Shell Creations

Madi's duvet cover

2011-10-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

Here it is!!! Wow... this was an adventure; a duvet/quilt cover. Remember from the bright idea?

I just need to add the buttons and button holes at the bottom and we are finished. The reason I say a duvet/quilt is that I layered it with batting and a white backing then quilted it. Then, sewed on a casing or another backing separately to make it the duvet cover. On top of that, I added a binding to make it more like a quilt top. The reason she wanted a duvet cover is she wants it puffy and quilts are not puffy. This has two layers; the quilted top and the extra puff once the feather comforter is put inside.

Still two pillow shams to go. It may need another color bed skirt. Maybe blue or green...
Her birthday is Wednesday. It will not be done by then but I think all is good. Can you believe 18? Nope, I can not.

Bright Idea

2011-08-28T16:45:00.000-04:00

Madison is getting prepared for college. She has her books, Vera Bradley black luggage small carry on for the bookbag, found her classes, has the parking pass and new clothes she bought herself. Well something must be missing becasue there is all the dorm room stuff out for incoming freshmen to buy but not for Madi. So she comes up the the plan to redo her room.... now! It must be finished this week.

So she picks out all the items she wants and lays it on me.

Mom, Make me this....

So we go to Joann's to pick out fabric and we come up with this....

I have the middle piece sewn.

Then we went to Lowes and bought paint. Yay. I can't wait to paint a room. We found lamps and we are looking for a mirror.

I so think I really wanted something to do. Watch out for what you wish for.

This is Japanese fabric Toni gave me for making her the knot bag.

I think I will make her a purse out of it! =)

Working on....

2011-08-13T21:02:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a quilt for a friend's graduation. It needs to be finished by next weekend. Shouldnt be too difficult. It is from the blog Moda Bake Shop.
I love the fabric line Oz. This young lady can never find anything with her name on it so I thought she would love this. I thought of her as soon as I saw it. I have finished cutting out the flowers and adding her name then on to the applique part. Deciding whether to add borders since this quilt was designed for little ones or babies.

Oh and I love this:

so easy....

Then I have finished the blocks to the star mystery quilt and forming the rows for it. I decided on a black small border and a green/orange flower border.... haven't layed it together yet.

Then Im working on our 30's pinwheels for the Reenie/Kathy quilt. I wonder where they are on theirs.

Then Im thinking of my own design for a quilt and I am still trying to get together with Regina for our quilt.... see lots of quilting.

Oh I have also been thinking of a way to add drawers to my sewing area. What style, size, quantity...? not sure.

The Ugly Fabric Challenge..... my entry

2011-07-12T18:45:00.000-04:00

Reenie came up with the wonderful challenge of use all of this ugly fabric and send in your entry picture.

so my entry was this....

My ideas was the top of my desk when I write postcards and letters to friends and family. The stamps and envelope seals are from the ugly fabric along with the borders.
I did not place. The other entries were fabulous though. Congratulations to Cathy McG, Beth and Lillian !!!

I hope we do this again soon. It was really fun.

Japanese Knot Bag

2011-07-11T21:53:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned, I bought fabric for a gift for mom's friend. I do hope this cheers her up a little. I know her heart is breaking with the loss of her son.
I finished the Japanese knot bag. I really like it. I picked out the fabric at Ivy Thimble while I was out with the gals. I needed to be on the hunt for something.....
It is reversible and you just slip it on your wrist and you are off.

The colors just pop. Toni, mom's friend, is from Japan; the reason behind my selecting this pattern.

Now on to read a chapter or two and sleep. I have to get up a 5am; working overtime again.

A Saturday with friends!

2011-07-10T12:49:00.001-04:00

I am not just a working machine..... Saturday was spent with my quilt retreat friends from Cobbled Court.

Reenie, Kathy and me

This was the second shop we hit, Ivy Thimble. I bought some oriental fabric to make my mom's friend a gift to ease her pain from a recent loss in the family and two small prints for me.

The first shop was Craft Bits & Pieces. I love love love this store. You can either find great treasures there or not. This was a time were you would say "Score!".....

I bought a lot of fabric and then found a Swatch watch and a gold ring both together for $8. (no... not the total bill.) Wowzers!!

After our shops we went to Chili's for lunch and back to do a little sewing. I mean we brought our machines and all....

We had planned on a pattern by Moda Bake Shop. We brought 30's fabric and a background and had them cut up and ready to go.

I really like how they turned out.

About 5pm we finished up and headed home. I so hope we can do this again soon. I definitely needed this with all the work I've been doing with the new job. I like it but it is cutting into my sewing and upkeep of the house and home. It will all work out soon I'm sure.

Oh, this is what I bought Friday; 16 fatquarters, from Betty's. It is closing. I honestly won't miss it because it was not a very overly friendly shop.

Now, Onto more cleaning and maybe some sewing.

Hi.... Cinnamon Toast is on the bed...

2011-06-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

No... I haven't fallen off the face of the earth nor bottom.

boom.. boom boom....

Working overtime and graduation is this week which inspired me to finishe Cinnamon Toast.

Mom and Dad are coming and the guest room needs a new quilt. Christmas block of Cobble Court will just not do on the first day of summer.

Now on to cleaning some more and working til I drop.

Night all.

Back online...Yay! and Christmas quiltalong... ho ho ho

2011-05-14T08:58:00.000-04:00

Im back!!! Oh boy! to type and look and surf is grand. I have missed my computer badly.
The hard drive died. It lasted awhile... 4yrs. The guy said it was a very nice computer....ran fast. hee hee.

Anyway, Today is the Christmas quiltalong at Quilt Times. I am looking forward to spending time in the sewing room today. It is rainy and Im kinda pooped. Need a little RnR....

Work is good. I stay busy. I am learning how to pour molds from impressions. We'll see.....

I have lost 12lbs too by the way. I started the Dukan Diet and it is a bit rough so Ive cheated but it is ok with factoring in 12 lbs... Im good. Only 30 more to go.... I will settle for it to go away in 5lb increments. lol

so off to brush my teeth, start laundry, get coffee and sew!!!

Hi!! I so Miss you!!

2011-05-04T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hi all... I am MIA! My computer is in the shop probably for another week. I am so sad. The good news is I have a JOB.... YAY!!! Finally. And I love it. I started two days ago. I am a Lab tech/braces specialist for Six Month Smiles. I am just unpacking the lab now and it should start up in June. I love this company, the people, and everything so far.

On the quilt side, I am working on a few ufo's and haven't been down in the basement since my job. It's ok. Im good.

So sorry Im not keeping up with you. I only can use a computer here and there (my hubbies or son's).

ttyl

Missing computer but loving job!!

Flannel top may still be of some use....

2011-04-19T12:42:00.000-04:00

I may need to make a to do list for this week. Spring break is going to be long and I think a lot of cleaning will be accomplished and items on the "To Do List" crossed off which Im not for certain is a great thing.... I love getting things finished but being forced to due to lack of things to do is something else. Everyone is on vacation and hubby is out of town again but it is only a few more days then I will have a house full. Ahhh!

I finished the flannel yellow brick road today. I just needed to sew the rows and then today did the borders and then we will sandwich this one because the backing has already been purchased.

Now on to some errands that I need to run: hair cut for Madi, pick up contacts for Eric and Easter items.

Have a great Spring day!!

Monkey Biz top

2011-04-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

Here is the Monkey Biz top. The batik strips were from the November '10 retreat in Connecticut and the light strips were from my birthday gift from Reenie.

and now I am finishing this top from the Relay for life mystery 18.

I ran out of bobbin thread at ten last night so that was it for me.

I need to sew the last few on the row for the right side and then sew them on.

Today I may work on the flannel quilt and the other mystery to add the small stars in and a few wallets.

maybe... though I have not much else to do with hubby away and a grumpy daughter on the couch all stuffy.

So I go to the basement and sew with Mia.

Happy Palm Sunday!

Christmas Quiltalong in April

2011-04-09T08:23:00.001-04:00

Yep. Wrap your head around that one.... Not only do I want spring and sunshine but now I have to think Christmas... ha ha. Well, I know I need to pick up my sewing room, then finish Monkey biz, then I would like to look for fabric for the stars in our block we have received and see what I have, and there are two other quilts I would love to finish into tops. This is a lot. Then if I get bored or bothered with any of those I have the yo yo gingerbread house wall hanging to do.

We will see what my hands wanna do. Right now I need coffee. Be back in a bit...

*******************************************************************************

I decided on the yoyo wall hanging.

Remember this? I found it in Maryland while shopping with my cousin. There was one made up but I do not remember it at this scale...

It be a nice big size. I still add a white piece to the bottom, not sure when, and I am now going to pick out the color for windows and add the snow along the roof. Then I will see what is next.

I have also rhinestoned Madi's costume and enjoyed outside a bit with the picking up twigs, cleaning out the car and playing with Mia, yorkie pom who will be 7yrs in May.

Time to go see if I can work on this before it is dinner time or after.

Spring !

2011-03-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

Here we are.... Snowballs in Spring ...

it gives me warm fuzzies all over. This is from a swap once again with the Cobbled Court Quilting Circle to a table topper for Spring. My quilting circle sisters have placed a grin on my icicle face that will melt any Winter blahed heart. Yay! girlies.

Now I just need to sandwich it and bind it and place on the table for the first day of spring to be complete.

Smiles.

Spring forward...

2011-03-13T19:44:00.001-04:00

Boy, oh boy! I slept in. I never sleep in. Ever. Can I blame it on turning our clocks and hour ahead? I think so.... but I didnt advance it two hours. hummmm

To address yesterday's Christmas quiltalong.... my project did not go as planned. Me, of all people forgot to blanket stitch. I was following the pattern that said zigzag or satin stitch and I knew I didnt like how it was turning out. So Im not sure if I will knix this project or try to fix it which means taking it out. May knix it....

So, I turned to the NYE Mystery that I just need to sew the rows together and add borders.

And... oh most important ... hee hee. I got my snowball blocks. OHHHHHH!!! the love I have for these blocks.... but....dilemma.... I have no idea what to do for borders. I can not find a fabric that goes. Ive tried everything and my room is a mess. NOT HAPPY> Im thinking a mixture of colors of lavender, pink, and yellow/orange.... now to find it.

But I had company and I had so much fun with Reenie and when Regina stopped by it was even better.
=)

2011-03-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

Today is the Christmas Quiltalong and Reenie is coming over to visit and sew. Wowzeers!

(just click the button if you would like to join in)

I plan to work on many projects: the snowman wallhanging, snowman bag and some odds and ends that just need to be put together.

Now I need to go pick up and organize before all time elapses....

****

Playing and putter....

2011-02-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

This is what I was playing with this weekend. I finished the quilt to donate. I added a blue/cream border which I think allows the blues in the quilt to pop.

Then I finished the blocks and they are laid out on the floor; too big for design wall and really I just like to stick things up there to get them out of the way. I do not think I really like to lay out a quilt on it.... floor works for me.

Then I made a wallet to gift.

Then I spent the rest of the night attempting to knit.

I have to say this attempt has been the best one....

I still think it is awkward....

This was the garter stitch which is just knit stitch... I couldnt keep track of switching to purl.

So after hours I have it down I just need to get gauge and the knack of doing it.

Crochet I think is easier....

Winter Break...

2011-02-23T17:52:00.000-05:00

They say there is a month until SPRING....
Im not sure if I can wait....
It is Winter Break here in WNY and I am about no, AM going NuTs.
Im done with winter, snow, COLD, oh my yes, the Cold.... and the blahs....oh my the BLAHS... there is no amount of Vit D that will fix this. I have to say Sewing helps but it is so dang cold down there.
So I looked at my scrap basket and said nooooooo, and looked at it again and said ohhhh I can take that upstairs and cut.

And I havent made much of a dent....

another 2-3 days worth of work....

I like these....they kinda cut them self.

So, I remembered that I had these squares finished and just needed to sew them together and slap them into a quit to gift with Reenie's House of Mercy donations. So this makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I have gather together some other items on the list and may finish another quilt; I hope.

I was squaring up the backing (gold fabric). AnnMarie likes this quilt...(it would have gone to you missy if gifting it wasnt needed. You liked this one....)

Otherwise, I have only worked on the Monkey Business quilt and have two rows of it finished.

I love it.

I still have so much to work on. I need to finish the table topper I started with Reenie, figuring out these Asterisk blocks with Regina which I will have to iron properly..... It definitely need to be, and the nye mystery blocks you can see here in the pic need to be sewn together,,,one row only geese. The list goes on and on...

Well I can see grass again, and the sun was out today so there is a smile here on the face...

On the back burner....

2011-02-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

I couldn't say " I was working on this...."
I couldn't say " I finished this...."

        or it would have ruined the

              SURPRISE!!!

Yeah, I surprise the ole' Reenster on her Birthday.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha....

Since our retreat and there after she has confessed a LOVE for this quilt. I have never heard of someone loving a quilt so much before. So, it had to be hers. I finished it and wrapped it and put it in a box and mailed it. Right after mailing it I went to see her for lunch for her birthday (this was Friday). Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret from her...?

So Shell, what have you been working on? Ummmm you know the heart quilt I finished it and the baby quilt that I finished. That is all I could come up with.
   The binding are strips of some of the fabrics in the quilt. That turned out to really work and made the quilt come alive. I used a fall small leaf on golden yellow for the backing.

I quilted all around the pieces in the panel. Outlined them if you will. I really liked this. So fun!

Sneaky Sneaky.....

Christmas Quilt Along

2011-02-12T23:40:00.000-05:00

I worked on the applique snowmen this evening. They are on the wall hanging. I will finish it up tomorrow and post pictures. I went out to Syracuse today with Madison in hunt for a prom dress at a shop called Boogie Babes I believe. It was not a fun trip at all; snow squalls, bad news as we headed out, and the shop did not have her dresses she looked up on the computer. It said they did and one sold before we arrived and they are not on line......

night all....

Snow Day Sew In

2011-02-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a Sew In snow day Regina put together for local quilters and crafters. I was still a little stuffy with my head cold but wanting to get out of the house and hang out with my fellow female companions.

I had cut out the 2 1/2" X 4 1/2" rectangles out of the batik strips the night before and that was the plan to chain piece them and get the Monkey Business quilt going.

I met some really nice ladies and they were all doing very interesting projects.

Regina was working on a pattern on Moda's Bake shop.
A really fast way to do flying geese with no waste.

Bernie, a newbie to quilting working on log cabin blocks.

Here is all of us; working away.

I made a block up to see how it would look.

I have a few more units to do and then light units.

Batiks are so pretty.

A very eventful day of chili, timbits, hot chocolate, broccoli cheddar soup and warm friendly chatter.

Sewin' Day with Reenie

2011-01-30T14:55:00.001-05:00

I arrive at Reenie's with all of my cargo and she blurts out, " Would you like to hit a quilt shop?"

Like there is any reason to ask me twice though I say " Are you kidding me?" ha ha ha ha.... (did I hear her right? what about the no shopping..... I wonder to myself)

"I thought we could take a drive to Ivy Thimble. I love that shop." she says. "ok"......

"When?" I ask....."NOW! that way we get it done and then sew." she says. "Boy, you've thought this out."

So.... we head on down to Ivy Thimble with stops along the way. First we stop at Craft Bits n Pieces.

I bought this for $22

Then we are off to Good Will cuz we hear on the radio that the Bee was there and we thought we would try a spin on the wheel. Well, wrong one I guess so we just wonder around and Reenie finds a 4yd cut of fabric for $2. Deal of the day! Onto to Ivy Thimble.

I bought a few quarter cuts of 30's prints and a fat quarter for my flannel Yellow Brick Road I'm about to sew. I needed one more light.

I was wondering around and picked up a batik jellyroll in lights. I said wow, this would be perfect for my quilt with the retreat strips I collected to make the Monkey Business quilt. (but I already have a tone on tone that is fine. I tell myself and Reenie. I talk myself out of it.) So around and around we go looking and loving all the fabric. They have such a great collection and assortment.

Yep, it ended up in my bag as we walked out the door. Here you go she says. Happy Birthday!!!
Too much missy...... too much. (but I love it. Mind you all day she speaks nothing of my birthday being Monday nor do I. I was super just out and about sewing day.....sneak!!!)

So, it will go in this..... Monkey Business

and use the strips from the retreat.

Then we were off to get pizza to bring home. Yay.... hungry.

Little bit of Pepsi. Glasses of wine.

And then cut the fabric for the table runner "Star Crossed Love" from Marie's book A Thread so Thin.

Here are the two sets I finished (8). Two more sets to go.

I was so pooped when I left that I made a wrong turn onto Rt 283. I was heading east. I must have wanted to be RETREAT bound... so I turned around about 10ish minutes down the road (the wrong way) and head home. So I talked to Patrice, got a shower and watched a little tv then went to bed.

Good day. Good day.

Baby Gator Fan to Be....

2011-01-28T22:41:00.000-05:00

Tonight I finished my baby quilt for my neighbor. It turned out really nice. I fmq footballs across the blue/orange gator fabric and meandered the orange dot and orange gator fabric. I embroidered his name in the corner.

As you can see the backing fabric is not the same as in the initial idea of the quilt. It is now a colbalt blue. Funny story. Carol, my neighbor calls me at 7:30 am.... Shellie, you're going to think I'm crazy. I thought about it all night. I think the backing fabric should be blue. They have a dark haired dog and white will get dirty..... you think I'm crazy; don't you. Oh NO NO Carol. It is no big deal, I say. We can do that.

embroidered baby boy's name

quilted footballs across the main panel

I'm wondering if I should meander in between the footballs? I will have to think on that tonight.

Well, off to pack up and clean up for I'm off to Reenie's to sew.....ALL DAY!!! (brace yourself bucco)

What have I been up to?

2011-01-22T18:57:00.002-05:00

I have been fmq on the heart block quilt. Just one more row to go.

And I have been planning a baby quilt for my wonderful neighbor. The baby boy is due in February and I have been searching for Yankee baseball fabric. When the other day she said the parents to be were also Florida Gators fans. Yay! I can find that one.

so this is what I came up with.....

Today I received the fabric in the mail. That was fast. Love Fabric Shack and Stitch n Frame shop....

This is the backing...

I also bought fabric to go with a panel I had bought last year when I had bought the Material Girl fabric for the quilt a long and then did not like it at all. I have all this fabric to use from that too. Score. Now I this is fun, shopping in my stash.... new. lots. hmmmm.... two more projects. And, fabric buying bug GONE..... for now.

I would love to get this finished for Valentine's Day!!

This just hopped into my cart..... pretty!

Now that I look at it. It is way too pretty to be backing to the panel. Another project. Yay.

Well, the cabinet must be a bottomless pit because I found other projects on the want to do list someday.... ugh. So many projects, so little time.

2011-01-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

This is what I ended up making tonight; a Pocket Zip. I bought this pattern during a shop hop down in Mt.Pleasant Quilting Company in York NY. I love this shop. It is one of my favorites. The pattern demonstrates a new way (to me) to do a zipper. I love it. I have never been great at doing zippers. I usually dread zippers. When I made a Christmas dress for Madi it required a zipper so the dress ended up practically ruined due to my poor installation. Hah... notta any more. I beat the zipper dread.

so fast and fun. I did this after 1/3 of fmq my Heart block quilt.

Tippy is here. Just after a day. The shell is plastic and the turtle inside grows. HEE...

I wonder if he gets bigger?

Cobble Court Heart Quilt

2011-01-16T12:48:00.000-05:00

Here is my heart block swap quilt pinned and ready for machine quilting. I hope to get midway today. My thought is to bind it in the center tan and add a white lace around the red center heart.

I added each person's name to their block.

The center block has the swap and date.

And here is day one of Tippy the turtle Regina gave me.

We will see how long it take for him to appear.

