Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Memaw's Motto


Quick and fun design from Waxing Moon Designs. I changed the color pallette and used my favorite pillow covers as the finish. The heck with Vegas - my grandboys will choose Memaw's house anytime.......

Friday, November 23, 2007

Black Friday

O.K., I have to admit today is one of my favorite days. It's gotten a bad rap over the years - mainly from eager shoppers who have temporarily forgotten their "home training" (please, thank you, excuse me, etc)........ But, for me - the shopper extraordinaire - it's a day of deals & squeals.

This year I decided to forego the 4 a.m. line outside of Walmart for a couple hours more sleep. My first stop 6:00 a.m. at Michaels (surprised?) netted the Ott Light I've been stalking. Michaels's retails it for $59.99 & regularly puts it on sale for 40% off. But today - while supplies last - it was $19.99 plus an extra 25% off! Selected, paid for, & on my way to the next store within 5 minutes. The look on my daughters face was priceless - she stayed in the car cause she knows how I am in any craft or needlework store.

Next was Target where it was a bit more daunting. Movies $3.98 (check), games $9.98 (check), Playstation Portable w/5 movie bundle $169.99 (no check). Three Target stores later we gave up on the PSP and headed to Gamestop that had one without the movie bundle option. Oh well - grandson's not interested in movies, just the games. Mission completed.

After a quick nap (I must be getting really old), I spent the afternoon working on Beachcomber Tunic. Here's some progress pics:

Six more crocheted rows on the front & it's on to the sleeves.

Hope everyone enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Handmade Pledge

I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org



I prefer to say "handcrafted" instead of "handmade" but heck - it's all good..... click on the button & make your pledge today!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Extraordinary Quilting

Last month I shared the art-quilt wall hangings from my Aunt. She is so supportive of me and my efforts to promote the beauty of handcrafted gifts this season in the gift shop. She introduced me to her fellow quilting guild member - Sandra. Sandra is an avid quilter who makes all-things-quilted but specializes in baby quilts, lap quilts, and Quillows. If you're not familiar with quillows (I sure wasn't) - they are quilts with a pocket that enables the quilt to convert to a pillow. Especially great for traveling! Just the concept is fascinating to me but take a look at these:


Absolutely beautiful! You know my heart & soul is forever drawn to "stitches of heritage" so the african inspired themes are my favorites. But there's something for everyone so I also chose the Black Barbie quillow and a cute school theme (perfect for boys).



Of course the hard part is choosing which ones to put in the shop and which will be gifts for my friends & family (lol)! I've always been fascinated with quilting but there aren't enough hours to finish my own stitching to-do list - so thank goodness for Sandra who I'll probably have on speed dial! I'll leave you with more pics of the quilting stash - couldn't say no to the lap quilts........ the angel quilt has the lyrics to Amazing Grace on one side & the Ten Commandments on the other - how perfect!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Spiritual Progress

I just love this time of year. The change in weather is my cue to pour over the pattern stash in search of the perfect holiday gift to make for loved ones and the perfect hat, scarf, or sweater to make for ME! But before my thoughts go crazy -I'm working to finish up some WIPs. Here's where I am on Southern Roots' Spiritual by Jeanne Bowers - it's done as a pillow cover and about 95% complete. I'm shooting to finish it this weekend.

My knitting mojo is also in full swing. I'm working on the Beachcomber Tunic again and I'm about 30% finished. Since it's a spring sweater, I'm not in a rush but definitely have it in rotation so there will be some decent pics soon. Also working on Leisure Arts Sampler Afghan. It's 60 pattern stitches - you choose 20 of them to design your own unique afghan. I'm only on the 4th square, but I'm enjoying the variety.

No knitting mojo is complete without new stash. My favorite man (the mailman) brought me a lovely package yesterday. It's the Uruguay DK on sale at Little Knits. A blend of merino, alpaca & silk with a full-bag price I couldn't resist. I fell for this beautiful purple as well as a khaki that can be used together or separately.


Let me go make some plans..........