SewSoSlow

Valentine Dinner

2012-02-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

We're at Kiss the Cook for their special Valentine's Day Dinner...the whole extended family.

Rich, Leslie, Dave, me, Rhonda and Eddie.

But you ask..where is darling daughter? Janna and Junior are in Argentina --

OMG..Happy Valentine's Day.

Their next destination...Iguazu' Falls

(not her pictures.....yet......)

2012-02-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Advice from 1949

2012-02-08T16:16:00.001-07:00

“Advice from a Singer Sewing Manual” 1949

(Or why I don't get much sewing done.)

“Prepare yourself mentally for sewing.
Think about what you are going to do.
Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically.
Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.
Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade.
When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.
When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible.
Put on a clean dress.
Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals.
Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on.
If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home, and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing.”

Little Stuff

2012-02-08T09:36:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a clothes line basket. My first time to make one. It's sort of mindless fun.

I can dream about what my next project is while I do this! And I just enabled Pandora on my tv in the sewing room. Really fun to make my own music station play list.

This is what my sewing machine needle sees behind it, while I sew.

Ummm maybe I need to do some straightening!

Hearts up!

2012-02-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day to our goddaughter! Liana is back at LMU after a semester in Madrid.

This just like her dog, Snowball.

I didn't make the card.

I copied the scarf from a magazine - it's felt hearts sewn on a narrow base. Godmothers and grandmothers take a risk of doing something dorky. But I figure if it is geeky she can use it to decorate her room.

The pillows below are for Leslie's birthday. She loves all things Dia de los Muertos. The skulls are actually white with red dots. Click and maybe the color will be more accurate.

I like these pillows because they are quick and the covers can be changed so easily.

Music in the Garden

2012-01-30T11:57:00.001-07:00

Desert Botanical Garden

Late January plus

all the family and music - it's perfect.

The crowning touch is the music....none other than our old friend Pat Roberts and his Heymakers.
(Click the link for his play dates and music samples.)

This was my first opportunity to hear him

with Miss Amanda Lee..so retro, so cute!

End to perfect day - Happy Hour - The Rokerij - simply the BEST.

Yoga Birthday!

2012-01-28T15:52:00.001-07:00

Our yoga teacher, Noreen, recently had a birthday! We all had some fun with her in class. When she told us to go into "downward facing dog" position, we did it but we all jumped right up and sang Happy Birthday. What a shocked looked on her face! Can you imagine not obeying your yoga teacher!!! LOL

I embroidered the cup & yarn picture. Pat, our artistic stamper put it together.

With her inspiration and talent it became a beautiful card.

A sewing friend gave me a bit of yoga frog fabric. She only had scraps but with some fussy cutting I was able to pull together this table topper. Honestly it couldn't be more perfect. Our whole knitting group, "Yoga & Yarn" collaborated on the surprise. It was so fun to show her our appreciation and love.

Back view

We also gave Noreen an initialed mug and lots of tea bags. Unfortunately I have no picture!

I was having too much fun I suppose.

Is Christmas Over?

2012-01-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Holidays came and they zipped right on by...

we had a good time and mostly stayed in the kitchen!

(Some things never change)

Banana Peal was very popular.

Frannie, Bella, Rich and Leslie

Eddie and Rhonda

Janna and David

"My Idea of Heaven"

2012-01-08T19:17:00.001-07:00

You gotta love it........Not my work.....I wish it was! Go check it out.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwindsoh/4423116424/in/photostream

Mostly for the Dogs!

2011-12-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Up-cycled old sweater....loved it then and

love it now again!

Doggie blankets for a no-kill shelter.

All made from stash.

Leslie gave me these....'cause how could she not? Ahhhh dear Scotty and dear Leslie!

Christmas cactus - they are so dependable!

Warm Fuzzies

2011-12-12T20:31:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh...we can wear sweaters and boots this week. Here is my own cowl - I've made two of these for a friend in Seattle. (Christina can really use a warm cowl.) I was inspired by the cowl posted on Betsy's blog. Thanks Betsy! The free pattern is called "Wham Bam Thank You Lamb."

I went to a little knit shop downtown (actually can't really recommend the shop) to find the shawl pins. A terribly disorganized place but great pins.

Ahhh....this last week was my birthday and I really enjoyed it. Yoga girls took me to breakfast at Kiss the Cook. I chose a girl's party this year because my friend Art had such a great family party --we would have repeated the guest list. We left our guys at home and wined and dinned at Fleming's....yum!

Leslie, Doreen, me and Janna

Cheers and yes, we had a driver for the evening!
Gotta love it.

Thanks girls....I love you all.

Bag it!

2011-12-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

Sweet fabric lists all those towns on Route 66....can you just hear it?
"You see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona. don't forget Winona, Kingman......"

A little glitz for Amarillo - yes this is for my sister!

Great Texas fabric for pockets.

My Christmas bag, finally finished the trim.

Purses are both from Penny Sturgis pattern "Open City Tote." I made the Christmas bag smaller.

Embroidery designs are from Embroidery Library - Women of Fashion.

Experiments on the needles!

2011-11-26T20:01:00.003-07:00

These finger-less gloves (wrist warmers) are already on the DD hands! She scarfed them up the moment she saw them - "Just what I wanted!" Which warms a mom's heart!

I thought I had no pictures...but ah-ha....I did take a snap in progress, to show a friend. The pattern was free at Lion Brand patterns: Dolce Fingerless Gloves.

I used Lion Brand yarn called Amazing (from the local box store using a coupon, of course.) I chose an ombre heather which is called Cobblestone.

It actually changed so much between the two gloves - they look pretty different but still fun.

I'll get another picture of both finished mitts. Double pointed needles make me a little crazy at first...eventually I get the hang of it. Unfortunately I only had aluminium in the size required 7 & 9. I'll spring for bamboo before I make them again.

Look at these precious stitch markers. My friend Betsy gave these to me.....actually because my DH shared camera info with her. No objection from me....I LOVE them.

Ahhh...Steam Punk....my heart be still.

You gotta love them! Too cool.

And now...drum roll (NO I DID NOT MAKE THIS....) it's my long awaited birthday present. From hubby....yeah ,sorta - kinda. (I did a lot of planning and he agreed it was from him!)

Typewriter key bracelet.

