Quick Little Gift

Today when I stopped by to visit my daughter and her
friend, Christy, they were sitting in the living room,
notepads in hand, doing some brainstorming.  I
noticed Kerri had her little notebook holder I had
made her a couple of years ago and Christy was
just using a plain old notebook.

I had been thinking about something I could make
and give Christy for being such a sweet friend to
my daughter.  They have been dear friends from
the first day they moved into their apartment at
college.  And, I'm so grateful for their friendship
and it makes me so happy to see them together.

On my way home, it hit me----Christy needed a
notebook holder!  As I still had some fabric left
when I made Kerri's, I was excited to get home
and make her one.

The front cover

Inside pockets

Will drop it off tomorrow after work.  Hope she will
like it.

Off The Beaten Path

Finished up my small scrap quilt from the book, "Simply
Charming" a few days ago, but just never got around to
snapping a picture and here it is the end of April.

I have been doing the small every other month quilt
challenge with Darlene and Kathy.  Love these little
quilts!

For my April project I chose "Off the Beaten Path"
and as mentioned in an earlier post decided to use
my charm pack, "Pheasant Hill".  Loved how it turned
out and that it can be hung vertically or horizontally
and looks great either way.  I hand quilted it in the
"ditch" following the light colored pieces and
around the red inner border.

For awhile now I have been contemplating opening
up my old blog and writing a diary, so-to-speak of
my weight loss journey.  I have had so many people
ask me what I've done and if I would help them.
It has been a difficult decision because I feel
embarrassed, guilty, ashamed, frustrated, and sad
that I let myself go.  But, I've thought long and hard
about this, prayed about it, and have felt that it is
something I need to share.  I do it now in hopes
that if someone out there is struggling, it may
help or inspire them.  This has been a personal
journey and one I'm happy with now, but sad
that I had to take.   I've been very hesitant to
post my blog address, but I just keep thinking I
need to do this.

So each day, well most days, I am writing about
my journey.  If you want to follow along, you can
go here:  http://funthingsbynola.blogspot.com/
I have also posted the link at the top of my blog.

Nothing I did is any different than what many
others have done.  It's just my story and I welcome
any one to follow and share comments, thoughts
and feelings about the blog and your journey
to a better you.

Tulip Festival

Warning!!  Lots of pictures today

Yesterday I went with my daughter and family to
Thanksgiving Point to enjoy the tulip festival.  Her
best friend was here visiting her and had never
been. It was a perfect afternoon for an outing.  Even
though it was crowded, we were able to get some
good pictures.

Kohler couldn't resist smelling the tulips

This was the first time I had been able to see
all the beautiful daffodils.  Usually by the time
we go, they have faded away.

Not sure what these are, but they were beautiful!

Myself, daughter, Kerri and her friend, Christy

My daughter and family

This is such a beautiful area and so well planned out.
Perfect for the kids because they can run around,
roll down the hills, and just have fun!  We even took
a picnic lunch and ate by one of the little tulip-lined
streams.

Of course, snacks are an important part of the drive
so I made "Mother Goose Popcorn" and "Carmel
Popcorn" to munch on.

Here is the recipe.  This recipe is as old as the hills!
It is one we made as kids to take when we went
to 4-H camp.  But, it still tastes as good to me today
as it did WAY back then.

1 1/2 cups popcorn kernels (before popped)
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. salt

Cook to softball stage (232 degrees on candy
thermometer.  Stir in about 5-6 drops of red food
coloring.  Pour over popped popcorn, gently stiring
so all the popcorn is covered.   I usually spread it out
on a sheet of wax paper after it is mixed)  Store in
airtight container.

Friendship!

All my life I have been blessed to have and make great
friends.  Their influence has impacted my life in
so many ways and I'm so grateful for each and
everyone.

I have loved getting to "know" many of you wonderful
bloggers and consider you my friends.  You have
also blessed my life, encouraged and challenged
me through your writings, projects and pictures.  For that
and more, I am most grateful.

So it was yesterday, Thursday, that I had the opportunity of
meeting my friend LeAnn, who writes the most uplifting
and inspiring blog.  I am always touched by her writing and
many times it is just what I needed to hear (read),
improve on, or act upon.  Her influence is felt by many
who read her blog.  I also love reading about her family.

We had been talking for some time about meeting as we
both live in the same general area.  I was so happy when
we finally set a luncheon date to meet.

At work that morning, my friend Kris, asked if I was
nervous or anxious about meeting her.  Absolutely NOT!
I was so excited! 

From the minute LeAnn walked through the door, I
felt like I knew her and as we enjoyed our lunch,
conversation between us seemed to flow easily.  By the
time we finished, I felt like I had known her forever.
It was so much fun!

Contemplating our luncheon, I wanted to take her
a small friendship gift.  Immediately Peg's journal
covers came to my mind.  I had been wanting to make
one forever.  She was kind enough to link me to Bloom's
tutorial
http://bloomandblossom.blogspot.com
Thank you, Peg.

This is the journal cover I made for her:

All packaged up!


















Thanks, LeAnn!  I had a lot of fun and look
forward to doing it again.  You are an amazing
lady.  I am so happy we finally met and are friends!

Taking Advantage

I've been trying to take advantage of our cool spring
weather by working inside.  The days have been very
chilly with cold winds that make it seem even colder
than the temperature indicates.

My closet is now more spacious as winter clothing
has been stored in plastic containers.  Feels good to
have it cleaned and organized once again.

Also been working on my storage area reorganizing
and sorting.  I am slowly making progress, but it
will take a little while.  Don't know how  much I
will get done as it is supposed to warm up
considerably by the weekend and I'll need to be
outside working.

Today, I took a little break and decided to work on
Schnibbles, "Lincoln".  A couple of months ago,
I cut all the background pieces and then put it
back on my shelf.  This afternoon, I got most of
the strips cut for the "rail fence" portion and was
able to assemble about half of the star blocks.
 


















Don't know how much more will get done as I
have a lot going on the next few days.  But,
having things cut will make it easier to slip
down to my sewing room and complete a
block or two when I need a break from
cleaning and gardening.

Busy Sewing Day

This little birdie quilt has been sitting on my shelf for
about two years---maybe even a little longer, waiting
for me to make up my mind on how to sew the little
birds so it could be assembled.

My friend, Jo Ann, and I had traced and cut out the
birds as well as the strips between the birds. The original pattern had you sew around the birds
leaving a raw edge.  I didn't like that.  Thought maybe
I would buttonhole around them.  Decided that would
take too much time.  So I put them back in their box
while I thought on it some more.  Two years later.......

When Jo Ann came the other day, she
brought her sewn panels.  She made a decision!
She zig-zaged around each bird and they looked great.
I decided I would attempt to do the same for my
little birds.  Was quite proud of myself when I
finished.  They didn't look too bad for my first
attempt.  Don't understand why I waited so long.
They were done in one afternoon.

Today I added the sashing and borders and it is now
ready for Myrna to machine quilt it.  I can't believe
I let it sit on the shelf for two years.  The pattern is
"Blissful Birds" by Sandra Workman, Pine Mountain
Designs.

Also sewed the borders onto my "Hatched and
Patched" stitchery.  Feel a little frustrated with the
pinwheels.  They are just 2 1/2 inches in size and
no matter how hard I tried and how many times I
unpicked and resewed them, I couldn't get the centers
perfectly matched.  Finally gave up and decided
they would have to do.  Just have to figure out
how I want to quilt it.


















While I was working on the stitchery borders,
my grandson called to see if he could come and
work on the pillowcase he wanted to make for
his little brother.

We had purchased the fabric awhile back so
all we had to do was cut, pin it and he could
begin sewing.

He chose this cute puppy dog fabric as Ty loves
dogs, but is allergic to them.  This way he
could enjoy the "doggies" in a safe way.

Perfect pillowcase and pillow for snuggling!

All in all it was a good sewing day made even
better by sharing it with my grandson!

Grandma's Special Helpers

This morning my daughter and two of my grandson's came
to help me with yard work.  While Kerri trimmed, I mowed
the lawn with the help of the boys.  Things go so much
faster when there is more than one person doing it.  I so
appreciate their help, especially when they have their own
yard and home to take care of.

