Almost Afraid To...

I'm almost afraid to start another post after losing the one I
worked so hard on yesterday.  But, here goes nothing!

Today I decided it was time to get some more pillowcases
cut and sewn for the "1 Million Pillowcase Challenge"
since my friend from Logan will be coming down Tuesday
and my other sewing friend needs more to do.  We will
be taking them to one of our favorite quilt shops, "Pine
Needles", where they will distribute them to local charities.
What a great blessing it has been to find a new and quick way
to use up fabric left over from my business.

It is exciting to see the empty cardboard holders lining up
and knowing that all this fabric will bless the lives of others.
Right now we have 67 pillowcases either stitched or in the
process of being sewn.  I really appreciate JoAnn and Stacie
and their willingness to help me use up this fabric.  I can't
help but smile when I walk in to my sewing room and
see my shelfs filling up with completed pillowcases.  Need
to get out my camera and snap some pictures!

Because my arm has been swelling a little the past couple of
days, I've had to limit my activities.  This lymphodema that I
deal with drives me crazy.  But, I have to remind myself that
it's ok because I am still here!  It's just that it's hard to be
limited at times as to what I can do.  Kinda think cutting all
the fabric for the pillow cases and sitting way too long
quilting has caused my arm to swell a little.  So, guess I'll
have to sit and stitch this evening...which will be good
because "Brutus the Cat" keeps calling me to finish him.

Tomorrow I work and then am having my family all over
so we can celebrate my daughter's birthday.  Hoping that
while everyone is here we can connect up with my other
son and his fiancee via Skype.  So, probably won't get much
sewing done.  But, maybe it will be good to take a short
break.

Re: To Do Lists

I am feeling very frustrated!  Just lost my post I was
writing about my "To Do Lists".  I thought I had
saved it as a draft, but apparently not.  Must have
hit the delete key because it is no where to be found!
Guess I will have to add "How To Save Your Blog
Entry" to my "To Do List".

Think I'll go climb in bed, read my book and call it a day.

Thursday's To Do List

DAYBOOK

Tuesday already and time for another Daybook entry!

Time is surely flying by!

Outside my window... The sun is shining, the sky is clear and

the mountains are covered in a light blanket of snow.

I am thinking...  How blessed I am to live where we enjoy

the four distinct seasons of the year.

I am thankful for...  Daily "checking in" phone calls from

my daughter.

I am wearing...  My usual wardrobe of levi's, shirt and socks.

Every week when I enter this, I think I really need to find some-

thing different to wear.  But, then I love these comfy clothes, so

guess I won't be changing anytime soon.

I am remembering...  My Mother and how she was known as

the "hat lady".  My sister is writing a little memory of Mother and

her hats.  She always wore a hat and had a hat for every

occasion.  Even when she traveled, she came home with a new hat.

Although she had beautiful white hair, she still covered it with

a hat.  When she passed away, my daughter did a floral arrangement

with one of her hats.  We all have one of her hats as a keepsake...

even my granddaughter has one in her dress-up container.

I am going...  quilt on my bunny quilt today and sew more

pillow cases.

I am currently reading... The Ensign Magazine.  I'm a

little behind on my issues.

I am hoping...  run some errands this afternoon.

On my mind...  Making tax appointment and finishing

compiling my taxes.

Noticing that...  Spring is not too far off.  Found pansies

and crocus' in bloom yesterday.

Pondering these words...  A paragraph from Pres. Thomas 

S. Monson in the ENSIGN regarding learning lessons from the past...

"In the search for our best selves, several questions will guide

our thinking.  Am I what I want to be?  Am I closer to the

Savior today than I was yesterday?  Will I be closer yet

tomorrow?  Do I have the courage to change for the better?" 

From the kitchen...  Hot chocolates, toast, and banana

Around the house...  Same old, same old

One of my favorite things...   Brisk early morning walks

and the late winter sun warming me as I walk.

I am wishing that...  Time was not moving so quickly.

