With Needle and Thread

I'm done!!!

2011-05-30T16:23:00.001-04:00

I cannot comment on anyone anymore. Blogger makes me sign in constantly and still won't let me comment. I've just had it. I don't know what to do or how to fix it.
Sign me:
Fed up with Blogger

A Fabulous Give-away!

2011-05-26T12:21:00.003-04:00

My daughter Theresa has an online boutique with the cutest items! She is having a give away so people can see what she has. Her prize is the cutest little girls outfit! You have just got to see it and enter please. I wish I had done this sooner. She is drawing the name tomorrow. Go to her facebook page for details:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes/frills-fairytales/giveaway/217981251554237

Here is the little outfit:

Mug rug fever

2011-01-19T05:11:00.005-05:00

Seems everyone is doing them nowadays. Here's mine for an online swap. First one I've done. I've also joined another swap for them. They are fun to make.

The back is batik fish.

Australia disaster

2011-01-11T20:30:00.002-05:00

My heart just cries for all the death and destruction caused by the flooding in Toowoomba and all of Australia that is affected.

Swap received

2010-12-27T18:11:00.002-05:00

I received my swap from Melinda. Thank you Melinda! I love it all. The fat quarters are very pretty and match. Great little snap bag too. Melinda even wrapped her gifts in more fat quarters with selvedge ribbons. Great idea. Thanks to Aunt Pitty Pat for hosting.

Great fat quarter giveaway at retro mummy's

2010-12-25T21:10:00.002-05:00

Check out this great giveaway!

Aunt Pittypat's swap

2010-12-24T11:23:00.002-05:00

I joined one of the swaps Aunt Pittypat hosted and my partner received hers. Glad you liked it Melinda. :) You can see what I sent her my clicking on her name.
Thank you M for hosting the swap. :)

Free pattern blog

2010-12-23T10:58:00.003-05:00

What a sweet thing to do! Aimee is giving you all her patterns for free at
My Homespun Threads.

Follow her, download, sew and enjoy.

Jackie is having a giveaway!

2010-11-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

A great ruler. You should see the pretty b/w block she has on her site. I would love to try it.
Go check it out and enter HERE.

Another bag done.

2010-11-09T22:16:00.005-05:00

I met a cousin on facebook a couple of months ago. We haven't seen each other in over 40 years. After looking through my photos she decided she wanted a bag and one to match for her granddaughter. This is what I made. This is the Mini Bow Tucks bag by Penny Sturgis for Quilts Illustrated.

Front

Back

Bag jewelry for gramma's bag.

Bag jewelry for the little one.

Sandra and her husband live in Alabama. They are going to come down New Year's Eve to hear our group play at a private party. I can't wait to see her again.

Here is a diaper bag I did for an ex-neighbor. She loved it. Can you guess she's having a boy? LOL

Swap received

2010-10-24T10:50:00.004-04:00

SewMamaSew had a bag swap and you should see the pretty bag I received from Bonnie! We each went to equilter.com and put our favorite fabrics in a wish list. Then the other could choose without fearing to hurt the other's feelings with a fabric they just didn't like.

Please take a look at Bonnie's blog. I also received a chocolate bar, key ring to match the bag and one of her original patterns of a dress to make for my granddaughter.

She put up photos of the bag she sent me. I will not put up my photos of hers yet until she receives it.

Swap sent

2010-09-27T13:02:00.004-04:00

My swap partner should have gotten her swap by now so I post pics here. This is for my sew good friends yahoo group swap. I made her the bag, tissue holder, make-up bag, beaded zipper pull and a couple of magnets. Added a few other things that she mentioned she loved; angels and flamingos and pink fat quarter. Sure hope she likes it.

My first apron

2010-09-02T19:32:00.003-04:00

This is the first apron I've ever made. As soon as I find some time I plan to make more. It was fun.

Incredible cute giveaway......

2010-08-09T07:01:00.002-04:00

.......at mouse droppings. Run don't walk to look at this little cutie!
click here for link

Cute giveaway

2010-05-01T09:25:00.002-04:00

Primitive Folk Art Talk and Tea

DIY Dish

2010-02-04T08:36:00.002-05:00

Check out DIY Dish (button on right) and how you can win one of two sewing machines!

My precious girl

2009-12-21T22:03:00.005-05:00

This is Daisy. She became my little girl about 2 months ago. My daughter Theresa didn't have room for her in her car when she moved back to Oklahoma. I can't tell you how much I love this little comedian. She runs, chases, retrieves and tumbles. She prances like a little bunny. And she is the best snuggler at night. Don't need a hot water bottle around here.

Here is her pillow and afghan under my desk.

I totally forgot about my win from Oak Hollow Primitives. Whispered Secrets From A Primitive Past was having a 12 days of Christmas giveaway.
Received my pretty ornament today.

More wins

2009-12-19T12:26:00.002-05:00

I received my win from Quilt Bingo. 48 fat quarters! Thanks so much to Brooke and Greg for being such wonderful hosts.

Also, playing bingo over at The Quilt Shoppe's blog, In Stitches I won one of the daily prizes of a pattern and a Moda layer cake! I can't wait to see it. I've not had a layer cake before.

Fabulous Giveaway

2009-11-26T19:14:00.002-05:00

Head on over to see Vickie at Spun Sugar Quilts. She is celebrating her 400th post. I love that brown fabric on the top of the Momo fat quarters!!!

