September 4, 2014

Allie's Summertime Visit!


My granddaughter Allie came for the summer so in lieu of staying online, I spent many a day with her as top priority.  I think she spoiled me as much as I spoiled her.  She was very good company for me while hubby worked in the tobacco field.


 I worked on 3 projects over the summer, including one of those being made from Riley Blake gingham check fabric.  I ordered mine from the Fat Quarter Shop, my favorite go to place for fabric.  I love their customer service, the way they pack my fabric, and most of all the way they give back to quilters all across the world by allowing bloggers to host giveaways!

I have been working on a group project all summer trying to finish hand quilting a gift that is going to someone very special.  I was waylaid by carpal tunnel when I was a little over half finished and then I obtained a very bad cut to my middle finger on the right hand. It was a really nasty cut that took almost 4 weeks to heal!  No hand quilting for me during the entire time because it was my right hand on my thimble finger. I had offers to help finish but I was determined to finish what I started and finish I finally did! I was hoping to finish and get it delivered before my day on the hop but it is not delivered so only a small sneek peek will have to do for today. Once the gift is delivered, I will create a new blog post with a full size shot, close ups and a little story behind the gift.  For now, you will just have to imagine the work that has gone in to it.

(I just noticed the 2 pieces of gingham in the cropped photo... How appropriate.)


Allie and I went fabric shopping to make her 3 dresses to wear to church while she was here.  We got dress number one completed before the nasty cut to my finger happened  and then the rest... well, they will have to be made next summer when she comes to the farm.  She looks so pretty in her new dress.

 
 After my finger healed I dabbled in a little bit of crazy quilting and finished this 6 inch block. I really like the way the background colors and the colors of my embellishing and stitching came together.  It was nice to actually get lost for a day in my stitching.  Allie worked on blanket stitching a cowboy boot to a batik background while I worked on my stitching.  She gave orders not to show her work until she can finish her project.  This is the crazy quilt block that I did.


I also did some canning and freezing which are shown in the post below this one.  We make peach ice cream every summer... several times because it is hubby's favorite... not so much mine, so I put away 2 buschel of Big Red peaches.  I also make 3 or 4 peach cobblers in the winter so a few were canned in jars... the ones for ice cream were frozen.  We love strawberry freezer jam and this summer I have tried my hand at some peach freezer jam.  I will let you know how it tastes when we break open the first jar and spread it over warm biscuits.


And now for my Riley Blake gingham project!

Madame Samm designed the Tammy Bag back early on in the blog hops and I have fallen in love with them.  It has been a while since I made the last one so I knew I wanted to make one out of gingham!  You can find the pattern HERE in her Craftsy shop!  But beware, they are like a Lay's potato chip... you cannot stop with just one!


The hand dyed lace flower is from a shoppe on Etsy, RavioleeDreams, owned by my friend Nicki Seavey.  She literally takes a paint brush and paints her laces! They are incredible!  The light teal flower was perfect for this Tammy bag!  Teal beads finished the frame perfectly and the vintage teal button was the icing on the cake!  The heart shaped white lace adorns the front and the back.  If you need laces by the yard for your projects I have it on good authority that you can find plenty with great prices at Crazy Quilting Supplies.


Allie and I are on to more adventures before she has to go back to Bama so I will catch up to you later.

Thank you for stopping by today!

80 comments:

Sewgirl said...

Your granddaughter is just delightful. So glad you had a wonderful summer with her. We had a stay cation this year, as both of my kids were doing internships. That was ok with me, as I enjoyed the summer sun here in CA.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Glad you were able to spend some time with your granddaughter. I was able to spend some time with my grandson this summer. He's 3 years old and seems to grow faster each week,hehe. I also went to Oklahoma and spent some time with my Mom and sister.

Your bag is so darling! It's great that you made one to share. Thanks for a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Joanne said...

I'd say you got a lot done considering your issues. I'm impressed! Your granddaughter looks lovely in her dress and I know that when you get around to making the other two, she'll look just as wonderful. I've only played around little bit with crazy quilting, but I did enjoy it. Yours looks great. The Tammy bag is awesome and the lace and flower is perfect with the gingham. Like you, I've done some canning and freezing, but not as much as I should have. I need to get in gear to get more done. Take care of yourself and give yourself a pat on the back. You did an awesome job! Thanks for sharing your creations with us today.

Judy B said...