From my picture journal...  a few of Mother's hats

These are her more dressy hats.  

It's Been Awhile....

It has been awhile since I added to my "1,000 Gifts" so
thought I'd take a little time and reflect upon some more
gifts I have to be grateful for.

102.  Shared chocolates
103.  Looking forward to a new daughter-in-law
104.  Daughter and family home safely
105.  Returning health of a friend
106.  More daylight hours
107.  Signs that spring can't be too far away

(Just saw these as I was walking by my front yard flower
garden)

108.  The sound of happy children's voices
109.  Watching my children and grandchildren play
          Nintendo
110.  My Ipod as I take my daily walks
111.  Pictures my grandchildren make and give me
112.  Valentine cards in the mail
113.  Garbage collector's
114.  My Five Senses
115.  Awesome neighbors
116.  Thoughtful children
117.  Melting Snow
118.  Son-in-law who fixed my blinds
119.  The smell and taste of freshly baked bread
120.  Winter sunsets
121.  My port is clear

P.S.  It's ready to be quilted, finally!  I just may get it
done by Easter!

Quilter Blogs.Com

Just wanted to share with you who may not be aware
of a website for quilting blogs I just found.  I am excited
about it as there are dozens of quilting related blogs to
read all found in one place!  I have a link on my side
if you want to learn more about them.  There is also a
free classified section to learn about services, fabrics,
etc. in your local area.  Here is the website:
http://www.freequiltclassifieds.com/I'm excited to become a part of the quilting blogs and
look forward to meeting some wonderful new friends
and getting new ideas and just being motivated and
lifted by those who have the same love I do for quilting.

"I Remember... "

" I remember your making many lovely things and the
handmade gifts you have given me over the years,
starting with a patchwork pillow with a yellow ruffle."


This is the memory I pulled from my little jar a few days
ago.  My sister made a "Memory Jar" for me this past
Christmas and each day I pull a typewritten memory
slip from it.  I have had such fun doing this and reflecting
on the things she has written.


As I read this I could remember that humble little patchwork
pillow, probably one of my first real attempts at sewing.
My mother and sister were very accomplished seamstresses
and I remember wanting to make something for my sister for
Christmas.  


As I recall Mother pulled scraps of fabric from
her scrap basket (many of which were from clothing she had
made us) and let me pick and choose.  There were cottons,
satins and taffeta pieces to select from and I recall using
some of each type of fabric.  If memory serves me correctly,
I was given a little 4 or 5 inch square of paper to pin to
the fabric as my pattern.  Then I cut out each individual
square.  The squares were then laid out on the living room
floor, pinned together and sewn on Mother's sewing machine.


Next came the hardest part:  making the ruffle to go around
the pillow.  But with help and encouragement it was made, 
pinned and sewn around the pillow.  The backing, yellow like
the ruffle, was pinned to the pillow top, sewn, turned and
the pillow was then stuffed.


I remember how proud I was of this pillow.  In my child's
eyesight it was just perfect!  However, I'm sure it was not
square or the blocks even. 


I must have made two of them at the same time because I
also had one that I kept for many years.  I searched diligently
for it after reading this memory, but I think I discarded it
sometime ago.  Now I wish I had taken a picture of it.


However, while looking for it I looked in my cedar chest
and while it was not there, I pulled up this beautiful hand
pieced pillow top Emily Coleman had made me many,
many years ago.

   
















She was a dear family friend and neighbor and lived in the most

charming "Gingerbread" house that was surrounded by huge

old pine trees.  I was often invited to her house to play when

grandchildren came to visit.  I had always admired these pillows

she made from scraps of velvet, satin and taffeta and wanted

one in the worst way.  I finally convinced her to make me one

and that I would take "good care of it."  It was probably one of

the last she made as she was in her 80's and her eyesight was

failing her.

I've tried to snap a close up so one can see her intricate embroidery

and stitching.  Each scrap of fabric was stitched together on a

cotton fabric foundation.  The top and back are also stitched

together by hand.

