Hawk

While looking at other birds on the memory card I spotted this one. I photographed this hawk in October, in my neighbors huge tree.

I heard it calling and had never heard it before which is what alerted me to grab the camera. It had a call that seemed very "small" to me, in comparison to its' size.

I think it is either a Sharp-shinned or a Cooper's hawk. What do you think?

Mystery bird

On Sunday morning after we poured some corn-chip crumbs below the bird feeder, we spotted a flock of these birds.

These shots were taken through the window so some of the details are lacking but in this shot you can see the white spots on the chest and abdomen.

Here you can see one compared to a dove, and with the sun showing the colors of the feathers.
Anyone know what these birds might be?

Hibiscus "painting"

One of many hibiscus flowers I photographed in California. 

Again I've experimented in photoshop to make it look like a painting instead of a photo.

I'm not dreaming of warmer weather or anything... :)

Happy New Year Everyone

Merry Christmas!

Bella's Bells!

And here is Bella. Our newest family member.

She is modeling a jingle-bell, Christmas ruff I made her.
She wore it when she went to visit Santa but the silly girl closed her eyes for pictures! :)

Paula Give~a~way

Isn't she cute! I bet you'd like to know what to do for your chances to win her. Just click on this link from Wish You Were Here Mom's blog and Janice will give you all the details.

Bella's Stocking

We needed a stocking for our new family member and I decided to make one this time.

I experimented with all the leafy fancy stitches on one of my machines and just randomly sewed. The fabric is backed by batting and muslin so it does have a nice quilted look and feel. I used the star stitch on the cuff as it looked sort of snow-flakey to me :)  I think Bella will like it!

St. Nicholas Give~a~way

Cheryl at Bingle Bears is giving away her cute little mouse, Benvolio, and the teddy mug.

For details on how you can enter for your chance to win, please visit her blog post.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Holly Quilt

This is my second quilt, a memory quilt of Holly. Just like Zeke's quilt, I machine quilted everything. This was the first time I used a walking foot though, and it does make stitching all those layers easier.

I also outline stitched the images in the photos so they "pop." I used green thread in the bobbin to match the quilt backing and different colors on the spool to match whatever I was quilting on the top. This quilt also has mock binding.

I was planning to experiment with the quilting foot and possibly outline some of the cherry blossoms but I made so many mistakes and ripped out so many stitches I did not like, I figured I would save that for next time! Maybe something smaller, so if I don't like it, it doesn't take so long to rip out and redo :)
I'm happy with the end result though. This quilt has turned into a lovely wall hanging.

Dusty Give~a~Way

Isn't this little bear a sweetie!?

Dusty can be yours if you are lucky enough.  Please go here for more details...

Sleepy Pillow

I made this pillow as a gift.

And it goes quite well with my "first quilt" seen here.
Made to celebrate 2 very special birthdays that fall less than a week apart...

Happy Halloween!

Fleece blankets

I love making these blankets. For 3 winters in a row I have made them for us and given them as gifts at Christmas.

A print on one side, a solid on the other and zig~zag stitch around.  Don't forget to leave a 6-7" opening for turning, then close your opening. People also like the "no-sew" or "tie-blankets" where 4-6" inch long strip are cut all around the perimeter and tied together so that no needle and thread or sewing machine is needed!

Here I've shown just 2 of the blankets I've made. The red one for our dog, (if you don't make them their own they might steal yours!) and the animal kingdom one for me. Hubby has one with a fishing bear. (not shown as it was in use at the time). So everyone here will be warm for the coming winter :)