Wow! Thanks for all the wonderful advice on kitchen countertops! If only I could take all of you along with me when it comes time to make a decision. Although, there were a lot of different opinions, so it could be a heated discussion LOL. We were supposed to meet with the countertop lady tonight, but she got sick so we’ll have to wait until next week. I hope this isn’t a sign of how long this project is going to take. ;-) I always joke with the kids that “I’m the Decider!”. But really, when it comes to stuff like this, I’m NOT the decider. I hate these hard decisions!
So…moving right along … I managed to sneak a bit of sewing in last weekend, and since there weren’t very many votes for the toaster countertop, I decided to use the fabric for some pillowcases.
I’ve always loved that Cosmo Cricket toaster saying, so when I saw these Metro Cafe toasters, I knew I had to make some pillowcases out of them. I got a little carried away when I bought the fabric too — I think most everyone I know is going to get some toaster pillowcases … poor dears.
I also snuck in a few quilt blocks for Jenny’s charity quilt that she’s making for an AIDS fundraiser. I think it took all of 20 minutes to make these blocks — if you have a bit of time and fabric, I’m sure Jenny would appreciate your contribution. You can read all about it HERE.
That’s about it for excitement around here this week. I did have a fun evening last night with BigDaddy, MyDadLovesMeBestSister, and CrazyBIL. We went to see Garrison Keillor. I was amazed that, at 68, he spoke without a break, or even a drink of water, for two hours. It amazed me even more today when I read that he suffered a mild stroke a little over a year ago. He was funny and entertaining and I loved that he made us all stand up at the beginning and sing The Star Spangled Banner. And for those of you who are sick of winter, he had this little quip…”Here we are in March…the month that God provided so that people who don’t drink will know what it’s like to have a hangover”.
Ok, one last thing … do you all know what this is?
It’s the famous Brandenburg Gate in Berlin Germany. And look, here’s another version:
The new logo for the Berlin Modern Quilt Guild. Isn’t it Awesome? I think that’s the coolest logo I’ve seen in a long time — I love how the spools and needle have become part of the gate. I saw it on Julia’s blog and I asked her who designed the logo. Turns out it was her! Congratulations Julia — it’s gorgeous!
Ok, now … WAIT! Did you see this super cute Pinocchio? I need another little boy so I can make it — I LOVE it!
Really. NOW I’m leaving. Hope you’re having a great week!
XOXO,
Anna
Oh I love the toaster pillowcases. So cute! How did you get the words on there?
I vote for a field trip to Berlin! Anybody game?
I SO need one of those pillowcases! LOL! I cannot believe that GK is 68….wow.
Yes, Pinnochio is very gorgeous. I really like the Berlin logo- and am happy to be introduced to Julia’s blog (recognised the Brandenburg Gate because I was in Germany as an exchange student when the wall fell- amazing). And, I love that toaster saying- I will be repeating that!
Such cute pillowcases! Love the words too–did you stamp them?
No, of course you aren’t good at making decisions. You are a Libra like me, and that’s not our strong point ;).
I love your pillow; my sentiments exactly!
Your toaster pillow cases are awesome! Such fun – your family will be delighted with them.
Don’t worry too much about the counter tops..and making the right decision…Just eliminate to ones you really don’t like and pick from the few you do…chances are that any of the ones you like will be perfect.
Love the pillowcases with the fabulous saying! They will be great gifts and any that don’t like them can send them to me ;o) The embroidery is fab!…what kind of machine do you have that does that? Is it the same one that you used for the towels? I could see myself monogramming everything before my daughter goes to university!
Wow you’ve been busy Anna, the cross blocks look like fun and for a good cause too! Have fun with your decision, I know it’s difficult …..
Those pillowcase have a motto I could adopt, how very cool with the words. Can you get samples of the counter tops to leave on the current one and see how you like them?
Super cute pillowcases! I must hunt for the fabric! Good luck with the counter top decision. It can be a difficult one.
Those pillowcases are awesome! I really like that fabric. Julia did a great job on the logo, very nice!
