CraziMariScraps&Quilts

2010-12-22T22:39:00.002-05:00

As Christmas approaches, I am counting my blessings and thanking God for them; while praying for friends facing illness or adversity, as well as for the safety of our troops. Missing my departed loved ones, Milissa-our beloved sisterbelle, who was taken much too young; and my dearly loved parents, who had long, full lives. Trying to remember our happy times together. Missing my big brother in FL, and Aunts out west. Feeling happy that I had gifts to wrap for family and friends, praying for those less fortunate. Grateful for the greetings and gifts I have received, but most of all for the friendships that enrich my life. Remembering that the most important things aren't things... May God Bless you with a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, prosperous New Year!

Twenty-six years of happily ever after. . .

2010-12-02T22:17:00.003-05:00

Twenty-six years ago today, my beloved late Dad walked me down the aisle, and I married the man of my dreams.. Today he brought me a beautiful floral white gift bag filled with a lovely card, a romantic Regency novel about a wedding, by an author I'd yet to read; and a gift certificate to my favorite place to shop, Scrappers Cove. He had also tried to find a dozen artificial roses as I am recovering from a nasty bout of pneumonia that had waylaid me for most of November, and I had requested no flowers due to my asthma, which the pneumonia exacerbated. I was so moved by his sweet presents, perfect for me. I am so blessed to have married my knight in shining armor, I made him a card with a die cut I assembled of a knight in armor. He liked it so much, he took it to his office to display! I also gave him Microsoft Office 2010 and my promise to help him compose newsletters for his nonprofit organization.

SRE Lesson Two

2010-11-02T19:14:00.003-05:00

This is my incomplete attempt at Sharon Boggon's Silk Ribbon Embroidery Lesson Two. I have yet to finish rosebuds as I ran out of the ribbon, and still need antique gold seed beads which were out of stock.

SRE Lesson One with Sharon Boggon

2010-11-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is my attempt at Sharon Boggon's Silk Ribbon Embroidery Lesson One through joggles.com I have yet to bead the centers or re-iron the linen. Stitches include stem stitch, ribbon stitch, and lazy daisy.

Quilt shop excursion

2010-07-17T10:25:00.002-05:00

Thursday, I went to Pennington Quilt Works, and had a fabulous time buying fabric and patterns and meeting such nice women. I drove there on the highways using GPS and came home on county roads using just the sense of direction my Dad had nurtured in me. I didn't get lost and saw fabulous farms, horses, cows, gardens and a Chinese geese for sale sign. The homes were lovely to look at and so much greenery, it was very refreshing.

I had surgery this past Monday on my breast and will get my biopsy results on Monday. It should be good news, as it is 90% likely to be benign. I also found out that I don't have VonWillebrand's Disease which I had been diagnosed with at age 17. I do have an Alpha 2 Antiplasmin Deficiency, a very rare bleeding disorder. As of 2009, there were 15 reported congenital cases worldwide. My good friend Lesley in England, said leave it to me to a "posh bleeding disorder", lol. My brother and sister surprised me by offering help for the surgery, my late Mom would be very happy. ;-}

Please be crewel.....

2010-06-08T14:48:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I attended a crewel workshop by the world renowned Phillipa Turnbull of Cumbria in the UK. It was held at the Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown, NJ, which is in an old Tudor mansion that was charming. See http://www.crewelwork.com/ if you are not familiar with her work. She is the opening speaker and a teacher at EGA National Seminar in San Francisco. I highly recommend taking her classes if you have the opportunity to do so.The workshop I attended was organized by Karen of www.NimbleNeedle.net, to whom I am most grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Karen's store is around the corner and she is delightful. She recently taught a canvaswork piece, with 5 stitches which were new to me, to my local EGA chapter.
It was fabulous. I learned long and short shading (which I had always been afraid to try)and an entirely new way to do French knots. (Which really improved my consistency!) When looking at my first ever attempts at long and short soft shading, she said my stitching was "bloomin' beautiful". I also learned stem stitch properly; and laid and couched work, as well as closed fly stitch. Also a fascinating lecture the day before on the history of English and Scottish crewel and textiles. It included a power point presentation with amazing photos and she brought a historic American crewel piece which was amazing.

