Leaves....

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

by Elsie N. Brady

OOPS!

Hey ALL!!!

Sorry I've been gone sooo long. Life has just seemed so crazy and busy....i guess a new grand baby can just take you away from all the important things--like blogging and sewing!!!

Hope you are all having a simply fabulous fall!!

Blessings

shelia :)

So blessed!

..You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

A Sprinkle or a Shower?

This weekend my middle, very pregnant daughter, was blessed with a sprinkle. Ok...I'm old. I had never heard that term before...but a lovely sprinkle it was. My oldest daughter explained that the first baby you have a SHOWER...the other babies...a sprinkle.




I've been sewing nearly non stop for weeks...pictures to come in the following days...but for today...enjoy the sprinkle!


Oh GOSH!!! you have to try these cake pops!(chocolate delights in truck!) They were a huge hit at the party. Daughter Cassidy pulled these off beautifully. Check out the Bakerella Blog for recipe and great ideas!



Skipping off to the beach for a few days! :)

Its' an EMERSON kind of day....

Just cause i can't help myself...pictures of my beautiful granddaughter,daughter and son in law!

I'm living at the sewing machine...just under wraps for the new grand baby boy! Shower next weekend then i have plenty of photos to share!

(A special HI to Jordan's co-workers...plenty of pictures of Emerson here! Stop by anytime!)

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for all the prayers for my friends.
I love that there is a community in which we can let our needs be know and they are met!!!

Blessings...shelia :)

Tears....

Friends of the family suffered a terrible loss today.

A young couple went to the hospital this morning with the first pains of promise.

Promise of a new life brought into the world.
A promise that was not meant to be today.
Please pray for them.
For a momma and daddy that will not take home their baby today. For Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunts and Uncles who will not show pictures in their brag book tomorrow.

But a family that is being loved by THE great Father and by brothers and sisters in faith who will hold them up while they don't have the strength to stand up themselves.

Thank you friends.
GOD BLESS

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3

Frozen Delight!

WATER MELON GRANITA

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup sugar
* 3 tbsp water
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 8 cups coarsely chopped seedless watermelon
* 2 tsp finely grated lime or lemon peel (optional

Tasted this wonderful concoction a couple of weeks ago at Bible Study. Looking for something fairly easy,yet incredibly refreshing? (and I fear, incredibly addictive) Give this ice, cool and pretty desert a try tonight!

(makes approx 5 cups)

1. Combine sugar, water and salt in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Stir frequently until mixture starts to bubble and sugar is dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Place half the watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor. Whirl until no chunks remain. Pour into a 9x13-inch (3-L) baking dish. Pour sugar mixture into food processor and add remaining watermelon. Whirl until no chunks remain. Pour into baking dish. Add peel. Stir to evenly mix. Cover pan with plastic wrap.
3. Freeze until ice crystals form at edges in pan, about 40 minutes. Using a fork, scrape and stir to evenly distribute ice crystals. Repeat every 40 minutes until frozen, about 2 1/2 to 3 more hours. Using a fork or spoon, scrape granita down length of pan, forming icy flakes. Spoon into bowls and serve. Granita will keep well, covered and frozen, up to 5 days.

My friend, Judy, who served this delicious stuff served it over vanilla ice cream. Everyone there was just crazy about it. I'm here to tell you---its FAB all by itself too!

HAPPY MONDAY!
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS AGAIN I SAY REJOICE!

Happy Birthday America!

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

Today is just gorgeous and mild in Northern Virginia. Not sure what the temp is but feels like low 70's! yeah Just in time for a perfect 4th weekend!

I've been busy sewing this week...
Still working on a couple of graduation gifts..
Baby gifts..
And a few things for the house.

Here's a peek at what's been going on at my sewing machine!

My daughter has this fabulous bag that i've wanted...but wouldn't pay the price for. (why is it i'll spend it on the kid and not myself..who knows) Using some of my Amy Butler stash... what do you think?


Large zipper pouch and a place for the phone and important stuff!


Made a couple of zipper pouches for gifts. I find that a sweet pouch with a little GREEN is perfect for almost any sweet grad!


Working on a French Memo Board for the living room. For some reason i'm not crazy about a lot of family pics in that room...so i figure with the memo board i can keep easily changing the pictures in and out!


Have a wonderful weekend!
I'd love to hear what project you have going!!!

Forgiveness Frees The Soul

If you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased.
1 Peter 2:20

Is there any emotion that imprisons the soul more than the unwillingness to forgive? What do you do when people mistreat you or those you love? Does the fire of anger boil within you, with leaping flames consuming your emotions? Or do you reach somewhere, to some source of cool water and pull out a bucket of mercy--to free yourself?

Don't get on the roller coaster of resentment and anger. You be the one who says, "Yes, he mistreated me, but I am going to be like Christ. I'll be the one who says, 'Forgive, them, Father, they don't know what they're doing."

From GRACE FOR THE MOMENT by Max Lucado

Two words...Basil Lemonade!

We've been continuing our study on THE EXCELLENT WIFE...(i still have quite a ways to go)....

BUT....last night wonderful neighbor, JUDY, pulled out all the hospitality stops at study. Many taste treats I'll be sharing.

I don't cook that much, but i can steal a good recipe!

This is just lovely, light and wonderful!!!


Ingredients

* 1/2 cup rinsed lightly packed fresh basil leaf
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 4 cups water
* 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 1 sprig fresh basil

Directions

* In a 1 1/2 to 2 Qt glass bowl, combine basil leaves and sugar.
* With a wooden spoon, crush leaves with sugar until thoroughly bruised;
add water and lemon juice,
* Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes;
* Taste and add more sugar if desired.
* Pour through a strainer into ice-filled glasses.
* Garnish with sprigs of fresh basil. (i'm a good garnisher...my kind of "cooking")




I've just started making Baby Boy H a quilt. (grand baby boy due August 15)Lots still to do...i plan an appliqueing a giraffe and his name...should he get one! :)

Have a great weekend friends!

YUMMMM!

First let me say... I scored as a momma!!!

My kids like to cook and so do their husbands. YES YES YES
I cook but can't say i love to cook...after all time could be better spent at my sewing machine!

BUT...i do love to eat!!

Holly & Paul fixed this tasty grilled pizza for us this weekend. Hope you enjoy the recipe. They tweaked the recipe here and there and added lots of freshness from their garden. It was delicious!!!


Ingredients

* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water
* 1 pinch white sugar
* 2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/4 cup tomato sauce
* 1 cup chopped tomatoes
* 1/4 cup sliced black olives
* 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, and mix in sugar. Proof for ten minutes, or until frothy. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and flour until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside to rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down, and knead in garlic and basil. Set aside to rise for 1 more hour, or until doubled again.
2. Preheat grill for high heat. Heat olive oil with garlic for 30 seconds in the microwave. Set aside. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Form each half into an oblong shape 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick.
3. Brush grill grate with garlic flavored olive oil. Carefully place one piece of dough on hot grill. The dough will begin to puff almost immediately. When the bottom crust has lightly browned, turn the dough over using two spatulas. Working quickly, brush oil over crust, and then brush with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce. Arrange 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/8 cup sliced black olives, and 1/8 cup roasted red peppers over crust. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons basil. Close the lid, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from grill, and set aside to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the second pizza.

SHELIA VERSION...buy premade crust in a bag. (Get whole wheat if your feeling really healthy) A little sauce...a little fresh basil,tomato,mushroom,onion...yum...

NOW IM Hungry...gonna go find a lunch date! Have a wonderful and delicious day :)

Shelia

Fickle...i suppose

Just a few short months ago...i was SO DONE with this....



Not sure what the temperature was today...guessing 127. BUT now that picture is looking pretty refreshing. Amazing how a few months changes a perspective. I'm just sayin......

Hope you all had a wonderful Fathers Day. I'm blessed to have such a great Dad and the most wonderful Pop for my kids. Blessed...a perspective i shouldn't forget!

Twisted for Tufted Tweets

Visiting my daughter tomorrow,(the oldest in Pennsylvania,) so thought I'd whip her up a new couch pillow....another excuse to use my new favorite fabric TUFTED TWEETS.

What ya think?




I do so love that little black bird!I'm so crazy about this pattern, the colors...everything! I'm not sure why...exactly...i mean it's a couch with a bird...but it's LOVE for me!!!!

Ordered in EVERY color!!!!

FABULOSITY

I'm sure the mailman thought i was stalking him.I do so/sew love getting fabric bundles in the mail :)

Last week I made this lavender pillow. I wanted something extra sweet for a wonderful friend...smells SOOOOOOOO good.(nearly 1/2 pound of luscious,lovely,lavender)...and trust me, a half pound of lavender is A LOT of lavender. I picked up some lavender bath tea at the craft show to go with it.

>
I am SOOOOOOOO loving Tufted Tweets!!!!

Lavender and Tufted Tweets.....lovin both gobs :)

Have a wonderful weekend

Hapers Ferry Craft Show

One of my favorite things about June...CRAFT SHOWS!!! And one of the best is in Harper's Ferry West Virginia. In FACT... it's so great--my HUSBAND likes to go!!!!!!!!!!

A beautiful day in the green, rolling hills of God's Country--everyone needs to go at least once...here's a little glimpse of my day.




