Country Prims

Did I tell you I love trees this year?

2011-12-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share some random shots of decorating and a few trees!

This first one I think I showed before but when I was going through some bags (goodies I bought in Lancaster over the summer) I found this picket fencing and these little decorations. This tree is standing proudly on my dining room table.

A little display of ginger goodness I have in the kitchen window behind the sink.

I know this next one is familiar since it graced my header for so long, but see the little trees in the crocks? I sprayed some temporary adhesive and rolled them in snow!

Next up, my weekends work-my new wool feather tree, strung with 2 sets of brown lights also in my goodie bag from Lancaster. Hubby wasn't able to convert these lights for me this time so he ordered voltage transformers and now my lights are working!! He knows me well, not just one transformer arrived, but 5!!! Woohoo, I won't need to hide my other lights then, Ha, but does he know me well or what???

What I would have loved was a crock to put my tree in, but not being able to find them here and not being able to get a wood block cut on Saturday evening, I just had to get this tree finished before bed or I wouldn't sleep! Another hunt around produced a large candle surrounded with cinnamon sticks. Armed with a hot fire and a good poker, my candle became the base and my tree was finished and I got to sleep (or hubby???)

I think thats enough to upload for now but hopefully I shall return soon with some or random shots of decorating.
Thanks again for stopping by, I am sooo enjoying all the inspiration in blogland for Christmas,keep it coming!lol!

Shazy

A little bit of Christmas!

2011-12-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

I can't quite believe that the month of December is here and moving so fast!! Yikes...how am I going to get everything done in time and still have time to sit back and enjoy???

As I was tidying round this morning, I thought I should share a few Christmas decorating pics. Some of my sewing machine table displays and a little of my mantles.

I have been enjoying beautiful decorating out there in blogland and I sooo wish I had the 'know how' and the ability to make my photo's better! You are going to have to excuse leads and walls that shouldn't be in the pics, but I don't know how to crop them (leads are the being of my life at Christmas!!)Also, the lighting, if I turn a lamp on it is too bright, if I turn it off, it's too dark......!!!

Thanks again for stopping by and I hope you are not too busy to enjoy this very special time of year,

Shazy x

WIP's - this and that!

2011-11-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in the sun stuffing (pillows-not myself!lol!) and stitching a few seams, when it came to me, I better pop on here today as the rest of the week is hotting up to be very busy!

Again the colours are showing a little brighter than they really are, but I have used a Christmas red instead of my normal barn red.
Just some little pillow tucks, stenciled,

Larger pillows, stenciled on prairie type cloth-excuse the pins but the bottoms are being sewn this afternoon!

I have put out a few little bits of decor for Christmas, simply because we were changing the fireplace in the living room and it just seemed easier when it came to cleaning and dusting the room rather than the everyday stuff.
I got son out with the glue and snowflakes on Saturday and this is what he produced for me. I will try and get some red berry holly nearer to the holidays, but in the meantime this will have to do.

And a closer pic of the fire.....We took out the fireplace and gas fire and put in this wood burning stove and I LOVE it-soooo cosy. This room seldom got used as I never felt comfortable with the gas and we always seemed to migrate to the other room with the wood burning stove in it.
We put a 17th century beam above as you know I needed something to decorate!lol!
These bits are only set up meantime until I get my Christmas lights out.

As I was putting a few Christmas bits out on Saturday, the postman came with a parcel for me! My purchase arrived from Christine (Preferably Prim). Christine does such lovely handwork and x stitched these lovely little pinkeeps on linen and beautifully backed in ticking. Love them Christine and thank you so much for the 'partener'-you are far too good to me! Don't they look fab?

Do you remember these wooden items? I think I got them last Christmas....well, this is the project I have been working at, on my bathroom floor! Excuse the mess but I though I would share. I need a man now to put them up, then the fun part of decorating them:)

Whoops, I better get off this computer before my cherubs come in from the bus, or they will think I do nothing else!lol!
Have a great and safe week,

Shazy

A few small finishes!

2011-11-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

I couldn't let my week of hols go past without sharing a little of my crafting/stitching.
To think that I honestly thought I would get 2 days to 'play'.....who was I kidding??

Maybe not 2 days, but a morning here and a snatched 1/2 hour here and there and I did not too bad at all, in fact, I am really pleased with what I achieved this week, between Christmas shopping, cleaning, out a few evenings and some stitching, oh and a little bit of painting, yes, it was a great week all in all.

I really enjoyed doing the little x stitch I showed last time and while doing a little tidying in my sewing room, I came across another little Christmas one I must have downloaded last year from Debbie-Woolensails blog.

I know...I liked the wool finish, that I did it again!lol!

You can catch a glimpse of one of the little trees made last week-son got me my wood blocks:)
And below,just a close up-I love the colour of the green wool!

Again while tidying my sewing room, I came on this little punch needle by Country Stitches, I started last year. I have him temporarily attached to the little board, so I can change with the seasons!

My obsession with trees continues.....I appliqued a little snowman to this wool crazy tree and gave him a light to carry!

And to finish with? Another tree of course.... Hubs thought I had taken leave of my senses when he saw the state of the kitchen while making this one-it got a grand haircut!

Hope you are all getting time to enjoy some stitching??? thanks for visiting again. I have a few other little projects in the making, just need another free morning or 2??
Have a great weekend,
Shazy

Check out this give-away!!

2011-11-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

Tanya is having a fantastic giveaway- you get to choose!!

Go Here

Shazy

Christmas stitching

2011-11-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

I know, I know.......I said I would post on a Wednesday and believe me, I fully intended too and especially as this is my very favourite time of the year for crafting/stitching, but it's ironic isn't it? It's always my busiest time of the year for things other than my stitching!!!

Family, home, church, entertaining, running the roads, all seem to take priority at this time of the year. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted to be fit and able to do them, but.....sometimes I yearn for a little more time to make Christmas things, but guess what, I am on hols next week and I have promised myself and those around here, that mama is going to have several days of play!!! Watch this space:)

I did manage to find some time to make a few short projects, so that made me feel 'Christmassy'

This little pillow is a 'Country rustic primitives' pattern. I finished it off with wool of course, with little wool applique tongues.

Next is a runner, very difficult to photo, especially with my phone!

A little tree I made, but I will show a better pic next time. My son is to make a little wood block to set it in, but I don't see it yet!lol!

I still need to spray stain the snowmen a little, but I'm a little afraid to, in case I make a mess! Sorry, a bit blurry there!

Next-these little wool applique mittens were a kit I got a while back from Primitive Gatherings. Probably a bit big for the tree, but you get the idea.

This gives a better idea of what they look like-this was before I cut them out with their backs-make for a nice runner or something sometime??

Whoops, don't know what happened there, it published before I said farewell!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping in, I hope to be back with something after my few day's of 'playing', but we shall see!

Shazy x

Christmas Sampler quilt top!

2011-10-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

I am trying my best to post on my blog each Wednesday and today is just slipping away from me and that includes the light, in order to get a few good pictures!

Last year I started this quilt by Cheri called 'Christmas Sampler'and again it is wool applique. I made a few little changes that personalises it a bit.
Here is the quilt top-just another one to add to my collection of 'tops'!!

I wool felted Santa's fur trims and used mini ric-rac that I got from 'Country Stitches' to outline the gingerbread girlie. Also, some rusty bells to the tree and wool felted snow to the leaves of the top tree.

You can see I added a manger scene, as that is the real reason why Christmas is so important to me in that Jesus my Saviour came as a little babe.
I also included some stitched wording 'Glad Tidings of Joy' it helped fill a little space too!

I may add a few details more and no doubt as I look at the pics, areas that need filling will be clear, but this is what I have been working on the last few days.

That's all I have time for right now as there is a house full of hungry kids here, needing feeding.

Until next week,
Shazy

Quilt blocks and RAK!

2011-10-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

It's a blustery Autumn morning here in Ireland; a good day for sorting things out and that is what I have been doing with my Autumn quilt blocks, pattern by 'Heart to Hand'

I finished off the cornucopia last night and then got all my completed blocks out to see what they look like......only 4 more to prep and sew!!!
Please excuse the colours, they look somewhat faded, but I had to use my phone as I can't find the plug to charge my camera. They say creative people rarely have an organised house-that's my excuse anyway!

This is block 7

....and block 8

A picture of the first 6 completed or thereabouts-I'm seeing a little something I might like to change!lol!

Yesterday morning, I got the most lovely surprise! Postie brought me a little package and you all know I just love getting little packages in the post.
my good friend Wendy (The Quiet Room blog) sent me a RAK, a just because, in her own words 'everyone needs a few more pumpkins'. Just look at this adorable set of pumpkins, which I have proudly displayed on my front table for all to see when they enter the front door. Sorry I can't seem to do anything about the blur, no matter how many times I took the pic.

I just love them Wendy and thank you once again for your thoughtfulness and generosity-I might add though, she has enough pumpkins to share with her village! I shall say no more, we all have our obsessions, don't we???

Happy stitching/creating or whatever makes you smile,

Shazy

Wool tree links now live!

2011-10-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

Just popped in to say the hyperlinks on my previous post for the wool tree tutorial and 'preferably prims' blog, are now active.I know some people were keen to try their hand at making their own.
Sorry for the delay,
Shazy

Woolly trees!

2011-09-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

What does a girl do when she can't buy prim trees in the UK? Well she has to......MAKE them of course!

I LOVE feather trees and I came across a great tutorial on how to make a wool feather tree-well..... you know my love affair with wool? Also my good friend Christine from 'Preferably Prim' had a special birthday and I know she has been looking for some prim trees to decorate with, hence my excuse to get started!
You will see her trees here

I used brown coloured wool and attached mini pumpkins for a fall tree. I showed our teenagers my attempts the other night-of course they said it was lovely but....mum, 'pumpkins don't grow on trees'!!!! How sad, that not everybody gets the prim thing!lol!
I am not sure if I am hyperlinking these sites but I will try again. The feather tree tutorial found here

This is a wool crazy bobbin tree.

A smaller autumn coloured tree and just to show the size....

Finally, a bobbin feather tree

Sorry the links don't appear to have worked:( I will try and edit again when my son comes home-he is more technically minded than I am

Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by,

Shazy

Christmas quilt top finish!!

2011-09-12T11:08:00.001-07:00

It's very like a winters evening here, between the winds howling and the rain beating against the window-very comforting and it is just making me itch to stitch!

I probably should be leaving this post until tomorrow, when I can get better pics, but I have finished my quilt top and I am soooo excited!
The colours are quite dark, but I can't wait until daylight.

Goodness, you would nearly think I had the quilt finished with my excitement, but I am just in denial about the mammoth task of quilting-it is always the bit that challenges me most!

Without further ado- my quilt top! I love how the borders were designed and PG's cool way of doing them in wool.

Another little finish-a Cheri pattern, I started last year.

And finally, a peep at tonight's hand stitching!

Thanks again for popping in and I hope you have a stitching evening lined up too,

Shazy x

Stitching progress!

2011-09-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure how to title this post as it covers a number of things, but first up I want to show you some pictures of my little niece who has a passion for 'Little House on the Prairie' (a yearning for the simplistic life must be in the family genes!!)

Anyhow, when she heard we were for Lancaster county for our hols this year, I got a little request for a prairie dress, but not being able to find one already made, we bought some lovely fabric from an Amish fabric shop and a pattern.So you can guess what I have been working on over the last while for her birthday, which was also 'Little house on the Prairie' themed. I must confess it was a joint affair between my mum and I as she had to come to my rescue a few times!

Here are a few pics from my phone-I just wish you could see the little patterns on both the fabrics-makes them very old looking!

I wish I could capture the image of her going about on her scooter with the dress flying in the wind-reminded me of Lancaster....You just have to imagine it with this pic (the van sort of ruins the image!lol)

Doesn't she look adorable and really suit the image? Happy b'day again Keri and I am so glad you had a lovely time at your party, your mum is quite the party organiser!

I have been making some progress with my Christmas 'heart to Hand' quilt. All the blocks are finished (until I spy something I have left out) and I am working on the borders now. Sorry I couldn't get great shots as I had no models to hold it up for me, when photographing.

We had another momentous occasion in our household.....babe started primary school!
Just look at all the size of this wean going to school.....here is all three ready to head out for another years study. I can't believe summer is over and the routine has begun!

Thanks again for taking the time to share with us here and hope you all have a great week,

Shazy x

Christmas!

2011-08-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

I have tried and tried to post over the weekend, so this time I'm not going to type much-I have wasted sooo much time typing posts and they won't publish!!!!

I have been in the Christmas Spirit all summer! In fact, I could do Christmas anytime and the other night while stitching, I was sure I heard sleigh bells!!

Look who was in the field by our house????

I think he smelt Christmas and was looking for Santa....

Talking of Christmas, this is why I really wanted to post. Wendy (the quiet room) and I did a fun Christmas in July swap and just look at the lovely goodies she so kindly sent me. Wendy is one talented stitcher and I absolutely love everything she made. Thanks once again Wendy!

And just to finish-I couldn't resist starting this little mini mat wool kit.

Now to see if this publishes,
Have a great week,

Shazy

Catching up!

2011-08-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe I have been away from posting for sooo long, but blogger and I haven't been the bestest of buddies recently!!

Firstly, I had difficulty uploading pics-I would get a number uploaded and the next thing, they were gone and now this last number of attempts, I press 'publish' and nothing happens. Hopefully this time......

I have an awful lot of catching up to do, but I think I will show a little of our hols and see if this works; if so, I will be back soon.

Monday, we returned from a great trip to USA!!! What a great time we had and those who live there, feel honoured to have so much beauty, choice and availability, not forgetting the cheaper costs!

We started in beautiful New England, which was amazing, although on hindsight, doing there would have been better at the end of the trip. So many beautiful prim shops and the kids were itching to move on to Niagara Falls! But believe me, the shops I did get too, I made my visit worthwhile!

We stopped off in a lovely little town called Sturbridge and I found some lovely prim shops. First off was 'Handmaiden' which also had a quilting shop beside it....
A few pics of inside and I will show some purchases later.

Next was a visit to 'The Quilted Crow'. I have loved this shop online and Sue and her girls made us feel so very welcome; even taking lemonade and cookies out to poor hubby and kids in the car.

Some yummy wools!

I took the next pic for the runner they are making in a class-the snowmen. I have this earmarked in the Primitive Quilts magazine-a pattern by 'primitive pieces by Lynda'-it was adorable.

Now for a few purchases.
I loved the colour of this runner and the dish, I thought would look great with snowballs at Christmas.

I am loving these fabrics and found some lovely wovens when away too.

Of course a few Christmas wool kits had to make their way into my bag and I couldn't resist this little picture.

I better not try any more in case this doesn't work again, but, do you know how to recognise a stitching addict?? She takes stitching on hols!

Yes, I took some x-stitch. I knew we had a few long flights and car journeys, though the car was quite a challenge-monster lorries whizzing by on either side and us already travelling on the 'wrong side of the road'-my nerves were shot!
BUT I did some driving too, in fact, I was so good at driving on the left had side of the road, that hubby told me I was a natural! I KNEW I was born into the wrong country-I was meant to be in USA all along!!!!

Have a great day,
Shazy

Testing!

2011-08-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have spent what feels forever this last while writing posts, only to press 'publish' and nothing happens!!!

This is just a test , on the off chance it will work.

Shazy

Woolly Wednesday a day late......!!

2011-06-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

We are having the most beautiful weather here today and really it is hard to believe after the cool spell we have had; so I left the house and all it's untidiness and headed out for the day with my sister. That's part of the reason why this post is a little late, but we have to catch the sun here when we get it, for you never know when it will return.

Firstly thanks to your interest in my last post-enough to leave a comment, which were all appreciated. A special thanks goes out to Patty who kindly pointed out the upside down star point and the funny thing is, I hadn't even noticed such a visible mistake, so thanks Patty.
O yes, thanks too to Tammy who suggested sheep in the grass as I wasn't quite taken with the prim cat/dog in the original.

Two more blocks completed.

Ok, this is as far as I have got-all the blocks sewn together-click to get a clearer pic

The problem is-I thought I was so near finished but just look at those borders......nearly as much work as I have already done, never mind the huge bit that I find challenging.....quilting!!!

A friend told me, the only way to make a quilt is one stage at a time, so my next stage is the borders and I'm trying not to think of the quilting (another years work??)

Have a great week,

Shazy x

Wool work Wednesday.....

2011-05-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

......and Thursday and Friday and any other day that I can possibly get wool work fitted in!

By now you know I have quite the obsession with saltbox houses. It was only after I looked at my previous post, I realised that all the finished pieces, had houses on them, so to show just how predictable I am........we have more houses!

I just couldn't resist starting this one, after getting Jan Pateks new book I showed in a previous post and considering I have been on the lookout for something large to go on my stair wall, well, I just had to start it!

Here are the first two blocks. My daughter is holding them up, just to let you see the size of each block. I think they are 40x40 inches-finished quilt size will be 104x104 inches, so yes, I know, I am well and truly mad:)

Oh yes, I forgot to say, I used wool for the applique instead of cotton, but didn't I say I was predictable???

Here is a pic from the back of the book of the finished quilt

Whoops, I am seeing a little mistake-does anyone spy it?

In Jans quilt, she has birds on the top of each chimney and prim dogs/cats?? in the grass-I'm not too sure I want to include these; do you think it looks bare without?

I thought I would share how I do my wool applique. I was going to say tips, but maybe there are better ideas out there, but for now, this is what works for me, but I sure would love to hear what methods others use.

I use good old freezer paper for my templates and iron it to the wool. Then I use fabric spray adhesive (sprayed lightly on the wool) and that secures it for stitching. For small pieces of wool, such as flower stems etc that tend to fray easier or for wool that hasn't felted properly, I go around the edges with fray check, prior to stitching. This stuff works a treat.

Before this method, I used the fusible bondaweb stuff, but, more often than not, I singed my wool in an attempt to get it to stick or had to use the stronger fusible, which made the applique hard and I like mine to feel natural.

Stitching wise, I used to do blanket stitch quite a bit, but more recently I have been doing the primitive whip stitch. I suppose depends on what the piece dictates.

Well, that's what happens here-I would so love to hear of other methods out there,

Hope you get time to do what you enjoy best, this week,

Blessings,

Shazy x

A few finishes!

2011-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Haha! Did you think I had more blocks to show? Not this time; I was in my UFO 'pile' last week and had a few projects so near finished, that I spent an hour doing just that!

I know it isn't very primish to frame them with glass, but believe me, the thought of trying to remove dust from wool applique, for the next lot of years, didn't appeal, so after realising a few weeks ago about a neighbour who has a framing place, I took the plunge and got them framed properly.

What is it with cameras? Why can they not capture what I am seeing with my eye? Or maybe it's a case of 'a bad workman blames his tools'.......anyway, these frames are just beautiful, but I can't show how beautiful on these pics:(

This first one is an adaptation of 'Threads that bind'. I changed out the verse and did the 'Welcome' in wool.I thought the verse from Romans 10v13 suited this piece perfectly; 'Be given to hospitality' and my kids are hoping it will remind me to do a bit of entertaining, but just for the record cherubs....no visitors until you get those bedrooms sorted AND your laundry put away!
The frame is a grained/distressed cream colour, but that is difficult to see.

This is a Buttermilk Basin pattern and the frame is a distressed antique black.
Oh and the slanted roof in the first house is part of the pattern! NOT! In my defence, I think I am correct in saying, this was the first piece of wool applique I ever did, so when I look at it, the roof will remind me of that! Ha!

And finally, a Primitive Gathering pattern. There are two pics here, but I'm still not getting good pics, but you are going to have to trust me, they are much nicer in real life.

Thanks again for stopping by, I was so excited when I picked these up that I had to jump on here to share them with like-minded people. It's not everyone around here, that appreciates my hobby..... I really can't understand that, can you? Anyway, I'm so glad that some people do and I really appreciate the friend I have made through blogland.

Until next time, have a great week,

Blessings,

Shazy x

WARNING! More blocks......

2011-04-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

One reason why I have been absent recently, is due to the fact that I really feel I have little to blog about. Any stitching time I have, has been dedicated to these blocks, but I suppose what can I expect when I took on not one, but two wool applique block quilts! I apologise in advance, but this is more blocks.......

I just wanted to share where I am with the'Heart to Hand' Christmas quilt

And all together, although the snowman isn't in his right position, but just to give you an idea,

I have been seeing all over blogland the new primitive quilting magazine and I am sooo jealous! I am anxiously watching for the postman in the hope he will bring mine soon, so being in the book/mag mood, I succumbed to buy this new book by Jan Patek and I LOVE it! So many beautiful projects........

Well, there seems to be a queue for this laptop and I'm feeling under pressure, so I hope your weekend is a good one:)

Blessings,

Shazy x

Autumn quilt progress

2011-03-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day we are having here in Ireland. The sun is shining and Spring has sprung! The down side is, I am dosed (head and chest) and the sun is showing me a sadly neglected house and I haven't the energy to sort it!

Soooo I am going to lose myself in the quilting world and try to forget:)

Firstly, thanks to everyone who took an interest to comment on my requst for advice re quilting my tree quilt two posts back. I greatly appreciate all the advice and will hopefully get to applying it soon.

As you have probably gathered, life is quite hectic around here. My new job (although only 10hrs/week) is a steep learning curve requiring extra reading etc at home, but I am hoping it will even itself out eventually, but in combination with my other roles, stitching is getting pushed out.......believe me, I entend to get that rightified pretty quickly or this wife/mummy won't be as good a wife/mummy. This mummy needs her stitching to keep her stress free:)

I just wanted to show my progress with my Autumn quilt by 'Heart to Hand' The photo's don't do the textures or colours true justice at all,

The first row is all but finished apart from the jagged edge on the basket block(pinned bit) I'm thinking of changing that to a lighted colour to make it a bit more noticeable against the background.

And both together....

My final little project is this little cross-stitch; a free pattern from the very generous Betty of 'Primitive Betty's'-this stitched up quickly and was a nice diversion. Just need to get it stitched into a little pillow. I used a tea dyed prairie cloth to stitch on.

I appologise for not having had time to visit many of your blogs, but I am hoping that will all change soon too and I can get a workable balance going on here,

Here's for a great week,

Shazy x

March Christmas Quilt-a-long!

2011-03-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm finally here!

Today was one of those busy Saturdays-taxi service to birthday parties and shopping/cleaning/baking....... now I'm home and almost ready to start-just a certain little 3 year old to get to bed and no doubt a few other jobs dropped in for good measure, but to all intents and purposes I'm ready to think Christmas:)

Today's weather really suits this quilt-a-long session-we have had more snow and it is very cold, so it won't be too difficult to get into the spirit.

I knew I had a busy day ahead today, so I prepped my block last night....

I know-I have skipped a block.....I couldn't wait to get to this block so I'm afraid Mr Santa won and I am so looking forward to hand stitching him this evening.

This is a pic of the finished quilt for those that don't know what I am working on during this monthly quilt-a-long. Talking of which, thanks again to Sue and Cathy for hosting this each month-it is a fab idea to have something ready for Christmas and if you join in, you also get their lovely star quilt pattern:)

Happy stitching and hopefully I will get back soon to show some progress:)

Shazy x

A little advice please!

2011-02-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Another busy week just passed and it looks like we are in the midst of another. Last week the children were off school for half term-we had a great week, full of activity and finished off on a high note with our oldest daughters 15th birthday! Wow, I can't believe how quickly time goes-a good time was had by all and we are so proud of our maturing daughter!

Today was piano exam day, so quite a bit of stress with that-I'll not bore you with the rest of the activities this week but I start my new job next week!!!!! So some changes required around here, especially on the organisational front (even though I will only be gone 2 days in the week)

Anyway, I felt the need to do some stitching over the weekend (I'm getting a sneaking feeling my sewing time might be curtailed a little, for the first few weeks at least.