Hi Anna, It’s been a while since I’ve commented so I’m popping in to say hi and tell you that I always stop by, even though I don’t comment much anymore. I hope you have a great day and a great weekend that will soon be here.
Connie
Ack….now you have found me a few more blogs I have to add to the list. No wonder I haven’t been getting much done! And the cutest pillowcase too lady.
The pillowcases are adorable! And the logo is really clever.
Good luck with your countertop shopping. Decisions like that are always difficult for me. I usually go for the stuff that’s easiest to take care of!
Those pillowcases are SO fun! Love that little saying.
Love that Berlin quilt guild logo, too!
how cute are those pillow case?!? WAAAAAY CUTE!
i just went over to the Pinocchio link – i HAVE to figure out a way to use that for Peanut Butter Cup’s big brother – he sounds JUST like Pinocchio (in Shrek) when he talks – he’s a REAL boy!
so … better out than in, i always say – bwah ha ha ha!!!
I LOVE Garrison Keillor. On Saturdays here we always have A Prairie Home Companion on the radio. I hope to see the live show one day when it’s in New York. XO
Those pillowcases are cute as can be. And I love the saying!
I love that Garrison Keillor March quote, one to remember.
OK so I’m going to be British and call them pillowslips! Whatever, they are really cute! Some years ago, when I was still a member of the Quilters’ Guild, they changed the logo to something horrendous, without consulting the members – it’s awful and bears no relation to quilting ….. another reason that I’m glad I’m not a member anymore!
great pillow cases Anna! many thanks for the quilt blocks and thanks for mentioning it on your blog!! need to get the top together by next week! Ack!! you wanna babysit for me?? :)
GK is so funny without even seeming to make an effort! Love his hangover comment about march! What an adorable Pinnochio—I can think of at least one little boy….You are certainly all over the place making your quilty projects seem just as effortless as GK’s wit!
Those toaster pillowcases are so you, Anna! Perfection. And that IS one cool logo. Going now to check out your other links.
Sweet pillowcase! I’d wake up with a smile every morning!
The toaster pillowcases look fantastic. I think I need to sleep in a toaster so I can pop straight out of bed in the mornings instead of feeling so tired from staying up late!
PERFECT pillowcase! Jason springs from bed in the morning, “Mommy, it’s wakey up time!!” He doesn’t understand why I move so slllooowwwwllllyyyyyy.
Those pillowcases are so funny, Anna. Love them, and that sweet Pinocchio.
I’m a big fan of Lake Wobegon Days, so I can just imagine what a fun evening you had with Garrison Keillor. I’ve always loved his voice.
Ok – so jealous that you saw Garrison Keiler! I am a huge fan. Glad you had fun! Love the pillowcases – just how many can you get out of the bolt? LOL! And – best of all LOVE the Pinocchio pattern! Thanks for the link! At least you have one more week to stew over the countertops! Hugs!
Ok – so jealous that you saw Garrison Keiler! I am a huge fan. Glad you had fun! Love the pillowcases – just how many can you get out of the bolt? LOL! And – best of all LOVE the Pinocchio pattern! Thanks for the link! Hugs!
Okay, so you saw Garrison Keillor??? Oh. My.
So, if i’m to believe gurney, you bought a BOLT of toaster fabric? if i weren’t struggling with a bolt addiction myself, i would have something to say about that… but all i have to say is: Good job, if you have to buy it, buy it by the bolt!!!
love that little pinocchio pattern. i’m going to run on over and check out your friend’s charity block project.
looks like you’ve had a great week anna.
:waves madly
You could choose from thousands of different colors, patterns and style and you could even customize it and create your own kitchen countertops.
the rains here are heavy…& when one cannot sleep…you can find me checking in…FUN post!
garrison killer…pretty cool…your blocks for the charity quilt are pretty wonderful. have a great weekend anna!
This post was full of “little goodies” to link to to – thank you. I have been a bit more than busy lately so it looks like I have a missed a couple of your posts, Anna. I would like to chime in on the counter top issue, if you haven’t yet met with “the” lady. Having recently finished our monster construction project, it is all still fresh in my mind. I have had ALL the counter tops. Stainless steel is the only one you can be totally brainless about in upkeep, but unless you can balance it out with plenty of warmth in the kitchen, I find it can be a bit sterile. The only way to do that is to have more than one type of counter top in the same kitchen (i.e. butcher block in some areas and stainless in others). I have lived with granite in many homes (and on our boat) and clumsy as I am, I never chipped it. My issue with granite is the look – it looks like it is peppered rock. After walking the streets of Carrara, Italy, I wanted that marbled stone look, but marble can stain easily. You can do one of two things : #1 like some famous Hollywood actress (Meg Ryan I think), you can have the gorgeous white marble installed and immediately stain it on purpose (if I remember correctly she rubbed tomato juice all over them), all future stains instantly became a non issue. I chose option #2 : Quartzite, a stone harder than granite, yet it still has all the marble like veins running through it. It is polished like granite – so I do have to wipe the counter tops if I get lemon juice (any acid) on the counter tops. Since I am past the stage of late night margarita parties, this wasn’t a big problem. I suppose after many years of wear, if I don’t want to have it polished and there are acid spots I could pull a Meg Ryan and cover the whole thing with lemon juice and leave it over night. I clean my counter tops with dish soap and water that I keep in a spray bottle (easy and cheap). Like granite, my counter top can handle hot pots and pans without a trivet (a bonus when you make bonehead maneuvers without advanced thinking) and like marble, it is cool so that I can make pastry on the hottest of days when I am feeling ultra domestic. I chose a grey color because it suited the decor of my house on the mountain, you will have to see what you find if you chose to go with quartzite. I put a link to one of my blog posts that had pictures where you can see the counter top. Hope this helps. Carolina
http://themuseoftheday.typepad.com/the-muse-of-the-day/2010/05/diagnosis-mangomanic-syndrome-1.html
Adorable pillow cases! You are so talented!
Goodness, the countertop debate.
I’m interested as always in our same-but-different language. We would call them work surfaces. Counters are in shops.
Alas, we’re very 1990 or possibly 1980 here, with our Formica. It’s very practical, though!
Oh my gosh those pillowcases have made my whole week xoxox Clarice
Those toasters are adorable. You find the cutest fabric!
I just wanted to say that I love your blog, it’s awesome and your tutorials are great as well.
Thanks very much for sharing.
Marilyn
Those toaster pillowcases are adorable! :) I’m glad you shared the Berlin insignia-so clever! :) Also glad you are sharing your quilting. I always appreciate it-it makes me want to try quilting again. My mother has always been such a good quilter/seamstress… alas I don’t have the patience or the skills. :)
Ohhh! That’s a pillowcase after my own heart! As is the quilt block of the Danish flag…or am I just projecting on that one?
Those toaster pillowcases are just too cute for words. I love all the Metro Cafe fabrics. I do hope you find just the right surface for your countertops. Maybe you need an interior designer to help. At least they could give you the pro’s and con’s for each product.
Ha ha ha, this is priceless.
I would love to sleep with that pillow.
Have a great week
Janine
oh anna, you’re so clever! i LOVE the pillowcases & the saying is just “me”. i have to see, whether i can hunt down some of the over-the-top-cute toaster fabric… :)
and…oh…*blush*…thank you again!
xoxo,
julia
Now those are some cute pillowcases and I like the saying too. I think they’d be perfect for my teen/twenties sons.
I really like Garrison K. and especially like his March quote. I definitely have a winter hangover! But…..March is now feeling fairly “spring-ish.” At long last. However, we sometimes get our biggest snowfalls of the season in April and sometimes May. (but they melt away fast)
Happy March!
Jody
look at you go with those pillow cases, Anna! I love that toaster saying too!
And that mqg logo is the bomb! I wouldn’t have noticed the spools if you hadn’t said something, they fit in so well!
Pillowcases: SO CUTE. If you have too many, I guess I’ll take one, thank you! ;)
I too love the pillowcases but have never seen the statement about sleeping in a toaster. Is that a fabric that can be purchased or did you write/embroider it on?
If it can be purchased, do you have a link?
Peggy in NJ
i LOVE THOSE PILLOWCASES! they are perfect in every way! you are such a clever little thing.