Let's Try This Again.....

So much for my day of sewing therapy. We were so lucky on Tuesday....the loss of power lasted maybe a total of 3 hours. Yesterday I was working away in the sewing room then long about noon lights flicker once then BAM! Power out! So.....what to do. Ok put on the work-out gear and head outside. While the phone is charging in the truck I get my workout on by walking to the mailbox and packing in wood for the fireplace. All the while hoping the power would be back on by the time I got done.

No such luck.

So......back inside...making the necessary adjustments to the fireplace (we don't have a typical fireplace) and break out the reading material and handwork. And that is what I'm sharing with you in the photos below....
FOLK magazine...I took advantage of their subscription special they had first of the year. I received my first copy a couple weeks ago....and I like what I'm seeing and reading so far!
Then there's my handwork....I managed to get some split nine-patch blocks sewn together before losing power so got that sandwiched together to start hand quilting. As you can see I am NOT a quilter....my stitches can still be a little wonky. That's why I like these smaller projects.......they're great practice for a larger project in the future.
So.....read and stitch and a few chores that wouldn't require power...I think I even caught a 15 minute nap in there somewhere. Finally at 8:00 last night I packed up Lucy and Salem and went home with my son. Got back home early this morning and thank goodness the power is back!  Let's hope it's on to stay! Being snowed in doesn't bother me and being without power during the day doesn't really bother me as there is plenty to keep me busy....but once the sun goes down I'm at a standstill.
We are sure spoiled by all of our modern conveniences aren't we....well, I know I am!
Well, it's time I get busy....need to make up for yesterday! I think I might even do some baking today...there's a couple of neighbors I need to bake thank-you's  for blading snow and setting out hay for the horses! A small token in comparison.
Hope you are staying warm and have power.....Enjoy your day!

Out My Backdoor.....

This is what it looks like in my little corner of the world....
It's snowing again and will be off and on today with another 1"-3" accummulation so I am staying put.
It's been a very emotional and exhausting couple of weeks and today I think I'm going to spend the day in my sewing room for some much needed sewing therapy.

In Memory...

This photo was taken this past November. This gathering was a celebration of my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. Dad surprised Mom by asking her to marry him again and of course she said yes! It was beautiful!
A few weeks later, Mom went to the hospital and without going into all the details, the doctors told us that if there was something she wanted to do and she felt up for it then do it. At years end she decided she felt good enough and wanted to go bad enough to go to their winter home in Donna, TX. Sadly she spent more time in the hospital and a rehab facility than spending it playing train and going out to dinner with their friends. The decision was made to bring her home but it had to be by ambulance and she had to go to a nursing home. They arrived home last Friday and no sooner got her to her room that they sent her to the hospital. It has been a very sad week. Mom gave up her fight Monday evening.... as much as I wish that she could be with us forever, she was a very sick woman for a long time and how selfish would it be of me to want to keep her here forever in that state. She is now pain free and at peace.
I was SO BLESSED to have her not only as my mother-in-law but as a friend and I will miss her so much.

What I've Been Workin' On...

...and a few other things. They will be going to the Mercantile soon. Spring open house is first weekend of March...."sew" much yet to do!
Can you tell I'm a fan of Notforgotten Farm? The punchneedle, one nation and oh honey are designs by NF.
I was inspired to make the little needle books by one that I picked up some time back at a quilt shop.
And the strawberries came about after finding some red and green remnants in my fabric cupboard. They would make great pinkeeps or just set in a bowl. I'll be making some more of these!
Lots more to do....stay tuned!

Rainy Sunday Rambling...

Looks like a beautiful day here, doesnt't it? I'm not complaining though. I'll take the rain over the 36" of snow they got out east! Lots of rain and SO windy here today.
I spent most of yesterday in my sewing room for some much needed sewing therapy. I think that's how I will spend part of my Sunday. I'll be back later or tomorrow to show you just what I've been working on!
Enjoy your day!

Pinkeeps...

As I mentioned some time ago, I'm trying to weed through and use up my supply stash before buying anything new unless it's for a planned specific project. I'm doing pretty good! I bought these little metal cups YEARS ago, with the intentions of using them with my doll making. As many times as I've weeded through my supply stash I just couldn't ever part with them. I finally had an ah-ha moment the other day.....and this is what I come up with. They turned out rather cute, don't you think?

Upcycling denim...

I have forever struggled with the thought of throwing out old jeans....for whatever reason...I just felt that they could be used in some way. Of course there's the usual of keeping a pair just to use for patching other jeans.
I recently searched on Pintereat to see what others were doing with their old denim.....
From www.quiltingboard.com comes the half-square triangle quilt and I've had more repins from that one pin than any other.
From creative-connections.ning.com is the rag quilt....looks like the denim has been paired with homespun flannel.
And from Edana by Angry Chicken on flickr is the little toddler apron. I was very much inspired by this little apron and have already made several.
For some reason I don't have the info for the ruffled apron.....
You can visit my Pinterest boards or search Pinterest to see more....and hopefully be inspired to UPcycle some of your old denim!
Enjoy your day!