The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday 14 February 2017

The Christmas Challenge. A guest post by Kelley.

76 comments:

  1. Annabel and Kelley, as a quilter I love this! Kelley, your work is well done and beautiful, you have done a good job of teaching yourself. Thank you for sharing this! Here's another thing to go on my to-do list!

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    Replies
    1. Patsi,

      Thank you for the kind comments.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  2. What a fabulous idea Kelley had, Annabel. Her family will be so appreciative in the years to come. Such a thoughtful thing to do and very frugal as well. I will keep Glenda in my prayers.

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    1. Nanna Chel,

      Thanks for the kind comments.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  3. I love all of this. A treasure for your family for sure. I especially like the bibs.
    Ginger

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    1. Ginger,

      Thanks for your kind comments. The bibs with the snaps from SnapSource came out great. Sew easy, too!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  4. Kelley, you are way way smarter than me! Since my dad died many years ago, I have wished and wished that I had his shirt stash. Over the years I've seen cushion covers and various things made from men's shirts. Most of his shirts were really lovely check patterns. I still have a box of his things of course, including his glasses, some hankies, passport, wallet etc but what you have done is such a lovely and lasting memento. Congratulations!!!!! They will be treasured.

    Annabel you are fabulous making those things in advance, and isn't Lucy reaping the benefits now for her little girls.

    I have had two tradies here from 7 this morning so have spent the morning in my sewing room. Have embroidered a towel for a friend and I'm quite happy with it as well as embroidered two named face washers and two bibs for another friends' baby. I've had a "Scarlett" and an "Isla" to make for in the same week.

    Hugs Glenda. Clots are not good, no doubt you're on restricted movement - there's plenty to read online to inspire you hopefully.

    Fi xx

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    1. Fiona,

      I'm glad you have some of your precious dad's things, at least. I have some old hankies of my husband's with nice monograms on them. I'm going to make those into at least some sweet little Christmas ornaments for sure.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  5. Annabel and Kelley, what fabulous memories for your future grandchildren. I love the mix of colours Kelley.

    Glenda, you are in my prayers. Blood clots are no fun and neither is the treatment - take care.

    Janine

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    1. Janine,

      You're so sweet. I'm so pleased with the results. Now, if we could just get some baby boys...

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  6. Annabel Kelley's work is beautiful. Her girls will love the effort that she has gone to. I have never thought to get ahead in making baby things. Might need to borrow this idea and get on with doing something.
    Prayers for Glenda.

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  7. WoW WoW WoW
    Brilliant ideas Kelley

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  8. Annabel thanks for sharing this!
    Kelley this is marvelous and you did a beautiful job! It is such a thoughtful idea and having baby stuff at the ready is always a good idea. I am sure your family now and later will be so pleased that you are so thoughtful and creative! I don't think my grandbabies would like a Gramp's shirt anything from me though because the hubby's are always full of holes and grease stains from working on things. LOL!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    Replies
    1. Vicky,

      Thanks for your kind comments. Some of my good hubby's shirts had to have some Oxyclean treatments, but that product works wonders! I had a few holes to work around as well. I worked in all the pockets though for some "texture."

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  9. Thanks, Annabel. These were so fun!

    I made my honey his very own cheesecake. When I leave to go to Mother's Sunday, he will have many pieces in the freezer to enjoy while we're apart. I learned how to freeze the remaining pieces so he can streeeeetch out the cheesecake he so enjoys!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

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  10. Hi Annabel and Kelley!!

    I agree that this shirt recycling is a wonderful idea - practical, handsome and sentimental! You've been wonderful to share it with us!!

    Yes, this is the kind of thing I thrive on!! Thank you!!!!

    With very warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    Replies
    1. Rachel,

      Your comments were so sweet. Thanks!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  11. Great job Kelley,A really special gift for family members and will be loved for years to come.
    Thanks for sharing Debbie xx

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    Replies
    1. Debbie,

      I thought Bluebird Nation would be inspired by my Show 'n Tell images, and never imagined an entire post. Annabel was so gracious to feature these baby boy items. They had been rolled up inside the bin, but oh, well. I still see my husband dressed in them... Memories.

