Irrelevent Thinking

turquoise muslin

2011-07-21T14:55:00.001-05:00

I do so enjoy dyeing my own muslin. Especially, when I get to dye it in such a pretty shade of turquoise. So refreshing.

Rome

2011-07-12T13:43:00.004-05:00

Rome was the very last part of our trip, and the best was definately saved for last.

This is the Colosseum and there are not words for seeing this. I've been looking at it in books and movies, and pictures and FINALLY I'm standing in front of it wondering how something really be that old and still be standing. Wow! Seeing this made the entire trip.

This is the Sistine Chapel, and yes, I did have to sneak the picture in. With the exception of seeing the David, this came in a very close second best for art.

Swiss Guard in Vatican City.

Panthon.

I didnt get pictures of a small museum we toured called the Borghese Gallery, but it was by far my favorite museum of the entire trip, not for the paintings (though they were great), but for the sculptures. It's definately a must see and we just barely made it in as it was close to closing.

The Bees

2011-07-09T17:31:00.003-05:00

I spent the day with the Bee Keeper (aka Dad) and my Grandma.

It's bee robbing time.

They are not happy about this.

My job was very small. I had to do what Grandma called skiving (not sure I'm spelling it right). With a heated knife you gently cut off the outside wax to get to the honey. It's alot harder than it sounds, and looks.

then the honeycombs are placed into a retractor and you spin and spin and spin it (by hand). After that its smooth sailing with jarring the honey.

this little nifty contraption I really liked. The combs sat in these buckets between times after I skived until my brother retracted and all the leftover honey that fell there and where I was skiving was placed in this collander and drip, drip, drip until it separated from the wax. All leftovers were given back to the bees.

We ended up with well over a gallon of honey and now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with it all.

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

2011-07-07T17:56:00.006-05:00

I'd never heard of Sorrento when we first read our itinerary for Italy and this was the last few days of the trip and I was ready to get to Rome by this point. But this turned out to be my favorite everything for the whole trip. Best hotel, best food, best views, best everything.

We actually stayed in Sorrento, but took a bus tour through the loveliest little towns all the way to Amalfi where we got to do some roaming around.

This is Amalfi. It was really stunning.

This is pictures taken from the bus on the way to Amalfi.

A little fruit and veggie stand in Sorrento with grapes the size quarters.

This is the beach at Amalfi. I'm used to white sand and gorgeous waters on the Gulf Coast, but though the sand wasnt up to par the water was nice and clear, and really cold, and you really cannot beat that view in the background.

Um, do lemons really get this big. Yes. These are about the size of a softball and we saw some that were even bigger than that.

What do they do with them? Limonecello. MMmmm. No, truthfully, seriously strong. You get a little shot of it and it tastes good, but its so strong its hard to drink. After just a couple of sips I had a bad case of the giggles.

When we first arrived in Sorrento, we took off for a walk to see the Mediterranean Sea. We ended up here at the nicest little restaurant (I think it was called Terrazza or something like that) and a view to die for while we watched the sun set. The ravioli was good too!

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

Florence

2011-07-01T15:12:00.002-05:00

Another Italian city with narrow cobblestone streets and skooters ripping up the roads.

I saw and walked through so many churches by this point of my trip that they are all blurring together.

Our hotel was near here, and it was a very nice walk.

This one was from the opposite side of the river.

Pisa

2011-06-27T10:44:00.002-05:00

I dont know why we werent expecting much from Pisa, but it was actually really nice. We visited on our third day of Italy and it was so very clean and that leaning tower is just something that just wows you.

It's awesome getting to see something that you've heard about since you were in elementary school. I remember seeing it in my history books and asking myself why it was leaning.

This picture is me looking up the wall that encloses the city (not a street). I'm thinking I can scale it. :)

Gelato everyday. Mmmm. No, really, we ate it every day for 10 days. Limone (lemon) and Cocca (coconut) were my favorites.

This picture was taken from the Baptistry that was just across the way.

We learned that when they built the tower, they knew almost as soon as they started that it was going to be leaning. I can't keep asking myself "then why did they continue?" but they did. And it's not just leaning a little, it looks like it could topple at anytime. I'm still not sure how its standing.

this is the Baptistry. All the churches were kinda similar in Italy. They all had a church, a baptistry, and a bell tower.

Venice

2011-06-25T11:03:00.002-05:00

It has been too long since the last time I posted (over a month), but I've been crazy busy trying to keep up with orders and I took a vacation to Italy that lasted waaaaaaay too long as well.

We toured the country of Italy in 10 days. It was everything I expected it to be and more. Our first stop was Venice and here are a few pictures......

These first two are St. Mark's Square. There was some kind of parade going on for boat races, not sure what that was about, but it was cool to watch.

The Grande Canal was fantastic! This picture is taken from a gondola, and you can see the boat races that were going on in the left of the picture.

This picture was taken from the waterbus. Venice was a great place for food and souvenier shopping. The narrow streets were overcome with crowds of people. It had the coolest streets you ever saw, and all the buildings were shabby with chipped paint and water damage, but all of it added to its charm.

Climbing turtle

2011-05-18T16:51:00.000-05:00

Two Friends, One Day

2011-05-17T12:44:00.000-05:00

"I see you," Lady Cardinal says.

She is SO pretty and constantly chirping and singing, and extremely flirty. I've seen more than one Cardinal Man lurking around her and flying and flittering about. This year we have cardinals every where and they are making all kinds of noisy havoc in the trees.

Now that is one big frownie face. She surprisingly was not afraid of me. Most of the times when they are in our yard they will go into their shell until we leave, but this one was determined to get where she was going, and where she was going was a big pile of wood in our backyard that we are slowly burning. Video to come soon.

Aviary 2 in granite on a toddler bed quilt

2011-05-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

Cannot wait to see how this quilt comes out.

Muslin

2011-05-15T21:55:00.004-05:00

I use a 100% all natural cotton muslin on the back of almost all my quilts.

I like this material because it's an all natural product and has no synthetic fibers in it and the cotton for it is grown right here in the US. It comes to me in a natural color that I always describe as oatmeal colored because most of it is a cream, but then there is these little tiny speckles of dark (just like oatmeal).

It feels just like any cotton....until you wash it and then it turns into this buttery soft goodness that I love so much. I use it in all my quilts with the exception of minky dot quilts, but it is in the rag quilts where it really stands out the most I think.

On a rag quilt all the little edges poke out in every seem, so you can see the muslin on the front of the quilt and it rags beautifully. There is nothing like it. I've used regular cotton, broadcloth, even flannel, but nothing in my opinion is better than muslin.

back of rag quilt dyed pale pink

Many people want color on the back instead of the natural (though, leaving it natural is still the most popular in my shop). I had to go buy regular cotton at the store to get the color they wanted. Then I started dyeing it myself with a non-harsh dye. It worked out great. No longer do you have to sacrifice the quality to get a nice color. Now we have both.

I dye in very small batches, almost per quilt, so I never actually get the same color twice. There is always just a shade or two of difference.

Unfortunately, I have yet to be able to achieve the color brown, or anywhere close to it. I end up with a shade of grape purplish everytime. I might in the future try tea-dyeing, but not for now. So I can do every color with the exception of brown for now.

Nice Finds

2011-05-13T16:21:00.003-05:00

I found this shop the other day on Etsy when it made the front page. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, everything about this. I wear rain boots all the time......even when it's not raining. See here.

I cannot wait to order me a pair of Slugs from With the Rain.

May in the woods

2011-05-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

We spent another day altogether in the woods. We rode the four wheeler around, knocked down yet another beaver down, picked around a swamp, caught tadpoles to watch grow their legs, saw a opossum and missed the picture, scurried around the woods, and found many other critters.

tadpoles

moss, just lying around

more orange mushrooms

a very noisy bird

me and my galoshes

a crawfish

one lone bird

Grumpy makes a wish

dragonflies were everywhere

A few fun onesies

2011-05-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

these are so much fun to make. I hand dye them, and then hand embroider them to the shirts.

Shop here.

found an orange mushroom

2011-05-09T11:31:00.001-05:00

Art Fest in Dunwoody, GA

2011-05-09T11:23:00.002-05:00

Storm Pictures

2011-04-30T23:49:00.004-05:00

This is some of the damage from the tornado that came through here last Thursday. This is Ohatchee, AL and it's about five miles from where we live.

We did not have any damages, but we could see the tornado on the river passing by.

this used to be houses all right in a row. You can still see the foundations.

New quilts

2011-04-28T12:28:00.000-05:00

Just a few quilts I've made lately with fabrics I havent used yet and I love.

Leftovers

2011-04-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

With lots of leftover organic hemp, I made these little lovelies. I really like them and will be probably sad to see them go as they look so nice and friendly on my shelves in the studio. Buy them here.

Mushrooms Everywhere

2011-04-26T15:20:00.000-05:00

I dont know why I always take pictures of mushrooms, but I do. I just like them (not eating them, yuck, just looking at them).

My peonies

2011-04-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

Peonies smell soooooo good. I love them. I planted these in my back yard.

A planted garden

2011-04-24T15:12:00.004-05:00

I planted onions, carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, corn, watermelons, and romaine lettuce.

It's my very first garden, so I'm not expecting much. :) My track record is not so good on growing things.

Wool

2011-04-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

I've never worked with wool before and I received a custom order that specifically wanted wool batting. No problem.

Uh, yeah right.

Though it was as soft and fluffy as can be and I was excited to see how it would turn out. I was thinking maybe I could add wool to my product line.

Think again.

This stuff gave me such a time. It was hard to unfold, as it kept falling apart, so delicate it was. it was hard to cut, some parts were thick while others thin. It is now everywhere, all over the studio, wool dusties everywhere. I've found it going down the hall, in the living room.

Then, I stitched it all up and WOW. It made for one very puffy quilt, with quite a unique look to it. I really like it.

It's in the wash now, I'm anxious to see the very end result. Pictures to follow.

Will I do it again? Unsure.

A slimy friend

2011-04-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

Why are you on my porch?

MIA

2011-04-14T08:19:00.003-05:00

Please forgive my absence from the blog. I have just been covered up with all kinds of busy.

fresh fabrics

2011-04-13T20:46:00.004-05:00

Daydream in blue by Riley Blake

Daydream in caramel by riley Blake

Daydream in tomato by Riley Blake

Wholesale

2011-04-02T11:49:00.001-05:00

Click here to view my wholesale items and prices.

Memory Quilts

2011-03-29T15:18:00.002-05:00

This memory quilt turned out so perfect I had to show it off. Also, this is a new size, for a twin bed.

This little girl had lots of pale shabby clothing and old vintage minky dot blankets that went perfectly with a little Nicey Jane fabrics here and there.

buy quilt here.

New Ideas

2011-03-25T07:40:00.000-05:00

Want to keep your baby's gender a surpise until birth? You can customize two quilts, one for a boy and one for a girl with all your favorite fabrics. Have the doctor write the gender of your baby down and seal it in an envelope. Mail me the envelope and I will make the quilt for the correct gender and send you the quilt when you tell me to. If you have questions, please dont hesitate to contact me. Purchase quilt here.

aviary 2 by Joel Dewberry

2011-03-24T22:35:00.001-05:00

aviary 2 in lilac by Joel Dewberry

aviary 2 in granite by Joel Dewberry

aviary 2 in bark by Joel Dewberry

fresh fabrics

2011-03-24T15:18:00.002-05:00

sugar and spice in red by The Quilted Fish

sugar and spice in green by the Quilted Fish

Sugar and Spice in blue by the Quilted Fish

Paradise in Sunset by Patricia Bravo

Paradise in Sunrise by Patricia Bravo

Spring Break in Cades Cove

2011-03-24T07:33:00.000-05:00

We spent three days of spring break in Cade's Cove near Gatlinburg for a cheap relaxing getaway with the kids. We went camping, primitive style with tents. The highs were 70 and the lows were 40, so not too bad.

Turkeys are not nice or friendly birds. They did not like us.

from the grassy knoll.

These were everywhere.

Cade's Cove has many tiny churches and graveyards that date back to the 1700's.

The deer were abundant, and they didnt have much fear of humans though none would eat from my hand. This guy had already lost one of his antlers.

There are lots of these little cabins that sit on picturesque land with large yards that had to be for crops and a view of the Smoky Mountains from every turn.

I ended up with over 50 pictures of deer. Why I felt the need to take so many I do not know.

Robins were everywhere, sitting on the ground, scattered around other robin. I'd never seen one before, but they let us get pretty close to them.

The campgrounds had all these rules for bear proofing your campsite and when you entered Cade's Cove there was a big sign that said YOU ARE ENTERING BEAR COUNTRY. Needless to say, we were excited about seeing bear. Everytime we made the loop we looked for bear, we went on excursions looking for bear. We found paw prints and other evidence, but no bear. that was a BIG let down.

Also spotted, but no picture of:

fox

bat

raccoons (heard them, did not see them)

Babble.com

2011-03-23T07:37:00.002-05:00

I've been featured on Babble.com's Top 50 Best Handmade Baby Shop of 2011. See the full list here.

read Water for Elephants

2011-03-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen definately goes into my top ten books of all the time. It was GOOD, real good.

It's set during the depression, and is about a man who loses everything he has and hops a train and low and behold, its a circus train. Meets a girl, falls in love, unfortunately she's married to a schizophrenic and is his boss. The story is told through the eyes of a ninety or ninety three year old man (he's not sure how old he is) looking back at his life.