Using stash and recycyling

2011-11-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Halloween came and went - so fast!

I embroidered a design on the red that really matches the printed gold fabric.

Mostly autumn is in the house, not outdoors!

This yummy yarn worked into a great scarf.
I think the brand is Toyko. My friend and I found it at Tempe Yarn and Fiber. I can't wait to go back!

Now for the use it up & recycle section:

These pillows for the couch were made entirely from my stash - oh, except for one zipper. A friend gave me the print fabric & trim. My sister gave me quilted fabric.

This animal embroidery pillow is my piece de resistance. A Goodwill fleece vest was the beginning. A large vest but such darling embroidery! I let it mature in my stash. Finally, it mellowed into a project. With consults from the sewing group, I used a left-over piece of zebra-striped, minky fabric for the mitered border and the back. Fiber fill was given to me. So..cost zero.....satisfaction factor - priceless.

Time for a giggle.....

2011-11-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Need a laugh.....just click here!!
I've felt just like this....

2011-10-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Please raise your glass to the passing of my good friend:

She had a long life and she was with me constantly. It hurt both our feelings on the rare occasion that I left her at home.

She was bright, dependable and clear minded. Although a bit simple, she was good at what she did.

She passed Oct 29th, 2011 between 7 and 9:45 PM. She was faithful and alert until the last moment. She rode to the airport in style (via a new Vera Bradly bag). Her last words were in the cell phone parking lot. Later that fateful evening, she was left alone in the car, in the dark while the family dinned out. However she was comfortable inside a small, green tumbler of gin and tonic,. Her passing was serene.

She ebbed away while turned-on and happy. (Having left no directives; heroic measures were used to resuscitate -- alas to no avail.) Subsequently an autopsy revealed...no SIM card.

Sadly, she was old, out of fashion and dated. It was her time and she knew it. She was very aware of the constant rumors of a younger, more fashionable replacement. She was active in several sewing groups, unfortunately she was ask to leave her yoga class.

Homicide investigations indicate there may have been a motive. However, findings are inconclusive as to involuntary manslaughter or intentional suicide.

R.I.P.

Services are pending. No flowers please. Send donations to

SMART-FONE-FUND@yippee

Girlfriends

2011-10-24T14:19:00.001-07:00

Doreen
There she is, glamour girl in San Francisco. I'm so flattered she took the wrap I made her!

Jo Anna and me having a terrific lunch.

I spent a day in beautiful, downtown Chandler. Don't laugh -- there were fun shops and good food.

El Zacolo has remodeled.

Hallway to restrooms...

New BFF

Thanks so much for the fun time, Jo Anna.

The Bee's Knees

2011-10-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Canyon (population about 15,000) is a beautiful little college town in the panhandle of Texas. Some of my favorite people live there!! My niece and sister just opened a little store front on the square, called
"The Bee's Knees". We went for the store's grand opening and the Fair on the Square.

Cute, Cute, Cute!

Nikki's skill is home dec. She is a talented artist and has an eye for color, texture and textiles. She thinks so far outside the box and has no fear! Just look at her painted furniture, which is the feature of the store. She's also in high demand for custom work. She has completed murals and custom walls all over the panhandle.

I wish I could get her here for a re-mix on my house.

Notice the painted chandeliers behind the polka-dot chest.

That black & white piece is too cute.

Oh...I so want this piece!

Pewter and pink - stunning!

Nikki painted the pillows

I didn't take enough pictures! Her mom had darling owl pillows that flew out of the store. Their lamps are incredible. They added just the right amount of unique merchandise around the focus furniture.

Nikki - my cutest niece...except for Kristi her identical twin sister!

I wanted to stay forever!

Yikes Stripes!

2011-10-01T12:36:00.002-07:00

My friend and I found some fantastic yarn at Knit Wits in Sedona. What a fun shop! Petra the owner, is more than generous with her help.

My shrug using the yarn from Knit Wits. I had simple oral directions from the owner.

Such cute samples around the shop!

Jo Anna trying on the sample in the shop. She got a black and white combo yarn.

Petra and some fantastic fibers,

I just finished a new skirt for my daughter. I love this knit fabric.

I ordered it from Marcy Tilton - oh my what nice fabrics she has.

Ummmm...should I keep this for myself?

The skirt pattern is from Skirt Package One, Brown Paper Patterns. I used the Sip-On Princess Skirt but since I planned it to be short, I modified it. I did not want to match up stripes and have a slit in the front. I lined it with a light weight lycra blend I had on hand from Christine Jonson.

Where I got the Brown Paper Pattern is an interesting story! Ummm ....some other time.

Yippeee, progress!

2011-09-26T17:00:00.002-07:00

I've had such nice, lazy vacation trips recently -- I wondered if I would ever get myself back into the sewing studio to take a stitch again. You know that feeling? You want to but....you lack the energy? Synergy?

My sister gave me this pretty, print fabric for a border table runner.

It just looks great in my dining room, I made a long version and a shorter one.

Can you guess who might get the second runner?

This awesome Halloween print, I love the colors -- if you look close the party skells
sure look like Day of the Dead.

(click to enlarge)

I have the PERFECT girl friend for this runner. And the backing is to die for...hee, hee!!

Now for the fabric that has been waiting patiently to be used. I have been in love with this rayon print for ages. It has been maturing in my stash. I so wanted it to grow up to be a blouse but something held me back. Ah ha, Jo Anna and I found this little pattern in Sedona "A Little Somethin' Jacket" We got to try on a sample jacket, which makes all the difference in the world.

And so...my beloved rayon print has finally grown up and become a garment that I love. My sewing group helped me decide the sleeve length. I have long arms. I have to be careful ....not to let a sleeve look like I wanted long sleeves and ran out of fabric. LOL.....yippee back in the groove!

Forties Fashion!

2011-09-22T14:06:00.003-07:00

I saw this book months ago on a blog I follow - Male Pattern Boldness. I knew I had to get my hands on this book. Of course my library didn't have a copy, but they secured it through inter-library loan. It was a long wait -- finally it arrived from a university in Tennessee.

Forties Fashion from Siren Suits to the New Look was published in 2008. The pictures are out of this world. The information about fashion during the war years is more than fascinating. How French designers were influenced during the German occupation was something I never knew. So much to learn and enjoy in this book.

Notice all these publications for using what is on hand. I don't actually remember the national theme called "Make do and Mend. " though I heard stories from my grandmother and mother. They used frayed men's shirts to make a child's shirt. A men's suit was turned into a women's suit. I've heard stories from

Famous designers worked on practical and good-looking military uniforms. Evidently the women's Naval uniform was the best looking of all the branches. That evidently influenced the women who enlisted.

There was a bit of a dilemma as whether lipstick would be allowed for women in the service! Finally it was decided that cosmetics were a moral booster. Take a took at the ads.

Lots of photos show the war's influence on the style of clothing for those at home.

So many things were rationed (I have old ration books from my parents.) I never realized there were such rigid rules on how much fabric could be used in ready to wear and in patterns. A government yardage formula to which had to be followed? Oh my goodness...would America accept that today? The patriotism of that generation was extraordinary. (When I visited the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC, I saw elderly military gentlemen walking around viewing their memorial. They had tears in their eyes and so did I.)

I kept my nose in this book until it had to be returned. My husband finally told me to buy it. I suppose I could....there it is on Amazon. Maybe I cherish it more by not owning it. DH also said it was a shame I wasn't born sooner so I could have lived in the era on which I am fixated. I admit it...the movies, the literature and music and the fashions from that era are my favorites.
See blog - http://sewsoslow.blogspot.com/2010/08/fashion-from-1940s.html

September in the Pines

2011-09-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

We recently spend two weeks in a remote cabin in the pines, located in Parks, AZ.

(And that's why no posts and no sewing projects lately.)

Away from most everything,t was about 20 minutes to Flagstaff and a bit closer to Williams.

(Oh, I love Williams!)

Other creatures shared the area.

Oh yes - Ella was in attendance. She has had more vacations this year than I can count. Her masters came and went. Ella stayed. In fact, she got very depressed when she had to leave.

It was so quiet there, it almost hurt my ears! We had some rain and loved it .Mostly I sat on the wrap- around deck and just relaxed. (Hard to imagine, I know.) I read, knitted and worked a puzzle. I spend one day in Sedona/Jerome with a girl friend. (Oh...the quilt and knit shops were to die for!!)

Trips into Williams, Flagstaff, Dog Lake and the Grand Canyon south rim provided my photographer with more picture ops. More pictures will follow!

Manhattan Beach, CA

2011-09-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's tough work but somebody had to do it!!! We went to Manhattan Beach, CA to house/dog sit. (Just girls!) We flew out and had a new Lexis to get around. Oh my gosh...perfect weather....what a gig.

Walking the Strand every day!

California breakfast alfresco....ahhhhh!

A trip to Venice Beach!

A Moment in Time

2011-08-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

I fell in love wtih this quilted clock wall hanging. It was a project in Stitch Magazine. Here's the thing, I only looked at the magazine while in Barnes and Noble. I didn't purchase it. Drats! Months later I was still haunted by it. So.....I searched the internet and voila' I purchased the individual pattern from them without buying the magazine.

And here it is just changing the fabrics to my liking.

I have a fantastic button jar. It's loaded with my "aged" buttons. Many are from my grandmother's button tin. I did a lot of previewing until I got just the right look.

... what a fun project.

I also finished a great looking Vogue pattern for the daughter.

Egad, it looks like nothing like this flat picture. . I only had it on her a few minutes to mark the hem. I will get a picture with her in it. It's really a nice looking.dress DKNY 1250.

Yeah...looks like this.

A great fit and a simple pattern. It has a ton of good reviews at http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/topsearch.pl.

That's it for a while, I'll be on vacation with my camera, Kindle, knitting needles and net book.

Commission Work!!

2011-08-08T09:29:00.002-07:00

Dear daughter ask me to make a baby shower gift. Oh my, I am so past baby sewing. But...ah, ha! I had a piece of baby-print flannel that I had tried, unsuccessfully to hand off to friends. My good fortune - it's blue and the recipient to be is a boy. My standard baby gift is a large receiving blanket, flannel without batting. A personalized embroidery in the corner and voila' a practical and cute baby gift.

Then I thought...those baby burp cloths made from pre-fold diapers are so nice.. Why not make a couple of those as well. (Yeah...well that's the trouble with thinking. Simple things can end up not so simple.) First I bought the wrong diapers, back to the box store. Actually the diaper quality wasn't that great but...whatever. I'm on a mission!

Embroidery Library has a great little tutorial on making the burp cloths. No problem. Oops -- a trip to the fabric store for the flannel backing and a tad more for embellishment. (And oh, wow...our 35th Ave store has moved and oh, wow!) Several hours later and a a few buck lighter, I am back home on the job.

I customize the embroideries, hunt up the polyester threads (bleach resistant) and find the right stabilizer. Almost finished...only a few glitches. And then...tah, dah, sweet daughter says..."Oh, Mom I hope his name is on the burp pads too. I want everyone to know they are handmade!" Oops.....no name on the pads.

Okey dokey, I reverse sew a bit while I watch a few more re-runs of NCIS. And now we're done! Whew.

Baby boy Cooper, I hope you like these!

And honestly, I did enjoy the process and the final product.

Summer Refreshment

2011-08-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm green with envy - someone sent me this picture of her new drink and did not invite me over.

Uh, is that cruel?

Lime and cucumber blended...green tea powder, gin, soda...cucumber garnish!

Yarn & Yoga

2011-08-02T10:23:00.004-07:00

Here we are the "Yarn & Yoga" group
(Mary Ann was missing this week.)

From left to right: Linda, Carol, Pat, Sylvia D, Mary Lee, Noreen (our yoga teacher) and me in the back. We meet once a month for show and tell and coffee. We've tried meeting at several coffee shops but found that a near by McDonald's is the most comfortable place. The manager there often serves us - what a hoot.

Everyone knits their own project.

We learn a lot from each other.

We are awed by the projects.

We experiment pretty often.

We have a great, relaxing time together.

Yeah for Yarn & Yoga!

Look at the artist's blog

Good News/Bad News

2011-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

BAD NEWS: Poor little, bitty Yorkie. Someone dumped him in our neighborhood. He has no collar and he is not chipped. The vet says he looks to be two-years-old and is not neutered. He is not listed on any Lost & Found sites. No posters in the neighborhood. Our neighbor kept him a couple of days. They went door to door trying to find out who he belongs to - no luck.