I put together this quilt top and now I need some help from you quilters out there.
Up until now I confess to really only having quilted in the ditch or around applique shapes by hand, but I would love to know how you would quilt this top if it was yours:)
The second pic shows a little closer the fabric and the width of the bands-again I'm looking advice, how to quilt it.

Ok, I'm a glutton for punishment....I think I'm trying to put myself off wool applique, but I have started the Autumn quilt blocks I showed in a previous post!

Three down and nine to go:) I'm very proud to say, all the fabrics-Japanese wovens, brushed cottons and wools are all from my stash and I'm pretty sure I will have enough to complete it.....not sure if that is a good admission or not??

Just a few pics to show the textures

It has taken me hours to do this post, I'm not sure what blogger is doing here today!

I wanted to upload a photo of a lovely gift I received in the post but am unable to get it sorted for some reason, so I am going to go ahead with this post now and hopefully blogger will play ball when I get back.

Thanks again for all your interest and please please tell me how you would quilt this top if it was yours:)

Shazy x

Block 2 prepped!

2011-02-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well, it is nearly night time here and I have achieved what I set out to do. Two blocks prepped and ready for the relaxing part of adding the detail with the hand stitching:)

Again my camera is not doing the colours justice but you get the idea,

I want to thank Sue and Cathi for hosting this quiltalong-I'm going to be even more thankful come Christmas, when hopefully I will have some Christmas quilts to display,

Click on my sidebar to see what others are doing,

Have a great weekend,

Shazy x

Quilt along!

2011-02-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm a bit later than I intended but here I am for a little while! I thought I had the cherubs outside for some vitamin D, when they were back in soaked after puddle jumping and of course it ended in falling in! That meant a mucky utility room and the washing machine spinning again....but so glad they are able to have fun:)

I am trying this year to follow along with Sue and Cathi in getting prepared for the Christmas hols! Click on my sidebar for the quiltalong and see what everyone else is up to.

For me I am going to try and organise myself with a 'Heart to Hand' pattern. I got the backgrounds (Japanese textures and brushed cottons) from Karen (Farmhouse Woolens) as she was running this as a BOM.

Here is a pic of the finished quilt,

So far I have prepped block 1, not sure how much I will get done, but this is a start:)
The photo was taken under the skylight, but the heart really is red NOT pink:)

Speak later....... my company has returned,

Shazy x

Pillow post!

2011-02-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

Monday again! Actually it is a lovely bright Monday here and it suits my spirit today!! A new day has dawned and I'm delighted to say we are back to playing 'happy families'.......The whole of last week was spent dealing with a stomach bug which Leah seemed to bring home from nursery:( Thankfully today the sun is shining and hope has returned:))

My post title explains this post-obviously the only stitching that could be done all of last week was something simple and an 'easy pick me up, put me down' project, so there was needle punch and applique.

I don't do Valentines much but I did spy a little doodle from 'Bird in Hand Primitives' blog and after punching, I thought it would look nice on a pocket pillow. Here is my attempt and I want to thank Robin for being so generous with her artistic talent and sharing freely her doodles.

I attached some rusty wire and hung it below a wall light. That is a rusty pin with some small buttons, in case you are wondering what is attached to the homespun tie.

This next pic is of my happy little helper as we sat this morning and stuffed a few other simple little wool applique pillows-so glad she is feeling well again and able to be up and about,

For now they are grouped together in a wire basket although the snowman will soon have to depart for another year and hopefully that will be a sign that spring has sprung?

Well, mums duties are beckoning-I have 10mins to be at the school to take my big son to get his haircut. Here's to a productive week, whatever you are doing,

Blessings, Shazy x

Its been a while!

2011-01-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

I sure have missed blogland so much this last while and here's hoping to getting caught up on some reading of my favourite blogs.

I'm feeling a tad fragile or traumatised today-I had my interview yesterday for the Research Nurse post (that's why I've been absent!)and not having had an interview for 14yrs combined with having been on a career break......well, I'll spare the details, suffice to say, everytime I think of it, I CRINGE!! I promised my self, when it was over yesterday, I was going to stitch all evening-not a chance, the embarressment must have been too much and I was laid up with a bad headache:(
Anyway, I haven't heard anything yet and life must move along:))

Obviously I haven't got much sewing done but I'll share a few pics since last on here.

I did take a day a few weeks back in the dye pots and for those not interested in seeing one pic after the other of wool, I am trying to amalgamate the pics-lets see if it works!

The colours haven't come out the best, but at least you see the textures.

Now to more fun stuff-I was trying to do a little reading the other morning when I got the most delightful surprise in the post- what perfect timing to lift my spirits!
My good friend Tanya sent me some lovely gifties all deliciously wrapped in star tissue paper. Just have a peek at her lovely handwork in the pillows and card.

Thanks again Tanya-I so love everything and you are one talented girl! I had admired Tanya's cute little snowman pillow in red on her blog and now I have one:)) The other little snowman cross stitch pillow, plays a little tune -how fun is that! I had to take the pic as soon as they came because I knew those chocolate kisses weren't going to last too long! Now I am itching to get started on the lovely punchneedle kit.

Now do you want to see what a copycat I am?? I noticed the lovely Belen (Simply Patchwork blog) kept her stitching on a lovely little table (what a great idea Belen) and it reminded me of a little tray stand I had in the attic (not as nice as Belens) but functional. So while the kitchen bench lay cluttered with dirty dishes this morning, I was balancing in the attic digging for this......

If you don't know Belen, she is from Spain and has an online shop for things that those of us who don't live in the States, have difficulty getting the hold of.
Here is a little purchase I got recently from her-some fabric inch tape and some weeks dye works wools (

Itchin to stitch!

2011-01-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad I didn't make any new year resolutions-I'd be totally disillusioned by now at my failure so early in the year. A sure resolution would have been- not to start any new projects until I had at least some of my multitude of UFO's completed! But guess what.....no resolutions...... a new project started......no guilt!????? Not so sure about the last bit!lol!

All over the holidays I kept stopping by this kit I bought in PG last summer-just look at all the little packages of wool yumminess, calling for my attention (I assume they had it as a BOM once upon a time) all wool applique unto PG's beautiful muted plaids/homespun etc.

Anyway, as soon as the decorations were put away I gave myself a lovely prolonged day and got to cutting, cutting, cutting! This is what I have appliqued so far using a combination of blanket stitch and primitive whip stitch. They are not positioned properly as I still have a number still to do, but it gives an idea-didn't want to bore you with a pic of every one!lol!

This is the actual pattern, though I think PG's choice of fabrics are more prim in real life.

I'm thinking this year (not a resolution) of trying to get a few quilts made. Last year I seemed to make smaller projects and I think I only made one quilt, but we shall see how time permits and what BIG temptations are out there by way of patterns/kits from all those talented designers!

Trust your year has got off to a good start and I am looking forward to reading more of all those inspiring blogs that are out there.

Thanks so much for stopping by-I really appreciate you popping in to my little world:)

Shazy x

Gifts!

2010-12-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Thought I better pop on and wish everyone a happy new year, before its over too!!
Christmas just seemed to go over in a blink and I haven't even caught my breath yet!

Our Christmas turned out enjoyable, but low key-hubs was sick the whole time and is only starting to pick up today, after twisting the Dr's arm to get an antibiotic and that was after the second appointment too!

We did have a lovely family time and the children really enjoyed themselves, which is the important part and tomorrow we hope to have my sister and family so we are looking forward to that and hopefully hubs will get to enjoy some entertaining.

Anyway, just wanted to share a few pics of some lovely gifts I received relating to my love for stitching:)

First up, I got the shock of my life on Christmas eve, when postie delivered a box for ME!!
My great buddie, Wendy (The Quiet Room) sent such beautiful things that I sure wasn't expecting. They were wrapped beautifully, but impatience couldn't wait for the camera!lol!

Hope you can get a decent view-the most beautiful birdie and tartlet pinkeep-just look at the stitching detail and a lovely woolly sheep for my wool collection display and check out these adorable prim socks-I have them out on display on the next photo and the rest I am keeping until my Christmas stuff goes away. Thank you sooo much again Wendy-love them all and love the fabrics:)

The following are of my crafting pressies from my great family-so much yumminess and so me, even tho I helped them along a bit!lol!

I have been wanting a blanket crane and peg board with a candle holder for a while now, so hubs conscripted his buddy again and I even got a plate rack too (no photo yet) just need to get them painted, but that is what's making me nervous-what colours????I'm very much a barn red person but how much red can a gal have?

When I assisted hubs with the ordering of this book (wink, wink) Lynda very generously popped in a couple of extra patterns-how kind was that??....I was so touched!

These are the patterns for the new Autumn quilt by 'heart to hand'-just love it ( below is the finished quilt)

I already had the patterns for their Christmas quilt, but had been looking for the fabrics to use for the background, so that was another pressie-some delish Japanese wovens and plaids etc. I'm not sure when I think I will get these made, but I thought I might do a block of each, every month........??? Below is how the quilt should look.

That's all on the stitching front, between watching movies with my oldest daughter and some housework in between and tending to the sick, I am suffering from stitching withdrawal, but maybe next year:))

Blessings to all for the incoming year, health, peace and happiness!

Shazy x

Just in time...

2010-12-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's really a winter wonderland here. In all my years, I have never known us to have such cold temperatures and for the snow to stay so long. I love the brightness that the snow brings (I don't like dull wet days) and I don't mind the snow staying for Christmas day, but after that I think I will allow it to disappear!

This is going to be a looong holiday, as the children have been off from last week with school closure. I thought I was up to date with my baking for Christmas but with them being off, my tins are nearly empty again:(

I wanted to quickly show a few finishes just in time for Christmas:)

I have been beavering away any spare moments, to get this table runner finished for my living room table.

This is just to show the wools closer. I used 3 different textured reds and 3 different textured greens.

I found it hard to get a good pic of the sitting room table display, but it is very simple- 5 gingerbread fellas in amongst some greenery.

And just some random shots of Christmas decor!

The children are very excited today-in keeping with tradition, the next door grandparents have a party for us all. We have a great time playing games, opening presents and lots of eats-just what memories are made off. Esther has made an after-eight cheese cake and I have made 2 batches of fudge-peanut butter fudge and dark choc fudge, so we intend to indulge:))

Trust everyone has a great Christmas as we celebrate the coming of our Lord and Saviour as a babe into this world. May we all experience the peace that He wants to bring to our lives.

Blessings, Shazy x

Where have I been?

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

It seems to me it's becoming quite the habit-not being able to find the time to blog!
Believe me, that is not my desire, but just the pace of life- but I am glad to be fit and well enough to be busy:)

Why is it , that every Christmas there always seems to be something to hang over me (like a headache) which keeps me from enjoying my favourite time of the year to the max? I sooo love stitching all the yummy patterns, but I need to be at peace with myself in order to do so! However this year, a job has been advertised and it is keeping me from sewing-you see, every time I think of stitching, I feel guilty that I should be preparing for an interview.....why is nothing straight forward?

Anyway, it's Monday and for my sanity, I am going to both blog AND stitch!! After entertaining yesterday ALL day, I'm entitled to some 'me' time, but so far it's not going so good! Poor 'son' is off school with his asthma again-we have just returned from the Dr's with yet another antibiotic and 'babe' is all put out and causing a rumpus that her tv has been taken over so early in the day..... but I'm going to post this today!

I'm afraid that I don't have as many finishes as I would like to have:( but maybe next year.....
This is an all wool snowman pillow that I got as a kit from Primitive Gatherings

I think this penny tree mat is a 'Lakeview Primitives' pattern

I am so enjoying punch needle at the minute-simply because it is something you can just pick up and set down as and when. I have seen alot of old sheet music ideas about blogland recently, so decided to use that as the background-unfortunately the camera is not doing it any favours!

Finally, on Saturday evening (after spending all day preparing for guests) I stole an hour in my sewing room and cut out this little wool mitten-the free pattern from the blog hop by Stacy (Buttermilk Basin). My intention is to have it blanket stitched before this night is out:)

I will leave you with a few bits of Christmas decor and hopefully will be back with some more soon.....

Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful time of the year and getting time to do all they want to get done. Looks like I will be housebound for this week, so I think I am going to be FORCED into Internet shopping, just hope postie doesn't delay:) Have I time do you think???

Take care,
Shazy x

Santa Claus is comin to town......

2010-11-17T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today has been one of those winter days, with the wind howling and the rain beating off the windows-love those days every now and again, when I don't have to go out! It suited me brilliantly today, since hubs does all the morning school runs on a Wednesday.....oh, I LOVE Wednesday morns-I am free from 8am til 11.15:)) So, I battened down the hatches and first off, got the cooker on and very soon the smell of apple/raspberry and cinnamon crumble was wafting through the house!

That of course set me off again thinking 'Christmas'-not that I need any encouragement!lol! I have had a few UFO's hanging about-not needing much really to finish them, but this week, my target has been to get them finished and I apologise now if you aren't a Santa fan, because that is what they all are,

First up, is an olde Santa with his wool coat and beard. When I showed him to hubs, the comment I received was 'thought Santa had a red coat'......some people just don't get it, do they???

Oops-this wall really is a darkish red in real life:)

Against a plain wall, to show his colours better:)

This next little pillow-again all wool, is a needl'n love pattern, from one of their books-can't remember which one, but if you really want to know, I can go look!

Lastly, a little needle punch. This is a 'Country Stitches' pattern and I so enjoyed doing it. I chose to trim it with red wool and temporarily stick it to this basket for the holidays-it needs a little more flattening out, but I was rushing to get this post done, but you get the picture.....

This is the one time of the year when I tend to burn the midnight oil-there are so many Christmas things I want to make and only a small window of opportunity to get them done, so I must confess to 'handy' dinners, 'rushed' housework and bleary eyes, but I don't think I feel guilty-least I am using up some of my stash and supplies-that can't be a bad thing can it? Just not sure how I can explain away, ordering 'Country Stitches' new Christmas pattern...........oh yes, I was afraid of them going out of stock....!lol!

Ok, I'm off to make one of those 'handy' meals, so that it only needs heating up later-I feel a late night coming on:))

Blessings, Shazy x

Blog hop and some finishes!

2010-11-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Friday already!! I feel as if I have just spent all week clearing up after last weekend-housework:( and here we are again.....

Have you been following the great blog hop on at the minute? organised by the very clever Stacy from Buttermilk Basin Designs-she has lined up a host of great designers that I love, to provide us with some wonderful patterns and recipes for the holidays-well this really appeals to me as I LOVE anything to do with Christmas:)

Thanks to Stacy for the wizard idea and to all the designers for their generosity-such fun!!

First up was Brenda (Country Stitches)with a lovely needle punch Santa and of course I had to give it a go-(please bear in mind, that mine is nowhere near as good as Brenda's and my photography doesn't help, but I'm joining in the fun and going to share my attempt:

A closer view-Oops he seems to have lost the greenery from his hat in this one!lol!
I increased the size for the standing one-the next photo is the original size, which I will use for an ornie.....yes, I made two...they sure were fun:)

When on the subject of stars, here are a few fun pillow finishes from Stacy's patterns (BMB)-love her designs and yes she is designing for the hop too!Yipee!

Every so often my sister and I get together to have a baking/cooking day to fill up our freezers, so I thought I would share a few pics of what we made on Wednesday.
It is great to get time together to chat, have fun and come home with produce at the end of the day-you sure can't beat that:)

I'm sure you can guess our theme.....of course it's Christmas!lol!

Lovely cinnamon shortbread (freezes great)

The traditional mince-pie (we do a mini version)
Sorry, you can't catch the smell in the kitchen...yumm!

This is just to show we mean business! Yes, we did make apple tarts, but we didn't make much impact on this lot did we? Next Tuesday is, tray bake day-anyone else coming?Ha!

Thanks for stopping by, I love visitors and hope you all have a great weekend,

Blessings, Shazy x

I'm thinking Christmas:))

2010-10-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Half term holidays have got off to a fairly good start-weather wise, it is a lovely dry, bright crisp day and today was supposed to get most of the appointments out of the road. Today was eye and dental appointments-I was priding myself on how organised I was, only to arrive at the dentist with all three cherubs to find I was too organised-we were a week too early!! Just need to check that the asthma clinic is definitely tomorrow.

The positive outcome of this was, they were all up early and have had a good long day, so much so that the planned movie evening has turned into an afternoon session!lol! Does that mean, bedtime will come early??

Last week I was trying to get organised for the children at home this week and after the freezer got filled, I felt the need for some applique prepping (thinking of all the waiting room sits!lol!), so here are a few pics,

My favourite colours:)Sorry-should have moved those eggs

Lots of pennies.....

Can't seem to get the colours of this quilt right, but you get the drift. It is an adaptation of Cheri's Christmas Sampler-wool applique on a woollies flannel background and I hope to have many cozy evenings by the fire stitching this baby. There is a quite a bit of detail still to be added.

Thinking Christmas-I'm very excited about this new mag, solely for primitive quilting and has 10 great designers submitting patterns etc......Prim Gatherings, Liberty Star, Needl' Love, Primitive Pieces by Lynda and more. Well,I helped hubby on with his Christmas shopping and ordered a subscription-aren't I very thoughtful??

If you are interested, check it out at www.primitive quilts and projects.com

Well, the movie is almost over and the dinner has to be ready, so thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out Christine's great giveaway-she is getting us all in the mood for Christmas decorating:)Just click on the Santa pic on my sidebar.

Blessings, Shazy x

Blogging award!

2010-10-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yep, I have been able to snatch a few minutes to jump on here (hubs is away for the groceries, babe is in bed and homework's are being done-no computer needed for a change!!)

I want to say a big thank-you to Christine for nominating me for the versatility blog award-I have been trying to respond but you all know how it is:) I will be honest and say, I have dragged my feet a little 'cause I didn't know what to do (not having been here before) but thanks to my good friend Tanya I am going to copy her and if I get in trouble , so will she!! What are friends for????

On my sidebar you will find lots of fantastic blogs that fit the award, so go and enjoy an evenings pleasurable reading, but before you go, I am going to join in with the fun and try and tell you 7 lesser known things about me, so here goes:

1. My next passion to stitching etc is baking

2. I played the church organ for years

3. I am left handed

4. I run a mile at the sight,sound .......of vomit and I am a nurse! Sorry, just had to include that one as it is as real today, as when I was a child:)

5. My dream is to own a log cabin some day

6. I am a hoarder:(

7. You all know my love for muted colours, plain prim quilts, folk art etc? Well, here is another love I have........

Yes, it is still folk art, but contemporary does not usually come into my vocabulary, yet I love Sue's work-heavy embellishment and all:) Are you surprised?
I was analysing myself today and think maybe I am loving her work( I have several of her patterns) because it is wool and lots of texture or maybe subconsciously I'm thinking more as heirlooms for my children-they get a bit tired of my prim palette!Ha!

Well, I better not analyse myself any further and thanks again Christine-hopefully I will be back soon with more pics; will it be my usual or will I be brave and wear my other 'hat'???

Have a great weekend,
Blessings Shazy x

Fall goodies!

2010-10-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get a post done for some time now, but I just don't know where time goes......either that or, I can't get near the computer!!

Anyway, I wanted to share with you some lovely fall goodies I received from a recent swap I was involved in with the lovely Wendy from 'The Quiet Room'-This swap was so much fun to take part in and I got such beautiful goodies to add to my Autumn decor:)

To get a better view, here is how I have displayed them,

I sooo love the crow makedo and just look at the lovely stitching on the wool pumpkin mat.

The smaller pumpkins, I grouped together with some Spanish moss and the rusty pumpkin is hanging below, on the table drawer knob.

Thanks again Wendy-I am so delighted:))

Thought I would just share with you some other fall pieces I have been working on-some for our home and others were for gifts,

Sorry about the quality of this pic, but with the flash, it kept coming out too bright-it is needle punch pumpkins put onto black prairie cloth-I'm quite pleased how it came out.

This little quilt is from Primitive Gatherings, called 'Pumpkin Party' and is probably the first quilt I have in fall colours-please don't be inspecting it too closely:)Again, it is showing brighter, than it really is.

We are having some delightful weather here at the minute-bright sunshine, yet crispy air in the mornings-very pleasurable with the beautiful fall colours on the trees. I just love this time of year, although I am itching to start some Christmas projects...

Thanks again for visiting and hopefully I will be back sooner:)

Blessings, Shazy x

This 'n that!

2010-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

It's a sunny Monday here in good ole Ireland-yes, the sun actually is shining, but it is shining in our home too-today was the first day for sometime that we haven't had tears in Nursery school, oh am I soooo relieved! Hopefully we are on the way up and my mornings can now be spent catching up on some very much needed housework (I have been sitting outside Nursery in the car,every morning, since the beginning of September.....and my housework is suffering big time!lol) but when my babe is happy-I'm happy:))

I don't have a big lot to blog about, with regards to my own creativity, but I have wanted to get on to show you the lovely Fall gifts I received from my friend Christine (Preferably Prim)-I'm sure you all know her by now and the lovely handwork stitching she does,

Take a look at this beautiful pinkeep pillow-love the colours and the stitching,

And just take a look at this prim shelf-sitter; all hand stitched! Thanks again Christine, I love them all:)

There hasn't been a big pile of stitching going on here (you will see now in a moment) but this is a Buttermilk Basin pattern, I have been working on, now and again. I'm not sure whether or not to frame it, as the pattern gives, or, to make it into a pillow-which would be quite large!

Here is why I haven't got much stitching done......yep, I have been playing with the dye pot again! I actually think I am becoming quite the squirrel-I seem to have the need to hoard nuts,oops-I mean wool for my favourite season-winter. Don't know when I will ever get them stitched, but I seem to need lots!

Don't forget that the colours are all darker than the pics show:)
I'm thinking Christmas tree's

and maybe some Santa's here

I can't seem to get a good colour on this photo, but they are a mix of pumpkin/rust and cinnamon and spice colours-some fall items and some gingers?

If you can excuse my ironing board with the towel I use to iron my wools to keep them fluffy, here is last weeks productivity!! I'm loving textured wools at the minute, as I'm sure you have gathered!lol!

This week, I really have to get some stitching done-even though I could sit all day and just look at those wools......maybe when I think I have enough I will be able to cut them up?? What do you think-will I ever have enough?

Have a great week,
Blessings, Shazy x

Woolworks!

2010-09-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is getting into 'routine' again, after our summer:)

Things are settling here not too bad. Nursery got off to a great start (maybe too good) mum had only to stay for the first morning-I couldn't believe it! But this last few days have been a little more difficult-we have had some tears, not wanting to go in, but I am hoping it is just a little blip. I heard a little bit this morning, that 'some of the children are a bit noisy', so I think that is what is making her nervous, but it is still early days:)

I was flicking through some photo's (after the return of my camera) when I realised I had never shown a winning!
The lovely Stacy from Buttermilk Basin, had a giveaway and although I didn't officially win, I got rewarded with $25 due to my 'advertising campaign' so this is what I 'ordered'

.....and some of Stacy's lovely wools and patterns

I also promised I would show my purchases from the Festival of Quilts;

My pride and joy-Valdani threads!

And the new book by Veronique. The little house in the above pic, was also from her stall.

Now it is confession time.....no, it's not Internet purchases (bet that is what you thought!lol) but, I am admitting that I have an addiction.......an addiction to wools!!
This last few days, I have been having some fun in the kitchen, not baking, but 'stewing' and yesterday, I became a little braver and experimented hand dying.
Here are some bundles I put together,

It is so difficult to show colour properly-this is a brighter pic, but again, it is not totally true to show the colours and the lovely textures.

I had such fun and I can feel another hobby coming on!lol!

I found these pics too and realised I had not shown this wool runner completed-again, I can't get the pic to show the colours properly.

