and now, for something other than quiet books!

Today I thought you might like to see a project that I did for the 'Crazy Quilt Quarterly' magazine, winter issue.  For some time I have had visions of a crazy quilted santa claus dancing about in my head and I finally acted upon it and this is the result...

His beard and his hat were done with crazy quilting and the face was appliqued using an image I found online.  

Hopefully you can see more of the details in the closeup.  I think you can likely click on the pictures to embiggen them more.

The pattern and instructions are available in the Winter 2016 issue of the 'Crazy Quilt Quarterly' magazine which you can find HERE.  

And now, for your current dose of mumblings...

- There are lots (and lots!) of small free cross stitch patterns HERE.  Be sure to scroll down to the very bottom of the page where you'll find a list of what she has available. Better pour a cuppa before you go though!

- If you're looking for an easy scarf pattern (and one that would work up fairly quickly) how about THIS?  I love the thought of using some of the beautiful variegated yarns that are available now.

- HERE's another cute stash-busting project that would be wonderful for teenagers or if you want something a little more classic how about THIS one?

- if you happen to be gifting a bottle of any sort at Christmas, how about adding a cute little topper from the pattern found HERE?  They'd also make cute tree ornaments!

- This site isn't in English ( there's a translate feature) but truthfully you don't need it - the pictures are gorgeous and the step by step instructions are easy to follow.  So if you'd like to learn about making silk ribbon flowers, have a look HERE.  

Today your quote is from Ediwn Osgood Grover...."Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows;  who shares his joys with those who are sad; whose hand is never closed against the needy; whose arm is ever outstretched to aid the weak; whose sympathy is quick and genuine in time of trouble; who recognizes a comrade and brother in every man he meets upon life's common road; who lives his life throughout the entire year in the Christmas spirit"

Would that we could all be like Santa Claus.

Finished book!!

The quiet book is finished!  I really don't think it should be possible to have so much fun making something, but this project certainly fits into that category.  I'm almost sorry that it's done!

The cover (above) has pictures of our grandson, son, and daughter-in-love.  The back cover (below) is a Mr. Potato Head, waving goodbye.  The pattern for him came from HERE.

The pages measure approximately 11" square which seems to be a good size overall.  If you ever plan on making one of these books, I would recommend not trying to sew the spine with your sewing machine....not that I would know that the needle would snap and leave the sharp point lurking within the confines of the book...why, no, I wouldn't know that.  I ended up hand stitching the spine using dental floss (and my handy dandy pair of pliers!).  

Now a few mumblings...

- There's a pretty crocheted snowflake pattern HERE. 

- Another really nice knitted hat pattern HERE and another one HERE that would be perfect for a teenager.  And go HERE for some of the cutest kids hat patterns (most are free).  

- And a pretty (and easy!) scarf HERE.  

- For those of you that like simple classic clothing designs, how about this knitted sweater?

- For the sheer cuteness factor, THESE are such fun!  Perfect for stocking stuffers perhaps?

- For those who don't knit or crochet (or want a little break to try something else) THESE would make fun Christmas gifts too.

- There's a cute crocheted angel ornament pattern HERE.  

Those ought to keep you busy for a little while!

Today your quote is from Paul Gauguin...."I shut my eyes in order to see"

Almost done!

These are the final two pages for inside the quiet book (tomorrow I'll show you the covers).  

I decided to add something to the inside of the flap that opens to show the inside of the house so I added the lunch plate...just so he would have something to see when he opens it.

The truck below has a zipper across the top and inside are felt transportation pieces (boat, bus; truck, car, airplane, and train).  

This book has been so much fun to make and I know I could go on and make a lot more pages, but it would be totally unwieldy if I did!

Here's your mumblings for today...


- There's a free set of cross-stitch old world Santas HERE.

- HERE's some links to some pretty knitted hats....perfect for Christmas (or any time) presents.

- There are links HERE for at least a hundred crocheted snowflakes.  

- If you happen to have a baby to knit for on your Christmas list, how about something from HERE?

- How about a really pretty crocheted poinsettia?  It's HERE.  

- THIS is a really nice knitted hat.  Wish I had seen this pattern before I made the one for our #1 son!

- The CQJP (Crazy Quilt Journal Project) for 2017 is open and taking registrations.  You can find more information HERE.  Please note that the registration and information areas are along the top of the site.

- There's a really cute crocheted Christmas tree pattern HERE.  

Your quote for today is from Mother Teresa...."Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless"

A couple more

Today it will be a quick post, but thought I'd pop in to share two more pages in the quiet book with you...

This page is a barn, and the X's are flaps that open up

to reveal farm animals beneath...

And this page is just shapes that are

velcroed so he can remove and replace them...

Today's quote is from Barbara Bush...."To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there"

Another page

Here's another couple of pages in the quiet book...

The above page has textures that he can feel.

Below is a page idea I found on the 

internet and translated into my own

design.  

The airplane and the car move back

and forth on a ribbon.  

- There are a bunch of links here for making flowers - depending on the colours you use perhaps they'd look great as ornaments, or as decorations on hats, etc.

- There's a really cute knitted snowman pattern HERE.  

- How about an adorable tuffet pincushion?

- THIS isn't a free pattern, but it's oh so adorable (and useful too!).  

And - I want to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to my friends in the United States!

Today the quote is from Meister Eckhard...."If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank you," that would suffice"

and another....

Here's another page for the quiet book...

I know it's hard to tell in this picture, 

but there is lace in all the windows.

The entire 'house' opens (in one piece...see the stitching along

the left side?) to reveal this...

- I found THIS fun idea for a possible gift for a teenager.  Well, some adults would find it pretty fun too, come to think of it!

- Do you have some old CD's that you don't know what to do with?  How about making THESE angels?

- Pam Kellogg is releasing her 'Cats & Quilts'  cross stitch designs.   Have a look HERE for January's and HERE for February's.  There will be a design suitable for each month.

- HERE's a really cute knitted Christmas ornament - a good stash buster AND a great gift for a knitter!  And how about THIS one?

Today your quote is from Watterson Lowe...."Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years.  People grow old by deserting their ideals.  Years wrinkle the face, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul"

Here's another one....

Here's another page for the quiet book...

This one is a simple colour-match page done in the shape of a ball.  I don't know if it shows up in the photo very well, but I embroidered the colour names on the underneath ball so he can not only match colours, but also match  shapes and learn the words at the same time.  It's pretty basic, but it's a good learning tool I think.

- There's a cute free pattern HERE for some puppet mittens for little ones.  

- HERE you can find a nice tutorial for a makeup bag (or it could quite nicely hold sewing supplies too!).  Great for stashbusting, and for Christmas giving!

- There's a cute little knitted elf pattern HERE.  Looks like there are links available there for a lot more too.

- I think THIS free Christmas tree pattern would serve a multitude of uses.  I really like the design - perhaps for Christmas postcards?  Or embroidered on a larger piece - or smaller on a crazy quilt.  Lots of possibilities!

Today your quote is from John F. Kennedy...."Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.  And however undramatic the pursuit of peace, the pursuit must go on"

Beginning....

Over the weekend I started working on a new project which will be a Christmas present for our newest little grandson.  I made a quiet book for our older grandson when he was born and I just *have* to make another one because they're so much fun!  Time consuming, but fun.  

Here's the first page I did...

This one is fairly simple.  I found a little 'person' shape online HERE and created it out of felt.  I made a little felt shirt and pants which attach to the person with dome fasteners so they are removable.  The page was complete with a little quilt and a pillow.

Second page...

The tie-up shoes were also created from felt and real shoelaces.  I still have to finish the ends of the laces (a quick dip in some clear nail polish should do the trick.  Pattern came from HERE.  

Over the next while I will share more of the pages as I create them.

Now, on to some mumblings...

- for the awww factor for a baby, how about THIS free knitted sweater?

- Vicki Welsh has posted about how to rescue a quilt after the colours have bled.  You can read that HERE.  

- Over on SuperMomNoCape there's a set of pretty embroidery patterns for cute angels.

- There are some free Christmas snowflake ornaments HERE.  

- There's an interesting article HERE with hints about how to make cutting your quilt patches go much faster. 

- HERE's another quick and easy idea for your Christmas giving - great stash buster too! 

Today your quote is from Ben Franklin.... "Take one thing with another, and the world is a pretty good sort of a world, and it is our duty to make the best of it, and be thankful"

A Christmas project

Here is another completed project as further proof that I really haven't been idle!

I had a special request to create an

advent calendar for #1 grandson

Close up 

This was created using a pre-printed panel that I purchased HERE.  I'm not sure if she has this particular one still in stock, but there are several other options available.

A few mumblings for your viewing pleasure...

- Gerry Krueger has posted a great way to bind a wallhanging or quilt.  I don't know about you but I hate trying to miter anything and it usually ends up looking like something a two year old would do.  So...have a look at her post HERE.  

- Pam Kellogg has released a really cute free fall cross stitch pattern HERE.  

- She has also announced the theme for the Summer 2017 issue of the 'Crazy Quilt Quarterly' magazine - 'Buttons'.  You can find more information HERE.  Please do consider sending in your articles, digital photos and patterns for publication.  We love to see your work and we know our readers do too.  Don't be shy!!

- HERE's another really cute knitted stash buster Christmas ornament idea.  I'd love one of these on my tree!

Today your quote is from Frank Outlaw....

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

A little bit of knitting, and a little you-know-what

Here's another bit of proof that I really haven't been idle...