Earlier in the week I had made sugar cookies using a
recipe I found on Pinterest, "Cutler's Famous Sugar
Cookies".  It is supposedly the from  a local business in
Bountiful.  Since I don't frost cookies when they're going
in the freezer, I got them out to thaw while we were working
outside.  While Kerri and Ty did a little weeding, Kohler and
I whipped up some frosting and decorated the cookies.

Kohler did a great job!

Kohler likes to do little jobs to earn money.  So when
I asked him how much he thought I should pay him
for help with the yard, he thought a dollar would be
perfect!  I think I got the better part of the bargain!

Earlier I made "Three Musketeer" mini candy bars
from Pinterest and had them in the freezer setting
up.  The boys were anxious to try them, so we melted
chocolate and dipped a few.  

After sampling them, we decided they are a keeper!

Why is it that licking the beaters and scraping the
bowl always tastes better than the finished product?
So glad that with all the sampling, they still had
room and an appetite for lunch.

Mother and daughter sharing a cookie while Kohler
snaps our picture.

Such a fun morning for me spending time in the yard
and kitchen with my grandsons and daughter.

Update!

While picking up my fabric kit and pattern for Little Bites
"Jot" mini quilt yesterday, my daughter was able to snap
a picture of the quilt on display at "Quilter's Haven."  She
emailed it to me today and I thought I'd share just how
sweet this little quilt is with its fancy cut centers.

After work today, I was able to sew the binding on
my "Little Birdie" quilt and tonight I have been
doing the hand sewing on it.  Wasn't sure if I would
like the pink fabric I chose for the binding, but I
think it is working out great.

It will be nice to cross one more project off my list
this week.

FINALLY!

After patiently anxiously waiting for a phone call from
one of our local quilt shops, "Quilter's Haven", for over
a month--maybe closer to two months, it came today.
FINALLY, the kit I had ordered was ready to be picked
up.  Previously when I had called to check on it and
to make sure I was still on the list, I was told they
were just waiting for the pattern to come in.  The kits
were all cut and just awaiting the pattern.

 
















This little quilt had been made up and was on
display at the store.  What really appealed to me
was the center of each block was fussy cut and
really set the block off.

The fabric used is "Love to Garden by Anni Downs of 
Hatched & Patched for Henry Glass Fabrics" 

When I was checking out, the owner told me that
they only made four kits because they were
unable to get more fabric.  So happy I was one
of the four!

While browsing found three more pieces of
"Marmalade" I didn't have and will add them
to my "Spools" quilt.

  
















These two little fat quarters called to me
and so they came home.  Not sure what 
they will be used for, but they will make a
nice addition to my stash.

Also, basted my little quilt I've been posting
about and made the binding for another quilt.
Now to find the time to work on all these
projects.   

Working on Projects!

Yesterday my friend, Jo Ann, came down and we had a
work day.  Well, most of the day we worked.  We were
able to get the strips cut for a small "Spool" quilt we
are making.  The pattern is from "Thimble Blossoms",
by Camille Roskelley.  "Marmalade" is our choice
of fabrics, so it should be bright and cheerful.  A
perfect little quilt to display for summer---if I can
get it done!

We did take a short break and ran up to the quilt
shop and while there I couldn't resist this sweet
little table topper pattern.

I'm debating what color of flower I want.  It
is a toss-up between yellow and blue.  Once
I get the center blocks sewn, it will determine
flower color.

Spent the morning today working on the history
I am writing of my business, "fun things".  Didn't
get very far--just a couple more pages.  I really
need to get it finished.  Maybe if we keep
having this cold weather and rainy-snowy days,
it will happen.

Then this afternoon, I was able to sew the borders
to my little quilt from "Simply Charming".  Am
really pleased how it is turning out.

Was so happy I visited my quilt shop over the
weekend to get fabric for the borders as some of
the pieces I wanted were gone!  I took the last
yard of the outside border piece.  Now to quilt it.
Want to do it by hand, but quite sure what to do. 
Any suggestions?

Scrappy Layout????