The old man had me laughing out loud within the first chapter.

It ends perfectly with a bittersweet and believable ending.

We now have king size quilts

2011-03-22T07:14:00.000-05:00

The reason I didnt have them before was because no one asked for them. Finally, somebody did and as soon as I put the listing up I had sold 4 of them. Woe to my fingers.

No :) I'm very happy how they turned out and this one in particular is on it's way to Australia as a birthday gift.

A hawk's nest

2011-03-21T07:07:00.003-05:00

As you know I've been stalking this hawk and finally have found her nest which sits only about 20 yards from the house, and tucked into a very tall pine tree. You cant see it very good in the pictures, even though I've zoomed in about 40x, but it's big enough for her to get in and disappear.

and here she sits watching my little squirrels eat the feed I sat out for them. I keep wondering if I've set the squirrels up by putting their little bowl of sunflower seeds and corn seeds near (not that I did it on purpose), but she's content to just watch them. I'm thinking they may be too big for her. This picture does not do justice to her though, she is a monster of a bird.

a little cardinal snuck in.....

new fabrics

2011-03-14T23:26:00.003-05:00

Sweet Nothings in pink by Riley Blake

Sweet Nothings in green by Riley Blake

Sweet Nothings in brown by Riley Blake

I read Darkest Mercy

2011-03-09T20:40:00.002-06:00

So I finished reading the Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr with the latest book Darkest Mercy.

I truly love the whole story of faeries and glamours and the history and all that, and this is the only faery book I've ever read. While I enjoyed the first and really enjoyed the second book in this series. I felt during the third that I wasnt going to be happy with the end and it turns out I was right.

I guess you could say that every character gets what they want which turned out to be not what I want, but whatever.....

There were several really interesting things in the book that didnt get enough attention like the whole Irial dying and entering Niall's body, but I never like when somebody dies and comes back. Dont do that!

There was so much packed into the book and the ending was a little rushed. The whole battle scene really bothered me. I guess in my opinion when there is a great big war all the bad people shouldnt die and all the good people shouldnt live, but that's exactly what happened. Everything turned out way too perfect.

I'm not going to spoil the major keypoints, but if Keenan could do what he ended up doing then why didnt he do that to begin with. I really hated this part and was rolling my eyes the whole time. All that time he hurt Donia and tied up Aislynn's time, he could of made everything alright in the beginning.

I still dont like Seth.

Pics from the Studio

2011-03-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

busy bee me

Surprises

2011-03-06T13:16:00.003-06:00

This little fella has been making its perch on the flower box on my front door and doesnt seem to notice we are approaching him until we are right up on him. Saturday night he flew right into the house when we opened the door and panic (with the kiddies, anyway) ensued.

I was worried that he would hurt himself flying around the house. I had seen birds do that before when trapped, but he was for the most part calm, but toured the dining room, living room, and kitchen before he finally made his exit out the back door.

We particularly enjoyed his choice of perches in the house. Please forgive me for the deer in the living room. It is a constant battle everyday that I have to fight. :)

Room by Room-- It's a Hoot Nursery

2011-03-03T07:31:00.003-06:00

I am loving me some It's a Hoot fabrics by Momo, especially the teal palette. I got this new minky crib quilt up in my shop this week. Birds and owls on the front and luscious minky dot on the back in a bright shade of watermelon.

I've paired it with lots of lovelies for a complete bird/owl nursery theme below.

Girly forest critters reusable fabric wall decals from LoveMaeStore. $70
Mini Owl Print from Hush Mouse. $10
Felt Bird Mobile from Little Monkey Doodles. $80
White linen pillow cover from Sukanart. $55.50
Owl plushie from Contemori. $27
Patchwork baby quilt from Southern Charm Quilts. $125

My new scarf

2011-03-02T13:25:00.002-06:00

"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

That's Mr. Darcy's proposal from 'Pride and Predjudice' by Jane Austen screen printed on my new knit scarf.

OMG! I love this scarf sooooo much. I bought it at Brookish and they have that line and more on mugs, hand towels, and much more.

minky

2011-02-26T15:02:00.001-06:00

New selection of minky dot is here. Choco brown, pale pink, pale blue, topaz, and watermelon. Hoorah!

Eeeek! I'm dyeing fabric

2011-02-26T14:32:00.003-06:00

You may have noticied if you've visited my shop. I am a big fan of all natural cotton muslin. I like that it's natural, no yucky extras added or toxins or anything, completely from the earth. I like how it feels, I like how it quilts, and I like how it looks when I rag it in my quilts.

However it only comes in an oatmeal color (which I love), but sometimes you just want color. So.....

I've been thinking about dyeing my own fabrics ever since I saw pretty shirts being dyed teal in a wash tub. The picture was inspiring and I just had to try it.

Finally, I did.

You cant really tell from the picture I took, but this shade of lavender was to DIE for. and it went perfectly with the quilt I backed it with. You can see the quilt here. It came out even softer than it went in as and ended up being very mottled which I like.

I did the green first. It was supposed to be a Kelly Green, but I should have played with the dial on my washing machine first because instead of doing the agitate I was doing the spin cycle. I know, I'm a dummy. So some of the color ended up down the drain and instead of a darker green I got a lime. It was a pretty lime though and actually went with the quilt nicely. You can see that below.

Definately, will be dyeing anything that goes on the back of my rag quilts from here on out.

Honey Butter

2011-02-23T08:20:00.000-06:00

The Bee Keeper, aka Dad, brought me some honey from one of his bee hives last summer, and I really havent used much of it. Besides putting on biscuits occasionally, I dont really use honey often.

But.....

I found something to do with it. Honey Butter.

I mixed 1/2 cup of regular butter with 1/4 cup of honey and blended with a mixer until it was all creamy.

YUMMY! I like it on my rolls at dinner.

Hawk

2011-02-22T08:07:00.000-06:00

We got a glimpse of two hawks while we waited for the bus to school. By the time I got the camera one had flown off, but I'm seeing them everyday now. One day I never see hawks and now its an everyday occurence.

I love hawks now. They are such pretty birds. I like their speckled bellies and the shape of their heads, very pretty birds.

I think the pair of them might be getting used to me watching them because they no longer fly away at my getting closer, in fact they pay me no attention at all. I do not exist. :)

My Papa had a story when my father was younger of how he found a hawk that was wounded and he nursed it back to health. He liked the bird so much that he built this huge chicken wire enclosure for it to live in outside (he was always building stuff like that). Anyway, when the bird was better he released back into the wild, but the bird wouldnt leave. Must of got used to Papa feeding, anyway my uncle told me it would sit on his arm and he would pet it. And his arm would be all scratched up because of the hawks talons.

I like that story.

Another day in the woods.

