What do you think?

Hi there! I'm still working away on my Scrap Happy Baskets runner. It's so cute, and I love working with the Penelope fabrics. But now I have a question..

Admittedly I forgot the rick rack on the strawberry leaves the first time around. I was so intent on getting the placement of the pieces right, I just forgot it.

But now when I'm looking at the three lined up, the dark rick rack makes my strawberry block seem heavier than my cherry block. Which isn't a problem divided up over a quilt, but on a three block runner.. well I'm undecided. All I can think is, if this is my worst problem today my life is pretty good!

So what do you think? In the picture it isn't as pronounced as in real life. Maybe I'll just keep moving a long and decide later! That's what a seam ripper is for!

I'm off to Holly's today! Have a good day peeps! xo

Monday!

How was the weekend? We had a nice calm weekend here. Didn't do too much exciting, had some dinner out, did a little antiquing, went to the hardware store, celebrated our 27th anniversary! I know right? Total party animals. All that excitement didn't diminish my belief that marrying that guy was the best decision I ever made!

I did get a little blanket stitching done, and I'll talk about it when I have a photo of my blocks. I waited too late in the day to think about it Sunday and missed any chance of a decent picture. The weather was perfect and even though I had the best of intentions to get some stuff done, I just didn't get around to it.  The nice thing about this kind of sewing, it can wait!  Hope you had a great weekend.. tell me all about it!

TGIF

Happy Friday my very cheerful peeps! How are you? Yesterday we had some serious drama over here early in the morning! Peep, our little Norwich Terrier, had caught a nail on something and was bleeding up a storm. Thankfully it didn't seem to bother her at all. Off to the vet she went, they trimmed her nails up even more and we have some antibiotics for her and some special powder to put on her feet. She's not limping and doesn't seem to get why we're hovering around her all the time. Well I'm glad she's not hurt or in pain. But wow did that get us going!!!

With all that energy, I got busy working on my pretty Penelope blocks. I need to pick up some thread for the blanket stitching though, so I'm at a stand still till later today when I head over to Dublin Sewing Center.

I have made some progress since I last showed these blocks. I was surprised when I saw how much of the bed these covered.

One thing I hope to cross off my list over the weekend is this month's Blogger's Block of the Month. Did you see Victoria's block? I can't wait to get to work on it. And don't forget, it's Christmas in July, and there's a lot of blocks out there just waiting to be sewn up!

Ok, that's enough for you to read today! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!! xo

Just me?

So hey everybody, how are you? I'm having another cool morning here in PKMville. Temps in the 80's during the day and the mornings have been perfectly just shy of 60 degrees. Well almost perfect. Just so you don't think it's all sweet breezes and coffee dreams over here, the neighbors are getting a new driveway  so there's a lot of noise starting at 7am. 

I'm having some  problems,  you've probably already noticed, I just keep starting projects and then you don't see them again. Where are my granny squares? Where are my half hexagons? This looks like a new project! IT IS A NEW PROJECT!! ( you can see those half hexagons, including some triangles ready to be stitched! That doesn't stop me!)

Last week I went over to see Holly and we were taking pictures of some quilts in a secret garden. You can read about it here. I was dying over how cute those baskets were. Cherries? Strawberries? How PKM is that? So I made a PKM version of the cherry block just for fun. Then I mentioned it would be fun to have a cute red-white-blue summery themed table runner and the next thing you know...

... a pile of pretty Penelope turns up. I'm making three blocks, you can see I have all the fusible ready to go. I can just shove all that other stuff out of the way, right?  Just for the record I'm using Holly's Scrap Happy Baskets pattern written for Holly by Jennifer from Shabby Fabrics.  Stay tuned, I've vowed to finish it.  REALLY!!

Now I just need to get to work!

Gimme Gimme More

More exciting days around here. Not only was the weather pretty darn nice, mid 80's, I had to jet over to Holly's to see more strike offs. They're coming in batches, and this batch yielded this:

I'm so excited about how it turned out, I hope you guys are too! I can't wait to make a few of these:

And hmm what else? I can't stop thinking about what I could do with them! They're perfect for cutting out and using individually, plus I think cute for borders, aprons  or even girls dresses. Or around the edge of a pillow case, so you can dream sweet dreams of sewing! Oh the possibilities.

I've also started a fun little project, but I think I'll wait to talk about it when I am just a tad farther along. Like tomorrow! Happy Day peeps! xo

Something Sweet

Today I have something super delicious to share. Last week Bret brought home these brownies leftover from a meeting he attended.

They're brownie nirvana. I'm pretty sure they're the best thing I have ever eaten. And luckily for all of us, Shea, who concocted these delicate morsels, has shared the recipe with us! 

Shea's Amazing Brownies

2 eggs room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, melted & cooled
1 cup cocoa powder (to make them super rich, I tend to use either Valrhona
or Scharffen Berger's - Ghiradelli is good too)
1/4 cup bittersweet cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Oven at 350. Mix eggs & sugar, then add butter. Add vanilla. Sift dry
ingredients together & add to egg mixture. Stir thoroughly (I still
believe in the old 50 strokes guideline).

I then add chocolate chips (a lot of them! I'm guessing it's about 1 1/2
cups but I don't measure them). Could also add nuts of course.

Pour into greased pan (I use Pam for Baking).

Baking time: in my oven they take 19-21 minutes. Use a toothpick for
testing. I always very slightly under-cook them so they're gooier, so I
pull them out while there's still a small bit of wetness to the batter.

So there you have it. Shea is not only a very talented baker, she's Senior Vice President of Human Resources of a large corporation and she's also an entrepreneur. Check out her website here.  Her bibs are the cutest ever!

I hope you enjoy that recipe! Thanks again to Shea for sharing it with us!

Ok, get busy people! Thanks for all your nice comments and emails about the strike offs! And I'm happy you're all happy that the panel is being reprinted!!! Yahoo!

Extra Extra!

Good Monday Morning my fine feline friends!! How are you? I had a fantastic Friday hanging out with Holly all day, and then a really great weekend! What about you guys?

So why am I posting a picture of the Pam Kitty Panel? I'm not just teasing you I promise! I'm here to tell you LakeHouse is reprinting it!!!! The panel will be available in December, so be sure and let your favorite shop know that we're printing again, and they need to get their orders in!!!

Yes indeed, those are some of the Pam Kitty Love strike offs!!! I know, so much excitement in one day, I can hardly stand it myself! I think they're looking pretty darn good, I hope you do too! The sales period for Pam Kitty Love is just about over, so it's a great time to remind your local quilt shop or favorite internet seller that you want Pam Kitty Love!

Ok it's hot hot hot here in PamKittyville. What's on your agenda this week? I might have a really great recipe later this week, and I hope to get some sewing in, what about you?

Out in the wild

Wow the days are just blowing past me at record speed. Yesterday I felt like it was morning then it was 4pm. How did the time just pass by so quickly? And everything I did seemed to take twice as long.

I did manage to find a place to grab a photo of my Union Jack quilt. I've had the top done for AGES, then Diana quilted it for me and I just let it sit, for weeks. But the other day I went on an archaeological dig and find the binding I had set aside and finished it. Then with the help of Inspector Lewis I got it done.  I started this quilt when Elizabeth and I went to Vegas to meet up with Tammy Tadd and her crew for Tammy's birthday! Two years later.. it's finally done. You can find the pattern here. If you think you might want to try something raw edge, the Lizzie B Cre8ive girls have a  cute version as well.

I have a super busy day ahead, so you might not hear from me tomorrow! Let me just wish you a happy Friday and a great weekend! If you have exciting plans I hope you share them! xo

The Good Life

Boy this cool weather has sure put me in a lazy mood. Yesterday I had a Minnick and Simpson morning. You know, enjoying All American Style over a cup of coffee. This magazine cover makes me think of them, they're all American classics to me.

Nothing much else to report.. just lots of wandering around the yard, enjoying the cool breeze, pulling a few weeds and coffee!! It was glorious. I have to enjoy it before it's over. Which will be far too soon. Hope you're having fun. Sometimes summer is for relaxing! xo

A Day and it's Plans

The weather was wonderful yesterday! That fortune from my cookie Sunday knew just what it was talking about. Mid 70's all day. Sunny and breezy and absolutely gorgeous.

The day had it's own plans, so it was filled with chatty phone calls and sweet surprises which was perfectly fine with me. Lots of time talking out on the swing.  Stitching on some binding. Watching some Inspector Lewis.  All good.   And what do you know, today will be another even cooler day.  What a perfect gift in the middle of July!

Have you seen this month's Aurifil block of the month? Totally cute, but my friend Sarah Fielke. She's off on Safari right now, celebrating her 40th birthday with her dad and brother! Pop over and wish her a happy one and check out her cute block here!

Ok then cats and kittens, hope you have a great day. I'll be enjoying all the wonderful cool weather while it lasts!!! It's super for sewing. xo

1000 words

Sometimes a picture says it all! Hope you guys had a great weekend! Tell me all about your adventures!

Have a good week peeps! xo

Beautiful!

Hi there! It's cooling off here in my little valley and nothing could make me happier. Temps below 90 are fine with me!! I'd like to complain but what's the point? It's summer! And July! What exactly do I expect?

I had my coffee with some fun reading this week. Melissa sent me a copy of her book A Year of Making Life Beautiful, and it made for a delightful morning read with coffee.

I really like the calendar format of this book. Each month has a theme with recipes and projects to go along with it. You don't need to have children to enjoy it, but it's the perfect jumping off spot for a family. Grandmas would enjoy it as well. The recipes look delicious and the quilting projects are pretty cute. Also cute.. her little children !!! I really enjoyed reading it. My thanks to Melissa for sending it to me. I have to confess, it made me a little nostalgic to read all the fun stuff, it reminded me a lot of the things Frankie and I used to do when she was young. It's a sweet book, and I think you might enjoy  as much as I did.

Speaking of things to enjoy, it's Katie's turn to show off her Christmas in July Block! Be sure and hop over to her blog to check it out! And now it's time to announce the winner of the charm pack from Free Spirit is Generation Sue who said "Thank you so much for the giveaway and showing us how you press your seams. I just get so frustrated with those some times ;)" ... Sue, email me your address so I can let Free Spirit know where to send that fabric!!! Thanks again for all your nice comments and emails. You guys are the best ever! Now get out there and have a happy weekend! xo

Keeping Cool.

Good Morning! Another hot day ahead for us here in PamKittyVille. I take my morning coffee out early, or have to skip it. You know it's hot when these guys start showing up..

I'm totally cool with them though, they eat a lot of bugs and don't seem to bother anyone. I think he was shocked that I saw him our there yesterday.

Anyway, this morning is another Christmas in July Morning! It's Kelsy's turn, can't wait to see her block! Each block has been so interesting and different. Have you been to the flickr group? People are getting busy!

Ok peeps, I've been accomplishing stuff all week! Not a lot of interesting stuff but still it feels good! What have you been up to? Tell all! xo

Hey, quickie P. S.  Check out the improvements Sharon made to my package block here!  GREAT IDEA. I'm embarrassed I didn't think of it myself! Nice work Sharon!

The Quilt Show!

Today I have a little something fun for you! Alex has shared a free pass to see Tom Russell's episode on The Quilt Show! Here's a link to the preview of the show!

The link for the free show is available until July 15th. Just sign in if you're already a member or sign up if you're not! Remember, the episode is FREE to view until the 15th! Just click here!

And, if you love the episode and want to join so you can see more? How about a code for a 20% discount? Just enter "214220702827" when you make your payment. Be sure and look around The Quilt Show site, there's plenty there to see!

So why am I all excited about this episode? Alex has a segment at the end that I helped her out with! I went over to her studio and taught her to use her ruffler foot, and she'll show you how to use it on the show! Alex has always been so great to me, it was fun to be able to show her something in return! 

Ok peeps! Hope you have a fun day!

P. S. Did you see Holly is having a give-away over on her blog? Hop on over and leave a comment! There are a lot of chances to win some of her wonderful Penelope Fabric! Jennifer over at Shabby Fabrics is also doing a giveaway on her blog, so check that out too! Leave a comment for a chance to win some Lakehouse patterns!  Ok, that's really it now peeps! xo

Ho Ho Ho!!

Good morning! How was your weekend? It was a hot one here, so we tried to limit our outdoor time as much as possible. But let's get down to Monday-Business! Today is my day for the Christmas in July Block-a-thon!!!

As you can probably imagine, coming up with a modern style block was a bit of a challenge for me as a traditional style quilter. Add to that some non-traditional holiday fabric and YIKES! Can I meet the challenge, all in a 6 inch finished block? I hope you see this and think that I did! Yup, those are holiday gifts!

Here's what we're starting out with! But put down those pens and papers, there will be an instructional pdf to download at the end!  

First off you need to do some cutting:

From the green bow fabric cut (3) 1 7/8" squares, cut each in half diagonally.

From the background white fabric cut (3) 1 7/8" squares, cut each in half diagonally, (1) 2 1/2" square and (1) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle

From the blue gift fabric cut (1) 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle and (1) 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle

From the tan gift fabric cut (1) 5 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle

Stitch bow triangles to background triangles for (6) bow/background triangles.

Stitch those triangles into pairs to make a bow unit! Layout your block for stitching!

Assemble your gifts as follows:

Gift 1:

Stitch bow unit to blue gift 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle. Press to the gift rectangle.

Stitch 2 1/2" background square to the bow  unit pressing to the background piece.

Gift 2:

Stitch tan gift rectangle to bow unit. Press to gift unit.

Gift 3:

Stitch bow unit to remaining blue gift rectangle. Press to gift rectangle.

Stitch 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" background rectangle to bow unit, press to background piece.

