Snowman Frenzy!

We have had freezing rain the past few days. And since we didn't dare venture out on the icy roads.. we decided to make Snowmen! Wet snow is the only way to do this.

My oldest made one on his own...

Then our youngest made one with his Dad's help..

And after a quick snowball fight.. I retreated inside to make a Snowman of my own too!

My LQS (local quilt store) is offering the "Patch Abilities" monthly mini's kits this coming year. And, in a moment of weakness, I signed myself up.

They are super fun to make and quick!! And then once a month I can have a new one to hang on the table.

They also have the "Button packs" for each month because they typically have special buttons.. like this carrot nose. The kit includes the button pack, but you can also buy them separately.

I'm thinking about giving the patterns away when I'm done each month. But here is where I need your help.. should I give them away each month after I make them? Or wait until the end of 2011 and giveaway the whole set? Pin It

Retzels.. or Polos..??

I don't know what the actual name is of these little treats.. but they are GOOD!!


The ingredients:
Pretzels
Rolos

Place on a cookie sheet:

Put into a 350 degree oven for approx 5-7 minutes.. until something magical happens

Transfer to a cooling rack. Resist the urge to pop one in your mouth until they have cooled slightly.

ENJOY!!!

Pin It

Quilt for her Dollys...

I had a great Christmas with my family! It has been a few years since we have all been together and it was so nice.

Now, when it comes to grandchildren in our family - the boys out number the girls 6 to 2. One of the girls is 17 and the other just turned 3... and neither one belongs to me *sigh*.

So it's always a treat for me when I can make something girly. My husband and I decided to give our youngest niece a homemade doll cradle for Christmas this year. And I knew I needed to make a sweet little quilt for her dollys to go with it.

I created my quilt sandwich with backing, batting and a large white rectangle. Then I placed charm squares all around and pinned them in place. Then I sewed them on with rough edges, quilting as I went. The entire quilt was ready for binding in about an hour. That's probably why some of the squares are not totally spaced correctly.  

I wish I had taken more/better pictures of it - but with the Christmas frenzy I was lucky to just get these!  

Every one says she looks so much like me. And if she ever comes up "missing" - I think my Sister-in-law knows the first place she should look is my house! Maybe that's because I'm always talking about stealing her away for myself! The way I see it - since she looks just like me.. she would blend right it!

Pin It

My Win is Your Gain!!! It's a Giveaway!!

The lucky winner (using Random.org) of the book is Marie from Oregon who said

"I love the Country Registor. I won a book once from them. I have book #1 and have made a couple of the basket so would love to have this new addition."

Congrats Marie! I have sent you an email.

Have you ever seen this little newspaper "The Country Register"?? It is typically at quilt stores.. craft stores.. etc. I think most States have their own version of it.

It is a handy newspaper for crafters - telling us about craft fairs and crafty events of all kinds.. recipes.. fun articles and so much more.

Anyway - if you didn't already know this about me.. I'm a VERY LUCKY PERSON. I have won a lot of things in my life. The first thing I ever won was a "Boombox" at a youth event at church when I was just a kid. And the rest is history!!

So recently I was reading my local Minnesota Country Register and I signed up for all the "drawings". Then yesterday, I was at the mailbox and found a little package.. I WON!!!

It's a book.. Called "It's a Wrap II" by Susan Breier.

I know that I will probably never use this book. Therefore, I want to pass it on to one of you! Pay if Forward as they say.

To enter - just leave a comment.. that's it. No hoops.. just a nice little tidbit.. maybe tell me if you have any New Years resolutions??

I will leave the drawing open until December 26th at 10pm.

Good Luck!! Pin It

Sew-In Results

Thank you everyone for your kind words and prayers. I know it was a strange way to dump all that info out there and then move on. LOL. My mind just hasn't been working in a "normal" fashion lately though.

