RobinHill Quilts

Turning on a Dime today~

2012-02-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

"Waiting for the Drop" almost complete~♥These chickens are so fun to hook~Today I must put down my hook and clear the decks for some long~arm quilting before I pick up big "E" from kindergarden. Thanks goodness for 5 year olds that stop me in my tracks and remind me to look for rocks in the shape of a donut while we walk to Kates Corner store~♥

Pattern for sale on Etsy~I am SO excited...wait till you see the next Tabby coming.....have a great weekend everyone if I get sidelined! ♥E

More bundles of woolens~♥

2012-02-14T12:25:00.001-05:00

I have put together some very pretty bundles of our wool today~I would really like to keep it all.....

Yummy plaids~

Old roses~

Brown horse~

saddle~this looks like suede its so pretty!

Bittersweet and tabby~a nice combo~

Needless to say I am still in my PJ's~time to get dressed and take a ride to the farm with Maggie for some milk and bread~♥

Hand~Dyed Wool sample~♥

2012-02-13T11:39:00.002-05:00

We have hand~dyed some beautiful wool and will be listing it today in my Etsy store~The colors are scrumptious and textured and this weeks wool lot (more to follow) will be the last of these colors~ We will be sure to give you a fuller picture of each woolen piece as I list them today~We will be listing others as we get to our dye pot!!!

"Summer at the Farm" by Joined at the Hip~for sale!

2012-02-12T11:46:00.001-05:00

This is a kit that includes all the fabric to complete the top and binding of 38x48" "Summer at the Farm" by Joined at the Hip. Instructions are in the book "Seasons to Taste" which is included in this sale in my Etsy shop!

Beautiful collection of fabrics~

My SeWiNg RoOm SaLe!!!

2012-02-11T14:04:00.002-05:00

Check out my Etsy store and don't be too shy to give me a reasonable offer!!!

I am taking some SERIOUS inventory in my sewing space and selling some magnificent quilt and wool kits as I am never going to live long enough to complete~Seriously folks~I would need 9 lives....

Aunt Luci's Cottage ( 63"x67") is a gem and near impossible to find so I kindly relinquish it in my Etsy shop to a lover of all things Blackbird Designs~

The fabrics are all Moda and stunning~they are in pristine condition in the original packaging~

This is the prettiest Ginger Cookie Company wool sampler (33.1/2"x16.1/2") I have EVER seen and offer it to you as of today, complete with the most scrumptious wool colors and threads to complete~the pattern is included~

And this "Tweetland of Liberty" kit by Pickering Farms includes pre-washed wool , tapestry needle,buttons, hanger loops and pattern~measures 19"x25" completed.

more to come!

"Waiting for the Drop"

2012-02-10T08:40:00.001-05:00

Working on a pattern called,"Waiting for the Drop" I love hooking chickens~actually these little ~~vinnettes~~ picture stories~haha, are very fun to hook! Just enough to fit in a busy week~

Emma (big E) was here yesterday to spend some fun time between end of school day and dancing school~our theme for our 50/50 was, "what people leave at the beach..." She is very intense while painting~Sometimes she draws and I fill then sometimes I draw and she fills~she is doing more drawing AND filling and I just watch.....she will say,"C'mon Nana E!" (could I fit anything more on the table? yikes..)

"We" paint then outline.......all her ideas....

Maggie waits patiently for more treats...Emma and I stop by the corner store every Thursday to buy a snack and while we are there we buy Maggie a home~made dog biscuit the owner of the shop bakes.They come in all flavors but peanut butter is her favorite~♥

"Simply Beautiful Colors" I highly recommend~♥

2012-02-06T10:56:00.002-05:00

Saturday was spent reading "Simply Beautiful Colors" by Nancy Raybould and trying out her approach (with my sister-in-law) to dying all colors of wool using JUST 5 dyes!

It was the easiest~most streamlined system not to mention cost saving~♥

This is a sampling of the wool we dyed for WinterHill Woolens~

The jars are labeled with the 5 colors..

The measuring spoons~which come with the book~ are at the ready..

Read the instructions carefully one last time...

Mix with boiling water...

Ahhhhh~liquid gold.....

and garnet...

we had a beautiful sunny afternoon for drying~

Perfect for summer strawberries~♥

You can order the book, the swatches, the dyes and the spoons in one order at www.pioneerprimitives.com

I would HIGHLY recommend this book and this system of dying for new and "seasoned" rug hookers...It takes the worry OUT and puts the fun back INto the process! I sound like a paid advertisement~but I am simply a fan!

FrAnS BeAuTy!!! ThIs QuIlT WiLl BrInG SpRiNg To HeR HoMe!

2012-02-03T10:38:00.003-05:00

This quilt of Frans was a JOY to quilt~ Look at these COLORS!!!!

And take a look at the BACK!!

So beautiful~ Fran, when you get back from California please send me a picture of this "pretty" in your bedroom~♥E

Has anyone seen the sun?

2012-01-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

I took Frans beautiful quilt off my frame this morning.......The photos will have to wait for an appropriately sunny day so you can really enjoy her lovely color choices~ And the back is just as beautiful! It was a LONG time "on the frame" but well worth it~so pretty!!!

