Drucilla's Stitches

My creation

2012-01-24T05:50:00.001-08:00

My creation, a photo by drucillasstitches on Flickr.

Sewing Creations 2011

Sprocket Pillow

2012-01-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

Loving this bright and colorful pillow I made a few weeks ago. Just getting

around to getting it stuffed and finished today.

Sprocket Pillow

The Pattern can be found at

Allison's Blog

Cluck Cluck Sew

Allison's blog has been an inspiration

for me since I first started blogging and quilting.

She has some wonderful tutorials listed

on her blog and you can purchase her

quilt patterns also.

Catching Up

2011-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

The past few days I have been catching up on sewing my blocks for the Blogger's Block of the Month. It's so much fun watching the color combinations come to life when the block is fully assembled and sewn together. I'm pretty excited....can you tell it's been a while since I've been able to sew for fun!!

If you would like to join in it's not too late. Block number four is posted by Pat Sloan and it's fun and easy to make. I'm working on the second one for this block. For directions for the first three blocks and an overview you can visit Jackie at Canton Village Quiltworks here.

Here is Block Design #4

You can find directions on Pat Sloan's blog here.

She also has some great posts about here UFO's. Wow, and I thought I had a lot of unfinished projects. She will be blogging in January on how to get a handle on those....can't wait to get some help here!!

Here is Block #2 - Designer Vicki Wesh

from Field Trips in Fiber blog

Pretty excited that I made two from this design. My goal is to make

two from each one.

I love how the colors jump out.

Here is Block #1- Designer Sherri at A Quilting Life
You can find the directions for this block here.

During Christmas I had so many things to do
I got behind so
Block #3 is in the works and I hope to have it
finished soon.

Thank you Jackie for hosting this great BOM!!!

New fabric

2011-12-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

Love this new fabric I purchased last week

at one of my favorite quilt shops,

Tennessee Quilts, in Jonesborogh, TN.

On the left is a stocking I'm in the process of making for next year.

Don't you love the old fashioned Santa material.

Enjoyed shopping today with my girls, mother, sister,

and nephews at the mall. Lots of good sales.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last January I began babysitting

for my daughter's best friend's little girl.

She has been such a blessing in our lives

and needless to say, our lives have changed since her arrival.

More time changing diapers, feeding, playing, rocking, etc.

and a little less time for sewing or quilting.

We have been enjoying God's treasures in this

sweet little life God has given us for a short time.

I am looking forward to more quilting this coming year!

I'm still encouraged by all the wonderful inspiration

I find through my blog friends.

Quilt inspiration and also Spiritual Encouragement!!

Thank you all!

Wishing all my friends

a very

Merry Christmas!

God Bless You!

My mother-in-law's Christmas gift finished!

Up close...fabrics are beautiful!

Left to right: my daughter's best friend, DD#2, sweet pea, DD#1, and her boyfriend

Me with sweet pea

Looking forward

2011-11-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Praising God for a Blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends! Fellowship with family as we ate, laughed, and enjoyed being together.

Looking forward to celebrating Christmas as we join Ann at A Holy Experience in An Advent Celebration.

Thank you Ann for this gift of the Jesse Tree Journey.

Enjoyed sewing today and organizing my sewing room, making Christmas To-Do list, and finishing the borders for a quilt for a Christmas gift.

Potato Soup

2011-11-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

We found a recipe for the most

yummy potato soup ever!

Amazingly, it's so easy!

****************

Potato Soup

8-10 med. size potatoes, or enough to fill your crockpot

1 onion

3 to 4 cans chicken broth

Nature's Seasoning

Cream cheese

Garnish: Cheese and bacon bits

1. Peel your potatoes and dice into small pieces.

2. Toss into crock pot with 3 cans chicken broth and add water to cover potatoes

3. Cut onion and add to pot

4. Sprinkle a couple tablespoons of Nature's Seasonings or seasoning of your choice

5. Cook on high all day, at lease 4-5 hours.

6. Add cream cheese cut into little pieces and mix well.

We made this around 10 a.m. and left the house all day.
When we returned the potatoes were cooked.

At this point I transfered the potatoes to a large

pot on my stove and bringing to a boil I added cornstarch water (3-4 tablespoons cornstarch to 4-5 ounces water, stir with fork until smooth)
until thickened.
Turn down on med low and simmer until

cream cheese is melted completely.

Add garnish: cheese and bacon bits

This makes a large pot. We enjoyed leftovers

for lunch the next day and also had enough to take grandma and grandpa.

Super Yummy!!

Source: Pinterest

I'm still learning how to use Pinterest but it's amazing.

Thanks to Jodi at Pleasant Home for the tutorial on her blog!

Fabric Love

2011-10-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

So, I've been admiring these wonderful RUBY layer cakes

for weeks.....

couldn't resist any longer.......last week I ordered them from

Randi at Fresh Squeezed Fabrics!!

Thank you

Randi!!!

Of course I have a plan....

I'm thinking

Christmas!!

LOVE * LOVE * LOVE

This fabric!!!

I've already chose the quilt I will be making and now I'm matching

up the squares, light and dark for the pattern!

Pattern is found in

the Moda Bakeshop

Lap Quilt "In a Jiffy"

by Kari Ramsay

Same pattern i used for

my sister's quilt

I heart layer cakes!!

Celebrate LOVE

2011-10-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

We are big on celebrating birthdays

and FAMILY!!!

"Happy Birthday"

to my nephew.

