I am not a quilter.  I like patchwork and would like to make a quilt, but it hasn't happened yet.  When I read about Quilts for the Kims, I thought, OK, I'll give it a go.  I was deeply touched by their story and thought this would be one way for me to do something for them.  Here's what I came up with....

My square had to be yellow and I really struggled with this.  I like yellow, but for whatever reason I don't have much yellow fabric in my stash.  I took a few trips to different fabric stores and realized why....there isn't much cute yellow fabric out there.  I bought a couple fat quarters and threw in a little pink and green to make it work.  I am pretty happy with the results.  It's a basic log cabin design.  My calculations were a bit off, so I added the striped strips to two sides to get to twelve inches.  I was worried it would look off, but I actually like it.  Thank goodness for happy accidents!

Fatty likes to shop and he knows me so well.  Look at some of the stuff he gave me for Christmas...

Buttons, a high school letter (perfect for my collection, no less) and fabric - most, if not all, vintage!  I love it all and can't wait to start creating.  There are about 7 or more (!) yards of the quilt-like fabric (he paid under $10 - good thrifter!) - what to do?  I am thinking like Maria von Trapp...clothes for the kiddos and maybe even something for me.  Fatty thought it would make good appliques and I agree.  The H is begging to be put on a pillow, I think.  Any other ideas?  The other fabric is so cute - I love the little prams.  It'll surely show up in some patchwork.  I have lots to do so I am going to get on it.

Happy weekend to you!

This corner is next to our kitchen, but not really part of it.  It's not really a hallway either, just a little rectangle of space that houses staircases (the one on the right goes up and the one behind the door goes to our basement).  It's a strange space that came about as a result of an addition a previous owner had made.  It adds to our quirky house's character.  The peg rack was on the door when we moved in and I use it the most.  Right now it is home to my coats.

Do you see a theme?  I heart green and black.

Thanks to some people I have been craving a fried egg sandwich.

Lunch yesterday was so nice.  It was just me, my food and a quiet house.

We also had a scrumptious dinner...check out Susan's in-law chicken.  Delicious.  Coming up later this week....this and this.

I am feeling a little devious today....bear with me.

Hi Beth!

Someone - OK, it was your sister - told me that you liked this fabric.  And that you wanted a belt made out of it.  So, I made one for you.  It's all yours....if you comment on this post.  You see, Georgia also told me that you read my blog.  I thought I might draw you out with the little giveaway.  That didn't work.  I'm giving it another go.  Here's your chance.....post a comment and it's yours.

I almost forgot - Hi Luke!  I know you are out there, too.

Alright, enough mischief for one day.

We spent the weekend resting.  And did I need it.  I am finally feeling better and so are the girls.  Taking naps and being lazy have a way of making a sick girl well.  So do margaritas...

My favorite recipe:

2 oz. lime juice
1.5 oz. tequila
1 oz. Cointreau
1 scant tablespoon fine sugar

Pour into a shaker filled with crushed ice.  Shake well.  Serve over the rocks into a salted glass.  Makes 1.

I got back into the crafting groove and spent some time sewing.  The girls decided to embroider:  a t-shirt for Kate and a gift for Jane.

I am in love with this smiling tree Kate drew.

And I am very impressed with Jane's design and her even stitching.  It's amazing the difference four months makes.

Happy Monday!

Ummm, I just spent about an hour on a really lovely post about Telluride, Colorado and why it is so dear to my heart (read...I have childhood memories there, met Fatty there, fell in love there) and then lost the whole f-ing thing.  Really, I could scream.  SCREAM!

Instead, you can see more of our vacation here.  And sometime I may tell the story again.  I guess you'll just have to wait. Sorry...

P.S.  I need practical Flickr advice from typepad users....do you blog from Flickr?  why or why not?  how do you make contacts?  help, please.  I am lost.

Thank you all for the great comments about my handmade gifts.  I had a lot of fun making them - I really did.  But... (you knew that was coming) I think I overdid it again.  Too many big ideas and not much time left me and Fatty wrapping ALL the presents Christmas Eve afternoon.  I had just enough time when I was finished to take a shower and get myself to 5:30 mass.  Thank goodness my mom was here and took over cooking duty.  And Georgia got my kids dressed for church.  Christmas Day was relaxing, but we were up early and off to the airport on the morning of the 26th.  Some of the gifts I had really wanted to make got cut off the list, too.  The Christmas cards never got sent.  I did not make anything for the girls or Fatty and although no one was the wiser, it made me a bit sad.  On that note, I am going to really try not to over commit myself this year.  I am going to practice saying no.

On to the drawing...
First, though, I loved getting comments from some new people.  It is always fun to discover new blogs.  It amazes me the amount of talent out there.  You all are great! OK, then...

I wrote all the names on little pink circles, folded them up and had Jane draw a name.  So, without further ado, the winner is....

Robyn!  I have fabrics all picked out and will get to sewing a new apron for you.

The girls and I all have double ear infections plus a sinus infection for me and something near to pneumonia for Jane.  The house is a disaster because we left it that way when we went on vacation.  The Christmas decorations need to come down and I need some serious rest.  I also need to get organized in a big way.  So, you won't be seeing much of me for the rest of the week, but I will be back soon.  Probably sooner than I think.