Today is super rainy and grey so it will be a great day to load on another beautiful quilt and then hook a bit before I pick up big "E" from kindergarten~she asked me yesterday on the way to dance class if she could come over today and do" fifty-fifty" watercolors~(she paints, then I paint and we create something pretty cool together) How can I ever resist an invitation to paint with a five year old? She said."We need to go to Michaels to buy some more supplies.." I agree~never enough supplies.....

This is one of Emmas drawings from yesterday......I love her signature...♥

Wilf~one of my favorite blogs~♥

2012-01-23T14:52:00.003-05:00

The author of this blog tells a fantastic tale of a dog named Wilf who has an INCREDIBLE back~story. If you have a moment this week, please make yourself a cup of tea and go to France and spend some time with Wilf~you will be delighted each and every day with his story~♥

www.wilfanddigby.blogspot.com

February "WinterHill Woolens" Strawberry Swirl project underway~♥

2012-01-21T19:34:00.005-05:00

My sister-in-law Maureen is working on our February "WinterHill" Woolens chairpad~her best pal Murray is in charge of all the details of course.....

He is a very good friend of Maggies~she loves it when he comes by for a visit,,,,she can see that he is looking dreamily out the window thinking about her.......or is it a squirrel? She thinks he can get SO distracted sometimes.........

here she is.......waiting for a call........a text..........anything.......♥

Take a peek at "Lavender Dreams"

2012-01-20T11:37:00.006-05:00

It is still fascinating to me that I can create something to place in my Etsy store here in my comfy sewing room in Chelmsford and before you know it, it is hanging in another "prim" lovers home.... how fun is that?

If you get a moment, stop by and wish Cathy a "Happy Birthday" today and take a peek around her beautiful blog~♥ www.lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com

I love the heart garland in your bedroom Cathy ~sweet dreams......♥E

WoRkInG In My EtSy StOrE ToDaY~♥

2012-01-15T16:34:00.005-05:00

Here are some new items I have placed in my Etsy store today~ They are all hand~made by moi ♥
The link is on your right~

Of all the pillows, this one is my favorite~you can see the scorch marks left by the quilter from long ago, along with the circle imprints from her TOO hot iron...If only these quilts could talk~they would have a tale to tell...

Hope everyone had a great weekend~♥

I have some "Scoops"

2012-01-12T12:26:00.002-05:00

So today I am so very ExCiTeD to tell you all about TWO new babies coming into our family this year~♥♥
One little one will be born late April and "my" other will come the beginning of June~SO this Nana E needs to get busy making some "Scoops".

Each of my grandchildren has one scoop, two scoops, or three scoops depending on their place in the family~

I would really LOVE to offer this completed quilt design on Etsy~I just need to know how many "SCOOPS", eh? The colors are pretty primary brights and the back of the quilts are white "minkee" which is super soft and lovable....words of love and joy quilted as desired~♥

FaCe YoUr FeArS~♥

2012-01-10T10:45:00.002-05:00

One of the things I think about as the new year begins is doing something that really scares me...puts me in my uncomfortable zone.....this New York Beauty was EXACTLY that and really intimidated me when it arrived~ I walked around it, spent time with it, and finally started stitching~ we ended up as best pals.....I hope I get a chance to quilt another this year....♥

January Project for "WinterHill Woolens" This one is called, "Catch of the Day"

2012-01-08T14:08:00.005-05:00

This is the first in a series of hooked woolen chair pads that will be introduced on Etsy and in our shop in Townsend~♥

"WinterHill Woolens" will join the party along with "Robinhill Quilts" and will be the focus of our shop along with our vintage finds......

My sister-in-law and I finally consolidated our passions down to ONLY three (!) and are SUPER excited about our new year ahead. Each month we will be offering hand drawn patterns on monks cloth along witha a limited number of kits. All of our patterns will be very primitive and will use a #6 or #8 cut of wool strip~

This first cutie is called," Catch of the Day." ~How happy are these colors!? I will be happy to package up and sell the wool strips for the border for any hookers that are just starting their stash...♥

This is a super amateur video of my swirly girls......notice the camera is dropped at the end of the taping...watch out Hollywood!

2012-01-03T23:44:00.000-05:00

It looks like I fell over~Ha! I will try get better with time~I promise~♥

Occupy E's house 2012~

2012-01-02T08:35:00.003-05:00

We have a Winner!!!!

2012-01-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

And the winner is....

Please go take a peek at www.grandmapedensporch.blogspot.com and be sure to visit her Primitives store~she makes beautiful wool applique purses~♥ I will be e-mailing for an address later today ! I am SUPER excited for you Grandma Peden and will have another give~away soon! Happy New Year everyone!

200th Follower celebratory Give~Away!!!!

2011-12-26T13:25:00.001-05:00

When I first began this blog I could not believe I could ever get a follower never mind now over 200!!

As all of you who blog know~blogging friends are the best~they inspire me everyday with big things and little things and sometimes with just a moment captured in a photo~Thank you to all who share your time with me and do know that I never take you for granted~♥

This give~away is SIMPLE ~just leave a comment and I will pick a random number on New Years day~♥

I have chosen 6 red velvet strawberries with woolie caps~A handmade cotton heart~A sweet tall Annie with her vintage dress, her party shoes and ruffled ankle socks ( all made by moi....) and a Moda pack of Mary Englebreits "Recipe for Friendship".

Happy New Year my friends~♥

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends~♥

2011-12-24T12:26:00.000-05:00

Wishing EVERYONE a safe and happy holiday season~hope all your dreams come true! ♥E

Saved by Love~a proper re~post of true friends....

