A Little Birdie

This month I decided to take on Jenny's challenge. I thought the little bird design was so cute. One day when I was out this month imagine my surprise to find a Homespun magazine at our local Barnes and Noble. It was a little pricey, $12.00, but it was such a treat to see one, I bought it. Inside was one of Jenny's designs. So my mind started turning as to how I could incorporate the quote on the bag with the little bird design.
I stitched them both up on some beige linen. They are the same color even though the pictures look different. Different lighting.
I went searching my local craft store for some trim and couldn't find any that would work so I made some of my own.
Ta! Dah! I used Jenny's bag design as my inspiration and cut it to fit the pillow form I bought. I looked through my vintage buttons and was able to find four matching brown ones to use in the corners. I am really pleased at how it turned out.
With some of the leftovers I made a little lavender sachet adding another vintage button. Thanks so much Jenny for being such an inspiration to me and others.
I just had to show you a picture of the newest bird ornament I bought from Hallmark. I have been collecting them since they came out and finally a Bluebird has been created.

Check out the sale and free applique patterns at Piece O' Cake Designs. The free patterns are great. Makes me want to stop what I am working on and do one but I am holding back.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

The bluebird carries the sky on his back. Henry David Thoreau

Stash Manicure

Catch me at Stash Manicure today.

And check out Jane's blog if you would like to share in making a quilt for Lissa.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

Applique Addicts

Yesterday it was time to meet with my applique addicts. It was a small group and so I don't have much for show and tell but what I do have is beautiful.
This pink flower is made by Susan. It is the BOM that Pat Sloan is doing this year.
Last year in our group we exchanged cupcake blocks and Patti is the only one who has put hers together.
Patti does fabulous work and since last month she has made these blocks from Beyond the Cherry Tree BOM.
And she has done four more blocks from the book called Hop To It by Edyta Sitar.
New blogger alert! Stephanie found a new blog and shared it with me. It is called Prim Point. The ladies of this blog do coloring with embroidery and they also do applique. They only have a couple posts but the newest one has the cutest elf on it.

Linen Closet Quilts has a picture of the finished applique quilt that I have been working on. It has a swag border which I have never done before so I am looking forward to making one. Thanks Sue for letting me know.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sharing!

I am always touched when I receive little surprises in the mail from my blogging buddies. Cindy was able to attend the Sisters Quilt Show and she sent me a post card from there.
Then the next week I received a little package from Cindy and in it was this panel from the show. Isn't it pretty? hmmm! what shall I make with it? Thanks so much Cindy for thinking of me while you were on your trip. Check out her blog. She has some fabulous photos of the quilt show.
Also within the last 2 weeks Stephanie sent me two little packages. She knows how much I love to check for vintage treasures when I go to antique stores. She sent me all these little button cards which are hard to find. Going through all those cards was like looking at treasure. The cards themselves can be so artistic. Look at those lacy green buttons. So unique.
Stephanie then sent me this sweet little bookmark. It will be used to mark my pages in this newest book I have checked out from our local library. It is a fun read and brings back lots of memories. When was the last time you went to your local library?
Thanks so much for your generosity Stephanie!
Slowly I have gotten a block done from Linen Closet Quilts. I have two more blocks to do. Dawn will be having the quilt setting instructions soon. She also mentioned that she will be starting a new BOM soon.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction. George Lorimer

Wedding Day!

Oh, it was a beautiful wedding. The day started out with thunder and rain until about an hour before the wedding was to start. The young couple made it their own style wedding, some tradition and some special things included in the ceremony. As the mother of the groom I was in charge of the rehearsal dinner. The orange and purple chrysanthemums decorated the tables at a local restaurant. Lots of people signed the yellow strips of fabric for the signature quilt. It has been fun to read them. My goal is to have the quilt done by Christmas.

As the one fabric strip reads,"Best wishes for a long life together, my son and new daughter."

With Passion,

Carrie P.

From Grandma

I just had to show you this quilt that grandma, my mom, made for the cute couple for their wedding which is this Saturday. Look at the detail in the quilting. A cool flower design to match the flower fabric.
I have family coming into town this week, some will be staying with us so I will be back next week after things settle down. It is going to be a very happy time.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

We are told that people stay in love because of chemistry, or because they remain intrigued with each other, because of many kindnesses, because of luck. But part of it has got to be forgiveness and gratefulness.

Ellen Goodman

One Flower Wednesday

Not a flower but I have added five leaves to this flower.
If you have a minute, go by and say hi to Kris, a new blogger since June. She is one of those brave ladies working on a Dear Jane quilt. I really admire all of you that are working on the Jane quilt.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway. Mary Kay Ash

Red And Aqua

Here is my red and aqua disappearing nine patch exchange blocks all made into a very vintage looking quilt. Thanks Jane for letting me play along.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

Colors must fit together as in pieces in a puzzle or cogs in a wheel.

Hans Hofmann

Independence Day!

To all of you who live in the USA let freedom ring and have a great 4th of July weekend.
The winner of the string giveaway is Happy Cottage Quilter. Congratulations!

With Passion,

Carrie P.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. Elmer Davis

All Strings!

As many of you know Stephanie has had a string challenge going on since the first of the year. I joined the group because I had started this quilt last year and wanted to get it finished. I have gotten the top together. I really like it without borders so it will stay this way. I found several leftover bindings so when it is bound it will scrappy too.
For those of you who read my blog regularly you might remember I had mentioned that I was working on a this string project. I said you had to wait until June to see it.
Here it is. All finished. If you are were a participate in the string challenge you have a chance to win this Sweet treat bag and some other things that I added to it. Stephanie has done a great job hosting this challenge and I appreciate all her hard work. Thanks a lot, Stephanie!
If you were not part of the challenge I decided to make a little extra something for my regular readers. So you have a chance to win this string bookkeeper, 1/2 yard of cherry fabric, a lavender sachet, post it notes, and 1 yard of ribbon.
I will announce the winner on July 3rd. Only one rule: You can not be part of the string challenge so I will be checking Stephanie's list.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you will learn how big and precious it is. Maxim Gorky