How I Create

Hi There!

I'm sure everyone creates in their own way.

Me, I start with an idea.

Sleep on it.

Wake up to the idea.

Go to work and think about the idea.

Repeat this a couple, consecutive days and finally, I put "idea" down on paper.

Hoping to pick up some different kinds of "whites" .... hopefully some whites with tiny, almost invisible snow flakes tomorrow, when I go down to Mardens, in Calais, Maine.

This piece will be called "My Snow Family". 

From the top, there's Mom and Dad.  Dad will have shimmery, snowish colored Angel wings and maybe a plaid vest.

Down below them, will be me, hubby and my 2 boys.  They're skiing down the hill.

On the next hill, is my sister, Tina and her hubby and their daughter.  Haven't figured out what my niece will be doing but she'll be doing something.

And, at the bottom of the hill is my sister, Sylvie, her hubby and their 3 children.  The kids are sliding down the hill.

My next step?  Dig through my stash and pick up the appropriate different "snow" fabric.

After that?  Figure out the finished size I want, grab some newspaper, scotch tape pieces, if necessary to make it the required finished size.  Once I have the correct size on (news) paper, then I take a pencil and draw what I want on the newspaper.  Once THAT is done, I take a black marker and re-draw over the pencil lines.

I start with a background fabric and start layering the different "snow hills".  Machine applique those "snow hills" and then, start appliqueing the houses and snow people.

Easy smeasy!  But, time consuming.  And most certainly fun!

:-)

I'll try and post some progress pictures.

Have a great weekend!

Rosa

Out With the Old and In With the New!

 Hi There!

I finally finished this (rug) hooked piece!

I wrote on the back and added a sleeve.

I just LOVE rug hooking!

But I also love quilting, hand piecing blocks, appliqueing, embroidery.... 

a lot of other crafts!

Yesterday evening, I started embroidering this piece.

Its done on a tea towel therefore,

 I have to be careful that the 

"back" of my work is as nice as the "front".

Nice little challenge!

*s*

Will show progress pictures, as I move along.

Have a Fantastic Friday!!!

Rosa

Follow Me...

Hi There!

September's here but where did the summer go?!??

Saturday morning, Gilbert and I decided to go to yard sales.  Just outside of Saint John, 2 hamlets called Red Head and Mispec, were having a Community Yard Sale.

We hadn't been there in over 13 years,
so we decided to jump in the car and head on out!

At the very end of this "peninsula", is a lighthouse with a very pictoresque view of the Bay of Fundy.

Gilbert, overlooking the Bay...

A "dark" picture of the shoreline.

And a "lighter" picture of the shoreline.  

Don't ask me why my iTouch did this.  

*scratching her head*

And, a picture of the lighthouse!

I've started "hooking" again.  

Gosh, but I love hooking.  

Almost equally as much as quilting.

But I can create quilt tops faster than I can make a hooked rug.

Anyhow, my recent rug is of a SnowMan.  

I had seen this in one of my pattern books and

 had promised myself that I would make it... someday.

"Someday" is now here.

Saturday afternoon, I was able to sit outside on our deck. 
It wasn't sweltering hot but nice enough for me. 
Worked on my "hooking" as  Gilbert puttered around the yard.

And here's a close-up of my progress.

Then, yesterday,
I decided to make a batch of my Mom's "Uncle Ben Oven Rice".

Its the kind of recipe that makes a big roaster filled of yummy rice. Great to bring to a family get together, a potluck or to make at home. AND, the rice freezes very well.  Great to separate into lunch portions and freeze, for later!

Recipe for Uncle Ben's Oven Rice.

You absolutely NEED this rice. 

I've tried it with other brands of rice and it didn't work.

A close-up of the package.

This morning, my friend Elly, at Mad4patchwork, wrote to me 

and asked that I put on my blog, a "Follow by Email" option.

When I asked her how to do it, 

she wrote back with these instructions:

Go to your blog

Click design (top right corner)

Then click 'layout'

In layout click 'add a gadget'

From the list that comes up click  'follow by email'

Click save

et voila! :)

Turns out, I already HAD this option on my blog 

but you have to scroll waaaaaay at the bottom of my page to see it.

  I'll be moving to the top right hand side.... 

as soon as I finish publishing this post.

Anyhow, Elly gave me permission to copy her instructions - 

in case some of you might like to add this option on your blog.

Elly, I just went to your blog site 

and did you realize it's been 5 months 

since you last posted, girlfriend?!?!?

*grin*

And, this "following" topic reminded me of 

one of my favorite songs by Uncle Kracker....  

"Follow Me".

Here's hoping you have a Super September!!!

Rosa

Where Have I Been (Part 3)?

 Hi There!

