My Brother Ted

My Brother Ted after mom and dad "opened the box" with him in it.

My Brother Ted

Well here goes. My Brother "Tedbear" as everyone calls him is no longer with us. My husband and I picked him up at the airport last Sunday to spend a week of Christmas with the family. We surprised my mom and dad on Monday by putting him in a big box. The whole family was there. It was the first time in years!!! My neice and her husband which very few of us have met came in also from California (Ted was from CA too). Ted spent the day with me while we got ready for dinner on Monday. It was wonderful!! And dinner was great. Tuesday he went out to eat with my parents, went back to my brothers, but then got a ride back to the bar.
Now my brother has fought for years by polar disease and manic depression disease. In order for him to cope it seemed he also was an alcoholic. Unfortunately around midnight on Tuesday he took his own life at my other brothers house. My father found him on Wed Dec 16. It has been very devistating to say the least.
Ted was so well loved and had more friends then anyone I have ever known. He loved to play softball and was a generous person. We all loved him so very much! I just can't believe he is gone. Rest in peace Tedbear.

NEW Laurel Burch Dancing Horses Are Here!!!

Yep I got them in a couple of days ago and OOOOOh are they gorgeous! I will, of course, be making something for me too and so can you. Just log into my site at
fabricfreak43 to see all of them. They are selling fast! Here are a few for you to enjoy.

My New Tablerunner

I love these fabrics that I made this out of, Wintergraphix II. I am going to make these for Christmas presents. I am working on a blue one now and will post it when I am done. I did machine quilting with a metallic thread and a decorative stitch. This is the first time I have quilted on the machine, actually the first time I have quilted anything! Anyway I hope my family will like them. I am going to use different fabrics from the collection for each one. If you are interested in the fabric check out my etsy site. The pattern is in the book.

Here they are. The new Laurel Burch Fabrics coming this fall. These are flannel but very bright and colorful. This collection is called Jungle Soul Flannel. But wait... there is more!!! Look at what is coming this winter! Another new collection called Dancing Horses for those who loved the horse collection. Earthtones and brights. I love these!! So drop me a line if you want any of these gorgeous fabrics preordered.

NEW FABRIC COMING!

Boy I had fun today picking out some new fabric. I am going to list some on my blog but I might just put some on flicker so I will keep you updated but for now here are a few.
The dogs are for the human society. They get .45 for every yard sold so if you love animals this is a great way to help. If you see something that you like and want to preorder let me know. I will get them all up on flicker soon.

New Family Member!

On Friday April 10th our Angel passed away on her own. She was a beloved pet and family member. She will be missed more then you know.
But today my son surprised my husband with a new puppy. Angel was more his dog. My grandpuppies are boston terriers and Doug just loves them and has always wanted one. Well Nathan brought home a little guy named Boss (name may change) that is 5 months old. Doug saw this little guy at a friend's archery shop where he shoots. Nathan decided to go get him so now he is asleep in his chair with him. So cute.
It won't take the place of Angel but he will definantly find a place in his heart.

Spring is Here!!

It is still March almost April but the weather has been great. In northern Indiana we usually still have cold weather but check this out. Narcissus have bloomed!! This is early for these beauties.

Sevidesigns Give Away!!

http://www.sevidesigns.com Check this out. What a neat give away for people who love to sew. The giveaway is for a Tula Pink’s NEST Charm Pack, and Amy Butler’s Betty Shopper Pattern(which is NEW & Uncut!) You need to sign up on her blog.

My Banner for Shows

Here is a banner that I am doing for my shows. I just love it with all the bright colors. I need to quilt it but not sure how I am going to do it yet. Suggestions would be great! I used a black background with tiny gold guilded dots and the letters are bright flowers. Do I stitch around them with a zigzag or just stitch close to the edge (which would be easier).

