The Most Beautiful Place in the World...

Sorry I have been MIA lately. I had a wonderful chance to spend quite a while camping (one of my favorite things to do in the world) at one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We went to the Redwood Forest. I adore trees! I am sad to say I have never been there til now. I would so move there in a skinny minute! It was breathtaking- the trees, the mist, the feeling just being there. My favorite was Stout Grove- if you have ever been there, then you will never forget it. I did not get many pictures of the grove- I was too involved in just being there. The pictures in my mind are permanent though.

It was the perfect time to go to the area- there was no one around and it was chilly- perfect hot cocoa weather. I also love me some hot cocoa :) The beaches were empty- I love walking on private black sand beaches- just breath-taking again!!

And the food- I am a seafood girl- that's what growing up in the deep South will do for you! We ate out, seafood, one meal a day. Yes, I got spoiled! We got stuck, due to SNOW, and got home a day late, but it was a marvelous time away. Camping is the best - wish we could earn a living that way, hehe! It's so neat to be together and see so many amazing things in this beautiful world- this trip will be a favorite forever :)

Defined...

I love old books- seriously, I have no reason, I just LOVE them. I love the stories they tell- especially children's book, and I love thinking about who read them when they were new. Thrifting is a great way for me to find these fun treasures. I found a wonderful book a bit ago and thought I would share it. It's a children's dictionary, and the definitions and illustrations are wonderful!

The word "lazy" sold me- I guess some days I'd like to be lazy, but I can't remember the last time I had a chance to be :).

Then there was "sewing" - so sweet.

It's full of charm and delightful words like these :)

So Sad...

Last year, I was able to attend the very first ever Sewing Summit. I was so nervous because I didn't know anyone! I had met a few online "friends" and had the delight to get to know them better over the few days- it was truly a joy and gift for me to be able to be inspired by so many. I have sooooooooo been looking forward to this coming October since the moment last year began--- until hubby told me that there was a work obligation for him that would not be good if I miss. It is our one "big" date of the year. About the only time we have together- just the two of us. So it's a big deal. We weren't sure if it would be the same week or not- won't know for sure til June, and that's when I got my ticket last year- so I figured it would be ok to wait and see.

I was so itching all morning yesterday to click purchase on the Sewing Summit site- I was at the computer at 9 am even :). The list of teachers, seeing my friends again, and so much that I would learn. But I knew I couldn't, not yet. Then I heard how fast the first 5o tickets went- less than a minute. I got worried. I woke up this morning to see that the tickets had sold out in a matter of 10 hours! So wonderful for the conference but oh so sad for me! How I want to be there. I don't get to "get out" much, and the conference is the "my time" of the year. But alas, it may not be an option this year. Now I REALLY hope that hubby's event is the same time, or I will be crushed!!

So if you were one of those wonderfully blessed ones who was able to purchase a ticket yesterday, you will have an incredible experience! If you were one of the ones like me, and for whatever reason, who was not able to purchase a ticket, we'll have a pity party together :).

Contest!!

Another chance to mix and match fabrics :) So fun! We love camping! So this was the perfect combination for the great outdoors! The picnic print was my focal fabric with the other colors and prints taking off from there...

Head on over to see fun at http://www.imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/lets-have-contest.html!

Here's my combination...

The prints I used:

Lizzy House 1001 Peeps Illusion in Pink

Rain Drops in Water Blue Jack and Jenny

Dot to Dot in Red Sarah Jane Studios

Fly A Kite Ice Cream in Pink

Honey Bee Swirl in Herb Green

Picnic Time on Pink Gingham

Rounabout Dots in Orange Fizz

Mono Pez in Yellow

Hello Pilgrim Butterfly Sky in Blue

Teeny Mushrooms in Cloud Gray

Sketch Crosshatch in Lipstick Pink

Seeds in Gray - Fruit Slice

It makes me smile :) Hope your day is filled with sunshine :)!!

Auction Doll

I heart Bit of Whimsy Dolls~ I have loved Sarah's patterns for years- they were the first thing I tried sewing when I taught myself to sew almost 2 years ago. They make me smile and she has so many darling patterns, they are just too fun! We have a charity auction coming up that I needed to make something for, and this seemed to be the perfect solution. Who can resist a pink doll, extra clothes, and a pillow and blanket set?? I hope it helps the cause! Here's the auction doll with all her extras...

Some Sunkissed and Lizzie House fabric- so perfect!

When my little saw me making a pink doll, well, let's just say, I made two instantly :) I love the "twin" too and used a few different fabrics to add variety. It made her smile- mission accomplished! I love a good day's work- well, actually two days in this case :)

Here's a full length shot of the "twin" - this is the Mae pattern, in case you are interested, and here is Sarah's wonderful site: http://www.bitofwhimsydolls.com. Head on over to see the cuteness!

Journey of The BLUE ZOO

When we got our vintage motorhome and had it painted aqua, I knew that this mini HAD to be made! We are camping people, but I am particularly the kind that must have a potty and shower. :) We are so excited about our journeyings for this coming season!

So the quilt- it measures 12"x24". The designs are what we do from sun up to sun down on any given camping day! From biking, to fishing, to board games we fill up our days. Then there is the road, which has dotted white lines, of course, so people can pass us because we are just enjoying the ride most days! Then in the evenings, we have a campfire and roast marshmallows for s'mores, under the light of a gazillion stars! What could be better?! To us, nothing!

I quilted the bottom to be the suns rays and the top to ooze the setting sun. The scenes are pieced, paper pieced, appliquéd and embroidered. The binding is a vintage sheet. I love how the vintage-ness of the motorhome is brought home with the vintage sheet. I could not have found a more suitable fabric no matter how long I searched!

This project was so interesting to me because I started with one idea and went through about 20 revisions, seriously, before it evolved to this. I am very happy with the "Journey of The Blue Zoo" and with the real life journeys it will decorate!

I'm entering the Modern Mini Challenge with this mini :)

My entry and confusion...

I'm linking up with Lynne's small blog meet today!

Been busy working on the RV, getting it ready for the first journey :) Planning more curtains and bed coverings, etc!! Still looking for that perfect, thick fabric :) Here's hoping - and within the budget! hehe!

Made an entry for the Moda Sliced competition- only to realize that I think I was an hour late because I got my time zones messed up!!! I have cried and cried!! Horrors! I NEVER mess them up- that's my hubby's job, and I always correct him. Unfortunately, when it counted, I got it all skee-wam-pust! So I am praying that the quilt fairies smile down on me and a miracle happens and I can be evaluated for the contest. If nothing else, I am praying that someone will at least tell me what they thought of my entry. I created BOOK END FRIENDS :) Quilted, cute, wood 2x8 filled book ends, with an adjustable strap to expand or decrease with the books they hold. Batting, Moda fabric, and a buckle were the required items. I couldn't think of anything ingenious to enter until hours before the end. Inspiration hit and I worked like a mad woman to finish. So we'll see what happens- there are some amazing entries!!

A picture many be worth a thousand words, but a book is definitely worth a thousand pictures! Thus the "worth 1000" and the teensy pieced Polaroid pictures. Very me!! Here are my book end friends :)

Have a marvelous weekend, filled with SUNSHINE!!!