      I'm excited to get started on the baby girl projects! Now, to get some babies... Lol!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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    2. Oh gosh Kelley I love it ! I have used the back fabric from my husbands shirts for aprons but this is awesome! Thank u for sharing and inspiring us in the Bluebird Nation ! And to u too Annabel you always know when we need inspiration! Live Gaila in Washington state

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    3. Yes, Gaila: We love you, Annabel!

      Glad you're inspired, Gaila!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  12. What a gorgeous idea, beautiful fusion of past, present and future generations. I must do this for my kids and their future babies. Lisa xo

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  13. What a beautiful idea. Those bibs are gorgeous. Kelley, those gifts will be forever treasured. Love, Bridget

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    Replies
    1. Bridget,

      Thanks for your kind comments. I am eager to get the 40-inch quilts finished!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  14. Absolutely wonderful, Kelley!!! I also make scrap quilts and have a special box of cut up shirts that I integrate into my quilts! I love, love, love the bibs!!! I'm going to have to try that (maybe this morning, in fact!!!)!

    I have a dresser in my bedroom that I use for make ahead gifts and 4 of the drawers- 2 small top drawers and 2 large bottom drawers get filled with quilts that I have made ahead! There has been a flurry of new babies and people who could use comforting with a lap quilt so I am just now starting to "rebuild" my inventory! The volume of my stash never seems to diminish- funny how that happens as I've gifted so many quilts to people that I know as well as to people that I've only heard about that need the hug that a quilt can give in a time of challenge!

    Well done, Kelley! I will add my prayers to the others for Glenda! Thanks for the terrific ideas and inspiration, Kelley, Annabel and all the rest of you who contribute to this blog! At 65, I am thrilled at how many ideas/new skills are still out there for me to learn and enjoy!! Again, thank you all so much!!

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    1. Gardenpat,

      If you blog, I hope you will share the fruits of your labors! It's exciting to know you were inspired today!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  15. That is absolutely amazing :-)

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  16. This is excellent! My husband wears these kinds of shirts as well! We have been saving the nicer pieces for some special project (as he wears them to shreds!) but I hadn't thought of the bib/burp cloth sets!! We have been cutting them into strips and using for plaid wrapping ribbons. I will be adding this to my project list. Thank you Kelley for the wonderful idea! :)

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    Replies
    1. JES,

      Thanks for your kind comments. Thrilled you were inspired today.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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    2. JES,

      Thrilled that you're inspired! Doesn't seem as thought the ideas grow endlessly?! We get that from aged godly women in whose footsteps we walk.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  17. Dear Annabel and Kelley,
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful work. As a quilter who works entirely with upcycled and recycled fabrics, you've made my heart sing this morning looking at all of the things you've sewn and that you,too, are self-taught. The heirlooms you've made will go from generation to generation with their beautiful story. There's something very special about doing the quilting by hand.

    Glenda continues to be in my prayers.

    Blessings
    Cookie

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    Replies
    1. Cookie,

      Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

      Would you have some suggestions/tips regarding the batting for the 40-inch square baby quilts?

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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    2. Cookie,

      Thank you for your kind comments. Now to get some little boy babies to enjoy these projects with... Lol!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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    3. Hi Kelley,
      I've always been partial to Quilters Dream batting, either cotton or polyester, and Mountain Mist polyester batting. I usually get the prepackaged and cut it to meet my needs and with the leftovers I can piece it together to make a free one. Low or medium loft I've found is the best weight for hand quilting, and with either one of these brands the needle just glides through it like butter. Both of these brands are machine wash and dry on delicate, which may be something to consider. Quilters Dream contains no glues or resins, and Mountain Mist has their own non-toxic product to hold their batting together. I also appreciate in these two brands that when a quilt is washed and/or used well for a long period of time that the batting doesn't drift, separate, and clump up in sections of the quilt. I hope this helps. If I can be of any further help to you, Annabel has my email address. I'm looking forward to seeing your little girl projects. Blessings, Cookie



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    4. Cookie,

      These tips and advice are WONDERFUL! Thank you so much! I am definitely open to any other quilted (etc.) advice you can share whenever you feel prompted. My email address is:

      mrskjdibble@juno.com

      *hugs
      Kelley~

      Delete
  18. I love this idea :)

    Kelley you have done a fabulous job sewing all of those baby gifts.
    They really do look great in the plaid patterns.

