Saturday, November 19, 2016

Who am I kidding?

I always have such big plans for holiday projects (like the three Christmas flimsies I was going to have quilted and bound for use during the holidays this year). But of the remaining three Fall projects I had hoped to have on display before Thanksgiving, this is the only one that got finished--and it is the smallest of the three, of course.

The other two are layered and basted, but that may be where they stay for now. Just not much time to quilt.

This is one reason.

It was time to get all of my soaps made for holiday gift giving. There are a few more trays of soaps still in their molds in my soap curing cupboard, but I am finished making soap for the year. Over the course of the past 4 days I squeezed in making 15 batches!

Since this year my b'day is the day before Thanksgiving, that means I will be cooking instead of celebrating. So DH took Friday off work and we did a little early celebrating. Among other things, we took a quick trip over the mountains to Village Dry Goods and I bought something totally frivolous, but I love it.



Are you scratching your head and asking, "What is it?"






Does this help? Each one is hand crafted from scrap metal. I love functional things that are aesthetically pleasing. If it hadn't been for the 25% discount from the quilt shop's "Birthday Club", I don't know that I would have splurged, because it wasn't cheap. But I reminded myself that I had saved up some money for a birthday quilt shop splurge, so this was it--along with some yardage, and another little cool thing I will share in my next post.

Karen sent along a few more "scraps" (my scraps never look this good). Thank you, Karen! I am blessed by your orphan projects.
 
In truth, they are projects for which she has lost her enthusiasm, and they were accompanied by some lovely pieces of fabric.
 
I have formulated in my mind how I will be finishing these projects. Wish there was time to get right on them, but this is not a time of year for me to be taking on new projects--not even Bonnie's mystery! Don't know how so many of you manage that!

I saw on Sarah's blog  a little while ago that she was tatting some snowflakes. Love those delicate, lacy-looking things! I said if she ever decided to sell any I would be her first customer. Needless to say, we worked out a deal (she would make me 2 snowflakes a month for three months) and I now have 4 of the 6 flakes I ordered. 
 

Here they are on my tiny year-round sewing room tree.

I'll give you some individual shots so you can enlarge them and see the details. So pretty! Thanks, Sarah!

















Speaking of snowflakes, we had a real taste of winter this week. Woke to this view one morning.
 
It is mostly melted now--except on the mountains, but this was such a pretty sight. 

Hopefully I will have something fun for my regular followers next post. Stay tuned.
Until then, 
Janet O.



40 comments:

  1. Adorable little fall quilt! And next to those darling grands! I think I looked at them more!! My, you have been busy! Such a cute splurge for your birthday! Fun, fun, fun!!

    Have a blessed day and a very blessed birthday!

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  2. Gorgeous finish! The border and binding fabrics are absolutely perfect for the central design. You have been really busy with your soap-making. Your house must have a wonderful aroma. Thanks for linking to Sarah's blog - I just visited and found out she lives less than 50 miles from us. Her tatted snowflakes are lovely and a perfect accompaniment to your tiny ornaments. Our first snow arrived during the night and the plow just went by ... and to think it was over 70 degrees on Friday.

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  3. Love those snow flakes. I have often thought about taking a tatting class... A beautiful edition to your Christmas tree. And you have it up already? Or does it stay up year round lol? Mmmm love me some home made soap. We have our first freeze this morning in SC.

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  4. I bought basic supplies years ago to learn tatting. Ended up passing them on to someone else. The snowflakes would probably be the only thing I would want to make.
    The holiday soaps are cute as can be. Especially the Gingerbread Man.

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  5. What a beautiful new postcard - lol!! (You knew that was coming, right?) Love the tatted snowflakes - I have always wanted to learn how to do that. Happy birthday (early) - glad that you were able to take a day for fun. I love your soap, and it's fun to see so much of it all together. I bet your house smells wonderful!