Whew done! Lingering Little projects

2011-01-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Ok I took on these little projects thinking that they would take no time at all. Ummmm... No! I had to do this step and that step and figure how to do this again..... grrr. Now they are complete and I am so happy.
On to the thorns in my side: fall quilt and heart block quilt. Borders will be put on.

Paper piecing project with Reenie

two blocks I did with Reenie at her house.

This is Mia's new pillow since I took away her scrap basket. I had to get it finished.

Flannel and warm.

All you do is fill up this with unusable scraps and threads and stuff it in an old pillowcase

and you have a dog bed. (Regina gave me this for Christmas. I was using a plastic bowl.

Much better.

Borders..................

01~01~11 Wow!!

2011-01-01T00:34:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about this 2011!! My resolution is to lose weight.... maybe if I write it it will happen!!!
I have a "To Do List" of UFO's to finish and new quilts to do....

paper piecing tree table topper UFO
square to embroider UFO
Fall quilt - just need to do borders UFO
Heart Swap quilt - borders UFO
mystery - finish clues 10-13 (sew blocks) borders UFO
fmq Sunny Lanes and bind UFO
Yellow Brick Road in flannel
table runner with Reenie
old old fall quilt from way back when.... UFO
red/white quilt want to do
toille quilt
new 30's with Reenie and Kathy
winter block swap with CCQ
graduation quilt for Adina
yoyo wallhanging gingerbread house

Seven UFO's. Not bad. Quite a few were to be finished. I hope to get them finished quickly so I can begin new things. Cleaning out the scrap baskets are up on the top of the list too. Mia is not happy with me. She sleeps in the baskets. I am filling a pillow case of unusuable scraps and threads. I tied it tonight for her to lay on and gave her a piece of flannel to snuggle her nose in. She found that very rewarding and she is quite content. Well, was earlier. It's way past nite nite time.

Here is my block to the New Year's Eve 2010 Mystery from Fabricaholics Anonymous group.
My focus does not pop but I love my dragonflies.

I will sew all these together in the morning after my workout. I guess the positive thinking is in order for good food and a good workout. Bacon and eggs ... sounds good.

Happy New Year all ! May we have another great year in quilting!!!

more presents...

2010-12-31T19:33:00.000-05:00

Sue from Quilt times sent me this for participating in the Christmas Quilt Alongs. Love it Sue!!!

From my Secret Santa in Cobble Court Quilters:

I love this card. It reads:

Wishing you

threads of happiness

and colors of joy

woven throughout

the fabric

of your life.

What a nice gift! Clipsters and a candle.

~smile

A movin' and a Shakin'

2010-12-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

I left my sewing room a mess. I knew I had to clean it and straighten things when I returned from Maryland. Once down there it felt cold and things just needed to move. First, I moved the sewing machine table off the front wall and placed it in the middle angled to face the middle. Then, I moved in the other table I had bought but never put in the room and another plastic three tiered box. Lastly, I placed the large cutting table to the front wall and the chair next to it.

There is a large space in the middle and to the right of the sewing machine.

It's warmer over in the middle of the basement than off both walls.

This table is behind the sewing machine so if I want to cut and sew I can.

It will also store my projects Im currently working on.

After I finished rearranging, I started on the scrap basket. I do not like the overflowing scrap basket. I believe it is taunting me.

I have been dreading this... but it must be done.

I will need larger bins.

cuz there is more....

Christmastime ~ a little early then off to Maryland

2010-12-29T20:23:00.001-05:00

Usually we have to celebrate Christmas early. This year we had ours on Wednesday the 22nd. It began with tradition of placing the star on the top of the tree....

yep, that is 19 yr old Eric.

We had a nice dinner of roast, potatoes, carrots and biscuits.

Santa came and stuffed the stockings and placed the presents.

And a ring at the door with the UPS man delivering tvs for Madi and Eric which were suppose to be sent when we returned from Maryland. So, good and bad situation; Madi is at the door and sees her big gift and so surprise ruined... although we do not have to worry about it coming after we leave. ??? it's all good.

Mia opens her presents. This was her second go since she found them all by herself earlier while I was cooking in the kitchen. Yes, they were under the tree and no one showed her which ones were hers.

Eric opened his Lampard jersey from Chelsea soccer team. He was so excited.

These are Madi's new boots. Can't you see her excitement. It's hard to shop for someone who asks for a car.... notta chance.

Josh, Madi's boyfriend, actually came by for a visit.

The next day, Thursday, we arrived at Mom and Dad's house around 3pm.

Their house is decorated like Macy's in NYC.

Dining room tree.

I just love the way mom decorates a tree. She has 4.

He still has no clue to what is in the box...." Eric, what did you ask for?" "I dont remember" " so it's ok then next year if we get you whatever?" "um noooooo".....

"Oh yeah..... I really wanted these ! And all three wedges! wow!!!!"

Madi opened her Chi flat iron.

and some fuzzy fleece sheets (which she already has put on her bed and cleaned out her entire room, as she did last year, right when she got home)

Mom is opening her earings. Fire topas with leverback.

Dad is opening his saying "hmmm what did I ask for?"

Must be an epidemic.

This is Te'a. Mom and Dad's Yorkie.

Here is Eric (hubby) and Te'a working on the fire insert. Te'a loves the fireplace.

We can say "fire" or "brrrr" or "cold" and she will bark and go to the fireplace.

She is very upset it is not working so she is assisting Eric.

Alyssa and Brittany Brook loves penguins. (my sister's girls)

I made the blanket for her. Embroidered the edge.

This was a great Christmas. We had fun and it even snowed a little. (more the next day)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Sharing and Sewing with Reenie

2010-12-19T14:38:00.001-05:00

Yay!!! Finally some quality time with Reenie. Saturday was set aside for sewing and catching up. A lot of chatting took place here. I dont think there was a silent moment. (And if you know Reenie and sewing, she shuts up when she sews.....so we must really missed the chatting...)

First we did our Christmas gifts exchange which we just did out of pure love and devotion.....not planned what so ever. Santa brought me two Scrap Basket Surprises quilt pattern books so I just had to give one to Reenie. He knows one book would just not do. I also made her a green fuzzy warm cozy scarf which she wore all day long.

Doesn't she look toasty!!!

Reenie's picture

Here is my gift from her. She tricked me. As she had implied on her blog this tree runner was someone else but when I opened my gift I was so happy the tree runner I loved was for me.

Love it! It is on my coffee table in my family room.

Oh sewing... Yes we did some sewing. We made these table decorations if you will.

Reenie's picture

Now we have to embroider. The directions had "Faith, Hope, Love and Joy" around the borders.

We wanted to do it by machine but the font wasn't large enough. I think by hand is prettier.

Reenie taught me paper piecing with the trees in the runner she made for me. I think I have found a new love...

there was a moment though that I continued to sew the fabric in the wrong direction. Third time was a charm I guess but my head started to hurt....this is when we stopped to venture out to Craft Bits and Pieces. I have been itching to buy some good fabric for cheap cheap.

Ah so much fun!!

Thanks Reenie for a great day!

My New Tree Skirt

2010-12-09T10:52:00.000-05:00

My tree skirt is complete and under the tree. Yay!!! This project truly took longer than I anticipated.

Here it is before I cut the center hole.

Here we are selecting our tree. It's a frasier fir. It was so cold and snowy Monday afternoon that we actually, for the first time, chose a pre cut tree. Just cut two days before mind you but we usually get the saw and do it ourself.

Yes it is coming together. Im almost finished. I really like the tree skirt. It is made of old fabrics and scrappy.

Now onto finishing the fall top and the heart block top which are just about finished. Then to make the yoyo wall hanging that is the gingerbread house. I also need to finish the mystery, just about done with it also.

What I've been up too.....

2010-12-01T16:14:00.000-05:00

Since the retreat...which is still all I think about....I had Thanksgiving dinner and now I am back to sewing with still too many items on the back burner.

I did the binding on the Christmas block swap quilt.... and washed it (which squanched it up at least 2" so it doesnt hang as much as it did but still is great). Jill did the machine quilting on it. And here it is on my guest bed.

Next I finished the Jitterbug quilt that I did with Reenie via text and email and one gathering. It is simply machine quilted and binded in yellow. I so love 30's fabric.

Then the lastly items that have place the tree skirt, fall quilt and heart block swap quilt on the back burner have been these little buggers.....

They are doll quilts I hope to sell for extra Christmas monies to buy more presents......

Now on to a few more of these lovelies so I can get back to other fun stuffs... oh the mystery too.

It snowed today. Yay!! it so puts me in the mood for Christmastime.

Cobble Court Quilt Retreat

2010-11-15T09:53:00.002-05:00

Arriving at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Connecticut after our dinner at dec*ca*pous....sounding like a spanish dead cow on the GPS... de Capos, we immediately threw our stuff in our rooms and set up shop geared for sewing.

We sewed until 9pm and began our Meet and Greet session with a Show n Tell of a quilt we brought and wine/cheese. I truly enjoyed the display and stories each of us brought. Every single quilt or picture was completely unique.

Lillian

Sue

Sandra

I loved how these stories were told of these quilts that they became a piece of me now and now know a special part of each of them.

We did surprise Marie with a baby quilt for her new grandson. It turned out wonderful. Diane (who wasnt able to come but is a part of our circle) did a great job putting the quilt top together and Patrice did an amazing job finishing and quilting it.

Marie and Patrice

On Saturday there was lots of sewing. I worked on my fall disappearing nine patch.

still working on it... I ended up putting it away and sewed together the rows of my tree skirt and binded a doll quilt.

Saturday we braked for lunch and went into Litchfield. We ate at the restaurant that Marie described vividly in her book "A Single Thread". We met Charlie, who treated us like queens and had a wonderful dessert that was to die for. I had the best scrumptious linguine I have ever had.

As we left the Grill we ventured down to Cobble Court. It is really there and saw Marie's vision of how she would love to truly have a quilt shop there in Cobble Court in New Bern....our story town. It is a hidden hideaway.

