Strandz - Allison Anderson

Creativity Art Studio

2011-10-27T09:41:00.000-06:00

Here is just a bit of what I get to do at work--

Creativity Art Studio - Where Artists Grow

Time to Catch Up

2011-10-26T12:08:00.000-06:00

Summer is always so busy, and with moving and working more, updating my blog has not been at the top of the to do list. But I have missed the "blog world" and I'm aiming to do a quick catch up.

We've been on quite a few fun hikes this summer in our beautiful canyons

The kids started school back in Aug. and we are enjoying our new place. We especially love having our good friends right upstairs.

Gracie has now joined Kyle in becoming a Brace Face

I'm lucky to have a job I enjoy. I taught a few Kids Camps this summer. We paint bisque, watercolor and play with clay.

And of course--the staples in life--Coke, fabric, hot glue and friends.

All in all, it's a pretty good life.

What's in your Drawers?

2011-08-19T15:35:00.000-06:00

You can take that question so many ways. As I was wasting many hours on my favorite time waster--Pinterest--I came across a blog with this great idea. Fabric Drawer Liners........yes please!

Painting Poppies

2011-07-29T21:28:00.002-06:00

I mentioned a while back that my brother had opened an Art Studio called Creativity, and I have been working there.
During the summer they offer week long Kids Camps (which are so much fun) and I teach a few days of the camp. One day we focus on Watercolors. I haven't really painted with my watercolors for many, many years. After teaching a few days, and spending a little too much time on youtube, I caught the bug to paint...and so I did.
And yes, I know I am a little obsessed with poppies, and hopelessly obsessed with flowers.
My Gracie is thankfully in love with taking pictures and she snapped quite a few of the painting process. I made a little slide show so you can watch the picture progress.

Then later that night (as in way too late) I painted another one. I was just having too much fun.

I also recently cut my hair....

Before:

After:

Settling

2011-07-13T20:09:00.000-06:00

Too much of my house still looks like this

But at least some of it looks like this too.

Mmmm...I do love me some fabric in pretty little piles.

Hello Again!

2011-07-05T14:47:00.000-06:00

Did you think I fell off the planet???

Well we survived the move from Springville to Orem. We are renting an apartment from some of our best friends, and we are loving it here. (Although the new place still looks like a bomb went off.)

Here are a few of the things I learned in the process of moving--number one is that I own way too much crap, and apparently I am attached to all of it.

I get overwhelmed to easily. I am a lousy mover and I hope not to do it again anytime soon. My son is amazing. We have some pretty great friends and family who take care of us. My shoulder that had been doing quite well, is not doing so well. Bummer.

I have a great space to use as my sewing studio at our new place with room for my longarm, and it is almost put together! I can't wait to get back to quilting!

We had a great 4th of July weekend, spent with some dear friends. Our weekend included hanging out, watching the fireworks display, swimming, jumping on the tramp, BBQing, laughing and lighting fireworks. I love this holiday.

Easter pics

2011-04-27T22:49:00.000-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter--we sure did!

I love Easter for what it really means, and also because it is just so much fun!

Don't let the leisurely looking stroll fool you...

...it was all a race.

Notice how there are no pictures of Tony? He spent the day behind the camera. He did pick out these shoes though, aren't they so dang cute!?!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:27:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for the personal experiences that have given me the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ!

May you all enjoy this special day.

De-Stashing!

2011-04-20T19:33:00.000-06:00

Well the last "procedure" I had on my shoulder--made a world of difference! I'm going to PT less and less, and I'm able to do more. Hopefully next month I'll be able to quilt! Yeah!

Kyle & Gracie traded bedrooms, so their rooms got makeovers. I'll post some pictures soon. (I hope soon.)

I've been able to do some painting, a little at a time. I've finally finished a painting I started over a year ago.

In other news, a lot of changes are happening for our family. We have just found out our financial situation is changing dramatically, and we will be moving to Orem this summer. I'm in a situation where I need to do some downsizing, and I need to raise some money. That means that I am destashing a lot of my fabric. I'll be listing FQ sets, yardage and scrap bundles. I also have finished quilts for sale. I'll start off listing them in my Zibbet Shop. If there is any fabric you are looking for--feel free to email me and I'll see if I have it.

Thanks for all the encouraging comments on my recovery, I really appreciate them all!

'round here

2011-03-28T20:34:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I'm having one more little "procedure" done on my shoulder, mostly to break up scar tissue. Hopefully that will make PT work better and progress faster. I'm very tiered of being broken, but I know I am super blessed, and I'm still happy.

Here are some of the fun things I have been able to do lately--

Ceramic mug painted at Creativity this is how the ceramic glaze looks before it has been fired...

...and after. It is really a lot of fun.

I also decided I should have a new set of feather colors, just for fun. ;)

I hope you are all doing well, and are happy!

Birds of a Feather?

2011-03-21T22:21:00.001-06:00

I'm still going to PT, and making progress...slowly. So with my break from sewing I've needed other ways to occupy my mind. I'm trying to paint left handed (wow that takes a while), working very part time at my brothers new art shop, etc.

I have always loved feathers, and here's my latest color obsession.

I'll be doing these feather hair extensions here at my home and at a few boutiques this spring and summer. Contact me if you would like some.

Creativity

2011-03-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

My brothers have opened a new shop--Creativity. I took my kiddo's to paint some ceramics, and we had such a great time!

I'll be there Thursday mornings. :) Here is a coupon for those of you who are local.

Right Brain, Left Brain

2011-02-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well I am still alive.

I have started PT, a step in the right direction. I hate PT. Hate. I get to go for 11 more weeks.

I do almost understand what I had done now. (pan capsular plication--seven anchors and a whole lot of pleats put in all of my tendons and muscle reattached)

I try to stay positive but sometimes it doesn't work so great. I'm learning and relearning all kinds of things I don't like about myself. For example how much I hate not being able to be busy and create. It is such a need for me to be creative. I'm also not so great at needing to depend on others, or you know, asking for help. Ugg.

Anyway one way that I have found to waste time is on Pinterest. Have you seen it? You should totally come waste time with me. It's pretty fun. That is where I found this great add.

I am so not Left Brain.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor today and I get to start Physical Therapy on Friday. I am both excited and scared. :)

Hope you all have a great Valentines Day!

A Day in the Life....

2011-02-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well this is what I've been up to--

I go back to the doctor on Valentines Day. I'm hoping he'll say I can start physical therapy. I so want to just get on with things!

Thank you all so much for the comments, words of encouragement and prayers. You guys rock!

2011-01-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I am the lucky guy that is married to Allie and seeing how she has a bad wing and all, I thought that maybe I should pinch hit for her and update her blog.

First of all, Allie is very grateful for all of you that have taken the time to post words of encouragement to her on this blog. She reads all of your comments and it means a great deal to her. She considers herself very blessed to have good people like yourselves that follow her blog.

What has Allie been up to? you might ask. Well...

For those of you that don't know, Allie's shoulder was in pretty bad shape. It was bad enough that it would just fall out of joint from time to time. It had done this for years, but it was starting to interfere with her quality of life and more importantly, her longarm quilting. Obviously, it had to be fixed.

Those of you that know Allie personally, know that she has what some might call an addiction....... to Coke. Not being able to drink a Coke beverage from midnight, until after her surgery was quite a task for her. When she was in the recovery room, and started to wake up from all of the wonderful drugs they had pumped into her system, the first thing she asked for was a Coke. Still not quite awake she took her first sip, looked up at me and said, "ahhh, a Coke and a smile." She, of course, was smiling.

She felt ready to go home about 2 hours after surgery, but they would not release her due to her heart rate being too high. (Probably the sugar rush from the Coke.....just sayin') I was finally able to take her home a little over 8 hours after first checking into the surgical center.

The Doc was happy with the result of the surgery, however, the injury to Allie's shoulder was not what he had expected. He had originally thought that the looseness in her shoulder was a result of her tendons being torn away from the bone on either the front or back of her shoulder. He had anticipated going in and reattaching the tissue to the bone. What he found was that the tissue had become extremely stretched out all of the way around her shoulder. He described it to me as having a 34 inch waste and wearing a pair of 42 inch pants. So instead of having to reattach tissue to bone, he had to go in and "pleat" her tendons to tighten them.

What this means for Allie is that her recovery is going to take longer than we thought. We had planned on starting therapy 2-3 weeks after surgery, but it will be more like 6 weeks. Therapy is going to take quite a while once she starts, and considering she is right handed and it was her right shoulder, it will be some time before she is back to normal and able to sew again.

Having said that, she is getting better every day and is anxious to get back to creating.

Keep checking in. She'll be back........sometime.

-Tony

Out of Order....

2011-01-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

Well, the blog will be a little lacking for awhile.

I'm having surgery on my right shoulder today. I already miss my poor sewing machine. For now I guess I'll just have to be happy looking at my stacks of fabric. See you again soon!

Some 2010 Faves

2011-01-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my Faves from 2010

I hope you all have a wonderful 2011 to come!

Snow, Snow and more Snow

2010-12-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of school before Christmas break, but they canceled due to snow!

Between the last two days we've got about 16 inches, and it just keeps coming down.

Looks like we will be having a white Christmas.

Of course, I'm dreaming of a sandy beach.....

A girls gotta dream-

Spirit of Christmas

2010-12-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
“It came without packages, boxes or bags!” And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!”

Christ…the real gift of Christmas

Let us each remember and reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas this year-

For God so loved the world thathe gave his only begotten Son...

May you have the Gift of Faith

the Blessings of Hope and the Peace of His Love

at Christmas and Always

Yule Tree Stripes

2010-12-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Another new Christmas Quilt -- I love stripe quilts!

These are the same fabrics as the "Cool Yule" Quilt. I love how different they feel to me.

This one might be hard to give up. ;)

"Cool Yule"

2010-12-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

A wild new Christmas Quilt

You can never get too many Christmas Quilts can you? I think not.

The main fabrics in this one are from Michael Miller. Of course there are others mixed in too.

I pieced the back with some of the left over fabrics, just for fun.

Busy. Busy. Busy.

2010-12-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy around here! You know the quieter it is on the blog, the crazier real life is!

I'm doing my last boutique of the year.

It is at 241 S. 100 W. Springville (Old Heritage Woodworks Location)

Here are some really lousy photos.

I also have quilts listed for sale HERE.

Giveaway Winner

2010-12-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.......

Lisa @ Inspired Quilter.

Congratulations! I've sent you an email. I just need your mailing address. Thanks to all for participating. :)

Customer Quilts

2010-11-24T00:27:00.001-07:00

I've had the opportunity to quilt some really fun and beautiful quilts lately. Here are a few I snapped a picture of. These are all made by Melanie, who does beautiful work.

Wonky Log Cabin

2010-11-20T07:23:00.001-07:00

Another Wonky Log Cabin.
I love them.

They are just so much fun to make.

I actually sewed this top months and months ago. Sometimes it takes me awhile to actually get a back and get them quilted.

This is mostly from scraps.

Are you guys sick of seeing this same collection of fabrics yet? I hope not, 'cause I'm not tired of playing with them yet. :)

I love all the white with this one. I think it looks fun and fresh.

I quilted this one with the smaller clam shells, and I love the quilting.

And yes, it too is headed to the Shop.

Fabric Giveaway here.

Fabric Giveaway!

2010-11-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Don't you think it's time for a Giveaway?

But first....check out this new quilt.

You may recognize these fabrics that I'm addicted to. Such as...FreshCut by Heather Baily, Urban Chicks, Farmers Market by Sandi Henderson, Honky Dory by Chez Moi, some Amy Butler Lotus, Midwest Modern, and Daisy Chain, and more!

I quilted this one with some simple flowers and ribbons.

And it is listed in my Shop.

Now back to that giveaway--I'm giving away a "charm pack" set of these fabrics! I'll include 48 squares.

That is how many squares I used for this quilt.

So if you'd like to win this lovely pile, you have three chances to enter and win!

#1 Leave a comment on this post.

#2 "Like" my Strandz page on Facebook (link on my sidebar), and leave comment saying you've done so.

#3 Post about this giveaway on your blog, and link back to me. Leave your link in my comments and you'll get two more entries.

I'll pick a winner on Monday Nov. 29th.

Craft Show

2010-11-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just found out--yesterday--that I'll have a booth at a Holiday Boutique in Spanish Fork (400 N. Main).

If you're local, come see me! :)

The threads are flying!

First Snow Quilt (the second)

2010-11-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

I made a quilt very similar to this one last year.

It was very popular, and I just couldn't part with it! I used mine as a wall hanging last year. So I decided it was time to make one again. I love stars. I love how clean and fresh this looks.

This one is listed in my Shop.

In Progress...

2010-11-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Red + Aqua = Love

2010-11-04T23:19:00.002-06:00

It's finished!

Red + Aqua = Love

This quilt was so fun to make! I love making a wonky log cabin, they are really addicting.

I quilted this one pretty heavily with my favorite, slightly variegated green King Tut thread.

The backing is a solid Aqua, and the quilting really shows lovely on the back.

Do you just love this polka-dot binding?

I think this quilt looks modern and fun.

I've listed it in my Zibbet Shop.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

2010-11-02T00:18:00.003-06:00

And the scraps go to.....

Stephany who said...
I am a new follower and looking forward to your projects! :) Me and my girls would put those scraps to good use! Thanks for the opportunity~!

Stephany I've sent you an email, but it gets returned to me. So please send me your mailing address, and I'll get a package in the mail!

I can't believe how many scrap lovers there are out there! Thanks for playing along!

And thanks to Jodi for hosting this "Sew Scraps Along"!

Now go sew!

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-30T20:29:00.000-06:00

Blogger's Quilt Festival--Scrap Quilt

2010-10-29T18:05:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again, and Amy is hosting the

Blogger's Quilt Festival!

This time I'm featuring my latest finish. This quilt was made with the leftover scraps from my Flower Box Quilt.

I love scrap quilts, and I love stripe quilts--this one is both!

I love how the quilting turned out! I used my favorite slightly variegated green thread.

The backing is a sage green super soft minkie.

This quilt measures approximately 37" x 52".

It is for sale, and is listed in my shop.

No Reply Blogger?

2010-10-29T00:21:00.000-06:00

I love to have comments left on my blog, and I try to respond to all of them, especially when I'm asked questions. Unfortunately a lot of bloggers are "no reply". So when I reply to your comment it just goes to??? well who knows where. Maybe internet waist land.
Jodi wrote a great post to tell you how you can remedy that. You can find it HERE.

Here's a peek at what's going on at my house. ;)

Fresh Cut Flower Boxes

2010-10-27T21:15:00.000-06:00

Yes, more Fresh Cut.

Because I love it.

Add in some Amy Butler wallflower and a few others... Heaven.

I was inspired by a quilt on Flickr. I thought this would be a great way to use lots of my favorite fabrics.

