Scrap-licious!!!

This month, my "project du jour" has been to reorganize my scrap stash.  I know that some of you out in bloggyland can appreciate having cans and cans of scraps littered around your house.   


My world has become a scrap smorgasbord.  No sooner had I cleaned up after Christmas and I began hankering for fun projects to devour the scrap load.   

It all began at the start of the month with the desire to make 2 quilts to donate to the neo-natal unit at our local hospital.  We were told at guild last month that the hospitals really need them.  These quilts are great to do because they don't require a lot of fabric (total size is about 18 x22 inches) and we all know I love little projects (and so much more do-able with the chaos of my mom's illness).   Here are two I completed at the beginning of the month.  The squares are 2.5 inches:

 I made the "baby" section on my embroidery machine.  Just a small easy thing to do but I think it adds a lot to the quilt-let.

 I had some fabric left from Miles' baby quilt but they were strips, so I kept it simple and incorporated it just so.  I feel like the fabric is so cute it doesn't need a whole lot:

The inspiration for these quilts set up a whole new cycle on using up scraps.  More on that next time....

Christmas through the Year!!!

It's the end of the month and you know what that means!!!!  Time to post what we've made this month for Allie's fantastic idea-- "Christmas Through the Year". 

Thank goodness for Allie's post because I haven't been getting much time on the computer.  My mother was in the hospital for another 21 days and we got her home last week.  It's been BUSY BUSY for us.  Anyway, Mom is doing better and we will find out next week the date of her next surgery. 

But back to fun!  I only completed one project on my list for my contribution to Christmas, GIFT BAGS!!!  I love them and they were a big hit with the family this year so I am still using up my stash to make them.  Only got three done but three is better than none!

Thanks Allie for this great idea and keeping us motivated!  I'm loving it!!!!  Make sure to check out her site to see what everyone is doing for the holidays!!  We love the inspiration!

Had I the Heaven's Embroidered Cloth

Here's a close up from MY baby blanket.  I have to get moving here and get over to the hospital to see Mom before more snow moves in.  After that, I'll be cleaning up the sewing room (still) and getting some projects done. 

In other news, Seamus was featured in the local newspaper as the pet of the week.  He has now been invited to visit a local middle school's dog club.  We shall talk about therapy dogs and poodles in general.  He doesn't do many tricks but does a real good job at loving up to folks.  Should be fun for all!  I'm very pleased that his article came out so well.

Have a great day!!!!!!!!

Snowy Day

It's a snowy day in Pennsylvania. 

The dogs are grateful I'll be home today; I think they know how much I dislike driving in the snow.

 The kids are off from school! 

I'm hoping Helena is making a snowman today...here she is wearing the accessories from our snowman making kit...

Longfellow referred to snow flakes as, "the poem of the air".

Wishing you peace and warmth today!

Fa-la-la-ing with Allie

Allie is sponsoring "Christmas throughout the Year" on her blog and I'm in!  You can visit her wonderful blog by hitting the Christmas button up top :)  Allie is a real ray of sunshine on the internet and I'm excited for this year round fun!

 I haven't yet put away my Christmas fabric and actually would prefer to keep the Christmas ideas flowing.  This year, I'm focusing on some projects that I can donate to my quilt guilds and of course, the usual presents.  Keeping the spirit alive is the main thing or as Dickens wrote, "I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year!"

A new year...

The nieces have gone home!  This is them before their New Year's Eve party!  I'm taking this photo in for my mom at the hospital, I hope it will make her smile.

 This was a new treat for our family this year which I found on a blog.  Recipes can be found here.

I'm trying to keep a lot of handwork around to do at the hospital.  I'm working on a redwork Christmas quilt when I can.  I know the holiday is over but it is relaxing to embroider!

Other than that, not much to report.  I hope all of you are doing well and keeping yourself warm and busy!  Take care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!