September Project Linus Newlestter

Check the Project Linus Tab at the top of the page for the September Newsletter. 

I'm loading this quilt top onto the frame tonight and have two more in my pile to be quilted for Project Linus. This one screams HALLOWEEN so I'm planning to quilt ghosts, haunted houses and skeletons along the strips. (I can't wait!) I'm sure it will make some little guy smile upon receiving it next month. Besides, I'm so ready for FALL I'm  hoping it will help me ignore these lingering hot afternoons!

That's one of my WIP.

With smiles!

Val:)

Rebuilt Rocking Chair

One summer day last month, I happened upon an old rocking chair at a garage sale down the street from my house. I fell in love with it's character and found myself actually carrying it home! I couldn't help but imagine rocking my future grandson and maybe later find him cuddled up in it reading books. I bought it for $5.00! 

I was so pleased with my find...that was until I asked my dad during his stay last week (He's an awesome woodworker btw), if he would set me up to sand the chair down. His look was one I saw many times during my childhood when I'd stump him with, what he calls my "crazy ideas". It's a look that said:  Valerie are you kiddding me....this thing needs to go in the dumpster!  (ha!ha!) After probably ten minutes of serious contemplation the challenge was on! He set forth to rebuild the darn thing!!!

As he took pieces apart, I set forth sanding....and sanding....and sanding! I think he used an entire bottle of wood glue!

  

This is me getting OUT OF PRIMING the chair:  (HAHAHAH!!!)

Ta Da!

I love the colonial red color I found! My mom laughed, literally out loud, at the fact my new cushion cost more than the chair.(I did too!) But I LOVE IT!!! I can't wait for it to be moved into the house (Today I had a few paint touch-ups to complete after school) But can't ya see a quilt finding it's home draped on it's back and a toddler all cozy looking at picture books in it? And maybe even a quilted cushion cover in the future!?? Aughhh the creative thinking never ends does it.

It was a fun weekend! Thanks dad.

With smiles!

Val:)

Sunday Organizing: mind, schedule, food and finances

I found this podcast while visiting others on line and thought it was
 the perfect Sunday Organizing tip: 

The podcast episode includes these four areas of organization:  

1. Organize your mind. 
2. Organize your schedule. 
3. Organize your food.
4. Organize your finances. 

I often tell people I just feel better when I'm organized. (And as you saw last weekend, my creative muster isn't always spotless: Creative Reality ) But, I totally agree with Susan that by being organized at home, school, and in my hobby area, that I have less anxiety and increased internal calmness. I am peaceful and productive. Click on the picture below to check out more! Happy Sunday!

With smiles, Val:)

P.S. Today is the last day of my parents visit. I'm going to miss them. Glad I have my daughter's picnic quilt to start to distract me from their departure. 

Mother/Daughter Quilting!

 I can remember numerous times my own mother patiently spent time filling  me and my daughters requests to learn to knit...all with great failure I have to say. And I guarantee you this was not due to my mom's expertise, but rather our own abilities. My endless challenge being  I ALWAYS pull too tight! 

Yet, here I am, about to begin filing my own daughter's request to learn to sew and make a quilt. Visions of late night sews are bouncing in my head like it's Christmas eve!! How fun it will be to have a sewing buddy during her last few weeks before returning to college. We are making a pinwheel quilt from these fat quarters to match this adorable picnic basket she found:

Let the cutting begin!! 

With smiles!

Val:)

Welcome if you are visiting from:

 

Sunday Organizing: Sometimes...THIS is my reality

I'm NOT so organized!! Yep! I'm a day late with my Sunday Organizing Post. Projects are still not unpacked from a weekend workshop...two weeks ago. My travel bag from this weekend holds my Hexagon Quilt still waiting to be binded.  (Yes, I decided to keep it and remake myself one. I plan to save this one to give to my first grand-daughter someday.)

 ...and there's even a quilt waiting to be quilted for at least a week now.

But! I don't mind....because life has been busy with family, friends and gift giving all the projects I've been working on!  My daughter and son-in-law LOVED their Dinosaur Baby Quilt with matching receiving blankets and burp rags. Their sister-in-law was grateful for her Dr. Seuss Receiving Blanket. This truly is the most rewarding part for me: watching people open their gifts with awe and appreciation. I love that I left all of them a little piece of me to keep warm under.

This week continues to fill our life with family visits as my parents are here from Arizona for a week! So on top of teaching school and their visit, not much sewing will get done. But, my youngest daughter is home for a few more weeks before she heads back to college. She wants to help me make a picnic quilt before she leaves to match this really cool picnic basket she found while we were away one weekend!

We are planning to make a quick pinwheel quilt from the above fat quarters. We'll keep ya posted on the progress. Wishing everyone a Happy Labor Day!

With smiles,

Val:)