4SQS5 Monochromatic

This beautiful little table runner was in my mailbox this week.

It came all the way from Australia! Isn't it wonderful! Lily did a great job! It certainly brought a smile to my face! Thanks, Lily! I needed a nice surprise like this. She had it all wrapped in this pretty little FQ.

She even remembered Ethan and sent these fun little stickers.

He was pretty excited to get these all the way from Australia! These little swaps have been fun!

This little beauty will look wonderful on my table next winter! Well, maybe I will leave it out now, as winter doesn't seem to want to let go just yet! No worry though, I have faith that Spring will soon push ol' Man Winter out of here! Then I can play in the dirt!!

Hugs&Stitches, Jul♥a

Design Wall

I have been doing some spring cleaning and rearranging of furniture in my sewing room the past few weeks. I have always wanted a design wall, but could never really figure out where to put one. Well, the door was in my way as I was doing the rearranging, so I decided who needs a door anyway! Off it came! After carrying it out of the room, I came back in and there was this nice blank area on the wall! My perfect design wall space has been hiding behind my door all of this time! :~)While running some errands the other day, I went into Lowe's and picked up a sheet of that insulation stuff, it is used for the outside of houses underneath siding. My sweet, handy-man Pappy (Dad) helped me to put it up. We located the studs in the walls, used some wood screws with larger washers, so that the screws wouldn't pull thru. I covered it with thin batting, using T-pins to hold it on. I love it!!!!! Would be nice if it could be bigger, but I am grateful for what I have!

I made another friendship block for a member of my guild. I always do paper-piecing for these. One of these days I am going to make an entire quilt with this method. I really like doing it. It doesn't go as fast for me as regular piecing. But, oh the results, precision points and the fun designs are so worth!



I am going to spend the day at the quilt show with my two dearest friends today! The sun is shining, birds are singing. It is going to be a wonderful day!

Hugs&Stitches, Jul♥a

Celtic Woman

Have you heard of this group? They are absolutely divine! Their beautiful, crisp, clear voices are absolutely heavenly! I am enjoying their angelic sounds while I am busily stitching away. I have lots left to do before I can say that I am ready for Christmas day. I enjoy making my Christmas gifts, though. So I am having lots of fun!

Just thought I would check in and let you know that I am still around. It is VERY COLD here! The thermometer in the car this morning registered a frigid -10! Yikes! So very thankful for my warm, cozy home and my fireplace. Hope that you are all enjoying the holiday season!

Hugs&Stitches, Jul♥a

New Wallhanging

I was able to finish my new wallhanging that I mentioned buying the fabric for. I think that this is my favorite one so far. The colors in the close up photo are a little more accurate. I used the Thimbleberries Fancy Free collection. The colors are so rich and warm, perfect for the end of summer. In the close up photo you can see the detail of the design I did with my embroidery machine. I did this in all of the light squares, using a variegated cotton quilting thread. I do this through the top and the batting, then I put the back on and stitched in the ditch. The designs I used are from Embroidery Library "Vintage Sunflowers"

I am babysitting my baby grandson today, so I probably won't get the dress pictures posted that I promised. Maybe if he takes a good nap this afternoon.

All those involved with the horrible weather in the Midwest, are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you all!!!

Birthday Daisys

I received the best surprise this morning. These beautiful flowers arrived at my door, filling my senses with their delightful fragrance and my heart with a warm, fuzzy feeling. :~) A birthday gift from CJ. She puts a smile on my face, inspires me with her work ethic, her gardening, her quilting, her cooking and she has the most fun sense of humor! How grateful I am that our paths have crossed! Thank you so very much CJ ---- not only for these beautiful flowers, but for your sweet friendship! You hold a very special place in my heart!

Hugs&Stitches, Jul♥a

Summer Storms and Garden Friends

I was out checking on my garden and noticed this beautiful little friend that had come for a visit. Isn't it pretty!

My garden is doing excellent this year, despite the fact that I planted it all way to close together. ;~) I can't wait for my tomatoes to ripen and my cucumbers to be big enough to eat. I have the cutest little butternut squash right now. So fun to go out and check on it everyday. I love home grown food. We are going to increase the size of our garden next year. I am wanting to try my hand at canning some tomatoes and making some salsa for canning.

Friday evening we were sitting outside enjoying a nice summer afternoon in the shade of our trees, when we noticed a nice summer storm developing. I love clouds! About 15 minutes after I took this picture, the sky opened and rains came down pretty hard for about 30 minutes. There was some pretty good rumbles of thunder too. I also love the sound of thunder! We stood in our garage and enjoyed the beauty and power of nature.


I'll leave you with a picture of this beautiful pink lily growing in my flower garden.



Not to much quilty going on right now. I have been helping my daughter paint her kitchen this week. I am having withdrawals! :~)

Hugs & Stitches, Julia

Simply Sophisticated Month 2

I just finished up month 2 of the Simply Sophisticated BOM that I am doing through the Fat Quarter Shop. I just love Kimberly's BOM's. Her packaging is wonderful and she is always so generous with the amount of fabric that she sends. This one is a mystery, so I don't know what it is going to look like. A fun little surprise each time I open the envelope. I love the fabrics (Harvest Home by Blackbird Designs). They are so yummy!