Carole's Calicos

2010

2010-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

It's been some time since I was last here. 2010 has not been kind to me so I think this will be my last post for this year. As was stated before my husband passed away in May, suddenly. We had some high hopes for my son in law and his cancer but that has been a very long up hill battle, still going on and then in September my eldest son passed. Again suddenly, and this I am having a very difficult time dealing with. Someone told me if I write about it, maybe that will help. But nothing does. After moving and getting settled I still have not unpacked my sewing room, my youngest daughter is going to help me in the next weeks to do that. I do have to acknowledge my son's friends, who raised 7000.00 to pay for the funeral as he had no insurance. That is one thing that has made this more bearable, seeing how he was loved.
Ok that's it and I will be back in 2011 with a much happier spirit.
Carole Ann

I am back

2010-06-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's been some time since I last posted. There has been alot going on, my son in law found out he had Hodgkins Lymphoma. He underwent surgery and radiation treatments, and we are hoping all is good. He goes for another check up in two weeks. And then last month my David passed away, just woke up one morning and had a heart attack, needless to say we were all in shock. I know that I owe a few people and will have all in the post by the end of this week. Getting back into the swing of things and that has helped alot. Keeping busy is a good thing for me right now.
Will be back soon with some photos.
I would like to thank all of those who sent there prayers.
Carole Ann

Sad News

2010-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, this is Carol Ann's daughter. Mom was very excited about getting the new computer hooked up and posting all sorts of photos. However she will be gone for a little while longer. Dad passed away the other morning, mom is ok for now but not too much into talking to people. She will be back soon.
Thanking everyone in advance for their prayers.

Here comes the snow

2010-02-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

Well, still no computer but thank goodness I am getting a brand new one sometime in the next week. The man in our IS department has his own company and makes them. He is putting one together for me with all the good stuff on it so I will be able to get online at home.

It looks like we are going to get a lot of snow this weekend so much sewing is going to be done as well as video watching, loads of movies I need to catch up on.

I will be able to load photos next week here on my work computer, keep forgetting to bring in the camera and cable.

Went out and did my grocery shopping on Weds so I would not have to stand in line forever last night or tonight.

This is the year I plan on getting it together, last year it was just not happening. I am a list maker and a plan maker, do so much more better when I do this.

I just ordered a jelly roll of A Breath of Avignon to use in a mystery quilt and cannot wait to get it. Thinking spring right now, it is my second favorite season fall being first.

Well that's all for now, see you all on Monday.

This is something I am going to cut into this weekend.

OPAM JAN

2010-01-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

I have four items completed for January's OPAM Challange. I made a tea cozy for my sister, a wall hanging that I wanted for Xmas but never got to. The doll quilt is for a friend of my daughters little girl and the journal is for me. Found a nice little book at ACMoore(craft store) for 1.00 and could not resist it . I will have photos Friday as I did not bring the right cord to work today. I think I am going to try and compelte one small project every week from now on. Finally got the sewing room in order, over the holidays it was the dumping ground for things no one was sure where to put.

There are a lot of things planned for this year, work around the house to be completed, trips to the seashore with the family,trip to Seattle to visit my Aunt and loads of sewing projects.

I have dug out some old patterns from when my children were small to make Elias(grandson) some summer clothing, forgot how much fun that was.

Also trying to think of something to make for the Spring Swap.

Well talk to you soon, with photos.
Well I had to put something here for you to look at.

carole ann

Swaps/Australia Day

2010-01-25T11:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Australia Day to all of my friends in OZ and a very Happy Birthday to a dear boy Alexander.

I have signed up for yet another swap

Over at Dutchblue.blogspot.com with Corry and Heleen. If you have never been over to see her work, please go. She does wonderful things.

I will have my computer back in a few days so photos will be posted of what I have been working on.

talk to you soon

Carole Ann

AQD Quilt Show/Lancaster

2010-01-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

This is a repost of something I thought about attending, if anyone on the East Coast is interested please let me know. I would love to go but the rooms are a bit high and thought maybe a few of us could bunk together. I can only go from Friday to Sunday arriving Thursday night. There are special rates for the show.

AQD Quillt Show in Lancaster, PA
Just saw this and was thinking of going, also wondering if anyone else on the East Coast near Pa would be going. It might be fun to get together, check out all of the beautiful work, lunch and of course shop. I know it is a little ways off, but something to think about.General InformationAQS Quilt Show & Contest - Lancaster, PennsylvaniaLancaster County Convention CenterMarch 24 - 27, 2010Welcome to the 1st Annual Quilt Show & Contest - Lancaster, PAFor more information about Lancaster County and things to see and do, please visit The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau.General Info Pages

2010 OPAM Challange

2010-01-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been around much , still no computer at home but soon. The holidays went well, first Chirstmas for Elias and it was fun. My daughter came up from Alabama with her boyfriend for a week and it was great to see both of them. Had the Clarks over for the pollyanna(secret santa), and my son cooked another fantastic Christmas dinner. I will have photos soon of all the wonderful gifts from my Advent Swap partner in Italy. Also some very nice ornaments received in swaps.

I have joined up for the 2010 OPAM Challange the Kris and Peg are running, hoping to keep me on track for 2010.

Talk to you soon

Carole Ann

Hello Everyone

2009-12-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Still no computer at home, so just checking in. I have been lurking about, everyone has such lovely things for the holidays. I will have to get myself busy in the New Year before the Christmas rush. There is one thing that I did remember, a while back I took a photo copy of a stichery that I wanted to do and ironed it onto the fabric. It transfered very nicely. Since then I have found a place to photo copy things in mirror image so that when I iron them they come up right. Just thought I would pass that along. It is always best to test this first but it worked well for me.
Will be posting many photos when my computer is fixed, so many swaps. My Advent Swap is wonderful, Elisa from Pisa Italy has sent me so many lovely things, tommorrow cannot come fast enough so that I can open a new gift. I hope my packages have arrived to everyone, if not I will kill my husband, who took everything to the post office for me.
Will check in soon.

hello strangers

2009-12-02T05:36:00.001-08:00

I have been gone for a while I know. Still no computer at home, so getting on line at work and don't want to spend too much time here. All of my swaps are off and I have gotten mine, will have photos soon I hope. This has been an interesting year for me, getting to travel all over the globe from my chair and seeing such talent. I will post photos of all the ornaments sent to me and the ones made with the fabric that was sent me. Well that's really all for now as I said I am at work and don't want to get in trouble(hahahaha)

Cross Country Christmas

2009-11-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

Nov 9 - Gudrun of GE Designs ....I will be starting us off, I am a MN transplant from Iceland
Nov 10 - Sandy from Pieces of My Heart is from Iowa (born and raised in MN though!!)
Nov 11 - Terry of Atkinson Designs is a Minnesota girl
Nov 12 - Pat Sloan is a Virginia native
Nov 13 - Heather of Anka's Treasures is another Minnesota chick
Nov 14 - Pam from Pam Kitty Morning is a California girl
Nov 15 - Kari of New Leaf Stitches is from Minnesota
Nov 16 - Terri from Whimsicals is well centered in Indiana
Nov 17 - Sherri of This and That is one of the first MN designer I got to know
Nov 18 - Carrie from Miss Rosie's Quilt Company is in Arizona
Nov 19 - Roseann from Rosebud's Cottage is from Minnesota
Nov 20 - Linda is from New Jersey and she is our anchor

If you have not already seen this, it is wonderful, a group of very talented ladies are posting lovely things to make for Christmas,much like Among the Gum Tree ladies. This is so much fun, getting these great gift ideas and patterns. Along with a project there are recipes and stories of Christmas's past. You should go check it out. I am already making plans for Terry's project for office gifts it is perfect.

talk to you soon, with photos next time.

Some Up Dates

2009-11-05T04:51:00.000-08:00

Well I have been very busy getting swaps and gifts finished. Advent Swap to be mailed Friday 11/06 also I have to confess that I did not get to the post office with my last sticher angels package, sorry some family business kept me from it. It will also go out on Friday. I think maybe I bit off more than I could chew so a little crazy keeping up with it all. It was a very sad night last night at our house the Phillies lost, but they did have a great year.
My computer at home is still not up and running but hoping to get it back next week, so maybe some photos then.
It is getting into the season when my family comes home, which is always wonderful, daughter coming in from Alabama, son coming in from Maine and hoping that my sister can come from Michigan this year, that would be great.
I have started looking around for some quilting retreats or meetings that I can get to in my area, you would think that in a big city like Phila you could find some, but I don't drive so that makes it difficult, should get my drivers license.
I should be back to work, talk to everyone soon.
Happy weekend.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-23T07:00:00.001-07:00

Here is the bag I made for Elias, this is his first Halloween being only 9 mos. I used two of the blocks from the swap over at Jane's. I loved this block so much and hope the maker does not mind that I did not put it in the quilt. The back is made from one of the 9 patches, my daughter loves it and will save it forever. Still no computer at home so doing a lot from work. This weekend I should have my red and aqua blocks in the mail and finish up my Advent Swap to get ready for mailing, it has to go far so I want to get it out soon. I can then concentrate on some holiday gifts and a craft fair or two. Well everyone have a good weekend.

GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give away check it out

2009-10-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

I should have some photo's this weekend of my finished swaps and the Trick or Treat bag I made for Elias, using blocks from the halloween block swap. But in the mean time check out this great give away.http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-happy-halloween-giveaway.html some really nice fabric.
talk to you soon
carole ann

Sticher Angel/Red and Aqua swap

2009-10-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

The first photo are the blocks I have been working on for the Red/Aqua disappearing 9 patch swap, my daughter loves the colors so I guess she will be getting the quilt once it is put together.

The other photo is what my darling Sticher Angel has sent me all the way from Australia. She did not reveal herself but I will try to figure it out, she sent me a beautiful green(my favorite color) tea towel, a lovely little bag to carry my treasures and an angel to guard my scissors. I have to say I am blown away with this, I have had some bad luck in the past with swaps and cannot tell you how excited I was to find a parcel from the other side of the world waiting for me.

Still having computer troubles, thought they were fixed but noooooooooooooo, so I am at work posting this, better make it short. I will have some more photos in the next few days of my siggie blocks and other things I am working on. Also the bake sale that I had a few weeks back, we raised 453.00 and I will be selling somemore in work to make it 500.00 which was my goal.

Talk to you soon everyone.

Terry's Quilt

2009-10-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

I know I am late on this , but I have already sent my block over to Laurie at A Yankee Quilter. If you haven't already heard about it please go over there it get the entire story. Laurie is doing a great thing by getting people to send in blocks for Terry and organizing putting them toegether and quilted.

PIF/Mystery quilt

2009-10-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Micki over at Irish Muses has chosen three names for a Pay it Forward. Now she makes handmade items to send off to them within the next year. Now I have to pick three names and do the same. This has been so much fun and very exciting meeting and being inspired by so many talented and generous women from all over the globe. So the first three people to respond will be the ones that I will make something for and send off.

I have had such fun today, it was slow in work so I went over to

Ablyquilt, just went down her list of people who have signed up for her 2009 Challange. I even downloaded that Christmas mystery quilt that she is doing from Nina's blog. You should go over and check it out.

A lot going on

2009-10-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy with my swaps and a bake sale this Saturday. It is for the Great American Bake Sale, hoping to have good weather. Daughter was here last week my sister this week. On Sunday they were both here so it was of to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a very nice lunch. Saw a lot of "old friends" while at the Museum, paintings that Ihave not seen for a while. Sent off part of my Sticher Angel and will be sending the rest off soon. Been doing a lot of sewing as I have a craft fair on the 17th and holidays coming.
I will have some pictures soon, just a little trouble loading them.

some puter troubles

2009-09-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

It seems that my computer has got the flu, in the shop at the moment. I am at work right now so I should be quick. This weekend I should have my Angel Sticher projects ready for mailing, as well as some other things. Have to say this has been fun, stressful but fun. I will be so busy the next few weeks, a good busy. Should be a nice long weekend , taking Friday off work to do things around the house and get ready for some visitors.
Well that's all for now.

AQD Quillt Show in Lancaster, PA

2009-09-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Just saw this and was thinking of going, also wondering if anyone else on the East Coast near Pa would be going. It might be fun to get together, check out all of the beautiful work, lunch and of course shop. I know it is a little ways off, but something to think about.

General Information
AQS Quilt Show & Contest - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Convention CenterMarch 24 - 27, 2010
Welcome to the 1st Annual Quilt Show & Contest - Lancaster, PA
For more information about Lancaster County and things to see and do, please visit The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau.
General Info Pages

Just working and lerking

2009-09-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

At the moment I want to pull my hair out...........I have signed up for way too many things, Sticher Angels, Advent swap, Siggie swap a hugh bake sale and three different Craft Fairs and then there is Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been working like crazy and should have everything done on time but I am not as young as I use to be.

Lerking about I found the wonderful site that those 9 talented ladies in Oz have started Among the Gum Trees link over to the right. Cannot wait to see what they have to offer, sure to be fun.

The photo is from 9/03, every year we have Hawiian Shirt Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day at work and the last one we have a Luau, these are some of the goodies.
Photos to follow of some of my work.........

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-02T05:41:00.001-07:00

I don't know if anyone remembers the fabric I purchased that had 1950's kitchen pictures on it , but I could not figure out what to make with it. I finally decided I would make my daughter a table topper from it. She loves things like this. I will have to find that photo of the fabric and since this is a long weekend coming up I think I will work on it. The only plans we have are maybe a BBQ at my brother in law's.

Not much going on.....hahaha

2009-09-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is what I did for my Christmas finishes in Aug, over with Quitling is Blissful's Di. Have been having some problems with loading photos on my computer at home so decided to try at work, shhhh don't tell anyone. The first two were fun and I might make a few more as gifts, the second was a panel and I just did a little quilting around the tree and the dove. This is a wall hanging for my dil's birthday next week.

Will have more to show later next week, as very busy at work.

I have to say I am very jealous of all the women I have been reading about who get to go on weekend retreats for sewing, maybe I should try to get one together. Not at my house as it is very small. Well that is something to think about for next Spring maybe.

See ya later.

carole ann

Nothing Much

2009-08-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Haven't been doing much of anything this past week or so. First had some sort of cold and then the back went out. This week is looking so much better, but a lot of catching up to do. I have to put a calender up in my sewing room to keep track of all I am trying to get done. Have to finish up some Xmas things I started and get working on my Angel sticheries along with my Advent swap. Hubby did take me out on Saturday to see Inglorious Bastards and I have to say I did like it, really silly in parts and really bloody in parts. Had to hide my eyes a few times. Well back to work and hope everyone out there in blogland is doing well.

Halloween Swap and other things

2009-08-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of things I am working on for a Christmas in August finish. Three items for Christmas must be finished by the end of August, just have to quilt, bind and put the hanger rings on them.

These are my blocks for the Halloween Swap, I cannot wait to see everyone's blocks. I have seen quite a few already and they are wonderful.

Today my daughter and I went to brunch and saw Julie and Julia, it was a very nice film, loved it and came out so hungry. All of that food, it was great. Can't wait for the weather to get cool again so I can start cooking again. I hate to cook in this heat and we are suppose to be getting 90 and above for the next few days.

My son was here for a visit for a few days, played in his band for a show which took up most of his time, but did get to see him a little. He and his wife will be down again for Christmas so that will be wonderful.

A very good friend of mine who is Austrialian, married to an Englishman and lives in Singapore at the moment is having her fourth baby and after three boys she is having a girl. I am so happy for her, she is such a girly girl. The only bad thing is, I cannot make up my mind what quilt to make her.

Well good night for now.

What's Up

2009-08-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy lately, what with swaps, gifts and a craft fair coming up. I have been working on a Halloween swap, 9patch quilt along and some Xmas finishes for Aug, as well as getting started on a siggie swap. I will have some photos by the end of the week. So excited to find out last night that my #2 son will be visiting for a few days, he lives in Portland, Maine and I have not seen him since last Sept.

Had to go over to dad's and help him with his bills, mom use to do it and he just has not got the hang of it yet, most likely because he knows the bookkeeper(me) will come over and do it for him, but that's ok he's taken care of me already, its my turn now.

This weekend #2 daughter and I are having a Sunday date, going to brunch and checking out what the waterfront has to offer and then going to the movies to see one of her favorites since she was little, Goonies. That should be a hoot, cannot wait it will be nice to get away from the boys for awhile.

Well I couldn't leave with no pictures so here is one that I love. #2 son, "adopted son" and #1 son. This was taken the day of #2's wedding. Great photographer, love her work.

Holloween 9 patches

2009-08-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here are my 9 patches for the Holloween swap,this week I will be doing my theme blocks and have them ready for the mail by next weekend.

I have discovered a quilt shop that I can get to by train in about 40 mins all together, over in Haddenfield,NJ. They were having a side walk sale on Saturday and I went, it was very nice. Way to humid but I did enjoy the trip. Here are just a few of the thing s I got.

I love charm packs, saves so much time.

Here is my group of 9 patches for the quilt along over at AmandaJean's

Well back to the sewing room.

9 patch quilt along

2009-07-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

I have decided to join in on the 9 patch quilt along over with Amadajean at crazy moms quilts.

Here are my 9 patches for this week, I have also decided to do Christmas blocks as well so here they are.

I have been busy doing some bibs as well, they are great gifts, coverall bibs. Bought the pattern when I was visiting my sister in Mich. Loved that visit, seeing my sister and all of the quilt shops we went to. There are no quilt shops here in Phila so I have to travel to NJ or out of the city.

I will have more photos soon.

