2017 January
Check This One Out!
1/30/2017
Don't you just love days when there's not a thing on your calendar, no place to go, and no one who needs you to do something? Such a rare day, but Jeff and I enjoyed one of those days last Saturday. We got up, out, and totally enjoyed the day! We landed at the Boat and Vacation Show in Louisville where Jeff and I started looking at 24' RV's and thinking "what if". Boats were not even a question since we need to be down south for the type of boat that's on Jeff's retirement wish list.
This is a far cry from the 'southern' vacation home that I keep dreaming of. You know, a little cottage style home somewhere close to the beach with Jeff's dream boat out front. LOL
Who knows what will happen once we do decide to retire and play for awhile. But it's fun to dream and think, "what if"!
I just finished a wedding gift that's long overdue (but that's nothing new!). I decided to get out the clothesline and fabric strips to make some more bread baskets. I love this for a wedding gift with a napkin, a bottle of wine or a bunch of spices and a grocery gift card.
Both of these were embellished differently since I don't like to repeat the same thing over and over again. The one to the left has a 1" lip that extends out from the bowl of the basket. I created this by turning the basket over and reversing the direction that I was sewing the basket together. I then added a scallop along the edge by glueing it in place and then stitching decoratively with an embroidery floss.
With the second basket I continued straight up to form the bowl and then added the scallops along the edge. Once they were stitched in place I went back and wove more of the clothesline through the scallops to create a braided effect. This one might be my favorite. :)
This is a fun craft for creating great gifts. There are a lot of tutorials on the internet that show how to make them but I have a few tricks I like to use to make the work easier.
1. Use a zig zag rotary cutter to cut your
strips. This really helps to stop the
raveling as you wrap the cord.
2. Glue every 3-4 wraps with a fabric glue.
I use Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue and
have it available in my studio, but
most tacky glues will work.
3. Set the zig zag stitch on your sewing
machine to the widest width #7, and the
length to #1. This gives the basket a
more durable feel when it is finished.
So... Judy came up with a great idea (as if I don't have enough of my own. LOL) for an apron design more suitable for the voluptuous woman. She calls it the Hostess Apron Blouson, and it goes from a hostess half apron to a full coverage apron with one simple 'click'.
She liked the aprons that I designed to put on Etsy but said that she needed one with a bib to protect her clothes while cooking...
...and needed it sized for someone who is "more like a feather bed than an ironing board."
That was a favorite saying from my mother-in-law years ago when I couldn't get my fussy child to sleep and she, 'the feather bed', only took a minute to quiet him down. Can you guess 'who' the ironing board is? LOL
I took Judy's idea and made a custom apron just for her. It has a flat panel underskirt with a shorter skirt on top that has a small amount of gathers and decorative trim as embellishment for a hostess look.
What you don't see is the row of grommets under the top skirt at the hemline with a fabric ribbon woven through it.
As the end tabs (not seen in photo) of the ribbon are pulled, the hemline gathers, the ends are fastened at the back of the neck and, Voila!, you have a blouson apron.
Look how pretty this turned out! The grommets almost look like a necklace and it's so stylish!
This is a great apron pattern if you need a little more coverage than what the average apron allows for.
Let me know if a PDF for this style apron interests you. Judy and I are tweaking the design to perfection and will create an instructional PDF soon!
Don't forget the Open House Party in the studio next week. 30% off all batiks and other fabric pieces just for this sale. Let me know if you would like to come and I will make sure that you get exact directions and locations to park. Email me at funkyfibersky@gmail.com
I have big news to share and I'm busting at the seams but need to keep it quiet for one more week. Check back next week to see what has me so excited!!
0 Comments
New Fabric & Great Finds...
1/24/2017
FABRIC! You can never have enough! LOL This is some of what I unearthed from the boxes in the entry way last week. A few more choices for my latest projects! Judy is getting them ready to go online and I'm trying to use them as fast as she is marking them.
