I must have ORDER!

Well, I'm kidding just a little but I think we've all noticed 'changes' since we've been staying home more. I worked hard Spring cleaning at the beginning of this all. I had cleaned and taken things to donate before the pandemic. And then when we HAD to stay home, I worked even harder. And then when I did made something, I cleaned everything up just as soon as I finished. I like to sew and love to make cards and altered books. And I don't usually mind having an 'ongoing' mess while I work. But for some reason, I need order now.

One of the sewing projects I worked on was making pillow covers out of some old hand quilted pieces that I bought at a thrift store a long time ago. 

I loved the old fashioned fabric and they were all 18 by 18 square...more or less. 

I cut them to make them more perfectly square and then put some pretty gingham checks on the back in an envelope style. 

I'm not sure I can explain how to make the envelope but I'm sure there are directions if you search online.

I try to make covers because I already have so many throw pillows. So this way the pillow fits right inside!

I am using two of them in the lanai and one on my recliner in the living room. I think they look and feel cozy and comforting.

I think I'll get my sketchbook out next and see if I can do a little sketching or watercolors. Maybe I can stand a few more things on my desk and the rest of the room can stay clean for awhile longer.

Have you enjoyed doing your sewing or craft projects these past couple of months? I need some inspiration! What are you working on now?

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Veterans Day Tribute

A special THANK YOU to all of the veterans today,

especially my sweet husband and to all of those

that are presently serving in the military and their families. 

We appreciate your sacrifice!

What a blessing to live in this country and enjoy our freedoms.

 I've shown these beautiful Quilts of Valor before but want to share them again!

 The ladies in my community make these and present them to deserving veterans. They are real works of art.

To take part in this Nationwide project click HERE.

 I've shared a lot of mosaics this week so

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE .

 

Talented People!

When I go to Arts and Craft Fairs I am amazed at the talented people in this world! And right here in my community. I got a chance to go to TWO Craft Fairs last weekend!

First lets see what I didn't buy but really wanted! lol 

The fairies! 

I got to meet Susan Snodgrass and she is an amazing artist, creating fairies and mermaids out of porcelain. 

 I fell in love with every one of them!

The mermaid in the tea cup was very special.

But this one was my favorite!

(they were a little out of my price range but worth every penny!)

What I DID buy was a pretty quilt for my doll room.

Isn't it fun with all the cute little dresses appliqued on!

And 2 smaller square quilts (36" square) with hand embroidery. 

I got to meet the quilt artists too and they were both amazing!

Of course a craft fair isn't complete without some clever finds and jewelry! What fun I had! 

Something to be thankful for this week!

Have you been to a Fall festival yet?

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays  and

Katherine's Thursday Favorite things HERE.

Handmade Quilts and the weather!

Well, here we are back in Florida preparing for a hurricane. We were in NC when Hurricane Florence went through the Eastern part of the state and now we are getting ready for wind and rain from Hurricane Michael as it barrels down on the Western part of Florida and the panhandle. I’m keeping everyone in it’s path in my prayers.

I came home in a ‘decluttering mood’ and took a big donation to Hospice Thrift Store last week. While I was there, one of my sweet artist friends, Margaritte told me about the Arts and Crafts show coming up over the weekend in her community. So I went knowing I would buy some of her cards.

And then I saw it…..a Rooster Quilt!

And I was IN LOVE!

(I have it folded in quarters in my photos but it’s 78 by 55)

The sweet lady, Rachel gave me a ‘deal’ on it that included a small Christmas quilt.

(57 by 48)

But as I walked around looking at all the pretty things, I kept thinking about the other beautiful Christmas throw she had for sale. So I went back and bought it too. Her prices were great and I was glad I had enough ‘mad money’ with me to get them. It was just a small show but the best one I’ve been to in years!

(64 by 46)

We don’t have to wrap up in quilts very often here in Florida but I think the throws look pretty on my sofa in the lanai.

Handmade quilts are a work of art and nice to change out for the seasons! I’ve never had a Christmas quilt before! Have you?

And if you come over today, I’ll share a crisp ripe apple with you!

Have you been to an Arts and Crafts show this Fall?

I’m going to publish this a day early before any bad weather gets here. Keep praying!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays.

Quilts of Valor

What a joy to attend the Open House hosted by our local Quilt Club and see the presentation of quilts to worthy Veterans in our community.

Quilts of Valor

My photos don’t do justice to the beauty of these quilts.

I’ve always loved the red white and blue patriotic quilts.

And these are all made by the members and given to our veterans.

It was a moving presentation and an honor to thank these brave men.

And a special thanks to all of the ladies who work so hard and are so giving…AND talented!

(there were a LOT of ladies involved, I just got a few at the refreshment table!)

I found the website HERE if any of you are interested in this program.

Enjoy your day!

Quilts and Dolls

I love to ‘hunt’ for quilts and dolls!

And even though you probably think I go to the thrift store every day, I only go about once every 2 weeks or so. But I’ve been so lucky to find some neat things. We have the BEST thrift stores here in Florida.

I found this beautiful handmade lap quilt the last time I went.

I couldn’t wait to wash it and really look at it up close.

And look what I saw!

A heart stitched right in the center.

Won’t this feel nice to wrap up in next winter!

I also found these very old paper dolls.

They have patterns to make doll clothes for them. I’ve never heard of that, have you?

They were tucked in their original packaging, which was kind of like wax paper.

I’m joining the Vintage Inspiration Link party HERE,

and Roses of Inspiration

and Ivy and Elephants.

Have you found anything special this week?

I made myself ‘Vintage’!

We visited Dudley Farm Historic State Park near Gainesville, Florida and I was dressed all wrong with my shorts and tee shirt. I laughed and said I would ‘photo shop’ myself in later.

So that’s exactly what I did. I came home and put a prairie dress over my top and shorts by using an overlay in picmonkey and then put an antique frame around the photo in photoscape. (just for FUN!!!)

Betsy from My Salvaged Treasures defines vintage this way, vin-tage (adj.) 1.) used to describe something that is not new but that is valued because of its good condition, attractive design, etc.

So I’m going to consider myself vintage in this post! lol

Of course I was drawn to the beautiful quilts in this old home.

 

Most of the furniture and furnishings are original to this house.

All of the beds were the ones used by this big family of 14.

Old quilts are such treasures, aren’t they?

And they are vintage, too!

I’m joining the Vintage Inspiration Link party HERE,

and Roses of Inspiration.