This is truly a treasure and one I'm glad I have carefully saved.

I wish my first efforts and quilting or piecing had been saved as

I was probably about 9 or 10 years old when I made my sister

her pillow.  But, I'm thrilled to know she has kept it and

treasured it all these many years.

I'm grateful that my perseverance in learning to sew paid off

because piecing and quilting is one of my greatest joys! 

This morning since it was and is snowing still, went to my 

sewing room and completed my First Saturday BOM piece.

Now, I can relax and do the fun things without the pressure

of getting the block sewn.

What Did I Do?

Just stopped by my blog entry for today to check
something and was a little surprised to see this HUGE
space at the end of my post...well at the end of what I
had posted and before the previous post.  Why is there
so much white space?  I've never had this happen before so
if anyone knows what I did and how I can correct
it and not do it again, I'd appreciate the help.

A Few More Projects....

It has turned out to be a beautiful bright sunny day

much to my surprise.  When I went to be last night

it was trying to snow and when I awakened it was

slightly foggy.  But, when I left work the clouds

were dissipating and the sun was shining.

So I hurried home, put on my walking shoes and

headed out for a walk down by the ponds.  The ice

is melting now and I noticed many more birds have

arrived.  I will have to take my camera next time.

It will soon be time for the pelicans to arrive and

that is always so fun to take the grandkids and

walk around the ponds and take pictures of these

awesome birds.

The only problem with the sun shining and the rain 

that we've had the last few days is that the snow is

almost gone and I am seeing all the yard work that

is awaiting me.  It seems no matter how hard I

work in the fall to clean up there is always a ton to

do in the spring.  My neighbor's tree always seems

to drop its lingering leaves in my yard after I have

cleaned up.  I don't know perhaps that is good as

it protects my plants from the cold and snow????

I have recently been able to finish a couple of the 

"Flirting With Flowers" blocks Vicki has so kindly 

shared with us   You can find them here:

http://tozzscorner.blogspot.com

While visiting her site I also found the instructions

to make this little grouping of hexagons.  The 

flowers are from patterns I have on file.  I have 

hung these by my front door and each time I go out

the door and look at them, I can't help but smile as

they remind me that spring isn't far away.

I have also started stitching "Brutus the Cat" from

Bronwyn at: http://www.red-brolly.com

Thought I'd get much further on it last night but for

some reason the Winter Olympics kept interfering!

Maybe tonight I can do a little more.

I am so appreciative of these wonderful designers 

who share their talents with us.  I love to stitch and

quilt and am always delighted to find new and

exciting things to learn and do.  Thanks so much!

New Give Away!

If you are interested in a new giveaway check out this
website:  http://sweetjeanette.blogspot.com
She has some darling stuffed hearts and velvet bookmarks
that she will be sharing with a lucky winner.  Hopefully
I can be that winner.  But whoever it is, will be very
lucky!

More Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
February 16


Outside my window...  The sun is trying to break through a misty
fog and it is making me happy to see sunshine as we have had
gloomy days and rain yesterday.


I am thinking...  How happy my son is with his recent 
engagement and hoping he can concentrate on his studies.
He has waited a long time to find this special young lady.


 I am thankful for...  family and that we will in the near
future welcome a new daughter into our family.  I really
don't like saying in-law because once they join our family
they really become my sons and daughters.

From the learning rooms...  I am learning to make the most
of my time because it is flying by so quickly.  I am learning
how our influence can be carried on through generations.
As I listened to the speakers at the funeral of my friend's
mother yesterday, I learned what a gracious and devoted
mother and wife she was and how her influence has affected her
 husband, children and grandchildren.  


From the kitchen...  Nothing.  Breakfast is over, dishes done,
all is cleaned up until the next meal.

I am wearing...  My comfy clothes:  levi's, tee shirt and long-
sleeved shirt and slippers.

I am creating...  Nothing really.  Although there are several
projects in the wings waiting to be "created".

I am going...  to work on those dreaded taxes today.


