A Homemade Christmas Memory Lane

Hello Blog Friends,

This year I'm celebrating Christmas in a different house.  I thought I might share how I decorated our home for the holidays and also take a little walk down my own homemade Christmas memory lane.  My living room:

Here are the stockings hung with care at my fireplace.  I hand stitched each one with willing hands and a loving heart.  I have Denis' and mine, and between us (where she always wanted to lay) is the one I made for my (late) Betty Kat.  Santa (aka Joe Cool) and Reindeer with sunglasses is just plain cute!  And I am in love with the sock monkey and sock reindeer on the sled.  These are all made of felt and purchased as kits.  I have made these stockings for family and friends since my own girls were small.  Soon I will start my stockpile of stockings for any future great-grandchildren that may come along someday.

I love this dress!  I made it last year as a decoration, and again it adorns my home.  It is made entirely of flannel, and I have to admit that I fondle it each time I walk by.  

This quilt on the rack is called "Retro Christmas" for good reason.  The endearing pictures of children are evocative of the 1950's (my own decade!)  And it is made from flannel, my favorite fabric to work with.  

Here's a pillow that I made several years ago.  I made one almost identical for my mother, and had enough fabric left over to make one for myself.  Her pillow is now with one of her granddaughters, and this one reminds me of her each time I see it.

Here is a grouping new to my collection last year.  What a fun group. Quilt and pillows.  Morty the Sock Monkey is not new, he has been with me for a number of years.

And, here the Prairie Point Pinwheel Wreath that hangs near my front door.

Here's a grouping on the side table in the living room.  The hex table mat, plastic needlepoint tissue box cover and my Vintage Christmas Card scrapbook.

This triple mini quilt on stand was perfect for this spot on the mantle this year.  See the original post here.

This is a felt advent calendar that I made in 1974, so it predates even my oldest daughter.  It was the first felt and sequin project that I ever did.  I remember the store where I bought it in LaCrosse, Doerflinger's Department Store (no longer in business).  It has been a cherished decoration in our home since then.  I still love it.

And, underneath all those chocolate goodies is a table runner made from tumbler blocks.  

Please have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I will not post again for a couple of weeks.  Today begins a week and a half of non-stop holiday activity and travels.  

Until next time...

Last minute gifts...

Hello Blog Friends,

Well, here I am, 8 days from Christmas and I'm still working on finishing up some last minute gifts.  These will be quick ones, so I should have no problem getting them finished up with time to spare.

I have a pillowcase and two pillows to make yet, but I have finished up a new tote bag for...???   It is so pretty and functional that I may keep it myself or give it away.  Only time will tell.   The pattern is "The Essential Tote" from Around the Bobbin.  It measures  13" x 9" x 4" and features two interior pockets and a zipper closure.  I added hardware and a cross-body strap to it also.  I really like the cross-body feature.  Especially if you are traveling or commuting to work, or using it as your carry-on for a plane trip.

Isn't this one gorgeous?  (That is the cross-body detachable strap in the center.)  I used the lotus print for front and back, a deep violet for bottom, handles and carrying strap.  A green striped print was used for the lining.

Until next time...

Time for a NAP!

Greetings Blog Friends,

As I mentioned last week, I've made a fun little (well, not so little!) gift for Denis for all the hard work he has put in on renovations this summer and fall.  Before I get to it, however, a bit of history...

Denis and I attended a local craft show a couple of weeks ago.  We saw some fun pillows and one in particular appealed to me as a great gift idea.  Of course, I was not about to buy it, since I have the ability to make it myself.  So, I did what every crafter does...snapped a picture of it and then came home and developed my own pattern.  Next, I raided the fabric stash and Voilá, here is the finished product:

Yes, friends, Denis now has a nice 20" pillow to rest his weary head on at naptime.  I made this one totally of flannel fabrics in my stash.  I used my cricut machine to cut out the patterns for the letters and heart.  The top was pieced, then backed by a piece of fusible fleece.  I quilted the top with an all-over meander, then machine appliqued the letters.  The front and back are joined by french seams to deter ravelling (something flannel is notorious for) and the entire pillow cover can be removed easily for laundering.

Sweet dreams, Denis!

Til next time...

