I am posting on behalf of my mother. She hadn't posted for a while because she was battling cancer. It was a private battle shared only with her family and a small group of friends. On October 9,2011 she went to be with the Lord in her home surrounded by family.

Before mom passed away (during her chemo treatments) she was working on a Dresden plate quilt, she was able to finish it with the help of her friend Mary Lou. It was on her casket the day of her funeral and will remain a cherished quilt in our family.

We held a service and were able to line the walls of the reception hall with mom's quilts/afghans. I wrote who she made them for and described what life event was happening that she wanted to make it. It was such a privilege to honor her in this way.

I miss my mom everyday and looking through her blog reminds me of such fond memories with her. She accomplished so much as a mother, wife, grandma, quilter and woman of God. I know she loved sharing her projects here on the blog and I hope to pick up where she left. She taught me so much and I know my level of making hand made items is not nearly close to hers, but I'll share what I can. Sitting at the sewing machine, or just knotting thread to hand sew an item makes me feel so close to her. Like she's with me. I hope posting here will do the same, make me feel like she's with me.

A close friend posted this on her blog about my mom. http://cheesecurdsinfargo.blogspot.com/2011/10/life-death.html

Happy Tulips

I hung this lovely vintage tulip quilt by my bed to welcome spring. I bought it at a flea market because of the cheerful colors and wonderful quilting. It is quilted by hand in a perfect pattern that I am sure was created by the maker and fills the surface with fans and curves.

I also noticed that the quilter had an assortment of 30's solids and complimenting prints. The stems and leaves seem to be made from scraps of depression greens. I admire her work and thank her so much.

Stompin' cookies

Yesterday was baking day for Christmas cookies. My daughters are mixing a HUGE batch of 'stompin' cookies'.....thanks Mary Lou for the recipe. It is not made with a mixer so you build

muscles as you mix the dough. You drop spoonfuls onto the sheet and then STOMP them with a glass coated with color sugar......hence the name. Yummy

Christmas traditions

This big dolly lives in Hixson's Flower store in Lakewood Ohio. We come here to purchase our glass ornaments for the tree. Most are imported and handmade and all are lovely. We brought our children here each year as they were growing up and bought each a special ornament. Now they are bringing their children here....so the tradition goes on.

Blog update

I have been missing for the last few months but I am back. I had major surgery at the end of July and recovery has been slow. Feeling much better now and should be back to stitching soon.

During this time our family celebrated the adoption of two precious children. They have been with us for several years as fosters and now are officially ours. To mark this occasion I made this 'Family quilt'......for my daughter, son-in-law and the new additions. Luckily I pieced it last winter and machine quilted it over the summer. It was made to be used for years to come and not worry if it is spit, spilled or.....upon.

I took Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville pattern of Sister's Choice and enlarged it. It was fun to make.

Airing the tent

Pulled out the tent that has not been used in years and years in preparation for camping this coming weekend. The girls and I are taking the kids (ages 5, 4, and almost 2) camping at a state park, leaving the menfolk at home.

They will be in an air-conditioned RV and Grammie will be in private quarters......the tent. We are looking forward to the great outdoors with swimming, walking and playing but not the 90+ temps......Grandpa thinks I am nuts....lol.....wish me luck!

Goodbye Loyal Companion

Daisy has been our loyal companion since we rescued her from the pound ten years ago. She passed way last night after failing health for the past few years. We were so happy she lasted to enjoy this wonderful summer, her joy in life was laying in the cool grass or basking in a bit of sunshine. She spent her winters mostly in her bed next to the woodburner and only went out in the cold and snow when she had to, but summer was for outside.

Daisy was famous for her waggy tail and beagle nose. She would track a smell all around the yard and boy could she bay!

She only ate things that had walked the earth......no veggies for her! The only exception was Cookies.....boy did she love cookies!

She will join her best beagle friend Mrs. Peabody in the canine burial ground on our property. She will be missed......