Praising God for my family

and friends who

God has placed in our life!!

Pure JOY!!

She makes my heart sing!

Gift quilt finished

2011-10-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

My husband decided we should display

the quilt I just finished on our barn.

This quilt was made for my

daughter's best friend who

has been like a daughter to me.

Her mom and I have been friends for years.

She had a precious baby girl

in January and we are IN LOVE with her

as well!

I'm sure you've seen her picture a few times

around my blog.

Seasons

2011-10-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Fall Decorations

12 Gifts of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-10-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Spending the evening visiting some awesome blogs....

enjoying those who posted about

"The Sewing Summit"

Secretly wishing I could have been there!!

While I was browsing I came across this

lovely bit of information!!

Jennifer at Ellison Lane Quilts

is hosting the

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

Eleven talented quilters who will be

sharing tutorials for Christmas gifts as well

as tips and giveaways!!

The first tutorial is given today

by Jennifer......Double Sided Place Mats.

I have been thinking of making

place mats for a while so here's my inspiration!!

I think her tutorial is fantastic.

Very good instructions with pictures!

Blessings

2011-10-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

Bless the Lord, O my soul:

And all that is within me, Bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103: 1-5

Blessings Today

~family~

~God's Word~

~the sound of rain~

~holy spirit speaking to me~

~fall leaves~

Blogger's Quilt Along Block #1

2011-09-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yipeee.....the first block for the

Blogger's Quilt Along is posted

at A Quilting Life.

I've been looking forward to this all weekend!!

So, as soon as I saw it posted I gathered some of my favorite scraps and got to work!

Saturday Spotlight #2

2011-09-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Enjoying our Saturday....beautiful Fall weather!

My favorite time of year

as the leaves change colors and the mountains

become alive with colors of gold, yellow, and rust!

I'm in the middle of making Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

I found the recipe at
A Little Bit Biased Blog!!

Hop over to her blog and you'll find the recipe

with pictures too! She posted it Sept. 1st.
Thanks so much Amy for sharing your recipe!

Can't wait to share these with my family!

I've peeled potatoes and will be making
one of our favorite foods....
homemade potatoe salad, just like
my grandma made with lots of mustard and pickles!!
Yummy!

Sweet Pea

fascinated with a leave

we picked from a tree in the yard!

Blogger BOM Quilt Along

2011-09-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

How would you like to join an awesome FREE BOM Quilt Along?

Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works is hosting the BOM Quilt Along with quite an impressive list of designer's who will be contributing each month to the quilt along.
For the list of designers and all the details hop on over to her blog and take a look.

Our family had a great time this

weekend on our "End of Summer"

camping trip.

We took a little hike and this was the

beautiful view!!

Saturday Spotlight

2011-09-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Major Free Motion

going on today!!

It's no secret I love visiting all the wonderful blogs here in blogland more than posting on my own blog. There seems to never be enough time in the day for me to blog, at least when my brain is working enough to get out complete sentences to share with you.

So, when I can find the time
I'd like to have

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

to share some of my favorite

inspirational blogs with you.

My latest inspiration is found on

Oh Fransson's Blog

with so much encouragement and helpful information that I just had to share with you today.

I love piecing my quilts but like a lot of others I really don't enjoy the quilting process, only the finished quilt. I was quilting, free motion or stippling to be exact, and once again had my bobbin threads to loosen and give me grief....grrrrrrr!!

I thought I would once again do some research on the web to help out. Lucky for me I found a wonderful tutorial which can be downloaded at Amy's blog. I went back to my machine and tried some of her suggestions for free motion quilting and had much better results. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and encouragement.

Also, take a look at Amy's Scalloped Dresden Bag FREE pattern over at During Quiet Time.

Scroll down to her August 30th post where she shares about being in the spotlight at Kristie's blog, OCD: Obsessive Crafting Disorder.
Thank you Amy for sharing your pattern for this adorable bag. I can't wait to make one.
In Color Order
Last but not least is Jeni's colorful blog, In Color Order, with an amazing selection of links for inspiration and helpful hints on everything from selecting
fabric to why certain colors blend well together. SO much to process at one time, you will definitely visit her blog more than once.

Have a great weekend my friends!!

Circle Quilt

2011-08-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our family has been enjoying this wonderful weather here in East TN. Warm days and cool mornings and evenings. Such a nice change from the heat we've had in the past few weeks.
We have jumped into school full swing and everyone around here is busy as usual.

Our youngest daughter (second from the right)

with her friends

Our oldest daughter with her boyfriend

I've finished my circle quilt and have taken a few pictures before sending it to it's new home with a sweet little six year old girl named Amber who is part of our church family.
On July 18th Amber sat playing in her driveway. As she was playing she was hit and dragged 13 feet by a car. God was watching over Amber during this tragic accident as she has undergone seven surgeries for her injuries and is recovering very well. Please pray for her continued healing as she is still having therapy and walking with a walker. She hopes to be back in school in a few months. Praise God for His protection and healing!!

Written on the back is

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Along with the names of most

of the children in our

church.

I just LOVE making things for other people!!

Especially quilts!!

Family Mosaic

2011-07-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Noble Wife book giveaway

2011-07-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

God has been so good to fill my life with precious

friends who bless me beyond measure. Women of God who live a life

that is pleasing to the Lord ....women who are examples

of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your Word!

During difficult times in our lives God knows

what we need....even when we don't know what the next

hour holds.

Praising God today for His

Word !!