Win a Cricut Gypsy!

2009-11-23T13:08:00.000-05:00

Such a great giveaway! Click HERE

Little Totebag Ornament Tutorial

2009-11-20T16:13:00.011-05:00

This is the first time trying to write a tutorial. I sure hope you can follow my directions. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. Sure hope you like it! Please let me know if you make one. I'd love to see it.

TOTEBAG ORNAMENT

All seam allowance is 1/4"

1. Begin by cutting
two squares for lining 4 3/4" tall x 5" wide
two 6" squares for outside
two 5 1/2" squares of lightweight fusible interfacing
one 9 1/2 x 2" strip for strap

#2. Adhere the fusible web in the center of your outside fabric, then re-cut it to measure 5" wide by 5 1/4" tall.

#3. On each bottom corner of both outer and lining fabric, cut out a 3/4" square.

#4. Fold the strap in half and press. Open and fold each long side to center, press again. Finally, fold in half again. Your strap now measures 9 1/2" x 1/2". Stitch as close as you can the length of both edges.

#5. Right sides together, sew each side and bottom of outer bag. At each corner, match seams and sew across. This will box the bottom.

#6. Sew the lining in the same way BUT, leave a 2" opening in the middle bottom for turning later on. I finger press all seams open.

This next photo shows the opening in the bottom of the lining.

#7. Pin handle at sides over seam on inside of outer bag with handle facing down in the bag.

#8. Turn lining right side out and insert into outer bag, right sides together. (Lining is shorter than outer bag)

#9. With side seams matching and top edges even, sew 1/4" seam around top.

#10. Pull lining out, then reach in through opening and pull outer bag through.

#11. Using a ladder stitch, close the opening in the lining, then push the lining into the bag. I like to stitch in the ditch around the top.

#12. Your little bag is done now. All you have to do is embellish it. Fringe, rhinestones, lace, buttons, ribbon..... Put a little stuffing in the bottom and hang on your tree with a candy cane in it or a little gift. After I was all done, I decided to put a small pocket on one side for a little note.

That's it!!!! Can't get the spacing right for some reason.

2 DAYS

2009-11-12T07:08:00.001-05:00

This Friday The 13th of November is the kick off to the next round of Quilt Bingo.... There are 12 players and 45 FQ's in the pot... You still have time to sign up.. See post below for link to Quilt Bingo.

Click Here to go to their site.

Wanna Play???

2009-11-08T08:09:00.005-05:00

Quilt Bingo (click on the words quilt bingo to go to their site) starts in 6 days and only has 4 players. It's a lot of fun if you're interested. Just like regular bingo but played online with the word q u i l t instead of b i n g o. Here are the 3 fat quarters that I'm sending.

Quilt Bingo win

2009-11-06T10:37:00.003-05:00

I totally forgot to tell you about my win in quilt bingo! I shared half the prize and received 25 fat quarters. Sure made my day. Quilt bingo is starting again soon. Thank you so much to the previous hostess, Melissa!!! It was a lot of fun!

Challenge doll and Stitcher's Angel package

2009-11-05T08:51:00.005-05:00

I'll show my little Halloween gal now. I entered her in a challenge of which I didn't win. I knew I wouldn't, LOL, but I was determined to finish and get her entered.

Next is the package I finally finished and sent to my Stitcher's Angel. I'm so disappointed in me with this bag! It took forever (wrist in brace again) and I used the wrong interfacing on the lining. Made it crinkled and wrinkled. ACK!!! I had to send it though and sure hope my gal likes it a little. I also included a little zipper bag to match. Then, showing the rest of the package in the bottom photo. A couple of little gifts for her little girl, a couple of fat quarters, a couple of pincushions, note books, calendar, needlecase, fold up tray, rick rack, cute buttons, about 25 yards of lace, 36 - 5" charms and a friendship bag. Can't forget the Florida magnet and postcard! It was fun, but I'm glad this over for another year.

I haven't heard a thing from my angel yet. Sure hope I don't get stiffed again. :(

Aww Darn It!

2009-11-04T11:12:00.004-05:00

I love it when people comment on my blog but the last couple of days I've had some anonymous doozies!!
Sorry to say I've had to dis-allow anonymous comments.

What I'm talking about here is porn and spam. Can't these people find better things to do?

Southern Ringneck Snake

2009-10-26T16:16:00.003-04:00

It's so beautiful!!! We've been in Florida for 11 years and this is the first time I've seen one. They are very common but very reclusive. They are usually 8 to 12 inches long. This one is about 6 inches. They are harmless and make no attempt to bite. When disturbed, they often coil up their tails to show the bright color underneath.

Santa's reindeer......EDITED

2009-10-25T21:37:00.005-04:00

....are waiting patiently for Christmas but 2 of them are taking off within the next few days on a scouting party. ;-)

Many people have asked about the pattern. I did a google search and found many. "Tomorrow's Treasures" design by Joanne Burkhart. 1981

ps. I'm so sorry so many of you can't find the pattern. All I can say is keep searching google. It will show up.

Did you.... Edited

2009-10-20T14:49:00.004-04:00

....schedule your mammogram? Mine is Thursday.

Hurray for all of you that did it to!!!

Got it. I'm a little flatter now LOL. I just want to say I had the absolute sweetest gal do the exam!!! I was so busy talking I didn't get her name. I gave her a card and am hoping she visits the blog and gives me a shout out. Thank you!

Look what I won!

2009-10-13T21:11:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago Pat at SewPat blog had a giveaway and I was one of the two winners! Today my gift came and what a gift it is! My goodness, take a look at this pretty table runner! The fall leaves are ironed on just like they fell off the tree.

I am so in love with the crows and pumpkins fabric she used. Sure wish I knew who made it.

Thank you Pat! I love it!

White Peacock Butterfly EDITED

2009-10-09T17:37:00.003-04:00

White Peacock, originally uploaded by Carla Finley.

I wonder how long Flickr has had the option to add a photo straight to your blog? Thought I would just try it out.

EDIT::: To answer a few questions from people that have their email set to no reply: This is a butterfly. The photo is straight from the camera.

Fighting Breast Cancer

2009-10-09T15:16:00.002-04:00

Angie is having a great giveaway! You should see the dolls. Adorable! Click on her name or the pink ribbon on the side bar and fly away to enter!

Change happens

2009-10-07T15:25:00.003-04:00

It was around 3:45am. I was sooooo tired. I was out on the lanai and had to go to bathroom but all of a sudden I noticed how limp the antennae were. It's time! I never get tired of watching and wondering how on earth? I tried to zoom in a little at the end and made it blurry. Darn it!

Another butterfly soon

2009-10-06T18:00:00.004-04:00

It won't be long now before this little one starts to chrysalis. Problem is, it will be around 1am and I so wanted to video it this time. I think I'll probably miss it.
:( This is a Monarch.

My 9th Great-grandmother; The Witch

2009-10-06T14:29:00.003-04:00

I do a lot of genealogy and this person has been one of the most fascinating to study. Winifred King. She was born in 1640 and died sometime after 1697. Daughter Winifred was born in 1684 but I don't have a death date on her.

Two possibilities for Winifred's mother: Goody Bassett and Mary Hale.

John Parker's wife, Hannah (Bassett) Parker accused Winifred of witchcraft. Although it hasn't been proven, there is a possibility that Hannah's mother might have been Goody Bassett who had been executed for witchcraft. John Benham pulled out a gun in court and threatened to shoot Hannah if she didn't stop harassing Winifred.

From "The Devil In The Shape Of A Woman", Witchcraft in Colonial New England by Carol F. Karlsen (Professor of History at the University of Michigan ), W. W. Norton & Company, New York, London, 1987.

"Chapter 1, New England's Witchcraft Beliefs, p. 43 - 44.

After the Salem and Fairfield outbreaks, only two people in New England were sent by local officials to the higher court to be tried as witches: Winifred Benham of Wallingford and her 13-year old daughter and namesake. The elder Benham, possibly the daughter of an earlier Boston witch, Mary Hale, originally came under suspicion in 1692, but the New Haven County court had dismissed the case for insufficient evidence. Her husband's threat to shoot her accuser did not end the rumors, and the following year she was in court again on the same charge. She was released again, this time required to post bond of 20 pounds for her good behavior. The church soon after added their censure by excommunicating her. When she was accused a third time in 1697, this time of possessing several of her neighbor 's children, she was sent to Hartford for trial, along with her daughter, who was by now implicated in her crimes. But the Grand Jury refused to give credence to the accusation and the cases were dismissed without trials. The court's actions failed to clear the Benham's of suspicion, however, and the family moved to the less hostile environment of New York. (137)

The Benham cases were unusual. To be sure, some people still believed that witches plagued their communities, but in the aftermath of the Salem outbreak witch trials were no longer countenanced by either ministers or magistrates, nor would it seem the larger community. "

http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/SALEM-WITCH/1999-08/0934135577
From: "harold l fitzmeyer"
Subject: [SALEM-WITCH-L] Winifred (King) Benham
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 1999 14:06:17 -0400

Terry's block

2009-10-05T12:40:00.006-04:00

Here is the block I made for Terry. It's called a Friendship block. I got the pattern from About.com

__________________________________________

This is a wall of my sewing room I forgot to upload the other day. The little design wall still has a wall hanging on it from January. In the book case are some of my patterns. The folders are all patterns that have been downloaded. In the corner is a stand with a few of my dolls that have been sent to me and some of my pincushion collection. That stand is a big mess too!

Win a jelly roll and help a fellow blogger

2009-10-04T07:55:00.002-04:00

Laurie from A Yankee Quilter is rounding up blocks to make comfort quilts for Terry's family. If you are able to help, go here to learn more.
9 1/2" blocks are being accepted until October 25th. You will have your name in the hat to win a jelly roll just for making a block.

My very messy sewing room (shudder)

2009-10-03T14:11:00.004-04:00

Maybe if I clean it up a little I might feel like sewing again.

This is for a swap. There is a little wallet inside that I forgot to get a photo of. The little reindeer are something I like to make each year. This year they might go to an ornament swap.

American Samoa

2009-09-30T16:02:00.005-04:00

Let's keep them all in our hearts at this terrible time. One of our own, Barb, lives there and I'm anxious to hear that she and her family are ok.

EDIT: Please visit Barb's blog by clicking on her name above to read her account of the earthquake and tsunami. I'm so happy to hear she made it ok.

A beautiful gift!

