Apples, Quilts and More...

What's Old is New Again...

2009-08-19T19:52:00.001-07:00

I would love for you to meet a very sweet gentleman!

This is my Uncle Bob--my mom's brother!

About a year and a half ago he passed away.

He was a very creative and talented carpenter who

built a beautiful home for he and my aunt in the late 1960's.

We are alike in our creativity...just different mediums--his was wood, mine is fabric!

As happens when people pass away, their belongings go to various family members.

Uncle Bob was a meticulous carpenter. This bench below...sorry I don't have before pictures...was one of two work benches that he made. They were rough and plain wood and to him they were a tool. My mom and I were so endeared to them and thought they would look cute painted white and put somewhere in the yard with pots on it.

As I finally got to them this summer, I started by painting them white, but in my creative mode of the moment, they turned into this!

It was OLD but now it is a NEW beautiful addition to my americana themed patio!

This "NEW" patio chair was an OLD redwood and aluminum lawn chair that belonged to Uncle Bob. I was about to donate it somewhere when I had the wonderful idea to spray paint it glossy red. Gorgeous!!! Doesn't it just invite you to sit down and relax?

Well, in the spirit of thinking about what I did with my Uncle's "treasures" here are a few other OLD things made NEW around my yard this summer.

My brother gave me a beautiful park bench a couple of years ago. Originally it was stained and the iron was green. It was supposed to weather through the winter being sealed, etc. Unfortunately, it didn't and it has been looking very sad for the last year!

So, to the rescue, out came my red spray paint!

An OLD bench, made NEW again.
What do you think?

What about this below? When I bought my home three years ago, this 50+ year old fireplace was in my side yard. At first I thought I could restore it to use as a fireplace but that plan did not materialize. Last summer, some gardener/landscapers helped me turn it into a water feaure.

I recently finished adding pots, plants, etc. to make it look fantastic! Sorry, I don't have it turned on at the moment.

The water comes out of the top and the front!!!

An OLD fireplace = a NEW water feature!!

This was once an OLD tea kettle. Someone...not me....found it and envisioned it as a watermelon themed art piece. It came home with me to add a NEW splash of summer to my patio!

And, finally, last but not least...these pansies were planted last fall and earlier this summer trimmed back to almost nothing....they were OLD and now they look NEW and beautiful again!!!

Isn't it amazing!?

Dotti

Blooms, Blooms Everywhere!!!!!

2009-08-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

So...I'm looking around me and there are blooms, blooms......everywhere!

Remember the ME Framed Four-Patch that I finished a few days ago? I also showed a picture of the Woodland Bloom version that I was helping my mom with. In her picture, though, the blocks were arranged on the floor but not sewn together.

Voila!!!

Amid much challenge and some frustration.....

+ lots of teamwork....It is completed!!!

Isn't it pretty!!!

I just think my mom is so cute...she's 82 and she's in love with Woodland Bloom!!!

Now that it is done, she is so happy with it!

We won't tell you what she considered during the last bit of construction time!!!

Even though I haven't done as much sewing as I had wanted to do this summer, I have had some time to work on blooms in my yard.

I love Black-Eyed Susans....

Dahlias....

These pretty and unusual flowers that I can't remember the name of....

(can anyone help me?)

Zinnias....

and a collection of zinnias and snapdragons in this cutest little vignette!

Hope you have a day full of blooms and fun.....I guess one of my favorite quotes would be appropriate here:

"Bloom where you're planted!"

Dotti

Friends, Flowers and a Finish

2009-08-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Do you like the Mary Engelbreit fabrics with the theme of flowers and friendship?

I do!

Remember my last post I mentioned a project I was working on....

Well....look!

I see some Mary Engelbreit flowers....

It all started when I bought a little kit from a LQS over a year ago. It was a pattern designed by the shop called a "Framed Four-Patch." They sell lots of kits because it is actually a fun little quilt to make. It is 48 X 56.

Since my summer has not left much room for sewing, I was ravenous to finish SOMETHING before I have to start getting ready for school to begin

ready to sew

My first finished framed four-patch!!! I am so excited about these colors!

Put 20 of these charmers together....

Add borders with framed four-patch cornerstones

and there you have it....

I took the loveliness outside for a photo shoot but sorry that my pictures did not turn out that great!

So....now I am waiting for the Mary Engelbreit fabric that I ordered from the Quilt Shoppe that I am using for the backing and it will be off to the quilter!
I am hoping to sew a few more things up in the next few days!

Oh....did I mention that while I was sewing mine, I was helping my mom work on one from the same pattern using fabric from the "Woodland Bloom" collection. Her sewing machine was being difficult and she needed lots of support and encouragement but it's worth it seeing her feel good about making something pretty!!

Have a wonderful beginning of the week and hopefully, I will be able to share some more lovelies before the end of the week!

Dotti

It's a Birthday Bash

2009-08-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Rachel at p.s. i quilt is having a giveaway to celebrate the 2nd birthday of The Quilt Shoppe! Check out The Quilt Shoppe and check out Rachel's blog to join in the fun! They have some really yummy stuff!

Have an awesome day and come back tomorrow for pictures of my newest completed project!

Dotti

A New Look and summer continues....

2009-07-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Do you notice the new look of my blog? What do you think? I don't like to change it often but I chose my first background so quickly and have really wanted to change it for a while. When "V" first created her picture mosaic for her blog, I was in awe. I told my daughter I wanted to do that because I had been thinking of something like that that reflected the title of my blog. Well, my daughter went to the link provided by V and created one on her blog and it turned out so sweet. I worked on it this evening and figured it out myself. Along with the new background and the buttons I added last night, I am thinking I like it for now! I must admit, though, that I am already thinking of new pictures to change it out. Like this one, maybe...

A view of the skyline of the big city of Seattle from our side of the water. Not bad of a picture for my camera--you can even see the Space Needle!

I was over in Seattle Mon-Wens. this past week and stayed in one of those tall buildings--the Westin Hotel. It was a conference for schools. It was great and we accomplished a lot--but it was during such hot days. Glad to be back on "the peaceful side."

Do you remember this adorable baby quilt that I made for little Joshua?

Then came the special day he arrived into this world...

I was lucky enough to finally get some pictures of him with his quilt.

Enjoy! He is so adorable!

I am wishing they didn't live so far away on the east coast because I so want to kiss those precious little cheeks! Doesn't it look like he likes his quilt?!

