Twins

I finally finished the quilts. I was waiting for the girls to arrive to add their name and stats. Remember all the oranges? I think I added about 25 pinks and 25 oranges to each of the quilts. What did Mom say about the oranges? "You picked out some Great Oranges. They're beautiful!" So I think Mom really liked them. As you can see, I tried to make 2 quilts look like 1. I'll explain more later.
Now on to some pics. I was trying to find the most attractive picture of the girls that I can. I hope you understand. In this pic, big sister Dallas is holding Kimber, who at this is about 1 1/2 hours old. She isn't as puffy and she isn't crying.

This was Harley, yesterday, not quite 24 hours old. Her puffiness has greatly reduced from the first day. Harley has been having a few choking episodes, so she has been staying in the nursery. It doesn't seem to be serious, just scary. They think she is just sucking on her tongue.

Both girls have hair, Kimber's is dark and Harley's is light. Mom is still in town, as they won't release them all till Harley is perfectly fine.

So back to the quilts. Mom gave me these paint chips and told me what she liked about each color. At her shower, these gerber daisies were on some scrap book sheets and she really loved them. So I stole them and stuck them in my bag of paint chips. Next time I pulled it all out, I had an epiphany!

Here was a quilt. I wanted to have their quilts match, but be different. I think I achieved it.

The quilts stand on their own and together.

I may have gone a little over board with the quilting. But I did have fun! These may turn out to be my favorite quilts of all time. Of course I say that after every quilt.

Have a wonderful weekend, see you all next week.

Take care, Brandie

Babies!

Their Here! The twins have arrived! Yesterday my SIL's water broke at 4:30 am. She then took the time to put on make-up, take out the trash and put an up-date on Facebook, about her status. Then they drove up here (at least an hour of driving) and checked into the hospital.
Kimber Love (4lbs 140zs.) was the first to arrive at 7:30 pm and sister Harley Grace (5lbs 2ozs.), followed an hour later. Both girls and Mom are doing fine. Mom was hungry and tired, but very happy.

Bigger sister Dallas is holding Kimber's hand, while we wait to meet Harley. This is the second time I've witnessed a birth, if you call keeping my head turned away most of the time. Both have been with my SIL and I'll never forget the gift she gave me. I'm still a little traumatized, but the fact that the babies are here and safe, I'll get over it soon. I could never be a nurse, I can't stand to see a person in pain and I wanted to go over there and get those babies out of Mom, just to ease her pain. I'd make a horrible nurse! I thrilled to be an Aunt again. They are so tiny and beautiful. Tiny gifts from heaven.

Have a great day!

Take care, Brandie

Blueberries and vodka = PIE

Last week in the grocery store, I indulged in a 2 lb. package of fresh blueberries. I love blueberries and the price was good. So I bought them and brought them home. Once I got them home I didn't know what to do them them. Being on a perpetual diet, I know that I would just turn them into something sweet and I also knew I didn't need that. So into the freezer they went. Well when we planned our girls lunch, I knew it was time to use those yummy blueberries. A couple of years ago I found a recipe for the best blueberry pie. I have a membership to "America's test kitchen" and they did up a good looking pie. I personally like cake better, as you can see from my shape. But Hubby is a pie lover. So I made up this pie and it has been a favorite for the both of us. The berries stay put and the crust is nice and flaky, thanks to the vodka. Yes I said vodka. It makes an excellent crust. We don't drink, but I do have a couple of bottles of wine and that one bottle of vodka, in the frig. Now I know the the wine loses something over thing, does the vodka? I've had the same bottle going on 3 years. Anyway, isn't this a beautiful piece of pie? I made my son wait to eat it so I could take some pics of it. Because when I was indulging myself, I couldn't wait. So poor William had to wait for the ice cream to be the right temp to make a prettish scoop and for me to take about 20 pics. I moved it from room to room, looking for the best light. Between him and PugsLee, I'm surprised I didn't trip over one of them and drop the pie. OH BOY! PugsLee would have loved it!