2011-02-21T07:47:00.000-06:00

Last time I was here, back in the fall or here, this was passable. Theres a little dirt path that we just drove right over, but the beavers have been living high on the horse and dammed up the water till we cant drive over it at all.

I always think of beaver dams with lots of sticks and wood, but this one was made with swamp grass and dirt. In my mind, beavers might be the most clever of all the little critters. I like them.

We had to tear down the dam to be over to drive over it. Not as easy as I imagined. they had that debris packed down in there hard.

Finally across, and after wandering around, we found a tree that we had never seen before and the W seems to know what every tree is, but this one even stumped him.

weird.

a birch tree. Never seen one before, and didnt think they grew around here. See my birch treasury here.

faerie hole. Everytime I point these out I get laughed at.

Fresh fabrics

2011-02-20T18:54:00.003-06:00

Carolyn Gavin--Spring Street

Samantha Walker--I wanna be a cowboy 2 in blue

Samantha Walker--I wanna be a cowboy 2 in brown

Samantha Walker--I wanna be a cowboy 2 in pink

Studio Pics

2011-02-20T07:37:00.000-06:00

I've almost got the new studio complete. I still need some curtains and a table cloth to hide all the supplies on my cutting table, but we are making some progress.

The W continues to amaze me with his building skills.

Some artwork from Little Blue Bird Studios. Everyone keeps making fun of the fact that I put it in such a big frame, but I like it. These are the frames that we painted here.

Some gorgeous owl prints from one of my favorite Etsy shops, Carambatack. There is many more prints I want from there as well.

ooooo, I just spotted something else that needs to be done in there... a new ironing board cover, that one has seen better days.

Read Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2011-02-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

Finally, finally, finally, got to reading the end of a really great book series. I read so many bad reviews for this book that I kept putting off reading it. It's been over a month since I read the first and second book. I just HATE bad endings.

The reviews said this book was just awful and gory and didnt wrap anything it up.

but......

THEY WERE SO WRONG!

This book was just as good as the first two. I must admit that I was hoping our beloved Katniss would end up with the other guy, but it had such a nice peaceful ending that I can live with it.

Yes, something terrible happens, but I thought it wrapped up the whole rebellion nicely.

spoiler alert!

I DID NOT LIKE Finnick dying. That could have been left out. SO MADE ME ANGRY!

One thing I'd change if I could was I wished it played up the romances a little more, but the whole series focused on the games and the rebellion.

I hope they make it into a movie series, I would definately be there. :)

Making Terrariums

2011-02-18T06:44:00.003-06:00

I've been wanting to make a terrarium for awhile and have been reading up on them immensely. I finally found such great moss growing in the woods that I couldnt put it off any longer.

Everything I needed to make a terrarium was already around me, so that the only thing I had to purchase from a store was activated charcoal, making it a very cheap project.

So this is how you do it:
I gathered some small rocks from near a creek, enough to cover the bottom of my glass container. I was actually advised to use small pebbles like in an aquarium, but I wanted it to be a more natural look, so I went with real rocks.

Then I covered the rocks with the activated charcoal. I bought this at Walmart, a very large tub of it for under $7.

I covered the charcoal with regular potting soil.

Then I layed my moss on top. In the above picture, the moss is a very fuzzy kind, not sure the name of it, but we spent a day in the woods at the hunting club and it was growing everywhere. All I had to do was look down. The moss just kind of unrolls itself from the forest floor and brings with it a very thin layer of dirt. By the time, I put it in my glass container it had already gotten a small brownish spot, not sure if its going to make it.

Oh, I almost forgot it took me forever to find this online, but..... If you are going to put a lid on your glass jar you need the activated charcoal. If you are not going to cover it up, you do not need it.

I made another terrarium with moss that was growing in the woods beside my house, right by a creek. I definately prefer this moss. It's greener and almost feels like shag carpet.

Grumpy really enjoyed making her own terrarium with me. We put hers in a very tiny candy jar. She got a different kind of moss too. She found hers growing on a tree.

I purchased 4 tiny mushrooms for only $3 at Zzzengirl. I also bought a gnome, but he's coming from the UK and hasnt got here yet.

A spell of Warm Weather

2011-01-31T13:09:00.002-06:00

The weather was nice and warm this weekend, so we decided to spend some time outside and enjoy, knowing it wouldnt last.

Mr. Mockingbird, who is never friendly and always cranky, hangs out in this little tree at the corner of our porch. He's always tweeting at something or someone, if we walk by, he flys away or jumps in the higher branches. I've been trying to capture his picture for months.

Finally, I was watching the kids further out in the yard while standing on the porch when I noticed him. He made some unwelcoming sound to me and I ran inside to get my camera. Closer and closer I approached until I was about five feet away and this time he did not fly away. I snapped several pictures of him as he carefully watched me while trying to look disinterested. I still dont think he likes me.

I painted an old brass frame a dark brown color. I've been trying to get to this project for awhile.

while, Grumpy splatter painted, which of course had to be framed.

I decided to tackle one of my goals for the shop this year with these little owl plushies. There's a few changes I think I might make to them, but I'm pretty happy with them. See more details here.

a mistake that turned out alright..

2011-01-26T14:28:00.003-06:00

I ordered some batting in bulk from a company I dont normally use, but found that I could get it cheaper there so thought, why not.

I ended up getting the wrong thing shipped to me and was charged more than double, I knew something was wrong.

But then, I touched the batting they sent me and fell in love.

100% all natural cotton that is long staple, virgin cotton, needle punched with fine needles and about as 'green' as it can get. Totally from the Earth.

It feels incredible in the quilts I've been making with it. It's like flannel, but thick.

I will not only be keeping this stuff, but from now on I wont be using anything else in my products. It's here to stay.

hawk spotting

2011-01-18T17:58:00.002-06:00

I spotted this hawk and ran inside to get my camera, and then into the woods I went. Everytime I took two steps forward he flew off, spotting me with his better than me vision. I ended up taking the picture from about 150 yards and zoomed in as far as my camera would go.

I was not happy. Picture me squatting in the woods with a big frownie face.

Purse sale!

2011-01-15T12:39:00.004-06:00

We are having a sale!

Yep, yep.

All purses, totes, and bags take 10% off with coupon code 'bagsale' through Sunday only.

Enter store here.

I've put up lots of new totes for little girls this week. Go and take a look!

Snow Day

2011-01-11T15:04:00.006-06:00

School was cancelled yet again, and it's already been closed for tomorrow too. The mailman hasnt ran since Saturday, and my packages are really starting to pile up. Sorry for the delay, but what am I going to do. The town has shut down.

The view from the front door.

A trail in the woods.

Discovering deer tracks.

Using our beach skimmers as a sleigh.

Clean, pristine snow.

A berry eyed snowman, who we forgot to put arms and a mouth on.

Finally getting out when the roads were cleared.