2011-12-21T22:17:00.005-05:00

Twenty two years ago a quilting friend gave me a gift that helped to "lift me up and over" a very hard time.

While our family was at church on Christmas Eve in 1989, little did we know that we were losing our home, our pets and everything but the clothes we were wearing to church that night, in a house fire.

My husband and I checked into a hotel that Christmas Eve with our three children, to begin the hard work of sorting out the details of our unexpected new life.

My dear friend came over with this quilt that she had just made and had hung on HER wall for the holidays. She took it down from her wall and brought it to us at the hotel.

She said she wanted our family to have a tree when we woke up Christmas morning.

I love my friend and I love this quilt and what it represents to me each time I bring it out for the holidays~ It has never hung on a wall because it is always wrapped around one of us~

As we all know, quilting is more than fabric and thread...

New threads and such.........♥

2011-12-20T11:16:00.001-05:00

I ordered some "new" thread highly recommended by Karen McTavish to try on my next quilt~she has some major claims regarding a beautiful look PLUS never EVER any tension problems when used in combination with the pre-filled bobbins~ I have never used a prefill bobbin before so I am simply excited about the prospect of never having to wind a bobbin again~can you imagine? and no tension problems~EVER~I can't stand it.....I will let you know..`♥ How pretty is her set?

I am still sneaking into my machine quilting room any chance I get....Frans beauty....IT's COMING FRAN!!!! lol!

Mags this morning after a nice romp~

Love this magazine........Wool Street Journal......

It is Santa Tuesday......lots to do....have a great day everyone~♥E

morning....♥ and a Fraser cutter for sale!

2011-12-19T08:22:00.002-05:00

This is a used Fraser cutter that is looking for a new home~♥she has a long life ahead of her as she is in excellent condition! She does NOT include a wheel my friends~new on my Etsy site today~♥E

Whenever I feel like I have a little too much on my plate that is usually when I begin a new project~why? I have no idea but it works every time....once the project has some wings to it then I can get back to all that waits for me........It is so very nice to see the sun again 'round here....♥

PrEtTy ViNtAgE OrNiEs~

2011-12-06T10:23:00.001-05:00

Here are some very pretty strawberry ornies made from an upcycled quilt from long ago....you can see the tiny hand stitches made by a patient quilter back in her day~ I topped them with some hand-dyed wool caps and will add some coffee stained lace and vintage buttons for hanging~♥

The buy of the weekend~6 pkgs of beautiful embroidery thread~$1.00 each!

Pricing and list making...

decorating....

Rigby Cutter for sale in my Etsy store!

2011-11-29T08:32:00.001-05:00

For sale~one well loved wool cutter with a #3 wheel included~I believe she has a lot of rugs ahead of her for the next fortunate rug hooker~♥ SOLD!!

Strawberry make~do with seeds~lol!

2011-11-25T16:18:00.001-05:00

I added the seeds~much better...ready for the Coop~♥ Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

WeEkEnD!!~♥

2011-11-19T18:59:00.003-05:00

A very sweet vintage block for the Coop~mat by moi~lol!

Some pristine large white linen napkins sets for sale~

Signs of course..along with some menu planning..

A shop re~do this afternoon~

Lots from Christmas past at the Coop~

all sorts of nooks and crannies~

But this is where I long to be and will be in a few minutes..~ btw great book~♥

Some new pinkeepers~A strawberry make do~♥

2011-11-16T13:08:00.002-05:00

Working out the kinks in my strawberry make~do....I am trying to decide whether to add seeds or leave it plain...hmmmm...

Some early morning shots of some new girls for my Etsy shop later today~

Maggie waiting patiently for me to finish with my early morning photo shoot~ she is looking pretty cute herself~♥ She just wants to come in....

A cake is worth a thousand words~

2011-11-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

My husband of 39 years has a thing for bakery cakes.....so much so that he sometimes will pick one up in between birthdays or any "cake-worthy" occasion. A few years ago he decided when the girl in the bakery said,"would you like something written on the cake?" instead of feeling "foolish" he would simply come up with an answer...These cakes crack me up each and every time.......

I asked him today when I opened the cake box, "Who would this apply to?" He said,"who-ever comes for a visit.." he is a funny guy.....soon to be retired...oh my....

Lunchbreak~♥

2011-11-12T12:21:00.001-05:00

I used to have lunch every day with my friend Mary when we worked together at a preschool~She was a teacher and I was one of the nurses in the program. We used to talk every week about someday working for ourselves and "could you just imagine" we could long arm in our PJ's.... at midnight.....no meetings....no memos....And our work would be blessed because it would be inspired by a community of "people like us" People who live to create...It was just a dream but we kept putting that energy out there....

And now here I am filling orders and stocking my little store and quilting at midnight......in my Pj's...

You have to work hard to "not work" in the traditional way but I am here to tell you that it is possible. Keep putting it out there~♥

Holiday Open House At the Coop the next two week~ends!!

2011-11-09T19:31:00.001-05:00

If you are a local gal don't forget to stop by over the next two weekends for the Spaulding Cooperage Holiday Open House~our little corner is packed with "goodies" with more coming...~♥

Finally back on the grid after 6 days!!

2011-11-03T21:11:00.001-04:00

Waking up October 31 after a noisy Nor'easter night,,,,,,,

My poor Jeep!!!!