After the pie we had lunch. No I'm joking, we ate lunch first. We has a potato frittata, with spinach,artichokes and Canadian bacon. Yummy, but not as good as that pie! I'll be eating more frittata for lunch, yum.

So ladies, even in my petit kitchen, I've turned out some yummy meals. I would love to have a gorgeous kitchen with everything. But I make do and I love my new floor. Still undecided about the rug. My MIL came up with a great idea, paint a rug on it. I'm thinking on this.

Back in March or April, I took a pic of some prehistoric roots. At that time I wasn't sure if anything was going to grow there. I'm happy to report that something came up.

Some tiny little ferns are sprouting from the roots.

How cute are they? Ignore the leaves, I did try to gently remove them, but the ferns are so tiny and delicate I was afraid of breaking them. I'm so glad to see something come back to life and I love ferns. I can grow them well, or the soil does, take your pick.

Have a great day Ladies!

Take care, Brandie

Good? Better?

With the rug or without? I can't decide. PugsLee would say "keep the rug", but that's only because she is a princess and won't sit on anything but soft surfaces.

Don't laugh at my petit, old kitchen. Everything works and I bet I have the oldest metal sink out there.

Have a great day!

Brandie

Good, Bad and Ugly

Yesterday I said I would tell you a secret, Here it is. I have an ugly kitchen.

So I decided it needed a quick fix and this is what I did. I painted my floor. This is the good. With one coat the floor already looked better. It ain't perfect, but it does look better.
This is the bad. After pulling up the peel and stick tiles, this is what I got. Just plain bad floor boards. Unfortunately, the kitchen didn't have wood floors like the living room and dining room. But I think my quick fix is still better than...
...the just plain UGLY. This tile has seen better days and they were at least 20 years ago. Do you see those stripes? Those are cracks. Because the floor boards are rounded with age, everything pits and cracks. So until I really know what I want to do in there (push a wall out and expand it by, oh about 20 feet, in both directions), I'll be happy with my quick fix.

So what do you do when your Husband is away?

Back to finishing up the kitchen. I'm now at the point where I need to return everything to the room. If I hadn't over sleep, I'd have a completed pic for you.

Also I have a lunch to cook for my girlfriends. Go tot start that pie crust. Where did I put that vodka?

Take care, Brandie

Pink and Orange

So I've been working on the twins quilts. I had an idea in my head and it is now mostly finished. I can only show you a bit, because I want Mom to be the first to see them.
Mom really likes the "barbie pinks". Most for you know that this color did not come from my stash. But I did get a few of my scraps and some stash fabrics in there. So here's a question. We all try to use up that stash, myself included, but what happens when we do? Fabric shopping spree? A get into heaven free card, because we have saved the world from extra fabric? Maybe we only save our family from having to find a new home for all that fabric.

OK, so back to the quilts. As you can see, there will be a pink quilt, for Kimber. And Harley will get the peachy orange quilt.
I finally broke down and told my SIL that I had started the quilts and went and bought any oranges I could find. She was fine with that and said she understood and that I needed to do my own creative thing. I was so happy to hear her say this. Wow, she does understand me, I'm going to keep her around. I want her to be happy with the quilts, but making something with too many rules, stifles the creativity. I'm so happy she gets that. Of course if she doesn't like the quilts, I'll just keep them. The colors are growing on me, especially the oranges.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. My hubby is out of town on a business trip, so while he is gone I have many household chores. Starting in the kitchen. Tomorrow I'll tell you a secret...
Take care, Brandie

Update

Thank you all for the nice comments about my bags. Those of you who won, will receive them shortly.
Take care, Brandie

post 202

This weekend I received my prize from Nanette, at Freda's Hive. I'm so happy with my bag. I even used my bag the night I finished it. It's great, everything fits. From your usual stuff to several fat-quarters. And the best part is...
Look at all the red. Red fabrics.

