Move on over

You will miss the latest post about learning to quilt if you don't move on over to the other blog! I posted it last night. You can go RIGHT HERE.

To the rest of you, there will still be Stephen, Seth, and the rest of our fun. I have a couple of touching stories coming up. One about a boy with Cerebral Palsy, and another about the dearest dumbest dog I've ever known. Move over...this blog will be gone soon. (all postings were imported to The OTHER BLOG.)

Moving!

Hello!

This was a very tough decision to make, as I have so many wonderful people that follow this blog, but I really need to move on to a different name. (but I just couldn't give up "hillbilly", that is just me and I'm known by it on forums, facebook and everywhere!)

There is another "Hillbilly Housewife" in Cyberspace, (quite famous for very yummy recipes); and I wanted to try a different name that no one else has to launch my brand new website--http://www.hillbillyhandiworks.com/

So, please, come on over to my Hillbilly Handiworks Blog, for some of the same ol' Hillbilly Fun, inspiration, and NEW quilting tutorials!

For those wanting to join the "Learn To Quilt" lessons, please spread the word that they will be on the other blog. I will be waiting and watching for you all to Move On Over!

Warm & Fuzzy Fest--Day 1--Rulers, Scissors, and Fudge

First let me thank each of you for your kind words yesterday concerning the Post about my husband and his kids.

Guess what today is?? The first day of Warm & Fuzzy Fest!! What? You have NO idea what I'm talking about? That's OK. The idea just came a couple of hours ago. It is time to get prepared for our Learn to Quilt blog classes. I am off tomorrow to buy the fabric needed for the first project. I am very excited! It is inexpensive, simple and fun! More about that in a couple of days. Before you can even THINK about quilting there are some things that you just have to have. Well, I guess you could live without some of them, but I have no idea how. So all this week, during Warm and Fuzzy Fest (think quilts and snoopy...then you understand how I came up with that name), we will be discussing supplies.

Every quilter needs a rotary cutter, rotary cutter self-healing mat, and a couple of rulers. I will give you my personal recommendations of what you need to get started...

First the rotary cutter. These little wonders have revolutionized quilting. They make it so FAST and EASY to cut out all your little pieces. You do need to be careful though, because they are very sharp. My personal favorite (and I've been using them for years, all sizes and kinds), is made by OLFA. Here are some of the varieties:

This is my favorite. The 45 mm original cutter. I use it all the time. They also sell a 28 mm and a 60mm that I like to keep around. You don't need them to start off with. Just a 45mm is fine.

This would be nice, but not necessary. It is a quick change blade. On the top cutter you need to unscrew a wing nut, but on this handy little cutter, you just push a button.

Some people like this one. It is "ergonomic". Personally, I didn't like it. I actually hurt my hand more!

I like this one as well. It is a 45mm from Fiskars.

Once you decide on a cutter, you need to purchase a Self-healing cutting mat. I am VERY picky about these. I have tried all major brands, and NONE hold up as well as Olfa. If you live in the lower 48, I know you can catch them on sale at Joannes about once a month.  To start out, you should get one at least 18x24, but if you can afford it get the 24x36 size. You will appreciate it. Here is what the Olfa mat's look like:

Finally, you need rulers. (I will teach you how to use all these during our online class.) There are two sizes that I can not live without.  6 x24 and 4 x14. I love them both and use them equally as much. The brand that I like for these is Dritz Omnigrid. Here is what the 4x14 looks like:

This one is yellow, but they make a green one I like better. The grids are easier to see on the green one. Olfa now makes frosted rulers that get great reviews. I need to think about buying one someday :)

Finally, scissors. To start out, you just need a pair of small very pointy sharp scissors to cut threads. (You will use the rotary cutter for fabric.) I have several around. I keep one on each sewing machine, one on the ironing board, and one in my hand sewing bag. You only need one pair...but just make sure they are ONLY used for thread. Once you use them on paper, they are ruined. (Same with your rotary cutter!)

In close, here is a quick shopping list for your cutting supplies...

45 mm rotary cutter

at least a size 18x24 self healing cutting mat by Olfa

a 4x14 and/or a 6 x 24  rotary cutting ruler

a pair of sharp snips

Tomorrow we will discuss feet and needles for your sewing machines.

And now your fuzzy thought for today:

Four too long

July 19th, 2006 (four years ago), my husband (whom I didn't know at the time) woke up and started his day as normal. I am sure that if he had known how the day was going to unfold, he would have tried every way possible to make it never even exist.

