Quiltqueen

Look what I did!

2011-06-04T07:48:00.002-05:00

I made this on Smilebox. I never tried this before. It is so cute. Of course I am just using the free program and have not signed up for the monthly fee deal where you get to burn DVD's etc. I thought this was cute!

This scrapbook design created with Smilebox

Where Have I Been?

2011-05-30T06:47:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted anything crafty lately because I haven't had any time to do anything crafty! May has been a whirlwind of activity! Besides being a very busy time at school with all of the end of the year activities, my son graduated from college! My DH and I spent 5 days last week/weekend, driving to St. Louis, watching two ceremonies (they have a school recognition ceremony and then the whole university thing), then packed and loaded up his apt., drove to East Lansing, Michigan, unloaded and moved him in to his new apt. where he will be living while he attends graduate school at Michigan State University. Needless to say, I am beat!!! We then had to return home and return to work! UGH!!! But he is settled and starts his work in the research lab on Tuesday and my house is once again quiet!!!
Believe it or not, I am so looking forward to having some quiet and alone time!!! I am getting too old to keep up with the likes of twenty somethings!!!
Below is a picture of the group at the recognition ceremony. We got lucky and sat very close to where Stephen was seated! He is smack dab in the middle of this picture!

This is a picture of the athletic center filled to capacity! It was very crowded. Glad we got there early!

The pictures below are of the university graduation. These are pictures of the quadrangle where the ceremony took place. Just to give you an idea of what the size was.

The picture below is the guest speaker at the graduation, Elie Weisel! I was absolutely thrilled to find out that he was the speaker. I have read many of his books and study the Holocaust. I am a trained teacher of the Holocaust and study it with my class each year. They were thrilled to learn that I got to see and hear Elie Weisel in person.

Here are the proud Mom and Dad with the graduate! We are so very proud of his accomplishments!

And finally, we make it to Michigan. The apt. isn't too far from campus. About a mile from the building where he will work. He bought a bike to use until the weather gets too yucky! Being a grad student, he gets a parking permit and the lot where he gets to park is right in front of his building! Lucky dog!!!

In The Army

2011-05-03T18:58:00.000-05:00

Just going through the army photos on their facebook page and actually found two with my son in them. This first photo looks like they just got out of a gas mask exercise. My son is the one on the far right.

This next picture I cropped. Again, he is on the far right taking notes!

So good to see that he is doing ok! Miss him!

Way overdue!

2011-04-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

I feel terrible that I have not posted in a long time and I have not thanked several people for their wonderful gifts.
First of all, I would like to thank Nicole and Beadwright for the beautiful red earrings that she sent me for my Pay It Forward gift. They are lovely and I have already worn them several times.

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Next, I would like to thank Lani Kent for the gorgeous cards and bookmarks and the beautiful magnet. Also, for her very kind words. She is an amazing artist and a lovely person.

Finally, I would like to thank my sister, who sticks by me and listens to all my troubles without complaining. She keeps sending me all these great gifts. The latest is this lovely fabric. I know I have a book on the way too. She is an amazing sister and I love her very much. I wish we lived closer and could see each other more often. Perhaps either her or I will win the lottery and that will become a reality!!!

My life has kept me busy. At school, my class was responsible for putting on the Passion Play this past Thursday. It took lots of practice and much of my time and energy! It came off without a hitch and I was extremely proud of my students. I am a tough teacher, always demanding excellence, and they rose to the occasion! Pizza party for their accomplishment!!!

Finally, my oldest son just left for the Army this past week. We haven't heard from him but did receive a "form" postcard from him today. Basically it said that he was fine and don't write, he'll send more info. later. At least it is good to know he is ok. These are some pictures of him right before he left.

Chuck with his younger brother, Stephen.

Chuck with his dad.

Finally, Chuck with me!

More gifts in the mail!

2011-03-20T13:02:00.000-05:00

I just received my final OWOH gift from Sabine at http://bibas.krimskrams.blogspot.com
It is a beautiful handmade card and a lovely journal. Thanks so much Sabine. Please visit her blog to see her lovely work.

I also received a lovely fairie gift from Judy over at http://once we werefairies.blogspot.com for her Pay It Forward gift. I love the box as much as the little bag. Please check out her blog to see her fantastic fairie designs.

And this is what I have been working on. It is my first beading project, I think I should have started smaller, but I really wanted to make the lizard. I have no idea what I will do with him when I am done but I am enjoying the process. I have to say though, that I need a magnifying light. Those seed beads are really hard to see, especially at night!

Pay It Forward!

2011-03-12T14:25:00.011-06:00

I just read about this on Purplepaintsmuse blog. It is a way to spread a little kindness in this world. Basically, this is how it works. The first 5 people to leave a comment and email me with their snail mail address will receive a special package from me sometime during 2011. This is my way of saying thank you for visiting my blog.
Now your challenge is to continue to spread the kindness. See if you can do 5 nice things for someone in 2011. It doesn't have to cost money. It can be a kind word to someone who is feeling low or an hour of your time at a soup kitchen. There are so many ways to spread kindness.
Email me and let me know what you have done and I will post it on my blog anonymously. Won't you join in and spread a little kindness in your world?
If you'd like to read more about it you can go to
http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/
and
http:ragamuffingalsstudio.blogspot.com/

If anyone knows how I make those blog addresses actual links, please help me. I have clicked on every button I know and even clicked the link button and typed it in like I was supposed to but then it wouldn't even show on the post. HELP!!!

More Goodies!

2011-03-12T13:47:00.007-06:00

I just feel like I am celebrating my birthday all month!!!
Look what I got from ChatElaine. I won this on her website! She made it just for me. Aren't I lucky!!!!
She has two etsy stores if you'd like to check out all her goodies! They are beautiful!
www.ChatElaineGlassArt.etsy.com
www.chatelainejewellery.etsy.com

I received these beadbacking fabrics and the beautiful cabochon from Nicole at Beadwright. I had entered a blogaversary giveaway at Pieces of Fate and Susan picked me!! What was really funny was that Nicole over at Beadwright was the big winner of my OWOH giveaway!!

And finally, my wonderful Big Sister in England sent me some of her leftover fabric. She has decided to give weaving a try so is getting rid of her fabric stash! And I am the lucky recipient!!

This is a close-up of one of the fabrics. Don't you just love the butterfly's!!

Thank you to everyone!!!

Miffed!

2011-03-10T17:29:00.002-06:00

Have you ever felt violated? It is an awful feeling. When someone lurks around but doesn't make their presence known. When you don't share a private part of your life but they invade it anyway but don't come out and tell you, rather they sneak around and then make an off the cuff remark that makes you realize they have been lurking in areas of your life that you hadn't shared with them.
If it was an accident that they stumbled upon this area of your life that you hadn't shared with them, then why wouldn't they comment about it? Why make an off the cuff remark so that you would know they have invaded your space but they don't come out and just say it? Oh, it makes me so angry.

Seriously, Who Puts Gluten in Shampoo!!!

2011-03-05T19:53:00.003-06:00

Ok, this is seriously crazy! I went to get my hair cut and I decided to try a different salon and stylist just because. So as I am there, I notice that she was using a product on me that I had never seen before. (trust me, I have seen and tried them all!) So I asked her about it. She was telling me about all it's qualities and how there are only 2 salons in Illinois now carrying it because it is so new. They are using it because some of their clients have gluten sensitivities and this is gluten free. WHAT! I have spent the last year trying every shampoo, cheap, expensive, foreign, organic, etc on the market because my head has been itching like crazy and I have had this rash behind my ears and along my hairline. Yeah, come to find out it is because of the gluten in the products I have been using. Who the hell puts gluten in shampoo??????????
This is the first time in a year or more that my head does not itch. No wonder I couldn't get rid of the rash. I'd put cortisone cream on it like they told me and it would go away for a day or two and then be right back. So, this is the big test. My head doesn't itch and I'll see if the rash goes away and stays away. Of course this stuff costs millions, just like everything else I have to buy. Man, somebody is making a fortune out of others misery!!!
So, now don't you feel educated???? Geez, now I have to go check my lotion and makeup to make sure I am not inadvertently getting it there. I am not totally ok in the intestine dept and am now in awful shape, so I am thinking I might be getting gluten from non food sources.
I just ought to go live on a deserted island somewhere away from everyone and everything and just commune with nature!!!
My luck there will be wheat fields everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!
Oh, the brand of the shampoo is Neuma. This is what they state:

NEUMA brings beauty, health and well-being to hair. Our collection of professional performance beauty products contain ingredients which above all, do no harm - because like you, we care for earth and hair.
ZERO synthetic fragrance, sulfates, parabens, 1.4 dioxane, phtalates, glutens, neurotoxins, aluminum compuonds, glycols, formaldehyde donors, ureas, carcinogens and environmental pollutants - simply a genuine, sustainable brand.
Renewable, beneficial, plant-based, colour safe ingredients
Certified Organic Extracts
85% post consumer recycled bottles
100% certified wind power
100% recycled fiber containers

Organic raw materials, sustainable business practices and continuing membership as a global corporate citizen will make the difference in the long run. It's the right thing to do.

Yeah, so who would figure that I have been so religious about not ingesting any gluten yet here I have been putting it on my head every day. Don't you think somebody would have suggested to me that there may be gluten in shampoo??? UGH!!

Prizes in the mail

2011-02-27T11:18:00.005-06:00

I have received 2 of my prizes from the OWOH blog event. I am so excited about them. I absolutely love the painted picture from Kathy Art over at http://whimsicalfolkart.blogspot.com. She is so very talented. If you get a chance, please hop over to her blog to see all of her fantastic work.

I also received a package of goodies from Lisa Cousineau at http://randomveracity.blogspot.com. Can you believe all the goodies she gave away for her prize. I am just so excited about all of them. I really want to get into mixed media and now I have some supplies to work with. Thank you so much Lisa.

Both of these things have arrived right before my birthday so it is kind of like they are celebrating with me. Thanks ladies!!

Life has dealt me some major blows recently, so these presents have been such a boost to my spirits. Thanks so much!

OWOH Winners!

2011-02-18T08:15:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to the following winners of my giveaway.

Nicole at Beadwright won the owl pillow!
Carolyn at lildarlings by carolyn won the bag and
vintage wil won the collage.
I have emailed all of you or if there was no email, I posted a comment on your blog. Please make sure you contact me with your mailing address.
Thanks!

The End is Near!!

2011-02-13T16:52:00.002-06:00

Did I get your attention? Well, I don't mean the end of the world, I mean the end of the One World One Heart event. I have had fun visiting the blogs. I have made some new friends along the way and have been inspired by many.
It was so nice to read all the comments that I received. Last year I don't think I even got 50 comments, but this year I have well over 100. I might even make 200 before this ends but I doubt it!!
I can't wait to see what Lisa is going to announce. I know she said this was her last year for the OWOH event, but perhaps she is starting another type of event!!!

I will be drawing my winners by random generator on the evening of the 17th. I will post your name on my blog and I will email you if you left me an email address. If the winners do not respond to me with addresses within 3 days, I will pick new winners.

Stay tuned!!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-02T18:16:00.000-06:00

Event Begins at Midnight on January 30th Pacific time!

Hi! Welcome to my blog. My name is Kathy and I enjoy sewing and making quilts. I do this in my spare time, which during the school year isn't very often, since I am also a teacher. I am also interested in mixed media and I love looking at other people's blogs to see how creative they are. I incorporate lots of hands on activities in my classroom so I love to get new ideas from the blogs I visit.
The One World One Heart event is in its 5th and final year. I found this event last year and had a blast visiting everyone's blogs. There are many that I now follow.
This event is open to everyone around the world so it is a great way to meet lots of fun and creative people. If you would like to know more about the organizer of this event or if you want to jump in and join the fun, just click on the OWOH logo below.

I am really glad that you stopped by for a visit. My door prizes this year are a cute owl pillow,

a tote bag,

and a mixed media collage

Just leave a comment and you have a chance to win one of these!
I hope you come back to visit often. I know my posts can be dull at times, but I'd love to meet more people.
Thanks for stopping by.

BLIZZARD of 2011

2011-02-02T07:11:00.002-06:00

Boy, have we gotten slammed with a storm! You know how weather forecasters can be. You hear about an approaching storm and you just kind of listen with one ear. Well, they got this one right!!!
It kicked into high gear about 2:00 p.m. yesterday. I had to drive home to work as the winds picked up, drifts covered the roads and in some places I had zero visibility! It was a harrowing ride. I was delighted to see my driveway come into view!! Winds were blowing at 25 to 50 mph. We lost power around 10:30 last night but somehow we got it restored around 3 a.m. It got a bit chilly in the house but nothing a few more blankets couldn't take care of!!
We can only see out of 2 of our windows, the others are all covered with snow. Drifts in our yard and drive are 5 to 6 feet deep. My husband and son went out last night to try to stay ahead of the snow, let's just say they lost that battle!!!
Both are still sleeping this morning but will be back at it a bit later. Hopefully the winds will die down a bit and the snow stop! It will take them hours to dig us out!! When they go out again I will have them snap some pictures for me!
Our county has declared a civil emergency so no one is allowed on the roads without a police escort. Right, like people want to go out in this!!! Depending on the winds and how long it snows, I might have another snow day tomorrow!!! The downer to this is that we have to make them up in June!!!!
So for today, I will be spending quality time in my sewing room, reacquainting myself with my trusty sewing machine!!! These days are truly gifts!!!

No Time!!!

2011-01-22T16:36:00.003-06:00

Oh, will this month ever end??? I don't have any time for sewing this month. School is crazy! We have science fair and open house coming up and I am the science fair coordinator so it is up to me to find all the judges, have all the paperwork ready, make sure I have someone to take care of the judges, provide treats for the judges, etc. On top of that, I have my own class to prepare not only for the science fair but their other projects that need to be out for open house. This is a huge marketing time for us so it is important to have everything looking fabulous. Plus, I am on the marketing committee so I have to make sure flyers get out to the places they need to be. And on top of all this, I am now part of the OCS Social Studies curriculum group and we are rewriting the social studies curriculum using core standards. Not just for my school, this is for the whole archdiocese of Chicago. Yeah, I am tired just thinking about it all!!
Now add to all this the fact that our ejector pump failed in our lower level and we got sewage back up. Now we have to have parts of walls replaced, trim replaced, flooring replaced, etc. The room looks like a disaster area right now!! The clean up is done, but the repair work hasn't even begun. We are just gathering estimates. UGH!!
I would rather be trying to decide what kind of fabric to use to make my next quilt, or work on making a new bag. But no time for that right now!!

