A family tradition

Hey welcome to PamKittyMorning day of the Cross Country Christmas blog hop. My regular peeps already know me, so for you new peeps, my name is Pam and I like coffee. A lot. I design a few patterns for Late Bloomer Quilts which is my friend Elizabeth's pattern company but mostly I sit around, drink coffee and sew!

Today we're talking about Family Traditions. I think our most long lasting tradition is the Christmas Eve ride to look at the lights. It's my favorite part of Christmas, we all pile into the car after dinner and drive around, we have our favorite spots, like this house on a hill in Pleasanton. Its HUGE and they have a big window you can see in from the car, and they have music playing. Its in a swanky neighborhood and on Christmas Eve the streets are lined with paper bag luminaries and people turn their car lights off and drive around looking at the lights. They're amazing. From the top of the hill you can look out and see all the way to delta on one side and across the Livermore Valley from the other. Beautiful.

Of course I always try to get good photos, never have good of luck. Our absolute favorite is the 'old guy' downtown. He's already on his lighting now, we start driving by his place on Halloween to check his progress.
He goes all out, and the past few years he's even had a Santa out there passing out candy canes. It's a lot of fun and I'm already looking forward to going out this year. I usually drive around previewing the neighborhoods because I really love the lights.

But on to my project. For my regular peeps, you know I love coffee. LOVE COFFEE. Well this little table mat is about coffee and I call it Come Around for Coffee. It doesn't take much time, and I only did some in the ditch quilting.. making it a pretty quick finish. I used some of my precious LakeHouse Doll Dresses in the geese units and my other precious Lecien 30's for the rest of the quilt. Thanks to Lecien for providing a fat quarter bundle of their Spaicy Scrap fabric for the Grand Prize giveaway basket!!


The Come Around For Coffee pattern can be found here as a pdf, print it and either get sewing or maybe put it off for a while. I think this will make a great spring time gift for all you people who have everything done!! (and for those of us who won't get it done before Christmas!)

Leave me a comment today an not only will you be entered into the Grand Prize drawing, I'll also draw a name, the winner will receive a little kit for this quilt, plus Elizabeth's Sweet Pea Trellis pattern and some fat quarters of the soon to be released Sweet Pea fabric from RJR. Also, Alex gave me a 6 month gift membership to The Quilt Show to share, I have some pretty cool friends huh?

There's still half the hop left, so see you tomorrow! xo

Ho Ho Ho

Good morning everybody! Thanks for coming back here for the hop! Today we're talking Santa. Do you have a good Santa Story? I think this is the last time Frankie sat on Santa's lap. She's not one for that kind of thing, then or now! She's 4 here. The Cross Country Blog hop has been a lot of fun, hasn't it... and there's still so many days to go. All this Christmas talk has gotten me all fired up and I've started thinking about Christmas shopping. Today is Heather's day, so hop on over to her blog and see what she is sharing with us. And be sure and come back tomorrow.. its MY DAY!!

Christmas Trees

Good morning how goes it? Exhausted from the hopping? Me too! But today is a favorite topic, the Christmas tree. I get excited just thinking about it. I love Christmas trees. This is a picture of our 1959 Christmas tree. I don't think we ever strayed from this style and I have to confess, its my favorite. That kind of stick tree.. a bit Charlie Brownish, and lots of tinsel, and all the ornaments we ever had.. Christmas trees since I've been married have varied from my style to Bret's, he likes the big fat full Noble Firs, and tons of lights. We've done colored and white, fat, bubble, combos.. love them all. Since Frankie was born we started adding kid ornaments to the tree, and now nothing says Christmas like our Star of David popsicle stick topper.

Elizabeth was dying for me to show you our tree, as she cracks up over the United Federation of Planets battle that takes place each year, with the complete set of Star Trek ornaments blinking around the tree. Sadly, I can't find one picture really showing off those ships. Come back at Christmas time this year and I'll really get a good shot. Because AMAZING!

Ok, enough of the nerd fest. Today is the day to hop on over to Pat's and see what she's up to. Hope you're enjoying all the projects! They're so cute, aren't they? Ok, see you here tomorrow!

P.S. Pat has set up a flickr group so you can show off your projects. Rumor has it some of you have been busy!

The Gift Post

Good morning!!! Day three of the hop! Today is Terry Atkinson's day and I can't tell you how much I have admired Terry. I think her instructions and graphics are some of the best out there, and I'm pretty sure I own almost all of her books. And I have made tons of her projects for myself and as gifts.

