Busy Calendar

Hi,
My daily calendar has been clogged with so many events. I wonder how I ever had time to go to work before retirement. I will only show a few at this point.

January 3, 2009 was the Creative Beading with Fabric class by Missy and her daughter at Laura's Sewing and Vacuum (oh oh I've been spelling that wrong for years). We had such fun and learned so much from the class and from the show and tell. It is always an exciting time at Laura's in Palm Beach Gardens. Laura and Dave are great people.

January 10, 2009 was the quilt guild meeting. We are missing our president Rebecca Winters who passed Dec. 23, 2008. The meeting was a good one. I show a picture of one of our show and tell quilts. Patti, my best friend, was there also.

I finally finished the Tie bag (made out of just one tie). For the directions (difficulty for me) I studied it, I measured it numerous times, cut it, pinned it, worried about it, and finally sewed it (I've had the pattern since 10 07). One of my UFO's is DONE!

Daddy is still hanging in there. He's 92 and having a time getting back to strength, but his sense of humor and that laugh are marvelous. My sister Bonnie keeps me updated. However, they have had the kind of snow, ice, and cold I remember yearly growing up there (IL). I helped celebrate Edna Hibel's 92nd Sunday, but will have to save that for later with pictures.

Whoops the pictures aren't in order, Patti and the quilt guild should be together. The bag is last. Laura's Creative Class with Miss and daughter should have been first. They published out of sequence. Still trying to get the hang of everything.

Be healthy, wise and happy in the new year. God Bless.

Thank you for visiting,

Jan

Happiness in the Old Year

Hi,
This will be the last post for the old year 2008. I have truly enjoyed the last part of this year. I have a few treasures I want to share with you. I made a fabric portrait of a very special couple for the renewing of their vows on 10-12-08. All my love went into the gift. I treasure their life together and want to be with them as they set a new course.

I experimented with a new pattern and gave them out at my Bee's to see if they were what I had hoped. I have a hard time lugging my large pin cushion around and decided to try a much smaller pin cushion. The new design is based on a strawberry and is filled with sand. I find that they travel well so far. I have a new design in mind with a bit larger and safer leak proof method. I am still learning as I go.

I look forward to the new year and making new dolls in cloth, clay and new dimensions in forms (this is a teaser until I can find a name for what I am going to try next).

I've set up a permanent village in my dining room. As soon as I discover how to download the camera into the PC I will show the pictures.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year 2009. God Bless.
Thank you for stopping by,
Jan

Beatrix has a New Dress

Hi,
I've been busy with Christmas for my family (2 daughters, son-in-law, 6 grands) plus finishing the dolls. Beatrix was on my last post, but she was dressed in my cami. I need to wear my cami, so I had to actually make her a dress. She wanted to show off her matching boots and Cabaret stockings at the same time.

My daughter (Tambra), grandson (Andrew) and I went to Ft. Lauderdale yesterday to celebrate Stephanie's 12th birthday and exchange Christmas (we usually do this 6 months into the next year, I was determined not to let that happen again). Steph has grown into a beautiful young lady. Tom and Deb's children Chris, Kayla, Meaghan, Steph and Amanda are growing too fast for me to keep up.

We were all sorry that our northern family and friends are having a horrendous winter. The kind of winters we remember all too well all the years we lived in the north. It has been more than 20 years since I've lived in central IL, but I still remember them too vividly.

I am still sewing and creating, trying to keep up. I will put more pictures up as I go.

Thank you for stopping by.

God Bless and keep you all safe,
Jan

2 New Gals in Town

Hi,
I spent last weekend in St. Augustine. Just about the most beautiful place ever. Our quilt group chose the city for the Christmas light special. The ocean and the 'Charlies' (Pelican squadrons) are beautiful to see. The are mostly a part of northern FL.

The best quilt shop is there too - don't miss the slide tour of the shop. http://www.customquilting.net/site/quiltshop.htm She has the best batiks.

I am not finished with the 2 new gals, but they wanted to go out and party, much to my dismay. Dollies certainly don't have patience. Ballroom Gal has a Tattoo. I don't know, she must have gotten when she was out and about!

So many parties this weekend and too much food. I walk at least a mile and a half every other day. . .but it's not helping.

Every day is a new day. What a blessing. I am so happy to be retired with days so full of good people and happy work and volunteering. God's love is everywhere. May you have happy holidays (Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah).

Thank you for stopping to look in on my latest projects.

Blessings,
Jan

Grandma Tart Fairy - New Girl in Town

Hi,

What fun I am having with my dolls. I also made cat ornaments with faces to purr for and more anatomically correct tart dolls - will show both of these on another post. The newest Babe is Grandma -- no I don't look like her. . .but close!!!

After the 'dance' and earning the title of 'International Tart' I guess I want my dolls to have as much fun as I do.

Congratulations Jeanine on your new Granddaughter Madeline. She's a Scorpio born this morning. I cannot wait to see the pictures.

I went to a trunk showing of dolls Saturday and the different kinds of dolls that were shown were all different and unique. Linda's tips and tricks were such a treat. I know that I have a long way to go as I am just getting started, but the fun of it is tremendous.

My daughter took all my Christmas bags, so I had to make a new one for my IPod. Christmas Loralie went over really big. In fact someone mentioned I look like this particular Loralie. There are just certain things I do not want to put in my purse mess, so I make these small bags with pockets to carry the things I will not leave in the car.

I would love to hear what you are doing so I can visit your blogs too.

Thanks for the visit,
Jan

New Pin Doll

Hi,

I'm back from IL. Daddy is in better spirits now. He has a ways to go before he can move back into residential care, but a positive attitude always helps.

I completed 3 pin/ornament fairy dolls with mostly anatomical correct peeks and crevices. Everyone is laughing and having a good time with them.

I am so blessed to have so many great loving and encouraging friends. I look forward to sharing my new designs with all of you.

Two weeks and it's Nascar at Homestead. We, as a family, are all looking forward to celebrating our drivers. However, since this is the last race, it is also a sad time. I know 2 1/2 months is not long to wait -- we look forward to mid-February and the big race at Daytona Beach.

Thank you for visiting,
Jan

New Doll

Hi,

Before I leave for IL to see my 92 year old daddy, I wanted to show you my new doll. She is as yet a bit unfinished. She requested her head be put back on and her hands attached. I wrapped her, put hair and a hat on her and she's ready, at least to dance, while I'm gone.

Retirement is work (lots of bags, pillows and crocheting to get ready for the Christmas sales tables at the condos), volunteering is rewarding, and the continued wonderful quilt friends I am meeting along the way is as much a blessing as I thought it would be.

I attended my first doll group. What a great group of ladies and what a push in the right direction for me. They will certainly keep me on my toes. Again, work, fun and lots of dancing.

I will sign off and let you enjoy the doll.

Thank you for the visit,
Jan