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER UFO REPORT

Hello Blogger friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I report no more changes for 2018 to the UFO list for this year.  It was an ambitious plan when formulated last January, but I did not forsee selling a house, buying a house and renovating a house!  I did, however, finish 8 of 12 projects, a 75% completion rate.  I think that is pretty good, considering.  But, unfortunately, those unfinished items will have to languish for a while longer on the new UFO list for 2019.  That will come out early next month.

2018 UFO PROJECT LIST
	Name	Current Status	Date Finished
1	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	2/10/2018
2	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/19/2018
3	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/20/2018
4	Seeing Red Quilt	Top, back done.  Ready for quilting	TBD 2019
5	T-Shirt Quilt	Fabrics gathered	TBD 2019
6	Patterns II Quilt	Finished!	1/31/2018
7	Prairie Cupboard Quilt	Finished!	7/25/2018
8	Colonial Williamsburg Ornament Book	Materials gathered	TBD 2019
9	Mary's Quilt	Top done.	TBD 2019
10	Baby Quilt	Finished!	2/21/2018
11	Fran Memorial Book	Finished!	2/9/2018
12	Towne Square Quilt	Finished!	2/3/2018

Meanwhile, I have been sewing and working diligently on various and sundry Christmas gifts.  Unfortunately, I can't show them to you just yet, as some of the recipients faithfully read this blog.

I am working on something really fun for Denis, and I will share the finished product next week.  It is a gift, but not a Christmas gift...he has worked hard on his part of the renovations here and deserves a "thank you".  While I can't show you a shot of the work in progress, I can share that it will be made of "flannels".  Flannel...a word that brings to mind warm and cozy.  No wonder it is my favorite fabric to work with. 

To all my friends...stay warm and dry as winter is now upon us!

Til next time...

TRAVEL BAG JUST IN TIME

Hello Blog Friends,

I have a fun little project to share with you.  Last week, I traveled to Portland, Oregon with my daughter, Kristy.  She went there on business and asked me to come along to keep her company while traveling and in the evenings after her work conference.  We went a day early and saw some beautiful sights.  And, the weather was perfect...low to mid 70's and SUN!  We had a very good time!

I wanted a travel bag to carry books, travel pillow, camera, purse, etc.  on the plane.  I have several, but I needed one that was both roomy and had a zip closure.  While hunting through my stash of bags, I found one that I had made Denis a few years before.  With no zipper, it wasn't suitable, but I really liked the pattern, so I dug it out, raided the fabric stash, and here is the end result:

Pattern is called Little Sister by Whistlepeg Designs.  The fabrics used are a variety of prints that I've had in my stash for some time.  The fusible fleece used in the bag was from the stash, too.  The only purchases were some project specific fusible interfacing, a zipper, and the strap hardware.  The pattern doesn't call for a cross-body carrying strap, but I made one that would work.  Finished size is 17" x 12" x 6".  

I'm working on another flannel quilt for another special young lady...more of those details next time.  Til then...

SEPTEMBER UFO REPORT

Hello Blog Friends,

I'm sad to report still no changes to the UFO Project List!  September was a busy month...I attended a scrapbooking retreat in Crivitz, and had a flurry renovation activity here at the house.

Crivitz.  I attended Wednesday through Sunday and really got alot done...I did not work with pictures at all, but concentrated on using up some of the paper I have accumulated.  In all, I made 104 single pages ( or 52) 2-page layouts.  The weather was really wonderful, 80 degree days and beautiful sunshine.  Here are a couple of shots along the Peshtigo River.

Workmen.  This month, I had new doors put in, electrical work done, new windows and a new gas fireplace installed.  Here my lovely new fireplace.  

Quilt Expo in Madison.  I also found some time to visit the Quilt Expo in Madison.  Here are a couple of my favorite quilts on display:

Next time...a last minute project completed!  Till then...

Ric Rac Paddywhack Flannel Quilt

Hello Blog Friends!

Although I was busy, busy last month, I did have a chance to finish this lovely flannel quilt.  I chose the name Ric Rac Paddywhack ...it is the same as fabric line.  This was an easy quilt to make and so much fun to sew...you know how much I like to work with flannels!

This quilt is meant as a gift for a young lady very dear to my heart, but her identity will remain a secret until after Christmas.  I quilted it in a simple cross-hatch design.  I love the back, too.  Finished size  54" x 64".

I have been sewing on a couple of other projects as well.  More on those next week.

Until then...

Go, Pack, Go!

Hello Blog Friends,

Well, the 2018 NFL Football season has begun.  It is fitting, then, that I share my latest project with you...a Packer Pillow.  

