Wicked Witchy Poo!!

Check out my Wicked Witchy!  Isn't she just adorable, er wicked?  She was a fun one to make.  Just ask me where I'll be using her for decoration.  Umm, right here beside me!  Thats where!

She's a pattern by Snugglebug Blessings.  Don't you just love the pumpkin on the end of her tail?  LOL  A great pattern.

Wow has the weather started changing where you are?  Its been really (brrrr) cold at night.  It was perfect went I went to work this morning and back again to the 80's when I got off work.  Typical of Southern Illinois.  I've heard people comment on the fact they need to run their heaters in the car on the way to work and their air conditioners on the way home from work.  Freaky!

Back to working on my quilts.  Yes, you heard me right, I work on at least 2 at a time and now I'm working on 3.  *sigh*  I do the same thing when I read books. 

Bye for now!  Big Hugs!

Autumn Angel

Autumn Angel

Before I say anything else, I wanted to thank each and everyone of you who bought my handmade goodies.  I was  overwhelmed  by the response I got.  LOL!  My oh my. 

I'm sorry to those of you who'd like to order, but I take so much time with my creations, I don't think it would be enjoyable to me if I made bunches of them.  If you email me, I can put you on the list to be the first to know when I'll be putting something up for sale.  Again, thanks so much!  It feels so good to know you appreciate my skill and enjoy my items so much that you want to buy them.  Big Hugs!!

Now, I wanted to show off my dolly I made.  She is perfectly grungy and sweet at the same time!  She's made from a Bird in the Hand Primitives pattern. 
I just love this time of year.  Autumn has so many possibilities!

Right now I'm making a list; have to have a list!  I need some fabric and supplies from Joanne Fabrics.  It is murder if I don't have a plan when I go.  I'm very easily distracted and end up spending tons of money, but coming home with very little of what I went shopping for.  Ugh!  As it's an hour or more drive, it can get frustrating!  Not to mention expensive!

A door quilt is my next project.  I received so many compliments on my door quilt celebrating 4th of July/ Freedom that I want one for Fall, too!

Bye for now!

Come into my Parlor...

Black Widow Spider

 

"Come into my parlor ..." said the spider to the fly.  Cue scary music.  This spider was so fun to make.  Thanks goes to Brenda Sanker/The Vintage Polka Dot for making this pattern available.  Its a keeper.  Thanks also goes to my wonderful DH for making the base and stand.  He also is my craft critic.  I made 2 and they are 13 inches and 16 inches respectively, from base to signage.

                         The Batty Boys

These vampire bats are grungied to the extreme and quite scary with their fangs.  They are a Chestnut Junction pattern.  I made 3 of these.  Despite how they look, they smell good, too!  *snicker*

Hallows Eve Scarecrow

 

My scarecrows are so spooky!  OoooOoo!!  Made of grunged burlap and sticks from the yard Mr. Scary is on the J.O.B.!  He's been stuffed with moss, decorated with Sweet Annie and has some friendly crows keeping him company!  He has a Jack O'Lantern head made of muslin, painted, sanded and stained with features stitched out of floss.  His sign is made of muslin, also stitched with floss, and reads, "Hallows Eve".  Even though he's grungied and dirty looking, he smells of cinnamon.  Made from a pattern by Dee Duncan.

Anyone interested in purchasing any goodies from me, please e-mail me at fbigirlie@yahoo.com for details.  I'm in the process of choosing an Artisan Directory to join, so stay tuned.

Mary Jo a/k/a Mary Mary Quite Contrary

Oh Yeah! Thanks Carla!

Did ya notice that my header is fixed now?  Thanks Carla for giving  me a bit of encouragement.  It was touch and go for a bit as I deleted my background LOL!!  But, I think I have it sorted now.  Whew!