I quilted a flower in the middle of each of the center squares in a coral thread. Then I did loops with leaves all over the rest in green. Of course it has a minkee back.

This one is going to live with me. I can't wait to snuggle up on the couch with it and my Kindle.

And yes....I do have even more Fresh Cut on the way. I'm addicted.

Scrap Giveaway

2010-10-26T05:38:00.001-06:00

Jodi at Pleasant Home is hosting a Scrap Sew Along!

I have to admit, I am a scrap hoarder. I keep every little piece. I just happen to love them all, I would hate for any of my fabrics to go to waste! This is a photo of what my table looks like when I'm making "crumb blocks".

I'm happy to share some of my scraps with one lucky winner. I will be stuffing a flat rate envelope. Just leave me a comment by Halloween, and I'll pick a winner on Monday.

Some of my very favorite quilts are ones made from my scraps.

Go visit Jodi, and get lots of great idea's, and meet lots of bloggers giving away scraps too!
Giveaway closed--Thanks!

New Paint in my Hall....

2010-10-25T16:38:00.000-06:00

...and I love it!

FreshCut Sampler Quilt

2010-10-12T23:07:00.001-06:00

A FreshCut finish! Some of my very favorite fabrics.

This one was just a fun, do whatever quilt.

I love how the quilting turned out.

I quilted each block with a different design, with a slightly variegated coral thread.

And the back is some super soft minkee!

Fresh Cut Sampler is listed in my Zibbet Shop.

Heaven on Earth

2010-09-28T22:10:00.002-06:00

Tony and I got to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary in Maui!

It was absolutely beautiful and so much fun.

We only took about 400 pictures.

I'm so dang blessed. I have an awesome husband. It was so fun to get to spend a week--with just us!

I have a wonderful sister who took such great care of my kids. She even went to parent teacher conference for me. They had a great time while we were gone.

We're already trying to figure out when we can go again!

Two More

2010-09-18T00:42:00.000-06:00

I do love me a "disappearing nine patch". I do.

These quilts were a team effort by me and my sister. The baby one is for her co-worker who just had a baby boy.

The other is a snuggle quilt for her family room.

I wish my pictures would do them justice!

This is an easy quilt pattern I just never get tired of.

I guess I should really get to bed. I'm off to Maui in about 5 hours!

In my pretty Garden

2010-09-13T21:01:00.000-06:00

In my pretty Garden...the flowers are nodding...

Do any of you know that song from my childhood?

I finally have a finished quilt!

This one features a lot of fabrics from one of my very favorite lines-- Fresh Cut, by Heather Bailey.

There is quite a few others thrown in too of course. I pieced this one clear back in June, before I put the sewing machine away for summer. It finally got binding! Yeah!

Of course it got a super soft minky back. I quilted it with a kind of funky flower design that I am lovin' right now.

It will be headed to the Shop very soon.

Just a peek....

2010-09-02T14:10:00.000-06:00

...at one of the three quilts I'm working on right now. ;)

First Day of School

2010-08-25T23:22:00.003-06:00

I absolutely can not believe it is the end of August!!!

We have had a crazy busy, fun, lazy summer. The quieter it is on the blog, the crazier life is. ;)

You may have noticed I basically took the summer off from sewing, but don't worry--the machine came out of retirement today!

Kyle and Gracie started school on Tuesday. We are officially mourning the end of summer.

I love our summers together. I am so blessed to have such great kids and to get to be home with them so much. We really have some great times. I don't think it could get much better.

Jewelry

2010-07-13T13:03:00.000-06:00

I had fun the other night making a bunch of new jewelry for my sister.

I unfortunately didn't get a good picture. Some of these are earrings, and some are pendants to be added to a chain.

This one is my faves. ;) I love turquoise.

The Pillow Talk { Swap }

2010-07-12T21:50:00.001-06:00

This is the pillow my partner made me for

The Pillow Talk {Swap}, round three.

Isn't it great? I just love that texture.

Emily did a great job for me, and I appreciate it!

July...Already?

2010-07-05T23:23:00.000-06:00

So it's been pretty quiet on the blog lately, but that just means life has been crazy busy! Hopefully I'll get more photo's uploaded soon.

We got to spend five days at Lake Powell with some great friends!

We had so much fun together.

We love Lake Powell!

See you next week!

2010-06-15T06:36:00.002-06:00

I'm off to Lake Powell--see you next week!

Half Square Triangles

2010-05-26T16:44:00.001-06:00

I think HST's are addicting!

I've had a few people ask what method I used to make mine, so here it goes--a little tutorial.

For this example I started by cutting out 6 inch squares. You can use any size you like.

Next I take half of my squares and draw a diagonal line down the middle, on the back of your fabric. Half of my squares are a solid and half are a print, so I only drew on the prints.

Then I stack one of the prints on one of the solids, right sides together, and sew a 1/4 inch seam down both sides of the line I drew.

Once you have your seam down both sides, you cut your block apart on the drawn line.

Press you seams however you prefer, and cut the little extra from your seam off. That way you don't have extra bulk in your seam when you join your HST's together.