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me.....

to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,

the garment of praise for the

spirit of heaviness."

Isaiah 6:1,3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm excited to share with you

that

Jacquelynne

"The Noble Wife"

is having a fantastic giveaway

on her blog for her

new book, "Fruitful Hands".

A beautiful book filled with her very own amazing

artwork, quilting projects, recipes,

and more!

Oh, how I would love to win!

Go over and congratulate her

and take a sneak peak of her book!

Have a Blessed Day!

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-04T05:19:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall

make you free. John 8:32

Family Reunion and hand quilting

2011-07-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

We attended a

Family reunion picnic over the weekend

on my mother's side of the family.

It was great to visit with

cousins, aunts, and uncles that I grew up

with. Everyone has their own children and grandchildren

now and we hardly see each other.

Just a few photos of the day

My uncle has beautiful chickens

Just chillin after lunch

Quilting

Last week I took a few hours and pinned together this quilt

I actually started stippling and decided to rip out the stitches and

hand stitch at the last minute. Stippling really stresses me out.....hand

stitching takes me longer but it's so relaxing.

Waterfall

2011-06-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying our summer and staying very busy.

I took this picture when we camped a few weeks ago

as we hiked to the falls.

So much to do....Praise God for a wonderful summer

with my family.

Baby birds

2011-05-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the beautiful weather and working around the house the past few weeks. Mulching, cleaning, and also finishing up our school year. This is a very busy month for everyone I know.
Praise God for simple and quiet days. The weather has cooled down and lots of rain.
Just take a look at what we've been watching the past few weeks.

Mama bird watching over her babies last week......

we could barely see their little heads and beaks pop

up over the nest.....

now look how big they've got!

She's pushing them closer to the edge....

i'm sure it's almost time for

them to leave the nest. Oh, I hate to see

them go.

My beautiful hanging basket....... my Mother's Day gift

Have a Blessed week my friends~

Tina

Best Ever Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

2011-04-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Last week I came across this wonderful recipe for brownies
at Mrs. June Feuntes' blog,
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.
Thank you for sharing these with us June!!

Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

For the Brownies:

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cup powdered sugar
2-3 teaspoons milk

For the Ganache Topping:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 by 13 inch metal baking pan. Put a long piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan, letting the parchment extend up two sides of the pan and overhang slightly on both ends. (This will make it easy to remove the bars from the pan after they have baked.) Butter the parchment.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and add the sugar; stir to combine. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Mix in cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add flour and stir until just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a cooling rack.
While the brownies are cooling, make the peanut butter filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the ingredients and beat until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to make it spreadable. Spread in an even layer over the brownies. Place in the refrigerator until filling is set, about 30 minutes.
While the filling is setting, make the ganache, combine the ingredients in a double boiler or in a microwave safe bowl. Melt together and combine. Pour the ganache over the top and spread gently. Return to the fridge until set.

I made these today and they

are most definitely the best

brownies ever!! If you like the

chocolate and peanut butter

combination these will be a favorite!

Spring Fever

2011-04-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

The weather this weekend was gorgeous! Sunshine and mid 80's on Saturday was so nice. We worked in the yard all morning pulling weeds and adding new mulch to the landscaping. I was so excited to find hanging ferns on sale when I went to pick up the mulch. I love ferns....now if I can only care for them so they will live. I don't have the green thumb my grandma had, that's for sure.

raining and winds today blowing my fern

our azalea bush is blooming

Last week I started making a purse

and finally finished it today.

Simplicity Pattern #2551

Monday Blessings

2011-04-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness.....the sunshine is streaming through the windows and I'm loving it!!! The weatherman
has forecast for high winds and rain this evening so i plan to enjoy this gorgeous sun while I can!!!

We had a wonderful weekend!!

Sharing a few more Monday Blessings today.

(#11 - #25)

*Warm days....Spring is here

*Family is well from sickness

*the youth in our church

*My mother-in-law

*Receiving beautiful heartfelt cards in the mail

*the touch of the Holy Spirit

*Songs that Praise the Lord Jesus

*God's provision financially

*to see my girls show love and compassion for others

*clean house over the weekend

*dinner with my mom and sister

*Sunday dinner with my inlaws

*making homemade cards for loved ones

*finding stashed away treasures....reminders of God's Love

*good local honey for our allergies

Tina

Spring Inspiration

2011-04-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Spring.

It won't be long before I see these beautiful mini rose
bushes outside my window again!!

I've been surfing so many lovely blog this morning.

I've been looking for a pattern for a cute bunny to

make for Easter and came across the Red Brolly blog.

Take a look at a lovely little pattern Bronwyn Hayes has posted on her blog,

Red Brolly!! So cute.

Thank you Bronwyn for sharing your

stitchery love with us!

Little Miss Shabby has posted Birdie Stitches Block #4....yeah!!

I'm cooking now!

2011-03-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Making homemade Made Granola Bars today.....yummy!

Also. I love this recipe for

Chicken Enchiladas....very easy and delicious.

Chicken Enchiladas

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can chopped green chilies drained

8 flour tortilla shells

Vegetable cooking spray

1 (8 oz.) container sour cream

1 can enchilada sauce

Toppings: diced tomato, olives, avocado and enchilada sauce

Stir together the first 5 ingredients.

Spoon chicken mixture evenly

over each tortilla and roll up.

Arrange in a lightly greased 13x9-inch pan.

Drizzle enchilada sauce over the stuffed shells, as much as you prefer.

Sprinkle with extra cheese!!

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Sprinkle toppings of your choice.

We like adding extra enchilada sauce or even taco sauce.

A Mountain Quiltfest, Pigeon Forge, TN

2011-03-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge, TN was awesome!!

My husband and I drove down for the day and I had a wonderful time looking at all the quit goodies and the quilts on display.

Here are a few of my favoirtes.

"To Grandma's House We Go"

by Patsy Caraway

Morganton, NC

***********************

"Grandmother's Country Album"

by Sandy Poehler

Dandridge, TN

********************

"13 Year President's Quilt"

by Camelia Elliott and friends

This quilt took 13 years to make, quilted by

the senior center in Amarillo, TX

Close up of the details

As I stood admiring this quilt I overheard a couple

of ladies next to me talking about how this

quilt reminded them of when they were little

girls and this quilt reminded them of their grandmother

sitting around with family and friends quilting.

My, how times have changed in just a couple

of generations past!!

My first ever Dresden Plate

2011-03-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

My first ever Dresden Plate Block

made from Moda's Charlevoix

Charm Pack

I had trouble with making the circle......it's not very....
well.....CIRCULAR!! HA!
Tried this at least three times and it's still
not very good.
Any ideas?????

Close up

The colors are so bright.....reminding

me of Spring!!

Birthday Goodies

2011-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sharing some of my Birthday Goodies!!

Yummy Cookie Cake from my sweet family!!

My sweet mother-in-law brought me a card

with $$$$ and this little sweet

potato vine inside a beautiful cup

that was her mothers.....how sweet!!!

She collects dishes and cups and she wanted me to

have this one.

I was so excited when I opened this gift!!!!

I drooled over the gorgeous bags a few weeks ago........ and my

daughters remembered!

This lovely little tool that I absolutely adore!!!

~From my sweet husband~

I ordered

The Dresden Plate tool and fabric

and it came

yesterday and I couldn't resist cutting into this

beautiful fabric.

So much fun sewing these cuties together!!!

Just One Star

2011-03-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

I've joined the Moda Challenge, Just One Star to help make quilts for our soldiers who are injured in the line of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I love making these stars....they're so much fun!
For the pattern and directions
You can join here!

Quilt Display

2011-03-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

My three favorite quilts

hanging from the

beautiful quilt rack

my husband made

for me.

From left to right:

1. Log cabin quilt made by my daughter when she was around 10 yo

2. Second in line is also made by my daughter around the same time, Scrappy

Quilt we made together during our first quilt class.

3. Last, this is the Pinwheel Sampler that took me so long to finish. The blocks are gorgeous

but I wasn't too happy with the quilting. I did the stippling on my machine. The front

looks good but I wasn't too happy with the stitching on the back.

Standing on His Promises

2011-03-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

The morning is warm....unusually warm for this time of year. As I made an early morning trip to the grocery my windows were rolled down. By the time I made it home and had started our day it began to rain. More rain.... by noon it began to storm. Thunder, high winds, lightning....yikes!

Cozy and snug inside our warm home I was watching the terrible storms outside our window. Thanking God for a nice warm home....a refuge from the storm outside. Earlier the news had given a tornado watch for our area but I was so busy with my plans that I hadn't gave it much thought. Until the wind and rain whirled outside. Thankfully the storm subsided by late afternoon. The creek across from our house is loudly bustling with rocks today from the rain....but the SUN is shining so brightly today! What a glorious sight!

Lately there have been a few storms that have came up in my life similar to the storm yesterday.

One day life is calm....then out of nowhere come those situations that cause our lives to be turned upside down.

Today I'm praising God for is protection, guidance, and peace He gives during these times.

I must PURPOSE in my heart daily to BELIEVE GOD!!

Standing on His PROMISES!

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength,

in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me

from violence. I will call upon the Lord who

is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved

from my enemies."

2 Samuel 22:2

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm so Thankful for.....

*our family's health

*the sunshine today

*new beginnings

*my dishwasher

*loving husband

*my precious daughters

Most of all

*God's Amazing Love*

for me.....and YOU~~

"Happy Valentine's Day

my friends!!"

Catching up

2011-02-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have been very busy around here. My dad had a stroke a few weeks ago and we have been keeping a close eye on him. He is doing very well....praise the Lord!
Another change....we are babysitting for a dear friend....we are in love!! Diapers, bottles, much cuddling and rocking....pure joy!

Amazing Blessings

In between all the business I've been finishing some projects and of course making a few purchases for new projects since we have a baby now!
God has been so good....faithful.....loving.....and my ROCK!!

Sewing the blocks together for the Circle Quilt

Working on this adorable little wall hanging

I found over at Comfort Stitching....by Aneela Hoey,

isn't she just the cutest!!
You can find the tutorial for
"Girl on a tree Swing" at her blog listed above!!
Thank you Miss Aneela for sharing her!!

Enjoying Winter Time

2011-01-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

The past few days we've had snow.....and more snow!

I thought I'd share a few pictures from our part of the world.

Icicles hanging over the roof of our deck.....beautiful

We were bored inside so.....while outside we decided

to build a snowman!

Theme for 2011

2011-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

The view from my window today

The past few days I've been thinking about choosing a word or theme for the new year. This year has been one filled with many changes for our family. Although change can be difficult we are growing and learning during the process. As we continue to face changes I am faced with challenges this year. So, to start off the New Year of 2011 my word choice is WISDOM.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk upright; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints." Proverbs 2: 6-8

I'm praying for wisdom in many areas of my life but the main area which clearly needs addressing at the moment is wisdom and strength to be more wise in the use of our finances. Some areas which need addressing NOW are planning ahead. We will begin with menu planning and grocery shopping. There are some pretty awesome blogs that have been very helpful as I've began this journey.

It takes a lot more time and energy but I'm sure by using wisdom and discernment this will be worth the time and energy! God is good and He will give me all that I need to help our family during this time.

Red Velvet Cake

2010-12-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

Planning to make this

scrumptious Red Velvet Cake

tomorrow!!

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my blog friends

a very Merry Christmas!!

From our family

to yours!!

Favorite Christmas Candy

2010-12-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite

Christmas Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients needed:
2 sticks butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups graham crackers (We use whole graham crackers and crush them up)
1 box powdered sugar (4 cups)
1/2 peanut butter (Jiff, creamy or crunch depending which you prefer)
1/2 cup nuts (optional, my girls don't like nuts)
1 tsp. vanilla

Chocolate for Dipping: We use Wilton's Chocolate Discs or just any chocolate you prefer in a double boiler. Which in my case is just a large pot filled with water with another pot that will fit down into the bottom pot without touching the water. I really plan to buy a DOUBLE BOILER this year!!

The butter should be soft, if not soft enough microwave for only a FEW SECONDS, DO NOT MELT! The mixture will be too runny.
Crush your graham crackers in a plastic baggie, we sometimes use recycled bread bags!
Mix your crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, soft butter, and peanut butter. Add vanilla. MIX WELL!
Pinch off and roll into balls. Place the balls on a cookie sheet until they are all rolled out.
Place in the refrigerator to cool, they will be much easier to dip when cold.

DIPPING

I've learned that there are a few tricks when dipping my candy.

First, set a piece of wax paper or foil on the counter to place your candy after it's been

dipped.

Next, only take out a plate full at a time from the refrigerator, they become

soft after setting out. Much easier to dip if they are cold.

Place the water in the bottom pot, add chocolate to the top pot and bring water to a boil.

When it begins to boil stir until melted, then remove from heat!

Begin dipping the chocolate with a SPOON to cover the balls, pretzels, pecans, or whatever you

are dipping, then take a FORK and gently tap on the side of the pot to remove any

access chocolate, this way you aren't wasting any of that yummy

chocolate.

Here are the peanut butter balls

before the dipping

The actual dipping process in action!!

They look a little messy here but when
the chocolate dries they are beautiful
inside a cute little Christmas container.

Tea Cakes

These are SUPER EASY and great
for Christmas gifts!

Turn oven to 400 degrees.
Cream together 1 cup SOFT butter or margarine
1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix 2 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 tsp. salt
Add this to the cream mixture.
Add in 3/4 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
Mix well and roll into a ball. Cover with wax paper and chill
for at least 1 hour.
Remove from refrigerator and pinch and roll
into 1 inch balls.
Bake 10 - 12 minutes and roll into powdered sugar.
Roll again when cool!!
Voila, You're done!
How easy is that!!

Baking and Shopping!!

2010-12-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Just checking in to say hello to my blogger friends!!

"Merry Christmas"

We have been very busy shopping today in FREEZING weather!!

Of course we've made time for our

tradition of making PEANUT BUTTER BALLS just like

my grandmother did each year when I was growing up!!

Holly Jolly Blog Bingo

2010-12-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

In Stitches is having their 2nd Annual Holly Jolly Blog Bingo!!
Go over and Join in the Fun!!

Let The Fun Begin!!

Christmas Tree

2010-12-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

My girls love decorating the Christmas tree just as much today

as they did when they were little. It's become our family

tradition to begin the decorating a few days after

Thanksgiving. We love the old fashioned look with

country ornaments, along with a few handmade and several from

when the girls were little.

It's even beginning to feel like Christmas here in

East Tennessee with snow today!! Flurries here and there all

day today with winds and temperatures in the 30's.

Yes, it definitely feels like Christmas!!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends

2010-11-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

We are so very blessed this Thanksgiving Season!! Praising God for our family, health, friends, home, and so many little blessings we sometimes take for granted.

Catching up on some unfinished sewing projects today!

Our First "Thirty One Party"

2010-11-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

My daughter has recently became a Thirty One Consultant and we had our

first party a couple weeks ago.

I love this company!!

The name of the company is derived from

Proverbs 31 in the Bible.
Here are a few pics I wanted to share.

This little cutie measures 9 1/2 X 12 1/2
and is free this month with any $31 order!!
Totally awesome!!
Embroidery is extra.

Pocketbooks, skirt pocketbooks, small totes, large

totes, overnight bags, messenger bags, storage containers....

you name it, they have it!! Look how nice my photo albums fit
in the tote beside my piano!! Love that!
If you would like, you can
place an order on my daughter's website here.

Quilting Tutorials

2010-11-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's always handy to have everything in one place! Thanks to Allison over at Cluck Cluck Sew, we now have some fabulous tutorials all listed in one neat place!! She also has a handy little button to add to your own blog.
Thank you so much Allison for taking the time to put this together!!

Sunday Scripture Blessing

2010-11-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

"For you are my lamp, O Lord:

The Lord shall enlighten my darkness.

For by You I can run against a troop:

By my God I can leap over a wall.

As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the Lord is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him."

2 Samuel 22:29-31

Christmas Gifts

2010-11-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

We've been busy making up some gifts for Christmas.
I love making these adorable little zipper pouches.

Mending

2010-10-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Mending my favorite quilt in the whole wide world.

My grandmother made this for me....pieced and quilted by hand!

When I was first married we used this quilt for a bedspread and it has a bit of wear on the binding.

It's raining today..... so we may not see

many more scenes like these.

Pattern Giveaway

2010-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Randi over at i have to say is having another fabulous giveaway!! An adorable jacket pattern kit. Give her a visit and take a look at all the lovely fabrics in her etsy shop while you're there!

Check out the awesome make-up bag tutorial over at Noodleheads blog too!! I love making small projects and this one is great. Step by step instructions with pictures, how great is that! Great gifts for the holidays, which is right around the corner girls.

We have been very packing. My mother has sold her house and she will be moving in with us for now. We are excited for this new adventure and look forward to having her with us. God does great and mighty things when we least expect it!!

I will leave you with a cute picture of "Packing Day."

Grandchildren Bubble wrapping mamaw

A Drive in the Country

2010-10-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day for a family drive in the country.

Beautiful scenery on those winding country roads.

The leaves are just beginning to turn colors.

Back to our crazy hectic schedules tomorrow!

Have a great Monday!!

Pinwheel Pinning

2010-10-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Finally.....pinning my Pinwheel Sampler!!!

Also.....the finished candle mat

My daughter's artwork....fall is in the air.

Scraps

2010-10-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Using my scraps to make this cute little mat that I found here

on the quilting gallery.

Although you can't see it very well I've hand stitched

this one to give it a more handmade look.

Here, I'm adding the binding.

First Day of Fall

2010-09-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. Too bad it's so short. Among the things I love the most are: cooler weather with beautiful clear skies, watching the leaves and trees change colors, Thanksgiving, baking and cooking once again.

I've started making pumpkin rolls early this year since I had such a great interest last year.

I've been busy with homeschooling and taking care of my home and

making time to sew with friends this week. We truly have to MAKE time to

spend with loved ones and friends, it doesn't just happen!!

We've been making some of the cutest little zipper pouches ever.

I loved them so much I've given them all away as soon as they were made

and have no picture to show.

but......you can find a gorgeous picture at the "Make it Perfect" blog, along

with some wonderful

directions with pictures.

Sunday Sonlight

2010-08-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Praise God for Sundays!!
The day we rise early to get ready for Sunday School and Church services. A day of no work unless absolutely necessary. Visiting family and friends. Enjoying God's awesome creation. Fellowship, worship, instruction, healing, praise, and so much more when we GIVE GOD this day!!

"And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top tothe bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." Matthew 27:51 -53

Praise God for that access to God we were granted, through Jesus Christ!!
Jesus paid the price for our sin and through faith in Him we can enter with full assurance, knowing we have been cleansed for our iniquities. We can hold fast to God's promises, knowing he can be trusted, encouraging one another in love and good deeds.

The reality that we have been sanctified by the blood of Jesus and declared holy before God should motivate us to draw nearer to God. As we spend more time with Him, living a life pleasing to Him, we become increasingly like Him. God changes us from the inside out when we yield to His Spirit.

Pinwheel Sampler

2010-08-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

We are finally settling into school and our daily routine once again around our home. The weather is absolutely gorgeous with blue skies and warm days.

Yes, the past two weeks I've gradually found my way into my little sewing room and wadded through the unfinished projects.

First, I just had to make a cute little baby bib for a shower gift.

Next, I tackled the piecing for the blocks in the Pinwheel Sampler.

We've been enjoying the abundance of fresh fruit like peaches and blueberries!!

Making pies, jellies, and freezer jam....yummy!!

Enjoyed a little day trip on the Blueridge Parkway....beautiful scenery!!

I'm back......finally

2010-07-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, it sure has been a while since I've posted here. Our family has experienced sickness and the death of my grandmother and stepfather over the past few weeks.
My grandmother was 87 years old and ready to go home.
My stepfather was diagnosed with stage four pancriatic cancer the first of June. We were amazed how fast his health declined and finally God was gracious and took him home.
Amazing how fast the summer has flown by since we have been so busy with helping care for our family members. I have done absolutely no sewing since I haven't been home very much lately. Barely enough time to harvest our small garden of squash, green beans, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. I canned tomatoes yesterday and picked a few beans last night.
God has been with us and given us strength and grace the last few weeks. We have been able to show His love during this sad time.
I'm looking forward to spending more time at home and doing a bit of quilting soon.
Look forward to visiting your blog.

Strawberry Cake

2010-06-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Next week is our VBS at church and I'm teaching the Junior girls. I've been looking for

a craft for this age and came across a super neat blog, Pink Paper Peppermints. She has the cutest

fabric flower tutorial. I'm gonna run and try

making this while you take a look at this awesome blog!!

Also, my youngest daughter and I made

Pioneer Woman's recipe for

Strawberry Shortcake Cake yesterday!!

Needless to say, it was a big hit!!

We took it to my sister's for dinner and everyone loved it.

Before the icing....i love the old fashioned look!!

Oh, my, now look how delicious this looks!!

Growing Cabbages

2010-06-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

My little garden is growing fast. It seems the weeds

grow as quick as I pick them.

Here is a picture of the cabbage. I'm looking

forward to making saurkraut as soon

as it's ready to harvest.