Looking down Cobble Court

Evelyn's Quilt shop (really an antique shop)

Sue, Debbie (slightly behind), Beth, Patrice, Lillian (back), Sandra, Reenie (center back), Marie, Cathy G (back), Kathy, Paula (back), Cathy McG, me, Pam. Front: Dorothy, Jen, and Karen

We also did pillow cases for Susan B Anthony House there in CT. We ended up with 40.

40 Pillow cases to donate.

Not only was this a quilting retreat, it was a weekend of bonding friendship and spiritual growth due to this tie we all share from Cobble Court.

I am so proud and touched to have 16 friends for life and many more to come from our lovely quilting circle.

~Shellie

Happy Halloween~~~~

2010-10-31T18:56:00.000-04:00

I have had a productive Halloween weekend.

I carved pumpkins.....the best yet.

I made a table topper.

I think I have been tricked though, I can not find my camera memory card.

So, these will have to do from my phone.

Have a fun and scary Halloween......

Fun Day with Reenie

2010-10-28T20:07:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun at Reenie's house. There wasn't a moment to spare. First she gave me a tour and showed me her quilts. Love love.... and then I met the gang, well half of the gang; Joe, Hannah, Patrick, Dahlia, and Luke (D and L are the puppies). I worked on the Christmas tree skirt. It takes me a bit to get a log cabin going. I had a few to repair.... gabbing and all. Reenie CUT her tree skirt...yeah, she did. And made a wall hanging which of course turned out great. (pictures on her blog)

ya that is your picture Reenie.....2010. lol. See your credits.

Im too lazy to get my camera way downstairs and the card and put it in computer... here ya go.

Lately I have been working on small quilts for a thing... and cutting out fabric for the Relay for Life Mystery in 12 days....yay. I have a boo boo in the binding which I just remembered to fix. Jill quilted the Christmas swap quilt for me, I got it back and did the binding and almost finished when I have a spot to fix before I can move on. I have much to do. A fall disappearing nine patch which is at a standstill; I did do a few blocks but still way more to do. I have been gathering stuff for the retreat yay, in 2 weeks. hee hee. Cant wait.....

so haven't totally disappeared.

Christmas Quilt Along

2010-10-09T17:19:00.000-04:00

It is 5pm and this is what I have managed to get accomplished since I've been home around 2ish... and interruptions. Well, let me remind you of what I am working on. It is the snowman wall hanging:

Now my colors are very different. Much lighter and not so woodsie.

So now I need to applique the snowmen and add all the embellishments.

I will start on that and in between begin cutting out the tree skirt I found.

We will see.... I also want to work on a snowman door hanger.