This is my favorite way to do HST's. I do it all assembly line style and chain piece.

You can use this block in so many ways, here are just a couple I've done recently.

Sea Glass

2010-05-21T11:14:00.002-06:00

Sea Glass for my Gracie Girl.

This is my entry for the Bloggers Quilt Festival.

I made this quilt last month for Gracie, with out her knowing it was for her. I'm not so great at surprises. She was so excited to find out it was meant for her all along.

When we went to Cabo, Gracie and I loved walking the beach picking up sea glass. The name seemed perfect for the quilt and for Gracie.

You may remember this quilt. It was the "left overs" from cutting out Sea Glass, but I actually sewed it first. I love to play with scraps.

Half Square Triangle Tutorial here.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the quilt festival!

{ Urban } HOME Goods Swap

2010-05-13T12:47:00.000-06:00

I received a beautiful swap in the mail from Melissa, for the {Urban} Home Goods Swap! She made a sewing machine cover, and stitchery for Gracie (who is thrilled beyond words.) And a super cute zipper pouch for me.

This has been such a fun swap to be apart of. I really appreciate the work that Melissa did for us. She really did a great job of making gifts that match our styles. Thanks so much Melissa!

And now I'm looking for ideas for the Pillow Talk Swap. :)

So Blessed

2010-05-10T23:28:00.001-06:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday.

Gracie woke me up with breakfast in bed, and a very cute note. She is such a sweetie. That is the best way to wake up.

My family spoiled me all day long. They also got me a new toy. I'm so excited! Thanks guys.

I really do feel so blessed. I know I am so lucky to get to be the Mom to Kyle and Gracie. It am so thankful for them. They are just the best.

I am also so thankful for my Mom and all the sacrifices she has made for her family. Especially for her testimony of Christ and continually teaching me to pray. Thanks Mom.

I love this quote from Harold B. Lee: “the most important … work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes”

I hope that all of you women had a wonderful Mother's Day. Even if you don't have children of your own. You're still a Mother. I am grateful for all of the women who have touched my life.

{ Urban } HOME Goods Swap

2010-05-01T00:08:00.002-06:00

My swap items for the { Urban } HOME Goods Swap went in the mail today.

I ended up making a sewing machine cover...

...and it is reversible...how cool is that?

and a set of coasters

and a set of magnets

I mostly used fabric from the Amy Butler line "Love" and a gray solid.

This has been a super fun swap to be apart of.

I thought I would take a swapping break, but apparently I can't get enough. I just signed up for the 3rd round of The Pillow Talk Swap. Here is some pillow inspiration.

I also finally made Strandz a Facebook page. Check it out.

More Eggplant Envy?

2010-04-23T23:22:00.000-06:00

Yes. More Eggplant Envy.

Remember this quilt I made for myself? Well my sister thought she needed one too.

I must say, I do love it.

I quilted it in an all-over feather design, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Of course it got some yummy minkee for the back also.

All it needs now is a label, and it will be on it's way to it's new home.

Strings

2010-04-22T22:10:00.003-06:00

Pile-o-fun--

Mikayla "Princess Me"

2010-04-15T13:57:00.000-06:00

I think about Mikayla a lot. But at this time of year I seem to think of her constantly.

Isn't she a beautiful girl?

I think Mikayla understood so much. Even through all her pain, she seemed to be able to sooth those around her. I believe she talked to angels. She taught us so much.

I was lucky enough to get to be with her for her last few hours. I will always consider that such a blessing. I find it amazing how strong my sister was able to be through this whole experience. Such a lesson in grace. There were so many people who did so much to be a blessing to Mikayla and her family. Sometimes in the worst of situations, you find the best in people. I'm so grateful to them.

Sometimes it is hard for me to believe she has been gone for four years.

I know she is always close, but we miss her.

In the Works

2010-04-14T20:25:00.002-06:00

I joined the { Urban } HOME Goods - a modern swap.

Heather and Kerri run some fantastic groups on Flickr. I thought this swap sounded like fun. I've been stalking my partner, and getting ideas. I've settled on at least one idea I want to try with these fabrics.

Do you swap? Why?

I think it is so fun to make something for someone in a blind swap. I enjoy the challenge of trying to come up with something that they will love. For me it is a good excuse to make myself try new things on my ever growing to-do list. I always think it is easier to make time to sew for someone else. I hope my partner likes it!

Caribbean Dream

2010-04-07T20:01:00.000-06:00

It finally has a name! Thanks for all the great suggestions.

The title says it all.
Cool blues and greens reminiscent of a Caribbean paradise.

This quilt has been listed in my Shop.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:53:00.001-06:00

This morning we woke up to about 5 inches of snow!

At least now the sun is shining.

My sister and neice came over and joined us for our indoor Easter egg hunt.

We've had a lot of fun, and a beautiful day.

We find joy in our faith.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter.

Baby Quilt

2010-04-01T14:21:00.002-06:00

I finished this quilt the other day, but there hasn't been a nice sunny day to get very good pictures yet.

I love how it turned out, but so far it doesn't have a name. Sometimes I think that is the hardest part of the process. Any suggestions?