Now for the Open Studio Party..... The studio will be open on February 9th (weather permitting), 10-4 for you to come in, feel and touch the fabrics, and enjoy 30% off your entire purchase of batiks. There will also be other specials for you to take advantage of during the sale, but if you don't need fabric, just come by to say hello have some cider and cookies and visit my home studio! Being surrounded by brightly colored fabrics and good friends on a cold winter's day, what more could make you happy?... And a great sale price to boot!!
I was given the nicest gift this past Sunday... in, I can't remember how long!
I received a call from a member of Christ Community Church here in Shelbyville volunteering to help me clean out the MEM building.
Really?!
OH YES!!
My realtor has been after me since our going out of business sale to finish cleaning the stuff out and I just haven't had the heart or desire for finishing the project.
I had spent the week organizing and pitching all those last little things I didn't know what to do with to get ready for them, so Sunday morning, when about 40 people showed up from about age 5 and up, I was thrilled. In just about one hour they had cleared out the place and had moved almost everything to the back warehouse. Can you believe that's all that's left from the store? Me either!!
Where there is a will there is a way. These cute little guys were bound and determined to get that bolt up the steps. And they did! I hope they all know what a blessing they were to me this week!! Thank you all!!
Bargains and Buyouts score!! A day trip with some friends to Cincinnati again and I found these four heavy dining room chairs at 2/$99.00. I couldn't go wrong! I'm going to make chair pads for them and then reupholster the host and hostess chairs with some fun creative design. Of course I don't know what that is yet.
I do know that the end chairs fill the space better than anything I have done before. Now to find just the right rug. I think I said that in last week's blog!
I told you I would share some of my good finds from IKEA after Christmas.
See all those bright colors lined along the wall? Those are zippered pillow covers in lots of colors, patterns and textures.
Most of them are made for 20x20 pillow forms and start at $4.00 per cover. I know I can't get fabric and a zipper for that low of a price!
The one thing you need to watch for when buying these covers is the actual size and fit of the covers. I found that the 20" cover doesn't necessarily fit the 20" pillow form they sell.
I bought some covers before Christmas and ended up using 22" pillow forms that I sell to fill them out properly. Still a great deal!
Check out this cute art easel for kids.
I think it is a great gift for a little one to bring out the creativity at an early age.
It has chalk board on one side and a roll of paper that comes up from the bottom on the other side.
$20.00 and you have a great gift.
The other amazing deal I found are these curtain panels .
They're great if you want a relaxed casual look. I bought four pair of draperies that have grommets in the top. They're white and made from a heavy weight twill.
Since they're white and won't be used for privacy, I'm not concerned about having them lined. I hope to get them up this week so you can see how they look.
You know I'm a fabric snob, and I think these are great quality! Especially for only $29.95 for the pair. They also come in other colors but I would definitely line those.
Off to order fabric for a custom ottoman, work on my chairs and keep cleaning up the studio... after all... I have company coming to visit me!!
2 Comments
Grinning from Ear to Ear!
1/18/2017
Faith in 3D is a multi denominational youth retreat that happens in Orlando at Walt Disney World. It is made up of PCUSA, Cumberland Presbyterian and Passport (Baptist Missions Camp). What fun to watch as these groups work together to make this event extra special.
I hadn't been to Disney World for about 20-25 years and I have to say that my experience at that time was not wonderful.
To spend the whole day in the park and only be able to ride one or two rides because the lines were so long was not fun for me. BUT... when you go with people who know what they're doing, know how to get the Fast Pass so that you can get on rides at scheduled times without waiting in long lines... it's so much more fun!
And having three cute little girls along who are so excited, how can you loose?
It really was a magical day to watch the excitement of the little ones walking around in their princess dresses and Mickey Mouse Ears.
The rides were great fun and they made me feel like a kid again! Loved Splash mountain, the roller coaster and of course, the Ferris Wheel.
This was the view from our Hotel rooms at Coronado Springs.
It was so pretty when we had a few minutes to see the outside.There was a nice path all around the lake that was great for walking.
I didn't find any alligators or snakes but I did find lots of turtles. They are safer and much slower moving so I was happy.
Beth and I talked and talked about needing a well for one of the recreation events. She had one ordered and at the last minute got a note that said it was unavailable. Punt time!
Look what a little foam core and some printed card stock can become. Quick and easy and a lot less money.
We had a large bucket inside the well with some water and the youth wrote what they felt was God's dream for the world. They dropped their pebble in the well, offering the dream as a prayer to God. The youth loved this activity.
How fun to have your recreation leaders all covered in glow sticks for the morning worship. Can you imagine that on a Sunday morning in your church?
These four creative and energetic folks led 2000 young people and young at heart - that would be me - in worshipful recreation for the event. What wonderful gifts they shared.
Beth, Bruce and I spent the best part of an afternoon blowing up 100 glow in the dark beachballs for our Sunday morning worship. It was a sight to behold.
This is what I came home to after my trip to Disney. It looked like Christmas!
I spent a good part of a day before I left ordering fabric for customers. Some things never change, but I do have to say it was fun to do and without having to be in the store 8-6 every day! I'm not sure this is what I imagined my entry way at my house looking like!
One box held ten brand new batiks that just came in, so watch next week for a photo of what is here and for a sale I'm planning just for you.
ENJOYMENT
My word for the year... A friend of mine picked this word for me out of a jar at a worship service at her church.
This star is a good guide for me to follow into the new year. I will try and think about this as I see it, experience it, and be challenged by it. I will think about this as I go about trying new things in the studio, spending time with people I care about, and volunteering in the community where I can help.
What star word are you following into the new year??
Oh yes, I'm grinning from ear to ear! Brent proposed to Natalie on a fun weekend to Asheville N.C. I was on pins and needles all day Friday waiting for him to call me with her "YES". I feel so blessed to be getting a second daughter-in-law. Natalie is a great match for Brent!! How lucky can you be to have two special daughter-in-laws that you love like they are your very own. We're not sure when the wedding is yet, but will keep you posted. Enjoyment... I think that's a great word!
1 Comment
Peggy Debnam - Love hearing your weekly news...I am still using the beautiful journal I made in your workshop in Beckley! Wish we lived closer!
Derby Pie & Chicken!
1/11/2017
I'm back in the studio this week, even if it's just part of a week... and it feels good!
I have several projects in the works, one of which includes making fabric to upholster my dining room chairs. I'm 'auditioning' the fabrics to see what works together and what doesn't. I love being able to pull the bolts right off the wall and play with them.
New quilting fabrics should be arriving this week.... hot off the press!
One project that I was able to complete was new panels for the bath area and two new valances for the windows. They sure brightened the bathroom up and now it really compliments the bedroom. I sure give the painter a lot of credit. The bathroom needed a fresh coat of paint and he jumped right in and painted around those flowers! High recommendations for a job well done!
I pulled out the shelf from the bathroom and have spent some time painting it to match the bathroom fabric. I have the first coat on and as soon as I get back in town I'll finish it and get it back in place.
Now to add the finishing touches when I get home. I need new bathroom rugs and I need to soften the stems on the flowers. Any ideas where to get great fluffy bathroom rugs?
Check out Sophies finished pillows!! And she said she can't sew... I say that is not so!!
Great job and they really set off the room. Thanks for sharing your picture with us.
Crazy quilting is a very easy technique to learn and it can be very forgiving. It's a great way to use up scraps you just can't throw away, and it's fun! Give it a try... you'll be pleased!
I use Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece as the base for patchwork with light weight cottons. It has a fusible adhesive on one side and it keeps things straight as you sew and gives your piece a little body when it's finished.
Here's a great video if you need more directions.
Do you have old beds that are 3/4 size or are hand-me-down heirlooms from family that you don't know what to do with?
These were beds from both sides of my family that I didn't want to get rid of but they were taking up precious space. So I had a friend of mine make them into benches by having the footboard cut in half and mounted to the headboard at each side. I will paint them and make cushions and pillows to match.
Thanks Jim Henson!! I will be glad to share his number if anyone is interested.