Don't suggest a cure please, for my 'addiction'-I really don't want one, but I somehow don't think hubs would agree.....:)
Hope you are having a great week and don't forget to say hello, if you are passing by,

Blessings, Shazy x

Decorating and stitching

2010-08-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to post now for a while, to tell you about my great time at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, but having been away last week on hols, I forgot to bring my camera home, so I am not going to be able to show pics of the quilt show, but I have been doing a little bit of decorating, so I am going to show you a few pics of that.

Firstly though, I had such an exciting time at the quilt festival. A friend and I headed off on the plane at 8.40am and 40mins later we were in Birmingham!! After identifying the monorail and a 2min ride we were at the NEC where the quilt show was-how handy was that?

We were soooo excited to have two days out to ourselves and wow, the quilt show did not disappoint!! Stall after stall of beautiful stuff-bliss, to say the least. Unfortunately I cannot show you my goodies til I get my camera back (I could get them all out and take more pics, but I'm too lazy) but I had a very exciting event......I got to meet another blogging buddy in real life!!

I must say, I aint in the habit of meeting people I have met on-line, but I have been liaising with the lovely Wendy from the 'Quiet Room' blog for sometime now and felt I knew her already- I just needed a face to complete the friendship:))

We spent a lovely hour over lunch and laughed at the common purchases and out of all the 100's of stalls, we both had the same favourite-how cool (or odd) is that?
Anyway, it was great to meet and Wendy surprised me with the most lovely gift;
check out these little pillows-her hand stitching is soooo neat-I just love them, thanks again Wendy:)

This is where the little wool pillow is placed

Moving on; over the summer we got some painting done to the living area, hall, stairs and landing (the paintwork was so grubby, it was a disgrace). Since we have alot of dark wood in the house, we went with lighter walls and while this was taking place, I commissioned my hubby's friend to make me some items-quilt racks and blanket crane shelves.

This one, I did aged white over black and walnut wax to finish.

Back to my trusty good olde deep red colour:) again, aged with walnut wax-difficult to see

Just a closer view to see I have started to decorate for autumn-even though,over the last two days we have been blessed with the most sunshine we have had all summer!lol!

This next pic was another summer project-I aged this ladder and then hand stitched the wool applique towels, whilst relaxing at the caravan.

Yep, it's more pumpkins!lol!

........and more pumpkins??

OK, I think that's sufficient from me for tonight; hope you have enjoyed your visit and please call again soon. My youngest babe starts nursery tomorrow and the older cherubs go back to school-back to routine again and to be honest, maybe that is what I am in need of-routine! Just maybe, the dishes will get washed before bedtime and the laundry will be kept up to date.....I know hubs, who do I think I'm kidding-not a chance, when there is stitching to be done:))

Blessings, Shazy x

Christmas quilt-a-long update

2010-08-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I knew before I even started the quilt-a-long on Saturday, hosted by Sue of Quilt Times, that I wouldn't get much time to participate, but I still wanted to join in the fun:) So here we are, a number of days later and I want to show you that I am still on board (just a little slow!lol!)

These first three blocks took an age-I think I spent more time with my stitch ripper in hand than stitching, but I eventually got into the swing of getting my points fairly ok (don't look too close) by ironing the seams in a particular direction, so that they 'fitted' nicely into each other-how slow am I????

Sorry, I was on a roll and couldn't get stopped for photo's until the front was finished! There are three rows of the red blocks-the rest is over the banister:)

Now......for the fun/relaxing bit-yep, I am going to be traditional and hand quilt this one

Finally, I thought I could show the progress on Santa. It's a little wrinkled, from being in my sewing bag, but you get the picture

A closer glimpse of my newly learned skill....feather stitch????

There are a few other little projects I was going to show, but as usual, this posting takes forever. It is now 18.05 and I will let you into a secret; the b'fast dishes are still in the sink and there is no dinner on, so I better hop it!!

Have a great week,
Blessings, Shazy x

Christmas?

2010-08-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

I know, I know....I said I wouldn't be back until September, but I could not miss out on some Christmas fun!! After all, it is my most favourite time to decorate:)

Sue over at Quilt Times is having a Christmas quilt-a-long, just to get us all ready, so go on over and join in the fun and see what everyone else is doing today.

I am very excited about this, because up until now, most of my quilts have been applique and very little pieced work. So a little while back, I admired a lovely quilt over here, made by the lovely Julie and before 24hrs were out, she had e-mailed me the pattern, which was her very own pattern!! How helpful was that?

Anyway, here goes.....I ordered some antiqued muslin and as I'm sure you can imagine, I have an endless supply of reds and I got to cutting!!

If you are looking a break and want to get in the spirit of Christmas and want to see the finished quilt, go to Julie's blog-Tattered Threads and Willing Hands (which I have linked for you above). Scroll down to her section for 'home tours' and click on her 'holiday home tour' just check out those amazing quilts-talent or what? Did you see the one that I am trying to make?

This is one of Cheri Payne's patterns (love them) that I have been working on using wool applique-such a delight to work with. I even taught myself feather stitch, from on-line. Oops, I don't think I have a photo of that yet!

Ok, that's all for now, not sure when I will get back today as EVERYONE is at home ........need I say anymore?

Why not join in the fun too,
Blessings, Shazy x

Just a quick plug!

2010-07-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Hope your summer is going well. Today is the first hot day we have had for ages, so I plan to take Leah to dig in the sand, but first I am on to post about an amazing giveaway,

Stacy, owner of Buttermilk Basin has $50 free patterns....psst (don't head over, as I want to win) How very generous! Click on the Buttermilk Basin pic on my sidebar and tell her I sent you:))

Enjoy your hols and back soon:)

Blessings, Shazy x

Picture heavy prim goodness!

2010-06-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

I ended my last post saying I would be back soon to show some more of our visit to Wisconsin-so true to my word, here I am! I thought, if I am to wait until I get my goodies displayed, you could be waiting a while and I know a certain buddy is going on hols soon, so this is to put her in the notion for all the prim goodies that are out there-as if she is not excited enough-right Christine?

The shop below,'A Simpler Time' is in Ripon-I first saw it on someone's blog and made a note of the address, as a definite place to visit. Wow, but I was not disappointed. Room after room of amazing eye candy, do you want to see?

Well, what do you think? A good find?
Now, on to some purchases!
This next pic, caused a little hassle at the security of the airport-I had it beautifully packed in hubs hand luggage, with the glass out and filled with goodies for safe transportation, but we had to unpack it all at security (which took ages) as I think they must have thought it was a rocket or something!! Anyway, I got it home safely and hubs got it all wired up for here and I am soooo pleased with my new lamp:))

I didn't get the wire basket in Wisconsin, but I thought it displayed my new bobbins and treenware nicely. I just love the little mats I got-can't wait to display them properly.

Just a closer look at the coverlet I got from 'A Simpler Time' I am still waiting (impatiently) on hubs friend making my quilt rack:(

I usually only buy things I can't make myself, but I couldn't refuse this folk art pear makedo-so beautifully stitched and finished off with a little wool strawberry on a rusty pin and just look at the little base.

Ok, that is most of my goodies-(I need to keep some for displays to show you another time, or I will have nothing to blog about!lol) but before I finish, here are a few photo's of my wool stash. I know, it is probably small, compared to many of yours out there, but believe me, it pleases me:))

The bottom left, is wool felt and the top left, are a few of my wool kits, yet to made up. Here is a closer look at this scrummy bundle.

This next pic, shows my flannels and homespuns.

And here is a pic of some of my cotton stash

Thanks for staying with me if you have reached this far. I know it has been long but that leads me to my next piece of news.
Because of the school hols etc I have decided to take a break from blogging for July and August-please do not remove me from your blogroll; I do intend to be back in September, with hopefully some sewing done!

I hope to get the odd fix, by reading your blogs when I can, but until next time, I hope everyone has a great summer and enjoys special family time together.

Blessings, Shazy x

Primitive Gatherings and more!

2010-06-21T05:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I had my prayers answered and got to Wisconsin and some really amazing shops!

What an awesome state Wisconsin is-quilters heaven would be an underestimate and as for the prim shops to visit.....they simply have it all and I was totally jealous of the huge choice and range of goodies available. My only problem (apart from running out of money, ha!) was the weight restrictions for the plane.....hubs was getting worried and bought a set of fish scales from Walmart, to weigh my bags, before going to the airport-it's always good to have a sensible head about!lol!

We travelled over last Monday and I got to my favourite on-line quilt shop on Tuesday, oh, I was so like a child, I think hubs thought I had lost the plot altogether-my eyes just could not take in the amount of yumminess; wools, fabrics, threads and kits GALORE! Where does a girl start, when faced with that??

Firstly, hubs was gently encouraged to go for a wee drive and not to rush back (he hired a nice car for himself), so he was easily persuaded!lol!

The girls in the shop are just as I imagined-very helpful, friendly and talented. Some of them design patterns too and the samples around the walls were just stunning.
Lisa (the owner) unfortunately, I didn't get to meet, as they were at a quilt show, but she ought to be proud of her girls-we had great fun, as my baskets got higher and higher!!

Anyway, it's the pics I'm sure you want to see, so here are a few-they don't do it justice, as I would have needed to take the samples individually, but you will get a taste.

These two pics, show some of the yummy wools-they also had big baths full of wool bundles-I would so loved to have one of every colour......

This was part of their red, white and blue area (not a great pic) but they had penny mats and the most beaut needle punch samples-see the basket on the wall, with the needle punch on it?

This was part of their Christmas area-just look at all the kits, sitting about-I know I am not doing it justice, but EVERY free space was covered, with samples or wool kits packaged or rows of patterns.

This bed, was up the front of the shop and on it you can see the Americana runner-just one of their summer kits. All the kits and samples to do with their summer book are all on display here.

The next two pics are on they way down the stairs, where all the Autumn Gatherings, samples and kits are. Then downstairs (I didn't get a pic) has all the wool rug hooking stuff and sale fabrics/patterns and an area for classes.

One bag of scrummy goodness! (Want the secret? I went back the next day, for bag number 2...hush!)

Ok, are you bored yet? You might just have needed to have been there, but for those not bored yet, I will show you one more amazing shop in Spring Green, called The Country Sampler Quilt Shop. Wow, but this shop had class.

The displays were amazing and they had such a range of beautiful muted colours of flannels, checks and plaids and yes, yummy wools. They also had loads of punch needle patterns, like Country Stitches and lots of prim cross stitch samplers. I didn't like to take too many pics as I wasn't supposed to-I asked after paying for my stuff and I think, she couldn't really refuse!lol!

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What do you think? Stunning? That wasn't even half the displays. Look at how they wrap purchases so beautifully-I don't want to unpack them yet, as they look so good in the bags!lol!

Thought I better show you the main reason for our trip, just in case you thought it was all for me! ha! No, hubs was going to the Renewable Energy Fair at Custer and VERY kindly took me along, since he knows, I would have died if he hadn't!!! Thank you hubs, from the bottom of my heart-you were sooooo patient and tolerant and thank you for turning a blind eye to all the bags.....

That's all for now,thanks for stopping by and I will be back with some prim pics and some goodies soon,

Blessings, Shazy x

Pressie and stitching!

2010-05-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a lovely sunny day-a little blowy, but definitely better than the rain we received on Saturday! It is just so pleasurable to have sunshine coming in through the windows, even if it reveals my lack of cleaning!LOL!

Last week was one of those weeks-2 steps forward and about 10 steps back!!! Most evenings and afternoons (school finished early) were spent revising-this was my son's end of first year exams and until now, they have never been taught how to revise, so it was intense to say the least. Lets just hope he has learnt from the experience!!

Added to that was ANOTHER visit to the Dr's with him, for ANOTHER round of antibiotics-they know us on first name terms now..HA! AND we were back again today with cherub number 3....I'm beginning to feel a little uncomfortable, in case they think I have an obsession with the surgery, or worse still, with someone in the surgery:( It's going to have to be vitamins all round for the next month, to help us stay out of that place!

I did get the most lovely surprise in the midst of one of my power cleaning mornings......Yep, Postie came again:)) Oh, I so love postie when he brings me parcels, especially ones that have been put together especially for me, catering to my tastes. Just check out what my lovely friend Wendy from 'The Quiet Room' sent...