The center section is a printed 6" x 9" block, a design reminiscent of greeting postcards of the 1930s and 1940s.  The block is printed on a cotton panel and is made by Olde America Antiques.  This particular block is available in several different sizes.  The pillow was an easy to make project.  Finished size: 14".

Sadly, this cute project will not be residing in my own house.  I will be attending a scrapbooking retreat is a couple of weeks, and we all have been asked to donate a door prize of some kind.  This will be my door prize.  Many of the ladies attending the retreat are Packer fans indeed.  However, this would make a great gift for Christmas, too.

Till next time...

UFO Project List Update for September

Hello Blog Friends!

Well, I sadly have to report no progress on the UFO list for August.  I was, however, busy during the month.  It is definitely a good thing that I am retired...I don't have time to work!  LOL

1. Vacation.  I was invited to join my daughter Kristy and her family on a vacation at the beginning of August to Galena, Illinois.  While there, we visited the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa.  We toured and shopped downtown Galena and visited Dubuque one day.  A fun trip and much needed getaway!
2. Landscapers.  The landscaping crew was here to take out tree stumps, remove old planting beds, smooth things out and plant grass.  I am happy to report that the new grass is growing well.
3. Basement Repair.  Cracks have been repaired and walls have been stabilized.  No more water in the basement!!
4. Countertops.  The new countertops in the kitchen have been installed and look great!  Now comes the next phase of kitchen renovations, which is to repair and repaint the cabinets and doors.  This part we are doing ourselves.
5. Appointments.  I also had a series of appointments for the next round of renovations...electrician, fireplace, bathroom.  A GC's life is never done.
6. Play.  We were able to get away for a day to attend a play at one of our favorite venues.  

So, anyway, here is the list as it was at the beginning of August.  Looking ahead, I hope to finish at least one item at scrapbooking retreat in a couple of weeks.  Wish me luck..until next monthly update...

2018 UFO PROJECT LIST
	Name	Current Status	Date Finished
1	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	2/10/2018
2	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/19/2018
3	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/20/2018
4	Seeing Red Quilt	Top, back done.  Ready for quilting
5	T-Shirt Quilt	Fabrics gathered
6	Patterns II Quilt	Finished!	1/31/2018
7	Prairie Cupboard Quilt	Finished!	7/25/2018
8	Colonial Williamsburg Ornament Book	Materials gathered
9	Mary's Quilt	Top done.
10	Baby Quilt	Finished!	2/21/2018
11	Fran Memorial Book	Finished!	2/9/2018
12	Towne Square Quilt	Finished!	2/3/2018

UFO Project List August Update

Hello Blogger friends!

Yay!  I actually found time to get back to crafting.  Yes, I'm still the General Contractor for our home renovation project.  There has been some "down-time" while waiting for the work to be done, and I've used that time wisely.  I've read a book...The Tenth Island by Diana Marcum, taken a couple of weekends away, and have finished two quilts!  And...one was on the UFO list!

2018 UFO PROJECT LIST
	Name	Current Status	Date Finished
1	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	2/10/2018
2	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/19/2018
3	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/20/2018
4	Seeing Red Quilt	Top, back done.  Ready for quilting
5	T-Shirt Quilt	Fabrics gathered
6	Patterns II Quilt	Finished!	1/31/2018
7	Prairie Cupboard Quilt	Finished!	7/25/2018
8	Colonial Williamsburg Ornament Book	Materials gathered
9	Mary's Quilt	Top done.
10	Baby Quilt	Finished!	2/21/2018
11	Fran Memorial Book	Finished!	2/9/2018
12	Towne Square Quilt	Finished!	2/3/2018

Yes, friends, I have finished the Prairie Cupboard quilt.  Looking back at previous posts, I don't think I ever shared it with you...shame on me.  I recall making this quilt last September, so it languished in UFO status less than one year (which is a short time, compared to some of the others, LOL).  A lucky quilt, indeed.

Here's some details and a photo of the finished quilt:

Finished size:  50" x 61"
Pattern:  Strip Off by G. E. Designs.  I purchased it as a kit from Pine Street Quilts in Marinette, Wisconsin.  Pattern includes details for cirb, lap and twin size quilts.   It would also a good stash-busting quilt!
Details:  This was an easy and fun quilt to piece.  The pattern itself calls for 2 1/2" WOF strips.  The strips in the kit were precut.  I didn't care for several of the fabrics, so I substituted from my stash.  I wanted to convey a country theme to the fabric selection.  Basically, you make a strip set then subcut into smaller pieces.  Add a diagonal corner to each set, voila! your block is made.  Add sashing with cornerstones, sew rows together and DONE! 
Quilting:  I chose to quilt it in an edge-to-edge free motion meander.

