MOMENTS

Finish Friday…….

2012-01-27T15:13:00.001+01:00

once again you all have been busy sewing away . I have to admit this makes me Happy!!

Here come this weeks finished Caddies…look at the great job everyone did !!!!!

Drum roll please…..

Martina did a lovely job …I love this fabric.

Not only did Christa make a Caddy…but a quilt to match (actually she made the Quilt first and used the scraps to make the Caddy but it sounded better the other way around !

Linda didn’t need a Couch caddy for sewing, instead she made hers for our second favorite pass time..TV watching! Hers holds the TV remote.

Angelika K. made this lovely Caddy. I love this fabric too! (you’ll hear me say that a few times…I love fabric!)

Julia, made this stunning Caddy !! I don’t think I need many words for this one, other then …Beautiful !!!

Julia I am glad to see you do a bit of sewing again !

Here are a few Caddies the girls in my Quilting group Rhein-Main-Sterne made……

Lisa embroidered this adorable fairy on her caddy…

Ulla decorated her Caddy with snippet flowers…

I love the quilting Petra did on her Caddy ( unfortunately she has no Blog )

Brigitte…an owl lover made this adorable one.

Last but not least…Irma made this wonderful crazy quilt version. (again no blog)

Hope you enjoyed the eye candy today ?? I know I did!

Now I am off to look for ideas & links for next months SewAlong……

Hugs,

I can't believe its Thursday already….

2012-01-26T20:43:00.001+01:00

what a week…it was filled with 2 Doctors appointments, bad knee pain days and 3 days without internet ( that was the worst part!) Our WLAN modem died, my Hubby bought a new one but we couldn’t find the paper with the code info …after a few days of going through all our files…we found it!!

The positive side was that I managed to get a lot of stitching done.

My 2 blocks for 2012 UFO Challenge are done. I had to stitch 2 blocks from my “Gardener’s Journal” Quilt…their done !

I also managed to stitch 5 blocks for my “Living the Dream” quilt…

Only 4 more block to stitch and then the top will be done!!

I have to send out a personal “ upps I goofed up” to Sabine. It turns out I posted a picture of her finished Caddy and said it was by Helen of Hugs & Kisses… I have corrected it on my previous post but am really sorry for the mix up :-( I try really hard to make sure the picture & link match up but sometimes …I goof up!

You know what they say…to Err is human…to have to apologize is embarrassing !

Sorry Sabine!

Hugs,

P.S: Tomorrow I will be posting more pictures of lovely Caddies…be sure to send me you picture or let me know its on your blog. …I’m off to check Blogs :-)

Finish Friday…more wonderful Caddies

2012-01-20T13:15:00.001+01:00

I can't believe how productive you all have been…look at all these finished Caddies……

Sigiart is the first one to actually hand stitch the flowers on her caddy ! I also like the idea that she didn’t use binding…I will have to remember that trick of next time .

Even though Iris doesn’t like her caddy …you'll have to go to her blog to read why …. I think she did a great job. Maybe Iris you need a smaller armed couch ?? LOL

Gitta didn’t need an Armchair Caddy so she decided to make an Ironing board caddy. I LOVE the fabrics she used…if anyone in Germany knows where I can get them, please let me know! I just gotta have them !

Klaudia was very creative and added hexagons to her caddy. This is a good way to use up some of those extra hexagon you all have laying around.

As I was checking your blogs to see what you have been up to this week I saw that ….

Susan had so much fun making her Caddy that she made an second one for her ironing board….notice the nice new matching ironing board cover…Susan is on a roll ! You go girl!

Last but not least…Katja made it in time for my post. Don’t you just love the scrappy pockets…I think I have to start saving my salvages…you never know when you might need them !

Even though my knees gave me a lot of pain this week, I did manage to finish something. Unfortunately, I can only give you a sneak preview since it is a gift and I have to wait till she gets it.

Button, Button…who's gonna get this button ?

This key chain goes to it …what could it be ??

That's it for today!

I hope you all have a healthy, production weekend!

Hugs,

Taker – Outers win….

2012-01-19T18:33:00.001+01:00

it seems that most of you are “responsible” sewers and remove your pins instead of sewing over them.

I really thought there was more “lazy” sewers like me but after reading the comments I have to admit you had scared me into becoming a “Taker-outer ! I don’t need high machine repair bills and Judy's comment really freaked me out…I never thought about a broken piece of needle flying up into my eye……as of now…

No more sewing over my Pins !

Thanks for all your comments and for making me see the error of my ways…You won’t hear me admit that often!!LOL

Tomorrow I will be posting more of your finished Caddys…so if you have a picture for me …send it on over :-)

Hugs,

Pins & Needles….

2012-01-17T13:39:00.001+01:00

Do you sew over your pins or do you stop and take them out ??

I sew through everything! I am like a Kamikaze driver…once I get started I don’t stop!

Last night my Hubby came into my sewing room to kiss me goodnight and I was right in the middle of a seam so he waited till I was done. He watched me sew and then said…do you always sew over your pins ?? Isn't that bad for the machine ??

I answered…Yup!!! The worse thing that will happen is I will bend a pin or brake a needle ( or both) …..I have done this a few times but don’t tell my Hubby!

This got me to thinking …am I the only one that is to lazy to stop and take the pins out or do you do it to???

Are you a “sew over” the pins person or are you a “taker-outer” ???? Is this a habit I should break ?? What do you think??

I’m off to sew over some more pins!

Hugs,

Friday Finish…..

2012-01-13T15:34:00.001+01:00

today I’m going to show you not my finishes…. but yours! (Besides I haven't finished anything other then my Caddy and you already saw that…started projects don’t count)

The first one to finish her Caddy was Bente…she made it with lovely Japanese fabrics….

Silke also posted her finished Caddy….love the idea of using up scraps….

Susan’s caddy is popping with daisies! I love the little crochet flowers she added…I really need to learn to crochet!

Amy also made hers to match her couch. Can you believe Amy has never sewn a thing before…this is her first sewing project! Hats off to a great job! I hope she got the sewing bug!

Would you believe every one of these was made from the same pattern…. amazing what a difference fabric makes.

Doris decided to make up her own pattern and her goal this year is to use up stuff she has on hand…She must have some nice stuff in her sewing room…look at this caddy!

Would you of guessed Maria is a cat lover?? Isn't this adorable!! I am a dog person but even I find this super sweet! I wonder if that fabric line has doggies ??

I love seeing all the finished pieces…it really inspires me and gets my creative juices flowing…keep then coming girls!

Hugs,

P.S: Be sure to stop by each ladies blog…they have more pictures of their Caddies .

Couch Caddy….

2012-01-11T11:14:00.001+01:00

How is everyone coming along with their Couch Caddy ??

Mine is done ….I decided on the design by Helen from Hugs and Kisses, except I left out all the stitchery…I cheated instead !

First I wanted to make it with cute pink sewing fabric but then I figured the pink might clash with our red couch. So I pulled out the fabric I had bought a long time ago to make a caddy with…. Always go with your first instinct.

My caddy is at home on our couch….I am pleased with …so is my Hubby…...no more needles in the arm of the couch !

How is yours coming along ??

Hugs,

P.S. As I was looking for something else (isn’t it always that way) …I found another Ironing board caddy…same pattern, just one is embroidered and one not…look how different they look!

http://www.embroiderygarden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=388

SewingRoom SewAlong ….Armchair Caddy

2012-01-06T13:09:00.001+01:00

I am so happy a few of you are going to join me in my SewAlong….I can’t wait to see all the beautiful things you all make….!!
So lets start sewing….

Here come the links for the first SewingRoom SewAlong……

I found these lovely Armchair caddys…click on the picture or link to get the pattern…if you have any trouble, let me know and I will help….
Maureen's Caddy

http://maureensvintageacquisitions.blogspot.com/2010/03/arm-chair-sewing-caddy.html
By Amy at During Quiet Time

http://duringquiettime.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrappy-armrest-pincushion-tutorial.html
From Helen Hugs and Kisses
..............the finished caddy is made by Sabine

http://www.hugsnkisses.typepad.com/hugsfromhelen/2008/08/armchair-caddy.html
Julia’s Bluebird Caddy

http://creativeribbons.blogspot.com/2009/02/bluebirds-sewing-caddymy-gift-to-you.html
Sew Sweet Armchair caddy

http://www.free-sewing.com/detail.html?code=FS00150&cat_id=467
Sewing Caddy

http://www.free-sewing.com/detail.html?code=FS00006&cat_id=467
Caddy from About.com

http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/armchairsewing.html
If you don’t need an Armchair Caddy…how about this…An Ironing board Caddy??

http://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/1028-modas-half-moon-modern-sewing-room-ironing-board-thread-catcher-a-caddy
You don’t have to use one of these…You can make up your own or use any other pattern you may have…the important thing is to make one!
Go dig out your fabrics and start sewing !
I can’t wait to see your pictures.

Hugs,

P.S. I am happy to see a lot of German quilters have joined the SewAlong …” Ihr könnt mir auch ruhig in Deutsch schreiben ;-)

SewingRoom SewAlong………

2012-01-04T17:25:00.001+01:00

Who wants to SewAlong with me ??? I am doing this project with my quilting group so I thought maybe my 6 readers would like to do it too ?
We are making items for our SewingRooms….all those little things we always wanted to make…pincushions, sewing machine covers, needle case, etc…. but never got around to doing, well now's the time!
Each month has a theme…on that month I will post links for FREE patterns in the net for that theme! You pick whichever pattern you like ( you might even have a pattern at home you have been wanting to do but lacked the motivation…that's why I’m here…to motivate you ). You make the item…you can send me a picture and I will post it or I can post a link to your blog …At the end of the year you will have all those things you need for your SewingRoom.

Here is the planned Sewing calendar…..

Jan – Armchair / Couch Caddy
Feb – Sewing Bag / Tote
March – Tidy Totes / Thread Catchers
April - Pincushion
May – Sewing Machine Cover
June – Thread Case
July – Scissor etui
August – Needle case
Sept – Sewing Case
Oct – Thimble Holder
Nov – Tape Measure Cover
Dec – Done!!! …we need time to get ready for Christmas.

Here's the deal…every 6th of the month I will post the links…you pick one…sew it …let me know you did it and I’ll toss your name in a hat…at the end of the year I will pick a name and you will win a prize!!
If you post my SewingRoom Sewalong Button on your blog I will toss your name into the hat again…( please let me know you did so)
…if you become a follower your name goes into the hat too. (current Followers, let me know you are doing the SewAlong and I will toss your name in the hat)
…this means by the end of the year you could have 13 chances ( if you make more then one of the items…your name will go in the hat for each item you made.)…great way to make some gifts and get more chances…either way you win!
I’ll be back on Friday with the first links…hope you can join me !

Hugs,

Liz

P.S: If you have a Free Pattern / Tutorial on your Blog …please let me know and I will post !

