Dragonflies & Peacocks

Did you ever have a day where you were amazed at how much you were able to accomplish? That's how yesterday went for me. I did so much and had a great time doing it! Well, I didn't enjoy doing the Tax stuff but I enjoyed everything else!

I did the machine-finishing on my 4 latest cellphone pouches. I'll be working on the hand-finishing today. I also did the machine-finishing on my Blackwork Peacock purse as well as the hand-finishing:



All I have left to do on this is to sew the giant snap on.

I had black vinyl handles for this purse which have to be sewn in. I don't recommend using the sew-in type of handles. It is very challenging to turn your piece right-side-out with the handles in there. Esp. if you go insane with the embellishments like I do. If you do choose to use this type of handle, the trick is to get the handles out first. Try not to drag them against your stitching and embellishments. Once the handles are out, it's easier to turn your piece. Also, be sure to leave your opening large enough. Mine is was about 7 inches.

The easiest handles to use are the ones that you attach after the finishing is done. They just slip into the tabs which are sewn in during the finishing process.

I also made 2 more Beaded Dragonflies:



And I still want to make more! Tomorrow when I go into town, I'm going to get some narrow ribbon and make some smaller ones. These will work great on 9 inch blocks but they're a little big for cellphone pouches.

The only thing I didn't get to yesterday was sewing up some new blocks. But I'll focus instead on how much I did get done!

Stop by tomorrow to check up on what I accomplish today!

Beaded Dragonfly

Yesterday, I set my sights on making a beaded dragonfly as an embellishment for my crazy quilts. I didn't have much in the way of wired ribbon so I made a special trip up to Michaels Craft Store. When I returned home, I made this:



Isn't he just too cool? I of course, want to make a million more now! And I do hope to have time later today to work up another one.

For the moment, I'm just itching to run my sewing machine! With the floor installation out of my way, I plan to start the machine finishing on my charity cellphone pouches as well as my Blackwork Peacock purse. I also want to sew up some new blocks. One thing I can never be accused of is "lack of ambition"! I have way more ambition and energy than I do time!

Basket Of Violets Cellphone Pouch

Back to stitching now, I completed the Basket Of Violets cellphone pouch the other day:



My plan for this week, now that my flooring is done, is to get my stitched pieces assembled and completed.

I have some chores and errands to run but I haven't decided what to stitch on next. Stop by tomorrow to see what I decide to do!

A Lovely Day In Galena Illinois

As Sharon would say, grab a cuppa and relax while I share my St. Patrick's Day with you!

Yesterday morning, at 7 am, Scott and I hopped in our truck and drove 2 1/2 hours west to our favorite little get-away, Galena, Illinois.

It was a gorgeous, sunny day and the drive as usual, was scenic and breathtaking!

Once in town, it looks like a little village under a Christmas tree:



This of course, is not quite what it looks like at the moment. The trees are still bare but this photo will give you a good idea of the beauty and charm that we enjoy so much.

Galena was once the home to U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant:














You may remember this photo of me taken in September when we were there, standing in front of Grant's house.



Galena's architecture is amazing.



Beautifully restored Victorians greet visitors as they drive through town to Historic Main St.



Main Street in Galena is one mile long. The historical buildings are now filled with the most quaint little shops. Everything from unique craft stores to boutiques, eateries, home decor, gifts and specialty shops.

The first thing we always do is when we arrive is just walk Main Street from one end to the other and back again. We do get a lot of exercise when we go!

Galena Illinois has also had some very famous visitors!

Abraham Lincoln gave a speech from the balcony of this hotel:



The Desoto House Hotel opened it doors in 1855 and was beautifully restored in the late 1980's.
This is where Scott and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch yesterday. Grilled Chicken & Strawberry salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing!

So are you wondering what goodies I found? Well, I really didn't go with intention of buying much of anything other than a few beads at the Galena Bead Bar. We really just needed a break from our living room project and some fresh air and sunshine. I did buy a few beads but nothing terribly exciting.

What we did find was peacocks! Scott bought me these peacock salt & pepper shakers which will be for looking at and not using. I fell in love with the soft pastel colors!



And then I found this:





I couldn't quite get his little head to sit up nicely but I think these photos will give you a good idea of my "prize turkey" so to speak!

They have a wonderful teddy bear and stuff animal store in Galena. We always go in because we enjoy seeing the unusual stuffed toys that they carry.

He's actually a puppet but I'll find some place to display him.

I'm not one to have too much in the way of do-dads sitting around. I'd rather be stitching or sewing than having to take the time to move a bunch of things in order to dust my furniture. But when I saw him, I just had have him. Isn't he gorgeous?!!!

And of course, I always feel sad when the time comes to leave this beautiful and peaceful place. We are though, planning a weekend trip for when it gets a bit warmer outside and I'm so looking forward that.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. If you live anywhere near Galena but have never been there, I'd like to encourage you pay that little historical town a visit. It is a visual feast and will most certainly become one of your favorite places to visit too!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

If you been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know that I just love St. Patrick's Day. Don't ask me why. I really have no clue. I just do. Maybe I associate it with the beginning of Spring which is my favorite season!

Scott and I are going to drive up to Galena Illinois for the day. It's one of our favorite places to go. We enjoy seeing the beautiful restored Victorian houses and the gorgeous countryside, not to mention all the wonderful and unique shops on Main Street. I of course, just love that Bead shop!

It's a 2 1/2 hour drive so we'll be leaving in the hour or so.

Anyway, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (and yes, I'm still celebrating the return of the robins), I worked up a cute little cross stitch pattern for you to use on your crazyquilts:



Click on the image to go to my Flickr site where you can download a larger version of the pattern. You can stitch this on your crazyquilt using 14 count waste canvas or stitch it on cross stitch fabric and sew it into your foundation.

I completed the Basket Of Violets pouch last night but I'll save sharing a photo of it for tomorrow.

In the meantime, have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and enjoy this little project.