Thanksgiving Wishes!

I cannot believe that the holidays are upon us already!  My children are out of school and tomorrow we will be having our usual Thanksgiving feast!  Today is a day of preparation.  As we prepare our home for all our guests - we should prepare ourselves spiritual as well.  I hope the holidays bring you wonderful fellowship and memories!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Details

The Holidays are Fast Approaching...

The leaves are falling and the temperature is dropping...Old Man Winter is right around the corner!

I've done some new things this fall...prepping for spring.  I planted bulbs,finished mulching the garden and now it is time to add the burlap to protect the new plants from the cold weather.  My plan is to have a back yard with the feel of an English Garden.  I don't know how it will turn out... but I can't wait for the spring!  Have a wonderful day!

Details

SUCCESS!!!!

After design and re-thinking and usage of past experiences ... I finished the project.  I did help that my 3rd grade class presents a Christmas pageant every year!  It helped so much with the costume design!  Here is the finished product!  I am so glad I did not hesitate to accept this challenge... now on to the next one!  Have a wonderful evening!

Details

Work in Progress!

Well - things are moving along with the additional items added to the nativity scene.  Still some tweeking to do - but here is a peek of what I have so far.  Input is appreciated!

The wisemen still need their gifts - I am still working on that...

The angel needs her scroll and the camel needs his legs

How am  I doing????

VETERAN'S DAY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Click Here

Challenge Accepted!

I have a request for my primitive nativity scene  - the catch here is...they also want the three wise men, a camel and an angel.  This was not part of the original design!  But with a little imagination - CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!

Below is a picture of the original post.   Check back daily and see my progress.  I'd love your comments!

Have a wonderful evening!

More Info Here

My Gardening Adventures

First thing to note is that I sew - not garden...but I want a garden.  After waking our neighborhood for years - I have always admired the wonderful gardens in this beautiful neighborhood.  I decided that I want to try this gardening concept.  Throughout the years I have found out several thing s for me to have the potential to be successful...

   * Plant it the day you buy it !  For me - it doesn't matter what I buy - if it's not planted immediately          - I become distracted and it dyes.

  * If you water plants - they grow.  I know it's a novel idea... but once again - distraction can be an         issue.

  * If you use bulbs - you can't plant them in the spring.  You must remember to buy them in the fall.  

       Guess what - I did that is year.

Well, yesterday was my gardening day.  I bought  bulbs, cleared the area, planted AND watered!  Now it's just wait and see.  I am hoping with some TLC to the area this time - I too will  have a beautiful English garden.  

Have a wonderful day!

More Info

VOTE TODAY!

The message is simple today - VOTE!  Although it is just a general election- it is your duty to your country to express your opinion at the polls.  You shouldn't complain about the outcome if you don't vote!  Only takes a minute!  GO VOTE!  Take part in the decisions of your community!

Click Here

IT's BACK!

After months and months and months of waiting - Blue Bell Ice Cream is back in our local grocery stores!  Now to some - that may net seem like a big deal - but in Texas - If you're not eating Blue Bell - you're not eating ice cream!  We tried other brands over the summer - but they just were't the same. So the wait is FINALLY over.  I promised my kids ice cream for dinner when Blue Bell came back and I could get some without fighting crowds or waiting in line.  So Ice cream for dinner ... with a side of vegetables.  You only live once!  

So Good!!!!

BOO!   EEEEEK!

Well - it's finally here!  The spooks are getting ready for their big event!  Hope everyone has their costumes ready and enough candy for all the little ghouls!  We have a witch's stew brewing in the cauldron for tonight! Have a fun evening tonight!  And be safe!!!!

 Click Here

Happy Haunting!!!

Just Another Day...

Friday is here and tomorrow is Halloween.  Went to a high school play - "Little Shop of Horrors" - to see my daughter perform. They have a midnight showing tonight for all those who want to get ready for Halloween.  Make sure you have enough candy - but don't eat it all tonight - save some for tomorrow!!!  Get that costume ready... times a wastin' !!!!

Click Here!

Birth Announcement Idea:

Just finished some pillows for grandparents!  What a unique way to surprise your parents if you want to inform them that they will be grandparents!

click here:

BOO!!!