BOM’s 2012….

2012-01-03T16:58:00.001+01:00

I came across a few cute BOM’s that are starting this year and I thought I would share them with you…just incase you don't have enough projects going one..here are a few more !
Just click on the picture and it should take you to the site.

Started Jan 1

Starts first Thursday of the month

Michelle at The Raspberry Rabbits is starting a BOM on Jan 15th

Helena is starting a Crazy Dogs BOM in the middle of January…
(Cat lovers still download her Crazy Cat BOM from last year)

Country Cottages is having a mystery Quilt BOM - Starts Jan 7th

Sulky is having a cute Patchwork village BOM…here's the link for German
http://www.sulky-international.de/scripts/clsAIWeb.php?seite_id=120
and English
http://www.sulky-international.de/scripts/clsAIWeb.php?seite_id=200

Country Junction is having an adorable BOM - a year of mini Quilts
http://countryjunktion.com/2012BOM.html

I am sure there are more BOMs out there…if you have one…send me the link & I will post it.
Have fun picking one!

Hugs,

Liz

More of you know what’s??

2012-01-02T22:31:00.001+01:00

Before Christmas I was busy sewing, not just ignoring you. Two weeks before Christmas I got an order for 5 purses, so I was busy sewing, sewing, sewing!
My DFIL girlfriend saw my Messenger bag with the exchangeable flap and wanted some for gifts How could I say no ?
…here is the first one for her daughter. She wished Black & White and NO flowers ( that was tough for me since I love flowers) or girly…this is what I came up with.

…the inside…I believe in lots of pockets to be organized.

I also had to make a second flap for it in browns & turquoise

Can you believe this is the same purse with two different fronts ?

The second purse was for her Daughter in Law and it had to be Lila (Purple) …flowers & girly was OK ! (she's a Ballerina)

I free motion quilted the flap…heres a close up…I loved this fabric

Here is her second flap

here they are together… same purse, just flap changed.

The 3rd bag was for her DIL in Australian…..neutral & beige. I wish I was flying to the outback with this purse…ahhhh, Australia has the best quilting Magazines, patterns & threads !

The 4rd Messenger Bag was for the Lady herself and she picked these fabrics…..

No second flap yet…she has to pick the fabric first
The 5th bag was for her Granddaughter that just got a Lab puppy and needed a bag to go to doggie school with.
We picked this design out ( it was inspired by a pattern in a German Magazine - Patchwork Spezial Taschen 03/2010)

The front has a pocket….

This is with the front flap open…more pockets for hate things a doggie mom needs…..

…and the inside with a detachable key ring…

Those were the 5 bags that kept me busy over the holidays.
Now I just have to make 2 more….one for myself and one for my sister then I am going to try some other patterns that are sitting here tempting me.
Before I forget…my DFIL bought his girlfriend a Kindle for Christmas …so my gift to her was a cover…it even matched her purse !

WOW this turned out to be a loooooooong post…hope you made it to the end!

Hugs,

Liz

2012….here I come!

2012-01-01T22:14:00.001+01:00

As you know I don’t make New Years Resolutions so this year won’t be any different …except this year I am making “hopeful” plans!

Your probably asking yourself what the difference is??….I will tell you …. this is a list of things I “hope” to get done and if I don’t …no quilting police are going to come after me…no guilty conscious…no disappointment !

But if I get some of the things finished ( started or continued) I will see it as a success… either way I win!

To help me keep motivated…I have joined Judy’s 2012 UFO Challenge …so here comes my Wish List ( sounds much better then UFO List!

1 - Finish Mushrooms…not the magic kind…the fabric kind!

2 - Sew Tilda Santas

3 - Stitch at least 2 blocks from “Living the Dream” quilt

4 - Baste Snowman quilt and plan quilting design

5 - Stitch at least 2 blocks from “Gardener's Journal” quilt

6 - Baste Santa Quilt and plan quilting designs

7 - Quilt at least 2 blocks on 12 Days of Christmas quilt

8 - Attach borders to Fall quilt and Baste

9 - Quilt a few blocks on Snowman quilt

10 – Quilt at least 2 more blocks on 12 Days of Christmas quilt

11 – Stitch at least 2 blocks from either Gardener's Journal or Living the dream quilt…

12 – work on whatever I feel like as long as it is on this list…a girl has to have a little fun!

Those are a few of the things I would like to get done as well as sew some more purse ( surprise) …after all I have some great patterns that are itching to the tried!

…and I have a Sewing room Project I would like to share with you…I still have to work out all the details…stay tuned!

WOW…I really have a lot planned for this year…I hope I don’t need a lot of sleep!

Hugs,

Liz

Good-bye 2011….

2011-12-31T16:08:00.001+01:00

I can't say I will miss you. The year started with the loss of my mother, proceed to knee surgery and 4 months in a wheel chair…I can’t say it was a good one BUT then again 2012 doesn’t look like it will be much better ( more surgery) …BUT…I have hope and as long as there is a ting of hope…all things will be good ……if not…there is always pain killers!

I would like to wish all my faithful readers ( all 5 of you…actually I think we are 6 now) ……………………………………… a very Happy, Healthy, Productive New Year!!!

Hugs,

Liz

Is Christmas here already ????…..

2011-12-24T12:54:00.001+01:00

I can't believe it is already Christmas Eve! How the time flew by!

The good thing is that all the hussle & bussle is over…today is the beginning of 3 days of Christmas…..whatever I didn’t get done, bought, baked or otherwise…. will just have to wait till next year…I am done! I am “fix & fertig”!!!

The cookies are baked ( some better then others)

The house is decorated….

the tree is up…..this is the smallest tree I have ever had…hopefully next year I am well enough to do a big one again…but there is something to be said for small…..it is cute!

the gifts are wrapped ….

Santa can come!

I wish you and your family…a very Merry Holiday!!

May all your wishes come true…and if they don’t the stores will be open again on Tuesday ( or online shopping is always open!)

Ho Ho Ho !!

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. Finish Fridays post was cancelled due to snow…I promise to do better next year!

Did you guess….

2011-12-10T23:58:00.001+01:00

what the preview pictures were?? I bet you figured it out …if not here are the finished items…..

This is Molly………….

When saw this rose fabric in the quilt shop I knew it would be perfect for this purse. Don’t you just love it ??

Here's the back….no ruffle.

….and my first inside zipper…..the instructions were so well written that I had no problem sewing it.

This is a free pattern from RKay Designs. Just sign up for her newsletter and its yours! The pattern is very well written ( better then a lot that I paid money for), it is easy to sew and I think it turns out adorable. I definitely will make this again with other fabrics. Thanks Reba !!

The second purse gave me nothing but trouble. I couldn’t wait to make this purse, I even bought suede like fabric….I used Decovil as interfacing so that it would stand up ( which it does ) but I can tell you turning a bag with Decovil was a nightmare…won’t do that again!

Here is Serenity II ( should be called Nightmare II) …it is a pattern by Annie.

I was sooooo looking to experimenting with Texture Magic. I did everything they said in the video…I stitched it , I shrunk it, I cut it out, sewed it into the bag…I was very pleased with myself …then I gave it its finally pressing…and what happened the texture flap shrink even more !!!

The lining wasn’t nice and flat anymore ….even worse…..it made big gaps on the side of the flap…I don’t like this at all! I had thought the pattern was a bit small for the opening but when it shrunk even more, it was to much.

The worse part is that I don’t have anymore of this batik fabric to remake the flap…and I used it to line the pocket on the back….

I told you it gave me nothing but trouble…..at least the rings look cute on the straps…..

Somehow I will try and fix it ( not sure how ) ……

..…don’t you just hate it when things don’t turn out the way your visualized ??

On a positive note…my Kam snaps arrived today ! I can’t wait to play with them !

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday……

2011-12-09T23:27:00.001+01:00

it seems like every week Friday comes quicker & quicker….it has to be due to the holiday stress….that or someone is stealing days out of my week.

Unfortunately I can't show you my finished pieces because I don't have good pictures :-( ……my day was filled with physio -therapy, a bit of Christmas shopping and by the time I got home the sun was gone…BUT…I have a couple of sneak previews…and tomorrow I will posted the whole pictures…..can you guess what this will be ???

Or this ???

It was the first time I inserted one of these….. I was surprised how easy it was…that or I got lucky!

I’ll be back tomorrow with “real” pictures….

Hugs,

Liz

P.S: Nikolaus must of read my post; since the next day …I found this in my shoes…better late then never!

Bad day….turned good!!

2011-12-07T20:51:00.001+01:00

today I had to go to the dentist for oral surgery…doesn’t that sound like fun!

Trust me when I say you don’t want to know what the dentist did…heck I don't want to know!

What I know is that I have stitches in my mouth, I can't eat and the shots are wearing off and the pain is kicking it!…normally I would write this off as a BAD day….BUT …the Gods must of had mercy and delivered a package today.

Actually it wasn’t from the Gods…it was from Susan …a friend in Texas.

Looks at all the great purse & tote patterns she sent me….guess what I will be doing next year ( sooner if I have it my way)

…… and this adorable spool wreath……I love it !

Thank you soooooo much Susan!!!

Hugs,

Liz

Dear Nikolaus…….

2011-12-07T00:33:00.001+01:00

I polished my shoes…

I stood them nice and neatly in front of the door…..

( these are not my shoes…I wish!)

I waited ALL day and you never came !

What did I do wrong ???

Since I believe in you…I am going to give you one more chance…I am even enclosing my wish list to help you decide what to bring me on Christmas day!

Dear Santa,
I have tried to be a very good girl this year. I know I have not always succeeded but my intentions were good…most times!

I would love …..

...a quilting machine ( I know I haven’t been good enough for that…but a girl can wish!)

.…. how about a Coverlock ?? Then all my tops wouldn't have to hang to my knees!

...this book would keep me out of trouble next year…

...of course I would love to try some of the Cosmo threads everyone has been taking about ( these will fit in your sled)

I promise to be better next year!

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. I was also going to ask for a Kam snap machine but since you didn’t leave me anything I decided to order it myself!

The other stuff you can bring me…I’ll even bake you cookies!

Finish Friday…..

2011-12-02T22:43:00.001+01:00

WOW… its that time again? When I get to brag about all the wonderful things I finished this week. Unfortunately, this week I was busy with decorating the house so I didn’t get much sewing done…just a bit.

I got an order for a messenger bag…but in neutrals ( its going to a lady in Australia)….it is cool to know one of my bags is traveling all the way down under!

Here is the finished bag…I think she will like it ??

That was all the sewing I got done this week…I wanted to do more but Christmas stuff kept getting in the way.

The house is decorated…the outside is full of lights….a few gifts are bought….I started some baking ( I will post about that disaster another day)…then why don’t I have that Christmas feeling ?? Maybe when we get the tree the feeling will come ??

Remember those snowflakes I bought in October….they are twinkling in the windows finally.

Ho Ho Ho …have you got the Christmas feeling yet ?? If yes, let me know where I can find it ?!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-11-26T00:28:00.001+01:00

I am sure you all are expecting to see a new purse…I wish I could show you one, but this week I was busy decorating for Christmas ( in case you didn’t know …Christmas is only 29 days away!)

The only things I did manage to sew was this tiny pouch… …and I managed to finish sewing the binding on the couch quilt….( I am still trying to teach my Hubby how to hold a quilt up nicely…he has a lot to learn!)

Close up…..

The quilt on the couch….. it is cuddle & soft…perfect for afternoon naps!

I wanted to give the quilt a cool name …after a lot of thought and scratching my head …I finally decided to name it want it is …..”the Couch Quilt”…why get fancy when simple works!

Hugs,

Liz

It’s that time again…

2011-11-22T22:08:00.001+01:00

time to drag the Christmas boxes up and start decorating….here's the first load….

The Santas & snowmen are dying to be freed……

Tis the season to be jolly!!

( when I have everything decorated then I will be jolly…till then I am just pooped out !)

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday……

2011-11-20T16:16:00.001+01:00

I know it is not Friday but somewhere in the world it has to be Friday so I am going to pretend I am writing from there ( it sounds better then saying I am late again!…I could give you all kinds of excuses but we will skip that and get right to the post…aren't you glad !)

Guess what I made this week ??

I bet you can’t guess ???

Soon I am going to have to change my blog name to the “Bag Lady” !

Yup…I made another bag …surprise, surprise!

Here is my Candice bag ( by Lazy Girl designs)

I love this bag ! It looks like nothing special…but it is a good all around purse.

The front has this cool pocket….great for dropping your keys into it, without having to rummage around your whole purse.

The inside has tons of pockets ( I love pockets)…your iPad or Tablet will fit nicely here ( I made sure) and more pockets for glasses, pens, etc.

Don’t you just love the red polka dots…I think I am hooked on Polka dots & checks!

The top even has a zipper …nice and safe from things falling out.

Hope you like my Candice girl?

Since Christmas is around the corner…1st Advent is next week! I figured I had to make a Christmas flap for my Messanger bag.

Aren't these Santa's adorable!?

I love the trim I added…I do believe!

I was thinking of adding bells to the Santa hats but didn’t want opt “jingle” every time I walked ….so no bells.

Remember the problem I was having with the strap…that it bunched up on the rectangle ring…well I took Frauke’s advice and changed it to a D ring…she said a Ring but I didn’t have a round one so I used the D ring instead…it seems to be better. Thanks Frauke for the tip!

Now I am off to eat something …then guess what I will be sewing ?? I bet you will never guess!

Hugs,

Liz

Don’t you just love it….

2011-11-14T20:57:00.001+01:00

when the postman delivers not one package but 2 !

What a great way to start a Monday!

As you know I am on a bag making kick…and I fell in love with the new Lazy Girl bag pattern “ Candice” …so I broke down and ordered it along with a couple more ( a girl has to justify the shipping costs! )

As I was looking for the pattern on the net I noticed most fabric shops wanted $12 shipping fees ( I find that a bit bold…what does the pattern weight 5 grams ?? I don’t need it sent in a Global priority envelope for $12 bucks!)…this makes a very expensive pattern. I wish all patterns would be available in eBook form…instant download…no shipping cost and I can be sewing before the coffee was done…but that would be a perfect world…and as we all know we don’t live in a perfect world.

But today was pretty good…my patterns arrived!

I am happy to report I discovered PursePatterns.com . This was my first time ordering with them and I have to say it won’t be the last. They sent me all 3 patterns for only $4.98 in shipping charges!! …..and it came in 8 days! Don’t you just love them! I do !

Since I wasn’t expecting the patterns to arrive so quickly I order a book from Amazon.de ( I needed a new book…you know that feeling) and it also arrived today…now I am overloaded with ideas.

This book has some cute ideas ( and full size patterns…I love full size patterns..I hate having to go to the copy shop and enlarge patterns to 350% ...when I buy a book I want it all ready for me…call me fussy!)

Here is a sneak preview of some of the patterns…..this one I will definitely make…. Love it!

What a cute idea to use up some denim fabrics…and a great practice for the grommets before I make the Bellanca Bag.

…and I love messenger bags…will have to try this one out.

Which should I sew first ??

Off to my cupboards to see what fabric I have…I just might have to order something !?

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-11-11T23:24:00.001+01:00

I can’t believe its Friday already…this week just flew by! I thought we gained an hour last week, why do I feel like I lost a day ?? Time is just zipping by…when I think that Christmas is only 44 days away…I get a panic attack!

But that another post… today I am suppose to share with you my finished projects.

This week I made………you guessed it ???!!!

……………another Purse! This is made with a really nice soft flannel like fabric but is stiffened with S520 and I can tell you it was not easy.

The pattern is super simple…not many parts but since the outer edge was folded back and topstitched all around , giving it a piping like effect made it a nightmare to sew… I think the purse ( reminds me of a bowling bag) is cute but I won’t be making this again…unless I leave out the edging and line it different.

Here's a peek inside….

Here is a close up of the shabby flower…its made with felt & the plaid fabric.

I know I am on a Purse kick…don’t ask me why…I just am ! ( probably since it can be finished faster then a quilt and I need some positive rewards in my sewing…not all my projects can be life long WISPs!) Besides …a girl can never have to many purses!?

So that you don’t think all I can sew is purses ( or quilts) ….I can also make fun stuff…… a girlfriend told me she would come by with her little girl today …so last night I whipped up this pink bear for her… Ciara love it !

Tomorrow I pick up my new glasses…..I don’t know if this is a good thing…..Now I will be able to see my mistakes better ! …..sewing will be a whole new experience!

Have a nice weekend and make something…it feels good!

Hugs,
Liz

Guess what I did today……

2011-11-07T19:23:00.001+01:00

I got my tender lovely breasts squished flat like a pancake ….upppp, I had a Mammogram!

Lucky me!

…oh what fun! …..I bet a man invented this machine…a woman would of come up with something nicer…like having her breast crushed by a few bolts of fluffy batting….now that's an idea!

I can’t say I enjoy having this test but… a girl has to do what a girl has to do…have you had your mammogram lately ??

Why not join me…we could have a flat boobs day! Hallmark would have fun with that one!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday …….continued…

2011-11-05T21:03:00.001+01:00

I have recovered from my migraine…actually I woke up with it again this morning but I sent my Hubby to the drug store for pills…and after taking them and sleeping for an hour, I woke up like new! I hate migraines…they are like toothaches…I can live without them!

Now that my head isn’t pounding and I can look at the computer screen without a 1000 needles shooting through my brain…I can show you what I made this week…another purse! Surprise! LOL

I wanted a messenger like bag with a changeable front… I surfed the net for a pattern but couldn’t come up with exactly what I was looking for so I came up with this.

The inside…with lots of pockets

The back ….more pockets

The front with the flap up and more pockets….

The sides….don’t you love the buttons!

When Fall is over and I get sick of mushrooms…I can switch the front flap to this one ….don’t you just love this lace looking linen?

The flaps are interchangeable…they attach with Velcro….in a second you have a new purse! Don’t you love it ! Now I have to make a flap for Christmas .

This is just my first try and pro-type …but I was surprised how well it turned out. Next time I will try a few things different…like a zipper on the top…and maybe gusset sides.

There is one problem I have with the purse and I am not sure why…so could experienced purse sewers please tell me what I am doing wrong.

I made the strap adjustable…but I noticed that then I wear it, the strap scrunches up on the D Ring…why ??

I don’t like that…I want it to hang nice and flat when I wear it……

Does anyone what I did wrong ??

Did I not use enough batting in the strap? (actually I only used interfacing)

Is the D ring to big ??( it is the same size as the slider)

What causes this ??

In the meantime I am going to try making a bag with a gusset…..wish me luck!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday …..

2011-11-04T20:28:00.001+01:00

is being cancelled till tomorrow since I have a terrible migraine and I can't concentrate long enough to show you what I made this week…it is worth coming back tomorrow.

So that your visit wasn’t a total waste…I can show you these simple coasters I made this week…

…I used that thick felt …printed out a few leave patterns …cut it out …stitched some veins and viola !

Coasters in keeping of the season ! My Hubby loved them!

Back to bed….

Hugs,

Liz

P.S: …All of you that commented on the “What is this? “ post …I can’t believe it but you all were right…it was just a fancy tomato! I feel dumb now!

Giveaway……!!!!

2011-11-02T18:40:00.001+01:00

Vicki at the Pickledish Patch is having a SUPER giveaway…

Your not going to believe it but she is giving away a Go, Baby Fabric Cutter and 3 dies!

What Quilter / Crafter wouldn’t love one…I know it would !

Pop over and enter…someone has to win…if not me …then you ! LOL

Hugs,

Liz

What is this ??

2011-11-01T12:34:00.001+01:00

Does anyone know what Fruit / Vegetable this is ??

It was in one of Oma’s Birthday fruit baskets and none of us know what it is or how to prepare it…any ideas ???

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. Last night in Europe we put our clocks back an hour…then why am I tired? With an extra hours sleep I should be jumping with energy.

Finish Friday…..

2011-10-28T22:43:00.001+02:00

I am pleased to say that I have been busy quilting all week and I managed to get our “Couch Quilt” done ( the binding just needs to be hand sewn down but for all purposes and for today's post it is done! LOL)

I apologize in advance for the horrible pictures I took tons of them and they all looked awful…it is not easy photographing a large quilt, trying to stand on a chair with a bad knee when it is cloudy and ugly outside…this is the best I could do today ……

I quilted a design in each red square but due to the lack of sun you can't see it so good …the red blocks were machine quilted using the Press n Seal ….

…in the cross sections I stitched this little design ( this was done with the embroidery machine …I’m good but not that good!

Since you really can’t see the quilting so good from the front…here is a picture of the back so you can get an idea…

To prove that this quilt is 95% done…you can see I have the binding already attached….I know it looks weird since I am trying something different…I attached the binding to the back of the quilt and I will hand stitch it down on the from (normally you do it the other way around) but since the backing fabric is flannel ( nice & fluffy) …I didn’t think it would be so easy to hand stitch into the flannel without coming through to the front…….WOW …that was wordy!

I will probably hand stitch down the binding over the weekend…but now I want to sew something smaller…..a purse / bag / tote…I’ll surprise you …heck … I’ll surprise me !

Have a nice weekend!

Keep out of trouble and make something!

Hugs,

Liz

Kool Tool….

2011-10-27T20:56:00.001+02:00

I can’t believe it is Thursday again…I have been wanting to post all week but have been busy sewing…But you will have to wait till tomorrow to find out what?

