Hope everyone is having a great week.  Time is going by faster than I would like it to.  I am working on new class projects, trying to do my rug watcher hooking each day and re-doing the master bathroom.  And then the other normal everyday happenings that we all have to deal with. 

We had a wonderful group of ladies meet on Saturday for a quilt class taught by Ms. Debbie Lou Powell from Henderson, NC.  She's a great teacher and makes it such a fun adventure.  I didn't participate in this class since I would have to miss the next two classes but had fun watching the other ladies learn and create.

Debbie explains to Lou (my long-time friend and neighbor!!) how to put together the block.  I believe Lou is thinking "OK, whatever.............I'll try!" 

It looks like Debby and Janie are hanging on their teacher's every word! 

Now what's so special about this toilet and why on earth did I put it on my blog??  Because it's sitting in the middle of my bedroom floor, that's why!!!!!!  We are re-doing our master bathroom, which is very much torn apart at the moment, and the old toilet ended up in the bedroom.  We are putting bead board on all the walls, replacing the countertop, mirrors, lighting and floor.  Already had the shower re-done so that's the only shiny thing in there at the moment.  It will be great when it all gets finished, but right now I miss my bathroom and don't love the toilet in the bedroom.  And my husband is out of town this week, will come home for one day, and then leave for another week.  Now who's going to finish the bathroom?  Evette's husband worked here both Saturday and Sunday (he's a builder/contractor) and I told him he may have to be my husband #2.  Don't think he was too keen on that idea.  Well, somebody has to finish the bathroom for goodness sake!!Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Find some time to stitch something fun today!

Hooking Away.....

I don't know how many of you have read Lisa's blog from Lone Star Mercantile, but last week she suggested that any of us hookers with unfinished projects should join her in "Rug Watchers" similar to Weight Watchers but focusing on being held accountable to finish those rugs.  So, after some gentle persuading from Lisa, I dug out my Uncle Sam rug that I started hooking on years ago, carried the rug frame to the living room in front of a comfy chair, and started hooking.  You should hook at least ten minutes a day and at the end of the week show what progress you made.  So here's my Uncle Sam before this week.......

And here's Sam after a week of hooking here and there...... 

So now he has pants to wear, hands, face and hat finished.  I really wanted to get his boots hooked today but just couldn't fit it in.  So at least they're outlined. 

So I guess there is something to that accountability factor, whether trying to lose weight or hook rugs!!  Thanks for the nudge Lisa.  Anybody else want to join us in our rug watchers journey?

Merry weekend to everyone.....find some time to do a little stitching.....or hooking!

Busy Week.......

My six year old granddaughter has been tracked out of school the three weeks following Christmas.  Before Thanksgiving she started asking me if she could learn to use the sewing machine.  I told her when she was tracked out and we had some time, we would learn to use the machine.  She really wanted to make a doll dress for her Bitty Baby named Avery.  I told her that would take lots of practice, but we'd see.  Well, she didn't forget and reminded me and reminded me and reminded me some more.  I started her out just playing on the machine, getting used to it, trying to stitch straight lines.  Then we tackled a nine-patch quilt square.  She did great with both.  She then decided she was ready to make the doll dress!!  I tried to talk her out of it but to no avail.  So we made a trip to the fabric store, I let her pick out her own fabric and off we went. 

Here she is sewing the straps for the little sun dress. 

And trimming threads.  That was very important to her. 

On day two we completed the dress.  She did a lot of the work and I helped where it was more challenging.  I think she did a great job and I'm very proud of her for wanting to learn and do something so badly.  She told me this week she wants to be a fashion designer so we'll see....................... 

After we got home from Raleigh's ballet class, the girls climbed this tree.  Now I don't think I've ever seen a ballerina in a tree before! 

Awwww.......sisterly love! 

From the perspective of a four year old...........Raleigh was walking around taking pictures one afternoon.  I deleted them all but this one which I thought was hilarious.  This is from her Handy Manny tool box.  I heard her talking to the tools but didn't pay attention to what she was doing.  Guess she likes the hammer the best! 

Large class on Saturday for Valentine Photo Transfer.  The room was full, the ladies were creative and we had lots of fun. 

Sorry Dolly, I just had to share this photo.  You are so darned funny!  And sweet!! 

Tricia says this is how not to make a heart!!!!  We had a do-over on this one.  Second time's the charm! 

Leslie is trying to decide which Valentines she wants to copy.  There were quite a few to choose from and everyone's pieces came out adorable. 

Kim and Dolly busy at work.  They really got a lot accomlished.  Notice how Dolly won't look up anymore!!  Sorry!!!!

Find some time to stitch today!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. EVETTE!!!! 

Down the Maiden's Path

Two new girls to add to "Down the Maiden's Path" BOM series. 

This is Martha for February.  I love the cherries in this one and the wonderful shade of red (my favorite color!!) 

And this is Annabell for March/April.  This picture doesn't do her justice.  The colors are so much prettier in person. 

There are two more blocks to come for those of you locally that are doing the BOM.  We have Daisy for May/June and Betsy for July.  I hope everyone has enjoyed working on these girls as much as I have had in designing and stitching them.  Each time I stitch a new one I say "that's my favorite!".  So they must all be my favorites.

Find some time to do a little stitching today............

It's a girl kind of day.  The little girls showed up this morning in their PJ's with bed hair.  I walked in the room upstairs to check on them and they were sitting side by side in the middle of one of the classroom tables watching a movie.  At one point they had their heads together.  It was so sweet so of course I ran and grabbed the camera. 

It's a little frightful outside but we're cozy inside.  I left out some snowmen for after-Christmas decorating. 

We should all be sipping hot cocoa on these cold winter days......... 

Reagan has been begging me to teach her to sew on the machine.  So this afternoon we're having mini-lessons.  I have her working on plain fabric getting comfortable with the machine.  She, of course, wants to make a doll dress today.  Over-achiever!!!! 

Raleigh had ballet class this morning and refuses to get out of her ballet outfit.  I don't blame her, not only is it adorable, it looks comfy too.  A little computer time for her while big sister learns to use the sewing machine. 

I love the picture of Reagan's hands as she guides the fabric.   

Uh-oh, what was that noise??!! 

This snowman redware plate looks as though he's saying "It's frightful out there!!"

Merry Winter Days..................

OK, the bedroom is finally done, except for hanging a few pictures.  I had to put that on hold until I got my classroom/office put back together.  So here are a couple pics of the bedroom.  Really wanted red curtains but couldn't find any that I liked.  Maybe down the road I can change the green to red.  But for now, they'll do.  Also had a comforter in mind for the bed but can't find that in a king size so we'll settle for the green quilt.

Had a snowman wool crazy class on Saturday.  I think this class is going to be a lot of fun.  Can't wait to see the finished projects. 

Dolly and Sue had a surprise when they got here.  They thought I was going to have the blocks all drawn off for them and they would just have to pick their wool.  Surprise, surprise!!!! 

Love the darker colors with bits of bright in Sue's block. 

I think Dolly had more blues in her block but also some hints of dark winter clouds. 

Teresa definitely gravitated towards the blues.  It's going to turn out great when she starts appliquing all those reds she wants to use. 

Betsy was a class ahead of everyone so she got to play with her applique pieces.  Looks like she's looking for a few more from a fun book she brought to class. 

Hey Jennifer, love those giraffe's on your shirt.  I don't think I paid attention to those in class!  And love your block too.   

For no other reason except I thought they were pretty, here's a picture of my fruit bowl.  I don't think it's ever been just yellow which was such a contrast to the cloudy skies outside.  A bit of happy sunshine inside!!

We're supposed to have some more bad weather today and I have class this morning.  Hopefully we'll get class done before the weather comes our way.  Hope you can find some time for stitching today.  I know I will!!