My Sew Sweet Studio

Scrapping and A Giveaway!!

2012-02-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

Some of you may see the title and think "Oh my! She's doing Scrapbooks now!"

Well, I have done that too, but this "Scrapping" is what I started a few months back with fabric.

I don't have a lot of storage in my RV small cottage, and I had 2 baskets full of scraps left from the
Girlie Girl Purses I make to sell.

So I found a few things that work perfectly with the scraps I have from those purses.

When I started my Valentine and red and white marathon, I bought these fabrics:

from which I got 6 of

these:

Then using my new love of " Scrapping",

I made this for my granddaughter, Madi.

I made 7 of these petal flower hairclips, one for each for my granddaughters.

Two more zippered wrist clutches and three more petal flower hair clips.

There is nothing left except a few skinny little pieces and a 10"square of the red polka dot

I have plans for that square I'll show later.

Now for the giveaway.

I somehow let several milestones pass...2 yr. Anniversary of my blog, 100 followers, and 200 posts.

All of these would have been a good reason to have a giveaway.

BUT since I am on this Valentine's Marathon, let's just call it a Valentine Giveaway.

I'll start with one of the Zipper clutch bags and a hair clip. I promise to add some more goodies before I send it out.

All you have to do is leave me a comment here before Friday, February10th. I will draw from a hat Friday night.

Of course if you want to become a follower or mention it on your blog, you will get an extra entry, but just a comment will be more than welcome.

This pile of fabrics may not thrill you, but you can't imagine how excited I am that I had time a couple of nights ago to get all the ends of my blades sewn for my Dresden Plate quilt.

I have two plates sewn together and because I made a bunch extra there are

240 of those darling little blades ready to turn.

Good TV watching work.

One more thing...The other Zipper clutch and hair clip from above will be in my Etsy store tomorrow.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

A Birthday for Mr. SS

2012-02-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

With 10 grand kids, and 3 sons and their wives, we are always celebrating some one's birthday.

We have a birthday (or multiples) in every month except May.

We always have the family celebration for Mr. SS on Super Bowl Sunday, because the family is always together. We call it our "Family Holiday" and you can read about it and it's origins here.

But since yesterday was Mr. SS's real birthday, I wanted to do something special, as he will have his cake on Sunday. He really didn't want to go out to eat. Even though he just turned 65, this man of mine still works so hard. He is remodeling a friend's bathroom and is pretty tired in the evenings.

Many ask me what Mr. SS stands for. Well it stands for MR. SEW SWEET, of course, and he lives up to that name every day, but today, I was thinking about his age, and how he still works so hard at taking care of us and still takes time to play with the kids and attend all of their activities that he can. He tries to help out my son around here and jumps into any project I need him for. He loves the Lord and loves his family with all his heart.

So...I decided that Mr. SS also stands for SO SPECIAL too. I am so blessed.

SO SPECIAL, that I decided to make him one of his favorite meals. I don't make it often anymore because, let's face it, it is a little more work than spaghetti, and the grands don't like it. AND...it makes soooo much.

But it freezes well, so that's what I made.

Lasagna

Yes, he really did eat that much. (Well, I had a small portion of that.)

Any of you that know him, knows he is a big eater.

(But somehow he keeps his athletic physic...makes me so mad.)

Then he sat around saying how full he was, but how good it tasted.

Just as we were finishing dinner we heard a knock at the door and this precious group serenaded him with " Happy Birthday" as only kids can do.

A little story about the Lasagna. (I know, my stories are never "little") Then I will give you the recipe.

We were in our first year at Long Beach City College when we started dating. I was living in a small duplex near the bay with my high school friend, Kathy. She had just started dating someone too, and we decided to cook dinner for them. I really don't know where we found the recipe, because neither of our Moms made it,

but luckily it was a good one. After all, we wanted to impress... I have tweaked it a bit since, but here goes:

Lasagna

1 1/2 lb ground beef

2 Sweet Italian Sausages

2 pkg. Lawry's Spaghetti Sauce Mix

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Pepper

1/2 tsp. Lawry's Seasoned Salt

Brown meat and add seasonings.

Then add:

4-14 oz. cans chopped tomatoes.

2-8oz. cans tomato sauce and

Simmer for 1 and 1/2 hrs.

You will also need:

l lb. Lasagna Noodles

2 Tbs. Cottage or Ricotta Cheese

1 lb. Mozzarella Cheese grated

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Cook noodles and layer in baking dish (I have an extra deep corningware dish. A 9X13 is not big enough)

in this order:

Sauce

Noodles

Mozzarella Cheese

Cottage Cheese

Repeat two more times ending with sauce

Sprinkle top with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Bake 45 min. at 350 degrees.

I like to make this ahead and freeze in smaller pans too.

I'm not finished with Valentines yet. Check back for a giveaway and cute little tutorial.

I am linking withDesigns by Gollum for Foodie Friday

and

My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Visit each for great recipes and ideas.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

True "Sweet" Hearts

2012-01-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

I have been so excited to do this post and now I finally can share how touched I was by the generosity of a very sweet friend. (Well, two actually)

Almost two months ago, one of those friends, Suzanne, at Strawberry Patches held a fabulous giveaway.

She was offering this fat 1/8 bundle of the then new line by Pam Kitty Morning.

I fell in love with these brightly colored fabrics with a retro feel, and entered along with many others.

This is the bundle of yumminess.

The next two pictures courtesy of Suzanne's blog.

After a fun video reveal of the winner done by Pam of Pam Kitty Morning, I was thrilled to learn that my sweet blog friend Annelies of Sew Blessed had won. I couldn't have been happier for anyone (even myself) that my friend had won. I was dying to email her, but sat on my hands for awhile, then kept checking back at Notes from the Patch to see if Annelies had posted that she knew she had won.

You can go to here to read what happened.

Well, guess who really got the surprise when I read her comment to Suzanne.

That "Sweet" heart of a friend talked Suzanne into splitting the prize with me and Suzanne is just enough of a "Sweet" heart of a friend to do just that.

So one of these precious bundles went to Annelies and one came home with me.

So, why did it take so long for me to share this with you, you say?

Well, it was right before Christmas and of course it had to be just the perfect project, ya know.

Annelies and I decided to do our projects at the same time so we could encourage each other.

I asked her to pick the project. Oh my gosh, she is a quilt teacher and does so many wonderful quilts. I trusted she would come up with the perfect project. And....she did.

We are joining in with Anne Sutton Of Bunny Hill for her Scrappy Plate Club.

I have always wanted to do a Dresden Plate quilt. I have done a couple of pillows, but never a quilt.

These fabrics are perfect. I love hand work and appliqueing the blocks will be so much fun.

Here are all my little blades cut and ready to go.

Last night, I got one block put together.

I am so thrilled, I just can't tell you...

The background will be a white on white and I am going to SP soon to get the border...oh I hope they haven't run out.

There must be 50 or more different prints in the bundle. I picked out the blues, reds, and yellows because I am making this for the little blue and white trailer we are still in the process of remodeling. It has a retro look and this quilt will be perfect.

There are lots of pinks and greens that I can use for another project.

I must once again say thank you to my blog friend, Annelies for sharing this treasure with me. Not just sharing the fabric, but sharing the fun of doing this together.

We haven't met yet, but I know we will soon.

Also thanks to my real life friend, (of almost 45 yrs.) Suzanne for her part in this fun ride.

We don't see each other often enough, but I know where I can always find her.

I gave you a lot of links and encourage you to visit those blogs for inspiration and fun.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Valentine Tabletops

2012-01-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

A little over a year ago (could it have been that long already?) when we moved from our house into an RV small cottage, I got rid of almost all of my holiday decorations except Christmas.

Because of storage, I could only keep a few things for each holiday.

So when I developed this strange love for Valentine's Day this year, I found a few things to add to my small stash of Red and White.

This is the top of our electric fireplace. (Which we mainly bought to give me a display shelf...LOL...no, really.)

Don't look too closely because you can see, I still haven't replaced the "lodgey, bear, pine tree" looking wall border. After playing with reds the last month or so, I am now on the lookout for a border with red to spark up my brown and black space.

I found the gerber daisy in the milk bottle at Home Goods.

This cute little round box I found at the dollar store.

The candy jar is one of just a few I kept from my large collection.

This tray sits on our table and I just add a few things for the holiday.

I already had the red candles here for Christmas.

I added the bow to the pitcher and a small candy jar.

Can you believe I found this little heart ceramic dish at the dollar store?

This is the island/bar that separates the kitchen from the main room

I usually have so much here for decorations, that there isn't much room to cook, but hey, what's more important anyway.

I wanted some Valentine cookies for under the cake dome, but had to settle for Chocolate Chip.

I just couldn't get a shot with enough light, but you can see another candy jar off to the left.

The small dome has a cake with a sugared heart on top

Of course I have to have conversation hearts. They don't say the same things they did when I was a kid. Hmmmm!

Recently on a friends blog, I saw some of the cutest cupcake papers, so I went on a hunt.

I found several at Michaels including the rose one below.

The red and pink ones I found at the Dollar Store.

Well, that's the only three spaces in my RV small cottage that I have room to decorate and you can see, I squeeze in all I can for some color.

It's been a long time since I have participated in A Stroll Through Life's Tabletop Tuesday.

I really wanted to participate this week, because it is Marty's 100th one.

Click here to visit her blog and some of the other creative tabletop displays.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

It's All About the Red and White (and pink, too)

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

For the last week, I have been lovin' red and white. I am really in a Valentine's state of mind. Maybe it's because I sewed on blue and silver for weeks before Christmas, but I couldn't wait to put out my little Valentine's Vignettes and did so on New Year's Day. Valentine's and Christmas both use red as the main color scheme, so it is easy to transition by leaving a little red and white out from the Christmas decorations.

I will post pictures of my little Valentine's vignettes next time, but today it's all about

fabric and my sewing projects.

Of course, I made a trip to my favorite shop for some

fabric love.

I brought home these six pieces to play with.

The love and kisses had some lovely lingerie (bras and panties)

on it, but I managed to fussy cut around it since I'm sewing for little girls.

This red with the little heart is a favorite.

It goes so well with this one

I really love the pink with red lips. It reminded me of the big wax lips we used to get as kids (probably for a penny)

My inspiration was a special order for a Valentine's purse. So of course I made 6. I took some down to Strawberry Patches and I'm going to put one in my Etsy shop.

I always have scraps left over from the purses, so I made 6 of these flower hair clips for my granddaughters.

My oldest granddaughter is 15, so she gets a zipper make-up bag.

Staying with the red, white and pink theme, I have to show you my two favorite magazines.

I have read these both cover to cover. There are so many beautiful pictures and ideas galore in both.

Just a sneak peek...

But even more than the pretty pictures, I wanted to point out that one of my favorite blogger friends was featured.

Her blog is just so pretty and she is so sweet and genuine. If you get a chance, go visit Patty and tell her I said Hi.

Tomorrow, in keeping with my red, white and pink theme, I get to make a Strawberry cake for one of my granddaughter's birthday. Not only is it "pretty in pink" and red, it is delicious. You can find the recipe here.

I am linking to Cindy's Romantic Home for Show and Tell.

I'm also linking to a Handmade Valentine Party@ Summit Street Joy
Click here or on the button on my sidebar.

God is So Good!!

Life is Good!!

Warning!! Another Grandma Brag Post

2012-01-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I took some time out to sit in the sun and watch the grandkids playing and Mr. SS and my son building a fence for the horse coral.

Last week when they moved our ~~RV~~ small cottage back to make room for the horse coral, two trees had to be trimmed.

This was one of them.

From this pile of limbs,

The grandkids figured out how to lean them together to make a tee pee.

Their Mom gave them some sheets,

and they spread them on the ground and all six, including the baby, drew pictures.

Although from the look of Emmy's brown mouth, most of her drawing was on herself.

They even made a tribe flag.

Today they cut off all the little limbs so there is actually more room inside.

Part of the fence and gate that Mr. SS and son built. You can't see it, but in the far left corner was the Secret Garden I made last spring.

Mr. SS, knowing me like he does, made sure to move all that he could down to the back of our RV small cottage. He will move my white fences too, so I can have my little garden again in the spring.

I had a totally different post planned for tonight, but couldn't resist this one.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Sew Sweet...Sew Soft

2012-01-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of projects I managed to squeeze into the busy first two weeks of the year.

I had some scraps from the Dessert Party dress I made, so I bought a few more pieces from of that sweet fabric line and made six of these.

Sew Sweet

When I took some of these into Strawberry Patches, Suzanne had a new project for me to make from this wonderful line of flannels.

I borrowed this picture from Suzanne's blog so you could see the whole line.

I have sewn on a lot of flannel. These are by far the softest best quality flannels I have seen.

