DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......

TA DA!!!!......Here it is Ladies and Gents!!! My very first officially completed quilt. All washed and crinkly from the dryer! Machine pieced and then hand quilted. Yeah, it is finished!!! I couldn't wait to show you!! Cute backing huh? ( I probable like the back better than I do the front )......

Here is a picture of the whole 'tomato'. I would have preferred better pictures, but of all the photos I have taken of this quilt....this was the best of the lot! You can click to enlarge. I guess you could say this quilt is a 'hodge-podge' no pattern and no experience type of quilt!! I learned a BUNCH from this little 'Bonnie' quilt. I can't wait to give it to her! Thanks go out to Fran over at Making Memories One Stitch at a Time for prodding me occasionally by emailing asking "how's that baby quilt coming along ?" I appreciate the encouragement Fran !!
Of course we all know Tonya at Lazy Gal Quilting too! I got the 'bonnie' letters idea from her, as well as her fans she does on HER hand quilting. Tonya has the best alphabet and numbers tutorials around. Thank you for sharing Tonya!!! Thanks everybody!!!

I tried to adjust this photo so you could maybe see some of my my hand quilting. The quilt measures 44" x 56"...not small, but not large!
Now I just need to make a label!
But I don't want to!!!

Look what flew in here Saturday....why a lovely pair of vintage feed sack love birds. They came all the way from Ohio with greetings from sweet Eileen over at Eileens Attic. They told me she just worked and worked and sewed and sewed little owls and more cute little birds and that she was plum tuckered out from all that stuffin'!!! These little birds shared with me how wonderful Eileen is and that they knew first hand how wonderful she truly is in person. They told me how happy she was making all of her hand sewn goodies for all her friends and she was so sorry in her heart that couldn't make just EVERYBODY something!!! Eileen told my new little bird friends that they were going to a good home because the lady over at Brown Dirt Cottage LOVES birds, she LOVES blue and she LOVES vintage feed sacks!! Thank you so much for thinking of me Eileen...they are lovely!!!....and you are a SWEETIE!!

SANTA CLAUS KNOWS HIS FABRIC....

Santa Claus decided that since I have been on a roll with my sewing and quilting, that I might need these 'goodies' early. WOW, what a wonderful surprise!!! And I must say....Santa knows his way around a fabric store. Look at the new lighter colored cutting mat. I guess santa really was listening when I would whine about how hard it was to see my cutting ruler markings sometimes....especially at night. He even heard me comment ( numerous times ) on how expensive the blades were for my rotary cutter......so, he included this little gadget to help sharpen my old blades ( anxious to see if it really works ). Santa said he had a really hard time picking out the fat quarters. Very hard to decide, he liked them all, but he knew I was into the 'wild' stars right now so he tried to include some 'bright' ones ( believe me....he did.....in the future, I will post some of the ones that are in that large bundle......keeping in mind....he IS a farmer man). THANK YOU santa......he said he would let me pick out the much needed new 'sewing room tv'! YEAH ME.. ( only because when I make him come upstairs to keep me company while I sew.....he doesn't like my old one that the remote doesn't even work anymore). WOW, I must have been very good this year!! Smooch-Smooch Santa!!

Here is my 'Major Award' I won over at Freda's Hive during her blogaversary week. My goodies arrived Monday and I was as giddy as a little school girl. Since I was the 'first' pick winner...( yes, I hear some of you gnashing your teeth )...I picked the japanese fabric charms and japanese project book. I love these!! Sweet Nanette also included one of her teeny little house ornaments she made along with this wonderful linen teacup kitchen towel. I'm so loving the pale blue polka dots she trimmed it in. I'm assuming the teacup fabric is japanese too. Thank you so much for your generosity Nanette!!

I also won this cute little pile of colorful fabrics at Colorful Art Girl blog. I didn't even know there was a drawing when I left a comment!

This group of santas are my 'House of Hatten' collection. They are from the 80's and are meant to look like wood carvings, but they are kind of like a heavy paper mache. I think my favorite is the one in front with the reindeer!