OK I get how it might be great to drive to the show on one of these. BUT WHERE, O WHERE, do you put ALL the treasures you might/will buy? :)


Bluegrass music is a West Virginia Craft show tradition. I'm not much into that genre of music...but i sure like watching other people enjoy it.

I'm in love...

saw
wanted
needed
ordered
waiting .....




With all the new fabric lines out there right now....what is YOUR favorite???

purse pattern review & hummus

So many reasons/excuses to live at my machine latley.
Graduation presents,baby gifts, birthday gifts...yeah! (money saving(i know...really) reasons I give hubby for why i sew)


I've had the West Linn Bag pattern by Loft Creations for some time and decided i had the right person in mind. LOVED IT! Clear directions, easy to put together, great use for scraps (another money saving move--i'm good) and most importantly ADORABLE! I think this bag is great for teens and slightly more "ripe" teens...ok ...i'm mean me.

Also ,I just put together the Gather clutch...a tutorial from the great lady at SEW TAKE A HIKE BLOG. Cute,fast and fun....these could be addictive and should come with a warning.

NOW FOR TODAY'S GRANDBABY PICTURES...i know you've been breathlessly waiting.... (humor me)

If you're ever in northern Virginia...you MUST, I repeat MUST try the Lebanese Taverna Restaurant. FABULOUS and home away from home for my family. ( My BEST home cooking is done by these talented people)

Wonderful grandchild has the oddest culinary pallet and love to eat hummous by the handful..ew...love hummous...but oh well...enjoy the pictures (i guess its much better for her than a happy meal)

Have a blessed weekend!!!!

Geetar!

Hello ALL!

Baaaaaaaaaack to work after a long weekend is always tough!!! I spent a wonderful weekend on the water,that was ever so fabulous :)

I've been working on a baby quilt for our worship leader at church. He and his lovely wife are expecting in mid July and as soon as I saw this fabric it screamed PALMER BABY!!! Any ideas on quilting pattern I'm all ears.

By the way...love love love the new KONA charcoal...great color. I DO believe it will be working its way into plenty of new projects at my sewing machine.

Have a good week

It SEEMED like a great idea....

Fab & very pregnant middle daughter had asked if I could watch the wee one for a few hours today....So youngest daughter and I headed out to the neighborhood petting farm with grand baby. Did I mention that it was 300 degrees today in Virginia!!!! Ok...maybe a slight exaggeration but not much...mid 90's.

With all the crazy weather we have been having this year....SNOW probably tomorrow!

Have a wonderful & blessed holiday with those you love. :)

blessings
shelia

Big Girl Quilt

My sweet girl is "almost" ready for the next step.

Months ago i had made a full size quilt like this for my bed. Daughter Lacey said that was just what she wanted for the babies room...so back to the sewing machine!

Emerson seems happy with the results...and of course Grandma LOVES that.

Happy a wonderful weekend!!!

Monday morning & I need a nice warm quilt!

Mornin!

Up early to root through my clothes and find my mittens, big furry hunting cap, ski pants.....OK, maybe a little bit of an exaggeration but it's freezing in the nations capitol today! I brought my pretty n pink geraniums in last night (flowers for the soon to be window boxes)...because it seemed awfully cold to me...and this morning LOW 30's! That is NOT May winter in D.C.

Ok...sorry i'm such a baby this morning...actually I think this is my husbands fault!!!(He bagged up all his winter clothes over the weekend and put them in the attic) YES, of course...HIS FAULT! :)

Enough of that...picture of my quilt a long. I've been enjoying along with the SEW TAKE A HIKE BLOG. Almost finished. I got a little sidetracked with several other baby quilts I'm trying to get moving a long.

Time for work. And really...got to find something WARM to wear.

Hope your toes are in the warm sand and the sun on your face. Happy Monday. God is good!

One sheet to the wind!

If I didn't already have a fabric "problem" NOW I've become quite enamored with old sheets.There is nothing like the hand of a sheet that is a couple of decades old.

So with my new stash I decided to make the grand baby (gosh..she is so cute) a sweet little sun dress. The pattern used for this is called the BETSEY DRESS by Owl Baby. Great Instructions...makes up in a snap, very forgiving on size. (i am ALWAYS making things a little/lot to big...or worse, sometimes too small). You just can't go wrong with this one!!!

Sorry I've been AWOL for a bit. My Pops had been sick, business was crazy...crazy good :) and still sewing like crazy! Lots more to share as time permits!

Have a fabulous weekend.

:)

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Sewing like a crazy person.....

The sewing bug has hit with a vengeance! (much like my allergies) My sewing machine has been calling to me and keeping me from any other meaningful work...what is a girl to do?

I've been working on many projects for Easter...but they are a surprise, so I'll be back with pictures soon.

Hope you're enjoying Spring wherever you are? Working on any new projects? I'd love to hear about them.....

Blessings
shelia :)