Flannel tends to stretch...not these.

Great for jammies too, or a quilt.

This is what she wanted me to make and I just loved touching and sewing on it.

Sew Soft

Cute little buttons too!

And of course, I had to add the label and size tag to match.

All from SP , along with the pattern.

Well, that's all folks. It has been a couple of busy weeks, with two days of football (not that I watch anything but the Rose Bowl). A visit from my BIL, sleepovers with the grands, an all day cheerleader competition in Redlands, and a move...not far, just 50 feet closer to my son's house.

When you live in a "mobile" home, that can happen. Even though Mr. SS didn't think it would be much work for me, it was. I have several vignettes in my RV small cottage, that contain lots of glass and had to be packed up. Not to mention all my button and notion jars...

The good thing, was all that stuff got cleaned before it was put back.

The move was to make room for

Paris

and Belle

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Where Did it Go?

2012-01-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

Time??

It has been almost 2 weeks since I have posted. I just don't know where time goes.

My Mom used to tell me the older you get, the faster time flies.

I've always heard "Time flies when you're having fun"

Well...I must be really old and having a ton of fun.

Guess the having fun part is a good thing, but the getting old part...not so good.

I've been reading all over blogland about choosing a word for the year. I see lists of resolutions, and lists of things to do in the new year.

I just haven't been able to get my mind around any particular word. and I haven't made resolutions for a long time.

I always have a list of things to do. I make a list every night for the next day, but nothing world stopping, just my normal chores, and a few things I hope to accomplish. I love checking things off a list.

I did think of a few things today and wrote them down so I can check them off as the year flies by.

On the top of my list this year will be to be in God's Word more. So # 1-3 have to do with that.

1. Continue to read my Bible in a year (I started in April last year, so I have a ways to go)

2. Do my daily devotions from a book called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.( My friend Gail recommened this.)

3. Keep a daily prayer journal. I haven't done this for several years and I think it will help me to remember to pray for those who I promise to pray for. I also like looking back at the end of the year and seeing all the answered prayers.

I am an early riser, so those three I do first thing in the morning with my morning coffee when all is quiet.

4. Then there is the usual of spending more time with Mr. SS. and with the grandkids, of course.

5. Learn something new. I want to learn to machine quilt. Oh, I can stitch in the ditch and outline quilt, but I think I want to take a class. I am still hand quilting a quilt I started last January. If all my grands are going to get a quilt before I die, I've got to do something different.

6. Even though I no longer have a large house to decorate, I still love the process and hope to make a few changes to my RV small cottage.

7. Get serious about my Etsy store. I finally got it opened and put in a few things (even had 1 sale), but I really need to put in the effort to make it work.

8. This is just a pipe dream right now, but thought I would add it to my list. Some of my friends have said I could write a book about our experiences during the 6 years we lived in the mountains when our boys were young. I'm not a writer, but I would like to get some of that written down while I still have a memory.

I think I will stop here. I don't want to get overwhelmed. I have never been a goal oriented type person, and these are by no means resolutions. Just wanted to write some things down. At my age, if I don't write it down, I may forget it by tomorrow.

I never got this posted after our family Christmas Eve party, so am just going to leave you with this picture of all my grandkids. They are a precious bunch and I love them so much and each one blesses me in their own way

Emmy, Drew, Madi

Lexi, Camy, Koby, Jack, Kyle, Cade

Brooke

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Chocolate Fun

2011-12-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

Last night was our traditional "making of the fudge" night. It started thirty some years ago when my youngest son started helping me make the fudge. His older brothers were never interested, but Brandon had figured out there was a reward at the end of this task. You'll see!!

It makes sense that Brandon's kids would want to help, so what started with one helping, now adds up to five pair of hands. (Emmy, the 20mo old not included yet)

Drew does the measuring and everyone gets to add something to the pot.

Then we start stirring

and stirring

And then there's the ~~licking~~ tasting.

And more ~~licking~~ tasting.

Then we beat it

And beat it some more.

Until we have one pan of fudge without nuts.

And one pan with nuts for all the "nutty people". (Don't know why they look different colors)

And then it's time for clean up!!

After clean-up and the fudge making five went home, I stayed up until 2:00am and made my oldest granddaughter, Madi, her Christmas skirt.

Made from the same blue velvet, glitter satin and sheer snowflake fabrics that the 6 Christmas dresses were made from.

Madi is 15 and I couldn't find a dress pattern I thought she would like, so she opted for a skirt.

Her other grandma picked it up today so she could wear it to the family party on Saturday night and match her cousins.

I can't wait to get pictures of them all...and the boys too of course. If I was a really good Mamaw, I would have made shirts for the boys too...maybe next year.

One more picture and then I'm off to bed. Wrapping presents and more baking tomorrow.

This is a tiny tree with houses and train that Dept. 56 put out the year the "Polar Express" movie came out.

We were living in our little blue and white trailer then and this was all we had room for. It has become a favorite of the kids. There is a little ticket on the front. If you pull it, the Train Whistles and starts around the track while the conductor (Tom Hanks) voice says "Aaaaall aboard the Polar Express" That's it! But the kids just keep pulling that ticket.

So see...I have a tree. Just the right size for my RV small cottage.

Just in case I don't get back before Christmas, I want to wish all of my friends in blogland and those of you in my real life who read my blog a very Merry Christmas and may you receive all the blessings of the season.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Human Puppy Chow

2011-12-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

Don't laugh!! That's really what it's called. It looks like the little square powdery food you feed puppys.

But make no mistake...it doesn't taste anything like it's name.

My challenge when I make this. "I bet you can't eat just one"

It is by far the easiest, fastest treat you can make this Christmas.

15min. tops and you have 9 cups of this

yumminess.

Here's how you make it. Come on you know you want to.

1. In a large sauce pan, melt together

1/2 cut butter

2 cups chocolate chips

1/3 cup peanut butter

Stir and blend together.

2. In a large bowl measure 9 cups of rice or corn chex( That's almost a full large box.)

3. Pour chocolate mixture over chex and fold until chex is evenly covered.

4. Put 4 cups powdered sugar in large bag

5. Add chex mixture and shake until all the chex are covered.

Store in airtight container or zip locks (If you have any left to store)

Great for gifting too (If you have any left to gift)

ENJOY!

I have only put out a few Christmas decorations. Just thought I would share this little Gingerbread house with you. It's small and fit on my small kitchen island. Wish I would have thought to put something on my cake plate.

It's a Dept. 56 house from the North Pole series. I bought a piece every year for several years for my son and his family. One year I bought two of these by accident. I guess I really liked it.

My collection of Dept. 56 is the Original Snow Village, but I don't have room to put it up anymore. So I will just enjoy this one this year.

Mr. SS is still working in Rialto, but I stayed home to finish some sewing, wrap presents and do some baking. Three of the girls are coming over tomorrow after school to make fudge.

I'll take some pictures to show you that fun.

Hope you are enjoying these last few days before Christmas as I am.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

All American Christmas

2011-12-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

I honestly don't remember where I found this, but thought it was so cute and wanted to share since I don't have any decorations to share this year.

It is the first year I haven't put up any decorations in my whole life, but with my sewing marathon and Mr. SS being out of town I just haven't gotten around to it.

No one to see them but me. But it is just not like me, so next year will be different. This little RV cottage will be decked out. It's very "ungrandmaish" not to decorate for Christmas.

BUT while we are on the subject of Christmas. I have received the following in several e-mails and thought I would share it. Maybe some of you have seen it around too.

Most of you probably have your shopping done, but there are some good ideas here especially for that "hard to buy for" person on your list, or for the "one who has everything"

Just a thought...

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans

with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense
of American labor. This year will be different This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for
other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced
by American hands. Yes, there is! It might be difficult to give up Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart and the like.
At least look at the sticker before purchasing. Look for the American flag.It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. If your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights , about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups! your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

As I was cleaning up my sewing room today, and folding and putting away scraps of satin and velvet, I noticed this:

Yep!! All that yummy blue velvet came from Korea..

Well, there's always next year!!

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

A New Tradition

2011-12-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

Finally the day came. I went to see Maggie play "Clara" in the Nutcracker Ballet.

I enjoyed it so much. Not only because I had been honored with being asked to make Maggie's dress, but because I love music and dancing and especially because there were so many talented young people performing.

Before I had even become involved with Maggie's costume, my DIL had made plans to take her Mom and her girls as a surprise for her Mom's birthday and plans to make it a yearly tradition.

They were so excited to be invited backstage to meet "Clara"

In hindsight, I wish I had invited my other two granddaughters to go with me. (What was I thinking?)

So next year I will, and I hope it will become a tradition with all of us.

(The youngest, Emmy stayed home with Daddy, but soon she will be old enough to go to.)

From my last post until yesterday, I was madly sewing these dresses. They are their Christmas dresses, but what a perfect event to get to wear them to first.

I was on a rampage...I made one a day (will finish the last one tomorrow). I did nothing else all week. No laundry, no cooking (Mr SS was out of town), no cleaning, no bed making, no (well, only a little) time on the computer. I ate at my sewing table...way too many snacks because it was easier than fixing a meal. But the end result was worth it...they somehow got done. Even made there hair bows last night.

Here's Rosie wearing Emmy's dress.

Here's the bow. I was hoping you could see the glitter on the satin.

One more little Nutcracker story, I wanted to share.

When I was in 6th grade, 2 students were picked from each of two classes to go to see the Nutcracker being performed in my home town of Long Beach, Ca.

I really don't remember what we had to do to be chosen. I played violin in our school orchestra, but don't think that had anything to do with it. Anyway, I wasn't chosen, but we all got to go to the auditorium and listen to the music. Afterward, I remember my teacher saying she wished she had chosen me.

I wanted to go so badly. I have no idea why she told me that.

But, I finally got to go. Did I tell you how much I really enjoyed it?

I know I have been MIA around here and have not been visiting my favorite blogs for a while, but hope to do some catching up in the next few days. Still have lots to do, as we all do to get ready for Christmas, but I'll sneak in a little computer time everyday.

Tomorrow the focus is finish a dress, go get the blue (Blue velvet) taken off my fingernails, yes they look strange...

and get the enormous amount of gray covered in my hair.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Friday Fun

2011-12-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my friend Ruth and I went on a little shopping trip to a discount fabric store here in Bakersfield, to find the makings for two stockings. She wanted me to make stockings for her two DIL's who will both be at her house this Christmas.

She still has stockings for her sons, but wanted something a little more girlie for the girls.

Now, believe me when I say...this store is no Strawberry Patches. But for the types of things we were looking for it was perfect. It's messy and kinda (how do I say this) not clean and I always pray I will get someone that speaks so that I can understand. But let me also say that in this "warehouse" atmosphere, they know where to find what you want.

We were looking for something like brocade, fringe, cording, trims and ribbon.

My granddaughters would say "fancy" stuff.

I put the finishing touches on the two stockings today and will take them to her tomorrow. Hope she likes them.

How sweet that her DIL's will have there very own stockings this year.

What could be more fun than that? Well taking 3 of my granddaughters to JoAnn's to pick out "fancy" fabrics and a pattern for 6(maybe 7) Christmas dresses. We had so much fun and came up with these:

A deep royal blue Velvet (not as dark as it appears here), a royal blue Satin and a silvery white sheer with snowflakes embossed on it.

The last few years, I have gotten inspiration from a magazine called Toy Wooden Soldier and this year I wasn't disappointed when the girls liked one that looks exactly like the black and cream one on the right side of this McCall's pattern. Only, we are doing the Velvet bodice with the Satin skirt and the sheer over skirt. There wasn't quite enough fabric for the sheer, so I may do the front open or do a tabbard in the front and back to save on fabric. The bow will be in back made from the Satin.

I will have a marathon sewing week, starting in the morning, as 5 need to be done by next Sunday to wear to see the Nutcracker. After all...Clara has a dress made by Mamaw, so...

Anyway, I'm gonna try.

More fun. I got to have three littlest ones up just to visit and play this morning and they stayed for lunch. Even though I get to babysit them often, "just for fun" was a treat.

Oh boy!! In a little bit we take off for more fun. My grandson's football team is in the playoffs and we will be going to that. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle and won't be playing, but we will go to watch our granddaughter cheer and support the team that all our sons played on too.

This was taken in September (notice people in background in shorts)

I't supposed to be 34 tonight. Brrrr!

Can this grandmother take any more Friday Fun??

Just try me!!

(notice the posting time, because I won't be posting late tonight as usual.)

This grandmother will be falling in bed fully dressed by 10:30 tonight.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Black Friday??

2011-11-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

Not for me!!

I have never shopped on the day after Thanksgiving.

Even before they called it Black Friday and it was just the day after Thanksgiving.

