Feeling Grateful...

Just jotting down a few things that I'm grateful for today...


1. My husband and son. They tell me they love me every day.



2. My 3 sisters...I think won the "Sister Lottery". They are simply the best. Each one of my sisters has a unique way of making me feel special and loved.




3. Patience. It's not always easy, but good things are worth waiting for. God has a plan for me, and patience is helping me realize the power He has in my life.



4. The kindness of strangers. Lately I have met a lot of people that seem genuinely kind and helpful.



5. The quiet time at the end of the day...spent reading or relaxing. I look forward to that time every night.


What are you grateful for?

Jelly Rolls

Who can resist the perfectly packaged fabric confection, the JELLY ROLL?

40 perfectly cut 2.5" x 44" inch strips...

Perfectly wonderful...

Perfectly packaged...

Perfectly coordinated...

I am completely under the Jelly Roll spell...

I just need some new ideas for what to make with them!!! I have made various quilts with jelly rolls and that's about it. I'm not really the type of gal to make a fabric bag. I don't know, it's just not me. I just need some new inspiration, some fresh new ideas.

My Sweet Find

Look at my sweet find!

I've been wanting this beehive cake pan for a very long time....and today I went to Williams Sonoma and bought it!



I was busy as a bee this morning while my little guy was at summer camp. Shopping, running errands, etc. When I have a morning to myself I try to make every minute count. (Retail therapy counts, right? Oh, good!)



Now I should get busy making a quilt with my "Bees Knees" fabric by Maywood Studios!
The vintage 1940's look of florals, stripes, and geometrics is so fresh and fun! I just need to decide on the perfect pattern. I really adore the entire collection, but especially the pieces with the daisies and bumblebees.

Beyond the Bed

How do you decorate your home with quilts?





Think beyond the bed...and let your imagination take over. We only have so many beds to be covered in our home, so what is a quilter to do?






Think about hanging a quilt for a creative new "headboard" or creating seat cushions for a fresh new look in your kitchen.






I have also heard of quilters repurposing a baby's changing table to display nicely folded quilts, all stacked on top of each other. The changing table could be painted to match your decor, or distressed for an aged look.

I love the look of these cushions...

Speaking my Language

I don't speak French, but I do speak LOVELY, which is exactly what this festive garland by French General is!

I would love to make a festive garland for my son's birthday or for the holidays. A 4th of July garland would be incredibly fun! I have a lot of scraps from leftover quilts so this project might cost me next to nothing! Now, THAT is speaking my language! (Can I get a high-five from my frugal and fun friends?)

What a simple and sweet sewing project!

Check out French General's website for more ideas for your home.

https://www.frenchgeneral.com/

Check out Amazon for French General's book that features this garland. It has many patterns, including this garland pattern with easy, easy directions!

http://www.amazon.com/French-General-Projects-Every-House/dp/0811864030

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

I hope everyone has a lovely time honoring the important men in their lives.

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. ~Author Unknown

Ch-ch-ch Changes

Right now I am in the midst of making some decorating changes. My little guy, soon to be "big boy", is getting his room redecorated. I've decided on a transportation theme, so to speak. I have a vision in my head what it will look like. Pulling it together, well, that's going to be my own journey. Sure, if I had unlimited funds and the time to shop til I drop...but, I don't.

I am envisioning neutral-colored walls...a bone-white color. (I know it sounds boring to most people or to decorating divas, but I like *fresh* colored walls. Nothing too dark or trendy for me.) Then, the color scheme for his bedding is going to be navy blue, muted red tones, and tan. In my mind I see an interesting, vintage-style, red airplane hanging from the ceiling (kind of like what is in the picture). I am also picturing the use of maps as wall art and a vintage globe or two on his dresser or desk. I would love to find a vintage suitcase for added decor...or imaginary trips. I've been perusing websites for inspiration too. I am going for a look that allows my big boy to grow into his room over time.

I'm in the process of buying a few new pieces and adding some accessories as I find them. I have purchased one item already. It's a Compass Clock from Pottery Barn Kids. It's adorable and goes along with the whole "theme" in my head.

Hopefully his room will all come together nicely in the next few months! Suggestions are welcomed!

Product Love

I love this product by Fairfield! I've been using this liquid wash with all of my quilts and I'm impressed, people! If you are going to buy high-quality fabrics and spend many hours making a wonderful quilt...why wouldn't you pay attention to the care and cleaning of your creation? Not any detergent will do, right?

My son's quilts get washed more than any other quilts in my house. He sleeps with his quilts, plays on his quilts, and cuddles up to watch a movie with his quilts. I'm impressed that after many washings, his quilts still look bright and vibrant! I haven't noticed any fading or bleeding of the fabric colors. Thumbs up from this mom! (Of course, I always wash in cold water on a delicate cycle as well.)

QuiltCare Liquid Wash was specifically and carefully developed to gently clean your treasured quilts. It may also be used to clean fine washables, delicate fabrics and lingerie. QuiltCare Liquid Wash is "earth friendly", contains no phosphates, no bleach, and is biodegradable.

QuiltCare Liquid Wash is easy-to-use because it comes with its own teaspoon so you get the perfect wash every time. The spoon has a convenient hole so you can hang it in your laundry room for easy access.

I bought my QuiltCare at my local Joann's Fabric store. Their in-store price was much cheaper than what I've seen at local quilt stores. The QuiltCare runs about 10 dollars a jar at Joann's Fabric compared to 20-22 dollars at quilt stores. But, Joann's Fabric has coupons in their flyers all the time for 40 or 50% off...making this product a steal!

PS~I recommend that you consult a professional before you wash your antique heirloom quilts.

Just Keep Sewing, Just Keep Sewing

Just keep sewing, just keep sewing! (I must be watching too much Finding Nemo...just keep swimming, just keep swimming!) Seriously, I wish I could just keep sewing. I have so many interruptions lately, so many family activities planned, so much on my to-do list...the list is never-ending. But, I'm vowing today to carve out some "me" time in the near future and just keep sewing.

I finally bought this awesome book... Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones. It contains 20 keepsake sewing projects for baby and mom. http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/books_detail.php

Some of my favorite patterns are the kimono-style PJs, the Cheeky Monkey Laundry Bag, Cutie Booties, and the Playtime Quilt. Actually, I love all of the projects pictured in her book!

So sweet!