I've been so super busy making orders.  I've made scarecrows and more owls and bats, Oh MY!  I also made some clothing for a Baby Doll named Candi.  She needed some duds and Amber, her mama, had some tea parties long overdue.  So, I made her a few things.  I had a photo shoot.  My dh did the honours.  And we got a couple good ones I'd like to show off. 

So, without further ado, I leave you with the Candi photoshoot!! ta DA!

Retro War Era Dress done in calico with blue rick rack trim.

I made cap sleeves for easy dressing.

Posing *grin*

Matching Bloomers!

Pinafore in purple with daisies and trimmed in lace.

Action shot of Candi playing with Rabbit!

a

 Candi hugs Rabbit, showing off her lace-ruffled panties.

Short outfit

Pose, pose!

Pink Swiss dotted fabric nightgown.

Close-up of bodice

Close-up of the hemline on the nightgown.

Nightgown

Ack! What happened to my banner? Help

Something has went awry!

Ok, this is embarrassing to the extreme!  I can't get my banner to spread out.  Hmmm!  Now that sounds weird.  But I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about, right?  I finally get the thing edited, and now I can't get it to fix right. Hmm!  If anyone has a solution, please let me know, OK?  LOL

I'm going batty making bats right now.  And scarecrows and spiders and pumpkins and witches (breathe, breathe) and harvest dolls.  As soon as I get something picture ready, I'll give ya a peek!

Now, back to the sewing table!

Owl Fun!

Here is my HooooooT owl!  I'm sorry its taken me so long to show him off!  I had so many owl orders I was hooting myself!
This one is mine to keep!  He is a pattern by Kristine Hudson of Kitsch N Sink Studio.  You must check out her blog!  She is an amazing artist.  Now, I'm zipping it, so I don't ruin the surprise of what you will find on her blog!  Just go there and be wowed! 
Bobble Screech Owl, a pattern you can find here in the Rusty Tin Roof online magazine.  Go to the back issues and download the Fall 2008 issue so you can get her pattern!  Its a wonderful project.  Thanks Kristine! 
I so love the Rusty Tin Roof!  They have a blog now, too!  You get so much information and freebies and links to great people, too!
And here she is... Ta Da!  My first witch for this year!

Flying!!

Americana Witch!  Pattern by Donna Veal of Moonchilds Primitives.  I loved making her!  Stay tuned to see what else I'll come up with!!

Happy Creating!

Who Let the Owls Out??

I was going to make a big Uncle Sam and a big Lady Liberty.  I was, really.  I mean it! haha

Then, Callie, you Baaad girl!  Just had to have a trio of owls for a gift.  So, I've been making owls!  Owls are not Americana, you say?  Well, they aren't supposed to be.  I guess I could make them Americana owls, but that isn't what she wanted, was it?  LOL  Sorry, girlfriend, I'm just kidding.  I'll make whatever you want me to make! 

Just wanted to let everyone who has made comments on and off my blog, thanks so much for all your kind words and words of encouragement, its very much appreciated!

Looks like I might be going straight into fall, Ya'all!  Where did I put all those patterns? hmm!

And if you ever need something, my email is fbigirlie@yahoo.com.  I check it all the time!

Big Hugs!

Americana Door Quilt

I have my door quilt done and hanging.  Doesn't it look great?

You can really see it from the street.  I hope it doesn't cause any wrecks!!  I've seen some people driving by with their heads turned looking!  LOL

The pattern is from This-n-that fabrics.

Very easy to do.  They have bunches of patterns.

 

Here is my rabbit that is usually on my door.  It's a pattern from Tennessee Ridge Primitives.  He is hanging inside this year.  He still smells so good!  I love the heavy grunging she does for her creations!  They retain that great smell!

Last but not least, my 4th of July goodies from last year!  Oh, I love these little Sammy ornies!  They are adorable!  They are from a Crows Roost Prims pattern.  She has a give-away going  on now until June 29th so hop over there and join up!  Her patterns are super easy and well worth it and she sells them so reasonably.

