Vacation - Day 2, Shopping Day

Today was our shopping field trip day to Center Harbor and Meredith, NH. The day was brisk, but my traveling companions (my DIL and Mr. E) were dressed for the occasion.

On the way to Keepsake Quilting we decided to stop for coffee at McDonald's. Mr. E has learned to sit up and enjoys a high chair. This is one of the many silly looks he shared with us today.

Keepsake Quilting/Needle Arts was our first store of the day. I enjoy walking around Keepsake. It's inspiring to see how they choose fabric for their Medleys and Charm Squares. They have a wide range of fabrics and you can find nearly anything you want. My only negative comment about the store is their staff. I've been there several times and I have yet to have an experience with a clerk who is as friendly as the staff I meet in any other quilt store. Anyway, I did find a few goodies. In the Needle Arts store I found a Needle Book Sewing Case pattern. In Keepsake, I dug through the scrap bin and found three bug pieces.

And several bright scraps.

We went into PatternWorks, their yarn store. The selection of yarn is wide and since I'm still learning about yarn I am overwhelmed by all the choices. I found The Little Box of Crocheted Bags for $2.99, a true bargain price. The red yarn has bits of blue and yellow in it and will become a hat for Mr. E with it. The other six skeins of yarn came in a package as a baby afghan challenge. It's very soft and the colors are yummy together.
Just up the street from Keepsake is Bella' Beads. I have some ideas for using beads and wanted to get a few special ones. I took a scoop of beads out of one container and a selection of NYMO thread.
We took a different way home and happened to drive by a quilt shop, The Quilted Frog. Of course, I had to turn around to check it out. The store is small, but had a good variety of fabric, kits, quilting tools and yarn. I don't know if the woman who working was one of the owners, but she was friendly. I found three transportation-themed fabrics. I'm feeling a quilt coming on for Mr. E from these fabrics.

Mr. E was a trooper today. He rode in his Snugli. Smiled at everyone. Made lots of new friends. And learned that butternut squash was yummy. He was rewarded with his own Ty bear from The Christmas Loft.

After dinner and a bath, we dressed him in his Halloween pj's and hat. He played for about 5 minutes, drank a little milk and then fell sound asleep.

Tomorrow is another day with Mr. E. I'm hoping to get into the studio to play with fabric. That will be after Mr. E starts his day since he sleeps in my studio.

Sweet P

Vacation - Day 1

My mini vacation started this morning. Mr. E has arrived for his three days with Dema. He kept mommy and daddy up last night and they only had three hours of sleep. They thought he would crash this morning. So far, he's only slept 30 minutes - his normal nap time in the morning. Maybe he'll get a good nap this afternoon.

I'm trying to convince myself to go into my studio and finish my Stitcher's Angel projects and my Christmas swap projects. I find the thought of cutting fabric and sitting at the sewing machine unsettling. Sewing is something I don't want to do right now. I'd much rather play with yarn or work on a stitchery. Do you ever feel like working in one medium rather than another? How do you convince yourself to do what needs to be done?

On a happier note, one of my online groups has a Birthday FQ club. Everyone who joins is put into a group and you agree to send a birthday FQ for everyone else. The groups generally have 20 -22 members and you can join more than one group. Last fall I signed up for two groups. I asked for Moda Marbles or solid colors.

Last week my Birthday FQ package arrived and on my birthday I opened my package to find these beautiful FQs. I joined two groups and was sent 42 gorgeous FQs. I love them! I've left them sitting out in studio hoping they inspire me.
Well, Mr. E has decided he needs some Dema time so I'm off to tend to him. I'll be back with more news of my vacation.

Sweet P

Has It Really Been Two Weeks?

I can't believe I haven't posted in two weeks! Bad girl! I'm also way behind in commenting on blogs. As soon as I finish this post I'm going to get caught up on those comments. It's amazing how work, play and a grandson can keep you occupied.

I've been busy finishing the stitcheries for my Stitcher's Angel projects. Now I need to make the gifts. I've been crocheting a lacy scarf with the yarn I bought a few weeks ago. I'm almost done with that and hope to have photos soon.

I received my Hugs Swap package from Sharon last week. She did a wonderful job on the cup hug and hug mat. The colors she chose are perfect for me.

