Quilt Swap

I decided to join an online quilt swap.  This is my 8.5" x 11" entry and it's even done on time!

I used fusing, buttons, beads and even some baby rickrack I found in my stash. There was no date on the rickrack wrapping insert but I think it's probably left over from the 40's. It was given to me from a friend's mother's estate.  I wonder what our estate sales will look like or will my kids just send everything to the landfill? Fiber recycling? Grind it up for insulation?

Christmas Mayhem

Does it seem like the Holidays get a little crazier each year? This year Santa actually stopped by our house on Christmas Eve. Jacob received a Nerf Football and was very excited to see Santa. After Santa went off to visit other boys and girls, Jacob put his head in his hands and exclaimed, "Oh no! Santa brought me the wrong present! I wanted a penguin Pillow Pet!".  We tried to explain that Santa would be back during the night and could still bring the penguin but Jacob wasn't too sure. Thank goodness, on Christmas Morning there it was under the tree. 

"I knew it!  Just what I wanted!"  One happy 4 year old. 

**Note jealous dog tail between Jacob and Santa.

In all the pre-holiday craziness, I actually forgot to give Jacob his Cowboy Quilt?!? So for all of you procrastinators out there, keep on!  I wasn't finishing the binding in the wee hours of the morning. If so, the quilt would have been under the tree and probably pushed aside to get to the toys. This way it can be its own presentation and may get a more appreciated reception.

Here is the Country Stitches block #11. After lunch I'm off to pick up the 12th and final block. It's not my colors but I think the blocks will make a nice quilt for my parent's bed. My sister said that's a good idea since the one they are currently using is one she made in the 70's. You'd think with two quilters in the family.....

Foster Fridays

Another generation of Foster Fridays!

Time goes so fast!  It seems like just yesterday that my kids, Irene's kids, Mary Hutchin's twins and Enola's kids were running around the library and playground at Foster on Friday afternoons.  And now we have the next generation.  Foster Community Center is a wonderful resource to have in our community.  A great place for quilters to gather on Friday afternoons.  

Fenner #2

Mr. Pumpkin Face.  I knew there was another photo here someplace.

Fenner Apple Butter Festival

Whew, here I am!  Don't tell any of my perspective employers but I am so technically savvy that when I went to disconnect the charging cord for my IPOD, I pulled out the keyboard cord in error.  Kept tapping those keys and nothing happened!  At least I figured it out myself and didn't call the GEEK Squad (Ian) or anything. That really would have been embarrassing!

On Saturday we went to the Fenner Nature Center Apple Butter Festival. Cubby actually remembered being there last year.  We had to be there by 2:30pm so Cubby could hear his friend Ben (Hassenger) play the guitar. Ben even played Cubby's favorite song: "Jake" of course!

Also saw John P. and Dan B. and Jean C quilting for CCQG.

Cubby got to pet a really big snake! Looks like the snake is either trying to eat Cubby's hat or tell him a sssssecret.

Cubby still likes to cuddle with his mom.  Hold on to those precious moments mom. They go fast!

Gamma Gamma was pretty happy to spend a beautiful fall afternoon in the woods too!

Fall Fun

Last Saturday we travelled to Lowell to the Fallasburg Fall Festival.  It was a blustery, rainy day so I didn't bother with the camera. Despite the weather, we had a great time.  There was a play structure with a 10 foot climbing wall, three slides, a fire pole, a bridge and lots of nooks and crannies, just right for an almost 4 (!!!) year old. We also drew a scary face on a softball sized pumpkin and Cubby had a Jack-O-Lantern painted on his cheek. He's getting to be an old pro at this face painting thing. He managed to get through the day and all the way home before he"accidentally" splashed water on it. 

Look what came home with me! I couldn't resist this happy face. He's going to find a place in my garden if I ever find my garden. Oh, well. There's always next year. For the older crowd, there was an arts and crafts show, music and lots of yummy treats including warm baked apple dumplings with whipped cream ...mmmmm!

 
I won't say it's been awhile since I've mowed but.... look what's growing in my backyard.

Now who planted these?

Fall Into It

Sounds like everyone has the same idea. Now that we've thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful Michigan summer, it's time to get back to indoor creativity. Attended the MQN show yesterday and got "reinspired". "Two Men and a Trunk (and one in trunks)" was hilarious.  Actually came home and cleared off my cutting table (before watching the overtime of the MSU game - wow! - even from a "Blue" fan).

Country Stitches block of the month is due this week. Then there's the Habitat for Humanity small quilt and the Charm attic window challenge. I think this is the first year I have all of my block exchange blocks done  before the last meeting of the year. - hooray!  I'm also determined to learn how to knit socks this winter. 

Time to get movin', movin', movin'!