First Overnight With Dema

Hello there! Not much sewing has been happening here. I am finally over my cold. My mom has returned to MN and DH is on the road again.

Tonight is Mr. E's first overnight with Dema. DS and DIL need a good night's sleep and I offered to keep him for the night. I picked him up about an hour ago. He fell asleep on the way home and I put him in his new bouncy chair. He seems to be stirring a little bit right now.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was quiet with a short visit from Mr. E. I will be seeing DS #2 and his GF this weekend when they come to visit to meet Mr. E.

I am nearly done with the Hope stitchery, a few more french knots and crosses and I'm done. I've been working on the lap quilts from DS #2 and his GF. I have about 6 rows left to connect. I'm going to tie the quilts instead of quilting.

I'll have more photos of Mr. E's visit tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by and happy stitching!
Sweet P

I'm Almost Back

Thanks for all the well wishes. I am slowly getting better. Of course it helps to have DH come home for a few days. I have finished the March block from Gail Pan. I'm almost done with the April block too.
I received my Redwork Cushion Swap package from Cathi of Cathi Crafts. Besides the cushion she included a few other goodies: a photo album that will come in handy for keeping photos of Mr. E; an assortment of embellishments (ribbon, thread, button and pin); and Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate that didn't last for the photo. :(

Here's a photo of the back of the cushion. It's a lovely heart stripe fabric.

And here is the gorgeous front. The next time pillow forms are on sale I will be sure to buy one. The pillow will find a special place in my studio. Thanks for a great package Cathi!

Mr. E is now the proud owner of his first Red Sox hat. It's a little big, but he'll grow into it. He was cranky today and finally settled down about 4 pm. He then proceeded to put himself to sleep on his boppy pillow. I couldn't resist resting the hat on his head. After all, the Red Sox are playing against the Yankees. He slept for nearly 3 1/2 hours before mommy decided to wake him up.

In three weeks I'll get my first full day of babysitting him. That's when mommy goes back to work. I can't wait!

Happy Stitching and thanks for stopping by!
Sweet P

I'll Be Back

It's been a long week. I came down with a nasty cold - 24 hours before my mom arrived for a 12-day visit. I've been sniffling, sneezing, achy, stuffy head, sleeping all week. Mr. E has been over to visit, but I've kept my distance.

I've done some stitching, some sewing, but nothing I can show yet.

I'll be back when I'm feeling better.

Sweet P

I Need To Do Some Embellishing

While cleaning and reorganizing studio yesterday I realized I have accumulated a lot of lace, rick rick and ribbon bits that I keep in these mason jars . . .

And I have several rolls of new ribbon in this wire basket thanks to the Clearance Basket at the store . . .

And a growing collection of button from Australia, including buttons from C'Michael Cottage, Giggle Buttons, and Wildcraft Farm.

This doesn't include the other eight small jars of buttons that reside on my windowsill or the packages of rick rack hiding in a tin either.

Maybe it's time to add some pizazz to my projects, huh?

Sweet P

A Day With Mr. E

My DIL and Mr. E came over for the day yesterday. She worked on Mr. E's scrapbook and baby book. I worked on taggie blankets and a baby sling for Mr. E. A friend sent a link for making a Maya Wrap. Two weeks ago I found an adorable monster print fabric and knew it would make a cute sling. There is only three seams in the sling and it was finished in no time. Mr. E loved it immediately. He was able to snuggle against mommy while she worked on his scrapbook. When he outgrows the sling, I'll make something out of the fabric.

Here he is sleeping on his daddy underneath one of his new taggie blankets.

And, because we are huge Red Sox fans and last night was the first Red Sox/Yankees game, Mr. E was ready for the game. Unfortunately he fell asleep before the game started. Someday he'll stay awake for the whole game.

Today I am turning the studio into a guest room. My mom is coming for a 10 day visit this week. It will be fun to have her around. She hasn't visited in 2 1/2 years and will love meeting Mr. E.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

Mail Goodies

I didn't realize it's been way over a week since I posted. I guess between work and surprise time with Mr. E I've been a little busy.

Last week I received my Spring Swap package from Lynda in Australia. I was Lynda's Secret Santa last Christmas so I guess it was her turn to surprise me. Look at the wonderful clutch bag she made for me, complete with a Giggle button. I love Giggle buttons! She also made me the needle case that so many of the Aussie girls made from their stitching weekend. She didn't know how much I coveted one of those needle cases and now I have one! She also included a small hand painted Russian doll and a Country Threads Patchwork magazine. I already have decided to make a few of the projects in the magazine. Thanks for a wonderful package Lynda!
Recently I won a drawing on Giraffe Dreams. Carol wasn't sure what to send me. I told her I am a born and bred Minnesotan and she could send me Minnesota-filled package and that's what she did. She included a pair of socks, a coffee mug, a pot holder, a Nut Goodies, postcards, a Minnesota map and some fabrics. I plan on making a Minnesota collage using the postcards, map and fabric. The Nut Goodie was a yummy reminder of MN treats. The other items are patiently waiting their turn to get used. Thanks for a great package, Carol!
I haven't had any stitching or sewing time this past week. I'm getting ready for my mom, Mr. E's great grandma, to arrive next week for a 10 day visit. We will be spending Friday and Saturday converting my studio into a guest room. Hopefully with grandma here we can spend time sewing while visiting with Mr. E.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

Happy Easter

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. Ours was a quiet Sunday. We needed a day by ourselves to get over the "having the baby" excitement. It was the first day in nearly a week that we haven't been at the hospital. We spent the day watching the Masters, baseball, eating and relaxing. Oh yeah, there was a ham dinner and laundry involved too.

