Cherry House Quilts

Year in Review - part two

To finish up 2007 in grand style before we begin 2008 - here's a few more firsts for our family...

• Melissa's first snow (that was a novelty which soon wore off)
• Melissa broke her elbow - ouch :(
• My first blogging Christmas swap!   Thank you Celine' and elf Donna
• Lizzy won first place in her college art show
• Quilter's Resource now selling Cherry House Quilts patterns
• Lizzy and Ashlee went to Belgium, and brought back lots of chocolate
• Lizzy (about 2/3 into the broadcast) and Ashlee were both mentioned in podcasts on the same day!  I was so proud!!!

Here's a few more pictures to wrap up the year

 

2008 promises to be really exciting, and fast paced!  Cherry House Quilts will be releasing two new patterns in January.  That's about it for this year. 

We hope everyone has a safe, and Happy New Year!

Year in review part one

Well it has been quite a year at the House's House.  It really has been a year of first for our family.    Here's a portion...

• We became dog owners - we love our Mickey.  We were always good with cats, but we had never had a good match with a dog until our little Mick came into our lives
• Lizzy started her blog, introduced us to the cyber world, and lots of new friends!
• We launched Cherry House Quilts, and have been on the go ever since
• First grand baby - our precious Alton!
• Melissa left for college, and all my little ones have flown away
• Fantastic opportunity to work with Holly Holderman of Lakehouse Dry Goods
• First Quilt Exhibit in downtown Houston - that was really exciting, and a dream come true
• First Quilt Market - what an experience that was
• First quilt of mine to be shown at Market - thank you Holly
• First blogger dinner - more thanks to Holly
• I continue to be in awe of Lizzy - and all of her talent.  She has always shined - do you guys know that she is quite the performer - song/dance/actor extraordinaire!
• Awesome opportunities to work with Robert Kaufman Fabrics, and Amy Schimler

Here's a recap in pictures...

 

Stay tuned - more to come!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas everyone!  This message comes to you in hopes that you have had a very Merry Christmas with loved ones, that you have a full tummy with too much to eat, and love in your hearts for all of those around you! 

We have had a wonderful day - and we are full of gratitude for all of our many blessings.  We thank you for your friendship, kindness and support.  We are so looking forward to lots of new adventures in the up coming year. 

Lots of love,

Cherri & Lizzy

Early Christmas

How sweet of a deal is this???  I purchased some beautiful paper for Lizzy for Christmas - which I gave to her early (a life long bad habit).  She in turn made me a beautiful little book - which she gave me early (bad habit by Mother, passed onto, and repeated by daughter).  Here's a picture of it - which doesn't nearly do it justice.

 

Look at this amazing paper...Lizzy said it's made in Nepal - wouldn't it be great fabric?  The cover is black leather, and linen.  Lizzy is going to take better photos of the entire set of books that she has made as gifts.  They are perfect purse size 4" x 5" x 3/4".  I love early Christmas - even if there isn't much left by Christmas morning.

Theory vs. Practical Application

I had the best intentions...I was going to make all of my presents for my family this year.  For Lizzy I was going to hand dye recycled wool that I have been collecting for years.  I went to the store, purchased the Procion Dyes in the most beautiful colors, I purchased the Synthrapol to set the dye, I purchased gloves, and vinegar, everything the instructions said that I needed.  In theory I did everything that I was suppose to do to, I thought it would be the best gift in the whole world!  Well I dyed the wool, and I trimmed the fabric to the largest usable size possible.  When I was done - I looked at this stack of dyed wool fabric, and asked myself - what was I thinking again???  Why did I think Lizzy would like this for a Christmas present?  I'm not sure what I thought she would do with the fabric, or why I thought she would need it.  In my head it all seemed so clear, then once the fabric was dyed, I said to myself, "now why did I think this was a good idea?"  Maybe it comes from living by myself these days - and not having anyone to bounce ideas off of. 