You did some really yummy projects! My grand daughter visited me and made her first quilt, doll size of course, and for her age (10) she did a wonderful job. Tried to slip my Featherweight into her suitcase, lol! Thank you for sharing your summer.

Donna said...

Your granddaughter is lovely in her pretty summer dress. You were quite creative this summer. The Tammy bag is oh so cute!

Baa. xxx said...

Yummy canning! Great bag and your granddaughter looks great in her church dress. Lovely giveaway - so pretty.

Anita said...

Great projects!
I spent a long summer vacation together with my husband and sons home from college.

Alcea Rosea 31 said...

How frustrating not to be able to finish your projects. The dress is so cute with a lovely model. I hope you will show her finished sewing. I still haven't plucked up courage to to sew a framed purse. Or is it glued!

Shari said...

Oh...wow... you are right she does beautiful lace painting! Backing up though...great sneaky peek! I cut my thumb on a mandolin slicer this summer, but it wasn't so bad as you...not being able to sew is just Nasty! I'm so very glad you had a lovely summer, Allie has such a pretty smile, what beautiful memories, an things to look forward to! I've not done any preserving this year...try again next I say. And that Tammy bag just wows me completely! Thank you for sharing your summer!

StitchinByTheLake said...

Your granddaughter is a doll and in her new dress - adorable! I love the purse and yes, that lace is beautiful. I did some canning this summer too but not as much as you. :) blessings, marlene

Sparky said...

Your young lady's dress is really pretty...and canning and new bag....what a terrific summer you had....

Jeanie said...

Sorry about that finger cut.... and of all fingers, why the thimble finger?! In any case, time spent with your grand was time well spent. Love the new dress! Your crazy patch is wonderful. I've yet to do any kind of work like that, but always love to look at the details. Thanks so much for sharing today!

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Wonderful projects and I love the details on your Tammy Bag!

Mary said...

I am in love with your Tammy Bag! You sure had your summer of surprises. Definitely not all fun.Sounds like you are on your way to a much better fall. Looking forward to seeing the surprise. Your crazy quilting is beautiful. Your model, adorable. I get to tell about my summer on the 15th.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

No no Mary...it is mine...LOL. that Tammy bag is just adorable Thearica....as are all of your projects
I spent most of my summer gsrdening....but did lots of sewing and cruising in the convertible

Dorian said...

So sorry about your finger. But glad you were able to get some projects done. Great job on the dress and bag.

Gill said...

Sorry to hear about your finger Thearica - it must have been painful!
I have been unwell for the last month so I'm only just starting to catch up on things!
Allie looks gorgeous in her new dress!

Helen@Till We Quilt Again said...

What great projects--love the clothing and canning! I look forward to see more of your creations.

The Slow Quilter said...

You seemed to have had a fun filled summer. Making clothing and yes the canning thing, I am wish to learn how to can some day, put the boys are so funny about food that I might be eatting it all myself. I have had fun going to crab feast and bus ride to Atlantic City and also sewing. Thank you for the give away, love the Tammy bag.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a cute bag. What treadle is that in the picture, and, do you sew with your treadle?

Leah said...

Beautiful dress! Love all your projects. Love that lace on your gingham bag. Lace and gingham must be best friends. :) Looks like you had a great summer. I spent my summer doing a little traveling and a little sewing. The best way to spend a summer.

BarbCarol said...

I envy you your summer. I sold my ranch this summer, since children and grandchildren have grown and moved away....miss my animals. Have almost finished settling into new home, when granddaughter decided to attend nearby college, so we have lost our guest room. It was a busy summer, but I don't think I finished any fiber art projects. I am a new follower of your blog, but you will see me often.

Vickie said...

I have missed you this summer ! Sew glad to see your sweet words come across my screen. My goodness you have been busy and so sorry about your pain, that must be a terrible thing to endure. But you managed to make some beautiful things through it all ! And how wonderful to have Allie through the summer and sewing together making memories. Your peaches are so yummy looking, I had 1 tree produce very small but sweet peaches and I froze all mine. Your crazy quilting is a beautiful piece of art and I can't wait to see the surprise you worked on this summer ! I would love to have my name be put in the hat for that beautiful Tammy bag....the painted lace is pretty awesome !

Linda said...

Granddaughters are wonderful, aren't they? What a great way to spend your summer! She looks beautiful in her new dress!
Your projects are all great. I really love the embellishments on the Tammy Bag!
( As for what I did all summer, I will be posting next Wednesday to tell!)

Lana said...

I love grandbabies...No grandgirls here yet...just boys...but your post sure makes me excited that I could have one! She is lovely by the way! Your creations are made so well...and quite lovely is the Tammy Bag!!! That lace is to die for!
My summer has been weddings, weddings, weddings...and the announcement of two new grandbabies!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I can't wait for my new grandbabe girl so I can make pretty dresses - lovely model, too. What beautiful embellishing on your Tammy Bag - extra touches from the heart.

Unknown said...

Looks like your summer was fun but a little painful. Great projects!

allthingzsewn said...

Your Granddaughter is cute as can be along with the tammy bag. Crazy quilting is great, is the spider and dragonfly hand embroidered ?

Calicojoan said...

First off, what adorable llittle company you had this summer. You did her proud with her new dress. So glad you healed and could stitch again. Your crazy quilt block is gorgeous. I know that M Samm is delighted with your rendition of her Tammy bag. It's beautiful! When can we all come over some some peaches??? ;-)

Carol Swift said...

What a sad affair to have carpal tunnel AND a cut finger...no fun at all! Looks like you managed to have a fun time with your granddaughter and that's all that matters. Sweet looking dress and Tammy Bag!

Gmama Jane said...

I am so excited and hoping with crossed fingers my number comes up to win that lovely Tammy Bag. I never jumped in on making the Tammy Bags. They looked difficult and scared me just a little bit to be honest. Would be nice to have one as a pattern to look at before I try one myself.
Gmama Jane

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What beautiful projects and love your Tammy bag! I am glad to hear that your cut finger is getting better. This summer was hot and I spent most of it inside quilting :)

Needled Mom said...

It sounds like it was another great summer with your granddaughter. She will have such great memories of those times you two have spent together.

Your summer sewing projects are wonderful. I love the Tammy bag in gingham and the crazy stitching is beautiful.

Our summer was quiet here as my mom had surgery so we stuck close to home.

Vicki H said...

I spent a lot of the summer gardening and was able to visit a few times with my grandkids. Your granddaughter is lovely. You got a lot accomplished having an injury.

Martina said...

Lovely gingham bag! Just cute! And such a beautiful dress! It will sure be treasured! I was busy with cooking jam with all the fruit we have in our garden.

sew.darn.quilt said...

Oooo! Your gingham Tammy is just darling.
Siding, insulating and painting were the goodies on my summer menu :D

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

The Tammy is awesome! What brand is your vintage machine? Gorgeous!
I was busy running after the kids all summer :s I didn't get much of any sewing done really. Sigh!

Patty Howe said...

What a busy summer you have had. I need to go back to get a Tammy pattern. I keep forgetting about them. I have been a babysetting Grandma all summer. I have a 13 year old granddaughter and a 14 month grandson. They have kept this ol' granma BUSY! But I love it. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Oh, a nasty cut in the finger is always a pain, for everyday's life anyway, not to speak for sewing and quilting. Hopefully everything is fine now. I am really curious to see your gingham project in full :-)
And these clutches are just addictive, it is wonderful with the lace!

Sandy said...

Have not done a whole lot this summer....remained at home to care for my husband who had major surgery in June. Lots of mowing and housework. No sewing either which I am going to remedy next weekend at my annual quilt retreat!! Love your projects and would love to win the Tammy Bag. Thanks for sharing.

Rosa said...

Such a busy summer. The pouch is super cute.

This summer I sew some Dear Jane blocks and finish some Ufo`s and the best I`ve have been some days with my sisters and family and gone to the beach one week.

Createology said...

Allie has the sweetest smile and what a joy for you two to spend time together. She looks Beautiful in her dress too. I am gob-smacked that you are generously giving away your beautiful Tammy bag. I am swooning over it so much. Summer flew by so quickly it was a blur. Thank you sew very much for sharing and hopping. Creative Gingham Bliss...

Anonymous said...

Love the dress for Allie. It's so rewarding making things for someone else. I made two pair of shorts for my daugher, trying to get the size right. I also made two table runners, one using Sashiko. I love hand work, it's so relaxing and satisfying when made into a project-everyone is in awe! Thanks for turning me onto the Crazy Quilting website for supplies-I've bookmarked it for future reference.

Joyce Carter said...

Your granddaughter is beautiful and so is the dress you made for her. (Sorry about your hand. I hope it heals up nicely with no more problems.) I really love the Crazy quilt block. This is one of my favorite types of quilting and I have always wanted to make one, but haven't gotten around to it. Maybe I need to think smaller and just make a wall hanging.
The Tammy bag is gorgeous and I can't believe you are giving it away. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I haven't been doing anything this Summer that was exciting. I worked on some tops that needed quilting and did some things around the house--like cleaning, painting, and cleaning out things to give away.

Becki said...

How wonderful that you and your lovely granddaughter got to spend so much time together this summer. I am sure that you are making priceless memories. I used to go and stay with each of my grandmothers for a week during the summers. Now I realize that my parents were getting a vacation from my sister and myself!!! Anyway, you are both lucky to be able to spend time together. But I know you already know that. Thanks for sharing.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

It is wonderful to be able to sew with your granddaughter! I didn't appreciate it when I was young though! Thanks for the giveaway. This summer I have my right knee replaced so all I did was recuperate!

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

darn, you've had a rough summer! But what a treat to have your granddaughter all summer. Very lovely projects in spite of it all.

gpc said...

Your granddaughter is lovely and the dress is beautiful! I love your crazy quilting and am impressed with all your projects! I had a great summer, kayaking and lots of fun with friends, but ended it with a concussion. Hopefully you and I will both be injury free for the fall! :)

Nancy said...

Oh I hope your hand is back up to 100% soon!! What a treat to have your Granddaughter for the Summer, such cherished memories, I know I love spending the hours with mine. Her dress is adorable, and I bet she loved wearing it too. Love the colors in your crazy quilting! Now that's something I want to try someday but I have heard it's also addicting. Don't know if my hubby can handle another craft addiction! I have Gardened, Sewed, crocheted and spent countless hours reading to my Granddaughters. It's been a great Summer~
Thanks sew much for sharing, this is such a fun Hop!!
Huggs, Nancy

Amy said...

The picture of your granddaughter eating is just priceless. She is just smiling with her eyes. Too cute!! Loving your Tammy bag and that dress. I have never made freezer jam. It looks interesting. We have always done the boiling method. Hope you are all on the mend.

Verna G said...

Managed to do a bit of quilting this summer but also went camping a few times. How nice to see a little girl in a dress!

Suze said...

Thearica, Wow, what a summer. Allie is adorable in her dress. She is beautiful. I'm glad that she was such a great help to you. My Rick loved peaches. I'd make fresh peach cobbler for him each year. There is a small town near Tulsa that has a peach festival each year, so peaches flow around here, weather cooperating. I've never tried freezer jam. You are a tease with your black and white gingham. Whoever receives it will be thrilled. Your projects are always top drawer. I got your note about your hand woes. Oh, my! I cannot imagine not being able to do without my hand. Bless your husband for his help and Allie for all she did. I'm glad your carpal tunnel abated and your were able to do a little crazy quilting. Allie is quite a young lady - doing quilting, too. I was anxious to see her wares and totally understand her reluctance to show her work until it's done. She must be a perfectionist. The Tammy Bag is over the moon. I think everyone who follows Madame Samm wants one. I've just never tried one. You certainly have some good resources for us, too. Thanks for participating and I will continue to pray for you for continued healing and moving plans. Blessings!

LJ said...

Sounds like your summer was wonderful and a bit painful, too. Glad that things are healing well. You are definitely a master Crazy Quilter and it even shows in the Tammy bag. Love all your embellishments. Great project!

JuliaP said...

Great projects even with your health issues! Love the touch of lace on your Tammy Bag.

Christine M said...

You have some lovely projects Thearica. Allie looks lovely in her dress. Here in Australia we have just had winter. I've been working on lots of swap gifts.

Farm Quilter said...

This summer I finished my daughter's wedding quilt in time for her wedding - it was 115"x105"! Lots of custom quilting on that one. I have also been quilting a challenge quilt for my longarm quilting group but took it off the frame to get 4 quilts finished for customers! Now I am into canning season here on the farm so I am pulled in so many directions!!

Sally said...

I did some traveling this summer and had grandchildren visit. I'm also working on a sailboat quilt. I'm crazy about the cute bag!!!!! Love it!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

Cindy said...

Fun projects. I really like the crazy quilting....so cool.

Heleen Groot said...

All your projects look lovely! Glad to hear that your finger has healed now! That must have been so incredibly frustrating! I look forward to seeing the entire quilt. Your granddaughter looks stunning in her new dress! I have never made freezer jam, but I think I will give it a try now. Thank you for sharing.

niniandthesea said...

That lil bag is adorable! How lucky to get to spend so much time with your granddaughter, she's a beauty! I traveled to France with my daughter this summer and will be forever changed. I haven't done much sewing either, but I am back to it now! Thank you for sharing your canning and jams. I am going to attempt canning, I've never done it before. Wish me luck!! Thank your for the giveaway, sure hope I win!!

Nini~

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Your tammy bag is cute. I took a new job and learned to drive a school bus! Oh and gardening, and canning and taking care of DH elderly great aunt and uncle.

Jusmom1 said...

This summer I worked on a surprise Christmas gift (a quilt) for a relative. We take our vacation later in the year. Thanks for the chance to win!

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures said...

I made a lot of Kwilts this summer.

Mary Pat Callihan said...

I know you loved having Allie with you over the summer. Her dress is lovely! I'm so sorry about your finger, but you certainly got lots of things done. I am a peach lover. Peach jam, peach preserves, peach anything is what I love :) Your Tammy bag rocks! Madam Samm must be proud!

Janarama said...

Despite having a few aches and pains, you accomplished a lot. Love all of your projects. Your granddaughter looks fantastic in her new dress.

Michelle said...

Love your projects. Your granddaughter looks lovely in her new dress. I've just learned to make jelly, how different is freezer jam? I love peach cobbler, I should give canning peaches a try.

nicolesender said...

This summer I spent a lot of time in my garden. Had great tomatoes!

Carla said...

I love the little touches on your Tammy bag. I''m so sorry about your cut. That must have been a very bad cut and a bummer to be in the summer when your granddaughter was visiting.; I bet she was a big help to you.

Linda C said...

An injury to the quilting hand and finger is not good----yeow! Forced down time but it looks like Allie was good company.

Your Tammy bag is going to live with someone else?? Wow! Generous of you Thearica. You are going to make the winner quite happy as it is lovely!

Renee G said...

Love your little bag. This has been a quiet summer for me since I have gone back to working full time.

Mom C said...

I keep thinking I was on top of things in June, but I don’t remember July and August at all and September is already zipping thru. Did get to a quilt retreat and since finished the quilt top. Working on 2 wedding quilts, both weddings happened, one quilt just needs binding, 2nd I’m almost thru piecing. Made 4 lap quilts with my sister for her older grandchildren, Finished a 4 yr old Lone Star UFO and gave it to my sister. Entertained family most of July. I do remember it was a great summer. Thanks.

Brandy said...

Your granddaughter looks very sweet, and great job on her church dress! Thank you for sharing your project!
~Brandy

Sarah said...

This summer we took a trip to Minnesota and Alaska to visit family and friends. It was a fantastic time together. sarah@forrussia.org

Rhonda R said...

You managed to make some lovely projects despite the cut. Your granddaughter is beautiful in her new dress. It's so nice you were able to spend some time together over the summer. What nice work on your crazy quilt piece. And the Tammy bag is lovely. What a nice project for the gingham.

Lovelli Quilts said...

You made a beautiful Tammy bag!! I love the lace which you used. All those peaches, whew!! I know how much work that is and I am impressed!

Julie S said...

Oh, your peaches look tasty! This summer I have canned beans from the garden. In fact, I have two more bags in the fridge waiting to be processed!

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Glad that you have had a great summer,
spending time with your cute granddaugther
must have been wonderful for both of you.
Cute dress and the Tammy Bag is lovely too!
Thanks for sharing.

Susie said...

Great projects and spending time with your Granddaughter. We have spent the summer at home with DH out at work I have spent many long lazy days with our Boys not doing a lot, just being together which has been great and I was so sad when they were back at school. Great giveaway, thank you, Hugs, Susie x

Bonnie said...

Great projects. I have been working on a quilt for a friend who will be having several major surgeries coming up soon. Just have 2 sides of binding to hand sew down. I work full time and take care of my mom when not working, so really takes me a while to get things done. The Tammy bag is really cute. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Quilt n Queen said...

Thearica...Allie looks as sweet as can be in her new dress. What fun having her for the summer....nothing better than making memories with Grandma. Looking forward to seeing Allie's project. Thanks for sharing your summer sewing projects. I spent a big chuck of my summer getting over a 'summer virus'. It took about six weeks and 2 trips to the doctors before I started feeling like my 'old' self. No cracked ribs but a severe muscle strain from all the coughing. I slept a lot, thanks to the pain meds. Happy stitching, Pauline