    Thank you Annabel for sharing with us :)

    Prayers for you Glenda, hope you are feeling better soon.

    xTania

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    Replies
    1. Tania,

      Thank you for your kind comments. The plaid is really easy to manage.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  19. What a wonderful post, Kelley!

    Glenda, I hope you on the the mend and up and back to normal soon. Lavender essential oil is very useful and soothing for those sore areas on your legs.

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    Replies
    1. Lana,

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  20. This is brilliant! How cute and special the bibs, burp, cloths, and quilts will be for your future grandbabies.
    I've made quilts using old blue jeans (we love our denim here in the States) with a thrifted sheet as backing. The finished quilts are very heavy and sturdy. I've recently read that weighted blankets are supposed to help children with anxiety and other behavioral issues, so a denim quilt might be a less expensive option than a purchased weighted blanket.
    Blessings, Leigh

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    Replies
    1. Yes Leigh weighted blankets are great for children. They help with anxiety attention span they are very calming. Sometimes even a bag a rice in a child's lap or bags of rice in a vest or jacket are very calming. I never thought of denim great idea.
      Patti

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    2. Leigh,

      That sounds adorable, too! I'd love to see your creations!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  21. I love the plaid! Everything looks great. I especially love that it all belonged to Grandpa. Great ideas!

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    Replies
    1. Debby,

      Yes, me, too, and so masculine, even for little guys.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  22. Dear Annabel and Kelley , what a wonderful and thoughtful post this is . Annabel for sharing with us crafty prayer warrior bluebirds and Kelley for such sentimental gifts .
    To think we recently gave a heap of hubby's shirts to the op shop and rag bin ... oh well st least he has quite a few left .
    I shall think on this more as I've not quilted before nor done years of crafts of this kind . I'm still slow with my crocheting but slowly getting there .
    You all amaze me with what you make !
    Love to all ,Maria xxx

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    Replies
    1. Maria,

      The ideas are endless, aren't they?

      I plan to crochet around ALL the little girls projects I'll make using the vintage sheets.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  23. Ps Glenda - I'm sending you healing and hope you mend soon xxx Maria

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  24. Dear Annabel and fellow Bluebirds,
    Thank you all for your prayers. They are greatly appreciated. Blood clots are not fun. I am told the minimum time I can expect to endure these are six months.
    Kelley, I absolutely adore the bibs and the burp cloths. What a wonderful thing to do for your daughters.
    Have a blessed and wonderful day, friends.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Glenda,

      We're covering you with prayer to the One Who is able. We're all hoping this time passes quickly for you and that you're able to keep the faith.

      Thank you also for taking the time to comment. Bluebird Nation is just the sweetest, isn't it?

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  25. Kelley the bibs,burp clothes and quilts are so lovely. Such a labor of love. How blessed those future baby boys will be.
    Glenda I am prayer for continued healing.
    Much Love,
    Patti

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    Replies
    1. Patti,

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  26. Dear Annabel and Kelley, thank you so much for sharing!
    Kelley, I love the idea of using Gramps shirts for baby bibs, quilts and burp clothes!! They will be cherished! You have done a wonderful job of teaching yourself to quilt!

    Glenda, I am praying for a speedy recovery! Take care!

    Annabel, I made my hubby banana bread and a homemade card for "V" day. Slices of the bread will go in his lunch each day!

    Have a good week everyone! Love, Teri

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    1. Teri,

      Thank you for your kind comments. The learning has been fun and fruitful.