Red Ric-rack.

And even red dots! How perfect is this? I love it Nanette! Thank You!

So Friday night I thought to myself, "I wonder when my 200 post is". Well it was Thursday and I didn't even know. But I know now and you know what that means? Giveaway time!

I made 2 extra bags this weekend. I even made another trip to "that chain", just to get lining. I wanted these bags completed to give away.

So for this one you have seen in it's infancy. I did add a little piping and a closure.

The lining has 2 pockets. And lint, that comes with it.

Then there is this turquoise and linen model. This was also leftovers from a skirt a couple of years ago. My tastes haven't changed much over the years, have they?

They both have 24"shoulder strap, but alas, they don't hold too much. Again, showing the 2 lining pockets.

So I really like the idea that Kim used on her giveaway. She asked what were your favorite blogs and why. Even Thelma, from Cupcakes and Daisies, used this technique. So I've come up with and idea and this is what I want to know.

What is your favorite sewing tool , not machine, and why? Is it your Grandmother sock darner? Is it an embroider hoop? A pair of scissors? And the WHY. Tell me why it is your favorite.

So good luck and I'll pick 2 names tomorrow noon, my time, about 27 hours from now.

Take care, Brandie

A whole new bag

So this idea for a purse has been in my head and it needed to come out. Here it is in it's first stages. I know it doesn't look like much yet, but I plan on adding a little something to gussy it up. Still thinking on it. This was scrap fabric and the only thing important to me was that flower being on the flap in front.
I'm also thinking about the lining and pocket placement. I don't want to use a magnetic closure, as I've has problems with them in the past. It's a hassle to replace your debit card, and to go without, don't get me started.

Also I decided to take the bull by the horns and just buy orange fabric. I used the paint chips and my best judgement. At least one of these oranges has got to be "the" orange. But as quilters, we all know that many hues of the same color make a project more beautiful. Or am I just wishing and hoping this is true?

Here are the pinks, most that Mom picked. Another pattern in my head. But you'll have to wait for the reveal.

This weekend I have some work cut out for me. I've got some applique that is calling to me.

Have a wonderful weekend. All of you in the states, let's keep cool!

Take care, Brandie

My First Kaffe!

I know, this wasn't what you were expecting. You probably thought I made my first Kaffe Fasset quilt. You'll be waiting a long time girls. But I am getting closer. I bought my first piece, that's a start. And to find this fabric, I was in the aisle among all the other Kaffe's. I have looked at them all. I'm just not comfortable with all those colors yet.
This is a gorgeous piece of fabric. Kind of a deep dusty orange. I can see myself using this fabric more than once. It has a warm feel.
Yesterday I completed about half on my Aunt's aprons. I need to finish those up today and start something new. I'm getting tired of the sewing chores, I want to do something fun.
Well I hope you got a laugh out of the pic ( I really did buy it), have a great day!
Take care, Brandie

More bags

Yesterday my SIL was hanging around at my house for a few, probably resting from just walking from the car to the house! She has reached that all important week, the 34th. Anytime from here on out and the babies will be born with healthy lungs and shouldn't have any lingering problems. They would be still be preemies, but healthy. Both babies are about 4.5 lbs. Still small, but they are still growing. Mom still hasn't found "that" orange color yet. I can't make the girls quilts till I have that orange. Everything has too much red or is too bright. What happened to a nice peachy-orange? Even the diaper bag is not the right colors, too bright, but at least it's better than some. Mom left with the bag, said she liked the firework side the best. Dallas and I like the stripes. But that was the nice thing about it being reversible. Every day you could change it around. With the left overs, I made my own mini bag, stripes out.

These colors are becoming my favorites. Who knows, next week I could be... I do like these colors, but I probably won't take them any farther than this bag.

