Thursday, April 30, 2009

Good Evening Mama's!

I took some photos of our new bedroom closets this morning. The first picture is where our old closet was. That space is now filled with floor to ceiling wardrobes that appear to be built in. The insides of each wardrobe can be customized - drawers, shelves, boxes, wire baskets, rods, etc... The next pictures are 2 shorter wardrobes on the opposite side of the room. I took pictures of the inside of mine & the inside of Scott's so you can see how we selected our own individual components & interior fittings. Take a look...




Each of the shorter wardrobes has 1 brown/black panel door & one mirrored door. Clearly their doors are different than the "wall of wardrobes." The woods & the panel effect match though & it's really nice to have a mirror to use!

These units are from Ikea. They are PAX units. Ikea offers downloadable software to plan your closets - components, interior fittings, etc. This is what we used to help plan our closet renovation. Check it out. It's affordable & doable. : )

This evening I was working on my snowman! He's FuN & cUtE!!! ; ) I got a bendable bright light from the Easter Bunny. All I can say is WOW (NO, NOT Sham-wow!!!). Santa brought one of these lights to Momma Barb & to Cathy for Christmas. I've been hearing good things about them. Finally, I got brave enough to fasten it to my sewing machine. It makes a BIG difference!!!

Hope you've done some stitching today too! Have a good tomorrow & just think, TGIF!!! ; )
Piecefully, Pam
Good Morning Ladies,

Jean - thanks for posting & hosting!!! Last evenings impromptu Bee was just right. : ) Your quilts & quilting are SUPER!!! I LOVE both - the Sweet Treats Fossil & the Kaffe! Can you tell me what kind of blue thread you used? Please. I especially liked it...it looked awesome on that quilt! Excellent job, girl friend!!! Your embroidery blocks are beautiful too!

LA - THANKS for bringing that Kevin kid & letting me hold him the WHOLE time! I'm a serious baby-hog!!! : ) And, I LOVE it!!! Your Auction quilt is TERRIFIC!!! I REALLY like how you used a decorative stitch for the quilting. That's clever!!! You're crafty, girlie girl!

Lois - thanks for the seeds! I haven't planted any seeds yet, so you may just be my impetus! Thank you. : )

Mare - ooooohhh! The fabrics & the blocks you've prepped & made are LOVELY!!! : ) I can hardly wait to see the finished quilt!!! What color thread do you want to use for the quilting?!

Mo - how was the Boss?! Did he ROCK...?! Can you hear me now...? ; )

Dolores, Cath, Lori & Peggy - you guys were missed. What's new on your end? Doing any sewing?

When I got home (after talking with Nick @ the curb...) I went right to my sewing machine. I wanted to try Sue Nickel's method of couching. I used her technique + a Sharon Schamber's technique & got the arms & idiot mitten string sewn for my snowman. I even got the snowman & mittens fused. They're READY to be blanket stitched in place!!! : )

Enjoy your day! Thanks for the estrogen boost last night. Stitch when you get the chance!
Piecefully, Pam

P.S. I added a new blog to our list...

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Good Evening Ladies,

Hasn't it been HOT?! I'm looking forward to the rain. That's something I don't say often! Dog walking in the wet is NO fun. But, I'd rather the cooler temps!

I did some planting in the vegetable garden on Sunday. Things are looking pretty good! I have herbs, some flowers & a couple tomatoes planted. I want to get cucumbers, a yellow squash, a cayenne pepper, maybe a pumpkin (shhh, don't tell Scott!) & a few more herbs.

This evening I was doing some machine applique. I have all the gingerbread men & their hearts appliqued. Next, I will be getting ready to stitch the snowman. I have been reading a Sue Nicekls book, "Stitched Raw Edge Applique." Actually, I've been reading, RE-reading & reading then highlighting the book!!! Scott asked if there was going to be a test?! Ha ha, isn't he funny...? She has an interesting technique couching fine threads to make stems & such. I think it would be great to use for the snowman's arms, pipe stem & such. I want to practice the technique first, but I think it looks AWESOME!!!

Jean - thanks for mentioning the machine quilting demo. I thought I missed it 'cause I arrived late to the Sew-In. I didn't want to ask. I REALLY would like to just watch how Cath, Dolores & you do free motion quilting anything - stipple, designs, words, whatever. I'm maybe going to have to look for a DVD.

Dolores - glad to hear you're feeling better! Joe LOVES you!!! How's Rocky been? Haven't heard anything about him lately?!

Cath - glad your class is SOON done! It will be nice to be off for the summer!!! ; )

Is there Bee tomorrow? I'm thinking not, but no one has said. Alright, have a nice night & good tomorrow!
Piecefully, Pam

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Hello Girls,

How was your day? Warm...?! How 'bout this weather? Lois has the gardening itch - literally & figuratively. ; ) I NEED to get out & work in the vegetable garden. It's FULL of weeds & not much else!!! This evening I bought a BEAUTIFUL Susan G. Komen gerbera daisy while @ Lowe's.

How 'bout our Bee Sew-In?! I got there late. What did I miss?! Did the cake testers stop by later?

Jean - thanks for hosting us today! : ) Glad to hear you finished the Oy projects, girl friend! Were you working on the "Fossil Fern" batik quilt during Sew-In? I didn't really see...? Did you take a look @ the Kaffe charm piles? Let me know how it goes. If you need any help with his "lights" or "darks" just give a shout!

Lois - I didn't see just what you were working on either. The Breast Cancer quilt is pretty. How is Judy? Does she still quilt? And, I saw you & Dolores outside...it was like you two were making some kind of (drug, uh, quilting) deal out by your car...?! ; ) Will we soon see a completed Yellow TATW quilt?! Awesome!!! And, there was a Snowball project you were working on too, right? Geez, you're busy!!!

Dolores - you are our leading authority on Hexagons AND flannel!!! ; ) You whipstitch those little hexagons together in a mere blink! You're something!!! Thanks for sharing & teaching us! Hope you're feeling better soon. You are a quilting MACHINE!!! I am SEW glad you have Gracie!!! : )

Lor - your T-shirt quilt with the flannel backing was GREAT! And, you're working on another one?! You GO - SEW, girl! How's John been? Hey, your bunny yo-yo table runner is REALLY coming along!!! You're doing a nice job. ; ) THANKS for directing me to JoAnn's & showing me the pre-packaged Heat n Bond lite! I'm glad to have learned the "back way" out of the shopping center. Peggy talked about it in the past, but I didn't "get it."

Cath - the baby quilt is cute! : ) And, thanks for sharing stories about Kerry, her friends, fashion & the dance last evening. Not unlike Mo & the cake testing, these are things I'll never experience. I especially enjoy hearing about the kids. ; ) Thanks!

Mare & Mo - how was the cake? Were any decisions made? What did you like? Did you go to Jean's later? How is the wedding quilt coming along?!

LA - I told the Bee girls I saw you en route to Jean's. How was your day? Who won what? How's that baby Kevin doing? Is he sleeping?

Peggy - I think about you. You were missed today. I hope you had a nice birthday! ; )

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Mama's! Keep cool.
Piecefully, Pam

Friday, April 24, 2009

Good FRIDAY Morning!!!

It's a B-I-G TGIF kind of weekend, no?! Between this gorgeous weather & a Bee Sew-In it doesn't get much better! ; )

We are currently losing the second story door & getting a window. It's a bit noisy & Shelby is out of sorts. But, it's that forward progress thing that feels good!

Once this window project is completed Scott & I will finish up our bedroom renovation (almost!). We have some touch up painting & trim to paint yet, but we're waiting so we don't have to have a re-do. I haven't decided about curtains or an area rug just yet either & those choices will wait until we get the Mermaid from Bonnie.

So, while I'm up this morning I've been working on what you see below...



Looking forward to seeing you Mama's tomorrow! ; ) Enjoy today!!!
Piecefully, Pam

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Here comes Spring & maybe even Summer...?!

Morning girls! We're making a slight schedule adjustment today due to some work being done tomorrow. So, I'm blogging @ an unusual time for me.

Since we're up, I did a load of wash & have it out on the line!!! : ) It's windy! I was going to do some weeding this morning, but with the gusty wind & passing clouds it feels too chilly to be digging in damp garden beds. Perhaps when we awaken this evening...?!

I wanted to thank you for your recent blog comments. Thanks for appreciating our blog for what it is. It helps me to know you're not bored or disappointed with it. And, I'm happy we have a place to share information & keep up with Bee, life, news, etc. I also like that you girls share links, sites & other interests useful to the blog. : ) And, Shrinky Dinks?! I SO loved those as a kid!!! You parents get to play with ALL the fun stuff all over again. I am SO jealous!!!