Lizard on Felt

2011-01-16T15:45:00.008-06:00

I actually finished this felt quilt last weekend but I didn't get a chance to take a picture and get it up here till now. I like the way it looks and feels and i think I will be doing more with felt and wool.
You can see the quilting I did on the purple back. I like how the lizard stands out on his own.

Today I completed a tote bag for my principal. She liked the Los Santos print that I used for a bag that I gave the secretary for her birthday present and asked if she could have one too. I had enough scraps left so I sewed that up today. I didn't take a picture of it but it looks like this one.

Of course, my post wouldn't be complete without a picture of my "helper." Or should I say "supervisor." Yeah, he's sleeping on the job!!!

Back to Work!

2011-01-06T20:13:00.004-06:00

I have piddling around with a lizard wallhanging that I wanted to try on felt, but I am not happy with my color selections. They are definitely not bright enough. I am not sure if I will continue on with this or abandon it and move on to something else. Since school has started it is hard to sew during the week. I am so tired when I get home that I don't really do much. I have all my lesson plans done for next week already, so I am hoping to do some sewing this weekend. Perhaps I'll have some interesting things to show.
My newly opened etsy site has gotten traffic but no sales yet. Hmmm...
I also received in the mail a new book I ordered. This book, The Bag Making Bible, is supposed to be awesome if you are interested in making bags. I'll let you know how it works out!

Messenger Bag!

2010-12-29T12:29:00.005-06:00

This is a flap type messenger bag that goes over the shoulder and can criss cross the chest. It measures 15 X 11 X 3. It was a little confusing to make but I got through it.

New Shoulder Bag with tie closure!

2010-12-28T17:37:00.005-06:00

I actually finished this yesterday but it was wayyyyyyyyyy past my bedtime when it was done so I didn't try to take any pictures and get it posted.
I didn't get much accomplished today. I ended up going to the library and then the fabric store to get some magnetic snaps for my next project. Then I just had to look around at everything. I found some clearance fabric to make some springtime baskets out of and I got a zipper for a bag I want to try.
Then I met a friend for lunch. I don't get to see her very often because of work so it was nice to get caught up. But then, by the time I got home my energy was sapped. I had to rest for awhile and am just now getting to the pictures and posting. I feel like these kind of days are wasted as far as getting work done.

A Simple tote!

2010-12-27T13:51:00.005-06:00

Boy, yesterday I felt like a truck had hit me. Today I am doing better. I have a runny nose and eyes and am still achy but I can at least do something today. Yesterday, all I could do was sit around. It was a very frustrating day!!
I whipped up this little tote today. It is reversible and really cute if you are in a hurry and just need a little something to carry a few things with you. Actually, you could fit quite a bit in it!! The bag itself is 13 inches wide and 10 inches deep. The longer strap is 8 inches and tucks really nicely through the smaller handle sealing the top of the bag so nothing falls out. It is really quick to make too!!!

New tote!

2010-12-25T18:28:00.003-06:00

After our Christmas dinner I tried out this new design. This is a smaller tote, about 12.5 X 9 inches. It has outer pockets created by the way the straps are attached. It was a little difficult to put together at first but now that I have done one I know it will get easier. I think adding a strap with a button or velcro closing would be a nice addition. Perhaps a small inside pocket too!!

Merry Christmas and another tote!

2010-12-25T14:13:00.005-06:00

I actually started this yesterday but only got the lining and straps on today. I put a pocket in this tote that's why you see an inside shot of this bag.

A Different Bag!

2010-12-24T15:13:00.004-06:00

Well, I tried a different little bag today. This one is not quilted but it is lined. It has a button closure with a little pink ribbon. I think it would be cute for a little girl!

Kindle Cover!

2010-12-24T11:49:00.003-06:00

I finally got around to making the Kindle cover. I originally made one using a design from Moda but I found that it didn't work out quite right. I don't know if it was me or the pattern but I adjusted it and I think this works better. Plus, you don't have to worry about putting on a binding.

Rag quilt tote!

2010-12-23T14:38:00.006-06:00

I worked on this most of the morning and just took it out of the dryer. Now, I did stop and get up and move around as my back is killing me today so it wasn't constant sewing. But it seemed to take a bit of time. I do have to say that I like this bag alot. It is reversible too! Now I am on to working on the kindle cover!!!

Another Bag!!!

2010-12-22T18:19:00.006-06:00

I only finished one more bag today. I had PT in the morning and then a dr. appt. in the afternoon so my sewing time was broken up. I think this bag is a bit unique as I used the southwestern themed saint fabric to make it. It will be a conversation piece!!!
I am going to try a rag bag next. We'll see how that turns out!!

More Bags!

2010-12-21T20:15:00.007-06:00

I worked on some more bags today. I finished 3. I did two with a pink African themed fabric and 1 with a purple quilt square I had leftover from a quilt. The purple one is quite tall and thin. I am not sure how much I like it yet.
These bags are all lined and quite sturdy. I free motion quilt them all too.
I also made a little tea sampler bag too. I don't think it turned out quite right so I will try again tomorrow. It is getting too late for me to be up and sewing now. I couldn't sleep well last night, and was up quite early so I am going to make it an early night tonight.
I am hoping to finish snipping the rag quilt tomorrow so I can get that up on the blog.

Forgot the Supervisor!!

2010-12-21T06:29:00.002-06:00

Last night when I added my bag pictures I forgot the most important picture of all! That of my darling supervisor! My dog Rappy, is 12 years old and I am never without him by my side if I am at home. He is such a love! Who could ever guess that one could become so attached to a dog, but he is really more than a dog, he is a people!! At least he thinks he is!!

Look What I Found!

2010-12-21T05:42:00.004-06:00

Doing some early morning blog surfing and I found a wonderful blog from a gal in Australia. She is offering a give-away on New Years Eve. The fabric is beautiful and she is willing to send it anywhere in the world! How very nice of her to do that. Go check out her blog and see how clever she is!
http://retromummy.blogspot.com/2010/12/flower-sugar-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Retromummy+%28retromummy%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2010-12-20T20:16:00.008-06:00

Oh boy have I been busy! Since I have been off I have finished one rag quilt (well, not quite finished, I have to finish snipping it), and two tote bags. I know it doesn't sound like much to some of you but for me it is big!!
I really like making these bags. The pattern is so straight forward. I got the directions from p.s. i quilt blog. She had a tutorial for a friendship bag that was much smaller than this. One of the comments after the tutorial was from SewLadySew and she resized it so it was bigger. I followed her directions on the first bag, but I found that her lining was way too big so I made adjustments for the second bag and it turned out great. The green bag was my second attempt.
I have also been using all the fancy stitches on my machine to quilt the bags. I have already found some favorite stitches!!

I am hoping to make a bunch of these bags and start my etsy site. Since my husband has been out of work for 2 years now I have to find some way to bring in extra money. Teaching just doesn't pay all the bills!!!!

A few weeks ago I made this owl. He is cute but I really hate stuffing something that big!!
Last week I made the crow. He was fun and I want to make more of them and put them in decorated canvases. Another of my goals to work on while I am home for these 2 weeks.
I made a kindle cover but I gave it away before I took a picture of it!! Darn! I want to make some more of those but I have to adjust the pattern I found because I didn't like the way it worked out. I'll post a picture of it when I get it figured out.

Quilt Delivered!