So, this is what I have so far!  I want to make a full size Uncle Sam and a Lady Liberty.  Cheer me on!  Go Mary Go! LOL 

Well, I'm off to browse all the blogs I follow!  See ya soon!

Big Hugs,

Mary Jo

Americana Handmades: I'm on the LoOkOut!!

On the LoOkOut!  Where are those Patriotic Goodies?!

Its so fun this time of year.  Everywhere you look these wonderfully creative folks have their Americana goods displayed.  On their front doors, their yards, blogs, sites and sellers sites.  Love'n all those wonderful goodies!!  Wooo Hooo!

Every year I make some myself, if you'll recall.  They are always posted on my blog.  I get so enthusiastic making them for others, too.  Just a couple days ago, I had someone talking about the cute stuff I make.  1 lady, you know who you are! Keeps them displayed in her house year round!

Right now, I'm working on a quilt for the door in Americana theme.  I have some quilting left to do, then I'll bind it and post it here.  Its going on my door!  The pattern is from This-n-That Fabrics online shop.  They have some wonderful free patterns for quilts and things. 

The only problem I have this time of year, is what to make! LOL  I get overwhelmed and can't decide, so I say I'll make them all, and as anyone knows, its not that easy!  LOL  I still have to breathe, eat, sleep, work, etc.  I should maybe just close my eyes and pick.  Or possibly write them all out on bits of paper, mix them up in a bowl and choose that way! 

How does everyone else choose what to make and which pattern to use?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hugs!

Summer Candle Mat

Summer Picnic Candle Mat

What doesn't this candle mat have?  Watermelon, crows and stars!  Oh I love me some watermelon! Mmmm!  It has to be ice cold from the fridge!  It's the best that way!  And if it isn't running down your chin, you are doing something wrong! LOL

I've had this pattern for a while now, and it was fun to make!  You can find this pattern at  Bird Brain Designs.  Their patterns are wonderful.  They have a huge freebie area.  I've purchased some very nice felted wool from them, too.  Check them out.  I have a subscription to their Newsletter so I know when they have new stuff and sales, etc.

Now, I'm on to making more summer things for the house!  Catch ya later!

Hugs,

Mary Jo

P.S.  Does anyone else have this problem?  I can't get my margins to go to the left!  Anyone got a suggestion?

Wanna see my Quilted Tablecloth?

Hi all!!  I finally got this table cloth done a couple of days ago and WoW am I 1 happy gal!!  It had been haunting me everytime I came across it in the drawer all folded up in a nice neat bundle.  I was afraid to disturb it as if it was sleeping!  Its my own creation.  I have a great respect for all the gals out there who design quilts and whatnot; they are so talented.  I'm not sure how they do it!  I was frustrated with myself for not having the measurements just right.  Of course, at the time I liked to blame the fabric.  hehe!  I gave myself a stern talking to about accepting blame, then.

Here is a close up of the rooster in the middle.  Its not perfect, but I wanted it to look natural and gathered in places, but not frilly.  Let me know what you think about it, please.  I haven't even shown it off yet and I already have requests.

I'm going to make a couple of things for myself, then finish another UFO of mine.  Its some large basket blocks I'm going to make into a tablerunner.  Thanks goes to Audrey for her advise on that.  And, yes, Heather, you were right.  It has taken me longer than I'd expected to get around to that particular project!  LOL

I'll be back soon to show you some more goodies I'm working on!  Until then, Bye!

Mary Jo

FYI 10 Strip Wonder Bag

Info on the purses I made!

Just so everyone who has been asking me knows, I'll post the name of the pattern I used to make this totebag.  Its called the 10 Strip Wonder Bag.  The designer is Suzanne Sievers' Designs.  Just do a Google search and it will come up for sale in many different shops.  You can make it in 2 different sizes and use either purchased handles or make the fabric handles in the pattern.  And Yes, there is a button hole to make as a button is used for the flap.  Easy peasy, as easy as can be.