That has always been a day of sewing for me.

Sewing for a boutique or sewing Christmas presents.

This year it was sewing for my favorite shop.

You know...Strawberry Patches

Of course you will find these fabrics and pattern on the website.

I showed you the pattern and the cute "Sweet Shop" fabrics earlier in the week.

They are actually called "Dessert Party"

Here's Rosie all dressed for the party in the finished yummy little dress.

A sneak peek of the dress that the pinafore covers up.

Here's the back, with covered "candy" buttons

There was a lot of detail on this dress that makes it so cute. Those are the cutest little puffy sleeves with the contrasting binding that matches the neck binding as well as the trim at the yoke of the pinafore and the ruffle on the dress. (Whoa!! Long sentence, but you get the idea)

So...my Black Friday was very colorful.

Tell me about yours. Did you fight the crowds on Black Thursday or Friday?

Or maybe you stayed home, watched football and ate leftovers.

Or maybe you were like me and sewed or crafted.

One of the "downs" of not having to cook Thanksgiving dinner...no leftovers.

Do you want to know a dirty little secret about me?

I looooove cold stuffing and pumpkin pie for breakfast the morning after.

Alas!! We had oatmeal with raisens instead. So much better for us.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

A Pardon...Just In The Nick Of Time

2011-11-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Meet Tom (alias Thanksgiving dinner)

and Henrietta (alias Christmas dinner)

I was able to snap a rare picture with them both in the same frame.

Because Henrietta hides as much as possible from Tom because...well you know.

They are both considerably bigger now. I took these the end of August.

They were raised from cute little chicks (not sure what you call Turkey babies). They weren't much bigger than the baby Chicken chicks.

My son wouldn't let the kids name them because they were destined for the dinner table and who wants to say "I'll have Henrietta's leg or I'll have some of Tom's breast". So I named them. He's not my Dad.

He continued to threaten having them butchered, but said if they "produced" he might reconsider.

Well, see those large speckled eggs below? They spell "Pardon"

If the White House can pardon a Turkey, I guess the Park's House can pardon two.

She doesn't nest on them, but those eggs darn well saved two lives...until next year anyway.

Mr. SS collected these this morning. My DIL has been using the in scrambled eggs for the kids along with the hen eggs. I guess they taste the same. Mr. SS likes his eggs over easy. Do you think he would notice if I cooked these for breakfast tomorrow morning?

We will be spending Thankgiving with our Tehachapi family for the first time in a long time. I only have to bring pies which are done, so this Thanksgiving is like a day of rest for me.

I'm looking forward to family time and time for Thanksgiving.

Wishing you all a blessed Thankgiving.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

My Kind of Sunday

2011-11-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday afternoon, it's raining and I have Split Pea Soup in the Crock Pot.

That's the setting for a perfect afternoon.

I'm sewing.

I put finishing touches on 3 of these:

A special friend of mine ordered one of these in purple at one of my craft shows. I really make more of my time when I make multiples, so I also made one for a gift and an extra one. What is it with little girls and purple.

(this was another stash project...Yah!!)

I also got the little dress on the left started for a model for Strawberry Patches.

These are the cute candy fabrics they chose for me.

So fun!!

I had my granddaughter, Kobi with me for the afternoon on Saturday. After we got our nails all prettied up, we went to Strawberry Patches to pick out fabric for some purses from this new line they just got in. Kobi is the one who picked out her fabrics for her cowgirl skirt and wanted an animal print ruffle which I showed you here.

I knew I wanted fabrics from a new line called Pam Kitty Morning by Pam McGinnis. Go here to see the whole line. I think there was 50 or more bolts of cute, cute, cute, fabrics...all coordinating in all colors.

Kobi knows how I love Red and Blue, so we started with the Strawberry print and went from there.

I just love this little alphabet print and it comes in many colors too.

We had way too much fun. That was Saturday.

Back to my perfect Sunday afternoon...

I have Hallmark channel on and they are playing all Christmas movies. The music, pictures of decorated trees, Santa Clauses and family get togethers, really put me in the Christmas mood.

Mr. SS is watching football and golf simultaneously. After making a Strawberry Banana Pudding Jello (a family favorite) and Corn Muffins with Honey Butter to go with the Split Pea Soup, we head up to the front house to share our meal and get a little grand kid fix.

Yep!! My kind of Sunday...rain, sewing, soup in the Crock Pot, Hallmark, and getting to see Mr. SS (who generally work 6 days a week) relax and do nothing. Add to that dinner with 6 of my grands and I'm sighing with satisfaction.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Best of Times

2011-11-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

We are home for a few weeks (we think). I heard giggles Sunday afternoon and looked outside my sewing room window to see this.

I quickly grabbed my camera and called their names out the door.

I was going to just post the top one, but when I pulled the next one up, the smile on my son's face

brought happy tears and I had to share it too.

I never get tired of saying it...I am one blessed Mamaw and Mama.

Hope you don't get tired of ~~hearing~~ reading it.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Sew Stressed

2011-11-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful last week is over. It was another stressful week. I had a deadline of Friday morning at 11:00 for the what I called the Cottage quilt. I showed you the fabrics and sketch last week. It was 58"x58" finished and a little big for the space constrictions in my RV small cottage. Now don't get me wrong...I loved every minute of the design, cutting, piecing and pulling it all together process, because as you know... I love to sew.

Well, I made my deadline and the nice man who picked it up for his wife not only paid me, (I actually got paid for doing what I love to do) but he also loaded a big box of freshly packed oranges and red potatoes into my car.

I don't remember if I told you last week, but the quilt is for the doctor of a little girl who is sick and in the hospital at UCLA. Her Mom stays down there with her and her Dad and siblings were on their way to visit for the weekend on Friday.

The quilt colors are so soft, you can barely make out the pattern, and I can't get far enough away to photo the whole thing in my RV small cottage.

Here it is folded across the end of my bed.

Please remember to click on the pictures to enlarge. That may help.

Here you can see the chenille on the back. I lined it with flannel and chose not to bind it, but sewed it right sides together and after turning it right side out, top stitched around the edge.

The client suggested tying it and not quilting it, so I did this stitch where all the corners meet.

I am really happy with the way it turned out.

My machine has a stitch to do this. It locks the thread, then stitches back and forth and locks the thread on the other side.

Not that I will admit to the corners not all meeting perfectly...but if they didn't this kinda hides it.

The last picture I wanted to show you is the label I put on the back. My client had this scripture written on the sketch she gave me.

I haven't been using the embroidery module on my machine lately because I have had some problems with it, but decided it was worth a try. I was so proud of my ~~baby~~ embroidery machine as it stitched away. The spacing of the first two rows is off but the rest was perfect.

As I am being thankful I got through last week, I am also thankful for having the right tools that enable me to accomplish these projects that provide me a little needed income. I love my Bernina. Hand tying this quilt would have taken me a lot longer. My Bernina's embroidery module made it possible to personalize the quilt with the scripture. One other tool, I haven't mentioned is my Bernina serger. If I haven' t told you before, let me tell you now, how much I love her. I really love the way I can finish off the inside seams of the clothing I make, but this week, she saved me much anguish. have you ever thrown fabric in the washer to prewash and pull it out a tangled mess? Well, I serged all the raw edges first and I hardly had to press the fabric when it came out of the dryer. It was especially helpful with the chenille for the backing.

This isn't a paid advertisement for Berninas. I'm just telling you my story...and I'm sticking to it. LOL

I used to sell Berninas for Strawberry Patches and learned so much about sewing machines. I loved teaching ladies how to use their new machines and encouraging them to try new things.

Well, what started out to be a short post with few pictures turned into a book. What can I say...I love to ~~talk~~ write, so hope you at least looked at the pictures. I'll stop ~~talking~~ writing for now.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Random Ramblings

2011-11-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

It was cold this morning in my ~~metal box~~ small cottage. I sleep under an electric blanket, so when Mr. SS is out of town, I try to be conservative and not use the heater during the night. It's my normal custom to get up at 6:00, make a pot of coffee and do my Bible in a Year reading before starting my day.

This morning I could not face the cold even to get up and turn the heater on until 7:00.

Besides a propane run furnace, we have this electric fireplace.

You may have to click on it to see the effects. Since every home we have lived in has had a fireplace, I was really excited to find this one. It puts out lots of heat through the blower and gives us the ambiance of having a rea lfireplace. We searched a while for one that looks realistic and this one has a beautiful flame behind the wood that didn't show up in the picture.

I sit on the couch with my feet propped up on the footstool covered up with a cozy throw to do my reading every morning...well when I can get out of bed anyway.

On another note, yesterday I worked on a quilt (throw) for a lady who wants it for her little girl's doctor.

The fabrics have very soft muted colors so it doesn't show well here, but as I piece it I see it coming together as she wanted...very cottage, shabby chic. She picked the fabrics and it will be backed with the chenille you see here, without batting...very soft and flowey. (I think I made that word up)

The client also drew a picture of what she wanted. Here we go again. I was feeling so challenged and somewhat stressed again yesterday. I figured out it was mostly squares and 1/2 square triangles. I had forgotten the formula for those. There is a formula.

Wow!! Do I love Google. I immediately went to my computer and had the complete instructions in seconds. Before going to bed last night, the quilt top was cut out and

almost pieced. I'm going to do a label for the back with the scripture she quoted one the drawing.

When I opened my e-mail this morning, I had a message from Midwest Living and this was staring at me.

With this Apple Cider Sauce

I don't get to make the turkey for Thanksgiving anymore. For many years, we have rotated going to our Son's homes. But I'm thinking I might do a Turkey Breast for Mr. SS and me using these recipes. The sauce would be good with chicken too or....yummy... Pork Roast.

Go here for the recipes.

I need to get busy finishing that quilt. I will take a picture, but the colors blend so well, don't know if you will see the pattern.

As cold as it was this morning it is already warming up to the 70's today. I need to put aside the sweats I had on yesterday and don my capris again. Crazy.

Warm or cold...have a wonderful day.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Meet Maggie...Or Is it Clara

2011-11-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

This sweet girl Maggie, is performing as Clara in the Nutcracker put on by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. It is held every year. I have never been, but this year I will have a special reason to attend.

And that reason is Maggie.

Her Mom and I met a few weeks ago to pick out fabric and talk about design. She had purchased a vintage pattern online and told me Maggie requested white with poinsettias.

After looking at satins and taffetas I suggested Dupioni Silk.

I had made one of my granddaughter's
Dedication dresses out of Dupioni and I loved working with it. It has a shine, texture and a crispness that makes it a dream to work with. It ravels, but I have a serger, so no problem there.

Okay...back to the dress.

We also chose Red and Green Velveteen, which is a nightmare to work with, but with stabilizer, I coped.

Ignoring the background, (I need a studio just to take pictures for my blog. LOL) here is the dress before I took it for Maggie to try on. It ties in a large bow and has three more poinsettias in the back.

A closeup of the poinsettia. I machine appliqued them to stabiliser and then hand sewed them to the dress. I was going to embroider the gold in the center , but decided it needed a little bling.

I found these tiny gold Swarovski crystals...just the right touch.

Well, that was what I did last week. I was so blessed meeting this family. Maggie was so lovely and sweet. She gave me a big hug and her smiles just made the project such a pleasure.
Not to forget her Mom Katie, who was so easy to work with and so apprecitative

I put myself under a lot of pressure over this project. It stretched my abilities and creativity. It was 4 yds of white...can't drink coffee or diet Pepsi while working...wash hands often.
The velveteen turned my nails pink, so I was so afraid it would turn the dress pink.
But all in all, it was one of my all time favorite projects.

Another Birthday, You Say??

2011-11-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

My oldest granddaughter turned 15 today. I drove up to Tehachapi, (the small mountain town where we raised our boys. Our oldest son still lives there with his family) to spend some time with her and her Mom's side of the family as they had dinner and celebrated her birthday. She is my oldest son's daughter.

Yes, we sure have a lot of fall birthdays...and one to go!

Madi just got home from cheering for a volleyball game.

Her other grandma and I made her pose for a birthday picture.

Her Dad fixed a big Taco Salad which was her birthday dinner request.

Madi blew out her candles.

It is tradition on her Mom's side of the family to take a bite out of your cake. Then someone comes up from behind and pushes your face in it. Madi has learned from past years and positioned herself where no one could come from behind. She still didn't take her eyes off the culprits though (mainly her Dad and her Papa)

(Sorry for the red eyes, Madi)

She got lots of girlie presents, but in my book, this zebra striped and hot pink luggage from her other granparents, takes the prize for the perfect 15 yr old girl present.

Happy Birhday Madi.

You are such a sweet, loving girl. Your Mamaw is proud to call you my granddaughter. I'm so blessed to have you in my life.