Well, if you read my last Blog post, you'll remember that I had a sore paw and was trying to lay low.

During the first week of June, I decided we needed some flowers for our deck.  

I do NOT have a green thumb.

Last year, I paid fairly big moolah and got several nice pre-potted hanging flowers.

And, basically, I got what I paid for.

Nice flowers ALL summer long.

No droopy, dead looking, pathetic flowers.

This year, I did the same thing.

80 bucks got me this...

And this one.  

They're both identical and with the red and white, 

I thought they looked like our Canadian flag!

*grin*

And these 2, in the orangish colors.

Got home and Gilbert hung them up.

Voila!

Instant summer!

My cousin, Lynn's been telling me that I need to ICE my palm.

15 minutes and 15 minutes off.

I decided to pick up a Tim Horton's Iced Lemonade

and ICE my palm, while sitting on our deck!

Aaaaaah.... 

Summer Time!

 Gilbert and I have several outdoor renovation projects to do, this summer.

We decided to have the lumber delivered.

June 6th....

The delivery guy was really nice and helpful!

 Lumber was delivered.

Now we need a few nice weekends

so Gilbert and work on these projects.

*s*

June 10th, I started putting together 

my SnowBall SnowMen Table Runners.

Its all done.

Just waiting for my personal Longarmer 

to create his magic!

Afterwards, I cut out freezer paper and ironed these letters to fabric:

 "Keep Calm

and

Quilt On"

Yes, I'll be sharing pics as I move along on this project.

*grin*

Last Sunday - June 16th - Gilbert and I went to our local SPCA.  

They had a Giant Yard Sale Fund Raiser for the SPCA.

We picked up this cutest bow!  

You attach it to her collar with velcro.  

VERY well made!

Well, that's about it for this evening.

I've got a few more pics to share with you....

tomorrow evening.  I hope.

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Rosa

Snow People in June!

Hi There!

Gilbert and Bertha worked their magic, 

once again and my "Snow People" quilt is finally quilted!!!

Now, I just need to do the binding.

That's on my "To Do" list, for tomorrow.

Rosa

Braggin' Buys - Re-Purpose and Re-Use!

Hi There!

A couple summers ago, Gilbert and I went to a (small) yard sale and I spotted this candy/cookie jar, for 2 bucks, I believe.

Anyhow, I bought it and Gilbert wanted to know what I'd do with it since it's fairly big and we really don't need to fill this sucker up with candy nor cookies!

I told him I would put my thread in it.

And I did!

And I LOVE IT!

You can see what threads are there and I can easily remove the cover and stick my hand in there!

So, I went to our local "Bulk Barn" and picked up several more smaller sizes.

And I still LOVE this idea!

I try to keep my thread all in one place and this helps.

Remember the Snow People swap block that I did, before Christmas?

Remember this pattern, that I bought from our local quilt designer and teacher, Gerri Richards, from Cool Cat Designs?

Well, this evening, I started working on these 2 Snow People. Hmmm.. I "was" going to put this block in the center of the quilt but now I'm thinking....

"Gosh, this might look better at the top left or right hand corner, eh?"

We shall see...

Right now, it's just fused down and I've embroidered their bodies and 1 piece of scarf. I'll try and do as much by machine as possible... but will do the smaller, intricate pieces by hand.

Will keep you updated on pics and such.

Rosa

Making Friends... Easy Peasy!

Hi there!

Gilbert and I went out to our local Quilt Shop
and picked up a cone of
variegated thread, called "Sea Moss".

And I decided to treat myself to 2 patterns
from a local quilt designer,
Gerri Richards, of Cool Cat Designs!

Gerri also has an Etsy Shop, as well...

"Making Friends"
This pattern finishes at 13-1/2 X 15-1/2 inches
but I have a plan.
*tapping the side of her head with her forefinger*

Remember the Snow People swap that I'm doing?
Well, these 2 will be right smack dab in the center!

How cool is that, eh?

And the title that Gerri put on her pattern?
Well, that's just what I call Karma!

It was meant to be!
*VBG*



Gerri Richards ALSO teaches
quilting and sewing(?) classes,
in my city.

"Easy Peasy"

And since this spring, we've had
at least 5 quilty friends
bring their "Easy Peasy" quilts to us.

I just LOVE quilts that look complicated
but are really easy to make.
I can't WAIT to make this quilt!!!



This quilt can be made in various sizes -
from Baby to King size!

How neat is that, eh?

Well, these evening, Gilbert and I
got a WHOLE bunch of my quilts ready and packed.
We're going to a local fair, called:

"Holiday Extravaganza"

Hopefully, we'll get to sell a couple quilts, eh?

Have a great weekend!

Rosa

Mr. SnowMen Reveal Themselves...

Hi There!

