Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Oh dear!  I am NOT so good at this blogging thing.  Now, I will attempt this... AGAIN! (Saving stuff along the way this time... slow learner here)  I HOPE I've followed the "RULES/guidelines". 
Ok, so first I would like to thank Mdm Samm for introducing me to blogs, Jill, from Jillily Studios, for her pattern, and Pauline for her organizational skills. THANK-YOU.   I am putting this up a little early, due to the time difference here in Tucson.  I am not comfortable trying to post from a different time zone.  (knuckle head)

Here is a picture of my pillow.

Oh, it is so CUTE!  and, it looks very much like the pattern.  But, after seeing so many cute versions, I thought I'd try some varitey too. 
some buttons for interest....

 

So, after completion, I commented to my son that I had made the "unabridged version, seven houses with ornate beaded gables".  Then, I had a brilliant thought (light bulb flashes ON), Oh, it will be a shout-out to Mr. Hawthorne,  "I will  name it: Seven Houses with Gables".   "ummm-hummm", my son replied, "nice".  But after looking at it, he said "but... where are the bulls?"  "bulls, what bulls?" I replied.  "The gay bulls".  After two seconds of considering if I should actually add some happy bulls to the scene, I decided I'd call it "Excuse me, do you happen to know the way to the old Applebee barn?"  Yup, there is an apple with bees on that last wooden house!  (And, YES, I'd benefit from more photo lessons from Mdm Samm) 
Oooo, yes, those stars GLOW in the dark too. 
I've seen so MANY good things that I would LOVE to incorporate into my little village.  I think I will add some window treatments and door details.  And, maybe the neighborhood needs some cats too.  The possibilities are endless....  what's in YOUR village????
 
So, here are the other fabulous pillows for today:
Thursday November 29










Elaine - that other blog



 

129 comments:

  1. You did a fantastic job on your pillow and on your blog post, Cheryl!
    Way to sew!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I enjoy it, but wish I was as meticulous as some I've seen.

      Delete
  2. Hi!! It is very pretty the way it is!!! But there is always room for cats!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...I had some cat fabric, with the perfect cats just for this too, but naturally, I couldn't remember WHERE I put it before the deadline. Oh well... maybe they will find their way later!

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. Oh dear! I'm repeating myself. This blogging is proving more than I can handle! Hahahhaha

      Delete
  3. Very pretty pillow! Had to laugh at your son's reaction to you choice of a name. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your pillows turned out super! It must be so fun to decorate the houses. Don't kids say the darndest things? hehe. You did a wonderful job and Thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jodi,
      Unfortunately, my son is not a kid, but an adult. He STILL says crazy things though.

      Delete
  5. Your pillows turned out super! It must be so fun to decorate the houses. Don't kids say the darndest things? hehe. You did a wonderful job and Thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How cute, but my favourite was the name! thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great pillow - funny story too bet you will always smile about that now when you see your pillow. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it makes my son read some "classics", then I will have accomplished something!

      Delete
  8. Oh lovely. Both versions are so cute, but your second one is my favourite. Love the light in the windows!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like both your versions - those beads look wonderful. Thanks for the funny story this morning, it gave me a very good laugh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, the beads were crochet(ed) and were FUN to make. (Not so easy to sew on though.) This entire deal has been a challenge for me!

      Delete
  10. Beautiful pillows! I love the beaded gables and your funny story, too! You did a great job with the blogging...no worries!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I loved making the project, but the blogging is an entirely different matter. I am computer challenged in every sense of the word.

      Delete
  11. Love both version and your extras look super cute!1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rosa!
      I've seen so many good ideas from looking at all the blogs that it makes me want to incorporate them all into another project!

      Delete
  12. Well, whatever you call it, it is stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Both are amazing - exquisite bead work. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love what you did with the pattern, isn't it fun to add your own twist??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've seen so many good ideas that I wonder why I didn't think of more! I think I may have to continue to add stuff... or, perhaps make another one?

      Delete
  15. Your pillows are beautiful.So many great versions of this pillow.Love your ideas, thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks you Sandy. I am loving looking at all the beautiful projects out there too.

      Delete
  16. You achieved such a composite of texture that I am in awe...I have never even seen fabrics like these...I love your detail, the stitching alllll sew becoming of a new title for you today..go and see over there...yes you better lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooo, thanks! Your kind words are inspiring to me. Thanks also for showing me all these wonderful blogs and talented people. I LOVE seeing all the fabulous projects.

      Delete
  17. Do you still have the manufacturer or fabric line on a selvedge for the fabrics you used in the 2nd pillow?? and the background fabric with the shooting stars? Those fabrics are gorgeous!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Thearica,
      Ooo, I don't know what most of the fabrics are, but the green one is Lonnie Rossi for Andover fabrics. The tiny dark brick one is Patrick Lose for Robert Kaufman "monochromatix". No other pieces are large enough to find anything on, but I'm going to the fabric store today, so I'll let you know (if they still have it).

