Tea Drippings

This is it. The last week before the big day. Are you ready? Me? As ready as I'll ever be.
This year I don't have much spirit. I'm trying, but failing.
Another thing that doesn't help, injuring myself. This last week my absence was cause be the inability to use my right hand, my favorite hand. Thank goodness it's on the mend now, or you wouldn't be hearing from me now.
What have I done now? I've pulled the tendon in my middle finger.
Before you all think I've over used it on the Holiday drivers, rest assured that wasn't it.
But I've heard nothing but giggles from those who know the real story. So you are all going to have to imagine a good story.

I do have a bit of show and tell. I can start to feel my hand ache so I need to cut this short.
I made a big mug rug for my coffee table. The small coasters just looked like toys to the dogs, so I made a big one. Simple. My only problem, making round circles, but the tissue box covers those imperfect circles.

If I don't get back before the week is out, have a Wonderful Holiday!

Take care, Brandie

Star Light

I may have caught a little Holiday spirit. This week I finally got around to moving out all the fall decorations. (Except the Raven, his new home is in my dining and will stay there, forever!) But I had problems. I USE to keep decorations in my upstairs closet. Now that the girl moved back in, I needed to find a new place to keep my pillows, one big pillow. Remember the pumpkin pillow? Will it had to go. Then cousin Linda had a wonderful suggestion. Make a new cover! Shes so smart!

So I did. I went with a star theme and I think it turned out Great!
What do you think?
I found the pattern here. http://www.american-quilting.com

I also keep pictures in that closet. Now I'm thinking up a way to change those around too. My mind is whirling with ideas and a little Holiday spirit.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Take care, Brandie

Ditched Dresdens

This quilt is becoming a favorite. I'm falling in love with my previous enemies, 30's prints. I've discovered a deep love for these dirty pieces of fabric.
What I think I like is the softness of these colors. The reproductions seem to have too much color for me. But I've had an epiphany. Why not tea or coffee stain the reproductions till their colors soften? If I do this, I'll let you know.

Anyway back to the quilt. I managed to complete all the stitching in the ditch. Next up, an actual era appropriate quilting motif.
I'm going to take my time and do the best job I can.
Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and I had another epiphany, I quilted my monogram in the middle Dresden. How cool is that?!
Of course when my Daughter came home, she renamed my initials into Something bad and dirty. Kids!
Yeah I laughed, but I'm none of those bad words.

Between quilting, I baked three applesauce cakes, an apple-cranberry pie and a loaf of bread. Boy did the house smell wonderful!

Today I've been working on a few stars. More about that tomorrow.

Take care, Brandie

Waste Not

Remember the really green quilt? The one with the fairy, koi, water lilies and frog?
Well I discovered that I was over zealous in my cutting of strips. I knew I wanted a variety of strips in different sizes. What I didn't know was how many.
So to not be a waster, I sewed all those leftover strips into a backing for the quilt. How smart was that!?

I threw it all on the ground next to my chair and would grab any ol strip of fabric.
Of course there were quite a few small pieces but I just sewed them into bigger strips. Not bad, if I do say!

Next is to get that quilt finished up. That quilt show really got me off track! That is my plan for next week, get that green quilt sandwiched.

Ok, that's all from me at this moment. Time to get back to my chores.

Take care, Brandie

Few Stitches

I have but a little in the way of sewing. Just a seam or two to add the hexies to the baskets. Shame on me.
As usual, I had a few more problems with my blocks. Have I mentioned before that I'm a terrible piecer?
After reading a friends post, I've rethought my problem. My problem may be that I tend to sew a scant quarter inch seam. So I'll have to make more of an effort to sew better.

Today I'm going to sit at my machine and do some stitching in the ditch.
Monday I went to see with Gail and I sandwiched my antique Dresdens. I'm really excited to get started quilting on it. Well partly excited. I do worry it might not be good enough... but I must go on. If I start to worry, than I'll second guess every stitch. There are times when I wish I had the money to send my quilts out to get quilted, but I also like knowing that this quilt is all my own, mistakes and all.


Take care, Brandie

Shining Stars

This may be the only Christmas decoration I'll get up this year. I bought these paper stars at Ikea a couple months back and if cousin Linda hadn't called and asked me where I hung them, we might not have any decorations.
My son asked me if I wanted a tree. I think it was just an excuse to go four wheeling in the mountains. But I thought, where am I even going to find room for a tree? On top of the dining table that is sitting in front of the window seat? In front of the TV?
There just doesn't seem to be a place, yet. Besides, Christmas is about family, friends and food, not trees. Right?

I'm heading to my machine and hopefully by next week I'll have some more to show you.

Have a lovely weekend!
Take care, Brandie

BOM Baskets

I worked all morning making these #¥£ baskets. The smallest pieces are cut at one inch. Lynn, what are you doing to me?! I've unstiched one block twice and given up. It will just have to do. I'm tired. The second block came out a bit better.
Also I don't know if I lost the basket handle fabric (red and yellow basket) or if it wasn't included. But I improvised. I used two of my leftover fabrics and if the points matched up, it would be perfect.
The second basket (yellow and green) is my RP version. The jury is still out on which I'll like best.
I've been hoarding (again? I have serious problems!) these RP fabrics for years and I just may get over them with this quilt.

So here they are for your viewing pleasure.

Take care, Brandie