Do you remember this cross stitch project I started in February?
Well, I've been working on it the last few weeks. This is how far I am on it. The finished work will be about 6 inches tall. I'm amazed looking at the photo how well you can see the contrast between the reds, the browns and the white and gray. I love how it is looking.
Yesterday Mr. E went home. Here he is all bundled up ready to leave the hospital. He is so precious and so handsome already. I can't wait for more cuddle time with him.
DH's travel schedule starts up again tomorrow. He will gone 41 of the next 79 days. He will be in Indianapolis, Washington, DC, London, Dubai, New York, Kohler, WI, Hong Kong, Singapore and Las Vegas (twice). When all of that travel is done we are going on vacation! That's July 1! Whew!

During that time I will start babysitting Mr. E on Tuesdays, my mom will be here for a visit and I will be working on swap projects. Looks like my spring is full!

Until next time, happy stitching!
Sweet P

Welcome Mr. E

It's been a fantastic week around Coffee Time Stitches.

My DIL's water broke on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday night, after being in labor for 37 hours Mr. E made his appearance into the world. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 7.5 ounces and 19 inches long. He has gorgeous brown hair. Mom and dad are ecstatic that he arrived two weeks early and the doctor has pronounced him healthy.

I got my first cuddle time with him on Thursday morning and more time with him last night. Today I will help the new family leave the hospital and get settled into their home.

Of the many photos Mr. E has so graciously posed for since his birth this is my favorite. His thumb is not in his mouth, but it's close!

Welcome to the world Mr. E! We all love you!

Sweet P

Dema Has A Brand New Bag . . . and a Cupcake Winner

I didn't get to spend the day sewing with friends, but I did get to sew. DH painted the stairwell today so I had an excuse to spend the day sewing in my studio.

And what did I make? I made me a diaper bag! Yup, that's right! One for Dema to use when I babysit on Tuesdays. I used a cotton coffee print and embroidered orange and brown bottom weight fabrics. This is the first time I've used elastic on the pockets and plastic canvas in the base. The bag was simple to make. I was joking with DH that I need to make one in sports fabrics for him to use. I'm not sure he's buying that idea.

Here's the back of the bag:

And the front:

And the inside:

You can see I have a few baby items in it already. But I'm missing two important items: diapers and the baby!! Baby will be here soon we're told. DIL's doctor told her there's a good chance she could have the baby this coming week. We'll see!

April is off to a gloomy start. The view from our deck has been like this for four days now! Tomorrow we're supposed to get some sun. I hope so.
And now . . . could I get a drum roll please? I asked DH to pick a number and Codi at deathbydenim is the winner of the Cupcake Contest. There were many great ideas on what to make with the fabric. I wish I had enough cupcake fabric to make one of everything! All of the flavors sound yummy. I'll have to try some of them. Stay tuned, I just might do that.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

Drawing Delayed Until Saturday

I have to wait until tomorrow to do the cupcake drawing. I have a couple of family issues to deal with tonight. Watch for the winners on Saturday!

Sweet P

Three Years of Blogging and 400 Posts

I recently passed the 400 post mark and on April 1 I will celebrate three years of blogging. Wow! I've met many wonderful people and have more inspiration projects than I will ever finish.

To celebrate these events I am going to have a give-away for my readers. I have three pieces of cupcake fabric that have been calling out to me to use them and that is what I will do. The winner of the contest will win a Cupcake Prize package full of goodies for making and enjoying cupcakes including something made from these fabrics.
To enter the drawing please leave a comment telling me what your favorite cupcake flavor is and what you would like made with the fabric. Feel free to blog about the contest and receive an additional entry in the drawing.

The drawing will end Friday night, April 3 at 8 PM EST.

Good luck!

Sweet P

Falling Off The Wagon and Sign of Spring

When Lent started I decided to stop spending money at Jo-Ann's. I certainly have enough projects to keep me busy without having to buy anything else.

Up until Thursday I was doing a great job. I had only bought fabric for my swap project (pictured in the previous post). That fabric is already used and I only have a small amount left that will be going into another project.

So what happened on Thursday? One of my tasks this week at work is to reset the floss and cross stitch tool aisle at the store. While looking though the aisle and laying out my work plan I saw this book. Since I've started doing cross stitch again I thought these little designs would come in handy to make little projects. The stitcheries are no larger than 3 inches by 3 inches, if that. Plus I had my 50% coupon to use so I got a great deal on the book.
Yesterday I asked DH to stop at the grocery store to pick up a couple items for me. He came home with my favorite flower and a sure sign of spring - tulips! I put a few of them in the dress vase I bought last summer. Don't they look lovely? Certainly a lot better than the clouds and fog outside my window this morning. At least we're not getting snow and floods, but we will get some rain.

