Eye Candy

Oops!

I've been MIA on the blog scene as of late. It's been a case of so many projects, so little time. I've been sewing a lot and the kids are better which means we can do more things as well. The warm(er) weather has given us a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine. I am so looking forward to getting that garden going but first will have to tackle racking up the leaves in the half of the yard that missed out in the fall!

Yesterday was spent playing outside and retaking lots of photos of my etsy listings. I am also taking a trip next week to see my parents on Long Island. I am trying to complete the quilting on a string quilt that I am working on so that I can bring it with me and hand finish the binding in the evenings while watching TV with the folks.

So there I was last night sewing along. I took a break to check out my progress and this is what I found! Yes, I've sewed for what feels like miles before realizing I'm running on an empty bobbin but this was a first!! Happily it was relatively easy to repair.

Treasuries

WOW! I am in 2 treasuries at the moment. You can see National Giraffe Day here and Birthday Surprise here. 

Cat Quilt ~ Completed!

I've finished my cat quilt! I am so very happy with the way it turned out. I am listing it in my etsy shop. I did want to post some more pictures of it here (you only get 5 pics on the etsy listing and well there are 30 cats)! If you are coming to this blog from my etsy shop, be sure to read my other posts about this quilt so that you can see it coming together. 

Heather Small ~ Proud

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Treasuries

Fun In The Kitchen

Recently I was featured in two treasuries. Thanks to Kym & Lauren for selecting an item from my shop to feature.

Rose Garden ~ close up!

I really enjoy showing the process of how my quilts come together. Yesterday I had wanted to show my rose garden quilt growing as I added each border. The view did not lend well to showing off the colors so here you go. A close up of the rose garden! Thanks for stopping by. 

WIP ~ Works in Progress!

I have two quilts that are nearly finished. The cat quilt (pictures in a previous post) and the Sunbonnet Sue (this one that Erin is holding)  just need the binding finished. This is a nice part to do while watching TV so I'm saving that to do in the evening. They should both be finished and listed in my Etsy shop within the week. 

The last post pictured my daughter cutting apart triangles for the quilt I am working on now. The blocks are a hourglass design and it has several borders. It is a throw size (54 x 65) and will look gorgeous on the back of someone's couch (maybe yours!). It will be wonderful to snuggle under. That should be completed by next week. I took some pictures today of it coming together. 

Mommy's Little Helper ~ A Quilter's Dream

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I actually dreamed about this moment. As I made her baby quilts I thought about the day when she would be old enough to sit by me and help. That day has finally come!

If you are a quilter you know about chain piecing. Most traditional quilts are small pieces put together. The most efficient way of making those pieces is to sew many at a time without cutting the thread in between each piece. When your done you cut the pieces apart (only to repeat the process a few more times).

Erin wanted to help me and she (like most 3 year olds) enjoys using a scissor. I looked at my heap of chain pieces that needed to be cut and thought why not! She had so much fun helping me and is quite good at her new job. 

She is taking the job very seriously though. The other morning I finished cutting a pile while she ate breakfast. She looked at me and said "Thanks for finishing that for me mom"! 

Adventures with the bulb syringe

Hmmm nice title huh? We've been dealing with a little sickness here. I really never had to use that "thing" the hospital gives you with my daughter. This "thing" or mini turkey baster as we refer to it has had some use with my son. I hate it but it does work. He's a fiesty thing though and just goes a little wild when he sees me coming at him with a tissue. He sees that turkey baster and he's off running away in his walker. 

Ideally you are supposed to close off one nostril to optimize the suction. One hand holds the baster, the other holds one side of his nose. How am I supposed to hold him down? I love the directions, "aim the syringe straight back toward the back of the head (not up toward the eyes)". After I've got him pinned down I can never remember up to the eyes or not the eyes. What happens if you accidently aim up to his eyes? I'm not suctioning grey matter am I?  Does anyone know?

Thanks!

I have 2 thanks this morning. I did sell my rainbow banner for Zachary. I wanted to thank the buyer for their purchase. 

I also want to thank Sandra Stein of ReBop Shop. She has an online store and an etsy shop. I won her blog giveaway! Check out her shops, she has wonderful vintage goodies for sale and makes beautiful soy candles in vintage china. I won this wonderful vintage fridge magnet made from vintage jewelry!

Etsy Community Support

Although I have been a member of Etsy since September, I only recently discovered the Etsy forums. One night I was having some sewing machine difficulties. I Googled my problem and hoped for a quick fix. What I got after I hit the return key in my search was way more than I could have imagined. One of the top Google results led me to a thread on an Etsy forum. Things haven't quite been the same since!

I wound up posting a thread for my problem and within moments I had advice, support, & camaraderie. I had found fellow crafters  some of who had experienced my issue and could offer advice, others who just posted a note sharing my pain!

I have found the forums to be a great place where some wonderful  people "hang out". Business advice is shared as well as personal ups & downs. The forums are the heart of the Etsy community.

The other day I stumbled upon a post that made my heart skip a beat. This was the post: Etsy member lost her son Friday  the post was written by the sister of the member. Her 5 year old son was hit by a car while crossing the street in a crosswalk with his classmates and teacher. This thread quickly grew as fellow Etsy members posted their thoughts and prayers to send to this family. The family had set up a website to help defray funeral costs and another Etsy member took it upon themself to set up a listing of items that people could purchase and the seller would donate the proceeds to the family. 

I am offering the proceeds from the sale of my rainbow pennant/banner to Zachary's family. You can find many other items on Etsy with proceeds being donated to Zachary's family, simpy search "Zachary" under items/tags. 

and the WINNER is ......

Today was the giveaway drawing. All the names were placed in the monsters inc. hat. Erin was the official winner picker. Ronan stood by to be sure she did it right.

and the winner is ~~~~~~~

Unique Nurse Granny!!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone for stopping by, I appreciate all you comments. 

Cats (almost all) stitched on!

Just a little update and some more pictures. I've got nearly all the cats stitched into their frames (or windows as I've come to think of them). They've each taken on their own personality and no two are alike. I've used a blanket stitch to sew them on which reminds me of fur and I really like the effect. 

Laying them out to decide on the perfect placement should be a real challenge. Lighting of course is best during the day but the little guy would be way too helpful in rearranging! 

My giveaway ends tonight at midnight! So scroll on down & 

enter!!!