Sewing Saturday!

Good Evening Ladies,

It sure was GOOD to see everyone today!!!  Cathy, we ALL thank you for hosting!  ; )  It felt good to chat, share, inspire, be-e inspired & simply commune with one another & each other.  I appreciate you spending time with me today. Your gifts fill my soul with happiness & goodness.

I was amazed with what you girls are stitching.  Jean - you ROCK, girl friend!!!  You had the Mary Poppins bag of sewing!!!  Thanks for sharing/showing your special silk screened Irish quilt.  It's quite beautiful!  : )  I still think the year of table runners is a GREAT idea!!!  I absolutely LOVE, LOVE your reverse appliqued heart wall hanging.  : )  The "stained glass" flannel quilt is cuddly & cheerful - just what's needed in the chilly Winter months!  Speaking of Winter...your snowman BOM is adorable!  You had a Disappearing 9 Patch too, right?!  Nice. Yep, that WAS a Mary Poppins bag!  Thanks for lending me the 2 Anka's Treasures books!  LA - may you feel our care & our prayers.  It's natural to worry, but the power of + thinking is an amazing tool.  Stitch love, care, hope, friendship & whatever else into that quilt for your Mom! She will LOVE it & FEEL all that it holds.  Squeeze that Kevin for me!  The pillows you made are CUTE!  Did you get vitamins yet?!  Lois - I'm glad you're doing the Bunny Hill BOM too! Your snowman is CUTE!!!  I hope you enjoy paging through the Seed Saver's Exchange catalog. I always like dreaming of gardening just about this time of year.  ; )  Cathy - we're glad you had all of us over today.  We needed an estrogen boost!!!  I REALLY like your BOM snowman block too! Your basket fabric rocks that block - nice!  And, I'm glad if I could help you with the "magical pillowcase."  It's not difficult to do & gives a nice end result.  SEEING is much easier than reading the directions!  Mare - how are your curtains coming along?  I'm glad you called Hinkletown.  Now if you can just get there...!?  Did you get an elliptical?  Go girl!  ; )  What fabrics are you using for your snowman BOM?  Thanks for the plastic sleeve protector things. I gave a box to Lor!  Dolores - thank you for sharing your jelly roll & layer cake books with me. It's pretty amazing ALL the things you can do with those jelly rolls!!!  Thanks for helping Mo with using the rotary cutter today.  Did she inspire you?!  Did you make a quilt when you got home?!  : )  Thanks for taking the organ donor blocks & getting the project started.  Hey, put on your mouse ears & have FUN!!!  Mo - I saw you cutting!!!  You are looking pretty much like a Q-U-I-L-T Mama, girl friend!!!  ; )  Way to go, errr, SEW!  How 'bout you, did you make a quilt when you got home?!  Peggy - it was GOOD to see you!  I hope things are going as well as can be expected.  May you take a few stitches when you can from time to time.  Or, drink a beer instead...?!  ; )  Lor - glad if you got a moment to stop by.  It was nice to see you too.  What are you sewing lately?

Alright girls, I've been droning on forever.  Peace, piece & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Piecefully, Pam

P.S.  Mo offered to host Bee on Wednesday...weather pending.  ; )

it's FRIDAY!!! : )

Good Morning Quilt Mama's!

TGIF, girl friends!!! It's been a l-o-n-g week! I think EVERYONE is looking forward to the Sew-In tomorrow @ Cathy's. : ) Thanks Cathy for volunteering to host us 'Mama's! As I understand it, we're planning on sewing from 9 AM - noon'ish. Plan accordingly & be-e ready, girls!!!

LA - sending you & your Mom some + juju! Somehow, a quilt helps to make everything feel better. : ) Hang in there! We'll all share some estrogen & support in person tomorrow! Did you get any vitamins yet?!

Only in Philly...it's Wing Bowl today! This is kinda gross, don't you think...?! I heard there was a concern over a shortage of chicken wings...uh oh!

And, are you ready for some FOOTBALL...?! I don't know, the Steelers & the Cardinals...?! Who will win...?! Who are you pulling for? The Steelers are a PA team! But, we all got Cathy's email about the grocery boy, right? That Kurt Warner sure seems nice. And, how 'bout The Boss playing during half time? Wow! Plus, Jennifer Hudson is going to sing the National Anthem. Scott & I will sleep through the whole thing! Let me know which commercial "wins." I heard there are to be some in 3-D.

A schnibble...hmmm... Well, they're these 'little quilts' made with one charm pack. I've been seeing them around. I am sort of intrigued by them right now. I don't want to say I'm hooked or anything, but I DO think they seam pretty gosh darn CuTe & FuN! ; )

Alright, that does it for this post! May your Friday fly by. ; ) Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Piecefully, Pam

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOIS!!! : )

Enjoy YOUR day - have FUN, stitch something just for YOU, make a lovely cup of tea, talk with your grand children, browse a seed/garden catalog & maybe place an order, + + +???...!!!

Piecefully, Pam

It's snowing...

Girls,

Good morning. : ) It began snowing here around 4 AM. Be careful out there today!

I added 2 more links to our list of blogs. Check 'em out! I can't add the Weeks Ringle website yet. The Professional & Favorites category require me to write in html text & I don't have my cheat sheet with me. So, I'll try to add that link this evening. If I'm not shoveling...

I recently used the (lumpless) binding video link. Thanks Cathy for that info & site! : ) I STILL have to watch - pin - sew - rip - watch - pin - sew when I want to finish with a lumpless binding. I do love it though!

Piecefully, Pam

Good Afternoon Girls,

It feels like Winter is back.  I don't know about you, but I truly appreciated the brief weather reprieve we had!  Did you get outside @ all?  We didn't do anything special, just some out of door kinds of chores.  It felt nice to not be FREEZING while doing them though!

How has your weekend been?  As I commented on Jean's post, I have been busy with the Churn Dash quilt for the studio.  : )  I hope each of you enjoyed some stitching time too.  How's the Valentine wall hanging, Jean?  Lor, did you make any cupcakes...?  ; )  Who is planning on going to the Sew-in @ Cathy's on Saturday?  What will you bring to stitch? 

Scott thought I should share a photo of Jingle post-snow activity...  Scott wanted you to know that Jingle is not ALWAYS so full of energy.  ; )  Jingle is embarrassed...

Piecefully, Pam

Did any of you happen to check out this link through one of the blogs? http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml - this lady sews two 2" squares together as her thread bunny - and two more for next one - a light to a dark - you should see the quilts she has made from these little squares - it is awesome - you are making half a four patch every time you begin or end a seam - two for the price of one. Quilters have to be the smartest folks on the planet - as evidenced by our group! Cheers! Piece......

"America's Song"

Girls,

I don't know if you've heard or not, but Oprah has a free tune to download!  : )  Check it out. Listen to the song, watch the video & download the tune to your iPod if you'd like.  It's only good for a couple hours yet.  Will.i.am, Faith Hill, Seal, Bono, & Mary J. Blige perform. Beware...it may give you goose bumps or tears...!

Lor - I don't have the cup cake pattern either.  But, I'm pretty certain the Hayloft had it when we were there.  You could email or call them.

Consuelo - is it my knowledge of Medieval weaponry...?!  ; )

Next Saturday sounds good Cath!  Thanks for your kind offer.  I think we all could use a little Quilt Mama Estrogen!  : )

Enjoy the milder temps!  Have a nice evening, ladies & a GREAT TGIF tomorrow!

Piecefully, Pam     

Good MORNING Girls!

I am wondering if our new President is a quilter...?! Or knows someone who is...?! During his inaugural speech I was certain I heard him say..."...patchwork heritage..." So, I looked up the text & yep, there it is!!! : ) As stated by our 44th President, Barack Obama, "For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness." Did anyone else catch that?!?!

OK, onto other business...
>Yes LA, mace IS a spice too! Not just a weapon! It's an outer covering on the nutmeg. It's flavor is more pungent or intense than nutmeg.
>And, for those who eat instant oatmeal, steel cut oats are supposed to be better for you. It's kind of like eating 100% whole wheat bread as opposed to white bread.
>About vitamins - I use a general multivitamin daily! I actually buy Target's brand of Centrum.
>Bright jelly rolls may be found @ the Fat Quarter Shop. Oh my, they have quite a lot to choose from, Jean! You might want to solicit Dolores's expertise for this. ; )

I think that does it for now, girls! Have a good day. : )
Piecefully, Pam

Good Evening Girls,

Is everyone keeping warm?  Geez, this blast of Winter is lasting too l-o-n-g!  I'm looking forward to Friday's forecasted warmer temps!  Meanwhile, we've been eating seafood barley chowder & I'm going to prep a crock pot of oatmeal tonight for tomorrow morning's breakfast! Here's a picture of a bowl that's ready to eat.  : D  I've decided this steel cut oatmeal recipe is good enough to share, so I'll put the recipe @ the end of this post.

Jean - neat-o that you made a snowman block too!!!  How did it turn out?!  Cute?!  I KNOW!!!  I LOVE those Bunny Hill designs - so/sew adorable!  Hey, how's your machine since it's "spa" treatment?

Lois - glad to hear that your Mom's doing a bit better!  Hang in there!  Are you doing any stitching?  Sometimes busy hands help soothe the heart/soul/mind.  ; )

Lor - thanks for offering to host tomorrow night.  Have there been any takers?  It's hard for me to say if I'll be-e there or not.  It sort of depends on how I feel when I get up.  Yesterday I was a bit grumpy, today I'm not...?!  It's the whole getting back into the work/night shift groove.  What have you been sewing?

Dolores - hey girlfriend!!!  Good to hear from you!  : )  Glad if you got the light, it works & you like it!!!  OK, what have you been sewing & making?!  Any recent Fabric Shack or Hancock's deliveries...?!  ; )  Have you progressed to turn overs or sweet rolls?!

Cath - how's work been?  What are you sewing?  Did you make a snowman block?  : )  Any more news about the end of the month sew-in @ your place?!

LA - aww, I'm glad if Jingle made you smile!  Are you feeling better?  How 'bout Kevin?  And, what about the rest of your household?  How are the *new* valances?!  Doing any other stitching?

Mare - you've been quiet...  How's that sewing machine?  Any news?  Are you hand stitching a snowman block?

Mo - you too have been quiet...  What's going on in your world?  Have you been fondling your fabric...?!  ; )  What's the next project you want to do?

How's that Peggy doing?  Does anyone know?  Is her Dad home now?

Here's the steel cut oatmeal recipe...You make it in your crock pot overnight & it's magically ready to eat for breakfast!!!  ; )

2 cups steel cut oats

1/4 - 1/2 cup pearled barley or bulgar wheat (optional)

8 cups water

1 - 3 inch cinnamon stick

1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar...I use turbinado or raw sugar.  You could use white or brown sugar.

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp mace

1 tsp sea salt

Dump everything into a large crock pot, turn to low & cook for 8 - 10 hours.  When you get up, give it a stir - it'll look gloopy.  It may stick a little...just stir & scrape.  When you're ready to serve, mash a 1/2 a banana in the bottom a bowl, add oatmeal, a splash of milk, & sprinkle with a bit of turbinado sugar & glazed pecans.  De-lish!  Honest, I NEVER thought I'd like this, but it's really good!  You can add any fruit you like in place of the banana.  I tried adding fruit during the cooking process & it didn't work.  Enjoy!

Piecefully, Pam

P.S.  Isn't it nice to have that feeling of hopefulness for our Country...?!   

Presidential Inauguration

Girls,

This is truly a day of history. I hope you will be able to watch the Inauguration events on television if not live in Washington, DC. I will have sweet DREAMS & hope to watch re-broadcasts. Peace. Hope. Dream.

Piecefully, Pam

Good Afternoon Girls,

I have a kettle of seafood soup bubbling on the stove & it smells GOOD!  : D  Scott & Jingle were outside "playing" in the snow.  Snow makes Jingle JOYFUL!!! He is SO comical to see in action - he leaps, twirls & dances!!!  I hope the above pix make you smile.  : )

Remember Martin Luther King & D-R-E-A-M...

Piecefully, Pam

   

Hi There Quilt Mama's,

Awww, those Eagles...  Did anyone go to the game...Joe Byrnes...?!  Did you watch it?  I saw most of the last quarter.

Well, I didn't think I'd be saying 34 degrees is warm!  Let me be honest here, walking Jinlge when it's 6 outside makes me LOVE Shelby more...  Shhh, don't tell!  ; )  Jake came to our backyard for a visit today!!!

Lois - I'm glad to hear that your Mom is getting good care.  It's is SO hard not living nearby. We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts & prayers.  Thanks for the update.  Please, let us know if there's anything else we can do.

LA - how are you feeling?  And, Kevin?  Was it the flu?!  If it was, I know just how you were feeling.  : (  I am hoping you & yours are well now!!!

Cathy - thanks for the end of the month offer for a "sew-in!!!"  I think it sounds terrific!  : )  I too am available.

My ankle is alright.  It's continuing to heal.  Thanks for asking, Jean.  I have returned to dog walking, but I'm not going as fast as Jingle would like, or me either...

Guess what?!  I finished quilting my Alaska quilt!!!  Hooray!!!  I machine stitched the binding to the front late this afternoon & trimmed my batt & backing.  Now all that's left to do is the whip stitch the binding to the back & I like that part!  It feels like a relief.  : )

I am hopeful that tomorrow I can pin baste the Churn Dash quilt.  I'd like to get it ready for machine quilting.  I NEED to use it!!!  ; )  I have to piece the backing, & I need to make the binding yet too.  On Friday Scott & I visited Narberth where I picked up variegated red quilting thread to use on the Churn Dash.  I also left my finished Amaretto Rose block with Johanna. Who knows...I may or may not teach hand applique sometime using that block...?!

I have plans to finish machine appliquing the circles on my Kaffe Fassett Pastel Bubbles top too! Forward momentum, right!?  Get 'er done!  ; )

I return to work tomorrow night.  It's been a nice Winter Break, but somehow I never feel "ready" to go back.  So, no Bee for me this week either.  Nor next week.  I have a mandatory staff meeting next Wednesday evening.

Enjoy this evening & the flurries coming down.  Have a nice hot cup of tea & take a couple stitches if you can.

Piecefully, Pam  

Good Afternoon Girls,

I hope everyone is indoors & warm!  It is ChIlLy & to get cHiLlIeR!!!  I'm thinking tea & quilts!!! It doesn't get much better than that.  ; )

Cath - thanks for hosting the Quilt Mama's last evening.  And, for allowing me to "leave" Dolores' light with you...  Did you start your snowman basket yet?  ; )  Hey, thanks for sharing your Piece O' Cake books too!  I just LOVE the whimsical Christmas one.  Too cute!

Lor - I think it's WONDERFUL that you have your batik Santa still on display!!!  That was a LOT of HARD work - ENJOY him!!!  Did you get the t-shirts?  And, did I miss the beginning of your conversation?  Are you & John doing a master bedroom/bath/closet addition too?!

Jean - look @ you being SEW organized!!!  ; )  I LOVED your list!  I will try to include wedding, fabric links from last evening's conversations in this blog post.  Let's see if I can get ALL of them...?!  Your IRISH quilt is A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!  Did you give it yet?  Did he LOVE it?!  You took pictures of the quilt, right?!  Your quilting was spectacular!!!  Thanks for the inspiration! Do you want me to give you the Quilter's Newsletter magazine with basting spray reviews?  Do you want the name of the Mountain Mist fusible batt?  Do you want to borrow my quilt halo?

