This is what I made yesterday – I had it all cut out to sew after my carpal tunnel surgery so I jumped right in on sewing it. Here it is not even pressed yet – that’s this afternoon.
It’s from this book by Kim Brackett – it’s one of my favorite books and I’m going to cut out another project from it this afternoon.
I cut it out of yardage instead of precuts.
Ivy came home with me after church – isn’t she just the cutest doodle dog?
Here she comes face to face with Colton – who appeared in my sewing room, obviously through the cat door in back.
Here are a couple DD’s:
On Friday Connie and I followed a YouTube video on making zippered bags.
Honestly we weren’t very successful – we both have big lumps on the sides where the lining meets the outside.
And I used my favorite fabric, too, and don’t have a nice bag to show for it.
Here’s Connie’s Cotton & Steel bag:
I’m lots better at piecing quilt blocks!
So now I’m going to find a Netflix movie/series to watch. I’ve got a large pork roast in the crockpot for pulled pork. What are you doing this afternoon? I might have to find another giveaway – that’s when I hear from many of you!
Be still – we’ll get through this.
I was looking through a James Avery catalog and thought of you. There is a charm that is engraved with the words “Be Still”. I don’t write very often but I am so much a fan of yours and Connie’s. Enjoy you both very much.
Carolyn
I will be working on my Fig Tree Summertime Picnic block of the month. Then I can get my second sewing machine set up and machine quilt both my November and December Dirty Dozen projects.
Well I have been using my embroidery machine to quilt 6 tv quilts for my 3 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren. They are 45 x 66. Have one done and binding half sewed on. That one is backed with fleece. Second one is backed with pink stripped flannel and is 3/4 quilted, working on that today. Our family will not be getting together for Christmas because our numbers here in Wisconsin are getting really bad, a LOT of people here refuse to wear masks. So my husband and I stay home unless absolutely necessary.
Looks cute to me! Yesterday was so nice I was hoping it would be today too but sounds like next week should be good! Listened to Randy playing Christmas music he is going to play every Saturday till ch4istmas!
Mareen – if I didn’t just love college basketball, I would have joined you uptown for the music. Aren’t all the stores closed on Saturday afternoon?
I’m working on a a wall hanging for a Christmas gift, birch trunks against a darker blue sky. It takes some thinking as I’m making it up as I go along. While I sew, I usually listen to audio books, but lately I’ve had on YouTube videos from Kate at The Last Homely House. She’s so wonderfully calming to listen to. She lives on a smallholding in Northern England and quilts, gardens, has chickens, a goose, bees and cats. She does all sorts of interesting things on her channel. Sound familiar? You all might like to check out her channel. She’s very like-minded to many of us here.
I love your favorite fabric, Mary! It a bummer when a project doesn’t turn out as well as you’d hoped.
Holly in Two Harbors – I just found the Last Homely House and love it! Yes, she does seem to like the same things we all do and I love listening to what she’s doing and I so like Norma!!
You should look up a recent video by Jenny Doan at Missouri Star Quilt Company for a zippered bag using a decorative zipper. Really quick and easy. 😊
Cute bags! I need to make some. This afternoon, I am going to watch the Vikings game, except they aren’t off to a very good start. I am still debating on what else will happen today, I got my Grassy Creek part 2 all sewn up yesterday, I have some pillow cases that I need to get done and I would like to go get a couple of quilts quilted….and they won’t get done if I don’t get started on them. I slow cooked a big pork roast last Friday, so good AND that will cause many meals to be eaten that won’t be very time consuming because the main part is already cooked! Last week I finished up my DD – need to take some photos yet – and I also got a Mosaic (Quilted Twins pattern) top pieced, but that always causes me to struggle to decide what I want to work on next. Even while I’m trying to decide I think to myself – so silly! I think it is because I have so many things and ideas I want to do that it messes with my ‘decider’. lol
I’ve got a pork roast to go into the Instant Pot for tonight!
Ivy is so cute, does she play with Jo?
Ginny – Nobody “plays” with Jo – she won’t stand up so how can anyone play with her. What will I ever do to change her mind?????
Look forward to always hearing from you. It’s something positive in my day. I just said to my husband I think covid has made for alot of negativity. Thanks for the smiles.
