which way to turn

...this is what you do!

You first find a comfy place to relax ....

Then you pour yourself a nice cuppa tea....

and then .....

You KNIT!

Darling Daughter picked this out on one of her visits.

This is what I'm working on while taking a break from the world!

This pattern calls for Noro 'Silk Garden' sock yarn.

I'm using color #S84.

There is a wonderful selection of Noro Yarn here

http://www.yarnmarket.com/knitting/Noro_Yarn-441.html

It's a super cute shrug ....

From this new Noro yarn pattern book. The patterns are absolutely adorable. Darling Daughter also picked out a few more items she wanted from this book. The next one I'll be working on is....

....this adorable jacket. It's made with a new Noro Yarn called "Taiyo". A cotton blend version of Silk Garden that's also self-striping like Kureyon.

I'm hoping that a few hours of quiet time will slow the world down for me just a bit ...and make me feel a whole lot better!

POOR KITTY....

2009-04-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Poor Miss Lilly....

Last week we discovered Miss Lilly was not well.

It seems one of her little ears had a BIG problem.

Her little ear had swollen so much; that it seemed at trip to the vet was in order.

Seems she developed a Hematoma. This is where a small blood vessel that runs within the walls of the ear burst causing it to bleed; thus causing it to swell. The vet said that it could have been a bump or a bite that caused it. We aren't sure how it happened.

We only know that ....

Miss Lilly is not a happy cat!

She needed surgery to repair it and now must

be humiliated by wearing this silly looking collar!

*****

Dear Hubby seems to think he knows the culprit that caused all the trouble ...

Miss Sophie ...the new puppy! Dear Hubby is sure of it ...who else would take a nip of Miss Lilly's ear? I say there's no proof ...how could a little face like that do such damage? I won't believe it until Dear Hubby can prove it!

Miss Lilly looks so sad ...but, the collar did come off! You can see her little ear! It will probably always have a little crook in it now. The bad news is .....

...the collar is back on. Today there was more swelling and another trip to the vet. Seems Miss Lilly doesn't like having stitches in her ear either. So after a few more stitches ...this time the collar stays on for two whole weeks!

WIP's

2009-03-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

CAN YOU GUESS?

I've been trying to get my WIP finished up.

I finally finished these! YEA!

These socks have been pleading with

me to finish them. Finally they are done!

Aren't they beautiful?

I knit these with a Lorna's Lace Sock Yarn called 'Circus'.

They are nice and warm and they make me smile!

(The banding came out even on the right sock;

not sure what happened on the left.) Not complaining!

I'm just glad they are done!

Now I'm working on these! I have one sock finished in each color! Since I work the traditional way ....I use double pointed needles to make my socks. I try to work on two at a time ...that way it doesn't seem to take as long to finish a pair. Makes no sense; but that's how I work! These socks are made with 'Fannie's Fingering Weight' yarn. They are kettle dyed by Farmhouse Yarns. I love how they are turning out. Just simple plain socks, but oh how beautiful they look!

I'm off to work on other WIP ...I have many! When and if they are ever completed I'll be back to post them for you!

*****

I almost forgot ...a blogland friend is having a giveaway.

Kim over at 'CalamityKim' is having the most spectacular giveaway. Please visit her here and take a look...

http://calamitykim.typepad.com/calamity_kim/2009/03/calamity-kims-apron-celebration-giveaway.html

(I'm secretly keeping my fingers crossed that I might win this wonderful giveaway!)

WHY I GET NOTHING DONE!

2009-03-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

I only have TWO reasons

for never-ever getting

anything completed throughout the day ....

REASON #1

and ....REASON #2!!!!

My two grandchildren ...they are adorable, I lov'em to death ...but, oh how they exhaust me!

VINTAGE PILLOWCASES

2009-03-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

I hit the motherload of Vintage Pillowcases!

I've been wanting to make a few things from Vintage Pillowcase.

Though I have a few, I wanted more!

(Don't we always want more?)

The 'Vintage God's' were looking down upon me,

because when I went to check out EBAY

....they took me right to these!

Only 1 minute left to bid ...was I in time?

...did I land the 'motherload'?