Cute little grandchildren brought over some coffee and doughnuts~Isabel modeling a cowl scarf for her Nana~she would like one in pink~

Nathan laying down with Maggie~

Maggie on one of the six no power days~lol!

on another.....

Maggie wondering where the utility trucks are......

Thank goodness I do alot of handwork that requires absolutely no electricity....

Taking a peek at colors I used in the past projects while I figure out a new one~

My mailman met me at the door with this beautiful bundle of wool~he told me that the trucks were getting closer~♥

Always some new signs to be made...

My quiet kitchen space ~ making hay while the sun shines.

WeEkEnD!!~♥

2011-10-29T14:16:00.001-04:00

A boy and his dog......

The pie was delish!!

A beautiful day before the snowstorm tonite~they are predicting a FOOT!!! OF SNOW!!!!

More garland for the store~

My little people decorating Halloween cookies~

Nathan concentrating..

Cal going in for a bite....or a lick...

WoRkInG FoR A LiViNg!!!♥

2011-10-24T11:51:00.004-04:00

Over at our favorite farm.....hmmmmm which way today?

Getting ready~♥

Here is a sampling of some beautiful things I found at two estate sales over the weekend~I am always so moved by these beautiful collections that someone cherished and has now passed....it is so very bittersweet~So I think the next best possible thing is to cherish them or let someone "find" them at the Coop and give them a proper home~we can consider them rescued from their damp musty cardboard boxes back into the light~♥

How pretty will this glassware look for the holidays~filled with candy or vintage Christmas ornaments~

and these dishes....oh my....

this is "Henny Penny" getting ready to be displayed at the Coop~♥

A special cookbook~there were hundreds at the estate sale,,,,

Happy 2nd birthday Maggie!

2011-10-15T14:34:00.000-04:00

If you would love a super loving companion you must visit Jacki Padula or Judy Hickey at their websites~www.snugharborlabradoodles.com and tipoftheshorelabradoodles.com I cannot believe we have had this little girl for two years~she is the BEST!!

New heart garland for the Coop~♥

2011-10-13T10:47:00.001-04:00

Two sweet grandmunchies and a thank you~♥

2011-10-11T08:58:00.001-04:00

My oldest grand~daughter always makes the bed before she goes home and leaves her grandmother the sweetest notes~

On our way to some wonderful yard sales~then off to the Coop~they are cute with flip flops and winter boots~we were prepared for any weather...lol!

Emma getting ready for her sleepover~♥

2011-10-06T15:12:00.004-04:00

Emmas grandfather and I set up a bed right beside our bed so she can close her eyes at night with no worries~her older cousins don't mind sleeping in the loft but Emma would prefer something a little closer to me...lol! So to avoid some powerful kicks to my kidneys( when she sleeps with me...) my generous husband agreed to the above...♥ UPDATE!! So guess who slept in the little bed...and guess who was sprawled out in the middle of the queen bed (with her flashlight on)...Emma said, "I will sleep in my bed next time.....lol!

Hearts for Christmas~♥

2011-10-04T11:44:00.002-04:00

My sewing room is waiting on the sun this morning~lots of rain and clouds lately~time to put on ALL the lamps~

Here I am using up all of my scraps from those wonderful old quilts~

What color....what color.....hmmmmm...

I think I need these for my own tree~or windows~or packages...♥

Off to the Coop!

2011-10-01T11:41:00.001-04:00

Maggie waiting patiently for me to get my act together this morning..♥

Upcycled squishy pillows~

neckroll beauties~

I am using upcycled vintage sheets for the backs~they are really 'one of a kind"

This is a quote I have on my sewing room wall that I purchased from an artist in Concord at an open studio many years ago~I have met a lovely new artist at the Coop and will be sure to give her a copy for her new loft in New Hampshire~♥

so very true......

"Kindred Works" by Two Wheelers~

2011-09-21T11:51:00.000-04:00

These are "one of a kind' rescued quilt art made with my hands and hands from long ago~♥ (This poor rescue quilt was ragged and marked by a dealer with black marker!) Soon to be some pretty pillows at the Coop~♥

A little quiltin'~a little hookin'~a little Paula Deen~♥

2011-09-20T12:36:00.000-04:00

Look at this beauty from Kathleen!!! I would not even open the package until I was ready to quilt it because I KNEW it was going to be another "be still my heart" quilt!! I cannot wait to get it on my machine to begin quilting~♥

A little hooking~♥

A little Paula~♥

A comfy blanket for my grandson and some porch pics~♥

2011-09-17T18:35:00.002-04:00

My newly nine year old grandson was waiting for his "coolatta" blanket so his Nana E finally finished it 1/2 hour before his party!!! oh my.....

The weather has really cooled down here in New England but the sun is still so warm and relaxing to sit in...so I thought I should spruce up the porch for the indian summer days~♥

Quilting behind the scenes.....painting signs and first day of Hip Hop~♥

2011-09-16T17:59:00.000-04:00

Orange Sink give~away!

2011-09-14T14:03:00.001-04:00

Cathy over at www.orangesink.blogspot.com is having a terrific give-away~she has a very lovely blog as well~♥

AprilTwoEighty

2011-09-12T07:48:00.001-04:00

Take a peek at Apriltwoeighty.com if you have a moment~what a wonderful blog!!! Here are some of her beautiful photos~♥ I love her sewing space~

One...