Very Busy

2009-07-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

It seems I haven't been here in ages except to tell of others giveaways. Real life has been getting in the way of my having fun. I have been doing a lot of sewing and sticheries so when I get some photos I will share. Well I should be getting back to work right now, it's Hawaiian Shirt Friday.
Every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day everyone in the office wears the shirts, it's a lot of fun.

Irish Muses Giveaway

2009-07-17T05:15:00.000-07:00

Please head over to Irish Muses http:/thedote.blogspot.com it is her one year anniversay and wants to share some of her lovely Irish treasures with you.

another giveaway

2009-07-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have just discovered this site, and her work is incredible, love all the vintage
http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com
I have been working like crazy and as soon as daughter dearest returns my camera I will post some photos. Another long weekend to get so much done, let's see if I do. Fingers crossed.
Carole Ann

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2009-06-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

Please go over to Helen's blog http://hugsnkisses.typepad.com/hugsfromhelen/ for her new giveaway. Her lovely new pattern looks wonderful and I would so like to win this one, but good luck to everyone.

Carole Ann

Pincushion Swap

2009-06-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well I did get my pincushion off at the post office today. The weather has been terrible,poured down rain all day and only just stopped. Did get some sewing done but no photos yet, will have some soon and of course I forgot to take photos of my pincushion that I sent.

Well I did not watch Pride and Prejudice instead got to watch another of my favorites LA Confidential. I love that movie. It is going to be raining or cloudy for at least the next 4 days, yuk. It was a shame as there was suppose to be a nice open air craft fair this weekend but of course that didn't happen, maybe next weekend.

I did get some people together to do a bake sale for the Great American Bake Sale, should be fun it will be Aug 8th and the local pub is letting me use their side yard for the sale. The owners are great about that, they have yard sales and are having a HandMade Market in July which I have also signed up for. So I guess I better get busy.

Carole Ann

ps just so there is a photo here is one of our darling little man Elias

Cold and Wet

2009-06-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

At the moment I am at work(shouldn't be doing this here)and it is raining and cold. It is going to be this way for at least the next week they tell us. We were all just looking at some wedding photos and it reminded me of my son's wedding 2 years ago, loved the photos. He was married in a very nice chapel and it was so them, everyone loved the ceremony. Here is a shot of them, in Olde City,Phila. Ijust might get some sewing done this weekend since the weather is so terrible, maybe I'll do some stiching while watching Pride and Prejudice just got the dvd set with Colin Firth from the BBC production, love that one.

I will be sending out my Pin Cushion swap the end of the week, I know it's last minute but I found a different one that I liked more so did that one.

carole ann

swaps

2009-06-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have not figured out how to put these buttons on my blog but loaded the picture of this swap.Almost finished my pincushion. I am on vacation this week and doing a lot of sewing, and embroidery. Doing some catching up on the different BOM from Bunny and Gail.

Carole Ann

swaps

2009-06-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

Very excited about doing this swap, I have not figured out how to get this on the sidebar of my blog just yet. Same with the Pincushion Swap.

wondering?????????

2009-06-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

Finally found my swap partner for the pincushion swap, it was in my spam folder. So now to get started, don't have much time,really looking forward to this. Should be a lot of fun.

Also have to figure out what to make with this fabric that I have had for ages, was thinking of some placemats for my daughter, who would love them, just not sure. I'm sure something will come to me.

My Beautiful City

2009-06-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

I do love my city and sometimes forget how beautiful it is. Sunday I was a tourist,this is
Carpenter's Hall.

still learning

2009-05-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

I am still learning about this blog thing and hope to get better. Been working on a few baby quilts, just need to finish them off right now. Hope to get that done by next week. I also started some dresden plates, not sure if I want to go light or dark for the background.

This is one that I did from left over backing fabric

The Paddington is just waiting for some yellow fabric for the border.

This is one that I put together from some squares a friend in Japan sent me, I thought of trying to clean up the squares but I liked how it made them look so old.

I will show the dresden plates when I finish them.

Talk to you soon,

Carole Ann

Very Busy

2009-05-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy lately. I've been putting together dresden plates, now I have to make the squares and put them together. My sister and my aunt have been to visit for the dedication of the building they have named for my mother. She was in the mental health field and past away last Feb. We are all very proud of her.
As soon as my daughter comes back I will post some photos of what I've been working on, she has my camera.
I am still very new at this and cannot figure out how to post the buttons for the two swaps I have signed up for,one is the pincushion over at Quilt at Home and a Christmas swap. My daughter is going to help with that as well.
Carole Ann

hello out there

2009-05-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, very new to blog world. I've been lurking about in the quilt world of blogging and have seen so many talented and interesting people. Looking forword to getting to know you.