Oh well, I'm off to the mall to try to correct this really not so well thought out plan.

Merry Christmas! 

Map Maker Map Maker Make Me A Map

Organization is not my strong suite, but I do have a strong desire to be organized...is that worth any points?

I'm working on the pattern/quilt for Cherry House Quilts newest pattern - to be released in January.  It's a simple pattern but organization will be the key.  I've made a cutting chart / map to keep myself sane, and on the right road. 

Check back soon!

   

Everything is relative

It's winter, or so says the calendar but the temperature has been in the 70's to 80's in Houston.  I check the webcam at my daughters school in Idaho, they have snow predicated for the next 5 days, and the temp is -1.  When the girls call they say they are so cold, and can't wait to come home...I tell them that I'm having to use the air conditioner because it's so warm, they say "what a dream".  I look at the images of their school with everything covered in snow, and I think what fun it would be, to be there.  How nice it would actually be, to be cold in the winter time.  But I have to confess, -1 is too cold for me. 

My Son and his family will be here on Friday, and my daughters should all be home by Saturday.  I cannot wait - I feel giddy I am so excited that they are coming home.  This is Alton's first Christmas!  As soon as I finish Alton's present I'll post it...little fabrics picture books (another Simply Quilts project).  His is the only present I can share - as he is the only who doesn't read, or check my blog...(ssshh...Lizzy's present is amazing!!!)

Isn't this drawing beautiful!  Lizzy made it years ago, it's curious how she is so drawn to drawing faces. 

Happy shopping, happy holiday baking, happy sewing - here's to getting it all done!

Santa deliveries

My secret santa gift arrived today, all the way from France.  Thank you sweet Celine, I can't wait for Christmas!

A frog collaberation

Have you ever had a dream of something coming together - something you never thought possible, but the very thought of it fills you with happiness!  One time when my son was little he begged, and pleaded for a dog.  I finally found just the right one.  He and I went on a road trip to pick up the newest member of our family.  When we got in the car, and my son was holding his little dog named Sheba, and looked at me and said "Mom, now all of my dreams have come true".  Well, my dream isn't on quite the same level as a six year old little boy, but it's definitely close. 

As I said in a previous entry, I'm honored to be working with Robert Kaufman fabrics.  Originally I thought I'd only be designing quilts to be used with their Kona Cotton Solids.  As if that weren't amazing enough, I also have the opportunity to work with the super talented Amy Schimler.  I love her work, and I think she is an incredible artist.  When Lizzy and I were at market we saw the samples of her fabric due to be released in January.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have though I'd be able to create a quilt for Amy and Robert Kaufman using her fabulous fabrics.  Well, the quilt is all designed, a pattern is in the works, and I'm just anxiously awaiting the fabric delivery. 

Check out Robert Kaufman's website, and take a peek at Amy's bio...what great additional to the quilting world!

Santa's workshop

This is our year of handmade gifts, and my things to do list doesn't seem to be shrinking.  Not only have I been making the gifts, but for the most part I've tried not to make any purchases either.  I'm using what I have on hand, things that I've been collecting for years.  Projects that I've seen, and I've always planned to make, are now getting made. 

Here's one in progress...

I've been collecting these beautiful vintage hankies for years.  There was an episode on Simply Quilts - so many of my ideas come from there - called Hanky Panky Quilts (Elizabeth, Ashlee, Melissa, and Jessica - I know).  I decide to make a small wall quilt along those lines.  I cut a 15" square of white background fabric, and proceed to chop up those beautiful handkerchiefs - cutting the first one was a killer.  Some exposed edges are trimmed in lace, and some will be tacked down.  I'll square it up, add a 2" border strips, layer it with with a back, and thin batting, sew all around (pillow style), flip inside out, close the opening, and another gift will be complete.

Hooray for handmade Christmas, and hooray for using what I have on hand, instead of buying MORE.