The hug and mat

Mug hug close-up

Close-up of mat

Mr. E is growing by leaps and bounds. Tomorrow he will be 6 months old!
He loves his exersaucer. He's been teething for a few weeks, but still no teeth.

In my last post I mentioned my retreat for next week. I'm still having it, but instead of two days of isolated sewing, I'll only have one. I'll be babysitting Mr. E on Tuesday and Thursday and on Wednesday he and DIL are joining me on my field trip to Keepsake Quilting. Hooray! I love having Mr. E around.

How has your week been?

Sweet P

Creative Retreat, Crochet Book and Cosmo Floss

Creative Retreat
Do you have plans for October 13 - 16th? Would you like to join me in a Creative Retreat? DH will be in Hong Kong and I've decided to take some time for playing and creating.

• Tuesday, the 13th, will be my normal Mr. E day (I can't give up my day with him). I may not get much creating done, unless Mr. E is involved. Who knows?
  
• Wednesday, the 14th, is a possible road trip day. I haven't been to Keepsake Quilting in a year and since I'm into yarn, embroidery and beads I think a trip to Center Harbor may be in order. Plus that time of year is usually a great time to drive around Lake Winnepausakee.
• Thursday and Friday, the 15th and 16th, are going to be used for creating and playing. I'm still trying to decide on what projects to work on, but they will probably be Christmas gifts.

You can join me on-line or in person. Let me know if you're interested.

Crochet Source
I'm looking for a crochet reference book. Ideally the book would contain the following information: a discussion about different types of yarn, what hooks to use with what yarns (this is important for me), directions for different crochet techniques and a stitch reference section. Do you know if this book exists?

Cosmo Floss
Last week Bunny Tales offered a special on Lecian Cosmo Floss and I couldn't resist. Yesterday the floss arrived in my mail box. It's even more yummy in person. Now I need to decide what project I'm going to use it on!

I hope you're having a great week!

Sweet P

Fall Swap and Date Night

My I Love Fall Swap package arrived from Tammy. She sent a package of fall notecards, a small pumpkin and and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers. Thanks, Tammy! I love these items. Have you received your package yet?
DH and I had a date night on Friday. Our date started with a trip into town. Now, a trip into town may not sound exciting, but for us it was fun. We lived in downtown Dover for 5 years and loved it. We moved out of town 19 months ago when we bought our condo. We now live on the "south side" of town. We live close to the highway and work further south so going into town doesn't happen unless we go to the butcher shop.

Anyway, back to our date. DH needed a hair cut. His barber lives behind our old apartment. While he was getting his hair cut I went to Spinning Yarns. I lived 100 feet from this store for over 5 years and never went in there! What a shame! Obviously I don't need another project, but I did buy these two balls of Melody 100% fingering weight sock yarn. I fell in love with the yummy fall colors. I have a scarf pattern I'd like to make with it. Maybe I'll get to it this year, maybe not. We'll see.
The rest of our date night included dinner in town and then we went to see the new Matt Damon movie, The Informant. The movie was OK, but not outstanding.

Saturday night one of our nephews came to spend the night. We took him to the arcade, spent time cooking with him and just hung out. Yesterday Mr. E was here for football Sunday. He has decided that it's fun to eat cereal. Yesterday he also had a banana for the first time and thought it was really yummy!

I'm still stitching away on my Angel Hugs and Stitcher's Angel projects. The Angel Hugs needs to get in the mail this week. I have a little more time on the Stitcher's Angel projects.

What are you working on?

Sweet P

New Pincushion

I have a few swaps this fall and early winter. Yesterday I received the first swap package.

Just look at this gorgeous sewing bear pincushion. Isn't she adorable? She is going to have a place of honor on my sewing table.

I've been busy working on the stitcheries for the Angel Hugs swap and my Stitching Angel partner. Soon those packages will be on their way to my partners.

I had Mr. E on Monday and Tuesday this week. He developed a low grade fever and couldn't go to day care on Monday. Lucky for him I had the day off so I could watch him. As luck would have it the football season started this past weekend. The first game for the New England Patriots was Monday night and he was ready for the game - Tedi Bruschi jersey and all.

Here he is with Grampa Boo (AKA my DH) watching the start of the game.

If you signed up for my I Love Fall Swap, don't forget to mail your package by this Monday.