We kept him the next few days. He had not been well taken care of but evidently he was loved. He gets along with cats, dogs and people. Of course he bonded with my husband. Not so much the turtles.

I had his nails clipped. Honestly, I think they had never been done. He got a mini-hair cut and a bath. Whew....looking good.

GOOD NEWS: Our daughter and a friend posted his scant bio at their work sites and we had several offers. The first lady who came out fell in love with him! So goodbye little no-name! Parting is such sweet sorrow.

GOOD NEWS: My baby turtles are doing so well. They are never upside down. They eat well and are so alert.
BAD NEWS: I found one of my adult box turtles dead. Darn it.I have no idea what happened. I take such good care of them. I see them almost every day. It's a mystery - Sob.

GOOD NEWS: I sewed out these darling coffee embroidery designs from Urban Threads. Love them.
BAD NEWS: They are not exactly the same size and I they are a bit distorted. I am having a terrible time putting them together with the cup design. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

GOOD NEWS: My friend Betsy wore this shirt at sewing group. Too cute!! I saw it and went home and ordered it from English Springer Rescue's shop. Click to enlarge -- notice how the artist nailed the English Springer's personality.

BAD NEWS: Wait until my daughter sees me in the shirt tonight....oopsy daisy...the shirt will go on the rotation cycle. LOL, actually that's normal news.

Puzzling Day or Two

2011-07-24T18:37:00.001-07:00

I lost most of Saturday because I broke open a puzzle that I've had a long time.

I am really not a puzzle nut, like my friend Noreen! Really NOT.

BUT....I got hooked. This is where I sat all day!!

We had to go out for dinner.......really.

Here she is..... a beauty. She is Vintage Couture.., City Life a Fashion Puzzle.

I've had these three related puzzles for a a year. Just been waiting for the time to work one. I have two more "A Majestic Train Ride" and "An Awaited Journey." Click the links ...they are beautiful.
And each girl has a jewel on her hat or headband.

Normally, people work their jigsaw puzzles when it snows? Yeah, right. I am working mine when the monsoon and the haboobs come! LOL.

New Tee-shirts & other

2011-07-22T21:11:00.001-07:00

My friend Jo Anna decided to test out some t-shirt patterns. She wisely ordered an inexpensive knit to try out her patterns. She got a nice black and white knit (she's like me - definitely colorized a winter.) She was ready to start this project b/w fabric when she noticed.....a design in the fabric which was NOT obvious in the on-line picture.

No-way was Jo Anna going to wear this shirt which has a sort of an Ed Hardy look. Yes, there are Devil faces and some Día de los Muertos skulls.

So...guess who was gifted the fabric? Yeah, right....I'll wear anything! LOL

The tee is a basic pattern but so modified it is unlike the original pattern. The scraps left the cutting table motivated me to embellish a bit. I added a raw edge ruffle and two flowers. I applied the ruffle just off center front and continued around just over one shoulder. (You see how unbalanced I am?) I love it! Thanks to Jo Anna (who evidently knows me very well.)

I used some stash fabric for my next shirt. (From our local crazy, fabric place, SAS, where we buy fabric by the pound.) The pattern I used is Jalie 2804, Empire Crossover. I'm not real crazy about the fit. The pattern has an optional "modestly panel" piece for the V neck. I wonder why...the whole thing comes up too high anyway. Actually, it looks sort of dorky. Oh well, I'll work on modifications next time.

I had more success here....I used Urban Threads designs on these cup towels. My friend, Cornelia and I say, cup towels, while others say "tea towels." LOL...you can't take the Texas out of the girls.

Serger Cover

2011-07-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

My sis gave me some very cute sewing fabric. I decided to make a serger cover. The original cover is plastic and no fun at all.

Measured and cut....here it is!!

I learned something. You can't serge the seams of your serger cover. At least I can't. Why? The darn stitches catch on the thread guides when you take it off. So.....I went back and covered all the seams with ribbon. Egad...was it worth it?

Yes, it makes me happy!

Summer Benefits

2011-07-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

The end of season tomatoes from Tonapah Rob's market at the Stock Shop.

Awesome!

There are other farmer's markets, true. But this was so close.

See you next year Rob!

Various Pretty Things

2011-07-05T11:29:00.001-07:00

My neighbor gave me these gigantic

sunflowers.

He went of town -- we got to enjoy his flowers!

This fancy-smancy yarn was a mutual adventure. My friend Betsy, loved the on-line scarf we saw. (the link was sent to us by my main browsing scout Jo Anna) Actually Betsy did not know how to knit. I told her I could definitely teach her. But it's a very strange, challenging mesh yarn. (The pricey version is about $18 a skein). Ouch.

Ever intrepid on-line, she found it for wayyyyy cheaper. I knitted this beta version.

The rest of the story......after one quick lesson during the sewing retreat - she is a knitter! OMG, this is NOT a beginner project. Go to Betsy's blog Quilteddogs to see her results. And more to come.

I rediscovered these quilt plates that I once collected. I tired of them long ago and packed them away. Sitting in my sewing room I saw the perfect place to hang them, above the closet. But wow that wall had to be painted. My husband said, "Oh an easy 30 minute job. You can do it."

Not exactly what I had hoped to hear. He is an such an encourager!

Yeah, after a trip Dunn Edwards for more matching paint (a long story) and then spackling; taping edges - I was ready to paint. He handed me his nice brush. Due to my lack of skill, pretty soon something like the Tom Sawyer paradigm took place. Yes, he took over and believe me it made a big difference. Who knew I could not apply paint without blobs?

Getting the plates straight...was another story. About 4 hours later, all is good! I feel like the whole room got a face lift. Here is a peek an my happy sewing studio mess.

Nancy Ann Story Book Dolls hide out on top of cabinet.

Sewing Retreat all Gone!

2011-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

It came and it went so very fast. How can that happen? My baby sister came out a few days before the retreat. She stayed a couple of days afterward but not long enough. Truly, I am having withdrawal. My life-long friend, Carole (who feels like Earleen is her sister too) was with us every giggly moment. Oh my gosh......laughed until we cried.

And do I have a picture of us? No - I guess I was too busy. Drats.

I hope someone took a picture of the three of us and sends it to me.

