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Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue -

Something old - when Joey was born, John gave me a diamond ring band that I have worn next to my wedding ring ever since we came home from the hospital when Joey was born - you might have noticed it on a show (a gift to the new bride)

Something new - a 2008 penny

Something borrowed - a hankie that my grandma made for my mom's wedding and has been in several weddings since.

Something Blue - the embroidery on the little pocket which holds these treasures.

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In Jewish tradition the groom breaks a wine glass wrapped in a napkin under foot. The kids asked me to make the napkin for them - I used the silk that is in the chuppah and embroidered their initials as seen on the invitations. Also, it is a hand rolled and stitched edge.

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This is a really special present that Wendy has made for Shelly - It is a silk ribbon that is both embroidered and hand beaded with pearls that Shelly will wear inside her dress. It says, Joe and Shelly Anderson August 17th, 2008. Shelly knows nothing of this -it will be gifted to her tonight.

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I volunteered to make the chuppah - thinking a quilt was in order. Early on Shelly sent me an image of what her heart desired for the chuppah and 100% cotton was not in the picture. So Wendy (she was on the recent Baltic cruise with us) helped with the fancy fabric aspect of the chuppah - then I did the hand embroidery on the edges. In Hebrew it says, I am my beloved and my beloved is mine. It will be attached to the stand with hand dyed silk ribbons -

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When ever I told people our son was getting married, the first question was, "do you have your dress?" I have learned that this alone is the hardest part of the wedding - That's Right!!! The horror of finding something that is "snappy" and yet, not competitive with the bride is a universal trauma for the mom of either the bride or groom - (you are out there and I have spoken to you! LOL). I know Mom's who have had 6 dresses as back up dancers - and folks, we are not talking the rich and famous here - just Moms trying to do their very best. Anyway, I was on the quest for the perfect dress. This wedding is VERY formal and in the evening, my marching orders were "red carpet" appropriate. ARE YOU KIDDING? I AM A QUILTER!!!!! LOL. When we were at market in Portland, I talked John into checking out the local stores, just to get started. Eventually we were directed to a local boutique and the gals there were VERY good at what they do. The grabbed this dress (I would have never given it a second glance) and told me to put it on. I didn't really care for it on the hanger - but honestly, when I put it on - that was it. Thank goodness John was there, because it was a bit more than I anticipated to pay (that is putting it mildly), but he said get it! I LOVE my dress!!!!! John's moral of the story - if they offer you a glass of wine---RUN!

PS: No glasses, fancy shoes and seriuos undergarments (not worn here) - LOL

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It seems just yesterday the kids were underfoot and ever present. At the time I thought "will they ever grow up and/or will I ever get a decent nights sleep"? As everyone warned, treasure these moments, as they too, will soon pass and be only a memory. Another thing I would think about was their wedding day. How would I feel? It would have to be incredibly sad to let your child go - Here we are, on the eve of Joey's wedding and the emotions are overwhelming - not of sorrow (as I imagined when they were young), but of pure, delicious joy! We adore Shelly and everything she brings not only to our son but to our family. Tomorrow we take off to Santa Barbara, Ca for a Sunday wedding. In the mean time, I plan to give you a sneak peek of what we are taking to the event - of course starting with the "mother of the groom dress" - keep posted through out the weekend for my behind the scene details - you might get a good idea or two to use if there is a wedding in your future.  

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I LOVE LOVE LOVE my digital camera - it is small enough to fit in my little purse. As we wandered the streets, quilting designs began to pop up all over the place! I am so glad that wil the cick of the shutter I have new design resources on the computer. Very shortly my classroom will resume and we will learn to draft an 8 pointed star. Once you get a handle on basic drawing techniques, you can design your own quilting motifs based on what your journey brings to your attention!

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Just like you, we were always on the look out for FABRIC stores!!! In Rotterdam we stumbled upon this store and were charmed by the exotic nature of the fabrics. Although not quiltie in nature, the colors and textures were superb. It reminded me of the time I spent $100.00 on Dupiani silk with no plans whatsoever for it. What is the most exotic fabric you have ever used and have any great tips? For instance - in making the chuppah for the wedding we chose bridal fabrics - in order to stitch a great seam we backed it in typing paper then tore it away.......your turn!

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One of the really fun things we try to do when traveling is taste the culture - literally. Also with really great crafts at the open market in Finland - there were wonderful food stands. Both Warren and I were on the constant quest for pickled fish, while Wendy was sipping coffee along the way and as for John - he just tried to stay out of the way. What is a food that you LOVE - that others don't quite understand your love of?

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My cousin Jack is engaged to Anna - she is from Finland. I have heard of her home land and arrived with great expectations. I was more than delighted with Anna's country - in fact I LOVE FINLAND! The city was delightful in nature and filled with arts and crafts. We had heard of an open market area and went straight to see it. Honestly, this was the first time I felt compelled to open my pocket book - and friends, I did! Perhaps my most delicious purchase was a shawl that will go with my mother of the groom dress (next weekend!!) - The lady in front of the scarves is who I purchased it from. I also purchased a purse - LOVE it, and a few other great items. Interesting fact? Finland is not a Scandinavian country.