Not singing Jingle Bells yet... may get there though.

~~~~~Shellie~~~~

Christmas Quilt Along on Saturday

2010-10-07T12:02:00.000-04:00

Come sew with us during the Christmas Quilt along. I will be working on a snowman wallhanging and cutting out fabric for a tree skirt. Here is what I did last month.

I made the checkers and the bag they all go in. I did not do a Christmas theme so we can use it all year. The colors match my family room and are from my 369 quilt. I painted a crown on the opposite side of the checker for King. I have always wanted my checkers that way. The ones we have do not have the jagged edge so they stack to be King or did not have the crown on the opposite side, as my grandparents set did.

So Yay.... Then I made the snowman. I want to make more of these as well. I need to find red and green jersey knit material.

I can't wait to see what everyone is working on this time. See you Saturday!!!

MIA

2010-09-23T13:40:00.000-04:00

.... this is what I feel like lately; MIA, missing in action. The kids are back in school, I still have no job to fill up my days, and the full moon, I think, is making me "moony" as we call it in Southern Maryland. (another word for goofy or off kilter) In between all of this chaos that is going on in my pretty little head, my new Janome 6600P was delivered. Poooor box. The box didn't look to good; luckily it was packed with the hard styrofoam stuff and is absolutely perfect.

I have been working on all the new feet and stitches and I have a ways to go and explore but WOW!!! is this thing awesome.

I did finish a pillow from the panel Sue gave me from our Valentine Swap. Isn't it just fittin'.

The reverse side.

When I went out shop hopping and to the Quilt Show with Regina, which we had a great time being absolutely consumed with fabric and quilts, we came upon a charity from the church the show was at that wanted donated baby quilts for HIV/AIDS babies all over the world and prayer shawls for people in need of prayer. Regina wrote a note and took a shawl for her mom. I was so touched by this that I am consumed with the idea of making the shawls. So I began mine to donate and it is almost finished. Hugs and Prayers to Regina and her mom...

I love to crochet but it usually has to be for someone; this way I enjoy it more and it so relaxes me.

I also finished the top to the 3 6 9 quilt pattern.

I had bought a green apple fabric with a white flower scrolled all over. When I opened it I was like "oh no" this so will not do. I hung it up and looked at it and looked at it saying "I'm going to have to send this back". Regina and Cathy said it was too bright and gaudy. I ended up finding this green here (small border) to go when I went shopping with Regina. It is Tidings, a Christmas line but the color green worked well with the larger border. Now to go sandwich it up and try out the machine quilting on the new play toy in the sewing room.

I am so trying to find a name for my new friend.... cant put my finger on it though. I have been playing around with my grandma's name which is Evelyn but it needs to be more playful .... Eevie. I do not think she would like the nickname off her name though but I'm not sure if she would ever really know since it is more a personal- to-me thing.... ???

Quilt Times Giveaway!!!

2010-09-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

Pop on over to Quilt Times and see the book Sue is GIVING away.... Yep! A Christmas book with tons of wonderful projects then you could also be prepared to join us for next months Christmas Quiltalong.

A 100th Post Giveaway !

2010-09-17T16:42:00.000-04:00

Happy 100th Post! over at Red Quilts ! Isn't that exciting. So head on over and you may win a pin cushion, quilt book, or fabric. Hooray!

Congratulations!

The Sunshine Award

2010-09-15T23:27:00.035-04:00

Reenie over at A Quilt Complex awarded me with the Sunshine Award. Wow. I didn't see this coming! How thoughtful and sweet!

When awarded you are to pass it along to the blogs you enjoy reading and follow. The blogs I choose will have to pick their 12 blogs for the Sunshine Award.

I have adventured into a Christmas Quiltalong through Reenie and Gina at Quilt Times by Sue. I truly love the projects, quilts and comradery these ladies have shared just in our short amount of time together. Visit each other and see what they are working on.

I have email each of you a note. (sorry some emails are not working. I dont know why so if you see your name here please enjoy and pass the sunshine)

Here is my list:

1. Quilt Times
2. Leona's Quilting Adventure (do not have an email for)
3. Shakerwood Quilts
4. Brush Creek Creations
5. Oak Tree Quilts
6. Tudy's Craft Cupboard ?email
7. Soggiebottom
8. Jaytee's Patchwork Place
9. Tracey Pereira dot com
10. Needle, Thread, Happiness
11. Zany Quilter
12. Crafty Maine Mom

All these are very unique blogs; I love them all. Enjoy! and Congratulations!

Christmas Quiltalong update snowman has nose and arms

2010-09-12T09:59:00.001-04:00

I couldn't get on the computer at 11:30pm when I stopped. I finished the checker board top. I will complete it today and a snowman. He needs arms and a nose. I will get outside and pick up some twigs for them. I plan to cook the nose.... polymer clay stuff.

Isn't he the cutest! *giggle*

I do need to get the pellets for the base. The rice I used just is not heavy enough. It works but not like I want it to sit.

I did fan out my gathering from the fabric sale. Here it is......

A lot got into that plastic bag. Here it is in a pile...

and the notions......

I found rick rack for the gingerbread house, anything new or packaged I grabbed, thread, pin case, templates, bag of cut out squares, part of a pattern cut out and the pattern: just stuff.

So there you have it. I still need to cut out for the snowman wallhanging.....

See you next month Sue and gang.

~Shellie

Christmas Quilt Along

2010-09-11T19:09:00.000-04:00

I started in late.... Well I had to go get a bag of fabric for $10. Yep, and it is stuffed. That was so much fun. I will sort it out later. Im not even certain what is all in there.....
Then I was off to Craft n Bits; I love those lady's that work there. I bought two planters or pots, a green glass bowl, blue/yellow berry swag and Christmas fabric. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Now today is our Christmas Quilt Along. I joined cause I cant let Reenie and Gina have all the fun. If you would like to join us next time it is over at Quilt Times with Sue. She has patterns, cookie recipes and a puzzle going that I am getting a ton of words down. I just cant stop doing it.

Anyway here is what I am working on probably after everyone else has called it a day. Granted I just started at 4:30 maybe.

This is a checkers game. Im putting the rows together now.

I want to do the snowmen and the wallhanging. Maybe a snowman tonight and cut out the fabric for the wallhanging.

So it is 7pm now and that is what I have so far. Maybe later I will sort out the bag and take a picture.

~Shellie

Mail's Here!

2010-09-10T11:06:00.001-04:00

In the mail this morning, I unexpectedly received my package today from Gina. What a doll! She made me a table runner to match the colors in my kitchen and it is PERFECT!!! Thank you Love.

She made me the table runner in exchange for the fuzzy flip flops I made her and Gemma in time for their vacation.

Gina also threw in some extras. I love the magazines, scrub and CHOCOLATE!!!

You made this so quickly and the design is very pretty. I absolutely love the fmq on the table runner. Very nicely done.

Thank you!

~Shellie

While in Maryland

2010-09-01T14:09:00.001-04:00

While I was in Maryland, I did finish the binding on the two quilts I took to do; the pinwheel and Home Pride. Mia loves a soft quilt to lay on.

I went to Material Girls Quilt Shop. You need to bring the big wallet with you here. They have every new fabric there is and it is a big shop. I bought a couple of fat quarters to do a purse with - when I find the pattern and handles and a 1/2 yd of flannel that goes with the flannel I bought at Betty's sale.

On Sunday I went out with my cousin, Christina, to the Savage Mill where there is an assortment of shops. We went to the antique shops, art furniture, Christmas shop, stamp shop, and the quilt store.

I found this pattern I absolutely fell in love with. It is a yoyo gingerbread house. There was also a haunted house which I really liked but at $10 a pattern I said only one. The snowmen, reindeer, candies, snowflakes and trees are yoyos.

This is my Aunt Sharon, mom's sister. I was asked by Grandma to give her this painting she did since she could not come up for a visit. It is of Aunt Sharon on a Zip Line on her cruise "Having fun"! She was so surprised and loved it.

She also dropped off these quilting and crocheting books for me to have since she does not do much crafty stuff anymore.

Saturday we took Eric back to UB and he has started his classes. Madi is set with schedules and dance. She had her senior pictures taken yesterday. And, I started my 369 quilt with 15/24 blocks complete.

I can't wait to see it all together.

Maybe things will slow down a bit..... ya right.

~Shellie

A Glimpse of fmq on Home Pride.

2010-08-18T23:07:00.000-04:00

This is from my phone...so sorry about the distortion. This is the fmq I did on the Home Pride quilt with cables down the borders. I will finish with the binding in Maryland. See you soon.

Perfect Binding Miter Demonstration

2010-08-16T17:41:00.001-04:00

Here is your tool. You need to make your binding 2 1/2" wide and use the 3/8" slot.

You could easily make your own out of applique plastic.

1. Before you reach your corner make your mark by lining up the square tool with the 3/8" at the corner.

2. Sew your binding to the mark and then turn then sew on the mark.

3. Turn your binding at 45* like you normally do along the sewn edge now then fold down along next edge of quilt to sew.

The front and back corner are perfect. Remember one side folds one way and the other side folds opposite. (you do not want nostrils)

Now the binding finish. When you come to the end leave 4". You should have left a tail in the beginning also. Lay along the edge to be binded and fold over a 1/2" piece on each side and trim.

With right sides together sew along the end.

Wallah! Beautiful!

This was all displayed on the pinwheel quilt. All fmq which was so fun and ready for binding probably in Maryland.

I hope you found this helpful and easy as I do.

~Shellie

Jitterbug

2010-08-15T12:50:00.003-04:00

Here is a look at the Jitterbug top. This pattern I quilted along with Reenie. Hers was completed last week. I take a bit longer to put the rows together. There seems to always be a kink in my plans or a kid interrupting.

I love this quilt. The pattern is another story...

Reenie: I think we will have to bring this one to the retreat to snuggle in as we sip our wine laughing and chit chatting.

I'm not sure on the name. I am thinking along the lines of Friendly Ties, 30's medley, Can you find the bunny? (LOL) or Gma's Time???

~Shellie

Just like a KID!!!!

2010-08-12T13:09:00.000-04:00

Boy! I have been feeling so poopy lately. I never thought I would miss my guys. They have been away all week to New Hampshire for work and golf; if you can say that in the same sentence. I am still carting Madi around and the gas it guzzles. Wow. I have awholelotta flimsies that need fmq. I just do not know what the deal is. SURPRISE!!!!! in the ole' mailbox. I feel just like a little kid. Im tellin' ya.

Jilly sent me awholebuncha stuff. I really wanted the tool caddie she makes from her blogiversary. I didnt win....*pouty face* But now I have that and more. HEEE HEEE HEE ..... yep, kid!

I love the fabric. Wow.... I had one of these art spiral things when I was a kid. Loved it.

Thank you so much Jilly. Maybe I will feel better and so less pouty, moopy and blah.

Mystery #15 for Relay for Life

2010-08-11T16:33:00.003-04:00

My first Mystery is finished. I had to take some time to find borders. Actually I dug all of this out of my "stash". *giggle, smirk*

I really like this pattern.

Thanks Reenie for introducing me to Relay for Life. I really like the contributing and the mysteries we get to do. =)

~Shellie

Tranquiltity Bingo Winner!!!!

2010-08-07T13:16:00.001-04:00

A package came in the mail today for the Bingo game on our Tranquiltity Quilt Group. It came all the way from Heather in California. And let me just say, "WOW!!!". There is so much stuff in this medium size box. You so over did this Heather!!! What a treat!!

Now, this is the first bundle of fat quarters from Jill.

She must have wanted to win...... 8fq.

So she had 10 cards.

This is the second bundle from Regina. She had 5 cards.

These are fat quarters but Im not sure who they are from. There are a lot here! But Wow!

Then there are mine, I had 5 cards.

And now for the extra WOW stuff:

Dish towels, heart post-its, note cards, skittles that fizz, Hershey chapstick, orange slice candies, quilt care liquid wash and row marking safety pins. Oh and in the extra fq bundle there is a card that is a Mary Engelbreit Collectible Needle Card that says: The Queen Has Spoken!!! How funny.

Now I am eager to play again.....

~Shellie

Unexpected Quilt

2010-08-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

Madi: Mom. Josh can't find a blanket with the "Oakley" logo on it. Could you make him one for me?

Me: Maybe??? You would have to draw it up and find fabric.

Madi: Oh. Just black with white lettering and a black and white backing.

Me: Well, we would have to go find fabric.

Pause.......................10min later............................... Madi: Mom Wanna go to JoAnn's???

What do I get myself into? It didnt take long, but just as I was beginning the borders; my machine went on the fritz. I took it to Dr. Carl and by the end of the day it was finished and free. Their policy is: bring it back within the year and it will be free. Wonderful. It had a broken tooth in the bobbin case. He said I need to consider getting a more durable quilting machine. "I know", I said in a slow sad drawl of sheer udder disappointment knowing I will have to wait a long long time to have the machine I want.

Actually I tried two new techniques in binding this quilt. One was from a quilt store during the shop hop. It is a square that you lay down on your quilts corner and mark it with a pencil (a line diagonal with the corner), sew it and lay over your binding as you normally do. It sews up nicely when you do the binding by hand. The second was the sew the ends of the binding then sew it down and there is no telling were you stopped. Maybe I will have to take pictures the next time Im binding a quilt.

~Shellie

My Patriotic Quilt top: Home Pride

2010-07-31T16:49:00.001-04:00

Doesn't this quilt just sing all our patriotic songs? I think so. I love this quilt. It is originally named Star Weaver created for lost soldiers in the war. It means that and more to me. I find this quilt to resemble old American heritage and it just makes me proud and smile when I see it!!

Well that is what I did on my Saturday afternoon. I finished putting together the rows and borders. Now I think I will sandwich Cinnamon Toast and rip out a section of the Pinwheel machine quilting that I do not like. Later on I need to get to sandwiching this quilt if I have enough batting and layout the shop hop quilt, add a border and then see if I have enough to make the piano key border it calls for.

Always something to do in the quilting realm.

~Shellie

Sunny Lanes Top is Finished

2010-07-19T20:56:00.003-04:00

My top for Sunny Lanes is finished. Oh, I'm so happy!!! I love the colors. I love how it fits the bed.

Love, Love, Love.

This is my hubbie's family antique bed. It is in our guest room along with other old stuff. I started gathering fabric for this bed in reds and golds then Regina picked our pattern of Sunny Lanes to do together. The pattern reminded of me of old scrappy quilts and decided to do it for the guest room.

Now for a name. I was thinking along the lines of Cozy ... Warm... Splender... Slumber... Cinnamon Toast.. I don't know. What do you think?

~Shellie

Reenie and I have also been working on our 30's quilt; Jitterbug. Here are a few of the blocks.

We hope to finish them (we each are doing one) this week. I may fix some flying geese and finish the blocks but we still have sashing to do then sewherup' ..... quite a bit of work left.

We'll geterdone'.

Flip Flop Surprise

2010-07-14T12:41:00.000-04:00

It's funny how things pan out. I saw a comment on a friend's facebook about loving these fuzzy bright flip flops. I made the comment that all it took was crochet. Well, since she wanted some and I can make them - wallah - here ya go! It took no time at all and they have them before holiday!!

I hope Gina and Gemma like them. I couldnt show this until they received them. The colors and how they look was a surprise.

~Shellie

When did this get squeezed in???

2010-07-13T22:43:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure how these blocks came into play but, I got them up on my design wall. I think I was feeling guilty of having a free fabric and pattern not finished. (kinda free/I spent plenty on the shop hop)

The pattern I was given at the end of my Western New York Shop Hop was "Hoppin' and a Rollin'".
I gathered 4 jelly roll strips at each of the 12 shops; 48 strips.

Wow! did I get some awful fabric in the rolls. Thankfully I only needed 36 strips for the blocks. The rest are used for the border; we'll see if I use them. I think they will go in the scrap bin. I also got 4 strips of the same fabric. How did that happen? I can only use one strip for 4 blocks but the rest can go in the border.

This quilt worked up really quick and easy. I needed something brainless and stress free to do. I wanted to sew not think, just stay busy. I seem to need this every time I am sewing rows together in finishing a quilt top. I get very frustrated and stressed. I am sewing together now Sunny Lanes. I am trying to size it to the old antique full size bed in the guest room. I needed 5x6 block setting for the full but the bed will only need a 4x4 setting. Now I am at the border stage and I' m on pins and needles hoping it is what I invision.

Ugh, Anguish! PAUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEE... I will sew it up tomorrow and see if it looks right on the bed.

Crossing fingers. With a smile for the design wall.
Shellie

I won a giveaway from Jolly Jabber!!!

2010-07-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

Shellie "I dream of creating my own fabric line designed to be more than just seasonal."

I won a book from Fat Quarter Shop's Jolly Jabber with this dream. Love this blog!!! The book is Fast, Flirty & Fun by Sarah Bisel. How wonderful for her to have a such a great book out on quilt patterns. It has great pictures.

I can not wait to get this in the mail. It has such great quilts to create with new fabrics.

This is a true dream for me; to design fabric and patterns. I do not wish to only use programs though. I had preordered the new EQ7 and cancelled it due to huge monies going out the door faster than it ventures in but maybe one day. Until then I will just do it the old fashioned way. It does take more time but very gratifying.

~Shellie

My New Neighbors

2010-07-05T16:04:00.007-04:00

Hello Everyone!! Meet the Robins and there are BABIES!!! They are so exciting to watch. They are getting stronger and stronger everyday. There are two.

This is unhappy Robin waiting for it to be safe to return to the nest.

~Shellie

Update on Baby Robins: There are 3 and boy are they hungry.

In the Mail

2010-07-03T14:49:00.000-04:00

Today I received my consolation prize to the Lazy Days challenge. I love it! It is a Civil War Label. I plan to put this on the back of my Sunny Lanes quilt that is set to be used in the guest room. Oh, I can't wait to finish this up now.

Thanks Susan !!! and Regina for doing the challenge.

~Shellie

College hunting

2010-06-30T18:13:00.003-04:00

College hunting is nothing like Fabric hunting. I do not like hunting for colleges especially with child 2, aka Madison. We have just returned from visiting the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. SMALL.... I would die. Not enough people there in that one building to be called a college for me.2500-3000 students. I need to branch out. I do like Pittsburgh. What a lovely city!

This school is so expensive: $400+ a credit hour.... holy moly. She is interested in Advertising/Graphic Design. This Ai is very promising but I am just not sold. A lot of thinking is going to go on in this already hurtin' head... Madi is not the best travel partner. If the tom tom was not yelling at me she was; youre going to get us killed, wrong way, that left, you missed it again and whinnnnnnne...... Hey! not a dent, not lost, and I think we had fun. She is a party pooper but I did my best for what I had to work with....not much time and her messing up our schedule.

We did end up finding the Duquesne Incline. Dont ask how, pure luck.... I ended up on top the mountain and not below which to me was better and hey, it didnt matter. Madison all of a sudden was afraid of heights but went on anyway. So if she really was she wouldnt have.... just didnt love the height of where we were. She rides the Superman no less....

The river view is what we saw from the top. The three rivers come together at the point. (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela) So cool. Ai is along that river edge as well, past the yellow bridge on the right.

I will sleep well tonight....so tired.

~Shellie

Civil War fabric

2010-06-25T12:14:00.000-04:00

Regina emailed me this sale of Civil War fabric and items of a closing store down the road from me. This morining I go first thing a found a ton of fabric. I think I want to go back.

I found 8yds of backing (on the bottom) for the Sunny Lanes quilt Regina and I are working on.

The red above the brown print is 4yds for the borders and I only need 2.

The rest is for the Underground Railroad Sampler I want to do.

I may return, trying not to now..., to gather a few yds for the borders of the Underground RR Sampler.

I have been searching and searching for great prices and the perfect fabric and all this for $30 is EXCELLENT!!!
I was looking at $50+ for the backing.

Happy Happy Shellie =)

Pinwheel Party Quilt is finished

2010-06-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

Twiddletails hosted a Pinwheel Party Quilt along and here is mine after 12 + wks of blocks to do.

I love it!! It is mine. It is going in our room because the colors match and I do not have a throw quilt in there to use like I have made for everyone else. This quilt makes me smile... yellow- my favorite.

I learned a lot doing this quilt. I enjoyed the quilt along but did not end up doing it weekly as it was put on the blog.

Now to go pick out the backing. I have two to pick from. When I went on the shop hop I bought fabric to back this quilt and then remembered I have fabric that matches my bedspread. I am not sure if I want it to match perfectly.

~Shellie

A Stish is a Stash.... when?

2010-06-17T09:04:00.000-04:00

With going on the Shop Hop and showing my fabric findings, everyone says my Stish is a Stash. So, what makes a stash?

Jennifer says more than a drawer or a bin. I have that!

- I have 4 drawers, a cabinet and a shelf of fat quarters and charm packs.

So I would like more opinions. What do you consider a stash?

Honestly, I was considering a stash of every color fabric in yardage which I do not have and a few fabric line fabric in charm packs, layer cakes, or jelly rolls.

What do you think a stash is????

~Shellie

Western New York Shop Hop

2010-06-11T18:00:00.005-04:00

12/12 stores completed and whew!, I'm pooped but psyched.

Day 1: Ivy Thimble - Victor
              Mt. Pleasant - York
              Chestnut Bay Quilting - Caledonia
              Worked 1/2 day
               Betty's Quilting Store - Spencerport       Country Treasures - Brockport

Day 2: Whole Nine Yds - Medina

Heartland - Lockport

after working all day

Day 3: Aurora Sewing Store

Carriage Quilt Shop - Aurora

Aurora Sewing Store - Williamsville
Marie's Sewing Center - Lockport Sew What? - Williamsville

These are the strips we collected along the way. Four from each shop to make a finished quilt which we were given at our last shop visited when we turn in our passport. There is a few strips in there that are way crazy.

Collected 30's fabric from Ivy Thimble.

FQs from Betty's on sale. 4yds from Carriage Quilt Shop 25% off.
for Pinwheel Party Quilt. Dragonfly was from Marie's 1/4yd.

Civil War Reproductions for Underground Railroad Sampler

I collected these from every place else. 1/4 yd here and 1/2 here there...

Oh! I picked up this flower brooch from Whole Nine Yards.... love it!!!

Well, there you have it. The best part is Madison drove me on Day 2. She was so tired after 2 1/2hrs of driving. She is doing very well though.

All in all I had a nice outing. I needed it. I do hope to drag a few friends around next time.... ummm

REENIE ..... REGINA hummmmm....

and yes my stish is growing but it is still to be used and not kept for a someday project....

~Shellie

STISH Buildage

2010-06-08T21:17:00.001-04:00

All this for under $22!!! Couple of baby quilts in there and yardage and red print for red quilt. All at JoAnn's Red Dot 50% off sale for Memorial Day.

Birthday Surprise

2010-05-18T16:38:00.000-04:00

I surprised Megan with this kitty wall hanging I found at the Shop hop. The kitten is being naughty trying to get the fish. All I think he is going to get is WET! so fun.

I work with and sub for Megan in the library. I love the library. She was so surprised and absolutely loved it. She hung it here in her office until the end of the day.

This also helped me get over the boobooitis I have had lately. A quick fix: DO SOMETHING SMALL...

~Shellie

Sunny Lanes Progress

2010-05-16T13:08:00.001-04:00

It is about time!!!! I am finally doing things right. Here are 10 of my blocks for the Sunny Lanes quilt. They are on my new Design Wall which I thought I posted about already. (I do not know where my head has been...)

