Bunny Time

While visiting my kids in the Salt Lake area, I finished these bunny dish towels.

I added appliques to an embroidery pattern.

I thought they were sweet. I hope you are having a lovely weekend! -Derrith

Fuzzy Baby Chicks

I just finished these kitchen towels in time for these two little "inspectors" to arrive. They gave their approval, thankfully

I thought I would pull up last years baby chick towels to show as well.

Here's one more little chick who wanted to say hello.

And, since I am in a spring-y mood, I am including a pic from last years Tulip Festival in Woodland Wa. This year festival begins this weekend, but I will be in Utah for a visit, so you will likely get pictures from there instead. I'm so glad you stopped by. Please come again soon. Love, Derrith

Barb's Big Quilts

We are now on installment three of my friend Barb Perkin's quilt and studio. Today I am showing you some of her large size quilts. Many of them you will need to click on to get an enlarged view so you can appreciate the detail.

I'm sorry I don't know the names of the quilts. This one Barb made for her master bedroom, with the initials of she and her husband on the bottom. The applique on this quilt is amazing!

I love the colors and fabrics on this one.

I do recognize "A Tisket A Tasket". Everyone in my quilt group made their own version of this pattern...just before I joined the group.

More beautiful hand applique and I love the bunnies!

This quilt is really amazing. First of all, each barn is unique and fun, but the border is really spectacular. She actually had to make adjustments to the size of the border...quite the challenge, but she did it flawlessly.

The colors of this quilt are even prettier in person. Well, I have one more posting or Barb's quilts coming soon. Thank you friends, for your support of my blog. I so appreciate your visits and especially your comments.  Love, Derrith

Portland's Secret Garden

Let me begin by saying that Portland has MANY beautiful Gardens, but because of the "hidden" location of this one, it's known as the Secret Garden. It is located at the end of a gracious established neighborhood street in the Dunthorpe section of Portland. The Gardens overlook the Williamette River.

On a day that sunny, had the absence of rain, I dashed out to take some pictures of this beautiful place.

I had never taken he time to really explore the paths in this English style garden and it was really enchanting (OK-I know that's an old fashioned, corny word, but that's who I am).

As you can see, moss grows abundantly in this neck of the woods.

There were numerous stairs to climb and paths to walk...

...and in case you are wondering, I took the low road.

This was the original home on the property. It was bequeathed to the Episcopal Diocese many years ago so the official name of the gardens is "Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop's Close". I hope you have enjoyed the tour. See you again soon!  -Derrith

Laundry Room Make-Over Part One

Today I wanted to give you a sneak peek at some of the elements I am working on for my Laundry Room make-over. Since this room has been neglected for the 25 years we have lived in our home, pretty much anything would be an improvement. I want to make it bright and pretty and as usual I have been inspired by Sarah Richardson's style. I just finished this chalkboard, but it will be the only dark thing in the room.

'

This is my color palette. The walls will be a softer version of the minty color. The top two fabrics are for the curtains and the bottom you will see below. I painted some clothes pins for fun and collected a few other accessories.

I covered an ironing board with the third fabric. I will save the rest for the big reveal, which may not come as soon as I had hoped as Gary and I can't agree on the new floor. :-)  I'm so glad you stopped by for a minute today. We have steady rain here in the NW this week. I hope the sun is shining on you wherever you are, friends.  -Derrith

More from Barb's Gallery

In today's post I'm going to show you some of my friend Barb's wall hangings and table runners. This chicken one is SO FUN! In the tree, Barb added several little machine embroidered apples.

I love this one as well - simple, peaceful and charming.

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This was a panel she embellished with great results.

This one has a fun story. Barb made a crossword quilt spelling our all the things she loves. Her grand children said "Where's Grandpa?" so she hid a picture of her husband, Richard in the print fabric, named the quilt "Where's Grandpa" and it became a fun treasure hunt game every time the children came over!

This wall hanging she designed also has a message of sorts. It hangs above the coat closet as you enter her house and each block represents a part of her and Richard's life.

Here's another cute runner. I've always admired her choices of fabrics and of course her skill at just about anything quilt related. I'm saving the best for last...soon I will showcase many of her full sized quilts and they are really spectacular. Thanks so much for visiting today. Love, Derrith

5 Blocks Down, 2 To Go

Just got one more block done on my fall quilt. Only two more small ones to go and it will be time for the borders. It's funny how I am not as excited about it when I am thinking about Spring!

Speaking of spring, the daffodils are out in my yard and my neighbor's yards and I love to see their cheerful little faces!

I had to share this fun graphic that Bev posted over at 44th St. Fabric. (see link on side bar) It was so funny and so true!  Well, I hope it is a bright, sunny day where you are! Love, Derrith

Quilt Group March Madness



Our merry band met last Tuesday and laughed and ate and sewed-our three favorite things to do! For "show and tell", Darlene showed us these three sharp looking bags she had made.

Her machine embroidery work is simply amazing. These are small black felt (or flannel?) bags with a crisp white zipper. We all went crazy for them.

Jayna's spring runner was adorable. We are all so ready for spring.

This is also Jayna's. It is a darling wool applique halloween themed table topper.

Here is a close up of the fun detail.

Here is Margy with the beautiful tapestry bag she made. Enlarge the picture so you can see the machine embroidered detail on the red corners!

Another great idea from Margy...perfect for someone going off to college or, as in this case, a boy leaving for his mission.

Anita made this eye popping quilt with colorful batiks - very cool.

This cute bag was also Anita's (and it's reversable!) I'm glad you stopped by today. A shout out to our "mermaid girl" - We miss you still!

  I hope to see you again soon. -Derrith