      Delete
    2. Cheryl, I love the brick fabric - wonder if you could find that manufacturer too! Thanks!
      ~Deonn

      Delete
    3. Hi Deonn, I went to the fabric store and they still have it, but the bolt doesn't give any info (that I can find). It is a batik and it says it is from Indonesia(?). If you are still interested, the quilt store is:
      Arizona Vac and Sew (520) 790-7041. They might have more info. and they will sell it by phone order.

      Delete
  18. I love it - what an imagination you have!

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's beautiful! MY village is nearly empty, like a little ghost town -- but my NEXT one will be full of all the creative touches I've seen on this Hop! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...and I wonder why I never thought of a snowman in my Christmas village.... so CUTE!

      Delete
  20. I love your unabridged version! What a great little village scene!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Linda,
      It was fun, and I like the abridged version too. I might have to make one of those (fewer houses).

      Delete
  21. They are addicting aren't they! What fun pillows you have made.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, but not as bad for you as say... other "recreational drugs"! (and maybe less expensive) Hahahhahaha

      Delete
  22. Wow that's brilliant and love your sons question!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think he was being "smart". (Remember when your mom use to say "don't get smart with me"??? Ok, wait, maybe that was only MY mom!

      Delete
  23. What beautiful roof tops- how did you do it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Agnes. Crochet rope beads. I saw the tutorial on you-tube and HAD to try it. They are fun to make too.

      Delete
  24. Wow what a creative interpretation! I love the beaded roofs and details. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. I wish I was better with details, but I tell myself I will continue to improve. (maybe in my dreams!)

      Delete
  25. Great cushion! I chuckled at the idea of including 'gay bulls'!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It reminded me of the children's book "Ferdinand" the bull. He was so sweet, loved to smell the flowers. Lovely story.

      Delete
  26. I love how much personality you put into that second pillow. It is beautiful, colorful, and so sparkly...I love it! Thanks for sharing. :O)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Carol. It really is sparkly in real life too. And, I didn't know the stars glowed in the dark until I finished and turned the lights off. WOW! (It was a little creepy at first, but now I like it)

      Delete
  27. Kids say the darnest things! That was cute! I do love the roofs you made they are beautiful.
    hulseybg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Abbigail,
      Oooo, he isn't really a "kid" anymore, but he HAS been saying crazy stuff ever since he was one! Hahahhahaha

      Delete
  28. Job well done!!! I like both versions. And I do mine the night before too, I never seem to get the time difference right..lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This blogging is too strenuous for me! It is much easier to put something together using fabric than to try to figure out time zones! YIKES

      Delete
  29. Wondrful job ...loveall the details you have added... I may have to do another and play some more.
    thanks sew much for sharing
    in stitches

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Annette,
      There are just SO many good ideas out there to incorporate into another pillow. Uh-oh!

      Delete
  30. They're both lovely! I can't believe you made two!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melinda,
      Thanks! They are addicting. I keep thinking about ideas for more! Word to the wise: be careful!

      Delete
  31. Replies
    1. Hi Kathy,
      Thanks! I enjoyed every minute of making it!

      Delete
  32. How very cute! I finished mine and I think it's definitely a "first one." I have so many ideas running around for the next one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! After viewing so many with fantastic ideas, it makes you want to keep making more! Thanks for your kind words!

      Delete
  33. Cheryl, you are blogging like a 'pro' and your Holiday Lane Villages are amazing. Your fabric choices perfect!! Two wonderful villages...way-to-go girl!! Congratulations and so deserving to be one of the top 3 of the day. Great job!! Thank you for sharing your time and inspiration with us today. Happy stitching, Pauline

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh THANK YOU Pauline! I'm impressed with your skills throughout all the obsticles. Computers are always a challenge, but to have the flu on top of it? Wow! Thanks for all your encouragement!

      Delete
  34. You did a very fine job on your houses. Love all the names yo tried giving it. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mary. Well, I guess I could make some lables and attach them somewhere, huh? Seems their is always something left to do....

      Delete
  35. Your pillow is so pretty. You got your houses looking like a little Village. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jane. Funny, it looks NOTHING like where I live! Desert dweller here! Hahahhaha. Oh well, one can always dream!

      Delete
  36. I love your village - the windows look like the lights are on and someone's home. I wish I'd done that on mine! blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marlene,
      Thanks. Ooo, my Christmas one had everybody sleeping with no lights on. I guess they are waiting for Santa to arrive, huh?

      Delete
  37. Oh my gosh....LOVE this. Being from 'Bahstin' I am right with you about the Seven Gables.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ....or, could have made all houses with "Green Gables", but that wouldn't have been as fun!

      Delete
  38. I love the snowflake print in the flange. Your beaded roof tops are stunning. Fabulous work. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Beth. Originally I got that fabric to use to make a stocking, but I like this much better. It was more FUN!