      Mmm! Your Valentine's Day lovin' from the oven sounds delicious!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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  27. Annabel and Kelley, what an inspiring post! I love quilts, and to make them with such love is just beautiful. Annabel, how nice for you to be able to give Lucy such gorgeous baby supplies from your stash. Making gifts for babies is so much fun! I'm crocheting a blanket for my niece who is due next month. After that it's time for me to get quilting! I've talked about it, planned, re-planned and just generally put it off for far too long. This post has reminded me why I want to make quilts for my children. Thank you both!

    Jen in NZ
    P.S. Thanks so much for the lovely comments about our move to the country :)

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    Replies
    1. Jen,

      So glad you're feeling inspired today! That seems to happen a lot here in Bluebird Nation!

      *hugs* and happy quilting,
      Kelley~

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  28. Kelley, on behalf of this flock of Bluebirds, thank you for this beautiful post, and your thoughtful replies to comments! All of this is appreciated!
    As Dad would say, in preparedness tone, "Many hands make light work!"
    Thank you!
    Regards,
    Rachel
    'blog secretary'!

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    Replies
    1. Rachel,

      Mother always said that, too!

      Appreciate your kind comments.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  29. Dear Annabel and Kelley,
    What a great idea! I love this post and the lovely things you have created. It has come at just the right time, as we found out on Tuesday we are having a BOY!!!
    Lots of love, Kelsey

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    Replies
    1. Kelsey,

      How incredibly jealous I am! 😂

      Congratulations! Can't wait to see your creations!

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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    2. Dear Kelsey,
      Oh congratulations! I was wondering if you would find out this! How exciting. Now you can plan more and be getting ready. I really hope you are feeling much much better!
      Thank you for sharing this! With lots of love Annabel.xxx

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    3. Congratulations Kelsey ! You sound so happy :-) love Maria x

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  30. Oh my goodness, your bibs, burp cloths and quilt tops are amazing, Kelley! What a clever use of grandpa's shirts and how wonderful to have memories preserved in this manner. I so love being part of this group, everyone inspires me to reach outside my known skills and learn something new!

    Glenda, I am praying for resolution of your blood clots. Please take it easy and rest!

    I just recently found out that there is a recycled fabric/craft shop not too far from my home. The ladies that began this business buy fabric and craft supplies/kits from folks who are looking to purge their own abundant supplies or have inherited these things. They then resell these items in their store. I cannot wait to go check it out! Here is the link if anyone is curious about what they have: http://online.fabricrecycles.com. I think this is such a clever idea and I love that it is reusing things that others have discarded!

    Jeanette

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    1. Jeanette,

      Thank you for your kind comments. And we al cannot wait to check out the link to the site you shared.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

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    2. Dear Jeanette,
      What a good idea for a shop! I would love that! Unfinished projects and craft supplies stashed in cupboards can be a dream come true for us!
      Thank you for your kind words Jeanette! With love Annabel.xxx

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  31. Dear Annabel and Kelley,
    Thank you for the lovely post. What beautiful things that wil be treasured heirlooms!
    I will be keeping Glenda in my prayers.
    Love from AZ,
    Elaine

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    1. Mrs. Gillam,

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      Håfa adai from Guam,
      Kelley~

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    2. Dear Elaine, Thank you! Have a lovely weekend! With love Annabel.xxx

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  32. Thank you so much Kelley! This was such a beautiful post and such a help to me! And thank you for all the replies as well. I had a lot behind the scenes this week. Thank you! xxx

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    1. Annabel,

      I was pleasantly surprised to see it as a post, and all to glad it was a help to you last week.

      *hugs* to you, friend!
      Kelley~

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  33. I know I'm late in commenting, but well done! Why should we wait to make heirlooms? My children all played with the lap quilts grandma (my m-i-l) made them. Not only did they cherish their scrap quilts but made lasting memories, too. The quilts were used as capes, tea party times on the lawn, sleeping bags and even swaddled teddy bears.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    Replies
    1. Leslie,

      So true-- why wait? Yes, I can imagine them being used to swaddle baby dolls, too.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  34. I love this idea of working ahead. It used to be common place to work on filling a hope chest through a young lady's teen years. I need to start with my girls even though they are older.
    Be blessed,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

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