My friend, Sherri of A Quilting Life has a section of the quilt made from this pattern as the header on her blog. I contacted her right after I started blogging and asked her where to get the pattern because I loved it! She connected me with the shop that had designed the pattern and I was able to purchase it! I plan to be working on this very soon.

Because I don't have border fabric I will be tweaking the pattern a bit--I think you will like what it looks like and how it reflects something about me!

The following two pictures are some of the fabrics that I have collected for this quilt~

They are from the Cider Mill Road collection designed by Nancy Halvorsen.

Thought you might like a little peak at the current "home" of my triple irish chain table topper that I was lucky enough to win from Sheri Howard's giveaway. I love how it looks here!

I picked up this wooden bowl from a garage sale, layed the fabric inside and put these wonderful real looking strawberries inside for the fresh summer look! I like it--a lot!

Now this picture is in my header but I wanted to show you a picture that I have hanging in my dining room that reflects my love of apples and quilting! I really like this picture--I apologize for the slight glare.

This apple bowl is also a new find at a garage sale in June. The same store where I got the life like strawberries is where I got these apples....you can tell they are not real up close, but I think they look cute in there anyway. I'm not usually one for "fake" fruit decorations!!!!

In the middle I put an apple spice candle for the fun smell!

This picture is of another new apple find at a recent yard sale!

And these, too! I like them and got them for a very good deal!

Well, thanks for taking a look at some of my apple inspirations, my new blog and some fun summer sewing! I would love feedback on my new blog look and of course, I always love comments! You are all amazing! Have a wonderful weekend!

Dotti

What are summers made of......

2009-07-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

What are SUMMERS made of?

A little of this.....

a LOT of this.......

A little of this.....

Some of this....

And a LOT of this.....

That's what Summers are made of!

Here's hoping that your summer is just as wonderful!!!

Dotti

An Awesome Giveaway!!!!!

2009-07-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

You are going to love this fun giveaway that Jodi of Simply, this, that and the other is having! She created this beautiful tutorial for the moda bake shop and is going to give them away to a couple of very lucky winners! Check out her blog and also, give her some comments of love over at the Moda Bake Shop! Have fun and good luck!

That Jodi is one creative gal!

Dotti

My First Quilts

2009-07-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

My First Quilt

Thanks to Camille and Carrie for hosting this wonderful parade of quilts! Just wish we could share in person, don't you?!

The actual first quilt I made was for my mom in 1974. I was a newly married woman learning to quilt with a friend. My masterpiece was a pink and lavendar gingham nine patch with a ruffle all the way around. I was so excited to have my mom open that gift! She loved it and had it for many years but now, we have no idea where it is and we don't know that it exists in any pictures. After that I made tied blankies for my little kiddos and a few appliqued ones for gifts but when I seriously got back into quilting for my pleasure it was about 1996. I was also into stenciling at the time and my friend, Laurene, had this pattern for a stenciled quilt square. That summer I stenciled 12 squares on muslin and I think they turned out wonderfully. (It definitely added to the severity of my carpal tunnel....but who's keeping track?!) When I was designing this quilt I wanted to use these two homespuns together. The funny part of it is that I cut all of the homespun on the plaid lines--at this point had not used or been introduced to a rotary cutter! With the help of Laurene, I found someone who had just gotten a long arm quilter and was willing to do stippling "practice" on it. She did great! My work wasn't perfect but I actually really like the charm of this quilt. In the middle of each star I put a natural colored button.

My most recent finished quilt is this fun and bright flannel quilt! I love the colors--it makes me smile when I look at it! Not fancy, just fun!

I have learned lots about quilting since the first quilts, but the main things are that rotary cutters are a must and if it's worth spending precious time on creating a lovely quilt, it's worth spending money on fabric that you love!

Thanks for looking at my quilts!

Dotti

Shop Hop Adventure--Day Four

2009-07-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Shop Hop--Last Day....:( and a little :l and a little :) You'll understand why as I show you this wonderful day!

Last night after coming home from day three, my right knee was very sore. (I have 2 bad knees that flare up occassionally--will someday need replacements--until then I am as careful as I can be.) I must have twisted or moved wrong or something. I thought it would feel better in the morning but I was wrong. It was swollen and some worse. I took ibuprofen, grabbed an elastic bandage wrap and did my best to make it through. I couldn't stop NOW!

Our first stop today is in Bellevue, WA at Quiltworks NW. I didn't get a picture of the outside of the store as I was hobbling along. I was so excited, though, to see my friend, Laurene! I must tell you that I met Laurene in 1973 right after I was first married and she is the one who taught me about quilting. Even though it has been a lot of years since we have lived in the same town, she and I connect and get together as often as we can. Unfortunately for both of us, this time had been about 5 years since we had seen each other. We had planned to meet today and shop hop together. Here we are! So fun! I really love Laurene! She is a very talented lady in every way that you can imagine.

This is the Quiltworks NW shop hop block. Very cute!
Sorry that my pictures may be a bit skimpy but between hobbling, visiting with Laurene, and looking around, well, you can understand. This is the "dessert" table set up. How fun!
Becca is trying to get desserts at the table before me.............:l
This quilt was in the room where you get your passport stamped. A lady there said that there were no pictures allowed because these quilts were from copyrighted patterns. I said, "I'm not interested in stealing the patterns. I am blogging about the shop hop and want to show examples of how beautiful your shop is. " She just smiled at me!

Not great camera skills, but a great picture of my Kristina girl doing a "Vanna" pose by the display for a children's class!

After lunch and a bit of a drive, we arrive at the Quilter's Garden in Duvall! When I get out of the car, I cannot hardly walk. Not even hobbling. After a little time, I finally hobble slowly inside this shop. It was small and crowded and the stamping people were not very patient with my apparent "disability."

This is their block!

On to the Woodinville Shop--
My mom had her cane (which she does not rely on) in the car so she insisted that I use it to go into this shop. She was so sweet to be worried about me but apparently there is an art to using a cane correctly because it didn't seem to help much!

Their block--so cutest!

I loved this quilt with a regional flair!

And this one, too!

Dresden in blue--how pretty!

Beautiful applique!

The final stop of our 2009 Shop Hop! This little "spot" is called Country Village in Bothell! Such a fun place and the quilt shop was in a building that looked like an old barn. I loved it!

I almost forgot that I could barely walk.