Can you believe it!!! Halloween is almost here... along with daylight savings time... and fall break... and Thanksgiving!  Time is just zipping by.  I heard yesterday that Americans will spend over $1 million on candy for this spooky holiday - YIKES!  But I believe it.  They put it out so early and you buy it - thinking ahead - but then sit around and eat it - so you have to buy more for the trick-or-treaters.  It's a vicious cycle!  Anyway...don't forget some decorations!  Happy Tuesday!

Trick-or-Treat

New from the Old!

I just finished 8 heart pillows made from the vintage chenille, lace, doilies and buttons that I found! I also made two American flag pillows from some unique patriotic fabric that I also found in my fabric stash!  What a wonderful couple of days!!!  Here is a quick peek!

Check it out!!!

More Info 

Have a fantastic weekend!!!!!

Vintage Fabric~

Still digging through my old fabrics - and found many wonderful finds.  I won't need to go to the fabric store for a LONG TIME!  I was also surprised to find unique Americana and chenille.  I am excited  - since I can now make some cute little Americana pillows and chenille hearts.  I'll post finished product later as I complete them - but here is a sample...

Have a great day!!!

Best Muffins EVER!!!

If you have never eaten rhubarb- well - it can be a treat.  It looks like red celery - but is VERY bitter.  But with enough sugar and the right ingredients - FANTASTIC!  I have mad a "Brown Betty" with it for years - which I love - but my kids were not too keen on.  I found this recipe and it is great.  Works with frozen rhubarb as well - but fresh is always better! Hope you get a chance to try this!

Have a fantastic day!!!!!

Nut-Topped Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins Recipe

 Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + coolingYIELD:18 servings

Ingredients

• 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
• 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 3/4 cup diced fresh or frozen rhubarb
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cold butter

Directions

• 1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in strawberries and rhubarb. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
• 2. In a small bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter.
• 3. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
•  Note: If using frozen rhubarb, measure rhubarb while still frozen, then thaw completely. Drain in a colander, but do not press liquid out.

Keep Those Scraps!

This is my second go round with selling handmade products.  I had a booth in a craft mall about 10+ years ago, but had to close shop when the mall sold the business.  So sad... Anyway - I kept my fabrics and miscellaneous - stored in various places around the house and ...well forgotten.

So I was in the process of filling an order the other day - thought I had enough of a certain fabric - but alas - I was mistaken.  Yikes...Panic...     I decided to go into the attic and hope to find something!  OMGoodness - I stumbled on a treasure chest of wonderful items - better than I could have ever imagined!  I did not remember how much I had socked away!! Oh what a glorious day!  So to all you crafters out there - KEEP THOSE FABRICS!  You never know when they will come in handy!!!!!!!  Have a wonderful day!

New Blog Photos

I decided it was time to give my blog photo a new upgrade to reflect the upcoming holiday seasons.  Keeping my blog updated is challenging for me - but I want to keep you informed - so I am up for that challenge.  I have also updated my pinterest  boards too.  Lots going on this time of year!  Just finished  a new snowman!  Let me know what you think!  Have a fantastic day!!!

More info

Vintage Rag Dolls

I have just spent the past 2 days completing a 19" Raggedy Andy doll to go with the Raggedy Ann.  The pattern I used is circa 1950's.  The directions are VERY different.  They assume you know how to sew clothing already - so they just show a few pictures, give vague directions and off you go.  Fortunately, I have been sewing for too many years to count, so I didn't have a problem...except being careful not to tear the fragile pattern or directions.  I love how different they are from the more modern version.  Ann even comes with a cape!  Let me know what you think!!  Have a fantastic weekend!

More details here

Crazy Weather!

It's sweater weather here in Texas in the morning - but come the afternoon - it's tie to swim in the pool!  I've been working in our yard - trying to keep the flowers blooming!  Gardening is not my forte - but I do love to see beautiful flowers!  Hopefully my efforts will be rewarded!

Click Here for Info

Have a wonderful day!

The Goblins are Coming!!!

Halloween is rapidly approaching!  I love the creepy decorations that I have seen around our neighborhood!  My son saw the Wicked Witch of the West with the house that had fallen on her.  She was still wearing those ruby slippers! It's time for me to start thinking about those scary pumpkin faces that we will have around the house!

Here are a few ghosty things I have created to inspire you for this creepy season!!!!

Click here

Click here

Click here

Happy Haunting!