2011-09-11T00:18:00.002-04:00

BeAuTiFuL VinTaGe PiLlOwS for sale~♥ and more signs of the season......

2011-09-08T16:06:00.001-04:00

These are the cutest little pillows made from a very vintage fragile childs quilt~I think I have managed to breathe some more wonderful life into the original artists handwork~♥ They are so unique, completely one of a kind and so very cute~

Off to the shop!!

2011-09-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

Some new signs for the Coop~♥ These are addicting like M&M's...

The calm after the storm....

2011-08-29T18:54:00.001-04:00

Irene really packed a punch here in New England but for Chelmsford it was only rough for a short time...I have never seen rain like this before...(neighbors driveway with run-off from road) We were only off the grid for one day so no complaints here..♥

Emma amd Mags

W00l for my rug~

Signs of Autumn...

Quick trip to the Coop before" Irene" comes for a visit!!

2011-08-27T12:18:00.000-04:00

Quilt designs and a new doll waiting for a name...♥

2011-08-24T08:32:00.000-04:00

PiLLoW TaLk~YaRd SaLeS~WoOl DyInG~

2011-08-22T10:40:00.001-04:00

First my yard sale finds.....beautiful patio set and vintage wicker baby bed....♥

Wool dying~♥

Pillow makin'♥

Wednesday works....

2011-08-17T15:24:00.000-04:00

Cindys signature quilt~♥

more hookin'

more sewin'

the beginning process of "new" vintage pillows......♥

Without love....

2011-08-14T12:19:00.003-04:00

Our journey.......

Watercolor of the Coop behind Annie~by brother John..

Farm Annie and her companion..

Tiny flat river rocks........painted by my bro....

Store stocked to the brim.....

Off to market!!

2011-08-13T13:22:00.000-04:00

Cindys' first quilt ready to go~her second is on the frame..♥

I am packing up some "new" treasures to bring with me to the Coop...they all look so sad! lol!

New Pinkeeper~♥

2011-08-10T10:38:00.000-04:00

All vintage fabric~this little kitten is from the super soft fabric layered inside a pretty little "fallin' apart" vintage quilt that I was saving for someday.......I left the whiskers on the top....looks like she was in my basket of w00l strips....♥

Woolery shop today~♥

2011-08-05T10:47:00.001-04:00

Choosing my flowers one at a time......

Ahhhhh....wool.....

Border flowers for my two kitty rug~

And at my machine~
I love the stitching with the cotton and the wool.......

W.I.P~♥

2011-08-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhh.....Cindys' quilts.......they are truly some of my favorites......magnificent wool with butter soft cotton...again I am taking my time and enjoying every turn of my machine~

WoRkInG FoR A LiViNg!!!♥

2011-07-26T10:28:00.000-04:00

Grand~daughter Kate working on a "special" gift...

Girls gettin' ready for the Coop.......their dresses are in a coffee bath at the moment~♥

The Coop~♥

2011-07-20T20:17:00.000-04:00

Pretty new pictures~

New wall hanging!!

New Annie~♥

Quilts old and new~♥

2011-07-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

This is a well loved quilt ready to recycle~the fabrics on the applique have been loved~away...♥

This is a Welcome wall hanging getting all fancied up to go to the Coop~I think it will need a couple of big beautiful buttons on the top to make it at the ready for hanging~

Here is a quilters dream waiting to be loaded onto my quilt machine....wonderful prim colors with a perfect mix of cotton and wool~

Our Coop~♥ Zip Trip and ghosts......

2011-07-14T10:28:00.001-04:00

A visit to the Coop to add a few items~Look for Laura Bradley (owner of the Cooperage)on ZipTrip on Fox 25 this Friday morning~she said she will be LIVE at 8:50 a.m!

ALSO a TV crew spent two overnights filming in the Cooperage looking for evidence of a haunting and a show will be airing with the results soon I will keep you posted with a date and time!~LOVE IT!!!!!

K00L~Aid strawberry wool~♥

2011-07-13T11:38:00.001-04:00

I have lots of wool in colors that need tweaking before they inspire me. I love to dye wool but had yet to try Kool Aid dying so I gave it a whirl~these are my t00 pink pinks...(before shot)

These are my cast of characters....My husband came home as the wool was simmering and he said,"What is that smell?" oh my.......sweet berry boiling wool......lol!

waiting patiently for the wool to dry....(the antique crib is coming to the Cooperage with me..)

(After shot)These are my strawberry colors...WHOO~HOO!

Happily learning lessons~♥

2011-07-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

This is Shirleys beautiful black and white quilt~we decided to use white black and red thread to accent her quilt and to keep the integrity of her piecing~that made complete sense to me in the abstract~now for the design...hmmmmm. I chose to simply use a grid on the black, highlight the black triangles with a motif and swirl feathers in the white....oh my...

What I realized as I began was this pretty print actually soaked in the thread and made it disappear...I mean "Where's Waldo" disappear!!! I had no idea where I had quilted and no idea where I was headed! Has this ever happened to you? Well LOOOOONG story short I FELT my way along as I quilted reading my quilt like a book in braille...I am serious!!!

And the lesson I was learning was that some prints are to be enjoyed more than the threadwork and I will remember to play second fiddle with my thread if I come across a statement color quilt in my future..