Is that amazing or what? The photo doesn't show the lovely pillow properly. It has a little prayer and smells delish! Look at those bobbins (I am going to pinch a few for makedo's) and the lovely rusty goods and paddle and candles....

Thank you soooo much Wendy, I just love them all:))

Wendy does the most beautiful stitching and uses her blog as a journal. Not only is she a great friend but she is so inspirational, fun and so down to earth with it! Thanks again buddy:))

I never got to show you this boy I made recently. I like how he turned out with his wool penny rug, but I'm not sure if he would look better without his ears-what do you think?

Because of the nature of last week, I only got to snatch a bit of stitching here and there-purely for therapy, so it had to be something not very brain taxing and relaxing:)

I know it's not Fall yet, but I just needed these comforting colours....the bigger pillow is a chestnut junction pattern and the smaller I think, came from Homeberries.
I hope I am giving credit appropriately, as it has been a while since I got the smaller one.

The close ups are to show you the lovely fabrics I made them up with - Memes Quilts, but I don't remember which range. The stitcheries are darker than the pic shows, as they were stained.

Thanks to all who visit and to those who leave comments, I greatly appreciate each and every one.

I mightn't get much blogging in, for the next few weeks as I have a major clean to do, for going away Monday week-(my MIL will be staying here) but we will see, I might get round it quicker than I think :)

Hope you all have a great week,
Blessings,
Shazy x

The Primitive Shelf and Fantastic Giveaway!

2010-05-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

A quick post to update you all on a few places you will want to know about;

Check out this new blog shop-Christine (Preferably Prim)has recently started selling her lovely prim goodies at the Primitive Shelf

Secondly, check out this amazing giveaway! Not only is it very generous but you will also love to get to know Tanya and her lovely blog at Friendship Crossing

Blogland is just the best to meet new friends-it never ceases to amaze me, the generosity and inspiration of some people:) Enjoy, both these visits!

Blessings, Shazy x

Pressies and purchases!

2010-05-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

Good Monday morning!

I don't know about you, but I have heard some people say they suffer from the 'Monday blues'-I'm delighted to say, I can't relate to this one, as I LOVE Mondays.
In fact, I was so anxious for morning to come, that last night, I could hardly sleep!

No, it wasn't the house work that I was dying to get up and do!LOL! Surely you know me by now....I had a multiplicity of projects in my head, so up I got at 6am and up to my sewing room! You see, I couldn't go downstairs and start housework as I would have to turn the security alarm off and the whole house would be awake!! So, it had to be to the sewing room-even if the only project I got finished was taking up my sons trousers for school (yes, I had to spend £26 on new trousers and there is only about 6 wks of term left-that did go against the grain just a little)

Why do I love Mondays?
Because, its the start of a new week and this week, well, this Monday, I don't have any kids off sick:))
Over the last while (it seems forever) there was always one or other of my two oldest cherubs off! So hopefully the tide has turned AND it is sunny outside,
so all in all, things are looking good:)

Last week I had a couple of lovely surprises amidst all of the sickness.
First off, I got a lovely package from guess where? Yea, USA!!

I thought it was something I'd forgotten I had ordered!(what does that tell you?),I was so pleasantly surprised, to find a parcel of yummy goodies from the lovely Tanya from 'Friendships Crossing' blog.
Just look at it all-Mays edition of Country Sampler (I have practically ate it Tanya), some lovely stitchery and cross-stitch patterns, a little cross-stitch Americana kit and some really really gorgeous over-dyed floss (going to save it for a while:))
Thank you sooo much Tanya-how thoughtful and generous, it really brightened up my day:)

On Friday, Christine and I met for coffee and a visit to a quilt shop (the only local one we have and its about 1hr drive)
Christine surprised me with these two lovely pears, made by her own fair hands and I just sooo love them. I couldn't believe it, as I had just recently got a folk art pear pattern.

I have them displayed in this little cart, for the meantime

This next pic, shows the lovely fabric better. Once again, thank you so so much, Christine for your thoughtfulness:)
Blogging buddies are just the best:)

What did I buy?
Well, I took this pattern with me, to look for background fabrics.
I got the pattern a while back and just noticed recently that PG are running this as a BOM, starting in July and they are using some yummy Japanese fabrics....maybe I should have waited?

The fabric in the next pic is not very clear, but it is a deep red woolies flannel, which I am hoping to use as the background for the Christmas Sampler quilt,designed by Cheri. Another Christmas project-it's not hard to work out my favourite decorating season:))

I'm afraid this is another Christmas pic. This is a little kit I got from PG and just HAD to have it.Just look at those gorgeous wools and those delicious gingers, who could resist such yumminess? Not me anyway:))

Talking of PG (Primitive Gatherings).This day 4 wks hubs and I should be winging our way to Wisconsin and PG here I come!!! Only, I am getting a big bit scared.....this ash cloud is causing major havoc and all flights are currently cancelled-it is getting a little close for comfort (my knees are nearly calloused from praying-I
MUST MUST get to PG)

On the sewing front, I have been sewing little bits here and there. I did get the blocks prepped for stitching, of the 'bundling board'. I found this challenging enough to do, as I find it difficult not to try to co-ordinate the fabrics and this pattern calls very much for randomness-is that a word??

That's all I think I have to share at the minute. The sun is shining and I need to get outside, so have a great week and hopefully I will get back again soon,
Please say hello, if you have visited-I love to hear from you all:)

Until then,
Blessings,
Shazy x

Finished project and other things!

2010-05-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hello again,
I hope everyone has had a good start to May. It is hard to believe how quickly the months are flying by, but I sure am looking forward to some good sunny weather. This last few days here have been quite cool ( we still have to put the heat on) and worse still, I am wearing my winter boots!! Sorry but, I like my comforts and there aint much worse than cold feet! Ha!

Thank you all for your lovely thoughts and kind wishes regarding my daughter and her sore leg. Thankfully the cast is now off and they do not want to do any further scans at present. So hopefully everything has settled down again. The whole experience seems to have knocked her confidence and produced new fears-one being, that she won't go to sleep on her own; she seems to need someone with her ALL the time. We sure are hoping, that this soon settles!!

I thought you might like to see a quick little needle punch. This is one of Robins patterns from Bird in the Hand blog. I had previously got the bit of wood from a charity shop, thinking I would make a wall sconce, but when I was looking for something to mount this needle punch onto, this seemed to fit the job!!

This is where it is for now, but I'm not sure it is staying here (there was an existing nail)

Over the last few days, I have been taking a couple of pics of a few things that have made my heart SING:) I hope you all have such moments. Obviously it goes without saying, that my family makes my heart sing, but this blog is primarily about my hobbies and crafts and I don't really like putting my family on such a public place, as you can understand.

What makes my heart sing....
What can be more joyful than the colours and details of nature?

What makes my heart sing?.....the back broke on a HUGE maintenance job! (I'm painting this timber black)

.......Postie bringing an international parcel (that means something crafty from USA-yea!)

.......getting stuck into a new project. This is an all wool penny rug table runner and so far I am enjoying prepping it for hand stitching-I so love having hand stitching to do in the evenings.

There is a window just above my cutting table, which is making these colours look brighter than they really are-they are more muted.

This is what the finished job should look like:)

Oh, did I not put in a photo of what postie brought? Oh dear! Well I'm going to have to save that for another post, but I think it might have been some yummy fabrics...

Have a great week,
Blessings , Shazy x

Stitching show, needle punch and painting project!

2010-04-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Is life as busy in your pad as it is here? This has been another hectic week but I know by reading some of your blogs, you are finding it to be the same-so many jobs, so little time....

Hubs was meant to be in the States this week, but due to the air problems, his flight was cancelled, so all my plans to run the roads had to be put on hold! No, I'm only joking-I'm actually glad he is here this week to help with our three year old. She had to have a full leg plaster of paris on since Sunday because of a limp, so it is great to have an extra pair of hands as she cannot weight bear. We hope to get it off on Monday and hopefully the limp will have disappeared (there is no fracture etc)

As you can imagine, I have spent my week reading and playing!! I did get the odd little break:))

Last week, we had a stitching and craft show-nothing like in the States, but I did manage to dig for a few little goodies:)

I got a few patterns-I know this is one of the older books of Primitive Gatherings, but I didn't have it and was glad to get my hands on it. The small pattern is a Primitive Gathering needle punch.

Being a Christmas person, I couldn't resist this wire hanging and some rustie goodies.

I also got some lovely woven Japanese fabrics that I took a liking too-possibly a little bit different for me, but I thought this bag would be nice to make sometime.

I did get a little more needle punch done and I must say, this is a very enjoyable craft and am looking forward to trying a proper pattern next time (don't look too close-since completing them, I have learned that I have probably punched my rows too close together, but I'm pretty pleased for a first attempt)
I'm not sure where it will hang yet, so it's on the settee meantime!

Now, I want your opinions on this next project-your very honest opinions please!

This shelf started out pine once upon a time.
I painted it cream over black and then stained it after distressing, but I'm not sure about the finished colour-Should I have left it unstained? (I am trying for a few occasional pieces in a lighter colour)

Thanks for visiting and hopefully I will get you posted on my outside-it's still a work in progress!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to say you visited as I enjoy the company:)

Blessings,
Shazy x

Easter break

2010-04-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging friends!

I'm beginning to think that this is how blogging and I are going to be-'as and when'
At the minute, that doesn't seem to be too often, so I thought I better pop in and say hello, incase you forget who I am!!

Lets just say, life is very busy and snatching a few minutes to catch up on a few of your blogs is a luxury these days, but I am hoping to catch you up soon:))

The children have been off school this past two weeks-just back today, so this past two weeks has been family time. We had a lovely little break of five days to Spain, which we really enjoyed. I think we enjoyed it even more when we realised home was having snow storms and hurricanes!!!! Our weather in Spain was just lovely-not too hot, yet hot enough to get out and about and do plenty of activities which the kids wanted to do.

We found this lovely pool which was 36 degrees-needless to say, we spent two afternoons there

The boys had a competition at this and had to go back a second night to decide who really won....Boys!!

We spent a very enjoyable afternoon at this place-there were all sorts of activities from water-sking, quading, rock-climbing and treking etc. Leah got to do an Easter egg hunt-do you see her little basket?

Meanwhile, I relived my youth, by attempting pony treking-I forgot how hard it is to stretch ones leg away up there!

Safely back from an hours trek-can't understand how they knew we were foreign-it couldn't have been the white bodies, could it?

Back to porridge and the outside which was annoying me before I went, was waiting for me when I came home....nothing else for it, but to get stuck in!!

Needless to say, there has been very little crafting going on, but I think I would be in despair if I couldn't fit a wee bit in.

Needle-punch and rug-hooking have been tempting me over the last while, so.....I ordered a needle for needle-punch and used a couple of Primitive Gatherings patterns that I had which were for pin cushions-just plain and simple to get me going.

I'm not sure yet how to finish them off-I haven't researched that yet, as I was too impatient to get started:)
I am going to show my inexperience now by asking what you will probably think to be a silly question, but,for you experienced needle-punchers out there; can you use calico or is it necessary to have weavers cloth?

There will hopefully be a set of three, the third being a sheep. (the markings will be covered with stitches, I didn't want to waste the fabric:))

Thats about all from my neck of the woods, just to say, that I hope this lovely weather continues and hopefully I will have a nicer outside to show you.

Have a great week,
Blessings,
Shazy x

Some spring bunnies!

2010-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

Where does time go? I can't believe how the days are flying by-I don't know about you, but I feel as if I'm in a speed wobble:)

Is it the time of year or something, but all I seem to see is the cleaning that needs to be done-windows, laundry, cupboards, floors, bathrooms.....that's only inside; the ouside I can't bear to look at, after the winter hammering it has received!!

Don't get me wrong-I'm grateful to be able to do it, but sometimes its a tad overwhelming, possibly because I want it done yesterday:))

BUT..the main reason why I'm naffed?-I think I have just blew my chances at getting a little trip to the States!! Rather my sewing room has.