This was such a fun one to make. I quilted it with random curvy lines. It reminds me of water.
It is actually all the "left-overs" after cutting out another project. I love to work with the left overs, and I usually finish with the scraps before the "real" project.

That means I'll have another project finished soon. :)

A little bit of Quilting

2010-03-23T11:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It seems spring is finally coming!

We counted 27 quail in the backyard. Aren't they so cute and fat?

I finally got a little quilting done. (Hopefully binding will get made today.)

And some concrete mixed and poured for a new fire pit.

All and all a pretty good day.

In Progress

2010-03-16T19:44:00.000-06:00

This is what I'm playing with today--

Just an Hour

2010-03-15T13:20:00.003-06:00

It's just an hour.

Baby Quilt Top

2010-03-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

Finished up this top today--I've got to run get something for a back.

TMI?

2010-03-04T14:11:00.001-07:00

I few weeks ago I read Heather's and then Keri's blog posts on Keeping it Real. I thought learning more about them was fun, and thought I should do that too, but of course I moved on. Well the thought keeps coming back to me, so here it goes.

More than anyone ever needed to know about me--

I'm not always sure why I blog. I basically think of it as my creative journal. I'm made some really great "blog friends".

I come from a very large family. I am the youngest of twelve children, all from the same two parents.

I have been married to Tony for fourteen years. I have two kids that are the best in the whole world. They just are. I feel privileged to be their Mom. That doesn't mean I think being the Mom is easy. No way, but I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

I'm a muncher. I believe chips, Ranch dip and a Coke make a well balanced meal.

I've been told I have a very strong personality--a few too many times.

I love to create. That is one way I handle stress. I love to play with color. I love my longarm quilting machine.

I do a lot of charity work. I think service makes for a happy person.

I hate spiders. A lot. I really hate them. I have nightmares about them.

I have lived where I am now for about 6 1/2 years. I live in a basement apartment of my parents home.
My parents got old. I keep an eye on them and try to help them out.
My Mom is in the very early stages of Alzheimer's. The other day she came out of the bathroom and said "I was in the bathroom and the power went out, so I sat there for awhile, and I thought wow it is taking a long time for the power to come back on. Then I remember I had shut my eyes and forgot to open them."
I laughed and laughed--and then I cried. (Not in front of Mom of course.) This is my reality.

I am a believer in Christ.

I love to laugh. I'm too emotional.

My family is the most important thing to me.

I love to camp. I love to sit in the sun. I love to read. I love a fire.

There it is. I little more about me. Now it's your turn.

String Block

2010-03-04T09:31:00.001-07:00

I finished my pillow for the Pillow Talk Swap.

It is on it's way to it's new home.

"Bjorn" the fish is my favorite part.

It was fun to make. I sure hope my secret partner likes it!

Someday I hope I make a sting quilt with my mountain of scraps.

If you want to make one there are a lot of tutorials around, like here, here, and here.

Here is a peek at one of my projects in progress.

Gracie's bedroom Makeover

2010-03-01T13:41:00.001-07:00

Gracie's bedroom makeover is finished!

It is so hard to take pictures in a bedroom, but here it is. I just wish I were a photographer!

This is the shelf above her window.

"Prince Charming"

Gracie loves animals. She has her pet deer and squirrel (that her Grandpa painted) right next to her bed.

The "piggy" bank next to the toy box.

Tea cups are above the toy box.

Geraniums that I painted.

Gracie is very happy with her new room, and so am I!

Conversation Hearts

2010-03-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

I work with the Young Women ages 16-18 at our church. Yesterday I gave a lesson on communication. This is what I used for a handout at the end. I thought it turned out fun, so I had to share.

Busy

2010-02-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at some of what I've been up to--

I have a few more things to paint, but Gracie's room is just about finished with it's makeover.

Didn't this little step stool turn out so cute?

Customer Quilt

2010-02-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Joseph Smith Tribute Quilt

Isn't this a beauty! This quilt came to me, from Arizona, for quilting, and I had to snap a few pictures before I mailed it back. I have seen a few quilts done with this pattern, but this one takes the cake!

My photo's don't capture the colors well. I love the reds and corals with the turquoise. Don't you love all the bright happy colors?

Thanks Becky.

Zibbet

2010-02-22T22:27:00.001-07:00

Zibbet is doing it again--they have a Free Trial Offer

Check it out.

FREE 7 Day Trial of a Premium Account, be sure to enter the following coupon code when signing up: FREETRIAL

As I have Loved...

2010-02-14T19:28:00.001-07:00

Love one Another

Aviary Skirt

2010-02-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Gracie needs a new skirt about like she needs a hole in the head.

Short story long...My niece asked me to make her a skirt. We picked out these fabrics for her. (I forgot to take a picture of it finished.) I love that green Aviary fabric form Alexander Henry. I decided I needed a skirt out of these fabrics too. How fun for a summer skirt.

I have only made myself a skirt once, and of course without a pattern. So I decided to experiment and make one a little different. Not a good plan. Oops. So I cut it all down, and what do you know--Gracie has a new skirt!