Fast forward to April 2007. This is the first photo quilt I ever made:

It is a quilt of Jerry's(my now husband) kids. On July 19th, 2006, Jerry's then wife waited for him to leave for work, then chose to take their kids and go to another state. Unfortunately, this is America, where moms can do that. I will not get into details, as this is the world wide web where all eyes are watching. But, I will tell you this...a lot of false charges were made against Jerry so that SHE (the ex) could have time to flee the state. Jerry was cleared of all charges and used up every dollar he had to try to get his children back. He literally sold everything. His books, tools, vehicle...all gone. All to no avail. He has not had any contact with his children in four years. NONE.

Fast forward to today. July 18, 2010.

Jerry and I are married and have our cute little baby, Stephen. But, days like today are tough. Every new thing that Stephen learns is a reminder to Jerry of things that he is missing in his other kids' life. My son Seth is the same age as Jerry's son "S". (I won't state his full name, but it too begins with 's'). So, when Jerry looks at Seth, he hurts for "S".

"S" turns 13 this week. Jerry wants so bad to be a dad to his now teenage son, and it tears him up inside. But one thing is for certain. Although it is hard, Jerry keeps this verse in mind on a daily basis. It is written on the top of his quilt:

Without faith in Christ, Jerry would have no hope. As it is, at least he knows that God has those precious children in His hands. And although the kids are now four years older, their lovely smiles are frozen in time to him:

Today, please, hug your children a little tighter, and say a prayer for my husband. It's going to be a tough week. I would love to see him with his children again.

In close, do you remember the story of Dawg, our beloved Dog?  You can read about it HERE.

My good friend, Pat is a wonderful artist. She did a watercolor painting of Dawg. See the progress HERE.

The painting is now all framed an hanging proudly on the wall:

The photo is a bit fuzzy but the finished painting has a nice chocolate brown matte and is a barn wood frame--which really fits Dawg's personality. It looks nice doesn't it?

Goop 5 Cents

My husband is at the store right now buying supper supplies for this next week. I am not the best cook in the world. I do ok with a good recipe, but this week I need the evenings to get an order out, so Hubsy is cooking all evening meals. (Actually, this is NOTHING out of the ordinary. He always cooks supper.)

This Snoopy cartoon made me giggle. This is how it goes on the nights that I cook:

What kind of Goop are you cooking tonight? I hear we are having Sloppy Dogs. We saw a Sonic commercial last night for an extra long Cheese Coney. YUCK.  Jerry thought it looked yummy, but knows I don't eat chilly. So, Sloppy Dogs it is!

(For those of you across the pond that may not know,  a cheese coney is a long hot dog with chili and cheese on it. Sloppy dogs are sloppy joes, spread over hot dogs on a hot dog bun.)

Stephen becomes an Activist

It's been awhile since we've heard anything from Stephen. It's hard to believe...he's almost 7 months old!
This is his story for today:


We have a fun State Park close to our home. I get to do lots of fun things while I'm there...

I get to swing and slide

Brother and I play Hide and Seek, and Mommy and I get our Hiking Exercise.

Daddy and I play in the dirt. Mommy didn't like me eating it, but Daddy and I just say she's just a girl and she doesn't know about guy things.

Last night when we went to visit the geese, I got really sad.

This is my new friend. He's hurt and can't walk very good.

Mommy said some people hurt him by putting a leg band on him. I am mad, cuz he would be fine if people would've just left him alone. Now he hurts real bad.

Mommy and I are going to send this story to a bunch of people to see if anyone can help my new friend, Bandit. (That's what I call him.)

Bandit is at Wallace State Park in Cameron, Mo. if you can help!

Daddy's proud of me being a big boy and trying to help my new friend!

The Horizon

We all know that dreams are important. It helps us set goals, and reach for those goals. I have been re-evaluating my love of sewing and quilting and making some new dreams.

I have a piece of paper on the refrigerator labeled "Make it a Matter of Prayer". On this I list our family wish lists. I think it's better to write needs and wishes down awhile, evaluate the list from time to time and really consider what you need the most.

I have been making notes of new items that I want to make too. A sketchbook can be a dream book.

Here are some 'dream' items that I'd really like to make into a reality someday:

Above is the Janome Horizon. It is a quilter's dream machine, and while the cost is high, it is 'dreamable' at around $3000.

I am considering putting my Brother embroidery/sewing combo back on the market. If I include the Machine, the $800 embroidery design software program, and many, many designs...then it is worth $3000, if not more. Maybe one more attempt at Craigslist? Why not? Maybe that pretty little Horizon up there will be in my sewing room just in time for Christmas orders!

Any quilter dreams for one of these:

It is a computer-operated long-arm quilting machine. It just costs $28,000. If I could start a full time business, this is what I would want...BUT

Since right now I am a full-time Mommy, I'd better look for something a little more in my 'dream' range...

This is a bit of a starter model, but is a quilting frame that would work hand in hand with that beautiful Horizon up there. At a cost of $900 it is dream-worthy!! 

Often, when I pray for 'dream' items, I tell God that if He just wants to make one drop right out of the sky, then that is perfectly fine with me, but until then...I'll be happily content in just dreaming.

p.s. Anyone want to buy a Brother Innovis 2500D complete with PES 7 and a ton of designs for $3000?

I am just looking towards the Horizon!

What new fun gadgets do you dream about?

Steak and Eggs

If you are a faithful follower, you know that I am a Snoopy addict. You can read a bit more about my Peanuts addiction HERE.

JUST LOOK at what we found this past weekend at a Garage Sale. Oh, yes, you know I HAD to have it!

I will be trusting Seth help me repaint the legs, etc. He has been very interested in my new re-purpose/upcycle hobby. The whole family is getting in on the fun. I blog about it RIGHT HERE. We will post the finished Snoopy table to that blog when we are done.
Now for some Snoopy insights for today. Remember when I found all those great books at the Estate Sale? This one is one of my favorites:

          

 I think these must be Stephen's favorite pages, because he feels the same way!

  I love this cookbook, too! There are some really good recipes.

It shows it's age, though, because look at this recipe for dog food.

Of course, not too many of us follow the 'raw egg' rule, do we? (Yes...you DO lick the cookie dough spoon, don't you?!)

Explanation of the Last

I have a request that I explain My Last Post.

I chose to label myself a Hillbilly long ago. My love of Hillbilly Life came from spending a lot of time in the Missouri Ozarks. The Ozarks is actually quite a large area, and when I moved to southern Missouri a couple of years ago, I thought that I would be loving finally living in the Ozarks. But, I quickly found out that "The Ozarks" can be quite different, just across the state even!! Here are some examples of the type of Hillbillies I relate to:

The first is 'Old Matt'. He is a beloved character from the story "The Shephard of the Hills." The story is based on true characters, and has been made into an outdoor drama. You can find out more about it by visiting  http://www.oldmatt.com/.

If I had my dream job, it would be to open my own artisan shop in Silver Dollar City. I love the people that live around Branson, Mo. The true Branson folk (non-tourists) for the most part are kind, respectful and have good values. Of course, some famous Hillbillies felt the same way as shown below:

Although not labeled as 'hillbillies' in the story, the characters in the story "Christy" are also based on real mountain folk.  This beloved book was made into a TV series, yet the TV series kind of breaks away from the true story line. I have to wonder if that is why it was abruptly stopped after only 10 episodes and was kind of left hanging. Here is a sweet clip from the series though. It shows a mountain wedding scene:

True Hillbillies, while for the most part have very little money or earthly goods, are kind, giving people. I am sure that Matthew 6:20 is dear to their heart, as it is mine.

Now, REDNECKS on the other hand...well, I think perhaps a photo show will show you the difference...

I could have posted alot more images, but they weren't very nice.

For you 'across the pond'--I hope this explains the difference between a Hillbilly and a Redneck. For those State-side...I hope you are as ashamed as I that "redneck society" has become something to be proud of. I know it's all in fun and games, but just google 'redneck images' and you'll catch my drift.

And, please, do NOT make the mistake of calling me a Redneck!! I have Hillbilly Pride!

My shortest post ever!

A Hillbilly is NOT a redneck.

I'm just sayin'!

Ain't that Funky Now?

One year, preparing to take a bunch of youth on Mission Trip to inner city Chicago to help at a summer day camp, we learned several kid-friendly fun-loving songs. One was a sort of Humpty Dumpty rhyming song and included the line "Ain't that Funky Now?" It was a very catchy tune and I still enjoy singing it with children whenever I help out in children's church.

But really this post is about being "in a Funk". Lately, I've been in a Funk. Do you know what I mean? I told my daughter yesterday, and she immediately pulled up a definition on her iphone. She and Seth giggled over my 'old woman' termonology, but I just can't find a better word for it. I'm just in a Funk!