Becca got this great (ugh) picture of me looking at the quilt I was admiring made with the Prairie Paisley fabric line. It was one of my favorites. Wanted to take it down, put it on the grass and just relax!

What a fun entrance!

Isn't this inside charming! I just LOVE it! I didn't get many quilt patterns but they have quilts everywhere and lots and lots of fabric organized in fabric lines. They also have lots of patterns. These ladies were just the sweetest. When I finally made it up to the cutting counter, I was sweating because I was hurting and hot. I explained to the lady that this was my fourth day of "hopping" and that I had inflamed my knee. She was very sympathetic and she went and got a wet and dry paper towel for me to cool my face. She was very sweet to Kristina, too, which always earns a few smiles from me!

Well, I guess I should have a grande finale type of photo, but I don't! A painful knee did not make me a very good blogger! We had sooooooooo much fun, met many wonderful people, spent way too much money, saw many beautiful works of art, saw some beautiful scenery in this gorgeous state of ours and even spent the last day shop hopping with my dear friend! We had endless laughing and smiling as we shared this adventure together. An awesome event that I hope we are fortunate enough to do again next June! Thanks for joining us on our shop hop adventures!

Dotti

Shop Hop Adventure--Day Three

2009-07-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is day three and we are going to have so much fun! Before we leave today, though, I received something in the mail yesterday when we were out hopping and I want to show you! When the Wasatch Shop Hop was going on in Utah, Mel blogged about the shop that she works in. Their shop created the schoolhouse block. Since I love all things schoolhouse-ish, I e-mailed her and asked if I could get a copy of their pattern for their block.

Look what she sent me all wrapped up in a pretty yellow bow!

A kit to make the block complete with all the materials and a cute little bell to put on the schoolhouse! And some extra, very cute rickrack! I absolutely love it! So sweet! Thanks, Mel....you are awesome!

Time to hit the road....We're off to Chehalis, WA about an hour and a half away. It was worth it because when we walked in both my daughter and I were "in love." It was a relatively small shop, not tiny, and they have lots of precuts to choose from--that was delightful. They had almost all new moda lines and had them displayed together, not separated into color. I like them that way--especially with the new lines. They had lots of beautiful quilts, but unfortunately I was not great at pictures because I was so enthralled with the fabrics!

Becca took this picture of my mom and I and Kristina!

These quilt pictures are courtesy of my daughter, Becca. Thanks to her I have some documentation that I was at this wonderful shop!
Check out her blog for pix of the shop, too!

Now off to Centralia....to the Quilter's Junction. It was a bit of a disappointing shop and they did not want us to take any photos inside.

The Centralia shop's block!

Oops...I snapped one picture right beside the exit!

Now on to Oakville....it was about 30 minutes away...the little town of Oakville out in the middle of nowhere. But it is oh, so charming! This shop, The Quilting Cottage is housed inside an old building, that according to the shop owners, has been host to many different businesses.

As we pulled up to the curb, my mom was changing her shoes. This "doorman" came to the car door, assisted her with her shoes and walked her to the door. How sweet. This was his official job during shop hop but because of the shoe assistance, he called my mom "Cinderella" until she was safely loaded back in the car to go!

Oh, also at the door was this cutest little lady. She had a fun accent and was asking hoppers to buy a raffle ticket to benefit the public library. I felt like we were in a movie or something--it was so darling! I didn't catch her smile but she was very friendly and happy!

The shop owner and her best friend!

More Charm!Their shop's block!

How fun is this!

The creaky floor led to creaky stairs that took us upstairs to more fabric. They actually were having some really good sales!

Notice the old mirror behind the counter complete with soda fountain stools! I loved it!

Kristina enjoying a sweet treat and visiting with kids by the front door!

No quilts on display, to speak of, but we loved this little shop. We smiled so much here! The doorman even snapped a group picture of our 4 generations!

Now we're going to Tumwater, Wa to this fun shop!

How sweet is their shop's quilt block!

Fun apron patterns and samples!

Kits and fun fabric!
Click on the photo to see the cupcake quilting in this quilt!

Lots of fun quilts with lovely colors!

Beautiful and inspiring displays!

As adult shop hoppers received quilt blocks during the event, children under 13 received a square of novelty fabric. Here Kristina is showing her collection of blocks.

On to Olympia to Bayside Quilting 1. This shop is the sister shop of the next shop I will show you. At this shop it is primarily quilt machines but as you will see from the photos, there are quite a few samples showcasing quilting designs.

Fun entrance!

Their shop hop block!

Now, the last shop for today. This is Bayside Quilting 2 and inside is open in the rafters and all around kind of like a warehouse. It was so much fun. It seemed so big as we were pretty tired but we definitely loved it.

This shop's theme is modeled after "Rosie, the Riveter"--it is Rosie, the Quilter! So fun!

I loved this part of the display. One of the ladies working there said that she came up with the idea working late one night! Great!

This red bathtub was in the restroom along with some Elvis memorabilia!

Other fun displays!

So, every few minutes they had a drawing! My mom's number was pulled out--she had felt bad because she never wins anything.....that is definitely in the past. After her number was pulled, she was brought back to "spin the wheel." The number she spun designated the prize she was to get. How cute is this!

She won this little purse with a gift certificate for $20.00 to spend on her next visit.

More fun displays!

Quilt Inspirations!

A Sudoku Quilt!

Lots of fun Kids Quilts!

I love the way they quilted these little duckies. Really made them look fluffy and feathery!

Christmas in July!

We are done and ready to go home! We are exhausted--yes! Out to eat, it is almost 7:30. I think we found our way to Old Country Buffet! Fun! Tomorrow I will show you the final day of our shop hop adventure!

Let me know what you think!

Dotti

Shop Hop Adventure--Day Two

2009-07-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my sharing of Day 2 of our Shop Hop Adventure. Thanks for looking and leaving comments. It's fun to know who's reading!

But first, I have to tell you about TWO GREAT GIVEAWAYS going on right now! First, my friend Nedra of Cactus-Needle Quilts is having a great blogaversary giveaway--something for each day! Go check it out! She is a very talented lady and great blogger. Also, check out Kim's blog as she is having a giveaway to find a home for her adorable patriotic pillow that she made for the ModaBakeShop! What generous gals! So much fun stuff and so many talented people! I am so glad that I started blogging recently--it has enriched my life!
You might have noticed from Day One's post that we were carrying these cute little folders into the quilt shops. Because each quilt shop gives a kit to make their block, I wanted to have a way to keep them organized. I found these cute little file folders at Michael's in a package for $1.00 and really wanted to use them because they were just fun and cute. FYI--next time, I will probably use a soft vinyl binder as mine became overly full by the last day! Notice the cute little quilt stickers that I used to spell out our names.