I also completed one more diaper bag to sell. The blue toile was my least favorite. But after finishing the bag, I love it! The colors are beautiful together.

I think the biggest help is the robin egg blue thread that I used to stitch it up with. I think it has a tailored look.

Loving these purse zippers. I hope "that" chain gets more of them in. I only have a couple left. after looking at this bag, I've been thinking about purses. I'm not sure, but I think this would make a beautiful purse. Maybe not, maybe it's too baby colored. Well I'll just have to think on it and come up with a design.

Today is a sew day with Gail. My plan is to finish up my Aunt's aprons. She brought them (stacks of fabric) down from Spokane and I need to finish them before she heads back home.

So I'm off for the day, see you tomorrow.

Take care, Brandie

Suprises in a Suitcase

Well as usual, I should talk about what I did, not what I want to do. We all know how that is. I imagine finishing a quilt a day and that never happens.
So I will tell you only what I did do, no more of this "what I want to do". Also I realize that most of the lists, are only in my head and that you all are not keeping track and cracking the whip on me. I just can't seem to get as much done and I want. But today is cooler, so I may accomplish something. Oh and I will get a visit from the twins big sister. Dallas is going to hang out with me today while Mommy goes to the Dr. and then goes to the hospital for a stress test. The Dr. wants Mom to take these weekly tests. To me, these test would cause stress. Sitting around hooked up to machines in the hospital, not my cup of tea. I know these tests are very important, I for one what to see Mom take it easy. Maybe the Dr. is making her do the tests just to give her a rest. Either way the time is fast approaching. And I can't wait to meet the girls.

Yesterday I had a visit from my cousin who lives in Colorado. She tries to come back to town every summer. So while they were here, I used her girls in an impromptu photo shoot. This little one is Victoria. She saw that her sister was modeling and she wanted to be part of it. I had to tighten the neck strap almost to the end, just to make the apron fit her. But she didn't care, she was the center of attention and loved it.

Don't you love her shoes? I don't think I've seen her with her shoes on the correct feet yet.

And this is Hannah. She is 4 and such a sweet girl. Her coloring is what made me ask her to model my dress. I know a brunette would look lovely in this lite pink.

Reason for my cousin's visit, other that the norm, was to bring me a suitcase, yes a suitcase, full of Saris. She has a childhood friend who wants me to use her favorite Saris in a quilt or something. She is leaving the something up to me. So in payment, I now have a suitcase full of Saris. I'm still thinking on these. My husband said "It's like cutting a diamond, you want to get the best out of it". How true! Some of these Saris are beaded, yikes! Well someday I have an epiphany and know just how to use them.
Have another wonderful day.
Take care, Brandie

Ellie Bags

This weekend didn't seem to get away from me. I feel as if I accomplished something. I wasn't seating around being lethargic. Maybe because I moved my sewing machine into the cool zone. I was only able to sew till around noon, then the heat would be overwhelming, and summer has only begun.
So I did put in all the zippers and add all the handles to last weeks bags. And started a couple more. As I got into it, I couldn't stop. I love the elephant bags! Look at the pocket on the front. I traced one of the ellies and added it to the pocket. Love it!
Remember the reversible bag? All done. This is the inside.
Oh and remember when I said that I would get 3 or4 bags from my fabrics? WRONG. I can get 2 diaper bags and 1 tote. But I'm loving the totes! See the brown one? That's mine. See the pockets on these guys? Hubby drew me a new ellie. Totally love this one!
That Daughter of mine was up this weekend and so of course she saw the bags. Unfortunately, I can't convince her that she doesn't need one of each bag. I tried to sell her on the tote bags. She can't be convinced. So it looks like I will only have one bag to sell. I told her that I had to sell one to buy more fabric. This adventure to Etsy was so that I could make money to feed my fabric diet. So far I've spent more money than I usually would. I keep telling myself that you have to send money to make money, but I'm not feeling it. I wasn't cut out to be a sales person. It's so much easier to just give things away. So I sit here and question myself and my wares. Frustation!
Well I must be off. Time to clean house before the heat wipes me out.
Take care, Brandie

Zippers and buckles

I did manage to finish another girl bag with the "Gucci" pink. I like how theses are coming along, now if only I don't end up with a room full of them. I think I can get 3 maybe 4 bags out of each yard of fabric. And I may just make totes with the leftovers.
I did find some cool things yesterday. How about a purse zipper. It opens two ways from the middle. How cool is that? Of course it was much more expensive than a plain zipper.