Love This Cooler Weather!

The past several days here in Texas have been so refreshing!  This cool autumn weather is such a nice change.  I've decided to get out those wonderful recipes for the fall.  Soup always comes to mind and I have my favorite!  Here is the recipe for you to enjoy!

Best Chicken Noodle Soup to enjoy in this cooler weather!

Trist's Chicken Noodle Soup

1 1/2 cups wide egg noodles          1 1/2 cups vegetable broth        

1 TBS butter                                   1/2 cup water

1/2 cup chopped onion                   1/2 chopped celery

3/4 cup chopped carrots                 1 1/2 diced cooked chicken      

6 cups chicken broth                       1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano                                1 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp salt                                           salt and pepper to taste

 

In large pot, melt butter. Cook onion and celery in butter until tender.  Add carrots, chicken, chicken broth, vegetable broth, water, basil, oregano, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.  Add uncooled noodles, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes!  Enjoy!!!  (Hint: The poultry seasoning I use is Everson Caifornia Garlic Medley.  I get it at Kroger in the Seafood Dept - ask for it by name!)

First Day of October

Now that October is officially - it seems like fall.  Today - the weather here in Texas is actually cooler.  More leaves are falling to the ground.  And most oddly - but expectedly...stores have their Christmas decorations displayed.  I personally will wait until Thanksgiving.  I am getting things ready for HALLOWEEN!  I love the cute little ones that come to the door dressed as their favorite character... and I admire the imagination of the older kids!  Halloween is always interesting!  Well - with only 30 days until the spooks arrive - it's time to get busy!!! Have a great day!

BOO!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Click here for more spooky items

Autumn Adventure

Several weeks ago - I had the opportunity of a lifetime.  Backpacking in the Sangre De Christo Mountains in Cimeron, New Mexico.  I went with 10 other adults and a guide - sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America.  We hiked approximately 5-6 miles/day for 7 days.  The trails were challenging, the scenery was breathtaking and the fellowship was extraordinary!  It was the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life and given the opportunity - I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  I will share with you some of the scenery as well as some lessons learned.

Hot Spots:  When you feel a rubbing on your feet - STOP IMMEDIATELY - before it becomes a blister!!!!!

Don't put important things in the BEAR BAG straight away - like your meds or flashlight.  Wait until last call before bed and put them in the OOPS BAG!

2 pieces of toilet paper is NEVER enough! 

Your backpack should weigh NOTHING or you can carry the 10+ ponds of extra water that you will need!!

Always take time to look around you to see the beautiful sights!!!

Have a wonderful day!

Fall is Here!!!

Time to think about Halloween!  I just love the wonderful costume ideas that are out there!

Available for sale individually or as a set 

Click Here!

New Items are on the Way!

 

I have been busy making new items for my store.  Here are two new ones.  I just love the deer!

 

Details

 

Details

 

 

My fall items are already listed .  Check out my shop and let me know what you like!!!!!





 



Here we are in August!

 

Summer is almost over and school starts...where does time go.  I have had a CRAZY summer - but here are a few things I have been working on.  Since fall is coming - I'll show you some of the fall items in my shop!  Have a great day and THINK COOL!!!

 

Click Here for more info

 

 



 

Click Here for more info

 

Click Here for more info

 

 

 

FREE GIVEAWAY THIS MONTH ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE...CHECK IT OUT!

 

https://www.facebook.com/StitchingTimeBoutique

 



First Post of July!

 

Now that summer is in full swing - it seem appropriate for there to be a Christmas in July Event! I have been trying to get products ready and I have managed to get some things listed.  I also have a few new fall items listed.  Here are some items that are not listed in my ETSY shop yet - but should be there in a few days.  Check out my shop for the new fall and Christmas listings!

 

Shop Link

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

 

Christmas in July Event...Is coming!

 

The Folk Art and Primitives Group is preparing for a Christmas in July event on ETSY.  The event runs from July 10- July 30.  There is a treasure hunt and an ornament give away...plus - you can get a head start on Christmas decorating/shopping.  Each participating member will be tagging 1-20 Christmas items from their shop.... so lots of great products will be out there.  Here are a few I will have in the event.  

 

 

 

 

I'll post my items as I get them ready!  Hope you join in on the fun and share the event info!  Have a great day!