The front bench is from a bed that my sister and I slept in when we went to Grandma's. Happy Birthday Tracy! What colors do you want yours to be? The back bed is one that belonged to my Mom's mother. I haven't decided at this point where it's going or what color it will be but I know that it'll have beads hanging down the front.
DERBY PIE! Mmm..Mmmm!
Here's that Derby Pie recipe I told you I'd try to get from Roger. Download Roger's Derby Pie recipe from our online FREE Recipes.
Typical of a man... LOL
Not a lot of directions here... :)
That comment is from Judy, an actual cook.... as for me, I think it is perfect, Roger, and even better that you made it for us!!
There's a new eatery in town!Chicken Champs! Husband and wife team, Alonzo & Sheliena Simpson have come all the way from Louisville to bless us with their tasty menu.... Jeff and I went by to meet them the other day and have some wings for lunch since we heard such rave reviews. You won't be disappointed. The mac and cheese ( all sides are homemade) was amazing, as were the wings.
You'll find this great establishment tucked in at 1021 Main Street and will be greeted with a smile. Absolutely worth a trip to Shelbyville!!
A NOTE FROM JUDY: It's just the two of them and the evening rush can have you waiting in line for their tasty wings... I advise that you call in (or email) your order before 3pm for a later pick-up to save yourself some time and to relieve this lovely couple of rush related stress. And should they ask you if you'd like a bag for your single dish takeout, say 'YES!' What a fun couple!
Check out their menu on their Facebook SmokeHouseWings page.
I packed my bags one more time and headed to Orlando to visit Mickey and Minnie. Doesn't everyone pack bags of dice and donkey toys when they travel?
You do when you are headed to Faith and 3D!!!
I'm working with the Recreation Team... a little play and creative time, just in another form.
1 Comment
Jo Price - Bed Bath and Beyond has a great rug assortment.
Festivities, Friends, Family & Food...
1/3/2017
Another fun New Year Celebration with Roger and Sophie is in the books! Okay.... so we're not all that good at taking a selfie... But we sure did have a good time!!
We were trying to figure out how many years we have celebrated New Years together and thinking it's been eight or nine, now. Only once a year do Jeff and I ever just plan on doing nothing, and what's better than to do it with good friends?! Our game plan each year goes with out saying... we eat good, veg out, watch movies - LOTS of movies - put together a jigsaw puzzle, and throw a little creativity in the mix.
FOOD!
Both couples know that food is the heart of the weekend. For me it's the 'eating' of food, not the cooking! So the kitchen is always open and in a state of some sort of mess.
Sophie and I are glad to do the clean up if Jeff and Roger will just do their magic with the cooking.
I did make my Cheese Wad, which is always a favorite and 'oh, so easy.'
My other favorite was the Derby pie that Roger made. I'll see if he'll be willing to share his recipe with us!
Healthy eating will begin again after all the sweets are gone!
We always throw some sort of project in the mix and this year I showed Sophie how to crazy quilt. With just a little direction she took off like a pro!
She finished two beautiful 22" pillows by the time they left.
Roger and I worked on the 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle with Jeff looking over our shoulders and finding the impossible pieces when we couldn't.
Sophie just goes in the other direction and says "have at it" LOL!!
At least this year we finished it before they had to go home!
Finished!!! We are now ready for 2017. The annual puzzle is complete!
Have you ever helped with a project that just really blew you away with all it took to make it happen?! I did this past Wednesday when I visited the Serenity Center here in Shelbyville on 7th Street to see if I could be of any help with the food distribution. Oh, my gosh! There were volunteers everywhere, tons of wonderful food that had been donated, and lots of grateful people receiving the food.
This charity really does good work for our community, and food distribution is only one small part of what is being done by them. So thankful for all they are doing. This makes my heart happy.
I'm back in the studio this week. It's slow going when I need to decide in which direction I'm going to start. So many projects! The drapes for Operation Care are finished. They have their grommets and will be hung this coming Monday. I'm so excited to know that this project is complete.... on to the next!