And I did find a reversible zipper. The zipper pull goes around a channel so that it can work from either side. A pretty cool find.

Then there are these buckles for the reversible bag. Instead of two sets of handles, you can just switch them around and buckle them to the other side. Easy-peasy!

So I actually enjoyed myself in "that store". This weekend I hope to accomplish more bags and maybe start on the boy bags.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Take care, Brandie

"Gucci" pink

Isn't this cute!? Pink and orange is starting to grow on me. First red and aqua, then Kaffe's, now pink and orange. I love the strips! Hopefully my SIL loves it as much as I do. I am kind of forcing it on her.

So everything is together, but the zipper and the reversible handles. I think I have it figured out. Now I just need to get to that chain that I can't stand. Unfortunately or fortunately, I live 30 minutes away and so I try to lump together all the errands on one day. And today is the day. I will be going down to visit Gail and to go to a board meeting. Fun and not so fun.
The inside is exactly the same configuration as the outside, to make it easier to reverse. I'm really loving the firework fabrics too.

I also got around to the cute giraffes. I had that "Gucci" pink thread in my machine and figured I should continue with the pink stuff. This bag will not be reversible, as it just has plain pink lining. Still cute though. I quilted around every other giraffe, kind of makes them pop and holds the batting in there.
Sorry these pics aren't the best. The lining is just pinned to the bag front, and not very well.
I showed this bag to my Daughter and asked her what fabric she wanted a bag out of. Guess what she said? ALL of them. Boy if she wasn't my darling Daughter...

All day yesterday I had a silly phrase going through my head. It's bad and I don't know where it came from. It just came back, "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts". Where is that from? And why is it in my head?

I'm going to try to get rid of it with something else, but let me know if you know where that comes from.

Take care, Brandie

Upholstery

Last week I order some upholstery fabric, with the intention of making more diaper bags. I really wish I had found this upholstery site before. Maybe then I could have made a different bag for me niece and keep that great plaid bag. Oh well, I'll just have to make one bigger and better for myself.
So I did find a few cute fabrics. What started it all, was looking for pink and orange anything for the twins. My SIL is decorating with pink and orange and we have been having a hard time finding nice fabric that fits the bill.
I did find these 2. They are a bit extreme, but for a bag, hopefully not so bad. I've been trying to come up with an idea on how to make the bag reversible. Still thinking. If you have any ideas, let me know. What is holding me back is the handles. Do you have to attach handles to both inside and outside? I need to hurry it up, those babies are not going to be in there long. Mom comes here for the DR. appointments and to have the babies. I see her once a week. Yesterday her belly button was sticking out. I believe that means she's almost done. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it!

Aren't these giraffes too cute? When my Daughter saw these fabrics, she said she needed a bag made with them. I think she wants one of each, specially the animals.

I really bought all this fabric, just for these guys. I love them! Elephants have always been my favorite animal. Someday when I'm rich, I'll have an elephant farm, with pugs as playmates for the elephants. Just kidding, but I would love to around elephants and care for them.

With all the cuteness, I thought I should get something classic. So pink and blue toile. Maybe someday I'll finish these bags and actually get them on my Etsy. This summer has not been going to plan. We have more daylight and I'm too tired and hot to sew. I seem to burn out about noon. So don't hold your breath, you'll turn blue if you wait for me.

Take care, Brandie