I'm have to work today and tomorrow, but have Monday off. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy Quilting!

Sweet P

A Couple of Sneak Peeks

I spent the day in my sewing room working on swap packages.
Here's sneak peek #1.

And sneak peek #2:

I also spent time working on DS #3's quilt. I love having weekdays off when DH is home. I get to have a whole day to play!

Sweet P

Sunday Stash and Sewing for Baby

It's been a few weeks since I've shown stash on Sunday. Yesterday I purchased these fabrics for a swap project. Don't they look yummy together? I can't wait to get started on this project. That will happen later this week.
I didn't get to sew on National Quilting Day yesterday as I had to work all day. This afternoon DIL came over and we worked on baby projects. I completed two of the six remaining taggie blankets. I only have to top stitch the remaining ones and they will be done. These blankets are turning out cute and soft, with a little touch of silky for baby fingers to find.
From the leftover pieces of flannel DIL was able to cut six bibs, a burp cloth and two washcloths. I have a couple of questions though. Is one layer of flannel enough for a bib? Do you have to have two layers? If you only have one layer what is the best way to finish the edges?

Last fall I was in the local Goodwill Store and found a set of four Winnie-The-Pooh curtains for $3. The only problem was the way the curtains were made a curtain rod barely fit through either end. Today I stitched a larger opening and now they can be hung.
I have several swap projects and packages to get finished and sent this week. Then I need to make a few crib sheets. The baby excitement is growing around here. We can hardly wait!

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

Simple Galoshes

I had a couple of hours this morning to play in my studio. I finished one secret project, finished trimming my siggie squares and signed a few of them. I still had some time to play. I spotted the stack of 9-patches I made last summer with galoshes fabric. I quickly sewed 16 of them into this baby 9-patch quilt.
I like the simplicity of it. Here is a close-up of the fabric. The galoshes fabric just makes me smile every time I see it.
I'm off to work this afternoon and then three days of day shifts. Hopefully I'll get some stitching time in the evenings.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

A "Piece" Full Day

Today was "piece" full day for me. I spent several hours stitching blocks for the quilts for DS #2 and his GF and my siggie blocks.

I have my siggie blocks all stitched and most of them are trimmed. Then I'll be able to sign them and send them off to Connie.
I also finished all the blocks for DS and his GF. Now I can piece the quilt tops.

This evening I'm doing some stitching, but it's a secret project. Once it is complete, sent to its new home and received I'll be able to show you.

What are you working on today?
Sweet P

Rainbow On A Snowy Morning

Your rainbow is shaded violet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

March First Photo and Shopping at Lowe's

I didn't get my First Photo taken until today - after we got about 12 inches of snow! There's not much difference between March 09 . . .

versus March 08.

I'm trying to figure out how to make a collage of the first photos off our deck in Photoshop Elements. Hopefully I can get it done soon.

Last Friday I finally made it Lowe's to spend some of the gift card I got from my FIL for Christmas. I had no idea what I was looking for. I just assumed I would find a few items for the house.

In the clearance section of the storage department I found this tool box. Regular price: $13, I paid $4 for it.
I'm using it for storing my beads and beading tools. Can you believe I bought the beading stuff last August and I have yet to make anything with them? Probably so.
I've been busy on my cross stitch project. This morning I spent a couple hours finishing favors for the baby shower next Saturday and working on the quilts for DS and his GF. It felt good to sit at the sewing machine. I may sew some more later tonight. Right now, it's dinner time.

Happy stitching!
Sweet P

A Good Day Off

An ideal day off . . . starts with one hour of house cleaning and a couple loads of laundry.

Then, a little of this . . .

Brita Meng Outzen/MLB.com

His return . . . I'm so sad he lost . . .

Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

and all afternoon working on this . . .

Top it off with Sesame Chicken, Rice and Butternut Squash for dinner and a bubble bath. Ah . . . one day of bliss . . . Priceless!

Sweet P

Interested in a Coffee/Tea block swap?

The other day Lynn wrote that she was thinking about making a coffee cup or tea cup quilt for her new house. She said it would be fun if a few quilty friends would like to play with her. I commented that I've been thinking about making a coffee cup wall hanging for myself. I know, can you believe it? Coffee Time Stitches at Home does not have a coffee cup wall hanging.

I'm thinking of hosting a coffee cup or tea cup block swap. I'm wondering how many bloggers would be interested in playing along with Lynn and I. If you're interested, please let me know. I will draw up some guidelines based on how many people reply. I'm thinking of four 8" blocks from each participant. The blocks could be paper pieced or applique. Any takers?

In other news, look . . . I'm knitting. This sample is not large. There's only 10 stitches to a row. It's a start and probably won't become anything special. It could be a scarf for one of my teddy bears.
I finished the Merry stitchery from Gail Pan. I have an idea for these little stitcheries. I just need the time to execute the plan.
I have two days off the end of the week. I'm hoping to spend some time painting the trim in our living room and kitchen area. I need to get it done before the baby shower for DIL in three weeks.

Until next time, happy stitching!
Sweet P