Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

In Your Words - My Turn To Talk

I had so much fun deciding what to do for this blog hop!  In the end I went two different routes.  Or was it three?  Can anyone say "split personality?"  When I was trying to make up my mind what I wanted to make....Christmas Eve was when I started working on it, can you believe it?....the weather folks had predicted snow for Christmas Day for Arkansas.  That never happens.  Never.  But I wanted it to.  Until it did.  Eight inches worth.  No electricity for four days.  And four nights.  But before the snow began I started this "wish" pillow.  When I was wishing for snow.  Before it really did snow.  You got that part, right?

Of course when I wanted to take my pillow out into the snow to take a picture the snow was all gone.  And what I had was eight inches of rain.  Yes, really.  Sigh.  This is wool applique using a hand blanket stitch.  I free motion quilted the front of the pillow using navy thread and trying to follow some of the design of the background but making sure it had lots of motion.

Then I thought, well goodness it's almost Valentine's Day.  Just a month away!  (Have you gotten your SO a card yet?  Me either.)   So I made this small quilt for my 6" Ackenfeld hanger.
This is also wool...wool heart appliqued with a hand blanket stitch onto a wool background.  The stitching is embroidery and the outside also has a hand blanket stitch.

I love to talk and I love to write so putting words into my stitching comes naturally to me.  Here are a couple of word stitcheries that are favorites of mine.

 I keep this pillow on my bed and pretend that I was born on Monday.  Ha!
I made this for Christmas but I love it so much that I just keep it out all year.

But you know none of these really says anything about me, about who I am.  So I'm also going to share with you this little quilt that I have hanging on my office door.  I'm a "wasn't I just retired yesterday?" high school guidance counselor, returning to work after nine years at home.  Returning to retirement in June by the way.  This is me:





Nice really does matter.  Really.

Thanks so much to Linda for coordinating this hop for us - there are a lot of little details that have to work together for this to happen and that takes time.  And thanks to Madame Samm for dreaming up the whole concept and starting us on the right track.  And a double thank you to all our wonderful sponsors - such amazing gifts!

Please be sure you visit everyone on the hop today...you want to miss a one!  blessings, marlene


Tuesday, January 15
BQuiltin Studio  (Beverly K.)
Hill Valley Quilter (Britt-Inger)
Bumbleberry Stitches  (Theresa K.)
Buzzing and Bumbling  (Linda W.)
Outback Crafter (Debra S.)
In Stitches and Seams  (Annette S.)
Englating  (Marica from Sweden)
Stitchin by the Lake  (Marlene B.)  (this is me!)
Selina Quilts  (Selina)
Sheila's Quilt World (Sheila M.)
Words & Stitches (Beth S.)


96 comments:

Judy B said...

Love your pillow and little quilts! Thank you for sharing.

Sunshine Girl said...

They are all lovely - isnt the weather annoying sometimes when you have photo shoots planned! It snowed here in England yesterday but only about 2" and its all gone now! didnt have time for a snowball fight or anything! oh well.

Martina said...

I love all of your projects. The snowmen are so cute.Hope you get some snow soon. We also just have a tiny little bit. Love your angel too, yes nice really matters.Thanks for sharing!

Theresa said...

Fabulous projects, I especially love your snowmen. Very cold and frosty here in England this morning - hoping a little snow will come our way this week.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

They are all just wonderful projects with lots of meaning. Even though I am ready for Spring, I love the snowmen, too.

Julie Fukuda said...

So, that's where ll our snow came from!
Well, I was born on Saturday. That figures.
Great words anyway.

Michele said...

Your projects are just so sweet and wonderful. I'm guessing that you now are more careful for what you wish for.

Brenda said...

I enjoy your projects! I like the one that says "nice matters" beause it really does matter!
hulseybg at gmail dot com

Wendy said...

such beautiful work! I love those snowmen and your little angel is gorgeous!

charlotte said...

Marlene, your projects are all great! Love the snowmen, but also the Valentine, the cushion, the hanging...

Lesley said...

Love all your projects, especially Let It Snow! Well done!

InGa said...

All the nice things you done.... :-)
I also love the snow, and the alst one, Nice.
regards

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Lovely projects! Nice really does matter!

Dorian said...

LOL Marlene, you know what they say...be careful what you wish for :) Glad you got your snow at least ;) Lovely projects.

Jeanie said...

I love all of your projects, but especially the Glory to God hanging. It's very simple, yet powerful. Thanks for the inspiration!

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Your projects are all so sweet Marlene, just like you.

gpc said...

Nice really, really does matter -- and all of your projects are very nice, like you!

Nati said...

Well we had 2.5 inches of snow and it keeps going... You can send the pillow over and I will get you pictures done ;) great, sweet, lovely projects, thanks for sharing!