2010-12-13T18:38:00.002-06:00

Today was the day that I gave the Pastor at the school where I teach the quilt I made for him. He was very surprised and happy with it. I also made him some carrot cake cupcakes that we shared with my class. This was a quilt for his birthday. He said it was too pretty to use and should be hung on the wall. I hope he uses it but if he wants to hang it on the wall he could do that too!!!

One World One Heart Event

2010-12-11T09:57:00.019-06:00

A Whimsical Bohemian is announcing the 5th and final OWOH event to begin on January 30th. Please click on the link below to get more information. This is a great event and I recommend it to all fellow bloggers.
http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/2010/12/a-couple-of-quick-answers-to-a-couple-of-owoh-questions.html

Butterfly Project

2010-12-04T08:18:00.005-06:00

I found this project on another blog. I copied the picture (blog owner gave permission) and her address so that everyone who reads my blog can click on it and possibly join the effort. If you read her entire listing, you see that all the directions to participate are given and if you don't want to participate through her blog you can go directly to the Houston Holocaust Museum. There is a link for educators and since I am one, I decided to click on it. I teach a huge unit on the Holocaust in the spring and I am adding this to it. My class will definitely be participating in this project. I am so glad that I happened upon this blog and am thankful that others are just as interested in stopping the hate as I am.

http://twodressesstudio.blogspot.com/2010/08/butterfly-effect-open-is-calling-you.html

"The Butterfly Project" hosted by The Holocaust Museum Houston in Texas, USA. Their mission as follows:
The Holocaust Museum Houston is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims and honoring the survivors' legacy. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, we teach the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy. And the tag line following it reads:
Stop Hate. Starting Here.
The Butterfly Project mandate is to remember the 1,500,000 innocent children who perished as a result of the Holocaust by collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies.

In Spring 2013, these butterflies will then become a breath-taking exhibition to serve as a memory of this event.

Can you imagine? 1.5 million children translated into 1.5 million butterflies....? If you wondering why a butterfly, the project is based on this poem -

I Never Saw Another Butterfly
The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow
Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing
against a white stone....

Such, such a yellow
Is carried lightly ’way up high.
It went away I’m sure
because it wished
to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here
Penned up inside this ghetto.
But I have found what I love here.
The dandelions call to me
And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.
That butterfly was the last one.
Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Written by Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942

Born in Prague on Jan. 7, 1921.
Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942.
Died in Aushchwitz on Sept. 29, 1944.

Why I Teach

2010-11-19T20:09:00.003-06:00

I found this video about teachers on another blog and I just had to put it here. Being a teacher isn't about the money, it's about the children. I am so blessed to have a lovely, sweet group of children this year. And not only that, but their parents are very supportive and encourage their children to do their best. I teach because I love seeing the look on a child's face when they finally figure something out. I teach because I love to see the excitement on a child's face when they achieve a goal. I teach because I love children.

Wind Storm!

2010-10-27T18:33:00.002-05:00

The Chicago area has been hit by a huge wind storm. The forecasters claim that yesterday was the worst, but today is much worse as far as I am concerned. We lost have the shingles on our garage. That will all have to be replaced. Am hoping for a little help from the homeowners insurance!!

My trip to Notre Dame was a bust. First of all, the ride there was hell. We got stuck in Chicago traffic and then when we finally did reach the tollway, we were diverted back onto the Dan Ryan because of an accident. So we had to get into the Indiana traffic before we could get on the tollway. When we finally made it to the tollway, there was construction! UGH!! We finally made it to the hotel with only about 30 minutes to spare. Just enough time to change and meet the shuttle. The first conference was a huge disappointment. And although I was promised great food, they had absolutely nothing I could eat. When we finally got back to the hotel, we went in search of food. I ended up with a sad looking spinach salad with a disgusting dressing. They booked us into the old people's hotel, so we had no pool, jacuzzi, nothing! We wandered over to the next hotel where there was a Halloween party going on put on by a local radio station. It was good for a bit, watching all the weird and funny costumes. But the music was way too loud so we ended up back in our rooms pretty early.
Saturday wasn't much better. There was only scrambled eggs for me for breakfast. Then we left for the next conference. The speaker was awesome. Dr. Adolph Brown, Real Talk. He kept us interested and engaged. At lunch, they gave me a plate of fruit. That was it! I was starving. The afternoon went downhill. They made it a question and answer session. So we left! We were going to leave Sunday morning, but since there was nothing to stay all afternoon for we decided to pack up and head home. Oh, I forgot to mention that the heat did not work in my hotel room so it got a bit nippy in there Friday night. We didn't hit any major traffic heading home so that was good. I was happy to be back in my own bed for the night. Plus, I could actually eat!!!!
Well, so much for great all expense paid conferences!!!

Don't know what's up with blogger!

2010-10-22T07:51:00.009-05:00

I tried to post all my pictures for my last entry but blogger wasn't cooperating so I am going to try to post them on this entry.
Notice my handsome supervisor!!!

All but the bindings!

2010-10-22T07:21:00.006-05:00

Well, I have two quilts finished except for the bindings. I HATE HATE HATE putting on the bindings. It is my least favorite part of the job. I wish I had a binding fairy who could do it for me! I will get to them eventually. The Our Lady of Guadalupe quilt is for the Pastor at the school where I teach. His birthday is in December so I can procrastinate a bit longer on that one!!! The Harry Potter quilt was for my son's girlfriend, who has since moved on, so I think I will donate this quilt to the auction at my school in the spring or I will try to sell it. I am not sure which yet. I might make more money selling it than giving it to the auction and then I could just donate the money. We'll see. I hate to get the blasted binding on it first!!!
This weekend I am travelling to Notre Dame University with a coworker for the Excellence in Education conference. We were nominated and chosen to go and it is an all expense paid trip. I was looking forward to it when I was chosen but now I don't really relish the drive. It will be nice to stay in a fancy hotel having the room all to myself though!!! And no cooking!! Even with my funky diet restrictions, they assured me that they would provide excellent meals for me. Hmmm, I'll let you know about that!!!
I don't look forward to returning to school on Monday and dealing with all the paperwork from Friday. It takes days to get caught up again!! Plus, this weekend, we have to finish report cards. At least they are done online so I will just take my netbook with me and finish them in the hotel room in the evening.
When I return on Sunday, I have to rush off to confirmation. I am a sponsor for a former student so and it just so happens that confirmation falls on the same weekend as this conference. There goes my weekend!!!!

Please help my school win $20,000

2010-10-09T16:14:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone, I am asking everyone who takes a look here to please click on the Our Kids deserve the best and vote for my school. We are really late getting into the running so I need a lot of help. The school with the most votes wins the money. My school is very small and we have a very diverse population. Many of our children attend on scholarship. Just like everywhere else in the U.S., our school has been hit hard by the economy. Many of our parents have lost their jobs and are barely making ends meet. This money could really help out our school. So please post this on your blog if you would like to support my school. Thanks to everyone that helps!!!

Where did the time go?

2010-10-08T06:58:00.002-05:00

I don't have any pictures to show today. I am lucky that I even have time to attend to my blog. I haven't been very loyal! I have finished the Harry Potter Quilt and will try to get a picture of it up this weekend. I have a 3 day weekend so I might have a little time to do things that I want to do instead of just school stuff. Although, I have an ample amount of that to do too!!
My sister encouraged me to start selling my things so I am seriously considering that. If I decide to open an etsy site I will certainly post that here!!! Anything to bring in a few extra dollars with the dear hubby still unemployed.
I have a lovely group of children this year in my class. So talented too. I am really looking forward to doing lots of fun projects with them this year!
I hope anyone who reads this will stick with me over time. I hope to make this a better blog if life would just slow down a bit!!!

