Accomplished Something!

I got some sewing done today!

Here is another purse - made from my favorite purse pattern that you have all seen me blog about a zillion times before. See how this one goes with my new winter coat?? I then had to make a new key-chain card holder to match as well! A new scarf and mittens are in the works too!

Here is one of my "hunky Christmas men" pillowcases I made awhile ago. I have one on my pillow as we speak and the plan is to give one away as a gift, but I could still change my mind :)

And, I have found the backing material to go with the block of the month quilt I finished in October. Now to actually get it finished!

Thanks for stopping, come again, and take care! - Elizabeth

Some Favorites

I was browsing through my photo files and found several of my favorite completed (I know....gasp!) cross-stitch projects. I'm pretty sure I have blogged about all of these before, but since it is my blog, I'm gonna share again! :)

Itty bitty frogs that turned into a........

...not a prince, unfortunately, but a pretty neat biscornu

The frogs must have a lily-pad don't ya know - so here's the other side!

Ah, the "Bothered" cross-stitch. I found this in a British cross-stitch magazine and just had to do it! It is framed and has a place of honor on my piano.

I think this is the first cross-stitch project that I ever completed. Although it is simple in design, it is my favorite, and therefore is displayed all year long.

I also discovered several "in progress" photos of cross-stitch projects that I would love to get back to. During the school year however, the energy and focus level to do cross-stitch just hasn't been there. Maybe this summer?

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was nice and low-key, and now I get to look forward to another week before I head back to teach the urchins.

I hope to get some sewing done this week but the only down side is I have apparently moved just right to send my back into muscle spasms....how rude! Kind of hard to lug the sewing machine around when I can't move! Oh well, good thing I already have a Dr.'s appt. scheduled for tomorrow. Hopefully I can get an ultra-sound treatment in as well, as they tend to help.

Maybe this is my hint to pull out some of those unfinished cross-stitch projects.....hmmm....now which one should I start back up? Decisions, decisions.....

Well, thanks for stopping. Take Care and Come Again! - Elizabeth

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a Very, Merry Christmas!

May it be full of fellowship, love and joy!

Take Care-Elizabeth

Hallelujah!

My winter programs for the season are done!!

(You should be hearing the Hallelujah Chorus right now - and then a HUGE sigh of relief)

Even though my chillin's drive me absolutely insane up to the time they perform, I must say that this year, both my Middle School and Elementary kids have done a nice job - all 200+ of them! (Again, insert huge sigh of relief!).

Another day and a half of students and then it's Christmas vacation for a week and some odd days. AMEN - it is needed.

The goal over break is to RELAX! The nice thing, is that is looking pretty feasible. Maybe, just maybe I'll even get some sewing done....okay really - I heard that snort of disbelief! :)

Thanks for hangin' in there with me! As always, thank you for stopping, and do take care - Elizabeth

pst: for kicks and giggles go check out this video of the Silent Monks performing the Hallelujah Chorus.

How to title this.....

To the East

To the West

And Down

This has all happened within 4 hours and it is supposed to get worse. Gotta love the first snowfall of the year - I think I'll go crawl under my covers now!

Stay safe, warm and take care! - Elizabeth

Boring life....

in the crafty area that is.

"Why?"- you ask.

Well, there is simply no time at the moment. 'Tis the season for a music teacher to be INSANELY busy.

For instance: I had a Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th Grade) Band and Vocal Concert last night. I have Parent-Teacher Conferences this Wednesday evening, and I have my Elementary Concert on the 20th. Oh, and add all the extra rehearsals and playing for church!!

Therefore, please excuse my boring posts or lack there-of!

To those of you who still come and visit, Thank You!! I appreciate you stopping by and I hope that in the future I will provide you with a little more entertainment :)

Take care - Elizabeth

A Giveaway!

Helen at Hugs from Helen is having "A Week of Christmas Cheer".

Go drool over all her fabulous designs and enter into her giveaway - only if you win, you must pass on the prize to me......Just Kidding!! - go and good luck :)

Sorry I do not have pictures for you today. I did manage to get 2 pillowcases and a table runner made at Sit & Sew, however I have yet to get pictures taken.