Hubs is into renewable enery stuff and we had discussed a little trip (just him and I) to Wisconsin-he would get to his show and I would get to ALL my fav quilting and prim shops:)) Sadly, the other night, I asked him to move some boxes in my sewing room, that I couldn't lift. Unfortunately, they were boxes FULL of fabric-hubs was disgusted at the stash and I was quite firmly enlightened, that I didn't need to go to any quilt shops for the rest of my life! Huh? A girl needs LOADSA stash!

Maybe it's time to make a few nice dinners.......humm

I have really enjoyed seeing all your beautiful homes and your spring decor. Decorating for spring is new to me, so I don't have much, but here are a few pics of some bits-actually, they seem to be all bunnies:))

These bunny eggs are a little difficult to see-here is one close up

These next little bunnies, came from Christine (Preferably Prim) I think they are very cute. Thanks again, Christine.

Thought I would try a little change of colour scheme-not red this time (tho' if you look closely, there is a fine red stripe in there!)
I made some of these eggs for my sister-her kitchen is these colours and I thought they looked lovely and fresh. The chocolate bunnies I made from wool.

Next, is a simple little project.I tried my hand at felting some wool this past week-the bunny and the background wool are the result. I was pleased with the felting, maybe I will try over-dying next time!

This is the time of year when I start gathering up bits and pieces of hand sewing to do, as from Easter on, we spend alot of time up at the North Coast. Now, I know these aren't spring, but, I loved them and just had to have them:)) So these are my 'summer' projects-aren't the wools just yummy...

(This is the kit and the pattern for the above little pic-I got these from The Quilted Crow)

I haven't had time to blog much recently and that only seems set to continue-what, with all the work I need to do and the Easter hols etc... but I hope you all have a lovely break and enjoy family time,

Blessings,
Shazy x

Spring is in the air!!

2010-03-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hope this post finds you all enjoying nice sunshine! Although cool, it is so heartsome, having the sun shining. The only downside is, all I can see is dirty windows and dust!LOL A job for another day:)

I'm hoping my week only improves-we have had 2 quite stressful days, dealing with school bullying, but hopefully as we speak it has been resolved. Why do children want to be so mean sometimes and why do they have to suffer such hurt sometimes? Anyway, I will not sort it out here and now, so lets move on.

Here are a few bits of sewing I have been working on-time to sew seems to be evading me recently. I will have to change that somehow:))

This little bunny is made out of wool and backed with linen.

I have taken a liking to sheep and penny rugs.

A friend of mine (Christine from Preferably Prim) really loves pineapples, so this was made for her walls which she is decorating.

This next project has me in seventh heaven!! I am sooo enjoying making it-sure it contains all the things I love-wool, saltbox houses, willow trees and RED!!!
The background is darker and more mottled than the pic shows-it is to be framed as a picture.

Thought I would leave you with a little smile:) My son gets the job of putting away the toilet rolls after shopping!! Needless to say, they didn't get too far-who needs toys when they have toilet rolls-my son refrained from the pics (11yrs?)

Now for the fun part!

Even eating breakfast became a pleasure, instead of a chore:))

Have a great week,
Blessings, Shazy x

We have a winner!

2010-03-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hello blogging friends!
Thank you sooo much for entering my giveaway and for those who posted it on their blog an extra thanks:)

I wish you all could get something, but I'm afraid there can only be one winner-

Here we go.........

Well done to Tanya from Friendship Crossing, if you can get me your details, I will get these off to you!

To those who have recently joined me, I hope to get around to all of your blogs soon and thanks once again for taking part:))

Blessings, Shazy x

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!

2010-02-25T04:24:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I mentioned in a previous post I was going to have a giveaway, well, that time has come! Actually, I was going to leave it until next week, but I looked out at the MORE SNOW and thought, no, I want to think 'spring' and I want some fun!

Whats the occasion, for the giveaway?
Well, I have had sooo much enjoyment, friendship and inspiration from I started blogging in December, that I wanted to say a big THANKS!- blogging has opened up a whole new world to me; so to those great friends who have followed my journey and to those new friends I look forward to meeting, I hope you enjoy and most of all, lets have some FUN:)

So, here goes... (heck, I'm nervous now:))
but lets run with it.......

(Click on pic to enlarge for clearer view)

Firstly is this prairie doll. She is carrying a little sack with a rusty pin attached. Her pillow has a little black sheep machine embroidered on it and is
stained for that old appearance. To add a little Irish culture, I made her bonnet from linen:))

Secondly, you will get this little spring sampler in a distressed frame- this is a Shelly Auen pattern.

Finally, we have some raggedy eggs- 5 small eggs and 2 large-duck? haha! I have used homespun flannels to cover and they come lightly stained.

The rules are simple, but please be informed, so that everyone enjoys,

~ You must be a follower of my blog to enter

~ all new followers are most welcome, so come on board:)

~ You need to leave a comment on this post

~ Drawing will take place, Friday 5th March

I would love it if you would put this giveaway on your blog and please say in your comment that you have done so-this will give you a second entry:)

Finally, I hope you like and please join in the fun!

Blessings, Shazy x

Painting projects!

2010-02-22T01:23:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning to you all. I hope you all had a good weekend. Our weekend revolved around our daughters 14th birthday. It was just a family time as she didn't want a party-I wasn't complaining! We often end up looking through old photos for some reason at birthday times-I don't know about you, but I don't enjoy it-I end up feeling sad at the days that will never return.

I was reading someones blog the other day and I could really relate to it. She had a stitchery that said something like, 'take time to smell the flowers.' Sometimes (and I am guilty) we are sooo busy just surviving, that we fail to enjoy every minute of our kids lives. That will be enough of the nostalgia for now, lets move on!

Below are some painting projects I have been working on. This is a new craft to me, so please view with kindness:)

I painted this window frame with cream over black and sanded, then put a matt varnish over as I didn't want it too dark (It is darker than the photo shows)
Click to enlarge if you wish.

Oh, sorry, excuse my toe:)

Just to show you where I hung the frame and one of the signs. I am not in love with this mantle, but it will have to do:( I figured if I displayed it nicely, it would detract from the mantle?

Another sign over this mantle.

Show and tell over for another time. I will sign off now and get the house cleaned after the weekend:(

Have a good weekend and don't forget to enjoy all those precious moments with family and friends,

Blessings,
Shazy x

Raggedy quilts!

2010-02-16T00:45:00.000-08:00

Good morning to you all!

I hope your week has got off to a good start! Our kids are off school for half-term break, so we are trying to get out and about a bit. We had a few nice days that hinted 'spring' but we have also had a few damp days-better than snow, I suppose:)

Some time back, I decided I was going to discipline myself and try and finish up some projects that I had bought, so, this past weekend, I took into a kit I got on one of our holidays to America!

Firstly, there was a little bit of this......

A fair amount of this.........

Way too much of this-I ended up with a blister on my thumb and yes I'm left handed:)

After a cycle in the machine and tumble-dryer........

For now, it sits here......

If you are looking to make a quick quilt, raggedy quilts are the way to go-no binding required and they don't require perfection! (suits me!lol)
Here are a few pics of a couple of others I made a while back.

That's all for now; have a good week and don't forget to pop over to Christine at Preferably Prim, for her great giveaway-click on image on my sidebar to get there.

Blessings,
Shazy x

2010-02-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

I said in my last post, I would give you the recipe for Boursin Chicken. This is a great family favourite of ours and it is also great for entertaining-easy and impressive!! Isn't that what we all want, when it comes to entertaining?

Confession is good for the soul:) I got this recipe from my very talented sister, who excels in the cooking/baking department-isn't that right sis? She is a non-blogger, but keeps a close eye on how I am doing! Her latest input was to tell me to have a giveaway:) I was one step ahead of her on that one as I was thinking of having a little fun to keep us ever looking for Spring-sooo keep posted!!

Anyway, here is the recipe;

Boursin Chicken

Ingredients
4 chicken breast (or 1 per person)
1 pkt Boursin cheese (this is a soft cheese, garlic and herb flavoured) or equivalent
1 pkt smoked bacon or parma ham
16 ounces chicken stock
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
approx 2tablespoons cornflour in small amount water (to thicken sauce at the end)
Small pouring cream (optional)

Method
1.Heat oven 160 degrees cent (325F) or gas mark 3
2.Cut pocket in chicken breast and stuff with flavoured cheese (good amount)
3.Stretch bacon and wrap around chicken breast to close
4.Put in casserole dish
5.Mix together chicken stock and red wine vinegar and pour into chicken dish
6.Cook in oven for approx 45-60 mins
7.When cooked-pour sauce into another pot and thicken with cornflour as above.
8.Add cream prior to serving if you like it creamier, it also lightens the colour

(Delicious served with roasted or steamed veg and new potatoes) Enjoy!

Thanks to Colleen, for hosting recipe swap, why not go visit
http://www.andbabymakesfive-colleen.blogspot.com

(Sorry, Colleen I couldn't get your site to go live!)

Have a good weekend, Shazy x

Out of my comfort zone.

2010-02-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Hope you are all having a good Monday!

I have just finished putting my groceries away, which hubs took me to get (it was a days work!) Our little one is up for her afternoon nap, so I thought I would do a little post-not sure if I'm wise or not, but sure we all can make fools of ourselves and anyway I'm unlikely to see you anyway soon and by that stage it'll have been forgotten about:)

What am I talking about, you ask! Well, I have admired greatly all your prim dolls over the last while and thought I would attempt my own, but as my title suggests, I was greatly out of my comfort zone-I found it really difficult to make the simple look and I confess now and hope this does not cause offense; no matter how hard I try, I cannot do extreme prim YET! There, I have said it! So my attempt is supposed to be middle of the road.

Still not sure why they are not quite right-I didn't get a prim pattern, I just tried to adapt a dolls pattern-maybe thats the problem? Am I trying to make them too pretty?

Anyway, I shall take constructive criticism like a grown girl should, in order to improve next time, but I don't think there will be a next for dolls, as I can honestly say, I did not enjoy making them:(

Ok, ready for a laugh?.........

Sorry, the light is shining a bit bright-it's difficult to see, but they do have two different print dresses-the next pic might show them better.

The bigger one has a sac tied round her with some twigs and moss. The little one just has a rusty pin on her apron.

The next pics show where they sit meantime.

Think I should just stick to my quilting and stitcheries:)

I was reading a book over the last while and didn't get much sewing done. I don't know if any of you have read it or not, but I don't think I shall forget it for a while!

The book is entitled 'Gone in a heartbeat' and is the story of David and Marie Works, who lost TWO of their daughters in a shooting in their church grounds in Colorado Springs.It was a very challenging, disturbing yet encouraging read and reminded me that we are only on a short journey here and to let each day count for the things that are important.

On that note, I'm off to prepare for tonights dinner-Boursin chicken. I must post the recipe soon as it is a very easy but effective meal.

Have a great week, Shazy x

Some yummy goodies!

2010-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello blogging friends!
I thought I would just pop in with a little post to keep in touch:)

Reading through your blogs over the last week or so, has brought such pleasure to say the least and I feel I know so many people now!lol

What have I been doing? Well, last week most times I didn't feel like much so I spent it lying about and catching up on some DVDs and flicking magazines and of course some blogging!

Granny and Granda had taken our youngest to their 2nd home at the north coast, to let me recover quicker and easier-to say the place was like a morgue would be an understatement; we all missed her soooo much but it was good for everyone and more than sacrificial of my MIL and FIL. She is home now and we are all enjoying normal family life again (with me in the corner giving the orders, my oldest daughter would tell you!!)

It is really only this week that I have felt like doing a bit of stitching, which I will show you in a minute, but first I want to show you a photo of some yummy goodies:)

My birthday (42nd) that is so difficult to look at, as well as to say (I still feel young and I still feel like a child when its Christmas or when I get new fabric!) Well, my birthday was in January and hubby was going to buy me some clothes; after informing him that I didn't need any more clothes, I took the opportunity to tell him what I did need-some patterns from USA and some yummy fabrics??? I will show you one photo-I did get some more but in case dear hubs reads this?? Seeing his credit card account will be soon enough to find out, what you all think?