If I place Shirleys quilt in the sun at high noon you can appreciate my design ~lol! (It helps too if you have on some reading glasses...ha! )

"NeW PiLLOwS!

2011-07-09T07:52:00.002-04:00

These little ladys are coming with me to the store this afternoon~they are really priceless to me as I can see the original shirtings fabric and the faded red to pink fabrics~On the "I love you "pillow you can see where an iron has left a print from someone long ago~and every once in a while I can see a spot that has been mended....♥ I am trying to be a good steward of these beautiful old quilts and will use up every tiny bit...♥

Tea stained and ready to frame....

Up~cYcLinG ViNtaGe QuIlTs~♥

2011-07-06T13:08:00.001-04:00

My sister~in~law ( the other half of the Two-Wheelers) found two very worn out and beautiful quilts last week which were waiting for a second life......the tiny hand stitches tell me wonderful stories as I work them into some restorative pillows with a touch of lavender from a lovely farm in France....♥

Look for these lovelies and more at the Cooperage this weekend~Laura (owner of Coop) is having the farmers market celebration this weekend starting on Friday!

Handmade Goods and Vintage Finds~store open!!!

2011-07-02T18:37:00.001-04:00

My sister-in-law and I spent a beautiful summer day working from the trunks of our cars putting our little space together today~Kate my grand~daughter came along to help us~nothing like 9 year old legs! She earned her keep today for sure! Thanks to all my friends and family who stopped by to wish us well today~♥

A VERY big thank you to Devon who was running the shop today and was so kind to share her pizza with Kate and make all of us feel right at home!♥

WIP Wednesday

2011-06-29T13:52:00.000-04:00

Finishing some summer signs~♥

Finishing Shirleys' quilt!

Making some Prayer Flags for my little store...♥

Some very wonderful silk ribbon for my flags...

Prayer Flags for the kitchen....

The in between time~

2011-06-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

Busy time getting ready to stock the shop this weekend with "goodies"!! I will be sure to post some pics..:) In the meantime in between all the hustle and bustle I have finally completed my "Laura Ashley" inspired blanket for my bed~ of course I will do a complete dust-up in my room before I bring this little treasure onto the bed...it will be my reward~I still need to reward myself...oh my....I am working on a very pretty black red and white quilt soon to be delivered....♥

Maggies' new summer do.....♥

2011-06-14T15:18:00.001-04:00

Maggie got a fluff 'n buff today to get herself ready for the summer....I asked the groomer to leave a "little

personality" lol!

Creative thinking.....and thinking,,,,

2011-06-12T11:54:00.000-04:00

I have been reading Iyanla van Zants book called Peace From Broken Pieces and she is educating me about the process of fully owning your blessings and opening up yourself to be able to receive what may come...this is such a common denominator for any one who puts themselves "out there" and draws a spotlight to their work whatever that may be~ It is a really good book....I need alot of practice in that area! So while I quilt or draw or paint or sew or watch little munchkins I am thinking of what Iyanla is teaching me.....lessons learned from her own experience.....that's what we do best~share our struggles to help one another. ♥

Three year anniversary and a give~away!!!

2011-06-11T08:41:00.000-04:00

If you would like to add just ONE more beautiful blog to your list it MUST be this one!!! If you are cooking for a crowd or just yourself you will get lost in the recipes and gorgeous photos these woman post every day! Take a peek at their blog ~ http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.blogspot.com/ and become inspired!!!♥
This is their post this morning~

Ten Girls. .

Three Years. . .

One thousand four hundred and thirty posts ..

Two and a half Million ..plus ..Visitors . . .

One Cookbook . . .

Lots of encouragement . .

Many blessings . .

Lots of fun with our Facebook fans.

Is ThErE a PrObLeM?

2011-06-04T07:58:00.000-04:00

L0ve me some signs......♥

2011-06-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

It is TIME for me to wash up and go into my quilting room...A quilter should NOT be a painter....♥

"Wordless" Wednesday ♥

2011-06-01T08:36:00.000-04:00

My little mascot Annie~♥

2011-05-25T22:52:00.002-04:00

This is Annie Feder who I happened to discover in my vintage photo travels....I am inspired by this little girl who has made a choice to be creative in the space she has been given.....

I'm certain she would love to come along with me to my new creative space in Townsend....

You will see her little image on the back of the "Two Wheelers" tags that are dangling from anything hand~made by me..... a little Annie to inspire all of us ...♥

My artistic family will all have their own "mascot" to identify their artwork~I am anxious to see what they find....I will be sure to post each one~

My tags..♥

Wordless Wednesday~♥ Lunch with a wonderful friend~

2011-05-25T15:20:00.000-04:00

Hands to Work~Hearts to God~♥ Two~Wheelers

2011-05-24T12:38:00.000-04:00

My Swedish sister and I have had quite a few inspirational business "meetings" getting ready for our mini store in Townsend~ One of our biggest issues is reeling ourselves in and having an organized plan which I think we have finally done........I think....lol!

I am designing some new w00l hooked chair seat rounds~they are very cute and again I have to reel myself in to complete one task before beginning another....

We will have a combination of old and new but all with a vintage cozy feel....♥

busy...busy...busy....o my....

Two GoRgEoUs baby quilts for Jane~♥

2011-05-18T11:34:00.001-04:00

These are the two of the cutest quilts for two lucky grandbabies~ I was really stumped for a design for the second quilt~I have no idea why~Has that ever happened to you? It was like a writers block~I looked at the quilt for about a week (!) before I put any thread onto it. Alas, all is well and the design came out and onto Janes' beautiful quilt! ♥

Working my way to this spot by sunset~

2011-05-13T14:39:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite spot spring, summer and fall for breakfast...I would love to linger but I have lots to do today with quilts and groceries and cleaning~each time I go in and out of the house this space calls my name.....I will make time after supper for sure...♥

Dream it~do it.....♥

2011-05-09T00:05:00.005-04:00

Spaulding Cooperage~our new home away from home...♥

I have many many irons in the fire and will be sorting some thru as the next few weeks fly by~ You know when you reach a point in your life when you challenge yourself to take that first step...thats where I am today ~turning the corner quickly as my sister-in-law and I prepare to open a new business venture that will offer our entire talented family an opportunity to showcase their favorite things!

My cup truly runneth over but I will be turning the faucet down a bit to get it all lined up. Pictures will follow as soon as the "store " is ready!!! We are over the moon...

I have quilts to button up and some new projects to complete and some purging to do with some of my favorite things....it is time!

So inspired by todays swap! Thank you Kathleen!!

2011-05-02T13:27:00.002-04:00

I am very happily in my sewing space this afternoon quilting again after a busy, busy weekend with my grandies...they are getting way too big too fast...such different personalities~such interesting little people! My house was rocking back and forth I swear at one point as they thundered up and down the stairs~it was such a treat to have the house FULL of kids from stem to stern....♥

On my design wall~♥

I met Kathleen today to bring her a finished quilt (the beautiful pomagranate applique) and we had a fabulous swap!! She gave me a treasure of Kaffe Fassett fabric remnants and along with some other brights AND a the pattern for the Kaffe Flower Pot quilt!!!! The fabrics are beautiful and really inspire me to begin my "Dear Jane".

The deal is still on~will quilt for Kaffe remnants!!

Remnants!!!!!

Flower pot pattern!

more remnants...♥

One baby quilt done~back to my machine for Janes' next little quilt!

Congratulations to Kate and William!!!

2011-04-29T07:49:00.003-04:00

What a way to start the day watching a royal wedding!!!!! In my bed. under my quilts with a hot cup of coffee~no fancy hats here just a gal an ocean away watching a fairy tale...♥ How beautiful is Katherine? I, of course, am thinking of Diana this morning and how proud she would be of her two sons.

When Kates' Dad gave her away at the altar he was really "giving her away..." ♥

Finishing Janes' Quilts~♥

2011-04-27T11:01:00.001-04:00

I love her fabrics and I really love quilting white on white....

This little chick is wondering what designs I have in store for her....♥

This moment....♥

2011-04-26T08:15:00.001-04:00

A weekly ritual- no words - capturing a moment from the week - A simple special extraordinary moment~ a moment I want to pause and remember.♥

Signs of Spring at my favorite farmstand ~ ♥

2011-04-24T16:49:00.000-04:00

Kathleens' Beauty!!!!

2011-04-21T07:08:00.000-04:00

Kathleens' quilt is all ready!! How beautiful is this pomegranate pattern? I was able to incorporate the design in the border as a quilting pattern it was so pretty~so RICH!!!!

Wordless Wednesday....Maggie waiting for her PrInCe ChArMiNg in her favorite spot~♥

2011-04-20T08:37:00.003-04:00

MQXausted!! and Inspired!

2011-04-18T10:16:00.005-04:00

Back again from MQX East and once again the floppy disc in my head is completely FULL~ Now to let all this new info simmer and see what will rise to the top......Imagine spending your days surrounded by quilting artists who are there to share ideas and shortcuts and secrets......lovely!!

Here are some snippets of things I learned this week in class...

*Bindings are important on a show quilt....judges like 1/4 " on front and back so cut your bindings 2 and 1/4 " instead of 2 and 1/2".

*Close your miters on your binding by hand .

*Quilting confidence never comes~

*Judges decline or accept your quilt in a show in a 3 minute review!

*Dear Jane quilts are so 5 years ago...this completely cracked me up as I am just starting mine....lol!

*Go Green is a great stain removal for quilts.

*Judges like floral quilted patterns best.

*Quilters dream poly~Select~is the best batting for show quilts as it does not remember fold lines~

*Always use U.S. Postal service when you ship quilts.

*Stippling and micro-stippling are out~ ( I love to stipple...big and small,,)

*Tiny circles and Tiny loops are in...

* and on and on...........♥

As Karen McTavish (above) said in class " We quilt to keep our worry hands busy and we quilt to cover our families in love~to somehow protect them..." kmtavish@designerquilts.com

I was sitting at the kitchen table talking to my husband when I returned and this is the paper that was in front of me as I was talking about my week....if you look closely it has a little diagram of a walk and a patio that we had been discussing prior.......as you can see my mind was back in the classroom~lol!

Oh and of course I bought some new thread....to go along with all my new ideas~ :) Like a box of candy!

Getting ready for MQX East!!!! ( Machine Quilters Expo!)

2011-04-08T13:09:00.002-04:00

Lots left to do on my list before I leave for MQX in Providence next week~ I am prepping some handwork to bring along for the little in between moments...♥ I am actually prepping them in my "in between " moments! Lol!

Let's see~ I want to finish and deliver 3 quilts ♥♥♥

I want to mail out two little gifts for two lovely bloggers who mailed me some Kaffe remnants last week!!! Thank you and the deal still remains ~I will quilt for Kaffe remnants! (e-mail me at robinhillquilts@hotmail.com)

I really want to figure out my new Kindle so I can take it with me....(thank you kids for such a wonderful present...now come back and help me to figure it out...lol!)

A little shopping and a little packing and then I am off to R.I. to network with my quilting friends and hopefully find some of my "virtual" blogging friends!

My new Cosmos threads~wh00p! wh00p!

My new sewing mascot from my grand~daughter Isabel~♥

This moment....♥

2011-04-02T07:50:00.000-04:00

A weekly ritual- no words - capturing a moment from the week - A simple special extraordinary moment~ a moment I want to pause and remember.

( idea originated with http://www.soulemama.com/)

In BeTwEeN AnD ALL aRoUnD mY DoWn TiMe~♥

2011-03-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

Here I go again......I am amazed I have been married to one man for so many years considering how easily I give my heart away~ lol!

I found this pattern called "Tea in the Garden" and I haven't been quite right since....the pattern suggests Cosmo thread for the embroidery work so I ordered a collection from http://www.bunnyhilldesigns.com/ .

The pattern is from http://www.rabbitshaven.com/

By the way "Thank You Mom" for my birthday present! ♥ As you can see I have quickly spent the "cash~ola"

At my desk today with Kathleens' beauty!

2011-03-25T10:59:00.000-04:00

Here I am again living vicariously thru another super quilters applique! Kathleens' stitching around these beautiful leaves and her smooth curves amaze me! ~ it is such a treat to quilt this beauty!

The fabric choice Kathleen made for her quilt border and the way she pieced it will enable me to follow the beautiful leaf pattern as a quilted design.....I'll be sure to post some pics! ♥

as my Dad would say," burning the midnight oil...."

Will quilt for Kaffe scraps!! ♥ I am serious!

2011-03-23T10:52:00.002-04:00

I again have NO business looking and wishing and figuring out how I can add another project to the pile I already have but once again I have been inspired by a blogging friend http://www.greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/ who featured a finished Kaffe Fassett Dear Jane on her blog~ It is to die for......the quilting on the Dear Jane is amazing so please take a peek.....♥ Today she is having a give~away!!!!
This is her beautiful quilt........

My 5" basket blocks in Kaffe.....

Maggie is asking "What are we planning now?"

When my dear Fran stopped by this week to pick up her "ruby" and her "twin" quilts she generously gave me a starter Kaffe Fassett scrap pile that is scrumptious~

So here's my offer~I have a Dear Jane ( now in Kaffee) on my bucket list and am on the hunt for more Kaffee scraps~ I will actually love to trade custom quilting for anyone in blogland who is a Kaffe fan and who would trade scraps for stitches!!!! Would anyone be interested? Please leave me your info and we will talk....the more trades the better!!!

Interesting process of pricing a" Masterpiece"~

2011-03-21T16:17:00.001-04:00

Skips' beauty ( a Susan McCord design) was recently appraised while in California at a quilt show~ She sent me a copy of the appraisal so I could peek at the comments on the quilting~It is an interesting (and"sqirmy") feeling to read a critics words~Thoughtfully my quilters never let me know beforehand about this stuff and I am forever grateful to them...Tell me please after the show that you were even THINKIN' of putting your quilt in a show.....then I can still enjoy my threadart~♥

Quilt appraised at $2300.00~

Frans' ruby red~♥

2011-03-19T10:51:00.001-04:00

Kaffe Fassett fabrics~yum........for her grand~daughter in California~♥

Back at my desk...WHOOP!!! WHOOP!!!

2011-03-15T17:30:00.001-04:00

For any LONG~ARMERS out in blogland I have a few tips for you that I learned the hard way this week.....

First of all, it is a MUST that the our machines are serviced more often than we might like~it is s0 hard to let the machine out of our studio for any length if time but in the long run it is, as Martha would say, "a good thing~"

Secondly, if you live in New England you must become acquainted with Cathy Racine at her Sewing Sanctuary in Charlton, Ma. She offers everything a quilter could ever imagine including fabric, classes, notions, books, state of the art sewing machines, long~arm machines, gently used sewing machines and she repairs EVERYTHING!!!

Plus, she has the most wonderful classes with the most scrumptious food~she share recipes on her website along with so much more......♥

Here are a few photos from her site~ http://www.charltonsewingcenter.com/ ( you will notice a magnificent church organ which was a part of the original church and is on the second floor of the shop~Cathy also happens to know how to play the organ BEAUTIFULLY and will give you a little concert if you have a second...amazing!!)

And finally if you have a stitch regulated long~arm machine and you are not able to stitch from left to right properly take a peek at the stitch regulator wheel that runs from left to right and be sure it is ALWAYS touching the rail and turning as you sew.......all fixed!!! I am back at my desk!

Sweet Temptations~

2011-03-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

A trip to the farm over the week~end and you guessed it ~buttons in bottles!!! They literally JUMPED into my pocket........Now I have a few buttons at home but how can I leave this little collection~less than $5 a jar.......cheap thrills!!!!

By thw way my machine will still not quilt from side to side.....hmmmmmm.......I will have to make some calls~wish me luck!