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1/30/2017
Don't you just love days when there's not a thing on your calendar, no place to go, and no one who needs you to do something? Such a rare day, but Jeff and I enjoyed one of those days last Saturday. We got up, out, and totally enjoyed the day! We landed at the Boat and Vacation Show in Louisville where Jeff and I started looking at 24' RV's and thinking "what if". Boats were not even a question since we need to be down south for the type of boat that's on Jeff's retirement wish list.
This is a far cry from the 'southern' vacation home that I keep dreaming of. You know, a little cottage style home somewhere close to the beach with Jeff's dream boat out front. LOL
Who knows what will happen once we do decide to retire and play for awhile. But it's fun to dream and think, "what if"!
I just finished a wedding gift that's long overdue (but that's nothing new!). I decided to get out the clothesline and fabric strips to make some more bread baskets. I love this for a wedding gift with a napkin, a bottle of wine or a bunch of spices and a grocery gift card.
Both of these were embellished differently since I don't like to repeat the same thing over and over again. The one to the left has a 1" lip that extends out from the bowl of the basket. I created this by turning the basket over and reversing the direction that I was sewing the basket together. I then added a scallop along the edge by glueing it in place and then stitching decoratively with an embroidery floss.
With the second basket I continued straight up to form the bowl and then added the scallops along the edge. Once they were stitched in place I went back and wove more of the clothesline through the scallops to create a braided effect. This one might be my favorite. :)
This is a fun craft for creating great gifts. There are a lot of tutorials on the internet that show how to make them but I have a few tricks I like to use to make the work easier.
1. Use a zig zag rotary cutter to cut your
strips. This really helps to stop the
raveling as you wrap the cord.
2. Glue every 3-4 wraps with a fabric glue.
I use Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue and
have it available in my studio, but
most tacky glues will work.
3. Set the zig zag stitch on your sewing
machine to the widest width #7, and the
length to #1. This gives the basket a
more durable feel when it is finished.
So... Judy came up with a great idea (as if I don't have enough of my own. LOL) for an apron design more suitable for the voluptuous woman. She calls it the Hostess Apron Blouson, and it goes from a hostess half apron to a full coverage apron with one simple 'click'.
She liked the aprons that I designed to put on Etsy but said that she needed one with a bib to protect her clothes while cooking...
...and needed it sized for someone who is "more like a feather bed than an ironing board."
That was a favorite saying from my mother-in-law years ago when I couldn't get my fussy child to sleep and she, 'the feather bed', only took a minute to quiet him down. Can you guess 'who' the ironing board is? LOL
I took Judy's idea and made a custom apron just for her. It has a flat panel underskirt with a shorter skirt on top that has a small amount of gathers and decorative trim as embellishment for a hostess look.
What you don't see is the row of grommets under the top skirt at the hemline with a fabric ribbon woven through it.
As the end tabs (not seen in photo) of the ribbon are pulled, the hemline gathers, the ends are fastened at the back of the neck and, Voila!, you have a blouson apron.
Look how pretty this turned out! The grommets almost look like a necklace and it's so stylish!
This is a great apron pattern if you need a little more coverage than what the average apron allows for.
Let me know if a PDF for this style apron interests you. Judy and I are tweaking the design to perfection and will create an instructional PDF soon!
Don't forget the Open House Party in the studio next week. 30% off all batiks and other fabric pieces just for this sale. Let me know if you would like to come and I will make sure that you get exact directions and locations to park. Email me at funkyfibersky@gmail.com
I have big news to share and I'm busting at the seams but need to keep it quiet for one more week. Check back next week to see what has me so excited!!
0 Comments
New Fabric & Great Finds...
1/24/2017
FABRIC! You can never have enough! LOL This is some of what I unearthed from the boxes in the entry way last week. A few more choices for my latest projects! Judy is getting them ready to go online and I'm trying to use them as fast as she is marking them.
Now for the Open Studio Party..... The studio will be open on February 9th (weather permitting), 10-4 for you to come in, feel and touch the fabrics, and enjoy 30% off your entire purchase of batiks. There will also be other specials for you to take advantage of during the sale, but if you don't need fabric, just come by to say hello have some cider and cookies and visit my home studio! Being surrounded by brightly colored fabrics and good friends on a cold winter's day, what more could make you happy?... And a great sale price to boot!!
I was given the nicest gift this past Sunday... in, I can't remember how long!
I received a call from a member of Christ Community Church here in Shelbyville volunteering to help me clean out the MEM building.
Really?!
OH YES!!
My realtor has been after me since our going out of business sale to finish cleaning the stuff out and I just haven't had the heart or desire for finishing the project.
I had spent the week organizing and pitching all those last little things I didn't know what to do with to get ready for them, so Sunday morning, when about 40 people showed up from about age 5 and up, I was thrilled. In just about one hour they had cleared out the place and had moved almost everything to the back warehouse. Can you believe that's all that's left from the store? Me either!!
Where there is a will there is a way. These cute little guys were bound and determined to get that bolt up the steps. And they did! I hope they all know what a blessing they were to me this week!! Thank you all!!
Bargains and Buyouts score!! A day trip with some friends to Cincinnati again and I found these four heavy dining room chairs at 2/$99.00. I couldn't go wrong! I'm going to make chair pads for them and then reupholster the host and hostess chairs with some fun creative design. Of course I don't know what that is yet.
I do know that the end chairs fill the space better than anything I have done before. Now to find just the right rug. I think I said that in last week's blog!
I told you I would share some of my good finds from IKEA after Christmas.
See all those bright colors lined along the wall? Those are zippered pillow covers in lots of colors, patterns and textures.
Most of them are made for 20x20 pillow forms and start at $4.00 per cover. I know I can't get fabric and a zipper for that low of a price!
The one thing you need to watch for when buying these covers is the actual size and fit of the covers. I found that the 20" cover doesn't necessarily fit the 20" pillow form they sell.
I bought some covers before Christmas and ended up using 22" pillow forms that I sell to fill them out properly. Still a great deal!
Check out this cute art easel for kids.
I think it is a great gift for a little one to bring out the creativity at an early age.
It has chalk board on one side and a roll of paper that comes up from the bottom on the other side.
$20.00 and you have a great gift.
The other amazing deal I found are these curtain panels .
They're great if you want a relaxed casual look. I bought four pair of draperies that have grommets in the top. They're white and made from a heavy weight twill.
Since they're white and won't be used for privacy, I'm not concerned about having them lined. I hope to get them up this week so you can see how they look.
You know I'm a fabric snob, and I think these are great quality! Especially for only $29.95 for the pair. They also come in other colors but I would definitely line those.
Off to order fabric for a custom ottoman, work on my chairs and keep cleaning up the studio... after all... I have company coming to visit me!!
2 Comments
Gloria - KEA is such a fun adventure. FYI those pillow covers are a great base for crafting with paint fabric etc
Leslie - Gloria... You are right! They are great for the base of an art project whether it is paint fabric or fibers that you use to embellish. You sure can't beat the price! I just make sure to wash them first. Do you have some pics of stuff you have made??
Grinning from Ear to Ear!
1/18/2017
Faith in 3D is a multi denominational youth retreat that happens in Orlando at Walt Disney World. It is made up of PCUSA, Cumberland Presbyterian and Passport (Baptist Missions Camp). What fun to watch as these groups work together to make this event extra special.
I hadn't been to Disney World for about 20-25 years and I have to say that my experience at that time was not wonderful.
To spend the whole day in the park and only be able to ride one or two rides because the lines were so long was not fun for me. BUT... when you go with people who know what they're doing, know how to get the Fast Pass so that you can get on rides at scheduled times without waiting in long lines... it's so much more fun!
And having three cute little girls along who are so excited, how can you loose?
It really was a magical day to watch the excitement of the little ones walking around in their princess dresses and Mickey Mouse Ears.
