Simple Pleasures

Evening Star

2011-11-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've updated the Evening Star quilt top on this blog yet....

I used my fabric collection of Jo Morton and it's all done by hand.

Now I need to do my least favorite part, the basting, yikes....

Here's my " belated Halloween" mini quilt.

I actually finished this quilt before Halloween. :-)

I used Kelly's with Hook and Needle's booklet which I purchased about a years ago.

Renee Plains @ The Fat Quarters Quilt Shop

2011-10-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful opportunity to attend a class with a well known creative quilt designer name Renee Plains at my local quilt shop : The Fat Quarters.

The picture above shows

what Renee gave everyone who attended the class.

It's a pattern with instructions. I also purchased her newest book called " Stitches from the schoolhouse" published by Kansas City Star.

Well... about the class, I totally forgot to take my MUST HAVE applique pins!!!!!

Aaaaaaggggghhhh....

but Thanks God,

Michelle the owner of The FQ shop carried

applique pins!

That's the good thing about taking classes at a quilt shop, right. *LOL*

Anyway,

Renee's class was wonderful.

She is a very charming person and top-nutch quilting teacher.

I also had a great time with my quilting buddy, Lisa who is always there for me.

We had a very cheerful time together in this class.

I also had a wonderful time there with Julie. I always wanted to take her class @ The FQ,

Good thing she happen to be @ today's class.

She brought some of her "Famous Cupcakes" for the class!!!!

Aren't they darn cute?????

Ladies, I can tell you, Julie's cupcakes are SO pretty

but also VERY TASTY!!!!!

Julie, I bet you beat "Sprinkles" AKA the cupcake phenomenon!!! :-)

Speaking about classmates,

I met Beth who I knew through blogland.

I had a great time with you, Beth!!!

O.K... back to Renee's class.....

She and Michelle gave some "give-aways" gifts in the class

and I won this little mystery box.

Ah.... Don't you just love the presentation!?

I opened the box...

(drum music begin in your head. Drrrrrrrr......)

there's a beautiful necklace made by Renee

WoooooooWhooooooo!!!!!!

Can you imagine,

I'm happy dancing right about NOW.

Renee's also autographed her newest book for me.

As you can see in this picture, I've been one of her fans for a good while. :-)

I came home with motivation as high as Mt. Fuji.

That the highest mountain in my homeland of Japan.

I finished my first "Our Old Neighborhood" house block.

Gathering Baskets UPDATE

2011-09-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here's my Gathering Basket blocks.

I stitched all the baskets together and need to sew the borders.

Hopefully I could finish putting it all together by the end of this month.

Meanwhile I went to my LQS The Fat Quarters quilt shop today and purchased all the books pictured above.

Maggie Bonanomi's newest book is the one I've been looking forward to get.

I also signed up for Renee Plain's class at The FQ.

We'll make this quilt which is called

"My old neighborhood"

Isn't it lovely?

This class will begin on the 8th of Oct (Sat) 10AM-2PM.

If you have the time and want to spend a good time with us

there are a few spot still open.

Ask Michelle she'll give you more Info on this class. :-)

*************************************

Gathering Basketの制作過程です。

取りあえず、ブロックは繋ぎ終わりました。

あとはボーダーのみ。

今月中にトップを仕上げる目標です。

で、そんなんこんなんで

本日は、いつもの私の「たむろ」スポット（笑）

The Fat Quarters quilt shopに行ってきました。

そこでのお買い物が↑

Maggieさんの新刊狙いで行ったのですが、

Blackbird Designsのクロスステッチの本も購入。

あと、本日は↑の

Renee Plainさんのクラスの予約をする事も

用事の一つだったので。

仲良しのリサと一緒にクラスを取ることしています。

楽しみだな〜〜

って、ここんとこちょこっとキルト熱入ってます

しかし、どこまで継続出来るのかが問題なんだわよ〜ふはははは〜

9.11.2001

2011-09-11T16:48:00.001-07:00

We will always remember....

and

We will never forget.

Semper Fi,

Beth
Thanks you for the beautiful commit. Yes all those Marines were appliqué on the border. I made this quilt for my Marine while he was on one of his Afghanistan deployments.

What's in my purse

2011-09-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well, Do you remember when I was working on this wool project??

I made this purse a long time ago but I haven't had a chance to post pics.

So here it is....

Open the purse, and

out comes my precious Mr. iPad.

Yes, This is my iPad bag.

***********************

ずーっと以前にここにも制作過程を載せたウールの小物。

（その記事は↑のリンクで）

これまた、ずーーーっと前に既に出来上がっちゃってたのに

完成品を載せておりませんでした。

ってことで、

これ実は

iPad用に作ってたって訳です

ま、そんなんこんなんで

そこの人、

あんまりじーーーっとwall paperの写真見ぃひんように by京おんな

になりたい博多女w

Finish'n 1,2,3

2011-09-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

I've been working on several different projects and here's some of quilts that I finally finished. Sighsh....

"Twinkle, Twinkle" patterned by Jo Morton

" Jo Morton's pattern called "Courthouse Steps".

I hand quilted this quilt with big stitches. My friend Lisa said that would be fun. I used DMC pearl cotton thread #8.

" Hexagon Flowers Doll Quilt" patterned by Kathleen Tracy.

This little cutie will travel over the Pacific Ocean and reach one of my dear friend in Japan very soon. :-)

New addition for my library

2011-08-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

This is the brand new Betsy Cutchian's book that I picked up at my LQS The Fat Quarters.

If you love antique quilts, this book is must to have. :-)

I'm working on so many project right now. Here's one of my on-going quilt from The Primitive Gatherings kit.

As you can see, I have lots of quilts for my "to do" list.* LOL*

***************************************************

最近購入したキルト本です。

Betsyさんの新刊、これね、Reproとかアンティークキルトが好きな方にはイチオシです。

私はかなり好きでした。Betsyさん、前作といいかなり私のツボです。

なんやかんやと、あれやこれややってる私ですが、とりあえずキルトでは、ええ、強調させてもらいますよ、これだけだもん自慢できるの、え？

このPrimitive Gatheringsのkitを今年初めのキルトショーにて購入したしまして、やっと重い腰をあげてしかかってる次第です。

は〜〜....やる事いっぱいで....また逃げ腰気味になりかかる、、、

と、なんやかんや言ってこじつけて、また恋の逃避行じゃなくってwww　単なる逃避行したくなる〜ふはははは〜

Hexagons

2011-08-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick shout out on my current projects.

I'm started working on this little hexagon flowers mini quilt.

This quilt is in Kathleen Tracy's book called The Civil War Sewing Circle. As you see a picture of it is on the front cover.

Also I'm developing more bubble gum pink/indigo baskets which I talked about on my last post. :-)

Gathering Baskets

2011-07-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

I LOVE bubblegum pink and poison green.

So I started working on this quilt a couple of days ago. The pattern called " Gathering Baskets" by Betsy Chuchian.

This pattern is in Betsy's beautiful book called "Gone to Texas".

Also here are some of the goodies I scored recently.

Betsy's new fabric line "Crossroad to Texas", Jo Morton's new line" Sweet Emilie "(the great one!), AU's wonderful quilt designer Anni Downs book called "A Gardeners Journal", Stacy Nash's newest pattern and Yoko Saito's book.

I have many Yoko's book in Japanese and I shall say this book is one of her best.

It's in English and French with lots of beautiful pictures in this hard cover book.

I ordered from my LQS The Fat Quarters quilt shop via Michell

Quilter's Run 2011 @ Temecula Quilt Co.

2011-06-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

I went to another one of my favorite spot, the Temecula Quilt Co. yesterday.

The shop was ready for Southern California Quilters Run 2011.

They had a beautiful display of booklets and kits for their annual quilters run. If you know me, I AM a HUGE fan of doll quilts!!!!

Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ WOW♪

I took some pictures and wanted to share them with you. Thank you, Sheryl!!♥

Hope you'll enjoy " Virtual Quilters Run @ Temecula Quilt Co." :-)

Be sure to check under the shelves! They have tons of beautiful quilts that will inspire you!

Check out Sheryl's blog for some great RED & WHITE project.

These are my goodies that I fell into and some how came home with me from Temecula Quilt Co. :-)

Lisa, I grabbed a booklet for you too.

I'll hand it to you when I see you next time, maybe @ Jo's club?? :-) Luv♥ ya!

Goodies and current works

2011-06-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

The summer break has started and I'm adjusting my daily routines.

Anyhow, I finally made some goodies and now they are available at The Fat Quarters quilt shop.

I used The Blackbird Designs and Niky's Creations patterns for all.

Southern California Quilter's Run 2011 is kicking in this Saturday through next weekend and If you are planning to stop by my joint The Fat Quarters, say Hi to the lovely shop owner Michelle.

Another thing that I want to show you is this quilt top.

This is Jo Morton's Little women club pattern called " Redware and Harvest".

Well, my quilt is not actually "Redware" reddish at all though.

Here's the original Jo's ver. @Faithful quilter:Elaine's Journey (HI! Elaine!)

I wanted to use Jo's Indigo Berries , Revenwood and some of her other lines.

My image of this quilt color scheme is my Hubby's favorite time of the year (Halloween).

I'm also quilting this quilt.

This quilt is called " Twinkle, Twinkle " by Jo Morton published American Patchwork and Quilting June 2010 issue.

************************

は〜、、、またサボり気味ですか〜あたし！？（笑）ブログ放置女と呼んでくださいまし。

と、子供達が夏休みに入って『常日頃の生活から夏休みバージョンへ』の生活ローテーションに追われる毎日です。

そんな中、一応、やるべき事は細々とやってはいるんですが....

え！？　言い訳がましいですかぁ〜？（笑）何か他に熱中してるんじゃないかってぇ〜？？　言いました？ソコのあなた〜（って、←諸事情知ってるのは、アナタです、そこの「塩昆布のキミ」!((笑))　業務連絡：前住所に送ってました〜　こんな馬鹿な女、、叱って〜〜　明日早急に送り直しますので勘弁してくだされw）

ああ、全然↑の英文の訳じゃないですね....　ま、そんなんこんなんで、こんなんです。え？省略すんなーーーーって？？（笑）

quick finish & update

2011-05-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well,

Time is flying! I haven't update my blog for a good while again.

My hubby has been pushing me to keep up with my blog but my mind is on so many other things.

O.K. here's my most current finished quilt top.

This is Jo Morton's club patten called " Lizzy's Little Quilt".

It's sweet and small "15 1/4" x "17 7/8".

I adore it. :-)

This one is another Jo's pattern called "HST Challenge" from Jo's club #10.

Very very sweet little half square triangles.

I made this quilt and cross stitch sachet for my special friend in Japan.

