tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57978587984982238882023-11-15T10:32:32.911-08:00JellyBean StitchesMy life, my daughter AKA JellyBean, and my sewing and stitches.JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-14003070874399563852010-02-01T13:08:00.001-08:002010-02-01T13:08:49.105-08:00Happy Birthday To Me!I'm 27 today. Yikes!!<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday to me<br />
Happy Birthday to me<br />
Happy Birthday dear me..<br />
Happy Birthday to me.<br />
<br />
Dear me is right - I feel old sometimes.. like today when I have so much to do and not enough time to do it!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-31714894728322472682010-01-27T14:01:00.000-08:002010-01-27T14:01:12.920-08:00Progress is slowly being madeIn my house anyway. I have 4 personal mini quilt swaps going out this week, and then my STUD (which got mailed back to me - because me like a dummy sent it to Washington STATE, not DC!!!) At least it got back to me.<br />
<br />
I'm making some slow progress on my DQS8 mini - I've got 3 ideas in my head for it, and it's all just a big blend now. So I need to sit and figure it out.<br />
<br />
I'm still waiting on my fall mini quilt swap, and the friendship bag. I know who my partner was for the Friendship bag, and she's such a good person, but I'm truly disappointed that I didn't get it. She's got a lot on her plate now and I really don't want to cause hassle for her. Hope I get my fall mini soon. <br />
<br />
And a huge thank you to all the people who pointed me in the right direction for some food fabrics. I've got a bunch of different fabrics on order now (I didn't spend too much either - scrap bags are awesome things!!) and I'm pretty darned sure that my husband is going to love it. I've made 5 blocks for it so far, and it's screaming that it's for him.<br />
<br />
And my Quilting Bees.. I'm working on them tonight. After I finish my last penguin for Aunt Pitty Pats swap. :)JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-87623752551111510512010-01-23T18:28:00.000-08:002010-01-23T18:28:00.496-08:00Still WaitingArgh..<br />
<br />
I'm still waiting on my "Friendship Bag Swap" hosted by the Quilting Gallery. I've been in touch with Michelle and she's emailed my partner and apparently the good old USPS ate my parcel. I hope they can find it.JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-60952631790482102422010-01-22T18:28:00.000-08:002010-01-22T18:28:22.543-08:00Dear DQS8 PartnerDear DQS8 Partner,<br />
<br />
I know I didn't make a mosaic, and that's because I feel technologically stupid and couldn't figure out how to save and upload the one I made to Flikr. I don't want you to panic, if you are in fact panicking.<br />
<br />
I'd like to make your life easy - I love all colors, I really do. Pepto-Bismal pink is even growing on me, and I like it in moderation. I love Earthy tones, blues of all shades, greens, browns, purples, golds. I love nature, especially the ocean. I love birds and owls and butterflies. I'm a book lover, a travel lover - and a huge food fan too.<br />
<br />
Please have fun with whatever you make - anything that you make I know I'll love because you took the time to think of something special for me and make it just for me.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much already - and have fun.JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-60183008493810112992010-01-20T20:41:00.001-08:002010-01-20T20:41:55.196-08:00In Search of Food FabricsPhew.. I finally got THE best idea for my husband's 30th Birthday. He loves food, loves cooking, has tons of gadgets.. but he doesn't have a food quilt. So I'm in search of 5 or 6 inch squares that I can put together into a food quilt for him.<br />
<br />
If anyone knows of a good site with a bunch of variety, or has some squares that they'd like to trade, just let me know! I'd love you forever and ever!<br />
<br />
Thanks.<br />
<br />
Be back tomorrow with a decent sized sewing update!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-72758729217142782932010-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:002010-01-18T01:00:04.737-08:002 Quilt Blocks - Fight Breast CancerThe Old Red Barn Co. has put out a call for 12.5" quilt blocks to go into quilts that will be raffled/sold to raise money for a cure for Breast Cancer.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I had to make 2 blocks. What was my problem you ask? Lack of Pink!! So yea, I had to go out and get some pinks to add to my stash. <br />
<br />
If you've read this blog for a while, you know I'm a real fan of the Earthy tones, and Pink isn't that high up on my list. Well, I got some marbles and these pinks are growing on me. It's still not my favorite color, but it's definately growing on me.<br />
<br />
Here are my 2 blocks:<br />
Churn Dash:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4443-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Fight Like a Girl- Beat Breast Cancer"><br />
<br />
9 Patch:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4441.jpg" border="0" alt="Fight Like a Girl- Beat Breast Cancer"><br />
<br />
And then I'm in a Valentine Swap with the "My Favorite Quilters" group on Flikr, and I've been partnered up with the incredibly talented JMeghlin and we've decided to exchange Table Toppers. And of course, since it's Valentines Day, I'm planning on using Pink.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I had to make one of my all time favorite blocks - the Spinner:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4450.jpg" border="0" alt="Pink Marbles - Spinner Block"><br />
<br />
I may or may not use it. But I do like it - and since it's so pink - for me anyway - that, is really saying something!<br />
<br />
I also made this block for LeighLu for the 3x6 Bee. Her requested colors were Green, Yellow and White.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4449.jpg" border="0" alt="3x6 Bee, Beehive 6, For LeighLu">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-89856247573931924132010-01-17T20:46:00.000-08:002010-01-17T20:46:47.318-08:00DQS8 IdeasSo yea. My partner isn't chatty on any of the threads on Flikr, and I've read her blog and searched her favorites and I'm torn between two ideas for her quilt. I wish she'd post a bit more so I'd really have something to go by.<br />
<br />
Here are my ideas - which one would you prefer?<br />
<br />
Idea #1 - Mini Paper Piecing.<br />
I'd love to do this in her favorite colors and put some white sashing between the blocks.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4446-2.jpg" border="0" alt="DQS8 Idea #1"><br />
The pattern is from Carol Doak - I love her patterns!<br />
<br />
Idea #2 - My own sketch - Singing Birds:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4447-2.jpg" border="0" alt="DQS8 Idea #2"><br />
Keep in mind I'm not the best artist!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-18360321533186158842010-01-16T20:00:00.000-08:002010-01-16T20:00:24.593-08:00Not feeling 100%So of course I have a three day weekend this weekend, due to the fact that Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Day, and last night I passed out around 7pm, woke up around 2, crawled into bed, slept until 9!! And then went to bed again around 12:30, woke up around 6:30 PM and now.. I feel a bit better.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness I've got a great hubby who handled Bean for me. He heated up some of my turkey soup that I made right after Christmas, and I had 3 bowls of that, and I lost track of how many cups of tea I've had. But the fact is, I feel better. I'm still not 100%, but I do feel better.<br />
<br />
But I'd be horrible if I didn't post pictures of my newest received quilty things, and quilty mades!<br />
<br />
Received from Carla:<br />
These were for my fabrics sent in the My First Quilting Swaps (And Bee!)<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4423.jpg" border="0" alt="From Carla #1"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4428.jpg" border="0" alt="From Carla #2"><br />
<br />
Aren't they going to work up so nicely into a quilt for Bean??<br />
<br />
In the 6"-12" Mini Swap, I received this a few days ago from Needles-N-Notions:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4434-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Bean and Daddy"><br />
<br />
Bean loves to cover her dolly (the one on the floor in the picture) with the mini!<br />
<br />
And stuff I made:<br />
I paper pieced.<br />
<br />
For Ruthie in Bee Obsessed:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4432.jpg" border="0" alt="For Ruthie - Bee Obsessed - February"><br />
Ruthie wanted 6-9 inch blocks, and this one came out at 5, so I'm making her a second one, but I'm really happy with it.<br />
<br />
And Here's the center of all my blocks for Aunt Pitty Pats swap.. just need to put the borders on them, and I can mail out that swap.<br />
My Penguinos!!:)<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4431.jpg" border="0" alt="Penguins"><br />
<br />
Yes, they are paper pieced. I think I'm getting addicted to it.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4429.jpg" border="0" alt="Both Together - I'm just so proud."><br />
<br />
For QBE: For Mary:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4422.jpg" border="0" alt="QBE - January - For Mary"><br />
<br />
I made this with a left over block from JellyBeans quilt. Mary is planning on making preemie quilts with these blocks. Hope she likes it!<br />
<br />
And for the Charming Robin.<br />
Mary sent me her charm pack first, and then I send it on to Shannon. I had enough with my stash and 3 charms to make these two wonky star blocks. Mary sent along the black and white snowflake fabric. Hope she likes them!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4436-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Charming Robin #1 - For Mary"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4438-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Charming Robin #2 - For Mary">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-3155966286350292982010-01-10T21:12:00.000-08:002010-01-10T21:12:42.450-08:00QBE Block - 1So yea, I signed up for the Quilt Block Exchange on Flikr, and I'm making 4 blocks for the month of January.<br />
<br />
I've got 2 cut and ready to sew (that's on for tomorrow) and 1 done, and one I have no idea what to do with.<br />
<br />
Wendy - Brights and White <- DONE!