Baby News

2011-11-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

No...not in our family, but little miracle grandson for my friend Sandi was born a few weeks ago.

Sandi has 4 beautiful granddaughters and Braden is her first grandson.

She had told me his nursery theme is Safari, so at the last minute, I grabbed a few flannel and terry scraps from my handy dandy plastic drawers and a couple of patterns to take along as we left for Long Beach week before last. I had everything I needed except for an animal print.

Since we were in Long Beach, and I couldn't go to my go to store...you know...Strawberry Patches, I had to resort to a trip to Joanns. I found the perfect piece to go with what I brought. I also had with me a Debbie Mumm Nursery book that had Safari animal appliques.

This is what I came up with to take to Braden's shower the following Sunday. I wish I had taken my camera to the shower. He is the sweetest best baby boy. I fell in love.

On one of the bibs, I accidently put the letters on the fabric side, so the terry is on the back.

I didn't have any letter patterns with me, so I bought a package of balsa wood letters for 1.99 at JoAnns and traced them for appliques. Love the shape. They looked so good made from the giraffe flannel.

This bib got a giraffe applique from the book I told you I brought along.

A burp cloth...terry on one side...flannel on the other.

This is one of the diaper/wipey carriers I've shown you before.

It holds a small container of wipeys and a couple of diapers.

The only things I purchased for this project was 1/2 yd of giraffe flannel and the balsa wood letters.

So I kept my commitment to stash busting. It really is fun and a challenge.

When I got home, I dug into one of my button jars and found these cute wooden buttons for the bibs.

The diaper/wipey holder is a Strawberry Patches pattern. It's called Luvs and Huggs.You can find it here.

The bibs and burp cloth are my own patterns. I have used these for gifts and for my own grandkids for years.

Lots of fun making a matchig set and having the Luvs and Huggs to add to it.

This week, I have been working on a dress that is a costume for Clara in the "Nutcracker" which is a production done every year here at Christmas time. This year it is held onDecember 11th and I will be going.

The girl I am doing the costume for is a sweetheart and loved what I had done when we had the first fitting. Wait till she sees it finished on Saturday.

I will get a picture to share here if it is okay with her Mom.

Well, I'd better get off to bed so I can get up early and finish this project so I am ready for the next.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Better-Than-Almost-Anything Cake

2011-11-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Drew requested this cake for her birthday and I was only too happy to comply.

It is a favorite of ours and you may have already seen it on another blog or have it in your recipe files.

It's been around for a long time, but is worth repeating.

This is what you will need:

Bake the cake according to directions on the box.

While it is warm, poke holes with the end of a wooden spoon.

Drizzle the can of Eagle Brand Milk over cake.

Then drizzle the jar of carmel over the cake reserving some for later.

Slather on the whole tub of Cool Whip.

The recipe calls for a bag of Toffee Bits, but I always use Heath Bars (4). Crush the in a plastic bag with a wooden mallet or whatever you have and sprinkle on top of Cool Whip.

Then drizzle chocolate syrup and carmel on last.

It's a really moist rich cake. You reeeeeallly want to try this.

And...hope you have a crowd to share it, because you will want to eat it til it's gone or you have a tummy ache...whichever comes first.

Here is a link with the recipe. I started making it when I worked at a Cottage Tea Room room many years ago, so my version is a little different.

Better-Than-Almost-Anything Cake

This is the "clean" version of the name of the cake. Some of you may know it by another name. LOL!! But no matter what you call it...try it!!

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

A Little Costume Fun and Another Birthday Dinner

2011-10-31T23:33:00.000-07:00

Sweet Granddaughter Drew Ann was born on Halloween 12 years ago.

After her requested dinner of Tri-tip, and birthday cake (I'll share the recipe tomorrow), the 6 kids got ready to go to their Church Carnival by putting on their costumes.

Drew chose one of her Mom's prom dresses and heels and went as a Homecoming Queen complete with Tiera.

While the little ones got their costumes on (no small task for Mom Olivia to get 5 more dressed), Drew opened her gifts.

(Sorry for the dark pictures. Someday maybe I'll have a grown-up camera.)

Lexi went as a West High Cheerleader (the HS where Daddy Brandon teaches and coaches)

Camy dressed up as a dancer with a Black Tulle twirly skirt and new ballet shoes.

Jack is the town sheriff complete with badge and new Cap Guns (I didn't know they still made Cap Guns)and of course his hat and boots.

Brooke is a sweet little princess (of course, she is three).

Emmy Lou is a Hershey's Kiss (Oh....I made this for Drew when she was 2. Where does time go?)

The hat only stayed on long enough for a picture because I bribed her by popping M&M's in her mouth.

(If you see this, Suzanne...is that face her Dad's or what)

Here they are all ready to go!!

Emmy is none too happy with this costume thing...especially the hat.

Before they go, one of Drew's requests was to dance with her Daddy for her birthday. They danced to a Taylor Swift song. (What else?)

Then they all joined in on the dance, and off they went for some fun at their church.

Leaving me sitting with camera in hand and tears in my eyes...I ask you...is it any wonder. I am so blessed!!

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Birthday Month

2011-10-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

In our immediate family, we have more birthdays in October than any other month.

I've already shared with you that the 10th was my birthday.

October 30th is my middle son's birthday and

October 31st is my younger son's daughter's birthday.

I'll start with mine. Warning... this post is picture crazy, but it will be worth it. You'll see..

We were out of town for my birthday, but the following weekend, my sweet friend, Gail hosted a party for me and our friend Sandi, whose birthday is two days after mine. Our group of 7 has celebrated our birthdays together for more years than I can count.

Gail had a special cake made for us.

These cute little napkins just fit our group that night.

You can click on any picture to enlarge.

My fellow birthday girl, Sandi and me.

Our "Hostess with the Mostest", Gail. Her shirt with the spiderweb complete with spider fit the occasion.

Six of our seven. Cindy we missed you.

From left to right...Me, Ruth, Linda, Sally, Sandi and Gail.

Love these paper lanterns.

As is the custom at Gail's house, the table was decorated in style.

A little closer look and maybe you can see the backside of a rat.

Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors.

My place at the table. The bowl has a chocolate covered Oreo that went home with me for Mr. SS's sweet tooth.

Under each bowl was a different Skeleton plate.

Even the iron handled flatware and woven place mats fit the theme of the occasion.

After a tour of Gail's beautifully displayed decorations, we finally sat down to enjoy our dinner.

Sally brought the most wonderful salad

Gail and Ruth collaborated on the soup. It is called 2X4 soup. I will share the easy recipe one of these days.

Doesn't it look like a black cauldron full of witches brew?

Linda brought Ciabatta rolls with lots of garlic butter. Yum!!

Now, I will take you on a tour of some of the decorations. Believe me when I tell you. This was by no means all...I just got a few photos.

This pumpkin, cut from a book really caught my eye.

Thanks, Gail for making this birthday girl feel special.

I haven't decorated for Halloween since my kids were growing up and since I didn't even get to decorate for fall this year, I really enjoyed the fun Halloween decorations.

Today I had my son Eric and his family over for a late lunch for his birthday. When he was growing up, his favorite birthday dinner was Tacos, and Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting, so that's what I fixed today. We had the family that lives in my front yard (my younger son, his wife and 6 kids) come join us. The weather was so beautiful that we enjoyed our meal outside.

We are so proud of the men all our sons have become. They know the Lord, are great husbands and fathers, and they have a great work ethic that came from their Dad. But, I must say, Eric had the farthest to come. He had problems from early on. I won't go into them and have my theories as to why he was the way he was. ( I could write a book.) He rebelled in high school as many kids do and I kept a tight reign on him for which he hated me at times and let me know it. But he came around after he was married and had kids and we respect him so much for all he has become. (As we do all our sons, but it's his birthday today) He has let me know over and over that he is glad NOW that I "ruined" his high school days and understands why. Whew!!

Anyway, tomorrow is birthday # 3. Drew Ann will be 12 and I will let you know how that goes without the hundreds of pictures (well, maybe) and without the book (well, maybe).

I have a few posts in mind for this week, so you may just see a new one every day. When Mr. SS is working out of town, I tend to stay at the computer till all hours.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

so...

2011-10-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

please don't give up on me. we are back in long beach and due to some challenges leaving town on sunday, we forgot the laptop. i am posting from my kindle, but it is limited so i will be back with a post on saturday. i am still visiting all of you, just can't comment.

Utility Apron

2011-10-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends, Sandi e-mailed me a picture of an apron with pockets. I don't think she even commented on it.

My friends Sandi and Ruth both make jewelry out of recycled typewriter keys, scrabble tiles, buttons, keys and well just lots of things. They sell at shows especially at this time of the year.

I decided to design something for them to wear while at these shows. Sandi's e-mail was just the thing to get me inspired. I came up with my own version.

This is what it looks like.

I made the waistband a pocket for strapping and added a great easy to clip buckle. You can adjust the stap to fit.

It has two zippers with pockets across the top. One for dollar bills and one for change.

I put one long pocket along the bottom about 6" deep and vertically stitched it for different sized pockets. You can carry a pen, glasses, cell phone, receipt book, scissors, tools etc.

The picture Sandi e-mailed me was plain, but if you know me, I can't do anything "plain" and added a contrasting band and piping at the top of the pockets and ric-rac at the bottom.

Then I couldn't help myself...I added a cute little pleated ruffle to the bottom. The whole apron is lined, so no raw seams showing.

I had so much fun designing these for my friends. One of the best parts was I kept my pledge to use things I have. I had everything I needed for these except the zippers and the buckle. I even had the strapping.

The fabric is outdoor fabric, so it is a little heavier than regular cotton.

These really aren't Christmas presents, because I wanted my friends to have to use for the season's shows, but I am going to make a couple for presents too.

They would be great for a lot of activities. Gardening, cooking, housework, sewing...I could go on, but you get the idea.

Once again, I am linking to Renee @ Sewn With Grace

for

Sewing Christmas

You can click on her name or her cute button on my sidebar to visit her blog. She made the most beautiful Log Cabin King Sized quilt for her hubby for Christmas. You have to see it.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!.

I'm Still Here

2011-10-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. I don't think I have ever gone this long without a post or visiting my blog friends before. No special reason. Just life, I guess, or maybe I just didn't think I had anything worthy of a blog to talk about.

I've been sewing for a couple of upcoming church boutiques that my jewelry making friends and I are doing.

They were participating in the biannual Peddlars Faire which is mainly an antique show last weekend. I took some of my things there...sold some, but they really did well. I will take some pictures of their wonderful jewelry next weekend.

The last time I posted, I told you I was trying to use up some fabric scraps I had. I made these all out of scraps from a skirt I made one of my grands 2 years ago.

This little wrist clutch has become one of my favorite creations. It is 2" squares strip pieced and very easy once I mastered the zipper. I just discovered it is the perfect size for a Kindle too with room for the cord and bitty light.

Pinwheel hair clips and a new flower hair clip I will show you more of.

One of my Girle Girl Bags ( I made several of these out of different fabric scraps.)

These are some coupon holder/checkbook holders I call flat wallets. They are made from scraps of pillowcases I made a couple of years ago.

These pinwheel hairclips are scraps from treat bags I made last year.

Now a dozen flower hair clip all made from little scraps, I am so glad I kept.

These were a tutorial that I got the link for from one of my favorite blogs.

Renee from Sewn with Grace. She is always inspiring me. I can't seem to find the link to the tutorial, but have it on my computer at home. I'll post it later.

I used up quite a stack of scraps and acually have an almost empty drawer. Wonder how long it will take me to fill it up...you guessed...not long.

As happens often in our nomad's life, we got a call to work in the Los Angeles area last Wednesday.

Mr. SS came down immediately and then came home and got me and the motorhome. On Sunday we arrived at one of our home away from homes in Long Beach. Yep, we are staying at our little old trailer park again. It's been a year since we were last here, but we got our old spot and I feel right at home.

Yesterday was my birthday and I did absolutely nothing. Couldn't get online, so TV and a book for me.

I got calls from all my sons, DIL's, grandkids and friends and family. I spent a lot of the day on the phone.

Mr. SS and I went to Costco for groceries and a Costco dog, then home for some cuddling and Dancing with the Stars.

What more could this ~~old lady~~ girl of 65 yrs. want.

Well, you are more caught up with my life than you probably needed to be. I'm going to spend time today catching up with all of you, my sweet blog friends.

Then, I must get back to my sewing machine. I have an idea I want to work on.

As always,

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Sewing Along

2011-09-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Monday, while my friend MariEllen was visiting, I took her in to see Strawberry Patches. She had not seen the new store. Even though, I am committed to using up somethings I already have, I could not resist this new line of fabrics called Circa 1934. The labels in the background are so cute.
I bought enough to make

my version of this:

I borrowed this image from Suzanne at Notes From the Patch. You can click on her name to find where the pattern and fabrics are available.

