Plain not Fancy

You know there are times in your life when you think was I meant to be this or that?...we live near the Amish again in northern Indiana. I love their way of life. It is community all the way!...I know no one is perfect and we all have the same nature within us, but I love to spend time with others; working, caring, making projects...whatever it is, it is better when done together. So, while in Vermont I put together an Amish style quilt. It could be used for a baby quilt. I love the simplicity of their lives and their quilts. I was even honored in being an OB nurse in their region of northern Indiana, so I even was involved in birthing their babies. Some, came by a van with a "driver" and only got their just in time to have the baby born. Others, got their earlier in their stage of delivery and I was able to get to know them and share my English life with them. In life and conversation using the old fun game we use to play in 4-H..."who, what, where, when and how"...always helps you to get to know others! So, here is the quilt top I put together to also quilt. Right now I have it posted on my Etsy Shop Thimblestitches ..... and now I am getting phone pictures of some great gifts our OLDEST grandchild, Alyssa, has made for cousins for Christmas. She is a very gifted artistic teen! Love her!... she has a deep textile, seamstress, tailoring DNA planted in her! Tailors, Shoe Cobblers, Quilters and Seamstresses from Germany. Hope you enjoy the top....I am about to go to my sewing machine to make small turtles with little quilted octagon shells to sew on top. Merry Christmas!!! Quilted Love! Kari

Rest?

Is there rest if you love to sew? There is always a project that you are imagining doing or you see something that you KNOW you can make yourself! The bumper sticker: the one with the most fabric WINS!
I was blessed to be born into a family that had a history of tailoring, shoe cobbler, and house/barn painting and furniture refinishing. How blessed in that heritage. That is probably why my Mother taught me to sew my first project at age 4. It was a hotpad with God is Love on it. A little bird. And she would not let me go through the thickness to the back. I had to learn to go between the back and front with my backstitch design. I have it somewhere in my nostalgia. I really need to frame it. I remember her soft hands helping me with my needle. You know, as Moms, Wives and Grams we model Christ in so many ways, or we can model Christ...when things come into our lives to show others by our actions, our humility in repentance or acts of kindness when others are unlovely...on and on we can model our Lord. I am so glad for the people in my life growing up. So blessed.
As my hub worked I would sew. I made quite a pile of things! I can't believe it looking at the pile but it was one day at a time! 29 totes, 11 quilt tops, 1 1800 Repro dress, and 3 little girls dresses in 3 months. And all our travels mixed in between. A 40 year Marriage Celebration!!
We enjoyed walking on beaches, looking out over mountain ranges, museums, history,liberty and the history of our land spreading out all over this area of our Land.
Please look up The Lighthouse by Longfellow...look at the history of Fort Mitchell....the War of 1812...Ft Tichondaroga...Plymouth...Braintree...Quincy....Boston...on and on!! Nope, not time to Rest....time to travel back to our wonderful cabin built for a B&B and see what God has for us to complete there...for Him. Quilted Seabreezes I will NEVER forget! Love, Kari

Kennebunkport

We noticed as we looked at our route while heading to Maine that we were close to Kennbunkport too, so we headed East of the Interstate and headed down Route 9. Following a BEACH sign we found the most awesome area! A family was playing soccer on the beach...how wonderful!!...Shiloh was very excited to get out and take a stroll on the beach to with her Master...I shot pictures, of course! We realized after we left the area that the Bushs' Compound was up the coastal road on the next cove jutting out...so we are thinking that I did get a picure of it, just from a long distance! I can dream!

The Village of Kennbunk is so cool! We have seen so many perfect New England towns while here, this one did not let us down; straight from Hallmark!
I am a LOVER of the FLAG...as most know...so the flag on a garage was perfect photo shot for this Patriot Family.
We had to head up farther north to Portland Maine so we headed out on the Route 9 to that destination...we REALLY want to come back to this area to vacation in the summer in the future. We are HOOKED!! Maine Rocks! Seasalt Blessings!! Kari

A LIttle Bit of This and A Little Bit of THAT!

Yesterday we spent the day driving up to Maine to see the Portland Head Light HOUSE....so worth the time! We stopped in Kinnebunkport on the way, just to be near the Bushs' area...we did not realize we were just a few miles up the beach from their cove...but we had to get to Portland before the museum was closed in the Light House Innkeepers' Home. The Moon came up just before we left. The folks in Maine are so wonderful too we found!!
There were photgraphers everywhere. The museum curator said that it is the most photographed lighthouse. We can agree to that! Even with my phone the pics were awesome!! We learned, again, more about our heritage as a country. Oh, for the day without the "scanner and pat downs" for safety, huh?
We strolled on the beach, even though it was 30 degrees and windy. We found that you can rent a beach house pretty reasonably for a week in the summer in Maine....that would be an awesome plan for our family vacation soooooon!! We all are history buffs and beach bums!!
I was delighted to find vintage pics on Flickr lately and the photographer said I could post them, they won't enlarge but if you want to see them bigger, she has awesome prints online, at sussanadashboard....also she is on my link list under Malphi, she does fantastic aprons and designs...
The familiar kitties that my grandables got us this summer took naps by me as I was working on the grandables dresses a few days ago...our Golden Shi was under the little RV table with her head in my lap!....yes we have enjoyed our stay in New England...but Home is where the heart is....and my sewing and longarm studio!!....Halleleujah!!!
Today I am making aprons for Christmas presents.....then a few totes tomorrow and then a few days of finishing up a few whimsy quilt tops I made in September with appliqued delight!! Thanks for putting up with my here a little and there a little!!!...That is the way it is in my Quilting Life!! Kari

Back to "work"

We found a great family resturant just up the road at the "round about"....do you have those in your area?
They do speed up traffic but are free-for-alls too. You need 4 eyes in your head. Anyways, after being here for over 2 months we finally quit looking so hard at the intersection and notice a family resturant in the SE side of the round about!..Needless to say, we had a Saturday Brunch there soon after. I plan another brunch this weekend...the last one we have together, the next one hub works and then we leave for home on Sunday Afternoon. This Sunday we are going to the coast one more time!
My project today is the darling dress in the pattern by Burda...i have a 18 month old and 2 size 4 grandables to make them for...of course, since the sun is shining and the wind is not going to blow us away our Golden Shiloh and I are going to do some laundry too and mail some much enjoyed postcards to the 9 grandables that we are so blessed with!! See you soon!..maybe with my dresses done...then back to quilts....
Please enjoy the video by Jodi....I LOVE HER!!!! and you will too!! squarequilting.com
Quilted Threads! Kari

A Day Off

A Day off never hurt anyone! My hub came to his 61st year now! How can that be since we started dating when we were 15! He got his drivers' license the 2nd day he was over 16. Growing up on a farm he had been driving tractors and such since he was 7. Talented man, don't get me started!

I am sharing a few pictures of our cabin back home that he built us...we spent over 7 years getting it to this point, a little bit to do yet in a bathroom upstairs, but it is over 4500 square feet and I am thinking Seriously....Quilt Retreats!!...
We are near the Amish and they have quilting and scrapbooking groups that come to Shipshiwana Indiana and that is only 50 minutes from our place and an easy, beautiful drive there. So, we have just 12 more days and we start home....then we have tons to do and even things to get in SC yet to bring to our cabin....but, we can surely stretch our legs! But,it has been a great time and in this economy and uncertainty we never know when we might be able to travel and explore like this again. I missed seeing the Dear Jane Quilt at the Bennington Museum...it was only on display from Labor Day till mid Oct. I could have gone over if I had known!...so I found a little picture of it on the internet..it does not do the 2000 plus pieced quilt justice, but just look up Dear Jane on tne net and you will find us enthusiasts!! Totally Blessed! quilted here! kari

Where are you?.....I am SEWING!!!....

Projects to do this week. I have found that Burda has some great patterns for kids. I am hoping that they do not run BIG as McCalls and regular patterns seem to do.
The tote is a Amy Bulter Field Tote or Bag...a bag is just with a zipper added. It is large and roomy. I have made 3 do far and have 2 cut out with atleast 3 more to make. Then to the grandable gals dresses...sizes 18 month and probably the size 4 ... 2 of those! Got a rolled roast in the crock pot....hub worked all night and now is snoring... time to Rock and Roll on my Husqvarna!!....have a blessed day!! Always, Quilted Threads here! Kari

Yummy Field Tote

I am missing my longarm!! I call her Suziebell! She is so dependable and does such a wonderful job! Textiles! the best life!!
I miss my grandkids. These are 3 gals of my daughters. I can hear them giggle!! Such a great time in their lives, safe growing up and happy kids!
My projects lately is a shopping bag or market bag pattern by Amy Butler...it is easy and fun to make and huge!! Just like that!
The Field Tote pattern by Amy Butler is also awesome. I think I like it best so far. The binding makes it all come together. You can add a top zipper but so far I like the open one. I used a double quilted fabric I found on sale at my LQS for 10$ a yard! I won't rub it in. I have 3 more cut out to sew up tonight and tomorrow with cotton fabric that I am lining with iron on interfacing and then fleece also to give it plenty of body. I will add those pics when I am done.
I did get my two kits in the mail...for quilting...so that is my goal, to get s few more totes done, then get back to my first love in quilting...I have the 2nd hand clothes one to do in browns and pinks and then the one that was in McCalls 2010 March and April where you embellish the doll dresses on the panel with lace, etc...that should be loads of fun. But I want to have my tote experience all packed under our RV storage area under our bed and then get the quilts started atleast before we head back to our cabin..... From your Quilting Friend...with threads attached!! Kari

The Times Falls Back

Once you get hooked on making totes or bags I think it is something like quilting...you just keep seeing another one that you can whip together!! The Bag Making Bible Book on Amazon...is awesome! I just got mine and is full of pictures that show details of how to put them together. I am visual learner, so it is perfect for this gal!!
I am practicing on these and I am still having issues with making perfectly matching curves on the unit that holds the zipper on the bigger bags. The plaid one was just easy...I enjoyed it...I may make a few of them...they are nice and roomy and still have style. The pattern calls for chains and small round connections, so my wool one will sport "style"...but it is working in the flannel with the matching strap.
The added sewing, in the straps, make them lay flat and looked more finished. I love the bright colors on the black background. I found mine on sale at the Joannes near here and then the larger fabric store in town had the double quilted fabric on a 50% off sale, so needless to say, I bought some at both stores.

One of the kitties the grandgals got us this summer really likes to sit by me when I am sewing. At this moment they are sleeping together on top of their little house i found them at walmart. They are pleasant kitties....Thankyou gals!!... I never thought we would enjoy felines this much. They will be great mousers too back home and the birdies better have some fast wings! They just perk up whenever they hear any chirps outside.

The leaves on the trees are almost gone. It was a glorious fall here and we enjoyed every minute of it. It probably will snow soon in the higher elevations but for now it is usually sunny and a bit chilly during the days. Thanks for stopping by! Quilted Blessings!! Kari

Joys

Determined to go to the Quilt Shop today...even in the rain..... traveled to the post office to pick up mail and my copy of The Bag Making Bible was there....
In side the book was a WONDERFUL TOTE in wool....so inspiration, even in the rain was abounding in my mind and heart!

Tomorrow I will post some of the work I get done with the prints I purchased! Came home wet after being in the rain and carrying the groceries. It was a good day, even though a bit foggy.
Last night Chip Ingram shared the first part lesson on Gods' Faithfulness; I am humbled by His faithfulness in our lives and TFF and TFF (Treasured Friends Forever...or Treasured Family Forever too!)
Have a blessed day!! Reach for your dreams! Quilted Hugs! Kari

Totes For A Day!

My Buckeye Fan!!!

The assemby of the fabric was simple enough. It has a small pintuck in around 3 inches. I lined mine in small pokadots and not even a pocket inside. When finished it is just rolled down for the close. You could add a button and loop if you want, I suppose. I did see in one design they used the pony tail holders for the loop, I thought that was clever and easy peasy!


Just spending the day sewing some totes while my hub works hard at watching College Football! He did work all night at the hospital. I Love the new books I bought over Amazon by Amy Butler. Her new one on 12 Easy ways to 26 wonderful bags is AWESOME!
I am practicing on some Lunch bags with the book LUNCH BAGS by Stash book. I am still waiting for the Tote Bible.
I love the new colors that are on the market now with the mix of prints and textures too. It is an awesome time to be a lady that sews sooooo much! and loving it more! Quilted Blessings!! Kari

Priceless

To enjoy with old friends is just amazing!! We got together and it was like we had just seen each other the day before!! and it had been atleast 27 years. We went out to eat at their favorite Breakfast, Lunch Corner Biestro, it was wonderful and the chai tea made me a believer! wow!! Then since Marsha had spent 4 years getting her design degree just lately, we went to see Theodeous Porters' Estate and Farm. We saw priceless paintings of Monet' and 2300 year old pottery along with pieces from Ming Dynasty. Priceless art everywhere, just as it was being displayed in the home at her death in 1946, as her Will demanded. 33,000 square feet and it was amazing!

Our friends shared their town, church and family with us today... we never stopped talking and laughing...Floyd had great stories from their missionary work in Belize from 85-95. We learned after the death of their beautiful daughter Kelly to Breast Cancer in 98, their youngest grandson drowned in a small creek behind their home just 6 months after loosing Kelly. Their journey has not many easy. We talked and talked and loved them even more than we did so many years ago as our bond continued!!
What an honor to have friends such as these.....the art was priceless to those that managed the estate for history, but I say our friends are far more priceless than that!!!.....eternity too...
It was just a blessed day from the squeel we heard when we surprised Marsha at her computer at the church to our last hug for the day...they leave for Texas in March to retire...and find jobs that fit their new lifestyle. Floyd is a very giftest artist...God will guide them!....and we have 2 more reasons to go to Texas now too!!..... Treat your friends well, they are worth it!!...Blessings!!! Kari

You are My Cats' Meow!

I didn't get much done today. Hub was home and we ran around abit. We went to Hogback Mountain yesterday...that is something to see!! I have my travels at flickjourney.blogspot.com for pictures if you are interested. I tried out a new pattern with the tiny black dot quilted piece I found on remnant sale a couple of weeks ago at the New England Fabric Store in Keene, New Hampshire. There is a nice Joannes here and I still have to visit the Quilt Shop in Chester, Vermont. Tomorrow we go to see some friends we have not seen for 27 years. We moved and then they went to Belize for a number of years. Our kids grew up and now we are all grandparents. They are retiring to Texas but I was so fortunate to look her up on facebook one day, and there she was!! Her beautiful grin! So, I will be enjoying our catching up day in Conn tomorrow. Glad to have found them and connect before they retire to Texas. God is Good. Have a very blessed day! Quilted Blessings, Kari