This pile of junky worn looking fabric represents the most popular gift I ever made. TO THIS DAY!!! QUILLOWS. Crazy huh?

I think one thing you'll notice about the photo (besides the dog fur) is that they're not folded in their pillow form. One year I found cute novelty fabric and made Frankie, and my nieces and nephew each a quillow. It seemed like a fun kid thing. Kind of a pain to make and when they were done I was glad to be finished because sewing that pillow part onto the blanket part was a bit of a pain. And let me backtrack and say I'm thinking by the time I had gotten to quillow, I'd made everyone a nice pieced quilt, including the adults.

The adults were NUTS over them and the next year I had to make quillows for all of them. And of course find themed novelty flannel to go with each adult, my brother-in-law liked the Taz, my sister-in-law collects penguins.. you get the idea. I couldn't believe it then and still can't believe it now. I guess I should have known, they are gadget people and I think that quillow's are the gadget of the quilting world. A quilt that turns into a pillow.. or is that visa versa? I think you can search and find many many patterns out there so you too can make a Christmas sensation.

So that's my crazy gift making story. Now lets all head over and check out Terry's blog and see what she has in store for us! See you tomorrow!

P.S. Carol in Rock Hill, SC you are the magazine winner, please email me your info!

Hop to It

Today is a double blog hop day here in PamKittyland... It's my lucky day, I've been included in the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Collector's Edition Magazine! I can hardly believe my good fortune.

What's extra exciting to me is, I'm right next door to our favorite Zombie.. look at us using some of our favorite fabrics.. we know the Urban Chiks you know. (did I mention that before?)

The magazine is chock full of some of my friends and some of the prettiest quilt blocks so follow the 100 Blocks Blog Tour daily through November 13 at Quiltmaker. There will be inspiration, ideas and giveaways galore! Look for 100 Blocks from Today’s Top Designers in your local quilt shop, or purchase it at Quiltmaker.com.

And just because its all so exciting, leave me a comment and I'll draw name tonight .. Quiltmaker is giving away a magazine for each designer!!!

Ok peeps, phew. I need a cup of coffee! Have a great day.

Blog Hopping Galore!

Good morning blog hopping friends, how are you today? I'm very excited, today is Sandy's day to share a project. I've admired her work for years and we all know her fabric for Moda is delicious!

Yesterday I loved all the stories and old photos. Maybe it's because I grew up here in the Wild West , but I have only a few childhood pictures of Christmas. Maybe it's because in California the weather is always nice and I can't tell the Christmas pictures from any others?

Today we're sharing recipes. YUM. There are lots of picky eaters in my family, so after a few years, I ended up just keeping it pretty basic. Not that I didn't spend a few years channeling my inner Martha Stewart way back when she was on PBS. I could go on and on about her Tobacco Barn all decorated for the holidays. But back to today! I'm sharing my Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe. It's great served right from the oven or bake it ahead and serve it up Christmas morning so you don't have so much to do first thing!

1/2 cup walnuts

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 c sugar

2 1/4 c flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/3 c butter

1/3 c vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 c sour cream

2 tsp vanilla

Mix walnuts, cinnamon and 1/2 cup of the sugar and set aside.

Grease an 9 inch spring form pan. This can also be baked in a 10 in tube pan.

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in a small bowl.

Mix butter, oil and sugar till well mixed, add eggs one at a time. With mixer on low, add flour mix, sour cream and vanilla. Pour half in a pan, sprinkle with half sugar/nut mixture, spoon dollops of batter to cover and sprinkle with remaining sugar/nut mix.

Bake 60 -65 minutes till tester comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes then remove from pan.

Sorry that I didn't make one up for you to show it off. But it's just Bret and I here and neither of us needs to be eating a whole coffee cake!

See you back here tomorrow peeps.

Blog Hopping Monday!

Good morning Peeps, how was the weekend? It was another wonderful weather weekend here, and we spent some time outside enjoying the sunshine and catching up on fall tasks. As everyone knows, the holiday season will be in high gear soon, so no time like the present to get to thinking about holiday gift giving. And how convenient, the next 12 days will be filled with Christmas Cheer and quick holiday projects. Perfect timing, I've put off all my holiday sewing till the last minute as usual.

The holidays are great aren't they? I remember the anticipation mostly. The tree, the tinsel.. SANTA. Very exciting.

