Hollie Berrie Farm

Decorating for Christmas

2008-12-09T10:48:00.003-06:00

I am slow this year in decorating for Christmas. I am usually done the first weekend in December. I made about 100 of these santas in various colors. I use to be in craft sales with me dad. He would make the wood benches and I would make the stuffed santas. I am doing aqua and brown colors in my living and dining room this year. I am trying to use what I have without going out to buy anyting new. I hope you all are enjoying the fun festivities of getting ready for the Holidays. I have some finishing touches to do on a Christmas Quilt. Will post when I get it done.

New email address

2008-11-26T16:13:00.001-06:00

I have a new email address:
sduffy55@hotmail.com

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:06:00.002-06:00

Many blessings to be thankful for this year. I have a new job!! I was at my previous job for 14 years. I felt the need for a change/challenge. I have been at my new job for almost a month. I am loving it. There are alot of new things to learn. I am glad to find out I am not too old to learn something new. I am busy making christmas quilts. The quilt I have on my table is from a pattern by Thimbleberries.

I hope you all have many things to be thankful for this holiday season. God Bless. Has anyone been watching Joyce Meyers lately? WOW! I have really been touched by what she has been talking about.

Enjoy the Day

2008-10-27T08:54:00.003-05:00

This is where my husband and I usually enjoy our meals. There is a nice kitchen window to look out and see the beautiful day. We are living in the house he grew up in. We have slowly been remodeling it, room by room. The kitchen is the last room we did. And we are really enjoying it. The house is over 100 years old. His father grew up in the house too.

"The year has turned its circle,The seasons come and go.The harvest all is gathered in And chilly north winds blow.Orchards have shared their treasures,The fields, their yellow grain,So open wide the doorway Thanksgiving comes again!" by Annette Wynne (I think!)

Over the Hills and Through the Woods

2008-10-27T08:52:00.003-05:00

I went to visit mom and dad the other day. They live 15 minutes away from me. This is the valley I travel on the way. We had snow over the weekend and lots of wind so the leaves have mostly fallen off the trees. Southern Minnesota is a beautiful place.

Kitchen Has Fall Look

2008-10-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

This is my kitchen. I love collecting cookbooks. But I could only fit so many on the shelf. I have cookbooks all over the house. It is really hard for me to walk by a new cookbook.

I have a new job!! I have been working at this place for 14 years and felt it was time for a change. I have been praying that God would lead me to a new place. I have been dealing with a couple of really nasty people. So through it all I have learned forgiveness and patience. I am so thankful to be moving on. It has been quite a journey. I wonder why some people feel the need to have power over people. It is a dangerous thing when a person has to feel power over people. Well on to a new job. Kind of scary, starting something new, but so thankful and yet excited. At 54 I am not so adventurous as I use to be. This really is a step of faith for me.

New Grandson

2008-10-16T16:13:00.002-05:00

I have a new grandson! Meet Wyatt. We went to visit him last night. He was born October 14th. Wyatt came 3.5 weeks early but he is doing just great. Wyatt is my 2nd grandson. It was so nice to hold a little baby. He is a sweeite.

Dad's Homemade Shelf

2008-10-16T16:10:00.002-05:00

I have this shelf on my living room wall. My dad made it for me and I painted it. I painted it black first and then white washed it and used sandpaper to lightly sand some spots. The black paint worked really well in acheiving this look.

Bonfire Days!

2008-10-14T12:47:00.003-05:00

I went to a craft fair last weekend and found this cutest wreath hanger. I had just the right spot in an empty corner in my dining room. I am looking forward to putting something really cute on it for Christmas. My dad planted a patch of white pumpkins for me this year. I am having so much fun putting them around the house. Love the little white pumpkins.

"Ho, for the leaves that eddy down, Crumpled yellow and withered brown, Hither and yonder and up the street And trampled under the passing feet; Swirling, billowing, drifting by, With a whisper soft and a rustling sigh, Starting aloft to windy ways, Telling the coming of bonfire days." by -Grace Strickler Dawson, Bonfire Days

Bathroom Needs Pumpkins Too!

2008-10-14T12:41:00.002-05:00

I like to decorate the bathroom too. Where there is a empty space a person can always add a pumpkin or two.

To Pumpkins at Pumpkin Time

2008-10-09T09:01:00.002-05:00

I have white pumpkins scattered throughout my house. I love the oranges and golds, but it is fun to mix in the white pumpkins with my blues and browns.