Mare - glad to see you're feeling better!  Thanks for sharing wedding stories with us!  ; )  I seriously don't know how you Mom's do it...?!  Did you call Mr. Zimmerman @ Hinkletown yet?  Here's the # girlfriend:  717-354-0204.  I understand that Mr. Zimmerman is starting to have his children take over the business.  I can't remember his son's name, but I do know & very much like Rachel.  Good luck!

Lois - we are continuing to think about you & yours.  We're hoping & praying for the best. Perhaps you can find a little solace in sewing.  We missed you last evening.

OK - here's a link to Purl Bee again...it's already on our blog, but Jean pointed out the Wedding Wheel quilt.  Then there was the website that allows you to design your very OWN fabric.  They're called Spoonflower.  Then there was THE Purl Bee wedding @ Martha Stewart!  There were home made napkins, a coordinating fabric table cloth for the cake table & then the Wedding Wheel quilt, hand knit socks, etc., etc!  Sounds VERY lovely & WAY organized... Browse the links for yourself & maybe you'll be-e inspired too...

Thanks girls for looking @ my Bunny Hill snowman basket block.  I was SEW excited with it!!! I'm glad I made the commitment to make this one by machine ONLY!  We'll see if I can stick to it...?!  ; )

Enjoy your evening.

Piecefully, Pam

P.S.  If I missed anything, please chime in!!!  

Good Morning Girls,,

I am getting around OK, but continuing to hobble a bit.  It HAD to be my right leg?!  I vacuumed the first floor this morning while Scott walked Jingle.  I have a load of wash to flip to the dryer next. I also changed our shower curtain this morning - to a Valentine heart curtain from Target!  : )  Did some filing too.  I mostly have difficulty going up & down stairs & getting up from a kneeling position.  I haven't tried any kind of driving, but in a little while I'm going to give my sewing machine a whirl!!!  And, this afternoon I'm going walk Jingle - wish me luck.  ; )

Lois - sorry to hear about your Mom.  Are you home or in Ohio?  Is there anything you need or anything we can do? Please, just say the word.  Meanwhile, know we are keeping you & yours in our thoughts & prayers.

Mare - have you gone to the Piece O' Cake website to check out their sales?  How's you neck, shoulder, back feeling?

Did anyone else see the BOM freebie over @ the Bunny Hill blog?  This month is a snowman. Cute, cute!  ; )

How 'bout, did anyone try the fabricmatcher @ Moda?  I think it seems like a pretty awesome tool.  And, you get to see/use ALL Moda fabrics?!  What's not to love...?

Dolores - will you be @ Bee tomorrow evening @ Cathy's?  If so/sew I'll bring the goose neck floor light for you...!?  Also, did you see the Fat Quarter Shop has ALL the new Moda delights...honey buns, jelly rolls, etc, etc?!  ; )

And, is anyone going to apply for this job?!?!?!  If only I was younger & could swim!!!

Stay warm - stitch a quilt!  : )  I'm looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow evening!

Piecefully, Pam

Memory Jar

Good Afternoon Mama's!

Isn't the sunshine nice?  It's COLD outside though don't be fooled!  Are you inside?  Working, having a cup of tea, taking a break, taking a nap, stitching, reading a book, doing chores, surfing the web... Whatever you are doing I hope you're warm!

I continue to be side-lined.  Scott has forbidden me to go out or to drive @ least until Wednesday.  And, I guess that's OK 'cause I don't have any place I must be.  So...sew, I have been hand stitching.  I got two Amaretto Rose flowers stitched & have begun a third.  : )

I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to share with you a New Year's Eve tradition that Scott & I have.  Throughout the year we keep a Memory Jar. We put small bits & pieces of our life into a large clear glass jar that can usually be seen on top of our entertainment center. We add movie stubs, tags from luggage, empty thread spools, greeting cards, a wine cork, fortunes from Chinese take out, sea shells, a program from an event we attended, color swatches, or whatever interesting tidbits we collect & seem important @ the time.  On New Year's Eve we take the jar down & during the course of the evening we each take turns pulling something from the jar & remembering that event.  It's our way of celebrating the year, appreciating where we've been & feeling content where we are!  We (usually) empty the jar on New Year's Eve & begin anew on New Year's Day.  Often the first things to go into the Memory Jar are our Christmas cards to one another.  So, the jar isn't empty very long.  It's become a homey & happy tradition for us.  Our celebration was a bit later this year due to our trip to York, but that's OK - we still did it!  : )

May your day be warm & wonderful.  Stitch when you get the chance!  GO EAGLES!!!

Piecefully, Pam  

Dog Tango...?!

Girls,

Good Afternoon.  Sort of...I am icing & elevating an injured right leg.  I didn't fare well @ Dog Tango lessons with Jake this morning.  I have a bouquet of flowers from the Kirby's to prove it.

Meanwhile, I'm alternately reading, surfing the web & doing hand applique.  While surfing over to Lila Tueller's blog I saw her new Soire'e fabric line (gorgeous!!!), & there's a contest!  Here's a link to Debbie Maddy of Calico Carriage Quilt Designs.  She is hosting a quilt contest @ Moda's website using their fabricmatcher program.  Make a quilt using one of Debbie's designs & you may be lucky enough to win a fat quarter pack of Soire'e fabric!?!?!?  Hurry up!

Well, with the forecasted weather, Scott & I had already planned on staying in this weekend. It's a good thing because with my bum leg & his cold that's exactly what we'll be doing!!!  May your weekend be filled with stitches, uh...the sewing, FUN kind! & warmth.  : )  Enjoy the flurries.

Piecefully, Pam 

Howdy Mama's!

Seriously, is it time for us to move...?!  I went for my titty squeezing mammogram today & took a little piece of hand applique to do while I was waiting.  So...sew, the Tech calls me back & I have the flower pieces in my hand.  She says to me, "What are you doing?" pointing to my hands.  I respond, "Oh, it's just a little stitching.  Hand applique."  She asks, "How long have you been doing that?" "About 8 years now."  I say.  "I'm a quilter & this is a type of quilting." Nonchalantly she says, "I know some mama's that quilt."  I say, "They wouldn't be THE Quilt Mama's would they?"  And, she spins around with a look of surprise sputtering, "Maureen H., Marianne D.?"  I say, "Yeh, they were @ my house last night for Bee."  Yup, she knows that Jean B., Cathy D., Peggy D-I, etc., etc...  Well, I may as well have been wearing a big old pair of Mouse ears & sitting @ Disney...  Too funny?!  ; )  Thanks for being my friends Quilt Mama's!!!

Piecefully, Pam  

Good Morning Girls,

Here's a picture from last evening's Bee!

Lori put together this gorgeous quilt top using her Dad's flannel shirts & Kona cottons.  She used one of the patterns from the Pincushion Boutique.  Didn't it turn out GREAT?!  Way to sew, Lor!

Using the truck/digger flannel Leigh Anne made valances!!!  LA, are they for Sean or Kevin? She whipped up the 3 valances yesterday.  With 4 children LA I just can't imagine HOW you do it...?!  What kind of vitamins do you take?  Oh, I wanted to tell you that the Head Nut carries quinoa.  ; )  And, congrats to your sister!!!  : )

Mo busted into a pattern, charm packs & jelly rolls & then saw she had to CUT the jelly roll...so & NOT sew, she rolled everything back up nicely & put it away.  She needs help using a rotary cutter.  And, plans are underway in her home for a kitchen remodel & some general changes & sprucing up!!!  ; )  Neat-o, Mo!