It's going to be for me for a fall bag.
Click on it to see the cute label I used for the outside pocket.

This is the pocket for the inside that the pattern called for.
I added a solid bottom to the bag by covering some needlepoint plastic I had.

I also added another large pocket and divided it to hold my cell phone and well...whatever else.

I love the double rows of stitching for detail. When I first saw the pattern, I thought it was pieced, but the polka dot is the background and then the fabric is appliqued on with the topstitching.

My friend left on Tuesday and I couldn't wait to get started
making this cute bag. It was fun, easy and quick...my favorite kind.

Also worked on some stash busting projects I'll show later.

Hoping you all have a great weekend. I have a football game to rush off too.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

And....The Winners Are...

2011-09-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

We couldn't have been more proud of Drew who took 2nd place in Showmanship in her age group.

And Lexie who took 3rd place in her age group for Showmanship.

There were well over 25 in each group and this was their first year for showing their chickens.

They were judged on the handling and knowledge of their chicken and poultry in general.

Lexi talking to the judge.

Drew showing the judge her chicken.

Two of thier adoring fans.

They have Guinea(?) hens...thought I better include a picture of them too.

They each had a hen and a rooster in the competition and the chickens did pretty well too.

The day before they were judged and Drew's came in 1st and 2nd and Lexi's were 5th and 8th.

Okay, enough bragging from this proud Mamaw. (for now anyway)

I am excited because my friend who has Aunt Fanny's Emporium in Long Beach will be here any minute.

She will stay for a few days and we have lots of catching up to do, which will include lots of laughing and talking of old and new times.

I'm off to start dinner.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Morning Musings

2011-09-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Due to the expected 102 degree temps today, I decided to spend some time out doors early.

About 6:30 I headed out here with my coffee and kindle and camera (I've learned to always have my camera handy)

As I was reading, my son came out to feed the horse and clean the stall. The oldest two grands were out feeding chickens, turkeys and rabbits and preparing their show chickens for the trip to the fair grounds this morning. They show them on Sunday Morning.

The third came out to clean up after the dog. Mr. SS lovingly calls her the "pooper scooper"

Reading my kindle isn't happening. The babies Emmy and Brooke come running down barefoot in the grass.

Jack with his plastic guitar wasn't far behind.

After they all finished their chores and left for the fairgrounds and school...

and Mom Olivia called the little ones to breakfast, I looked up

to see all the footprints in the grass. I tried to capture them with my camera, but the dew was already starting to dry up.

I couldn't help feeling, once more, how blessed I am to be here seeing 6 of my grandkids (and one of my kids) start their day.

Then Mr. SS comes out the door with his lunch pail and coffee and heads off for his day. He's remodeling bathrooms for a friend. Once again, the Lord blessed us with work here at home so we can spend time with all of our family and friends.

Could this girl...Wife...Mom...Mamaw... be any more blessed? I don't think so.

Wishing you a great weekend.

Ours includes football tonight, soccer in the morning, dinner and dominoes with friends Saturday evening, Fairground Sunday morning and baseball in the afternoon, and maybe a visit from a very special out of town friend.

What are you doing?

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Sewing Christmas

2011-09-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, I am joining Renee @ Sewn with Grace

for

I just love her little button. You can click the one on my sidebar or her name above to see what her Sewing Christmas is about.

I made a couple of little zipper bags to put away for Christmas gifts. I love making theses and will fill them with goodies before gifting them.

Back in July I showed you a stack of scraps left from sewing some of my Girlie Girl purses.

I have these left over every time I make them and with a few changes these scraps will be made into zipper bags.

This is the pattern and buttons I used along with the scraps.

Of course I found them at my favorite Strawberry Patches.

This is another little zipper bag I made from scraps. Those are all little 2" or smaller squares pieced together.

This pattern found in a past Quilts and More magazine. As I have told you before, I always find a project in that magazine and look forward to finding a new one on the magazine rack.

This little bag was one of the things I made from the scraps of this skirt I showed you recently that I made for my granddaughter, Kobi for Wrangler Fridays at her school. (Whoa, that was a long sentence)

I bought a total of 2 yds. and had tons of left over fabric.

Also, from those scraps, I made over 30 of these pins and hair clips, which Kobi and her Mom have been selling at her school.

I also made three Girlie Girl Bags and put a pinwheel hair clip on each one.

Now, I'll show you what is left of those scraps

Yep! That's all, folks. Now what could I make from those 10 little pieces. Guess I have to give up on those.

But I have made a commitment to use up some of the fabric I have. It really is a satisfying feeling to use up something you have.

I have to tell you, this will be difficult, because I ususally make a weekly trip to my favorite Strawberry Patches to pick up and take in projects for the store. There are soooo many beautiful new fabrics practically daily.

So...I may have to fall off my commitment wagon a few times between now and Christmas. If I do, I will be sure and confess here and show you how hard it was to resist. LOL

Now, I'm off to finish a cute curtain I am making for a nursery.

I have to give back the scraps from his project, but will show you the finished curtain soon.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

What's for Breakfast??

2011-09-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

Around here, when I bake, I do it early in the morning. Living in a ~~metal box~~ small cottage, it gets hot as soon as the sun is up.

I was peeling peaches, getting ready to stick a peach cobbler in the oven when Mr. SS asked, "What's for breakfast?"

I listed everything I could think of that I had the ingredients for, you know the usual...pancakes, waffles, french toast, eggs and ham, oatmeal (one of his favorites in the winter) and of course cold cereal.'

He said, "No thanks, I think I'll skip breakfast this morning." And he headed outside to mow the lawn for my son...yes the whole 1/2 acre front and back...on an empty stomach!!

Awww, that made me feel bad. You have to know me to know, I love cooking for anyone and making them smile at the sight of a big spread of anything, just makes my day.

An hour later, Mr. SS was resting at our little table and chairs in our Secret Garden and I just knew I had to fix him breakfast, but he said nothing sounded good.

About that time, I was taking the cobbler out of the oven and it hit me....Peach Cobbler for breakfast. I knew he wouldn't turn that down.

And he didn't.

I dished him up a big bowl and added a dollup of Cool Whip (If I was Paula Deen, it would have been whipped cream)

After all...you got your fruit, dairy and grains (not to mention sugar) to start your day off right.

Yummy!!! And yes, that is one helping for my yard mowing hubby. How does he stay so skinny?

Later, I called my DIL down from the front house to get some for her and the little ones lunch.

But not to worry. There was plenty left for Mr. SS to have for dessert tonight with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I used Paula Deen's recipe here to make this one, but it is the same as my Grandma's recipe, only Paula uses self rising flour and my Grandma's calls for regular flour, baking soda and salt.

As you can see, I sprinkled a little cinnamon on the top, but sometimes I put it in the batter or sometimes I just add a little almond flavoring.

Oh, forgot to say, our friends Chuck and Cindy gave us a bunch of fresh peaches called Fair Peaches. She says she doesn't know how they know it is fair time in Kern County, but they are always ripe around that time. They are delicious and I've been slicing them up in my yogurt every morning. YUM!

Now that's a breakfast!!

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

My Little Design Diva

2011-09-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

The last Friday of the month at my granddaughter Kobi's school is Mustang day and they encourage everyone to dress western. Last year for her birthday we gave her red cowgirl boots (another fun trip to Boot Barn) This year she wanted a skirt to wear with them. She also had just received a pair of the cutest little Cheetah flats with a red bow from her other grandma.

She asked if she could have a skirt that would go with both and her Mom and I just kinda shrugged, meaning probably not.

We planned to meet at Strawberry Patches a couple of weeks ago to pick out fabric.

They got there a little before I did and she picked a pattern to show me what she wanted and then showed me the western themed fabrics she liked. Then...she wanted to see if they had cheetah fabric, and of course as is the case when you shop at the wonderful Strawberry Patches, there were a couple to choose from.

Kobi even gave her Mom and I a little lesson on animal prints..."no, that is giraffe, that is tiger, that is...", etc.

You know, when we got the fabrics all together, I really thought it might work. Her Mom was more skeptical,

but here she is in her "designed" skirt and her red cowboy boots.

Here's the skirt before I took it to her today.

She wanted a bow to match, so I found this cute pattern for pinwheel bows here and decided to make those. I had tons of fabric left and made a bunch for bows of the smaller size and some larger ones for pins.
Kobi's Mom works at the school and said she could sell them as the teachers are always looking for something western to wear on Fridays.

Here's Kobi with her Cheetah flats with the red bow. But you can barely see the shoes.

Here's the pinwheel bow. They really did turn out cute. Some with regular buttons and some with covered buttons.

This girl knows what she likes and she loved the skirt. Even though tomorrow isn't the last Friday, I'm sure she plans to wear her new creation.
Kobi has been a shoe girl since she could walk. If you took your shoes off, you could be sure she would be trying them on. She is very particular about what shoes she wears with what outfit.

What will I do when all these girls get too old to want me to make their clothes. Maybe by then it will be time to think about sewing for the "greats" or maybe I will just be too old to care...NOT.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

Friday Night Lights.

2011-09-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Raising a family of boys in a small town, we experienced the power of Friday Night Lights years before they were in High School, but it definitely become more important the 12 years running that we had a football player playing for the Tehachapi Warriors.

Now 16 years later we have a Varsity player and a JV Cheerleader to take us back to our love of the Friday Night Lights.

Last week I posted about Kyle and his team.

Here we are on the field after the game, this week

(I can't believe I have grand kids that tower over me so.)
Sweet Madi leaned down so I wouldn't look so short.

It was nothing short of a miracle for me to get them to stand together, actually touching for a picture. Kyle reminded me he didn't want to be late to the dance. They still follow the dance after the game tradition in this small town.

But this week it is all about my cheerleader. After raising 3 boys and having one grandson, Madi was the first of my 7 granddaughters. Needless to say she has a special place in my heart. I was the first to hold her after she was born, her Mama handed her to me.

Her name is Madisann (not Madison), the ann after my middle name.

Can you tell how proud this Mamaw is?

Sorry for the terrible picture coming up next, but I got this off her Mom's facebook and it wouldn't download, so I took a picture with my camera off the computer...really dumb, I know, but I so badly wanted to show you this.

She was mascot for the Tehachapi Warrior Cheerleaders and had a uniform from the time she was 6 months old. Her Mom, a former cheerleader was the coach for many years.

She is about 4 yrs. old here.

She also was mascot and cheered from about 2 yrs. old until last year for the youth football team that her brother played on.

Well, hope you all had a good, restful Labor Day (that sounds kinda strange...restful and labor in the same sentence).

We BBQ'd hamburgers with the family that lives in our front yard. LOL

Fun Day.

Football on Friday,

BBQ on Sunday.

More than ever I am glad to be home and my heart is bursting with the blessings I experience daily.

God is Good!

Life is Good!

On the Road Again and Back Again/Dead Printer/Pictures of This and That

2011-09-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Oh my! It has been a crazy week. We found out Tuesday after sitting with no work for 4 days in Riverside, that there was going to be no more work for a while.

Darn...we had both cars there, so Tues. night we drove both cars back to Bakersfield and got up Thursday and drove back down to Riverside to drive the Motorhome back. About 11 hrs. of driving in that crazy So. Ca. traffic.

So now we are back in Bakersfield, for awhile anyway, and I couldn't be happier to be close to the grandkids again and get to lay my head down and know where I will wake up.

Soooo...my printer died. I was still using it for transferring pictures to the computer, but today I needed to print some stuff, so had to replace it with another one we had around here. You can't just plug it in and go. You have to "install" it.

I spent a good part of the afternoon doing that and trying to find where and how my pictures load now, so I can still use them when blogging (important, you know)

While I was looking around for pictures I downloaded from the new printer, I ran across some I realized had never made it to my blog. Pictures of sewing projects I had promised to post, but just somehow hadn't.

Here is a little corduroy coat I did for a model for Strawberry Patches.

It was fully lined.

and I got to use one of these cute labels that just happened to match.

This darling little clutch went together really easy, and I love the touch of bling on the closure.

Early this summer I started the first of 3 projects for a really nice lady named Julie.

The first project was shades for her kitchen and this one is over her desk in a corner of her kitchen.

These are over her sink.

The brads were her idea and I love how they anchor the shades.

I showed you these barstool pads, whenI made them, but they look so much cuter on the stool.

She wanted shades for the windows over the front door, for privacy.

More recently (last week) I did this Minkee blanket with a yummy satin ruffe.

And last, I finally made a purse that has been in my head since last summer. It was so fun and I hope to be selling these soon. I have to work out some kinks first.