"Back into your garden-beds!

Here come the holidays!

And woe to the golden pumpkin-heads

Attracting too much praise.

Hide behind the hoe, the plow,

Cling fast to the vine!

Those who come to praise you now

Will soon sit down to dine." --Grace Cornell Tall, To Pumpkins at Pumpkin Time

Fall is Right On Time

2008-10-07T11:39:00.001-05:00

"Scarecrows, corn rows, pumpkins on the vine, leaves curl, wind swirls, fall is right on time." -Author Unknown.

I found this cute clock in the clearance bin. I bought it for $15.00. You can tell I am always on the look out for a good buy. Or else God just places me in the right place at the right time!

Hope you all are enjoying this lovely weather.

I Love Fall

2008-10-03T12:45:00.003-05:00

The pumpkin pillow was my first attempt at rug hooking. It really is a fun craft. I made the quilt out of 10 flannel fat quarters. There are just too many fun crafts. It is hard to do them all when you enjoy doing them all. The little scarecrow came from a store. The nights are getting chillier here in Minnesota. I had to put another quilt on the bed last night.

"I love fall! Fall is exciting.
I'ts apples and cider.
It's an airborne spider.
It's pumpkins in bins.
It's burrs on dog's chins.
It's wind blowing leaves.
It's chilly red knees.
It's nuts on the ground.
It's a crisp dry sound.
It's green leaves turning.
And the smell of them burning.
It's clouds in the sky.
It's fall. That's why...
I love fall." - Author Unknown

October Gave a Party

2008-10-02T11:16:00.004-05:00

"October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band." -George Cooper, October's Party

I found this little table for my sunroom at Hancock Fabrics for $70.00 in the clearance isle. I was so excited to bring it home. Don't you just love a bargain! I can't resist putting pumpkins all over the house. Call me Miss Pumpkin.

Autumn Has Come to the Dining Room

2008-09-26T13:24:00.003-05:00

I usually put white pumpkins etc. in the dining room, but it looks like it has taken a different route this year. But, I will find a place for my white pumpkins. Still contemplating. I just love to sit back and enjoy it after it is done. I wonder why a person's house is so inviting during the autumn season. Martha Stewart Crafts was on QVC this morning, there was some really cute stuff.

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn." by Elizabeth Lawrence.

Dance of the Autumn Leaves

2008-09-24T09:01:00.003-05:00

I made the wool pillow last year. It was a pattern from "All Through the Night", Dance of the Autumn Leaves. I love working with wool and applique. The quilt is the very first quilt I made. It was from a book by "Timbleberries". I really enjoyed making all the different blocks. The bench is really old. It use to sit in my Great Aunt Evelyn's summer kitchen. It was white. I painted it a mushroom color from Martha Stewart and put it in my dining room. The hat boxes under the bench store some of my china.

Harvest Pumpkin Quilt

2008-09-22T12:31:00.004-05:00

I finished this quilt last year but never put the binding on it. I am just about done working on the binding. I am using a green to match the leaves. This pattern came from a book by "Thimbleberries". I admired this pattern for years, so I finally put my mind to making it. I just love it. Anything with pumpkins and leaves pulls at my heartstrings. I have this quilt in my sunroom.

Pumpkin Angel

2008-09-18T14:34:00.005-05:00

I made this pumpkin angel a few of years ago, her pattern was in one of the crafty magazines. Her eyes are made of a black snap and her nose is satin stitch embroidered. She was fun to make and I have enjoyed putting her out in the fall. Sometimes I put her on a shelf or have her hanging over the kitchen cupboards. This year I decided to put her in the sunroom to watch over the pumpkins. I found the black metal house at a fair one year and I pretty much leave that up all year, setting it in different places throughout the house. And I love using the battery candles.

Decorationg for Fall

2008-09-18T14:34:00.004-05:00

I have brought up the totes from the basement! Let the decorating begin. I did buy a new harvest angel this year and put her on my basement door. She was only 9.95 and who can pass up such a bargain for something so cute! I just love the way my house looks in all her "Fall Finery". The house becomes cozy and warm. I am a little slower this year at getting the decorating done. This weekend I am hoping to go on our annual fall day trip to buy some pumpkins, sip hot apple cider and see the start of the beautiful colors on the trees. In southeastern Minnesota we have the most beautiful fall colors. We have Apple Festival this weekend and Cranberry Fest next weekend in Wisconsin. The fall is jam packed with Autumn festivities. Hope your days are crisp and colorful.