What I can share with you now is this Kool Tool……

“ Corner Trimmer”

I used it for the first time last week when I was making the binding for my Journey quilt and fell in love with it….yesterday I used it again for my Cuddle couch quilt and loved it even more, so I decided I had to share the news with you…

….here is a tutorial on how to use it….super easy!!! ( I like Easy!!)

I cut them different colors so you could see better. ( I cut my strips 2 1/4 “ for a generous 1/4” binding)

Now wasn’t that easy!

You won’t hate making binding anymore!

Tomorrow I hope to post my almost finished project…cross your fingers it doesn’t rain so I can take a picture of it.

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday…….

2011-10-22T19:52:00.001+02:00

I am happy to report that I have finished my “Journey of a Quilter “ quilt ( at least 99% …I still have to finish the label & attach it…no quilt is complete without a label) but…the quilt itself is done!!

These pictures aren’t the best…I will try and take better ones tomorrow but at least you get a look.

You can’t really tell from it laying in the grass but I did make the binding …scrappy greens

I have totally enjoyed the journey…I learned a lot! I am thrilled to see the quilt finished but at the same time sad to see the journey end….BUT…. I will get over it since I already have another one in the works. ( or two)

Hugs,

Liz

Special Birthday…..

2011-10-22T02:04:00.001+02:00

Finish Friday is being delayed till tomorrow since an amazing Lady has celebrated her 102nd Birthday …no it is not a typo…you read right- 102 years old!! Or should I say young.

Yesterday my Hubbys Oma ( grandmother in German) celebrated her 102nd Birthday. Here she is with a Major & his wife ( this picture was taken a couple of weeks ago at the towns 100 festival …that is why they are in costumes) …Oma was an honorary guest since she actually remembered what the town was like back then .

Would you believe she still walks all over the place with her walker. Her only complaint is that she can’t see the good anymore and it slows her down. She reads the newspaper everyday….only the parts that interest her…not the sports ( her words not mine) and everyday she does her cross word puzzles using a magnifying glass. She loves to tell stories from the past, enjoys a good cup of coffee & piece of Streusel cake. She truly is amazing.

Here is an article from today's paper. …the oldest person in Weiterstadt celebrates !

When I asked her how she felt about being in the paper as the oldest person in town…she said…”Am I really that old already?”

Happy Birthday Oma !

….I am looking forward to next years birthday cake & coffee!

Hugs,

Liz

I just love it….

2011-10-19T23:57:00.001+02:00

505 is my new best friend!

Tonight I basted another quilt with it. It amazes me how fast & easy it is …why hadn’t I discovered it sooner ?

Look how nice and flat it lays. I just hope someone has it on sale soon. I see I need a case of this stuff! My UFO pile is waiting.

This time I decided to try something different…I didn’t use the usual batting and a backing …instead I backed it just with fleece. I hope it will make a nice cuddly warm winter quilt for the winter nights.

Now to decide how to quilt it ?? Off to the design board.

Hugs,

Liz

Kool Discovery….

2011-10-16T14:46:00.001+02:00

When I write about “Kool Discoveries” it does not mean they are new …it just means I have finally discovered it for myself.

Most likely you will already know about the product or gadget but in case you don’t, I am here to tell you about it….isn’t that nice of me ?

The next thing I “finally” discovered was Press ’n Seal by Glad. This too, I have had in my sewing room for a while ( a friend gave it to me and told me it was great for machine quilting …needless to say I haven’t done any machine quilting in a loooooong time so I never tried it out…till this week!

This stuff is great!

I wanted to machine quilt the border on my quilt but I hate marking the quilt. I am always nervous that the pencil marks won’t come out and that you will see when I “slipped” off the line while quilting and I don’t always want to wash my quilt.

* always test a piece of fabric beforehand …I used cotton patchwork & a 5B pencil and had no problem….I would NOT recommend using a pen or marker.

Here we go…….

You take the Press’n Seal ( I cut it in half since my border was only 4” wide)…you press it on the fabric ( it is sticky but not bad sticky, so it sticks nicely to the fabric and can be repositioned numerous times)

( I cut off the excess and used it for the other side)

Then I took my stencil and marked right on the Press ‘n Seal …use a pencil that you know will wash out…just in case!

I marked the whole quilt border this way…you can erase on the Press’nSeal when you have to make adjustments.

Now I quilted right through the Pres’nSeal and …right on top of the pencil marks. I used about a 3.0 – 3,5mm (9-8) stitch length.

When your done quilting…. comes the fun part…ripping off the Press ’n Seal ! Don’t panic…this is the best part….it comes off super easy!! I had no problem removing it ( its not like paper piecing where you spend hours removing the tiny bits of paper…that's why I don’t paper piece, but that's another story)

Da Da!!…done

I just love the stuff…I definitely will be using it again…actually I have a quilt that I was wondering how I was going to mark it…now I know.

I was also thinking this might be good for doing stitchery on dark fabrics…I haven’t tried it yet…its just an idea!?

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. I know most of you in Canada & USA have no problem getting this product but here in Germany the only place I found it is at Sues Quilt shop

Finish Friday…….

2011-10-14T20:57:00.001+02:00

do you believe it…its Friday and I am actually writing this post …I’m not late this time !

This week wasn’t as productive as I would of liked (migraine & toothache slowed me down to a crawl) but I did get one old UFO finished and off my table…this little case has been waiting to be finished for some time….finally its done.

Since I had fun sewing the teacup pouch ( thanks for all the kind words & compliments) I decided to try and make a coffee cup pouch…after all, I am a coffee drinker and so are most of my friends….it needs a bit of tweaking but I’m getting there…..

…it can be used as a eye glass case….or filled with sewing supplies.

That's about it for this week…I told you it wasn’t a very productive week….its amazing how a toothache can knock you out ( and my dentist is on vacation till Monday…Guess what I will be doing Monday morning…I will be sitting on his fronts steps waiting for him to open)

Tomorrow I will post about my second new “kool” discovery!

See ya then !

Hugs,

Liz

Sometimes I am just slow….

2011-10-13T13:38:00.001+02:00

every quilter knows what 505 Spray is…I even have a can of it…then explain to me why it took me so long to try it?

I always basted my quilts the old fashion way…with basting thread or with basting safety pins…but not anymore! Good Bye thread & pins…hello 505 !

I don’t know why it took my so long to try it…call me slow or stubborn??

I always though ……

……you would have tons of over spray (more clean up work then it was worth)

…. I thought it was expensive ( you can do a bunch of quilts with one can)

……and I wasn't sure about the chemicals (everyone assures me it washes out).

but what finally convinced me to try it ??? I wanted to get my quilt done and due to my knee surgery I can't crawl around the floor basting a quilt…so out came the can of 505 spray ( I was surprised it was still good.)

It worked like a charm and it was really nice quilting the quilt without any threads hanging on my feet or stopping to take pins out. Why did it take me so long to try it ??

I know you all know about 505 spray…if you don’t… get it…. you‘ll love it!

Tomorrow I’ll tell you about another get item I discovered!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday……..

2011-10-08T20:00:00.001+02:00

I know I am late but if you read my Blog you know I am often late. I try really hard to post on time but stuff keeps getting in the way. ( Hubby had the day off yesterday and he keeps me away from the computer…grrr!)

I finally finished quilting my “Journey of a Quilter” quilt. The picture isn’t the best…. it was about it start raining again so I ran outside and clicked off a few pictures. I wanted to have proof that I actually did it!

Here's a close up of the quilting on the border…simple but it works for me. Mostly I “Stitched-in-the ditch” and did some accent stitching …I am pleased with it.

Now I just have to make the binding. I can’t decide if I should bind it with a mossy green that I used in the quilt or use the red that I used in the sashing ( I’m afraid that may give it a picture frame effect ??) or go crazy and make the binding from all the colored fabrics in the quilt…really scrappy or ??……. What do you think ??

Last week I gave you a sneak preview of a gift I had made for a dear friend. She has received it, so now I can post the picture.

I wanted to share a cup of tea with my friend Liz for her birthday and this was the only way I could do it…..( don’t you just love her name?)

a little Tea Pouch

Liz…I hope we had some lovely cakes with our tea!

Now I am off to make room on my sewing table and see what I should work on next?? What will it be??

Hope you have a nice weekend ??

Hugs,

Liz

What season do we have ???

2011-10-04T15:20:00.001+02:00

the last 2 weeks has been so nice and warm ( about 25° C) …the sun has shined, the birds sang, …the people are happy ! You would almost think summer is here?…even my roses are blooming again …..

………………………BUT……………………

Last week I decorated the house for Fall / Halloween….

Then on the weekend when my Hubby & I were shopping we saw that the stores were FILLED with Christmas things! Does anyone need a chocolate Santa now ?! Isn’t it a bit earlier for Christmas deco & chocolates ??

…………………BUT………………

What did I do…I bought Christmas decorations…yup, I have lost my mind but these snowflakes were on sale ( you know how I love a sale) and I figured by Christmas they would be all gone.

So I am sitting here in my shorts, in a room filled with fall decorations & colors, dreaming of Christmas!

What season do we have???

Hugs,

Liz

Friday Finish….

2011-09-30T12:15:00.001+02:00

I can’t believe it is Friday again…Wow this week just flew by.

But I am happy to report that I have been sewing up a storm like a Chinese tailor!

Finally I can show you the case I have been working one.

Here is the front…..

…here is the top….. are you getting excited yet ?? I am !!

DaDa…it is open….look at all the goodies inside.

I got tired of always looking for my sewing machine feet so I finally made this case ( it has been on my “to do” list since I got my machine …I won’t even admit how long ago that was but trust me when I say …LONG ago!)

I made 4 separate pages that go inside the tote….

even one is filled with just needles….

…there are even inside pockets…a girl never has to many pockets!

I had never made such a tote before .…I broke 4 needles, figured out how to sew a gusset; had to order zippers & a bias maker, learned to sew with a Teflon foot (it was easier then I thought)…all in all it was a success!

After that I had to make something little but I can only give you a sneak preview…it is a gift for a friend….

Back to machine quilting my Journey quilt…

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Hugs,

Liz

Quilting time….

2011-09-28T09:28:00.001+02:00

You won’t believe it but I started to machine quilt my “Journey of a quilter” quilt.

I had wanted to hand quilt it…I tried…. really I did but it looked like “shi*” so I ripped out the stitches and put it on the “To quilt” pile for another few months.

Then all of a sudden I was looking for something else and I saw the quilt and said to myself ( I talk to myself quiet often …sometimes its the only intelligent conversation I get ) …you really should quilt it…so I shoved it in the machine and I started. I have to admit I am having fun quilting it …it looking not to bad but quilting around all those little blocks sure is time consuming….not to mention sinking all those threads !

I am not sure how I will quilt the border but I will worry about that when I get to it…back to my quilting ( that or laundry…I think I will quilt for a bit first !

Hugs,

Liz

Margo …..

2011-09-24T19:41:00.001+02:00

today the sun shined so I could take a picture or two.