Anyway, I had a goal this year to make Christmas Stockings for the 4 of us. I'm so close to being done.. but I'm worried I'm gonna run out of time. I might need to sacrifice some sleep...

I have one totally done...

and I have all the "parts" complete for the remaining 3.. I just need to quilt and assemble them. I used the Minky for the tops and all the appliques are with wool. I love working with wool.

I have also been making more of these ornaments. They are just a 3 inch quilt square and are so fun to make.

These will become Teacher gifts within a few days. The kids and I will be making Peppermint Bark and packaging them with an ornament. Then giving them to each Teacher and Teachers Helpers.

I have so much to get done these next 3 days! Who needs sleep??!! Pin It

FNSI WINNER!!

First I must appologize for being so late in getting this posted. I had a crazy, scary weekend. We went to my husbands company Christmas Party and approx 30 minutes into the party.. my husband collapsed. And for a few moments there was no pulse and no breathing. We still don't know what happened.. the paramedics couldn't find anything abnormal when they arrived. But we will be going for testing this week and hopefully we will get to the bottom of it all.

Moments like that really make you realize how quickly things can go terribly wrong without any warning.

Anyway.. back to the Friday Night Sew-in!! I will share pictures tomorrow of what I worked on during my FNSI. For now - I will just tell you who our lucky winner is!!

Random.org selected #31 - Karin from http://www.bizkitea98.blogspot.com/

Karin is making an adorable baby quilt - and she got quite a bit done on Friday Night. Way to go Karin!!

Send me your mailing address and I will get these little handmade goodies in the mail to you!



Some Christmas Tree Ornaments.. and



This Snowman Dishtowel

 Congratulations Karin!! Pin It

Getting Ready to Sew??

Are you ready for the FNSI tonight?

Thank you for all your kind words and emails while I was sick. I don't always respond to your comments - but know that I do read and appreciate each and every one of them!

I don't get sick like that very often.. and it was a doosy. But, in true Heidi fashion, I scrubbed and cleaned all the possible places germs like to hide and was able to keep this all to myself. It's almost like a game to me when someone is sick in our house.. thinking of all the places that a germ could be hiding... waiting for it's next victim. Phones, remotes, door handles.. fridge handles.. light switches.. kitchen drawer handles.. faucets... well, you get the picture.

Anyway, I'm very excited to sit down and sew tonight! This week has been crazy and I haven't touched my sewing machine since last Saturday. I have so much to catch up on! I have a commissioned quilt that I need to finish, teacher gifts, our family stockings... yikes!

I hope everyone that is signed up for the Sew-in tonight is ready! Get your Sew On!!! Pin It

Guest Blogger....and the FNSI winner

Howdy folks.  Its Bobbi from CRAFTY VEGAS MOM doing a little guest blogging for Heidi while she is a little under the weather.  (poor girl)

Heidi and I both shared pics via our phones friday night and saturday morning.....and i can assure you she did some CUTE sewing projects over the weekend.....that is until the flu bug took her out!

I have picked a winner for the FNSI for this weekend and you can see who that is on my blog at:
http://www.craftyvegasmom.blogspot.com/

Heidi will be picking the winner for next weeks FNSI which is on 12/17/10.
You can sign up HERE .  I cant wait to see what she makes for that lucky person. 

happy sewing and we hope you get well soon Heidi!  we all cant wait to see your projects! Pin It

Finally Friday!!

Well, it has been a hectic day of running around for me. I had to get groceries because we are probably getting snowed in this weekend. And I needed to get hockey skates for my oldest.

Last nights dinner conversation went something like this..
11yr old "Um.. Mom, I need hockey skates for PE tomorrow"
Me "cough cough.. Excuse me? Am I pulling these hockey skates out of my MAGIC POCKET?" (seriously.. I say that all the time).
Husband "You are just going to have to sit out son... where is your Mom supposed to get skates now?"

Well the look on our sons face would have melted even the toughest of souls! So the husband call his friend the hockey coach... asked the best place to get skates in the morning.

