Saturday, November 27, 2010

Trying Another Look

Found another template that uses different backgrounds. I happened to find one using blueprints. Not sure if you can tell what it is. But I think it's better that the other "blueprint" template idea I had before.

Now, I just need to figure out how to place my photos in the banner! More work to be done!

Jane

New Look

Just messing around. Trying to make my blog have a "blueprint" look. Not sure if it is working yet.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Note to Sis

My sister was feeling under-the-weather this last weekend, so I had given her a call a few days ago, to see how well she was doing. She is now doing so much better. She had told me that she was crocheting when we were talking and coincidentally, so was I!


"You see, I really was crocheting the same time you were!!"

I was making some Santa hats for my two boys. For our Christmas cards, each year I dress them up for a photo. I know that they might be a little too big for that now, but they are still my babies!

I'm working on a mustache and beard to attach to the hat for the full Santa effect.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is right on top of us again! Where did the year go? I am currently cooking up a storm to prepare for tomorrow's get-together. I will wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving today since I'll be busy with the festivities tomorrow!

Jane

Friday, November 19, 2010

Applique Update


Now that my son is playing basketball, he is very busy with practices. That was one reason I started my Reminiscence quilt. I needed something to work on while I sat in at practices. But I've been doing more watching than appliqueing, so my progress has been quite slow.

Here's a quick peek at where I am now.
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Finished with:


block 3

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block 11

Still working on:
block 1


block 2
block 4
block 5
block 12
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Little by little, stitch by stitch, it will get done.
-
Jane

Friday, November 5, 2010

Congrats!!

Just recently got back from the Fall Festival at the kids' school. The boys had a blast with their friends and enjoyed a little independence while I volunteered to work at one of the tables.

I didn't win anything at the raffle or Chinese auction, nor did my older son, but...
my baby had won a gift certificate for his apple-pumpkin! He was quite thrilled! Of course, Mommy wouldn't allow him to cut the pumpkin but he did a great job with the painting and gluing. Great work!!
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Now, we have to out-do everyone and win "Best Over-all" next year! It's never too early to start planning!
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Jane

More Pumpkins??

So, what's with the pumpkins??

Our school is having their annual Fall Festival. It is a PTO fundraiser that the kids always look forward to. Inflatable bounce house and obstacle course, games galore, cake walk, raffles and auctions, and the food... fun for both kids and parents!

As part of the festivities, they have a pumpkin contest. So, of course, my kids are participating:
My older son's pumpkins.


He's such a boy!

And my younger son's pumpkin.

Prizes will be won, and we hope that we will one of the lucky ones. After all, the money that is raised is all for the school and the kids! It's all worth it!

Jane

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

As Autumn Fades Away...

The cold weather is slowly approaching us. The temperature is dropping and as my younger son puts it, "I hate wearing my big fat coat!"

The leaves, that were once on the trees, are now fallen to the ground. We now have half-naked trees.

Yet, I'm still wanting to make some autumn quilts. With all my UFOs, I'm going to have to put them on my wish list.
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Jackie Robinson's "Tessellating Leaves" -
love how every leaf is the same shape and fit right next to one another
(from Keepsake Quilting catalog)
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Susan Probst's "Haunted Hill" -
love the batiks used, just three different colors
(from the front cover of Keepsake Quilting catalog-Autumn 2007)
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I don't know the name of this quilt.
It was shown in some information about the
Shipshewana Quilt Festival, advertising the
Little Helper's Quilt Shop -
love the color gradation of the leaves, they seen to shine!
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I can only hope to get more of my quilts done, so that I won't feel so guilty to start one of these!
-
Jane

Diversity of M&Ms


"I have always liked M&Ms;
the most diverse, multicultural, integrated candy in the world.
You have red, yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue;
all in one package, all co-existing TOGETHER.
One color doesn't think that it is superior to the other.
All colors look different on the outside,
but have the same ingredients on the inside.
M&Ms all have the same flavor, and they all taste GOOD.
Wouldn't it be nice if all people were judged by what was
inside rather than you see on the outside?"


If we would all follow their example.

I came across this saying recently and it stuck with me. As I am teaching my younger boy about GOD had making everybody on his earth in different colors - my older boy about differences in languages, culture, and religion in our world: we are all still the same.

It should all be as simple and easy as M&Ms.

Jane

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

It's a Little Bit Late But...

Candy corn is typically a candy for Halloween. Unfortunately, I don't like candy corn but their colors and the shape of them make so adorable. With my love of homemade pincushions, I thought they would make a perfect pincushion or mini pillow, but I couldn't find a pattern like the one I was seeing in my head.

So I had to make my own pattern!



They were so fun to make, I made multiples.


This is usually what I do, especially with pincushions. I have to make more than one. Although Halloween has already passed, I couldn't help myself. They turned out so cute!


I hope you enjoy the photos! I hope they make you as happy as they made me! : )
-
Jane