This afternoon I’m quilting a friends quilt, Party of Eighteen “, I feel like I’ll NEVER get to the end of it! Last night we watched a movie on Netflix called “Rust Creek “ very suspenseful, was good! After this quilt I’m going to quilt one of my own.
Use Terry Atkinson bag pattern, they are awesome
Love the reds and whites in your new project! I am working on my clue 2 for the Bonnie Hunter mystery!
lol… did I hear giveaway?
Don’t worry about the lumps in your bag, just enjoy it. Your fabric is too precious to not enjoy the finished product. Enjoy your afternoon.
I can’t wait to see how you finish off that quilt. I keep thinking I’ll make one in that color combination, but have put it off many times. This afternoon I’m wrapping gifts, decorating our tree, and finishing a quilt top. Don’t feel bag about the zipper bags. I always mess up on the zipper area. Can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong.
Hi Mary. I’ve been doing a bit of Christmas decorating. The Packers play later so trying to get as much done before 3:15 as I can. I hope to sit and work on my last cross stitch ornament so I can get the 4 of them finished this week. Your posts are always a pleasant surprise!
All I can say is wow on that small quilt! How quickly a person can sew up a small quilt when pre cut! The quiltvis pretty! Enjoy your post! Me clean a nasty mess from i made that was a surprise! Started a crochet rug. Here its cold 29 degrees. I understand when making a bag has odd area that shouldn’t be! Yepvit happen to me too! But it is usable away! It still looks good! Stay warm be busy.
Yours and Connie’s bags look awesome!! I’ll take them, Lol!
The Queens gambit on Netflix is excellent. It is only one season, seven shows.
The bags are both neat and will be fun to use since you put your favorite fabric in it. It was great to see both of your smiling faces and know you were having a “fun” day sewing together. We usually see only your projects. How is Jo doing? I was so hoping to see her picture today and news that she was doing better. Loved your red and white quilt and the other pictures also. Tree decorating today and getting the house in the Christmas mode,. Then back to quilting. Hasn’t it been a blessing to be able to quilt during these long covid lockdowns. It has been a sanity outlet for many of us.
Watching football, sewing on a binding for a quilt that is a Christmas present for a grandson.
On Netflix. THE LIFE AHEAD with Sophia Loren directed by her son “Very good touching movie”. I highly recommend to anyone. I have the Scrap Basket book & I like the one you chose 👍
Football Vikings vs Jaguars ?
Knitting, then sewing
Love the quilt! You are always inspiring us to get going and SEW! Thanks for pressing on and trying new things- I have attempted a few bags in my day and I’m like you – I’m sticking to quilts!! Love Ivy such a cutie. Enjoy the movies and stay snuggled in!
I’m off to a beginner’s crochet class at the local historical museum. We meet twice a month and will be learning our 5th stitch today – basic shell stitch.
Cute quilt top you made yesterday. Your bags look great and I love the fabric each of you used.
Just relaxing after our Sunday dinner. Lions vs Bears on tv. Need to go finish a Bible Study lesson and then start piecing borders for my Jen Kingwell’s Long Time Gone. Center is complete but I am going to add more borders to make a good queen size quilt.
Dinner was quick fried venison chops, baked Alaskan Salmon filet, with brussel sprouts, roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, twice baked potatoes as sides. Even have baked apple slices ready for dessert, but no one has room for any.
May you enjoy your day.
Oh, Mary I have a story. My mother has moved to my sisters home, but I go daily to her house to get mail and check on things. A little over a month ago a cat showed up on her porch. It had a red collar on. I asked if it belonged to anyone and we decided it had been left behind when people were evicted from a house on the street.
Fast forward to our weather changing and me worrying about the cat. I took the cat to my vet and found it was microchipped. I called and left a message and about an hour later the lady called me and said what do you mean you have my cat? Turns out the cat is 17 years old and disappeared in January or February. Oh, my! We were both in tears.
Every time I go out my front door to head to my mothers house I have such a sense of relief that Venus found her family again.
Wow, what a story! That gave me chills (in a good way). So glad you were able to help Venus and her family.
My day is full of memories & giving love to our elderly dog Sadie that will be crossing to the rainbow bridge tomorrow. We have an awesome vet who will come to the farm in the morning. She’s lived a good farm life…13 years of herding cattle & treeing raccoons! Tears will be shed but we know it’s for the best. On a nice note….we’re watching ISU basketball tonight!
My heart aches for you, Jane, since we recently had to say goodbye to our sweet stray, Sophie. She showed up here 11 years ago, and despite having a choke collar and having been spayed, we never could locate her owner. She is missed very much, but like your Sadie, she lived a good country life, chasing squirrels and just being a darn good dog!
This was my mending day accidentally. Pompoms off the end of a knitted scarf, tassels off a pillow, button off a pair of slacks. You’ve inspired me with all your red and white antique items, so I quilted a red and white block to give to a friend. It came out pretty good, so I will make another one sometime. Now, it’s cookie making time. Have a wonderful week!
Sounds like your surgery went well. I saw a quilt on Jo Country Junction sewing room wall that she said came from Country threads. It had a star in the center. Do you happen to have that pattern for sale?
It is a gorgeous Colorado December Sunday—56 at 12:30 pm, so I’m heading out to walk the dogs! Skyler and I did a fantastic 6.5 mile hike with a friend yesterday—the highlight of my weekend!! I need to change some bulbs in my string lights on the patio, too. And then more of the embroidered tea towels I’m working on for Christmas gifts! I’m thoroughly enjoying these projects!
I took a ham out of the deep freeze yesterday, that’s our dinner. Pieced 4 table runners today for family gifts, finished a wall hanging for my hair stylist, and pulled backings for 2 lap quilts. Phew!! Wore myself out – naptime now, and quilt the runners later.
Love reading about Jo. I rescued a siamese cat a few years ago. Not very old, but mostly feral with kidney disease. We lost her last year, but still miss her so. Gone too soon, bless her little heart. ♥️♥️
Hi Mary, it’s so much fun to sew with somebody then sewing alone. I miss those days but glad you have Connie and of course you’re wonderful furry friends to keep you company. Love your favorite fabric and your bag looks fine. Enjoy your day.
Sewing the goat sampler for my sister for Christmas
Margie Braaksma – Really? Thank you for loving the pattern enough to make it and give it away to a sister!!!
Making hamburger buns here in Indiana (using the bread machine to make the dough–so nice to have it do all the stirring). Getting ready to send out Christmas cards. Wishing there was more time in the day and/or more energy in me! Love seeing your projects, Mary and Connie (and everyone else doing the Dirty Dozen thing).
I love your column and look for it every day. Bags can be tricky…especially the zipper. I’m celebrating using up all my batting scraps. It’s been a good sewing season thanks to the inspiration of various blog writers like you! Thanks much!
My friend loaned me a super hard jigsaw puzzle so I’ll put a few pieces into it. Then it will time for the Packers game. Made a Jewish apple cake and it’s cooling.
Hi Mary, have been working on Lori Holt’s Bloom quilt, (at least I think that is the name) Downloaded the pattern in 2015 and it was a sew along that started in January of 2016. Well I didn’t get off to a very good start and here it is almost 2021. I retired last year and am determined to get it finished. It is all applique and I didn’t think I liked applique, but turns out doing it her way I like it. Had to buy the templates though and those are pricey, but the pattern was free. I actually think I might like to try another of hers, not sure I will though unless I can find the template shapes on sale. We don’t venture out much with this covid. I have upcoming cataract surgery, hoping our state doesn’t shut down elective surgeries. Now that I have made up my mind to get it done, I just want it over with. Really like you and Connie’s bags, the fabric is so cute. I made 3 little zipper pouches using shabby fabrics tutorial. They are not perfect, but they are cute and the people I am giving them to will like them. Take care Mary. Thanks for all the inspiration you give us. Sometimes we just need a little jump start.
Margie from Ohio – I am happy to give the jump starts and be a cheerleader!!
Yes you are my inspirer (?) for getting things done. I liked the Queens Gambit but may not be the best for young children.
Cookies are baking In the oven.
Want to get to Target for last day of 10% off gift cards soon so I don’t miss too much of the Packers Game.
My sister sent book reviews of two books about sewing. Threads of Life by Clare Hunter and The Fabric of Civilization by Virginia Postrel.
Am sewing towels with hotpads to hang over the oven door and odds and ends of things.
Rhoda – I liked the Queen’s Gambit, too! Sounds like you are getting lots done! I made note of the books – thanks!
Mary, the first try on the bag is practice!! The next one will be better. Keep it and use it and always think of practice. I had a good friend who had 3 great kids, all grown. Her advice was not to worry and forget the first kid, that one is just practice! They might turn out alright in spite of it all.
Thank you to you and all the bloggers sharing their thoughts. They are sure nice to read and help us all remember there are a whole lot of others just like us, going a step at a time and will survive this Covid thing. Take care everybody. Betty in Rapid City.
I am making a multitude of project bags with a pattern by Valori Wells of the Stitching Post in Sisters, oregon. No buttonholes on these, only a casing-so easy and fun!
My husband is putting together his 4oth jigsaw puzzle! Covid has forced us to be creative and find outlets, hasn’t it?
Karen – My daughter made me a project bag that I just love to pieces. So handy and I can see lots of uses for them so I want to make a few myself. She said it was easy to layer front and back together like a quilt, and she had no trouble sewing the thin clear vinyl.
I admit it’s going to be a big adjustment for me this Christmas season with us declining gatherings and in store shopping so I am grateful to have some good holiday movies and specials on TV like the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree show last week. And for all the friendly sharing on this blog!
Try “Dash and Lily” on Netflix. It’s a fun Christmas series.
Happy St. Nicholas Day everyone!!!
I love the quilt you made – really gorgeous! I have made a lot of small zippered bags but the zipper isn’t on the top. I have so enjoyed making them and they are pretty easy. you will love yours because it is your “favorite” fabric! I picked up some flannel and another piece of a minkie type fabric to make a little blanket for a Corgi puppy that I am planning to get in the spring! I am so excited!! My daughter, Sarah and I sewed together on Face time this week and that was fun. Finished a quilt and took it to the quilter the next day. I am also knitting a blanket for our expected great grandson. It is big. I am about 3/4 done now and am getting excited about it. The baby is due in early March so I will have it done. Doing this while watching basketball!!
Kathy Hanson – KATHY!!!! A corgi puppy? Oh my gosh – how fun! Will this puppy be born near you so you can see it as soon as it’s born? Boy or girl? Are you thinking of names? I so hope I can visit you in the spring so I can meet the puppy – I am so glad you’re getting a best friend!
I am so excited, have been doing research in the area, two places in Wisconsin, a couple in MN and one in South Dakota where one of Jerry’s relatives recently got one. They are so cute!! There is one at the end of our cul du sac that I have been enjoying. We will have to get together so that you can me her! Yes, a little girl and I like “Penny” but not sure if that will be the end decision ( I suppose that Jerry should have some say so!) but we shall see. A number of colors too, to choose from, depending on which breeder works out. I surely want you to meet her. I told Jerry that I needed a pet – as my llama pets are 35 miles away! He is beginning to be happy about it too!!
Kathy Hanson – I am coming to meet her with my mask and face shield in place! I can’t wait – I’ve only seen a Corgi puppy from a distance so I won’t miss meeting your new baby girl!
Wonderful! I will keep you posted!!
Mary, have you seen the story of Lola? Lola is a service dog just reunited with her owner after 3 years of separation. Finder couple in Illinois saw Lola darting around a forest preserve near their home. They were able to get her, took her to vet where her chip was read. Lola’s person/owner from Michigan had visited Illinois where she was lost. When Lola was reunited with her person she seemed apprehensive but once close and when she recognized her scent it was pure joy. Always have hope.
Put a pot roast with carrots in the oven for Sunday. My house is going to smell like it for two days! I’ve been crocheting caps for preemie babies while I watch the Bengals play.
Finishing up holiday decorating and Christmas cards. Mary, I love the way you end your blog with “Be still”,
then perhaps add ” and don’t forget to write”. Blogging is a two way deal. Right?
Margaret in North Texas – yes, writing the blog is fun when I hear back from the readers! It’s lots more fun to read about what you gals are doing!
Finally finishing the binding on a lap quilt and a Christmas table topper for two former students bravely fighting cancer. Blessed to know both these “girls” as strong women today.
Are you the Diane Ballard who was a music teacher in Ohio?
Your bags are really cute .. no one will see the lump when you put stuff in them.
I am working on a fidget quilt for a memory resident at Bartels in Waverly. I have 1 panel done..has a zipper with spiral rubber pull, a hook and D ring on webbing, a cord with beads, a piece of kinky, and a picture of a cat (I added a red bow on the cat) that is hidden under a pocket flap. The other 2 panels will have d rings for lacing a shoe lace, vinyl picture pocket, ribbons, bells, beads in a bag and anything else I find in the cupboard. I have never made one, but am kind of having fun…not sure I will ever make another one.
How is Jo?
Hand quilting on a block of the month quilt I finished in 2016. A great friend basted it together on her long arm. It is a king size so I will be at this a long time. Hand Applique and piecing—why I chose to hand quilt it. Made some new masks too. Still digging out my Christmas decorations and hope to be decorating this week.
Looks like you and Connie had a good time sewing together. Enjoy your bags.
Be still.
I have a movie for you to watch called Fishermen’s Friends. I loved the old fishing songs and I think you might also. Here is a link to a review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/fishermans-friends-movie-review-2020
The fabric in your cute zipper bag is to sweet, I would still find a use for it. Trying something new can be challenging and the fact that your zipper came out is a big plus. I made homemade pizza today for the Packer game at 3 and hope to stitch a binding on while watching. We have had some very cold weather in TN and even snow and schools closed. We plant pansies in the winter months and I just love to see flowers blooming in Dec, Jan and Feb. odd to me since I grew up in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.
It’s almost 6PM, I’m still in pajamas, and have accomplished absolutely NOTHING today. It will be turkey pot pie AGAIN tonight, then pork tenderloin tomorrow. I might get up the ambition to go in the basement for some sewing later, but we’ll see. Husband has a fire going in the living room, so my favorite spot in front of the fireplace may be calling my name. Lol!
Your bag and Connie’s looked fine to me. Reminded me that I’ve been saving candy bags to make more bags as gifts. Good tutorial on Missouri Star. I love the red quilt. I wonder if Jo saw you giving love and affection to Ivy or one of the cats if he’d learn to trust more.
I spent this afternoon wrapping and boxing “stocking stuffers” for my boys and their wives, feeling a bit sad to be apart from every life event since last Christmas… except for my younger son’s socially responsible wedding of 25 mask wearing (I made the masks!) attendees. Favors were the masks and cute hands sanitizer bottles and cameras to take photos of whatever/whomever you chose. I was a wreck at the wedding, and for the two weeks afterwards, praying that no one brought or contracted Covid. Everyone was well, no outbreak, it was outdoors, I’m sure that was for the best, and every detail was as they wished, so I entertained myself with those happy memories.
Yesterday I put together half the blocks for a king-sized quilt! Will finish tomorrow. When I’m sewing and quilting, I don’t think about the sad sides of Covid, I’m entertained and engrossed. Trying to do a lot more of that as winter descends upon us!
I love your posts, Mary, especially about your doggie-boarders, your mission to enrich their lives is sometimes heart wrenching and at other times, heart warming! Of course… your kitties are special, too! I love seeing photos of them. And your chickens and roosters. And farm … and quilts… and… and… and…
Did you know Terry Atkinson has a great method for sewing zippers into pouches. It comes with each of her tote patterns that need a zipper.
Mary Ellen – thank you!
This is a rather dreary day weather wise. We did go for a ride and popped into Walgreens since there were very few cars in the parking lot.
I finished quilting a table topper made with Christmas homespun in a rail fence pattern. I will do the hand work during tv time this evening. I will make a matching runner for our cookbook chest.
Ivy is indeed an adorable doodle! It is too bad Jo can’t enjoy having a friend over. Have you seen any evidence of her playing with her toys, when she is alone? Poor baby, I guess it just takes time. 🥰
Jeanie S – YES! Jo enjoys her toys at night when I’m sleeping- she drags them all over the building and chews up some but I don’t care as long as she’s doing something!
I didn’t do any quilting today, but finished knitting a hat for a local charity, and entertained my kitty, who wanted way more attention than usual. I got tears in my eyes, reading about 17-year-old Venus.
Hi
I just put together a wool appliqué pillow using Lisa bonjean’s tutorial for putting in a zipper in the back!
A definite success story! I hate zippers so I stay away from those zippered bags:)
I like your little quilt. May have to check out that book. I like the noodlehead bag tutorial. They still look cute.
I just finished reading the Book of Lost Friends, that was good , as was Under the Tulip Tree. Both historical fiction.
We’ve been re-doing our upstairs. You know how when you update everything else looks old and frumpy? That’s where I’m at. We really hadn’t painted much since 16 years ago when we moved into this house. I moved my sewing room from one bedroom to another, whew, that led to some sorting and cleaning and……etc. The new space is a bit bigger and has better flow.
I finished some candy cane PJ’s for Ada- pretty cute. She’ll be 2 on Monday.
Happy sewing Mary.
Mary Hawk – I can’t believe Ada is 2! I do know about updating – it’s lots of work and your new sewing room! Yes, that is a serious job and I could stand to get rid of some stuff I’ll never finish. Thanks for the book recommendations!
Wow! Lots to read tonight as we watch Dolly Parton. She has done so much for literacy with her Imagination Project. Bless her. We waited until yesterday for our Thanksgiving with just our kids and 4 grandkids. They are teachers, high school students, and one college student so we waited until they had not been in school for 2 weeks. All healthy, but we still wore masks and distanced. We celebrated two birthdays and got our trees. Today, I re-organized my under bed chests and all my Christmas fabric. I also did my 5 to 7 mile walk to see “my” dogs. They all get treats when I walk by. Fun. More to do tomorrow. I love your red quilt and the neat bags. Zippers—ugh.
Hi, Mary. Had a really nice day visiting our son. Hadn’t seen him since before Thanksgiving as his girlfriend was exposed to Covid. They quarantined and both are negative with no symptoms. We took a walk in the nearby neighborhood to see the Christmas lights.
I’ve been hand quilting a baby quilt. Really want to finish it because I’m seeing a surgeon for rotator cuff repair on Tuesday. Consultation first but I have really been struggling with pain for a few months. If I’m not in my sewing room alone I know I’ve been hard to live with! And if I need a surgery, I want to get it done so I can garden in the spring. Take care, I enjoyed the blog today. So many nice completed projects.
Sunflower from MI – rotator cuff repair is a long recovery – at least it was for me so don’t delay! The garden will be waiting for you in the spring.
I love the happy ending for Venus! So glad she is home with her people.
The quilt is really cute. Thanks for sharing the book you found the pattern in. And making zipper bags is something I’ve found needs lots of practice somehow to get just right.
I’ve been sewing Christmas stockings. I’m making 7 quilty stockings for my son, daughter-in-law, grandson, 3 dogs, and 1 cat. And I’m making felt stockings for my daughter-in-law and grandson to match the ones I made for my husband, 3 sons, and myself years ago.
In November I finished an advent calendar for a friend. I copied one her grandmother had made for her. And two countdown to Halloween quilts made with a Ruby Star panel.
My Magnus had to go to the emergency vet on Thanksgiving day because he was mouth breathing and drooling. He has had pneumonia the past two June’s and I had taken him to the vet on the day before because he was coughing again. So he’s still one antibiotics twice a day. He’s not happy with me but doesn’t fight it too much. His brother Klaus had been in a bad cat fight with a neighbor cat so he can’t go outside without a harness and leash. So the cats have kept me busy lately too.
Take care. Be still (I really like that – it’s a good thing!)
Susan K – poor Magnus – I hope he’ll be ok! And cat fights are awful! JB has ragged ears from fighting – and he’s neutered! You’ve been very busy and very productive, Susan!
My older grandkids came by today to Decorate my tree. They have done it for the last few years. I get to sit and listen to them talk about teenage stuff. Then we had the best pizza in. Town. They drive so they went and picked it up for lunch I sat snd quilted until bedtime.
Robin in Wa
Hi, Mary! I seldom respond to your posts, but I read them all. I want you to know I cry every time I read about Jo. You are giving her a reason to live, and I love it. Humans are so cruel to animals. I will never understand it nor will I ever forgive anyone who does it. All of our babies, for over 35 years, have been rescues, shelter animals or strays who lived long, safe and loving lives with us. In August we adopted a Great Pyrenees/Shepherd mix named Juneau. She’s 2 years old, and 96 pounds of hair, slobbers and love. We couldn’t love her more! She will be safe and warm with us this winter, and for many to come. Thank you for all of your blogs, patterns, etc., but especially for your love of animals. Gayle in Kansas
Gayle Lacey- Hi, Gayle! Fun to hear from you and about Juneau – I am sitting with Jo right now and she is sniffing my left hand as I type with one finger. Now she’s kicking my fingers! Oh happy day!