Happy Fall!
Sweet P

Last Day for Sign Ups!

Today is the last day to sign-up for the I Love Fall swap! Read about it below.

I love Fall. It's my favorite time of the year. I love the changing colors of the landscape. I love the cooler temperatures. I adore the start of the football season. Would you like to share Fall with me?

I am hosting an "I Love Fall" swap. If you sign-up you will put together a Fall or Halloween package containing only three Fall or Halloween items (depending on your partner's choice) and your favorite Fall recipe. The items can be handmade or purchased. I'm trying to keep postal costs down so no more than three items plus the recipe are to be included in the package.

If you want join, send me an e-mail that includes: your name, mailing address, e-mail address, blog address, do you prefer a Fall or Halloween package and if you are willing to ship internationally. I will take sign-ups until Monday, September 7. Your partner's information will be sent to you on Tuesday, September 8. You will have until September 21 to mail out your package.

Remember your swap etiquette and participate if you sign up. Don't forget to post photos of your package when you receive. And, most important, remember to thank your partner.

Come on, let's celebrate Fall together!

Sweet P

Happy Creative Anniversary To Me!

September 4 marks the anniversary of my venture back into quilting. It was September 4, 2004 when I started my first on-line quilt class from Quilt University. It's hard to believe I've been playing with fabric and thread for five years! I've learned a lot, played a lot and spent a lot of money in the last few years. I started with making quilts and have expanded my creativity to stitcheries, cross stitch, crocheting and even into paper crafting.

Would I trade any of it? Not a chance! Fabric, thread, needles and yarn have become lifesavers time and again. They've seen me through a son's wedding, condo shopping, an long-term illness and the birth of Mr. E.

Here are few of my early projects.

This is the first quilt I made. I made it for DH. It has Red Sox and New England Patriots fabrics. I call it All Stars.

This is the first baby quilt I made for a co-worker.

This is my Wicked Girly queen-sized quilt. I'm normally not a pastel girl, but I found these fabrics in a bargain bin and couldn't pass them up.

This is a mini ABC quilt. I started the alphabet stitcheries from Bobby Sox and put four of them together in a mini quilt. I haven't finished the remaining blocks. I think I got as far as G.

When did you start quilting? Tell us about it and share some of your early photos.

Have a great weekend! We are doing our normal Labor Day excursion. Tomorrow we are off to watch the Deutsche Bank Golf Championship. A weekend of Tiger, Phil, Vijay and others. It's one of my favorite weekends of the year.

Sweet P

Mail Goodies and a Book Project

Wow! This past week flew by! Besides working six days in a row, I received three wonderful mail packages, finished the last Christmas Wish block and had Mr. E all day yesterday, last night and most of the day today.

I don't have photos of two of my packages. One was a cottage block for a Cottage Block Swap I'm in along with a book on Crewel Embroidery from Quilting Fiesta. Thanks, Betsy. The second package was an priority envelope full of cat fabrics from Amy at The Calico Cat. I have enough cat fabric to make a few quilts. Thanks for sharing Amy.

The third package was my Brown Paper Bag challenge on Snickerdoodle Dreams from Ruth. She made me this cute tote bag from the items I sent her. She also included a sewing-themed picture frame, a mini quilt kit and a lavender scented candle. Thanks, Ruth!

Here is my last Christmas Wish block. I am officially caught up now, at least until the next block is posted. It feels great to be up to speed with these small stitcheries.

I had Mr. E last night so mommy and daddy could get a good night's sleep. Lucky for me mommy put him to sleep at 8:15 last night before they went home and he proceeded to sleep until 6:15 this morning! He hasn't done that for them. Maybe he's starting a new trend.

I invited my DIL to come over for the day to work on scrap books. While she worked on Mr. E's I worked with an Amy Butler mini book kit I bought recently. I was disappointed in the kit. It has lots and lots of embellishments and cute papers. However, the mini pages were plastic sleeves and I had a lot of problems trying to fit two pages into one sleeve. So instead of having double-sided pages I could only make one-sided pages. Also the size is so small it was hard to make find photos that would fit. It's not an item I would buy again or would recommend to anyone. I did finish it though and here are the results.

Front Cover

Dreamer

Relaxed

Happy

Amusing

Back Cover

Next up on my list are my Stitcher's Angel projects. I wonder if you are my Stitcher's Angel!