The rides were great fun and they made me feel like a kid again! Loved Splash mountain, the roller coaster and of course, the Ferris Wheel.
This was the view from our Hotel rooms at Coronado Springs.
It was so pretty when we had a few minutes to see the outside.There was a nice path all around the lake that was great for walking.
I didn't find any alligators or snakes but I did find lots of turtles. They are safer and much slower moving so I was happy.
Beth and I talked and talked about needing a well for one of the recreation events. She had one ordered and at the last minute got a note that said it was unavailable. Punt time!
Look what a little foam core and some printed card stock can become. Quick and easy and a lot less money.
We had a large bucket inside the well with some water and the youth wrote what they felt was God's dream for the world. They dropped their pebble in the well, offering the dream as a prayer to God. The youth loved this activity.
How fun to have your recreation leaders all covered in glow sticks for the morning worship. Can you imagine that on a Sunday morning in your church?
These four creative and energetic folks led 2000 young people and young at heart - that would be me - in worshipful recreation for the event. What wonderful gifts they shared.
Beth, Bruce and I spent the best part of an afternoon blowing up 100 glow in the dark beachballs for our Sunday morning worship. It was a sight to behold.
This is what I came home to after my trip to Disney. It looked like Christmas!
I spent a good part of a day before I left ordering fabric for customers. Some things never change, but I do have to say it was fun to do and without having to be in the store 8-6 every day! I'm not sure this is what I imagined my entry way at my house looking like!
One box held ten brand new batiks that just came in, so watch next week for a photo of what is here and for a sale I'm planning just for you.
ENJOYMENT
My word for the year... A friend of mine picked this word for me out of a jar at a worship service at her church.
This star is a good guide for me to follow into the new year. I will try and think about this as I see it, experience it, and be challenged by it. I will think about this as I go about trying new things in the studio, spending time with people I care about, and volunteering in the community where I can help.
What star word are you following into the new year??
Oh yes, I'm grinning from ear to ear! Brent proposed to Natalie on a fun weekend to Asheville N.C. I was on pins and needles all day Friday waiting for him to call me with her "YES". I feel so blessed to be getting a second daughter-in-law. Natalie is a great match for Brent!! How lucky can you be to have two special daughter-in-laws that you love like they are your very own. We're not sure when the wedding is yet, but will keep you posted. Enjoyment... I think that's a great word!
1 Comment
Peggy Debnam - Love hearing your weekly news...I am still using the beautiful journal I made in your workshop in Beckley! Wish we lived closer!
Derby Pie & Chicken!
1/11/2017
I'm back in the studio this week, even if it's just part of a week... and it feels good!
I have several projects in the works, one of which includes making fabric to upholster my dining room chairs. I'm 'auditioning' the fabrics to see what works together and what doesn't. I love being able to pull the bolts right off the wall and play with them.
New quilting fabrics should be arriving this week.... hot off the press!
One project that I was able to complete was new panels for the bath area and two new valances for the windows. They sure brightened the bathroom up and now it really compliments the bedroom. I sure give the painter a lot of credit. The bathroom needed a fresh coat of paint and he jumped right in and painted around those flowers! High recommendations for a job well done!
I pulled out the shelf from the bathroom and have spent some time painting it to match the bathroom fabric. I have the first coat on and as soon as I get back in town I'll finish it and get it back in place.
Now to add the finishing touches when I get home. I need new bathroom rugs and I need to soften the stems on the flowers. Any ideas where to get great fluffy bathroom rugs?
Check out Sophies finished pillows!! And she said she can't sew... I say that is not so!!
Great job and they really set off the room. Thanks for sharing your picture with us.
Crazy quilting is a very easy technique to learn and it can be very forgiving. It's a great way to use up scraps you just can't throw away, and it's fun! Give it a try... you'll be pleased!
I use Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece as the base for patchwork with light weight cottons. It has a fusible adhesive on one side and it keeps things straight as you sew and gives your piece a little body when it's finished.
Here's a great video if you need more directions.
Do you have old beds that are 3/4 size or are hand-me-down heirlooms from family that you don't know what to do with?
These were beds from both sides of my family that I didn't want to get rid of but they were taking up precious space. So I had a friend of mine make them into benches by having the footboard cut in half and mounted to the headboard at each side. I will paint them and make cushions and pillows to match.
Thanks Jim Henson!! I will be glad to share his number if anyone is interested.
The front bench is from a bed that my sister and I slept in when we went to Grandma's. Happy Birthday Tracy! What colors do you want yours to be? The back bed is one that belonged to my Mom's mother. I haven't decided at this point where it's going or what color it will be but I know that it'll have beads hanging down the front.
DERBY PIE! Mmm..Mmmm!
Here's that Derby Pie recipe I told you I'd try to get from Roger. Download Roger's Derby Pie recipe from our online FREE Recipes.
Typical of a man... LOL
Not a lot of directions here... :)
That comment is from Judy, an actual cook.... as for me, I think it is perfect, Roger, and even better that you made it for us!!
There's a new eatery in town!Chicken Champs! Husband and wife team, Alonzo & Sheliena Simpson have come all the way from Louisville to bless us with their tasty menu.... Jeff and I went by to meet them the other day and have some wings for lunch since we heard such rave reviews. You won't be disappointed. The mac and cheese ( all sides are homemade) was amazing, as were the wings.
You'll find this great establishment tucked in at 1021 Main Street and will be greeted with a smile. Absolutely worth a trip to Shelbyville!!
A NOTE FROM JUDY: It's just the two of them and the evening rush can have you waiting in line for their tasty wings... I advise that you call in (or email) your order before 3pm for a later pick-up to save yourself some time and to relieve this lovely couple of rush related stress. And should they ask you if you'd like a bag for your single dish takeout, say 'YES!' What a fun couple!
Check out their menu on their Facebook SmokeHouseWings page.
I packed my bags one more time and headed to Orlando to visit Mickey and Minnie. Doesn't everyone pack bags of dice and donkey toys when they travel?
You do when you are headed to Faith and 3D!!!
I'm working with the Recreation Team... a little play and creative time, just in another form.
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Jo Price - Bed Bath and Beyond has a great rug assortment.
Festivities, Friends, Family & Food...
1/3/2017
Another fun New Year Celebration with Roger and Sophie is in the books! Okay.... so we're not all that good at taking a selfie... But we sure did have a good time!!
We were trying to figure out how many years we have celebrated New Years together and thinking it's been eight or nine, now. Only once a year do Jeff and I ever just plan on doing nothing, and what's better than to do it with good friends?! Our game plan each year goes with out saying... we eat good, veg out, watch movies - LOTS of movies - put together a jigsaw puzzle, and throw a little creativity in the mix.
FOOD!
Both couples know that food is the heart of the weekend. For me it's the 'eating' of food, not the cooking! So the kitchen is always open and in a state of some sort of mess.
Sophie and I are glad to do the clean up if Jeff and Roger will just do their magic with the cooking.
I did make my Cheese Wad, which is always a favorite and 'oh, so easy.'
My other favorite was the Derby pie that Roger made. I'll see if he'll be willing to share his recipe with us!
Healthy eating will begin again after all the sweets are gone!
We always throw some sort of project in the mix and this year I showed Sophie how to crazy quilt. With just a little direction she took off like a pro!
She finished two beautiful 22" pillows by the time they left.
Roger and I worked on the 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle with Jeff looking over our shoulders and finding the impossible pieces when we couldn't.
Sophie just goes in the other direction and says "have at it" LOL!!
At least this year we finished it before they had to go home!
Finished!!! We are now ready for 2017. The annual puzzle is complete!
This charity really does good work for our community, and food distribution is only one small part of what is being done by them. So thankful for all they are doing. This makes my heart happy.
I'm back in the studio this week. It's slow going when I need to decide in which direction I'm going to start. So many projects! The drapes for Operation Care are finished. They have their grommets and will be hung this coming Monday. I'm so excited to know that this project is complete.... on to the next!
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