Before You Get out of Bed...

I just had to share how I like to start my day:
(I wanted to add: Smile that you awoke under a homemade quilt!!) 

 Today we are decorating the house for Christmas and I'll be back tomorrow with my ALYofF post...just under the wire of the deadline I might add! (Wasn't very smart of me to pick a queen size WIP to finish during this time of year...but I think I can , I think I can...)

With Smiles,

V:)

Tuesday Archives #38: Turkeys & Happy Thanksgiving

Welcome to the linky party that let's you rejuvenate your old quilting/sewing posts! 

(Santa has our list of upcoming December themes ready! Check over in my sidebar.)

TURKEY QUILTS...OR...Even the Real Fowl Version

It's a busy week for many of us, but whether your turkeys are of the quilt genre like Nancy who blogs at PugMom Quilts... (She dug through her archives and let me highlight this adorable Turkey Wallhanging she posted about back in 2012. Thanks Nancy!)

...or, if your turkeys are of the fowl version like Carole who quilts at My Carolina Home shared with us this month, please do share this week! (Annnddd...if you haven't stopped by her blog this month....do! She has so much Thanksgiving goodness going on!)




Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. I just love, love the gathering of friends and family. For me yesterday and today will be spent celebrating with my Second Graders.  Then the rest of the week will be spent with family and yes...being grammy!! I'll be back at the end of the week with my ALYofF post and I need to get caught up on those Little Letters. But, until then, God Bless and Happy, Happy Thanksgiving to all my stateside blogging friends. And know I'm grateful for all my foreign friends met this year too!

(Notice the quilts near my feet...the kids ALWAYS fold them up like that when they are done using them. That always makes me smile!)
What makes you smile during this Thanksgiving Season?
With smiles,
Val:)

Quick Baby Gifts Made

I love making oversized receiving blankets for new babies out of soft quilter's flannel.

Our oldest daughter also loved these little infant pacifiers when our grandson was born, so I add one of those too. (They are called: WubbaNubs) (Each blanket measure 42" square...which leaves me a little extra fabric from the yard and half that I purchase, to make a matching burp cloth for mom or dad's shoulder.)

I found this fun Urban Zoologie Flannel on clearance and couldn't resist these monkeys: 

And, admittably, these elephants are my favorite:

I also matched a cute little catepillar with this soft Riley Blake butterfly flannel:

I can't wait to wrap them all up and gift them to some expectant moms I know.

I'm also curious to know...Do you have a quick "go-to" gift you like to make?

Hope ya got in a little sewing yourself this weekend.

With smiles,

Val:)

"I-Spy" A FINISH!

Wahooo!!! A year later and 210 little four inch blocks collected...my I-Spy quilt is finished! It measures into a cozy 50"x50" play quilt.

I love the Car fabric our daughter picked out for the back.

It matches our little guy's Car slippers and knitted blanket from Great Grandma perfectly!

I just need to finish sewing down one side of binding tonight then wash it so it's cuddly soft when I give it to him next week.

Always Happy that it's Friday!

With smiles,

V:)

Tuesday Archives # 37: Jelly Roll Quilts!

Welcome to the linky party that let's you rejuvenate your old quilting/sewing posts! 

(Check over in my right margin for the list of our November themes.)

JELLY ROLL QUILTS:  

This week finds us skimming though our archives for quilts made from a jelly roll or 2 1/2" strips. Please tell me I'm not the only one who prefers this dish of Jelly Rolls over the traditional yummy, bready version! (Truth be told, I can't resist a good Cinnamon Roll!) 

But, never the less, I've only made one quilt from a jelly roll and it was this Halloween quilt for our youngest daughter back in the Fall of 2010 when I had just started quilting. It was my second quilt made. I think what I like about using a jelly roll is it's quick and easy.  I was able to make this quilt in a weekend. (And yes, Jackson even photo bombed back then!!)

The above is lap size quilt made from a pattern called: Strip Search by G.E. Desgins.

Anyhoo...I'm always grateful to each of you for stopping by and making Tuesday Archives a success! I so enjoy seeing your older posts and always learn something new from them.Sooo...with that said: