Don't You Just Love a Bargain?

What do you get when you take this . . .

Add this . . .

And follow this link?


You get this . . .

I have been thinking about buying a yarn ball winder, but thought I would do a Google search to see if you can wind your own center pull ball of yarn. I found the link, wound the ball and I'm happy to report that the money I saved from not buying a yarn ball winder will go to buy more yarn! I started using this ball of yarn and love the way it's working with my project.

What's been one of your favorite bargain discoveries?

Sweet P

Quilt Show Shopping and Friends

Today my DIL, Mr. E and I went to A Quilter's Gathering in Nashua, NH. The main purpose of the trip was to visit some quilting friends and show off Mr. E. OK, we did want to see some awesome quilts (which we did see) and do some shopping (which I'm happy to show off).

My first purchase was this $3 Christmas panel. It has cookie recipes, ornaments and gift tags on it. Wonderful items to dress up Christmas presents this year.

At the same vendor I couldn't resist this gorgeous Christmas fabric and a panel to make a Christmas book.

The Spa Therapy Bags pattern looks like a fun pattern to make a shoulder pack and matching eye pad. The four items on the left came in a little bag called Embroiderer's MRES. The blue thread looks hand dyed, the stuff on the Orvis card seems to be a chenille thread, the purple thread is a heavy thread and there are lavender heart buttons. What a cool idea!

My friend's brought me gifts too. One friend gave each of us a set of FQs and a panel. I got Funky Monkey's. Perfect for a quilt for Mr. E.

Another friend gave me a goodie bag with a winter memo pad, magnet and pen, ant fabric, Tim Tams and two pieces of wonderful chocolate.

Thanks Judi, Maggie and Pat for a wonderful afternoon! I hope we can get together again soon.

Sweet P

Angel Goodies and Projects for Mr. E

I finished my Stitcher's Angel projects. They'll be sent to ***** in a day or two.

First up I made this sewing tote.
There are pockets on the outside and plenty of room on the inside.

I suppose you noticed something peeking out of the top.
Here's what tucked inside: a needle case, a pin cushion and a scissor case.
There will be other goodies in the package too.

I finished two projects for Mr. E this weekend. First up is the warm and toasty red hat.
Every little boy needs a red hat, don't you think so?

I also made him this bright yellow and purple scarf.
He'll be nice and warm this winter now.

I started two scarves this weekend with the stash of yarn I bought on Friday. I can't seem to stop crocheting right now. That's OK. I'm lovin' the yarn right now.

Sweet P

Around The House (A Life Examined)

Giraffe Dreams posted this on her blog today and I thought I would do it for me.

Around The House: October

Reading: Younger by the Day 365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body and Revitalize Your Spirit by Victoria Moran

Enjoying: Fall in New England. Colorful leaves and cool, crisp evenings. Perfect weather for snuggling under quilts.

Learning: That being a grandma is loads of fun and gives me plenty of reasons for staying healthy and young at heart. I call this pose: What's Up? I'm the Big, Bad, Mr. E!
Watching: I love watching football and crime and medical shows, including NCIS (both of them), The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, Trauma, Mercy, Three Rivers, The Forgotten, The Good Wife.

Anticipating: A reason to make Pumpkin Tiramasu from Baking Delights. Anyone want to come over for dessert and espresso?

Realizing: The Hotel Man will be home in 24 hours from his two-week trip traveling around the world. Yup, that's right. He flew from Boston to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to London, London to Venice and tomorrow he flies from Venice to Boston. Woohoo!

Pondering: What to make for Christmas gifts this years and who will get them.

Studying: Learn a Stitch, Create a Scarf from Leisure Arts. See that pile of yarn at the top? I've already chosen two scarves to make from the book.

Wondering: How do I to get used to a body that is going through peri-menopause? I'm open to any suggestions you want to share.

Remembering: My father as I was growing up. He taught me how to be a frugal shopper, yet enjoy what I bought.

Praying: I'm praying for my aging parents.

What you are doing this month?
Sweet P

Vacation - Days 3 and 4

Day 3 of my vacation was truly a Mr. E day. He decided it was a day to not sleep and to play and play and play. While I had a lot of fun playing with him, I didn't get into my studio. Not a big deal. I would never complain about spending time with Mr. E.

Mr. E went home with mommy last night. After a good night's sleep, a cup of coffee and breakfast I went into my studio. Eight hours later I emerged having pulled fabrics for my Stitcher's Angel projects and finished several other projects.

I made Mr. E two Trick or Treat bags from leftover Halloween fabric.
I used Lazy Girl's With Love Tote pattern.
Instead of using 1-yd of fabric I used FQs.
Little bags for little man.

A few weeks ago I bought a remnant of pre-quilted car and truck fabric.
Of course I had to get it. All it needed was a binding.
I paid $3.74 for a piece of fabric that cost over $15 regular price.
The binding came from my own binding bin.
Not bad for a quick and cheap quilt.

My last two projects of the day are for me. On vacation this past summer DH bought me three pieces of fabric with the understanding that I make something for me. Today I did that. I made a crochet project tote roll and a needle case.

I'm happy with how they turned out.
I still have enough fabric leftover to make another project case.
I'm trying to design a case I can use while doing embroidery.

That's all the vacation news for now. Tomorrow I go back to work. I wish I had a few more days off, but maybe next time I'll be able to take more time off.

Sweet P

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