Which turned into me finding my way to the other side of town to buy skates first thing this morning.. and delivering them to school before PE class. I did get a public "I love you Mom" so I guess it was all worth it. And I'll be sewing my "Mother of the Year" badge on my Mom Vest tonight!! Just kidding.. maybe.

Anyway - after all that I decided to hit a quilt store and buy some last minute items for my project tonight.

Those little stacks are wool. The large white fabric is minky... quite the combination huh.

I have already warned the family that I will not be available for conversation of any kind tonight.

I have a date.. with all of you and my sewing machine.  

Pin It

Don't forget!!! Friday Night Sew-In..

Are you ready for the first Friday Night Sew-in of December??!!!

Hopefully you are as eager as I am. I have my fabrics cut and waiting for me to sit down and get busy.

The lucky winner this week will be receiving a sweet box of homemade love from Bobbi!

It's time to get your plan in order.. either on paper or in your mind.. because Christmas is only 2 WEEKS AWAY!!! YIKES!

What am I doing on the web.. and what are you doing on the web?? Let's get crackin! Nothing beats a homemade Christmas! Pin It

Thread... it's overwhelming!!

I'm overwhelmed with all the differences and kinds of threads out there. And in true "Heidi" fashion.. I'm on a mission to get to the bottom of it!

I was recently at a quilt store and I was trying to match some thread that I had for a project. I had brought the "dead" spool in with me. All the quilt store had was 100% cotton but my spool was polyester.

I asked the clerk if she had any polyester thread.. she looked at me like I had 2 heads! Then in her best disapproving voice said "I ONLY use cotton thread! Polyester doesn't give and can break easily." HUH?

So that left me thinking.. what's the difference. I know the basic material type difference..

Is one truly better than the other?
If so.. which one? And why?

Then this happened to me..

I made this quilt last year and used cotton to bind.. well well.. look what happened!

Now I'm sure people will say that it comes down to personal preferance. But all that personal preference means is that "cons" to one person, are "pros" to another and vise versa.

And let's not forget.. cotton and polyester are not the only choices out there! Arrgghh... the science of quilting! Are we over thinking it? Pin It

Friday Night Sew-In December 17th Signup

This may seem a little early.. but I wanted to get the signup out here for the December 17th Friday Night Sew-in. Bobbi and I have decided to split up the giveaways for the 2 FNSI's in month. She is taking one and I am taking the other. We will be sending the winners something handmade by us! Sew exciting!

If you are like me - you need to get it on the calendar and make the commitment SOON!!

This month is FLYING by!!!

If you need the details on how to participate in the FNSI.. click HERE. Otherwise just add your name to the list!

Pin It

Friday Night Sew-In December 10th

Well - the votes are in! We will be having TWO Friday Night Sew-in's this month. This first one will be December 10th (the next will be December 17th).

We all have a long "To Do" list of projects that need our attention. Let's get all those gifts made, wrapped and under the tree!

So if you are excited and want to participate in the Friday Night Sew-in this month.. here is how it works.

1. Enter your blog info below. **If you don't have a blog - you can enter the Flickr group link as your URL.

2. Make a post on your blog - letting all your readers know about the sew-in. Spread the word.. we could all use the virtual sewing support and encouragement.

3. On Friday – 12/10/10 - Get your house settled, put on your comfy jammies.. maybe make a cup of tea.. and sit down to work on some of those projects.

4. Then, sometime on Saturday - publish a post about what you worked on.. show us a picture or two on Flickr. There is a FNSI group on Flickr if you haven't already joined. Totally optional.

And finally - on Sunday 12/12, we will enter all participants into a drawing for the GIVEAWAY!!

This is the sign up for DECEMBER 10th  (Dec 17th coming soon)

Pin It

Wa wa.. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Sledding.. makes me feel like I'm 10 years old all over again.