She was commissioned to recreate the Queen Mother's silk damask bedspread lost during the war that matched a crewel headboard, both of which had been originally embroidered by the Queen Mum's mother. It is at Glamis Castle. (This was featured in Inspirations - the Australian embroidery magazine and it is stunning.)
It is also featured on her DVD which I bought, as well as her seat frame (which I found surprisingly comfortable and easy to use even though I am quite obese)
I had brought my heavy metal K's creations stand to the workshop, did not use it because I really liked the seat frame. I also couldn't resist her heartsease pansy kit as this is my favorite flower. I am working on her secret squirrel piece, most of the attendees did her deer stag piece, but I love squirrels, and wanted a beginner piece.

Her beau, Harry Williamson is a trustee of the Royal School of Needlework and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Broderers. He spoke yesterday on the history of them both. His lecture was very interesting and quite informative. He is quite charming and Phillipa is just a treasure. The amount of individual attention was unbelievable. Absolutely amazing 2 days!!! Worth every penny. She has some amazing stuff on her website including stitch demos.

I am really looking forward to An Adventure In Crazy Quilting in April 2011, in Connecticut
and taking classes from Sharon Boggon, Allison Aller and Betty Pillsbury. The workshop I just attended has really improved my stitching skills and Phillipa's comments has vastly increased my self-confidence. Check out www.maureensvintageacquisitions.blogspot.com

Grief is not for sissies

2010-03-11T22:31:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that in May 2010, my beloved Mom, Mabel S. Squire, will be gone for a year; and one month later, my precious Dad will have been gone for two years. I was so lost in grief, I never blogged abut my Mom's passing. Later this month my wonderful sister-in-law, Milissa Maszer Rauh, will be gone from us for 3 years; she was taken from us much too young.
My Mom taught me so much, as did my Dad. I miss them both very much. My Mom could really drive me crazy sometimes, probably because we were too much alike. As my Dad would say "The nuts don't fall too far from the tree." somedays I still just want to talk to her or show her some craft piece I've completed. She loved seeing my work, she taught me so many different crafts through early childhood and as my girl scout leader. Our last crafting together was my making Christmas cards for her to send, she designed them while I made them as her tremor was too advanced to make them herself. Rest in Peace, Mommy...

The Creative Connection

2010-03-11T22:29:00.000-05:00

More Srabble news

2009-03-16T06:32:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited, Scrabble is coming out on Nintendo DS. I bought a DS lite and some word and card games for it recently. I play it when I'm restless and enjoy it. I am psyched that they are coming out with Scrabble for it. I haven't posted in eons because I was busy grieving my Dad's loss and helping take care of my Mom. I recently became able to tell stories of my Dad and look at pictures of him without crying, which is a big step, I think. I am able to remember all the happy times without sadness, but still miss him so. I couldn't have gotten through it without the support of my friends.

pic2color

2008-08-06T10:45:00.001-05:00

pic2colorgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Yellow Color Study Round Robin

2008-08-05T19:07:00.002-05:00

Rebecca is hosting a Yellow Color Study Round Robin for CQ4Newbies and has been gracious enough to allow me to participate. I pieced this 10" Crazy Quilt block in shades of yellow, thanks to stash enabling by Crazy Judyth, Susan & Candi. I will be receiving a friend's yellow block per month for 5 months which I am to embellish 2 seams and 1 patch with all sorts of yellow embellishments, beads, buttons, silk ribbon embroidery, etc. and the 6th month this block will come home to me, having been embellished by 5 friends. this all begins September 1st, but I have my block ready to go!

Patches, our darling crazy cat

2008-08-03T16:24:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, my sweet hubby purchased an adorable plush and cozy bed/house made from faux fur plush leopard for Patches and put in in her favorite little corner in the bedroom, so last night she took up space in another bare corner! Took this shot today, she is photogenic, I think. Right now she is perched on the very tip top of my executive desk chair whose back is higher than my head and she springs there straight from the floor. It always startles us. She is a noisy little chatterer and is good company.

2008-08-03T16:17:00.003-05:00

This is a CQ block I made for Linda in memory of a tragic loss in her life. There is an angel charm, and the silkie says It is time to seek the Lord. Linda is a devout Christian and has my sincere sympathies for her family's loss.

Hearts and Flower Showers By CQ4Newbies

2008-08-03T16:00:00.003-05:00

This is a CQ block I made for Lori to celebrate her receiving a new kidney and wish her a speedy recovery. She is a wonderful needle artist and great friend.

