Cock-A-Doodle-What?

Lots of thoughts swirl around when you’re thinking of making a hand-made gift for someone.  For me, it has to be a very good (tettering on great) friend or a family member.  After all, it’s hard work thinking up a special project, hours of meticulously cutting fabric, when piecing - demanding of yourself the sharpest of points, then bursting with pride at the completed project.  Hmm.  It wasn’t quite the ending I had envisioned.

My niece (Em) is turning 12, through 4-H she’s began to sew and would like to learn to quilt.  I'll get you my pretty!  Auntie Tina is more than willing to get her started!  Because she raised chickens this summer I decided to make her a chicken pin cushion.  Em loves Vera Bradley bags, so I tried to find fabric which resembled VB.  (Much like she did with her apron and pot holders she made for 4-H)  I’m thinking….what a cool Aunt I am!  Em opens her gift, holds up by the tail…..and asks….what it is?  Argh.  I explain she’s holding it wrong and to flip it up.  Still…nothing.   It’s a chicken Em, a chicken pin cushion.  Ooohh, thanks.  To think I worked so hard on that perfect beak!

By the end of lunch, Em said “oh, I see it now, that’s cool”

Maybe a little too abstract for the Tween crowd….

Still seeing stars

I’m feeling the itch, getting anxious to nail down a lay-out for my 6-point hexies.  With 25 hexies complete and 12 more stars waiting, I need to decide where I’m going with this.  There are several ideas I’ve seen on Pinterest, but just when I think I’ve decided - I see something else.  One pattern sticks out a little more than others so I ordered the back ground fabric today.  No longer on the fence, my hexies now have purpose.  Can’t wait to share once I receive the fabric – a gold Civil War repro!  This is a true leap of faith, I’ve never used gold anything before. Until then, I’ll keep cranking out the 6 pointers.

One of my all-time favorite movies is the Wizard of Oz.  During the winter, Cinemark Theaters run a series of movie Classics which are shown on Sundays and Wednesdays.  Last night a handful of my family members went to check out the Wizard on the big screen.  If you’ve never had the chance, and it comes to town – It. Is. A. Must. See!  The detail you see on the big screen is phenomenal.  Now I’ve seen this movie – dozens of times.  But, I saw detail on the munchkins, flowers and scenery I had never seen before.  Completely amazing – and not just to me, but a gathering of viewers stood outside the theater after just to talk about it.   I assumed there would be a flood of kids, but not at all.  Besides 2 of my grands, my daughter looked to be the youngest adult in attendance.

I had chills! 

Before and after the movie a commentary was shown about the costumes, make-up, etc.  

Did you know the cowardly lion suit is a Real Lion pelt?  

Poor Bert Lahr, having to wear a real animal pelt - can you imagine how hot it must have been?  I don't even want to think about the smell...  Yikes!  

Brr.....Baby it's cold outside!

Bring it on Ol’Man Winter!  It’s a bitter 6 degrees this morning and dropping to Zero by noon today.  Sporting flannel “loungewear”, I treated myself to a grilled cheese and cuppa soup for dinner last night then snuggled up on the couch to work on Fussy Stars. 

Since we had a dusting of snow I thought it would look nice to use as the background, but o.m.g. we were close to freezing our points off trying to get a good shot!  When back inside I heard the weather man say it was -14 with wind chill.  What a dumb idea I had……

This one could be my favorite one so far….well it was this morning, but now I’m not so sure – the lavender and cream star is warming up to me…… 

And so it begins...2015!

 During the holidays, I’d put home remodeling on hold.  Since I’m a DIY’er, it’s taking much longer than I had anticipated.  The only room left to paint is my sewing area.  I’ve unpacked the bare minimal of sewing gadgets so I can (at least) work on something.  But since I hosted Christmas Eve, I didn’t want to muck up the place before guests arrived and did the full home tour.  I mean I’ve removed popcorn ceilings, sanded, painted and hung dry wall….this chick needed some ooohs and ahhhs before I slid into the “lived-in” look.  

Needing a sewing project, I pulled out my Fussy Friday Stars.  Temecula Quilt Blog started the project January 2014 and posted a new star each week.  Well, sometimes life gets in the way and I’d fallen behind.  So until I can start jazzing up the sewing area I’ll be working on these.

A coincidental snowflake perched on my scrawny tree.  Instead of filling my living room with the 7 footer (then moving my couch in the dining room), my new primitive tree fit perfect.

Ok, a little Charlie Brownish, but it was a breeze to put away!