Whoops, one more. But you have seen these. I made six more of these and took some to Strawberry Patches

Hoping to get back to my machine tomorrow, if I can dig it out from all the stuff we cleaned out of the Motorhome. It seems I just kept taking things down there and not bring anything home.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

I Can't Believe...

2011-08-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

I missed this:

and this

(picture borrowed from The Confessions of a Pioneer Woman

and Food Network)
Ree Drummond, THE PIONEER WOMAN.

I have been waiting for her show ever since I heard she was going to be on Food Network.

It aired on Saturday and 10:30 AM (11:30 Eastern time). I don't know how I missed it.

Must have been because I was excited to get to Strawberry Patches to meet my granddaughter, Kobi to pick out fabric for a skirt.

(Just wait til you see what she picked...quite the little designer.)

Anyway...I missed it, but found a short clip from the show here. Just click vidios.

I tried to find out if it was repeated sometime during the week, but couldn't find it.

Well, you bet I won't forget next week. I put a post-it on my desk computer.

We are off to return to our home away from home a little early today.

We've been getting back about 11:00pm on Sunday and Mr. SS wanted to leave early today.

He has to be at work at 6:00am.

Me, I just get up, make breakfast and his lunch, get him off to work and ~~sleep~~ read.

Speaking of reading, I am a 75% done with The Help. No page numbers on the Kindle, so thats how I know how much more I have to read.

That means I'll probably get to go to the movies soon. Yeah!! Wonder if it's playing at the Rubidioux Drive-in.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

Boys of Fall

2011-08-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

I post so much about all the girls in our family, I thought I would do an all boy post.

My love of football started back in high school. But then it was more of a social event.

When Mr. SS and I started dating in college, he was a running back and defensive back and the back-up quarterback. I decided back then to learn the game.

I watched him play every game in Jr. College and later State College.

Then all three sons played from age 8 through High School and the youngest played in college.

Tonight, we got to go to a 3 way scrimmage that just happened to include the High School team my son, Brandon coaches and the High School my Grandson, Kyle plays for. Brandon is Kyle's uncle, not his dad.

His dad is my oldest son.

This is Brandon in left center with the gray shirt and black pants. He coaches for West High School in Bakersfield. (sorry, you will have to click on it to enlarge. Yep, there he is)

Kyle, who playes center and tackle is # 72 for Tehachapi High School.

The sun was going down and I just had to try to capture the cloudy sky too.

It was so hot and muggy, I couldn't breathe...or maybe it was my heart swelling with pride...

for my "Boys of Fall"

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

First Day of School

2011-08-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Can it possibly be that time already? I wanted to get some photos of the girls in the new dresses, I made, but they were running late and I felt lucky to get a quick snapshot of them before they took off. We met half way in front of the chicken coop and of course the little ones wanted to be in the picture too.

Jack's first day of kindergarten. Baby Emmy has on an outfit I made for Drew (now almost 12) when she was a baby. Oh my goodness, I am sew blessed. Love those sweet faces, all of them.

My DIL promised she got individual pictures of the three older girls and would e-mail them, so I will be able to post later. You can see Drew's dress well, though.

Just in case you have missed this before, these 6 belong to my youngest son and his wife. We live in their back yard (well when we are not in Riverside). I have to repeat myself...I am sew blessed.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

What's On My Kindle and What's On My Nightstand

2011-08-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

Because I really reeeeally want to see the movie, The Help, I am spending every spare minute trying to get the book read. I have this thing about reading a book before I see the movie.

This book really hits home for me, because when I was little (4yrs.-6yrs.) we lived in Texas. My Mom worked as a secretary and my Dad worked for Haliburton and traveled a lot. We had a colored (I use that word, meaning no offense, because that is what we called black people in the 50's)lady who took care of my sister and I. Her name as Susie and we loved her. She watched us, cleaned house and started dinner for my Mom.

I remember her so well because she had a superstition that has stayed with me my whole life.

We lived in an old house and Susie would bathe us before my Mom came home. Old house...old pipes.

Sometimes the pipes would make a terrible sound when Susie ran our bath water. She told us it was the devil and we had to hide in the closet until it stopped. Yep, she would hide with us. I think the book took place in th 60's, but it fascinates me.

I am still doing my daily reading in my One Year Bible.

Now for the nightstand. I think I have told you I don't get magazines in the mail anymore, so when I see some of my favorites in a magazine stand, I grab it.

I haven't opened a one of them, but it's like "money in the bank", knowing I have these two favorites just waitig to be opened.

This last one is new to me and I am looking forward to readng it. It is a Christian magazine recommend by a couple of bloggy friends.

The cover is so pretty, I know I won't be disappointed.

Now, if I could just find the time.

This week, I finished two back to school dresses and one skirt. I will wait until Monday morning to take a picture of the girls in their new outfits. They look so much better on the girls than hanging on a hanger.

They love them and so does their Mom.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Last Week...

2011-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

I finally got to meet Linda of Linsueray. I have been reading her blog for over a year now. She makes the most creative bags and sells on Etsy. She uses her own patterns and designs. She does a lot of wool applique, which I love. She is also a phenomenal gardener and has a beautiful yard and garden.

She picked me up about 10:00am and took me to a quilt store called Stars and Scraps.

Her sister Deb of Cucaroo met us there. Deb makes primitive dolls and from what I could tell, lots of other things too.

Deb, me and Linda

I ~~stole~~ borrowed this picture from Deb's blog, because as I am prone to do...I left my memory card in the computer and my camera memory was full.

Okay, I ~~stole~~ borrowed this one too.

and this one.

One thing I noticed about this store, was how many precut kits they had. Almost every model had a kit.

I finally deleted enough pictures from my camera's memory to take these.
This table runner kit.

The pieces are already precut to the shape you see below. Easy Peasy.

This cupcake placemat caught my attention and came home with me too.

There was much to see and we spent quite a while shopping and taking it all in.

We had all worked up an appetite and went to El Torito for lunch. After taking advantage of their buffet lunch, we stayed and talked. Never at loss for something to talk about.

Linda took me back to my home away from home and we talked some more.

Such nice sweet ladies and I feel blessed to have met them.

The next day, (after Linda's sweet husband, Ron brought me the bag I had left in her car) I had to look over my goodies.

Cute bag.

The other cupcake pattern is small with a pocket. I thought it would make a cute birthday party favor.
With 7 granddaughters, there is bound to be a cupcake party sometime soon.
Also found the cutest Redwork book. I love redwork and there are several projects I want to try.

Here;s one...Tea towels. Aren't those the cutest owls.

Last week...
I cut out three back to school outfits to make this week.

I also made this "Cuddle Bug" quilt for a customer of Strawberry Patches.
Lots of yummy Minkee fabrics, and some chenille.

The back is cowhide minkee.

Jumbo Ric Rac

And this wonderful minkee. It's latte swirl minkee and it is unbelievably soft.

Saturday, Mr. S, S. golfed in the morning and we took off for Bakersfield about 1:00PM. Then turnaround and back here tonight. I'm getting tired just reading about my week, so off to bed.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Just Kickin' Back

2011-08-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

after a sleepover and Happy Face Pancakes at Mamaw's.

Emmy Lou (17 months)

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

"Guess What?"

2011-08-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

"We get to go to Strawberry Patches tomorrow." That is what I heard from 3 of my granddaughters before I even stepped out of the truck Friday night as we arrived home from another week in Riverside.

I had asked Mama Olivia if they could go with me to pick out fabric for their "First day back at school outfit." and she had told them about it.

So, Saturday morning we were at Strawberry Patches just as they opened.

Drew looked around for just a few minutes and zoned in on what she wanted right away.

She looked around and was thinking about a black and white or a turquoise and brown, but decided on the gray, pink and orange because she had never had anything gray. I love that she isn't afraid to try something new. The picture above is a better, the color didn't come out true in the one below.

Lexi's biggest decision was whether she wanted a dress or skirt.

After considering blues and purples, she decided on a dress made from these pinks and browns.

Now Cami had a little harder time. She had already decided on a skirt and I told her it needed 3 fabrics.

Her first choice was red and aqua. Then we looked at red and pink roses. Then maybe blue...or...

But she too, went back to her first choice and we all agreed.

While Suzanne was checking us out, Cami asked if she could take some pictures and I told her sure.

These are what she thought cute enough to take pictures of.

We finally made it out the door with bag of fabric, patterns and smiles.

Don't you just love these doors.

I just absolutely love that my granddaughters share my love for this shop that has been so much a part of my life for over 25 years.

As we were driving home, they let me know that they are pretty fond of Suzanne, my friend and owner of this wonderful shop, too.

Visit Strawberry Patches and Suzanne's Blog . You will fall in love too.

I forgot, I haven't shown you the models I made last week for that wonderful shop.

Next post...it's late and this girl needs her beauty sleep.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

One Day At A Time

2011-08-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

The most useless thing to do ... ........Worry

The greatest Joy....................... ........Giving

The greatest loss.................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work............. ...Helping others

The ugliest personality trait......................Selfishness

The most endangered species...................Dedicated leaders

The greatest "shot in the arm"..................Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome......... ....Fear

Most effective sleeping pill........... ...Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease..... ....Excuses

The most powerful force in life.............. ........Love

The most dangerous pariah.............................A gossiper

The world's most incredible computer... ...The brain !

The worst thing to be without...................Hope

The deadliest weapon.... The tongue.......

The two most power-filled words..............."I Can"

The greatest asset.............. ...Faith

The most worthless emotion................Self-pity

The most prized possession................Integrity

The most beautiful attire................ ...A SMILE!

The most powerful channel of communication..... ...Prayer

The most contagious spirit............ .....Enthusiasm

The most important thing in life....... ........GOD

My DIL, Lialani sent this to me today and I wanted to pass it along to you.

I added the picture. Cool water...

A Post just doesn't look right without a picture. lol

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

My Favorite Lamp Makeover

2011-07-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

I've had this shiny brass table lamp since ninety something. Back then, I wanted everything shiny brass. Even though it has been outdated for forever, I love it so much that it has always found a place in whatever home we are in. So, I am painting it to put in our newly almost remodeled blue and white trailer. We have replaced the pull down couch with matching comfy Grandma and Grandpa rocking swivel rockers. The lamp will be perfect between them.
Here it is just before I got out the sandpaper and spray paint.

Hubby was able to take the rim off the glass table and that made it a lot easier to sand and paint.

It's glossy white and I love it.

I really makes the glass pretty, I think

Remember a couple of weeks ago I made this lampshade and did it as a tutorial here

It was made for this lamp.

Here it is finished and ready to go to it's new home.

If...Mr. SS ever finishes it. Just kidding honey. It will be ready soon.

I pulled up one of the garden chairs to just see how it fits.

Yep! Perfect for my coffee, book and sewing.

Well, may have to leave a little room for Mr. SS's coffee too.

I am once again joining Susan @ Between Naps on the porch for Metamorphosis Monday.

Click here to check out some other great transformations. (For some reason the button on my sidebar disappeared??)

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Grand Terrace and the Grands

2011-07-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we were blessed to have two of our grand kids accompany us to our home away from home in Grand Terrace.

Cade (7) and Kobi(9)

We ate out by the pool the first day after Mr. SS got home from work. We enjoyed BBQ'd Chicken Bones (that's what all my grand kids call chicken legs), Corn on the Cob(cooked on the BBQ) and Watermelon.

No cooking over a hot stove for me that night.

We swam.

We sunbathed.

And we swam some more.

We played games.

And we dipped Oreo's in milk.

We went to a fun Pizza Parlor and ate pizza

We played miniature golf

Twice.

Oh, and I almost forgot...

(I hope you can click on this to enlarge it)

We found another Drive In Theater in Riverside. The Van Buren Drive In.

We took the grands to see Cars 2. We sat in lawn chairs in the back of Mr. SS's pick-up.

It was cold (if you can believe that) and the movie was a bit of a disappointment, but

we had fun, laughed and ate Popcorn and Brownies.

All in all, it was a wonderful week and I was so aware of how blessed we are to have such loving, sweet

Grandchildren.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Sweet Friends

2011-07-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I stayed home to attend a lunch in honor of my friend Gail's birthday. My group of friends meet the last Monday of the month for dinner, but we usually do something special if it is to celebrate a birthday too.

Sally graciously offered her beautiful home for a potluck lunch.

Her table was decorated as if we were in a beach cottage instead of the heat of Bakersfield.

So much cool white with all shades of aqua. Even the flatware was clear aqua.

The centerpiece filled with white "sand", shells, and starfish.

Fresh white daisies and sweet votives for candlelight.

Cool aqua blue sea glass and glass stones.

I think my favorite was the jeweled starfish.