In other news..........WAR DAMN EAGLE!

Made the Front Page on Etsy today!

2011-01-10T16:29:00.003-06:00

View item page here.

It's Coming!

2011-01-09T21:27:00.005-06:00

Here in Alabama we scare of snow easily. They've already closed the schools because of snow for tomorrow. I've heard that we are getting 2-4 inches and then I've heard even 10 inches of snow. Rarely do they seem to be correct, but this time I guess they were.

These top 2 were taken about 8 pm, and it's about 2 inches of snow so far.

This one was taken at 9 pm, and it's already about 4 inches of snow. Ooooo! The kids are so excited. We've got a big stock of wood piled up and ready for the fireplace, and about 3 jugs of water in the fridge. I told them if we lose power we'll have to cook over the fireplace. That made their eyes bulge a little. :)

We'll see what we wake up to in the morning.

Shop Goals for 2011

2011-01-09T12:51:00.009-06:00

I know, I know, I am a week late, but it's better than not having any goals.

Goal #1

A more nature inspired looking shop

image courtesy of Bijou Kaleidoscope

Goal #2
start making some applique quilts

Kinda like this one from Momo, but using my own appliques and patterns.

Goal #3

Plush owls to sit atop a bed

Goal #4

a kindergarten mat for naptime with a pillow

Goal #5

try my hand at some felted acorns

Goal #6

Pillows. I dont ever make near enough

Goal #7

find something to do with all these scrapsI'm thinking clutches with pretty raggy flowers adorning it.

Goal #8

find something to do with all these too small minky dot pieces

I'm thinking the only thing I can do with them is either cut them up and put them in quilt (which I dont like), making pillows with them, or putting them on the backs of baby bibs or burp cloths.

That's all I got for now.

Happy 20+10 to me!

2011-01-06T10:18:00.002-06:00

I bought this gorgeous black pearl necklace and earring set from Manda Panda Creations.

Manda was absolutely wonderful to work with. She made the jewelry based on my descriptions and I think she did a fabulous job (even though, I'm sure I was a hassle to work with).

So, thank you Manda for being so kind and patient and digging up all the little facts about where and how the pearls were made.

Minky Quilt

2011-01-05T13:56:00.002-06:00

After much, too much time, I managed to get this quilt made. I bought bulks and bulks of these fabrics to have this quilt always available.

Finally complete, you can see it here for yourself.

And as always, my love for owls knows no bounds. :)

Catching Fire

2011-01-03T12:02:00.000-06:00

So this is the second book of The Hunger Games. And yes, I read them back to back on my Iphone. I could not help it. I am THAT into it.

Catching Fire picks up where The Hunger Games left off, only a few months down the road. Katniss had not straigtened anything out with her two men, Gale and Peeta, everything is just as confusing as ever for her.

The time comes for her and Peeta to go on a victor's tour around to all the other districts. They are not looking forward to this and also not looking forward to pretending to be in love again. Before the tour gets started, President Snow, comes to see Katniss at her new house and threatens her that if she is not convincing to the people of Panem certain people are going to die.....like Gale. So of course, Katniss decides to be convincing, which doesnt do much for her relationship with Gale.

They come to District 11. There were two contestants in the last book that were killed in the Hunger Games that helped Katniss and Peeta offers a month of their winners to the victims families, all very generous and this really moves Katniss and the people of District 11, but really upsets the government. Plus, the people of the District 11 do a whistle salute thing and it really gets the ball rolling on the whole uprising thing. People die.....Peeta and Katniss are upset, so they try even harder to be convincing by Peeta asking Katniss to marry him. She agrees.

Somehow, nothing they do can stop what's coming. And what's coming is war. A rebellion starts forming in District 8, then there's trouble is another district, and so on and so on. Unrest has been brewing in the people's hearts for years as they have been starved, picked off and kept down by the hand of the government and Katniss has unwillingly become the face of the rebellion even though she doesnt want to be.

They get back home to District 12, she wants to run away and tells Gale. He is very happy and proclaims his love for her only to find out that she cant leave Peeta behind, she wants him to come too. Then she tells Gale everything and he decides he wants to stay and fight, cause their own uprising.

Gale gets caught hunting and get publically beaten for it, Katniss steps in and intervenes and realizes that Gale is who she wants. She loves him, he's always been hers.

Then of course, President Snow has come up with a new plan of action to squash the hopes of the Districts. He decides that during the next Hunger Games, victors of past will compete again. Of course that means that Katniss and Peeta are going back in.

During this year's Hunger Games it becomes very clear that something has changed. Prominent people are acting out. And the contestants in the Hunger Games are not there to win them, they are there to protect them. Unfortunately, not all of them, so there is some more killing and trying not to be killed.

Plans are devised without Katniss' knowledge and then she devises her own. She doesnt know who she can trust and who she cant. In the end she tries to burst the bubble that the Games is held in, which will electrocute all of them supposedly (that part got a little confusing) and kill them all BUT at least it's a death she chose and not a death that the government chose for her.

She gets rescued by prominent people who have staged their own uprising, more of a revolution. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Peeta who is captured by the government.

They are headed in a hovercraft for District 13, that was supposedly wiped out because of their rebellious nature, only there were survivors and now is the time they are going to fight back.

The book comes to an end with Gale telling Katniss all that happened after she bursts the bubble including Peeta getting captured, him rescuing her family and the fact that District 12 is no more.

I have to get to work. I have to stop reading. Yes, my fingers are itching to press the one click button and download the final book. But. I. Must. Work. Grr.

The Hunger Games

2011-01-02T11:26:00.003-06:00

I dont read these kind of books, so why I have suddenly taken an interest in sci-fi, I cant explain. The Hunger Games is the best book I've read in a very long time. I could not put it down. I just kept reading....and reading...and reading and I finished it in a day. There was no choice for me. IT WAS THAT GOOD!

It's one of those future worlds where America has fallen, the sea has risen, the dark ages have come again, and the government controls everything. It reminds me of all those 80's movies that my dad forced me to watch with him, that I didnt like. But different because the book is something I want to read.

Every year two people are chosen from each district (there are 12) to compete in the Hunger Games. A fight to the death for the entertainment of the people who live in the capitol. All very Roman gladiator like. Katniss, our heroine, takes the place of her twelve year old sister who was actually chosen along with Peeta, a boy who has secretly been in love with her since she was five.

Their mentor for the Games decides the best way to get sponsers for the Games is to play up to the whole romance thing. Only Katniss is playing though (supposedly), Peeta's feelings are real.

Only one winner can come out of the Games (so many things happen during this time, that I havent the time to go into all the details), in other words, eventually either Katniss will have to kill Peeta or vice versa.

There's 24 contestants in the Games, people keep dying off. Katniss is a natural survivalist, but she has a heart and hates the capitol for treating people like this and making them kill each other for amusement.