Sew-In ladies donated over 90 little dresses to this year's charity, One Dress at a Time. There were other donations of fabric and accessories as well. Patrick generously donated a lot of his fabrics!

Donna, Linda and Edi accepting the dresses,

We enjoyed an all-day workshop with Patrick Lose and his assistant, Gary. They shared some fantastic tips and techniques. We chose our project from three of Patrick's designs. Gary made kits and we brought threads and basic sewing notions.

Betsy with Patrick.

I chose the sunflower as my project. I'm very pleased with it.

Our own ladies offered terrific information during our mini-demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Bettye and Cornelia present a technique.

I didn't finish a lot of projects. But honestly this year was so productive in many other ways. We had one hysterical evening with friends from way across the valley who we haven't seen in 2 years.

I totally enjoyed my two chair massages.

The food was to die for as usual.

We had a big "Quilted Raffle." I won the place mats I wanted, which were meticulously made by my friend Suzy. My pictures don't do them justice...World Travel mats. So cute and they go well with my new counter tops.

Back of the mats.

My Christmas purse is cnearly finished.

Applique' all done and hanging up!

Little vinyl zip bags, always good gifts.

Halloween runner, so cute!

Dog Tales or Road Kill?

2011-06-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

So...I drive to yoga class. Then I am driving home....I notice ....a hood ornament? Whattttt???

I get home and there it is....Road Kill. He's vaguely familiar.

I think I've see this guy.

But how did he get on my hood?

Mysterious.

Now Sebastian....is hanging in my hall way. I KNOW how he got there.

It was a long slow process.....way too many pieces.

But.....I adore him.

New Kitchen!

2011-06-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

The counter tops are finished. The roll out shelves are done, the sink and new disposal all done. Wow! We've touched up paint and only have a few more tweaks to go. It is lovely. Feels like it has always been here!

Tah, dah.....here it is. This is before the paint touch up but you get the idea.

LOVE the granite behind the cook top.

The island piece has such beautiful lines.

Absolutely love this sink! And the ledge under the window.

Ahhhhh

Sewing of late

2011-06-02T19:54:00.001-07:00

My recent sewing is varied to say the least. I volunteered, or got commissioned for some sewing for the adopted daughter. My Leslie, who owns, Cherry The Salon, has some very nice smocks for her customers. We thought she needed her logo on the smocks. I had her logo digitized then I embroidered the logo on the smocks. (I do not digitize but honestly the cost was very reasonable.)

OMG - panic....VERY nice smocks?? What if I mess up?

All turned out well... I did stabilize to the max: an iron-on + polymesh (to leave in) + bit of tear away floated under the hoop. I take no chances!

I am pleased and she is happy!

Then my little sewing group has been whipping out little girl dresses for our retreat charity this year "One Dress at a Time." We all really enjoyed creating these bright and fun dresses.

I had a bit of left over fabric from my charity dresses....and it was destined for my little friend Alison. She is the cutest 4-year-old ever. Allison is one of those darling, little "pink" princess girls.

Her darling mom is a yoga class friend.

Here is Alison in her gathered, twirly skirt. She was surprised and a bit too shy to try on the pink shirt that completes the ensemble.

(She ran in the closet to put on the skirt over her shorts! LOL)

Mom can take a whole enchilada picture later!

Oh what fun! I know Alison wears mom out but she cracks me up!

Lucky me!

2011-05-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it....look who is in my backyard today. No this isn't my picture...my resident wildlife photographer is not home. Drats.

The Western Tanager is just about my favorite bird in the world. It has to be this unusual weather that brought him here. Yeah!

The darn long-tailed grackles are trying to chase him off - grrrrr!!

Topsy Turvey

2011-05-19T14:43:00.002-07:00

We had regular family dinner Tuesday but I ask each person to bring a box. (No worries I had extra boxes.) After dinner, everyone was ask to empty a lower kitchen shelf. Ha, ha! (I thought that was clever!) Whew, it happened in a flash. Not especially, neat or organized but done.

The next morning, roll out shelves were installed. I know, most of you have these. This house is old. ;)
I am thrilled. It's a big help in getting organized.

Slowly, slowly items are getting back in their places Some surprises: some things fit, some don't, some I'll keep, other stuff is going in to relocation at Goodwill. Honestly, I have too much stuff.

Less is more? I'm working on it.

Remodel coming up!

2011-05-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here's how we are spending our time.....
(we won't mention $$)

Looking at granite slabs and more looking at granite slabs.

Looking at faucets! Studying sinks...

Finding shelves that ROLL OUT!!!

OH my goodness.....my mind is boggled.

I am so excited I can hardly stand it.

A few finished projects

2011-05-02T11:27:00.003-07:00

The spicy spiral table runner for my sister's birthday. Hope she likes the colors.

This strange little scarf is call the DanDoh Scarf (Warm Earth). It is easy to make - you cast on 200 stitches. Tempe Yarn and Fiber will collect these and send them to survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Japanese people feel handmade items are very valued and special. Check out the story by the designer http://dandoh.blogspot.com/

Finally I completed my afghan/throw with this fuzzy, fluffy yarn. My friend Jo Anna gave me a bundle of this yarn. I hated knitting with it. But I found that using a HUGE crochet hook made it behave. The yarn compliments the quilted coverlet on my bed. It is as light as air. I used a single crochet stitch back and forth which allowed a lot of TV watching.

A little door hanger for Cupcake who is my Goddaughter's roommate at LMU.

Ah, the fun project. These are passport covers. I made them for all the girls! You can easily see which one is Janna's. (That springer fabric came from my friend Lynn, who is Jazmine's momma!) Janna had a fit....really it is too perfect having a springer on the beach!

Two Things I didn't want to know!

2011-05-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

You might be better off not knowing some things..then again, you may need to know someday.
Read on if you are brave!

A. How to clean a mess of chewing gum out of your dryer!

Click it if you are curious.

B. What was making a noise in my chimney.

Ready????

Praise the Lord for a husband who figured out what and how to remove it! Ekkkkkkkkkkkkkk - not a pretty sight!

Beach Time!

2011-04-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Easter was 5 days at the beach but in two different settings. The first few days were at a condo with my dear friend, Doreen and my goddaughter, Liana. And her roommate Kelsey, who is called Cupcake. Perfect weather, beautiful beach and no one there but us.