Pumpkin Quilt for Niece

2008-09-16T10:24:00.004-05:00

I finally finished this pumpkin quilt for my Niece. I started it last fall and finally took it out again and finished it this morning. I finished the binding before I left for work. I think binding is one of my favorite parts of the quilt process. I used a pattern from "Thimbleberries". I taught myself to quilt using her books and patterns. They are so easy and always turn out so nice. I am looking at this quilt and thinking how cute it would be in my house, but I made it for a special gal, so I want her to enjoy it. I know she will really appreciate it. She saves my homemade cards and uses them for decoration. So I know she will really like this quilt. I am so excited to give it to her. Love this time of year. I am going to start getting out my pumpkins and fall colors for the house. I am a little slow this year.

New Wall Art

2008-09-04T15:33:00.003-05:00

I went to the neatest home party show called "Uppercase Living" . You can buy almost any word or saying you like. I painted 3 squares of auqa paint on my wall and then I put the words on top and framed them all. It turned out kind of cute. Peace, Love and Faith. I just measured and used blue painting tape to frame out the part I wanted to paint. I bought a sample of paint at my local hardware store for $3.00. It was cheap and easy. I had the frames left over from some pictures I know longer use.

TWO-COLOR QUILT CHALLENGE (oops! 3 color)

2008-08-22T07:42:00.020-05:00

I joined in the fun of the "Two Color Quilt Challenge" with "Sisters Choice" but after I had it almost finished I realized I have 3 colors. I guess the cream threw me off. So now I have a 3 color quilt instead. I am not quite done with it, but thought I would show how far I did get and then kind of put it away after I realized it had 3 colors. I did have good intentions of creating a 2 color quilt. When I do get this done I will be putting it on my dining room table for the spring. I love Kim Diehl's patterns. I have her 3 books. This is a table runner from "Simple Seasons" everything in the book is great.

IN-PROCESS

2008-08-22T07:42:00.017-05:00

I have this quilt started, it went so fast. I just have to applique the birds on the circles and then quilt it. I just love the pattern and the fabric. I think I am going to use it in my sunroom. Or it would be cute as a table cloth in the dining room. Amy Butler fabrics and the pattern is by Barbara Brandeburg. Love their stuff.

MINNESOTA QUILT SHOP HOP

2008-08-22T07:42:00.015-05:00

While we were vacationing the Minnesota Quilt Shop Hop was taking place. So we stopped at a few of the shops along Lake Superior. There are some really fun shops along the way. And of course I had to buy some new patterns and you can never have to much stash. These shops are truly Up North quilt shops. Tucked into the woods and some along the Lake.

GRAND MARAIS

2008-08-22T07:42:00.010-05:00

This is the Harbor in Grand Marias, Minnesota. Lake Superior. My daughter Hollie and I try to go here every year in August. It gives us energy for the coming year. She is a teacher so she gets relaxed before she starts her new school year. The splashing of the waves has to be the most calming sound in the universe.

Hollie and I are watching the sun set looking out at the Harbor in Grand Marias. We dont do a lot when we go to Grand Marias. We sit alot by the water and read our books and take naps. We think that Grand Marias is pretty close to what Heaven might be like.

This is the view from the deck at the Hotel. There is a class for Kayaking. It looks like fun but have never tried it yet. Maybe next time.

Hollie and I like to hike along the Lake. This is looking at the Light House in Grand Marais. The sun is getting ready to go down and it is so peaceful and beautiful.

This is my 2nd favorite place to visit, it is the "World's Best Doughnut" Shop. It sits right next door to the book store. So I get up every morning buy "SOME" doughnuts go and sit by the lake and read my bible in the quiet hour of the morning as the water is lapping on the shore and the sea gulls singing. The doughnuts are just so yummy, you cant have just one.

This is one of our favorite places to visit on vacation. It is a book store "Dury Lane" and it sits by the Lake. It is the cutest little shop and it is crammed full of books!! We go in there everyday and browse and buy a book. I have found some of my favorite books in this shop. Then we go outside and read and watch the water.

Anne & Buster

2008-08-05T10:31:00.000-05:00

I won I won!!! I entered a drawing for the cutest print at "Donna (Cookie) Gotlib" from the land of "Cookie Sunshine". And I won this cute print. It is of Cookie's baby sister Anne and Buster. I found a frame at "Crate and Barrel", it is glass with a frame all around it, the print fits in there perfect. I have this hanging in my living room and it makes me smile when I look at. The poem that came with it is so cute too. I encourage you to visit Cookie's blog site. Her Art will bring lots of smiles to your day. Thank you again Cookie for your Art that makes me Smile.

2008-07-30T11:41:00.006-05:00

I made this quilt for Hollie. She took a trip to Montana and brought back 10 fat quarters. So we used a pattern that uses 10 fat quarters, backing additional. It reminds her of all the pretty colors of Montana. She has this quilt in her living room

My Mom

2008-07-30T11:41:00.003-05:00

My mom loves to drink her coffee out of a cup and saucer. I collect them, so when she comes I try to give her a different one each time. This is mom at my dad's tea birthday party. She is such a sweet lady. You would love her, everyone loves her. I wrote an essay on her one time and won! I had to read it in front of a group. I won the whole collection of "Dearest Dorothy Books" by Charlene Baumbich. If you need some light and fun reading, read that collection. My mom is great. Her faith in Christ has always been my inspiration. We lost 2 of my brothers when they were 21 and 22, they died a year apart. Her faith has held her up and she is just such a loving person to all who know her.

Dad

2008-07-28T10:24:00.003-05:00

This is my Dad, we took him to the Veterans Hospital on friday for Cataract surgery. Lots of prayers going up. And everything turned out great. His surgery was a success and he is seeing much better. I took this picture of him last year on his birthday. We had a birthday tea and we all had to wear a hat. It was really fun. My dad just loves to try different foods. He is a really a good cook too. His name is Thelvin and a real norwegian. Love my Dad!

Shop Hop Winner

2008-07-23T10:55:00.003-05:00

I went to the Quilt shop where I won a 2nd drawing in the Shop Hop. It is packaged really cute in this burlap bag. The pattern and materials are to make a belt. I think I am going to make a belt for my camera. The pattern and packaging are from Sweet Wraps by Sweetwater. Should be cute, a quilted belt. It is always so much fun to win something! I dont usually win anything. But I have been winning lately. God must have figured I needed a little reminder that life is good and He provides that good life to me. I will have fun making this belt.

QUILT SHOP HOP

2008-07-18T07:52:00.005-05:00

There was a quilt shop hop in our area last weekend. It was really fun to visit some new shops I had not been to. One shop I fell in love with was The Yellow Bird Art in Lansing Iowa. The store was filled with all the new patterns and materials. The samples were fun to look at. It had ribbons and buttons. You can tell I really had fun at the shop. I had my Prince Philip (husband) with me so I couldn't linger too long. But I managed to buy this pattern by Barbara Brandeburg Birdie Big Blocks. Isn't it just the cutest. Then I bought this wonderful fabric by Amy Butler. I can't wait to get started. It will be fun cutting out the birdies. Love her patterns. The fabric is just so pretty to look at that I hate to cut into it. But I have a picture now so I can return here to look at it. That is the nice thing about blogging, you can keep a running diary of your work. And I did win a second drawing from a quilt shop. They called me on Monday night to let me know that I had won a prize and to come to the shop and pick it up. I haven't picked it up yet but can't wait to see what it is. Anything is just grand from a quilt shop.

HOLLIE'S FAIRY QUILT

2008-07-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

I found this fairy material and just fell in love with it. It is so hard to cut into material sometimes. It just looks so pretty laying there. Love stash!!! But I did cut into it and made this cute quilt for my daughter. I think it is one that she snuggles with in every room. She says it just gets better the more she washes it. "Quilts from the Quiltmakers Gift" by Joanne Larsen Line and Nancy Loving Tubesing. It is a great book. I have both of their quilt pattern books. They are wonderful. Easy directions and beautiful quilts. The childrens story is filled with great pictures and a fun story. Love it!

HOLLIE'S LIVING ROOM WALL QUILT

2008-07-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

I made this quilt for my kitchen but my daughter Hollie fell in love with it. It now hangs in her cute living room. Hollie is such a cute decorator. Her apartment is just filled with cute things. She really has a knack for decorating. Her place at Christmas time is just so enchanting. The pattern was in a Better Homes and Gardens quilt magazine and the pattern was by "Barbara Brandeburg". It was really fun to make. I used up alot of my scraps.