There's also this love triangle building up because back home in District 12 is Gale, a man who she considers her hunting partner and friend. She says that there is nothing romantic there, but obviously there is more than meets the eye. It reminds me of that movie Troy, where you dont know who to root for because on one hand you have Achilles and you want him to become a legendary hero and then there is Hector who is only trying to keep Troy standing and protect his wife and kid. This is similar because Gale has always been there and they both have strong feelings for each other, he's taught her much useful knowledge, and Katniss just doesnt want to get married and bring a kid into this mess of a world. On the other hand is Peeta, who you can't help but like.

I dont know who I want to win Katniss's heart, but the whole romance thing is not center stage, coming out alive from the Hunger Games is.

So anyway.......it comes down to Peeta and Katniss, of course. He throws away his weapons and tells her to go ahead and kill him because he has no life without her. Of course, she cannot. So she decides to eat some poisonous berries. He takes a few, she takes a few and before they can swallow the Games head honcho comes in and declares them both winners.

This slap in the face to the capitol (as it's seen by some) creates a stir around the districts. Katniss just stood up to the capitol and if one person can stand up and say I WILL NOT PLAY YOUR WAY what can everyone do together? So now the government is saying you better act like you did that out of love ONLY, to which she plays along, and only when Katniss and Peeta are on the train back to District 12, declared victors, does Peeta learn that it was all only an act. END OF BOOK ONE.

Eeeek!

2010-12-30T22:25:00.004-06:00

I bought this ring because I was having a similar necklace and earring set custom made for me with the black pearl, and I found it by accident. It cost almost nothing, so I went ahead and bought it not expecting much. It came in yesterday and it is SO pretty, much prettier than the picture looks. I absolutely LOVE it.

I purchased it from MLW Designs in case anyone's interested.

fresh fabrics!!

2010-12-27T21:27:00.004-06:00

Soul Blossoms in joy by Amy Butler

Soul Blossoms in passion by Amy Butler

Soul Blossoms in bliss by Amy Butler

Impressions in spice by Ty Pennington

Impressions in expresso by Ty Pennington

i SPY icicles

2010-12-26T19:08:00.002-06:00

We've had alot of firsts lately. Our first white Christmas and then we found our first icicles ever. Can you tell it doesnt get very cold here. These are on one of our trees near the house. They werent very long a piece, but together they spanned the whole height of the tree.

I found some ICICLE jewelry that I liked as well. Take a look....

From Polestar

From JBMDesigns

A White Christmas

2010-12-26T09:53:00.005-06:00

Almost twenty+ten years old and this was my very first white Christmas. These are pics from our yard.

We can't have folks sitting in the wrong seat, can we?

Homemade apple pie.....yum, but so not worth the trouble.......I'll think I will just stick with store bought pie crusts from here on. :) I was trying to be homemade.

The feast that took nine hours to prepare all by myself, and lasted a little over twenty minutes. The kids were happy though, so it was worth it.

I hope your Christmas was just as merry!!!!!!!!

The trim is done!

2010-12-24T00:31:00.003-06:00

Finally, the trim is done and I've moved most of everything in. The paint on the trim is called 'Ultra White' by Valspar. It took two coats to cover the wood trim. I still dont have the shelves put up and there's still alot of things on the floor, but we're almost there.

My old studio did not have windows, and the new one does. I'm going to have to make some curtains for them.

I apologize for the pictures. My camera just keeps getting worse and worse, especially on indoor pictures. I'm tired of buying cameras every year.

More pictures to come soon.

Bummer

2010-12-21T22:30:00.004-06:00

Last night or very early this morning, I set the alarm to wake up at about 12:20am to go out and view the lunar eclipse. Oh, so very excited.....having never seen one before.

I bundled up and walked out the door, camera in hand. I couldnt even find the moon as the sky was completed covered in clouds blocking out any hope of me seeing the eclipse.

I had went outside that night about 10 pm (just to check) and the moon was full and high in the sky and completely clear to me. I think that about sums up my luck.

So..........last September I forgot to post my picture of the harvest moon. Not the best picture, but you can see Jupiter just below it.

War Damn Eagle!

2010-12-20T22:09:00.004-06:00

Just showing off my new Auburn Quilt. They are made to order and you can buy them here and snuggle with it during the national championship. WAR EAGLE!

yes.....I have them in Alabama colors too. Blah........

I am number four

2010-12-19T22:03:00.004-06:00

So....I finished reading this book last night. I'm trying to remember a sci-fi book that I've read to compare it to, but nothing comes to mind. I'm thinking that it might be my very first sci-fi.

I did like the book, well, I like the story. It's all very, very, 'I must read this', or that's how I felt when I heard about it and then read the inside cover, but I do have some issues with it.

It's about this fifteen year old boy who has been on earth for about a decade after his planet, Lorien, was destroyed by the Mogadoriens, an evil and mean race that have already depleted their own planet. Only nine children and their keepers or guardians who are called Cepans escape and settle on Earth. They have a charm on them that they can only be killed by the Mogadoriens in a particular order. They also can't stay together or the charm is null, so they have separated and living all over our world, each with their own guardian.

It's never explained why the Mogadoriens are after nine children. They are here learning about our planet for the eventual takeover of Earth, but why are they still after the Loriens is beyond me. So you took over a planet and sucked it dry and a few survivors managed to escape, why chase them down? but that's what is happening.

John, aka Four, moves almost every six months or so to stay hidden from the Mogadoriens, then he ends up in Paradise and for the first time in his life makes a friend and has a girlfriend, he also makes an enemy with the local bully. Lots of stuff go down and he starts getting his powers that every Garde Lorien eventually get. He can't seem to keep these powers hidden and then more stuff go down, yada-yada-yada.

Finally, the Mogadoriens have him surrounded at the high school and girlfriend, Sarah, is with him there. He almost dies at least four times, and death is imminent, and then he finds away out of it or somebody saves him. Henri dies, his dog was actually an animal from Lorien and a shape shifter, and he runs away, says goodbye to his girlfriend and the bully and leaves with Number Six and his best friend Sam. End of book.

I LOVE reading books that are apart of a series or even very very long books that I can drown in, but these....books....must.....have.....proper.....endings.....or I become an angry version of myself. COME ON! give me an ending! Dont stop in the middle of a story because another book is coming. Each book should have it's own plot and ending. Yes, there can be a greater plot to which to tie all the books together, but give me my ending per book. I'm going to buy the other books anyway so why torture me this way?

My Questions:
Four runs away with Six and his best friend Sam. Sam is fifteen years old. How can he run away with them?

Four saves Mark's (the bully) dogs from a fire and then Mark comes to his house before the Mogadoriens show up. After Four goes to the school to find Sarah, Henri shows up with Mark in tow. Why would you bring Mark to the school where there is danger? Yes, he realized that they were aliens or something, but still, you know the bad guys are there.