Here's a pic of the lining for the curious! hehe  My mil loves brown, earth tones.  For a bit of fun I used the "Crazy and Hearts and Stars" fabric.

Thanks to everyone who asked all the questions!  I love answering!  Be sure to comment here on the blog, too, as I'm sure there are those who'd love to see the answers here, too.  Thanks so much for everyone's interest and its glad to be back and know I have so many great friends!!!  You are blessings!!

HUGS!

Mary Jo

Yeah! And now on to the Show!!

 Hello Everyone!!

As you have noticed, for the past, billion months, I've not been blogging!  At least, I hope you've noticed!  My computer conked out and the replacement was a hand-me-down from my oldest son while he was in college.  Actually, come to think of it, the one that conked out was also a hand-me-down from his Freshman year in college.  It was a setup that my husband had built for him.  He is a bit rough on computers, and had originally wanted a laptop, but DH did a desktop.  After we'd switched out computers a couple times, by this time still in his Freshman year at McKendree (Lebanon), we still hadn't given in to the laptop.  After my son had a very successful modeling gig completed, he bought his own laptop.  That's what I use now.  I struggled with it without success, and never got it where I was able to blog using it.  I hated using another computer in the house, though.  I did browse blogs and comment, but didn't post to my own blog.  

But, I'm baaaaack!! 

Son #2 had pity on me today and fixed my laptop.  Here's how it went.

S#2:  So, ma why are you using the computer in here (family room)?

Me:  You know its because my laptop won't work right and I can't post to my blog.  Why?

S#2:  Its kinda inconvenient, right?  I mean I'm trying to watch (blah, blah).  I could fix it real quick then you wouldn't have to be in here, right?

Me:  Oh, right like you would!  I've asked a trillion times.  But, if you did it'd be great.

S#2:  Okay, its fixed.

Me:  Nuh, uhh!

S#2:  Okay, so I'll post on your blog and include a pic to show you.  Testing testing.

Me:  No way, it can't be fixed so fast!!!  Its a fluke!

S#2:  Ohhh Kay!  I'll post another one just to be sure.  Testing testing testing.  There!  Its fixed!!

Me:  You mean to tell me, $@&!?!  (bleep, bleep)!!!  waited all this *&^%?@@ (bleep, bleeeeep!) time?!!!

S#2:  *chuckle*  Gosh ma!!  All you had to do was ask!  Geesh!

So, just to show you, my 2 sons are quite different.  #1 breaks things, #2 fixes things, but still, they both love getting their old ma's dander up!! LMAO

 Here is the purse I recently made for 1 of my older sister's Birthday!  It's made from the pattern 10 Strip Wonder Tote.  It's an incredibly easy pattern and if you've never made one, you should, really.  Using a jelly roll or bali pop, you can make 4 purses.  What a deal!  The only problem I had was when I showed it at work and everyone wanted to buy one.  They kept asking, "so how much will it cost you to make me one?"  I kept telling them I'd have to get back with them.  Luckily I've kept everyone at bay so far...

After this first bag I decided to make my mil 1 for Mother's Day and I love, love how it turned out.  This time I used bamboo handles and an antique button I have saved for a special project.

 I was quite sneaky and tricked her into picking out her own fabric.  The best buffalo job I've done in a while, because, bless her heart, she never suspects any trickery!  It was, of course, necessary, because I always want to make her "just the right thing" for any occasion.

Just look at that gorgeous antique button!  Its a big one and perfect for this bag.  Now, I've got to make myself one.  Do you ever do that?  Make something for everyone to give away, but never make one for yourself?  LOL  I started a lining for a little totebag that my #2 son gave me.  Its a little canvas Hilton Head tote and I love carrying it, but would feel better if it had a lining, So, the fabric is all cut, the zipper is ready, and its gathering dust on the shelf.  Boo hooo I'm not very nice to myself!

Laff a lil each day, I'm not a doctor, but its my script for you!
Mary Jo

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