Heather Ross

2010-02-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Heather Ross announced that she is bringing back some of her much-coveted out-of-print designs!

I must say I am lovin' the purple! I think I just felt my wallet cringe. What's your favorite?

Toss Pillows

2010-02-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

I did it. I signed up for the Pillow Talk Swap.

These are some of the fabrics I'm auditioning to make my partner a pillow.

I've got two very different design ideas going on in my head. So I haven't started cutting yet. Should be fun!

Try Handmade

2010-02-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

I've had a couple of items make it into the Try Handmade gallery!

Go check it out!

You can also enter to win a free Zibbet shop. :)

Fabric Love

2010-01-28T22:33:00.001-07:00

I stopped by Gracie Lou's,

and brought home some new fabrics to love.

Ahh....all is well.

a peek....

2010-01-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

A little peek at what I'm playing with...

Chestnut Hill Tote/Purse

2010-01-24T16:47:00.001-07:00

Last month I took a class with Shannon at my LQS.

The pattern we used is from Melly & Me, the Black Forest Bag. I didn't think their directions were the best, but I just love this bag!

And I love this fabric, it's Joel Dewberry's Chestnut Hill. Yum.

Someday I want to make another one, a little modified for a scripture bag.

Aqua, Teal, Green & Brown

2010-01-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to paint and redecorate Gracie's room in the next couple of weeks.

Right now her room is painted a very pale purple. She has a light wood bed and dresser, and way to much mismatched painted *stuff*.

I am thinking of painting her walls something like a robin egg blue. I'll leave her bed and dresser the same, but I want to paint everything else (toy box, night stand, cupboard, vanity) a dark brown or a dark teal.

This is the quilt that goes on her bed.

So I made this for some color inspiration.

Aqua, Teal, Green, Brown and a little Coral. What do you think? Is it going to still be too crazy and mis-matched, or can I pull it all together?

Gracie's Birthday

2010-01-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is ten years old!

How did that even happen?

Isn't she a cutie!

Gracie is so much fun. I am so proud of the girl she is growing into.

Gracie isn't a big fan of cake, but she does love doughnuts!

Love you girl!

2010-01-18T22:56:00.009-07:00

Tree Pillows

2010-01-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

I made this pillow for Megan for Christmas.

I love it.

I wanted to keep it for myself, but I was a good girl and wrapped it up.

It should go great in her new bedroom.

I made this one for Valerie awhile ago, to go with the "Fresh Air" quilt I made for her bed.

I can't believe I never took a picture of it finished.

I got my inspiration here and here.

Authentic Quilt

2010-01-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this mess?

Well this is what it turned into.

The main fabrics are from the Authentic line. I love the colors and the definitions. They seemed a perfect fit for Travis.

It's too big for me to get a good photo indoors. And that is on Gracie's bed. Travis doesn't have purple walls. :)

And you know how proud I am of myself if it actually gets a label!

I barely finished in time for Christmas.

I'm ba-ack!

2010-01-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Did you think I got lost?

My family and my sister (who has been living with us) and her two kids, got a cruise for Christmas!

We gave each of the kids a box filled with clues for them to unwrap, and finally they got a little cruise ship.

It was so much fun to watch them try to figure out what was going on. We left the next day to head to Long Beach and then on to a Mexican Riviera Cruise.

We had such a good time. I so want to be on the beach right now!

The highlight of Puerto Vallarta was the Zip Line. Tony, Kyle, Anna, Travis and Megan all went.

Gracie and I decided to keep our feet on the ground. Maybe next time.

I think the favorite at Mazatlan was the beach.

We had to stop at a place called "Mr. Tony's" to get a picture, and ended up also having the best food of the whole trip. It was fabulous.

The beach at Cabo was beautiful! We spent most of out time at the beach, and tried a little snorkeling.

It was such a great trip and we all can't wait to go again!

Goal Accomplished!

2009-12-23T10:09:00.004-07:00

I am so happy! The Project 320 goal has been met--twice!

I am so thrilled, that means two wells will be built, and two villages will have their lives changed!
I am so grateful for the women of God who pulled this all together, and I'm grateful to have been a part in a small way.
I hope whoever won the bundle with my quilt in it, enjoys!

I think I'm in love...

2009-12-15T12:07:00.001-07:00

...with this quilt.

Sugared Plums.
Rich. Jewel Tones. Posh. Yummy.

This quilt uses the scraps from MY quilt, and scraps from a quilt I am still working on, and of course others too.
I don't even know what a lot of them are, but here is some of what I used:
ZU ZU's Petal by Benartex
Basic Grey, Eve
Amy Butler - Lotus
Henry Glass
and I don't know what else!
Right now I am so in love with the Basic Grey "Grunge" fabrics. I love that they aren't totally solid, and they have some great colors. I quilted with an all-over loops design in a slightly variegated King Tut thread. Love it.
I love the back of this one too. The main color on the back is like a warm raspberry.
Do you need one?I've listed this in the Shop.

Gracie Singing

2009-12-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Gracie got to sing at the Mall last Friday. She even got to be next to her best friend.