I am reading...  a new author I found at the library, Terri
Thayer.  Her book "Ocean Waves" is a "quilting mystery".
She has written two others revolving around quilting block
themes, so if I enjoy this one I know there are others waiting 
in the wings to be read.


I am hoping...  to hear from my daughter and family who
left for a week's vacation yesterday.  Oh, the phone just
rang and it was her.  They arrived safely!

I am hearing...  the sound of my dryer running.  How
grateful I am for my dryer especially on days such as
today when it would take forever for the clothes to dry
outiside and that I don't have to hang them all over
the house to dry!

Around the house...  It is basically quiet this morning
as I'm the only one home.

One of my favorite things...  Is having the house all to
myself.  A little selfish, I know.  But it isn't that often
that I have it all to myself!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Complete my taxes
2.  Baste top and backing of my bunny quilt and
quilt it.
3.  Write and mail birthday cards and sympathy cards,
4.  Cut and sew more pillow cases.
5.  Stitch my "Cat" BOM that I didn't get to over
the weekend.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

  

This is a picture I just received from my son and his

fiancee taken the day (Valentine's Day) he proposed.

Pictures I posted the other day were from an earlier time

so I was delighted to receive this one and some others

they took.


http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Sharing Time!

Received an email from my son who is in New Zealand

working on his doctorate Friday evening asking if I

would be home on Saturday evening and that he

might give me a call.  I replied that I would and 

asked what time he was thinking of calling.  My

mind of course, going a million miles a minute because 

he never emails first, just calls and then we get on

Skype.

Didn't hear back so when I got home from work 

Saturday morning thought I best check my email

and see if he had responded and given me a time.

Was just checking when my phone rang and it was

him.  I asked if we should get on Skype but he

wasn't near the internet and so we'd just talk using
land lines.  By the tone of his voice I knew something
was up, nothing bad I figured because his voice was
teasing and light-hearted.  After bantering back and forth
for a bit, he gave me a wonderful Valentine gift...

one I had been waiting for for a long, long time!

He was ENGAGED!  What a joyous moment

for me and of course I immediately began to cry.  I

cry over everything, happy, sad, you name it.  But,

this time it was tears of joy!  I heard him in the

background saying "I told you she'd cry!"  He knows

me so well.

It was Valentine's Day there and he had just proposed
to her and happily for him and us, she accepted.

We had a wonderful visit.  He put us on speaker

phone so I was able to chat with my future daughter

in law.  I can hardly wait to meet her and get to know

her and welcome her into our family.

Just had to share this wonderful news and a couple

of pictures they forwarded to me.                             

Don't they make a striking couple!                                                               

These pictures were taken at an earlier time.

  

And here is how he proposed.  He had wrapped each

chocolate individually and all but one said "No"  Then

he had written in Chinese "Will you marry me?"

She said "Yes".  No date yet!  Maybe I'll be taking
a trip in the not too distant future!

(Check out the chocolates, ring and question)

I simply couldn't have wished, hoped or asked
for a better Valentine's Gift!

Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!

Shoot!  Shoot!  Shoot! was all my son heard from me
as he sat upstairs at the computer and I was downstairs
in my sewing room.  Thank goodness those were the
worst words I used to express my frustration with
myself this morning.

Got up early and decided to work on my "Madeline"
quilt, selected the color scheme I wanted and cut my
first block.  Things were going very smoothly!  Then
I got a call from work concerning a problem and things
went down hill from there.  Well, I'm getting ahead of
myself.

Finished the phone call, went back cutting the pieces
for the block and sewing them together following the
instructions, pressed each section as I went along.
Wow, I'm thinking.  This is simple!  Finished the
block and went to press it.

That's when I noticed it! Shoot!  Shoot!  Shoot!
Two sides of the block had the points facing inward.
I can't believe I did that!  Guess I wasn't focusing
nearly as well as I thought I was after the phone
call.

So, I carefully and painfully unpicked the block and
reassembled it correctly.  Looks so much better!
Then....went to measure it and trim it to the correct
size only to find it was bigger than what pattern
called for.  Ughhhhh!  But, it does look good!