      Delete
  39. I like your pillow, and your blog. I am now following you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. uh-oh! I am not much of a blogger! I wish I could be, but this is a first for me. I only made it so I could join the "hop" and it has proven illusive for me! YIKES But, THANKS!

      Delete
  40. Adorable! Thanks for sharing:)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Very Nice pillow. Hang in there with the blogging. There is a lot to learn and after 5 years i still learn new things too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ooo, thanks for the encouragement. Perhaps you CAN teach an old dog new tricks?

      Delete
  42. I think some cats would be wonderful. Very cute pillow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will continue to search for that misplaced cat fabric!

      Delete
  43. I like your pillow, I like how you did your roofs. I tried setting up a blog and I stopped because I was getting so confused just setting it up. LOL You are doing great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AuGH! This blog deal is really confusing for me too....which explains the names and titles I've used. After several attempts with responses that say "already taken", I started filling out incredibly stupid stuff. Even then, it would say "taken". REALLY?

      Delete
  44. You made it your own and it is fantastic. Love the fabric you chose. Judy C

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! There are just so many fabulous fabrics out there that it is hard to pick which ones to use.

      Delete
  45. Lovely Village, love the rooftops!
    Happy Christmas...
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the kind words.
      Merry Christmas to you too!

      Delete
  46. Your pillow is so adorable I love it. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed it. I had such fun with the pattern. The ideas just keep coming!

      Delete
  47. Sweet...that you're trying to blog!! lol Their is just a little niggling at the back of my mind that perhaps I should consider it...nope, not yet!
    Love your gables; such a great detail and we all know not everyone lives where there is snow for the holidays. The pattern just brings out the best in embellishing!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, try to blog! Its a lesson in frustration that should not be missed! No, it was only about 80 here today... no snow in the near future. (although it has happened before... just a sprinkling)

      Delete
  48. I have to say...I love the brick house! great holiday lane!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anna,
      It is a batik brick house too. Oooooo

      Delete
  49. It looks wonderful and deserving of a top pick for today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! That came as a BIG surprise to me. I am so flattered to be included in this blog at all.

      Delete
  50. I recently did my first blog 2 months ago, and I know the fear! But that is how we overcome. You did Great! Love your pillow it is so cute. I am now a follower and look forward to more Blog Hop's with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thanks for the encouragement Helen. I will try to keep up, but I'm not sure I have the stamina that blogging requires!

      Delete
  51. Rosemary B here:
    This is nutso gorgeous. Never seen anything quite as spectacular as your creation. I adore it
    Thanks bunches for sharing your massive creativity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! "nutso"? I LOVE that! I will have to borrow that in the future. Thanks for your kind words Rosemary.

      Delete
  52. I love your colors and quiliting it's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim. I wish I was better with the color wheel deal. But alas, I have much to strive for. Still... Thanks!

      Delete
  53. The ideas are endless aren't they. You did great things with your version. I love the quilting on the houses. The look of stones is great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thanks Tink's Mom. The batting is a little thick, and the street looks like bumpy old cobblestones, so it worked out well THAT way. (Usually my bumpy fabrics don't look great) Still, I do keep thinking of MORE ideas to incorporate.... next time!

      Delete
  54. You did a great job on both of your versions! I like your fabrics and the beadwork is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Thanks MoeWest. (any relation to Mae?... I HOPE) It was FUN to find fabrics for this project. I enjoyed every minute of it.

      Delete
  55. I love your "gay bulls"!!! Isn't it fun when "oops" like this happen! Somehow moms remember them forever and drag them out to embarrass our kids when they are older :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, well, I STILL manage to embarass my kids with stories,(they are adults) but now they say "We've heard this... several TIMES before". Yeah, but THIS time maybe I should embellish it so it is even BETTER. Hahahhahaha

      Delete
  56. Love your fabric choices! Such a pretty pillow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooo, and there are so MANY good fabrics out there. I don't want to be a hoarder, but....

      Delete
  57. Love your pillow...beautiful fabric. Thank you for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  58. They are both lovely, but the beaded roofs and all details make the second one stunning. Congrats on being one of the chosen. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks "Scrapbook-ChickADoodle. I'm a little shocked about having been "chosen" too. Ok, a LOT shocked. But, WOW, it feels nice!

      Delete
  59. This pillow doesnt need anything else.. its perfect

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet! Guess what? I found my cat fabric, and now it has cats wandering all over it. My guess is, they won't last long there if my younger neice and nephew see them though.

      Delete
  60. wow! the beads are great on your houses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooo, thanks. I loved making them. Now, I will need to find a reason to make more.

      Delete
  61. I love them both, and I love the way your write! Please go on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? Well, that's a FIRST! Usually they are telling me "enough already", or "too much info". I do TRY to be breif, but I still haven't learned to edit my thoughts very well. (and, I'm "OLD as the hills")

      Delete