Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today was one of those days that I will never forget.  My family celebrated the holiday at my youngest brother's home which meant getting up early to make my contribution to the meal.  The day was made extra special by a surprise visit (and I mean surprise) from the Navy.  There was not a dry eye in the house and it made for an extra special day.

I finished this cushion after we returned home this evening.  As I worked I thought about everything I am so thankful for and just how blessed I am.  Thank you for giving me a reason to post my progress and for your encouraging comments.  Just being able to share the projects I love with you gives me the incentive to keep on being creative.  Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

We have a winner!!

The winner of the $25 gift certificate for Stitchin It Up Quilt Shop has been drawn by the random number generator and was #41:

Margaret said...

I am a follower via bloglovin

Margaret, I've sent you an email and I'm just waiting to hear back from you so you can go shopping!  I will be back tomorrow with my finished Thanksgiving project!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Black Tie Boogie Blog Hop

It is the last blog hop of the year, and with that come the roosters.  I was organizing my sewing room a few months ago and found everything to make this quilt, and the fabric even has roosters on it.  I had planned to make this as a picnic quilt, and I think it will work out perfectly.

The weather is not cooperating with picnics right now...as a matter of fact it is snowing outside, but I'm just sure I will love this quilt come next summer.

The pattern pieces are bigger, but they work well with the fabrics.  Another fun finished quilt!  Yay!

Thanks so much for the inspiration from Madame Samm and Vickie for all her wonderful cheerleading!  Here are today's participants.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

November 22

Vroomans Quilts

Meadowbrook

Janes Quilting

Looking Ahead And Quilting Gallery's Giveaway Blog Hop

As I was assembling my Christmas tree the other day I realized that although putting 1200 lights on a 7-1/2 foot tall tree is kind of insane, it is beautiful when it is done.  That is never the end of it though, then the ornaments need to be added.

And finished...

Then there is the tree skirt that needs to be completed (and I'm just sure it will be this year even if I put it under the tree on Christmas Eve).

There is the wall hanging that just needs to be quilted and bound...

And the pillows for the sofa.  :)  It seems I have no shortage of projects to finish, none of which need that much time, just a block of time, and hopefully there will be a few of those interspersed with all the other fun holiday activities (Christmas cards, parties, children's programs, church services, you get my drift).  And why do we do it all for one crazy month out of the year?  After working for hours on my tree the other day my husband asked if I minded if he took the next month off of work and just stayed home...because the house is always so cozy at Christmas.  That is enough reason for me.

To help you maybe start or finish a holiday project or find a completely new on for the new year I'm giving away a $25 gift card to Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop.  To enter leave me a comment of what your favorite holiday activity is, if you are a scrooge, you can let me know that.  For a second entry you can let me know you are a follower of my blog.  The drawing will be held on November 27, at 8 a.m.  For the rest of the participants in the Quilter's Gallery Blog Hop Party go here.

Thanks for visiting and Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

I have so many, many projects I should be working on and instead...I put up the Christmas tree.  The weather is so yucky and we finally had a day where there were only two things on the calendar and not ten.  Normally I spend the day after Thanksgiving decorating, but this year we have so many things scheduled if I didn't get it up today, there would not be a day to do it.

I finished this tree ornament late Saturday evening while watching a movie with my husband and son.  I love how it sparkles and guess what, it is the first ornament on the tree.  I love the holiday season, I love the decorating, and I love all the activities.  What I do not like is how it goes so quickly and before we know it the new year is here.  Hopefully by getting the more tedious stuff done early we can enjoy it between all the activities.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

All Finished Quilts Should Come With a Warning

Ever since my son's quilt has been finished, there has not been a day yet when it has spent the entire day on his bed.  It seems that all handmade with lots of love and over 1000 piece quilts tend to entice us to bring them to the couch, look at all the fabrics and stitches, and then without warning fall asleep under them.  I smile when I see the next person who gets caught by the quilt, but I promised my son today would be the last day I did that.  ;)

Maybe instead of adding just a label stating who made the quilt and when, we should add the warning, "If you accept this quilt, you may lose many hours to long, cozy naps, especially as winter approaches."

