Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Happy Rainy Day

It is a gloomy, rainy, cold day outside, but in here it is warm and dry and pleasant!
I finished another quilt for the USO Lounge at our local airport. I bought this panel from Connecting Threads and looked at it for a long time. Finally I decided what to do.
 
The backing makes me happy - blue and red stars! Seems fitting.
 
And here it is cuddly and crinkly after washing and drying.
 
I also completed this table runner for a precious lady we love. I could not bear to cut up this pretty Valentine fabric, so just quilted it whole.
 
I've had to temporarily retire my little green Japanese machine until it decides to act right. Fortunately I had this one waiting for its turn to work.. Isn't it pretty! I love these old machines. They are such beautifully made creations.
 
This is a sweet little present I bought for myself. I bought it from maileg.com
 
I was so agreeably surprised at the quality and workmanship of this little mouse. And I love her matchbox bed, which is very sturdy.
Yes, I know I am far too old for toys. I do not care. I like things that make me happy, and things like this do!
 
I am working on a little Valentine's wall hanging now and hope to finish it soon. No pictures yet.
 
These pictures were taken on Monday when the sun was shining. As you can tell, we have had no major freeze yet this year. See the chickens there on the top? After this I let them into that garden they are gazing at so longingly. They pretty well demolished it, and that is okay. Bugs and worms had beat them to a lot of it and the chickens thoroughly enjoyed cleaning it all up for me!
On the top, second from left, is something I saw online. I cut holes I the bottoms of egg carton cups and put that on the top, which was solid. I put the root portion of a green onion in each egg cup and water in the bottom tray. As the article said, green onion sprouts are now growing! How neat is that!
 
I hope there are things in your world today that are making you happy! God is so good to us all, and I am thankful.
 
Hugs and kisses,
Elaine

Monday, January 20, 2020

It's A Maze

Isn't this a fun quilt?  I had so much fun making it. The simple rail fence blocks look like a maze to me, and the fabrics are so bright and cheerful.
 
I had this piece of flannel in the stash which is just perfect for the backing.
 
Mr. Muddling tried very hard to convince me that he should keep it, but I was strong.
It will be going to the USO Lounge in the next batch.
 
I saw this spray paint art on our friend Cass's post and told her I wanted to buy it. She refused payment, but sent it to me just in time for Christmas. Mr. Muddling hung it for me in the sewing room. Now I get to look at it every day!
 
AND.............I finally finished this king size quilt for our son and daughter in law. It is too big for even Mr. Muddling and son Larry to hold up in all its fullness!
But they were kind enough to send me this photo of it in its rightful place. The layout is a little different from the one I used for our queen size and I added an extra set of borders all around, which made it the perfect size.
 
Now I have to get another one made for baby girl, our daughter. But that will have to wait until I recuperate from this one!
 
Isn't it a blessing to finally accomplish a big goal? I am so thankful!
 
Hope you are accomplishing lots in your world.
 
Hugs and kisses,
Elaine
 

 
 
 
 

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Happy 2020

First of all I want to document what I made or helped to make this year. Of these twenty projects, ten quilts went to the USO Lounge at the local airport! That makes me happy.
 
I promised both our children quilts for Christmas (you know - last week).I may have been over-ambitious.  The first one is almost done. The second has many miles to go yet!

Today I've been making candied orange peel. I've been buying it on Amazon, but the homemade is so much better, and the only ingredients are orange peel, water and sugar.
 
That candied orange peel along with dried cranberries goes into these Cranberry Orange Scones.
 
Along with a nice hot cuppa tea - life is good!
 
I hope your New Year has started off with only good things, and that you have lots to look forward to in the coming year.
 
With all its challenges, I'm thankful for this life God has given me!
 
Hugs and kisses,
Elaine