Thrify Finds...

Hello!

This weekend the hunky dude and I went to a couple of thrift stores. I didn't find a lot of things but I did find a few treasures.

I managed to pick up 3 vintage sheets, 2 pillowcases, 9 zippers and a very cute Halloween salt & pepper shaker set. Here's a close-up of the salt & pepper shakers.

Aren't they cute???!!! I collect salt & pepper shakers. My mom actually collected them years ago. She gave me all hers after I was out on my own and I've been adding to it ever since. I'll have to take a picture of what I've collected over the years and show you. At first I thought they were just figurines ... then I saw the holes and had to have them.  :)

Well that's all for now. Hopefully I'll be able to get some sewing done tomorrow and share it with you.

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

Friday Night Sew-In #2 Results...

Hello!

Last night I was going to work on my own Thanksgiving apron which I cut out the other day.

Then I remembered that when I went out to get fabric for my new fall apron swap buddy Donna, that I also picked up some fabric for a Halloween apron for myself. I was going to use the same pattern for my Thanksgiving and Halloween aprons, so I figured I cut out the Halloween one so I could work on them both together.

After I cut out the first apron I was on a roll and figured I'd go ahead and cut out the swap apron as well, so it would be ready to go. I can't show you that one as it's a surprise!

I was enjoying the cutting out process tonight and wanted to keep going so I cut out my Ghastlies project as well.

By then it was 11:00 so I decided to call it a night. Even though I didn't actually sew anything for the Friday Night Sew-In I did cut out 3 sewing projects. That is an important and necessary step to the actual sewing. Now I have 4 projects ready to go! I'm hoping I can begin on them tomorrow.

I did get a lot of sewing done on Thursday. I finished up my 6 block 6's for the Stars Quilt-A-Long.

All the blocks are done! The next step is putting the blocks together and adding the two borders. Then the quilt top will be done! I will work on that this week. I can't wait to see how it turns out! This was my first real quilt and I'm so excited to see it all come together.

Today I went to a couple of Thrift stores. I'm hoping to get pictures taken tomorrow so I can show you the fabulous items I got.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

Fridays Night Sew-In #2...

 

Wow! The third Friday of the month snuck up on me this time! I only remembered tonight is the night because my swap buddy Donna just posted it on her blog. She has a great blog! Be sure to go check it out!

I do have some stuff to work on so it will be no problem. I just have to take my son to his dad this afternoon first. Which I'm just about to do so this will be a short post. I will be sewing tonight and I'll update you all tomorrow. Wonder what I'll get accomplished... hummmmm??? Come back tomorrow to find out!

Until next time...

Cherise  :)

Giveaway Alert! Giveaway Alert!

Hello again!

Yes Here I am for a second time today! Yes hard to believe I know! I just had to share some info with you...

Do you follow the 1choice4quilting blog? I do! They need your help and are giving away 3 awesome prizes! They are also offering us all 10% off our fabric orders through them until September 18th. Please check out their blog for details and to get your coupon code. They already have fabulous prices and an extra 10% off is too good to be true! Don't Miss Out!  :)

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

This 'N That... and Everything in between!

Hello!

I've missed you! Sorry I've been gone so long! I've been a busy girl. Getting into trouble here and there, working on some sewing 'to do list' items, and getting around to some other non-sewing things that have been on my other 'to do list'.

I wanted to post the following runner I made on 9/11 but didn't get to it then.

My heart goes out to all the people who were directly affected by 9/11. May your loved ones remain in your hearts and memories forever. My heart also goes out to all others whose lifes were indirectly affected. I know the events of that day changed us all as individuals and as a nation. I know I am proud to be an american!

I have always loved the americana colors! They warm my soul! I use them a lot in my decorating. Here's the back of the runner.

Let's see... you're probably wondering what I've been busy with. I managed to cut out MY Thanksgiving apron that will basically match this one I made last month.

I didn't get to work on it yet but it's cut and ready to go! I also designed, cut, sewed and finished my mug rug for a swap I'm in. It turned out so cute! I can't believe I designed it and like the way it turned out. I'm sad to say that I can't show it to you yet as I have to wait until my partner sees it first. I wanted to mail it out this week but my partner emailed and said she had flooding and damage from the storms. I'm waiting to hear whether she wants me to mail it now or wait until things are less chaotic. I really don't want it to get in the way.

The non-sewing related item I've been working on has taken up a lot of my time. I'm a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I've had a couple of boxes of retired stamps & other items I've been wanting to sell. I finally took the 100+ photos and got them all in an email and listed on my other blog. If you like stamps please check the items out at cbyc-su.blogspot.com. You can view the photos here. I also have a link on my right sidebar.

Were you wondering how I've been getting into trouble??? Well... did you notice the new buttons on my upper right sidebar? I've decided to participate in a few new things...

This event started today. It sounds like fun and you will have the opportunity to take advantage of some great deals along the way. You will have the opportunity to make blocks from many wonderful designers. You don't even have to make them all if you don't want to. Go check it out for yourself.

Birdie Stitches Block of the Month...

When I clicked on this button on a blog I immediately fell in love with the project and knew I wanted to do it... although it started in January and ends in December. Do you think I can catch up?? lol!!! This is the fabric I want to use...

It's Sophie by Chez Moi for Moda. It's so yummy and will look so great with the birdies! I just ordered it and can't wait until it arrives! I got a couple of charm packs for the birdie blocks.

I will be using this one for the birdie block centers...

this one for the sashings...

this one for the outer border...

this one for the binding...

and this one for the back.

I can't wait to get the fabrics and get started making birdies!!!

Do you think I'm crazy yet? Well... it gets worse! I've also decided that it would be fun to join this quilt-a-long.

The good thing about this one is that it doesn't start until September 27th and new blocks will come every 2 weeks instead of one or two a week. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with it.  :)

I've also got the Ghastlies Blog Hop that I've signed up for.

It doesn't take place until the end of October though. I've already decided what I'm going to make, gotten my fabric and am ready to go. Bad part is I can't tell you what I'm making until then.  :)

Well I think I covered it all! Whew!!! I know it's a lot... and YES... I AM CRAZY!!! but... it makes me happy! Sorry I covered so much in this post. If only I would post more often... sigh....

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

Elvis & Priscilla... may they live a long happy life!

Meet Elvis (left) and Priscilla (right). They are my only pets. (I will eventually get a dog and cat too.) I love animals! (Are fish animals?) Ok... let me rephrase... I love pets! Elvis & Priscilla are Betta's. I have never had Betta's before but my hunky dude has. He got Elvis a couple of months ago. He talked about always wanting to breed Betta's so I kept saying, "I'll get a female and you can breed them." I found another fish bowl and the thrift store and my hunky dude got Priscilla for me. What else could I name her since Elvis was already in the house!  :). I don't know a lot about Betta's but I do know that they have to be kept separate as they fight. (Exactly how you breed them I have no clue so I'll leave that up to the hunky dude.) So they live next door to each other on our coffee table. They often interact together... it's so cute! Eventually the hunky dude will breed them but for now they are my friends and entertainment. I never knew fish could be so interactive with people. Any time I'm around Priscilla she greets me... and when I wave at her she dances for me. Yes I may seem a little over the edge with my fish but they are the only pets I have and I am a pet person.  :)  It's been driving the hunky dude a little crazy but he's getting used to it and actually seems to be interacting a little more with the couple than he was. I've even seen him smile at them more often.  :)

So you might ask why I'm talking so much about my fish. Well... first of all they are my pets and part of my life and of course I have to share them with you!  :)  Secondly I made the quilted table topper they're sitting on just for them. Every time we cleaned their bowls and put them back on the table there always seemed to be some residual moisture on them. Hunky dude was putting a towel under them but that was so boring. I had some scraps laying around that I thought would be perfect. I had to go get a little more to add for the backing so I picked up one that looked like water to me and I got down to business. The fabrics remind me of water and are really fun!

It was a simple design and I even tried a little free motion quilting in the sashings. It's very rough but was fun! Here's the back side.

I'm really happy with how it turned out and how it sets the fish off nicely! Have you ever made a project just for your pets? I would love it if you would share!

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

p.s. I would love it if you follow me! I will return the favor! Have a Nice Day!  :)

September is National Sewing Month!

September is national sewing month. I know I plan on doing a lot of sewing this month. How about you? What projects do you have going on or coming up?

Some of my future projects include:  working on my Stars Quilt-a-Long quilt, a couple of mug rugs for swaps, a couple of aprons, a bag or two, maybe start some other quilt-a-longs (haven't decided yet), work on some Christmas runners for a holiday boutique, start on some quilts for Christmas gifts... I could probably list many more items. I've definitely been bit by the sewing bug. I want to sew everything! I wish I had more time and money!  :)
Did you know that Melissa over at "Happy Quilting", is offering an AuriFil Thread Giveaway. Be sure to go check it out and enter for your chance to win! 

Have you noticed the "Ghastlies Blog Hop" button in my left sidebar? I am planning on participating this October. I ordered my fabric over the weekend and it shipped today. I can't wait to get it and get started. I will be making an apron with it! Perfect for Halloween or all year long! If you're interested, or curious, click on the button to go check it out.

I haven't gotten much sewing done the last couple of days. I have been designing a mug rug for a swap I'm in. I know what I want to do in my mind but not sure if I know how to do it. So instead of sewing I've been searching the internet for tutorials, etc. I now believe I know how I want to proceed so I will start with that tomorrow. Wish me luck!

I'm not the type of person who likes to beg but I just started blogging a couple of weeks ago and would really love it if you would "follow" my blog. It would really make my day! There's a place to do so to the right. Let me know you're following me and I'll be sure to return the favor. I plan on offering a giveaway when I reach 100 followers... only 96 more to go... lol!  :)   Help me please!  Thank you so very much!   :)

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

5 down... 1 to go!

Hello!

Sorry I've been away a few days. I've been busy. I've been doing a lot of surfing (the web that is). I've found a few more ways to get keep myself into trouble busy. More on that later! I did go to visit my dad yesterday. He just got back from a trip to Canada to visit his 6 sisters and 1 brother. It was fun looking at the pictures. Here' me, my dad and my sister Tammie earlier this year.

When my dad heard that I've been quilting he asked me if I'd be able to repair a quilt his grandmother made for him when he was a boy. It was the same quilt I remember using when I was younger and needed an extra blanket. It brings back fond memories. Now it's worn and desperately in need of some repairs. It has so many awesome vintage fabrics! I love it! Am I talented patient enough to repair it? I guess we'll find out! I haven't had a chance to take pictures yet but will soon. I can't wait to share it with you.

I made a pin cushion for my sister and gave it to her Saturday for her birthday. She's a fellow crafter and has a great blog if you want to check it out. Here's the pin cushion I made for her. She already added a couple of pins to it.

Over the past few days I have managed to complete all 6 of blocks 4 & 5 of the "Happy Quilting Stars Quilt-a-Long". These are definitely my favorites so far.

There's only one more block to go and then the borders. This quilt has been lots of fun! I didn't even know whether I'd be able to do it or not. But I am! I'm so excited and proud of myself. Melissa's directions are great and easy to follow.

My mind has been spinning the last few days with lots of plans for my sewing future... projects, gifts, etc. I'm hoping to start a couple more projects today and tomorrow. I'm busy and having fun! I hope you are too! Enjoy your holiday weekend.

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

I'm linking to Quilt Story and Creative Itch. See my sidebar for their buttons.

WIP Wednesday... My 1st!

Today I actually got some work done on my Block 4's for the "Happy Quilting Stars Quilt-A-Long". I managed to get all the fabric cut for the 6 blocks.

You know how all the tutorials about cutting fabric say to be careful that you keep your fingers out of the way? I read them and thought, duh! everyone knows that! Well... I did it today! It wasn't too bad. I was doing a small cut and got the tip of my index finger. It wasn't too bad but it did bleed. Why is it that finger cuts bleed so long? I put some pressure on the wound, cleaned it up, and bandaged it so I could get back to cutting. I hated to have to stop to tend to my wound. That's two days in a row now that I've gotten hurt in some way (all of my own doing). I wonder what's coming tomorrow and things seem to happen in 3's? By the way the toes feeling better, although I still can't put full pressure on it. Wouldn't you know that it's my foot petal foot? I managing fine though. Can't stop sewing!   :)

After I got all the fabric cut I started sewing it all back together again. I chain pieced the blocks to get them done faster. I didn't get them completed but managed to get the centers done.

Things went pretty smoothly except for one part. I was supposed to cut a pieced block down to 3". I got 23 out of the 24 right. Of course I cut one too small. I had to cut two new pieces of fabric and start all over on that one block. Actually I had to start all over on that one block 3 more times. I kept cutting the original blocks too small. I don't know what I was thinking?!!! I was getting real frustrated. Finally I got it right on the 4th try. Then I sewed the blocks together in sets of 4 and stopped at that point. My son was due home from school soon and I didn't want to mess anything else up. I figured that was the smart move, if you know what I mean.

I'm hoping to finish up on these blocks tomorrow. I'm proud of myself for keeping up on this quilt-a-long now that I'm caught up that is... injuries and all! I hope it continues.

Until next time...
Cherise  :)

Fab... Fab... and not so Fab...

Hello!  :)

Remember back on August 18 when I told you I'd share my second quilting project with you later? Well... it's later and I'm actually going to share my 6th project with you instead (I mean why go in order?)  ;). I found this cute runner on Moda Bake Shop. I knew I just had to make it! Here's my version...

I was a little intimidated by the prairie points as I'd heard they were difficult, but I went full speed ahead anyway. I actually didn't have a problem with them at all. They were actually pretty fun. I fell in love with them and can't wait to add them to another project. I used fabrics I had on hand in pinks and greens. I machine quilted it with a simple pattern and added chocolate rick rack to finish it off. I still want to add buttons at the tips of the prairie points but haven't found any I like yet.

Today I didn't sew at all. I was in one of those Lazy Daisy kind of moods. I did manage to drag myself to JoAnn's to pick up a couple of items I needed for my Stars Quilt-A-Long. I know what you're thinking... how could I not be in the mood to look for fabric? Well I usually have no problem going fabric shopping but today I just wasn't really in the mood. I did go and am glad I did.

One of the main reasons I needed to go is because I need a need blade for my rotary cutter. Mine is very dull. Of course they were out of the one I needed. I did pick up the 12-1/2" square ruler I needed. Actually I got a set of 4 which included the 12-1/2", 9-1/2", 6-1/2" & 4-1/2". It was a much better value as a set, $34.99 then if I just got the one I needed right now which was $22.99 and with a 50% off coupon I just couldn't pass it up.

I also found the perfect border fabric for my stars quilt.

Isn't it just yummy?!!! It goes perfectly with the other fabrics I already had.

I think I did pretty good considering I forgot to bring the fabric samples with me.  :)

Well... here we are... I've shared the fab... and fab with you. Are you wondering what was 'not so fab'?

Here's my story... Every day Mr. Hunky texts me when he's almost home from work (he texts while stopped at a light and not while driving). Then I go outside to meet him. It's just something we do. It makes us happy. Anyway...  today after I got the text I walked down to the mailbox and got the mail. I walked back up to the house and went to sit on an electrical box right next to where Mr. Hunky parks. It was hot outside and only part of the box was in the shade. So I proceeded to sit on the corner in the shade and guess what? I totally missed, slid off the box, hit the box and the pole that was there to prevent you from running into the box. The mail keys, mail and my flip flops went flying. I landed on my right side in the dirt, rocks and a pile of ants! On the way down I bent my big toe and the two next to it backwards, skinned my knee, scrapped my arm and hurt my hand. I was not a happy camper. I managed to scoot over to the grass, only a few inches away. Looked up to see that no one was there. Thank God no one witnessed that. Then I wiped the ants and dirt off and started to cry wishing Mr. Hunk would get here already so he could hug me, give me sympathy and help me up. As soon as he started pulling up I really started crying. He parked and came over and asked me what happened. Of course he thought something bad had happened to someone and that's why I was crying. As soon as I told him I fell he asked how I managed to do that and then started laughing. I totally understand his reaction but come on... where was my hug and sympathy? He eventually hugged me and helped me get up. I hobbled into the house, cleaned myself up and sat with my foot up. My big toe is very sore. I can't bend it very much. The other two seem to be fine, which is good. My hand is very sore and I can't lean on it. I'm sure I'm going to be sore tomorrow and my foot is pounding right now. Oh well... Motrin here I come. Thanks for letting me share my mishap with you. If I had seen it myself I'm sure I would have laughed my head off. I'm sure it looked pretty darn funny.

Until next time...

Cherise  :)