Older Rose Give Away

If you read my blog you know that I almost NEVER post links to give aways, so the fact that I'm posting this one lets you know how wonderful it is!

Gerry over at Older Rose is offering up a chance to win one of her famous pincushions as well as a chance to win a set of her hand painted antique mother of pear buttons.




Go visit Gerry at the link above for the rules and more info on the lovely prizes she is offering!

Of course, I'm hoping to win both of these prizes but I wish you all good luck, too.



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Horse Quilt Progress

Today I got one of the pillowcases made for Mat's horse quilt bed set. The quilt top has been finished and is now over at Connie's to be quilted. I opted to have her add a cotton batting for me, too. I should have it back in about 3 weeks (maybe sooner). Then I can finish the border and we're good to go, in plenty of time for his birthday. BTW, he knows about the quilt.

I was so happy to find someone so close to home. And at such a reasonable price. I'm thinking that maybe, depending on how this job works out, that I might have her finish some of my 1920's - 1940's hand pieced quilt tops from my great grandmother, grandmother and mother-in-law. I would love to be able to use them instead of having them stored away.....what a waste!

And no, I didn't take any photos before I dropped it off. I don't know what I was thinking but I wasn't thinking about taking photos, obviously. You can see other photos on these posts: Here and Here.

Anyway, here's the pillowcase. I'm planning on using this rust colored piping/rope trim as part of the border on the quilt.



Tomorrow we're going to the Rocky Mountain Quilt Festival in Fort Collins (my bad!) Loveland, Colorado. Connie has a booth there, Sew Ready Creations, booth #505. Of course I'll pop in and say hello.

Well, got to go. It's time to start the weekend!!!! Have a good one.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

It's My 4 Year BlogAversary

I swear the only way I remember is because it's also National Left Hander's Day.

Well, to all the bloggers who have stuck it out for at least 4 years, and to all you lefties (aka southpaws) - cheers to you!!!!

My horoscope says that I should concentrate on something arty, so I'm going to do just that today.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Main Floor Bath Finished

This is where we started (08/08)



This was the first change (05/09)



After we (pretty much ) gutted it (06/10)



After the tile (07/10)



And this is where we ended up (07/10)

We opted for a "vintage look" by changing out all of the fixtures to chrome and/or white porcelain, including the lighting which is chrome with white alabaster glass globes. And the pedestal sink and toilet both have very pretty, decorative features. I just love the very 1920's look that it has.

We were stuck with the purple tile in the tub/shower but were able make it work by using my existing purple towels and various accessories. We also took down the lace shower curtain and frosted liner, and replaced it with a set of chocolate brown, faux suede, floor length panels, and a clear liner.



In this photo you can see that we reworked the builder's grade medicine cabinet. We removed the door, sanded and stained it, lined it, and filled it with a variety of apothecary jars, pretty soaps, and basic needs type items for guests.



Because we lost all of our storage when we tossed out the purple vanity and cabinet, we borrowed space from the hall closet and installed a small "necessity" space behind the bathroom door.




Well that's it! The main floor remodeling (except for my office and pantry) is finally complete. Now we need to decide if we're going revamp our master bed and bath or work on finishing the basement. Hmmmmmm. I know what I want to do but I fear I will not prevail on this one! LOL.

Thanks for stopping by to visit and look around. I'll be back later with an HERBS post.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Reconnecting

I don't know why I've been hesitant to write about this but maybe subconsciously I thought I might jinx myself. So, what am I talking about? Or more precisely, who? Mathew, of course. If you've been reading my blog for very long you know that we had a terrible falling out in October of 2007. I have made many mistakes, as parents often do, and he became very hostile toward me (and my DH) for various reasons, and for no apparent reasons at all (as far as we know). But I don't think at this point that pointing fingers will serve any purpose.

Anyway, while I was in Arizona taking care of my mother in last few weeks before she passed away, Mathew drove down to see her. He was there for a week and I don't believe anything could have made his grandma more happy. He was always her 'favorite' and we all knew that he held a special place in her heart. She asked for him repeatedly while he was there. They sat for hours talking, laughing, telling stories, catching up, and loving each other.

During that time we had time also to talk, to laugh, to cry, and in the end, began the long road to recovery. I was able to accept the person he had become and he is trying to accept the parent that I needed to be.

Long story short, my heart is happy once again. And I know we have a long way to go, and that the road ahead of us will be bumpy, sometimes distant, and tentative, but the road is before us.

As for Mat, he is doing better than I ever expected that he would. He's a hard worker, dependable, and focused. He has matured into a handsome, kind, and quiet man. He is happy in his own skin and has high hopes for his future.

What more could a mother hope for? I love him so much. And I still miss him terribly. Which is, I suppose, what a mother does!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry