There is a great sale going on...

Do you love to stitch? add little embroideries to your quilting? then I have a sale for you. Jane at http://janesfabrics.blogspot.com/2013/12/for-love-of-hand-embroidery.html Jane's Fabrics is having a wonderful sale on Precensia Threads. You won't find a better price anywhere. I love Presensia thread myself. It has a lovely sheen and stitches so smoothly. And Jane is so nice and helpful so go check her site out.

Have a wonderful day stitching,
       Susan

I'm back and quilting up a storm

Sometimes life brings wonderful things and sometimes it brings challenges that just may take your breathe away. Life has been just this crazy in my world. I am sorry I have been away so long but I am just now at a place where I can come back to blogland. One of the best things happening in my away time is grandchild number five was born. He is a really good baby, sleeps well and all the rest. He had to go to the NICU during his first week of life but he is good now. My favorite youngest daughter is settling nicely into married life. Another lovely part of life. The challenges are significant and are not mine alone.

 Moving on to more wonderful things, quilty things. I have pieced five quilt tops and am in the process of quilting them. Some will be hand quilted and some free motion quilted. I love doing both. Do you have a favorite way of  quilting? I know many send them out to be quilted and that's great but for me it feels like I am sort of cheating. That's just one of my oddities.

A friend posted on fb that there are only eight more Fridays till Christmas. So to help with the Christmas decorations I am giving away this little felt Ornament kit. So to get in on a chance for this just be a follower.

So glad to be back!
      Scrappily,
             Susan

                                 


                                    It's August and time for another try at getting something done,
                                                                                 

                                                                                  

  so for the month of August I am going to just try and meet July's goal of finishing the quilting on my granddaughters quilt. Last month was crazy with my youngest daughter getting married, but even in the craziness I managed to get it half quilted. So I truly would like to get it quilted and linked up and actually meet a goal, ha. We shall see.           

            Scrappily,
                 Susan                                                                  

Tote Swap

Way back in May I joined Lia's Tote swap. It was fun and challenging. I made a tote that I have made many times before only this time I added some English paper pieced applique. I had not done this type of star before and liked it a lot. My swap buddy said she liked bright colors and tans. So I made this with a tan that has flecks of colors and added the bright star. I also included five fat quarters but I forgot to take a picture of them and I also forgot to put a note in the bag. ( I was in a hurry to get it out to make the June 30th deadline, which I made but forgot her card, sigh) I hope she liked her tote.

This is the bag I received in the mail, all the way from England. I love it. It is roomy and has many pockets. I am using it for my embroidery.

These are all the goodies she included. I love them. This was such a treat to receive. She didn't give me an address to send a thank you , so if you see this Thank You! I love your gift.

Lia is having another bag swap in a few months. I plan on doing this again. Won't you consider joining us?


Scrappily,
    Susan

http://liashandmades.blogspot.de/2013/07/secret-tote-bag-swap-sent-received-and.html

Joyful Fourth of July

Wishing you all a wonderful Fourth of July where ever you might be. But if you are in the USA, enjoy the freedoms we have been given and thank a vet!

Thanks to both my dad and husband who are both war vets. I am so proud of you both. To all our service men and women, Thank You!

Scrappily,
    Susan

July, where has the year gone?

July first, it is hard to believe that half of this year is gone. Wow! it has gone fast. I got my June tote swap in the mail last night just in time to meet the deadline. I will have pictures up later this week to show everyone.  I am also trying to decide what to do for my Lovely Year of Finishes this month. I think finishing anything for me this month will be amazing, with a wedding in just a few weeks but I will try and finish quilting my granddaughter's quilt so it will be ready for her new bedroom. They move to their new home in August.

I hope you are all staying cool in the midst of all the heat and have time to enjoy some stitching time as well.

Scrappily for now, Susan

I can't believe its been so long since I last posted. The flowers are part of what has kept me away and very, very busy. My youngest DD is getting married at the end of July and so the wedding plans have been in full gear. The flowers are part of what will be decorating the tables as well as the bouquets. In the midst of all this planning I also spent nine days away for a bit of rest and calm with my DH. It was wonderful to just enjoy our time together. And to add to the chaos of my life, my son and his family moved in with us for  a short interim while their new (to them) home is being readied for them. So, it is a lot crazy in our world with a four year old and two year old are making this Gramma smile lots.

I finished my May project for a Lovely Year of Finishes but never got it posted...sigh.  I am just today finishing my tote bag for the tote bag swap and as much as I would love to get a finish in July I am just not sure I can do it. No pressure or anything, hehe.

Well, now you know how my summer is going, how about yours? Any new projects you have chosen or just some great family times.

This may also be my last reminder, as of Monday, I can be found at Bloglovin' since there will be no more Blogger. I hope you will join me there!

                                                  Scrappily,
                                                           Susan

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing you a wonderful day with family.

Scrappily,

Susan

May's Goals for A Lovely Year of Finishes

                                                                               

   

Each month I seem to be more busy than the previous. I am getting things finished but not like I hoped. Two weddings, one down and one to go, have not helped. I finished my February goal in April, and have made progress on all my other months projects. So what to choose for the month of May?

This will be my finish. It was supposed to be finished earlier but I did get it to the point of being quilted. So this month I will finish quilting it and bind it.

Thanks to all for the push to get things finished!

For now I need to see why its so quiet, never a good sound when it's a two year old!

Scrappily,  Susan

April Showers give-away Winner

What a wonderful time I had during the April Showers bloghop. I hope you did as well. Madame Samm always has great parties. I hope you join her and her cheerleaders for more amazing bloghops. http://www.sewwequilt.com//
Now for the winner of my give-away. These cute fabrics that make me think of spring are going to Mara, our winner! I have emailed her congratulating her on her win.

 

I want to thank each and everyone of you who left such kind and encouraging words during this bloghop. I am so blessed by them.

I am off to get my granddaughters quilt ready to be quilted. I am seriously thinking of basting it on the patio. The weather is amazing today and the sunshine is calling to me as well as her quilt. Have any of you ever tried something like outdoors quilting? I would love to hear how it went and just what you did.

Look for another give-away soon! Have a lovely day,

Scrappily,

Susan 

Today is my day !

I am soooo excited to be participating in the April Showers blog hop! Thanks for joining in all the fun. Madame Samm and Erin are our inspiring cheerleaders. A big thank you to you both for getting this together and for all the help too! Here are the creative ladies for today.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9th

Gina @ Sew Much and More

Sharon @ Vroomans Quilts

Theresa @ Bumbleberry Stitches

Jennet @ The Feathered Nest Studio

Patti @ A Yankee in Queen Liz's Court

Gene @ Gene Black - Alabama Artist

Susan @ Susan's Scrappy Domain

Bente @ I Like to Quiltblog

Deb @ Quilting & Other Craft Therapy

Megan @ AnnieOak Designs

Be sure and stop by each one, you won't be disappointed.
Here is my mug rug. I love the rain which is always a treat in Southern California since we do not get lots of it and I love flowers, all kinds of flowers. This is my first attempt at thread painting of sorts. There is room for improvement but ya gotta start somewhere, right?

I drew this with the image of when I ran through the pasture of my great uncles' dairy farm, barefoot, and rain coming down. It is a scant 8 by 10 inches in size.

My future son in law told me his family has used mug rugs since he was a child. He grew up in a country with heavy British influence so they have afternoon tea, daily. That is when they used them.  I had no idea they had been around for so long.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are inspired even a bit to try something new. I am giving away four bright fat quarters that I hope will help with your inspiration.

To be eligible for the give away, just be a follower and let me know in a comment. For a second chance, in another comment, tell me about something new you are going to try or have just tried.


Scrappily,
    Susan

March Give-away winner and stuff

Time has gotten away from me once more. Life is messy and time consuming, at least it is for me. Between doctor and hospital visits and helping with the grand kids, I am finding computer time hard to come by. I have been stitching away, though. Taking embroidery projects with me keeps me stitching and getting a bit done when otherwise I would not. How do you keep on top of life when it gets 'messy'? Let's hear how you handle it, I am sure I am not the only one out there that would love a few suggestions.

The March give-away was won by Gill. I have notified her and some spring fat quarters will be on their way to her soon. A big howdy and thanks for all who are joining me on bloglovin!

I am participating in my first blog hop. Won't you join me? I would love to have you come along and enjoy some very creative ladies and their work. I am joining in the April Showers blog hop by Madame Samm and Erin as our hostesses. My day is this coming Tuesday. I hope to hear from you and there will be a little give-away on my day as well.

Till next time...
Scrappily,
      Susan

Movin on over to Bloglovin

Well Google Reader has bailed on us apparently. Wish I was more computer savy but I am making the move to Bloglovin and hope it works out well. I hope you will all join me there.<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5395177/?claim=mxn2w2s2syg">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

I am going to have a little give-away for those that follow me there. So if you would like to follow along join me there. This give-away is open through the 31st at 9pm Pacific time. It if for anyone who joins me through Bloglovin or any alternative rss feed provider.