I thought this turtle pincushion was perfect for today...I've kind of felt like a turtle all week, happy yet slow and relaxed.  What a wonderful way to spend the end of a week.  Back to work again as I have a ton of things to be finished.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

For The Boys

This is the fourth quilt finished this week, and I almost cannot wrap my brain around it.  This one has been a UFO for the longest, and is now one big finished quilt.  I started this quilt seven years ago after receiving the pattern at a quilt shop hop.  My son and I picked up random fat quarters from different quilt shops and soon I was cutting away.  I just recently bought the fabrics for the borders so it just goes to show you can mix the old with the new.  He has been waiting so patiently for this quilt, and having him help me pick out all the fabrics makes it all the more special.

Each block has a total of 48 pieces in it and there are 30 blocks for a total of 1440 pieces.  I decided to stitch in the ditch around every single piece which makes the pieces pop.  I'm so excited to see this one finished!  I think the reason this one took so long to finish was because of all those pieces, just cutting them was a huge undertaking.  This blog hop was a huge incentive to finally finish it!

My son is actually using this quilt already (is there anything better than sleeping under a brand new quilt?)  I think not.


Thank you to Madame Samm and Amy for heading up this wonderful hop.  You can check out the rest of today's participants here...

November 7^th

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans

Ridge Top Quilts

Creatin' in the Sticks

Elizabeth Coughlin Designs

Meadowbrook (you are here)

Malinis Quilts

Just Let Me Quilt

Kris Loves Fabric

Happy Stitching and Hopping!! 

The Third Quilt

I almost forgot this morning I was going to show this today.  I've actually been trying to decide where to use it.  It is the Tankini pattern from Terri Atkinson and I used Pam Kitty fabrics.  The reason this one sat was I couldn't decide how to quilt it and the binding.

After finishing this I am thinking I need to make something else with these fabrics.  They are fabulous and so cheery.  I'm still not convinced my loo (toilet) needs a quilt on it (which is what the Tankini pattern is for), but it might just be what the bathroom needs.  :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Three Finished Quilts, Design Wall Monday, and Voting

There are times in life when things get so out of control we just need to step back, take a deep breath, and work on something that takes our minds off all the other "stuff."  I had mentioned a while back that I was reorganizing my sewing room and found a lot of projects that weren't finished just because I got stuck, maybe I didn't know how to finish it, quilt it, or it had a problem and I set it aside hoping to finish them some day.  This past week I finished three, but I'm only going to show you two today (come back tomorrow).

I guess you could say this one is scary.  I hate the way the stripes turned out for the background, but it does look pretty great with some ceramic pumpkins on it...it has a use and can be used and it is finished! :)  And for the most part the background will only kind of be seen.

This one I wasn't sure on the blanket stitch around the stars.  I know, silly huh?  It is finished now and is ready for the perfect little spot that has been waiting for it.

This quilt is my son's quilt.  Started far too long ago and is on the design wall just waiting to be finished...which is going to be this week...hopefully.  My son is sick in bed and I'm just hoping I'm not going to come down with it.

Finally, if you would like to vote for my quilt the voting is now open.  You just click the little heart in the corner of the photos here.  You can vote for one quilt in each category and the voting is open until Friday, November 8.

Whew, okay that is it for today.  I will post my third finished project tomorrow.  :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Ever Wonder What I Do For Fun?

You probably don't wonder what I do for fun, but my husband sometimes teases me that if people really knew what I did for fun on a weekend they would think I was...uh-hum..insane.  :)

I started a Mary Engelbreit felt Christmas tree skirt a few years ago and this weekend I decided it was time to work on it again.  Rather than cut out the piece, embroider, sequin, bead, and stuff it and then sew it to the skirt I decided to get all the pieces ready and then apply them to the skirt at the same time.  Here is what I accomplished this weekend...doesn't look like much does it?  The thing is, there are three houses to complete yet and another set of 10 candies.  I'm happy to see some progress though.

I really wish you could see how they sparkle.  Everything went pretty well until I spilled about 2000 clear seed beads onto the carpet at about 2 a.m. this morning.  Most of the beads have been found and these are going to be put away for another day.  I've got fabric picked out for two quilts and I'm going to do some cutting. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Blogger's Quilt Festival

I always look forward to the "quilt show" at Amy's Creative Side when quilt market rolls around.  Sometimes I enter a quilt, sometimes I don't, but I always enjoy seeing what people have to show.  My dream is to someday go to quilt market, but since I haven't had that privilege yet, I love seeing what everyone has made.

This year the entries are divided into different categories to enter which means there are a lot of different types of quilts to look at...and I think makes it all the more fun.