Tomatoes are getting taller each day with blooms. I'm really

excited to see how they do this year. Last year

my tomatoes were terrible....ugly, deformed and didn't get

very big. My mother-n-law says

it was the blight.

Have a great day!

44th Street Fabric

2010-06-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, I would really love to win
the giveaway at

44th Street Fabric!!

Don't go there!!

Amazingly beautiful fabric from Moda.

That's all I'm saying.

Prairie Flower Farm Anniversary!!

2010-06-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends

Linda over at Prairie Flower Farm

is having a wonderful giveaway to celebrate

her one year blogaversary!!

Hop on over an give her a visit!

Family Campout 2010

2010-06-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's become a tradition to have a family campout Memorial Weekend. Lots of hard work packing, planning, loading, popping up the camper.....but it's great fun when we finally get settled in and have a campfire with roasted wieners, marshmallows and grilled burgers. Everyone wants some of our famous Cherry Dump Cake fixed in the Dutch oven....yummy! Oh, and for you campers, if you ever use a Dutch oven, you just have to check out the liners they make for cooking, they are fabulous! No mess afterward, we didn't even need to wash and scrub the oven, how easy is that!!

Thanking God for a wonderful family

and good times together!!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2010-05-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you Amy for organizing the Spring Quilt Festival!!

My first "Layer Cake"
quilt for my sister for her birthday.

I loved making this quilt....so much easier

since all the colors are already coordinated.

Click on the link to the right to visit all
those who are participating in the
Spring Quilt Festival
2010!!

Mother's Day Flowers

2010-05-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I showed you the HST block as I was sewing and cutting. This is the block when they are all placed together.

Recently I purchased a little something that has helped me tremendously

with marking these little babies........

Love, Love, Love, this tool!!!

The Sewline Fabric pencil

I'm sure you can find this in any quilt store. I found mine at a

quilt show we attended a while back.

Fabulous for marking the HST blocks!!

My tiny rosebush in my little

flower garden

Beautiful Geranium my nephew

got me for mother's day.

I'm trying out my photography skills here

as I take a close-up.

Hanging Baskets from my two sweet girls

for Mother's Day.

Cabinet Man

2010-05-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

My husband is know as the "Cabinet Man" around here. Yes, he's a pretty awesome cabinet maker. He's very humble and never brags but I wanted to post a few pictures of the cabinets he's just finished on the last job. Gorgeous, don't you think?

My sewing room

2010-05-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures from my sewing Room

1 - My new layout wall with inexpensive flannel

2 - Half square triangles cut and ready to sew into pinwheel blocks

3 - My new Rowenta iron

4 - My messy cutting table with squares

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Wishing all of you a Happy Mother's Day!!

"When she speaks, her words are

wise, and kindness is the rule for

everything she says."

Proverbs 31:26

Praising God for my two precious girls!!

I love you!!

How thankful I am that God blessed me with two sweet girls!

You have both been such a blessing to me and your dad!!

Gardening

2010-05-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Creative Connection

2010-04-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Creative Connection is having a fantastic give-away!!!
Amy Barrickman, owner of Indygo Junction is donating a fat quarter bundle (18 different coordinates) by Red Rooster Fabrics which is gorgeous, along with a signed copy of The Sew-It Book.
Oh, I would love to win this beautiful collection!

We are working diligently to finish school for the year and move on to more exciting summer activities like gardening and reading some fun books!

Today I planted oregano, thyme, and lavender to my little collection of herbs. I've only planted a few here in the house and look forward to planting some in the garden.

Working on cleaning my house today, laundry and dinner plans. Whew, that's enough for one day!

Monkey Bread

2010-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Monkey Bread

This is one of our favorite snacks, especially when we go camping.

So fast and easy to make!

Ingredients:

3 cans refrigerated biscuits

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

Using kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit piece into 4 pieces

Drop pieces into 1 cup sugar and teaspoons cinnamon. Drop sugar coated

pieces into buttered bundt or tube pan.

Put 1/2 cup of the left-over sugar/cinnamon mix and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1 cup

butter into a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil, remove from heat immediately and drizzle over

sugar coated biscuit pieces.

Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Cool slightly in an upright position, then tip pan onto a plate and

remove monkey pull-apart bread.

YUMMY!!! ENJOY!

My finished Day Tripper Bag

The colors are gorgeous, the picture doesn't do

it justice. Lighting in the house was terrible when I took

the picture.

Last but not least, I wanted to share my latest purchase for my quilting/sewing stash.

I found these wonderful little needles which is supposed to be wonderful for

stippling on my machine. I thought the packaging was so cute!!

My Favorite Soup

2010-04-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Easy Cheesy Potato Soup

With the weather a bit rainy and cool I thought today would be a good

day for my easy cheesy potato soup. We love this soup with

those easy freezer rolls you can pop out of the freezer and bake while

still frozen. How easy is that?!!!

Ingredients :

1 Box Augratin Potatoes

1 lb. Velveeta Cheese

1 can corn or 1 cup freezer corn

3 cups water and cheese mix from box

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

1 onion chopped

2 to 3 cups milk

1. Bring 3 cups water to boil, cook potatoes until tender.

2. When potatoes are cooked place in crock-pot adding cheese mixture, stir

3. Cut the Velveeta cheese in cubes and add to potatoes

4. Add corn, onions, and 2-3 cups milk,

Cook 2 to 3 hours, STIRRING OCCASSIONALLY.

I add the tomatoes last, about 5-10 minutes before serving. In the past when I added it with the rest of the ingredients my soup came out kinda lumpy and curdled. This has helped and the soup is thick and creamy.

Recipe Blog

2010-04-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I was browsing the internet for a recipe and came across Cooking During Stolen Moments, an awesome blog with wonderful recipes and more!
I remembered making some type of muffin egg biscuits and found the perfect recipe here on this blog called, Bacon Cheese and Egg Biscuit Cups. They are delicious and very easy to make! Wow, I could spend all day looking at these amazing recipes. Hope you enjoy.

Let the Sunshine In

2010-03-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous weather today....... I've opened the doors and windows to let the breeze blow in!
Today I've been busy re-potting some houseplants and also took a little time to work in the yard for a few minutes. I love being outside on these beautiful days. The sun feels so refreshing!

The past few days I've got quite a bit of sewing accomplished with the blocks for the Pinwheel Sampler. I'm having issues with my camera and the computer so I won't be able to show you the blocks until I get it resolved.
They are fun to make and have actually helped me to have more patience with the sewing of the blocks to assure perfect quarter inch seams and square blocks. Sometimes I have a bad habit of rushing.......not a good thing.

Looking forward to dying Easter Eggs this weekend! My girls still enjoy doing this together when we can.
We still hide Easter eggs too! We will enjoy time with family this weekend after church on Sunday.

Oh, and my blogger friend Randi, over at i have to say..... is having a fantabulous giveaway!!
All the fabric and patterns are 20% off and the giveaway is a super $50 Gift Certificate to her shop!!
I would love to win any of her gorgeous fabric or patterns from her etsy shop. Take a look!

Pinwheel Sampler Blocks

2010-03-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

Love making these cute little pinwheel blocks! I found a great tutorial over at ps i quilt's blog! You will want to grab a button to post on your blog and join in her Pinwheel Sampler quilt she's making.

Practice blocks with orange scrap fabric below

This is the block with my new Moda layer cake fabric

Spring Break

2010-03-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air! Oh, I'm sure we will have at least one more good snow, LOL! But it won't be long now, the birds are singing each morning outside my window and so I can look forward to sunshine days very soon!
I'm one of those people who "thrive" on sunshine. Seriously, I get depressed and feeling so very emotional during the winter months. Yeah, Praise the Lord for that beautiful sunshine.
Hubby is having coffee and relaxing while we shop in a cute little shop with a million Vera Bradley bags!
My girls love em!!

Last week we took a little trip to get away for a few days for Spring Break. Enjoyed time together with my precious family with a little shopping, eating ,reading, and just plain old doing "nothin", except relaxing in the pool at the motel.I took a picture of the gorgeous snow-covered mountains in the background where we were shopping.
Of course I did visit my two favorite Quilt shops while we were there too. More pictures later of what I found there.

Love that Bag

2010-02-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

I can see from browsing many quilt blogs that I am not alone in my love for quilt magazines. I love to look through them but I will not usually spend the money to purchase unless there are at least three things I think I may make. The latest issue of Quilt has many patterns that I would love to add to my growing "To Do" list for quilting. However, the Daytripper bag was the one that caught my eye and I knew it would be the first one I made.

My friend Sarah and I have tried to get together at least once a month to work on sewing/quilting projects. Sarah is new to quilting but has been sewing for quite a long time. Needless to say, she is very good. Quite the seamstress.

She is so excited about quilting and reminds me of myself when I first started.

Yesterday we embarked upon our newest project, the Daytripper bag!

Here we have our fabric cut and ready to begin

OK, the pictures are out of order....Cutting the pieces.

Quilting the pieces before sewing.

Having a little tea while I sew today by myself.

My daughter's newest project, isn't it pretty?

This is Wonky Log Cabin blocks I made combined with some stitchery ...

which made a nice wall

hanging for my bedroom.

Saturday Stitchin

2010-02-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

There are so many different paths to follow when quilting it's sometimes difficult which to choose. Of course having easy access to all the wonderful blogs out there makes it even more enticing to try different styles and methods of quilting.

I dearly love stitchery and today I came across the most lovely blog by Paula at Quilt Happy, Quilt Often. Paula is so very generous to offer her lovely patterns for those who love stitchery. Thank you so much sweet Paula, we love your beautiful work! The latest is called Love Is.... and I can't wait to start!

Another generous and loving person is Randi at i have to say. Randi's blog is always encouraging and uplifting. It doesn't take long to see she has a servant's heart. She's put together a sewing ministry for helping those in need in Haiti called Sewing Seeds for Haiti and an awesome detailed tutorial quilt along that's just fantastic for beginners as well as seasoned quilters.

Have a Happy Weekend!!

Chicky Block

2010-02-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

My first finished 2010 quilt.....pieced and ready
for some stippling. Not my favorite part of
quilting but that's what makes it a quilt, right??

Note to self: Get over it! Just do the next thing....... as

Elizabeth Elliott said so many
times!! LOL!

I love applique!!

I found a pattern for the cute little chicks and just

couldn't resist making a block. I'm looking for a baby quilt idea and

this may just be my answer.
The photo doesn't show very well but it's appliqued
with a machine blanket stitch.

We are looking for more snow here in our neck of the woods tonight! Yikes....

I'm ready for some sunshine!

Looking forward to "Girl's Night Out"

with my mom, sis, and my own sweet girls!!

Yahoo, we are going to the movies to see "Dear John."

Ok, who's bringing the Kleenex girls?