And yes.. before you say anything.. I know there is a tree right in the middle of the sledding path. The kids actually made this sled run before we knew what they were up to. My husband brought home hay bales yesterday to cover it. We also had to put hay bales at the end since it stops at the tree line into the woods.

We also made a few more runs using the snowblower.. the kids are having a blast.

Come over.. let's go sledding!! I'll make you hot cocoa when we are done.. with marshmallows. Pin It

Do you have 10 minutes???

Yes.. well then you have time to make these Christmas treats.

Seriously - these are the easiest Christmas cookies I have ever made. I love to bake for Christmas each year. I have my list of usuals - you know.. things I make year after year.

But this year - I found something new. And OH MY.. they are GOOD. Bonus is that they are NO bake!!

This is what you need:

1 brick of Vanilla Almond Bark

1 package of Oreo's (control yourself.. I know how tempting these can be. Leave the milk in the fridge!)

Spinkles (red, green and/or a candy cane)

The two eager "Helpers" are totally optional. But let me just say - they had a blast making them. It was the perfect treat to make with kids because they could do all the work and they loved it!

1. Melt your Vanilla Almond Bark

2. Dip your Oreo about 1/2 way into Almond Bark

3. Lay on wax paper

4. Sprinkle with colored sugar or a crushed candy cane (the candy cane is my favorite).

5. Allow to cool.

6. Eat all before going to bed Arrange on a plate and give to the neighbors.

YUMMY!!

Pin It

Christmas Tree Skirt.. revisited

I have a confession..

Decorating for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do! But wait.. that's not my confession.

Last year I made a tree skirt for our tree... I have a thing for pinwheels. Also.. not my confession.

So this year.. as the husband lugged in all the Christmas bins... I stood there, all giddy.. like a kid waiting to open presents. I couldn't wait to pull out my tree skirt from last year. It was the first thing I went for.

No.. It wasn't the Santa (above) that my Mom made in ceramics (circa 1976) that has been under our Christmas Tree since I was a kid... and it wasn't the handmade ornaments from my kids.. or the wall hanging my little guy made me last year with his handprints.. Nope.. now I feel really guilty!! There - that's my confession..

Look at our doggie..  The site of the tree skirt made her happy too! She could finally rest after seeing it under the tree.

So let me just say.. if you are a quilter and you haven't made a Christmas Tree skirt for your tree.. WHAT on earth are you waiting for??!! It really makes the tree.  And if you have made one.. I'd love to see a picture of it! Either email me.. or leave a link in the comments so everyone can come have a look. Pin It

How many do we need??

With Christmas and the Holiday's fast approaching - my list of "To Do" items doesn't seem to be shrinking as fast as I'd like it to.

Last December - Bobbi and I hosted 2 Friday Night Sew-in's for the month. The goal was to motivate and encourage everyone to work on all those projects we want to finish for the Holiday's.

Wouldn't it be nice to sit back before Christmas and say "I made everything I wanted to this year!"

With that said.. are you all up for 2 FNSI's in December this year? Or are you all caught up on your holiday items? huh?...you aren't even close?? yeah.. that's what I thought!!

So I have put a poll up on my sidebar to give everyone a chance to voice their opinion. Tell us what you think - we are listening! Pin It

Happy Thanksgiving!!

What was once this...

will very soon become this...

YUMMY!!! I'm cooking the full meal today - and I love every minute of it. I love hosting Thanksgiving!

My guests will be here soon and they are sleeping over for a few days too.. so the laughter will go on.. and on..

Enjoy the day with family and friends.. because that's what it's all about! Pin It

Christmas complete...

Wouldn't that be nice if I actually could say "Christmas complete".. as in all the shopping done? Wishful thinking on my part.. I've barely begun.

But I did finished the Christmas Wall hanging and wanted to share some of the completed pictures.

I quilted this one by hand and couldn’t be happier with the results.

I also added buttons as the holly berries to give it dimension.