I will post pictures of the fabric later today. Some spring colors are in order since Spring starts this week.
Hope to see you in this new venue!
Scrappily,
   Susan

Color inspiration and Chickens

I love color all different colors. My stash is like a very large box of crayons or paints. It is the medium of my art. Color occurring in nature is what inspires me. I have more pictures of flowers, trees, and anything else that catches my eye, than I could ever use. Here is one of my most recent pictures that is pushing me to get some unfinished projects done so I can use these colors in a new project.

We have friends that have chickens and these are some of their eggs. This picture does not do the colors justice. There are some lovely bluegreen eggs, different colors of brown and brown with a darker brown speckle. They were so pretty it was hard to crack those lovely shells and use them, but we did. Such fresh eggs are also hard to resist.

These colors are the inspiration for my next big project and I think I will enjoy hunting out fabrics to match the lovely eggs as well as designing a quilt to bind it all together.

Today I plan to put the backing on my March project for A Lovely Year of Finishes. It just might make the finish line this month! Wouldn't that be lovely?

Hope your day is filled with creativity,

Scrappily,

Susan

March Project for A Lovely Year of Finishes

                                                                             

This year is passing by so quickly. I worked on my January project but no finish, sad face. I worked on my February project but no finish, sad face and a sigh. But I did get each of them farther than they were and I also made three bridesmaid dresses that were a finish! making the bride and bridesmaids happy. Now it is March and this is my get finished project for this month.

This is a disappearing nine patch made in thirties fabrics which I love. It is all pieced and ready to be quilted. It has been waiting around for about nine months so it is time to get it done. I am going to free motion quilt it on my regular machine. It will be good practice and I actually find it quite addicting. So, with a bit of excitement on actually finishing something, wish me well in actually getting this one done!

Be sure and check out what everyone else is finishing up by checking out the flickr group.

Wishing you a finish for March,

Scrappily,

Susan

44th Strees Fabric Give-away

Sometimes I think I love fabric a bit too much but it is better for me than eating chocolate and just as satisfying. The fabric has no discernible calories therefore no calorie guilt, and for me fabric does not give me migraines when I cheat and have some. Therefore, for me it's a double win!

The only thing better than more fabric is a fabric give-away and there is a great one going on at 44th Street Fabric, so jump on over there and check it out.44thstreetfabric.blogspot.com

It is a warm sunny day so I am going out for a bit of gardening. What are you doing this fine afternoon?
Scrappily,
    Susan

Lovely Finishes for February...sort of...

I just realized that I have not yet posted what my "Lovely Year of Finishes" is for the month of February. So, I guess I better since there is not much left of this month. The first picture is how far I got on my January project. It needs a few more rows and then to be quilted. I did get lots done on it which is better than nothing. This months is a table topper that I started last fall and it needs a border and quilting as well as a bit more embroidery. I may be able to finish this one though! We shall see.

Thanks for stopping by.

I hope you get something finished today.

Scrappily,

Susan

Quilt buds and the ugly quilt saga

Yesterday, my quilty friends and I had a stay-retreat, if that is a word/phrase. We had breakfast together and then quilted from 9am to 9pm. We ate so much wonderful food, were blessed by such generousity and enjoyed each others company. It was a wonderful day/evening. I look forward to our next one. Normally we meet each Friday to quilt together and have lunch which we take turns providing. We are together for four to five hours each Friday. If you do not have a quilt group, I high recommend putting one together.

I worked on the pattern "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go." I completed ten of the twelve blocks. I already have completed the stitchery scenes. I also made quite a few flying geese blocks for this as well. I will post the completed quilt soon.

The saga of the Ugly Quilt has come to a close. If you recall, I was making a quilt for my granddaughter and I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, that thing is just plain ugly. It is still not my favorite but I have finished it with some changes to make it acceptable. Here are the before and after pictures.

So what do you think? I know my ten month old granddaughter does not care and it is soft and cuddly. I am going to make her another one soon that is one that I hope I will like better.

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope you get to have some stitching time.

Scrappily,

Susan

Valentine's give-away winner and a crazy weekend

Wow! do you ever have those days when so much happens it is fun, crazy, loud, joyful and all the rest? Well, we just had an amazing few days. My youngest daughter had the Valentines Day of her life. She is now an engaged young lady and so excited. Yes, we shopped for wedding dresses this weekend and she knew it was 'the' dress when mom, that's me, cried. It is beautiful but more important she looks even more beautiful in it. (have to wait to see it till after the wedding) We also had family from out of town visit and my sweet sister in law and I went to the Hemet Quilt show. So, with all of that and a few more things added in, the Valentines give-away is late being announced. OhioLori is the winner. I have sent her an email notifying her as well. So what did the pile end up looking like, well here are a few pictures.

Three more things were added; a half yard of white fabric, five fun flower buttons, and for Valentine's Day, chocolate, yummy chocolate.

The summary of what is in the bag for this give-away is, three fat quarters, one half yard of fabric, two sets of vintage buttons, my favorite marking pencil, ribbon and red ric-rac, conversation hearts, and five very fun buttons. Be sure to look for another give-away next month.

Scrappily,

Susan

Valentine Give-away continues

Did you think I had forgotten about my continuing give-away? Life is always a bit uncertain when you have chronic migraines. So no, I have not forgotten. The pile is growing and here are a few pictures of some of the new additions .

This is one of my favorite marking tools. Quilters Choice silver pencil.

This is some very pretty ribbon and medium sized red ric-rac. So fun for this time of year.

Quilters are all sweethearts and who better deserves a box of sweet hearts? I added these for those who like me love chocolate but can not have it.

 

Last but not least, vintage buttons. I love buttons, all kinds of buttons and these are so cute. I am sure I will add some other more modern ones to the mix as well.

Have fun and be sure to sign up for this give-away. The last day to do so is February 14th at 9pm Pacific time. All you have to do is be a follower and leave me a comment about it.

Have a fabric kind of day.
    Scrappily, Susan

Let me introduce myself, neighbor

I am new to the group that Marlene has started to help us get all those unfinished projects done. She is over at http://stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com/ Be sure and stop by. I have already found her to be a wonderful neighbor.

I am a semi-retired nurse. I was also a homeschool mom. I have been sewing since I was 9 when my great Aunt Thelma encouraged me to try sewing for my dolls and then myself. I made my first dress for myself when I was 10. It was just a shift but I remember it and wore it. I made my first quilt out of flannel when I was 14. I made it for my baby sister who was born on my 14th birthday. Off and on I have been quilting ever since.

Today I love to quilt most any style. I prefer to design my own blocks and embroidery patterns. I love to hand quilt and also free motion. Both are quite addicting in their own way.

My three children are grown and I am an enthusiastic gramma. My Dh and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary this summer as well.

Well enough about me, have a wonderful day playing with fabric scraps, I am going to...

Scrappily,
    Susan

February Give-away

I just love getting gifties in the mail. It brightens my day, puts a spring in my step and stirs the creative juices! It is always fun to get that little nudge to be a little more creative.  And generousity should bring on more generousity. So I am pulling some things out of my sewing room and putting them together. I am going to add to the pile each day till  February 14 then I will take a final picture of all the goodies and have the drawing. So what is today's addition to the pile? Three fat quarters...

These fat quarters are Valentine/Spring in their cuteness. Tomorrow I will add buttons, or vintage lace or a pattern? We shall see.

All you have to do to be in the drawing is be a follower and tell me so in a message.

Have a fabric filled day!

Scrappily,

Susan

What a busy weekend! There was Ground Hog Day, a special day to be certain, hehe. And then there was Super Bowl Sunday. The commercials are always the best part and usually the only part I watch not being a football fan. So what did I do all this festive weekend you ask? Well, thanks for asking. I sewed brides maid dresses. They are a vintage Vogue pattern in red satin. The fabric is just beautiful and the dresses should be lovely. (as long as I don't make any mistakes)  Two are ready for fitting and one more to go. I have to admit I feel the need to get them done not so much for the bride but so I can get back to my quilting projects! Is that bad of me?

I received some quilty love in the mail and I just have to share it with you. This mug organizer is made to perfection and so cute! Check out her site and leave her some bloggy love. http://sewmuch2luv.blogspot.com/

Hope you have a lovely quilty day! Tomorrow a give-away, see you here!

Scrappily,
     Susan

Yesterday I took one of my 'babies' to the sewing machine doc. She was having some trouble with sewing forward. Yikes, I am not so talented that I can sew much in reverse. She was my first Viking Husqvarna, I have loved her for 32 years and now I have to say good bye. She has given her all, mostly because she is so old that there are no replacement parts, apparently.

I was thinking about all the things we have made together, so many things. New curtains for a new house, two houses ago. Little girl clothes, little boy clothes, little girl clothes, prom dresses, quilts for children; mine and nieces and nephews. I started my Dear Jane quilt with her but it will be finished on another.

Am I being too melancholy over a sewing machine? I was surprised at my thoughts when I started thinking of all we have been through together.

Well time to pack her up and for me to move on to something a bit more fun.    

Scrappily,
    Susan

Happy New Year to you all! I wish you all a wonderful  year filled with love of God, family, friends and fabric.

I am starting the New Year with a goal to get some of my many, too many, projects waiting for me to finish. This is my first project to complete. It is an I Spy quilt for my grandson. It has been waiting for two years for completion.

So what are you planning for 2013?

Scrappily,

Susan