So you're done! You can download the instructions here! (be patient, it takes a bit to download)  Free Spirit has generously provided a Denyse Schmidt Chicopee Charm Pack for a giveaway! Leave a comment and I'll pick someone later this week!

Ok! Print and go make your block!!!! Haven't started yet? Here's a list of block designers and their scheduled days!  HAPPY MONDAY PEEPS!
 
July 2th - Heather at Fiberosity
July 5nd - Pat Sloan
July 6th – Melanie at Melanie Dramatic
July 9th - Pam at Pam Kitty Morning
July 11th - Kelsey at Kelsey Creates
July 13th - Katie at Swim Bike Quilt
July 16th - Kim at Persimon Dreams
July 18th - Amanda at Sasikirana
July 20th - Jane at QuiltJane
July 23th - Kristy at St Louis Folk Victorian
July 25th – Kimberly at Fat Quarter Shop
July 27rd - Lee at Freshly Pieced
July 30th - Jennifer at MJ and Co
August 1st – Mishka at Quilting Gallery
August 3rd - Tiffiny at Free Patchwork Quilt Info
August 6th - Tacha at Fat Quarterly
August 8th – Megan at Canoe Ridge Creations
August 10th – Jocelyn at It’s Sew Emma
August 13th – Final Quilt Reveal!

Bye Bye Birdie

And in the blink of an eye it was over.

Last night I got home from Holly's and saw just one hummingbird on the nest. I knew it was just a matter of time for the one who had been fluttering it's wings and sitting way up at the top of the nest. I just didn't expect to feel so sad about it when it wasn't there any longer. I looked out among the trees and bushes to see if I saw the bird perched close by, but nothing. The second hummer buzzed off quite confidently around 7pm.  I actually felt a little weepy over it.

So what's on the agenda this weekend peeps? I hope something fun. I just want to buckle down today and get some organizing done. Or some sewing. And I sure hope there's some Law and Order on. Seriously, I'm going into the L&O withdrawals now that they're playing the Mentalist on TNT.  One or two days of L&O just isn't enough I'm afraid.   Hope you guys have a great weekend!!! xo 

Hello Hello!!

Good morning! How was your holiday? I was lucky enough to be asked again to my friend Pat's house for her annual 4th of July brunch.

Pat is so great! She puts a tremendous about of time into making this the event of the summer! From the sidewalk you can see she's totally into the summer spirit, and that's carried throughout her home. Of course if I was a better photographer, you'd see much more of her home, but sadly I am not. Maybe next year!

(Doesn't this look like it came right out of Country Living?)

I love her backyard, I just have a thing for sweet old fashioned outdoor spaces and Pat's is all that and more. I have no trouble imagining my cup of coffee out back there, and in fact enjoyed several delicious cups while there.

To me Pat's home is just exactly what you hope a home is, warm and cozy, comfortable and filled with love.

Thanks for having me Pat! I appreciate that you always include me in THE EVENT of the summer season!

Now today is Pat's day to celebrate Christmas in July, so head on over and check it out! I know it's going to be good!

Close call

So yesterday was all kinds of dramatic. I was headed over to Holly's for the day and I caught sight of the hummers sitting kind of high in the nest. They're pretty big now, and I thought I'd better get another photo just in case they flew off while I was gone.

Holy crap, the female (I think) gets all worked up and FLIES OUT OF THE NEST. I almost had a heart attack (standing on a chair, hanging onto the rain gutter with one hand and leaning way out to reach the nest. ) (Don't try that at home.) She fluttered her way down into a potted plant, and seemed unscathed by the experience. So I plucked her out of the leaves and plopped her back into the nest.

She gets all worked up again and by the time I step off the chair she's fluttering down again, this time behind the fountain.

The funny thing is she didn't fuss at all when I picked her up. So I popped her back into the nest again and then waited.

In few minutes and the mom came back and fed them and seemed to settle the adventurer into the nest again, so phew, I felt like I could leave. When I got home, everyone where was where they belonged, little birds down in the nest, mom kind of perched on top of them. Talk about lucky. Phew.

Thanks for the emails and comments about the radio show! You guys are just too nice! I can't wait to listen. I also want to remind you it's Christmas in July time over here First block is up, courtesy of Fiberosity! 

Ok, that's enough for one day right? xo

Butterflies

Good morning! Did you have a nice weekend? We worked around the house and I even managed to sew a few of my half hexagons! It was fun to sit down at the machine again with some NCIS on tv!

Today is my day on Pat's show! You can tune in here at 4PM EST to listen in! I can't wait to hear the show, and find out who the other guests are. I'll have to catch it in the evening though, I'll be gone over to the Holly's tomorrow all day. Yikes!

Have a good day peeps! xo