A closeup of a votive with tiny fish all around.

Shell napkin rings with a flower and pearls.

Plenty of Gail's favorite Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole along with other munchies and strawberries with the best fruit dip I've ever had.

Sally made Turkey and ham sandwiches on Croissants.

Ruth made Chicken Pasta Salad.

Linda brought a yummy chocolate dessert.

Here's the birthday girl, Gail

Linda, Ruth, Sandi, Gail, hostess Sally. ( Cindy we missed you)

Enjoying our lunch and lots of girl talk.

Sally even made the curtains to match the beachy decor.

It seemed like only minutes until it was 3:00 and I had to leave to pick up the grandkids, Cade and Kobi, and make the trip to Grand Terrace for the week.

I am truly blessed with such sweet friends and family

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

So...How Hot Is It?

2011-07-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

Friday night we got home from our week in Riverside and walked into our ~~hot metal box /RV~~ cottage and the first thing I notice is this candle on my mantle.

Okay. Candles melt. After all they are wax, right. Wait a minute that isn't a wax candle. It is a battery operated candle. I have lots of them. Love the way they flicker and no danger of fire.

Then I started to doubt myself...maybe it is a real wax candle so I take a closer look:

Nope that is not a wick you see there, but the tip of the bulb. I looked around at my others and this is the only one that couldn't take the heat.

Hope your Sunday wasn't as hot as mine, but I did get a little project done that I'll show you later this week.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

What's On My Cutting Table and a Winner

2011-07-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

This packing up every Sunday to leave my home to come to my other home must be getting to me. Normally I am pretty organized, but this time I blew it.

I brought lots of sewing projects, some of my own and three great models for Strawberry Patches.

Out of six projects (I always have great expectations for my time) I only brought all the supplies for one.

This is what the scraps look like from each of the Girle Girl bags I make. Some I have tossed, but recently I found a way to use these. This is the only project I finished, but it's a Christmas present so I am saving it for a post forRenee's Sewing Christmas in August. Click the button on my sidebar to see how much fun that is.

This is the cutest coat and this corduroy is so soft and sweet. A model.

Need Serger, Covered buttons, Interfacing, thread.

This little dress has pleats in the front. The cutest Pirate fabric. I have never seen Pirate fabric before, and I am sure it will be cute. After all...I trust my friend Suzanne 's sence of style.

Need Serger, Thread, Interfacing, cording.

A very stylish clutch with ruffle and vintage looking pin. Another model for Strawberry Patches.

Need large snap. Not much I know, but it has to be put in before purse can be put together..

This pretty Red Rose Farm fabric I bought long ago when I saw it on one of my favorite blogs. Didn't know what I was going to make, but I finally put together an idea for a new little girls bag,

I don't have a pattern, as I am making it up as I go along. Need an iron on fleese, buttons and a lot of imagination for this one.

This group is for Girle Girl bags and with that new premade grosgrain ruffle formStrawberry Patches I think they (6 of them) will be really cute.

Need Decor bond, buttons, and D rings.

Well, I got all of these thing cut out and ready to sew. I am not as fond of the cutting out part as I am of the sewing part, so I'm kinda glad I was forced to get them cut out all at once.

NOW...Drum roll please. Two very sweet ladies blogged about my tutorial. Thanks to both of you for your sweet words.

I put those names in a hat and Mr. SS drew one.

The winner is:

Elizabeth @ Home Is Where the Heart Is. Click on her name or her button on my sidebar and visit this talented, sweet lady. Elizabeth, please e-mail with your address, so I can mail you the watermelon coasters and basket.

Since there was only two, I'm thinking the other sweet lady is going to get a little something too.

Next week, I get to bring two of the grandkids, Kobi and Cade for the week. Gee, hope I remember to pack them. This week wasn't a total loss after all. We played lots of Scrabble and I hate to admit it, but Mr. SS is getting pretty good. Me, I'm still stuck on those 4 letter words.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

So Easy No Sew (almost) Lampshade Redo Tutorial and a Giveaway

2011-07-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, before you see the lampshade tutorial, I want to tell you what I'll do. I was going to suprise you with this at the end of the post, but it turned out so dang long, I'm not sure you'll make it to the end. LOL!

If you blog about the tutorial on your blog and leave me a comment about it, I will throw your name in a hat for a chance to win this little Watermelon Basket with 8 Watermelon coasters. I made them a couple of weeks ago with a giveaway in mind. It just came to me a little while ago to give them away now.

Also, I'd better mention now (in case you don't make it to the end) I am linking up with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for

You can click on her name or the button on my sidebar to

visit her and all the other clever bloggers that have made a change to something in their life.

NOW, finally we can get down to business.

I started with a shade I had that I love the shape of . If you don't have one, I have bought similar ones for 2or 3 dollars at Good Will.

To figure how much fabric you need, measure from top to bottom. That is the length you need. Mine was 15 inches, so I have 1/2 yard. Then measure around the bottom and that is the width. Mine was 42 and I had decorator fabric that was 52" wide, So one length was enough.

You will also need 1/2 yd. for the bias strips.

You will also need:

Spray Adhesive

Aileens Super Thick Tacky Glue

Olfa cutter

Ruler

Cutting Board

Pencil

Small ruler

Scissors

Pi n

A small piece of tissue paper or pattern paper

The inside of my shade was in good shape and clean, so I kept it. It wraps around slightly to the front at the top and bottom.

When I started pulling off the bias strips it was tearing the lining that was glued around to the front, So I held it down with the little ruler. That worked and I was able to pull off the bias strips without harming the shade.

You will need to make a pattern of this area between the wire frame.

Since I didn't remember to bring pattern paper or tissue with me (I always forget something), I used a paper towel. It worked just fine. They don't call me the "Queen" of make do for nothing.

I taped it to the top and drew along the wires and top and bottom. It doesn't have to be perfect as the edges of the fabric will all be covered with bias strips.

I rolled pieces of scotch tape and put on the back of the pattern.

Now I can put it on the lamp shade and make any adjustments.

The tape works well to hold it to the fabric while cutting. I needed 8 pieces for my shade and cut them side by side so the pattern of the fabric would seem continual. There is no way of matching seams because of the shape of the pieces, but even if you had a plaid, it would be continual on the horizontal line.
I stacked them as I was cutting them to keep in order.

I, know...I am making do again. I used an old camping tablecloth to spray my pieces on. You don't want to get that stuff on anything as it stays tacky. Read the instructions on your can, as they many all be different. To achieve a permanent adhesion, my can said to adhere within 15 seconds, so I did one at a time.
Spray the wrong side.

This is so easy. Just press down getting all the bubbles and wrinkles out, just like wallpaper.
I knew after the first piece, I was going to love this lampshade.

Same method with the second piece.

All the way around until the last one

Now to the bias strips. Maybe a little harder, but I hope to make it as painless as possible.
Start by laying fabric flat.

Bring the left upper corner down until you form a 45 degree angle.

Press the fold with your iron.

Double the fold over and you will have 4 layers of fabric with two folds.
This just gives you a shorter area to cut.

Line the folds up just a little over one of the lines on your cutting board. Line up the ruler on the line.
Cut off the folds.

Cut 1 1/ 2 inch strips by moving your ruler over.

Cut several strips. You may have to go back and cut more.

The strips will all be long enough for all the vertical pieces and for the top horizontal one, but the bottom of the lamp will need a longer piece. Piecing bias strips can be a little tricky, but hopefully the picture below will help.

Lay two ends together at a right angle, right sides together. My plaid was easily matched, but this will show so little, it probably wouldn't matter if it was off.

Place your ruler from where the fabric meets at the top to where the fabric meets at the bottom and draw a line

Pin the fabrics and sew on the line (you can't see the line) from where the fabrics meet at the top to where the fabric meets at the bottom.

If you don't sew at all, you could easily glue these ends together.

Now trim the seam and press open.

Measure and cut one strip for the top, one for the bottom (the one you pieced) and one of each of the divisions of your shade to cover the raw edges. The one for the top and bottom will need to be an inch longer. The vertical ones can be just a tiny bit shorter than the measurement.

For each piece you will do the following.

Press 1/2 inch to the wrong side.

Now press 1/2" over again, so you have a finished bias of 1/2"

Open up the last 1/2 inch you pressed over and run a little bead of glue.

Finger press and let dry. Notice that he raw edge does not quite reach the edge and that is just the way you want it so it won't show when glued to shade.

Now hold up the strip and cut to fit. It should be slightly shorter at both ends of shade.

Cut 8 of your strips to this length. Then cut one to fit around the top and one around the bottom.

Glue all as above turning one end under 1/4" on the short end of the two long strips.

There isn't a picture of this, but hope you understand with out one.

When I held up the bias strip, I knew I did not want to break up the pattern on the shade this way, so I cut out all new vertical strips and just used the plaid on the top and bottom.

Sometimes a girl changes her mind...right?

You will need a really wet cloth for the next step. You are going to lay a bead of glue along each strip (one at a time) and smear it with your finger. This is where the wet cloth comes in. It is really messy and sticky.

Now put one at a time on each of the divisions and finger press really good. That Thick Tacky glue will hold right away.

Do all the vertical ones and already you will be getting excited to finish. It will look so professional

When you do the long strips, you have to over lap. Start with the raw edge and over lap with the folded edge that I explained above.

This is what the bottom edge will look like.

TA DA you are finished!!

I tried to be as precise as I could, but pleeeeease, if you feel I missed something or you need some extra help, feel free to e-mail me. I would love to hea any of your suggestions or criticisms. It seems like a lot of steps, but believe me, it is easy and no sew (almost).

Even if your shade isn't shaped like this and doesn't have all the wires, you can do this method.

E-mail me with question about that too. There are all kinds of ways to cover a shade. If you feel inspired to cover a shade, please share it with me, I would love to see what yours looks like.

Now please go blog about this tutorial and come back and tell me so you have a chance to win those watermelon coasters, and visit Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch by clicking on the Metamorphosis Monday button on my side bar.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Birthday Boy

2011-07-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Cade is 7

Our three boys are redheads. Out of 10 grandkids we only got one redhead.

The next generation had better watch out.

10 boys grabbed their hot dogs and headed for the shade of the trampoline.

This is the greatest age.

Cousin Jack getting ready to play the first game

My DIL, Lialani is the best at thinking of and organizing kids games. She did "Minute to Win It" games from the tv show. This was called "Junk in the Trunk" and you had to bounce 6 ping pong balls out of the box behind your back. I laughed soooo hard, I nearly...well you know.

Some serious basketball competition.

Lots more games and a balloon toss and then back in the pool. That's the way to wear out 10 little boys

(and 3 girls) Sister Kobi had to have some company too.

Mamaw and Papaw got to sit in the shade and just enjoy.

I was blessed with a car trip back home with just Jack. I told him we had to stop at my favorite fabric store on the way home and he asked what a fabric was, so I simply said, my favorite sewing store.

He knows what sewing is...after all, his Mamaw does that all the time.

When we got there he asked what the store was called. I told him Strawberry Patches.

Being 5, his answer was, "You mean they sew Strawberries here?"

I laughed again until I nearly...well, you know.

I feel so good right now. Laughter is the best medicene. I truly do believe that.

We were in Riverside for 2 weeks this time and my heart was so homesick for all the grands.

Thank you Lord for the laughter today.

God is So Good!!

Life is So Good!!

Sunday night before we head back to Riverside I will post my looooong tutorial for the lampshade I made last week. It was so much faster to load all those pictures from my home computer and I will finish writing the instructions tonight.

I wish I knew how to do it as a PDF file, but if you remember when I started blogging, I didn't know how to add more than one picture at a time.

Just Wondering

2011-07-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Recently I discovered something that a lot you might not be aware of. Do you know if you are a "No comment-reply blogger". I didn't until someone told me about it over a year ago. When you comment on one of my posts, it goes to my e-mail and I almost always send you a reply.

On my home computer your name comes up in my To box and I thought you were getting my reply. Since I have been usuing my laptop so much this summer, I have noticed that my laptop shows that many of you are a "No comment-reply blogger"

Now maybe you want it to be that way, but if you want to get replies, I have put a button on my sidebar that will take you to a blog where she makes it really easy for you to check on and change your status. Just click on the red No Reply Blogger button on my sidebar.

When I first started blogging I read on a blog that it is good blogger edicate to reply to comments, so I have always tried to do that and it saddens me to think many of you have not received my replies.

Anyway....just FYI.

The lampshade tutorial is coming along and I will post it Sunday night. The shade is done and I took tons of pictures and am trying to load them and explain what I am doing. Hope it turns out clear enough that some of you will want to do one.

Here is the finished shade.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!

Heat, Ants, Scrabble and of Course...

2011-07-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

a little sewing.

