Simple Pleasures

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!!!

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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!