HOLLIE'S KITCHEN QUILT

2008-07-10T07:32:00.006-05:00

I made this quilt for my lovely daughter Hollie's birthday last year. She has a horse and likes funky western. I found the pattern at "All Through the Night" . She has it on her kitchen table. I was just looking at the picture and noticed that I forgot to wipe off the white chalk marks. Hollie has several quilts that I have made. You know how it is when you have a daughter! They some how end of with them.

SPECIAL AUNTIE PRESENT

2008-07-10T07:32:00.005-05:00

I have a special Aunt Joanne. She sent me a card for my birthday and this is what I bought with it. When I went to the "Minnesota Quilt Show" there was a fun booth called "Willow Wood Market". They had all kinds of neat things. I bought this pattern and wool. I have an old window with six panes in it that I am going to make those cute wools flowers and put behind the glass. I just couldnt resist the little wool bundle. I am not sure I will use the bundle, I just thought it was so cute. So thank you to my special Aunt! Everyone should really have a Special Aunt.

Yo Yo Winner

2008-07-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

These are so pretty. I won these yoyo's about a month ago from a wonderful blog site http://www.blackberrycreek.typepad/ I have been waiting to post them until I had them in a project. But I decided I better post them before time goes on. I have decided to put them on a black purse I am making. I will turn them into flowers. In fact I got the idea from Susan at blackberrycreek. Her pink quilt she is working on has some yoyo's as flowers in a flower pot, it is so cute. Visit her blog site, it is filled with fun things.

Fun Booth at the Show

2008-07-01T07:17:00.002-05:00

This booth at the Quilt Show was the most fun. It was displayed by colors. I had alot of fun browsing in this booth. I just can't resist buttons and lace. The booth was called "Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods" www.niftythriftydrygoods.com

Cream Puff

2008-06-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

And of course I had to have nourishment! Walking through a Quilt Show is alot of work. I ate the top off the cream puff before I thought of taking a picture. It was one of the largest cream puffs I have ever had. It had fresh cream and real strawberries in it. It was wonderful!!!!

Minnesota Quilt Show 2008

2008-06-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

This pretty quilt is called "Summer Garden" by Lin Hilgendorf.

Minnesota Quilt Show 2008

2008-06-25T10:47:00.012-05:00

I can understand why this is called "Daydreaming" by Judy Alexander, because this is exactly what my daydreams looks like. It reminds me of the Northern Shores of Lake Superior. My favorite place to be.

Minnesota Quilt Show 2008

2008-06-25T10:47:00.011-05:00

This was is called "Monkey Business at Grandmas" by Kathy McNeil, Geri Parker, and Judy Irish

Minnesota Quilt Show 2008

2008-06-25T10:47:00.010-05:00

I loved this quilt. (I loved them all!)

This is called "High Gear" by Kathleen Moorhead Johnson.

Minnesota Quilt Show

2008-06-25T10:47:00.005-05:00

It is hard to see all the fun thread work on this quilt. There were so many with fancy stitches and colorful threads and beads. This one was called "Sunflowers and Cabbage Whites" by Lauren Strach

PAPER AND TJ MAXX

2008-06-25T10:47:00.002-05:00

I don't know what it is about journals and paper products that just touch my heart strings. I have a hard time passing by this stuff. I was at TJ Maxx (one of my favorite stores) and they had so many new journals and notecards etc. So of course I had to buy them, they were such a good buy too! The solid pink one I got at at store called "Papyrus" LOVE IT. It has a leather cover and and leather string to close. The paper inside is just so soft and fun to write on. I also could not pass up on the bird at TJ Maxx.

God Bless you all today!

It's My Birthday!

2008-06-18T07:23:00.008-05:00

Today is my birthday. My mom makes me a cake every year and brings it to work so my co-workers can help me celebrate. She usually does a theme, tea cups, convertibles, oreos, etc. But this year she couldn't think of anything fun so she put the candle question mark on the cake. My mom is the greatest and she makes the most delicious cakes. She use to make wedding cakes etc. now she makes cake only for her family. My friend at work took this picture, she thought I should have a pic of my birthday cake. (p.s. I am 54 years old today) I was born in 1954 and am 54 today, I think I should probably get a bigger present or something for that!?! My birthday is on the 19th, but the post is showing it as the 18th. Computers are an odd lot.

PEONIES YIPPEE

2008-06-18T07:23:00.005-05:00

I am so excited the Peony's are blooming. They are my favorite flower. I wish they lasted longer. My peony's are 50 or more years old. We are living in the house my husband grew up in (also his father grew up in the house). His mother planted the peony bushes over 50 years ago.

The glass bottles I bought about 24 of them years ago in Minneapolis at at place called Junk Market. The owners are Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. They are featured in "Country Home Magazine". I am not sure if the store is still in operation, but the ideas are still there and fun. I couldnt find the website for the store anymore, otherwise I would post it. But you can go to "Country Home Magazine" and view some of their cute ideas. I use these bottles alot. Once I had an outside tea party and put one at everyones place setting. It was so cute and fun.

Apron Fun

2008-06-16T07:03:00.004-05:00

My 2nd Bernina Virtual Class was about all the different stitches your Bernina could do. We have to make a project using some of the stitches your machine can do. So I experimented with an apron. (the pattern is from Better Homes and Gardens Fast and Fabulous Quilting magazine). I put wash away stabilizer behind the material and stitched away. It was fun experimenting with the stitches. The stabilizer is really an important thing to use. It keeps the stitches stable on the fabric. I just used regular thread on top and bobbin.

I will be taking this project and the pin cushion to my next class on friday. Then the class is free if you bring a project back. This next class should be fun, it will be something about Christmas projects.

Monday morning and the birds are singing here in Minnesota. I think summer has finally arrived. The weather is perfect. It helps to have some days like this to remember when winter rolls around.

I hope it is sunny and the birds are singing where you are. God Bless.

2008-06-12T08:16:00.007-05:00

I bought Better and Homes and Gardens "Fast and Fabulous Quilting Ideas" Magazine. It is full of cute ideas. I made a cute pin cushion. I made it a little taller than the pattern. I was experimenting with my Bernina stitches. It was fun and fast. I think I will be making more to have on hand for Christmas presents. I just love those flat quilting pins.

It is friday!!! The sun is shining here in Minnesota today. And we got some wonderful news last night. Our son and daughter-in-law found out our grandchild is a little boy. We are just so excited. The due date is in November. It is just too overwhelming the love inside, no words can explain what it is to be a grandparent. The little guy will be our third grandchild. Grandpa went to work this morning walking on a cloud. He is too funny.

Psalms 139: 13-16 This is really precious to me.

2008-06-12T08:16:00.004-05:00

This was my first attempt at hand quilting. I finished the quilting by machine. I was in too much of a hurry to finish it by hand. But it was fun doing the hand quilting. When I am not in such a hurry to finish a project, I am going to do one in hand quilting. I had problems with the rocking motion, but with practice I am sure it would get better. It is fun, and that is the important part. I used a pattern called Star Party from "Country Threads" by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene.

Found Cutest Giveaway

2008-06-10T10:44:00.003-05:00

I found another lovely blog, "Cookie Sunshine". And she is having the cutest giveaway. A limited edition of one of her lovely drawings with poem. "Little Red Shoes". Check out her other drawings. She has the cutest jewelry fairy poem and drawing, among other cute things.www.cookiesunshine.typepad.com

Grandaughter's First Quilt

2008-06-06T07:38:00.002-05:00

I made this quilt for my grandaughter. It was the first one I made for her. The pattern was taken from a Thimbleberries Book by Lynnette Jennings. I just love her patterns and instructions. Her books taught me alot when I was learning how to quilt.

Grandson's First Quilts

2008-06-05T07:21:00.005-05:00

These two quilts I made for grandson before he was born. The jungle print one came from Fons and Porter magazine, March/April 2004 issue, called "Jungle Songs". I put some soft green "minky" in some of the squares, I know how kids love to feel soft things with their fingers.

The second quilt was also taken from Fons and Porter magazine, September/October 2004 issue, called Baby "Dots and Diamonds". This one was very challenging for me. The diamonds! I would have to really rethink doing another one with the diamonds. I put "minky" on the backing and the binding. I thought this was really cute with the little dragons. I made these about 1 1/2 years ago.

2008-06-04T07:51:00.002-05:00

We have been working on the yard. Finally got my garden statues out and some annuals planted. I got this little girl when I turned 50, 4 years ago. My sister-in-law Luann gave it to me. It is very special to me because she past away this last February 2008. We were the same age, she was born in May and I in June, I use to tease her about being younger than her. I knew her since the 3rd grade. I grew up as an army brat and moved alot. But when my dad went to Korea we lived with Grandma and Grandma was the one room school teacher, so I met Luann then. She was my oldest friend. We married brothers. She died of a heart attack. She lost one of her sons 4 years ago. She loved life and her family very much. It has been a very sad time. So when I see this little girl it reminds me of Luann. But, I know I will see her again when I go home to be with the Lord.

