"It's Always Something"....

is a quote and title of a book made famous by the late Gilda Radner.  And, isn't it the truth?  For the last two weeks or so, I have been dealing with a bout of bronchitis.  Thank goodness it has passed, but I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do.  A few weeks ago I made valances for Matthew's bedroom windows.  Today I finally got one set of the lower panels completed.  I still have another set to go, but I am hoping to get to those tomorrow.  The valances as well as the panels are lined.

  P.S. Don't look too close at the painted stripes.  Unfortunately some turned out well, while others did not.  That is on the future redo list.  At that time the chair rail will also be painted.

For Your Special Day

How lucky am I?  I found the birthday fabric at JAF.  During the same week, while shopping for another project, I came across the coordinating black fabric at a quilt store.  One pillowcase is for Matthew and the other is for Beckham.  Of course both boys will need to wait a while.  Beckham's Birthday is in October and Matthew's Birthday is in November.

Be My Valentine

Here is today's bounty.  Three Valentine table toppers and a bib.  What is missing is a Valentine pillowcase for my Grandson.  I found the cutest Valentine fabric with dogs and the words "I woof you" on it.  I got it at JoAnn Fabrics last week.  I was ironing the fabric today and noticed a 3 inch imperfection.  Grr.  I went back to the store, but they are now sold out of that fabric.  A check of three other stores came up empty.  I'm hoping I can find a comparable replacement somewhere before Valentine's Day.

Get Your Craft On Girlies!

Lately I have been checking out quite a few DIY blogs.  People are doing some amazing things to their homes.  Anyway, you know how you check out one blog, then you see a sidebar link with a photo and it piques your curiosity?  Well, this was what I saw, so I decided I had to see more.  Actually, this has nothing to do with a DIY project, so if that is what you are hoping for, you can stop reading NOW.  But, this is just too cute not to share with my fellow bloggerettes.  These are my ingredients, go get your own!  P.S. you can get the cherry jelly hearts at WalMart.  http://poppiesatplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/cupids-arrows-super-quick-valentines.html

The Great Blizzard of 2011

The great blizzard of 2011 has hit.  It packed a one-two punch.  Our area saw at least 5 feet of snow.  The digging out has begun. 

As you can see, it is at least waist deep on my husband, and he is 5'10".  When he got down to the bottom of the driveway, the city plows had piled the snow so high that it reached his shoulders!  I just keep telling myself March 20th isn't that far off.  March 20th is the official start of spring and it can't come soon enough!

When You Run Short of Fabric

I bought this fabric at least 5 years ago, which means I doubt I could find it any more.  I did buy it with the intent of making curtains from it.  I remember when I bought it, I took what was left on the bolt, hoping I would have enough.  Fast (okay, slow) forward 5 years. Once I measured what I had, I knew there wasn't going to be enough for both gathered valances and gathered curtains, which was what I wanted.  I started hunting through pattern books hoping I would find an alternate pattern that used less fabric.  This valance is a Simplicity pattern and the name of it is Sewing Patterns For Dummies.  No comment.

My New Toy

Isn't it beau-ti-ful?  I so needed a new stove.  Only two of the four burners on my old stove worked.  And, my  previous stove was electric.  This time around, we opted for gas.  We chose this model because I cook a lot of casseroles, frozen pizzas and little items.  I always hated to heat up an entire oven for things so small .  It also has the convection option on the bottom oven only.  Of course, my favorite feature so far is the timer that beeps to let you know when the oven is done preheating.