SSCS Package and First Snowfall

My SSCS package arrived from Granny Loz a few days ago. She included this wonderful stocking that was holding a Christmas soldier who is hiding a seam ripper and a Christmas stocking stitchery pattern.

Four children's book for Mr. E,

A mug holder for Hotel Man,

And a present to open on Christmas. Oooo . . . I can't wait to open it up.

In other news, we had our first real snowfall of the year. Here are a few of the views we woke up to this morning.
Looking out the patio doors

Looking out the living room window

A close-up view of the mill smoke stack

Our car

I love, love, love snow. I was so giddy yesterday I think I drove one my co-managers crazy. I couldn't stop smiling, singing Christmas songs and giggling. Now I am really in the Christmas mood!

Sweet P

What's Happening Around Coffee Time

It's been a quiet holiday weekend at Coffee Time. My mail box is still looking for my Stitching Angel package and my Secret Santa package. However, I did win a drawing on Threadbare Creations and received these two adorable Christmas stitcheries. Thanks, Rose!

I finished the scarves from Joy's Scarf Along. I kept one for myself and the rest are gifts. I love them! I wore mine shopping the other day and received a few compliments and smiles on it.

I finally wound my Cosmo floss and put it in a box. I'm still looking for the right pattern to be able to use them, but for now they are fun to look at!

I've been working on my Gypsy Scarf from Learn a Stitch, Create a Scarf. I'm onto the second of three parts of it. I love it so far! The flower stitch in cream is a new one for me. It took me a few tries to figure it out, but I think I like it.
Today I plan to work on a few Christmas cards and goodie packages. I decided to send Christmas cards and stickers to our younger nieces and nephews. I figure they will enjoy getting their own Christmas mail.

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas?

Sweet P

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving
today!

I finished my one cooking chore last night - Pumpkin Tiramisu. Today we are going to my in-laws for a late afternoon dinner.

Thank you to everyone who stops by to read my blog. I hope you have a wonderful day today and a great weekend!

Sweet P

What I Want For Christmas

I was cruising around the Janome web site the other day and say this little beauty:

It's a Janome Gold Plus Trim and Stitch. What makes it so special? Besides being a portable machine it also has a Light Serging System. I think for my sewing purposes this would be a great new machine. I do minimal garment and home dec sewing, but may do more if I had a serger and I'm not thrilled with having to own to separate machine.

Has anyone test drove this machine or own one? Any comments? How about the price? I can't find a published price anywhere. I do plan on calling my local Janome dealer, but would like any input anyone has.

Thanks!

Sweet P

Scarf Along and Christmas Tree

Today was a sewing day for me and I got several projects worked on for Christmas. I worked on Joy's Scarf Along and finished one scarf. I'm happy with this one and can't wait to finish the other seven.

Here's a close-up of the fun trim I found for them. I love it!

I had enough scraps leftover from the Scarf Along fabrics to make this Christmas tree with the pattern from Pleasant Home. I'm going to give this to Mr. E for his bedroom door. It will match the Quilted Nap Sack I'm going to make for him from the same fabrics.
In case you're counting, that's three projects from these Christmas fabrics. And, I still have enough scraps leftover for at least one more project. Not bad for 13 half-yard pieces of fabric, huh?

Are you getting ready for Christmas?

Sweet P

Quick Christmas Swap and Sneak Peek

I participated in Jenny's Quick Christmas Fabric, Buttons and Trim swap. My envelope of goodies arrived yesterday from Darcey in British Colombia. This was Darcey's first swap and she did a great job on gathering the goodies. She included blue Christmas fabric (my new fave color this season), red, white and green ribbon, snowman and snowflake buttons, a scissor fob (that is now attached to my yarn snips) and a key chain for the 2010 Olympics in Whistler, BC. Thanks for a great package Darcey. I hope you start a blog soon.

I'm finishing up my SSCS giftie. Here's a sneak peek at one of goodies I'll be sending to my surprise partner. I love these fabrics and what I'm making. I'll be making one of them for me too.

Mr. E stayed over last night. He's getting over a nasty double ear infection and mommy and daddy needed a good night's sleep. As usual, he slept well for me and mommy and daddy slept well at home. This morning mommy and I got our hair cut and then we went to Applebee's for lunch. Mr. E enjoyed applesauce and crackers. They've gone home now and I'm relaxing with a cup of tea and a few magazines before I stitch some more.

What are you up to today?

Sweet P

Joy's Scarf Along - I Couldn't Resist

I've decided to join Joy's Scarf Along. This summer I bought 13 half yards cuts of Peppermint Cottage by Diana Knott. I have a pattern picked out for some of the fabric, but there was enough of the fabric to cut the pieces out for the Scarf Along. Why not create Christmas-themed scarves for Christmas presents? I think it's a wonderful idea.

Here are close-ups of the fabrics

I can't wait to start sewing the scarves. This will be a lot of fun.

Anyone else joining along?

Sweet P

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