I decided to name this quilt Prairie Cupboard, because many of the fabrics reminded me of some of the primitive fabric collections I've seen.  This quilt will remain in my own collection.  I plan to use it for display in late summer and early autumn.

All for now...next time I'll share the other quilt I finished in July!  Till then...

New Wall Decor in Craft Room

Hello Blog Friends!

I have something fun to share with you today!  Here is a new wall decor piece that I have in my craft room.  It accommodates most of my sewing related "treasures".  Size:  30" x 37".  I love it and the things on it.

My favorites:

***Vintage child's sewing machine.  This reminds me of the Viking Green Machine I once had (handed down to me by my mother when she upgraded.)

***Mason jar of vintage sewing supplies.

***Sewing Susan Needle Folder.  It's full, too.

Fun stuff.  

Guess what???  I think I'll have some time in the next week or so to actually do some sewing again!  There is a lull right now before the workmen start.  More on that next time...

UFO Report for July

Hi Blog friends.

I'm sad to say that there has been no change since June's UFO post.  

I have a pretty good reason, tho...I have become a General Contractor here at the new place.  It has been up to me to secure workment for a variety of home improvement projects.  I spent the entire month of June scheduling meetings!  I've had a slight respite from the details, but next week begins the "install" phase of the work.  Here is what will be happening in the next few months:
1.  New windows
2.  New countertop
3.  New furnace
4.  New front and garage access doors
5.  New porch railings
6.  Tree removals and lanscaping

Whew!  What a list!

I'll post pics when all is done.

Till next time...

June UFO project list update

Hello Blog Friends,

Although busy the the Move in April and May, I did actually find time to complete several items on the 2018 UFO list.  

2018 UFO PROJECT LIST
	Name	Current Status	Date Finished
1	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	2/10/2018
2	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/19/2018
3	2015 Christmas Pages	Finished!	4/20/2018
4	Seeing Red Quilt	Top, back done.  Ready for quilting
5	T-Shirt Quilt	Fabrics gathered
6	Patterns II Quilt	Finished!	1/31/2018
7	Prairie Cupboard Quilt	Top, back done.  Ready for quilting
8	Colonial Williamsburg Ornament Book	Materials gathered
9	Mary's Quilt	Top done.
10	Baby Quilt	Finished!	2/21/2018
11	Fran Memorial Book	Finished!	2/9/2018
12	Towne Square Quilt	Finished!	2/3/2018

I treated myself to a few days at our annual scrapbooking retreat in Crivitz.  I was able to finish my Christmas pages for both 2016 and 2017!  Yay!  My Christmas book is now up to date!

Here are some of the pages:

A big THANK YOU! to my daughter Kristy for designing the pages.  These pages were all made in our monthly scrapping group gatherings.  


Till next month...

The Move and Back at the Sewing Machine

Hello Blog Friends,

I'm happy to report that our move is done.  We were delayed by the once-in-100-year-snowstorm in April, but have quickly moved ahead from there.  We moved in three installments...Boxes, totes, small furniture was moved on April 28 with help of family and friends.  Two Men and a Truck helped us move the big stuff on May 1 and we finally finished with the remainder of Denis' basement workshop and garage stuff on May 5, again with the help of family.  

We spent May working on one house or the other!  Early May was spent unpacking at the new place, ie getting the kitchen, bathroom, offices, and bedroom set up.  The last two weeks in May was spend at the old place, cleaning, repairing, generally spiffing the place up to get it ready for sale.  We finished on Labor Day weekend.  The old place is now up for sale.

Phase 1 was the move, Phase 2 was sell the old place,  Phase 3 is home improvements.  We have windows, landscapers and new countertop all scheduled in to the new place.   Although there is still much unpacking yet to do, I have found some time to do some sewing.

Actually, the sewing was doing some alterations on a bridesmaid dress for my daughter Kerri.  A small and quick project, but it got me back at the sewing machine again.  

I'm still putting the finishing touches on my new craft room and will show you that very soon.  

Till next time.