Yes, yes indeedy!

It was just 'meant to be'.

These vintage pillowcases were destined for my sewing room.

Aren't they great? Some are matching ...

A few have great colors and beautiful flowers.

And, some have gorgeous embroidery!
When and if I ever get extra time to sew up
a few delights ...I'll be posting them.
Atleast when I'm ready to sit down at the old
sewing machine ...there will be plenty of
vintage pillowcases to choose from.
****
How about you? What wonderful ideas do
you have for the use of vintage pillowcases?

MY CREATIVE SPACE REDO!

2009-03-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

Finally ....my dream space has become a reality!

Since moving to my current house I have been

lucky enough to have a room of my own.

Only problem ...it's never been what I

pictured in my head! You know that

feeling ...you have a vision, but in reality

it's just not happening!

Well, now I have my dream space

and I'm lovin' it!

Now I just need to find the time

to spend in my new

space!

(Please bare with me ...lots of photo's.)

THE BEFORE PHOTO'S....

How could anybody

work among this mess?

Totally unorganized!

So many projects

....I just couldn't possibly get to anything!

Forget even getting to the closet

...much less getting into the closet.

Really? This is

totally embarrasing!

******

But now

....it looks like this!

I am so in love

with my new creative space!

I can finally breathe!

My room can breathe!

I have a great work table now!

I took down the shelving around

the work tables. I now have

a beautiful inspiration

wall!

I created this banner a while ago! I never really got to enjoy it, but now ....it's the center of my inspiration wall. The piece below it ...an old screen that I've been carrying around for years; I never new what to do with it! Now, it's part of my inspiration wall! The screen works as a magnet board! How genius it that?

I made two project boards using

foamboard. I covered them with

some pretty pink quilted fabric

that I already had!

I created some quick inspiration using embroidery hoops and some wonderful fabrics.

I'm embarrased to say I have not one, not two ....but,

FOUR ...count them four sewing machines!
Okay ...so one is an embellisher machine.
One is a serger.
One is a sewing/embroidery machine.
And ...then there is just the machine to sew with!

Okay ...so here is my new dream

space! Big improvement, don't you think?

Now

...if I could just 'Live the Creative Life'!

PS ...Just a note! I did not buy anything

new to create my new room. Everything created

'new' for the room were from things I

found while cleaning the room!

And, the great work table? It was stuck

in the laundry room doing nothing. Now

it has purpose!

THE BEST SURPRISE EVER!

2009-03-08T15:15:00.001-07:00

I WAS GIVEN THE BEST SURPRISE THIS PAST WEEK!

*****

My birthday was Wednesday!

Family and I were getting

ready to

go out to dinner to celebrate!

Number One Son came to the door

and said he was just stopping

in to see if we were ready to leave.

Then he said ....

'somebody is out here wanting

to know if they could

come in and use the restroom.'

*****

I was a little confused,

a little like what the heck?

And, then I looked out the

front window and look who was there....

My B E A U T I F U L Darling Daughter!

*****

She was my surprise!

The whole family was in on it ...

everyone but me!

A total surprise!

Darling Daughter and

Sweet Hubby had

been conspiring

since January!

They made all the arrangements

and Daughter Dear

flew in from California

just for my birthday!

No gift on earth could have

been better than this one!

****

What a huge surprise and

what a wonderful gift!

Needless to say ....

I had a MAGNIFICANT birthday!

ANOTHER KNITTING OBSESSION

2009-02-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

I'm onto another knitting obsession!

I've recently found this pattern

'Misty Chunky Ribs & Ruffles Scarf

http://www.mistialpaca.com/patterns.php?type_pattern_id=5

It's knitted with scrumptious

Misti Alpaca 100% Baby Alpaca!

And.... it's a super easy and fast pattern!

Simple ribbed scarf with a touch of ruffles!

It's knit on Size 13 needles.

The finished scarf measures about 5" x 48".

If you are looking for a quick and

easy project ...try this one!

Can you guess what holiday

I'm knitting this for???

St. Patrick's Day, of course!

MIRACLES

2009-02-22T17:11:00.001-08:00

Miracles

and

Mysterious Visitors

Please let me introduce to you the

most wonderful book!