If Henri knew that one of Four's legacies was the animal thing, why not tell him about it. What was the point of this secret?

Why do we never find out about the other rocketship that took off the day Lorien was destroyed? ....I'm sure this will come later, but still.

Why are the Mogadoriens after them to begin with? They have no planet anymore, so what's the point. I've asked this already.

What is the deal with that charm? It seems it has as many pros as it does cons, whose side was this guy on?

Why was those magazine people sending Sam magazines? How coincidental and just strange. Hopefully, this will be explained.

So.....
I like it, I dont like, and I'm ready to read the next one. So just call me hooked.

busted

2010-12-18T11:48:00.002-06:00

It took awhile, but I finally figured out what was making all that noise behind the washer and dryer. I had a mouse in mind, so this little guy surprised me.

recent purchases

2010-12-16T11:43:00.000-06:00

I bought these rings from Hot Pink Chick, a very popular shop on Etsy. I plan on giving the bottom two to my stepdaughters and I bought the top one for myself. Yes.....I always by myself stuff when shopping for others. :)

They are very very pretty, and I like them, but they arent the most comfortable ring to wear, but for $13 a piece I wont complain. They were packaged beautifully and came to me very quickly.

new items in shop

2010-12-15T11:37:00.000-06:00

These are my very first embroidery hoop art, and I really making them. I have them for purchase here. Plus, it gives me something else I can do with owls. :)

Mmmm....

2010-12-14T11:34:00.002-06:00

I'm getting all warm and snuggly......

I spy owls!

2010-12-08T18:45:00.000-06:00

from: Urban Walls

From: Branch Handmade

from: Pinking Edge Designs

a new studio.....

2010-12-07T18:28:00.005-06:00

I have outgrown my very small studio and am re-organizing the house to give me my own space.......a much bigger space. Yay!

I finished painting the walls. They went from eggshell (blah) to a pale green called 'Summer Frolic' by Valspar. I love that name! I still have to paint the trim because I hate it brown, and I want a nice pale space to work in before I can actually move into the room.

I could not have picked a worse time to begin on the project. I am working like a mad woman to get orders out on time and paint.

More pictures to follow as the room gets closer to completion.

Lookie, lookie

2010-12-04T21:08:00.003-06:00

I was in desperate need of some new footies for the cool weather. I found these at Jenster76. I bought several pairs last year as gifts and a few for myself from many different shops last year trying to get different looks with them, but the only ones that are still wearable are the ones I got from this shop last year. I bought some very cute mary janes that were not as thick and by the time I retired them they had huge holes in them, so needless to say, I think I will stick with Jenster. They just have a better quality to them.

I bought this TOO CUTE little lion from Tiddly Winks for my niece for Christmas and it is absolutely GORGEOUS! You can see the quality of craftmanship that went into it. I love the little ric rac on it's chest and its furry mane and tail. TOO CUTE! Oh, wait I've said that already :) oopsie. I cant wait to give it to her, she's 3 and I know she will love it.

fresh fabrics....

2010-11-18T14:01:00.005-06:00

I've added some new fabric to my available fabric page. have a look see!

Sanctuary by Patty Young in warm.

Sanctuary by Patty Young in cool

Quite Contrary by Riley Blake in pink

Quite Contrary by Riley Blake in red

Quite Contrary by Riley Blake in green

Isabella by Lila Tueller in green

Isabella by Lila Tueller in brown

Isabella by Lila Tueller in blue

All Star 2 by Riley Blake in orange

All Star 2 by Riley Blake in green

All Star 2 by Riley Blake in blue

Parisville by Tula Pink in sprout

Parisville by Tula Pink in pomegranate

Parisville by Tula Pink in mist

I love pie!

2010-11-16T12:41:00.000-06:00

I am making oatmeal and pecan pies, one a piece. The recipe is very high in sugars and calories, so I only make it about once or twice a year. It's worth every bite!

You need a pie shell and to preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Combine 2 eggs, 2/3 cup of sugar, 2/3 cup of Karo syrup, teaspoon of vanilla, 2/3 cup of melted butter, and a cup of oatmeal or pecans, whichever you prefer. Mix it altogether and fill the pie shell. The recipe is for only one pie.

My grandma gave me this recipe years ago, and I found heaven in a single slice, though I've been known to eat an entire pie in 2-3 days. Oh, and also hide them for myself. :)

Mmmmm.......almost done. Cooks for 45 minutes or until firm.

A day in the woods.....

2010-11-15T12:19:00.004-06:00

We spent the day in the woods and mostly thickets, but I ended up taking all the pictures of just the swamp. Go figure.

The swamp.

Beaver Dam.

Poor, opossum.

Where are you Mr. Beaver?

I loved this pine archway!

Hammerhead, maybe?

Hawk feather.

fresh fabrics!!

2010-11-12T19:18:00.002-06:00

These babies are called 'Enchanted Garden' by Samantha Walker. So pretty!

I have decided that I will no longer be able to post pictures of treasuries on this blog. It takes so much effort and I just do not have the time.

Thanks so much to those who feature my items in their treasuries!!

Seen this?

2010-11-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

Lots of Christmas craft goodies packed in here. Here is the link to see for yourself. I have several that I want to try. I LOVE CHRISTMAS DECORATING! especially when I can make my own stuff. Go see. go see.

I'm thinking of trying this wreath. It's basically a styrofoam circle wrapped up in scrap fabrics and stuff. The twig, of course, is why I love it. Bring in the woods.

I like this one, and was actually already thinking of doing something a wee bit similar this year. It's a scrappy patchwork tree on a canvas frame. I like the tree on canvas, but I think I will just do triangle trees. Also, I thought I might want to put some in those embroidery circles.

This one is my favorite. However, I do HATE making yo-yos. Its just a bunch of different size yo-yos on a dowel. Not digging the thread on the bottom, but.......not sure what to replace it with. Hmmm....there's a puzzle.

Hopefully, I will have time for these goodies for my home this year. If so, I will share.

A few treasuries...

2010-11-05T16:36:00.005-05:00

This treasury is called 'Things that make me Happy'. It features my twin size traditional quilt, bottom row, last column.

Thank you goes to I bite like a monster. Love that name!

Called 'A day in the summer garden' it features my wild thyme picnic quilt, bottom row, third column.

Thank you to Lewis Cooper for the feature.

What fun! This one is called 'Gift Guide.....' It features one of my snuggle quilts, middle row, last column. That picture is hands down my favorite picture I have ever taken of one of my items. They are always a work in progress, but I think I'm getting better.

Thanks to Vegan Craftastic for featuring me.

Evergreen Treasury

2010-11-02T12:00:00.002-05:00

I am so delighted to be in this lovely treasury called 'Evergreen'. that's my little girls rag quilt tote in filligree in the top, right hand corner.