My entry in the wall hanging category is the Star Surround quilt I made just recently.  The blocks are 24 inches and the wall hanging is 48 inches square.  I used Michael Miller batiks which I think made the stars all the more stunning.

I did the machine quilting on my home sewing machine and tried a few new techniques for me.  The quilt festival can be found here where you can nominate the quilts you think should be in the voting process and then can go back again and vote for your favorites the week of November 1-8.  Have fun and thanks for visiting.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Wicked Blog Hop

It is time for another blog hop, and since this one is the "Wicked" blog hop I decided to do something off the wall for me.


I had to laugh about this when I started thinking back to when I was the age of my son.  I was 13 years old and did a lot of babysitting.   I decided one night to watch the Exorcist.  By the time that movie was over I was petrified and scared to death.  The people I was babysitting for took me home and I couldn't run fast enough to get in the house.  I had horrible nightmares for the weeks to follow and was terrified when it was time to go to bed.  I finally had to tell my mom that I had watched the movie and that I was so sorry I did.  I don't do scary anymore for Halloween after that, so my wicked is the use of color.

The colors are so bright they actually don't show up right.  The blue is more of a purple.  I also just went through my stash and chose from what I had, not paying attention to how much I had.  That meant there were some changes made where fabrics were used because I didn't have enough of one or the other.  This pattern was the Mystery Monday quilt from This and That Patterns.  I did mine differently using dark fabric for the background (another huge step for me).  
A huge thank you to Madame Samm and Wendy for organizing this hop, and here are today's participants.  

Grammie Q's

Stitchin By The Lake

Quilted Delights

Buzzing and Bumbling

Vroomans Quilts

Life in the Scrapatch

The Quilted Cat

Meadowbrook

Patchouli Moon Studio

The Nosy Pepper

Sew Incredibly Crazy

Happy Stitching and Hopping!!  --Kristen

"There Is Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself"

My grandfather used to tell me this all the time when I was young.  I think he saw something in me that I did not realize was there until I look back now.  I spent most of this weekend going through my sewing room.  I received a HUGE storage unit which meant reorganizing, rearranging, and purging projects and supplies.  In my sorting I found a large number of projects that were so near finishing it was stupid.  Looking at them now I know why I didn't finish them, I was afraid of trying a new technique and ruining them.  So I let them sit.  

The reason this one was not finished...I didn't know how to sew the ribbons on so they went the correct direction.  SERIOUSLY.  I was afraid if I sewed them wrong I would have to tear it apart and would fray the cross stitch material.  I even had the borders on it already.  It literally took me 10 minutes today to sew it together, stuff it, and close the opening.  From here on out there is no more being frightened...I'm going for it, and if I fail, well then I will learn from it and move on.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Oh Those Naps...

I kind of remember being really tired after work yesterday and thinking I would sit down for just a minute.  I have no recollection of lying down or covering up with the quilt on the couch...which by the way my husband says once you cover up with it you might as well forget about doing anything for the next hour.  When I woke up I couldn't figure out if it was morning or what day it was and then I knew I would be in trouble later.

I felt great after the nap, but I was wide awake at 11 p.m., 12 a.m., and 1 a.m. this morning.  I decided I might as well work on something.  It was quiet and actually it was the perfect time to see some progress on my pilgrims.  :)  Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to take another nap this afternoon.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Fall Is Here!

It seems in an instant the weather has changed and it is cooler, darker earlier in the evening and later in the mornings, and leaves are falling like crazy!

Although I have plenty of projects that need to be finished soon, I started this Thanksgiving embroidery pattern.  It seems after everything that happened last week, I needed to just sit and stitch this week.  I'm thinking tomorrow afternoon will be a good time to get that sewing machine warmed up and sewing again.

From the looks of it I'm going to need to spend a little time outside cleaning up this mess...but they are pretty to look at now (and a little too wet from the rain to rake just yet).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Yes, I Am A Quilter

 When I saw this at Lily Pad Quilting I knew I had to take a look and see where I was using my quilts.

As I was taking my photos I noticed there was something common in many of the photos...

It seems a lot of my quilts are accompanied by something my husband has made or refinished like this bench and quilt rack....

the hanger for the pumpkin quilt, the piano (which used to be painted black) and the side table that used to be pink.

It seems our interests go well together and it is evident that a quilter lives here.  As you can see I like to decorate for the holidays, and my fall/Halloween quilts are out in full force.  You can visit Lily Pad Quilting to see how others are using/displaying their quilts.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Finally, My Finished Quilt And Our Winner!