I'm off to bed but I thought I'd show you my progress...



Pat's SnowMan is on my design wall, as well!

Have a great week!!!

Rosa

13 Fuzzy Mr. SnowMen

Hi There!

Well, I worked on my Mr. SnowMen, this evening and took a picture of my design wall.



Thought this might put my project more into "perspective"...

Yes, the picture is purposely fuzzy, in hopes that it will still keep you all guessing!

LOL

Might be awhile before I show some more pictures....

Have a great week!

Rosa

The First Shovel of Snow.

Hi There!

I started assembling my Mr. SnowMan today.

I wanted to complete MY block 'cause I wanted to see the final product and I also wanted to see if it would pass MY inspection.

You see, I had HOPED to do the majority of the assembly with my sewing machine.

This was not meant to be.

(See picture below)

Unfortunately, the majority of Mr. SnowMan will now have to be hand appliquéd.

:-(

Thankfully, I'm not fussy and MY block will play nicely with the other blocks!



This body part was hand appliquéd - no problemo.

And this body part was sewn with my sewing machine. And, in MY humble opinion, it went together nicely.

Therefore, all of THESE (red) body parts will be done by machine.



All of the other "parts" will have to be hand appliquéd.

And here's the beginning of my 13 Mr. SnowMan blocks...

I've been cutting them (approx.) 13 inches square. I figure the recipient can always square it up to 12-1/2 inch square.

Sooooo, there's goes my ceremonial First Shovel of Snow.

My Snow People Swap Block has officially started!

*grin*

This is where I got my Mr. SnowMan block.
I've modified it a wee bit from the original pattern.

I just LOVE this book!

It's good for clothing, purse/tote, table decorations, quilting - table tops, mini quilts or bed size quilts and most of the patterns can be easily converted into hook rugs.

Hope you have a GREAT week!

Rosa

Mr. SnowMan - Some Assembly Required

Hi There!

I've been busy this week - prepping my Mr. SnowMen blocks for the swap that I started.

YES, 14 appliqued blocks are time consuming but oh so relaxing.

Here's some of Mr. SnowMan's appliqués....



Are you still perplexed and saying to yourself, "Huh?!?!?"



Well, as I start "assembling" them, I'll be sharing pictures.

Have no fear - I think he will look ADORABLE, once finished.

Different, but adorable!

*grin*

Tomorrow, Gilbert and I have a few errands. I need to pick up some more "background" fabric, for my Mr. SnowMan's. That should be fun!

Hope you all have a wickedly wild and wonderful weekend!

Rosa

14 is Better Than 12!!!

Hi There!

Well, I finally finished adding the staggered blocks to my lap quilt, consulted my friend Elaine who advised me to add a darker border and call it quits, after that.

I've never done mitered corners and plan on doing some You Tube research, to find out the best and easiest way to do mitered corners.

Wish me luck!



In the meantime, I've started up a "Snow People Block Swap". We were only supposed to be 12 and then, a 2nd group of 12 would sign up.

Well, unfortunately, only 2 people signed up with the 2nd group. Soooo, we invited them to join up with us.

Fourteen is MUCH better than twelve, right?!??

*VBG*

And without any further ado, let me introduce to you

Mr. Snowman.....
times 14 !!!!

I'm so excited about this snow people swap! And YES! I'll be posting pictures on their progress!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Rosa

More BOM's - Blocks, Houses and Baskets!

Hi There!

Okay, I think I'm the Queen of Block Making...

I started a snowman quilt,
for one of my cousins....

But I DID warn her that I wasn't
the fastest needle in the West!

LOL

Anyhow, I managed to finish this block,
last month and didn't get a chance
to share a picture with you...



Here's this month's BOM
(Block Of the Month)....

Remember? The one that I'm doing,
with our local quilt store?

I'm still not crazy about the fabric,
but I certainly WON'T give it up! *grin*

And here's ANOTHER
BOM ... but with houses, this time.

It's a FREEBIE, on the net,
and I do wish she'd give us the choice
to make these houses in
paper piecing!

*long sigh*

Once again.... and what is WRONG with me??!?....

I'm not too, too crazy about these houses, anymore....
but I'll certainly stick with it, till the end. *s*

Now, as some of you might know,
I've signed up with a crazy bunch of people -
better known as "Basket Cases"!

LOL

We'll be starting up, seriously to make
"Basket" blocks, in September.

This one is made in 30's fabrics....

And this one was made with Civil War fabrics...

These are what we've been calling
"Practice" or "Fun" blocks....
and they're the block for the month of June.

Sooooooo.......

Even though I haven't put a quilt together in eons,
doesn't mean that I'm not busy.

*grin*

Busy being the

"Queen of Block Making"

LOL

Rosa