Thank you everyone for the many comments. This is just like sitting with a large group of friends just chatting away. It warms my heart to be a part of this special group. Today, I finished Christmas cards, did some laundry and for supper we had the last of the hotdish made with thanksgiving turkey.
Janet of MN – since we can’t visit in person, this is the next best thing!
Enjoyed the blog with all the chatting!! We sure are a busy bunch!!
Mary you asked me about the flamingo quilt…pattern and instructions from Fons and Porter’s magazine July/August issue 1999. “Flamingo Fun”.
Be still.
Sally J – thank you – I will pass that on to the reader who asked
When I see the picture of Ivy, I can only think what fun Jo is missing out on by not playing with your dogs. Ivy looks like she loves to have fun. Legend has it that the animals talk on Christmas Eve. Maybe that will be the day that Jo comes out of her shell. Praying for Jo and for you, Mary.
I just love your red quilt. I will also have to look for the pattern book it is in.
Connie Rademacher – thank you – we can use all the prayers we can get!
I spent the afternoon watching the Green Bay Packers while decorating the Christmas tree. Monday is sewing day-I purchased a new embroidery machine so I want to play all day!
Last night I started reading “No Exit”. Oh my goodness! I’m totally captivated! I had plans for today, but they just might just go out the window. Thanks for the recommendation! (and everything else your blog provides!)
Sheila in WI – I’m glad you like it because I loved it! I sorta hate giving book recommendations because we all like something different, don’t we?
I like your bags!
Loved reading everyone’s replies and what everyone is up to! I will bake today and sew Quilt blocks and washing to get a quilt front ready to go to quilter. Have a few projects lined up, a Minnesota fabric pillow, a Yellow Brick Road Quilt and at least two Disappearing Four Patch quilts. I am so glad you have the dirty dozen as it helps me stay motivated! We are staying home a lot, and so glad we do not have snow so we can get outdoors and walk! My dad was in the Navy and so Pearl Harbor Remembrance is on my mind today. He was on the USSCalifornia, then reassigned to the West Virginia for the remainder of the war, he served 6 years in the USN, he died in 1976 from cancer of the throat. I am in the process of gathering all the papers and info he kept from his days in the Navy during WWII and donating it to our local museum. I am so hopeful for Jo, it’s taking time…you are so patient. Be well everyone!
Hi mary,pleased to hear Jo is liking your fingers, l think she is a very sensitive soul a nd finds it harder to trust again, but you can do it Mary.another day of cleaning for me,trying to get my husband’s tools out of lounge room now he is in care, hope to quilt after lunch, we are a busy bunch! Take care, best wishes from sandy
Sandy – and how is your husband adjusting to the care home? And you? What will you do with all the tools?
I have 4 stockings to make: 3 for little girls, 1 for the mother of one. I’m still finding it hard to get myself to the sewing room. grrrr. Since I never put away the Christmas fabric last year, and have added more to it in the meantime, I really just have to get going!
Oh, I love the animal fabric! That is so YOU. The only thing that would make it more you, is if it was red. LOL!
Love the quilt your making. I may have to buy that book myself.
Have you made the Cranberry Crockpot Pork Roast by recipegirl.com? I just made it this past week. It’s really good!
There is a soft spot in my heart for red and white quilts. Love yours!
The zipper bags you and Connie made look just fine! I made many of those from a class we did at our guild. They took a while and mine were a bit lumpy; however I found one on YouTube that was a lot easier to make. The zipper was set down a bit from the top of the bag so I was nice and flat. It had a piece of vinyl on the front but you could easily just use one piece of fabric. The backing wrapped around to form a binding that gave it a nice finished look. It was much faster than the original pattern I had. I’ll use your new email to send the link.
Now I not only follow you for your quilting but also to read about Jo. What a safe and wonderful Christmas she will have with you.
Any zippered bag I have ever made has “your bump” of fabric. That’s just the way they turn out. I, too, love your goat fabric.