Jean & Lori - thank you for your reviews/opinions/information regarding fusible web. I recently have used: Heat n Bond lite, Lite Steam a Seam II, & Lite Steam a Seam. The last two products I strongly DISliked, & one I actually hated!!! I think the Steam a Seam products hold appeal to quilters because of it's packaging. It comes in five pre-cut 9 x 12" sheets in a big ziplock bag. It is also readily availble for purchase on the web. So, what I've decided to do, is GO to JoAnn's, buy Heat n Bond lite & then cut some of it into those useful, portable 8 x 10" sheets to store in the ziplock bag. The rest I'll wrap around a fabric bolt for when I need larger pieces. Ta-dah! (If anyone is going to JoAnn's between now & Saturday's Sew-In & would like to pick up 5 +/- yards of the Heat n Bond lite for me, I'd happily reimburse you!)

Marianne stopped over for impromptu Mt. Pleasant Bee last evening. She was stitching binding. She FINISHED her Southwest Quilt & it looks AWESOME!!! : ) She also got a sneak peek @ our bedroom renovation! Meanwhile, I worked @ cutting out pieces for the Santa's Blessings quilt I am starting.

I'm looking forward to our Sew-In @ Jean's! Who's coming & what will everyone be-e working on? Shouldn't we soon start the quilt for Joanna & Bill's wedding...?! Jean we're sewing 0900 til when, girl friend?! ; D Mo & LA - can you guys do a fly-by stop in for a quickie visit on Saturday & a little estrogen boost? Jean - since I LOVE Kaffe fabrics I'd be glad to help with your project...unless Mo has it managed by then...?! ; ) Organized scrappy! Gotta LOVE that!!! : )

Enjoy your day & the sunshine!
Piecefully, Pam

P.S. I miss Kevin!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

HAPPY, HAPPY!!!

Here's to Peggy & ALL the Quilt Mama's...

Happy B-Earth Day to YOU!!! ; )

Think, do, GO G-R-E-E-N!!! We're "doing" our part...Jingle too! No more recycling shopping bags. Only biodegradable bags here!

Piecefully, Pam

P.S. No Bee tonight because of Saturday's Sew-In @ Jean's? I'll be-e home & stitching. Sew, if you can't wait 'til Saturday feel free to drop by this evening! ; )

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Good Evening Girls,

We had a "bonus" evening when we got up today. It wasn't raining!!! : ) Scott & I went outside & did some yard work...weed pulling. It FELT good!!! : ) We've been dedicating our time to working INdoors & it was a pleasant change to be OUTside! Hooray!!! Although, we made a mad dash out to the patio to bring in chair cushions 'cause it's raining NOW.

I have some questions. I am soliciting your opinions on fusible web. I am not proficient with the stuff & am looking for some help. There is more than one brand, & even more than one product within a brand to choose from...I don't have enough experience to make an educated choice. For my Bunny Hill blocks I have tried 3 different products. I will give you my review in another post if you're interested. But first, can you share which fusible web YOU use & why? What brands have you tried? What do you like about the brand you usually/currently use? Do you trace lines with an ink pen, a pencil, a Sharpie marker or something else altogether? Do you have a pair of scissors dedicated to the cutting of fusible web? If not, does the fusible dull your scissors? Do you use a pressing/applique sheet - to protect your ironing surface, your iron, etc? Have you had to clean fusible web from your iron? How did you do it? Do you "windowpane" you fusible shapes...ie, cut out the middle of the fusible web BEFORE you iron it to your fabric in an attempt to keep you quilt "soft"? If so, does the paper backing stay intact until YOU remove it for fusing to your fabric? Any tips, pointers, suggestions or guidance you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated!!! THANKS!!!

Hasn't the Virtual Quilt Festival been something?! I am amazed & inspired by the beauty!!! What a SUPER idea!!! : ) The world wide web is stupendous!

On the down side of this...looking @ other blogs makes me feel like such a novice. I feel like such an uninventive, uncreative or unimaginative person. : / The ability to create tutorials, do video feed, podcasts, etc...feel SO out of my realm of possibility?! I can't figure out how to "add" those "buttons" - like to the virtual quilt festival, or to Bunny Hill for the free BOM. I'm interested in adding a "banner" to our blog, but don't know how it's done. I am unsure how to use Flickr, Twitter or MySpace, FaceBook, or Skype & quite frankly I feel afraid of & intimidated by such places... Your thoughts...?! Does anyone have experience with this stuff? Do you have a teenager who would be willing to advise or teach me? Or, Two Pocket Matt, if you're "listening," any interest in lending a learning hand...? Is anyone willing to show an old dog new tricks...?! Meanwhile, Piecefully will continue as is. I hope it's not too boring. May it provide links to other places of greater interest.

Enjoy your evening. Stay tucked in & take a few stitches. ; )
Piecefully, Pam

Saturday, April 18, 2009

A Glorious Saturday!!!

Hiya Girls,

Wasn't today ABSOLUTELY beautiful?!?!?! Yep, GLORIOUS even. ; ) Open windows, wash blowing on the line, sitting in the sunshine ~ welcome Spring!!!

I thought about Harry Kalas today. Did anyone go?

Has anyone seen or heard about the "virtual quilt festival" that's currently underway? Check out Amy over @ Park City Girl blog!

Momma Barb called today, from Chicago! She & Karen are @ the Chicago Quilt Festival. Here, take a virtual peek...?!

Scott & I are making progress!!! ALL of the wardrobes are together. The interiors have been outfitted with the fittings we chose. Clothes are being hung, folded & tucked inside. It's AWESOME. : ) And, we no longer are nomads in our own home!

Jingle got shampooed in his puppy pool this afternoon. He is shiny & smells good! Scott brushed Jingle's teeth too...using peanut butter flavored dog tooth paste. : P

I hope you are enjoying your amazing weekend too! Take a couple stitches & read a quilting magazine on your porch!
Piecefully, Pam

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Loving the SUN!!!

Morning Girls,

What a difference a day makes...!? ; ) Enjoy today - get outside a bit if you can. You might even take a few stitches bathed in a ray of the warm & lovely stuff!

Mo - thanks for hosting last evening! Your renovation is STUNNING!!! It is certainly a LOVELY space...beautiful colors, great design...inspiration!!! : ) And how 'bout a B-I-G thank you to Matt...the most enthusiastic & welcoming door greeter EVER!!! ; )

Mare - your SW quilt is awesome!!! Your bunny table runner is CUTE too! Glad you're liking your machine for applique! ; )

Cath - SUPER job quilting that SW quilt!!! Your *new* hair is VERY becoming!!! ; ) And, you didn't bring any Lancaster show 'n tell...did you get anything? How was the Show? What did you see that you liked?

Jean - you are such an inspiration!!! I don't know how you do it?! Your Salt Water Taffy quilt turned out NEAT-O!!! Great job stippling!!! ; ) And, ALL the photo tranferring you've been doing?! Oy! ; )

Dolores - thanks for sharing patterns! How are your hexagons & flannels doing? What else have you & Gracie been stitching?!

Lois - there seems to be a genetic familial trait for stitching in your family!!! ; ) Nice! Thanks for sharing!

Lor - glad John is doing well. We'll keep our fingers crossed! Finally - you got that star wall hanger for your quilts!!! It's good you went back!!! Thanks for bringing your show 'n tell from Lancaster! The AB fat quarter bundle was a big score!!! ; ) And, what did you think of the Show? What did you like?

LA - it was GOOD to see you! I missed Kevin. : / Glad to not share my germs with him though! Thanks for posting the Bunny Hop recipe! ; ) It looks like they could really knock you on you a$$!!!

Thanks for looking @ my Bunny Hill blocks, girls. And, how 'bout me having a Lynette Anderson pattern...bought 7 years ago @ the Lancaster Show!?!?!? Who'd a thunk... Funny how things work out, huh. Yep - I'm going to try & adopt that as my new motto... ; )

Piecefully, Pam

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

It's rainy...

Hello Girls,

I am SEW looking forward to Bee tomorrow evening (I'll keep my cold germs to myself!)!!! I can hardly wait to see the *new* Casa de Henderson!!! : ) Who will be-e there? If you were @ Lancaster...please, bring your Show 'n Tell (if you didn't already)!?

Lor - I have been meaning to ask...How's John been feeling?

Cath - how's Tim doing?

I've made a few changes to the blog. Check them out & let me know if you have any additions/subtractions...?!

Keep dry. Take a few stitches when you get the chance!
Piecefully, Pam

Monday, April 13, 2009

Good Evening Girls,

Here's the newest & latest...

Next, we will be assembling the interior closet fittings. Such as shoe trees... ; )

I have shared my cold germs with Scott. : / Now we're both snotty.

I checked out "2 pocket Matt's" link. Hmmm, it's kind of interesting. Here's another...I clicked on "Quilting."

Enjoy your evening.
Piecefully, Pam

Sunday, April 12, 2009

A Whole Lotta Easter

Afternoon Quilt Mama's!

How's your weekend? How's Easter been? Do you have a long weekend due to the Easter holiday? If so, enjoy!!! ; )

Scott & I do not have a long weekend. Easter hasn't really been a celebrated holiday in our home (shh, don't tell the Easter bunny or the "big man upstairs" either!) None the less, it is the weekend & that's been a GOOD thing!!!