This is going to be my last post...( maybe )...until after the new year. I want everyone to know how much I have enjoyed blogging and meeting EVERYONE of you. I have had THE best time since I started blogging back in June. Quilting bloggers are the best in the world. I've laughed, cried, lurked around a bit and have just basically learned TONS. I have only started quilting in the last year and have been amazed at how willing everyone is to help and share their ideas and encouragement when you need it the most.....anytime day or night...( even at 4 in the morning....right Melanie?? )...help is there when you need it most. The best support system I have ever seen. WARM FEELINGS OUT TO EVERYONE, especially my loyal followers...( and you know who you are )...and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TOO!

P.S. I have had numerous emails about the little stars I have been making.....I have worked up a little tutorial on them and shortly after the first of the year I will do a posting and show you how to make some of your own..........until then......peace be with you!

Your Blogging Friend Forever!

BELINDA

I Have Started The Challenge..

Yes, I have started on my 2009 Black and White Quilt Challenge project. I know I'm ahead of the race, but when the mood strikes.....

Star Progress...

I'm coming along on my teeny tiny stars. If the sun had been shining... the colors would have popped more. In person they ARE pretty wild. My plan for these is to combine maybe a few other odd type blocks scattered here and there until I think it's big enough, sort of a Gwen Marston style. I want it to be CRAZY and BUSY and BLINDING!! Lots and lots of color......so, you're going to need your sunglasses when I finish this one! Wanda over at Exuberant Color likes blinding color too!! Go check out her newest project. Tonya at Lazy Gal Quilting has just returned from her trip to the Netherlands. You need go over and see her photos. Tonya stayed with her friend Joes and wow, Joes sure has some quilts I would love to have. Welcome home Tonya!

When I got tired of playing with my stars I decided to work on getting some more of my scraps that are in large tubs sorted. Since I'm participating in the Black and White Challenge I decided to pull all the B/W fabrics out and pile those up together. I'm thinking about just sewing up all the scraps...just as they are...as my first challenge. WHY NOT!!?? Get these suckers used up. This might be fun and interesting.

Santa came to see me today!!! My good friend FRAN over at Making Memories One Stitch at a Time sent THE best goody package.....( hey Fran, I thought you were just sending me a Christmas card? ) There was CANDY..( uh, you coulda sent more of this ) candles, patterns, a 'cotton picker' scrubber..( now where in the world did you find that in Canada? ) And 6 fabulous fat quarters, some with the CUTEST pink kitties ! The other 3 fat quarters are going to become some of my little stars because they are WILD and fit right in!!! Isn't the tiny santa sack with the candy cute, cute, cute?? You are tooooo sweet Fran!! You shouldn't have, but I'm sure going to enjoy all of this. Thank you again!!

My featured santa today I thought would fit right in with all the snow everyone has been having. He too has been braving the storm, spattered with snow here and there on his coat and hat. I think he was a gift from someone years ago, but I really can't remember. I love the little lamb he is carrying, yes, alot of my santas have lambs with them. I think this one is one of my favorites too, I like his detail. Bbrrrrrrr...........Baby, It's Cold Outside!!!!!!!

Stars....

Since I seem to be 'out of the groove' for getting too involved in any particular project I thought I would get in here and finally get some strips cut....you know, actually CUT some of this fabric I keep stacking up. It wasn't long before I was 'in the groove' making some more of these wonderful little stars. These are about 4" x 4" finished size using 1 1/2" strips cut into 1 1/2' squares. They are tiny, but I love them tiny and the wilder the fabric the better! There are a few mixed in from a previous post, but I assumed you wouldn't mind seeing them again.

Can anyone guess what this might be?? I know the fabrics look ugly and boring, It's only a sample, and the red thread is just basting that will come out. I had to do a sample to see how this goes together and to see if I even wanted to do it. This is one of those projects ( if I decide to take this mission ) that might take me FOREVER!!!....BUT....It's so cute and I've never seen anything like it! These pieces measure about 3 1/2" x 3 1/2".

OK....I know you are thinking "enough with the santas already"!! Sorry, but I have a few more to feature. These are also the plastic type. The one holding the green tree plugs in and lights up..cute! The larger santa on the reindeer I got a couple of years ago at a garage sale for .50 cents. Can you believe it!!?? I think the smaller santa on the reindeer looks a little weird. I don't know why his face is all red...??
Hey, and Nedra at Cactus Needle has a nice santa collection too!

I would like to take this time also to thank some gals for including me in some play-alongs and some awards. Melanie at Jelly Bean Angel ....Triciah at All Things Crafty and Carrie P. over at A Passion for Applique. Thank you all for your thoughtfulness and for thinking of me. It's nice to be included. I know this is a long overdue thank you and if I have overlooked anyone I am so sorry, it is not intentional................MERRY MERRY and HO HO HO YA'LL

'THE BEST' Packages...

OOOoooouuuu.....aren't packages that contain fabric THE BEST packages to get??? I am participating in the Black and White Challenge, so I sorted through my stash to see what I had. I'm sure I probable have plenty on hand already, but I thought it was a good excuse to shop around for more, you know, just in case. I headed straight to Jane's Fabrics for her B/W fat quarter special. I LOVE these fabrics. I don't have any of these styles in my stash..YEA! So, if I don't meet the B/W Challenge it won't be because I didn't have a good selection of yummy fabrics. Jane also included a little 'extra' with my purchase. See the cute little ME tin? It's full of greatly needed pins. This girl is on 'top of it'. You just wouldn't believe how fast I got my package.

I picked a few more vintage repro christmas fabrics to have on hand. And I am just in love with polka dots. Who doesn't love polka dots!!! As I was scrolling through Jane's fabric selections I was like "oouuu, I don't have any orange and white....and oh, how about those green polka dots". I can guarantee you....I AM NOT polka dot poor!!! Thanks so much Jane!

This package arrived here not long ago too. Back in Sept....Quilt Pixie worked up a scrap swap for anyone who wanted to 'play'. You were to send as much as you could get 'stuffed' into a large ziplock bag. She paired me up with Brenda over at Scraps and Strings. Here is what Brenda sent me. She received my bag of scraps Tues. Wow, I was surprised it took two whole weeks for our packages to reach. I guess there IS some distance between Texas and Winnepeg Canada. Thanks so much Brenda.....I don't have much 'homespun' in my stash!

She also included this cute lil handmade scissors 'sleeve'. Perfect for when my scissors travel!

My featured 'san-tees' today are some I've had forever. The larger santa in the back is made from chalkware. The other 3 santas are made of plastic. I can't believe the one in front still has his original little wooden ski poles. Wonder how he made it through all these years without them getting broke?..Maybe he was such a fast skier no one could catch him!! He is one of my 'most-est' favorites!!

My Quilted Santa...

I wasn't going to dig my little quilted Santa out this year, but I thought you gals would enjoy seeeing him. Since I have gotten so interested in the quilting this year I am looking at him in a whole different light. I have had this quilted Santa for about 17 years. Up close is showing all those years of wear and tear. The main problem with him is he is getting sorta dingy dirty around the edges. The faint fading is something I really noticed this year. There used to be a lady here in my community that was making these. When I finally discovered her I was oh so lucky to get the last one she had with the red quilt coat. She had all kinds of Santas with different quilt coats, but I am sooo glad I got a red one, I think he was the cutest. It so happens that my Mr. Brown Dirt cut out and assembled the wood body frame for her. This lady moved away years ago and I have had every intention in making some more of these, afterall, we already have the body pattern. He is a nice size too, he stands about 31 inches tall. My mind just goes CRAZY with ideas!!!

Here is a picture of the back of him. OOOOuuuuu, I sure would have liked to have seem this quilt before it got cut up. I like the colors and quilt design. LOL.. I even had a girl offer me twice as much as I gave for this one.... she wanted a red one sooo bad....but I said 'Get Back Jack'...this one's mine!!!!

Between now and Christmas I thought I would feature a few of my Santas up close and give a little info and history. This 'woodland' Santa is a ceramic one I painted back in 1989. The main reason I picked him is because of the little lamb he is holding. You will notice this trend in some of the others I will be showing you. I think this is one of my very favorites!!!

And yes, I have been doing some other things besides playing with my Santas.......like playing with some of my cottages. I would like to have some other interesting blocks in the quilt besides just the cottages. The tree silhouettes are actually just 2 pieces I found in my scraps.....but, I just can't seem to get it straight in my mind yet............HELLO......hey, it's the mail man....he cometh up the walk....ooo, he's carrying some boxes.....I better go see.........(i always know he's here before he knows I know he's here....his vehicle needs a new muffler)!
Edit note......one of the boxes was from Janes' Fabrics ............(clapping hands) Thanks Jane!!

More Trees

DADDY TREE.......

MOMMA TREE.....

NOW.......MY LITTLE 'ORPHAN' TREE HAS A FAMILY!

Christmas Misc....

Christmas time just doesn't seem like the right time to be digging through storage tubs and boxes.......because all I'm really doing is making messes to clean up ( and who needs more of that ).....BUT, look what I found.....a 1967 December issue of Better Homes and Gardens! I really do like the interesting colorful cover, don't you?

The little fabric Christmas trees Nanette has made for her blogaversary for one of her giveaways are just adorable! I couldn't wait to try some out! Isn't it amazing that these four unusual shapes could turn into......................

THIS !!!...........I LOVE this cute little tree... 'Little' is the key word here. I should have heeded Nanette's advice about blowing up the pattern some....ooooooo....this one is cute, but tiny. The interfacing I used was too light as well. I had some heavy type and now I wish I had used that one....and as usual.....I wanted it really country handmade-ish, so I decided to add the blanket stitch around the edges 'by hand'......WELL, I won't do that again.......took me FOREVER! Since I had used the lighter weight interfacing my sewing machine was going to chew the edges up. Anyway.... practice makes perfect I guess. Amanda over at Busy Little Quilter made some too, and hers are sooooo cute. You must go see ! Here are the links to the tree pattern if you want to make some of your own....Whip Up Blog or The Small Object Blog.

HURRY......YES HURRY!!

Yes......hurry.........Run quick........Do not pass Go....Do not collect 200 dollars......Get over to Fredas Hive and see what Nanette is up to.......OK...I'll just tell you! She's having her ONE YEAR Anniversary!! YIPEE...YIPEE!!! WOW, she has alot planned for this week (goody giveaways) so you need to get over there as soon as you can so you don't miss out on anything!!! Knowing Nanette and her girls it's going to be alot of fun!!!



A thought hit me this afternoon "isn't there a red and white quilt top I have somewhere"?? I went right then and found it down on the bottom of a pile. I think this quilt top was done by maybe my great aunt, I'm not real sure. I ended up with it through my grandmother who is deceased or I would ask her about it. I thought it was Christmasy and wanted to post it for inspiration.............................................MERRY MERRY YA'LL!

OMG....!!!!

YES......OMG..!!!!......COME QUICK.....LOOK WHAT I FOUND last night digging through some of my many boxes and tubs of "stuff and things" I have bought at estate sales!!!! It's a kit for an apron. See the mailing envelope it came in (top left)....included is the lime green piece for the tie and sash. I didn't find the instructions that should have been included. The fabric seems like a rough course linen type.
I assume this is from around the 50's...??? Isn't it TOO CUTE?

Santa Collection

My santa collection seems to have out-grown my buffet. I have a few more, but I don't think there is room. Besides, I think it looks too crowded right now. What do you think? Do they need thinning out? I'm thinking about maybe putting all the vintage ones on my kitchen window seal, a little more protected there perhaps. Anyway......it's a start!

Do I Really Have To..??

I just don't seem to be in the mood......It's like I've lost my groove somewhere....I can't find it ANYWHERE! I have a large collection of Santas I've gathered over the years, so I thought...ok....here's the plan, everytime I come downstairs from my sewing room, I'll bring down a couple of Santas......so far, I've brought down 7, and my Christmas tree is at the bottom of the pile of all the decorations. (Sigh)

I have managed to sew up this little kitchen hand towel using the embroidery part of my sewing machine. It's terrible, but I forget that I have the embroidery part. Did I really give all that money for a sewing machine that has WONDERFUL features I forget to use??? If I had known I was going to get into quilt making AND LOVE IT so much, I could have just bought the Quilters version, right!!? My cute little granddaughter will sure be glad her "granny" didn't forget about her Christmas pillowcase.........so, I've just puttered around and I sure don't feel very productive!.......I better get back upstairs and unpack 2 more Santas to bring down on the next trip................maybe I should put on some Christmas music and see if that helps.........