Now do I make the next one the same or make a
new block is my dilemma.  Apparently my "scant
1/4 inch" was not correct.  Think I'll just set this to
the side and do something different.  And here I
thought I could have most of these little blocks
made today.

If I wasn't so frustrated I would laugh at myself
and my mistakes, but I'm afraid I may start to cry!
No not really!  I think I'll just laugh!

Oh well, live and learn, I guess.  We can't always
be perfect, can we?

Valentine's Gift

Yesterday was to be a day of sewing with my friend
who was driving down from Logan.  We were going to
work on our January Schnibbles (only a month behind!)
We were both really excited to get started and had purchased

our fabric and everything was set to go.  But, as she

drove down the canyon got the idea that we should go

visit one of our favorite quilting shops in the south

end of the valley.  Of course at the mere mention of

looking for more projects (one can't have too many!)

I was all for it.  We would make quick trip (is it ever

quick when at a quilt shop) and return back to my

house and work on our projects.  Good plan!

But, before we left I wanted to give her her Valentine

gift I had made using Stina's hearts.  This little pillow,

I thought, would make a great accent anywhere she

wanted to put it.  Since I had a little fabric left from my

quilt, I decided to use it up. 

She in turn gave me this adorable stitched basket with 

buttonholed fabric flowers accented with star and heart

buttons.  Isn't it perfect for Valentines! I absolutely

love it.  She is a very talented and gifted friend!

Leaving our treasures behind we piled into my car and

headed out to see what we could find.  Oh my goodness!

We found all kinds of things!  Charm packs for our

February "Sunday Best" Schnibbles quilt, A Valentine 

pack for a pattern we had previously purchased, plus the

patterns for February and March "Hang Up's" from

Pine Mountain Designs.  We're waiting for the March kit

to be assembled and the cute black iron stand to come in

and then sadly (ha! ha!) we'll have to make another trip out 

there!  Another charm pack to make "Bertha" a Me and My 

Sister Design.

Needless to say, we ran out of time and didn't get to start

our "Madeline" quilts.  But, then there is always another

day and an excuse to get together soon.

Such a fun day!  Absolutely love my new stitchery and
all the fun things we found.  

  

The Simple Woman's Daybook

 
FOR TODAY
February 8...
Outside my window...The sun is shining ever so bright and

the sky is a brilliant blue.  It almost looks and feels like

spring.  The air is clear and such a nice change from all 

the inversion we've had the past few weeks.  I can even

see the mountains!
I am thinking... of my dear neighbor and friend next

door.  Her elderly mother passed away at midnight.  Although

in many ways it is a blessing, there will be an emptiness

in their home.
I am thankful for...close friendships and the friendship

Kathy and I have formed in the recent months.
From the learning rooms...To follow promptings

you receive and to always let your family know how much

you love them and how much they mean to you.
From the kitchen...Dinner waiting to be delivered

next door.
I am wearing...Levi's, blazer and tee shirt.
I am creating...a hexagon wall hanging
I am going...to drop off some dinner items to my

daughter and family after I visit next door.
I am reading... My scriptures
I am hoping...for a good day tomorrow so my friend

can come and spend the day with me working on a

quilting project we're starting.
I am hearing...Pandora Radio
Around the house...It's beginning to look like

Valentines.  I love the bright, cheery wall hangings,

table toppers and all the little touches that make me

smile as I go from room to room.

One of my favorite things...warm chocolate chip

cookies from the oven.
A few plans for the rest of the week:

1.  Play with JoAnn tomorrow

2.  Find Valentine gifts for grandchildren

3.  Write some "thank you" notes

4.  Set up dental six month checkup

5.  Play with my grandkids

Here is a picture I am sharing:

My son shared some snaps with the kids the other

evening and since it was rather mild we all went 

outside to "pop" them.  They really love them and

we have so much fun watching them throwing them, 

stomping on them and just having a grand old time.