She did a great job!

Project 320

2009-12-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Project 320?
You should really go read about now.

I'm sending this quilt.
Today I feel inspired.
I am so blessed. I have never had the worries that 4500 moms are having today...whether their children will live or die, because of contaminated water.

Celebrate Christmas
Support Handmade
Give LIFE

Snow!

2009-12-08T11:33:00.006-07:00

Last Saturday we had no snow....today....

....but at least it is looking like Christmas around here! Wanna know how much I've accomplished today?
Nothing! Oops!

Mess

2009-12-03T10:16:00.002-07:00

I did join Jacquie in her Joy in the New Year Challenge. I have got a couple projects actually finished, but oops...I just keep starting more!
With Christmas just around the corner I can't show you much of what I'm working on, but I couldn't resist this little photo.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T22:57:00.002-07:00

I have so much to be thankful for!

Today I am especially thankful for my husband, my beautiful kids, my faith, and my family.
And for the fabulous nap we had this afternoon...

...and for my sewing machine, and fabric. ;)
Hope you all had a beautiful day!

"Cry Me a River"

2009-11-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

I'm really likin' Michael Buble's song "Cry Me a River". I think I'll go buy it right now. :)

Shop Update

2009-11-24T11:22:00.003-07:00

I've updated my shops, and have more I need to get photo's of that I will add soon. I'll be including a free gift with every purchase between now and Christmas!

Etsy, Zibbet

Thankful

2009-11-20T07:45:00.001-07:00

I have so much to be thankful for-

My Very Own Quilt!

2009-11-16T16:28:00.006-07:00

I've finally done it! I made a quilt just for me!

In the last two years, I've made somewhere around 46 quilts. This is the first one I've made just for myself.
I love how it turned out. I think the colors are very rich, and still very fun.
I've used a mix of a lot of my favorite fabrics. It just makes me happy.
I of course put the super soft minky on the back. (A must have for a snuggle quilt.) I especially love how the quilting looks on the minky. I used a slightly variegated purple thread for the quilting.
I even added a label! I wish I had done this on all my quilts.
Can you tell I'm a little hooked on this bricks pattern? It really shows off some of the larger bold fabric prints, and it comes together so fast.
I'm already lovin' cuddling up on the couch with it!

New Beginnings

2009-11-11T11:45:00.007-07:00

This blog is mostly my creative journal. While I include everyday life, I don't really focus on the personal. But, the last few months have been hard for my family, and the last week even more so.
But now we are on to a new beginning. With that, I have realized once again how important it is for me to create. I love to be able to take something and turn it into something else, in my own way. For me this is a need.

Halloween

2009-11-02T12:03:00.004-07:00

Our Halloween fun...

Wonky Pinwheel Quilt finished

2009-10-29T20:55:00.003-06:00

The Wonky Pinwheel - Whiriligigs Quilt is finally finished!

I love how it turned out. The colors in the Sanae line are great, and I really like it paired with the brown. I used the super soft minkee for the back.
It is so soft and super snuggly. And it really wants me to curl up on the couch with it. This is a very generous size cuddle quilt. It is going to my sister, who is going through a really tough time, and deserves all the happiness in the world.
I even put a label on the back. I'm so proud of me. If you want to make one, the tutorial is here.

Strandz - Allison Anderson

Creativity Art Studio

Time to Catch Up

What's in your Drawers?

Painting Poppies

Settling

Hello Again!

Easter pics

Happy Easter

De-Stashing!

'round here

Birds of a Feather?

Creativity

Right Brain, Left Brain

Happy Valentines Day!

A Day in the Life....

Out of Order....

Some 2010 Faves

Snow, Snow and more Snow

Spirit of Christmas

Yule Tree Stripes

"Cool Yule"

Busy. Busy. Busy.

Giveaway Winner

Customer Quilts

Wonky Log Cabin

Fabric Giveaway!

Craft Show

First Snow Quilt (the second)

In Progress...

Red + Aqua = Love

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Happy Halloween!!

Blogger's Quilt Festival--Scrap Quilt

No Reply Blogger?

Fresh Cut Flower Boxes

Scrap Giveaway

New Paint in my Hall....

FreshCut Sampler Quilt

Heaven on Earth

Two More

Top finished ready for Quilting

In my pretty Garden

Just a peek....

First Day of School

Jewelry

The Pillow Talk { Swap }

Isn't it great? I just love that texture.

Emily did a great job for me, and I appreciate it!

July...Already?

See you next week!

Half Square Triangles

Sea Glass

{ Urban } HOME Goods Swap

So Blessed

{ Urban } HOME Goods Swap

More Eggplant Envy?

Strings

Mikayla "Princess Me"

In the Works

Caribbean Dream

Happy Easter!

Baby Quilt

A little bit of Quilting

In Progress

Just an Hour

Baby Quilt Top

TMI?

String Block

Gracie's bedroom Makeover

Conversation Hearts

Busy

Customer Quilt

Zibbet

As I have Loved...

Aviary Skirt

Heather Ross

Toss Pillows

Try Handmade

Fabric Love