Today's featured blog is Gudrun's World. Click your way over to her blog, I can't wait to see what she has in store, what about you? Be sure and leave a comment to be entered in the big prize drawing. See you tomorrow peeps. xo

The Waiting is Over.

The mystery is finally solved. This beautiful little blond baby grew up to be... This beautiful and talented very brunette designer Gudrun !!! Here's the photo she sent me... so very glamorous. This is how I think of her... full of fun, always laughing, and just a pleasure to know. Here she is showing off her latest book, Strip On. There are 10 quilts in this book made with 2 1/2 or 1 1/2 inch strips. Check it out, darling projects.

Holy cow though people, wasn't picking hard? I have to be honest, the only two I got were of course me (although really in the end even I wasn't sure) and Gudrun. I'm going to be checking out all the blogs to figure out who's who.

So out of the very few who guessed correctly, the name we pulled out of the hat is Corky. Send me your address Corky and I'll send you my three new patterns, with a little bonus kit for the Patchy bag I made myself for market shown here... I'm including the left over handkerchief even!!

I enjoyed reading all the comments, not only here, but on the other blogs as well. Come back tomorrow for the Official start of the hop. Be sure and let me know how many you got right!!!

End of the week report

Hey peeps! It's the end of a fun and busy week here. I'm off to Alex's today. She's traveling so she's turning me loose in her studio to do some work for her. Hmm, wonder if I can get into any trouble?

Had to grab this shot while I could, I was jetting across town to get Elizabeth. See we have fall color. We went and met up for some sightseeing and lunch with Holly earlier this week.

She took us over to Fort Baker for lunch. Wow. I mean really, the views are amazing. I wish the picture could capture just how huge and close the Golden Gate Bridge looked .


The weather here in the bay area has been beyond perfect, we were able to sit outside on the terrace for lunch at Murray Circle at the Lodge.

This is one of those crazy stitched photos of my view. I wish it could capture the beauty of the day. And not only was the day perfect, there was no traffic on the way back. Miracle people.

But that kind of a glamour day is few and far between. Although why? I'm not really sure. I should make more of an effort to enjoy the surrounding areas. And OMG I saw Doug McConnell there! Local celebrity and environmentalist, I have watched him on Bay Area Backroads for years. Don't worry, I was cool.

Hope you've all made a guess on just who that cute little baby is. Saturday night I'll be picking a winner from the people who've guessed correctly and letting you know just who it is on Sunday!!! Next week is the start of the hop, and believe me, there will be stories, projects and chances to win prizes. So see you then. xo

P.S. Yes, I did put the ironing board cover on the actual ironing board. No I did not turn on the iron yet.

Heartbreaker

Lately I have been having a heck of a time with my ironing board covers. What about you? In the past I always washed them several times before they gave up the ghost but the last two.. gross, they just cracked and were goners. I think that it's because these new ones have foam in the lining? What's with that?

This week I went in search of a new cover. My current cover is on it's last legs and Rocket knocked the ironing board the other day while he was hiding from the rabbit who was thumping and coffee spilled all over it. My own fault, who uses their ironing board for a table? Not a genius move my friends. Anyway. Treated myself to this bit of fancy. And I'm actually putting it on my ironing board. I know its going to break my heart probably the first time I turn my iron on and it gets yucky. But until then I'll feel a little like her.

Guess who!

Good morning peeps! We're off to an early start today with a bit of a guessing game. As you know, next week starts the blog hop, and to get you in the mood we've got a little contest going. Each designer submitted a photo then they were mixed them up and passed them out to each of us. Leave a comment with your guess on just who this is, then hop around to all the other blogs and make your guesses. I'll pick a winner from the correct guesses Saturday night! Have fun!

Here's the list:

Gudren

Sandy

Pat

Terry

Heather

Kari

Terri

Sherri

Carrie

Roseann

Linda

Happy Tuesday

Hey there peeps, what's up with you guys? I've been busily working away on my blog hop stuff. Elizabeth distracted me with this site. This entry reminds me of my own little Disapproving Rabbit.

These are the fabrics I'm working with for my blog hopping project. I love how my Lakehouse Doll Dresses works with my Lecein 30's collection.

I can't help but feel happy working with it. Everyone has wonderful projects all lined up to share, I can't wait to see them all.

Ok, tomorrow starts a little pre-blog-hop contest, so be sure and come back for that peeps! xo

Morning News!