Doreen

Cupcake and Liana

Liana with her short Godmother!

The girls are roommates at LMU in LA. They are so cute, so fun and so sweet.

Oh yeah!

It took me a few tries but I got the girls in the air!

Quality time with my girl friend and her daughter - priceless. Liana will spend the fall semester in Spain. So I really treasure this trip!

Coming soon....more adventures.

A touch of Spring

2011-04-12T11:32:00.001-07:00

Puppy & lolipop embroidery made for Allison, a favorite 4-year old.

Preparing for the Spicey Spiral Runner, I selected 8 coordinating fabrics which was the most time consuming step.

(Then I made a cheat sheet.)

Stay in order, stay in order I repeated to myself.

Sewed the strata. Cut out with a 10 degree ruler.

That was so scary I forgot the picture.

Success, my strange colors look great.

Hubby says it the coolest thing I've made!

Gotta have them!

2011-04-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with these Bakelite bracelets. I was in a charming store in old Glendale, The Cottage Garden. Even though I balked at the price it was a good deal. Any Bakelite is pricey. I feel like it is actually Bakelite -- hard to say but the Scotty dog sure looks and feels authentic. A woman from Anthem is making the bracelets. The bangle itself is most likely a new plastic due to the color.

I do have a little collection of antique Bakelite, Scotty pins.

Oh, how cute are we?

A few more Scotties seem to gang-up around here.

There's always room for more!!!

Some of the others are hiding.

Tricked out new stuff

2011-03-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

The slick I put onto my Kindle just floats my boat!

And then....found this fantastic fabric.

I am interviewing it to see what it will become.

Because I had some encouragement, I revamped the strange t-shirt necklace. Here is is and actually it is pretty cute.

Don't Do It

2011-03-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

I chose some test fabric

I followed a tutorial for a Book-style Kindle cover. I already made a very nice cover in the embroidery hoop. But always searching for more ideas ...."onward to new styles", I said to myself. Determined to document the process....

I followed directions

I took pictures along the way.

So I hate it, it does not fit at all...arg!

Today I will either try to adjust or toss it. You ask if I checked along the way for size/fit? Heck no, I just assumed the tutorial measurements were right.
I used this tutorial link if you are even slightly curious.

But wait there's more......don't do this either! I was lured to this recycle idea..a necklace from an old t-shirt. Martha Steward and Queen Latifa just love it. What the heck was I thinking?

Cut the t-shirt in strips, pull to make them curl,
and voila' you have ...

a bunch of crap around your scrawny old neck.

Excused!

2011-03-17T11:44:00.001-07:00

I hate to admit how happy I am not be selected for jury duty.

However my judge was awesome.

He was humorous and inspirational. He told us that our country asks us to do 4 things:

vote, serve on juries, pay taxes and serve in the military.

(Well, three out of four isn't bad.)

My attitude improved just listening to the judge.
I walked around the downtown area during lunch.
There is a restful grassy place near the Orpheum Theatre.

It's beautifully landscaped with a lovely water feature.
The trees were full of birds.
I listened to a street musician as well.
Did I have my camera? No! Drats!

Sew...back to my happy life!

I finished this wall hanging yesterday.
What you see is the March scene from
Kim Schaefer's Calendar Quilts project book.
This book is a bargain - all twelve months for about $12.
I think I got the pattern book on sale.

I fused and stitched the raw edge appliquéd pieces onto a pieced background.
Very fun but the BEST part is......

every fabric and thread in this wall hanging was from my stash.
NO KIDDING!

I've been told that means it was free! At the very least it was a stash burner.

My little Texas ~~Lilac~~ Mountain Laurel tree is full of intensely purple blossoms.
In the past it had only one or two blooms.
They smell a little bit like real lilacs.

Ahhhhh -- take a deep breath.
More info link

An Old Irish Blessing

2011-03-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

What a week

The tsunami's devastation in Japan is still unfolding.

My old friend lost her battle with cancer. She was too young.

My niece is back in the hospital after her ~~simple~~ knee surgery.

Pulmonary embolisms developed in Kristi's lungs. Small ones, so we are optimistic.

My dear friend has a husband in such stress with Crone's disease.

Another friend is having terrible back problems.

And honestly, there is such a long list of challenges and concerns among my friends.

We all can use a blessing or a comfort this week.

Oh Sweet Kindle

2011-03-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my Kindle. Got it for my birthday, if I forgot to mention. Honestly, I can read faster and more since I got it. I made an ugly case for it. But now....tah, dah.

This very clever case was girlfriend inspired! And she tutored me through it.

Thank goodness.

Not such good placement of the top and bottom pieces but....I had no clue!

And why did I choose one-way print for the first try? Duh.

Sewn in the hoop this case has four hoopings. So you have backs, fronts, tops, bottoms, stabilizer and filling. Ha! Getting them together is somewhat of a puzzle. I was feeling pretty smug...doing so well, no worries. Eventually I got mixed up (lower left inside), I blame a "Law & Order" rerun for that.

Oh well...there you have it -onward and upward.

Manhattan Beach, CA

2011-02-28T10:18:00.001-07:00

Babysitting two dogs in a beach house on Manhattan Beach is tough work - hey - somebody has to do it! Yes it was February, cold but often sunny and nice! It rained some too. Still so much fun!

Doreen is starting out with the dogs.

Downstairs

Upstairs

Typical homes

Walking The Strand

Bad picture - good color!

Surfers never quit!

LMU Mascot - a photo op

It was a typical, beautiful California Day when we visited Loyola's campus.

Sugar girl in her dorm

View from campus

What's Been Sewing?

2011-02-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have neglected to post lately. So much going on. February is THE birthday month in this family.

Janna got a couple of new tops and necklace to match.

Pattern is from Jaile 2794. Fits like a dream on this girlie.

I've got the bread basket liners all done my dear friend.

Another Feb. Birthday!

This runner uses border fabric. It is a pattern called Easy Striped Table Runner. Lots of my friends are making these. The interesting thing is that way backwhen - it was a free pattern from Timless Treasures. No longer free - there is a lot of discussion on line about the subject. Ummm....interesting.

All these table toppers/runners were mailed to my darling niece in Utah. Leslie, Lynn and I made them for Kristi as a thank you. Kristi developed our logo for the Sew-In Retreat. (Click to see it how it is used on our blog.)