Bunny Pillow

2008-06-03T09:59:00.008-05:00

This is the project I made for my Virtual Bernina class. It was really fun to share projects and see what everyone else made. We learned ruffling with cording, ruffling with Bernina foot (very nice foot), and machine applique. Next month I think I will make an apron or pin cushion and use the techniques we learned from our last class using machine embroidery. This months class was not all that exciting. Looking forward to next month (June) we will be doing something for Christmas.

Little Bunny Still Hopping

2008-06-03T09:59:00.005-05:00

Our little bunny is still with us. He is all alone though. I never seen his family since he was a little tyke. He is surviving in our yard. We leave the shed door open a little crack and he manages to get inside. I think that might be where he hangs out at night. It has been fun watching him hop around and munch on the grass. He is getting braver and moving further out into the yard. My husband really likes watching him. Every day he points out the fact that he is still with us. My husband comments on the sunset every evening too. He does stop to smell the roses every day (not literally). He helps me to appreciate my surroundings. Prince Philip is his name.

North Shore Quilt

2008-05-28T13:54:00.007-05:00

My daughter and I head for the North Shore of Lake Superior for a few days every summer. They have some very cute quilt shops along the way. Last year we visited a shop in Grand Marais (our favorite town) they had a cute pattern that uses 10 fat quarters not including the backing but everything on the top and binding. We picked out fat quarters that reminded us of the North Shore, woods, rocks, water, bears, up north logos. And we put together this quilt. It has been so much fun using it this past winter, it reminded us of our trips up north. My daughter Hollie keeps trying to take it home with her. This year when we go, we will pick out 10 fat quarters for her memory quilt. We are going to join in on the Minnesota Quilt Shop Hop this year. We are sure to find some treasures along the way. I will take pictures of the shops and post them. We go in August.

I pray your day is filled with God's blessings.

Table Topper

2008-05-28T13:54:00.006-05:00

This pattern is from a book called "Four Seasons of Calendar Table Toppers" by Lynette Jensen of Thimbleberries. Her patterns are nice to work with. I usually save this table topper for the fall. It was very fast to make. And it looks so cute when I put it on a little round table with pumpkins on it. It is a fun and easy quilt.

Bernina Virtual Class

2008-05-28T13:54:00.003-05:00

I am taking a Virtual Class by Bernina at a quilt shop. The first lesson a month ago we learned quite alot. If we bring back a completed project of something we learned the next class will be free. So I am making a pillow using a couple of things we learned. We took a piece of clothes line and made a ruffled edge, so that is what I am using here. I am just about done with the pillow so will post when I get done. It happens to match the two-color quilt challenge project I am making. I found the class to be very interesting. We learned new uses for 4 bernina feet. (That I dont have.) but just more things to add to my NEED list! My lilacs are blooming, and they are right out my sewing room window. So the smell all weekend was heavenly. I didnt want to leave the sewing machine. I think the smell of fresh lilacs is one of the best smells. You just cant find it in a candle etc.. I got to be grandma on saturday so that was just the best. Is there anything sweeter than a grandchild? God is good! Happy sewing...

Happy Quilt

2008-05-20T16:14:00.006-05:00

I have this hanging near my kitchen. The colors are much more happy than what the picture is showing. This was the 2nd quilt project I made when I first started to learn to quilt. This pattern was taken from a Barbara Brandeburg book "Cabbage Rose" and the pattern is called "Fine Day in Baltimore". It was so much fun doing. And I really like the border. I did this using Barbara Brandeburg's applique technique in her book. It was easy to follow and I had alot of fun making it.

I have a question??? I have noticed that the dates on my posts are 2 days behind the date I actually post.

Any ideas?

Sunroom Quilt

2008-05-20T16:14:00.003-05:00

This quilt is one of the first ones I made. I used a pattern called "Old Blue China" from a book called "The Best of Cabbage Rose" by Barbara Brandeburg. I made the wall hanging pattern into a larger quilt by adding a couple of more borders. I was teaching myself to make quilts and found her books and instructions very easy to follow. I love working with her designs. I use this quilt in my sunroom. It comes out after the christmas stuff is put away.