Mare is "stove up."  Does anyone else use this term?  It came from my athlete husband & his family.  It means injured/sore/side-lined.  She's not able to have wine due to medication.  We NEED to get her sewing machine fixed!!!  I'm starting to think intervention?!  ; )  Thanks for the macrobiotic books Mare, I think...?!

Cathy has a CrAzY neighbor across the street!!!  We heard stories...& oh boy?!  Also, Cathy will host Bee next week, but on Wednesday again.

I received a lovely surprise pack of fabric in yesterday's mail from Mary Jane @ The Christmas Shoppe!!!  Thanks MJ!  : )  And, I have begun quilting the Alaska quilt.  Just in a grid.  It may be boring, but it's seriously "Get 'er DONE!"

Alright ladies, have a nice day & enjoy this bit of sunshine following ALL that rain!  I was getting soggy.

Piecefully, Pam    

Girls,

I LOVE each & every one of you Quilt Mama's!!!  : )  Thanks for stopping by this evening.  Those who didn't/couldn't were missed.  I will post more tomorrow...pix too, but here's the scoop for tonight.  Cathy said she'd host next week. Wednesday though again!

Take care.  Be warm.  And, most importantly, take a few stitches when you have the chance.

Piecefully, Pam  

Hello Girls,

What would anyone think about having Bee here tomorrow (Wednesday) evening?  Jean has a commitment this evening, & the weather looks like it may be a challenge.  What do you think?

And then there was two...  I'm embarrassed to admit this, but now there are TWO Santa's living in my potting shed...?!  I carried a second one home yesterday (different than the first one).  Trash pick-up was running late & Jingle & I discovered another blow mold Santa that needed to be rescued.  ; )

I've been doing some web surfing, recipe browsing & healthy diet learning.  Is anyone familiar with quinoa?  What about chia seeds?  Ground flax seeds here or here?  Does anyone have experience using raw or turbinado sugar?  A week or so ago I was hunting for a way to make steel cut oatmeal using the crockpot.  I found several.  Using them as a guide I made up my own recipe & gave it a whirl.  It turned out YUMMY (and that's a LOT coming from me 'cause I've been trying to eat the gloopy stuff for over a year now : P)!  Anyway, I'm gonna make it again overnight tonight.  If it turns out good, I'll share my recipe if you're interested?!  I REALLY like The Head Nut for the myriad of unusual ingredients I am sometimes wanting to buy.  OK, I hope I'm not making your head explode with all this non-quilting/sewing health stuff!

I am trying to work up the creative spirit to do some quilting!  I need to quilt the Alaska quilt already!  I've solicited opinions & suggestions, none of which I feel compelled to do.  I am thinking basic, simple...boring.  We'll see what happens?!  Wish me luck...

Stay tucked in if you can.  Have some tea & take a few stitches.

Piecefully, Pam 

Saving Santa!!!

Good Morning Girls,

Over breakfast this morning Scott told me about a blow mold Santa that was out on the curb awaiting trash pick-up...Jingle & I promptly walked right down the road & SAVED him!!!  : )  Santa is living in our potting shed presently...shhh, don't tell!  ; )

Some days are better than others.  This is a GREAT one!!!  I've been shopping for Santa blow molds for months now, then this happens.  I'm doing the happy dance!  If anyone knows of a Santa, sleigh & reindeer blow mold set that is ready to find a new home, PLEASE, give me a holler!!!

I can only hope your day is filled with such glee & joy!

Piecefully, Pam  

Happy New Year, 'Mamas! Hope you all enjoyed ushering in 2009. Can you believe the Christmas holidays have come and gone?! The decorations are all safely back in the attic - the house is looking back to normal. I made a Valentine's table runner from fabric I bought on Tuesday - well, the top at least. And I machine quilted another top and even got the binding on - wanted to do that before my machine went in for service. Made the trek down to Hayes' this afternoon. Have to break out the old reliable Elna for the week. Enjoy the rest of the weekend - it's going to be tough to get back to the old routine - I was getting used to sleeping late! Take care......piece.