I love the way they are turning out. I believe 20 more to go. I have 9 sets ready to go and then I have to sort and arrange the remaining units that are all over my sewing studio.

See, I have been making boo boos left and right. To fix it, I cleaned up the studio. I have been in sync since.
=)

I have also finished a pin wheel block. Cut out another and sewing the binding to a mini wall hanging that I will show here when finished. It is for a friend's birthday, Megan, who I sub for in the library.

It's a beautiful day out, Enjoy!!!

~Shellie

My new ShopHOP Tote... Marylander crabby

2010-05-12T20:05:00.000-04:00

Regina made me this tote and gave it to me the last time we met for our Sunny Lanes get together. I took it out on its first Shop Hop. It was 7 shops. A little one to break it in. Marylander crabby got stuffed quickly.
I bought some fq, yardage, a mini door hanging for a gift of a kitty, and a binding tool.
Lots of candy to hold me over to the next shop and coupons for my speedy return.

I love my crabs. Thank you Regina!!
Miss Maryland.

~Shellie

Full view of Summer Breeze

2010-04-19T17:03:00.001-04:00

Here is Mia enjoying the sunshine.

Heart Blocks with Reenie

2010-04-14T10:29:00.001-04:00

I finally finished my heart blocks for the Cobble Court Quilters Circle, a quilt group on author Marie Bostwick's page. I met up with Reenie last night at Hobby Lobby to exchange the blocks and do a little shopping. I didnt have much time so it was a fly by. I cant wait to post pictures of the blocks and my ideas of a top. (I cant until everyone gets theirs.)

I came out of Hobby Lobby with more than I bought though....

Smiling from ear to ear....

Thank you Reenie... a giftie from a doll.

The orange we fell in love with...so springy and the yellow and pink go with our 30's quilts. Yes, she has another one in mind. Well, if we continue to buy fabric we will have to do more quilt making.

I see nothing wrong with this situation what so ever.....=) ~Shellie

Sunny Lanes update

2010-04-14T10:07:00.001-04:00

Regina and I got together last Thursday and I haven't had time to update due to the Legacy competition Madison was in over the weekend. The first competition of the year always kicks us in the tail. Our studio, Expressions of Dance by Lisa, did well. We got a platinum (modern), 2 elite golds (lyrical and jazz), gold (tap) and Madi got a gold on her tap solo.

On our sew night, we put our units together making up (for my full) 60 light to light fabric and 180 dark to light fabric. I have quit a bit of work left to do. As I found out looking through the units, I turned some. Regina said all night long... " I usually turn these". Now I see what she meant. So I will have to go through and unsew and resew the turned units then do catch up with sewing the 180 amount and iron.....

bottom unit is turned

As always, Regina comes bearing gifties for me. This time she made a turtle wristlet lanyard. I love it!!

Thank you !!

Tonight is a sew night also. So I better get on the catching up part....

~Shellie

All fixed and Summer Breeze is finished!

2010-03-28T09:33:00.000-04:00

Boy, Oh, Boy!!!

It took a lot to get my Kenmore fixed. Evidently it was a broken housing in the bobbin area and few other tweaks that needed to be done. But she is running like a champ now.

I have noticed my tension is not good when fmq so after looking through Clotilde magazine, I found this little gizmo and made my own. I need to make another to fit tighter but it works. It is called the Wonder Thread Guide. The little Kenmore I had on loan had one already on it so Im not sure why mine does not. It could sure use it.

I also noticed a lot of talk on gloves while fmq. I use scrub gloves. They work great and are inexpensive. It is also what I had on hand. I could not use my gardening gloves, they are so dirty. I may have a mismatched pair though.

On to the finished product......

See the swirls in the fmq? The breezy wind in Summer's Breeze.

~Shellie

Jelly Roll Sampler Block 1

2010-03-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

Here is the 1st block from Moose on the Porch's Jelly Roll Sampler

3/1/10 The next block will be posted tomorrow 3/15/10.

Can't Wait!

~Shellie

Pinwheel Party Blocks 1 and 2

2010-03-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

Pinwheel Party Blocks from Twiddletails....

Here is my first block

and here is the second.

I think Im going to put this quilt when finished in my bedroom. The colors work really well with what I have in there now. The light blue looks a bit better in person... it doesnt blend in at all.

~Shellie

Sunny Lanes Night 2

2010-03-11T08:44:00.002-05:00

What a great night!!! I think Regina and I both needed a few hours of sewing from the week we have had.... "Sewing Mends All".

Ok.... tonight was Half Square Triangles. Our job in between week 1 to week 2 is to prepare and finish for our Wednesday night sewing. Week 1 was 4 patches. We had to sew up one side and down the other, then cut, then iron. (I still have some ironing to do.)

Week 2 we had to prepare the hst. Draw line down center and match up light and dark square. We even got to cut last night. So now it is back to ironing.

Regina'sblock My block

Next week we are to sew a two block unit together. I have 30 sunny lane blocks so I will sew 180 of unit one which is dark to dark as on the bottom right of my block above and 60 dark (4patch square to light half triangle) units.

It's coming along nicely.

~Shellie

ps. Regina started the night with a little present. First, we both love orange. Second, I love thimbles. Isn't it cute. Love it. Thanks Regina......<3

One of My FAVORITE Things !

2010-02-27T23:08:00.001-05:00

One of my FAVORITE Things is when snow falls and gathers in the creases of the trees and bushes.

When it piles up on the oval shaped pods and the snow forms an extension of the oval. How amazing! Snow just continues to fall here...daily almost and each and every time it is different. We had over a foot of snow yesterday and it looked like a Winter Wonderland outside. Everything was completely covered and the sky was the grey/blue hue of winter enchantment. It takes my breath away.

I might just enjoy wintertime a bit longer now when I can enjoy its wonders.

~Shellie

Sunny Lanes Night 1

2010-02-24T22:21:00.001-05:00

http://www.patspeth.com/Quilts/sunny-lanes.html

Regina picked out Sunny Lanes Quilt Pattern for us to do a quilt along. Tonight was our first get together. We were able to get the first two passes complete on the half deck of 5" sqs. (I have another pass to go)

We will finish the 4 patches up and get together next week for the hst.

I surprised Regina with a Peanut butter pie..... Just look at that face!!!

~Shellie

Linda Is It!!

2010-02-23T07:08:00.000-05:00

Linda will be receiving a very special PIF since she is the only sign up. You're in for a real treat.
~Shellie

Pay It Forward

2010-02-14T20:53:00.002-05:00

I entered in Regina's Pay It Forward and received a wonderful pillowcase. Now it is my turn to return the favor.

Please post a comment if you would like to participate.

~ If there happens to be many, I will do a drawing but since there are so many PIF's going on we will see.

The post will be closed on Sunday, February 21st. You do have to be a follower or become a follower to enter.....I would Love to have you tag along on the blogging adventures of the so creative Shellie!! LOL

The PIF giftie will be out by April. So it will be something quilty and springie.... Unless you would like crocheted or hand embroidered.

~Shellie

If you give Shellie a panel...

2010-02-10T12:58:00.003-05:00

Have you read this wonderful book to your children? "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"

by Laura Numeroff. Well the whole series is my daughter's favorite. We love these books!

Susan started something......

If you give Shellie a panel...

then, she has to check out the fabric line....

(and she loves it)

then, she finds a fun quilt along to do.....

http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/2010/02/jelly-roll-sampler-quilt-along-2010.html

Sample Quilt Along

So, she buys 1 1/2yds of this and 4yds of this and a jelly roll.....

So, give Shellie a panel and it leads to more buying of fabric and searching of ideas.

Now she can't wait until March to start this quilt along!

=) Shellie

Girls Day Out!!!!

2010-02-06T21:23:00.003-05:00

Okay..... I just want to say that finding what you want when you want it is GREAT!!!!

I went out today with Regina who first came by to view my sewing area and to give gifties... Love love love them. A roll to keep blocks flat and a place to keep all sewing items near the machine. She also gave me my "Pay it forward" but I will post that this week.

On to our venture....

Our first stop was Jamie Lynn's out near the Seneca Park Zoo. It was a blustery snowy day right from the beginning. The snow never did amount to much other than to tip the freezing temperatures that we did not notice for all we had to do was dart into stores and then back to the car. The pigeons, at first glance, we thought to be fluffin their feathers; were only fat from being fed in order to prevent them from eating the cat food as we were told but I think they eat that too. Their sale was on remnants and I was not much interested in large quantities of their selected fabrics so I bought a yard of a clearenced fabric for a dark and a 1/2 yd of a light for my "Sunny Lanes" quilt Regina and I are going to do together.

I texted Maureen/Reenie in the car to see if it was not too late to catch her at our next stop; Patricia's. She said she was on her way so there Regina and she can meet. I was on the look out for 30's fabric (Reenie and I are doing a quilt on) and more for Sunny Lanes and Red&Whites had a coupon. So..... once there I gave Reenie her winnings for my birthday giveaway and she was so excited because she said she has never won anything. That right there was the best birthday gift ever.... to make someone else so happy!!!

Here we are!!!! This was after all our purchases. The ladies there are so wonderful. I bought a ton of clearanced fabric here... 30's prints, red/white, lights and darks for SL. Almost 6yds here. Reenie headed home while we drove on to Sew Creative where Regina knows Linda from online. Here I bought 4yds of a 70% off oriental fabric to do a Japanese Knot purse or two.

About now we are starving and our brain is starting to sputter..... yep, really.

So I say "how about chinese"?, I know a little place I went to the last time I was going to Ivy Thimble.

We plowed into the Panda Express parking lot and order a very large lunch, devoured it and felt like we were going to roll away..... Hey Regina!! We did not get a fortune cookie......*pout pout*.....

Ivy Thimble is having a 30% off the entire store....clearance too. Straight away I piled up the clearance bolts to find out only 1 yd cuts... a little bit more than I wanted to cut but hey.... stash building ...lol ... I went on ahead and bought 4 yds of backing for the 30's quilt, 3yds of 30's fabric and 2 1/4 yds for SL. I think I would have bought more but I was pooping out.... all that for only $35. *big smiley face from ear to ear* From there we headed on to Target to buy Valentine goodies and to look for shoes for Nathan but no such luck there. Lastly a stop at Wegmans to buy pizza building supplies.... for Matt.

I had a marvelous day and so much fun. We must all do this more often. It is good to be with friends.

~Shellie

Secret Valetine Swap First Recipient

2010-02-05T10:32:00.003-05:00

I believe I am the first of the Secret Valentines' to receive their Swap Loot!! How wonderful is that??
My secret valentine is Susan C., Regina's sister Sue. Love it!! I had a hunch but I love love love a surprise.
She knows me so well or her guessing is "right on".
In my package there were M&Ms, an Attitude panel by Mary Engelbreit *hysterical*, magnetic needle keeper [I was just admiring these on my fabshophop =)], a very large carry all bag with my initial "S" on it in a gorgeous burgundy/gold (You would have thought I picked it out myself), scrapbooking stickers, scrapbooking activity case, red heart fuzzy warm socks and the cutiest funniest card you ever did see!!! Whew!!
I think I will make the panel into pillows for my sewing area.

My New Edition

2010-02-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

A dear friend, Cathy, asked if I could use a treasure from her basement; this lovely cabinet her husband made her a long time ago. After all my "are you sure" s, I took this beauty home. I shall treasure this wonderful cabinet forever. It has a very good home.
I have furnished it with all of my Projects To Do.... you all know them as UFO's but that sounds so of a "not wanting to finish" thing and not a "I can't wait to finish it" project.
There is a lot in there so I better get crackin'. Top shelf holds 30's fabric (with Reenie), 2nd holds "Summer Breeze, 3rd holds Fall quilt, 4th holds 2 projects - toy bom and "Sunny Lanes" fabric, last shelf is the Panache layer cake for ps i quilt project and white fabric for heart blocks.

Thank you Cathy from my whole heart!
I love it.

~Shellie

And the WINNERS are

2010-01-31T10:02:00.000-05:00

The first name I drew was   1. NOVA so.... the Rubys Pattern goes to her

I get to draw again:             2. Jennifer so.... the Gift Pattern goes to her

                     Next:             3. Michele so....the calendar goes to her

                     Next:             4. Linda and Pi so.... the stamps go to her

                     Next:             5. Reenie so ..... the rest goes to you!!!

I need email response from Nova and Michele of your addresses to my email by profile... I have the others. If they do not respond by Wed. I will draw another name for their prize.

Congratulations!!! This was great fun!!

Go check out Regina's blog http://www.thequeenbeesbuzz.blogspot.com/ for another birthday giveaway!!! The month of February is Birthday month there and it will be pockets of fun!!

Hugs to all. Thanks for participating.

~Shellie

"10 Days til my Birthday" GIVE AWAY!

2010-01-21T09:15:00.001-05:00

It is just 10 days til my birthday!! This is MY WAY of having fun!!!!

So, on the 31st I will give away a box full of goodies. There are several patterns, quilt calendar for 2010, a kaboodle, a seam ripper, pins, thimble, fat quarters, plastic canvas (a lot and 1 yarn - not pictured) and whatever else I can find.

What you need to do: 1. Make a comment here of what you would like to have and why.

2. If you are a follower now you have 2 additional chances to win.

3. Become a follower and you have 1 additional chance along with your comment.

4. Get a friend to put in a comment and you get another chance.

You may win one thing or the whole kaboodle...... up to you. What would you like to have???

We will see on the 31st!!

~Shellie

Christmas Top Complete

2010-01-17T12:31:00.002-05:00

Maureen suggested for us to get together at Patricia's Quilt Store in East Rochester for an all day sew in or FTDP day. I brought the Christmas top to sew together and place borders on. I brought the backing too and a few other projects "just in case"; never touched them.

The ladies that are the usuals there are absolutely a hoot and what projects!; the talent in that room was amazing.

We finished up around 5:30pm. I think we were spent. The ladies said "the fun has just begun", pizza is on its way and we have hours left. I think Maureen and I busted our hump the entire time we were there and the rest of the motley crew were coasting.... no wonder they had more to give. I think they just wanted the pizza and yak yak. But, that is ok too.

I must do that again though. Once in a while is wonderful. Im not sure I could hop around from shop to shop doing all day outings all the time though like the crew....

~Shellie
Close up and backing.

A Glance at My Christmas Swap top

2010-01-11T20:22:00.000-05:00

Maureen recommended a book called "A Single Thread" by Marie Bostwick. It is a fabulous book! From there I follow Marie's website and joined in on the forum "Quilting Stuff" where Maureen started a Christmas block swap with the author. What great fun! Books and Quilting.... =)
My block is the nutcracker. Here is the top so far. I need to fix row 4; it's a little off and then sew them together. Next I will add borders. I'm thinking a small in green or black then a large in red/cream check.
The small 4" squares are little Christmas blocks from Craft and Bits when Maureen, Pam and I went roaming for the afternoon. She kept sneaking items of FABRIC into my basket because I wasnt allowed to leave with nothing. Thanks Maureen! These worked out lovely.

~Shellie

I have a SEWING AREA !

2010-01-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

Santa Baby brought me this sewing table and had it under my tree. He is an awesome fellow. Just what I pointed to and said "I would love this".
We were trying to figure out where to put it in the den and Eric said "we could make an area for you downstairs where you saved the old carpet for". Ookie dookie. We worked on this all yesterday and me today organizing my tidbits of sewing supplies. Honestly if I were to add up all my purchases I think I would scare the pants off all of you. I have bought a great deal of fabric this year. (remember no stash... my word is STISH)

This is what my area looks like so far. I have more work to do, shelves and baskets to buy and organize some more. The center picture is my fat quarters, charm packs, and patterns. The right picture is an old cabinet where I put thread, pins, zippers, and odds and ends. The other side of the area has a antique love seat and chair; it is near the old cabinet. Behind the sewing table I want the cork board to go up and maybe some shelving then place more along the other wall where the old cabinet is... My stish is in an extra large tub which is about full of yardage.

I think it will work!

~Shellie

2009

2010-01-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a great year in sewing. If this year was this rewarding I cant wait to see what 2010 holds.
I completed the "Java Me Crazy". "Snow Men", "6th Birtday Cake", "Among the Garden", "Wolves on the Run", "Horses in the Night", oh before those I did "Baby Honu" and "Turtle/Penguin college quilt" and finally "Warm Thoughts" for grandma. Nine quilts, that is awesome in my book. Almost one a month....

I only did not finish "Summer Breeze" and the fall quilt I had just begun in October for Thanksgiving which mom said, "Wow, that's colorful and bright shell..." LOL, not in a good way...

I did two swaps. My Favorite Things which I need to make into a top and Christmas swap with the Cobblestone Creek Quilt crew. Im working on that top now. I think it will end up being a queen size quilt...wow. That will be a first. I have only done lap quilts. Good size ones but all the same.

I also did 6 blocks for a cancer quilt for Mt Pleasant Quilt Company.
And a wall hanging which I adore. I might just have to do another.

I have learned so much. I have so much to learn. And honestly, it has been to grand of a ride to ever get off.
Also I continue to meet the greatest people in quilting. I hold you all so dear!

Love you all,
Shellie
A year in quilting.

Peaceful Enchantment Wall hanging

2009-12-28T19:46:00.001-05:00

In November, I went out with a Red Wing Baseball buddy, Ann, and we caught up with one another at Ivy Thimble to check out their sidewalk sale. We both ended up buying the Peaceful Enchantment wall hanging. I just absolutely fell in love with the squirrel and cardinals which are my favorite.
Ann invited me over to her house which is near the quilt store and we had coffee and she showed me her sewing area. We talked quilt stuff and fabric and came up with doing these together. So we set a date for the Monday before Thanksgiving to sew these up and to have all the pieces cut out, ironed on and all ready to go.
Monday came and I ventured over to the eastside of Rochester to Ann's house next door to Casa Larga, a vineyard here in Rochester, with all my pieces ready. I am so glad I went for she showed me how to do the star easily. It is amazing what a few little tricks can do. And how to square things off with your 2 1/2" square and 6" square. I have them just never had to use them yet. Very handy.
I also outlined each piece with my machine, a first, and then played with the FM on the machine. Figuring out threads that the machine likes and then how to move about, made it a true learning experience.
So whallah....
When Mom came for Thanksgiving she loved it so much that I broke down and gave it to her for Christmas. I was starting to worry whether she would love it as much as she did or less and well, when she opened her present she said "oh Shell, you are giving this to me...."

=) Shellie

Warm Thoughts

2009-12-28T19:33:00.000-05:00

I finished the DNP (disappearing nine patch) for Grandma as planned for Christmas. I even did a "first" on my machine; free motion quilting. I was so happy it went well until I turned it over... a few bobbin gauge oppses and a few fabric puckers of the backing but not horribly awful.

I plan on tempting FMQ again and I do hope for fewer oppsies...
I love the fabric. The DNP are "Charlotte" by Moda and the backing just enhances the reds and pinks as well as blends the other colors beautifully. I am so happy with it and I do hope Grandma is as well. She should be getting it any day. I was mailed on the 22nd so to Florida it was a stretch for Christmas Day.

Beautiful Calendar Give away!!!

2009-12-16T20:46:00.001-05:00

What a fun Give away!!! 2010 calendar of Barn Quilts in New York.
I love calendars, photography and quilting to boot. Wow.... stop in and sign up by Dec. 22nd.

Barn Quilts 2010

New Adventure: Fancy Fondant Cake

2009-10-20T10:32:00.001-04:00

For Madison's Sweet Sixteen I wanted to attempt a fancy fondant cake. I knew she would love it but I wasn't certain on the finished product; you never really know how things will end up. It took all day Friday to complete. I did the research days before, gathered all the recipes, watched all the "you tube" video on how to and began at 7am. I made up two batches of fondant and only needed one. I wasn't sure how far it would go. Then baked the cakes. I made two 9" round, an 7" square and a 6" round. While they cooled, I made the Buttercream Frosting, cleaned the mess and dug out the cake plate.
I put the square on a separate plate to just do in chocolate frosting for a Madi have to have chocolate cake. I hid it away on the dining room table to be out of sight. Well, Mia (my yorkie pom/chocolate hound) could smell it a mile away and was trying every attempt possible to get up on that table. Saturday night she finally did and ate 1/4 of the square!!! Madison caught her up on the table in the dark hounding down chocolate cake as fast as she could. Bad doggie.
I assembled the cake, frosted it and it was going quite smoothly. I added the coloring and made blue and green circles which Madi loves; like in her room. They could have been a little thinner but I was pooping out. Lastly I made the blue and green balls to go around the borders. Madison absolutely loved the cake. I think she was impressed. That says a lot. She thought I bought the charms that sprouted out from the cake and I made them... Yep, for once it turned out very nice.
=)Shellie

Ghostly Bowl for Halloween

2009-10-06T14:33:00.000-04:00

Once completed and put together I find this Ghostly bowl for Halloween rather cute! I added the black with orange dot lining that really pulled it together. I would like to buy a plastic round liner for it but it doesn't need it as bad as I thought it would. The bowl holds more candy than I thought and it is not at all flimbsy. The crochet candy corn is just an embelishment. A " I had to make it" thing.

Oh! here is my scarecrow! I need to brace the back better for hanging and maybe embelish a bit more but you can have a peak...

=) Shellie

Shell Creations

Madi's duvet cover

Bright Idea

Working on....

The Ugly Fabric Challenge..... my entry

Japanese Knot Bag

A Saturday with friends!

Hi.... Cinnamon Toast is on the bed...

Back online...Yay! and Christmas quiltalong... ho ho ho

Hi!! I so Miss you!!

Flannel top may still be of some use....

Monkey Biz top

Christmas Quiltalong in April

Spring !

Spring forward...

Playing and putter....

Winter Break...

On the back burner....

Christmas Quilt Along

Snow Day Sew In

Sewin' Day with Reenie

Baby Gator Fan to Be....

What have I been up to?

Cobble Court Heart Quilt

Whew done! Lingering Little projects

01~01~11 Wow!!

more presents...

A movin' and a Shakin'

Christmastime ~ a little early then off to Maryland

Christmas Sharing and Sewing with Reenie

My New Tree Skirt

What I've been up too.....

Cobble Court Quilt Retreat

Happy Halloween~~~~

Fun Day with Reenie

Christmas Quilt Along

Christmas Quilt Along on Saturday

*M*I*A*

Quilt Times Giveaway!!!

A 100th Post Giveaway !

The Sunshine Award

Christmas Quiltalong update *snowman has nose and arms*

Christmas Quilt Along

Mail's Here!

While in Maryland

A Glimpse of fmq on Home Pride.

Perfect Binding Miter Demonstration

Jitterbug

Just like a KID!!!!

Mystery #15 for Relay for Life

Tranquiltity Bingo Winner!!!!

Unexpected Quilt

My Patriotic Quilt top: Home Pride

Sunny Lanes Top is Finished

Flip Flop Surprise

When did this get squeezed in???

I won a giveaway from Jolly Jabber!!!

My New Neighbors

In the Mail

College hunting

Civil War fabric

Pinwheel Party Quilt is finished

A Stish is a Stash.... when?

Western New York Shop Hop

STISH Buildage

Birthday Surprise

Sunny Lanes Progress

My new ShopHOP Tote... Marylander crabby

Full view of Summer Breeze

Heart Blocks with Reenie

Sunny Lanes update

All fixed and Summer Breeze is finished!

Jelly Roll Sampler Block 1

Pinwheel Party Blocks 1 and 2

Sunny Lanes Night 2

One of My FAVORITE Things !

Sunny Lanes Night 1

Linda Is It!!

Pay It Forward

If you give Shellie a panel...

MIA

Christmas Quiltalong update snowman has nose and arms