I sewed a few more rows on this quilt that I cut out last summer. It's one where the direction and pressing of the seams was confusing me. I finally did two rows yesterday and figured it out. It's for my grandson Cade who will be 7 next week. Won't have it ready for this birthday, but next year...

After all you can't rush a twin size quilt like this:

I thought that while I had this set up, you could see how I manage to sew in our home away from home.

There was no table in our motor home, so we bought a folding table that works fine. It's made from wood and both sides fold down. We eat on our laps, because the table is always filled with this:

The first week we were in Riverside, I found this "Cut and Press" at Walmart. It has been the best $20.00 I've spent this summer. I cut on one side and iron on the other. There is no room for an ironing board, so I do what clothes ironing I need to on it too. I used to use a beach towel on the kitchen counter.

This week, despite the heat, I managed to make two small Roman Shades out of this fabric for a client.

They don't photograph well flat, so when we install them next weekend, I'll try to remember to get a picture.

I did 3 shades for the same lady's kitchen several weeks ago and bar stool pads. If it's okay with her, I will get pictures of those too.

Today, I plan on starting to cover this lampshade. I've never done one this way before, so if it is turning out the way I want it to, I will try to make a tutorial out of it.

The shade came off this table lamp that I am in the process of painting back at my home in Bakersfield.

It is going in our little blue and white trailer that we are remodeling.

I have had this lamp since the mid 90's and it always fits just perfectly somewhere. It's great for doing handwork under and the glass table gives me a place for my coffee cup, book or sewing supplies.

With the old shade (which I love the shape of) and the brass color (which I thought I had to have in the 90's),it is rather dated. But I think by painting it white and the new shade "do" it will be just perfect for my trailer.

I don't like to complain, but just to vent a little, it has been so hot and humid. We live in a metal box, and even with the air on all the time, it just doesn't get really cool.

This week on our weekly trip to Walmart, we decided to get a Scrabble game. We discovered that there is a really nice Rec Room at the RV park where we are staying and...it is always air conditioned.

So, every evening after dinner, Mr. SS and I go down there and play Scrabble. It is so cool there, I almost get cold. Well maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but it feels sooooo good.

After only a few nights of playing, we both are starting to use a few five letter words. Wooo-Hooo!! I'm still 2 games up, but don't tell Mr. SS I told you.

Also, don't tell him, I have Scrabble on my Kindle. Thanks, cousin Judy. I am hooked on "practicing" .

We decided to save on gas and stay in Grand Terrace this weekend, not going home. Two weeks without seeing my babies. I can hardly stand it, but Mr..SS has been working on the little blue and white trailer every weekend for a month and hasn't had a day off.

His boss here asked him to play golf in Hemet today, so he's getting to do that and hopefully resting tomorrow.

Now, I have to go clean up my tiny kitchen. We woke up to ants all over everything this morning. I sprayed the heck out of them, and need to clean up the dead bodies.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Just fell in love with this little BBQ. Wish I knew where to find it.

I would love to have it to store away on our little blue and white trailer.

It was on a Southwest Airlines ad, so have no idea where to get one,

but it just says "4th of July" to me.

We have worked on our little blue and white trailer all weekend. I can't wait to show you some pictures.

I painted all day today and got all the trim, beadboard and ceilings painted...white of course.

Tomorrow, I'm painting the brass sconces, my brass table lamp and another brass light fixture...white of course.

I'ts getting close to being done. Mr. SS will start putting in the flooring tomorrow. Then there are just a few little fixits to do and I will be able to show you some befores and afters.

I still have all the fun stuff to do though. Curtains, chair covers and a little decorating.

Every one is kind of doing their own thing for the 4th, so I was feeling a little bummed because we are taking off for our home away from home tomorrow afternoon.

My son suprised us by asking one of our other sons and his family for dinner and some pre-4th fun.

That meant that 8 of the grandkids were here and having good cousin fun.

I'm sitting in the swing watching 4 of the cousins playing in Emmy's kiddie pool.

My thought is why the small pool when they have this:

But it wasn't long until this was filled with cousins, daddys and Papaw.

I think I'm about to get shot. Look at that face.

This is Camy. You can't see it, but a few days ago she tripped and fell, hitting her ear and her head behind her ear on the doll house. She had 30 stitches and can't swim for awhile. But being Camy, she had a smile for me. It must be hard to whatch your cousins having so much fun.

Again, I'm wishing you all the best 4th of July ever.

I' m going to take some time to pray for and to think of the men and women fighting so we have the freedom to celebrate

today. I hope you will too.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Wraping Up My Week

2011-06-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few blocks from the RV Park in Grand Terrace, I stumbled across this tiny Quilt store called Bluebird Quilts. Even though, I try to bring everything I need for my projects, I often find I have forgotton something so, I am glad to find a place to buy supplies.

Even though this little store is small, it is full of quilting notions, patterns and fabric.

Just inside the door was a row of sale fabric and I found this fabric.

It just says summer to me and I decided I NEEDED it for a summer tablecloth or runner.

But when looking through my most recent issue of one of my favorite magazines,

I saw this and immediately thought of my watermelon fabric.

The little basket the coasters are in reminded me of

these little treat bags that I made for the grandkids last year.

Sure enough they were from the same designer:

Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie.

This is my version of her pattern using my wattermelon fabric and some pieces from my stash. I added the black piping because a watermelon has to have some black and I'll add a black button when I get home.

Here's a closeup of a coaster.

and the finished basket...it really neads a button.

It was an easy to follow pattern. I cut them all out one evening and sewed them the next afternoon.

Strip and chain pieced the coasters and they went quickly. I still have plenty of fabric for a tablecloth too.

Recently I discovered that Monica has a line of fabrics...sew cute that I'm going to go to Strawberry Patches and get some on Saturday.

You can see them here.

Mostly, I sewed all week. Finished some machine embroidery on towels for a friend and made some of my Girly Girl purses. Tried to make a zipper rose (haven't mastered that yet).Sewed hair clips on some chiffon flowers for the grands. Worked on two quilts. I'm hand quilting one and machine pieceing one. I just work on these a little bit each day.

Tomorrow morning, I head back home. I haven't seen my two oldest grandkids that live in Tehachapi for the longest time. They have really been on my heart this week, so I'm going to try to see them before we head back to our home away from home on Monday.

Next week, I may get to meet another fellow blogger, so will get to post about that.

In case I don't get back here, everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

This and That Tuesday

2011-06-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Lately, even though, I have some things to blog about, I just can't seem to "get it together". So today I thought I'd just put a few little things out there.

Last week, besides our fun anniversary date, we had a fun evening with new found friends. Barb and Carl visited us again.

Even though, we have been in and out of this RV Park all spring and we had not ventured up to the pool area. We took advantage of the really nice BBQ area and had a picnic of BBQ Chicken and salads.

When I found out Barb of Dogmom Diva was coming for a visit, I wanted to make something for her brand new grand baby girl. It is her first, so it had to be special. I had several little pieces left of the vintage linen tablecloth I had used for this dress for my baby Emmy.

So, I was able to make this for baby Gracie.
It's all vintage findings including the crocheted edging, buttons and ribbon. The ribbon was part of a giveaway win from not long ago.

Then over the weekend, while we were back home, I was able to catch up on grandkid stuff.
Kobi at a vollyball game. She is really a powerful server.

Lexi's swim meet. She is awesome at the breastsroke and won a ribbon this week

I also finished this and took it in to Strawberry Patches on Saturday.

Suzanne at Notes of the Patch did a sew easy tutorial for making these little T-shirt dresses today. Click on her name to see just how easy and to get those cute little shirts, embellishments and fabric.

One more thing...I had really planned to make a beach tote this summer, but never seem to find the time. I was in Rite Aid Saturday buying rafts for the kids for their pool and I found this cute bag for 1/2 price.
Only $5.00 and I just had to take it home. Look at those cute handles and the button. It comes in several colors and is plenty roomy for my beach towel, sunscreen and Kindle.

Well, enough of this and that, I'm off to try a little project I found in the latest Quilts and More Magazine.

Maybe I can "get it together" and post about it before next week, but don't hold your breath.

Just being real, here.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Forty Three and Counting

2011-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

No, sadly, that isn't my age and yesterday wasn't my birthday. It was Mr. SS's and my anniversary. It seems like yesterday and yet it seems like forever. Does that make sense?

In the past we have done various things to celebrate, from doing nothing, to a quiet dinner at home. We've gone out to fancy dinners, to hamburgers and a movie. We've spent many anniversaries in Laughlin NE, celebrating with our good friends Dave and Gail (who were married one week before we were).

As Mr. SS went out the door yesterday, he said, "Well, you can make plans, or we'll decide when I get home." I think that was a hint that it was my responsibility this year to plan our celebration.

While exploring the area around the park in Riverside where we stayed two weeks ago, I came across a Drive-In Theater. I know, I am dating myself here, but Drive-In Theaters were a popular date destination when I was a teenager. I couldn't believe this one was a working theater and not just a place for swap meets. The one we used to take our kids to in Bakersfield turned into a SwapMeet and is now an RV Park.

Memories flooded back when I saw the Drive-In. Mr. SS and I had been dating several weeks when he asked to take me to the local Drive-In Theater. Now, in those days, it wasn't a situation for a first date, but by this time it sounded romantic. See, in the "olden days", cars were not bucket seats with a console in the middle. Mr. SS's car had a bench seat and I sat next to him. (That was the romantic part)Really, that's what you did then. I know...I'm old.

Well, to make this short, I will just tell you that, that night he told me he loved me for the first time. It was another 2 years before we were married, but when I saw a real Drive-In, that's what I remembered.

Sooooooo! I have to plan our anniversary date, huh? It didn't really matter what is playing. We are going to the Drive-In. Would we go to dinner first? No, no, no! I did what we did when we took our kids to the show. I made sandwiches, baked cookies and popped corn. I packed the car, and when Mr. SS came home from work, I asked him to clean up and put on his shorts, (it was 100 degrees here today). Of course, being the longest day of the year, it was awhile before we left, but this was our destination.

I wish we could have gotten here in time to get a better picture, but it was already getting dark. I was barely able to get this blurry picture as we drove in.

This is the back of one of the movie screens. I got out of the car for this one, so it isn't blurry. Just wonder what the people in the car behind us thought about the crazy lady with her camera.

We got a good spot and were soon surrounded by cars and trucks, with people and kids setting up lawn chairs and coolers and blankets and pillows
The only thing missing here were the playground toys...

Sometime soon we are bringing some of the grandkids with us to our home away from home and you can bet we will be taking them to the Drive-In Theater. Maybe the new Cars II will be showing. Wouldn't that be fun.

Mr. SS said that this topped his list of ways to celebrate our anniversary. I told him that I have always been a cheap date.

PS
I just found an historic picture on the Rubidioux Drive-In Website. It hasn't changed much. Much better than the ones I got.

On a completely different note...I have been having a terrible time with posting, so haven't been able to visit all my favorite blogs much. Usually unless it lists URL as a way to post, I can't post. It keeps telling me to sign in to blogger. I do that, over and over, but always loose my post.
Also took me all morning to get pictures to show up on my post. Anyone else having this problem and if so, have you figured out how to fix it? Any help will be appreciated.

God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

The Rest of the Story

2011-06-18T00:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I went back to see the dentist so they could finish the job they started three weeks ago. You remember that rant, I'm sure. I was told right away by the endodonists (2 of them) that I needed to sign a release that they had informed me that they might not be able to save my tooth. Oh boy!! I just started praying and prayed silently the whole time they were working on me. Forty Five minutes (not 3 hrs.) later I heard, "Good news,(not Bad News this time) Beverly. We were able to save your tooth and you may go now." I still have to go back for the crown and work on my gums, but me and my tooth are doing a "happy dance"

I went home and "celebrated" by making some tea and sitting down with one of my favorite magazines.

I know I have shown you this before, but the summer one just came out. It is chock full of ideas for summer parties, receipes and just fun stuff.

One of my favorite holidays to decorate a table for is the 4th of July.

Red, White and Blue just make me tingly all over.

There are always invitations and other goodies to copy in the back of the book.

This party invitation is the cutest thing, and all you have to do to have it for your own party is put the printable version in the back of the magazine in your printer and push start. Isn't it just so cute.

I have some glasse almost like these, I need to find the box they are in and get a tablescape started.

Here they are showing how to make this centerpiece and the pinwheels. Your really need to make pinwheels.

They are so cute and so easy.

Well, that is just a little part of all the wonderful ideas I found. Each edition includes ideas for the holidays and seasons that occur during the time line.

I must confess, after enjoying my magazine, I treated myself to a nap. Didn't sleep much the night before. Hmmmm, wonder why??

God is Good!

Life is Good!