It's a book full of astonishing and moving

real-life stories that reveal the truth

about angels and the many

forms they take in our lives today.

****

This book was sent to my by Kathy

at Kathy's Cottage.

http://www.kathyscottage.blogspot.com/

Please pop on over for a visit.

She has a wonderous blog and an

even more wonderful heart.

Which brings me to the purpose of this book.

This book is to be circulated among fellow blogland friends.

*****

The book started with Kathryn at

http://www.kathrynbechenink.blogspot.com/

She too, has a wonderful blog

and is a professional writer.

She has a story published

in the book 'Miracles'.

She first sent the book to Kathy;

Kathy in turn sent the book to me.

It is now my turn to forward the book

to a fellow blogger who might feel they

are in need of a little 'angel' help.

*****

I will send the book to the first

person who emails me requesting it.

There are no strings attached, other than

you must promise to continue the

chain of forwarding the book to

a fellow blogger once you are done

reading it!

That's it! Just request the book ...

I'll mail it to you ...

once you have read it ...

forward it to a fellow blogger!

*****

When emailing me

...please include your name and address

so that I know where to send the book!

DOLLY'S VALENTINE SWAP!

2009-02-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

Recently Dolly from My Cherry Heart hosted here second 'Vintage Valentine Swap'. It was wonderful once again. You must visit her to check out some of the beautiful items she received.

http://frommycherryheart.blogspot.com/

My partner was Cathy at Cranberry Cottage. I received her gift last week ...so without further delay here's a few of the wonderful items she sent me.

http://cranberrycottage.blogspot.com/

I love surprises ...oh, what could be inside?

It's a beautiful handmade tote! Isn't it wonderful?

And look ...it's full of some wonderful things!

Cathy sent me some lovely scents from her own

Etsy store. She makes the most wonderful natural products.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5093605

Beautiful ...right?

Everything was packaged up so cute!

Thank you Cathy!

It was wonderful to get to know you a little.

And ...thank you Miss Dolly

for hosting such another wonderful event!

Here's a peek of what I sent to Miss Cathy!

A Tisket, A Tasket! It's a basket!

Full of lots of wonderful goodies!

Oh ...I'm feel'n the L O V E!

FRIENDSHIP

2009-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise the other day when

there was a knock on the door.

No one ever knocks ...who could it be?

I have not ordered anything

...so I knew it was not a package of sorts.

*****

Oh ...who; oh who could it be?

Dear Hubby went to answer

....and returned with a box for me!

I was surprised, I was curious

...who; oh who could it be from?

It was from my very best friend

in the whole world! She surprised

me with this....

Aren't they B E A U T I F U L?

I was just in the need for something to lift my spirits!

And then ....there was a knock on the door!

Oh Miss Pat ...you know me so well!

Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Your flowers were not only a surprise, but

they made my heart S M I L E!

Your Friend Always!

AND....THE WINNER IS?

2009-02-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

ONE WORLD ONE HEART 2009

http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/

*****

The winner of my

OWOH Giveaway is

Debra from 'It's All Good'

http://willnnabel.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Debra!

I will be in touch with you very

shortly to get

your mailing information!

(The winner was chosen using a

random generated number program.)

*****

A big THANK YOU to Lisa Swifka

from 'A Whimisical Bohemian'.

http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/

*****

You hosted yet another wonderful event!

A huge success with over

900 participants!

What an inspiring and creative

person you are and what a

wonderful way you

have created for all of us

in blogland to be able to

meet and mingle with one another!

THANK YOU!

ONE WORLD - ONE HEART

2009-02-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder ...

My One World - One Heart Giveaway is closed.

http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/

Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Good Luck to everyone who entered and thank you for visiting!

This year OWOH was a huge success.

With a grand total of 911 participants!

LOOK WHAT I GOT!

2009-02-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

I GOT A PRESENT ....well, my mommy and me!

Look, look and see....

it's from my 'Auntie' in Minnesota!

She made this beautiful quilt! Look ...there I am!

How did she do it? ...she put me there; right onto a quilt!

It's made just my size ..it's so soft and snuggly!