I'll pack the sachet with French lavender buds and will send them to her this week. I hope she'll like them. :-)

**************************

久々の更新です。

なんだか「ないがしろ」なこのブログ。（苦笑）いえ、決して「ないがしろ」にしてる訳じゃないんですけどね。と、大声で言ってみる

あまりの更新の無さに、

主人からも「更新しろーーーー！」と催促される始末。とほほほほ〜

そんなんこんなんで、キルトとかね、クロスステッチとかね、一応やってるんですよぉ〜

ここに直ぐに載せないだけで。（爆）

そんな中、仕上げたJoさんのクラブのキルトトップ。

小さいサイズなので、手縫いでも直ぐに仕上がります。

もう一つも、Joさんのパターンのもの。

これはね〜、私が常日頃お世話になっている日本にいる♥大先輩のお友達♥に送る予定なんです。

クロスステッチのサッシェも添えて。

気に入ってくださるといいのですが...

The petal of cherry blossoms

2011-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is Jo Morton's Little Women Club pattern called " Amy's choice"

Well, I call this quilt "Lea's choice".

Because I have changed the color scheme to fit me.

The original quilt was pink & brown.

I used a variation of pink with some soft green shade. I picked these colors thinking about my favorite flower (SAKURA).

SAKURA stand for Cherry blossom in English.

It's cherry blossom season in Japan around this time of year.

I love to see them during the day but they looks so beautiful at night also.

SAKURA is also my birthday flower. There are several different varieties of cherry blossom and my most favorite one is called SOMEI-YOSHINO.

Meanwhile,

I'm still working on some of my cross stitch projects.

I have many more to finish.

***************

Joさんのクラブのキルト『Amy's choice』が完成しました。

オリジナルはピンクとブラウンなのですが、私はピンクと少しくすみのある若草色を選んでみました。

というのも、私の大好きな桜の花に想いをよせて。

私の故郷も桜が開花しはじめたようです。　いいな〜桜見に行きたいな〜

自分の誕生月の花である桜、やはり一番好きな花です。

夜桜もいいんですよね〜。

クロスステッチの方はボチボチと。しかし確実に仕立てし上げなければならないものが増えていってます。

写真のものは、まだまだ序の口。（笑）

recent projects

2011-03-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is my Court house steps block from Jo's Little Women Club.

My next club meeting is this coming Monday and I think everybody in the class has already finish this one.

Well, I was very sick and couldn't attend the last meeting, I'll take this blocks to class and hopefully I'll finish it very soon.

In the meantime,

I'm having cross stitch fever.

Here's my fever result. *LOL*

Some of these projects are going to be on consignment at The Fat Quarters. :-)

**** little update about my family*****

Thank you so much for the sympathy for my family in Japan.

They lives in southern Japan and all of doing fine. Although my grandmother's relatives were in the city that was destroy by the TUNAMI.

We still can't get in touch with them.

****************************************************

Joさんのクラブパターンの「Court house steps」のブロックを制作中です。

実はこれ、前回のクラスの時の課題だったのですが病欠しちゃいまして....

で、今細々と作ってる最中です。

クラスは来週の月曜日にまたあるのですが、私はこれを持って行ってやることになります。

なるべく早く出来上がるようにちょこっと頑張りたい。（笑）

しかし最近、クロスステッチ熱が上がっちゃいまして、

こんなに色々とちくちく三昧しております。

仕立て上げたものを、いつもお世話になってるキルトショップに納入することになってます。

Thinking of Japan

2011-03-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

My heart goes out to Japan.....

今もなお増え続けている被災者の数に

心が痛い。

Lemoyne Star progress

2011-01-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

Here's my Lemoyne star blocks for Jo Morton's "Indigo Moment" quilt from Timeless book.

Also I'm working on Jo's Little women club #10 "Amy's Choice".

I'm so sorry for not responding to some of the comments left on my blog.
I've been very busy with my daughter since she has been attending school.

I do appreciate all the warm responds. :-)

Kindly,

Lea♥

Lovely Indigo Moment

2011-01-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

Whenever I have time, I'm working on Jo Morton's Indigo Moment quilt.

My favorite type of quilting is hand piecing and JO's Lemoyne Star is perfect for my quilting style. :-)

Another project that I'm very interested in is The Temecula Quilt Co.'s 12 days of Christmastide quilt.

I saw this free pattern at The T-Quilt Co's blog and wanted to do it. So I printed the pattern out.

Then I talked to my quilting buddy Lisa today and discover that she is doing this project too!!

Gosh, Lisa, my dear... You should have told me before you start it!!!! **LOL**

She is going to show me her " Christmastide" quilt progress befor we leave for to The Road to California quilt show this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to take some pictures of Lisa's progress and show them on my blog!

We are crossing our finger in the hope that we will have time after the quilt show to stop at The T-Quilt Co. shop. :-)

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

業務連絡です〜〜

Junさん、 Merumoさん、新年のお年賀ありがとうございます。子供達の学校が始まりましてちょっとバタバタとしておりますので、またまたお返事が出来なくって申し訳ありません。

あぁ、、、年明け早々にこんないい加減な私ですが、、、嫌いにならないで〜〜〜。

週明けにはちょっと時間が出来そうかな〜って思っておりますので、また連絡しますね。

本当にごめんなさい〜〜〜m(u_u)m　許して〜〜♥

Newest projects and Jo Morton's LWC 10!

2010-12-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this little candle mat in my quilting class and wanted to make one.

So here it is, I just finished stitching it.

This kit is from my LQS The Fat Quarters.

Isn't it cute???

This is one of my on going project called 12 days of Christmas pattern by Cheri Saffiote-Pyne.

I may not be able to finish it by this Christmas.

This little cutie is a Christmas gift from my quilting class teacher Kathy.

She made each one of the students in class one and of course it's made with all Jo Morton's fabrics!!

Thank you, Kathy!!! You are Sooooooo sweet!!!♥

Here is a sneak peak at Jo's next Little Women Club 10 projects.

We had a wonderful time this year and I'm looking forward to seeing LWC ladies in January at The Fat Quarters. :-)

After Long break

2010-11-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

I'll be back on the blog land soon, :-)

HUGS & LOVES,

Lea

Southern California Quilters Run @ Temecula Quilt Co.

2010-06-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, It's the So. Cali Quilters Run time!

Of course my buddy Lisa and I went to our annual shop hop in Temecula, CA.

We went to one of our favorite store The Temecula Quilt Co.

This sweet little purse pattern is this year's giveaway pattern.

Isn't it lovely?

They always display tons of beautiful quilt samples.

Here's a cute table toppers for every season.

And of course, a wonderful Cheri Saffiote-Payne's quilt!

These bags are this year's So. Cali Quilters run raffle prizes from TQ Co.

I'll be crossing my fingers hoping to win! P-l-e-e-a-a-s-s-e-e...

Every corner of this shop is full of inspirations.

Gorgeous quilts display.

Don't seems like many people in? Nooooo, it was actually full of people.

I got quite a nice surprise too, I saw Linda from the Jo Morton's class that I took this January. :-)

BTW, she told me that she will be attending The Primitive of Midwest this year! I wish I could go with her!!!! :-)

Very beautiful Civil War repro star quilt by Temecula Quilt Co.

This table has lots of lovely little fabric packs and the shop's original pattern booklet that goes with them.

Another gorgeous quilt.

Beautiful fabric bolts with a sample quilt.

Well, here's my hubby's DAMAGE.

as you see he got the damage alright, Hun? *LOL*

(one of the little fabric roll is actually Lisa's damage. *LOL* It's a gift from her.... Thanks, Lisa!!)

Southern California Quilters Run @ Quilter's Coop

2010-06-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures from Quilter's Coop in Temecula, CA.

My buddy Lisa and I often shop hop between this shop and Temecula Quilt Co.

This shop carries many variety of fabrics include our favorite, Reproduction fabrics.

I fell in love with this quilt at first sight.

And why not it's from one of my favorite books "Gone to Texas" !!!

They made a very nice kit which cost $75. ( it's 58-1/2" x 79-3/4")

It was very tempting but since I already have tons of fabrics in my closet I shuts my eyes and walked away.

I also love this mini quilt. The colors are right in my comfort spot.

Also this one. Isn't it lovely?

This shop carries very nice quilt kits also.

Scissors cover

2010-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

I made this sissors cover yesterday.

The pattern from Yoko Saito's newest book.

************************************

斉藤謡子先生の新刊からの抜粋で、はさみを入れるケースを作りました。

ちまちまとした作業、意外に楽しかったですよ〜

The American School Girl Club

2010-06-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am officially in Kathleen Tracy's The American school girl club!

I received the first installment of this club's pattern the other day and Boy, I'm very thrilled.

I also found out my dear blog friend, Merumo is in this club!

She updated her blog and it's full of Kathleen's things, Be sure to check it out.

:-)

*****************

Kathleen Tracy さんのDoll Quiltクラブに加入しました。

今月から６ヶ月間、一月ごとにミニキルトのパターンが送られてきます。さ、どんな布を使おうかな～。

ところで、このクラブに私が仲良くしていただいてるお友達のMerumoさんも加入されています。彼女のブログで毎回、目の保養をさせてもらってるのですが、今回もKatheenさんの本からのパターンでバスケットのブロックを作ってらっしゃって目がハートになってしまいました。

ものすご～く可愛いいので、ついつい私も作りたくなっちゃいました。（が、今は無理〜。。。涙）　

My goodies @ The Fat Quarters quilt shop

2010-06-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

I made another blog that shows some of my goodies on sale at my local quilt shop, The Fat Quarters.

From Jo Morton LW club

2010-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

I had a Jo's little women club meeting at my LQS the other day.

Here's a recap from the show and tell we had at our meeting.

This is our instructor Kathy's Keystone Medallion quilt. She used Jo's Indigo Berries line plus some of Jo's good old lines. I think this quilt is divine.

Also this mini quilt is Kathy's. It's Jo's club last quilt called Sisters quilt.

Here's a close-up. I love the embroidery of little women.

Kathy is showing us some beautiful quilts hanging in our classroom.

I believe this lovely mustard color Irish chain beauty was made by Julie.

The picture does not show the good color contrast of this quilt but it's very beautiful.

Next meeting will be the last gathering for our Jo's Little women club. We have really enjoyed our monthly meeting, so Michelle ( the owner ) and Kathy will continue to have a monthly meeting. Yay!!

The monthly meeting will continue as the " Antique Repro quilts" club till Jo Morton's next club start.

The quilt pictured above will be the one we'll be making for your next meeting.

It's Jo Morton's "Twinkle Twinkle" from the June issue of American Patchwork & quilting Magazine.

Here's some more beautiful quilts.

This one is made by Kathy, Machine quilted by the master longarm quilter Susan Gylling.

more beauty,

and more!