Here is the finished bag…” Margo “ by Lazy Girl Designs.

…and the inside has lots of pockets so maybe I can find stuff ??

I have to admit the instructions were very well written …every step explained and I really enjoyed the easy way the zipper was done. The bag could be a bit bigger but actually the size is just right…it keeps me from carrying everything & the kitchen sink. I made the inside a lighter color on purpose since I have noticed that when the inside of a bag is dark…I can't find anything …it is like looking into a black hole. The joys of getting older…the eyes go!

Now I am off to finish the other project I am working on. Last night I broke 3 needles…lets see how many I break today ?

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday……

2011-09-23T20:25:00.001+02:00

I managed to finish another purse this week…but you have to wait till tomorrow to see it. I need some sunlight for a decent picture…but here is a sneak preview…

I also have been busy working on a project that I have wanted to make of years but somehow never got to it…till now….it’s not finished yet so I can’t show you it ….what will this be???

This is the front…. this is part of the inside…

Any guesses??

Hugs,

Liz

Fall is in the Air……

2011-09-20T11:26:00.001+02:00

an everything is coming up orange!

I left you with a sneak preview of the purse I was working on and here it is…..

It is called the “Shopper” and is very handy for shopping since I can wear it diagonally and have my hands free to hop with the crutches ( yes, I am still using them but their days are numbered!)

This pattern also wasn’t the easiest to understand but with a little help from a friend I got it done. (thanks Brigitte)

I wanted to add a “Brigit Flower” but I didn’t have enough of the orange fabric left so instead I made a Kanzashi flower .

Since I am having so much fun / and frustration making purses I thought I would try one by Lazy Girl Designs … I am lazy, I am a girl…it should work for me ??

Fabric is all cut …off to my machine!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-09-16T22:29:00.001+02:00

This week wasn’t too bad…I managed to get some stuff done and this always makes me happy.

I stitch 2 more blocks for my Living the Dream quilt….

…but I could only sew 1 row on ( I have to stitch one more block to make the next row)

As you know I made Max a new bed …BTW, he is sleeping in it now …I knew the bone trick would work.

I also made a purse that was on my “To Do” list for a long time. Unfortunately I can’t show you a picture since all the ones I took look crappy…so I have to wait till tomorrow and try and take some outside….but here is a sneak preview.

I also managed to get the “repair” pile done…some of the stuff have been sitting so long that I bet they don’t fit anymore! What is it with “repairs”?? Am I the only one that hates to do them ???

I hope you have a nice weekend…tomorrow I meet with the beading girls…I wonder what “glittery” item we will produce?

Hugs,

Liz

I love my dog……

2011-09-14T15:42:00.001+02:00

He is always there for me ( even when I don’t want him) he listens to me when I talk, cuddles me when I cry, he doesn’t care what I am wearing or if my hair is done…he loves me just the way I am …truly & completely….even more if I have a cookie or bone.

Then tell me why I am a bad “doggie mom” and wouldn’t buy him a 150€ bed…uppp you read right.

Max needed a new bed…his was looking all ratty & dirty & smelly…so off to the pet store we went. I saw this foam bed and when I asked what is cost the sales lady said 150€ !! It was just a foam mattress looking thing (approx 80cm x 100)…. nothing fancy. She saw the eyes pop out of my head and proceeded to tell me that the foam was some special memory foam and when my dog laid on it his spine would be straight.

I looked at the lady …with that “ your kidding me” look and I said to her…”I love me dog but he is not getting a better mattress then I have…he is still a DOG! A spoiled dog but a dog!

You should of seen the disgusted look she gave me…..needless to say we didn’t buy the bed.

But it got me thinking of making my own…that is why we went to IKEA ( not just for Pink stuff)

We bought an inexpensive (cheap) foam mattress 20€ I cut it in half to make it nice & thick… 12 cm …we don’t want the Prince sleeping on a thin mattress now do we ??

I sewed a cover for it ( so I can wash it)…..

….I even embroidered his name on it….

…I think it turned out rather nice!

He hates it!

You can imagine how disappointed I was when he wouldn't lay in it…he sniffed it, looked at me and went and laid down under the table….SPOILED DOG!

I bet he will love it tonight when I lay a nice fat bone in it…there is more then one way to skin a cat…I mean Dog!

Hugs,

Liz

It’s here….

2011-09-13T01:18:00.001+02:00

the new IKEA catalog arrived last week and guess where I dragged my Hubby to on Saturday…you guessed it ….IKEA!

I don’t know what it is about that store but every time I go there for one thing I come out with other stuff….and this time was no different.

I found a few “Pink” things…. a little pot for my tools, a note book to list my WISP’s ( Maybe I should of bought 2 ?) …and a little piece of linen…a girl always needs linen !

… they also had these cute rose boxes that fit perfect in my cutting table…yup, their filled already with future UFO’s!

I couldn't resist this umbrella…my Hubby thinks I have lost my mind but could you resist it ??? With all the rain we keep getting it was a “needed” buy! ( once in a while it is good to buy something you “need” as opposed to what you want!)

Can't you see me dancing in the rain?? I love those polka dot!

I didn’t get everything in pink …I found this flower vase…I just had to have it….

Don’t you love the lacy trim?

Don’t you just love IKEA ?…..I do!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday…..

2011-09-09T16:26:00.001+02:00

even though I spent half the week in bed recovering from the weekend ( I can only imagine how long I would of needed if we did any drinking…I probably would still be sleeping !) I did manage to get some sewing done ( not much but some)

I stitched only one little block….

( I wish I could enjoy the sunshine…all we have is rain!)

…but managed to add on 2 more rows…the quilt is officially at the 2/3rds mark…only 6 more rows!

I also made a tiny pouch …..

That's it !

I know it’s not tons but it something….now I want to cut out a pattern for a purse…cross your fingers it turns out, otherwise next week I will just have scraps to show you !

Hugs,

Liz

I survived…..

2011-09-08T13:04:00.001+02:00

a sewing weekend with 8 women and I discovered that I am not as young as I think I am.

We had a great time…a lot of laughing, shopping, eating & surprisingly sewing but not much sleep. That is why I needed the last 3 days to recover…I am not 21 anymore !

The weekend started with some shopping….we stopped by Zweigart and to our pleasure they had a couple of tables with fabrics reduced to 5€ !!

Needless to say I picked up a few …and a couple of canning jars to make Tilda sewing jars.

We finally landed at the hostel and set up our sewing area…production is not neat….

…did you notice the pinks chairs…I wanted to take one home but there was no room in the car :-(

I know some of you are not going to believe it but I actually finished some things ( no I didn’t talk all weekend but I talked enough to have no voice on Monday!)

I made a couple of totes..…with this cute pink mushroom fabric & red polka dots….the patterns are by Stoffwerk and I wish I could say they were easy to make but thank goodness there were enough German speaking women there that could translate when I got stuck…which was alot!!

Then I decided to try a pattern called Zippy Strippy ( in English) but since I didn’t have strips I used “cheater” fabric….I think it looks cute always. ( Sis do you remember me buying this fabric in Canada ??)

If that isn’t enough pink for you let me introduce you to PINKY!……isn’t he adorable??

He’s a pincushion & spool holder ( but I can't bring myself to stick pins in him)

Don’t you just love him?? I do !!!

Since we didn’t have enough fabrics ( ja , right!!) …Birgit was kind enough to bring us some…off course I had to pick out a few FQ.

She was also kind enough to show me how to make these Japanese flowers…. I can imagine making these with nice Batiks & attaching them to a purse

….but which purse pattern should I use ???

Now I have to sew something that isn’t pink…I am a bit pinked out after the weekend!

Hugs,

Liz

Bags are packed …

2011-09-02T08:30:00.000+02:00

and I am ready to go!

oooops…almost forgot my clothes…

…now I am ready to go !

Off to have a fun productive weekend…hope I get something finish?!

Hugs,

Liz

Day late & a dollar short…

2011-09-01T15:02:00.001+02:00

that is my new motto…..

except this time I am almost a week late…not with what your thinking…..with my post!

I have a good reason…last week we had some big storms, with lighting & thunder ( I hate those kind of storms….I am like a little dog that hides under the bed…not my thing!

When the storms were going on I don’t turn on the computer, I once had a computer killed by lighting ( it fried the modem) and I haven’t figured out how to post from my iPad

I know the storms did havoc all over the world…thank goodness we didn’t get hit bad like our poor neighbors.

The winds ripped the flowers right out of our pots….

…I gathered them from all over the yard and now I can enjoy them on our kitchen table.

Our neighbor had a huge corkscrew tree and the winds were nice enough to blow a branch in our garden …I needed some new branches for my Easter tree.

Sometimes out of something bad comes something good.

I wish I could report that I finished tons of projects but that's not the case…hopefully you can be happy with only a few things.

I stitched a few more blocks….

my wish for you!

and even sewed the rows together…now I am over half way there! Only 8 more rows!

Tomorrow I leave for a weekend of sewing with it girls. We have rented a hostel in Aidlingen. Needless to say I have been busy all week trying to figure out what projects to take. After a lot of ummms & ahhhs I made my decisions…curious what I actually will get sewn?

I promise to post Tuesday ( I would say Monday but I am sure I will be sleeping the while day) what I managed to get sewn…hopefully I have some pictures for you ??

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-08-19T22:08:00.001+02:00

for some strange reason this week was a good week…I actually got stuff done! Don’t ask me why or how …it just happened !

I pieced the top together of my BBQ quilt …I did go with layout #1 . It was my favorite and all of yours too. Right now the quilt is 140cm x 185cm…a good afternoon nap size.

Now I just have to decide on how to quilt it…this is when I really wish I had a quilting machine……ahhhhh…dreaming is nice…I’ll add it to my Christmas List! LOL

Here is a close up of the fabrics…the beige one is a Nancy Crow Crush fabric ( love her crush series) and the dark brown one has these little leaves in it. Wish we had sun today so that the pictures could be better but you get the idea.

I also managed to hand embroider 5 blocks this week…that is a record for me ! At this rate the quilt will be done in no time….then what will I work one ( one of the other 6 projects I have going :-0

Tomorrow we are suppose to finally have a sunny weekend ( I think it is the first one all summer)
I am going to lay under a tree with my leg up and stitch away while my Hubby grills something delicious…………

…………I’ll be thinking of you……if you have time, stop by for a glass of homemade ice tea.

Hugs,

Liz

3 Bears & a Bag….…

2011-08-15T18:46:00.001+02:00

My sister sent a package out for my birthday and it finally arrived !! It decided to do some site seeing without me !

Check out this cool purse she sent me ( no she didn’t make it…she bought it…I sew & she shops..LOL!

It is a MariesCollection bag …I love it! …it is huge! Everything will fit in it but the kitchen sink. She figured it would be good for when I go to my quilt meetings and bring work along…heck I can go away for the weekend..LOL

Don’t you just love the colors..I love the colors!