Our Farm Family Updates

Ya I know I haven't been here for a while. I have been busy. Well to catch you up our old dog had surgery again. Probably her last time but she has a huge cut. Maybe as long as from your wrist to your elbow? Anyway she is doing ok. They took out a lot of cancer. We want her to make it till summer at least.
Well I'm sure everyone has been having a lot of water too. Our barnyard has a lake in it now and you can't even see the fence posts. So crazy. I can't wait till it gets warm and STAYS!
Also make sure you check out my new purses in my etsy store. The crows and cherries is awesome. I am working on my own pattern too for a wallet so stay tuned. It will have loads of pockets, zippers & compartments.

New Purse

Check this purse out. I love the design and colors!! So pretty. I am really liking olive green. I think it is getting to be a popular color. And I LOVE stripes!!! Plus you got to have pockets on both sides and bunches inside.

My Diet

OK I am going to post my pictures here as I loose the weight. This way I can be accounted for by YOU!! Maybe that will help me keep going. I have lost 35 pounds so far but I haven't budged for about 8 months but now I am on a roll again. I have lost a couple of pounds this week drinking my protein drink from Herbalife and eating the right foods. (The protein bars help me too because they taste like a snickers bar) Anyway here are my pictures. Can you guess which is the first? I will keep you updated.

Sewing Like Crazy!!

I am really getting into sewing lately. Maybe it is because spring is just around the corner? Who knows but I am getting things done. Check out my wallet and purse that I just did.
Also make sure your check out the preorder fabric on my blog. You have to go down some.
AND sign up for my newsletter!! Get sales and preorder fabrics. See the latest creations. It's too fun!!

Things About Me!

I saw this on another blog and thought what a cool thing to do! This way people kind of know a little about me. I may not do the best at it but here goes.

1. Do you like bleu cheese? I love it!
2. Have you ever smoked? I tried it when I was a kid and YECK! Plus I am alergic to it.
3. Do you own a gun? No but I have used one before at a 4-H training camp.
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? cherry
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love them even though they aren't good for you. Mustard and relish please.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Santa Claus
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water or Milk
9. Can you do push ups? Yes.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Mostly my turquiose jewelry and some pieces that I made myself.
11. Favorite hobby? sewing first, painting, making jewelry I could go on.
12. Do you have A. D. D.? No
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? contacts and sometimes glasses
14. Middle name? Ann
15.. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: How fun. I really need to sew some projects and it is getting late
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Water, Milk, and my protein shake
17. Current worry? My old dog, Angel. She isn't doing very good.
18. Current hate right now? The way the economy is right now.
19. Favorite place to be? Home.
20. How did you bring in the new year? We went to my son and daughter-in-law's house. It was a blast.
21. Where would you like to go? Florida
22. Name three people who will complete this: Vickie, Tricia and not sure
23. Do you own slippers? Oh, yeah - can't go without them.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? fushia
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No just good ol' cotton sheets will do.
26. Can you whistle? Yes
27. Where are you now? In my computer/sewing room
28. Would you be a pirate? No not really but an Indian would be nice. They knew how to use natures resources and not waste them.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Christain
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Yvonne
31. Favorite boy's name? Nathan of course. (thats my son)
32. What is in your pocket right now? nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? My Friend Vickie. No matter what we always seem to make things fun.
34. What vehicle do you drive? Dodge Van
35. Worst injury you've ever had? When I got kicked in the mouth by a stud horse that we had just bought. Not a good thing. Had to have new teeth and could have died. (Was my fault not the horse)
36. Do you love where you live? I use to really love it year around but I guess I am getting old and hate the winters. It is too cold and when I have to do chores I hate it. I would love to move south but would miss my family and friends.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4
Now for a few of my own.
38. How many animals do you have? I have 6 dogs, 15 cats and 6 horses.
39. What is your favorite color? Yellow then Lime Green although I have been buying more lime green items.
40. What is your favorite time of year? Fall when the leaves turn. I love the colors.
41. What is your favorite anything?! COLOR! I love color and so I love fabrics. I collect fabrics and sell them. I also love animals.
42. If you could do something in the world to make a difference what would you do? I would build an animal shelter where no animals would be put down. It would be huge.

OK I am done. Let me know what you think. And if you want to do this just copy and paste it to your blog. It was fun!

Jasmine Tear Bear

Ok I did a post where MelanieKay did your pets out of paper and here is Jasmine! I just love her. Tell me what you think!

Rain, Rain Go Away!! But the Green is Coming!!

Yes it is raining, not snowing, here. It is going to be a muddy mess. Well I would like to ask "are you going green"? Here is a blog that is helping and she is giving away a bag for groceries!! So make sure you sign up. http://www.misosouper.com/http:/misosouper.com/home/top-of-the-heap
Check out her site at www.skeeta.com for more of these wonderful bags.

Cute Critters!!

I came across a cute store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5540780. It has the most adorable dogs on it that are on rocks or torn paper. I have ordered one of my chow which I will use for scrapbooking. Check out the poodle on the rock or the gray cat. They are the cutest things. Her shop is Melanie Kay and Company on etsy. You'll love it!!

Pattern Book Too!!

What do you think of the patterns too? I have them on order. Also you will have to copy and paste the link below for the site with these patterns and the new fabric that I have on order. Sorry about that.

New Fabric

Ok What do you think. I am going to purchase this line and offer preorders on my blog. Let me know what you think. I will sell it on my etsy shop. Here is the link
http://www.inthebeginningfabrics.com/cgi-server/itb/displayfab.cgi?product=winterg2
I am going to show some of the fabrics. They are soooo gorgeous!

Sunday Evening "Heat Wave"

Boy if that isn't the truth. It has been in the teens and today it was in the 30's. WOW! Anyway I hope everyone is doing good. My doggie kids are doing great. I have a friend though who's mom just passed away on Wednesday so please keep her in your prayers.
As for my shops. I have been adding more to my vintage shop and have finally figured out how to make the pictures look great. Check out some of the brooches that I have added.
I also think that I am going to try to continue to design my own fabric. I have started but have never kept going. It will of course have dogs on it. These are dogs from the shelter. I want to donate some of the money to our local shelter if I can do it. So keep watching.
Well got to go. Hope everyone is having a great evening watching the Super Bowl. (Not my thing)

NEW STORE!! GRANDMA'S VINTAGE

Well I decided to open one more store. I am putting up several items that I have inherited from both sides of the family. I got to thinking, what am I going to do with all of it? Some things I am keeping but there are so many items that I have just packed away that aren't doing me any good so I am selling them. Please check them out because there are some nice items. Check them out.

Sale Still Going On at My Fabric Store

I am still doing a sale at my fabric store on etsy. 10% off of some gorgeous fabrics. I have been adding Laurel Burch's new line from Secret Jungle. Some fabrics are discontinued already!! Don't miss out on these.

Now on a colder note. IT IS STILL FREEZING HERE!! It was 9 degrees this morning. It has been very cold all winter. I know some of you like the cold weather but let me tell you I am getting too old for this. Although the snow is very pretty.

Fabric Sale!!

One more thing. Make sure you check out my fabric store on etsy. I am having 10% off till the end of January. After that the prices go back up. This is a great deal being that my prices are under retail.

WE HAVE A COOL DOWN!!!

Imagine that 35 to 40 degrees warmer. 17 out and has gotten to 23. Sooooo much better then -18. It was just aweful!! I was so ready to move south. I even called my mom and said we were coming down (Florida). I think of all the animals outside that people don't even care about and it just makes me sick. The horses did great though, as they got to be in the barn. I also threw out horse feed for the birds. They love it!! I hope we don't have that again.

Morning Frost

It is really cold out here in Indiana today. I have yet to go feed the horses (which I will do after this). My two outside dogs I have been bringing inside because they both have had a little cough which I have been giving medicine for. So, because my husband has a fit, they are blocked in the entryway. Socks loves it because he really wants to be an inside dog. Unfortunaly my husband won't let me because we have 4 in the house already. So I keep doing everything I can to get him in. Poor baby.

Now for more fun. Make sure you check out my fabric store this month. I am having a 10% sale on all of my fabric. I just added the new collection from Laurel Burch called Secret Jungle and some of them are already sold out!!! WOW!!!

Well stay warm and talk to you later!