20 August 2010

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

13 August 2010

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

10 August 2010

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

02 August 2010

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

20 July 2010

Farmers' Market and More



This past Saturday my DH and I ventured out to the Boulder Farmers' Market and Arts & Crafts Festival. And despite it being a very, very hot day we had a great time.



The market is held in the most wonderful and convenient location, at Boulder Central Park, right in the heart of downtown. You just wouldn't expect to find such a large, lush park just off of Pearl Street. Of course, the park comes complete with a creek running through it. And on this HOT day, it's no wonder that we saw so many people tubing down it. It's been along time since I watched children play in a creek, with all of the laughter, screams, and excitement.

Yet there was such a peaceful quality to the setting. So many folks enjoying their picnics, furbabies socializing, couples walking hand in hand, and a variety of musical entertainment in the background.



Sadly, we didn't purchase any of the produce offered because of the heat and packing it around all day just didn't seem like a very good idea. Next time we know to bring a cooler with us (duh!).

We did find some fun and interesting items during our time there. And DH was sure that I would just have to have one of everything. LOL. There might have just been too many beautiful and unique items to choose from because I can home with very little in my bag. One of my favorites was this booth named The Cat & The Fiddle. I just loved how vintage spoons and other utensils, tea pots, etc., were used to make chimes, cake testers, book marks and the like.



When we were done 'window shopping' at the booths in the park we wondered across the street to the Pearl Street Mall. I love this place with its many, many specialty shops and eateries spanning for blocks along Pearl Street. The buildings have a very old-time feel and look to them and they are facing each other across a very, very wide walking area full of tent like booths/kiosks full of every imaginable form of art and other wares. The entire 'mall' feels very park like with its tall shade trees, brick streets/walks, bronze statues, play and seating areas. You will also find a wide variety of street musicians and entertainers.







(a little note here - don't forget to take a few dollar bills with you to say, "THANK YOU" to the musicians and entertainers)





BTW, how many humans does it take to hold up a unicycle?



Three of course, according to this cute little squirrel who was just hanging out near by and eating a ring of lemon.



And in case you're wondering...this was my only purchase of the day. Right after we entered the market I found this wonderful little booth selling herbs, and such and I picked up this great smudge stick. I can hardly begin to describe how wonderful the blend of herbs smell. And I have to say that for only $5 this was a steal!


It's been far too long since I last smudged my home. And considering all of the events that have taken place in my life lately, chasing away the negative energy, doing a good cleansing, being able to ground and center, and to relax is WAY over due! But more about that later.

By about 2:30 PM, DH and I were hot, tired, and hungry so we stopped here for lunch. Can you believe how many youngsters don't even know what a phone booth looks like? I would love to have one in my basement.



Just as you would expect, the interior is fixed up to look like an English Pub, complete with street signs and other things London-like. It's really quite quaint. Unfortunately my photos are too dark to post. The food was very good and reasonably priced. The service was also good and fast! And on the weekends they feature a Do It Yourself Bloody Mary Bar. How cool is that?!?!

That's all for now, folks! Have a great rest of the day.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

12 July 2010

Witch's Hat

Some time back I saw this post about a Witchi-poo-hat over at MamaBear's blog and I knew that I had to try my hand at it.

Since I didn't plan on making a full size, wearable hat, I used "A Mini Witch's Hat" pattern that I found HERE. But when I printed it out, it was about pincushion size and that's not what I had in mind either. In the end I opted to make the hat a little larger and just have a fun decorative item to display. The finished hat is 9 1/2 " tall by 9" across.

I did have to do some tweaking to the pattern as I was putting it together. And I chose to substitute some of the materials to suit my purposes. As such, if you decide to try your hand at making one of these lovely little hats, I would suggest doing a practice run before you actually begin your masterpiece. Do-overs can be frustrating and disappointing!

So, without further adieu.............drum roll please.............

My finished Witch's Hat -












Thanks for visiting and please be sure to let me know if you decide to make a Witch's Hat of your own. I would love to see your photos, too.



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry