Good Evening Girls,

Who am I...?!?!?! I am watching cable TV. AND, the Democratic debate no less!!!

It has been BUSY @ work this week! We've been inundated with influenza & other virulent viruses. I am thinking HEALTHY thoughts, scrubbing my hands - again & again!, using Cold Eze, & I took Zicam for the first time - YuCk!!!

I am hoping Jean & Peggy are back on their feet & feeling human again?! How is everyone else faring? LA - stay AWAY from Villanova!!! Keep you & that baby healthy, girl friend! ; )

I had a Fabric Fairy make a stop @ my home today! : ) THANK YOU, Dolores!!! It's PERFECT, & I thank you for your willingness to share.

Enjoy your evening, & stitch when you get the chance.
Piecefully, Pam

Good Morning Girls,

Jean & Peggy we're hoping you are feeling better!

Mo - we've been thinking of you.

Lois - we missed singing to you last evening! ; )

Lori - how were the twins birthdays?

Cathy - thanks for hosting, & showing us your BEAUTIFUL second TATW quilt!!! : )

Mare - thanks for sending me links. I think one has the brown fabric!

LA - thanks for bringing my gloves! I saw Dolores petting your flannel last evening...

Dolores - it was GOOD to see you! Congrats to Joe for getting Phillies tickets, & maybe giving you a little extra sewing time! Also, congrats on your new job! Tuck away those $$$ for HOUSTON!!!

Girls, thanks for looking @ my baby Star quilt, & the Alaska quilt top. Thanks for helping me to search for fabrics, & for opinions on my PA Pickledish project!

I just read a quote from Alexandra Stoddard in a back issue of Country Living magazine. She said, "Quilts bring emotional comfort to your home, & they make you smile." I'd have to agree! How 'bout you?

Temps are to fall throughout the day & the wind is to pick up. Batten down the hatches! Make a nice cup of tea & take a few stitches. ; )

Piecefully, Pam

P.S. MARK YOU CALENDARS!!! BRIGANTINE BEE WEEKEND FEBRUARY 22, 23, & 24!!!

P.P.S. I am pretty sure I'm going over to Cloth & Bobbin on Friday evening. I MUST buy fabric for my "Fancy Pants!" Anyone want to go along?!

Good Evening Girls,

Have you heard about the "Villanova Virus?" LOTS of kids on their campus are sick! It was on the News yesterday. These GERMS are definitely potent! Do GOOD hand washing, take a Multi-Vitamin, drink LOTS of water, & make a nice pot of chicken soup!!!

Bee tomorrow evening @ Cathy's then?! Bring your Show 'n Tell!!! It will be good to SEE everyone, except Lori, who will be birthday partying with her twins! ; )

The Lady Fingers link is NOW working. Their website was changed & updated. You'll have to check it out.

Thanks to Mare & shared multi-media technology...here's SEAN!!! : )

Enjoy!!! See you tomorrow evening!

Piecefully, Pam

A germ warning....Burkie and Erin are home sick today - hacking on everything in sight! I'm going crazy with the Lysol wipes but it might be better if someone else hosted tomorrow night.....any takers? Piece...

Good Afternoon Girls,

How is your weekend going?! Doing any sewing?! If so...sew, what?!

I laundered the fabrics I brought home from our Friday Road Trip. I used one for borders on my Alaska quilt project. It looks better than I thought it would. Thanks girls for helping me to choose! : )

I have also begun "working" on my Pennsylvania Pickledish project. My first design snag is copying the arc templates. I may bring it along on Tuesday for HELP & suggestions!? I also am "on the hunt" for fabrics!!!

We were @ Target yesterday & bought some things from their "World Bazaar." I LOVE Target!!! We also bought a TALL table that is expandable for use in the studio. Scott set it up today, & I used it already for cutting & pressing. It's PERFECT! Now, it just needs casters, which I found online @ Ikea!!!

It's just about time for us to take our Sunday afternoon nap. "Talk" with you another time. Enjoy your evening & stitch a little it you can.

Piecefully, Pam

P.S. Jingle made a new friend this week. A German shepherd named Roman.

TGIF & Happy Weekend Girls!!!

How is everyone doing? Make it through the week? Friday ALWAYS feels nice!!! : )

Jean - how was teaching @ Cloth & Bobbin last evening? How were your students? I was thinking of you. : )

Lois & Peggy - haven't heard a thing from either of you... How are you doing? There's been a rumor of Peggy sewing & MAKING two quilts..?! Perhaps you'll be @ Bee on Tuesday...

Dolores - WOW! A thousand smackers!!! That's a LOT of fabric...does Joe know that...?! ; ) Don't freak out too much about being the Mom of a 21 year old, you were just carded not 3 months ago!!! How's Rocky been? Is he biting your pins?!

Maureen - how are your ears?! Are you still taking meds? Are you feeling better?! Can you hear me now...?! ; )

The Road Trip today was FUN!!! : ) Thanks girls AND Sean!!! My new name is "Pan" OR Lucy the Babysitter!!! ; ) Sean was an EXCELLENT fabric shopping companion!!! He REALLY knows his trucks & fire fighter gear. I bet he makes his Daddy proud! ; ) His Mom was NOT running in the Hayloft today.

It felt REALLY GOOD to see LA, Cath, Mare & Lori today! It made me feel better too just to SEE Cathy. And, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED spending time with Sean!!! You guys make my heart swell with glee. THANKS for EVERYTHING!!!

I am looking forward to Bee on Tuesday!!! : ) Will everyone be-e there?! Bring purchases from today, Christmas gifts that we've not yet seen, projects that you've been working on, & let's have MORE fun!!!

I know there's going to be sewing this weekend! Enjoy & stitch in bliss!!! Make a nice cup of tea & cozy up to your fabric & sewing machine. ; )

Piecefully, Pam

Good Evening Girls,

How is everyone doing this evening? I thought of each QuiltMama today & realized just how fortunate we are to have come together in our own little Bee. I love you guys & appreciate each one of you. : )

Recently there have been some cryptic blog posts... Without Bee, I can't keep up & my secret decoder ring isn't working, nor my camera... Did the Byrnes' win $$$ related to the Lucky Heart fund raiser? Can this be used to help defray the cost of Gracie?! And, did Ryan just celebrate his 21st birthday?! How did it go? Did everyone survive?! What happened to Timmy? Did he need to have surgery? I also learned of a new baby girl in a family of 5 boys. What a blessing! : ) Sounds like Cathy's baby TATW quilt will get a good home!

When are we having Bee again? Mare has asked us to check our calendars for a Brigantine weekend in February. What's the skinny?! LA - you MUST go!!! Who knows when you will get to go away for a weekend again...?! And, how are you feeling? You've been quiet.

Jean - you're going to be teaching @ Cloth & Bobbin tomorrow evening?! Excellent!!! The baby Pinwheel quilt is cute, cute, cute! I'll be thinking of you. ; )

I made my baby Star quilt binding!!! Hooray!!! I make a continuous bias binding, & it's a bit like having to do higher math each time I make it. I've decided that I will make a mock-up of each step, so...sew every time I need to make binding it won't be like re-inventing the wheel!

I also laid out the Alaska blocks this week. I decided to not use sashing between each block. I already have the quilt top pieced together. I will be looking for a fabric to border or frame the quilt top. I'm thinking maybe a brown or wine color... I am also thinking about thread color for the quilting, & a quilting design... I will put 6 of the Alaska blocks on the quilt back, maybe my cruise class blocks too, & I will probably use the challenge fabric on the back as well.

I am planning my next quilt project. I feel pretty strongly that I will give the John Flynn Pennsylvania Pickledish a whirl. I LOVED the colors that I used in my class! This pattern is quite a challenge to piece! I don't know whether I'll stick to John's method of piecing, or if I'll foundation piece it?! Also, I will be on the hunt for fabric...2 of the fabrics I used in class are out of print & I don't have any more!!! I may be asking you to check your stash!!!

We've been using the Pleasant Plates quilt on our new bed!!! It's lovely. : ) The bed & the quilt!

Our camera is, once again, on the fritz!!! ERG!!! : / I can't take any photos of stuff & add pics to the blog. Does anyone have an opinion on a good digital camera? Ours is a Cannon PowerShot A-70. We've had it for 5'ish years & have really liked it, but this last year or so, it's been VERY temperamental & problematic!

My Harney & Sons Caribe tea arrived today!!! I haven't had any yet...but, I'm looking forward to it.

Piecefully, Pam

Good Morning Girls,

I can't blog long. I have a patient here with me, but I did want to jot a little something.

Cathy - I am so thinking of you today. I know this is a difficult time. I want to let you know what sense of strength I felt from you, your husband & "kids," & your Mom last evening. You should be VERY proud of your family. Your Mom is a beautiful woman, & she is STRONG! I had never attended a viewing where Police Officers were present. Their dedication, commitment & loss was palpable. Although I didn't know your Dad, I do know he was a very fine man. Lean on your family & friends when you need to Cath, we will hold you up.

Piecefully, Pam

Good Morning Girls,

It is COLD!!! We have frosted windowpanes here @ Mt. Pleasant. It has always been a joke about making ear cozies for Jingle, but I'm thinking it may be time to actually make them...?! Brrrrrrr! This is SOUP weather.

I stayed up all night while Scott returned to work. This gets us back in the groove for night shift. Everything is DONE & READY for us to go back to work! Saturday we went to market. Yesterday we went to the grocery store. I vacuumed upstairs & down. Cleaned the bathroom. Did laundry. I have meals ready too. While I'm NEVER ready to go back to work, it makes me feel good knowing the house is in order.

I did my mending the other day. I hemmed & put elastic in the waistbands of 3 pairs of pants - a pair of jeans, a pair of cords & the Kenneth Cole, black, leather pants from thrift shopping over the Summer! Get back, girlfriends!!! ; )

I am continuing to sew the stars on the baby quilt. I have 2 1/2 left to do but, I will have to wait to sew on the last one until after the baby is born. I want to quilt in the label which is where the last star will go on the top of the quilt. I can't do the label 'til the baby is born & we know the name! Sew...

Meanwhile, I am reading 2 books. My first Joe Grey Mystery, titled, "Cat Breaking Free" and on the heavier side, "Dreams From My Father" by Barack Obama. I've been enjoying both! What are you guys sewing, reading or watching...?!

Scott's home & it's time for breakfast! Than sleep!!! Keep warm!!!
Piecefully, Pam

Hello, 'mamas! How are you? So much happened last week...I'm so grateful for the blog and the emails. I was so sad to read about Mr. Stickney....Cathy it was good to talk to you last night. You were such a help and comfort to both your Mom and Dad these past months. He maintained his humor and dignity - thanks to you. What a wonderful gift you gave him when he needed it most. Losing a parent is something we have all dealt with or will deal with...we're coming to that age. Having each other to lean on is so important. Thanks to all of you for your friendship. Pam - cool pictures of those busy animals of yours! It truly looks difficult to be them! Mare...how's things in your household? Kids back to school? How are we looking for the shore in February? Any takers? Consuelo - thanks for the emails. There was a bingo caller on the ship - she was so funny and it made me think it could be later life career for you - you'd be great! Lori - how is your Dad doing? Dolores - how about those Byrnes' and the Lucky Heart Lottery!!!! Congrats - and Ryan turned 21??? He probably doesn't get carded as much as his Mom! LA - how are we feeling? This child will end up with more quilts than days in the week - you know that! Peggy - what's new? A day off tomorrow - gotta love that. Lois....how are the grandkids? When is your next trip planned? How about Carolyn Jones finally having a girl? Wonderful news. Getting my land legs back today - and doing mounds of laundry. It was an awesome trip - we just loved it. Friday afternoon, it was 80, we were sitting on a beach in the Bahamas, under a palm tree with a boat drink in hand - very nice! Today's 25 degrees is a bit of a change. Talk to you all soon, I hope. Cathy - anything you need during this difficult week, we're all here for you. Good luck with Tim tomorrow.....piece.

Good Morning Girls,

It was good to hear from you, Cath. Thanks for blogging! ; ) Depending on the Friday Road Trip details I may be game...what time & where?!

I have been working on the baby Star quilt. I have more than half of the stars hand appliqued. Hooray! I have the fabric for the binding out & sort of ready. I pinned it incorrectly & it's been sitting in a heap. I don't actually NEED it just yet, so...sew it's on the back burner.

I made some Jingle bed pillow cases. Two with a snowflake flannel & one in green polar fleece. He's ready for Winter & St. Patty's day!

I have mending stacked up & hope to sew those items next. You know...hemming pants, hemming a t-shirt & putting elastic in the waistband of 2 pair of pants. No real fun stuff, but sewing none the less.

I am posting some pet pictures. Just so you can see how they fill their days...life is tough. ; )



Notice Jingle's snowflake pillowcase.

Piecefully, Pam

Good Evening Ladies,

It's been a bit of a whirlwind around here much of the week. Scott's been on vacation with me & we've been DOING things & stuff!!!

Monday was Game Night & "the guys" came over to play after being on hiatus since October. It was good to SEE them! They make me smile & laugh. : D

Tuesday was Chuck the Cable Guy from ComCast. Ugh. He was here most of the day!!! Houston, we DO have hook-up! Scott is fed up with Verizon!!! I got tired of Chuck & his cable, & went shopping in the afternoon...Talbot's. Tuesday evening Marianne stopped over for Bee. Thanks for coming by, Mare!

Wednesday Scott & I went to Jennersville to the Dansko Outlet. It was AWESOME!!! On the way home we had lunch @ Butterfish in West Chester. Here's a link to their website. Butterfish It was WAY GOOD!!! We had the BEST gumbo EVER!!! And, that's something coming from a soup maker & eater! I also had a delicious & delicate cup of tea that I am still thinking about. I went to the Butterfish website to look up said tea! It was by Harney & Sons Tea. It's their Caribe blend. It was THAT good that I just now went to their website & ordered Caribe tea!!! Here's their link Harney & Sons Tea I am looking forward to making my OWN cup of Caribe tea...!!! : P

On the way home from Butterfish we stopped @ Sleepy's on West Chester Pike. Yep. We bought a new mattress. It was delivered in yesterday's snow storm! We purchased a Tempur-Pedic set. We slept on it last night. It felt good, but it's going to take a little getting used to. I'll keep you posted.

So, how 'bout Boonie Barb getting a new sewing machine?! Yeh, it was because her husband, Charlie, bought a new snow mobile, aka "sled"!

I'm going to divulge some other "secret" info next...for those who don't already know, but most do...Leigh Anne IS pregnant!!! : ) And, Cathy has a new sewing machine too!!! : ) I couldn't keep it quiet any longer!!! Leigh Anne & Cathy, feel free to "blog" about it...?! I hope you don't mind my loose tongue!

Meanwhile, this afternoon I stopped over @ the DiNardo's. I saw Kerry & Mike. Mike says Cathy likes reading the blog, so I thought I'd better get to it!!! ALL of us are continuing to think about & pray for you & yours, Cath! If there is ANYTHING you need please don't hesitate to ask. Mo, thanks for keeping us abreast of the arrangements.

Enjoy your evening. We are tucked in our studio with Jingle fast asleep yet running in his dreams. He LIKES the snow!

Piecefully, Pam

Good Afternoon Ladies,

It's snowing!!! : ) It LOOKS pretty. Snow always makes Boonie Barb want to bake cookies. Mmmm! : D

Speaking of Boonie Barb...she is anxious for the Lancaster Quilt Show!!! AND...she bought a Bernina 440 yesterday!!! She IS thrilled!!!

I must go! Our new mattress is about to arrive...

Piecefully, Pam

Dear Quilt Mama's,

Cathy's Dad passed away this evening. Please keep her & her family in your thoughts & prayers. I admire them for preserving his dignity & honoring him by supporting his wish to come home. Surrounded by love & family he could pass from this world with comfort & peace. We are all sending you love & support, Cathy.

Piecefully, Pam

The "Cable Guy!" is HERE...!!!???!!!

Piecefully, Pam

Good Evening Girls,

How is everyone tonight? Did you buy your bread & milk...?! "They're" calling for precipitation in some form?! LOTS of people were lined up @ Swiss Farms as I was driving home down Eagle Rd. this evening. Kind of makes me wonder just what we'd be doing in the event of a REAL crisis?!

Cathy - are you ok?! Mike called while I was in the shower this morning. He spoke with Scott, & told him you wouldn't be @ class today. I've been practically throwing up ever since. I don't want to call your house. I tried calling Mo before I had to leave for class. I got her answering machine & hung up. Now it's getting late & I don't want to call anyone...?! I am praying...

Class was alright today. We all seemed to survive. I felt as though I had a LOT of information to cover in a relatively brief amount of time. These techniques are not for a beginner. Everyone had a different sewing machine - the settings are not universal & it makes teaching more challenging! I can see why Karen teaches hand applique!!!

I am hoping the Burke family is having FUN on their Disney Cruise!!! : ) Sounds really GOOD right now!

Is anyone hosting Bee on Tuesday? Mo? Are things too up in the air?! I will be home & sewing. If you can brave the cat & dog, you are more than welcome to come here for Bee!

Piecefully Praying, Pam

Bon Voyage, Jean!!!

Have a marvelous cruise!!! : ) We will be anxious to hear about ALL the FUN stuff you guys did! Safe travels!