The fabrics for the main body are from the "12 days of Christmas" group by Henry Glass. The binding is from the line “Fruitcake” by Basic Grey for Moda.

I wasn’t sure about my binding choice – I had initially planned on going with a green binding. But I’m glad I went with what I did.

Next – I plan on making a Mantle Quilt that coordinates with this wall hanging. Let’s hope it looks as good on the mantle as it does on paper!

Pin It

Family...

We have been in our new house for 2 months now. I am still decorating.. and unpacking. There.. I admit it. I still have quite a few boxes that need to be opened.  

I wanted to hang some of my favorite pictures of my kids in our dining room. But it felt like something was missing. The wall needed “texture”. I contemplated a shelf, but couldn’t find anything that I liked without buying all new frames. And let’s be honest, that wasn’t in the budget.

So on my way home yesterday – it hit me! Well, it didn't really "hit" me.. but the idea came to me for a small quilt!!

When I walked in the door – I went straight to my sewing room and got to work. I used 100% scraps (which is always a plus) from my recent table topper project. The fabric is “Gobble Gobble” by Deb Strain for Moda.

And here is another admission – I’m not a fan of the hand sewing portion of binding a quilt. I know.. I know.. a lot of you say this is your favorite part. But I think you are crazy. I don’t dislike it as much as I did when I first started quilting.. but it’s still not my favorite.

So when I saw this idea for a scrappy binding in Camille’s Book “Simplify” which I told you about a few posts ago – I was determined to give it a try. You use a 1 ½ inch strip of fabric and I love it! It was quick.. and after I washed it to give it that scrappy look - I was hooked.

I can’t stop looking at my new ‘wall’.. I love how it looks. Now I need to dig deep for some self control so I don’t have mini quilts hanging on every wall of the house. It was so fun to make.

I guess sometimes we all need those projects that offer quick results to spark our creativity and keep us sewing! I think I need a mini quilt in the bathroom.. maybe in the laundry room.. the kitchen... somebody stop me!!

Pin It

And the Winners are.....

This is very exciting for Bobbi and I this month. Why? Well, this is our very first "sponsored" FNSI Giveaway. As we mentioned in the FNSI signup post - this Giveaway is sponsored by Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister Designs. They were kind enough to send us a nice little bundle of fabrics for us to pass along to some lucky quilters!!

And this time - instead of 2 winners, we have 4 winners!! 2 on my blog and 2 on Bobbi's.

All winners are selected using Random.org.

My first winner is #105 - Geniene from "Renny and Me and Isaac too". She was up until 3am sewing with us on Friday Night!! Way to go!

Prize #1

My second winner is #63 Marie from "The Watermelon Diva".


Prize #2

Ok winners - send me your mailing address and I will get the prizes in the mail to you!

Thank you to everyone who participated! I know I was able to get so much done this month and I couldn't have done it without you guys. 

Now go on over to Bobbi's blog and see who her winners are!!  

Pin It

FNSI Results - my first "soon to come" pattern!

I had a very productive day and night last night for the Friday Night Sew-in.

I started my day by going to two quilt stores with a new friend. Her name is Kathy and she's so sweet. She's fairly new to the quilting scene - but she's well on her way to a full blown addiction.

Then I sat down early in the evening and started to sew.. sew.. sew..

This is a Christmas wall hanging that I have been working on lately..

And all I have left to do is the hand quilting which I will be working on tonight with a nice fire going.. probably watching Spongebob on the TV. What can I say.. I have youngens.. Spongebob usually consumes our TV.

I'm hoping to make this into my very first pattern! What do you think?

I just need time.. so it will probably be available in the late spring.. just in time for next Christmas.

Pin It

Bookworm!

A few years ago I discovered one of my all time favorite quilting books. I pick it up every now and then for inspiration. Every time I look at it, something new jumps out at me. Material Obsession... Not only the title of the book but also a condition that I struggle with daily.