Inside was a note pad and pencil/pen, etc. for writing down things that we were looking for or that we wanted to remember.

Since we were hopping to a total of 19 shops, I made a title sheet for each shop and put 2 of them back to back in a plastic sheet protector. This was a great place to put the block kit and to put any notes, etc. that went with that particular shop. It worked out great.

I also got these fun little clips in packages for $1.00 so included them to clip anything that might come up. Very useful!

Now, for the adventures of Day Two. Most larger towns/small cities have areas that are "not the best." Well, the address for this quilt shop was in one of those areas in Tacoma. When we finally found the shop, this is what we saw. Nothing charming around....in fact, it was the opposite. You weren't sure if you should go inside or not! It looks kinda cute from this picture!

But, alas, we were of brave heart because we had each other. Kristina was with us, so we definitely had the power of 4 generations! This is their block.

The most amazing thing about this shop was the LAYERS of fabric. Lots and lots and lots....and the prices were not bad. My daughter bought a piece of Lecien fabric here. They had quite a good selection but not any of the Flower Sugar that I was looking for. Here's just one glimpse...

and another peak! Evidently they rent out time on this long arm. I talked with one lady who had brought her husband in to show him the machine she had quilted on the other day. She was so excited! The owner of this shop is a character. She is so sweet. Apparently she is quite a savvy buyer and when she finds a good deal on fabric, she passes it on to her customers! Other hoppers who had never been there were walking around as amazed as we were! Later I'll show you some of what I bought there.

Fun purse patterns!

This one below is so cute. My mom was taken with it and bought the pattern!

There were not many quilts on display at this shop--here are two of them!

Good-bye Trains, Fabric, etc. and on to Evergreen Quilting--just a few streets over!

Here is this shop's block. Very cute with the State shape and the Evergreen tree!

The next four quilts were designed by a lady using the blocks that she had received at previous years' shop hops. Very creative!

I particularly like the colors of this one!

This Americana raggy quilt was one of my mom's favorites. It was a very timely display and oh, so inspiring!

This was a very cute man-ish quilt! I love the ties!

Asian inspired beauty!

I love this pattern with trees. Actually, I love things with trees on them--I guess because we live in the evergreen state! My mom bought this pattern--I just may have to use it!

It's now good-bye to Evergreen Quilting and off to the Quilt Barn in Puyallup. We had never been to this quilting shop before and it was a real treat. Lots of fabric, lots of patterns and ideas! Come on in and I'll show you some of my favorites!

The Quilt Barn's Shop Hop block!

I loved this beautiful quilt!

and this really fun one for a ladybug or daisy lover!

This pattern is so sweet. It is a jelly-roll friendly quilt pattern called "Jelly Roll Jive." I did buy this pattern. By turning the blocks a different way, you achieve an entirely different look. I'll show you the pattern front/back when I do my share and tell of what I bought!

And this beautiful "Glace" quilt. I love this one, too! I did buy a lot of this fabric, but not this kit. I am not sure yet what I am going to do with it yet. Lots of possibilities!

This is a fun quilt made with the new Sherri Berry Christmas line! Love the colors!

And here's some grandmother's flower garden love--oooohhh!

Another thing that I really liked about this quilt shop was that they had two sofas in the area where most of their patterns and books were and this was great to be able to sit down and browse through books to see if it was what you wanted. Nice touch!

Good-bye Quilt Barn and we will take our tired selves to the last shop for today. "The Creative Quilter" in Graham, WA.

The Creative Quilter's Shop Hop Block--love the flower!

Some pretty applique!

I love this one, too! Can't get the picture larger....sorry!

This is a beautiful table topper for fall!

The next two are samples of what someone has done with these adorable panels that are available!

Some "Prairie Paisley" Love. I love these fabrics!

And now, for the final feature of this day--a beautiful baby/little girl quilt! Although it is one that you would probably never use! These little dresses are hand made and sewn on the quilt!

Up close with one of the dresses! Amazing detail!

These beautiful "Kreations by Karen" are available in many styles and as kits! I don't know that I would put it on a quilt but it would be precious in a frame or as a small wall hanging!

Now that I am thoroughly exhausted for the day, we are heading to get some dinner and then go home to put our feet up or our heads down on our pillows, whichever comes first! More pictures tomorrow!

Dotti

Shop Hop Journey--Day One!!!!

2009-06-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

School is out for the summer and it is time for some summer fun with quilting and time with family and frirends. What a great way to begin this special time of the year than with a quilt shop hop. O.K. A few things I have to tell you first.....I live in Western Washington, specifically on the Kitsap Peninsula. The shop hop for our area stretches basically the length of the I-5 corridor from Canada to Oregon. There are nearly 60 shops included and it lasts for 5 days. My mom and I have been wanting to go for a few years but 3 years ago I was very sick right when school was out, 2 years ago my mom broke her hip just before school was out and last year, well, we went to about 5 shops. We decided that this year with my daughter, Becca and my granddaughter, Kristina in the area that we would participate for 4 days as a 4 generational group. It was such an awesome amount of fun in so many ways and I totally exhausted my energy--that's why it has taken me some time to get this blog together. Thank you for being patient while I was missing....but in lots of action!!!

Our shop hop is divided into 4 posts--one for each day. My mom is 82 and I did not want to overdo it for her so we went to between 4-6 shops each day. Our total number of shops was 19. Each person who gets their "passport" stamped at at least 16 shops is entered into a grand prize drawing--we qualified, so let's see who gets lucky!

At each shop that you visit you receive a block created by that shop to go with the theme of the shop hop. Lots of creativity represented here. This year the theme was "Celebrating Washington's Wildflowers." We received 19 of the blocks on the poster below. We will design our own style of quilt.

As we started this first day, Krisitina, my 8 year old granddaughter, stayed home to play outside with friends...imagine that! My mom, Becca and I went first to the quilt shop in Kingston. The quilt shop is located right close to the ferry docks in beautiful downtown Kingston. This ferry was just leaving for the Seattle side of the water as we came into the parking lot. What a lovely sight!
One thing that I enjoy about quilt shops is their unique charm. This near waterfront shop is charming to walk up to. I love the light above the door, the wood sign and the way the tree softens the picture.

As I was standing taking this picture, I looked to the right and there was another ferry coming in to dock. That is how close the shop is to the ferry terminal and dock. So Fun!

The sign above and this beautiful hanging welcome visitors at the entrance to the shop.

And inside to greet us was this smiling face (Cindy) and many others. Don't just the friendliest people work at quilt shops!

This is the Kingston Quilt Shop's Quilt Square. Of course, they don't make up the squares for us, we are given the pattern and a kit to make it.

I love the tones and wandering paths of this quilt!

Another beautiful quilt on display. Depending on how you look at this quilt, something different catches your eye each time!

Good-bye to Kingston and back to Poulsbo, Wa to Heirloom Quilts. This shop is located right across the parking lot also from the water. From this shop you walk across a parking lot to a lovely green park and a beautiful marina. If you are lucky to find one of our very sunny days, you can relax and enjoy the fresh breeze off the bay! Nothin better than that!

What do you think....are they ready for us quilt shop hoppers?! We look very serious about this with our folders to keep our squares organized!

I felt bad for my mom....she had been to the eye dr. before we went and had had her eyes dilated. The bright sun was a killer on them but I think she looks fancy in her "hollywood" glasses!

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this cute sign by the quilt display! Very true!

I love the colors and fabric on this quilt! Very garden like!

I also loved this beautiful pink, creme and brown quilt. My photography is not the greatest when it comes to getting the camera up high enough and still holding it still. I apologize for that!

I can't remember the name of this quilt but the dimensional effect of this quilt is very interesting!

It's now good-bye to Poulsbo and on to Silverdale to Material Girls! They are right in town so not alot of the outside charm but wait until you get inside!

Inside to greet and help us are Teri and Sara....and many others who are not pictured!

This is the material girl's shop hop block. Isn't it sweet!

I loved this lovely fall hanging to inspire me to actually create something for fall...before fall!

More applique fun!

Look at these rainbow dresdens! How different and beautiful!

I also love this beautiful civil war quilt!

Quilting beauty to please just about anyone!

We now have to say good-by to Material Girls. There is so much more I could not show you--I had to spend some money and ran out of time to take more pictures. So far, I have spent money in every single shop. Actually, that is no surprise to me!

This is Rochelle's--a quilt shop in our own town. Rochelle is very creative! These pix are not the best, sorry!

Becca loved the colors of this quilt made from a panel. She had a fit when I told her I have it in my stash.

Rochelle designed this small quilt from the square she designed for shop hop. She always makes something that people can make from the square and the shop hop fabric even if they can't make it to many shops. It is a very sweet design!

Good-bye to Rochelle's....our feet our definitely getting tired but we are on to one more shop for today! Harbor Quilts in picturesque Gig Harbor, another charming waterfront town.

This next photo shows a view down to the water from inside the quilt shop! The ladies inside this quilt shop are once again, some of the nicest in the world!

This is such a fun quilt made from some bright and fun fabric. They were out of the pattern but I am going to have to go back for it.

This is the very lovely shop hop block designed by Harbor Quilts.

I love the style and colors of this fun quilt. Very nice sample to share with customers and continue to inspire us.

Good-bye Harbor Quilts and off we go---home to put our feet up. Actually, by the time we got home it was after 9 and we nearly went straight to bed. Such a fun first day on our shop hop journey! Can't wait to show you more tomorrow!

Dotti

Surprise...It's Here!

2009-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Surprise....IT'S HERE!

My granddaughter, Kristina, is excited to be holding the Triple Irish Chain quilt that I won from Sheri Howard's giveaway.

When the package arrived I was so excited to open it. Look how pretty it looks all wrapped up in a soft red bow and ready to be loved. Sheri is such a sweetie!

I feel so blessed to have won this giveaway. It is such a fun project that Sheri made for the Moda Bake Shop. Her choice of fabric is very fitting for the quilt and just makes me smile! Thank you, Sheri!

I am thrilled at the prospect of creating and sharing many beauties this summer. Today was the last day of school with children but tomorrow I am still "working" to finish cleaning up my classroom! After that, I am off to a summer of relaxation and creativity! I'll have lots to share!

Warmly,

Dotti

Pretty Pink and Incredibly Blessed

2009-06-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a very stressful day can end up with a special moment to make everything just a bit easier to deal with. Yesterday I was beginning to feel terrible--thought at first that it was allergies but came to realize that it was more like a virus. Not good when you are trying to finish report cards and work with first graders who are done with learning and ready for summer vacation. All of these together were making the day very stressful so I checked my blogs looking for a bit of "sunshine" from my creative friends. That is where I found that I had won a giveaway on Sheri's blog. I simply could not believe it and I was so very excited. I absolutely love, love, love her triple irish chain baby quilt that she made for the moda bake shop. I was so excited that I had won it. In this state, I stopped to check my mailbox--and I found some more "sunshine." A while back Sheri did a post about "pay it forward" and said that everyone who commented on her post that day would receive a small "gift." Look what was in my mailbox today--from Sheri! (yes, the same Sheri with the triple irish chain quilt)...can you believe it?

She also made cards like this for the moda bake shop. What an absolutely creative woman she is! And she brightened my day in more than one way yesterday!

Are these cards just the most adorable!?!

Oh, did I mention that I LOVE PINK?!!

This one is so sweet....my initial graces the front.....what a lovely touch!

Now you are probably thinking what I am thinking--with all of that goodness in one day, I need to make sure I am doing some "pay it forward" in a big way. Hmmmmmmmm....I'm wondering and I have a few ideas simmering.....just in time for summer!

Yes, Sheri, I will PAY IT FORWARD!!!! Thanks for brightening my difficult day!

Dotti

Fly Away Butterfly

2009-05-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

Fly Away Butterfly....

It all began 2-3 weeks ago when some very tiny (about 1/4 in. long) caterpillars arrived in our classroom. They are the larva of "Painted Lady" butterflies. They arrive in a cup filled with their food and the children watch them eat and grow. Here they are a few days before they actually began building their cocoons at the top of the cup. They attach themselves to the piece of paper at the top. When everyone has developed into a cocoon (and are sound asleep ;) I remove the lid, take the paper and place it inside their lovely butterfly house where they will awaken.

After about 10 days to 2 weeks, they "magically" emerge as a beautiful painted lady butterfly. I used to put a container of sugar water with a paper towel "straw" for them to drink from but there were not a lot of opportunities for the children to see them feeding. Then I read that they liked oranges and wow, what a difference. First of all, oranges are so easy to manage and second, there is almost always a butterfly sitting on the oranges with their tongue going in and out enjoying the feast!

Because we have been having some fantastic weather, we took them outside on Thursday for the release. It is always exciting and sad at the same time. The lid is opened and....

they are ready to take flight! Sometimes they fly right away, occasionally they need a bit of coaxing. At times, they land on the students. This year, three flew away but this one landed on the finger of one of the girls. They gathered some flowers and enjoyed a few moments with the butterfly feeding from the flowers.

It was finally time to encourage it on so that it could take its place in the circle of life. What a wonderful way to learn about a tiny part of the world of insects!

I hope you all have a great week enjoying your place in this wonderful circle of life!

Dotti

More of Grandma's Vintage Charm

2009-05-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have had these unfinished quilt blocks tucked away for quite a long time. I recently pulled them out of a project basket to look them over. I had remembered them as butterflies --that's what I told Sherri! I am so silly. Imagine my surprise when instead of butterflies I found lily pads. I was a bit disappointed at first but their charm overtook disappointment with delight. Take a look at the sweet colors and all of the handwork. Just like with my grandma's vintage quilt I wondered why something so lovely was never finished. Again--I am so silly. All it takes is a look at my sewing room nearly overflowing with projects and I need question grandma no more. I have 12 blocks. I am sharing a photo of the whole block and then a close-up so you can see the prints and colors. After you check out the blocks, I have a question for you!

This is a fun color combo that reminds me of something we might do today!

That's only 10--I must have left two out of the "photo shoot!" I will try and put them on later for their day in the spotlight! They are just as charming in blues and one is sweet...the thread is hanging and a couple of the petals need to have the handwork completed.

Here is my question for you who have taken a few moments to look: I want to put these blocks together into a quilt, that I know for sure. I will get some reproduction fabrics when I go to our Western Washington Shop Hop in June, that part I know for sure. Where I have a question is how should I put the blocks together? The only idea that I have at the moment is having sashing rows in between, and borders, of course. The sashing and borders could be pieced..... I would like to make it so that it is keeping with what my grandma had in mind. I don't know what the pattern was that she was trying to create. I did recently order Joanna's book of fresh vintage quilts thinking that I might get an idea from something in there--it should be here tomorrow. I would love any suggestions and comments!

We are all so incredibly creative when we put our heads together so I am looking forward to your ideas and input! Thank you so much for welcoming me so warmly into this wonderful world of blogging! You are all amazing!

Dotti

A Beauty of a Finish

2009-05-19T20:36:00.001-07:00

This has been quilted since just before the baby quilt but I have been procrastinating finishing the binding--always so much to do. But now I am happy to say it is done! I am so excited. It is now on the quilt rack showing off its beauty. For some reason, I just really enjoy red, yellow and green together. It's a little different than a lot of my work, but I absolutely love it! This is a beautiful flannel that just makes me smile!
Doesn't it make you just want to snuggle up in it? Well, for those of you with warm weather, I guess the answer would be no, but for those of us who live where it is cold and rainy like it is here tonight, snuggling up in flannel sounds really good!

Wasn't sure I would have enough for the back so I added this fun patchwork in the middle--looks good, doesn't it? The lady who did the longarm quilting for me calls it a reversible quilt! She is very cute!

A close up of the back!

All folded and looking pretty! My mom asked me who I was going to give this quilt to as I always seem to be giving them away. I said, "for now, it's staying with me." I guess I like the happy way that it makes me feel! Thanks for looking and have a fun week creating beauty that will make you smile, too!

Dotti

Baby Joshua's Quilt is Finished

2009-05-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

It took me a little longer than I expected but I finally finished Baby Joshua's Quilt. He is due to enter the world any day now! This goes in tomorrow's mail across the country to the awaiting parents! I am so excited to see their expression and to see little Joshua on or in the quilt! This is a picture that I took of it after I finished hand-stitching the binding. It wasn't as fluffy as I wanted.....

but as Kristina held it up it still was so very sweet that it made me smile! I decided to do what I've seen others do--wash it before giving it. So.....

I did! This is how it looked on the floor after being washed and dryed! It definitely fluffed up!

A corner close-up!

Another close-up!

And two more final shots (I can't resist) highlighting how delightful it is!

What do you think?

Thanks for taking time to look at Joshua's finished quilt. It is one of those that I made without a pattern and I questioned myself as I was making it so many times. I really had to let go and accept it as it turned out. The little one who will enjoy it will not know of my questioning but only of my love in putting it together for him! We are happily waiting for you, Joshua!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Dotti

Grandma's (and my) Vintage Quilt Top

2009-05-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

My grandma, Ruth June Parker, was born in 1899. She is about 6 years old in this very sweet picture! When she was only 10 or 12 years old her mother passed away and she took on the responsibility of helping to raise her younger siblings. Life was hard for her in many ways after that point.This photo shows grandma with her only daughter (my mom) in about 1935. My mom remembers that she pieced and tied many quilts during these years. She had to make do with very little as so many did during that time.I couldn't resist including this fun picture of my mom and I when I was about 8 years old. As I have been working on family pictures, I have wanted to make some type of special collage, frame or something with these two mother daughter pictures.

As I said earlier, my grandma was always one to make do with what she had. I want to give you an example of that before I show the quilt top I am showcasing today. This took place during the years that I was a teenager so my grandma was in her early 70's. She found a warehouse/factory in Seattle where nylon quilted jackets were made. Someone there would save average size scraps in large cardboard barrels and then give them to her. There were many bright colors. She would make small kid size jackets or snow pants for the little ones in the family or other families in need. She would then cut the scraps too small for making clothes and put them together in quilts. Not cotton, but quilted nylon. They were actually quite colorful and fun. One of my daughters was the recipient of one that had solid sage green color squares with squares of various flowers. The backing was a lovely floral flannel. It was very pretty and so warm! As I look back now, I think the best thing about all of it was that these were all made from scraps that would have been thrown away. I'll try to find a picture of one of those quilts.

Now on to the vintage quilt...sorry it took so long! After my grandmother became very sick and was not able to do her sewing we came across this unfinished quilt top. It was without the borders. About 3 years ago, I decided to add borders--it is still not quilted. I contemplated taking off these borders and re-doing it with some better vintage reproductions but I am thinking that I am going to just go with what I have done!

I love the reds, yellows and blues together. In this next shot you can see the borders up a bit closer. Any feedback, my quilting blog friends? ....should I change them out?

I remember Nanette discussing vintage quilts and telling how when quilters in years past ran out of a fabric they were using, they would go to their stash and find something close that would work and then make do. That is evidenced in this quilt top made by my grandma with many shades of yellow.

Another close-up!

And one more....

I think this quilt top looks so beautiful all laid out and photographed. Makes me motivated to get it quilted right away! Thanks for letting me share my beautiful treasure! Another day I will tell you how my grandma was actually the first one to teach me to sew! That is a very special memory to me!

Have a wonderful weekend and may you have some bright, fun, and creative moments!

Dotti

A Fun Way to use your Quilt Scraps

2009-05-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

About 2-3 years ago, I saw a small fabric basket on the cutting counter of one of my local quilt shops. I fell in love with how cute it was and thought it was a wonderful way to use some of my scraps. I'm one of those people whose brain starts racing with ideas and uses for fun things like this. The quilt shop owner invited me to come back with my supplies and she would show me how to make it. I'm not sure where that original is...maybe in my sewing room....but I was so excited at how easy it was. I have made several of these baskets for gifts.

This one I made for my bathroom with colors to match the shower curtain that I made. I love the way the colors blend and I use it for hairbrushes and combs. It is the perfect size!

This shows the detail when it is laid on its side.

I made this next basket for my bedroom to match a quilt that I made from Paris Flea Market fabric--I love that line--I use it on my bedside table. It is the perfect size to put in a bottle of nail polish, an emery board, clippers, or anything miscellaneous that ends up laying there looking out of place.

I love this size of basket. I made these as a gift for some of my teacher friends at school. It's the perfect size to put on your desk. I found out their favorite colors and made them in those colors. Even though I made them for their desks, many of them took them home because they liked them so much! LOL

Now, for the third and final one for tonight. I told you how my brain starts racing...well, this is a product of that. I made this one for my mom to use as a place to put her tv remotes. I think it works really well and is made to match the colors in her living room.

As you can see, they fit with room to spare!

Nedra posted about making baskets with this technique on her blog. Check out the fun things that they are working on. I think you will agree with me that the uses of these can go on and on and on........and so much fun!

Hope you have time to make some fun today!

Dotti

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you...to all of us! I think that in a way all women are mothers even if they don't have children and that is because of our wonderful divine nature. Being a woman is awesome and such a blessing! This photo of my mom and I was taken last fall as we were on our way to the state fair. We had these outfits that matched and had bought them at this particular store. We stopped in to show the girls and they loved it! We told them that we dressed alike so that if either one of us got "lost" at the fair we could say that the other was dressed exactly like us! LOL So fun! I truly am grateful for this time that I have to spend with my mom! She is darling!

Over at Julie's blog...Tattered threads and Willing Hands she is having an awesome giveaway in honor of Mother's Day and her blogaversary! I am always so inspired by her! She blesses others daily by her blogging!

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day!http://www.julieisa.blogspot.com Here is the link for Julie's blog! I hope it works as this is the first time I have done it. If it doesn't, just copy and paste it into your browser.

Smiles...............Dotti

Near finish on my baby quilt + Mother's Day through the eyes of an 8 year old

2009-05-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I am nearly done with the baby quilt that I have been working on. I have had lots of interruptions while I have been doing the binding but it is nearly complete. Doesn't it look sweet?! Since it's getting close to Mother's Day and since I have one of my granddaughters living nearby, I decided to work with her on making a paper bag album for her mom. Since she is 8, a bit older than my first graders, I put three bags together instead of two to give a few more pages. When we were getting started, I got a brainstorm to add fabric for the front and back of the book. She agreed and I had a piece that worked perfect. After we were all through with the entire project, I went in the other room to get something and later realized that she had added the heart on the front with a marker. I was disappointed but I have to acknowledge her creative spirit!

I am a bit of a perfectionist so I was working close with her but giving her lots of room for creative expression. Not always easy to do, but I did it. It makes it so much more meaningful to her and to her mom!

She decided how to put the squares on this page--I was telling her I was thinking about a random placement but she wanted them like this! Looks like a future quilter to me!

Her silly pix and silly labels! Another place where I had to just let go! It is still sweet!

This is the "centerfold" of the book and my favorite part. Partly because of what it represents and how it turned out and partly because of how the idea developed. I mentioned to Kristina that I wanted to find a picture of her mom at about 8 and put it next to a picture of her at this age, too. She loved the idea and as I was looking for the picture she said, I think we should put a picture of you and great grandma at the same age, too. I needed to do some scanning and cropping, but I came up with some photos that I thought would work. Isn't it sweet and it was mostly her idea?!

More sweet and fun photos!

And to top it off, we found a picture of her and her mom together (rare) for the finishing touch along with some fun stickers I had bought ahead of time. She did make a shirt card for one of the pockets--I forgot to take a picture. We are working on a poem for the other pocket.

This is how the back cover looks! I love the fabric on the back, don't you?!

Thanks for looking and I love to read your comments! Have a wonderful week and wish me a quick finish to the baby quilt!

Dotti

Mother's Day Tutorial and Detail

2009-04-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some detail/tutorial helps with the mother's day paper bag album from yesterday's post! First, start the project with two brown lunch size paper bags. Lay them together with the openings facing opposite directions. Sew down the middle. On the ends, use a strong craft glue to glue the two ribbons. I do this before I give it to the kids because it eases a lot of frustration for all of us if that ribbon is secure right from the start. The first opening that you can see in the picture below is where we put a little card that the kids can make on their own. This card is where they can say something about how pretty or beautiful their mom is. I love to teach the kids to make this card because they can make it on their own in the future at home or.......anywhere.

The shirt in the photo is just a cream color but as in the directions later, I usually use a piece of scrapbook paper. I let the kids choose a color or design that they would like for their mom.

Start with a rectangle of scrapbook paper--I forgot to measure the one I have a school--it is probably about 4 x 8. Just play around with it!

Fold paper in half --crease.

On the end where the fold is, come down about 5/8 in. and make a 1 inch cut.

Lookin' good....