That's all for now, so come again, and take care - Elizabeth

Another Year...

.....Older!

I would like to know where this year went to, and I'm not sure if I like this whole "getting older" bit. Ah well, it is what it is, so I plan to spend "my" day by sleepin' in, and attending a sit and sew. Sounds like a pretty good deal don't ya think?

Thanks for stopping, and take care! - Elizabeth

Happy Thanksgiving

May your day be full of family, friends, good food and thanksgiving!

Take Care - Elizabeth

I have been informed....

...by my MammaBear, that it is time for me to update my blog.

Well then, here we go :)

The car is up and running again - only a new air intake sensor was needed!

The cold-bug/virus is done, but has left me with a nasty cold sore under my eye and on my cheek! (I know.....I'm weird - I do not get cold sores around my mouth like most "normal" people do)

Other than that there is nothing new on the crafty front to share.

So, I'll let you all get on to more exciting blog posts. Take care, and thanks for stopping! - Elizabeth

One of the Hazards...

of teaching up to 200 5 to 13 yr. olds per day is that some of them like to share EVERYTHING with me........

Sometimes, I just really wish they wouldn't!

It's my Mamma Bear's...

BIRTHDAY!

I Love Ya Mamma Bear!

:) Babby Bear :)

Sewing and Arby's Hates Me!

When I FINALLY got to Sit & Sew today (more on that later) I whipped together this bag. Super easy and super fast! You can find the free pattern and tutorial here.

Due to lack of time and not having my interfacing on hand, I did not get my pretty pink flower made/attached and the pockets reinforced with the interfacing. But, overall, I think it turned out cute. Again, easy-peasy...exactly what I needed.

I also purchased the 2 patterns shown. One is from "My Stitching Peace" and the wording says We are Snow Blessed and the other is a paper-pieced pattern by "Little Bits" called "Calendar Quilts & Pins by Cindi Edgerton". Both look like fun! Who knows when they will be completed, but they have now been officially added to my stash :)

Now, on to why Arby's hates me. Yesterday evening on my hour drive home from work, I pulled off the interstate to stop at the Arby's drive-thru. All fine and dandy right? WRONG - my car died! Long story short, I got it going again and made it home safe and sound.

This morning, on my way to Sit & Sew I had the hankerin' for Arby's again and went through the drive-thru (different town and drive-thru by the way!). All is well right? WRONG - my car dies AGAIN. This time there is no getting her started :( She is now a resident of the Arby's parking lot until I can get her towed tomorrow or Monday to my mechanic.

So, although it could have turned out much worse, today has been a stressful day! At least I can say I got something accomplished....

Well, goodbye for now! Hope you all have a safe and Happy Halloween! Take Care and Thanks for Stopping - Elizabeth

Down, but not completely out...

Well, I've missed 3 days of work this week due to some not so very nice upper back spasms. The kind that grab when you inhale, or move just so. Not nice :(

After 3 ultra-sound treatments and an adjustment, I think I am on the mend - let's hope and pray anyway!

This is the only thing I can say I accomplished while being rather immobile.

I actually learned how to English Paper Piece when I was around 7-8 years old. I have never completed anything with my "flowers", just like to play now and then.

Well, take care - thanks for stopping! Elizabeth

Pictures

I feel guilty for not posting lately, and it's all because I haven't had time to do much of anything. Work is running my life and it doesn't look like it's going to improve anytime soon, so I figured I post some pictures of past projects.

Quilted wall-hanging panel

Fall table runner

Halloween table runner.

This one is my mother's creation - same pattern as above.

Miss Molly - my brat of a calico cat :)

Well, thanks for stopping and maybe someday, I will be able to get some pictures up of new projects?

Take Care - Elizabeth

It's Done!

Well, the top is anyway - AMEN!

Thanks for stopping - Elizabeth

Would you believe...

......that it has been one year ago today that I had my back surgery??

In some ways, it feels like it has gone quite fast, and in other ways very, very slow! The good news is that my back is better than it was! I have my days, but who doesn't!?!

No other real news on my end to share, but I will pass on that the "Fall into Fall Giveaway" has started. Go here to see all the blogs participating- only if you promise to give me your prize if you win and I don't!!....just kidding! Go and have fun :)

Just so you have something to look at, here is my Fall Angel. Out of all the seasons, Fall is my favorite. Great weather to snuggle under quilts, hot apple cider, pumpkin pie/bars, and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet.

Take care and thanks for stopping! Elizabeth

Progress

Remember these? (I did redo the top left hand corner one! It is much better now, as it has more contrast)

Well, they are now part of this!

Only 11 friendship setting blocks to make, add the border, and I'll have another top done!!

Thanks for stopping - Elizabeth

Scraps

Was working on my BOM last weekend and decided to try my hand at designing a pin cushion with some of the scraps. Don't think it turned out too bad!

(please ignore the blurry picture and the loose threads -

I took the pictures before snipping them off!)

Thanks for stopping! - Elizabeth

Meet Fred

I got in my car this afternoon, ran my windshield wipers, and there sitting on the hood of my car was.....Fred! (or Freida?)

I must admit Fred kind of creeped me out, but he was also fascinating to watch. He let me get "up close and personal" for a photo op and then hung out on the car for several blocks. I finally decided I better pay attention to traffic, so I pulled over and with the aid of a branch, Fred was safely transported to a new tree.

Doesn't he have that "take me to your leader look"?

Take Care - Elizabeth

edit: I have come to learn that Fred is actually a Praying Mantis. Since my car is quite a distance from any tree or bush, this little dude had to do some serious flying to land on my car! I guess I should feel honored!?!

Oodles of Pictures!

I figured I better get pictures taken and get them posted as I am soon to head back to school to try and get things ready.

So, here are the other items I have worked on or finished this summer.

(you are here by ordered to ignore all wrinkles as I have caught a lung/sinus bug, and just don't feel up to pull the ironing board out - sorry!)

Finished 4 teacup pin cushions -3 hot cocoa w/ marshmallows and one iced coffee :)

Finished BOM blocks!! I think I will redo the top left corner one as there is not enough contrast = don't like it :)

Borders on wall hanging

Table Topper/Wall Hanging

Easy Spring table runner

Bag - everything that could go wrong in making this bag, DID. There was some serious growling and muttering as this bag was made! But - it's done and works well as a yarn tote :)

My FINISHED lap quilt.

Oh so soft backing and some of the quilting

And, I think my favorite of all is this little wall hanging. The girl was a free embroidery pattern I found online and the rest is my own design. She is too cute if I do say so myself!

Well that about covers it for now. Thanks for boppin' by and take care - Elizabeth

Crochet Fun and a Sneak Peek

While crocheting teacups I had to play around with a few other patterns.

An overgrown doily....

A washcloth or coaster?....

And my sneak peek - a lap quilt that I have actually finished! I know a miracle!!

I hope to have a picture of it up soon!

Thanks for stopping and take care! Elizabeth

Still Around

Hi all - I'm still here, just been really lazy about blogging!!

Here's what is new:

Health: Finally got into the pain management clinic and have had 3 steroid injections (2 caudal epidurals, and the other I can't remember the name, but they went in closer to the surgical site at L5/S1). The first 2 did absolutely nothing for me. The 3rd has given me some relief, but they have also put me on a medication...so I'm not sure which one has been more beneficial?? At least there has been relief! Yay!

Work: Well, I signed my teaching contract. I will now be teaching PreK-8th Grade General Music/Choir AND 5-8th Grade Band. I am thankful that, even though I am completely stressed out about how I, as one person, is going to be able to do all of the above, that I do have a job. Of which, starts in 2 weeks! Okay....who ran off with the summer??

Craftwise: I have been busy in this area!

Do you remember these?

Well, I have had orders for 6 more! I have completed and delivered 4 of them (sorry I forgot to get a picture - oops!)

I have also spent some time at "My Friendly Sewing Circle" which is a new business that has opened up in a community near me. It's a place you can go and sit and sew/crochet/embroider/knit, well you get the idea :)

It does cost $5 a day, or I believe $35 to be a monthly "member", to reserve your seat and help pay for utilities, the rent of the space etc. I get a lot more sewing done there than I do at home. I just can't get motivated at home and I guess driving to, lugging my machine, and paying for my spot, plus the good company of other crafters, is the incentive I need to get me sewing groove on!