Thearica said...

Love your snowman pillow even if the snow is gone... That is what I always hate... when it gets washed away... Snow makes everything sparkle and shine and look so clean...

Barb Neiwert said...

Yes, nice does matter, lol! Glad you got some snow. If you ever need more, just let me know and I'll send some your way. We have snow on the ground from November into April. That's why I quilt!

Unknown said...

Amen to that...nice does really matter! I love your projects.

http://thankfullga447 said...

I was so happy to your name on the list. We had snow but it has melted, but that is okay because it is very cold here and I love sunny days in the winter.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Love everything you did Marlene....love the snow pillow!!

Truffle queen said...

Hi Marlene! As usual, everything you shared is wonderful! Love the story about the SNOW!! Never, ever wish for snow! I'm a northern Illinois girl who knows ALL about SNOW - and that's why we spend the winter (after Christmas, of course) in Florida! Loved your story! Peace be with you in this New Year!

Sowing Stitches said...

We are still waiting on snow... it's been several years since we've had a 'good snow' you could say we are 'over-due'. I love the Glory to God piece, like you I would leave that out all year!

molly said...

Nice does matter. It makes all the difference! Love your stitchery but especially your redwork....

Sparky said...

Nice matters absolutely. And your snow pillow should have rain on the other side....a thought...lol
Loved your red work, how pretty, I was born on Monday...which day were you? You managed to get a bit more accolades too take a peak.

Kate said...

A delightful read today. All your projects are quite lovely.

Sheila said...

Wonderful projects Marlene and yes I agree nice does matter !!Beautiful stitcheries ,thanks for sharing !!

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

Beautiful work!!! I really love the pillow. =)

~Marica~ said...

Wonderful contribution to InYourWord's Bloghop!

krislovesfabric said...

Ah, my favorite is the glory to God hanging but all your projects shine!

Dee said...

Glory to God is amazing - love your embroidery - very talented!

Martha said...

As usual, I love all your projects. THank you for sharing Them with us.

Linda said...

What beautiful projects! You certainly did'nt disappoint us with your work!I love the verses you used. I'll bet you're a terrific counselor!!!

sew.darn.quilt said...

Your snowmen are such fun and I love the heart too. Very folksy and warm. :)

Gill said...

Great projects - I especially like the red/white cushion!
Thank you for sharing!

Emily C said...

Love the cute angel. very nice.

Calicojoan said...

Your stitcheries are just stunning! Love your snowman pillow too!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

The pillow is superb!

SIMPLESEW said...

Very sweet. Simple is good.I love Red Work..

Patty said...

I like all your words, and can't figure out which is my favorite.

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

Beautiful, Marlene! I love the 'let it snow' pillow - too cute :)

Gail said...

Wonderful creative work.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Everyone one of those projects is absolutely darling!
Snow in Arkansas, I bet you were COLD!!!!

I love the pillow. So cute. The snowmen have such personalities.

sandra said...

Your projects are all lovely and certainly speak to what a lovely person you are. Thanks for sharing.

Anna said...

Marlene you are a bounty of inspiration both quilting and otherwise!

Grammasheri said...

Thank you for the reminder Marlene! Nice DOES matter! I forgot that yesterday in my frustration ( cranky blog post).
Your creations are lovely, and reflect the lovely YOU!

Kathy H said...

I love all your wallhangings. Just love the redwork.

Anonymous said...

Marlene-Something so simple, yet very profound. If young people would only realize how much simpler/easier life would be if they took your suggestion to heart. I a retired educator as well. From CA, thanks for sharing.

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Awww - I love that - "Nice really does matter" - words to remember each day I think. Thank you for sharing all your lovely projects. Those snowmen melt my heart!!!

Patty said...

great set of projects - thanks for sharing!

Farm Quilter said...

Great projects!!! I would have loved 8" of snow on Christmas, but we got some after Christmas and it's still here! We expect snow here, so we don't lose power - glad you didn't freeze without power for 4 days!!! That length of time would make me crazy - no quilting or computer along with being cold - I'll pass!!! Congrats on retiring again this year - I taught at high school and know the difficult job counselors have!

JudyCinNC said...

Yes, Nice does matter - I did the wallhanging for my daughter's office at her school. Wonderful projects and so creative. Don't you just love stitchery? Thanks for your sharing. Judy C

Katie said...

great projects -- thanks for sharing

Kathy MacKie said...

You are a very busy creative lady, have a super fun day!

Britt-Inger said...

Your stitching works are sew beautiful and wonderful. But most of all the embroidered pillow with the different days. I could understand why you keep it on your bed.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful work

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B here: high school guidance counseling. How nice. I love big kids.