We're using the logo on cards, correspondence and blog. Too cute, huh?

I took a trip to Manhattan Beach with Doreen last week. We house sat two dogs. Just steps away from the beach. Oh....my goodness what hard work! We walked, talked, shopped, ate and drank all week.
Pictures in the next post.

And the bonus was getting to spend a bit of time with her daughter, my goddaughter!

Here's Liana with her LMU bag.

Mr Hawk Again

2011-02-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

Our resident Sharp-shinned hawk obviously hangs out here for breakfast.

Wednesday morning it was very cold and windy. I did not expect to see him. Around 11:00 am I noticed him under the ficus trees.

(click to see pictures enlarged)

He eats on the ground when the elm tree has lost most its leaves.

Otherwise he seems to prefer being up in the branches.

There is no doubt he was watching the resident photographer who was rapidly taking pictures through the kitchen window.

Once breakfast was complete he flew up in the tree to clean up which involves wiping his beak on the branch.

Truly he is a handsome fellow!

Since the foliage is sparse Dave got a good picture.

Feeling good now, he readies to take off.

We are lucky to have the chance to closely observe him.

Be Mine!

2011-01-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love Valentine's Day...love the hearts and colors! I got a little wall hanging done. I used thick batting for the little trapunto designs. I like the results.

(You gotta love that puppy!)

This little, pink bag was a gift for Allison, who is 4-years old. I had the bag, just added embellishment. Allison comes into yoga class to help mom layout her mat, before she goes to child care. Well, Allison and I really hit it off. We always do a couple of Downward Dog poses and a Bridge before she has to go. She is as cute as a button.

Tea towels for Leslie's birthday.

ID fobs for the girls.

This is a small bag for my yoga teacher, Noreen. I love the fabric!

The message is so Zen.

The back says "Breathe"

(Click to enlarge and look at the cute little zipper pull.)

A favorite card made in the embroidery hoop.

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's Official

2011-01-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ella has broken away from my blog. She wanted her own space. Encouraged by her ESS friends - she is un-leashed and speaking for her self at

Springer Unleashed.

She hopes to have her friends blog about their adventures as well.

Wild life in the burbs!

2011-01-23T15:49:00.013-07:00

2006 Backyard

2007 Backyard

We don't live in Longhorn Ranch, Sunburst Farms or the Swift's horsey compound - just an ordinary neighborhood. Still we have a lot of backyard birds except when our annual, guest arrives!

Taken from the kitchen-window December 2010

Our hawks arrive around Halloween and leave in mid-April. This year we've had our friend the Sharp-shinned Hawk and a pair of small black hawks. I like them all.

I couldn't get a picture him on the last two visits. But after he feasts I can record what remains. Honestly it is a pretty arty arrangement of feathers left over! (If you are squeamish, don't look too closely at the second picture.)

1-17-11

1-18-11

Everybody has to eat.

But wait there's more in my neighborhood.....This morning around 7 am....I glanced across the street to Ed's house and saw a coyote eating his breakfast. OMG, a quick look with the binoculars revealed a batch of rusty colored feathers!

The photographers got pretty good pictures, even in low light.

The rest of the story: the coyote finally got spooked, dropped the chicken and took off. Amazingly 5 minutes later he returned and took his breakfast down the street somewhere.

... what was left a bunch of feathers and .......

Eddie has plans for this very fresh egg.

Ummmm.....better ask him about it.

Brussel's Sprouts Salad?

2011-01-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Oh my, oh my.....I met a friend today at Chelsea's Kitchen. I had their Brussels Sprouts Salad. It was yummy! It had a bit of smoked bacon, almonds and manchego cheese. WOW! This recipe photo link (click on the title) looks a lot like it. Obviously the nuts are different.

Is this a girly salad?

The cheese they used is a sheep's milk cheese (I swear the server told me goat, whatever.) It is imported from Spain.

Interesting huh?

My own two wheels?

2011-01-17T19:40:00.002-07:00

Tempe Town Lake on a Segway - YES - so fun! The son-in-law took us all for a great treat. We took the light rail out to Tempe. That was fun too! I was not even nervous until.... the charming, young woman begin to ex plain " this is so easy, anyone can do it" yeah, right.

My whole body began to stiffen. Me, the most klutzy woman on earth! Why am I here. Then she handed us helmets. (Now wait a minute....my daughter and son-in-law keep taking us on adventures that require helmets. What are they thinking?)

Notice how I struggle just standing still. Meanwhile in the background the hubby floats in and around with ease. I kid you not they are all experts the minute they step on the contraption.

Stand straight, balance and oh, relax! Sure!

See my "relaxed" smile?

We went all over, up/down, under/over....OMG!

Two cuties!

That's my kid!

Show off!

We made it!

OK I had so much fun! Thanks Junior!

Ella Hikes South Mountain

2011-01-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Ella speaks:

Hello everyone! I got a great start to the new year! I start 2011 by celebrating on the Mexico beachs. The parents did not let me swim but I had some excellent walks.

"You are here" (hey I knew that!)

This is my first trip to South Mountain. Mighty fine! Ya know - this is the world's largest municipal park! (They read that to me.)

Come on, get started.

I think I might be 1,000 feet above the desert.

Let's go search for all that wildlife I smell.

Perfect Day! Thank you parents! I'm barely tired.

Did you notice, I don't look a bit older this year.

Back to the Holidays!

2011-01-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

One year! Wow!

I just cannot get caught up, so here (all in one swoop) are pictures from the kids anniversary, Christmas Eve, Day and New Year's trip.

Rich - Frannie

Leslie - Bettysue (Mom)

Cornelia brings pie to Dave

Ella - Bella

Photographer

Somebody watch Ella!

Ella and I relax

Three Amigos

JJ - Dad

It's all about me

End bits from 2010 -- the year of Ella!

Help Me!

2011-01-08T10:40:00.001-07:00

Great, I have a new ironing board cover but now I HAVE to do something about my iron. My lovely, powerful Rowenta steam generator iron has problems. Just look at the cord covering. The insulated covering has been shrinking up for a long time. I have nursed it along but ENOUGH is ENOUGH.

The uncovered cord/tubes are hotter than heck!

I cannot find a local repair place, it would cost a fortune to send it off.

Send some advise my way...please!