It even has a cute pouch inside

Inside the purse I found…these twin teddys…she said when she saw them she remembered how as like girls our mother use to dress us alike ( like twins…even though we are 3 years apart)

Do you see the bear on the right is a bit grumpy…that one is me…I hated being dressed alike as a kid…the one on the left is my sister…she liked looking like her big Sis.

And there was this lovely Angel bear also inside the purse ( I don’t want you thinking my sister went nuts …actually she did but I collect little bears) She said with all I am going through I could use and angel…I hope she gives me her wings so I can fly !

In the bag were also undies ( I‘m not showing you them ;-0) a couple of tops and these funny magnets….

All I can say is ….

Thanks Sis!!!

Luv Ya & Miss Ya!!!

Huge Hugs,

Big Sis

P.S: Thank you to everyone for your advice on the BBQ Quilt layout…it seems the decision was unanimous…Layout 1 won ( good thing, since that's the one I liked :-)…now to sew the blocks together :-0

Help …Which layout???

2011-08-13T18:24:00.001+02:00

Before my knee surgery, I had finished sewing these BBQ blocks but never got around to sewing them together.

I dug them out and now I can’t decide which layout I like best ?

Help …which is nicer…

Layout 1 ….

or Layout 2 ???

I have no idea how I am going to make the border…or if I am going to make a border or just bind it??

Decisions…I hate them ??

Your opinions are appreciated :-)

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday…

2011-08-12T23:09:00.001+02:00

I am happy to report I managed to stitch a couple more blocks for my “Living the Dream'” quilt…slow but steady wins the race.

Remember this block…..well I wasn’t happy with it ….

So….I redid it…I think it looks better now…don’t you agree?

Call me anal but I can’t help it!

That's all the stitching I got done this week ( I know its not a lot but better then nothing!)……but I have a good excuse….on Tuesday my beading group got together and we made earrings & beaded beads and I just couldn’t stop.

My hoop earrings… I love the peyote stitch it is so easy.

I found the pattern for these Nautilus Spacer Beads on Zuzzl’s Blog. They were so much fun to make & addicting! Thank you Zuzzl for sharing your pattern ! I definitely will be making more. When you check out her blog…remember she's a pro & I’m a beginner! :-0

Then we made some Pendelkette Paula from Pracht.

Check this out…both beads are made with the exact same Czech Fire-polish Glass beads & pearls…only the netting on top is a different color..it surprised me how the silver & gold effected the beads…I have a lot to learn !

Here's all of them…ummm, what color do I still need?

That’s it for this week…hope you have a lovely weekend!

Hugs,

Liz

Fun Stuff

2011-08-11T17:05:00.001+02:00

I have to share these “fun” links with you.

Silke made this great “Lasagna” Quilt… it is made from a jelly roll but I think it would be a great way to use up some fabrics from our stash.

Check out this video on Youtube…it had me laughing ( I think these ladies drank a pot of coffee before they started!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EomX7t7to_o

You can find the written directions here…

http://blog.heirloomcreations.net/?p=1897

For my German friends…the instructions are here….

http://verquilt.blogspot.com/2011/07/lasagna-der-jelly-roll-1600-quilt-und.html

Another cool recycling idea is by DeliaCreates

Don’t throw out your old t-shirts…turn them into produce bags

http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/2011/05/greeneasy-knit-produce-bag.html

Delia has tons of great ideas…I think she must be Queen of recycling! Check out her site

Now I am off to cut some strips for my Lasagna quilt…if your bored…pop by and help my cut!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-08-06T00:54:00.001+02:00

I know it is after midnight here but somewhere in the world it is still Friday…so I will pretend I am writing it from there.

This week I did manage to get the first third of my quilt sewn together…. Yepee!!….I just have to embroider 3 more blocks to finish the next two rows and then I will be half way.

As I was ironing the top I noticed that I had a lot of threads poking through the seams…what is with that ?? Why does that happen ?? More important how do I make it stop?? Does everyone else have this problem??

If someone would be so nice as to send us some sunshine then I could ………..

….normally rainy days don’t bother me but a whole summers worth is starting to lose its fun ! Guess what our weather forecast is for the weekend …what else but rain and more rain ( on the positive side I don’t have to water the garden but on the negative side…these toes aren’t going to be seeing any sand .

Hope your weekend is filled with sand castles!

Hugs,

Liz

10 1/2 weeks ……

2011-08-02T10:16:00.001+02:00

are finally up!

I was at the doctors and he said that I can finally leave my wheelchair and start walking with crutches! Yepppeee!!!

Not that crutches are my favorite thing but being a bit more mobile will be nice!

He said it should take about another 3-4 weeks before I can walk without pain but I can handle that . The last 10 1/2 weeks were the hardest, another month will be a walk in the park ( no pun intended!)

It will be so nice to go shopping again!

Internet shopping is nice and everything but I am a hands on girl…I like to touch & stroke the stuff before I buy it…even though this last month you would think eBay was my favorite shop…it is amazing what you can buy with just a click! This is not good for depressing moments!

No online shopping for me today….. I feel like sewing !

…the coffee & muffin are ready….

…the fabric is ready! …..I want to piece the first rows of my “Living the Dreams” quilt together…..

…my machine is ready….

Hope you have a nice sewing day!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday… I’m a week late

2011-07-29T21:45:00.001+02:00

I know I never posted my finishes last Friday….not because I didn’t have them done …because I couldn’t find the cable for the camera to transfer the pictures to the computer. Why can’t they make one cable that works for everything ?

Last week I got some more stitching done on my ”Living the Dream” quilt …maybe tomorrow I can actually stitch some rows together!

I also stitched 2 more block this week but since I have to redo one ( don’t like the colors I used) and the other one I haven’t taken a picture of yet and I hate to admit I am to lazy to go downstairs, get it and photography it now….after all I have to have something to show you later .

In the meantime I will show you some pictures for my flowers.

My girlfriend Gaby gave me this lovely rose bush for my birthday and it feels right at home…

It’s called Leonardo Di Vince …don’t you just love that name ??

I love the wispy middle on this Johanniskraut

My Fall Anemone has been blooming for weeks now…guess it doesn’t know its early…that or our weather has been cold enough for fall! That's more the truth!

Don’t you just love the color of this Geranium?

May the sun shine upon us both this weekend!

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-07-15T22:51:00.001+02:00

Before I jump into bed I wanted to show you that I did manage to get some stitching done this week….3 more blocks for my “Living the Dream “ Quilt.

Hope you enjoy a nice weekend…tomorrow I’m going to my Quilt meeting and then Sunday it is suppose to rain which makes it a great sewing day!

Hugs,

Liz

Giveaway WINNER…..

2011-07-14T21:26:00.001+02:00

Sorry in the delay of announcing the Winner of my Giveaway but my Hubby has been home all week and when he is around I don’t get much computer time.

Not to delay any longer…

the winner is………….

…she lives in Norway…. ( I hear some sighs now)

….her Blog is called Abyquilt……( even louder …darns)

…..her name is…..

Maybritt…send me your address and I will get your prize out to you.

I want to thank everyone that entered, became a follower or just popped in to read my chatter.

Hugs,

Liz

Finish Friday….

2011-07-08T16:00:00.001+02:00

I finished something this week… YEPEE! … and only started 3 new things.

A friends son is getting married so I made them a ring bearers pillow…I hope they like it.

The sun was shining this morning and following doctors orders I sat outside and stitched a bit…I got a few more blocks for my “Living the Dream” quilt done….

Now I’m going to grab me a coffee…and I am going to take the time to dream….

…who wants to join me ??

Hugs,

Liz

P.S…only one more day to enter my giveaway…

What did you do today..?

2011-07-06T21:24:00.001+02:00

Finally we have been having some lovely summer day so I ….

I enjoyed a cup of coffee & a new book…..(guess what I plan on making next ?)

I smelt the flowers….

I just enjoyed the day!

Tomorrow I will visit a friend that isn’t feeling to well so I figured I would bake her some cookies…

Nothing cheers you up like chocolate…lots of chocolate….

I hope these make her feel better? Chocolate cookies always work for me!

Hope you enjoyed your day???

Hugs,

Liz

I am the Apple of my Hubbys eye…..

2011-07-01T16:33:00.001+02:00

…my Hubby had asked me what I wished for my birthday…I would of wished for health but that only made me sound old….LOL…I really didn’t have any great wishes ( except to walk again) I am pretty content…that or I have everything …I like to think I am content! ( my Hubby would say I have everything)

But there was one thing I wanted… silver hoop earrings for everyday.

Needless to say on my birthday I couldn't wait to rip open his gifts…I couldn't believe he actually wrapped them himself…that is love!

My hubby being the good man that he is…got me silver earrings….I love them !Then I opened the next box….you will never guess what I got…I was speechless…those who know me know that is a big deal….

….all I can say is red is my new favorite color… what is this ?

A little peek inside…..

What do we see….

I can’t believe it …an iPad 2 !!!

I guess now I really have everything!

Maybe getting older isn't bad…who am I kidding…of course it is …but the the gifts get better !

Hugs,

Liz

Gifts…..

2011-06-30T23:22:00.001+02:00

No birthday would be complete without gifts…gifts are the whole reason for having birthdays.

Without gifts there would be no reason to celebrate birthdays…just to get older…no thanks…I will take the gifts any day!

So what did I get ??…flowers and lots of flowers!

50 red roses from my Hubby…I had to put them in 3 vases…I didn’t have one big enough…

Pink Roses from my Dear Father-in-Law

A beautiful bouquet in yellows & oranges ( which looks great in our kitchen) from dear Friends Roswitha & Wilrich.

and the biggest & prettiest bouquet was from my Sister….

…it was soooo big that I had to stand it on the floor to take a picture of it … this picture doesn’t do it justice so here are a couple more…can you tell I love Pink !

From my dear Friend Julia I got a wonderful package in pinks…my picture doesn’t do it justice…have a look on her Blog to see how pretty everything really is. ( I am blaming the rainy hot days for the bad photography)

My dear friend Doerte sent me this adorable Quilt House rack and she even make a little quilt for inside. I can see me making a couple more and changing them with the season.

Katja …my coffee friend ( when her calendar lets her find the time) sent me this adorable owl fabric & this cool corner ruler…I love gadgets)

My neighbor Eva sent me the diary and my friend Liz sent me the magazine…

….. last but not least…from my cousin Iris, I got this lovely wellness package …now that I am getting older I need to pamper myself more often!

Don’t you just love the swimming lady….she looks just like me!

That about does it! …Except for the gifts from my Hubby…you'll have to come back tomorrow to see what he got me.

Hugs,

Liz

Birthday Giveaway……….

2011-06-25T23:08:00.001+02:00

Since I love getting gifts I figured you might too…so in celebration of my 50th birthday I am having a little giveaway.