Lots of goodies in this one for anyone buying for little girls. Take a peek!

Thanks to Star Gazing Lilly for featuring me.

Another Sale!

2010-11-01T20:30:00.004-05:00

My stockpile is up to my eyeballs so I think I shall have one more sale before the Christmas frenzy begins.

I've marked all my baby quilts down 10%. Eeek! These being my best sellers, I never put them on sale, but alas, I have. :)

Now go buy something from here!

'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe

2010-10-31T06:01:00.000-05:00

The Raven

by Edgar Allan Poe
(published 1845)

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;- vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
'Tis the wind and nothing more!"

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never- nevermore'."

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee- by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by Horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?- tell me- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!

Happy Halloween!

New Treasury

2010-10-30T17:39:00.003-05:00

Felicia, from CatWalk created this lovely treasury called 'Some Kind of Wonderful'. that's my picnic rag quilt on the top row, second column.

Thanks a bunch.

4 new treasuries....

2010-10-25T16:40:00.006-05:00

Love these great fall colors. Called 'Fall for Fall' and it features a one of a kind quilt of mine in Deervalley fabrics, middle row, last column.

Thanks to Free Bird Shoppe!

SO CUTE! This one's called 'Teddy Bear Picnic'. I love it! It features my ever popular Wild Thyme Picnic Quilt (hint: this fabric is about to out of print, so get it while you can).

Thanks to Ilanaavin!

This pink and brown lovely is called 'Welcome Baby Brylee'. It has one of my baby rag quilts featured on the top row, second column.

Thank you to Soy Comfort for featuring my quilt!

This one is called 'Patchwork of Life'. That's my rag diaper bag (and is on sale right now!) on the bottom row, third column.

Thanks to Virtuly Glass for featuring me.

PURSEAPALOOZA SALE!

2010-10-23T21:26:00.002-05:00

Maybe that is a stretch on the whole 'palooza' thing.

BUT, We are having a SALE! on all totes, purses, handbags, and even diaper bags that are in stock and ready to ship now!

SALE is FOR 10% OFF, NOW UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 29. Click here to go to shop now!

What's New!

2010-10-19T15:10:00.005-05:00

This treasury is called 'Handpicked Items'. That would be my patchwork pillow on the bottom row.

Thanks goes out to Hula Hoop Vintage for the feature!

I have been featured in a treasury called 'Blue and Green Gift Guide'. Ahhh...favorite colors of mine. That's my funky stockings up on the top row.

Thanks to Sweetly Fallen for featuring me.

I have a new size quilt in my shop this week. Introducing toddler size bed quilts. These are made to fit a toddler size bed perfectly. It measures about 45x64 inches. And, of course you can customize them away.

Nicey Jane!

2010-10-12T18:22:00.003-05:00

Fabric Bird is pleased to bring you 'Nicey Jane' by Heather Bailey. So pretty and girly! Me likey. Buy the yard set of each here.

Treasury Feature

2010-10-11T08:59:00.003-05:00

Oooo, this treasury is very woodland romantic, dont you think? It's called 'Fauna' and me likey. Thats my rag quilt throw in Deer Valley fabrics bottom row, third column.

Thanks to Sarah for the very lovely feature.

All I want for Christmas

2010-10-10T09:53:00.006-05:00

This is my list of Christmas wants. Of course, I dont expect to get all of them (dont be silly....unless you want to). But using this list you cannot go wrong when buying for ME. :)

Note: I've made this list for someone in particular who buys for me and in no particular order.

Kimono style ankle length robe from Plum Pretty Sugar. So pretty!!!!! I want this exact one, I love this color. $64

This is the lenox chirp china set from Belk home. BEEN wanting this for awhile. Price would depend on how many settings were bought.

Glass Briolette wire wrapped earrings in iridescent pink. Swoon! These are from Sterling Roses Design and are priced at $16.

Butterfly art print on dictionary paper from Little Blue Bird Studio only $10.

I want it! I want it! I want it! Hammered Copper Crescent necklace from Yab Yummi Creations.
It's $35.

I've been gaga over this shop for awhile. This is an owl family tree print again on the pretty paper. This one's from Carambatack and only $20.

If I had to put which gift I wanted the most, this one would be numero uno. AND its my birthstone. The Miner's Muse necklace (sighs). It's from Noble Gnome and only $28.

Poppy ring from Silent Goddess. Gorgeous and $48.

Finally, Bird on a Branch Messenger Bag. I can SO see me carrying this. Its from 11m2 and priced at $89.

Sewing Tips

2010-10-08T09:32:00.000-05:00

I had a discussion with a fellow seamstress about sewing on minky dot. She wondered how I could stand using it with it being so hard to sew.

The problem with minky dot is it moves when you are sewing so badly.

How to remedy?

As you can see in the picture I cut my minky about .5-1 inch bigger than I need it. That way I can hold on to it as I sew on it. After I'm done sewing the stitch, I go back and cut it off to remove bulk. This completely takes the pain away from sewing on the minky dot.
You can see on the pic below....

Mad about Plaid...

2010-10-07T21:28:00.004-05:00

I just got done completing a custom nursery set and I got to use some dark plaid in it and I am SO in a plaid mood right now. Plaid makes me feel very fall-ish. How bout you?

Tada!

2010-10-05T14:07:00.000-05:00

I am aware that I may be a bit obsessed with owls, but oh well.

These are my latest design for bags for little girls. I'm calling them 'Itty Bitty Bags'. They strap over the shoulder and then across the chest. All hands free and sit about on the hip.

I am loving them. These all feature an owlet on the front. They are all one of a kind bags, some may be similar, but none are exactly the same. I made them all from leftover fabrics as a way of destashing, so I wont be doing any custom order for them.

If you like enough to buy, you can find them here and here.

I think they would make excellent Christmas gifts and I play on giving one to my niece.

Norcross, GA Art Festival

2010-10-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

I have been so busy preparing for the art festival in Norcross, GA, that I've been slacking on my blog (sorry).

It's over and done with now, and I can slow down a bit. I did enjoy the crowd and the town was very nice. We ate at a place downtown called 'Little Italy'. I had penne pasta and it was yummy.

I did a few new stuff to my booth this time.

This was a new addition. The little rag tote bags were so popular at my last show. So, I made much much more and the W built me this handy little display for them. I put it right out front so all the little girls could get a better view.

These are also a new design and there will be more to come on them later.

I had a great time and will hopefully be returning next year. If anyone knows of any art shows that might be going on in the future in the southeast, please let me know.

treasury

2010-09-29T06:36:00.003-05:00

Me likey all the green in this one. It's called 'She once was a true love of mine'. That's my wild thyme throw quilt on the bottom row, first column.

Thanks to Vintage Valley Girl for featuring my quilt.