THE JELLY ROLL MORTON

This quilt top is from a jelly roll purchased a long time ago, so I am officially naming it the Jelly Roll Morton quilt.  I'm just going to assume you know who he is.  The center square fabrics (two different, but the same) were a separate purchase as well as the backing (stripe) and binding (rosebud).  I have made lots of things out of the excess (view purse here).

Like me, photos are not quite as vivid as they should be.  I am already longing for spring.  That's probably why I've changed my banner so quickly.  I want color.  I want flowers, and I don't mean the kind in a vase.  I want green leaves on the trees and green grass under my toes.  I want to wear pretty, impractical shoes.  Alas, it is only January 3rd.  Dirt snow covers the ground.  The silver lining in this cloud is my current project - a colorful crochet afghan requested by Frannie.  I am using these yarns.  She checks on it everyday to see how long it is getting.  I love crochet.  The repetitive motion is soothing, almost hypnotic at times.  The most relaxing needlework, I think.  Perfect for evening.  After everything else is finished for the day.  (Homework ✓ - Dishes ✓ - Lunches for next day ✓ - Tote bag/trapper/violin ✓ - Outfit ✓ - Child in bed ✓ - Laundry ✓ - Dog walked ✓ - Milk & biscuits for dog ✓✓ - Yes, our dog loves milk & biscuits every evening before bed - except he refers to them as milk & cookies.)  TV on.  Cozy socks.  And fleece.  Sans make-up. 

S.W.A.K.

A ONE QUILT SHOW

Here's a quilt that I made years ago - except that I only just finished it yesterday. All I had to do was stitch down one more side of binding. So what happened?!! I only know that it ended up folded (as you can see from the lines) and tucked away. I have always loved this quilt. It has a vintage look to it. Now I just need to throw it in the washer and dryer and make it all fluffy and soft. It's not very large - just 50" x 50". Perfect the upcoming chilly nights while watching an oldie but goodie movie on TCM.

I picked this backing fabric just because I liked it.

I'm not bragging, but this quilt is completey hand-pieced and hand-quilted with some old buttons tacked on just for added texture and interest. Hey, look at those stitches! Not bad, if I do say so myself! :) I love to do piecework because it means you don't have to be chained to a machine, but maybe if I had one of them new-fangled ones... Honey, are you reading this? Christmas will be here before you know it. Hint, hint, hint.

S.W.A.K.

HEY, GET YOURSELF OVER HERE AND ENTER!
ONLY 5 GUESSING DAYS LEFT

LUCKY GIRL

Just look at this beautiful quilt that Frannie received from her Aunt Ellen (my sister). It is made out of such fun, happy colors! Frannie immediately took it out of the box and wrapped herself up in it.

Here's a close-up of the border. I wanted you to see the design that was stitched throughout the quilt. There are posies and bumble bees all over it. What a cute design for a young girl.

Now have a look at what Frannie received from her Aunt Roxanne (my other sister). Aren't these aprons adorable? Love the fabric selection! Frannie and her "Just Like You", American Girl doll, Lauren, can whip up a batch of cookies or cupcakes and look just as sweet. Did you notice those tiny scallops on the pocket of Lauren's apron? That must have taken some patience!

Isn't Frannie a lucky girl!

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - I have several other quilts and table runners to show you that were made by Ellen ,and the most beautiful Christmas stocking and mittens that were knitted by Roxanne, so keep visiting. I guess the creative gene runs in the family!

ONLY 12 GUESSING DAYS LEFT

CUPCAKE GOODNESS

I received my cupcake goodies from my swap partner, Sharon, at Red Geranium Cottage. It was like taking out at all the goodies in my stocking on Christmas morning. What fun! Look at everything I received:

Inside the box were cupcake wrappers, pick, tins, non-pareils, mini heart-shaped silicone baking cups, a really clever measuring spoon, cupcake take-out box, stickers, bath fizzy, cupcake card with polka-dot handkerchief inside (I do love those polka dots!), 500 Cupcakes book (love, love love), a cake tester with a little cupcake on top (it's sticking out of the book), and also a cupcake wristlet that Sharon made (adorable!). Also,

Is this cute or what? It can hold photos or recipe cards. Wait, something's missing! Oh, there it is. Somebody, whose name is Frannie, took this out of the box when I wasn't looking.

This is an adorable little quilt that Sharon made. I hope you don't mind Sharon, but please feel honored because next to this little crib is another bed:

And upon that bed sits Frannie's favorite doll, Lauren, along with the doll quilt my grandmother made when I was a little girl.

And one more thing Sharon, I'm honored that I was picked in the contest, but just reading your blog and seeing your photos is prize enough. Keep 'em coming!

Next post, contest (giveaway) details, stay tuned.

S.W.A.K.