Mary - 12.5" blocks for the center of preemie quilts <- cut and ready to go
Raesha - 12.5" blue and white <-cut and ready to go
Jennifer - 10.5" red/aqua and white. <- my problem child block!
Here's Wendy's Block:
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4418.jpg" border="0" alt="QBE - January - for wendyscreations"><br />
<br />
And, I've uploaded some of my digital designs onto <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a>. I'm going to upload 5 or 6 more tomorrow, then order my swatches and then put them up for sale. What do ya'll think of them? Good? Bad? Terrible? Let me know! They were all done in Paint Shop Pro/PhotoShop/Poser or Daz3D.<br />
<br />
These are what I've uploaded so far:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/NightFae_preview.png" border="0" alt="Night Fae"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/PastelSwirl1_preview.png" border="0" alt="Pastel Swirl"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/PatrioticNightSky.png" border="0" alt="Patriotic Night Sky"> <br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/SchoolDays_preview.png" border="0" alt="School Days"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/Dots_Stars_preview.png" border="0" alt="Dots and Stars"> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/Blue_Swirls_preview.png" border="0" alt="Blue Swirl">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-91504704398633531612010-01-06T20:26:00.000-08:002010-01-06T20:26:31.522-08:00Eating While Mommy QuiltsAnd here's a quick photo of Bean eating while Mommy quilts.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5059.jpg" border="0" alt="Bean Eating While Mommy Quilts"><br />
<br />
And mommy is officially crazy - I joined DQS8! :) Yay!<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/DQS8Button.jpg" border="0" alt="DQS8">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-32819664634700431012010-01-06T19:59:00.000-08:002010-01-06T19:59:56.384-08:00All righty then...And here it is, already Wednesday, and I haven't posted since Sunday. I know. Bad blogger!<br />
<br />
But.. I do have things to show for my lack of posting. <br />
<br />
First - <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10633130424915637147" target="_blank">Teresa</a> received her fall mini quilt and she likes it! YAY!<br />
<br />
Second - I made my mini for the 6-12" mini swap on Flikr, and mailed it out all in 2 days. This one wasn't my original quilt that I had in mind, but due to me being silly with the rotary cutter and cutting fabric without checking to see if a miniature block was under said fabric, we had block amputation. And then I had to make a new one because I had run out of one fabric and I want things uniform.<br />
<br />
This is the sneak peek I posted:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5053.jpg" border="0" alt="Sneaky Peeky"><br />
<br />
But this is the whole quilt:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5037.jpg" border="0" alt="Valentine Mini Sampler - 6-12 Flikr Group"><br />
<br />
And Tina got it today! YAY! I only mailed it on Monday. It's times like these I'm proud of the USPS.<br />
<br />
I got invited by Kimmie to join in a new Quilting Bee. This makes my 4th Bee. :) I'm so excited to have been invited - there are awesome quilters here. <br />
Kimmie has the month of January - and her theme was Black, White and a little bit of Red. Then she posted some inspiration on her Flikr account and I had such a similar fabric to one of the photos for inspiration. And FYI the black fabric with the white swirls was the one that I had that was similar. So naturally I got to sewing and made her block. <br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5063.jpg" border="0" alt="Bee Obsessed - January - For Kimmie"><br />
I popped it into the mail yesterday. <br />
<br />
And for another mini doll quilt swap for Carla. She doesn't like pink at all.. so I think this'll do her some good. No pink at all.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br />
<br />
It's just the top right now, but tonight I'm planning on backing and quilting it. Then into the mail it goes on Saturday.<br />
<br />
And.. hold on for this one..<br />
<br />
I learned how to paper piece.<br />
I went from this:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5045.jpg" border="0" alt="Paper Piecing Pattern"><br />
<br />
To: <br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5044.jpg" border="0" alt="I did it!!"><br />
<br />
This is the signature block I sent along with my Birdie Charm pack for the Charming Robin. The next time I see it, there will be 11 names on it, and the charm pack will be almost gone, if not completely gone. :)JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-65838642767720016962010-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-03T00:00:04.396-08:00My First Quilting Bee - Fabrics are Ready to go!Yahoo!<br />
<br />
I decided what fabrics I was sending out for the My First Quilting Bee. I'm almost done hand quilting JellyBean's Beatrix Potter quilt, and she just needs another quilt. Since we moved in late June I just got around to clearing out one of my filing cabinet drawers, and lo and behold I found the *perfect* fabric for her new quilt.<br />
<br />
I got this fabric when I was pregnant with Bean in 2008, and it's been sitting waiting to be made into something awesome.<br />
<br />
I've decided to ask for improv blocks, or for the participants of the bee to do whatever they feel like with the fabric. Just be inspired by it.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4389-1.jpg" border="0" alt="My First Quilting Bee Fabric Choices"><br />
<br />
And naturally I had to make 2 sample blocks. I do have 4 made, but can't find 2 of them!<br />
<br />
Here are my sample improv blocks. They measure 12.5 inches, so they'll finish at 12.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4390-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Improv Block 1 - My First Quilting Bee for me."><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4394.jpg" border="0" alt="Improv Block 2 - My First Quilting Bee for me.">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-28978065440515782662010-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:002010-01-02T20:17:07.036-08:00Started on my 2010 Coffee Quilt-A-LongYep. I did it. I cut into the coffee fabric that I've been hoarding for quite a few years.<br />
<br />
There's this Flikr group, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/teacoffee_quilt_along/" target="_blank"> 2010 Tea/Coffee Quilt - A - Long</a> that I joined because I needed to do something with the 10+ yards of coffee themed fabric that I've had for a minimum of 4 years and just keep adding to. I'm totally addicted to coffee, so I figured that this would give me a chance to actually make a quilt for me. I've only kept 1 large quilt out of all the tons I've made for me. I've only kept 2 mini quilts for myself too - so I figure I deserve one.<br />
<br />
These are my blocks so far:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4396.jpg" border="0" alt="Churn Dash"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4414.jpg" border="0" alt="Spinner"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4411.jpg" border="0" alt="Square in a Square"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4406.jpg" border="0" alt="Bar None - designed by Diane Harris, found in the 100 Quilt Blocks Magazine"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5036.jpg" border="0" alt="WaterMill"><br />
<br />
And this one that I hate:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5033.jpg" border="0" alt="Hideous"><br />
<br />
I'll probably put that one on the back, just because it has my favorite fabric on it.<br />
<br />
I know I'm only supposed to get 1 block a month done, but I'd like to have 24 blocks done by June, then quilt this baby up by September.JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-69624689980024305562010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:002010-01-01T00:01:01.629-08:00Goodbye 2009... Hello 2010!Wow, this seems totally surreal to write - Hello 2010!!<br />
<br />
May all of your new year wishes and resolutions come true.<br />
<br />
Once, a while ago, my father told me that his resolution every year was to become a better person than he was last year. So Daddy, this one's for you: it's my resolution too, I will be a better person than I was last year.<br />
<br />
I miss you Daddy. I can't believe that in May it'll be 3 years since you've left us.<br />
<br />
And my other (hopefully stuck to resolutions):<br />
~ Complete 4 baby quilts for Co-Workers<br />
~ Complete my Coffee Quilt<br />
~ Quilt the Red and White monstrosity.. (we'll see on this one)<br />
~ Participate in at least 6 mini swaps<br />
~ Get to 25 states for my personal mini challenge! :) <br />
~ Make 15 mini quilts for the AAQI and my $1000 challenge<br />
~ open up my own little store to sell mini quilt kits and mini quilts<br />
~ Lose 25 pounds or more.<br />
<br />
And on Monday - 6 mini quilts are getting mailed out!! So if you've been on my list of mini swappers (personal swaps) be on the lookout!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-27829749499848760682009-12-27T17:13:00.000-08:002009-12-27T17:13:28.584-08:00I promised Pictures!And here they are!<br />
<br />
My new baby:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5006.jpg" border="0" alt="My New Baby"><br />
<br />
And what I've made on it:<br />
Well, I finally quilted the fall mini quilt swap. This'll be mailed with 4 other swaps this coming week, either tomorrow or Tuesday, depending on when I can get out of the house for a bit after Christmas clean-up.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5000.jpg" border="0" alt="Finally Quilted the Fall Mini Quilt Swap"><br />
<br />
Close up of the quilting:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Close up of the quilting"><br />
Finally quilted. I chose to use the new machine and do a leaf motif in the white parts of the quilt, and then do swirly lines on the diagonal through the yellowy/orange squares.<br />
<br />
I am totally thrilled with how this one came out. I only hope my partner is as thrilled as I am.<br />
<br />
I have just enough of the gold/yellow to make myself one.. this one hurts to part with.. it really does.<br />
<br />
This one I did hand applique for the leaf and some new decorative stitching around it. It's for Raesha on Flikr, but I'm still waiting on her address to send it to her.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5003.jpg" border="0" alt="For Raesha"><br />
<br />
And the back:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_5005.jpg" border="0" alt="Back of Fall"><br />
This is the back of the mini for Raesha. I just loved the center fabric and it was gold and brown and just "fall-like" to me.<br />
<br />
And I kept playing more with the new machine. I signed up for the January STUD quilt swap with the theme of Rainbows:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4993.jpg" border="0" alt="Can you guess what I'm going to do with these???!!!"><br />
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I actually made my mini's top.. can you guess what I did with these fabrics?? :D <br />
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More pictures of Christmas coming soon - gotta get the photos off of my mom's camera and then I'll pick some good ones to post here!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-72469474103635434132009-12-26T18:32:00.000-08:002009-12-26T18:32:36.040-08:00And I got a SEWING MACHINE!!Whoo hoo. The hubby is good. :D I got a new Singer Confidence sewing machine AND a proper sewing table with a drop down spot for the machine. The machine is a little too big for the drop down part, so we're going to get a new table, but yea.. the hubby is good. AND he let me get some more fabric. Not too much, but just a little bit, enough to make a girl happy. :D He got me a fat eighth pack of polka dots which is just too cool.<br />
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I'm re-charging the camera from JellyBeans 2nd Christmas, so there will be pictures soon, and there will be pictures tomorrow of my new play toy.<br />
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Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. :D I'll be back tomorrow with a new installment!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-50921081782605544392009-12-25T01:30:00.000-08:002009-12-25T01:30:00.227-08:00Merry Christmas to AllMerry Christmas to everyone!<br />
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I hope that your holiday is fantastic!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-27393600404304047322009-12-24T07:50:00.000-08:002009-12-24T07:50:15.610-08:00Mons Christmas Candle MatJust me again.<br />
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Showing off the candle mat that I finally finished quilting for Mom. It's got the heat resistant batting so she can double it as a pot-holder too if she wants. The quilting's not perfect, but I'm just happy that I got it finished before Christmas!<br />
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4985.jpg" border="0" alt="Mom's Candle Mat"><br />
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4986.jpg" border="0" alt="Close Up of Quilting on Candle Mat"><br />
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4987.jpg" border="0" alt="Back of Candle Mat">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-89192948742570102922009-12-24T06:14:00.000-08:002009-12-24T06:14:12.589-08:00Just yay! I'm so happy for themSince I live in NJ, this is a HUGE story here. And I'm not far from the Tinton Falls area.<br />
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Just yay. See for yourself: <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091224/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_brazil_us_custody_battle;_ylt=Aid1VuEGkOYU1WY8WvasfdVn.3QA;_ylu=X3oDMTNnbGJwZWptBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMjI0L2x0X2JyYXppbF91c19jdXN0b2R5X2JhdHRsZQRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzMEcG9zAzMEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNib3lmaW5hbGx5cmU-">HERE. Congratulations David Goldman.</a>JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-16027364927365482222009-12-20T20:03:00.000-08:002009-12-20T20:03:50.485-08:00I Miss You DaddyMy father died on May 5, 2007.. so this is our 3rd Christmas without him. This year, it's hitting me really hard, even though last year was JellyBean's 1st Christmas (even though she was only 10 days old).<br />