You still have time to sign up for the I Love Fall Swap. It's a quick and easy swap so you know you want to join in the fun.

Happy Stitching!

Sweet P

Three Down, One To Go and a Hoodie

I've been busy stitching my Christmas Wish blocks. In the last few days I've finished three of them and have started the fourth one.

Peace

Delight

Believe

I promised photos of Mr. E in his football hoodie. He is not always the most cooperative model, but here he is in his hoodie.

A little less than three weeks until the first football Sunday. We can't wait!

Have you signed for the I Love Fall Swap? Details are here.

Happy Stitching!

Sweet P

I Love Fall Swap

I love Fall. It's my favorite time of the year. I love the changing colors of the landscape. I love the cooler temperatures. I adore the start of the football season. Would you like to share Fall with me?

I am hosting an "I Love Fall" swap. If you sign-up you will put together a Fall or Halloween package containing only three Fall or Halloween items (depending on your partner's choice) and your favorite Fall recipe. The items can be handmade or purchased. I'm trying to keep postal costs down so no more than three items plus the recipe are to be included in the package.

If you want join, send me an e-mail that includes: your name, mailing address, e-mail address, blog address, do you prefer a Fall or Halloween package and if you are willing to ship internationally. I will take sign-ups until Monday, September 7. Your partner's information will be sent to you on Tuesday, September 8. You will have until September 21 to mail out your package.

Remember your swap etiquette and participate if you sign up. Don't forget to post photos of your package when you receive. And, most important, remember to thank your partner.

Come on, let's celebrate Fall together!

Sweet P

Two Finishes in One Day

Mary Grace of Hooked on Needles shared a cute crocheted pincushion. I decided to make one for a pincushion swap I'm in this summer.

Last night I tried out the pattern. It was the first time I crocheted in the round and didn't get it right. Over night I had a revelation and realized what I was doing wrong. This morning, after sleeping in until 7:30 (yeah!) and breakfast I pulled out new yarn and by noon I had this pincushion done. I love it! Thanks to Mary Grace for posting wonderful directions. There will be more of these in my future.

This afternoon and evening I finished my secret project.
Mr. E now has his own gray hoodie.

What's special about a gray hoodie, you ask? Let me show you. This is Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots. He wears a gray Patriots team hoodie nearly every game during the season. Mr. E needs to be appropriately attired and since gray hoodies are not made for little ones, one made by Dema was the right thing to do.
When Mr. E is here on Tuesday I will get photos of him wearing it. Of course, now that the secret is out maybe mommy will bring him over earlier and he can try it on.

I think I'm done crocheting for now. Time to focus on my stack of stitcheries.

Happy Weekend!
Sweet P

Thursday Stash

Well, I did it. I am so in love with the Woodcliff Throw that I had to buy the yarn to make it. Between Joann's and the Naturally Caron web site, I now own two skeins in each of the colors below. Aren't they yummy? Of course, I don't know when I'll make the throw, but at least when I'm ready to start, I'll have everything I need!
The silk drapes on our bedroom are wonderful. DH likes them so much he was able to sleep in until 10:30 on Sunday! Tomorrow is the first morning I'll have the opportunity to sleep in. Maybe I'll be able to sleep past 7, which is late for me.

DH leaves for a week early tomorrow morning. I have the day off which gives me a day to play. That's good. I haven't felt like playing this week. It's been hot and I've been exhausted. I'm hoping I'm more energetic since I can sleep in. The stitchery projects I traced last week are now ironed on the fabric and are ready for stitching. My secret project is closer to being finished. I have a pincushion to make for a swap. Maybe I'll work in my bedroom tomorrow. Since it's the only room with AC, it might not be a bad idea to stay cool.

Our first blogger has shared her creative space. Go visit Creative Spaces and see who it is.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

A Productive Day Off

I had a super productive day off yesterday. The morning was spent making the drapes for our bedroom that I've been talking about for the last several entries. DH hung them this morning while I was at work. The fabric is silk dupioni and was a dream to work with. I am very happy with how they turned out. DH loves them too. The window faces the west and I was hoping the drapes would block out the light the blinds don't block. They do that. I don't know why I waited so long to make them. It took me longer to cut the silk, the lining and the interlining than it did to sew the five seams in each panel!
In case you're wondering, the white object at the bottom of the photo is our portable air conditioner. Instead of putting the AC in the window there is a large flexible tube, very similar to a dryer vent that sits in the window. The AC is on wheels and can be moved easily. We love it!