They also are hosting a mystery quilt, a block of the month, and several other classes and events. I am doing the block of the month, and the gal that is sponsoring it, asked me if I would sew up all 12 blocks now. She will then give me the sashing and setting kit for free! That's a $54 value.

I better do a nice job, as I found out that the reason she wants it sewn up all now, is that she would like to take a picture of the completed top so she can show it on her online quilt shop to advertise the BOM series.

The goal is to finish the blocks up tomorrow so I can get started on the sashing and setting squares. I'd like to get this done before school starts....hmmm...we'll see!!

I hope to have pictures for you soon!

Take care and thanks for stopping! - Elizabeth

Is there an Ark handy?

It is currently 1:40 a.m., and I can't fall asleep due to the storm that is blowing around outside! (I'm in among all that orange and yellowness (I know, not a real word, but at this time in the morning it is!)

There were reports of tornado's earlier this evening, thankfully they were not around me, but I did talk with my Dad while he was stuck in "the back room of Hardees" waiting for the tornado sirens to go off. Scary! - I am relieved to say that Dad is fine and made it back home safely!!

Otherwise, there is not much to report on my end. I have been, in essence, very lazy!

My house needs cleaning, yard work to be done, and there's lots of craftiness I want/need/should do, but I just haven't found the motivation to do it!

I have managed to get one book read, caught up on missed TV episodes, and have started crocheting the rabbit out of one of the last books I purchased, but other than that - LAZY! I must say, it's been nice, but the summer is all to quickly disappearing on me!

Health wise, I am still in physical therapy, which has helped in strengthening and flexibility, just not so much with the pain. I'm supposed to see a pain management specialist, but am having communication issues with insurance/workman's comp. Joy!

I do have a busy few days coming up. Tomorrow, if the weather cooperates, I plan to go and see my Dad. Thursday is PT and shopping with my Mamma Bear, and Friday and Saturday, I have signed up for a Sit and Sew. Haven't decided what I am going to work on yet. I should use Friday as a "finish" day, and Saturday as a "new" project day. But you know how it is....."the best laid plans".

Well, I should let you all get onto more exciting posts! Thanks for stopping, take care, and I hope you are staying safe and dry! - Elizabeth

I Love Coupons!

Oh, I was NAUGHTY today!

This is what happens when I'm free and have coupons in hand. I don't NEED these books.....but you see, I can rationalize buying them! A dangerous combination if I do say so!

The "Circular Baby Afghans" and the "Easy Japanese Quilt Style" books were purchased at Joann Fabrics with 50% off coupons. The Leisure Arts "Our Best Baby Afghans" was purchased at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon (plus it's replacing a copy that I lost to my basement flooding!) and well, "The Big Book of Animals" was purchased at full price (however less then $10.00!)....but it was just too darn cute to leave!

There's projects in each that I would love to do, and maybe someday I'll actually get to them. But for now, they are fun just to thumb through and dream up fabric/yarn combinations for! Ahhh - picture books for adults :)

Well, since I put in such a hard day of shopping, I feel the need for a nap! Some rain storms passed through earlier today and the air is fresh, clean and cool = good snuggle weather. So, I am going to take advantage of the cool and my cuddly blankets, and dream of all the crafts in my new books!

Take Care and Thanks for Stopping! - Elizabeth

Ah, Freedom!

The 2009-2010 School Year is OVER!

What a year it has been, and I'd be lying through my teeth if I said that I was sorry to see it go!

Instead, I am doing a happy dance and living in denial about the mid-life crises I'm having (pretty sad since I'm only 32)! We'll worry about that another day.....

For now, the happy dance and denial are doin' just fine!

I saw a saying the other day that suits me well at the moment:

"I know that I live in my own little world.

But that's okay; they know me here!"

So, come to my world, get your groove on,

and join me in my happy dance!

Now see, wasn't that fun!

Thanks for stopping by, and take care! - Elizabeth

psst: Just a note to say thank you for ALL OF YOUR SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS this year. You have listened to me moan and groan, and yet none of you said "get over yourself and move on" - but instead I've received numerous verbal hugs, and for that I thank God for you!!