A Clean Slate 2011

2011-01-07T12:10:00.003-07:00

Finally - I got my new ironing board cover!

If only it would stay this clean!

I have waited for months for this cover. Evidently my board is an unusual size. The manufacturer stopped making covers right after I bought the board.

Drats, my bad luck! I got a new cover many years ago at our local Sewing/Quilting/Crafting Festival. Well...many mistakes later it was way shabby!

The cute, little, old fellow in that festival booth, Mr. Aubry Foster, stole my heart. He owns Golden Hand Industries, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. And he has a charming southern accent as well. I think Mr Aubrey is the only employee. He has cover sewers somewhere in his town. Poor guy gets overwhelmed after selling at big quilt shows! It took several phone calls but - well worth the wait.

The bag below is made from a large men's sweatshirt. This cool idea came from from a local ASG Workshop.The presenter was Mary Mulari, who is a master at re-newing/recycling old sweatshirts!

The bag is for Liana, my goddaughter, a Kappa Alpha Theta girl at LMU.

The bottom of the sweatshirt is the top of the bag. I put 1 1/2" darts at the corner areas to shape it a bit. I sewed in stay tape across the bottom for some stability. Straps were cut from the sleeve.

OMG what a doll.

Because the Greek letters were appliquéd to a base, I shadow quilted around the letters to make them pop a little more.

I'm very pleased but most importantly, Liana is thrilled! Yeah!

Quilting Bee - Larry King & Obama

2011-01-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

My sister sent this me to me.....you gotta love it!

My Pretties!

2010-12-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

My girls are as precious as they are pretty.

Leslie, me, Janna and Julie
Notice who is missing....poor Ella.

Time to brag - these young women are incredible. If only I had been half as smart, successful and beautiful at their age! Of course, I've adopted the two blondes - but after 20 years I'm allowed!
My argyle tee shirt is an original.

Happy Christmas Cactus!

I made the door hangers last year. However, Mrs Big Lots made the doggie.

The Kermit-Green Jacket Rescue

2010-12-15T16:19:00.001-07:00

You have to go read this story from Thread e-zine - Kenneth King saves this jacket from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Badly worn at the edges, too shabby to wear......Kenneth steps in and saves the day with a great technique. Really, a fantastic idea.

Nice story, great idea, the last sentence just blows me away.
Come on click the title link and tell me what you think.

Ladies I Love!

2010-12-13T18:53:00.001-07:00

Yoga Ladies at Happy Hour
Kathy, Kelly, Noreen, Sylvia, Kelly

Sewing Group Luncheon
Sylvia, Cornelia, Bettye
Carole, Jackie, Ginney

Cornelia's table at Methodist Tea Party

Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T18:54:00.002-07:00

The flower vase is the pumpkin - girl friend's idea.

Hard as a rock...the resident workman had to open it.

Just family and what a wonderful day!!!

Advent Calendars for Liana and Kelsey (roommate) at LMU.

Whew, I was happy to get these finished so they could be back to the dorm for December 1st.

New Resident

2010-11-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pat T. O

Just one surprise after another this fall. We walked out to the patio this morning and discovered this little guy cruising along. Which means his mother planted her eggs outside of the curbed turtle run. Just when we think we have all the baby turtles we can get....here comes another one.

About a month ago we found two others.

These guys were both found in our "turtle run" which is just a curbed area set aside for them.

We have one rowdy male turtle named "Red Neck."

Can you see why?

I might change his name to Casanova.

Fall Break In Pine, AZ

2010-11-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Imported wild life

White Tail Deer

Acorn Woodpecker

What no internet?

Score!

We be so tired!

The furry kids slept all the way home!

Dang Good

2010-11-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Mini Chicken Alfredo

Straight from Cuisine at Home I made this lovely appetizer. I received rave reviews.....

Around the yard

2010-11-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

Here are few macro snaps from the yard. Sure doesn't seem like fall.

The elm tree is going to seed

Mexican Bird of Paradise blooming again

Solanum plants

Favorite vine...uh, um...I forgot the name.
It got so heavy it broke the trellis.

My zucchini came back to life!

From Janna's vines!

Lantana

Mile-a-minute vine

Water color by me

Brand New Key

2010-11-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

My new favorite commercial with an old favorite song!

(One comment I saw said "...holy crap I love this song!")

Check out Melaine Sukafa the artist.

Bracelet Bonanza!

2010-10-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

I took a break last week and spent 2 nights with a girlfriend who lives wayyyyy across town. We had so much to do. We shopped at tiny cute boutiques. We had to have Happy Hour and lunches at very cute places.

I can't even remember the all names not could I locate them on my own!

My very favorite lunch was at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. What a fun place. We had perfect weather to sit out on the patio and eat our artisan sandwiches.

My friend does everything: sews, knits, crochets, reads and beads. (Goodness knows what else!) I am put to shame. Her friend is encouraging her to sell her creations.

Works in progress.

An awesome combo.

I bought the black bracelet from a fantastic bead gallery. Jo Anna made the red one but it came home with me! Yeah!!!!

We tried our hands at a knitted/beaded bracelet pattern. It got a little dicey for me! Thank goodness for the excellent tutoring on bead selection and stringing. The results are very nice.

Jo Anna's is yummy turquoise with clear glass.

Mine is gold/bronze with the same clear glass bead.

The directions specified metallic hand embroidery thread (all 6 strains) for the knitting. Whew, that was a challenge! I learn a lot of little tricks. I had never strung beads on any yarn. I think I'll try again when we find a substitute for the metallic thread. It tends to split and just doesn't feel nice.

Sun Lakes is such a peaceful and charming place. What prompted this sleep over? Her husband is "down under" on a birding trip.

Thought for the Day

2010-10-11T09:54:00.004-07:00

"To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness."

Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel Laureate (1872-1970)

(borrowed from Wordsmith's post today)

Dave Johns, photographer

Dog On It

2010-10-09T18:30:00.001-07:00

Say the name of the title really fast!

Chet the dog and Bernie the detective made for great read. Chet narrates and how! He loves life and loves Bernie. Chet understands humans on an entirely different level. You don't have to be a dog lover to get into this series.

I'm on my way to the library for Thereby Hangs a Tail and next To Fetch a Thief.

Honestly it's LOL material. Go to Amazon and look inside the first few pages!