Wedding Flowers in ribbon work

Here is my lastest Ribbon work . It is my wedding collection. I LOVE the cute little ballet shoes. Also in this picture is the flower girl floral crown, the mini wrist cuff and a small piece for the waist.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Dana

Quilts, Quilts and Quilts!!

My interview with Mary Marcotte, a great quilter, great blogger and a super nice person!

1. Tell us about your shop name

Fleur de Lis Quilts is the name of my shop because my ancestors were originally from France and the fleur de lis is a symbol of the French culture. I've always really liked the symbol, especially when it's depicted in very formal ornate styles.

2. How did you learn to quilt? Are you teaching any of your grand daughters to sew?

Both my grandmother and mother were quilters. I've always loved sewing and taught myself how to sew and quilt by reading and working at it. I made a few quilts when my sons were young but didn't really have time for it while raising three small boys and going to college. When the boys married and grandchildren came into my life, I made more time for sewing and quilting. I am especially grateful that I had a few years of sharing quilting with my mom before her Alzheimer's Disease became so bad she was unable to enjoy it.

3. How many quilts have you made?

In my lifetime? Goodness knows! I think I average about five large quilts a year, but there's no way I can count them all. In the last couple of months I made six small quilts for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. My grandchildren and daughters-in-law each have gotten at least one. I've made and donated three to our church for raffles. And I have about 10 sitting in a trunk waiting for sales. I guess I've made a few.

4.What is your favorite quilt pattern?

I love the Dresden Plate design. It's a fun design no matter what I decide to do with it. I do enjoy making Dresdens so that the finished plate resembles a beautiful flower. I've made four or five using that technique.

5.How long does it to make a quilt from start to finish?

That's a loaded question with a couple of different answers. I have a long arm machine which allows me to complete the quilting in a day, even for big quilts. Since I'm pretty fast once I get going, I can put a top together in a couple of days then quilt it in a couple of days. So, a week if I apply myself and don't get distracted. However, I once made a queen size quilt that I hand quilted and that one took months...actually years. I would take it with me on long trips and quilt on the road, but I didn't really quilt it very much at home. Estimating the time for that one is impossible. Let's just say I won't be attempting another queen-size by hand until I retire.

6. After so much work, do you get emotionally attached to any of your projects? If so, which item would you miss the most when it sells?

Oh definitely! My quilts become more than just quilts: a part of me goes into each one. However, I've solved the attachment issue--I don't put them up for sale. I'm kidding, of course, while I'm working on one quilt my brain is dreaming up the next, so by the time I'm finished, I'm ready to move on. It's rare that I become attached to a particular quilt because I force myself to think in terms of selling it or giving it to someone.

7. What project do you dream of doing when you have time?

Definitely a double wedding ring quilt. I've appreciated the work and symbolism of the double wedding ring for as long as I can remember. It's a difficult design because there are so many small pieces and there are curves to deal with. I won't even consider starting one while I'm still teaching: my life is way to disorganized for that.

Isn't Mary wonderful? I love her use of happy fun colors!
She also has really cute children's items and great purses and even pin cushion jars.
She has beautiful hand made items for every budget and need.

Be sure to check her out !     http://www.etsy.com/people/fleurdelisquilts



http://lambsandivydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-interview-with-mary-marcotte-great.html

It is SOOO hard to find good help these days!

I had a "pearl clutching" moment when I looked out the window and saw the condition of my yard. The grass was shaggy and nothing had been trimmed at all!
I immediately had my husband speak to our yard staff. I believe when you see his picture you will understand why our yard in in this mess!

He was sleeping on the job!!  My husband was informed he was striking for better food and conditions!      

Pink Roses and Wisteria Lace cuff

Last week I made the wisteria for a fairy themed costume. With that still in mind I made a lace cuff with the roses and wisteria. Perfect for a fairy or Marie Antoinette or just for wearing out to the grocery store! Ok..I am kidding with that last one. But here it is!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

<a border="0" href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a>

<br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/so-just-what-is-pink-saturday.html"><img border="0" src="http://i36.tinypic.com/3038rqh.jpg" /></a></center><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://thetatteredtag.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI7fnqaE3uY/TWSWFtSpXQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/K3cOt3GU28c/s1600/Black+Button-1.jpg"/></a></center><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://countingyourblessings.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/frenchcupboard/buttons/mybuttonlacymannequin.jpg"/></a></center>

Antique toy sewing machines. A little girl's dream.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE
I thought I would share my collection of toy sewing machines.

I love toy children's sewing machines.
 It started as a child. My parents bought me an electric, toy singer sewing machine. When I opened it it did not work correctly.I wasn't allowed to play with it because "we were taking it back" It was returned to singer and when returned it still didn't work!. This time it was put under the hall table so it could be returned again!Fast forward many years, the broken sewing machine was still under the table..off limits!LOL!

 When I grew up I bought my own toys. The funny thing is they are all in pretty rough shape and they don't work either!!!

I have one "adult" sewing machine. I love it because of the walnut case and the beautiful inlay on the sides and top. I also love all the decoration on the machine itself.

Have a happy Saturday!