Some weeks are better than others and this past week has been one of those for the record books...not only did I smash up my car (backed into a fire hydrant), but my computer had a HORRIBLE virus that took hours to remove, and my son broke his nose 5 minutes into a soccer game which ended up with a trip to the emergency room, doctor's office, and the operating room...all in one week.  I'm just sure this next week will be MUCH better!!

Here is my finished Star Surround quilt.  I'm so excited about it.  The fabrics are absolutely fabulous (thank you Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop)!

I changed up my quilting techniques (finally) and used a swirl in the white areas, a stipple in the blue areas, and ditched the green areas.  Did I mention after I finished this quilt my sewing machine also needs to make a trip to the sewing machine doctor?  Yep, that was included in last week's fun.

The random number generator chose number 70 which was right in the middle and was
Just Quilt It said...I "liked" Stitchin' It Up on fb.

Thank you to all who entered and I hope you enjoy your fat quarter bundle Kathy!  I'm off to get some more sewing done, I have a lot planned for the next couple of weeks! :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Twist To The 60's With Batiks And A Giveaway!

I have to say that I don't remember the 60's at all...I was born in the 60's, but I only actually was around for 10 months of them.  Unfortunately, I have no fond recollections of them at all.

In the 80's my husband tried to get me to wear tie dyed t-shirts.  He didn't get very far, and batiks have always been a bit of a stretch for me, that is until now.  

When Merrilee from Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop got these batiks in I knew exactly what I wanted to make with them.  Something with a twist that would make the fabrics pop and the Star Surround pattern from Happy Quilting I thought was perfect.

 

These fabrics are spectacular.  I took these photos before I quilted the piece, and tomorrow I will have photos of the quilting as it is just too dark right now to even try getting them right (I figured I would finish after dark and I was right).  Now for the giveaway...

Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop has the best customer service you can wish for...my fabric arrived before I was even expecting it.  You can win this fat quarter bundle of batiks and you have three chances to win.  The winner will be drawn on Friday, October 4.
1.  Go to Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop, like their Facebook page, and leave a comment letting me know you      liked it. 2.  Go to Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop, sign up for their newsletter, and leave a comment letting me know        you have done so. 3.  Leave a comment letting me know how much you love batiks!
Thanks to Madame Samm for another wonderful blog hop and to Mary our wonderful cheerleader.  Here are the participants for today.

October 1

Gracie Oliver Arts

How ART You?

Creatin in the Sticks

Sew Peace to Peace

Meadowbrook (you are here)

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Crazy About Wool Blog Hop

I'm just going to say it...I love wool.  I love wool yarn, wool sweaters, wool socks, wool coats, wool blankets, and then there are the fun things to make with wool...

I'm thinking Halloween ornaments are really fun, especially when they are made out of wool!

There is always another pincushion that can be made from wool (especially when there is still 99% of a 10-pound bag of crushed walnut shells left to fill it).

And a person just can't forget about Christmas ornaments, especially when Christmas Day is less than three months away (kits from Rosebud's Cottage).

A big thank you to Denise for hosting this Crazy About Wool Hop.  Here are my fellow participants for today:

Friday, September 27

Hallbrook Designs

Karen's Quilts, Crows and Cardinals

Mummzy Stamps

Meadowbrook

Friendship Crossing

Fryeber

Happy Stitching and Hopping!!  --Kristen

Half-Square Triangles

I'm so excited about the project I'm working on right now I had to show some progress...

I smile the whole time I am working on this quilt.  The colors are just too fun...tonight I've got some flying geese to make and then I can start putting it all together.  I've also got a lot of wool flying around here, but that will have to wait until Friday. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Cutting and A Winner

I am still having major problems with my email, which is just so disturbing.  Funny how nothing bothers us until it does not work! :)

Today I've been cutting.  I'm so excited about this I may just start sewing now.

My husband went and got himself a cake donut after seeing this on the kitchen table.  :)  Here are the two winners...

               Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

So sweet... I would love to sink my pins into a strawberry donut!

Bettina Groh said...

I would love to win your donut pincushion! For my son... who is not a sewer but who runs an 850 people kitchen for one of the gas/convenience store companies. Wouldn't it look great on his desk? And not a temptation to munch at the same time!!

If the two of you can email me, that would be wonderful, otherwise I will try contacting you as soon as my email is working again.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen