Summer is Over...Life is Back to Normal

Mercy! The last 23 days have been a blur of activity! Brainstorming, a trip to the Zoo, painting, sewing, gardening and creating new flower beds, waiting at the hospital, changes, anniversary #29, stargazing....

What a difference a meal can make!
A chance viewing of a news story inspired me to brave up and make some changes to my diet. Since that wonderful day when it all came together in clear focus...I now no longer consume, eat or even taste foods containing Gluten or Dairy or Eggs or Corn or Tomato or Onion or Peppers...meats are limited to chicken or fish. My day now begins with a Smoothie created from Carrots, Spinach, Celery, Apples and Cucumber. I eat real great tasting foods just not the ones I used to eat. Yes I miss breads and the other foods I have removed from my diet. But I LOVE the way I am feeling more!!! GONE are migraines, swollen joints, muscle pain, fatigue, sleepless nights, extra weight is melting away and reading glasses are no longer needed to name a few...In just 3 weeks my health is rebounding!!!

With all of the extra sleep I have tons of energy and creative ideas are flowing like flood waters and raging rapids...I am now writing and sketching ideas down so I can get back to them when I have more time. I've been busy!

 I painted the front door and replaced the doorbell
earlier this summer.

Which got me started on a mini-makeover of the front porch...one of my favorite thinking spots.

This is the spot where dreams come to life.
I added a few fresh coats of paint and a bit of varnish to create my
"new" porch bench.

A quick peek of some projects from the last three weeks. With all the extra energy I cleaned out closets...and then had to decide what to do with all of the discards.

 

A new messenger bag created from an old shirt.

Inside, lots of room and 5 hidden pockets!

A new project bag..created from an old shirt.

A perfect size to hold multiple projects and snacks!

There's more to share in the coming days. I'm off now to start a few new projects and catch up with my Blog-Land Family. 3 Weeks away is far to long!

You see an old blue shirt....I see a new market bag.

Happy Saturday!
with love as always,
Carol a.k.a. Beulah

Summer 2013 Quilting Challenge Step One Complete

Fabrics have been pulled from my stash.
I may have to make a quick run to the fabric shop for additional pieces. :)

Today's task: decide on the quilt block[s] to be used.

I am seriously considering a making a medallion quilt since the format for the quilt is square.

Happy Thursday!
with LOVE as always,
Carol a.k.a. Beulah

PS: Have you looked at the calendar? Christmas is only 5 months away! Yikes! I better get busy!!!!

Summer 2013 Quilting Challenge

A week ago I sought input for a Quilting Challenge I've created to get the creative juices pumping during the Dog Days of Summer. I asked a series of questions and 3 lovely assistants responded. Una, Martha and Tami you are awesome!

         The Challenge

Create a quilt using the following design elements.

1. COLOR: Black, Purple, Aqua, Dark Blue, Burgundy Red, Blue, Green, Yellow and Red.
AND Beige, Orange, Brown and Sea Foam Green. [These are the colors 'discarded' to never be used in a quilt.]2. FABRIC: Dots, Modern, Gingham, Batik, Floral, Text and Solid.
3. Quilt Block: Crazy-Patch, 9 Patch or Star.
4. Quilt Format: Square

The quilt MUST be constructed using all of the colors listed above...I know there are some colors, GASP, that are on the "never use list"....part of the challenge, time to stretch the color selections. The ONLY fabrics that can be used in the quilt are those listed in section 2. A bit of flexibility on the quilt block to be used: Can use one or a combination of the blocks from section 3, HOWEVER, the completed quilt must be Square.

This challenge is open to anyone who would like to participate in some "Creative-mind-stretching-beating-the-heat-of-the-Dog-Days-of-Summer" Fun!

I am headed now to raid my stash pulling fabrics for the Summer 2013 Quilting Challenge. I promise to keep you posted on progress! :)

Happy Wednesday!
with LOVE as always,
Carol a.k.a. Beulah

What in the World Have I been Doing?

Yikes!
I'm not sure what has been going on as of late. Well actually I do...Summer has arrived bringing much needed summer rains. The family's schedule has altered my blogging time....but then isn't that what summers are for? A quick look at the blog, one would think I had abandoned ship! So little posting....
However, I have been busy behind the scenes working on many projects...here are a few:
' new block designs to be released soon
' painted my front door
 

Never again shall I have a plain white door!

' rescued bundles of 'homeless' fabric
' made 125 X and + blocks
 

I think I may need help, I can't stop making these blocks!

' created 6 quilt tops
' canned blueberry jam, applesauce, apple jelly...now on to pears and salsa
' cleaned the garage
' planned quilting bees and fall activities
' watched the rain
' weeded flower beds

More weeds coming soon as the rains have boosted the growth of more.

Summer. I love summer, the perfect season for daydreams and breaking out of the routine!


May your day be filled with sunny skies!
with LOVE as always,
Beulah

ps
Wow! This is my 100th post! I must have been blogging more than I thought! :)

I'd love to know.....

Something is in the works, a very fun 'dog days of summer' project....but at the moment....a very big secret!

Which, you if you would like can be a part of the fun.
I am creating a quilting challenge for my self.
In the past I have worked on similar projects while wearing my 'painter's hat' and I thought it would be fun to have go with my quilting.
[Try painting a self portrait using purple, teal, orange and blue!]

The challenge: I will use the top 5 answers to the following questions to create a quilt project. 
 
This is where I need your input.   
I would love to know your answers to the following questions.
[Sounds simple enough right?]

1. What are your 3 all time favorite colors?

2. What is the one color you will NEVER use in a quilt?

3.  Pick 3:
    solid,stripe,dots,plaid,batik,floral,calico,text,
    geometric,modern,bold,pastel,gingham,animal prints

4. Your go to quilt block when you are 'pushed for time'.
    
5.  Think fast! Square or Rectangle?


I will compile the answers and post here on Wednesday, July 24th. And post the 'rules and regulations' so you can join the fun.



Happy Wednesday!
with LOVE as always,
Carol a.k.a. Beulah

Calico Dots and Gingahm Quilting Bee

About Sowing Stitches: Calico Dots & Gingham Quilting Bee

    This is what it's all about: Quilting. Friendship. Encouragement.

I've started building my stash of Calico , Dots and Gingham !

The Calico, Dots & Gingham Quilting Bee will begin in September 2013 and continue through February 2014 and is open world wide. You will need a Flickr account to participate, so if you do not have an account you have plenty of time to get an account established and learn your way around.

Calico, Dots and Gingham Quilting Bee is open to 11 participants for a total of 12 participating. You will create ONLY 1 block for each participant and 2 participants will be scheduled each month.
Simplified, you will be making 2 different blocks each month....1 of each pattern.

A 6 month bee to create a Sampler Quilt using ONLY Calico, Dots and Gingham Fabrics.
Your chosen quilt block should be 12 1/2 inches and you should post directions/tutorial on the first day of 'your month'...the colors for your block will be determined by the Bee Participants. [Which will create the sampler effect of your quilt.]

If there is a color you absolutely do not like you may request that the one color not be used in your block. [[For example, if you do not like Pink, your request may look something like this: "Please pretty please do not use fabrics that are PINK. A tiny bit of pink in the calico is okay...just please not tons of pink Pink PINK. Thanks!"]]

An added bonus: If you create 1 block for yourself each month as you are creating the block for each of the participants of the month, by the end of February you will have not 1 but 2 sets of quilt blocks! A set of blocks using 'your block' and a sampler set using the blocks from our group.We would LOVE to have you join the fun! There are 8 active spots remaining and 2 alternative spots in case someone has to drop out.
Leave a post below and an email contact so that I can send you a Flickr Group Invite and you will be well on your way to creating new friends, new quilt blocks, and hours of fun!


Happy Monday!
Carol aka Beulah

Happy Thursday!

Since I last posted, I celebrated my birthday #52, painted the front door Peacock Blue...personally I think it is more Aqua than the paint company says, created a mountain of pulled weeds, created multiple quilt tops....dealt with some pressing matters.

Best of all, I am seeing progress!

The 'ducks' are lining up...sort of....
Sowing Stitches is SEWING!
I've been busy getting the groundwork, loop holes etc dealt with while covered in threads and paint.
Trying to be organized...well just a little bit.
Progress so far: a new Facebook page for my sewing, a Twitter account, a Pinterest , a blog, a Flickr, new email accounts, a phone that is 'smarter' than I am, and as of yesterday I ...am now on Instagram. Now for an extreme ANALOG and KINESTHETIC individual this is huge!

Still to go: additional space to create, some equipment and machines, website, advertising, more happy customers.
Currently I am designing and creating original quilts and quilt patterns.
These make great gifts: weddings, milestone birthdays, special occasions, graduations, retirements or just to snuggle or grab for a picnic.

And coming soon.....classic in style, little girls dresses.
As well as quilting services.

Yes, I am still painting and 'doing' art, it's who I am and what I do.

Now to learn how to link all of my other media components to my blog and learn how to create blog buttons!

Oh, I almost forgot!
Details of the Quilting Bee will be released very soon!

Pressing Matters

Life. 
Life makes demands at times that require 100% and more of our attention.
For a 'season' I will be occupied by more pressing matters.
My blogging time will be limited and sporadic.
Hope to see each of you when I return.

Carol aka. Beulah 

Birds are ready to Fly

Bird projects have indeed been multiplying in my studio!
These little birds are ready and will be soon flying to fly to their new home suitable for a wall-hanging or baby blanket.

original design created by Sowing Stitches

Off now to clean the kitchen before the repair guy comes.
Hoping that today is the day our AC is repaired and back in working order!

Happy Tuesday!

Today is one of those days...

I find that when faced with a mountain I am strengthened by totally saturating myself and surroundings with worship music for hours on end. The windows are raised to carry the music across the neighborhood, the songs of the birds are joining in with the music, today is a day of restoration and answers are at hand!

               My play list:
Praise Adonai Messianic Worship with Paul Wilbur
Days of Elijah The worship Songs of Robin Mark
Absolute Peace Instrumental/John Belt
Another Realm the Soaking Presence 3 /John Belt
Heart For Israel Worship Volume 2
Flowing / John Tussey
The Watchman by Paul Wilbur
Freed to Enter the Glory Realm 
Hillsong / Forever
The Portals of Heaven the Soaking Presnce 2 / John Belt
Soaking in the Glory Realm
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Supernatural
Sacred Fire the soaking presence 4 / John Belt
Freedom / Michael W. Smith
Hillsong / The Secret Place
Contending for a New Beginning
Elolam everlasting light volume 2 / John Belt
The Eye of God / Jansen and Belt
Overcomers to Him who overcomes / John Belt

With God ALL things are possible!
God Bless you this day beyond measure!!

Flowers

I love flowers! 
I can hardly wait to pop over and enjoy the Say it with Flowers Blog Hop going on over at Sew We Quilt! I am 'sitting' this hop out and admiring everyone's flower gardens.
Thankfully I have a few minutes to spare this morning to feast on the delightful creations by wonderful quilt artists.
I am waiting somewhat impatiently for my garden to bloom this year. 
So...I rummaged through my photo files for these images of my garden I painted a few years ago.

Water Garden

Dandelion
Remember, 'weeds are a flower dealing with an unhappy person'.

Daylily

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

String Time!

Yes it is just after 3:00am and I am wide awake!
Why?
String Fever Jitters!
Late yesterday afternoon I photographed my very first String Quilt...or rather...my very first completed String Quilt Top! :)
And what is racing through my thoughts?
If I start right now....I wonder if I have time to make another one for the String Fever Festival of Strings which starts today?!

Wouldn't it be grand if we were able to create in real time at the speed we can imagine and create in our thoughts?! 
It would be a fabulous 'super-power' and better than being able to fly like Super Man.

My very first String Quilt Top!

I will most certainly be making more string quilts this summer. I found when I was creating this quilt top that making string quilt blocks are a great way to order my thoughts and an awesome stress-buster.

I am so looking forward to seeing all of the lovely and amazing String Quilts showcased in the Festival of Strings hosted by Rachel. http://www.stitchedincolor.com/

Hoping you have a Fantastic Tuesday!

Sunday Visits with Friends

I'm over visiting with Sarah on her blog, Confessions of a Fabric Addict today, come on over and join the fun. http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/ 

I will see you back here at Sowing Stitches bright and early in the morning! The 'Say it with Flowers Blog Hop' begins tomorrow and I don't want to miss everyone's creations.

May your day be filled with joyous laughter surrounded by family and friends.
with Love as always,
Beulah

DAYcation because everyday should be Fun!

The soon arrival of the last day of school has vacation plans taking over seemingly every conversation, thoughts are filled with summer delight. Tropical beaches, mountain camping, travel to distant lands...
Add to the mix, the conversation thread of Stay-Cations for the crowd staying home this summer and limiting travel within a few hours to save funds or to provide several mini-adventures throughout summer vacation.

The 'official' start to summer launches this Memorial Day Weekend and I've declared the Summer of 2013 to be the Summer of DAYcations! A mini vacation each day with a few hours set aside just for Fun!

DAYcation #1:
A trip to Walmart turned into a fit of laughter. Yes, you read that correctly! The trip began as a search for a new vacuum cleaner and a remnant of gray fabric. [The fabric shall wait for another day.] As we were shopping a quick glance inside our cart is when the laughter hit. Who knew that a cart filled with a vacuum, mop, spray starch, bleach, fabric softner, weed killer, a jug of lemonade and a pack of crackers could cause fits of laughter! Rather it was the comment afterwards..."Oh my, it looks like we are setting up house!".

That's the beauty of DAYcations...Joy, Laughter, Fun are the only required elements.
DAYcations can happen at anytime or anyplace. They can be planned anticipated events or suddenly arrive on the scene all on their own.

Come join the DAYcation fun!
Now, I'm wondering what tomorrow's DAYcation will bring?

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks

Confession time.
I am a HUGE fan of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazines.

I spend countless hours with each edition plotting and planning creative adventures.

This is one of my latest Quiltmaker Inspired projects. A summer sampler! Created from a selection of some of my favorite blocks in the Summer 2013 Vol. 7 issue. [Which is 'loaded' with awesome blocks!]

Hand quilting begins this week!
I better get busy, summer is just around the corner!

Happy Wednesday!!

Busy busy little Bee

Life can be quite an adventure!
This past week was filled with thrills, spills, broken dreams, encouraging words, new beginnings...life around here is Never boring!



I selected fabrics and have started the quilt pattern, Under Water Stars by Bea Lee. This pattern is loaded with possibilities.  http://www.beaquilter.com/2013/05/tutorial-tuesdayrandom-recolor-tool.html

Choosing which blocks to submit for quilting bees for me is like a child in a candy store...I want to make them all! :)
This is 'my' block for an upcoming bee.

 

This block is addictive! I sat down to make one....and well you see what I've created so far. Here is an awesome tutorial for this block if you are in search of a fun summer project. http://modifytradition.blogspot.com/2010/03/quatrefoil.html



And then....I saw these... http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/2013/05/star-value-tutorial-for-between-heaven.html

Which is when my brain went into overdrive and my fingers started itching and I just had to make this! 

I see this block being 'my' block in a quilting bee very very soon. Talk about a scrap buster, this is perfect!!!

And then there are other bees with blocks soon to be arriving and joining the 'hive'.

I hope you have a delightful day!

Dinner on the Ground

Picnics and dinners on the ground, while technically the same our family definition: picnics are small private meals or snacks  eaten outdoors and dinners on the ground are feasts with friends and family under the shade of trees. 

Every year, in the town I grew up in, they have a community dinner on the ground. Families plan their schedules around the last Sunday in May...no one wants to miss this gathering! Tables are thrown together using saw horses and plywood covered with white paper to welcome the foods lovingly prepared for the occasion. Boxes, baskets, coolers filled and overflowing arrive...family secret recipes, 'store bought' prepared foods, it's all good! Washtubs filled with ice, giant coolers filled with lemonade and sweet tea to 'wet the whistle' of the hungry.
 
Ladies, I wish we lived closer so we could celebrate our friendships and enjoy a dinner on the ground. While not quite the same, I'm hosting a virtual dinner on the ground this weekend...as we are celebrating mothers, friends, family and our love of quilting.

I've prepared the menu from your favorites submitted. If you can think of anything I've left out...please add it to the menu! :)

Beverages: Sweet Tea,Iced Tea, Lemonade, Pepsi, Sparkling Cider and Water

Sweets:Homemade ice cream,Hummingbird Cake, frozen yogurt, blueberry pie, apple pie, brownies, oatmeal cookies,Tcakes,Butterfinger candy bars, Klondike bars, Chocolate cake, Berry Pie, Lemon Pie, Chocolate chip cookies,S'mores, Peach Pie, Mayhaw Jelly Cake

Sides:Baked Beans,Pork & Beans,Boston baked beans,Potato Salad, Corn casserole, Green salad,potato chips, fruit, pineapple, brie & crusty bread,pasta salad, corn on the cob,watermelon,cheese, crackers,fruit salad,fresh cut vegetables and dip,sliced tomatoes,cucumbers,sweetpickles,Cheetos,grapes, strawberries , scotch eggs, green beans,squash casserole,biscuits, fried okra
 

Entrees:Brats,BBQ,Fried Chicken, Smokies, Egg salad sandwiches,Peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches,hamburgers, veggie burgers,hot dogs, chicken salad with grapes and raisins,pickled bologna, quiche,lobster rolls,Deviled eggs,ham slices, shrimp & chicken kebobs, tuna salad,ham,Steamed Crabs, Subway foot-long sandwiches,chicken salad sandwiches, meatballs,BBQ Chicken

Spread your quilts ladies, it's time to feast!

Susie of legato1958  check your email! :) Christmas will be coming soon to your mailbox.

with Love as always,
Beulah

I sew around the clock

Hickory dickory dock,
I sew around the clock!
Morning, noon and night
my house is such a fright
as I cut, sew, press & go
Dishes are dirty, beds unmade,
clothes are waiting…I need a maid!
Hickory dickory dock,
I sew around the clock!
If you must know, the reason I sew…
It’s the fuel that makes me go!
Hickory, dickory dock,
I LOVE to SEW around the Clock!


Okay, I got a little carried away with poetry tonight. :)
Off to bed I go!
It's been a fun and busy week looking forward to the weekend.


Sweet Dreams,
with LOVE as always,
Beulah

Pass it On

I found a treasure this week in my mailbox I want to share with you. It did not arrive by postal carrier, but secretively placed inside by little tiny angels strolling along the street. Inside the box when we checked the mail was a lone piece of paper, quietly waiting...but the message...more valuable than gold.
Arriving at the perfect time, as our weather for a few days is to be warm and sunny. My thoughts turned to summer camp, sitting around the campfire singing "Pass it On" with all the other campers.

Jesus Loves You!
This is the note left by the little tiny angels.

Happy Friday!
May your weekend be filled with LOVE overflowing!!!
God Bless You!
with LOVE as always,
Beulah

Birds are multiplying!

Yesterday I participated in the "It's for the Birds Blog Hop" which by the way was loads of fun!
Just like the many bird nests in our yard which keep popping up everywhere, birdie projects are still emerging from my fingertips.
After I admire the beautiful creations by today's participants, I will be busy trying to put salt on the tails of some wayward birds nesting in my sewing studio!

Happy Wednesday!
with Love as always,
Beulah

It's for the Bird Blog Hop

My favorite weather is bird chirping weather.[T.G.]

I started my journey blog hopping in January of 2013, since then, I have jump started the creative process and embraced the theme by creating a mug rug for each hop...I've found this helps me to gather my thoughts and focus on the projects I want to create. The journey with the Birds begins with.....

Mug rug

After admiring so many of my bloggy friend's beautifully created needle cases I made myself sit down long enough to create one and so far, haven't lost anymore needles in the couch. The secret is now out, "These are FUN to create!" said of course in my very best secret  shouting whisper. :)

Cross stitched Needle Case

And suddenly, an idea hatched! An idea with a mind all of it's own....you know the kind.....The idea takes off unwilling to listen to any of your suggestions and suddenly you find yourself just 'watching' from the sidelines. Well, I am still watching as this project is evolving and chirping away telling me what to do each step of the way...
Once these little birds are hatched and home to roost I will be posting their pictures here. At the moment, they are camera shy and do not want to be "exposed" as a 'work in progress'.

An extra big tweet-tweet thank you goes out to Mary and Madame Samm you both have inspired, encouraged and cheered each of us to spread our wings and fly soaring like eagles on the winds of creativity!



One more chirp...
I have a giveaway this morning, one that is packaged and waiting for a name and address! This little bundle will come in handy for the Christmas in July Blog Hop. To be eligible for the giveaway, please answer the following question: what are your three favorite picnic foods? Winner will be randomly selected Friday evening, remember I will need a way to contact you if you are the winner. Thanks for stopping by my little nest for a visit. I'm spreading my wings to fly over and visit all of the other Bird Loving Bloggers posting today. Come join me, it's going to be loads of creative fun!

May your day be filled with joyful bird songs!
with Love as always,
Beulah

Tuesday, May 7

http://www.fiberbabble.com

http://Sewincrediblycrazy.blogspot.com

www.SquawkThat.com

http://Scrapatches.blogspot.com

http://Kwiltypleasures.blogspot.com

www.sowingstitches.blogspot.com

www.justquiltit.blogspot.com

http://krislovesfabric.blogspot.com

http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com

http://dancingmoon-carla.blogspot.com

http://bumbleberrystitchn.wordpress.com

http://Sewandsowfarm.blogspot.com

http://Ipiece2-Mary.blogspot.com

http://sharon-dancingthruthreads.blogspot.com

http://www.iliketoquiltblog.blogspot.com/

http://catsnqlts2.blogspot.com

This little Bird is going to bed

Perched on top of my pillows in their new birdie pillowcases is one [I bought several colors] of my 40 Blinks Ultralight Sleep Mask.
I laughed at first sight, there is no way these would work, how could they with their comical bikini shape....well, I am not laughing now!
These are amazing!
They do work!
The light is blocked completely,  they are soft and comfortable.
And yes, I am sleeping at night! It has been decades since I have slept...you know real restful restoring sleep!
When our children were born, I trained my ears and body and became a very light sleeper....Not Good!
Let's just say I was very good at light sleeping.
Now after a few weeks of using my 40 Blinks Ultralight Sleep Mask, my body is being retrained!
Ladies, SLEEP does a body good!

Goodnight little chickadees, morning comes early! I will be hopping tomorrow with a flock of very creative 'birdies' in the "It's for the Birds Blog Hop".

Sweet dreams!
 with Love as always,
Beulah