Yesterday afternoon I traced six stitchery projects: four Christmas Wish blocks, the Long and Short Stitching pattern, and one Giggle Button project. When I trace projects I use tracing paper and an Aunt Martha Transfer pencil. That way I can iron the pattern onto the fabric. It takes longer to get a stitchery ready, but it works for me.

Last night I worked on a secret project for a couple hours. Can't show photos until done. Hopefully I'll get it done this week.

There's a new post on Your Creative Spaces. Won't you drop by and post your space?

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Sweet P

I Think I'm In Love . . .

I received an e-mail from Naturally Caron yesterday. The e-mail highlighted this gorgeous Woodcliff Throw made with their bamboo/acrylic Spa yarn. The photo isn't the best, but click through to the web site and you'll get a good view of it.
When we started carrying this yarn at the store in June I bough skeins in three colors. I'm almost done with a purse made from their yarn with one of their patterns. I love the yarn. It's soft and works up great.

The pattern is similar to the Babette pattern from Interweave. But this one speaks to me more than the Babette. I may never get back to stitching if I keep crocheting!

Tomorrow I plan on making the silk drapes for our bedroom. In the afternoon I plan to stitch and watch Tiger Woods play golf.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sweet P

A New Blog

Happy Tuesday! I started a new blog today and want to share it with you. Actually, it's all about sharing. Sharing your creative spaces. You can check it out here: Your Creative Spaces.

Not much is happening around here. I worked the last six days and haven't had any creative time. This afternoon I need to start planning out the drapes for our bedroom. The Hotel Man is tired of seeing the fabric sitting in the corner of our bedroom.

In the meantime I wish I still had this view from our condo:

This was the view from our room at the Samoset Resort while on vacation last month. Oh well, I can always dream, right?

Thanks for stopping by!
Sweet P

A Sweater for Mr. E

I finished Mr. E's Red Sox sweater on Tuesday. Of course I had to try it on him right away. I made it 12-month size, but it fits him now. I think my gauge was off. Anyway, it was fun to make and he will be able to wear it for awhile.

He wasn't sure what to think of it. We couldn't get him to smile while wearing it.

Here's the rear view. Don't you love the star on his tush?

Now I plan to focus on my stitching projects. I'm three blocks behind on Gail Pan's A Christmas Wish, I have two monthly projects from Under The Mulberry Tree's Stitchery of the Month program, a Giggle Club project or two, and I decided to work on the Long and Short Stitch Shading tutorial from Needle'n'Thread. Not to mention I'm expecting delivery of projects from Giggle Club and Under The Mulberry. This morning I printed out all the directions I needed. I'm hoping to get all the designs traced over the next few days. I'm out of handwork projects at the moment and I'm having withdrawals!

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

Christmas in July Swap Goodies and Sewing With Friends

I received my Christmas in July package from Kristin of Life at Rosemary Hill. Here are the packages as I took them out of the envelope.

She made me a lovely Christmas stocking.
I love the design and the colors.

She also made this gorgeous Santa table runner.
Here are the Santas for January through July . . .

. . . and the Santas for July through December.
I'm going to hang the runner and the stocking in my studio.

She included these bright Christmas fabrics too.
Thanks for a wonderful Christmas in July package, Kristin!

Yesterday I had a few friends over for a sewing day.
My first project of the day was to finish the pillowcases for Mr. E's day care.
I had already sent three completed ones to the day care. Here are the remaining six I finished.

I pulled out this kit I bought about four years ago.
It's a panel with two borders. The kit also includes backing fabric.
Now I just need to quilt it.

My DIL started a fishy quilt quite a while ago. She's not a fan of sewing triangles so I offered to finish the quilt for her. I finished all 12 of the inner blocks and finished three of those blocks.

Mr. E and his mommy were here for the day too. At the end of the day I showed Mr. E what sewing is all about. He helped me finish one of mommy's fishy blocks.

Today is a quiet day here. I'll be doing some laundry, some crocheting and watching a lot of Tiger Woods.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P