I decided to make up a few of my favorite things…a little case for your sewing supplies, a needle case & a pincushion (it sits on a spool of thread)

All of this will come in a box…..

I even added a little book (for your notes and a strawberry candle…just because it smelt good )

This is what you will be getting….

If you would like to win this Sewing box….all you have to do is…..

- Leave a comment (…give me some words of wisdom if you like or tell me what your favorite birthday gift was …you can write in English or German)

-Post about the giveaway on your blog with a link to this giveaway (gets you any extra entry)

*If you don't have a blog, it doesn't matter. Just make sure you include your email address in your comment or follow Jodi's instructions for non-bloggers… http://www.pleasant-home.com/2010/12/so-exciting-less-no-reply-bloggers.html

The deadline is July 9th at Midnight. The following week I'll post the winner.

Good Luck!

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. This Giveaway is open to everyone…I will ship internationally.

Day after…..

2011-06-24T22:15:00.001+02:00

I am sorry that I didn't post about the Giveaway today but yesterday I celebrated with a bit to much of this ….

…which means I spent most of my day in bed….

After all I am not as young as I use to be!

( not in this bed…I could only wish!)

Come back tomorrow for the Giveaway.

Hugs,

Liz

Sneak Preview…….

2011-06-23T00:23:00.001+02:00

I figured I would give you a little peek on what I have been working on….this is part of the Giveaway Prize… can you figure out what will it be??

I bet you thought it would be pink…hope you like red dots??

See ya tomorrow!!!

Hugs,

Liz

Giveaway time !!!!…….

2011-06-20T08:43:00.001+02:00

On Thursday I will be having my 50th birthday…………..…yup, I am getting old!!

So I figured in celebration, I would have a giveaway!

I won’t be giving away a house…..

or a car……..

or a vacation……

or a bag of money….

So your asking yourself ….what will I be giving away ???

Well you will have to come back on Thursday and find out…I will post the prize then (actually I have to first figure it out :-)

Hope to see you then!

Hugs,

Liz

New Mantra

2011-06-19T13:36:00.001+02:00

I was whining to my sister and guess what she said to me …”suck it up Buttercup”!

This is going to be my new Mantra …suck it up Buttercup

…suck it up Buttercup

…suck it up Buttercup!

…….Ohhhh, I think there is a fabric line by Moda called Buttercup…how perfect would that be?? I’m off to check it out!

Hugs,

Liz

P.S: I guess no one wants to hear a whiner..its a pity since I am very good at it! Guess I will have to find a new hobby! :-)

6 more weeks…..

2011-06-17T15:20:00.001+02:00

I smiled my biggest smile…I batted my eyes…I even complimented the doctor but nothing worked…..I still have to use the wheelchair for 6 more weeks! This is going to be one looooooooog summer!

I don’t know what depresses me more…not being able to walk for 6 more weeks or not having a 50th birthday party? I really wanted to celebrate “turning half a century old”. Everyone tells me I can celebrate later but it is not the same….instead I am having a pity party…does anyone wanna come ?? I feel like whining but no one wants to hear it…have you ever noticed that the world doesn’t like whiners?? I wonder why that is …it is human nature to whine….guess I will have to give it up for Lent!

One the bright side I got a care package from my friend Julia…guess she felt sorry for me and sent me something to read…do you think this will keep me busy for a while ???

She also made me this lovely heart & card…..can you guess what my favorite color is ??

Brigitte …a friend in my beading class made me this tiny little pouch…I was going to put my keys in it but for now I am using it for my Homeopathy pills. Incase you were wondering what my favorite color is…it must be pink!

Hugs,

Liz

Cabin Fever….

2011-06-07T14:13:00.001+02:00

Have you ever had such bad cabin fever that you could FLIP right out…well I am at that point!

Now I know how Jack Nicholson felt in “The Shining”I can relate!!!!!

After 3 weeks of being in the house ( only time I go out is to therapy or doctors office) I need to get out…I need to see people…I need to shop…I need to talk ….I need to WALK !!!

Remember my Hubby built me a nice ramp so I could at least roll into the garden…well guess what …it has been raining or is so hot that there is no way I am going out there!

My “hot”Wheels are nice but they are not seeing any sunshine. Out of boredom I have been having races in the house with Max ( our Lab) and have been bribing him with cookies to pull me around ( poor dog is gonna get fat…happy but fat!)

How am I going to survive this for 6 more weeks???

Later today I have an appointment with my surgeon…maybe is I smile REALLY nice at him he will let me start walking a bit ?? I can try???

Since I haven’t taken any pictures of what I have been stitching ( promise to do that tomorrow) I will show you some pictures I took of my flowers before the rains came….

Doesn’t Mother Nature produce the prettiest colors?? ….ohhhhhhh I think the sun might be coming out… I am gonna jump in my Hot Wheels and go for a tour of the grounds ( OK, I will roll up and down the walkway but a tour of the grounds sounds much better!)

Get out of the house…go shopping …hit a quilt shop, Starbucks…anything and think of me!

Hugs,

Liz

Don’t fall off your chair…

2011-06-02T18:34:00.001+02:00

it really is me finally writing!

I know it has been a loooooooooong time since I last posted but life really threw me for a loop.

In April I was scheduled for knee surgery 2 days before the date, my sister called to tell me my mother was in the hospital (that it didn’t look good) I cancelled my surgery…flew to Canada and made it in time to say good-bye. The next day the angels took my Mother to join my Father in heaven….they are finally dancing together. I hope the angels are singing them a sweet song…

When I returned to Germany my knee surgery was rescheduled. On May 17th the doctors drilled, scrapped & sewed in my knee…I will save you all the gory details but it looks like with a little luck my knee might be OK and I won't need a knee replacement. (finally some good news)

The bad news is that I can’t walk ( apply pressure) to the left knee (leg) for 8-10 weeks!!! Have you ever tried laying around with your leg up for that long…it is impossible! I am allowed to move around in a wheelchair or with crutches…these are my two newest friends….

….my Sweet Hubby even built a ramp in front of our house so I could escape and roll into the garden when I started to get cabin fever.

Unfortunately sitting at the computer or sewing machine for more then 10 minutes is out ( ever tried sitting with one leg up…very uncomfortable) when my leg is down for to long it starts to swell & hurt…and pain is not my thing…foot stays up as much as possible!

I have been getting some reading, hand stitching & beading done…staying in bed or on the couch does have a positive side…it could be worse.

The pain is tolerable … my father-in-law walks our dog, my Hubby does the laundry & cooks and a lady comes in and cleans the house & irons…I’m not complaining! It would be perfect if I could put my foot down & sew but I guess a girl can’t have everything!

At least I can enjoy my the roses…

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. I want to thank everyone for the sweet cards…they really do mean alot to me.

Baby has to go to the doctors….

2011-04-04T10:51:00.001+02:00

What is the worst thing that can happen to a Quilter…her sewing machine has to go in for a repair!

My baby has to go to the doctors…I broke the bobbin winding thingy…don’t ask me how I did it but I did it.

I wanted to sew my Living the dream blocks….I wanted to pre-wind a few bobbins and all of a sudden …click …it broke …darn! (OK, I used stronger language then that)

Thank goodness I have an second machine …I dug out my little Featherweight and the day was saved…I sewed all the blocks on her. I don’t know why I don’t sew with this machine more often…it sews like a dream but it does get a bit of getting use to lifting the foot level and threading it by hand…yes, I am spoiled with my other machine.

Now all my blocks ( that aren’t stitchery) are sewn together

….now I just have to hurry and get the stitchery part done...um, I wonder how many rain days I will need ??

Hugs,

Liz

Thank goodness for Rainy days!

2011-04-01T10:54:00.001+02:00

Normally I am not a big fan of rainy days but every once in a while they are a godsend!

Lately we have been having “unusually” nice warm sunny days which means I have been spending all my time outside in the garden…pulling weeds, planting bulbs & flowers…spring cleaning outside. I can tell you that my muscle pains had muscle pains! I can’t believe all the new muscles I discovered that haven’t been used all winter…I am getting old ! ( I have always been out of shape but now I am old & out of shape!)

So, this sore body was very happy when is started to rain yesterday! Yippee! A day I can stay in and sew!

I am happy to report I cut up allllll the FQ’S for my new project … 240 pcs…… …all the blocks are marked ready for stitching …36 blocks… now I just have to stitch them…I hope we have some more rainy days!

They are hanging on my design wall ready to be sewn …as you can imagine I hope it rains today!

In the meantime my Hubby and I will have to plant these flowers ( yes, I have to stay out of the nurseries…but I like them as much as I like fabric shops)

I have always loved Bleeding hearts..they use to fascinate me when I was a little girl…they still do!

Some true old favorites…every garden needs some “Forget-me-Not & Impatients I had my Hubby dig out the old roses bushes ( they weren’t getting enough sun in this spot) … and now I want to plant these Hydrangeas there ( I love Hydrangeas and they love me ..LOL)

I figure that should keep him busy over the weekend…pity we have to go to a Christening otherwise I could make him plant more..LOL

Don’t these make you think of the song …

Ring around the Rosy A pocket full of Posy!

I wish you a sunny day …or maybe a rainy one?

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. I see clouds rolling in..it may be a rain day after all…..yippee…sewing machine here I come!

Spring ahead….

2011-03-26T20:17:00.001+01:00

it’s that time of year again where we lose an hour of sleep …God knows I need every hour of beauty rest I can get!

Don’t forget to put your clocks a ahead an hour when you go to bed.

We have been having beautiful spring weather all week which means I have been spending my time in the garden and at the end of the day I am to pooped out to sit in front of the computer.

Tomorrow I promise to do some catching up.

Now I am off to the couch for a little R&R !

Hugs,

Liz

A new project…

2011-03-18T23:44:00.001+01:00

I need a new project like a hole in the head but this time it isn't my fault…its Cyndi’s…that's my story & I’m sticking to it.

Remember the FQ Bundle I won in Cyndi’s giveaway. Well I finally decided what I want to use them for ( I know I changed my mind 10 times but this time I am sure..I think?!)

I am going to use these fabrics & flosses… to make this quilt……”Ruth’s Quilt”

I figured this pattern would show off the pretty fabrics best…I really hated to cut them up in tiny pieces and loose their prettiness….that and it gives me a reason to start this project!

For some reason I am addicted to quilts with stitchery in them. I must like the relaxing feeling I get from stitching by hand….that or I am a glutton for punishment.

I won’t even admit how many stitchery projects I have going…how many is to many ?? (tomorrow I will take count …I would hate to ruin my mood today)

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. If you would like to try some FREE embroidery floss ..Rosace Threads is giving away 3 flosses FREE ( even the shipping is free) My 3 flosses arrived within 4 days I haven’t tried them yet but they feel nice.

What a week…

2011-03-16T11:29:00.001+01:00

have you ever had a week that flew by and when you looked back you couldn’t think of what you did?