But, it is time to pop out of it. I've had my funky hay day, and it's no fun at all. Now if the rest of life will just cooperate and help me out a bit!

How about you? Do you ever get into a funk, and what are some things you do to help bring yourself out of it?

Two Cute

I am so tickled to see all you new folks thet stop by and read my little stories. Fer them that don't know, a little whiles back we up an moved acrost the state. I be just lovin the new cuntry an all. I were a tad bit afeared  when we moved thet the new neighbors wouldn't like a hillbilly like myself. But these here farm folk be downright friendly!

Then do you know what happened today? I must have found some good ol' Hillbilly Kinfolk. They was havin one of them there YARD SALES and jus look at the sign in their front yard:

Can ya be seein it? It says "FREE ICE COLD WATER WITH A $2.00 OR MORE PURCHASE"

Thet sure be friendly!

Then tonite we got all gussied up an went downtown. Boy, this must be a classy town. Take ye a gander at these outhouses:

When I saw them, I thought: " Well, I'll be! His'n and Hers'n Outhouses painted all up perty n Pink and Blue!"

 Ain't them cute?

Follow UP

A couple of weeks ago, I started a new blog topic...all about Kansas City and why I love it so much. In the near future, I will be having some guest bloggers help me out with this. My very first KC blog was
Doin' the Mash

But, when so doing, I failed to post what the inside of a Cherry Mash looks like. So, here ya go:

MMMMM

Simple things

Isn't it amazing how the simple things in life can be the most special things of all?
Every evening, as the sun starts to go down in the sky, Stephen and I head out for our walk. It is really a special time for us. Stephen loves to listen to the birds and usually he settles in for a cat nap, and I'm just plain happy to be outside!

This past Sunday evening we were strolling along, just coming to the end of our first corner. There was a little gray haired lady standing outside. We have seen her, smiled and waved to her many times in the past. But, tonight I decided to stop and ask how she was. We struck up a nice conversation, she adored Stephen (who doesn't??!!), and she told me that she would love to walk with me, but since she is now 91 yrs old, her knee just doesn't work like it used to. (91?? I am 50 years younger! Mental note to not complain about my knee!)

After a bit, she asked me to walk around to her front door, telling me that she has something for me. She had to go into her house and meet me out front. I had no idea what it would be. Have any guesses? Well, out she came, told me to hold out my hand, and here is what she gave me:

Four brand new shiny gold dollars. One for Jerry, myself, Seth, and Stephen. I told her that was awful sweet of her. She smiled shyly, and said, "That's my hobby. I like to pass out these little gold dollars to make people smile. My family thinks it's silly. But, I don't care. I do it anyway."

Well, you know what I had to do next...I gave Miss Isabelle a hug and promised that Stephen and I would visit again soon.

For the rest of my walk, I couldn't get my mind off a blog that I had read just that morning. It was actually my husband's blog. He only writes one blog a week called:

THE WEEKLY MUSING

This week was about pennies from Heaven. You should go read it. It will help you appreciate the little things in life.

Like a sweet little gray haired lady named Isabelle who makes it her hobby to give away shiny gold dollars.

Seth is too busy for us

Mr. Seth

has quite a few of you

that really enjoy his blog entries.

SO,

you might be thinking,

that it is ABOUT TIME

that Seth write a blog.

Well,

He has been gone to his Dads,

and now to camp.

For those that have asked,

his catnip never grew so I went and bought him some from a greenhouse.

It took off nicely and now he has a bunch drying on his workstation.

He also has some tomato plants

that I forgot to water last night.

OOPS!

Peanut Wisdom

Do you have something from your childhood that you still treasure today? I am quite an unsentimental person, overall. I don't have many childhood keepsakes. It is funny that in the midst of my crazy childhood, the things that I did keep were books and a quilt.

This is my favorite book that I saved over the years:

You can tell that it has been well-loved:

I just love the fun pop-up pages:

Snoopys little moveable ear to protect Woodstock from the rain:

You can "turn" the channel on the TV and Woodstock flies around in all sorts of patterns:

On this one, you can Lift the Flap and make Snoopy 'catch' the ball:

And check out the inner part of the cover:

Awhile back while Stephen and I were on a walk, we stumbled upon an Estate Sale, and just look at all the Snoopy books that we couldn't pass up:

A couple of them are so Adorable!!!! Every once in a while a bit of Peanut Wisdom will probably pop up in my blog. I just can't help it. I am a Snoopy addict. Always have been!

Do you have anything that you've held onto and treasured since childhood?