I've been invited to join the Cross Country Christmas Blog Hop and believe me, I'm feeling the pressure playing with some of the Top Designers on the list!

For 12 days there will be blogs to visit, projects offered and the chance at some prizes. Hop on over to Gudrun's blog to get all the details. And then stay tuned.

Here's the list:

Gudren

Sandy

Pat

Terry

Heather

Kari

Terri

Sherri

Carrie

Roseann

Linda

I know you won't be dissapointed!

Week in Recap

Wow the week seemed to go by so fast. What's with that? I was busy busy but still, doesn't seem like I have anything to show for it. And I better get cracking, IT'S ALMOST NOVEMBER.

Elizabeth and I had a nice lunch with Nireko this week. It was fun to catch up with her. She came bearing gifts of course, I have the whole collection of Old New Collection Spaicy Scrap.

It has a wonderful feel to it. I have been so torn between piecing with it or making a bag or two.. not sure. So no rushing on that. I loved the quilt in the Lecien booth, Kim has a nice little shot of the quilt here, and I am hoping that we will see it up on the website. There's just something about it.

In the mean time, still cutting away on my little Dresden project. I'm using the Lecien Old New Fabric Collection of 30's. It turns out that this line was designed by Atsuko Matsuyama of The Pink Book Fame. I'm weepy thinking about it.

Ok peoples, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Oh Barbara,

Sometimes people just crack me up.

Have a great day everybody!

Cheaters never prosper...

I beg to disagree.

Have a great day peeps! xo

Good Morning!

So peeps, how you doing? We are having some wonderful fall weather here, you know, 70s!! I love it. I've been doing some time outside in the yard, cutting few things back, raking up the leaves, that kind of thing. I've been lazy about doing anything outside, now I'm trying to get some stuff done around here. Slow going though.

Recently I decided to get some of the quilt tops that I still really love out and have them quilted as time and money allow. This is one that I LOVE. Its from the first Quilting with My Sister book by Barbara and Teri. I went through my stash and found all my favorite prints and used them. (I'm channeling my inner Mary here and trying to get some good on location pictures. Not a lot of luck I'm afraid. ) I bought this book because like so many of you, I love Barbara and Teri's designs, and I loved this quilt and the cherry quilt a lot. Next up is getting that cherry quilt quilted. I'm hoping Diana isn't too busy, I love her work, and I love how this turned out.

Ok, that's it for today. Hope you peeps all have a wonderful Tuesday ! xo

Everybody's doing it.

The other day I had the chance to go sew with my two Debbies. I went again, just for a cup of coffee because I was so busy and then stayed all day. ALL DAY PEOPLE. Anyway, Debbie was working on a wonderful quilt designed by Johna'Lee of the Scrappy Appleyard. Super duper cute.

Of course there's Dresden plate action going on over here as well. Seriously, I'm dying over it. And the runner with the hourglass blocks is wonderful. I love something that's just a tad more complicated to piece.

Amy did it. Sarah did it. And I want to do it too.

Working on testing out some ideas, because you know me, I want to do it a little different. But its fun. Well until I started cutting all my crazy pieces.

Anyway peeps, working on that and then a fun new project.. more on that later. Hope you had a great weekend. Tell me all about it. xo

They Walk Among Us

So Peeps, you know how I always have to go check out those aliens when I'm visiting Frankie? These aliens kick her aliens to the curb! Bret found these aliens last weekend but apparently didn't do his best when describing them as I had no idea. NO IDEA AT ALL. Seriously, they are pretty impressive by day but at night. OH. MY. GOSH. Just watch.

Happy Weekend Peeps!

Economic stimulus

I love how everyone is showing off stacks of purchases. This is it for me. I love the little Parfait Soleil, its an amazing little felt kit. I think Jona has some of the best photos of the booth that had these. I think we all know I'm never going to make it, but I love it none the less.

The hankies and the buttons both came from Dusty's Vintage. I don't think they have a website, if they do I can't find it. I find them to be the sweetest people there. I snatched that rose hanky from the hands of our friend Jackie Clark. Seriously, she gave it up to me pretty easily, but later I felt a little guilty. Not guilty enough to send it to her though. Sorry Jackie.
The buttons are amazing and I can't imagine that I'll ever even take them out of the package let alone use them. Seriously people, its a sickness. I didn't even take them out for the picture. I'll put them with the rest of my package of buttons. Where ever those are and don't get me started looking for them because I have errands to run today.

Ok peoples, hope you have a good day !