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I think it's hitting me because this year Terry and I moved into our own house, and JellyBean is a ton more aware of things and has become so much fun. I know my father would have loved her.<br />
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And it doesn't help that a few days ago I found the last pictures taken of Daddy. They were taken in late April of 2007, before I went away to England for a week. I was in England the week that Daddy went into the hospital and never came out. He was really sick and none of us knew how bad it was. At least I made it home to be with him the night he died.<br />
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Here Daddy was modeling (he looks so impressed - doesn't he??) a laptop bag that I made for my husband.<br />
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/Img_0965.jpg" border="0" alt="Last Photos of Daddy"><br />
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And here he is showing off the inside of the bag. Terry wanted something "fun and funky" so I put flames inside.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/Img_0966.jpg" border="0" alt="Last Photos of Daddy"><br />
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Anyway - this is my sad post - Merry Christmas Daddy.. we all love you and miss you.JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-70190635737546367462009-12-20T19:54:00.000-08:002009-12-20T19:55:42.500-08:00Snow Day = Sewing FunAfter helping the hubby shovel over 20 inches of snow (we took turns taking care of the bean) I got some quality sewing time in.<br />
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For Aunt Pitty Pats swap:<br />
I've made 6 of these:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4977.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br />
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And 6 of these:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4978.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br />
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So now all 24 of my 9 patch blocks are done. <br />
Here they are in all their glory:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4983.jpg" border="0" alt="24 - 9 Patch blocks"><br />
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I've also cut out all the light bulbs for the "Christmas Lights" blocks, and I'm in the process of appliqueing all the penguins. Those that I did have done I ripped apart because I thought they looked like crap.<br />
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And I've got 2 more mini's in the works.<br />
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School is closed tomorrow!! YAY!! So that means I can get more sewing time in before the holidays.. and who knows, maybe even more presents (and I still have to wrap a ton of gifts!)JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-60174974483972213852009-12-19T20:19:00.000-08:002009-12-19T20:19:43.218-08:00I haven't abandoned anyone!I've been so busy creating for Christmas, and having JellyBeans 1st birthday - I've been busy!<br />
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Here is the birthday girl eating her Elmo cupcake:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4132.jpg" border="0" alt="JellyBean eating her Elmo cupcake"> <br />
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She got a little tired near the end, and just shoved her face right onto the cupcake.<br />
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This was the original cake I tried to make. It was from a Build-A-Bear mold, but the frosting was too heavy and it collapsed on itself. We did eat it anyway - and it was good!<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4125.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br />
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A Christmas Gift for my grandmother:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4248.jpg" border="0" alt="Nana's eyeglass holder and 2 pen holder"><br />
Made for my grandmother for Christmas (Sorry the picture is a bit blurry) it's an eyeglass case at the top part, and a pen holder at the bottom. There are spaces for 2 pens/pencils. Nana keeps misplacing her pens and she almost always needs her glasses to write, so I figured why not get both in one!<br />
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A cute little fabric postcard for a swap on Flikr:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4969.jpg" border="0" alt="OldRedBarn Quilt Along on Flikr"><br />
Here is my fabric postcard for the ORB postcard swap! :) I'm not sharing who it's going to. Because of the snow it's in the mail on Monday (hopefully!!) It's actually in an envelope to protect it from the snow, and it's waiting in our mailbox to be picked up!<br />
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And my re-send to Karol-Ann for the stitchers angel swap:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4967.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br />
The only thing you can really see clearly (I want her to have a surprise or two!!) is the rose fabric bowl.<br />
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And just so anyone knows - my mother in law mailed us a painting on 19 October 2009 from England. We just got it on 18 December!! So maybe the first parcel is still winging its way to Karol-Ann.<br />
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And...<br />
My gorgeous STUD mini quilt from chocolate_is_the_best_medicine on Flikr:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4226.jpg" border="0" alt="STUD November"><br />
Look at this hand embroidery:<img src
="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4229.jpg" border="0" alt="Hand Embroidery">JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-84248451778772707712009-12-13T20:34:00.000-08:002009-12-13T20:34:48.149-08:00Improv Quilt Block - for JoThis is my 12.5" quilt block for Jo from the UK. This is for the My First Quilting Bee and Block Swaps group on Flikr. She sent gorgeous blue fabrics for me to work with, and I had a great time. She requested an Improv style quilt block, and I went for it. Never made one before, but I had such fun.<br />
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Here are the fabrics she sent me:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4964.jpg" border="0" alt="At the start"><br />
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And this is what I made from it:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/simplyelemental/IMG_4966.jpg" border="0" alt="Improv Block"><br />
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The bottom has this gorgeous snowflake like print that I couldn't bear to cut apart, so I framed it and had to show it off. <br />
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The block isn't horrible, I will get better at it if I practice more.<br />
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I send my fabrics in February for the My First Quilting Bee/Block swap group.. now onto thinking of which fabrics I'll be sending.<br />
My ideas for my fabrics:<br />
Anchors and Blues<br />
Puppy Paws and a solid<br />
Greens<br />
Coffee Prints/Colors<br />
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And I still don't really know what I'm asking everyone in the group to make.. it's a tough decision!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-47784682635589474042009-12-13T18:38:00.001-08:002009-12-13T20:39:47.777-08:001st Birthday Party #1 - DonePhew, 1st of 2 Birthday parties is done!<br />
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We had Elmo cake, a 3D bear cake that kinda.. well, fell apart and my grandmother took us to see Santa today. JellyBean screamed - she was petrified of him!!<br />
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Pictures coming soon!<br />
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And I'm really disappointed - I mailed my Stitchers Angel parcel on either the 9th or 11th of November, and my partner hasn't gotten hers yet. But that's ok.. I'm making more goodies for her, and they'll be posted on Tuesday. I didn't get a chance to post them on Saturday, and tomorrow I'm preparing for my day off work on Tuesday for JellyBean's 1st Birthday!!! So on Tuesday, we'll stop in the post office and mail another package!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797858798498223888.post-15203780185628740312009-12-06T19:46:00.000-08:002009-12-06T19:46:07.500-08:00Thinking about opening an Etsy...So today I finally seriously started thinking about opening my own Etsy. I don't know what I'd really like to sell there, but I was thinking about putting together miniature quilt top kits.. but I don't know if that'd be a good idea or not. I've got a ton of fabric and I think I'd like to put together kits. I love cutting fabric - that's so calming to me!<br />
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Any ideas from my readers? <br />
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And.. I'm more mini quilt down in my 1000 promise. Before I want to send them off, I'm going to finish 10, so that means only 4 more to make and then I'm sending my 10 into Ami Simms. :)<br />
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Yay for productivity!<br />
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And, Terry and I started wrapping the gifts for Christmas. We got our tree today and put it up, so when it's settled down a bit and all decorated (probably Wednesday night) I'll have a nice photo to share with you!JRZ Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095430610690210446noreply@blogger.com2