Take A Seat...

...pull up a seat and settle in, I'll catch you up on the happenings around here; it's been a long time. In fact, to be honest, it's been so long that I wasn't even sure where to jump back in but decided that there's no time like the present. 

Back to school happens here next week (already!), those of you who've been readers here know that back to school means "nap blanket" time for the Pre-K program at the local elementary school that our small group of quilters has adopted. We've been supplying three classes with a total of 45 nap blankets each year for somewhere in the vicinity of the last fourteen years now! Made from bright, colorful, child-friendly fabrics they're always a huge hit with the teachers and students alike!

This year, as in years past, we've taken our machines to a friend's sewing space for a full work-day to accomplish this task. Quiltkeemosabe brought her new-to-her vintage Singer 301 this time. I didn't realize that these in-cabinet models are designed to be lifted out easily and can double as portables! Live and learn! Of course, I came home and opened out the cabinet where Ruth resides to discover that, yes, mine can also perform that exact same feat!  It's been a while since I spent quality time with Ruth. You can read how I came to inherit her by clicking the red, highlighted, name Ruth, above. I stitched up another nap blanket and she purred like a kitten. I feel like my precious mother-in-law is watching over me every time that I sew on her. 💗

I guess she's not the only one! 😂

More treasures discovered in Ruth's cabinet drawers. Mom saved these along with buttons in an antique tin that, at one time, held loose tea. Do you remember these perfect attendance awards for Sunday school and the like?

That's a quick glimpse into a few happenings around here lately. Our daughter's beagle, Buddy, is visiting. He and Augie get along just fine. On day one they rested in their respective beds. 

On day two they decided to swap beds!?!! "The grass is always greener" I suppose.

And here's where things stand today! They've certainly enjoyed resting in the sewing room while I'm keeping myself entertained in here. So, back to the beginning and that photo at the top: the bar stools pictured are all hand made by Mr. Goodneedle. It's been his summer project. Constructed from hard maple to match the cabinetry in the kitchen each one weighs almost 16 pounds! They're quite substantial. He has one more in the works and then they'll all be sprayed and finished and ready to supply plenty of room to sit at the kitchen island; pull one up, take a seat~

Life is Good! 

This, That and a Few Sleeping Over...

We had a busy end to last week with a few guests in the house to liven up our otherwise boring routine day-to-day schedule. An after-dinner concert is certainly out of the ordinary around here, but it really classes up the place!

We had dinner one night at Cracker Barrel, these two love, love, love some Chicken and Dumplings!

Also spending some time with us right now is a our grand-dog, Buddy. Lynnleigh and Gregory enjoyed spending time and playing with him, too. The youngest grandchildren have returned back home but Buddy remains here for a few more days; as you can see, he's made himself right at home. 

A friend and I were able to squeeze in another Chrismon class at Rufty's on Saturday. Only one more month remaining of classes there before they close their bricks and mortar store. This is the Kingdom Ball. It's a hard one to photograph because of its 3-D nature, it will be beautiful on the tree. We've already registered for the final classes that are being held next month at the store, we're trying to learn all that we can while there are still classes with teachers!

These are the Chrismons that we've made this year, so far; clockwise from left: The Crown of the Apostles, The Kingdom Ball, The Cup of Salvation, Christ in the Manger and a 3-D Cross. After the physical shop closes there will still be kits and materials available but it will be online. 

 

This is one of my oldest UFOs. I discovered it in my recent closet reorganization! I know that I finished the teeny primitive embroideries (I can't remember the pattern names or designer but I do recall that these were a set of long "cards" that I purchased at a quilt shop in New England, the shop also specialized in wool applique and embroidery primitives) in the late 1990’s. It was a great shop but, sadly, closed a long time ago.  I remember that I set this one together in 1999. It's time to get it quilted! (You notice that I didn't say that this is my oldest UFO; no, it's only one of my oldest! Sigh.)

This itty-bitty calendar style table topper, or wall quilt, measures 23" X 27". 

And, in the meantime, the laundry room tear-down, and re-do, continues. Did I open this post by saying that things around here are boring and/or routine? Nah, there's nothing farther from the truth. There's always something... and it's all good. 

Life is Good!