Well….last week was like that for me…I did a 100 things and finished none!

This is a run down of my week…there is no rhyme or reason…just something to blog about…..get ready to be bored!

I was at the doctors …got my knees shot up again and he told me to start wearing “knee support things” when I walk Max….I feel like an old car that is being held together with Duck tape. ….do your think these make me sporty?? LOL

We had a few sunny days so I worked in the garden a bit…trimming shrubs, pulling weeks and playing ball with Max (a girl can’t only work!)

My niece hung eggs in the tress….so that the Easter Bunny will find the way! ( I wish I was 5 again!)

I even managed to cut some block… I didn’t mention anything about sewing them !

I tried to get the next blocks from”Out of the Box” ready but that also didn’t work…

On Saturday my Beading group got together and I did mange to finish a “Sweety Donut”.

I decorated the house a bit….Tilda Bunny says “Hop over for a coffee!

…and last but not least..I watched the news a lot and said prayers for the people in Japan. I still can’t believe what is happening there..it is like a bad movie…even Hollywood wouldn’t make a movie with so much bad luck.

Hugs,

Liz

Spring is coming…finally!

2011-03-09T12:45:00.001+01:00

Look what I found popping its little head out…my mini Daffodils are coming up…

…my Tulips are starting to push their way up…

…my Crocuses are blooming…..

I even found a single tiny Snowdrop…the birds must of carried here since I ever planted any.

…and my Christmas Rose is going strong …

aaah, I love the signs of Spring!

But not everything survived the winter…I am so sad my Birdbath exploded….hope I can find a new one?

I am off to play in the garden a bit…my niece wants to help hang Easter eggs in the trees…after all the Easter Bunny will be coming soon ( that's what she tells me!)

Hugs,

Liz

Men & Shopping…

2011-03-08T21:56:00.001+01:00

First off, let me say that I love my Hubby very much ( at least most days) but every once in a while I have to shake my head in amazement.

I had asked my Hubby to stop at our Farmer and pick up some potatoes….look at the size of the potatoes he got… they are bigger then my hand!Normally a potato doesn’t weigh over half a kilo! Except when my Hubby buys them!

I had to explain to him that “Bigger is not always better ! …regardless what he thinks!

Also, I had asked him to pick up some Salt ( the chunky kind for my Salt mill) …and what does Mister "I have no idea what things cost” buy…Himalayan Salt at 4€ for this small container (300gr) I explained to him that salt normally costs about 50 cents not 4€ ($5.50 US)…good thing I like the little scooper that came with it, it almost makes up for the price (10 points for cuteness!)

He told me that he saw a show about the Himalayan salt and it was suppose to be super tasty or something…I never knew I lived with a Connoisseur! It's a pity he hasn’t seen a show about the cool aspects of quilting machines…now that is something I could get excited about.

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. The chicken I roasted tonight was super tasty…I don’t know if it was the salt but I won’t admit it to him!

Giveaway….

2011-03-07T23:18:00.001+01:00

How would you like to win a bundle of 15 fat Quarters from 'Where the Wind Blows' ?

Then pop over to Vignette in Stitches and enter.

Hugs,

Liz

Some days are….

2011-03-06T18:12:00.001+01:00

just to good to be true!

I didn’t think I could be happier then I was yesterday afternoon when my Prize package arrived from Cyndi but my Hubby topped it off.

Look what he came home with…. for me !

A Samsung Galaxy Tablet!!I overloaded with joy yesterday…actually I am still flying today!

Last week as my Hubby and I were sitting at the doctors waiting for the next tests, I started talking about my upcoming 50th Birthday in June. I was discussing whether I should throw a big party or go on a trip or do both ( right after I won the lottery) I couldn’t decide what to do but I said to him that I think I was going to tell the family that I would like money this year for my Birthday ( normally I don’t like getting money…I like gifts…and lots of them…LOL )

But this year I had a big gift in mind…I wanted to buy myself a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. I told my Hubby this. I said it would be nice to download eBooks and games on it and then I could use it while I sat waiting in doctors offices & stuff….not to mention the fun cool factor.

I have no idea why he surprised me with it …he said “Why not? I am not going to question his motive …all I know is that he is the Best!

Thanks Honey!…Now I have to think of a new gift I want for my birthday ? There was this sewing machine I had my eye on ?? LOL

I’m off to look for free eBook, app, & any other cool stuff “Sammy” needs…a new obsession begins!

Hugs,

Liz

Have you ever……

2011-03-05T14:08:00.001+01:00

waited for a package to arrive that you thought would never come…well, mine arrived today!!! Yepee!!

Two weeks ago I won a prize in Cyndi’s Birthday Giveaway. I have been dying to brag about it but I wanted to wait till the package arrived since I couldn’t believe I actually won…..not 1 FQ …not 2 FQ’s but 18 FQ’s ….a whole FQ Bundle of Tidbit fabrics! How exciting is that!!
Are you drooling as much as I am??

This picture does the fabrics no justice but I am to excited to start playing around taking the perfect picture. Trust me when I say they are “drooling” gorgeous!

When Cyndi wrote me & told me I won…I was super excited ( still am) but I knew right away what quilt I was going to make with the fabrics…..BUT….now that I see them in person…I don’t want to cut them up…..they are just to pretty. I think I will have to look at them for a while before I can convince myself to cut them into little pieces. (Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me ??)

Cyndi had also told me that she had include a couple extra goodies…she has a strange idea what extra goodies mean…to me this looks like a prize!

This package couldn’t have come at a better time. I haven’t been doing so well ( health-wise) and had spent the last week at clinics & doctors and now my new meds are making me sick.

I woke up feeling awful, nauseated, dizzy and was ready to spend the day in bed having a “pity party” …I still feel nauseated & dizzy but I am HAPPY and have one big fat smile on my face!

It is amazing what a package can do !

Thank you Cyndi!! You made my day…heck you made my week…if I am honest, you made my month!

I can’t wait till my Hubby comes home so I can show him what I won…I know what he will say….”Only a quilter could get this happy over fabrics”….at least I am easy to please !

All this excitement is making me dizzier…I am going to crawl back in bed but I will take my package with me…I want to stroke my fabrics, read my magazine and eat my chocolates …..ahhhhh, this is going to be a good day!

Hugs,

Liz

P.S: I still can’t believe I on 18 FQ’s! Oh Happy day!

My “Out of the Box”

2011-02-25T17:10:00.001+01:00

blocks are finally framed & embellished.

Block one designed by Dawn

Block one designed by Vicki

Block two designed by Dawn

Block two designed by Vicki

I couldn't decide which 2 blocks to make so I decided to make them all. They were so much fun I couldn't stop myself.

I can’t wait to see what lovely blocks Dawn & Vicki design next month…I’m ready!

Hugs,

Liz

Looking for …chocolate!

2011-02-21T12:32:00.001+01:00

I need your help!

My Hubby brought home a couple of chocolates that a colleague gave him…and I fell in love with them. The problem is that no one knows where to get them ( he got them from a friend that got them from a hotel…or something crazy like that)

If you seen these chocolates….call me right away! They are called Arabian Delights Chocolate (Choco-Date with almond) by LaRonda. They are from Saudi Arabia.

If anyone in Germany has seen them or knows where to get them …please let me know!

Hugs,

Liz

Sunday Stitching

2011-02-20T15:46:00.001+01:00

Time for a little “Eye Candy”….Last night I finished stitching blocks 2 & 3 of “Out of the Box”.

I had all my supplies in a plastic ziplock bag and then I got the wonderful idea to put everything in a shoe box I found in the basement.

Of course I couldn’t had an ugly shoebox…so I dug out some wrapping paper…glued it on and Viola, a pretty box for my project.

Now it truly is a “Out of the Box” BOM

Hugs,

Liz

Sometimes…

2011-02-17T00:44:00.001+01:00

a girl has to finish an old project before she can start a new one….not really but I have to tell myself this every so often otherwise I would be overtaken by WIPS & UFO’s

I have been dying to start the “Out of the Box” BOM by Vicki & Dawn but first I had to make some room on my cutting table. So I figured the best thing was to start with the smallest project …this way I got that “happy feeling of finishing something” right away and could justify starting a new project.

My Winter Pillow is finally done!! Yepee! Better late then never.

Don’t you just love these buttons?

You can see the finished Spring, Summer & Fall Pillows by clicking on the words.

Now I can give you a sneak preview of what I was stitching on while watching “Desperate Housewives” tonight.

The next WISP is born!

Hugs,

Liz

How do you say……

2011-02-14T22:47:00.001+01:00

I love you

to your Hubby on Valentines Day ?

If he is anything like mine, then you say it with Chocolates.

Being the great wife that I am ..… I made my Hubby some Choco crunchies.

( Super Simple…melt dark & milk chocolate together…stir in Corn Flakes…make blobs on wax paper….Cool…and then enjoy the praise of what a great wife you are !)

Happy Valentines Day…

…don’t forget to tell a loved one…

My Hubby has made a fire … …..I am off to cuddle with him a bit.

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. I just wanted to share this picture of our coffee table…it has a glass drawer and these are some of the things I put in it.

While I was sleeping…..

2011-02-04T20:23:00.002+01:00

….it snowed!

All week I have been battling migraines & nasty side effects from my new meds, so I haven’t seen much of the world and when I finally do pop my head out from under my blankets I find snow!!

I had been expecting Spring to come …not Christmas! Did I sleep that long ?? Or is Mother Nature messing with us again?

Doesn’t my globe look like she is laughing at us ?? I think she knows something we don't!

When is Spring coming??

I need birds singing and sunshine…mostly sunshine!

Hugs,

Liz

Pink Polka Dots

2011-02-01T22:12:00.001+01:00

Look what I bought my self today…a new cereal bowl !

I wanted one with red & white polka dots but I couldn’t find one so I pick this one. Pink is also pretty! After all it is my new favorite color. What color is your cereal bowl…is it also time for a new one?

Hugs,

Liz

P.S. I didn’t buy my Hubby one….I figure he would rather pick his own color..actually he will say the old blue ones are OK for him.

Collecting ??

2011-01-31T14:35:00.001+01:00

Do you ever wonder why you collect something???

In my kitchen, by the window I have a glass that I collect wine corks in. Last night my Hubby open a bottle of wine and asked me if I was still collecting the corks ??

I said …yes!

Then he asked me …”What are you collecting them for”? ( I have been know to collect silly things for projects…he figured this was the case here)

Would you believe I couldn’t answer him…I can’t remember why I am collecting Wine Corks???

I know I saw on a Blog ( but which one??) a cool tip or trick or craft using corks and I decided to save them for it…now I can’t remember why ??

Has that ever happened to you ??

Is this another sign of getting old??

If anyone knows why I am saving wine corks…please tell me…I real would hate to give up drinking wine …collecting the corks was a good excuse!

Hugs,