These are three more hats I completed for #1 son, daughter-in-love and grandson.  The green one is a free pattern I found on Ravelry by M. Nishioka and is called 'Button-Tab Knit Hat'.  The grey & red striped one is the 'Double Rib Toddler Hat' by Torunn V. Espe and is also found on Ravelry.  The black one, also free on Ravelry, is from 'She Makes Hats' and is called the Sandoval Hat.  

For those of you looking to make quick fleece projects, perhaps for Christmas, have a look at the free pattern found HERE.  These would certainly make quick and easy gifts.

There are a number of links HERE to some cute looking shrugs.  Another quick make perhaps for the upcoming Christmas giving?

For those people who have arthritis in their hands and suffer when it's cold, perhaps giving them some of THESE would make them feel cozy.

For the knitters who want to stash bust AND create something cute for Christmas, how about a few of THESE cute little guys?

Or maybe one (or more) of THESE for your tree?  Or maybe the crocheters would like to stash bust with THESE?  Or maybe the sewers would want to create a few of THESE?

There, that ought to keep you busy for a little bit, and perhaps will spark some ideas.  If any of you would like to share any cute and simple ornament or gift ideas, please feel free to leave a link in the comments.

Today your quote is from Mother Teresa - "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving"

Well, never let it be said!

Most of you know already that computer illiteracy reigns supreme at Chez Richardson and also that recently I had to start over with my computer.  Some of you may already know that I am also stubborn (I know, who...moi?).  I hate to say that some of the lack of pictures on this blog has been a result of my not being able to figure out how to get my camera and my computer to go off in the corner and play nicely.  They have been squabbling.  The discussion going on has been quite disturbing.  First the computer says nope, I don't wanna play on your swings.  And then the camera says well, if you don't want to play on my swings, then I don't want to play catch with YOU.  And so it's gone.  One side trying to best the other and poor little ol' me in the middle, trying to be a peacemaker.  

There has been infighting.  And swearing (not that I would EVER resort to such tactics!).  There has been removal of programs and installation of programs.  Finger crossing.  Muttering and (dare I say it) mumbling too!

End result of all that is to say that I think I have won.  

Maybe. 

 Perhaps.  

So...here goes nothing....

Well, will you lookit that!   It worked!!!!!  

Phew!  All this angst, just to show you something that I made over the past while.  This is a Christmas card that is currently winging its way to my cousin in Australia.  Hope she likes it!

Today the quote (and a fitting one, I might add) is from Steve Wozniak....  "Never trust a computer you can't throw out a window"

Something personal

As you know, I don't normally use this blog as a forum for anything too personal, but today I am going to make an exception.

You all know that I am helping out with the 'Crazy Quilt Quarterly' magazine and of my friendship (albeit online) with Pam Kellogg.  Pam and her husband have been hit with some bad news and have fallen on some really hard times. Pam has  been forced to ask for our help.  I know money is tight for all of us but if you have a little bit to spare I know Pam and Scott would be very grateful for help right now.   Please go and read Pam's post HERE to find out more.    If you would prefer, purchasing her magazines, calendar or other publications would also help I know....information on those can be found in my sidebar.  

Thank you folks - I promise I won't make this blog into things that are personal to this degree, but Pam is my friend...and it's what friends do.

Still suffering from alas-ness-ess

Hah - bet THAT word made you stop and wonder didn't it?  And I know it's not a real word, but in an effort to make this blog at least somewhat interesting I thought I'd make you wonder about the state of my mind.  

Ahem.

So....how about these....

- There's not too many of us that wouldn't like to find one of THESE under our Christmas tree.  It's one of those things that can serve a multitude of uses.  You will have to sign up to receive her newsletter in order to get the pattern - but it's free so not a hardship!

- Here's another little thing that would be fun to both give AND to receive (and, even better, it's a great stashbuster!).  

- THIS one falls under the umbrella of 'oh wow', rapidly followed by 'why'?  But  either way, it's impressive!

- Have a look at the cute crocheted pattern HERE.  Fun!

- While  dreaming about things that could be under the Christmas tree this year, I'd like to put in my order for one of THESE.  Fully constructed please!

Today your quote is another from an anonymous source.  I would love to give credit to the author, so if you know who is was, please let me know.

THE POPPY

Nature created a flower

With petals of brilliant red.

Who'd have thought such a beautiful flower

Would be used to remember the dead?

For when all the guns have stopped firing

And there's only the mud and the rain

God sends down his little red flowers

To cover the lads who remain

So remember every November

When we hold our remembrance day

Of the lads who lie neath the poppies

And the price they had to pay.

Alas

Yep.  You've probably guessed it already.  No pictures today - only mumblings.  I know.  What's this world coming to!

Anyhoo, here you go...

- for those of you who have toddlers on your Christmas list (or teenagers for that matter!), perhaps you might want to make THESE.  I have a little two year old grandson that might just need to have these for his bedroom!

- Further on the Christmas theme, perhaps you might like to create one (or more!) of these to decorate your home.

- If you enjoy cross stitch maybe you would like to check out the free summer and fall patterns HERE.  There is a spring design HERE  and a winter design HERE.   

- If you like cross stitch AND cats, you will find all the free patterns HERE for some sweet ones.  Be sure to scroll down!

- There are sign ups currently happening HERE for what sounds to be a fun Christmas ornament club.  Sign ups end November 10th, so you should hurry so you don't miss out.

-  If you like hardanger and want to make what looks to be a fairly simple ornament, how about THIS one?

- This isn't a free pattern, but these little knitted angels are SO cute that I couldn't resist sharing them.  Great for stash busting!

- HERE is a free pattern for some really cute crocheted ornaments (also great for stash busting).  

- In my search for quotes for you, I came across this wonderful poem, attributed to an unknown author.  

A POEM FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Why are they selling poppies, Mommy?
Selling poppies in town today.

The poppies, child, are flowers of love

For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy, Mommy?

Why not a beautiful rose?

Because my child, men fought and died

In the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mommy?

Why are the poppies so red?

Red is the colour of blood, my child,

The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mommy,

Why does it have to be black?

Black, my child, is the symbol of grief,

For the men who never came back.

But why, Mommy, are you crying so?

Your tears are giving you pain.

My tears are my fears for you my child

For the world is forgetting again.

If you know the author of this poem, please let me know

so I can give proper credit.

A mixed bag today

Today I have a few things to share with you.  I can't show what I'm working on - at least not yet - so instead I can show you these...

First of all - I had been asked to share a photo of the in-progress vanilla gifts that will be given at Christmas time, so here you go...

Not all that exciting I know!  I will create some pretty labels before they get wrapped, but in the meantime they reside in the cupboard and get lightly shaken every day.  It will be interesting to see/smell/taste the different flavours.

The past week or so I've been busy creating some hats that will be heading out west to our #2 son, daughter-in-love and our wee grandson.  These were fun to make and I hope they like them!

The one on the left is knitted using a pattern  called 'Keep Me Warm' by Anne Gagnon that I found on Ravelry HERE.  The middle hat is also from Ravelry and called Ribs 'n Cables Beanie also by Anne Gagon and can be found HERE.  Both patterns are free.  The tiger is crocheted and made from a pattern I found HERE and is also a free pattern from 'Repeat Crafter Me'.    These should be going in the mail tomorrow.  Tonight I'll start on a set of hats for the other family members.  

I don't often share pictures of our grandbabies here, but I thought you might like to see their cute Halloween costumes...

Logan - or is that a Ninja Warrior?  

Theo - born in the Year of the Monkey, so the costume is fitting!

Today I leave you with this quote from an anonymous source..."Blessed are those who spoil and snuggle, hug and hope, pray and pamper, for they shall be called Grandparents"

Just a few mumblings today

It's been awhile since I did a mumblings post, so there's a few things that you might like to be aware of. So without further adieu (and in no particular order of importance)....

1.  The special Holiday issue of the Crazy Quilt Quarterly magazine is now available.  If you want to see a picture of moi as a three year old, now's your chance!   Click on the link below to order your copy.

http://www.magcloud.com/user/kitty-and-me

While you're there, perhaps you'd like to also order

the Winter issue which has just now become available.  

The link above will take you there too.

Oh, and while you're there, how about having a look at the
new patterns Pam has just released?

2.  You might want to put your thinking caps on and consider entering the brand new Crazy Quilt Calendar contest for 2018!  The theme will be 'Musicals' and you can read all about the contest HERE and also get some ideas that might spark your creativity.  Please do enter...we'd love to see your work!!  

Pam has also made her publications available on Etsy if that is easier for you.  Go HERE for info about that.  

3.  This falls under the just-for-fun title, but if you happen to have an old bicycle wheel in your stash how about making one of these?

4.  There are a couple of  things on Mary Corbet's site that you might find interesting.  The first is a free pattern for a whitework Christmas angel (HERE), along with some links to working whitework.  She has also posted an interesting article about dealing with large hanks of floss and that can be found HERE.  

5.  Ooops - almost forgot this one!  Pam Kellogg has a call for submissions for the 2017 Holiday Issue of Crazy Quilt Quarterly.  Here are the guidelines...

6.  I'm toying with trying to make soap - perhaps for gifts, perhaps just for myself.  I'm interested in the melt and pour type (no putzing with dangerous chemicals for me!!).  Anyone out there making your own and willing to share your recipes?  

Finally, your quote for today is from Willy Wonka... "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it"