Remember I told you I was going to do some redword stitcheries? Well, I did some but I'm afraid they are Christmas! They were all I had at hand and when a girl has gota sew, a girl has gota sew! You see, my sewing room is two flights of stairs up and I had to be careful:)

The second stitchery is one of the free patterns from The Painted Quilt. I think I will stitch them to a red background and frame them-after they get a splash of coffee stain of course:)

The next two pics were meant to be redwork also, but I thought I would do them in flannel and wool applique and make them into a wall-hanging-they are an adaptation of the free seasons sew along from, Quilt happy, quilt often. The watering can block is a freebie from Primitive Blessings and obviously there has to be a willow tree in it somewhere-that's a Shazy special! I still have winter and spring to do. I'm not sure what colour of border to do-one colour or two, any ideas?

I also started a little pillow and I'm just looking at my pics-I seem to have a thing for baskets in this post. The blue wool is actually darker than the photo shows.

That's all for show and tell time today; hope you all have a good week and thank you all once again for all your lovely comments and best wishes and for all those that have chose to keep in touch through my blog, I thank you most sincerely:)

Blessings, Shazy x

The Unseen hand at work!

2010-01-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hello again blogging friends!

I am home again and boy is it good to be home!

Overwhelmed, underestimates how I felt when I read all your lovely comments of best wishes for my surgery-I feel I have so many friends out there! Even though I haven't met you, I feel I know you, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Surgery for the gallbladder removal went as planned, but I also had to have an area of my bowel resected which complicated things a little more- only allowing me home now, but I don't see it really as a complication but as a blessing in disguise.

A problem with the bowel was identified and resolved during surgery, which apparently would have caused me an obstruction in the not too distant future, resulting in more major surgery at a later date. I stand once again, truly amazed at the unseen hand of my Father who had been going before, guiding the surgeons hand and every little detail-don't forget, my surgery had been delayed; was that to allow this problem to be more easily identified? I don't know, but one thing I do know is that,

"all things work together for good, to them that love Him"

Once again, many many thanks for all your prayers and support.

I plan to enjoy catching up on all your happenings over the next few days, so keep blogging and crafting! (Sorry, no pics from me today!lol)

Blessings, Shazy x

Here I go again!! Plus makeover time!

2010-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Pheeeew!

Thought I would take some time out from housework to do a quick post. Guess what?

I got my letter yesterday and I'm going for my gallbladder surgery tomorrow, if all goes to plan!!
There is still the risk of it being cancelled again but, they sure don't give much notice! So you have guessed-the marathon of leaving everything ready has begun:)

In the midst of it all, my 13yr old daughter is in the middle of exams and I don't know about you, but I seem to get the job of asking loads of questions, which is very time consuming but seems to be very necessary!!

Talking about school; our almost 3yr old had her little open morning for nursery on saturday, so a few days before, I started to prepare her a little (she seemed a bit negative about it)- so the morning before I asked her was she and I going to school, to which she replied, "no mummy, I'm feeling a wee bit sick today"-what about that for a rascal!! We all couldn't stop laughing.
Anyhow, she enjoyed it when I got her there:)

Now to get on to crafting-I have a couple of antique chairs that I wanted to do something with. Now don't get excited, I wasn't brave enough to do a paint makeover (to be honest, I didn't know what to do paintwise-any ideas?) but my mum came for a visit and we did a little bit of upholstering-this is the before-

This is the after-what do you think?

I would like a little prairie doll sometime to sit on it, but my little bear will do meantime-not particularly prim, but hey, I still like this look and isn't that what it's all about?

This is just to show you when you come in the front door. Until last night, there was a big sideboard sitting here and I felt it blocked the entry too much, so hubby was called upon once again!! I thought the chair suited the little Americana shelf above.

The next couple of pics, you are going to ask, what season are we in anyway! But I just wanted to show you a couple of completed stitcheries before I put them away. The fall one- I had seen the verse and was afraid of forgetting it, so it got stitched up sat evening!

Well, thats all from me-the potatoes need peeled, but before I go, if anyone is into redwork-(if not they could be done in wool applique), but Paula over at "Quilt happy, quilt often" (sorry, but I don't know how to make blogs live) has some free BOM stitcheries. Running from June to June is, free seasons sew-along and just started is; Love is, free redwork BOM. I thought as I recover, they might be a nice little project, with a little primification added in!!

Until next time, keep safe,

Shazy x

Bargains and crafts!

2010-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

I want to start by thanking all of you who have left lovely comments and those of you who have decided to follow my blog! It is great to meet so many of you and to share so many common interests- the inspiration I have received from your tutorials and decor and thoughts has brought me a new lease of life:)lol!

I must say, I have had a few lovely days. Yesterday I was visiting with Christine from Preferably Prim and we had a lovely time over coffee, both discussing our crafts and best of all, seeing all Christines wonderful creations- your home is so welcoming Christine! She also made me the little cushion tuck as seen in the first photo-isn't it lovely? Thanks once again and for the lovely time Christine.

Then today my sister and I went on a little shopping trip. She told me she wanted to take me to a little place where there was a sale on and that I might like some of the things!

Here are the bargains I came home with:

These are made of rusty wire and have rusty stars and bells-all half price!!!

The wreath with berries I got in another shop-both again, half price!! I intend to keep the berry wreath out all year.

I had the middle stacking box already, so it was nice to get the set; again, half price!

I asked my hubby if he could get me some bits of wood sometime, as I wanted to make some signs. This is what he brought! I'm not sure if he wants me to sell them, or whether he didn't want me to ask him again!! Needless to say, I have plenty to keep me going:)

The photos are not very good as I couldn't get the flash to stop shining on them-they are darker than the photo shows. There are a few more in the making which I will post later.

We don't often get good snow, but this year we have done fairly well;

This is looking out our back

This is our little BBQ house-ideal for this time of year, but I can't pluck up the courage to brave the elements and cook in it!

I must go now and get something done-it still takes me so long to do a post:)

Have a good week,

Shazy x

Some completed projects!

2010-01-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Hello again! Its still very cold here with snow and freezing fog today- great for keeping us at home. We have not had it so cold here for many years, but I'm really quite enjoying it! The days are bright and clear with the snow; better than grey wet days! Obviously we don't have it as bad as many other bloggers have, but for here its pleasant enough.

Last few blogs I showed some pictures of things I have been working on. Now I have a few completed items-quite unusual for me as I often am impatient to start something new if my creativity head gets carried away!

The penny mat is completed- well completed enough to show you. I need to put a backing on, but that's the boring bit, so please don't ask to see it with the back on, as you could be waiting a while:)

Remember, this is a first so don't do too close an examination!lol!

I found this little Amish outfit upstairs-I had got it in Lancaster County a few years ago. Oh how I love that place! I know the people have to work very hard, but I just love the simplicity of it all and as for the quilts and crafts, wow, I didn't want to leave!!

I had a bit of a problem knowing what to make next. You see I don't really do valentine things, so since we are still looking out at the snow, I reckoned that was a reasonable enough excuse to continue with winter!

This was a fun little project. I saw a similar idea in a picture somewhere and I thought it lovely to remind me of my three cherubs which bring warmth (wool and mittens) into our lives and home! I so love wool and woolen projects; you will probably think I'm mad, but I hate cutting into my wool stash-probably because it is so difficult to get good proper felted wool here. Anyway this project was small so I forced myself with the scissors!

The other stitchery I hopefully will show you next post as I am waiting on my hubby making me a frame!

I probably should have posted this yesterday-Wednesday, only I wasn't sure of the politics behind "Whatcha workin on wed?" With being new to blogging, I wasn't sure if this was open to all, or if an invitation was required, or have I to sign into anything? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Well, as this is quite a long post for me, I better go as the housework is accumulating!!
Until the next time,
~Shazy x

Still here!!

2010-01-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Good evening! I said I probably wouldn't be posting for a while but things don't always go as planned! I have learnt that lesson so many times but I seem to keep needing to learn it again for some reason!!

My surgery scheduled for wed was cancelled today. Part of me was pleased as the "me" part of me didn't fancy it; but the organised part of me was shocked. You see I had planned and worked like mad to leave my place tidy-beds changed,all the organising that you can imagine that a 13, 11 and a 2 year old would need and food left sorted for the family to eat! They still have to eat,lol! but you see I was conscious my MIL would be here and although she is lovely, one doesn't want to let ones self down in front of her MIL!!!

What did I do when I found out you ask? (My MIL said she left coming to see me as she thought I'd be sitting in the corner crying!) No tears; I stopped the cleaning marathon and STITCHED-nothing like stitching for therapy:)

It is all bittersweet really- the surgery is still ahead and the cleaning marathon has to be repeated!!

On a more serious note; I believe even all these small details in the great scheme of things are all planned and are for a purpose, so I guess for me, the way to a peaceful heart in it all is, submission and acceptance, as the Master planner is at work!

Here starts the therapy!

This is a little display case I had in the sunroom which was wasted really, as the weather only allows us to use that room about 3 months in the year. It got a slight revamp and got moved into the living area. More tweaking will be required, but I wanted to use things I had about the house.

This was the revamp-the doors were removed as I like it better for displaying!
Here is a question;- What can I do with the doors? The only thing I can think to do is take the glass out and the knobs off and use as picture frames:) Has any of you creators any other ideas? Your ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Have a great week, Shazy x

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year and hope that 2010 brings you health, peace and happiness.As a family we have so much to be thankful for over the past year when we reflect back, but we also realise that nothing is guaranteed! May we be grateful for each new day and be thankful for the privilege of seeing another new year!

I got me a new house! I must warn you now, there are a few things I love; saltbox houses, willow trees and the colour barn red; so you will see plenty of those through time!

The following few photos are of some projects I am currently working on. The quilt is a BOM folk art pattern which I need to back and quilt yet.The twelve houses each have a relevant verse stitched on. Maybe not particularly prim but I love it all the same-after all there are saltbox houses!

Thought I would try my hand at a penny rug/mat. I have seen so many lovely ones on many of your blogs-don't look too close as this is a first attempt! (Notice it is red again):0

This little cross stitch I got in USA last year whilst on hols-they have such great choice in all lines of crafts!

These projects are hopefully what will keep me occupied over the next few weeks as I recover from surgery DV. I will probably not be posting but intend to keep up with reading your blogs so keep blogging!

Blessings, Shazy x

Christmas Visitor!

2009-12-28T02:30:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a great Christmas-it's kind of sad to think it's all over! We had a little visitor on Christmas morn; he seemed a tad confused as to his identity! I think he thought he was Prancer?

He even came in to see if Santa was still about!

Just a few pics of the dining room. My daughter made the little santa placecards with her new printer-the graphics were from Magnolia Station Primitive Graphics.

Thought I would finish with a few mouthwatering desserts! Sorry,no pics of the turkey-he didn't have enough calories!
Have a good day,
Shazy x

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hi, just a quick post,or should I say, short post, as I am still slow at this. :)
Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas. I have downloaded a few pictures. The wallhanging I made was adapted from a pattern from the emlibrary. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas it helps me to remember the real meaning of Christmas. Just to think that God sent His Son into the world to bring peace to our lives and homes.

The pattern for this pillow is by Jenny Hoffman-Country Rustic Primitives

The raggedy tree was a tutorial from Preferably Prim and Christine also very kindly made me the little penny mat-I love the colours!

Have a peaceful Christmas

Shazy x

New to blogland and pics of Christmas decor

2009-12-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hello, I'm new to this blogging, in fact I have only recently been introduced to blogland which much to my family's disgust, has turned into an obsession!lol! I shouldn't be starting now, so close to Christmas, considering I have so much to do-I certainly didn't think it would take this long to get it set up (I still haven't it right!).
I love all your prim decor and although our home is probably more country, my new love is prim! :)
Here are a few pics, please excuse the quality and colour of some as this is all new to me!

Thanks for taking time to share with me, more pics to follow! (If I can master the downloading quicker!lol!)
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas

Sharon x