Another sneaky giveaway!

I posted photos of a change/cell phone purse that I made today without mentioning it was actually a prize for the first person who commented.....well, Judy was the first and now she is the owner of the new purse. See? You never know what a crazy quilter will do next! We aren't called "Crazy" for nothing! I hope you like it, Congratulations!

Judy, I need your address and it will be on its way!

New coin purse

I decided to play with my new fabric from India today so I gathered a few pieces and made this coin purse.
It would have been a neck purse but I used the wrong clasp ,(without a chain attachment) so it is a coin purse or cell case. It has a 3 1/2" opening so all phones should slide right in. It was 12 degrees this morning and warmed up to 19 degrees...break out the sunscreen! Back to stitching..............hope you're keeping warm!

My first treasury...had to be purple!

I created my first Etsy treasury and wanted to share some beautiful purple things. Enjoy!

Joys of blogging

You've all heard me ranting about kind blogger's and how rewarding blogging is. Blog posts and comments have made me smile numerous times and made me forget about negative life happenings. Once again this has come to be. I spent the past few days busy as a bee decorating, shopping and visiting our mom's only to be left feeling less than happy. After settling in last night I thought I'd read email and browse some blogs.
I received such a sweet email from Joanie, who recently visited my favorite shop, Tisha's Needlework Emporium. In hopes of not embarrassing her I would like to share a bit of her message.It started out like this~
If your ears are tingling it's because you were the topic of conversation a few days ago..During my visit to Tisha's little treasure of a store in Metamora Tisha showed us some of your crazy quilt pieces. The purses are lovely and the covered bead is so pretty. Loved them all. Your work is a real inspiration. She told us about you and your mom coming to her store a few months ago. Since I have a copy of your book I took it with me and Tisha and I drooled over every page. You are a real inspiration to an avid "crazy" like me.

Then continued to say...

I had never heard of a blog until one of my "crazy" friends told me how to get on yours. While reading your blog I have "clicked on" lots of other sites you mention. I'm addicted! Having so much fun and seeing so much eye-candy. Now I love my computer. Thank you for your wonderful blogs - you brighten my day.
Apparently I was a topic of discussion and Joanie (who I hope to meet one day) emailed to tell me. What a way to make ones day! Not that I crave flattery, but when your world begins turning gray, sunshine is welcome, you know what I mean? That was so sweet of Joanie to take the time to email and describe her adventure to Tisha's. I only wish I could have been there to meet her and give Tisha a hug.

Just another example of how blogging touches people in positive ways and brightens days that seem to be dimming as each second passes. As soon as I read that I had forgotten about my solemn mood and jotted back an email then I wrapped some gifts and gathered my stitching and finished a project...
my day(evening) was sunny again! Thanks Joanie and all you bloggers and blog "lurkers"out there who send uplifting notes, leave comments, and enjoy sharing in blog-land.

This morning I surfed a few blogs before printing off some pictures for mom and visited Diane's blog,"Pinecones & Roses". I caught a post on her blog last week where she shared a small collection of her Christmas tree brooches and remembered that I had one that would fit into her collection. I asked for her address and off it went. Not thinking about it, it was sort of a "Pay it forward" in a way.
A few weeks ago Lynn of "Trash to Treasure Art" was offering a giveaway on her blog. I saw the little frozen Charlottes and asked if she sold them, well, she didn't however in my mail arrived a little bag of them. They arrived during another hectic time (I seem to have more than my share lately) and turned my frown upside down. Thank you so much for your generosity Lynn. Your kindness is not unappreciated and forgive me for not getting a timely" thank you" out. I love the "little ones" and have them in a cup in my studio waiting for a special project. Hugs to you.

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday and if you have snow, make a snowman!

Finished Girlfriend pouches

I completed eight of the nine girlfriend pouches last night and put them in my etsy shop this morning. Whew! Those were quite a lot more work than I had anticipated. I really enjoyed adding the finishing touches last night and stayed up until midnight doing so. I dyed matching cording for each then added a few coordinating beads on the flaps to keep them closed. When I added each hand dyed vintage crocheted doily to each back I left the top unattached to use as a lace pocket for tissues,coupons, etc. Double duty,two compartments are better than one right?
Some doilies were placed on an odd angle because of their shape which only adds to the quirkiness. You know me and perfection...I'm allergic to it :-)
These are completed except for the little "Girlfriend" label which will go on the back of each.

Periwinkle/dusty rose/mint green (Snorts when she laughs)

Orchid/Pink/green (Always lets you be you)
Purple (more purple than blue as in pic)/dark mint green (Never questions your decisions)
Fuchsia/Aqua/Lime (Always has her game face on)Purple/green (Will tell you if you look fat in that dress) I love this doily!!! Aqua/Lime (Runs with scissors)

Purple w/Lime (Eats desert first)
Orange/Aqua/Lime "Tattles"
I am finishing a blue/light wine pouch soon.
That's it for today! I think the tree will go up today.....................

It's December!

December 1st and we awoke to a beautiful blanket of pristine glistening snow. I shudder when I think I was on the beach just the morning before...crazy...crazy...crazy! (but fun)

I decorated outside a bit and DH put the tree on the back porch...its still waiting for me. I just wasn't in the mood to decorate it today. I found myself alone for the better part of the day so I made sausage lasagna and yeast rolls and I had to try a new mix for chocolate lava cupcakes. I made them in mini loaf pans instead of round cupcakes and placed them on a pretty paper doily lined plate. The presentation didn't excite DH much but maybe DS & his girlfriend will appreciate it????
Speaking of girlfriend, the girlfriend pouches are ready to add cording (or) straps to so that will be my evening project while watching Hellcats. I really enjoy that show.

I took mom shopping on Monday and she enjoyed a day out just browsing different shops. I discovered Tam Tams...a cookie from Australia by Pepperidge Farms. OMG! This will be my first and last package because I could easily make a meal of them. I am starting back to the health club in Jan and that is the only reason I refuse to stash these treats and devour them myself. The only other items I bought were a few rolls of Christmas wrapping ...whoopee! I just didn't see anything interesting. I may have to shop online or go to Merrillville or South Bend. Laney.....where are yooooouuuuu?????

So, it was an uneventful day , just domestic stuff. Enjoyable but dull. Maybe tomorrow the tree will go up???? We shall see.

Have a great evening and keep warm.