Fall Farewell

Here are my excuses for a final fall post instead of Christmas as everyone has moved on to.

1.  We haven't had snow yet and the oak tree still has some leaves, so it still feels pretty much like fall.

2.  I get tired of everyone rushing Christmas.  I swear the decorations were in the stores the end of September.

3.  Since I was sick on Thanksgiving and Black Friday I am behind on my "normal" Christmas decorating. 

4.   I've also been struggling with slideshow, but finally got it to work!!  I LOVE fall--the colors, the weather, the activities, etc.  and while I also LOVE Christmas I am always sad to take the fall decorations down.  

So, here's one last fall project and slideshow.

I made this wall hanging based on a pattern, but I tweaked it some.  I used only fabric from my stash, so it was free!  Well, at least I didn't put any money out when I made it. I gave a sneak peek of it a while ago with a photo in a post.

I did complete it and it has been hanging on my wall. 

I meanered around the entire wall hanging except the applique in the middle.

 I first put it here:

But after buying a new cabinet for the music library I had to move it.  It looks good next to the window, but no photo!

And one last look at my fall decorating before I decorate for Christmas! 

Good-bye Fall!

Fun with Boys! (and a little sewing)

I whipped up this little quilted wall hanging just in time for the 4th of July.

It goes on this:

We took the three oldest grandsons to see a movie--

Toy Story 3.  Honestly, I'm not sure if the two youngest liked the movie or the popcorn the best!  Boy can they eat popcorn!!  We then went out for supper where Nate ate his weight in buns!

Then we headed home to put them to work.......or so we thought!!

Actually Payton did do some mowing and Nate played with Cuddles while I pulled weeds and listened to Cael.  He talked nonstop telling me the 10 million ways you could use Indiana Jones' whip.  As I was trying to steer him on to a new topic the end of our conversation went something like this:

Me: "Could you think of something else you could use in so many ways?"

Cael: "Sure." 

(long pause) 

Cael: "But, really, Nanny there's more things to use the whip for."

Me: "Okay."

Cael: "Nanny, do you know how to spell Indiana Jones?"

Me: "Yes, do you?"

Cael: "No, but when we go inside could you get the computer and do w w w dot Indiana Jones and see how much one of those whips cost?"

Can we say one track mind?!

The boys spent the night, but had to leave shortly after breakfast as they had swimming lessons.

It is so much fun to spend time with them.  This is one of the first times Nate has spent the night just for fun.  Soon they will be joined by the other grandsons as they get old enough!

Tea Time!

Another thing I have been working on is my sister's birthday gift.  I've had it finished for a while now, but I didn't want to share it until I gave it to her since she reads my blog.  I had previously given her this table runner.

So, I used the same fabrics to make her a wall hanging.

I just couldn't get a good picture!  The handles on the cups were appliqued.  The last time I appliqued I was young and thought I did a good job.  Most of what I do is self taught.  In this world of blogs where I see the wonderful things others do, I realize how little I really know about this quilting stuff.  Nevertheless, I thought they turned out fairly good, but I have room to improve. I hope she enjoys it.

A Few Little Crafts & Gratitude

I have been busy with school and family stuff lately and haven't really had time to do much sewing.  I am working on a Valentine quilt.  Clearly it wasn't done for this Valentine's Day, but I'm hoping for it to be done next year!  I don't have photos yet.  I did manage to make a couple things for gifts--

I made this embroidered snowman into a little wall hanging.

Another koozie.

And a snowman for my wallhanging.

Probably no sewing time for me the rest of this week.  Maybe next week. (sigh)

Gratitude--Today I am grateful for modern conveniences.  Sometimes I long for the simplicity of bygone days and then I remember how much physical labor women had to do.  While I love to cook, it is time consuming.  I can't imagine doing it without today's appliances--even though I don't have the most modern.  I am grateful for my automatic washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher.  And let's not forget the furnace and AC!  Thanks you Lord for all of the conveniences that make my life easier!