We've been unusually busy...see the photos...







This is our current state! While progress has been made, there is still more work to be done. We did have a bit of a respite for nourishment (it's our Christmas ham thawed & renewed!). ; ) Hope you are enjoying your holiday...eat some chocolate for me!!! ; )
Piecefully, Pam

Friday, April 10, 2009

I'm b-a-c-k...

Houston...we have connectivity!!! It's a beautiful thing. : ) Bill, the ComCast guy was here this morning. He replaced our modem. And, we have internet service once again - ahhh! It's like magic!!!

My seasonal allergies & sniffles have bloomed into a lovely cold. Grrr! Soup for Easter...anyone, anyone..?!

To improve my mood & spirit, I have been working a bit here & there on the newest Bunny Hill block. Just this afternoon I completed it! Are you working on yours?

Enjoy your Easter weekend, girls! Stitch if you get a minute! ; )
Piecefully, Pam

TGIF & Happy Easter Weekend!

Have a happy, hoppy one, girls! ; )

Shhh...DON'T tell Dolores...

Piecefully, Pam

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Morning Mama's!

Thanks for Bee last evening! I appreciated your sharing of the Lancaster FUN with me. : ) AND, I LOVED holding, bouncing, River Dancing that sweet Kevin kid!!! ; )

Our home internet service is down. Comcast is coming out on Friday morning...probably to replace our modem. So, I will be "quiet" for a bit. Using the work computer for anything lengthy isn't really an option currently. So, enjoy the peace...piece.

And, meanwhile, without going into any details, can I ask you Mama's to keep me & Scott in your thoughts & prayers. Some pretty BIG decisions are on our horizon. Thanks...for everything, girls!

Piecefully, Pam

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Hey, ladies.....I can host tomorrow evening......yahoo! Hope to see you all and laugh a lot! Piece.....

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Home again, home again, jiggity jig...?! ; )

Dear Quilt Mama's,

I have been So...SEW thinking about you guys!!! If my ass wasn't dragging (dragon...) last night when we finally sat down, I would have called you, but our track phone with ALL your cell phone numbers was outside, in the car... Yeh, I couldn't make it THAT far!!!

Tell me?!?!?! How was the Quilt Show?! What did you see that you liked? What rocked? What didn't? What did you buy?! How was the Iron Horse Inn?! LA - did you have the steak with gorgonzola...?! Any Bunny Tales...tails...?! Was there sewing?! Who sewed what?! Hurry up?!?!?! I wanna know too?! ; ) Lois - did George survive? Did YOU?! ; )

Well, I hope everyone is home safe & sound. And, that each of you had a marvelous time!!! I can hardly wait for the next Bee!!! Speaking of which, when is it?! And, where?

Take care. Enjoy the sunshine!
Piecefully, Pam

Friday, April 3, 2009

Thinking about you...

Dear Quilt Mama's,

I hope you guys are having FUN!!! : ) Did you SHOP today? Sew? Will you go to the Show tomorrow? Are you going to Midnight Madness - can you WALK?! I am with you in spirit & awaiting the stories!!! : D

Meanwhile, here are photos of what's been going on IN our home over the last few weeks.





We bought some furniture today!!! We didn't get to bed until 2PM. It's been a l-o-n-g day, but GOOD! Happy Friday. Stay tuned...
Piecefully, Pam

It's HERE!!!

Girls,

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!! See LOTS, buy LOTS, sew LOTS, laugh LOTS...you get the idea! ; ) Safe travels!

Piecefully, Pam

P.S.
1. Lori - the Quiltmaker's Cottage (from Hershey) will be one of the vendor's across the street. They are usually across the aisle from Traditions of the White Swan. Quiltmaker's Cottage should have the Mettler 60 wt. (green writing, hand applique) thread...just a FYI in case you want or NEED any...! ; )

2. If anyone see's the Precision Trimmer or any other 1/2 square triangle ruler, please buy one for me. I will happily reimburse you! Thanks!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Lancaster bound!?!?!?

Good Evening Quilt Mama's!

You guys make me smile!!! : ) LA - you're especially funny & cute! ; ) I am blogging to say that I will not be coming to Lancaster. I KNOW you guys will have an absolute BLAST!!! & I will want to hear ALL the details, see ALL the pictures & fondle ALL the great fabrics & finds you each get!!! Have a WONDERFUL, FUN time!!! : )

Piecefully, Pam

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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