2009-09-29T11:41:00.004-04:00

Look at this pretty pincushion! It is from Ruthie all the way from Israel! It's called a biscournu (sure hope that's spelled right). I just love it! Ruthie also sent a pin that says 1948-1998 Israel Jubilee on it, a blue fat quarter, another cute little pincushion and a wooden thimble she painted.

Here is what I sent her. I forgot to photograph the bag I put it in.

Sometimes you just gotta stop and smell the flowers

2009-09-27T11:31:00.003-04:00

Baby Butterfly

2009-09-26T17:49:00.002-04:00

In a few short weeks, this egg that was laid at 5:30, will be a beautiful Monarch butterfly.

This is a Damselfly. It is called a Citrine Forktail and is 0.8-1.1 inches long. This is an adult male.

Here it is

2009-09-23T22:20:00.003-04:00

20,000th visitor was from Auburn, Washington. I'm getting the details of my giveaway gathered. It shouldn't be too long.

Here's looking at you, Kids.

20,000!!!

2009-09-22T13:46:00.004-04:00

I am seriously getting close to 20,000 visits! I cannot believe it hasn't even been a full year yet. I am going to have a give away. Don't know what yet so stay tuned!

edit: I thought it hadn't been a year but in fact, my year was in August! All this time I thought it was December. Now I know I have to make something nice for the giveaway.

Saying goodbye to a fellow dollmaker

2009-09-18T19:18:00.003-04:00

Some of you will remember Beverlay Linton from several doll lists. She passed away today. What a sweet lady. My condolences go out to her family and friends. I had her in a Snow Queen swap, o1/02. Here is the doll she sent me.

Let's move on :)

2009-09-14T07:52:00.004-04:00

Photos taken one year ago today. Pattern by Australian doll designer Di McDonald.

In tears, hurt feelings

2009-09-13T10:24:00.003-04:00

EDIT: I'm tired of seeing this horrible person's email here so I'm getting rid of it. I love each and every one of you for sticking up for me. Thank you all so much.

My little present!

2009-08-31T10:18:00.003-04:00

Back in March we had a pindoll swap on one of my Yahoo groups. As it turned out, my partner Jen, who lives in Australia, sent me a beautiful, embroidered, beaded little doll. IT GOT LOST IN SPACE!! She wanted to send me a replacement and I told her please don't. The mail is so expensive. I saw a photo of the first one and loved it and appreciated the effort. Wellllll, a couple of days ago, guess what I got in the mail? Yep, you guessed it. She sent me another! It is so pretty and I know you will agree. This little girl is 5 1/2 inches tall. Look at that pretty face!

Anna's diaper bag

2009-08-24T08:42:00.003-04:00

I just finished a diaper bag for Anna. Theresa also has a sling she bought in this same fabric.

Little Tooter; Anna Grace

2009-08-21T21:57:00.005-04:00

I haven't had the time to get on the blog much at all lately. I'm so very sorry I haven't been visiting you!! I've so been enjoying my daughter Theresa's and granddaughter Anna's visit! I just can't get enough. Grandpa is pretty hooked also. Such a precious baby! She wakes up smiling and only fusses when hungry or sleepy.
Here is my little precious. She just turned 4 months on the 20th.

Free Apron Pattern

2009-08-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

Cute free apron pattern by Phyllis Dobbs.

Happy Birthday to honey

2009-08-15T13:09:00.003-04:00

My husband, Mike is celebrating his birthday today. 59! Happy birthday honey.
This is his birthday last year.

Fabric giveaway

2009-08-13T17:47:00.001-04:00

i have to say is having a wonderful fabric giveaway!

Home

2009-08-09T07:44:00.004-04:00

And I'm so tired! We got home Thursday night. It was a long drive. One that I don't want to make again too soon. We saw a horrible accident outside Memphis, Tennessee. An 18 wheeler crushed a small RV. So sad.

Here is Anna. What a darling baby!!!

And this is my beautiful granddaughter Paige. She is my Precious Heart. I love her to pieces.

This is the RV and truck. This is the top of the RV. That is the only thing that survived the accident. The truck cab is also pretty smashed up.

We are almost to Florida here. Anna is hungry and wants Mom to get in back with her. :)

Besides Anna on my right side in the back seat, here is my other traveling companion. Meet Daisy. She was such a good dog for such a long trip!

Got My Ticket!

2009-08-02T20:32:00.003-04:00

I'm leaving on a Jet Plane!! I'm flying to Tulsa on Tuesday. I finally get to see my darling new granddaughter, Anna. Then Wednesday morning, Theresa and I (and baby) will start our drive back to Florida. Yep, she's moving back. She will still be a couple of hours from me but that's better than 20! See you all next Friday!

Colors of nature are exciting

2009-07-26T14:13:00.003-04:00

It amazes me every day how colorful our world is. Most people wouldn't even see this little guy. He is only 3/8 inch long. This is a Candy-striped Leafhopper sitting on the Mammoth Sunflower in previous post.

Have A Sunny Day!!

2009-07-23T10:02:00.003-04:00

Anna is 3 months old today

2009-07-20T19:25:00.005-04:00

She is getting so cute! I'm hoping to see her in a few weeks. Also here is a little rabbit I made her from a pattern from Bowls n Annies.

I won!

2009-07-14T17:10:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, Michelle was having a give-away for a few of her very pretty, hand-crafted, magnets. I won one! It even has a little dragonfly on it! I love it Michelle. Thank you so much!

Another rare treat

2009-07-09T12:15:00.004-04:00

I did see these over at North Jetty a couple of years ago and up in Sarasota at Gulf Gate Plaza but never thought I would see them in my back yard! They were on the feeder.
From Wikipedia:
"The Black-hooded Parakeet (Nandayus nenday) is also known as the Nanday Parakeet or Nanday Conure. The bird is native to South America from southeast Bolivia to southwest Brazil, central Paraguay and northern Argentina, from the region known as the pantanal. Caged birds have been released in some areas and the birds have established self sustaining populations in the Los Angeles, California, and several areas of Florida (including St. Petersburg, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County)."

Roseate Spoonbill

2009-07-05T11:55:00.005-04:00

On our way to perform yesterday we went past this little lake and I commented on all the storks and waders. Mike shouted "hey! A spoonbill!". Well, we had to turn around to see. Sure enough! We pass this little lake all the time but since the drought the birds have more or less left. Thankfully we had several days of rain this past week and they have returned. We are taking off in a bit to see if it is still there. Sure hope he sticks around.

Great service and a few pics

2009-07-03T13:53:00.005-04:00

First I want to say thank you to Katie Hennagir. I did a search online for a certain fabric and finally found it in her shop for much less than others I found. I received it today, 2 days after I ordered it!!! On top of that, she sent me a free pattern and the fabric was wrapped so pretty with a red ribbon and a thank you note. Fabulous service. Bay Window Quilt Shop
By the way, the fabric is Aged Muslin by Marcus Brothers. It's great for doll bodies. It looks tea stained. Love it!!!

And here are just a few pics from the last couple days.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T09:32:00.001-04:00

Git'er Done

2009-06-29T15:56:00.008-04:00

That's what I've been saying for a few weeks. I had a lot of swaps to catch up on and a few baby things to make. My swaps are done. Whew! Now I have yet to finish 2 shirts for hubby and burp cloths and bibs for Anna Grace. Starting to breath a little easier. Can't wait to have time for blogging again.

Here is one of 2 Brown Thrashers from the other day. One was found across the street so we brought it to the back yard to be next to sibling. Parents fed the sibling but ignored this one. An hour later it had disappeared. Poor thing.

My favorite bird. Hummingbird.

This is a pincushion that goes with the bag below. It was a swap to the United Kingdom.

Here is a bag I just finished for my daughter Rhonda. It's called the Professional Bag. Very large, middle zipper pocket plus 5 other pockets inside and 5 pockets outside. I've never broken so many needles on one project before. It's about 14 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

These are 4 coasters and some brown and pink fabric for a make a wish swap.

Not a welcome visitor!

2009-06-21T11:56:00.003-04:00

This little guy (12 to 18 inches) was on the screen trying to get a lizard. I went out to get a photo and it was gone. A few minutes later the cat was chasing something on the back porch. Sure enough, it was this snake. At first we thought it was a pygmy rattler but after I caught it and took some photos and compared it to the guidebook photos, we are sure it is a baby Black Racer. I took it way out back and let it go.

An Angel Landed

2009-06-19T18:39:00.004-04:00

Last fall I was in a swap put on by Helen. I found out that Vickie had been forgotten by her partner so I stepped in to be an angel. 'Bout the closest I'm going to get LOL I forgot to take photos of everything I sent her. A tote bag, 2 pincushions, sewing kit, stained glass suncatcher that I made, some fat quarters and a few other things. Here is one photo from her site. Please visit to see the rest. I love doing this. It's so much fun.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T07:59:00.004-04:00

Aunt Pitty Pat's Raggedy Swap (Edited, mine added)

2009-06-15T15:44:00.007-04:00

I've had this box from Awtemnymf at faeriewysperer sitting here for over a week!!! I refused to open it until I got hers done and sent. I finally got sent today. As soon as she receives, I will post photos. Isn't this cute? Also got flower seed, peanuts, a magazine, chocolate bars and a charm pack. Thank you girl! p.s. this little gal smells like chocolate. Mmmmmm
EDIT: Those are not chocolate bars LOL They are gluten free, good for you bars. Also, Awtemnymf says it's not chocolate she put on the doll. It is vanilla flavored tea. Well, it still smells great! :-)

Here is the little girl I made for Awtemnymph. I liked it so much I almost kept it LOL

Pincushion swap

2009-06-10T19:42:00.006-04:00

Finally finished something. 2 down and 2 to go. Don't think I'm going to swap again for awhile. I just can't seem to get motivated. Here is a photo of the pincushion for the swap that is shown at right. This one is hand sewn and my poor arthritic fingers were cramping up big time! OW! EDIT: Cheryl finally got it! It took a long time to make it to Canada!

Here is the pretty one I got from Sylvia of Holland. Thank you Sylvia! Unfortunately her package was ripped open so if anything else was in it, it is gone now.

The Gratitude Sign

2009-06-05T23:11:00.003-04:00

Watch video

Ever wonder how to say thank you when you see a military person in uniform?

Discover a simple way to do it from across a room or as you are passing by.

Cicada Killer on Orange Glads

2009-05-29T19:55:00.001-04:00

Cicada Killer on Orange Glads, originally uploaded by Carla Finley.

I'm really sorry I haven't been around much. I'm trying so hard to catch up on finishing swaps. I promise I'll get to your blogs soon!

Sweet Nothin's

2009-05-24T17:41:00.002-04:00

Rhonda took this on her little camera Wednesday night. It's not very good but I wanted you to hear a little of me doing what I love to do best besides photography.

Vickie's giveaway

2009-05-23T18:35:00.001-04:00

Vickie is having a nice giveaway of a pattern and a Moda charm pack. It's so pretty. Go take a peek by clicking on her name. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T18:26:00.002-04:00

One month ago and One year ago

2009-05-18T22:02:00.006-04:00

I totally forgot about photo Monday. Didn't even realize this WAS Monday!

One month ago Anna Grace was born. One month already!! Theresa took this photo of her today. How precious.

One year ago today, I was living in Thomasville, Georgia. First the flag in the front of my house for Memorial Day. Second, one of my favorite things to do is visit cemeteries. I love finding, looking at and photographing headstones. There were so many old, neat ones there!

These photos, along with a couple hundred more, were taken on May 18, 2008.

Have a great one!

Name Change

2009-05-18T01:55:00.002-04:00

See the post 2 below. The cutest baby whose name is actually Bennie instead of Bernie (my bad). Rhonda wants to name it one of 3 names. What do you think? My Boo or Booger or Goober? Reason being: he looks like a ghost, he likes to lick her nose (inside, eewwww).

Pretty darn ticked off

2009-05-17T15:32:00.003-04:00

Meet Hero. He is an 8 year old Shiba Inu. How do we know? Yesterday this dog was running along the highway just a block from the interstate. My daughter pulled over and he just jumped in her van. She brought him to my house then her husband got online and on the phone to find out who he belonged to by using the tag. After an hour and half we found his owners and took him home.

Why am I ticked? #1. He shouldn't have been running loose in the first place. Rhonda gave the man a piece of her mind. #2. The guy said he runs all the time. JERK #3.The humane society didn't care less at first. I guess they were rude to Gil but finally told him who the tags belonged to. #4. Hero is probably running loose again today.

New fur babies

2009-05-16T19:46:00.004-04:00

My daughter Rhonda and sil Gil went to the humane society a couple of days ago and came home with 2 new babies! Boris is a couple of years old and I just couldn't get a good pic of him. He is a beautiful calico. I thought only females were calico but no. Then they got the cutest baby! I love this one. His name is Bernie but Rhonda is searching for a new name. He wakes them up sucking on their nose!
Here is the Bernie baby.

Doing a little checking right now and find while male calico's are rare they do occur. The color gene for calico's occur on the X gene, XXY males exist and can be calico.

The storm has passed

2009-05-14T10:34:00.004-04:00

We finally got a little rain last night. Lightning hit about 4 houses away and we lost power for a few hours.
The first photo has only been cropped. Straight out of the camera. The second has had the Orton effect applied.

Fabric winner

2009-05-11T16:15:00.004-04:00

I've been so busy trying to finish things up and with the new baby I forgot to post. I'm a fabric winner! A couple of weeks ago, I won a $20 certificate from Sew Mama Sew. Here is what bought:

I love the birds. I should have just gotten it all in that but I needed the B&W for lining in a bag I'm doing for my daughter Rhonda.

Photo Monday

2009-05-11T10:22:00.005-04:00

Sunset on the beach at Sharky's. It was so windy! The sunset wasn't a pretty one either. Well, I'll go back another night.

Anna's photo shoot

2009-05-08T09:58:00.004-04:00

How many ways can you say AWWWWWW. OMG, I want to hold this baby! Theresa said in between photos, Anna was screaming. That is the reason for scrunched up faces. LOL

A Day At The Park, Photo Monday

2009-05-04T13:15:00.006-04:00

EDIT: My camera is a Canon S3 IS I usually leave it on P (program). This has a setting for sun, cloudy, and different indoor lighting. I have it on sun for all these photos. The rest of it is auto. I don't do anything special. Sometimes I take my photos into Corel Paintshop Pro and bump up the contrast. I use settings like high pass sharpen and under brightness and contrast there is a setting called clarify. I do an auto pass with the camera noise before I do the high pass sharpen.

These Gopher Tortoises were in heavy battle. Sound like ram's horns hitting when their shells clashed.

This one was eating and not paying a bit of attention to me. Here he is about a foot away.

This is an infant Gopher Tortoise. He was such a cutie!

This female Roseate Skimmer dragonfly was enjoying the sun and keeping her eyes on me.

This is a Green Metallic Bee on a wildflower called Beggar's Tick.

This MEXICAN SPINY-TAILED IGUANA was also enjoying the sun. I'm lucky to have gotten a few photos before he scurried back into his den. These are an introduced species here and a danger to our native wildlife.

He is about 2 feet long.

I cannot find the name of this wildflower.

Lily, one of my favs to photograph.

Stuff

2009-04-30T12:40:00.003-04:00

What does your desktop look like? This is a photo I took a couple of years ago of sunrise on the Myakka river behind where we used to live. I sure miss that place but only for the photo ops! I've had this photo on for quite awhile now. Time for a change.

We have a lot of baby Mockingbirds around right now. Here is one of the little noisy buggers. Sometimes that squealing really bugs me.

Published

2009-04-28T23:37:00.004-04:00

I was contacted by Pegasus News to use one of my photos for the day, Wednesday, on their front page. I guess they are going to be talking about how the June bugs are early this year in Texas and are using my June bug photo. This is about 4 times now in the last year someone has contacted me. An Orlando magazine used one last year and sent me the magazine. Such fun to see my photos in print.

Photo Monday

2009-04-27T09:35:00.005-04:00

Where does the time go? I used to have such fun sitting here adding photos. Now it seems I have no time at all. I'm really sorry about not getting to your blogs lately. Hope it calms down soon!

This is a moth. It's called White-tipped Black - Hodges#6616 (Melanchroia chephise). The caterpillar is known as Snowbush Spanworm. I do hope you enlarge the photo so you can see the bee flying above the moth.

Isn't this a beautiful flower? It smells so wonderful! It's called a passion vine.

This is my daughter Rhonda and son-in-law Gil.

For my daughter Theresa

2009-04-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

What's wrong? EDITED

2009-04-22T13:50:00.004-04:00

This is the quilt on my makeshift design wall that I did in class the other day. 45 blocks done, 42 in the quilt. I'm just not happy with it. It doesn't look right.

I thank you all so much for your input. I am trying it all! Here is what the teacher has to say: "However, from what I can see in your photo, I think you need a few more medium value greens and browns. It seems to have too much contrast with so many lights and darks with not enough medium tones. Are those blocks already sewn together? I hope not. I would invest in 2-3 more mediums or just use more of the ones you have and make some more blocks that incorporate them. Avoid making more blocks with a light, med & dark in each blk. Maybe some new blcks would be med/dark/medium. Throw some of those in the mix and I think you'll be much happier with the outcome. Also, how about adding an accent color to spice it up? maybe an orangy brown / rust? or gold? You may just need an additional contrasting color to give it more interest. Often it is hard to see the outcome until you start putting it all together on a board like this. This is why I cannot live w/o a 'design wall'. "

Meet Anna Grace!!

2009-04-20T20:18:00.004-04:00

Granddaughter Anna was born today C-section. Theresa sent these photos to my daughter Rhonda and she forwarded them to me. They were taken with her camera. She is so sweet!

Photo Monday

2009-04-20T18:15:00.005-04:00

I took so many photos this last week! Several hundred at a wedding. I won't bore you with those! LOL One of my favorite things are classic cars. There was a car show downtown yesterday. It was really hard to choose just a few cars to show you. They were all so cool!!

1936 Ford Truck, so cool!!!

Ooooohh Rolls Royce!

Gorgeous classic Zimmer

Forgot to write down what this one is but I love those tires!

Saturday I had a quilt class that I had to leave early to do the wedding but here is a photo of the quilt designed and made by the teacher, Janine Ward. I'm going to do mine in greens and browns mostly.

Yesterday we walked to the jetty and this little Ruddy Turnstone followed me. Later, it got into some guys shrimp bait and taking off with the bag LOL

Lastly, here is a little bee on a tiny wildflower. The flower is 5/8 inch wide.

Mid-Ohio Quilter: One Pretty Thing.....

2009-04-20T16:50:00.000-04:00

Mid-Ohio Quilter: One Pretty Thing.....
Is having a give-away. A Moda scrap bag! I love Moda fabrics. Sure would be nice to win some!

My Birthday Flowers

2009-04-13T16:15:00.003-04:00

I'm surprised my hubby, Mike, got me flowers. I love mixed bouquets. Daughter Rhonda and SIL Gil came over and she cooked chicken and steak kabobs for me. They sure make it hard to lose any weight! Rhonda brought a sheet carrot cake that would have fed at least 20 and Mike bought a chocolate covered cheesecake! I really hate to see the carrot cake go to waste but no one eats it but me and her.

Photo Monday

2009-04-13T11:14:00.003-04:00

Last week I showed you the larva of a Ladybird Beetle more commonly known as a lady bug. This week I would like you to see it as it is turning into an adult.

To the memory of Kooky

2009-04-12T16:32:00.005-04:00

In order to see all the photos, please click on it. Darn blogger won't let the whole thing be seen.

A couple of hours ago I got a call from my daughter Rhonda telling me Kooky was gone. He just never got over getting hit by a car 3 July, 2008. There were internal injuries that the doctors didn't catch. They took him to emergency a couple of weeks ago and they gave him medicine but it just couldn't help him. He was such a beautiful guy and my son-in-law Gil is devastated. Kooky was his buddy. Well, now my Buster has someone he knows to play with at the Rainbow Bridge.

Meet Pat

2009-04-11T18:18:00.003-04:00

Isn't this just the sweetest face? This is Pat. I met her online through Pat Sloan's yahoo group. A couple of days ago we decided to meet for lunch and check out a new (to us) quilt shop . We had a very good time and can't wait to do it again. It was only a 15 mile drive for me to get up there. There is also another gal in Tampa that wants to meet us. Such fun to get together with others that share the same likes.

Anna Grace's baby quilt....

2009-04-10T16:46:00.008-04:00

....is done! Well, not quite. It still has to be quilted and I don't know how so I'm going to find someone to do it for me. Sure hope it isn't expensive! The quilt measures 44x37. I did one quilt a few years ago and it could have entered the world's worst quilt contest. I'm really happy this one turned out half way decent. A couple corners didn't miter that well but I couldn't find any decent directions so I did it my way.
I had some bad feelings going on with my daughter and her pregnancy so I had my oldest, Rhonda, call Theresa to see if everything is ok. Anna Grace will be introduced to the world on April 20th! Tree (Theresa's nickname) will have C-section. How how I wish I could see her. Well, I'm sure Anna Grace will be a beautiful baby. Anna will make the 4th for April birthday. Mine is 12th, Theresa is 13th, Theresa's daughter Paige is 17th and now Anna, the 20th. LOL Lots of Aries.
Here is the quilt. Not your typical baby colors but I guess this is the nursery colors.

Fabric giveaway!

2009-04-08T08:13:00.002-04:00

Could you use 30 fat quarters? Well, go here and sign up and PLEASE say Carla sent me. You have until April 20th.
Pigtales and Quilts

Birth Day!!!

2009-04-06T15:27:00.006-04:00

I sat at the pc this morning without looking at the cocoon. Usually it's the first thing I do. About 15 minutes later I looked up and thought it looked strange. Well, it was because the butterfly had hatched and was hanging from the top of the jar on the lace. Oh how I wish I could have gotten photos of the birth! It was at 8:45 am when I saw it. It took one hour for it's first flight from tree to tree and another 25 minutes to fly out of my site. What a wonderful gift to see from start to finish. I hope you enjoy the photos. Some you have already seen but I wanted to put them in order.
#1. Just layed 2/14

#2. Ready to hatch 2/24

#3. Out of the egg. 2/24 About one quarter inch long.

#4. 3/3 One week old

#5. Sixteen days old. 3/12

#6. 3/14 Last instar. The old skin is laying beside him (he will eat it) and the black face that is too small is being shed. The green is his new face.

#7. 3/17 is over 2 inches. 21 days old.

#8. 3/20 ready to pupate

#9. Change complete

#10. 4/6 Birth day. They have to dry out and get fluid pumped into their wings before they can fly.

#11. Birth day continued. He was not in any hurry to leave my hand. Hubby was afraid he was going to fall off so had his hand under. :) I will transfer him to a tree now so he can finish his thing.

#12. Cocoon for size comparison.

#13. Face close-up.

These next 3 photos are showing front and back. His body is still swollen. He releases liquid a few times before he flies.

Hope you enjoyed as much as my husband and I did. :D

Check out my Monarch sequence: http://carlafinley.blogspot.com/2009/01/from-caterpillar-to-butterfly.html

Photo Monday

2009-04-05T22:39:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I posted. I just can't get with it. I start projects, mess with them for 5 minutes and put them aside. Still not feeling great. Constant headache and blah. Guess I need to get off my duff and do something.

Here is a photo I took yesterday of a Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Lady Bug) Larva.

Here is the larva in the process of morphing into the lady bug:

This is a pyramid bag made for a swap. It measures 5 1/2" points to points and high. I added beads just about everywhere there was a dot on the fabric.

Photo Monday

2009-03-30T15:38:00.003-04:00

I haven't taken many pictures this week. I found a Ladybird Beetle that looks like it is 2 different colors orange. Then a moth with orange wings. I've searched for the name of it but can't find it yet.

Not feeling up to par the last few days. Hope to get with it again real soon.

Spotted Oleander Moth

With Needle and Thread

I'm done!!!

A Fabulous Give-away!

Mug rug fever

Australia disaster

Swap received

Great fat quarter giveaway at retro mummy's

Aunt Pittypat's swap

Free pattern blog

Jackie is having a giveaway!

Another bag done.

Swap received

Swap sent

My first apron

Incredible cute giveaway......

Cute giveaway

DIY Dish

My precious girl

More wins

Fabulous Giveaway

Win a Cricut Gypsy!

Little Totebag Ornament Tutorial

2 DAYS

Wanna Play???

Quilt Bingo win

Challenge doll and Stitcher's Angel package

Aww Darn It!

Southern Ringneck Snake

Santa's reindeer......**EDITED**

Did you.... *Edited*

Look what I won!

White Peacock Butterfly *EDITED*

Fighting Breast Cancer

Change happens

Another butterfly soon

My 9th Great-grandmother; The Witch

Terry's block

Win a jelly roll and help a fellow blogger

My very messy sewing room (shudder)

American Samoa

A beautiful gift!

Sometimes you just gotta stop and smell the flowers

Baby Butterfly

Here it is

20,000!!!

Saying goodbye to a fellow dollmaker

Let's move on :)

In tears, hurt feelings

My little present!

Anna's diaper bag

Little Tooter; Anna Grace

Free Apron Pattern

Happy Birthday to honey

Fabric giveaway

Home

Got My Ticket!

Colors of nature are exciting

Have A Sunny Day!!

Anna is 3 months old today

I won!

Another rare treat

Roseate Spoonbill

Great service and a few pics

Wordless Wednesday

Git'er Done

Not a welcome visitor!

An Angel Landed

Wordless Wednesday

Aunt Pitty Pat's Raggedy Swap (Edited, mine added)

Pincushion swap

The Gratitude Sign

Cicada Killer on Orange Glads

Sweet Nothin's

Vickie's giveaway

Wordless Wednesday

One month ago and One year ago

Name Change

Pretty darn ticked off

New fur babies

The storm has passed

Santa's reindeer......EDITED

Did you.... Edited

White Peacock Butterfly EDITED

What's wrong? EDITED