Vacation pictures!

2010-07-18T10:17:00.006-05:00

I thought I would post a few of the photos of my husband and I on vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Unfortunately, we couldn't get any photos together so they are all seperate!!!

July!!

2010-07-11T15:04:00.006-05:00

June just flew by. I haven't gotten as much done as I would have liked but I have been resting. My son's darling girlfriend was here this weekend. She is an absolute doll. She arrived Friday evening and on Saturday we all went to the Renaissance Faire. It was a nice day, long, but nice. At one show, called the Mud Show, she was kissed by one of the very muddy actors. Actually, I was the target, but I wouldn't come up out of the blanket so they leaned over and kissed her instead!! I feel bad about that, but I had no idea they would get her, I just knew I didn't want it to be me!!

I made her a rag quilt and gave it to her when she was here. She seemed to like it. I have put a picture of her holding it along with a picture of her and my son. Since she is now reading my blog, I figured I can now put her picture up!!!!

I have several quilt tops to get working on plus bible covers for my incoming class and only 2 more weeks until I am back in the classroom!! Oh the time just whizzes by!!!

I am hoping to keep this updated a little more regularly, even if that means there are no sewing projects, just news on my life!!!

Where has the time gone???

2010-06-06T10:29:00.002-05:00

I can't believe my last post was at the beginning of May. Well, I finally got through the end of the school year. The room is packed up, my paperwork is all done and I am HOME!!! The end of the year always has so many things to do, report cards, supply lists, ordering supplies for next year, collecting books, assessing fines for damaged or lost books, etc..........
Now I have a few weeks before I have to focus on next year. Yes, for all of you who think teachers get the summer off, you are wrong. We may not be in the classroom, but we are working on curriculum, taking classes and planning for the next year most of the summer. Some teachers add tutoring and summer school to that list also. I will be mentoring a student this summer who is taking a class through Duke University. I will meet with her once a week to help her stay on target and with any problems she may encounter. I absolutely love this young lady, she is gifted, beautiful, classy and just an all around lovely young lady, so this will be a joy for me. If I had had a daughter, I would have wanted her to be just like this young lady. It is not often you have students like this, maybe one or two in your whole career, so I feel blessed to have had her in my class.
I have several sewing projects on my list also. They will have to come in spurts though, because I am still battling the back pain. I have it down to about a 4 most of the time, but I don't want to push it and end up with it at the unmanageable level again. The drs. still haven't figured out what it is and why it is occurring, so it is still a bit frustrating for me.
I will post pictures of my in progress work as I move along. Thanks to all of you who still check out my blog. I promise to be better about posting this summer.
Happy June to all!!

I Can't Believe It's May!

2010-05-08T17:50:00.002-05:00

I haven't been very good at keeping up with my blog. The end of ths school year takes up a lot of time and on top of that, not feeling well, makes it hard to want to do anything.
I had the injection in my spine and they warned me I would feel worse before I felt better and they were right. I think because the injection is so close to the spine that it gave me this horrendous headache. I was up from 2:30 on last night just trying to get comfortable. I am surprised I haven't fallen flat on my face by now!

I am beginning an anti inflammatory diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit and cold water fish (I didn't even know there was such a thing) and am realizing that I have to learn how to cook differenly. It isn't enough that I have spent the last year learning how to cook gluten free, now I have a whole nother curve to add. Did you know there were nightshade vegetables? I didn't. I can't have them. Potatoes, eggplant and tomatoes fall into that category. Ooh wee! It is a good thing that my husband will eat anything or we'd be in trouble. Because I am not cooking two meals. I hate cooking anyway because I am always so tired when I get home I don't even care if I eat, and now I have to figure out how to eat without my regular standbys. Well, if it will make me feel better, I am willing to give it a try. If they told me to rub bear grease on my body and run up and down the street naked I'd do it just to get out of all of this pain.

Maybe if my husband can find a job I won't have to work much longer and that will help with some of the stress I am feeling. I am sure that adds to the pain.

Oh well, enough of that. I haven't been sewing or crafting at all lately. I am hoping to get back to it once school is out and I can rest. If anybody is still reading this, thanks for hanging in there with me.

International Quilt Festival - Chicago

2010-04-18T19:53:00.017-05:00

Well, it has been a little while since I have posted. My "real" job seems to get in the way!! That and I am still battling back pain that is driving me crazy. Hard to sit for long so I never get much done!!! I am done with P.T. and will most likely have to have the spinal injections in order to get this to all settle down. P.T. and the drugs and yoga and the chiropractor just aren't cutting it!!!

Anyway, on to bigger and better things! I went to the Quilt Festival at the Donald E. Stephens convention center (better known to long time locals as the Rosemont)near Chicago. It was great. So many wonderful quilts on display and some marvelous exhibitors too. Of course I forgot my camera so I only have pictures of the things I bought!!! I had so much fun!
My first purchase of the day was from a cute little shop called Fabric on a Whim. I bought a book, some Lutrador, Golden gel, a little needle pack to make and some $1.25
fat quarters. The young lady that owns the shop, Kristin Rodriguez was a delight to talk to. She was demonstrating some snippets landscapes and was very eager to talk to everyone and answer all our questions.

I also bought some beautiful fabric from BaBa Blankets. This is actually a wonderful organization that helps women in Africa. It is called a social enterprise. Their mission is to create inspiring cultural works that provide sustainable income and well-deserved development opportunities for African women and girls. Their website is www.babablanket.com if you are interested in checking them out.

I found this fabulous fabric from a designer named Terrie Hancock Mangat. Her website is TerrieStudio.com The fabric line I bought from is called Los Santos. I absolutely loved it. It is very southwestern. She also had a fabric line with Buddha's but I couldn't afford both. I think I will save some money and order some of that next.
I plan on making a quilt for the pastor at the parish where I teach. He is really into Mary and our parish is very hispanic and does quite a celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe in December.

I also bought these neat rubber rubbing mats to be used with the Shiva Paintstiks. I bought the stiks back at Christmas and I haven't really known what to do with them. I saw this and was intrigued by the star designs so I thought I would give them a try. They are designed by a Laura Murray.

I also met a wonderful lady named Kelli Perkins who does mixed media designs. She was also very willing to answer questions and encourage you to try new things. I did not buy her book at the show, but I later came home and went to Joann Fabrics and bought the book there with my half price coupon. The name of the book is Stitch Alchemy. I can't wait to try some of her techniques!!

I also got to meet Judy Coates Perez. She is actually from the Chicago area but I have never had the opportunity to meet her. She was very interesting to talk with. After I left the show, I stopped at Joann Fabrics and picked up her DVD on Mixed-media painted fabric.

I also got two books to use as tracing books for designs. They are in the picture with the Fabric on a Whim description. I got one on Mexican Folk Art and one on Traditional African designs. These are not copyrighted so I can use them in any of my designs.

I also participated in a workshop with Kritin Rodriguez and made a mixed media canvas.

