Friday, November 21, 2008

Home…..It’s always great to visit other places, but there is nothing like being home. My folks are doing great. Over the next week, I’ll write down stories, because I don’t want to forget them. Here’s my old green--- new black jelly cupboard with a quilt draped over it.
Every once in a while the folds fall just right and I love the look of the pumpkin. This was a Thimbleberries Club quilt from several years ago.

The weekend before my trip--- I attempted to make a pencil roll designed by Kathy at Pink Chalk Studio. I had wished over it over about 9 months.
Four months ago I bought the colored pencils thinking it would be a great surprise for Chelsey. My pattern called for 13 pencils and I had 24.
Some people are gifted enough to “monkey” with the pattern and adjust it to work--- I’m obviously not. The strips were to be cut 1.5 inches. I thought a quarter of and inch wouldn't matter so that I could incorporate more colors. Wrong! It was a complete disaster. On top of that, I used batting when the pattern called for flannel inside. I should have just emailed Kathy and talked to her about it. 3 hours of sewing Sunday was wasted. But I regrouped and two days later I started again and it was worth it. She loved the gift. The fabrics were filled with memories.

“Mom--- you used my Prom dinner table cloths.”
“You made me a purse out of the turquoise.”
“ I bought you the Baby –Blue”
“My favorite is the White”
“I know how you love plaids”
“I was with you when you got the green.”
“The key on the bottom is your trademark.”

“Mom--- I love it….my friends say that I can’t use it. I need to saved it…”

I stopped at the cleaners last week to pick up clothes. On the way to the car I saw dried hydrangea bushes. I went back in—on impulse—and asked if I could cut the dead flowers. The girl’s response was “I don’t know why you’d want dead flowers, but take all you want…”


So here they are and they’re going on the Christmas tree. I think it’s just going to be beautiful.

Gratitudes:
My kids coming home for Thanksgiving.
Quiet days at work
Southern Living Magazines sent home with me by my Mom

20 comments:

Carol said...

I so agree...love to go away...but my favorite place is home. I love your dried hydrangeas...they will be beautiful on your tree.

Unknown said...

Love the jelly cupboard and especially with the quilt draped on it. How sweet that Chelsey knew every single piece of fabric that you included. I'm sure her reaction was worth the hicups you had with the construction.

Libby said...

Glad you had a nice (and safe *s*) trip. The hydrangeas will be great on the tree . . . one man's trash is another man's treasure!

Deborah said...

You are so inspiring with the showcase of your work. Makes me want to run home and sew. My aunt spray paints her hydrangeas and they are beautiful all year long.

Janene said...

Love the jelly cupboard painted black.
I love those dried flowers too! I'm waiting for my Mom to give me some that she has drying at her home! Lucky Us!!
Have a great weekend!

Janene

Back in the Day said...

The flowers are beautiful! The pencil pouch is great too!

Pat said...

Hi Mel, I am glad that your parents are well and that you had a safe trip. Using the special fabrics for Chelsey was a great idea and turned out wonderful. Love the jelly cupboard and the quilt. I hope that you will show a picture of your tree with the hydrangeas.. Love them.

ohiofarmgirl said...

You have so many projects going on!!! I would get so overwhelmed, I guess that is why we are all different! Have fun. Dianntha

Leanne said...

Love the pencil roll ....it is also on my to do list which is about a million miles long. I'm not sure what a Jelly cupboard is but it looks great with your quilt draped over it.

Anonymous said...

I love your jelly cupboard! I have some things ready to get a black treatment too!

Lissa Jane said...

Karen you could always 'chop' down your mistake pencil roll and make two crochet hook rolls :O))

and its amazing how that 1/4" can make such a difference eh??


Lissa

Julie said...

I love you cupboard and the way you displayed the quilt. I have always wanted to make one of those crayon or colored pencil holders but I'm afraid to. I just need to take a deep breath and try. Have a great weekend. Julie

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh it is so nice that she loved it! It looks great!

Kim said...

Glad you had a great trip!
The pencil pack looks like a great idea.
My hydrangea bush is in full bloom right now -- and gorgeous! :-)

Cornbread and Beans Quilting said...

I'm so happy you had a nice time with your folks! Don't you start missing them as soon as you leave? I always do.
Your pencil case is way cool!!
Hurray on your beautiful big bunch of hydrangeas!!! It's gonna look awesome, don't forget to snap a picture of it for us =)
Melissa

Joanne said...

What a great gift for your daughter. Glad you got it worked out right!
Every time I try to dry hydrangeas and bring them in, I have a huge mess of tiny flowers dropping everywhere! I did do the hydrangeas on the tree one year though -- loved it.

Judy said...

She doesn't realize, they aren't dead, they dried on the vine! Big difference~! Love the pencil roll!

Karen said...

Can't wait to see a picture of the dead flowers on your tree. I think it is a great idea!
And the new jelly cupboard....I wish I had room for one.

Stina Blomgren said...

Love the new old cupboard...this is exactly what I want...have showed it to DH...lol... ;o)
Glad you didn´t give up on the pencilroll..it was a perfect gift for your daughter...

Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...

Well, everything is lovely but that pencil case is the hands down winner. I'll but she will keep it until her dying day. It's wonderful.