Then do the same thing on the other side. Lay flat.

Now, fold down each cut area as pictured below.

Now it looks like the collars! Lightly glue down the bottom of the collars.

Lift open the "shirt" and the child writes a "you are so beautiful" message to his/her mom.

Finally, the front of the card can be decorated as desired. Add stitching, pockets, loopy lines for lace, buttons, etc. Let the kids be creative!

The second opening where you tuck a little note, I use tiny pre-made cards that the kids can write any message in. Yes, you could make a card, but for my little ones, I have found that they just love using a little card. The teapot card was a Mary Engelbreit design. I couldn't find that at Michael's this year but below is the cute one I got for this year. It is very sweet!

Well, hopefully that takes care of needed details. I wanted to comment, though, about the endless possibilities of this book. It is done very simply here because this is what works for my grade/age level children--first grade! You can make it more simple or with older students many more details and embellishments can be added. One of the beautiful things about this project is that kids can see how something as ordinary as a brown paper bag can be turned into something special. They believe it especially when they see the tender, emotional reaction of their wonderful mothers. If you have any questions or if there is something I didn't explain well enough, please feel free to e-mail me. If you are looking at this and you know someone who might enjoy this idea, please send them over to my blog. Happy Mother's Day to all of you! Have an awesome week!

Just for Mom

2009-04-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is coming quickly. As you know I am a first grade teacher and I love to do creative things with my kids! A few years ago when my granddaughter was 4 my daughter made me a paper bag album. She is an excellent scrapbooker!

I loved it so much that I had to figure out a way to do something similar with my kids at school!So this is what I came up with....This will be the 3rd year that I have done it with my class and it means so much to every mom that I thought it would be fun to share and give others the opportunity to use the idea! I am sharing mostly pix today but tomorrow I will add a tutuorial for some of the details! If you know someone who may be interested, send them over to check out my blog!

This is so sweet for mom's to take out of the packaging and see their little book tied up with a pretty bow!

Inside the cover of the book is where a current spring photo of the child goes above the dedication tag. It is so sweet!

This page is where the child writes an acrostic poem for their mom. It is a bit challenging for 1st graders but we definitely have fun brainstorming the list together. They choose the adjectives that they like and fill in the poem with their handwriting. It is very precious.

In this first "pocket" is a little card made to look like a mom's blouse. I'll show you how to make it tomorrow. Inside the child writes something special about the way his/her mom looks!

The centerfold is the child's hand with a bouquet of flowers. So sweet!

Above and below is the child's drawing of his/her mom. I usually do it as a directed activity and focus on the head/face.

The child draws a picture of a favorite activity to do with mom!

Finally, in this last "pocket" is where the child places a small gift sized card where they can write anything to mom that they choose. The ones I got for this year are different. I usually just buy the ones that are 12 in a pkg. for $1.00 at Michaels.

A heart on the back with the child's sig and the date is a special way to top it off!

I would love to hear what you think! I will give tutorial on the needed parts tomorrow! Have fun!

Ready for a little one....

2009-04-23T13:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone! I noticed today that Sherri from A Quilting Life, Sheri from SherimHoward and Angela from ModaHomeMom are challenging us to Pay It Forward....I love that! Paying it Forward is such a cool way to approach each day. I am a first grade teacher and I have a wonderful little book that I read to my students entitled "One Smile" by Cindy McKinley. It illustrates how a child's smile starts a Pay It Forward situation. Gives us all something to think about, doesn't it!

Here's a little sneak peak at what I have been working on this week. My nephew and his wife are expecting their first baby in the next week or two--a little baby boy! It will be my brother's first grandchild so it is exciting for all of them. They live in the Boston, Massachusetts area--all the way across the country from me! I need to finish it and get it mailed soon.

This fabric was some that I have had for a while. It is from a line called "Tiny Treasures" by Mary Mulari for Marcus Brothers. It is so delicate and sweet. The yellow is actually polka-dot even though it doesn't look like it. I wanted my colors to look random and somewhat patchy. When I look at it too long the yellow creates a non-uniform pattern so I have to look quick and take my eyes away from the yellow. After it is quilted and bound, I think it will be fine. Tell me what you think! I wanted to add a little chenille for texture and interest for little baby fingers! I am going to have it quilted over the weekend and hopefully can get the binding done and ready to mail by Wednesday! I will show you the finished project before it gets mailed.

Thanks to all of you who inspire me! You are amazing! We are amazing! Happy Living!

Soaking it all in.........

2009-04-20T18:12:00.001-07:00

Today has been beautiful weather here in the Pacific Northwest--we've been running short on it lately! Jodi at Simply, This, That and the Other provided a link to Another Amy...Diary of a Quilter. Such beautiful work to inspire me. Amy is having a give away to celebrate her 96th blog. Congratulations to her--I love the way we all celebrate our creativity!

Speaking of Celebrating Creativity.....

In my last post, I showed a pix of my necklace from Moda Bake Shop's tutorial by Holly. Yesterday I finally took a picture of my mom and my granddaughter wearing their works of art. I made my mom's but my granddaughter, Kristina (she's 8) made hers. She caught on very quickly and I think it is so precious! She loves to share in creative activities with my mom and I. Have a fun week and hopefully, I can post some more inspiring ideas this week! Happy creating!!

Dotti

Starting Out

2009-04-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog post. I am very excited but recognize that I am quite an amateur at this. I not only love quilting and sewing but really most everything that I do. I am a full-time first grade teacher and as you can well imagine much of my creative energy goes into this very demanding job. I have been so inspired by the quilting blogs of others as well as the family blogs of friends. My experience here may be an eclectic collection of many creative experiences. I hope you enjoy the journey and this gathering place!

Shortly after I discovered the "Moda Bake Shop" I saw Holly's post with the Neptune Necklace. I was so enthused and gathered everything to make it with a charm pack that I had bought last summer. This is my first, not my best, try at it. I was so excited about it being done even though it was far from perfect! I immediately made another one for my mom for St. Patrick's Day and it turned out beautiful! Holly gave me some tips that helped me out! Thanks, Holly! Last week my 8 year old granddaughter who has been living in Hawaii arrived back in the area to live. Her mom showed her the one on the MBS and she wanted me to show her how to make one. The first day she was back, she made a pink one. She caught on so fast and was very patient in the process. I was so impressed! I will post a picture another day of her masterpiece! It is very sweet! Have a creative day!