To end this incredibly long post I will show you a picture of the first thing I have ever bought on ebay! I actually bidded for it and won. My son's girlfriend loves all things Harry Potter. (she is a junior in college so you are never too old!) I want to make her a Harry Potter quilt but there is no fabric to be found. So I looked on ebay and found this piece. I got it for $10. I truly believe it was a bargain. I love it and I am sure she will love the quilt when I get it done. This piece of course will be the centerpiece of the quilt!

Well, I do believe that is it for now. I am hoping that once school gets out in the beginning of June I will get lots of time to create and post!! Please bear with me till then. Until next time, I hope everyone has a great week!!!

Mixed Medium Musings: Middle aged woman

2010-04-10T14:26:00.000-05:00

This is the most hysterical thing I have heard in a long time. And it so fits me!!! You all have got to go listen to this!

Mixed Medium Musings: Middle aged woman

Spring Break!

2010-03-31T17:28:00.002-05:00

You would think that I could get so much done during spring break, but not to happen. I still can't sit very long, so I can't sew for any length of time. I have managed to get the binding on the monster quilt so it is ready for delivery. And just in time as my friend is getting bigger by the minute. I want to get a label put on it before the week is out but I haven't even gotten that done yet. I cleaned my family room and bedroom really well, you know, windows and all and washed the curtains and switched winter clothes for spring/summer clothes. I have had every intention of cleaning and organizing my sewing room, but it just hasn't happened yet. Every time I come in here I get distracted by something and don't get to what I intended to do. I did get the windows in here cleaned today since it was so lovely outside and I opened them!!! I also cleaned the living room windows but that is about it for accomplishments. I have several in progress things I want to get to but I just seem to be spinning my wheels! I really don't know what is wrong with me. No pictures to post, maybe next time. I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely spring weather. It is so nice after a long, cold, snowy winter!!!

Check out this give away!

2010-03-27T12:24:00.001-05:00

Artist Lani Kent from Healing Expressions is giving away a Vintage Journey Acrylic Cube. Check out her blog for all the details. She is choosing a winner on Monday, so don't delay!

Jelly roll sampler block 2

2010-03-21T16:34:00.003-05:00

Well, here I am at the end of another weekend with not a whole lot to show! I had to get report cards done this weekend and my back is still bothering me so sitting for any length of time is still difficult. I did manage to get the binding sewed on the elephant quilt. I like it because I didn't just sew on a black binding, but I found some multi-colored fabric in my stash and it seemed like it was just made for the quilt. I am still looking for elephant beads. I am not sure how I want to embellish it yet. I am still looking for the right beads.
I also sewed the second block in the jelly roll sampler quilt. I like this block much better. I am noticing that my quilt will be much darker than many of the others. I usually use lots of brights but for some reason this quilt is calling me to use the darker colors. I may remake this block in lighter colors, I really liked the pattern. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Weekend end!

2010-03-14T15:39:00.002-05:00

Here it is, Sunday afternoon and I have accomplished nothing creative this weekend. I have been struggling with back pain and I just can't sit long enough to do much of anything. I end up laying on the floor most of the time. I can't stand this. I am hoping that it will get better with stretching and therapy, but since it got worse after I went to physical therapy I am beginning to wonder!
I have no new pictures to post since my son's girlfriend doesn't want her picture on the internet for all to see. Trust me, she is an absolute doll and sweet as she can be, I wish I could post the picture. But I respect her wishes.
My youngest headed back to college yesterday and the house is quiet. He doesn't make much noise, but he did commandeer my kitchen table for his computer all week. He moved all his furniture but his bed down to his apt. at school so he has nowhere else to park himself when he is home. We just ate in the living room all week! Something I never would have allowed when my boys were growing up! Oh how times change!!!
I appreciate all of you who regularly check my blog looking for new art, I am sorry I have been unable to post much. I think I will post a picture of my african head quilt that I am desperately trying to finish embellishing. It is quilted and bound, but needs headdresses for all the silhouettes. I would appreciate any ideas.
I hope everyone out there has a great week.

My Baby!

2010-03-07T16:45:00.003-06:00

My pup Rappy has a chair in my sewing room where he spends most of his time. When I am home and in here he is there supervising my work and napping!! When I am at work or out, he is in the chair waiting for "mommy" to come home. He has a comforter over the cushion to lay on and he has a blankie to cover himself with. Well, he doesn't actually do the covering. My husband or I will cover him when we are here. Can't have him getting cold, now can I???

Beads!

2010-03-07T16:41:00.002-06:00

These are the glass beads that my son made while taking his fireworking class. He says he is still mastering the process! I think they look pretty good for a first try! I am thinking they might end up on my African heads quilt.

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Block #1

2010-03-07T14:31:00.002-06:00

I finished my first block for the Jelly Roll Sampler quilt through Moose on the Porch Quilts. I even figured out how to get a Flickr account and put the picture of my square on the Flickr page with all the other people that have joined the group. I am so proud of me. And I didn't even have to ask my dear hubby for help. Yeah for me.
Now I am going to get a binding on the elephant quilt and then I have to go to the library to pick up some books for my class. I am going to stop at the bead store on the way home and see if I can find some fascinating beads to add to this little quilt.
My son is taking a fireworking class at school and he came home for spring break with a baggie full of beads he had made for me!!! He is just getting started so they are not perfect but they are perfect for me! I will post some pictures of them later. For now, just the picture of the square for my sampler!

Elephants!!

2010-02-28T18:17:00.005-06:00

I finished the quilting on the elephant wall hanging I was working on. I still have to add the binding and a pocket for hanging. I think I am going to add some beads to the bottom too, kind of like a fringe. We'll see. I have to find the right beads for that. It is going to be a gift so I want to make sure it is just right.

I am excited about the jelly roll sampler that is starting tomorrow. I don't have a jelly roll, I am using fabrics that I already have, african fabrics, so I am not sure how it will turn out since it is all not the same or coordinating fabric line. I also printed out the first patterns in the safari quilt from Fat Cat Patterns. I would like to start working on that also. If only I didn't have a job I have to go to every day!!! My students would miss me if I didn't come though, so at least it is nice to be wanted! Some of them have made me promise them I won't die until after they graduate! Oh the minds of kids. They know that I have been hurting and see me take medication during the day so they know something is up. But being polite children they don't ask, they just say things like that!

Over the hump!

2010-02-24T20:20:00.002-06:00

It is Wednesday, halfway done with the week. Yeah! On Sunday, I got to spend some time sewing. I worked on quilting a small wallhanging that will be a gift. I did not get it completed but made great headway with it. I think I will be able to finish it this weekend. I will also try to get some pictures posted at that time.
We have more snow! I absolutely HATE snow!! I am tired of trudging through it, wiping it off the car and looking at it! I know my husband is tired of shoveling it!I am anxiously awaiting spring. (spring break too!!!)
I envy those of you who live in areas where you don't get snow. Aaah, that is my goal someday!

I WON!!!!

2010-02-21T07:25:00.003-06:00

Have you noticed that weekend winner button on my blog? Well, that links you to this wonderful site where Janet, the owner, gives away one of her patterns each week to one of the people that leaves a comment. And she picked me!!! She has some great designs, totally my style!! Why don't you click on the button and maybe you could win too! I picked Kowhai as my free design. I love the way she embellished it with beads!! She does this every weekend, so give it a try!!!!

It's the Weekend!