*******************************

今月のJo Mortonクラブの模様です。

今回はKeystone Medallionキルト。　写真は講師のKathyのものです。

JoさんのIndigo Berriesのラインと彼女の他のラインの布を組み合わせてあって、とても素敵でした。

そして、次回予定のSisters Quilt。ミニキルトです。

このメダリオンの刺繍の部分はJoさんのLittle Women（邦題「若草物語」）のプリント布を使ってます。

よくみると、ほらちゃんとジョー、メグ、ベス、エイミーが載ってるでしょ？

Joさんのクラブは毎年６ヶ月間だけの限定なのですが、私達はこの月一のミーティングを楽しみにしているのでオーナーのミシェルと講師のキャシーの好意により続行される事になりました。

来年のJoさんのLittle Women Clubの期間が来るまでは「Reproキルト」のクラブとなります。

あぁ、うれし～いぃぃぃ

というのも、↑の写真の数々を見ていただくとお分かりになられると思うのですが、なんてったって目の保養になるキルトの数々を毎回見る事が出来ますからね。

「やる気」をもらいにいってるようなものです、私は。(笑)

次回でJoさんのクラブは今年分が終わりますが、既にその後に作るキルトの見本が出来てきてました。

Kathy作の、これまたJoさんのキルト。今年の６月号のAmerican Patchwork & Quiltingに掲載されたキルトです。　（写真↑赤白青の星条旗カラーやつです。）

来月のクラスは、多くの人がバケーションの為に時間の都合がつかないので、７月の下旬予定です。

Wool project

2010-06-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is my latest project.
I was tickle to do some wool applique and here it is.

I picked the pattern out of Maggie Bonanomi's book.

The original pattern is a sewing roll but I made something a little different.

Speaking about wool applique, Maggie suggest applique using Coats and Clarks #54A thread in this book.

Well, I don't have Coats and Clarks #54A thread, so I used some of my favorite YLI quilting thread. I use this thread on all my wool applique projects. ( and It's the best for quilting, of course!)

********************************

ここ数日、ウールのアップリケの作品に時間を費やしています。と、いうのも、ずーっとピーシング作業ばかりでしたし、キルトもReproものばっかりだったので、お得意のPrimitive分野をやりたい気持ちでいっぱいだったのですよ。

と、いうことで、これがそのウールプロジェクト。

ここに載せてる本からの抜粋ですが、これは元々はSewing Roll、なところをアップリケの図案だけ取り入れて違ったものを作っています。

ウールアップリケ用の糸なのですが、皆さんそれぞれに好んで使ってる糸がありますよね？　

私の場合は、このYLIってところのキルティング用の糸です。キルティングには勿論、なのですが、ウールのアップリケの時にもこの糸を使っています。

ちなみに、この本の著者のMaggieさんはCoats & Clarksの５４Aを使われてあるそうです。

OH MY GOD! Moment

2010-05-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

I went to the Fat Quarters quilt shop to pick up my copy of Jo Morton's newest book the other day.
Well, I was at the cashier looking through page after page of beautiful quilts then.... My jaws dropped!
There it was, the hexagon measure tape that I made for Jo was in one of the pictures!!!!
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!

I was happy dancing like crazy!!!

This book contained so many beautiful quilts that I want to make.

Jo's color choices are always inspiring. I was also surprised by the thickness of this book.

It's a great book, believe me. :-)

Well, I have some of Jo's FQ bundles ( Ravenwood, Cocoa Express and Compliments) for future use.

Some will go to projects in this book.

**********************************

取り置きを頼んでいたJo Mortonさんの新刊が入荷したということで、先日キルトショップに引き取りに行ってきました。

首を長くして待ってたこの新刊、早速レジで支払う時にパラパラとめくってたら。。。。。驚きの光景が目の中に飛び込んできました。

なんと、私がJoさんにプレゼントしたヘキサゴンのメジャーがディスプレイとして載っていたのです。

びーーーーーーっーーーーーくーーーーりーーーーーーーー

嬉しいサプライズでした。

この本に載ってるキルト、作りたいものがいっぱいです。

Joさんの布も出るたびに買いこんでるし、この本の中のキルトを作るのに活躍する予定です。

Another quilt top done

2010-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

I was recently at "The Fat Quarters" quilt shop for my Jo Morton's Little women club meeting working on our next quilt.
We are making a quilt called "Keystone Medallion" and I'm using my precious Featherweight.
Yes, I do use a sewing machine from time to time.

I'm in a good mood for sewing. So I stitched up this quilt in just a couple of days. Boy, I was on fire. *LOL*

Here is my version of Keystone Medallion quilt.

I used the color scheme from an antique Pennsylvania-Dutch quilt.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

２週間ほど前に出席したJo Mortonさんのクラブの模様です。（といっても、写真は上段のもののみがクラスのものだけど。。。）

今回はKeystone Medallionというキルトで、ネブラスカのキルトスタディセンター所蔵のアンティークがモデルとなっているものです。

いつもは手縫いなのですが、今回はミシンで縫ってみることに。。。。

自宅に戻っても、そのミシン縫いの勢いは止まらず。　２日でトップが仕上がりました。

いいねぇ～ミシンは早くって。(笑）

私のこのキルトはJoさんのオリジナルとは色味を変えて、アンティークのペンシルバニア/ダッチキルトでよく見られる色合い布使いにしてみました。

Recent additions

2010-05-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

I picked up these books from my recent trip to The Fat Quarters quilt shop.
I truly 'LOVE' Primitive Gatherings newest book called " Summer gatherings".
Here and here you can take a peak at some of the truly wonderful thing that are in this book.

This evening I'm in my June Cleaver mood so I made some Oatmeal and dried cherry cookies.

I made just the cherry version but if you are a chocolate lover, you can add some chocolate chips.

My house smells so divine, Cinnamon and Vanilla in the air. :-)

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

行きつけのキルトショップで最近買った本たちです。
どれも布選び、色合せの参考にするのに抜群なものばかりですが、中でも私のイチ押しはPrimitive Gatheringsの新刊、Summer gatherings。
中に掲載のキルトは勿論、ウールの作品もどれを見ても可愛い。久々にツボにはまった本です。
中に掲載の作品の写真は↑のリンク先で見ることが出来ます。

久々といえば、急にクッキーが焼きたくなって、夕食後にサクサクと焼いてみました。
ドライチェリーとオートミール、↑のリンク先でレシピを。
チョコがお好きな方だったらセミスウィートのチョコチップスを加えても美味しいと思いますよ。

Time to update

2010-05-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know I know, I've been out of blogworld for a good while (again) and it's already May. Gee!
"What has she done in all this time off?", you may thinking.

Well, I've been working on some of my on going Jo Morton's Little women club things and some other on going projects.
This sweet little star quilt is one of Jo's LW club project called "Bittersweet stars".
I use Jo's Indigo berries fabric line with the poison green fabric and I love the results. :-)

Also I've been working on some of my consignment items for The Fat Quarters quilt shop.

I haven't done any applique block for quite a while so it's so very nice to start with stitching up a wool applique.

An another cross stitch. I love this flower pot very much.

It's a Stacy Nash's design. She always have her design very primitive and beautiful.

Alright, sounds like I'm so busy, HUn???

Is this a good excuse for my blog absentee??? *LOL*

WIP update

2010-02-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here's my WIP.

I finished this LeMoyne star quilt top. Yes just the quilt top, but I'm still doing my happy dance.

These are my flower hexagons for my Grandma quilt.

I need to make several more flowers then I can start piecing them together.

Here's my Autumn Crossing nine patches. I'm trying to finish this quilt top before the next JLWC meeting.

Here is the front.

and back.

I pressed seam open so that I can hand quilt them easy.

I hand piece these blocks and never stitch over the seam allowance. One of Jo Morton's famous machine piecing technique is the clipping seam allowance. It's the same logic like this open seams.

Alright I need to go back to my sewing desk now,
BOY, I AM BUSY.*LOL*

Fabric, I can't resist

2010-02-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

I read Jo Morton's this post and immediately ran to my LQS yesterday to get my yard of this chintz.

This is such a beauty, I think Jo and Andover fabrics reproduced it so wonderfully.

Do I have a plan to use this fabric? Yes, I do. I'm planning to use it in the near future.

Along with that fabric I picked some FQ rolls which were 25% off and also several other yardages. (I bought the red fabric last Monday though)

Also the mail man came to my front porch and drop these goodies today.

I ordered some products from Yoko Saito's shop. (BTW, she has an online shop for international customers now)

The book is 30th Anniversary of Yoko's patchwork and quilting. It doesn't include any patterns but I just enjoy looking through her book at all the beautiful quilts pictures.
Some of quilts in this book are part of her earlier quilt collections which are very exclusive.

Another package was the plastic templates sheets from The Quilted Moose.

Remember? I said I'll use a plastic template from now on?

Now I got a year supply, I'm all good then. *LOL*

Alright, got to go back to my sewing desk to work on my projects.

Happy quilting,

Little Women club # 9

2010-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first meeting for my Jo's Little women club # 9 class at my LQS.

Our first LW quilt is this nine patch called "Autumn crossing" and our teacher Kathy made this sample.

Isn't it gorgeous?

This is Kathy's Jo fabric box.

It's like a treasure box, don't you think??

I have some Jo's old fabric lines but Kathy has more. Can't stop looking in her box and seeing all the beautiful collections of fabrics! LOL*

Kathy's husband brought a PC to class so we all could watch on Youtube Jo's fabric schoolhouse by Andover Fabrics.

She is talking about her fabric lines and LW club # 9. If you never seeing this video you can watch it here.

I'm very thrill that I am able to take this class with my quilting buddy, Lisa.

She and I've been quilting friends since I became quilter but never had a chance to take any classes together.

So we are very excited and happy to be attending LW club class together.

Lisa is strip piecing her nine patches by Jo's direction.

and I'm piecing nine patches the old fashion way.*LOL*
I just LOVE this sweet little nine patch!

Our first meeting was very success.

Kathy's instruction and Michelle's(the owner of LQS) knowledge of fabrics were so helpful.

Also I met many other LW girls and they are all very sweet ladies.

We all had a wonderful time together and I'm looking forward to seeing them at the next LW meeting. :-)

HST tools

2010-01-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

Here's my HST for Jo Morton's LeMoyne star.

I have several tools to make those HST and this is tool #1

It's a Quick Quarter by Quilter's Ruler which I bought many years ago.

I followed Jo's instructions and made these HST with this Quick Quarter Ruler
Here's tool # 2, a 1/4" seam line ruler.

I use this ruler to draw my 1/4 " seam line.

This is my "must have" tool for hand piecing specially if I'm cutting fabric without a template.

As you see in the picture above, I made lines for sewing and cutting.

BTW, this is another tool that I love to use when I make a HST ( tool 3#).

It makes marking a line 7/8" so easy for a HST. (exp, If you want to make a 2" sawtooth block, cut 2-7/8" squares )

If I have to make a numerous amount of HST, this is the weapon.*LOL*

Here I pinned and pieced both lines, cutting the square diagonally, Voila! I have two sawtooth blocks.

Jo's class part 2

2010-01-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

O.K. I'm going to talk about Jo's class and my LeMoyne star blocks as I told you yesterday.

Here's the template that Jo taught us.

As some of you knows I use a cereal/cookie box for the template ( like the 1800's women*LOL*).

Well, Jo's template technique is very easy and much better than cardboard because it won't ware out. I'll stick with this way for now on, yup I'll up grade my 18th century sewing to the 21st century.

Plastic, here I come! *LOL*

These are my Lemoyne stars.

Jo showed me how to press them so that the seam lay flat.

Jo actually ironed and pressed these blocks for me.

Now I'm thinking about not using these blocks, I want to treasure them as a keepsak! :-D

So, I used the same fabrics and made more blocks.

The block pressed by Jo" will go to my Jo's Little Women club binder as a treasure.

Here's more of my LeMoyne stars.

I learn so much from Jo Morton.

I hand piece very often but she taught me different ways to hand piece and I love it!
She is a very sweet, charming, and wonderful teacher.

Each moment with Jo was so precious and I definitely love to attend her class again. ( and I hope I'll have a chance...)

Also I had a wonderful time with all ladies at her class. I was a quiet one, but I enjoyed listening to everybody's conversations. :-)

*To Linda*

Thank you for stopping by my blog.

I'd like to e-mail you, please send me your e-mail address. :-)

I was Jo's helper at the class and earned a "helper" pin from the shows organizer but the most delighted thing was this 5" charm set that Jo gave me.

This is Jo's upcoming fabric line called "INDIGO BERRIES" from Andover fabrics due in February.

Very beautiful, I need to tell Michelle to reserve a FQ set for me. :-)

I asked Jo could she autograph my book and here it is, she even personalized it for me. :-)

Oh, I'm in heaven!!

If you want to know how to hand piece LeMoyne star, this is the book to learn by.

Her instruction is very clear and easy to follow.

I love Jo's books because she writes a little story behind each quilts that make it a good read.

When I need motivations, I know I'll pick up this book and read the little story behind her LeMoyne star quilt. :-)

the best treat ever

2010-01-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

I want to scream, yes, I really want to SCREAM"WOW!!!!!!!"
I TOOK JO MORTON'S CLASS! YES, "THE" Jo Morton!!!!!

I attend Jo's class this Wednesday at Road to California quilt show.
She show us her gorgeous quilts and taught us how to hand piece Lemoyne star block.

Here's Jo's diamond pieces, carefully pinned and ready to hand piece.

This is Jo's block not yet pieced. watch carefully, she coordinate tan fabric's stripes goes one direction.

Here's Jo's beautiful Lemoyne star block front,

and back. The front is absolutely beautiful and the back is a twin beauty. It amazes me the way her pieces lay nice and flat.

As a person who hand pieces it was a pleasure that I could actually touch her block to see her beautiful hand stitches.

Believe me, it's was a breathtaking sight!

Here is Jo with her gorgeous "wish upon a star" quilt.

Another beauty,"Indigo Moment" quilt.

Here's a close up of "Indigo Moment". Lovely!

"Wish upon a star" laid on a grand piano glamorously just like the vintage bikini pinup girl from Coca Cola AD. :-D

Close up "Wish upon a star", I believe Jo said this is her favorite block (right, Jo??) and mine too.

Absolutely delectable!

This is beginning to be a long post so I'll tell you more about this class and my Lemoyne star blocks maybe tomorrow.

Last but not least, I'd like to say Thank You to the people who left the kind and warm welcome comments for my hubby on my last post.

We had a wonderful holiday together and kids are having a great time with their father everyday. My hubby also want to say Thank You to all.

****Note from HUBBY***

Me and my Marines are back save and sound. Afghanistan was hot, dry, and exciting. Seven and a half months but I had a great time with my Marines. Sometime when I had some down time I looked at my wife's blog. It was good to see she stayed busy quilting and Yes shopping. Thank You all the wonderful comments.

Here are some of the pictures from this deployment.

Semper Fi,

The greatest gift

2009-12-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

YES!

I received the best Christmas gift from Santa.

My Hubby came back HOME!!!!! Yuppi-i-i-i-i-ii!!!!!!

Silent Night

2009-11-30T18:49:00.000-08:00

This is my current small project for this Christmas.

It's Marcie from Patchalot Christmas free pattern, you''ll see it on her website here.

I know it's very different than usual Christmasy-color, right?

Well, I was searching for some ideas and saw this picture in Japanese quilt magazine.

I though it was kind of neat color scheme for Marice's stars, very muted, much alike Japanese Taupe style beauty.

*******************************

クリスマス用にってことで、小さなキルトを制作中です。

パターンはPatchalotのMarcieさんのサイトのフリーのものを利用しています。

今回は見本のクリスマスカラーを型破りにも日本のトープスタイルにしてみました。

というのも、数年前の日本のキルト雑誌に載ってるキルトを見て「あ、こういった色もありね～」と思ったので。

いつものクリスマスカラーに比べると、ちょっと厳かな？感じかな～。

What's up!?

2009-11-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is my newest priority(aka: MUST FINISH ASAP) project.

Yes, It's Grandmother's Garden. I'm making this quilt for my dearest Grandma who is in a hospital since this February.

My Grandma had a gifted green thumb. She loves flowers and Her garden was always full of beautiful flowers.So this quilt fits in her life perfectly.

I keep those hexagons in my Shiseido cookie tin can. (yup, it's Shiseido, the cosmetic Co. but they also has a restaurant/cafe in Tokyo, very fancy place.)

The other day I went to my LQS, Fat Quarters, as weekly routine.*LOL*

and made more damages for my Hubby.*LOL*

Jo Morton's Toast 2 was there and I grabbed F-Quarters bundle. It was 25% off, good deal, Hun? (FIY, I think all F-Quarter bundle is 25%off till Saturday.)

I bought some Japanese fabrics and my latest love, French General from Moda.

Also I went to my local book store and bought the Farmer's wife sampler quilt book.

I've been keep my eye on this book for several weeks and finally, my sticky finger couldn't resist.

I need to erase all my purchase posts on this blog before my Hubby sees them! *LOL*

***********************************

最新のプロジェクトです。しかも、一番先に終わらせようって思ってるキルトキルトなので数あるUFOは無視します、少しの間。(爆）

このキルト、見ての通り「Grandmother's Flower Garden（おばあさんの花園）」で、これは今年２月から入院中の大好きな祖母にプレゼントするためのものです。

祖母は昔から花が好きで、私も幼い頃から花に囲まれて暮らしていました。子供の頃はそれが当たり前のもので気が付かなかったのですが、大人になった今考えると、そういった花のある日々の暮らしの中で知らず知らず色んなことを学んでいたんですよね。。。本当にありがたい。

そして、このヘキサゴンのピースを収納するのにピッタリなTin缶、お気づきの方も多いのでは？　資生堂パーラーのクッキーの缶です。（そうそうあれだよ～、maiちゃん。次回行ったらまた買いたい。。。今度はもっと多く入ってるの。笑）

そして、最新の買い物の数々。(苦笑）

布はJoさんの一番新しいラインとLQSのオーナーがヒューストンで買い付けてきた日本のトープ、それにここ最近の私の一番のお気に入り、ModaのFrench Generalのものです。

そして、またしても本。Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt、じゅんさん、買っちゃったよ、やっぱり。(笑）

November!!!!

2009-11-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, time's fly so quick. It's already November! and seems like I've been saying this comment a lot.*LOL*

O.K. where to start....?? I was pretty busy working on my goodies last couple weeks.
Even though I managed to finish Pumpkin Wreath wall hanging quilt top.
You see the picture above is my newest goodies which is in my LQS, The Fat Quarters Quilt Shop right now. (FIY: F-Quarters has the online shop now!)
The doll is one of a kind, I don't make same doll twice. :-)
I hope she'll find her new friend and home pretty soon.

***************

なんだか、あっという間に１１月ですよ、って、毎回同じ事言ってるような気がしないでもないですけど。。。(笑）
ここ２週間ほど、キルトショップに持って行くグッズを作るのに忙しく、またしてもブログを放置しておりました。
そんな忙しい中に、制作中のパンプキンのWall Hangingのキルトトップだけはどうにか完成させたんですけどね、まだキルティング、いや、その前のBastingが待ってる状態です。

今回ショップに持って行くものの中に、また人形を作りました。同じものは２つと作らないので、この子も一体のみ。
早く、新しいお家が決まればいいなぁ～

Spirit of Christmas

2009-10-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

I adore this Christmas quilt.
I took a picture of this quilt when I visited my dear friend Susan's class couple weeks ago.
Susan is a master longarm quilter and also teaching a class at my LQS. This quilt is one of her customer's.
Isn't it darling?

I specially love the snowman on the upper left and pinecorn. They are SOooooo cute.

Those lovely blocks are Cheri's, from this book.

This book is my all time favorite, So many cute block pictures gave me a joyful Christmas spirit.

*****************************************

２週間ほど前に、LQSで教室を開いてるキルター友達のスーザンのところに遊びに行った時に見せてもらったキルトです。

あまりに素敵だったので写真を撮らせてもらいました。彼女はロングアームマシーンのキルターなので、彼女に彼女にキルティングを頼んだお客さんのものらしいです。

私はこの左上のSnowmanと右隣のPineconeのあまりの可愛さににググッときちゃいました。

ちなみにこのブロックたちはこちらの本を参照されたもの。

数ある私のキルト書籍の中でもお気に入りの一冊です。

Treat from Michelle

2009-10-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

I went to my LQS, The Fat quarters today to see new things from Houston quilt Market and I received a big surprise from Michelle, the owner.

She knows how much I love Jan Patek, So when she was at Jan's booth, she got this autograph book for me!!!!

I was very moved her generosity.　

This is a real treat, She made my day, no, made my month!

Thank you SOOoooooooooooo much, Michelle, your are a doll!!!!

and here's as usual, my purchase at the shop.

"Gone to Texas" is one of my anxiously awaited book and let me tell you, This book is a winner.

I love every page of it!

an another book is Anni Downs "A Christmas Story". I saw this book last year but never had a chance to put my sticky fingers on it.*LOL*

Michelle picked this copy for me at the Quilt Market. Again, Thank you Michelle!!

Also I bought Presencia's Jo Morton treads pack and some fabrics.

BTW, I didn't update my blog a week. So I wanted to show you my last week's purchase, wonderful Stafford county fabric line by Jo Morton & Inkwell Reds by Judie Rothermel .

Do I go to my LQS every week??? It seems like, Hun?*LOL*

Also, I want to Thank you for leaving the wonderful comments on my last post.

I'm so sorry that I didn't reply you quickly. Please give me a time, I'll get back with you as soon as possible. :-)

**********************************************

今日、LQSに先週末開かれたヒューストンでのキルトマーケットの新作情報を仕入れに行ってきました。

そこで、オーナーのミシェルから思いもかけないプレゼントが用意されてて感動のあまりクラクラしそうになりました。(笑）

というのも、彼女は私が昔からJanさんのファンって事を知ってるので、今回Janさんのブースで新作の本にサインをもらってきてくれたんです。

めちゃめちゃうーーーーーれーーーーーーしーーーーーーーーーーーーーーぃぃぃぃ～

彼女、見た目もお人形のように可愛いんですけど、中身もとってもお茶目で素敵な人す。その彼女が神々しく輝く女神に見えましたよ、今日は。

で、本日の買い物はと言いますと。。。。

↑のような散財。(苦笑）

左手の本は、ずっと発売を心待ちしていた一冊。アンティークキルト好きにはたまらない素敵な写真の数々にうっとり～です。

もう一冊はクリスマスがテーマのキルト。オーストラリアのキルト作家さんのものです。

去年これを見た時に買いそびれて機会を逃してしまっていたので、今回キルトマーケットで買ってきてもらうようにミシェルに頼んでいました。

あとは、Jo Mortonさんの糸のパック。これを見た時に、日本のキルトパーティ（株）の斉藤謡子先生が選んでパックにされている糸達を思い出しました。確か、こんな風にセットになっていたような。。。

が、これはJoさんがセットにしたのではなくJoさんの布をテーマに、この糸会社がそれに合わせた糸をセットにしてあるものです。

先週も布セットを２つも買い込んでますので。。。。

「なに？毎週ショップに行ってるの！？」ですよね、この状態じゃ。。。。(苦笑）

This is MY JOINT

2009-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, This is my joint, THE ONE.
The Fat Quarters Quilt Shop.
I'd like to show you the inside of this lovely shop, (Yup, Stina, this is for you!)

This is the cash counter, I LOVE this antique seed counter.

right next to the cashier, you'll see wonderful world of WOOLS!

Don't you love this sign?

It hang behind the cash register, the perfect spot.*LOL*

other side of the cash counter, many MANY goodies you'll find.

Michelle, the owner and her staff always make beautiful kits and this quilt is one of those.

an another charming kit. Isn't it darling?

The cupboard full of wool felts and cute homespun bundles.

A lots of Cheri Saffiote-Payne's quilt books and patterns.

It always inspired me.

Another Cheri's quilts.

and more Cheri's!

This is "Jo Morton's room".

Yup, It called "Jo Morton's room". *S* as you see Jo's beautiful fabrics!

In Jo's room, I saw this quilt on a wall. I really love this quilt!!!

It's in Primitive Gatherings book called "Autumn Gatherings".

I couldn't resist to buy this book!

This room called "Judie's room".

yes, it named after Judie Rothermel. You'll be able to find the great collection of her lines .

On Judie's room's wall, more Cheri's quilts.

This Christmas stitchery wall hanging is her newest pattern. She collaborate with her sister Barri Badger. It just SOooooo cute!

This is plaids and flannel room, It's heaven for plaids lover!

The gorgeous quilt pattern by Jan Patek and fabrics from Moda.

I believe Michelle make a kit for this quilt.

and here's the notion cubby. This is the cutest notion station, Don't you think?

Wall full of Bareroots (Barri Badger) samples and patterns.

This is right next to the cutting table, another lovely homespuns and shelf full of Amy Butler.

All fabrics are in color order except Jo, Judie and the latest collections.

shop tour isn't over yet! This shop has upstairs too. :-D

When you go upstairs, you'll see a lot of 30's and fabrics for childern.

left side,

right side,

It make you feel like you are in Grandma's attic.

This is my daughter's favorite spot also.

This is the class room with sample quilts for up coming class.
BTW, Have you ever check Julie's blog before? She teaches here.

If you haven't seen her blog, be sure to check. She does so many lovely things.

more samples. I love those quilts.

My little witch on a cash counter.

FIY: Michelle is working on the online shop right now. This is a wonderful news for people who won't be able to visit this store or doesn't have time to stop by at this shop or love online shopping all time, etc, etc... :-)

I'll let you know when she launched her web shop.

***********************************

今回は英文が長いので日本語は短めに。(笑）

私がいつもお世話になっているキルトショップです。

写真を見ていただくと分かると思いますが、盛りだくさんな充実したお店です。

Little witch

2009-10-05T12:09:00.001-07:00

I made this cute little witch over the weekend.

The doll making is another my affection beside quilt making although I haven't had a time to making a doll for a while.

I dipped her into my secret concoction tea dye and now it's very grungy, that's the way I love.

She will be at my LQS The Fat Quarters tomorrow. :-)

*********************************************

久々に人形を作って見ました。今回はハロウィン向けに小さい魔女。

キルト以外にも、こうやって人形を作る事が実は結構好きです。

古っぽくってよれよれな感じのする人形が好きなので、私的レシピの染色液に何度かつけ込み仕上げてあります。

この小さな魔女、明日行きつけのキルトショップに伺う予定です。

October!

2009-10-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

YEeS! It's the most wonderful time of the year began! *S*

Autumn through Winter is my favorite time of the year since when I was a little kid.

I wasn't too excited to go to the school on cold snowy winter days, but my most favorite time was after I came home from school, I cuddled in KOTATSU with my Grandma who was knitting.

Anyway,

I started this pumpkin wreath quilt. It's from my Idol Jan Patek's book.

It looks more Halloween-ish then an original one.

I still need to sew HST and borders. Hopefully I'll be able to finish before Halloween!

************************************************

１０月になりました～。いよいよ秋到来（とは行きませんけど、私の住んでる所は全く四季を感じないので。。。）私の大好きなシーズンが始まります。

子供の頃から、秋冬って何故か好きでした。寒いのに学校に行くのは嫌でしたけどね。

その寒い中、学校から帰って来てコタツの中で温まる瞬間、その横で、祖母が編み物なんかしたりしてね、それを見ながら自分はお菓子とか食べてテレビ見てるんですけど。そういった事に幸せを感じてましたね。(笑）

と、思い出話はそれぐらいにして。

只今制作中のパンプキンモチーフのキルトです。　大好きなJan Patekさんのデザインでオリジナルよりも私のほうが布の雰囲気からしてハロウィンっぽい感じになってます。

これ。。。。ハロウィンまでに出来上がるといいんだけどなぁ。。。

2009-09-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

My hubby called me so I told him that I bought a lamp at The Country Loft.
You know what he said right away???

"Why not at Kmart!?"

*LOL*

That's SO "HIM".
He has good humor and I get a kick of it all time.*LOL*

BTW,
Did I tell him how much damage he got this time? Nar, not on the phone.

He will be like this If I told him!

FIY "Sanford and Son" Old man Fred.
Here's the clip, check out part 1:37

Down to south

2009-09-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

I needed to go down the south to hit a Japanese grocery store today so I stopped by The Country Loft .

I picked up my copy of the long waiting book "Wool Crazy"by JAM.
Here is a very talented Ms. JoAnn Mullaly, signing my book.
She is a lovely woman just like her dolls and quilts.

and her gorgeous Wool Crazy!!! I feel so lucky to see this beautiful quilt in person.

Here's my copy with very cute hand made book leaf. Isn't this book leaf adorable?? What a cute idea.

Inside a book, I tell you, just SOoooooo MARVELOUS!!!!

the instruction is JoAnn's lovely hand writings also, LOove her hand writing.

you can see her writing on C-Loft's newsletter. :-)

and here's my purchase. (yes, Lisa, I bought this lamp! but I have a good excuse.*LOL*)

The lamp is Katie's Light House's. plus some wools, pearl cottons and patchwork bag pattern by JAM.

My blogger friend, Ms.Merumo asked me if I could take some picture of The-C-Loft.

So here you go, "Tour Of The Country Loft" *S*

"Living room" area

JoAnn's class in October. Aren't they darling?

The cupboard full of goodies.

Halloween treat bags are JoAnn's pattern also.

cupboard close up, very cute trick-a-treaters.

Tons of lovely quilts on antique ladder.

yummy fabrics!

The cutting table #1.

be sure to look up, so many good things is hanging on the wall.

Wooden cubby full of wool felts,

more wools,

Another adorable pumpkins pattern by JoAnn.

cutting table #2

behind of the cutting table,

Cheri's patterns and JoAnn's doll. Darn cute!

another cubby with more goodies,

Here's a backyard shed.

and inside of shed,

back to inside the store,

Maggie Bonanomi's beautiful wool BOM on an antique bed.

the side of bed, you'll find more goodies!

***********************************************************

メルモさん、どうでしょう？

お腹いっぱいになっていただけたでしょうか？？(笑）

Plain Jane

2009-09-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is Plain Jane.

I finished this little quilt couple month ago but never had a chance to show on the blog.

The pattern by Cheri Saffiote-Payne sized is 17" x 23"

Very typical Cheri quilt and I love it!

Black out

2009-09-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Nah, not the black out.
Just time flying so quick and I found my last blog update was a month ago! *LOL*

I made the quilt above to my son's first grade teacher several years ago. It's Jan Patek's pattern and I enjoyed making little people around the border.

It's one of my favorite quilt although I don't own it. Perhaps I should make this quilt again, this time just for me and kids. :-)

During a blog break, I've been working on my hubby's quilt so hard. I hope that I'll be able to finish it before October.

Wish me luck!

The Country Loft outdoor quilt show

2009-08-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

I (and Mindy) went to the Country Loft outdoor quilt show with my quilting buddy Lisa today. (Thank you for taking us to the show, Lisa!)
They always have tons of goodies beside beautiful quilts and so many things to see.
Look this adorable doll and guess who made this! Renée Plains from Liberty Star made it!!! I love her quilts and dolls so of course I had to take her home with me. What a treasure!

I made an another damage for my sweet heart but He doesn't mind.( I hope)

A lot of Autumn patterns---- Yes, I'm so ready for FALL!!!

BTW I purchased those yummy looking plaids and prints from Rosie's Calico Cupboard quilt shop which is less than 5 min drive from the Country Loft.

Can you believe those plaids are $4 per yard?? I couldn't resist them!!!

Here is the pictures from the quilt show. Enjoy!!

Terapy for a quilter

2009-08-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Which means, "Fabric shopping". *LOL*

I stopped at The Temecula Quilt Co. after I dropped my son off at his friend's house for birthday sleepover last weekend.

This mean another damage for my dearest husband. *LOL*

I bought a bunch of "Worn and Loved" line by Jeanne Horton from Windham fabrics.( plus more Jo Morton's of course.)

It's my favorite fabric line right now. These warm well worn color will perfectly fit my quilt style.

One of my on going project is T square quilt, pattern by Temecula Quilt Co.

Those are my finished T square blocks so far. I use the card board template and hand piece those blocks.

During the visit, I asked the owner If I could take a picture of this quilt and she kindly held the quilt for me. Isn't she sweet? :-)

They were having a class while I was there. Everybody in a class was very friendly and the class itself looks very fun. I do hope that I can join them one day near the future.

My Boo & Co.

2009-08-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

I just received this picture from my DH.

I'm so happy to see He and his Marines are doing fine although my DH got so much sands on his face.*LOL* Well, That's pretty much like him, dirty won't bother him at all. :-D

Here's myWIP "Semper Fidelis" quilt blocks.

DI hat block.

My Hubby was a Drill Instructor once, So this block represents his past in the Marine Corps.

FIY: Drill Instructor "Making MARINES"

Operation KHANJAH block.

This picture is not my hubby. I just copy this photo from FOX News or CNN when Marine Corps's first operation kicked off in Afghanistan this July.

I'd love to know who is this brave Marine. :-)

"Uncommon valor was a common virtue" block.

This is one of Marine Corps symbolic moment captured during WWII, battle of Iwo Jima.

The memorial statue stands in Arlington, Virginia.

Escaped?

2009-08-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't escaped from the blogland. Although, I've been VERY busy with the kids.
My son is starting to go to a summer camp called the Cyber Camp, Monday to Friday 8AM to 3:30 PM.
It's held on U.S.M.C. Camp Pendleton and since we aren't live on this base, I have to drive up to this location. I can tell you, It's a heck of drive on Interstate 5!*LOL*

Meanwhile, I finish this little quilt. It's Jo Morton's pattern and called "Side by side" from her book "Small Quilts for Framing".

Hand pieced and hand quilting. size is 9"X13-1/4".

Unfortunately I think this book is OOP but I heard Jo is working on small & doll quilts book right now. Don't know when it will be publish though, I'm VERY anxious to see it.

I know it's gonna be another of my favorites. :-)

sew many blocks

2009-07-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Currently, I'm working on three quilts.

one miniature, other one is a lap size and the quilt for my dear husband.

Here's the progress,

3"x3", 9 patches for miniature quilt.

T square block pattern by Temecula Quilt Co.

Lady Liberty, Chevron and U.S.A. block for DH's quilt that I named "Semper Fidelis".

"Semper Fidelis" means "Always Faithful" for Latin. This is the U.S. Marine Corps motto since 1883.

Temecula Quilt Co. Here we come!

2009-07-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Gosh, time is flying.
My last post was what!? July 4th!?
Anyway,
My quilting buddy Lisa and I (+ Mindy) went to Temecula Quilt Co. today.

We have been talking about this shop a while but never had a chance to visit.

So today was the first time visit and we felt in LOooove this shop!!!!

This shop is the reproduction quilt lover's dream place.

F.I.Y. this wall-hanging is Kathleen Tracy's pattern.

I love the way they display quilts. Isn't this lovely?

Lisa is holding a little quilt made with Jo Morton's fabric. We adore those colors.

I love this charming T square quilt.

Here's my hubby's damage this time.*LOL*

A lot of Jo Morton's new line, the fabric roll assembled by Temecula Quilt Co. and their little quilt booklets.

We also stopped at quilt shop called Quilter's coop. It's not so far from Temecula Quilt Co.

I totally forgot to take pictures though.*LOL*

They carry varieties of fabric, from 30's to Moda-flowerish to Novelties to plaids. I picked a couple wools in this shop as you see in picture.

I surely got a very good motivation from today's visit!!!

********************************************

6／27のポストで日本語のコメントを下さったAnonymous（匿名）さん。

コメントありがとうございました。

メールでのお返事が出来ない設定になっているので、よければ改めてメールをいただけないでしょうか？

Home of the Brave

2009-07-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm having a very different 4th of July weekend than any other years.

Meanwhile, I maneged to finish the most favorite block for my newest quilt and wanted to share.

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July weekend, Everybody.

Semper Fidelis,

Lea

Monday's quilt

2009-06-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Yup, I finished another small quilt from Cheri Saffiote-Payne's pattern.

This quilt called Monday's quilt. Don't know why it called "Monday's" though.

The size is 18" x 21".

In the meanwhile, another baking from June Cleaver's kitchen.*LOL*

I had very riped bananas and needed to use ASAP. So I reach my Bible and found the Banana bread recipe.

The recipe called banana nuts bread, but I left out the nuts for kids sake.

Although I could used raisins, I might try next time.

I carefully read a recipe and spotted 2 table Spoon of vanilla extract requirement. I mean, TWO WHOLE TABLE SPOON!

I thought that's a lot so I only add 1 table spoon instead two. Even though I think 1 table spoon is kinda too much.

(maybe miss print? could be 2 TEAspoon.)

Also I didn't have buttermilk so I used half and half with lemon juice.

I made 2 loaves Banana breads out of this batch and kids loved it.

Here is a similar version of Banana bread recipe with only 2 teaspoon vanilla extract requirement.*LOL*

(Now, I really think that book was miss printed.... Hmmmmmm.....)

Block # 2 and # 3 plus pincushion

2009-06-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

This is my current project block #2

The Liberty Bell.

and block #3

Heart with hands.

Here is a pincushion for the pincushion swap.

I used Cheri Saffiotte-Payne's old pattern, can't remember how old it is though.... about 4,5 years ago I purchased it at my LQS.

This pincushion is traveling somewhere over the ocean right now.

I hope my secret swap partner will enjoy it. :-)

Andy and Opie, The Icon S

2009-06-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

Me and my kids will enjoy watching my collection of The Andy Griffith Show DVD marathon today. :-)

Happy Father's day, everyone!

Thank you, Laurie!

2009-06-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

I received a box with pincushion and other goodies from my swap partner, Laurie.

Her letter said her style isn't primitive but saw my blog and studied my taste, what a sweet person she is!

I LOVE her pincushion, it's very sweet and just my taste, don't you think??

She also enclosed lovely doilies, buttons, ribbons and beautiful quilt blocks.

Laurie, You surely made my day! Thanks a bunch!!

She wrapped goodies carefully with love. :-)
The moment I saw this lovely package I could tell she is a very talented woman .

Her blog is very interesting and beautiful, I specially love her paper flowers!

Gettysburg Sun

2009-06-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Even I was a bit June Cleaver mode (*LOL*) I managed to finish some of my quilting works.

This quilt called "Gettysburg Sun".

I start piecing this quilt with my featherweight and finished in three days. :-D

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this quilt!!!

Now I need to do basting (yuck) then quilting. :-)

FIY, this pattern is Carol Hopkins Design. Although I didn't see this pattern in her website.

It was very interesting to read her little thoughts about Civil War soldiers.

Here's what she said,

"The three-day long Battle of Gettysburg was fought under the hot sun of July,1863.

Imagine how uncomfortable the soldiers must have been while running, fighting, and carrying heavy equipment in their dark-colored wool uniforms of blue and gray."

Nowadays troops and soldiers aren't wearing wool uniform like Civil War soldiers but they carries 60 pound of heavy equipment while they are on duty in outrageously hot sandy land.

My thoughts and prayer goes out to those men and women who try to make the world a better place for us.

Baking days

2009-06-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not June Cleaver. *LOL*

But I was very "Baker" mode lately. I've been more baking than quilting, I confess. :-D

I made a strawberry rhubarb pie and that was a huge hit for my kids.

I used this recipe,( pate breisee recipe from this book) If you love sweet and tangy, this is your kind of pie!

Also I made a chocolate chip cookies. ( It was my son's request "Chunky & Chewy".)

then, I made this raspberry tart . It smells wonderful although I haven't taste yet.

This tart will goes to my friend's house tomorrow for a lunch & quilting bee. :-)

New project

2009-06-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, I start my new project. It's sort of BOM-ish quilt.

Here is a picture of a first blocks.

I used Gwen Marston's Liberated method for this piecing.

Waste Not

2009-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished my "Waste Not, Want Not" quilt.

It's Cheri Saffiote-Payne's (again, yes!) pattern and sized 17-1/2"x21-1/2".

I did the clam shell quilting all over on this quilt and here is a close up.

When I think about a quilting design, I usually go to my bookshelf and pick some of my favorite quilting books.

These books are my all time favorites. Those books contained the great information and tips for hand quilting and designs.

I always enjoy just looking through page over the page. :-)

Feathered star

2009-05-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

First off, Thank you so much for your kindness to my Husband and family.
Jeanne, Janet, Kathie, Carol, Stina, Mary, Judy, Rosemary, Colleen, Karen, Libby, kjquilts, s'me and Averyclaire , I'll forward your comments for my DH. He will enjoy reading your very kind words and support.
We are appriciated deeply.

Here is my first feathered star which I finished a month ago but never had a chance to post on my blog.
It's a miniature feather star. (well, the instruction said 17-1/4" x 17-1/4" finished size, but I ended up16-1/2"x16-1/2")
I bought this pattern at a quilt show. It contained a direction with tissue foundations for machine piecing.

Although you know me , I like hand piecing. :-)

Here is a close-up picture with my thimble.

2009-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Freedom Is Not Free

by Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

and then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,

When everything was still

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That TAPS had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free.

Semper Fi,

Lea

HUG OUR HERO

2009-05-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

I learned this DADDY DOLLS INC. right after my DH came back from Iraq 2004.
This company is well known for making a doll and other keepsakes for Military kids & families.
I thought this is a wonderful idea for my kids to have their own Daddy Doll.

Well, It's finally came in my front porch today! I ordered a Daddy Doll for Mindy.

I could choose the Doll's backing, So I picked PINK camouflage print. I don't think my DH will be thrill about PINK CAMMIE though.*LOL*

and here is a Pillow case for Myles. He will be able to cuddle with his Dad every night. :-)

They were so excited to see their Daddy doll and pillow.

Mindy put her Daddy in her doll cradle. *LOL*

and put him on her doll carry. *LOL*

Oh, Boy, He looks VERY cute with PINK.*LOL*

I guess When I feel lonely I need to hug this Daddy doll too. :-D

What a lovely day

2009-05-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

I received a surprise package from my dear friend Jun.

She is a master knitter/Crocheter and She made those charming stoles for Mindy and me!!!

They are so charming. I just adore her beautiful crochet flowers and edgings.

Of course, Mindy was so thrill to wear. :-)

Jun, Thank you SOOOoooooooo much!!!!!!! ((HUGS))

Another lovely things are those goodies. (or Should I say "My Dear Husband's DAMAGES. *LOL*)

I went to my favorite LQS Fat Quarters and purchased Jo's fabrics plus Bonnie Blue's 5" charm.

Even Mindy picked up this vintage inspired sewing book at the shop.

This book contained basic sewing, embroidery, rag doll making and cross stitch samplers for little girl. (or for big girl. *S*)

I'm still basting my Americana quilt, Meanwhile I'm making another cross stitch from my idol Stacy Nash's pattern & Booklet.

few of my non-favorite thing

2009-05-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Yikes..... I do not like the basting.

It's my least favorite process of making a quilt, I shall say.

What's your least favorite process?

On the other hand, a mail man brought latest Yoko Saito's book at my front porch today. YUuuuuuuppppppppppiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!

I'll look through this book for my bed time. :-)

Dealing with military kids

2009-05-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

My kids are a having difficult time, specially right before bedtime.

So I plan to watch a movie every night with kids.

We can pick a movie of the day, and watch it together.

I love old movies and TV sit-coms, my hubby love action (of cause!*LOL*) , horror and mysteries.

We have a quite selection of DVDs as you see in the picture.*LOL*

Well, I bought more DVDs today. I love original version of "The out of towners" and my son's request "Misery".

But We'll watch "Tower of Terror" for Mindy's sake tonight. :-D

(She loves witches and Halloween kinds of stories)

Poison green

2009-05-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

I love this doll quilt.

I finished quilting a while back but never show you a finished photo.

Don't you love a poison green?? It's one of my favorites color. :-)

Here is a close up picture.

Also I made this darling scissor holder. It's Stacy Nash's design. (yes, of cause.)

T.G.I.F.

2009-05-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

I finished this homespun quilt the other day.

I've already done quilting a while ago but never finished the binding.

Well, it's complete and I feel much better now. :-)

Another progress is Friday block of "My country week".

This block remind me an incident that My hubby and I saw at a lake numerous year ago.

A man was try to cast a fishing rod to catch a fish but he caught a goose instead. Yup, A GOOSE!*LOL*

Oh, That was hilarious. *S*

Star quilt

2009-05-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this Lemoyne star for a while.

I found this quilt picture in an antique quilt book and loved it.

So I wanted to make a replica for my daughter Mindy.

I use this template from Hoopla by Froncie Quinn.

Those template are very handy for either making hand or machine piecing.

I've been ordering some of her patterns and also have exchanged e-mail several time.

Well, she was at the Road to California quilt show and finally I had a chance to meet Froncie in person!
Surprisingly, she remembers our exchanges of e-mails last summer .

She is a very charimg and fun to talk with. *S*

Meeting Froncie was the highlight of the quilt show for me. :-)

Anyway, this template is made for Froncie's pattern called " The Clarissa Moore quilt"

It's a very beautiful Lemoyne star quilt made by her.

LOL love letter

2009-05-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

I just checked my e-mail box and found a mail from my dearest husband.

He said " I checked your blog and you need to fix it. You miss spell {sign} and forgot to add {want} in a sentence."

*LOL*

I must be tired!!!!!

Thank you Honey, I corrected them. :-)

Pincushion swap

2009-05-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

I read Karrin's blog and decided to join the pincushion swap.

Sandra from Netherlands is a swap mom and she also has a lovely blog.
Sign up is open till May 10th. So if you want to have fun, come and join us! :-)

Love my Marine

2009-04-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

My dearest husband will be deploying this week and I want to spend time together.

So I'm going to be away from blogland till next week.

See you next week!

Hugs & Love,

Lea

Hex

2009-04-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

I was so enchanted when I saw Libby doing some hexagon blocks. But I have too many UFO to finish before I could start another big project, so I just held back my temptations for those hexagons , hopefully.*LOL*

Well, the other day when I was sewing on one of my quilt blocks, an idea crossed my mind.

"Hey, I can't start on a big hexagon quilt project, but I can do a miniature one!"

The result as you see in this picture.
Yes, I'm start making these mini hexagons. *LOL*

To the market

2009-04-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

I found my "My Country Week" (pattern by Cheri Saffiote-Payne) UFO in my sewing room and started stitching on it the other day.

Here is the block that I just finished.

This Thursday market block reminds me of my local farmer's market. Oh, I love the Farmer's market, specially the one's Spring through Fall. They are full of all kind of fresh vegetables, fruits and lovely flowers.

Also sometime there are some very talented craters there too.

I bought this adorable vintage cloth appliqued apron at the Farmer's market for my daughter, Mindy .

She and I just fell in love with it and she now always wear it when she is playing with her toy kitchen. :-)

Well, back to some quilting topics. The picture above is Monday through Thursday blocks.

I still have Friday, Saturday and Sunday block to finish plus the borders and filler blocks to go.

Happy quilting, everyone!

Chicken little, update

2009-04-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

I completed this little chicken quilt top the other day.
It's all hand piecing and applique but this quilt is small, so it didn't take long to finished.

Some of you asked me who's pattern is this.
It's Jan Patek's pattern in her book called "Country Days" It's one of my favorite books. :-)

Well, I need to go back to my sewing room and do the basting and quilting!

XXX stitch

2009-04-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I made this cross stitch notebook cover for my quilter friend Jun.
I used Stacy Nash's design and some inspiration from her creation.
It will cover 4-1/2" X 3-1/2" palm size notebook.

Patriot mini quilt

2009-04-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Semper Fi for my dearest Marine. :-)

This is Jo Morton's pattern and I used the Marine Corps colors "Gold & Scarlet".

Also I did the Chevron quilting on this quilt.

Here is a close up picture. :-)

chicken little

2009-04-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

I start working on this chicks quilt couple days ago.
I already have too many big UFO but wanted to escape a little. :-)
It's a small quilt so I hope that I'll finish it in a heart beat!

Newest gadget

2009-04-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here is my new gadget.
It called The aunt Becky's finger saver.

I found this tool at the Road to California quilt show.

I actually saw Jean Brown's demonstrate it right front of my eye. She show her audience how to use it which was so helpful. I used to just wear a thimble but never protected my other finger. I like to feel the needle when I'm quilting.

Gee, I was wrong. Since I start using the aunt Becky finger saver, I love the idea of SAVING my finger! *LOL*

It's a bit tricky when you first start using it but once you get used to it, your stitch will flow. :-)

This is the site for Ms. Jean Brown's marvelous performance with aunt Becky.

http://www.quilterstv.com/?bcpid=1463341049&bclid=1460943210&bctid=932708422

Bookworm

2009-04-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

I am a bookworm. Yup, I LOVE BOOKS! Did I mention that to you before? I think I did.... :-)

My hubby has a headache every time he sees me buying books. ( fabrics TOO. *LOL*)

I went to Barns & Nobles today and bought these books. They have been on my wish list for a long time.

I love books about vintage aprons and linens. These are very pretty books.

I'm very satisfy! :-)

Also, I went to a Japanese bookstore to purchase this book.

It's a lunchbox recipe book. We Japanese love to make lunchboxes all the time. Specially if your kids are in preschool or kindergarten. Making a lunchbox is part of our morning routine.

My son will attend middle school this September and I suggested to him that he should take a Japanese style lunch box to school sometime. His class visited the middle school for a field trip and he told me that the cafeteria has wonderful food. But I told him that he won't be buying his lunch everyday. It's cost $5+ and that can be expense if he does it every-single-day!!!!

"That can cut into your money for your fabrics ;0) "

This is what my Hubby said.

Noooooooway! *LOL*

Life and thoughts

2009-04-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

First off, I've been out of blog land for such a long time because I'm dealing with a very difficult time in my life.

My dearest Grandma is very ill and I went to Japan to see her.

She is a very spacial person in my life.

Well, her condition is fair and she's still in the hospital. Every day I pray she will recover from this.

On top of this my hubby will go to the Middle East on an operation.

He will leave pretty soon so we are trying to spend some quality time together.

It's a tough time right now for me, but I'm a Marine's wife, The toughest in the Corps. *S*

I'll keep my head up and keep going. :-)

Here is my recent projects.

I finished my UFO "Moonshine" quilt (above). This pattern is a primitive pieces by Lynda

and the quilt below is another UFO I finished named "Town & Country".

The last post of the year

2008-12-31T20:37:00.000-08:00

OMG, It's already December 31st! I've been working on several quilt projects and here is one of my latest.
Kathie from Inspired By Antique Quilts send me a Christmas gift.
It's her plaid quilt kit!!! Oh, I was so happy to see this package. :-)

I know some quilter are making this quilt with a sewing machine but my speciality is hand piecing, right? So I decided to hand piece this quilt.

It's a very small quilt and it didn't take me long to finish the top.

Last but not least
Thank to all my thread friends who visit my blog and share their sweet taughts with me throughout the year. I'm very pleasure to know you and appreciate your kindness.

Wish you a joyous holiday
season and a New Year of
peace and happiness.

Hugs+Love,
Lea

Christmas is here!

2008-12-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

A Very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Love,
Lea
Cross stitch chart by Stacy Nash

My latest "to do"

2008-12-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, time flying lighting fast!!!

My last blog update was Dec 9th. What have I done??????

Well, here is my current project. This is Jo Morton's Little women club pattern.

I changed the color scheme and I'm anticipated the final outcome of this quilt. :-)
In the meantime, I have another "MUST DO" projects from my dearest husband.

He want me to sew those patches. That's a lot of patches and it's already December 20th.

Honey I have a lot things to do!My Honey bunch has been asking me to do these patches almost everyday. Saying things like " Ah.... Baby, will you sew these on my hat? Did you do my hat? " or "I might go fishing this weekend and will you sew these patches? And so on.

Well, I guess he will get this hat as a Christmas present! *LOL*

Dashing through the snow

2008-12-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Every time I visit another person's blog and see a beautiful snow theme, it simply takes my breath away.

I miss SNOW!!!!!!!!!!! sigh..... Maybe I'm spoiled by the weather here in sunny southern California, but I miss the winters in Japan with the snow cap mountains and envy people in places that have snow on the ground right now!

Anyway,

I was dreaming about snow while I was making this quilt. I finished the quilt top yesterday and I'll be done with the quilting soon.

********************************************

方々のブログで雪の風景を見るたびに雪が恋しくなります。

シカゴ出身の主人は雪を見るのはもう懲り懲り、って言うんだけれど私は冬が好きなので雪が降らないここ南カリフォルニアの冬はちょっとつまらないって思うんですよねぇ。。。

と、こういうと雪深いところに住んでらっしゃる方は「なんとも贅沢な。。。」と思われるかもしれませんが。

冬のシーンを扱ったキルトのトップが完成しました。

次はしつけとキルティングです。このボーダーの周りにあるフレーズはアメリカの有名な詩から来てるものです。

Twinkling star

2008-12-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

I finished the top to this doll quilt today.

I saw this little quilt in one of my antique quilt book years ago and always adore it.

I also found this little quilt in Jo Morton's book and finally I decided to make my own. :-)

Well....The top is done and I need to do the basting and quilting!

Get busy! *S*

*************************************

ドールキルトのトップが完成しました。

このキルト、アンティークの本とかキルトの本にも載っている結構有名なキルトが元になっています。Jo Mortonさんの本にも載ってました。

ずっと前から作りたいと思っていたのですが。。。なかなか手がつけれなくって。

ようやく制作に取り掛かった次第です。

さ、あとはしつけとキルティングだ～、頑張ろう～

What's in your lunch box?

2008-12-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my lunch box that has four patches. I was looking at Lucy's blog the other day and got inspiration to use some of my leftover fabrics.
I started cutting some of my odds & ends pieces. Then I hand pieced them together and bumped then in my lunch box.

My lunch box is slightly different than any other lunch box. It's so tiny! Here is a scale ruler with my lunch box, can't you tell how tiny it is??

Another small project I'm working are these star blocks. I love these stars. They are 3"square, cute & lovely.

Here is my "Winter" project. If you remember, I'm a season quilter! Got to make the seasonal quilt;) This is my version of "Grandma's house we go" by Cheri Saffiote-Payne.

O.K. Now for my my latest purchase from my favorite store called The Fat Quarters.
My quilting buddy Lisa took me to Fat Quarters the other day and Boy! I had a wonderful time, Didn't I? *S*
I bought a lot of Jo Morton's fabrics and one of her book which I've been picking up & putting back every time I'm in the store. Got it this time*LOL*

I also grabbed the newest issue of Quilt Mania. I love this magazine. They features a lot of nice things.
This issue has some articles about Jan Patek, Debbie Lofgren , Lakeview Primitives , Handmaiden Designs .
It's already sound so good, Huh? *S*

************************************************

ランチボックスに４パッチのブロックを入れてみました。
このアイデア、ルーシーさんのブログを見て「おぉ、これはいい！」と思って始めてみました。ほんと、たくさんあるんですよ、布の端切れが。。。ゴミ袋にいっぱい。(爆）
これね、一見普通のランチボックスですが、実はミニチュアなの。　大きさを比較するためにインチの定規とシンブルを並べてみました。分かるかな？　手のひらにすっぽり入っちゃうサイズです。
他のプロジェクトは、というと、最近はまってるこのスターのブロック。3”四方です。これも手のひらサイズ。ちまちまとハンドピーシングでやってます。
あともう一つのプロジェクトは、”冬”ものキルト。ほら、私ってば季節ものキルターだからね(笑）この冬も一枚は作っておかないと。。。。(笑）
最後に、先日キルター友達のリサに連れられていつものキルトショップに行ってきたのでそこで散財(爆）したものたち。
今回もJo Mortonさんの布を中心に買ってます。あと、彼女の本、これは毎回ショップで見るたびに買うかどうしょうか迷ってたもの。とうとう買っちゃった。(笑）
それと一緒にQuilt Maniaの最新号も買いました。今回も素敵なキルトがいっぱい載ってます。
この表紙のキルトはJan　Patekさんのもの。これね、前からずっと欲しかったパターンで、前にこのパターンを買おうかどうしょうか（またしても。笑）悩んでいたのですが、待っててよかった。こうやって雑誌に載ると、他の方たちのパターンもついてくるのでお得感が。。。(笑）

Stitching and Thought

2008-12-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

Pardon my laziness.
I appreciate all the sweet comment.
I haven't been in blogland at all lately. Well, it just seems like lately I don't have enough time to update my blog or to visit my blog friend. This really bugs me, So I've been thinking maybe I better closing my blog..... I haven't really decided Yet....

In the meantime, To my dearest husband, Thank you for supporting me with what I'm doing and for encouraging me to keep going.
To Marice, Thank you for guiding me in the right direction. :-)

Now to the good stuff,

I found this neat idea in a Japanese stitch magazine.

It require a STARBUCKS "create your tumbler" cup and I bought this tumble one a while back.

I've been wanted to make this tumbler for so long but I simply didn't have enough time.

Well, Finally I made it and I love the result!

I used one of Stacy Nash's Christmas chart for this pattern.

I inserted my cross stitch in tumble. These pictures show the front and back side.

I'm ready for my Christmas eggnog or hot chocolate! Yum!

**************************

ブログ、ず～っとサボってました。。。。

なんだか色々と忙しくって、なかなかUPする時間が持てなかったので、もうブログをやめようかとも思ったのですが。。。。

とりあえずは、細々と続けていく事にしました。

このサボり期間中に作ったのが、これ。

数年前に日本の雑誌に載ってたものです。これ、ずっと作りたかったんだけど、なかなか重い腰が上がらず。。。(笑）

今回、クロスステッチ熱が燃え上がってる時に「今だ！」と作ってみました。結構お気に入り。(笑）

Happy 233rd Birthday, Marines!

2008-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."

- President Ronald Reagan.

Boo!

2008-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Have a Happy Halloween everyone!

Witch Hazel

2008-10-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogland for quite a long time and now it's almost Halloween!!!
Here is my newest finished quilt. It's a Cheri Saffiote-Pyne's design called "Witch Hazel".I used linen thread to make the sprinckled couple spider web with a primitive stitch.
This is one of the most easiest quilt that I have ever made.
Yey! I could add another Haloween Spookytacular collection!

****************************************************

ブログからかなり遠ざかっておりました。。。。しかも、もう１０月も終わりに近い。。。ハロウィンもすぐそこまで来ている。。。。
とりあえず、ここ最近こもって(苦笑）作っていたものの中の一つ。魔女のタペストリーです。
これ、私が作ったキルトの中でも一番簡単だったかも。。。
キルティングにはリネン糸を使用しています。キルトのモチーフには蜘蛛の巣もプリミティブステッチで２箇所ほど入れてみました。
あ～これで今年もハロウィンのキルトが仕上がったよ、ほっ。。。。

Hezekiah Higgenbottem

2008-10-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

In the dark dark hallow's night

Only the Jack-O-Lantan guide your light

He may knock on your door

and make you scared that much more

Open the Door! Open the Door!

If you dare!

*********************************************************
Cross stitch chart: Notforgotten Farm

Don't you love motivation?

2008-10-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

I just stopped by some of my blogland friend's blogs the other day and AHhhhhhhhh!!!! Yup, I screamed " Ahhhhuuuuuuuuggggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

I saw every one's quilts were so full of beautiful autumn colors! I see Libby has finished her gorgeous "Spooky tree" wallhanging and Judy is just about finish.

Wait up ladies, I have that pattern too, but I haven't even touched it yet.

After seeing all the gorgeous work going on I am full of motivation. I going to pull my fabrics out and get back to my quilting business. I going to double-time it and hopeful I'll make it in time for Halloween......

***************************************************

今までクロスステッチに没頭していたのですが、久々にブログのお友達の所に顔を出したら。。。。

みなさん。。。。もうすっかり「秋」の色。。。。

しかも、Libbyさんなんか、私の持ってるパターンのキルトを作り上げていらっしゃいました。しかもしかも、Judyさんまで制作途中で。ガーーーーーーーーーーーーーーん。。。。(苦笑）

う～ん、こんなことしていられないっ、と、キルター魂が燃え上がり、ここまでは作り上げたのですが、ハロウィンまでに果たして間に合うのか、ワタシ。

Newest XXXX

2008-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ta-da-a-a-a!

I just finished this pin keeper. It took little to no time to stitch and I distressed it with tea dye.

I'm so in love with Stacy Nash's creations. Her style is so primitive and perfect for my taste.

Well, which one will be next....Hummmmm....? :-)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

思わず勢いで仕上げました、このピンクッション。

も～かなりお気に入りです。

これはStacy Nashさんのパターンで、最近彼女のパターンにもろハマってます。(笑）

さ、次は何をつくろうかな～。。。

I'm XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

2008-10-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

What I'm doing right now. I'm cross stitching!

Well, Actually this was one of last year's UFO that I tried to finish before Halloween but I ran out time.

I think I'll make it by this Halloween. :-)

I've been in the "cross stitch er" mode lately.

Here are a few caddies that I bought at antique market recently.

It's actually for kitchen utensils but I thought these would by perfect for holding my cross stitching supply.

I specially love the little bonnet girls with the basket.

Aren't they cute?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

最近はまってす、クロスステッチに。

これは去年のハロウィンに仕上げようって思って、仕上がらなかったやつなんですけど。。。今年のハロウィンにはなんとか間に合いそうです。とにかく、ここ最近の私はかなりクロスステッチムードで、この前出かけたアンティークマーケットでも、こんな物をクロスステッチ用に買ったほど。

これ、本来はカトラリー入れみたいなのですが、いいのいいの、私はこれにクロスステッチ用のフロスなどのこまごました物を入れて使ってます。

特にこの上段のボネット姿の女の子の絵が気に入ってるんですよ～。

Autumn is here, but not in my house.(sigh)

2008-10-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you ladies for encouraging me on my outrageous unpacking process. *S*

Gee.... Is it already October. Leaving Japan I thought my family could be settled in by late August.

So much delay and too many boxes, sigh.....

I wanted to make some Halloween motif quilt.

I already have some patterns but this unpacking process is still continuing and I don't know if I will have enough time to make some Halloween quilt. Autumn and Halloween are two of my (or shall I said OUR, because my Hubby-Dubby love Halloween like a child!) favorite time of year.

I always make Halloween quilt every year, but maybe not this year. Aaaaaaaggguuuuhhhhh, I'm so sad!

*******************************************

もう10月なのねぇ。。。。なんだか時が経つのって、自分が年齢を重ねるごとに加速しているような気がします。

はぁ～。。。まだ荷物の1／3ほどぐらいしか片付いていないような。。。まだまだ荷物の箱が山積み状態の我が家、とほほ～

本当はね、ハロウィン用のキルトが作りたかったんですけどね。秋到来で、これからが一年の中で一番好きです。　ということで、必然的に毎年、ハロウィンキルトを作ってるんだけど、あぁ、今年は無理そう。(涙）

我が家は（というのか、うちのダーが一番の盛り上がりなんだけど）ハロウィンが大好きです。この時期になると、パンプキンが街角あちらこちらにお目見えし始めるので、それを見る度にワクワクするんですよねぇ。

今年もそんな季節がやってきました。

Simple Pleasures

Evening Star

Renee Plains @ The Fat Quarters Quilt Shop

Gathering Baskets UPDATE

9.11.2001

What's in my purse

Finish'n 1,2,3

New addition for my library

Hexagons

Gathering Baskets

Quilter's Run 2011 @ Temecula Quilt Co.

Goodies and current works

quick finish & update

The petal of cherry blossoms

recent projects

Thinking of Japan

Lemoyne Star progress

Lovely Indigo Moment

Newest projects and Jo Morton's LWC 10!

After Long break

Southern California Quilters Run @ Temecula Quilt Co.

Southern California Quilters Run @ Quilter's Coop

Scissors cover

The American School Girl Club

My goodies @ The Fat Quarters quilt shop

From Jo Morton LW club

Wool project

OH MY GOD! Moment

Another quilt top done

Recent additions

Time to update

WIP update

Fabric, I can't resist

Little Women club # 9

HST tools

Jo's class part 2

the best treat ever

The greatest gift

Silent Night

What's up!?

November!!!!

Spirit of Christmas

Treat from Michelle

This is MY JOINT

Little witch

October!

Down to south

Plain Jane

Black out

The Country Loft outdoor quilt show

Terapy for a quilter

My Boo & Co.

Escaped?

sew many blocks

Temecula Quilt Co. Here we come!

Home of the Brave

Monday's quilt

Block # 2 and # 3 plus pincushion

Andy and Opie, The Icon *S*

Thank you, Laurie!

Gettysburg Sun

Baking days

New project

Waste Not

Feathered star

HUG OUR HERO

What a lovely day

few of my non-favorite thing

Dealing with military kids

Poison green

T.G.I.F.

Star quilt

*LOL* love letter

Pincushion swap

Love my Marine

Hex

To the market

Chicken little, update

XXX stitch

Patriot mini quilt

Andy and Opie, The Icon S

LOL love letter