Books I love

2008-07-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

Pet Therapy

2008-07-14T19:51:00.002-05:00

I brought Dad's beloved dog, Toby to visit him at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in June 2008.

2008-07-14T19:48:00.001-05:00

This is Dad shortly after marrying Mom in 1947, I recently scrapbooked the photo.

2008-07-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

RIP, Daddy, My Hero, My Best Friend

2008-07-14T18:55:00.002-05:00

I lost the World's Best Dad, Warren Patrick Squire on June 20, 1984 at nearly 8:00 AM at Haven Hospice in Edison, NJ. Dad and I were alone, as he peacefully drew his last breath and went to meet his maker. I could barely get out of bed for a week, fortunately I married my other Best Friend and Bill is so supportive, as are my friends. After 3 weeks, I am out in the world again and functioning but miss him so very much. I have to look for a good photo of him to post.

2008-07-14T18:51:00.001-05:00

Take the Quiz here!

2008-05-07T05:55:00.001-05:00

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

My first crazy quilt hearts for SOH2

2007-05-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

The dark purple above and dark green to the right don't photograph well, they are pure silk dupioni and are undershot with a contrasting color. The dragonfly wings above are sheer pale green silk organza ribbon.

The heart on the right shows my first button and bead trail. These hearts were stitched in December 2006 for the January 2007 Sharing Our Hearts 2 Swap in the CQforNewbies group. The colors are chosen from the recipient's favorites.

The heart at the top center is my third heart completed in January 2007 for the Feb 2007 swap. I love how my second button and bead trail turned out. I beaded a lace dragonfly motif and the flowers are silk ribbon embroidery. The recipient wanted unfinished edges. I can't believe I finally got these photos uploaded properly. It took many previous attempts and much frustration.

How time flies!

2007-05-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I stitched this 20 years ago! Mom and Dad will celebrate their 60th anniversary in
September, Good Lord willing and the crick don't rise. They are keeping me very busy chaffeuring, shopping, doing paperwork and making phone calls. They are both stable right now but neither are well. We went to visit them Friday night and brought a few treats.

What Kind of Flower Are You?

2007-05-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

My friend Thelma from CQ4Newbies had this quiz on her blog. According to my quiz answers I am a snapdragon whose middle name is mischief, and first name is friend. I am also a prankster who loves to make people laugh. I'm not too sure about the prankster bit but I do love to make people laugh. I do try to be a good friend; unfortunately I don't always succeed.

Blogs I love to visit, creative talented people

2007-05-13T09:38:00.000-05:00

Back again

2007-05-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

The packages I sent were overdue thank you gifts, get well gifts, stash enhancement swaps. I feel guilty that it took me so long to get them in the mail. I must continue preparing for the State Department Of Community Affairs multidwelling housing inspection next week. Wish I had more energy, fell asleeep after dinner. Need to find crazy quilted hearts I had finished for Sharing Our Hearts 2 swap, and those that are pieced but not embellished. DH stored them away as he tried to clean up for inspection. I am way behind in swap plus I owe Niki M a heart; I had it all finished except for spider. I miss the camaraderie of my yahoo groups and hope to be online soon with them. I have been reading posts the past few days but not posting really as I feel so quilty about being so behind in my commitments. I hope members will understand. I have received some wonderful personal emails from some members telling me to take time for me. Unfortunately my health insists I do. Their prayers are most appreciated.

Dad had good newsat the nurse practitioner, all of his bloodwork was improved. He did not get short of breath at all yesterday on our errands. He had no edema today. Mom must go to hospital for blood clot medicine injection Sat and Sun, I will drive on Sat. Sunday I take MIL out to dinner, and I am on duty for the RedCross and my phone does not work in the hospital. My sis is going to her MIL in Connecticutt. I called my brother Jeff and left message asking them to drive. Keeping my fingers crossed. Spoke to my eldest brother Doug in FL. Had a nice long chat.

Mom loved the gifts I made her for Mother's Day; a photo cube and a collection of greeting cards. Have not finished the Love You Mom Album I started at class last week at Scrappers Cove. I'm having trouble posting photos to blog. Have a few hearts to show and some papercrafts.