2010-02-20T07:12:00.002-06:00

Yeah, I made it through another week. This time of the year, the kids seem to be getting restless. I had to give out 4 detentions this week! Two of my lovely darlings decided to cheat on an open book, open notes, science test! Yeah, how dumb can it get! And they weren't even clever enough to change the answers a little bit so they weren't identical! Then they both turned the papers in at the same time!!! They make it so easy for me to catch them!!! Then I had one of my darlings lie to me about an assignment. She got caught (I love sixth graders, they still tell on each other! LOL) and rather than just get a late assignment note she ended up with the detention. And finally, one of my little cherubs decided to go without doing any assignments for two days and ended up with so many missing assignment notes that he got another detention. (number 3 for him!) Oh yes, and that was only a 4 day week!!!

But now it is the weekend, and the medicine that I have been given seems to be helping some with the back pain so I am all set to stay home and sew this weekend. I just have to decide what project to work on!!! My sweet sister (who reads this blog) has a May birthday coming up so perhaps I should work on something for her. If I do though, I can't post it here!!!

I keep reading all these other wonderful blogs and I want to know how to get a Flickr account so I can join the groups and post pics. I'm not quite sure how to do that. Maybe I should play around this weekend and try to figure out how to do that! There are so many lovely groups out there doing all kinds of sew alongs and I want to join in!!! I especially like the ones that are short projects, because I think I can keep up with that!!!

I will sign off for now as I need to go do the yoga stretches for my back and then jump in the shower before hubby gets in the way. Happy weekend to everyone!!!

Tuesday that feels like Monday!

2010-02-16T17:45:00.002-06:00

No pictures to post. I spent the weekend moving around trying to get out of pain. I have a terrible pain in my back that worsens as I sit. I went to the rheumatologist and got a new medicine that is supposed to trick the brain into not feeling the pain. So far all it has done is make me dizzy and nauseous! I get to see a spine specialist next Tuesday, so for now I just keep moving and don't do alot of sitting!
I did get the backs pieced for both the monster quilt and the turquoise and brown quilt. Since these are both fairly large I decided to send them to a friend who has a longarm to do the quilting. It is getting very difficult for me to try to maneuver the bigger quilts under the arm of my machine. Oh how I long for a long arm! I don't want a big fancy one, just one that I can get my bigger quilts on. Perhaps that could turn into a business someday, who knows, but right now I just want it for me!!!
I have decided to make a scrap quilt out of all my african fabrics. I don't know for certain how big I will make it. I would like to use at least one piece from each piece of fabric I have. I have quite a bit so it could be a large quilt! Ha1
I hope everyone out in blogland had a lovely Valentine weekend. My husband and I don't really do any celebrating. It was nice to just have an extra day off work!
Off to a new position on the floor!

And the winners are.......

2010-02-15T05:55:00.002-06:00

Well, the OWOH event is over. I don't know about you, but I need a rest! Visiting all those fantastic blogs was hard work!!! I found some very lovely blogs that I will be back to visit many times. I am so excited that some people actually have become followers of my blog. I found several quilting blogs that I hope to establish good communication with and joined a BOM event. This was a fantastic event!

So, the winners are:
carylsrealm and WW from the frog princess.

I have emailed carlysrealm and I left a note on the frog princess blog since I couldn't find an email for WW. Please make sure you contact me by the 19th or I will have to pick another winner.

Thanks to everyone who visited my blog.

Friday is finally here!

2010-02-12T05:09:00.003-06:00

All week, I kept hoping it was Friday! Now, FINALLY, Friday has arrived! It seems like it has been such a long week. I think part of it was all the snow and the wishing and hoping for a snow day! Some schools in the area have today off, thus giving them a 4 day weekend. Not my school. But we do have Monday off so at least we get a little break. This time of the year the kids start to go nuts. I think it is because we are inside so much. In any case, the days seem to drag by!! Plus, I haven't been feeling well, so that makes it even harder to get up and going each day! This weekend I am going to do a little resale shopping. I am looking for jewelry for my African heads quilt and I would like to get an old wool suit so I can try my hand at wet felting! Who knows what other treasures I might find on my journey! If I come up with anything grand, I will post a picture and let you know!
The fabric arrived for the back of the monster quilt, so I can get moving on that too! Let's hope this is a productive weekend!!!

Monster quilt finished and ready for quilting!

2010-02-07T15:21:00.003-06:00

I took a couple pictures of the monster quilt top that is now complete. I don't take really good pictures so bear with me. Hope you like it!

Finally, the weekend!

2010-02-06T07:57:00.003-06:00

I just ordered the fabric to back the monster quilt and another quilt for a friend who watches my dog whenever I travel. I found it at fabric.com for $5 a yard and no shipping charges. I needed 10 yards total so I really needed a bargain. I looked and looked for $2 and $3 a yard clearance fabric but I couldn't find a thing. I was going to get Minky fabric for the baby quilt, (monster quilt) but it was so expensive that I settled on flannel instead. I am sure that will be plenty soft. I got a lime green with white polka dots for the baby quilt and brown with turquoise dots for the other quilt. I like flannel on the back because it makes it more cuddly when you are curled up under it!
I have two couples coming for dinner tonight as a thank you for all of their hard work at my school's science fair. Since I don't have much energy and have had a bad week with lots of pain, I have everything being done ahead of time. The italian beef is in the crockpot, the potatoes are in the oven and when they are done I will mash them and fill with cheese for twice baked, baked beans will go in oven about 1 and slow cook all afternoon. The cake will go in the oven when the potatoes come out and then I am done. I have to use my morning time wisely because I totally lose energy in the afternoon. And if I am going to be pleasant this evening I will definitely need a nap!!! Both couples understand my limitations so they won't stay late! It will be nice to get together for a little bit. Tomorrow I plan on being creative! Wish me luck!

Sunday already!

2010-01-31T18:55:00.002-06:00

Oh, where do the weekends go? It is already Sunday evening and I don't want it to be a work day tomorrow! I did get a bit of sewing in yesterday. I finished the top of the monster quilt so it is ready for quilting. I need to get some Minkee fabric for the back and there isn't a store that sells it around here so I will have to look online. Anybody know a good online store?
Today I spent cleaning bathrooms and baking. I did it first thing this morning while my energy level was still up but was beat by noon. I did a lot of resting this afternoon. Now it is back to the grind!!! I am hoping to get a picture of the completed monster top up soon. Have a great week all!!!

Making cards and buying wine!

2010-01-28T17:01:00.004-06:00

I spent the last few days after work making thank you cards for some of the judges from my school's science fair. I am so glad to be done with it all. Trying to arrange for judges is a real pain. I am so thankful that I could call on friends and spouses of coworkers to help me out. To make the thank you cards, I just cut up the judging sheets and used PVC scrapbooking glue to attach the pieces in a collage type fashion to cardstock. Then I wrote a short thank you on the inside and attached a bottle of vino!!!! They deserve it!! Since the computer teacher helped out my class so much, I got her a gift card to a restaurant that makes dynamite margharitas so she could forget all about the hours upon hours she spent helping my students make graphs and format papers. She is a gem!!! So, this is how I have spent the better part of this week, aside from work that is!!!

Adding a New Giveaway!!

2010-01-28T10:50:00.005-06:00

I am so excited about the OWOH event. I am getting to see lots of different blogs and I am meeting some very nice people. I am enjoying seeing all the different types of art people produce. SO...........

This is my second giveaway. He is made from african fabrics and has a bead and coin necklace and glass beads on his belly. Hope you like him!