Your projects are so nice. I love the red stitchery, just beautiful, I hope you get to retire again in June.

tink's mom said...

I guess your pillow needs a label telling you to be careful what you wish for, huh.

All of your contributions are terrific. and yes Nice does matter.

Quiltin Jenny said...

Oh, I love all of your projects, especially that gorgeous star!

(P.S...I always wanted to be Tuesday's child, so you're a better woman than me!)

Hooked on Quilting said...

Love all your work. So, if you pretend to be born on a Monday, on which day were you born? LOL

Gmama Jane said...

You are always Nice!! *Nice* work.
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Jane's Quilting said...

You have such beautiful projects. The pillows are so cute, I don't even know what day I was born on. Must check that out. LOL. Thanks for sharing all with us.

Jenny said...

very cute projects. I love your stitching. Thanks so much for sharing

lefuntz said...

Nice does matter though when I was teaching I preferred the word kind. And I get it about the snow. I now live in southern CA. If I want snow I can visit it in the mountains. I don't miss it. Nice!

Linda in Calif. said...

These are all cute projects. I do love the story about the snow to go with your snow pillow. You won't forget that one anytime soon! LOL

Mary Ann said...

Kindness really does count - I'm a teacher and what a difference it makes in the entire school!

Carol Swift said...

Such beautiful stitching and words...love your heart..and all those other ones, too. Your work amazing, as usual. :O)

Catherine said...

Marlene your Words and needlework are wonderful.

Helen@Till We Quilt Again said...

Your pieces are all so... beautiful!

Lyn said...

I really enjoyed your words. I love the Nice angel too. Thanks for being part of the hop.

pinsandneedles said...

Love your projects! Love the saying on your office door. Beautiful stitching. Thanks for sharing.

em's scrapbag said...

The stitcheries are nice but I love the Let it Snow pillow!

In stitches and seams said...

I love your stitcheries ... wish I had that talent too.
Maybe in time and practice.
thanks for sharing
in stitches

CeLynn said...

Isn't that always the way! Your snow pillow looks sweet,even if it didn't get a photo shoot in the snow :) The Angel stitchery is pretty,and yes nice does matter :)

Karrie said...

Love your projects! They are so pretty ;) Thanks for sharing your projects.

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

All of your projects are such wonderful additions to the hop! Thank you for sharing them all :)

Happy quilting,
cindy at quiltdoodledesigns dot com

Denise :) said...

Oh, fabulous job, Marlene!! I had to laugh when you said you used to pretend you were born on Monday -- I always wanted to be Tuesday or Friday. But no, I'm Thursday's child (which is a lot nicer on your sampler than in the poem I memorized as a child). LOL! :)

PatSloan said...

Fabulous show and tell.. Thank you for sharing!!! This has been such a fun hop.

I hope you'll check out my daily blog.. my day is the last day, tomorrow!

Pat Sloan
Radio show Host... The Voice of Quilting
http://blog.patsloan.com

Anonymous said...

Some very nice work. Glad you shared.

LJ said...

All cool words! I think about counseling children in their teen years and think teaching them "Because Nice matters" is a fantastic lesson.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh my gosh Marlene,you are amazing. You are so talented. Thank you for showing us and for sharing.

Friendship Crossing said...

Wow! Love those pillows and stitcheries! how sweet!

Tanya

Pamela said...

Let it snow! Let it snow! Love your pillows. Thank you for sharing.

Just Quilt It said...

Lovely work, Marlene. Thank you for sharing.

Darlington Delights said...

Beautiful work....thanks for sharing it with us.

Quiltsmiles said...

MArlene you do such beautiful work. I really love the dofferences of each one. My two favorites are Glory to God and the days of the week you were born. I wish I was born on Monday too. Grace does say it all, oh well....
well done! Jane

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Love all your projects! Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for, hehe. Snow is beautiful to look at! Thank you for sharing everything with us, beautiful work, awesome job!

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Cathy said...

Lovely redwork projects. I just love embroidery. I guess I would be pretending I was born on Monday too!

Mary Ann said...

Love all your projects but I really like your use of wool.

carla said...

Hi!!! I love all of them!!! Your nice angel is wonderful!!! Great words!!!

Tammy said...

I really love your projects. But I think The pillow with the snowmen is my favorite of all. Thanks so much for shareing them all with us.
conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

You do absolutely stunning embroidery work. I love everything you have shared. Thank you.

evelyn said...

Beautiful projects- all of them! I love snowmen-yours are perfect! What a great "nice" hanging on your office door.

Unknown said...

Love your angel! And your embroidery is fabulous! Thanks for sharing Ü

Needled Mom said...

Your words are just gorgeous. Are you going to get some snow this week with the colder temperatures?

Love your Christmas Words!