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  6. I swoon everytime I see that amazing view - it is just gorgeous and the animals complete the photo perfectly. I'm always so impressed with your soap making abilities. Your batches look great.
    Those snowflakes are so pretty and delicate. what pretty basket blocks and the star set.
    Neat thread tree - I've never seen one like that.
    Hooray for finishing a project for Thanksgiving. I too often think I'll get way more done than I do.

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  7. I hope you will love the thread holder as much as I love mine!

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  8. love seeing all the soap together...am sure everyone looks forward to receiving them, I know I sure would...how wonderful for Karen to gift you with her orphan blocks...

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  9. A sweet little fall mini - and dear little grand blessings....your soaps look fabulous and the fragrances must be wonderful. Who wouldn't love to have their sewing threads held on such a lovely stand!

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  10. Happy Birthday, Janet! It looks like you found a fun way to celebrate early :-)
    Your soaps and new mini are wonderful. I hope the cooking goes easy and you get lots of help. Have a grand year!

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  11. first little maggie is adorable!!! love your snowflakes and everything you quilt...glad you indulged a bit for your birthday....pretty and useful is good

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  12. I have one of those thread holders. I really like it. I have crocheted snowflake ornaments but not tatted ones. They are so delicate, just like the originals. I, too, am trying to get holiday things done. I made one mini and the red bled on it when I rinsed the water soluble marker out of it - GASP! So I had to begin again and make another gift. I'll post about it when I'm through grieving.

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  13. Happy Birthday Love the thread holder that you splurged on. I will be having my Family Thanksgiving on Wednesday, as my oldest Daughter is a Nurse and has to work on Thursday. It is good to see all your projects getting done and others started.

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  14. Where to begin??? The soaps look like candies! They are fabulous! You HAVE been busy!
    And the little tatted ornaments?? WOW!! Aren't they fabulous!
    And the little Thanksgiving piece you got done is great, although I'm partial to the picture of the little kids and Molly (right??). What a darling!!
    That thread holder is adorable. You absolutely deserve it!!!
    Happy Birthday, young lady!!

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  15. I thought you had been baking before I started reading, all those delicious shapes in soap! Enjoy your new UFO's they look like lots of fun to me.

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  16. My mother used to crochet Christmas ornaments, some 40 years ago. Such treasures, as are yours.

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  17. Janet tus jabones seven fantástico
    deseo ver edredón bloque de cestas terminado
    los copos de nieve me recuerdan mi época de encajera
    buena semana

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  18. Your orphan quilt is going to be a beauty! Happy Birthday--glad you celebrated early.

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  19. Your soaps are so cute and your view of the snowfall and mountains is breathtaking. Happy birthday early and many blessings as your family gathers for a time of Thanksgiving.

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  20. When I first scrolled quickly down your post, I was thinking that's a lot of candy this early! After reading, I learned it is soap, and it is all beautiful! So is your little Thanksgiving piece! I have a lot of my mother's tatting, but no little stars. Those are really special. I know you will enjoy them, and your new thread tree. Happy Birthday! ----"Love"
    2

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  21. I knew exactly what your birthday splurge was. I have one myself that was given to me for my birthday a few years back. It is the double cone flower one. I love it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you too. Your small quilted pumpkin quilt is perfect for the occasion. I did not get any table topper or runner done for the Fall season, so you are ahead of me. Do you sell any of your soaps? That is something that I treat myself to when shopping at the local festivals or street Fairs. What flavors do you make? Any with lemongrass in them?

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  22. Gorgeous mini wool stitchery, love the tatted ornaments, wow that is a lot of soap! Amazing unfinished projects to play with, I agree. Love the cone flower and Happy Birthday to you. We must treat ourselves once in awhile on our birthdays! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with the sparkle of snow on the mountains.

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  23. Snow is very pretty (when it's in a picture on someone's blog)... lol! Seriously though... the light dustings sparkle up the view and add to the magic of the season! Love it! :-) Those truly are some gorgeous "scraps"! Tatting is indeed a beautiful art... those that have the knowledge and talent are very fortunate.

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  24. Always a pleasure to visit your blog. Lovely snowflakes, cute pumpkin, and, oh my, the soap!

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  25. You know, you can do what you can do, and what you can't can wait! That's my philosophy! :) All your soaps look beautiful!! No one makes soap like you can, Janet! What beautiful snowflakes -- terrific additions to your tiny tree!! That Sarah; she's a talented gal! :)

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  26. Lucky you to get the pretty Tatted snowflakes to add to your tree. Have a Happy Birthday. You know how to celebrate early. Great thread holder. I love your soaps. Glad to call you my friend.

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  27. We had our first snow this morning too, but it is gone now. I love your little daisy thread holder. What a wonderful birthday gift to yourself! And, I don't know how you could get any quilting done with all that soap making. I still can't believe how much I love mine! I use it every day. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Have a wonderful and very Happy Thanksgiving.

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  28. Birthday wishes and greetings Janet - hope you have a fabulous day, even if you are busy cooking :-) Your gift to yourself is gorgeous - pretty yet functional sits well with me too. The snowflakes both real and not are beautiful...and the soap looks divine, that's a lot of soap!

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  29. Gotta love your snowy mountain pictures!!! We got our first real snow yesterday, expecting more tonight and then it will be gone by Turkey Day. That's why I didn't rush to get new snow tires. So glad you are enjoying the snowflakes - it was fun to see them in action. I'm hoping I'll have some more stitching time this weekend to make some more :)

    Your soaps are quite pretty all lined up on the trays. As recipient of some of the them in a give away I can say they are superb!! I'm sure your friends and family are looking forward to them!!

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  30. Wow!! EVERYTHING is so cool!! Ya know I love your soaps, especially the clove ones!! Your little Turkey Day quilt turned out darling!! And you lucky girl, those tatted snowflakes are faboo, faboo!! I tried tatting once and I was all thumbs, so I am really impressed with those beauties!! And oh, my gosh, I love, love, love your thread holder!! Maybe they will still have some next month!! Have a wonderful birthday and a peaceful Turkey Day at the in-laws!!

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  31. You have been a very busy lady! You also share a birthday with my husband, so a Very Happy Birthday to you! And a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  32. Sarah certainly did wonderful work with the snowflakes. I have a few of them for my tree, love them. Wow you have been busy with soaps. I like the star and tree shapes. And you say there are more... Can't wait to see what you do with Karen's orphans. Happy Thanksgiving to you my friend. Sandi

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  33. Your soap actually looks delicious! Seriously! And those spool holders are so unique and beautiful! I would really love for it to snow here at the Quilt Cave! I can't wait to be snowed in, eating soup, and quilting! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  34. Happy Birthday, Janet! I hope you have a wonderful year. I love the snowflakes. What talent. I haven't crocheted in years and I don't think I ever used anything but yarn. These are so delicate and the patterns are gorgeous. Love your madder quilts, too. Always so much to see on your blog. Don't berate yourself for finishing one piece. Think of all the finishes you have had this year. You deserve a break.

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  35. I love the thread holder, and the "scraps" and the lovely snowflakes! What fun!
    Way to go on all the soap. I know that's a stress for you... That's an amazing amount of batches :)

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  36. Happy belated birthday!! those snowflakes are truly lovely on your year round tree and so is the photo of the mountains. The soaps are incredible, so many!!!

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  37. You always manage to stay very busy! Happy belated birthday!

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  38. Happy belated birthday Janet, wow, love all the soaps, & I have wished for the thread holder/guide for a long time, they are beautiful too. Happy holidays

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  39. So many beautiful things around you! Love that thread stand... and those ornaments are gorgeous...
    and all those pretty soaps (and not to mention it must smell divine at your house!)

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  40. Well darn, I missed your birthday, Janet. I hope your family celebrated you even more than your blogging friends did. What a lot of soap you made -- lots of time, I suppose. I've never made soap but I don't think it's a fast process, is it? Your autumn quilt is perfect. One of these years I'll get my act together and make seasonal quilts. (Maybe.) Generous Karen and lucky you to be the recipient of her generosity. Those are great little blocks.

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