She designed this special quilt just for me (and Mommy too)!

It's made from flannel cotton fabric with appliqued hearts and bones and ...

of course; there's me!

Isn't it cute? It's so special
...I will use it often and treasure it more!

THANK YOU ...dear Auntie!

I LOVE MY NEW BLANKIE!

THE LOVE OF APRONS!

2009-02-05T21:05:00.001-08:00

(apron-ology)

*****

Have you heard?

Have you seen it?

It's spectacular!

If you have a love for aprons, or a love for vintage, or just a plain old love for creative and beautiful works of art ...then you have to get this magazine!

Aprons with attitude!

I wanted to share just a few of my favorites! ...This one is just gorgeous ...the best of both worlds linens and kerchiefs!

This one is by Andrea Taling and you can find her here

http://vintagebellastudio.blogspot.com/

And this one ...is designed and made by none other than Calamity Kim.

She designs and makes some of the most interesting aprons I have every seen. She is one creative and talented and inspiring artist. You can view her blog here
http://calamitykim.typepad.com/

This apron just blows my mind! It's knit, can you imagine a knitted apron?

This imaginative, delightful creation is by Pamela Powers. Her website is here

http://artfiberdesign.com/Art_Fiber_Design/Welcome.html

Last, but certainly not least is this beautiful vintage apron designed and made by Kathleen Grace at Kathy's Cottage. She makes the most fabulous vintage creations. I admire her talent and her creativity.

Kathleen created this wonderful linen and lace creation from her Grandmother's treasured fabrics. She even made the tiny little charm hanging from the pocket with the simple word 'nest'. You can visit Kathleen here http://www.kathyscottage.blogspot.com/

******

These are only a few of the many aprons featured in this magazine! You won't be disappointed! I have no vested interest in this magazine ....only a love for vintage linens and lace!

FELTING, FELTING, FELTING

2009-02-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

Things have been so busy around here! I haven't had time to breathe! Dear Hubby is gone this week. He's in frigid Minnesota on business. I'm watching the new puppy, watching the grandkids, trying to clean out and reorganize our house ...and on top of all that....

trying to get some crafting squeezed in!

I signed up last month for a 'Design Your Own Felted Bag'. I didn't sign up for the instruction actually, I signed up to learn about how to graph my own designs. It was lots of fun and I learned a lot. I completed my bag this week so here it is!

First, you must start with lots of beautiful colors! I used Cascade 220! It's hard to decide what colors to use ...there are so many wonderful ones to choose from.

Here is the bag in progress! I did graph out my design and tweaked it along the way. For some reason I was into black and white checkerboard. I just had to work that in.

See ...checkerboard!

The completed bag came out to be about 20" x 22" before felting.

Ta-da! The felted bag! I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out. A lot of designing and knitting this bag was an experiment. I learned a lot of what works and what doesn't ...next 'designer' bag will be tweaked a bit. After felting this bag turned out to be about 16" x 18". I think I'm going to add a lining of some black and white checkerboard fabric with a few pockets here and there. I think this bag is destined to become another knitting tote bag.

*****

Another reminder to visit my "One World-One Heart" post. There is still time to enter the big giveaway. The deadline is February 11, winner will be announced February 12th!

http://inspiredtokens.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart.html

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PINK!

2009-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

Sweet Daughter requested a baby gift!

So .........here it is!

I knit this beautiful baby blanket and it speaks nothing but 'little girl'. The blanket is a blend of pinks, purples, blues, yellows and hints of green! It's adorned with pink and white polka dot ribbon with pretty bows tied in the corners. To go along ...a pretty pink beanie!

Adorable!

I package all of my baby items in 'cupcake' boxes and a pretty tulle bow. For this little one ...nothing but PINK!

I also include two vintage tags! There ...all ready for gift giving!

****

Don't forget to visit my 'ONE WORLD-ONE HEART' post for the big giveaway. You can visit it here

http://inspiredtokens.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart.html

ONE WORLD - ONE HEART

2009-01-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED AND GOOD LUCK!

WINNER ANNOUNCED TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 12, 2009!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART

has begun and I do hope that you will join along. OWOH is sponsored by Lisa Swifka. from ‘A Whimiscal Bohemian.’ OWOH is a world wide giveaway with a chance to meet and visit blogs from all over the world.