Update on Two Color Challenge

2008-05-20T16:14:00.001-05:00

I have started hand applique on my project. I love using "Silk" thread on my hand applique projects, the thread doesn't seem to get tangled so much. I also like using "Straw" needles for my hand applique. The sun is shining in Minnesota today. When I left for work the temp was 44, still cold at night and in the morning, but to us it is like a heat wave. When the sun is out it is a hard decision if I should quilt or should I be doing something outside and enjoying the sun. My daughter Hollie and I went flower garden shopping over the weekend. We had fun and visited a couple of cute shops. I was going to take pictures of the shops but forgot my camera.

Happy Sewing!!!

Border Coming Together

2008-05-12T16:19:00.006-05:00

I am having fun sewing on the 1 1/2" squares to my 4 1/2" square for my "Zinnia Basket Quilt" from the book Kim Diehl "Simple Traditions" . This will all be sewn together to form the outer border. I just love "The Angler 2" . (They have fun stuff on their website). You dont have to draw on the diagonal lines. I use blue painter tape to attach it to my sewing machine. It works really nice. Cant wait to have a finished quilt!

PS. I wonder why the dates on my Postings are not all correct?

Enjoying the Everyday

2008-05-12T16:19:00.005-05:00

I am trying to be more aware of my surroundings. Trying to enjoy and be delighted in the everyday things around me. Today on my way to work I looked at my tulips. Finally blooming here in Minnesota. Longggg winter. I stopped to take a good look and a picture. It did make me feel good. Last night the baby bunny was back bouncing around the yard, but too quick to take a picture. My husband and I watched him for the longest time, he was so cute. I am concerned though where is his family. I only ever see the one little bunny.

I hope that you have a day filled with the beauty of everyday.

Start of Two Color Quilt

2008-05-12T16:19:00.004-05:00

The pattern I am using is "Tulips and Tossed Greens" from a book by Kim Diehl called "Simple Seasons" (love her books!). I am using aqua and brown colors. I am getting the bunny's ready to applique. I am having fun making yo yo's for my project. I bought a "Clover" yo yo maker and is that ever slick. It goes so fast and the yo yo's turn out so nice. I think the sun forgot about Minnesota...it snowed up north this past weekend. I did see the cutest baby bunny hopping around the yard this morning. They are so funny to watch. I hope you are having a happy quilting day! God bless you today.

Granddaughter's Quilt

2008-05-12T16:19:00.003-05:00

I have been working on this quilt for about 2 years. It is just one of those that I just kept putting away and starting again. The backing is done with minky. I had her with me when I was buying fabric and I found her wrapped up in a bolt of minky, she was loving it. So I made her a quilt top and backed it with yellow minky. The pattern I used is "Square Pegs" from a "Quilt Country" pattern. I had a wonderful mothers day. I couldn't be with all my children (2) and grandkids (2) but I was thankful that I had a wonderful mother and daughter (husband and Dad) to have lunch with and my children are all healthy. Have a nice evening. Happy creating!

Hysterectomy Quilt

2008-05-07T13:52:00.014-05:00

I call this quilt my hysterectomy quilt. I was off work for 7 weeks a fews years ago. I was not able to do much. But I was able to get this wall hanging done. It was very theraputic. The pattern is from Cabbage Rose by Barbara Brandeburg, the book is "Fancy Things". I just love her patterns.

2008-05-07T13:52:00.013-05:00

I am joining "Sisterschoice" two color quilt challenge. First time I have done one. So I hope I do it right. Thanks to Nicole from "Sisters Choice" who so graciously helped me with all the questions I had about blogging and joining the quilt challenge.

http://sisterschoice.typepad.com/sisters_choice_quilts/2008/05/index.html

Love Making Penny Rugs

2008-05-07T13:52:00.009-05:00

I really enjoy the whole process of making penny rugs. This is the first one I had professionally framed. The pattern is from http://www.allthroughthenight.net/
It is a pattern called "Noel Penny Rug". I love working with their patterns too!

Work in Progress

2008-05-07T13:52:00.005-05:00

I love doing applique and am always trying different ways. I think I like doing needle turn the best because I can take it with me. I like watching tv and doing handwork at the same time. I like being able to take it to work with me. I am slowly getting this quilt complete. I have to piece the border yet and then the top will be done. The pattern I am using is from a book called "Simple Traditions" by Kim Diehl. http://www.kimdiehl.com/

I love working with her patterns and her books are wonderful.