Little "FLossies" and a Progress Report

I've been getting ready to host my Quilting Group tomorrow night. I wanted to have some little "favor" to give them, so I've been making these "Flossies". I first saw the idea on someone's blog and I loved them. Here's the problem: I can't remember who's blog is was. I have searched and searched. I know it was a blog I follow and I want to give credit to whoever had the original idea. If the design was your creation, or you know who's it was, please let me know!

These are so much fun to make. It's like picking out fabric and making little dresses, only it takes a fraction of the time. I just cut the shape out of light weight cardboard, glued scrapbook paper on both sides, then wrapped the Embroidery Floss cummerbund, tucking in the end. I must warn you, they can be addictive!

Now, on to my progress report. I'm still "goin' round in circles". It's funny that the name of this pattern is "Square Dance", but I get it. The colors are crazy bright, even form me, but I think one of my grand daughters will like it. I still have a ways to go. The morning after Quilt Group, I'm leaving for Salt Lake for my grand daughter's baptism. I will try to post pics of what my quilting buddies are up to before I leave. Then, I hope to explore some quilt shops in Salt Lake. They are so lucky to have so many to choose from there! Until tomorrow... thank you for visiting!  -Derrith

Can a Quilt Be An Old Friend?

I have to just come out and say  "I love this quilt". It is definitely one of my earlier quilts - I can see lots of flaws caused by inexperience, but, it is still one of my two or three favorites. I hang it in the spring although it works in the summer too. It makes me happy and comfortable - just like an old friend.

I used a combination of contemporary and 30's reproductions fabrics - I didn't really know exactly what I was doing other than trying to find mostly primary colors. I was quite thrilled with the background fabric. It's actually hard to find background fabric that is bright white and the little blue, yellow and red flowers were so perfect. 

Sooo, this morning I stopped at Goodwill and found these cute canisters that were half off today. Anyone who has visited my blog will know that I love Cherries the most, but I think I can find room in my heart for these cute tomatoes. I believe I will make some dish towels to match and then take them all down to the shop.

I also found this really cute "Butter Bell". I don't know if you can see the little handle. That is unique for one of these. Have you ever used one? I was introduced to them when I started "thrifting" and now my family is hooked. It keeps butter fresh and at the perfect spreading consistancy. I am happy to say that the sun is shining today. We have to enjoy it because the rain returns tomorrow and for the rest of the week. I have been making progress on my quilt so I am encouraged about that. I've rambled enough today. Thanks so much for peeking in. I hope to see you again soon. -Derrith

Saturday Market Flowers

On Saturday, Gary and I got our chores done early so we could enjoy a lovely lunch at the Quay by the Columbia River. It was one of those clear sunny days that make you glad you're alive.  A couple blocks away, was Vancouver's Saturday Market and with just a little urging, Gary agreed to go.

The flower vendors are by far my favorite thing at our Saturday Market. As you can see, they had every variety of daffodils.

The tulips were so beautiful!

I love these ruffly daffodils and the lilies too.

The glass artists are very impressive too.

Aren't these pretty?! Just thought I'd bring you a little bit of color today. Who can resist photographing all the lovely spring flowers? I'm looking forward to my wisteria, lilacs,  hydrangeas, roses and especially my favorite - peonies! I guess I'd better get back to my quilting now if I am ever to have a finished quilt to show you.  Love, Derrith

Gloves and Pearls For Easter

Easter time brings back memories of crisp white gloves, a string of pearls, a clean hankie in my new white purse.  I did occasionally get a new dress for Easter and wore it with white ankle socks and white patent Mary Janes, until I graduated to nylons and white pumps in Jr. High. I remember having a white headband with little white flowers on it and occasionally a corsage made with a pink Camelia that grew in our yard.

These polka dot gloves were found at a yard sale. I thought they were darling. They sit in a drawer with the white ones above, and some cute pink ones I found too. Of course, no one wears these kind of gloves any more, but I am a little sentimental about the memories they provoke.

Thank you for taking a peek at my blog today. I do wish all my friends and followers a happy, meaningful Easter. -Derrith

Tiny Farm Chicks

There's a lot of "peeping" going on at my house. These little chicks came in a "Lot" of tiny farm animals from ebay.

They reminded me today not to forget them.

So did the spring lambs...

and the bunny brigade. Soooo...

I baked up some cup cakes so they would feel special and that made them happy as you can see. I'll tell you, I had a heck of a time getting them all to look at the camera at the same time.

Lambie-love.

The bunnies told me they prefer pink!

Did you know chickies like to peck sprinkles?

As you can see, I got my ducks in a row for this picture. Now, I believe I will take myself and my rich fantasy life into the kitchen to clean up after the animals!  Now if you would like to see some really sensational cupcakes, I suggest you visit Karla's Cottage and see hers. They may not be edible but they are incredible!  I'm so glad you stopped by today. I hope you'll come again.  -Derrith

I DO Love Cherries!

I can't resist cherries when it comes to kitchen or quilt motifs. They are so unfailingly cheerful! I am always on the hunt for cherry dishes for the shop and then I'm sad when they sell.

A couple weeks ago, Gary and I were wandering around northwest Washington, and I found this cupboard in a thrift shop. Gary took it pretty well, when he saw me heading for the car with it.  It says "Studio 56" on the label on the back. I don't know if it was sold this way or if the checkerboard and cherries were added by someone after market. The glass from one of the doors was missing so I replaced it with Plexiglass on both sides.

I love the hand painted cherries. As you can see, I have the cupboard down at the shop and filled it with some fun red and white dishes.

The cupboard inspired me to design a dish towel to match. Well, I must get some housework done today, since I have done more playing than working this week. My quilt group had a very fun field trip yesterday to a wonderful quilt shop in Chehalis Washington called "Sisters". I did buy a bit more fabric in spite of a promise to myself not to. That's what happens when you put yourself in temptation's path! Thank you, friends for stopping by.  Love, Derrith

Tags and Postcards

I think it is exciting to get ANY letter in the mail these days, but imagine how thrilled I was to get this envelope with foreign stamps all over it! It was my Give-A-Way prize from Fleur at Yokko Bears all the way from the Netherlands.

She sent me 30 hand made tags! So Cool! Each one is different and the backs have an aged, antiqued look to them. THANK YOU, Fleur! I love them!

I haven't shown you the quilted postcards from our last quilt group meeting yet, so here they are...enjoy!

Thank you for visiting my little corner of the world.It means so much to have you stop by! -Derrith

Happy St. Paddy's Day

Happy Sunday and St. Patrick's Day, friends. These are some Pyrex bowls that belong to my daughter-in-law. We have them down at her shop, and I thought they were quite fitting for today's festivities!

More vintage bowls...not Pyrex, but quite cool. (I realize those are 4-leaf clovers, but we can use our imagination)

Spring really is just around the corner! Please visit again anytime. Love, Derrith