Piecefully, Pam

Good Afternoon Girls,

It's a bit blustery today, but rather mild & nice. : ) If I had known it was to be this nice I'd have sheets & towels out on my line drying in the breeze!!! It was rainy this morning.

Jingle is outside rolling around in the yard though. He has a new toy that he's been LOVING! I thought, "Let's take advantage of this weather. Put him outside & blow some stink off 'im!" ; )

Last night's Bee was GOOD! It was NICE to see everyone & catch up a bit!!! Some BIG news items were shared...

Upcoming events in the planning are as follows: a possible Brigantine Bee Sewing Retreat sometime in February - check your calendars, please & let Marianne know if you're interested. And, a "tea" @ the Painted Tea Cup in Upper Darby on March 8th. This date needs to be decided SOON & the # of girls attending too. Reservations are to be made, as the place is already booked through Feb!? Again, let Marianne know...Jean is about to leave for a Disney Cruise vacation!!!

Jean - thanks for hosting us last evening! I love your Beach Blanket, & the baby quilt is cuddly!!! Your kitchen curtains are gorgeous! Very professional looking! I LOVE Kelly's Sherbet quilt! Kudo's kiddo!!! : )

Lor - glad your Dad is doing better. And, it's for sure, "There's NO place like HOME!"

Cath - we are ALL praying for your family. Thinking of you SO much today!!!

Peggy & Dolores - you were both missed. What's happening on your ends?

Gotta go check on Jingle!
Piecefully, Pam

Good Afternoon QuiltMama's,

How is everyone doing today? It's warmed up a bit, thankfully! Geez, it was COLD!!!

Here are a couple updated studio pics.


We've set-up a cutting/pressing table in the studio. I'm just trying it out for now. So far so good though. I have begun searching for a height adjustable rolling table. If anyone has suggestions or ideas of where to find one, please let me know.

I have been working on making aqua stars for the baby quilt. Here's the quilt with the aqua stars...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, girls. Sew a little bit if you get the chance!
Piecefully, Pam

Good Afternoon 'Mama's,

Is everyone keeping warm?! I hope you're able to have a nice cup of hot tea & snuggle under a quilt!

Jingle & I have been COLD when walking! I think he may need ear cozies... ; ) See How BIG his ears are...?!

Jean - how nice to be thinking of warm weather & your upcoming cruise vacation!!! That's AWESOME! : ) Let's all sing along...M-I-C-K-E-Y...M-O-U-S-E!!!

Lois & Peggy have been quiet. Has anyone touched base with either of them lately? Is Lois still without internet access?

Cathy - how are things? We've ALL been praying.

Mo - maybe you can fill us in & spare Cathy.

Lori - is your Dad out of the hospital yet? How are things? Did Johnny have strep?

I have a post-Holiday work party to attend tonight. Ugh! Luckily, I am going with a FUN co-worker. But, with this kind of weather I'd MUCH rather be staying HOME!

No sewing today, girls. I spent time "reading up." That's the term my Mom always used for tidying & straightening the house. I created piles of stuff during the Holidays. And, the actual Holidays produced MORE piles. Now it's time to DO something with the piles of stuff...before there's an avalanche!

Looks like next week will be the first Bee of 2008! I'm looking forward to it!!! Thanks Jean for offering to host. : ) 'Til then stay warm!
Piecefully, Pam

Hi Girls,

We need to keep some of our QuiltMama's close to our hearts & in our thoughts & prayers. Cathy - we are sending + juju & prayers. I know you've said you & your family don't need anything, but if that changes give any of us a shout out!!! Meanwhile, we're thinking of YOU & YOURS!!!

Here @ Mt. Pleasant the Christmas tree is down & the studio has been reassembled. I've been SEWING! Jean inquired what I will be teaching in the upcoming Machine Applique class @ Cloth & Bobbin. Here is my class sample.



Also, I've begun working on the Star baby quilt. Yesterday I got the quilt sandwich pin basted. Today I quilted it. Thanks Marianne for the suggestion of using the guide with my walking foot. I did NOT have to mark the entire quilt. : ) What a time saver!!! I have colored stars already made, prepped & ready to go, er sew... But, for the past 4'ish days karma is nagging @ me & I am pretty sure I am going to make new stars in soft aqua. Here you will see the project as it's developing. Your suggestions are welcome!



Piecefully, Pam

Happy 2008!!!

In keeping with a New Year's resolution, here are some pictures from Christmas 2007 at Mama Barb's home... Enjoy! ; )





Piecefully, Pam