But.. last week, Bobbi over at Crafty Vegas Mom (the best cousin EVER!!) sent me a little b'day gift.

This has seriously become my new favorite.. Both these books are a must have for your Quilting Library. I've been carrying this new one around with me from room to room as I do chores. And.. any chance I get to sit.. I'm thrumbing through it.

This book has so many adorable and easy quilts to make. The instructions are great - and I love how she has little tips throughout. Kinda reminds me of the books for "dummies". Very beginner friendly! And all using precuts. Which is something I have way too much of... wait - is that possible? Can you have too much fabric?

If you have a quilter on your Christmas List.. this would be a perfect gift for them. Or maybe Mrs Claus could buy herself one give one to you! Pin It

Are you ready for the best night of the week?

Yes.. I'm talking about Friday Night!! It's the November Friday Night Sew-In this Friday!

As always - I'm so ready!! I have quite a few projects that I'm working on and just might be pulling an "All Nighter".

Ok.. now if you know me at all. you know how funny that is. I'm not an "All Nighter" kind of girl. Well, maybe back in my 20's, but that was a totally different kind of 'sewing' (wink wink)

Anyway.. I'm an early riser! In fact, most people know that they should never call me after 9pm.. cuz I'm usually asleep - or well on my way.

But I do stay up for the Friday Night Sew-in.. and occasionally when I'm on a roll.. I do stay up late.

So - on Friday.. after I make dinner (from a box I'm sure), do the dishes, pick clothes up off the floor, get my husband and kids settled with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.. I will be sitting down with all of you and tapping into the left half of my brain for some creative fun!

And if you haven't signed up yet.. click here! What are you waiting for.. you'll be glad you did it! Pin It

Twisted Table Topper

Ok.. remember recently when I showed you the Twister Tool? If not.. you can read about it here.

I finished this small table topper using the Mini Twister and some Charm squares.

I love how it turned out and it was super quick to make. I've actually had it done for a few weeks but never got around to showing you until now.

I'm thinking this little tool would make a great Friday Night Sew-in prize in the future! Maybe December.. I'll have to see what I can come up with. Pin It

I was featured!! Check it out!

I received an email recently from Heather over at Quilt Story. She asked if they could feature one of my quilts on their blog. Naturally, I couldn't say no.

I decided to let Heather choose which quilt she wanted to feature and she picked a good one that I made for one of my Arizona friends. 

Click here to read all about it.. but be prepared to stay awhile.. it's hard to stop reading all the great Quilt Stories! Pin It

This should be a Screensaver!

Well - we got more snow. I hope you aren't tired of seeing snow pictures!? But after living in the desert southwest for over a decade... we can't get enough of the snow right now. I'm sure that will change.. oh.. around January or so!

And this time it is so beautiful. And when you stand outside.. it's quiet and peaceful. No cars.. no noise.. that is until one of my boys throws snow in his brothers face. Then there is laughter and a few tears mixed in.. followed by me or their Dad saying "Shake it off buddy." It's all good.

These first pictures have really bad lighting - but it wasn't easy taking pictures of the scene out the window. Just couldn't get the lighting right to do the view justice. But hopefully you can get the idea.

This first is out our living room window...

 And here is out the dining room window...

 And this is over the kitchen sink.. Kinda makes you want to stand there and do dishes huh?

Here is my oldest in the snow.. look how content he is..

 And my little guy.. building a mini snowman.

 And here is the view out my sewing room window. I had 3 visitors while I was sewing yesterday afternoon. We put the regular corn out there for them and also some apples as a special winter treat.

 Now for the best pictures..

This was on the way to take my boys to school this morning. I kept pulling over to take pictures.. needless to say - they were getting frustrated with me. But my oldest son did say "Wow.. this should be a screensaver." And I couldn't agree more!!

 How would you like to live down this drive way?!!! I wish I did.. stunning!

Hopefully you are enjoying winter in your part of the world! Or Summer for those of you across the Equator. Pin It