Making Flowers

Thought I would post about some blocks I have just finished up. Two of them are the same pattern -- called Distelfink. I did some checking on what a Distelfink is and came up with this information: "A distelfink is a stylized goldfinch, probably based on the European variety. It frequently appears in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. They represent happiness and good fortune and the Pennsylvania German nation, and they are a common theme in hex signs and in fraktur. The word 'distelfink' (literally 'thistle-finch') is the German name for the European goldfinch."

These two blocks were hand-stitched around the edges. Haven't done very much cross-stitch over the years but I did prefer it to a satin stitch I am using on a different piece. The satin stitch has me wondering if I will ever finish the block, but I am stubborn and can see the end in sight. That one will be posted once it is completed. See the flowers? -- tulips, and many different ones in the fabric pieces.

This next one I completed on the sewing machine on a hot lazy Sunday afternoon. It is called a Lancaster Rose pattern. I know many more of these are in my future as I like how fast it came together. I used to think sewing/quilting was something to do to stay inside when the snow was falling outside, but with the hot temperatures this early in the summer, it may be my year round pleasure for 2012.

From Here to the Moon

Okay call me obsessive about a few things. I simply love this song by Dolly Parton after renting and watching her in the movie "Joyful Noise". My family has been hearing me playing this link from Youtube at least 5 times today. Hope you enjoy the song. Simply click on these words: From Here to the Moon and Back.

Pineapple Memories

Had to pull out my iron skillet last night to prepare a little treat after making a huge pot of turkey noodle soup for the family.

Wish I had some cherries to put on this pineapple upside down cake but couldn't find any at the little local grocery store in Fort Benton, MT.

Usually I don't use dark brown sugar, but the taste is still just as it should be.

The kids made short order of the cake and I spied one slice left this morning before heading to work.



Making pineapple upside down cakes in the iron skillet reminds me of my teenage years and having picnic potlucks in our front yard at our summer/vacation mountain trailor after church on Sundays. Never knew who would show up, but usually there would be around 15 people when all got seated. Been thinking about that time in my life lately, especially sitting in the swing late at night and looking up at the stars . . . having dreams and making secret plans for my future. A future that involved moving across country where I now live in "Big Sky Country" and gaze up at those same million stars in awe of the beauty and in awe of how time has flown so quickly.

I don't feel 43 and am very happy when one of the residents in personal care where I work says I look 23. One said the other day that "you are aging remarkably well." I had to laugh and then look in the mirror and say to myself, "no way". They have older eyes and my "youth" is a long distance memory in their lives. Still we can all smile and be thankful no matter what the view.

Scraps Make It Pretty

I have been working on listing my quilts on Etsy. These are the ones I made last year - 2008. One that stands out in my mind is the purple and green floral with butterflies. I thought I would share a few pictures.

It is very hard for me to throw any scraps away. I found that very true this week in re-arranging my sewing workspace and also starting another mini-project.



This purple quilt was total scraps from another quilt which features log cabin quilt blocks that a dear friend made. I had to be sneaky and have another friend bid on them for me through Ebay because I wanted them so. Aren't friends wonderful!
I love stitching and creating quilts. Some are pretty but others are just plain special to the person making them.


The kids are on the big count down for Christmas now, even though they know most everything under the tree. The days are dragging for them. I am contented in knowing I am prepared and have finished my shopping, wrapping, and mailing.

Hope you are having a lovely day. I am past being excited and ready to explode as my hubby will be home tomorrow after being gone for 19 days for work training. Most of the time days fly by, but these have just been drag drag dragging. Well, to take my mind off of it -- off I go to stitch!

Card Making Art

IMG_2614, originally uploaded by pippa67.

I like this creation someone made and posted on flickr.com. I need to settle down more and experiment with making cards. There are still tons of people I know that don't use a computer to communicate. Also, there are some of the same that I don't talk to on the phone much as they are out and about and busy and don't believe in cell phones.

Getting something special in the mail is also fun! So I think I am convincing myself to get busy here . . . a card to Linda . . . a card to Charles and Judi . . . a card to my special friend "Mama Mary".. this list is growing as I type.

Hope you take time to send a special note out to those you love and hold dear. Don't let more time slip away and wish you had . . . I have been experienceing that since last October when a dear sweet friend of mine (and penpal for years) passed away unexpectedly . . . I think of and miss you almost daily Sara Jo.