I don't think I am a very good "scrappy" sewer!  It is so
hard for me to just grab squares or half-square triangles
and place them in rows without giving thought to color,
print or look.

I fell in love with "Pheasant Hill" and purchased a charm
pack sometime ago.  Wasn't sure what I would make with
it, but decided to use it for this month's quilt project
from "Simply Charming."  I knew it would be a little
more difficult as there wouldn't be the variety of prints
and colors like there would be if I were drawing from
my stash or left-over fabrics.  But, I went ahead anyway.

The 80 half-square triangle I sewed yesterday are now
laid out on my floor waiting for final approval.

Taking a picture helps me to view it and correct
some layout problems.  Can you see my
error?  I did make a few changes---not sure
they were the best.

Although it isn't very scrappy, I think it will
be ok.  I'm finding a charm pack doesn't allow
much leeway.  Will just let it set out tonight and see
what I think in the morning. 

Blustery Day

Winnie the Pooh:  "Happy "Winds-day", Piglet.
Piglet:  (being blown away) "Well...it isn't...very happy...
f-for me."

I thought of this saying from Winnie the Pooh as we faced
a blustery night and day today.  We were forewarned  of
east canyon winds and to be prepared for gusts ranging
anywhere between 70 and 90 mph.  In preparation for
the winds, I spent time outside batting down the hatches
and making sure all flying objects or items that could
become flying objects were carefully stored in the garage.

Got out my flashlights and made sure they were working
and gathered a few things together in case we lost power.
Shut off or unplugged several electronic items.  Once
this was done, decided I'd done all I could to prepare,
hoping that this would not be like the wind storm we
had a year ago and called it an evening.

Gratefully, we were not hit as hard as some of the
surrounding areas and we did not lose power.  I awoke
a few times during the night and the wind seemed
quite calm.  But, today it has been rather blustery and
cold.  We even had a little light snow.

Knowing how the wind bothers me and makes me
quite nervous, I decided today would be a good day to
hibernate in my sewing room and work on my April
"Simply Charming" quilt.  I was able to get 80 of these
little half-square triangle cut and sewn.  And amazingly,
didn't even think about the wind and what was taking
place outside.

The wind has died down to a light breeze and the rolling
clouds over the mountains have broken up, so I think
the worst is over.

I was reminded that about 20 plus years ago, we had
a April east wind that did great damage to our area.
We were in the process of adding on to our home and
had some large beams laying across the walls that had
just been erected.  The wind was so strong that we were
afraid the beams were going to come through our
patio door.  One was resting on the rain gutter making
us extremely anxious.  Fortunately, there was a lull
in the gale force winds and we were able to get a
few neighbors to help lower the beams to the ground
saving our glass sliding doors and giving us peace of
mind.

I'm hoping that this is the last of the east winds for
a time.  Spring in Utah is very unpredictable.  But,
for now, the sun is shining and it's looking very
nice outside.

April's Hangup

One of my goals for sewing and stitchery that I set back in
January was to work on my monthly "hang-ups".  I
purchased the kits a couple of years ago.  

Today I completed April and have it on my little stand.

These are delightful little projects and easy to
make. Maybe if I start now, I can have May's
done by the end of the month.  I can't help but
wonder if that is realistic with all the other
projects needing to be done and yardwork
calling to me. 

First Class

Today was the first of 12 monthly stitchery classes being
offered at my favorite quilt shop, Pine Needles.  My friend,
JoAnn, and I signed up to take these classes which features
projects by Australian designers.

There are about 15 ladies taking the class.  Holly, our
instructor, is the one standing.  She pretty much manages
Pine Needles for Sandy, the owner who is her SIL.
(Hope I remember that correctly.)  My friend, Joann,
is in the orange vest sitting across from Holly.

Our first project involves fabric and embroidery and
will be a wall hanging when finished.  I was able to
buttonhole around my pieces while there and will work
on the stitching here at home.

This design is from Hatched and Patched.
Next month we will work on a design from Gail Pan.

It was really fun to be there in Pine Needles new class
area tracing, ironing, stitching and of course munching
on chocolate.  It's amazing how fast two hours can
fly by when you're having fun!