10 minutes to myself

2007-05-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

I have ten minutes at the library, before my darling hubby picks me up to take Dad for prothrombin time then visit with the nurse practitioner. He is driving as I only got three hours sleep last night. I am PMS'ing with a headache and my knees are playing up. Tuesday Mom ended up in ER, spent 6 hours before my sis took over. Yesterday took Dad to LinensN'things, Kmart, Quest Labs, and then to a salad bar for lunch at a renovated diner. I had a spaghetti meal there with Mom and Dad 42 years ago, after getting a shot (I was 5). Being one of 5 kids, having them alone was a real treat. Dad and I had a nice visit yesterday. Mom is slowly getting better. Took 90 year old mom-in-law out for ice cream last night.

Today DH mailed packages for me to JK, Elizabeth, Lesa, Judyth, Linda, Elizabeth Q, Mary, Nancy on CQ for Newbies list. OOPS time's up

Life is hectic, but better

2007-05-08T00:10:00.000-05:00

My Dad was admitted to hosp for CHF last Weds-Friday. He is home and doing ok, thank God. He had blood work today at MD's (then out to lunch and bank and drug store while Mom was at chemo with sis), and has more blood work at lab on Wed; then visit to nurse practitioner on Thursday. I will drive him to all of those. He will have the same Weds and Thursday appts every week in May and perhaps permanently to avoid hospitalization. He will also have Prothrombin time blood work to regulate coumadin dosage once or twice a week. He has been an inpatient 12 times in 11 months.
Mom is on chemo, and chemo(the steroids part) is making her nutty. We found out today she has a blood clot in her leg from overdoing it while ramped up on steroids and now has to go to hosp everyday for 5 days or longer! My sis will drive to those. But I have to go to their house and help with cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
I don't even do much at all of my own cooking, cleaning, and shopping due to my own health issues. I may need knee surgery, will find out on the 17th. I am also supposed to see my dentist weekly for the next several weeks. I need lots of work due to the drying side effects of the antiviral therapy I was on for 18 months ending in March. I see my gastro in July after bloodwork to determine if antivirals cleared Hepatitis C which I contracted in 1982 from a clotting factor transfusion. I am trying to avoid liver cancer or transplant. I see a therapist once or twice monthly and a nurse practitioner every 2 months.

Rest in Peace Milissa M. Rauh

2007-05-01T05:38:00.000-05:00

My Beloved sister-in-law, Milissa Maszer Rauh, lost her long courageous battle with cancer in March 2007. We miss her dearly. She was an incredibly special lady; an animal lover who had 2 Arabian horses, Raffi and Chieftain, as well as two Akitas, Panda Bear and Roo Girl. Milissa was very generous, fun-loving, had a great sense of humor, an incredible work ethic and is loved and missed by many; including her husband, George. I will be hosting a ThinkPink (ironically, her least favorite color) Scrapbooking Crop and donating prizes in her memory to benefit the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation during the last weekend in September 2007 at Scrappers Cove in Milltown, NJ. Thanks to Chris and Sue for allowing me to this.

Crazy quilting, hearts for sharing swap

2006-12-23T08:55:00.000-05:00

I have been a stitching fool the last few days, I learned the bullion stitch; made my first 2 hearts in embellished crazy quilting that is beaded and has SRE (silk ribbon embroidery) flowers, did my first bead and button trails, love them!!! My hearts are for a swap hosted by Linda in Texas, Mom of Erin, my young stitching friend. We make and send out 1 heart per month, I have Jan. for Peggy in FL done and Feb. for Wilma in Holland done. Then in October I will receive 11 hearts made by the lovely ladies in my group of the swap. The hearts are quick, easy, adorable and addictive. Thanks Linda! Bill took me to the Rag Shop last night, I got a selection of #5 DMC perle cottons for the Take a Stitch Tuesday challenge, interfacing and beads for my hearts. Yesterday right before we left for dinner at Carrabas, the postman brought an urgent delivery package from Mary in New Orleans, Judyth and Lesa in Kansas, and Gerry in Texas called Project Marianne. Since I was ill and off the list these lovely friends from CQforNewbies@yahoo.com got together and created very touching notes, and gifts a plenty for me. There were CQ fabrics, fibers, laces, ribbons and embellishments, swan! siggies(vintage photos on silk), a CQ block in jewel toned satins, scrapbooking papers and embellishments, swan! figurines and sewing pattern, and lavender relaxation spray, mmm! What a wonderful outpouring of friendship, I am truly blessed to have these ladies in my life. They make such a difference. I was just so moved by this gesture. Oh stop me now, "I'm so fklempted". Talk amongst yourselves!"

Take A Stitch Tuesday Challenge

2006-12-20T13:20:00.000-05:00

Today I prepared a squishie (a baggie filled with lace, ribbons, beads, buttons, charms, etc.) for Sharon B who will be teaching the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge beginning January 2, 2007 to anyone who is interesting in learning and exploring more embroidery stitches for embellishment. I wanted to thank her in some small way and hope she likes my offering. Check out the challenge info at http://inaminuteago.com/blog/index.php/take-a-stitch-tuesday-challenge/

My hero, my Daddy

2006-12-19T22:31:00.000-05:00

Here's my Dad and his beloved dog, Toby whom they adopted from a rescue several years ago.

My lovely Mom

2006-12-19T22:16:00.000-05:00

Here's my Mom at my Dad's 83rd birthday party. I love her smile in this one.

Our new cat Patches' first photo

2006-12-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

Here is Patches, adopted from the Franklin Animal Shelter on October 4. She is a two year old Patch Tabby who had lived there for 3 months, after being found stray off a local highway. She is a delight, and here she is keeping me company as I nap.

Yes, I'm still Alive

2006-12-19T09:44:00.000-05:00

My life blew up! Mom's lymphoma is back; she's responding to chemo thank god, I take her to oncologist next week. Dad was hospitalized 10 times this summer and fall. He is very weak and has fallen and cut himself several times lately. He is holding his own and keeps fighting. We took Toby to the groomer last week and went out to lunch. It was sunny and unseasonably warm. We had a good day together. That evening I took a paper craft class to alter several desk accessories at Scrapper's Cove by Leslie Chang, a great instructor. I had female surgery, all is well. Friday I saw my liver doctor I finish antiviral therapy For chronic HCV in mid-March. Yahoo!!!!! My blood work was all good. He said I should feel better by May. I am praying for more stamina and strength to be able to help my folks and mom-in-law, Grace more. Grace will be 90 on March 5, we will have a party for her, Good Lord willing. She is in good health but tires more easily. I took a scrapbooking class at Scrapper's Cove on Sunday with the talented Jen Starr of Ranger Industries, she is designing her own line of paper for Szage. She has even taught in Holland. It was a very fun class that included doodling and painting with paint dabbers. I have been making pages for the album we made. Yesterday Bill mailed out 3 packages for the Birthday Group 2 swap, which were long overdue due to my life exploding as it were. I spent 3 days gathering up the silks and satins, laces, ribbons, buttons, beads, charms , siggies, etc. for the stuffed squishie bags, and made one for the swap hostess, Rebecca, whose husband's unit all made it home safe from Iraq. I was on duty Sunday and again today for the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services, I'll do so again every Tuesday and on New Year's Eve. I have done this since our troops went to Iraq and did it for Desert Storm also.
It is a small thing to do to support our troops and their loved ones.

Hobbies and the military: looks like grapes

2006-09-04T16:06:00.000-05:00

I visited the blog of several friends from CQforNewbies, I did not know how to create a link from my blog to theirs and tried something and this is what happened. Hobbies and the military: looks like grapes

Are you more cat or dog?

2006-09-04T08:12:00.000-05:00

You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat

You and dogs definitely have a lot in common.You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life.However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

2006-09-03T07:48:00.000-05:00

First post

2006-09-03T06:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my yahoo group, CQfor Newbies; I'm learning to blog and hopefully to upload photos of my craft work. This group is composed of really wonderful, generous, funny ladies and through it I am learning the Victorian Art of Crazy Quilting and rediscovering and learning more Silk Ribbon Embroidery and Beaded Embellishment. Thanks to Lesa and JK for providing this forum. I joined the group in July 2006, and it has helped me through some difficult times; especially the loss of our little angel, Tigger. Tigger was 18 years and 10 months old and owned us for all but his first 8 weeks. He was a wonderful companion who clung to me and comforted me whenever I didn't feel well. He is sorely missed. My friends at Scrappers Cove scrapbook shop in Milltown, NJ and taking fun classes there have also helped me cope. Thanks to Chris, Sue, and Pat. This photo of Tigger and I was taken on July 1, 2006, he passed away on August 10.