So get on the magic carpet and start checking out everybody else. Don't forget to leave a comment on the original OWOH posting to be eligible for the second giveaway.

One World One Heart Event

2010-01-25T19:09:00.005-06:00

Hey everybody, I read about this great event to get bloggers to meet one another on a blog titled A Whimsical Bohemian. This is a great way to get to meet others. I am very excited to be a part of this event.

As a part of this event, I will be giving away a small spirit doll. This doll is made from African fabrics and includes silk ribbons, beads and a clay face.
I am also including a small wallhanging that has quilter sayings on it, like "behind every quilter, there's good backing!"
This quilt will make all quilters smile!!!

Please leave a comment to be included in this give-away. Make sure you leave me an email address or blog address so that I can get in touch with you if you win.
Good Luck and thanks for visiting my blog. I am looking forward to making some new blog friends.

Stephen and Snowman

2010-01-24T17:35:00.002-06:00

This is a picture of my youngest when he was home on Christmas break. He couldn't resist all the snow! They are still kids even at 20!

Gracie Bag

2010-01-24T17:26:00.004-06:00

This is the bag I ordered 2 weekends ago from Sew Thankful. It was on sale so I thought I would try it. I love ordering from this company. They are quick and very friendly.

This is the fabric that I am going to use to make the purse. It was given to me by a dear friend. Her brother went on a mission trip to Africa and brought this back for her. She didn't know what to do with it but knew that I love African fabric so she gave it to me!! Lucky Me!!!

Monster Quilt

2010-01-24T17:21:00.004-06:00

These are the pinwheels that I made. There are 2 in each colorway for a total of 16.

This is the panel that will go on the top and the bottom after the pinwheel border is attached.

This is the monster quilt that I am working on for a friends new baby due in May. I found this adorable panel at It's a Stitch Quilt Shop in Barrington Illinois and it was on sale for 40% off (the whole kit) so I grabbed it. This past Saturday I got the borders cut and sewn on the panel and I cut all the pieces for the pinwheel squares and got them all made. They will go around the outside of the black border, alternating with a white and green fabric. I didn't take a picture of the white and green because it would show up mainly white.

Long Awaited Paper Quilt pictures.

2010-01-24T17:15:00.008-06:00

These are the pictures of the paper quilt that I worked on over Christmas break. I spent a lot of time sewing and painting this and I wasn't very happy with the results. Maybe I am just a material girl!!!!

Science Fair!

2010-01-17T11:23:00.002-06:00

Well, I know I won't get much sewing done in the next week as it is our school's annual science fair and guess who is the coordinator. So not only have I spent this week making sure my own students have their work completed, I have been begging people to judge, getting judging sheets ready and organizing people for the event. UGH!!
I did wander out yesterday to the only quilt shop that is still open in my area, and found some darling fabric with monsters on it for a baby quilt for a friend. The great part was that the fabric was already cut up into a kit and the kit was 40% off. So I got all the fabric for the top for about $30. It makes a big quilt too, 54" X 72". I was hoping to get that started this weekend, but I am not sure if that will happen.
I am hoping to post my paper quilts this weekend. I spent a lot of time on these, but I am not sure I would do it again.
Hope everyone has a great week!

The center of my world!

2010-01-10T16:05:00.004-06:00

And this is the spoiled whippet that shares our home and our hearts!!! He is always with me when I am home. He sleeps in his special chair in my sewing room when I am away and only comes out when I get home. Yes, he is neurotic, but I love him!

Tops!

2010-01-10T16:02:00.006-06:00

These are the tops that I completed over Christmas break. Now they only need to be quilted! I also completed a paper quilt. Pictures of that one later!

More Biker chick pictures!

2010-01-10T15:57:00.004-06:00

I am just learning how to use the computer to resize the pictures so that I can put them on my blog. Here are some more of the Biker chick. I have one with her label and one on her little blankie!

Biker Chick picture!

2010-01-10T15:37:00.002-06:00

Finally, I have a picture of the infamous Biker Chick! Isn't she cute!

School Has Started!

2010-01-07T07:43:00.001-06:00

Unfortunately, now that school is back in session, I don't have the time nor the energy to work on much else during the week. I hope to get all my pictures posted this weekend. Or maybe tomorrow if we have a snow day!!!!!!!

Finished!

2010-01-05T05:00:00.002-06:00

Biker Chick and blankie are all done. I need to take pictures today and then get my darling son to run it over to the post office tomorrow so that it arrives in time for my friends birthday. I am hoping to get access to the other computer so that I can get pictures up on the blog tonight. Wish me Luck!

Biker Chick

2010-01-03T17:13:00.002-06:00

I spent most of yesterday and today working on a chicken pattern that I turned into a biker chick for a girlfriend's birthday coming up. I got the chicken pattern from Sew Mama Sew! It was a spring chicken and I just dressed it up a bit to make it a biker chick. I have a chain around it's neck holding a sign that says Biker Chick. I used leather for the sign. Then I made a hat out of a fake black leather. It probably looks more like a granny hat but she's a granny too so that is ok! Now I am making a small rag quilt for the chick to sit on. I found the fabric on the clearance rack at Joann's for $2 a yard. I bought what was left, 1.6 yards and I have some orange here at home that I will add to it. I am hoping to get that cut out tonight so that I can whip it together over the next few days.

I have to go back to work tomorrow. Sad face! I do enjoy teaching but I also love being home and just creating. I made 4 quilt tops plus a paper quilt while I was home so I wasn't just sitting around. I did get a chance to rest quite a bit, so hopefully I will be all ready to handle 11 year olds again!!!!

I am going to work on getting pictures up in the next few posts. I know how much I like to go to other blogs and see pictures so that is my goal for my blog, lots of pictures!!

I hope everyone has a great start to the new year.
Kathy

My First Post

2010-01-02T13:28:00.001-06:00

I am so excited. I am new to the world of blogging, at least when it comes to posting my own. I have been reading so many quilters blogs especially as I have been home during the Christmas break. I was so excited to see all the different activities that other quilters were doing and I wanted a blog of my own to record my creative journey.

I will have to learn how to upload my pictures and put backgrounds in and all that kind of neat stuff I see on other blogs. I hope that if you find my blog, you will be patient with me and come back often to see how I grow.

I have a son and husband who are both very technologically savvy, but I really want to do this on my own. Wish me Luck!!

A little bit about me. I have been doing a variety of crafts since I was 12. I first began to sew on my grandmothers very old cast iron sewing machine. I sewed some clothes but I never could figure out how to get them to fit very well. I never took any sewing classes, I am all self-taught. After I got married to my wonderful husband of 30+ years in 1979, I purchased a New Home sewing machine for $99 and began to sew small quilts. I took some hand quilting classes and then I was off. After having my two sons, I found little time to quilt or sew or do much else but be a mom and continue to work in my "paid" profession of teaching. Now that both of my boys are adults and gone from the nest, I have found my love again. I sew on a Bernina Artista 180. I am not sure why I bought such a fancy machine when I did, since I rarely use any of the embroidery part of the machine, but it sews wonderfully so I will keep it!!!!

I long for a longarm quilting machine someday. I would like to be able to have my own business quilting for a living. Perhaps once the college aged son is finished (0ne more year!) and the economy turns around, I will be able to realize my dream.

I am going to post this very first post and see what else I can do to make my blog look more like my own. I'll post again soon!