You can find Lisa’s creative and artful blog here

http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/

This is the third year that Lisa has hosted this gathering, but it’s the first year that I have signed up to participate. The idea behind OWOH is to get as many participants as possible to join in. Lisa developed OWOH as a way for fellow bloggers to meet new and wonderful people from all walks of life.

If you go here

you will find the list of participants. There is no need to be signed up as a participant in order to participate. The idea behind Lisa’s dream is for fellow bloggers to visit one another …like visiting an ‘open house’. Each participant who signs up hosts an open house …at each home there is a sampling of goodies that you have a chance to take home like a door prize. At each home you visit, you leave a comment and on February 12th a winner from each OWOH participant will be announced. You must leave your comments on this post in order to be considered for the drawing. I will also need to be able to contact you in the event that you might be the winner of my giveaway, so be sure to leave a contact link.

MY ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY!
*****
FROM MY HEART TO YOURS!

My Giveaway is open to EVERYONE worldwide with an active blog.
You DO NOT have to be signed up as a participant to enter; you just need to have an active blog.

For my giveaway, I have lovingly knit a ‘Friendship Shawl’. I thought it appropriate given the meaning behind OWOH. The shawl is made from ‘Homespun’ yarn, a blend of 98% Acrylic and 2% Polyester. (I chose this yarn as to not rule out anyone whom might be allergic to any type of wool yarn.) It’s completely machine washable and dryable. The main body of the shawl is knit in an oatmeal color with three bands of color shaded from greens, to blues, to rusts. I finished off the ends of the shawl with a crocheted scalloped edge. Included with the shawl is a lovely handmade stickpin; ….and what would a shawl be without a book to cozy up with.
I have chosen James Patterson’s ‘Sundays at Tiffany’s’.

My gift!

From my heart to yours!

'SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S'

What if your imaginary friend from childhood was your one true love?

The shawl measures approximately 22" x 60"!

I’m so glad that you have taken time out to travel the road of OWOH. I wish you joy and happiness throughout your travels. I do hope that you meet new friends along the way or perhaps reacquaint yourself with old friends.
Please be sure to leave a comment on this post to be considered for this giveaway!

I will announce the winner on February 12th! Please leave a comment on this post to be entered.

********

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED!

(After receiving 417 comments! WOW!)

********

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW

FEBRUARY 12, 2009!

********

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO

PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEARS OWOH!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR ....

2009-01-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

COLD SEASON ....

Too late for this ....

I think I need this ....

and, these too!

Soup is in the crock pot ......

then it's off to bed for me!

*****

How 'bout you?

Has the nasty cold bug struck you?

Knitting Obsession

2009-01-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

I've found a new knitting obsession!

(Yea!!!....like I really need another

obsessive project to work on!)

FINGERLESS GLOVES

I found this pattern in the book 'Last Minute Knitted Gifts' by

Joelle Hoverson. You can find the book here

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Minute-Knitted-Gifts-Joelle-Hoverson/dp/1584793678

The book is full of wonderfully beautiful and quick projects.

I found the book quite by accident. Dear Daughter was coming to visit

over the holidays and I wanted something quick that I could knit up

to give to her on her arrival. I found this adorable pattern and knit her

up a pair in the most gorgeous BlueSky's Alpaca yarn.

Since then I just can't get enough of these little guys.

Here's the makings of a pair using a great self stripping yarn.

This yarn is Adriafil KnitCol Trends. Color Number 49.

Here's the small pile of DK weight yarn just waiting to be knit into little 'fingerless gloves'. ....everybody in the family has put in an order or two for these!

Making these, along with lots of other UFO's. I have vowed that I will get through most of my stash this year! I WILL NOT! I repeat WILL NOT buy anymore yarn!

Yea ...like that will actually happen!

******

SOPHIE UPDATE!

Little Miss Sophie is doing just great! She has adjusted to her new home and is full of fun! She has added so much to our family and to my heart. Since she arrived just a week ago ...her second ear has popped up! Isn't she just the cutiest little thing?