tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9622756725261610382012-01-27T09:58:08.418-08:00Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-53018845727574637442012-01-20T12:43:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:58:08.440-08:00

I was one of those kids that moved away from home as soon as I possibly could. It's just the way I was made and it's all good. Now in my mid 40s, officially as of last week, I regress. No matter how much I grow and learn, in a way I'm still the same teenage girl trying to figure things out on my own. I didn't make a lot of money back then and lived with a group of fabulous wild friends. Most of

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-71086093392429910842012-01-17T12:06:00.000-08:002012-01-17T12:06:01.904-08:00

I promised myself to slow down on swaps this year. But there is no way I could refuse the challenge to join Pillow Talk Swap 7 (PTS7). Even though I was in bed detoxing pain pills from a minor surgery when sign ups were announced, I quickly (well I thought it was quick) created a mosaic of inspirational projects others made as a reference for my partner and submitted an enrollment form. During

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-69525208379497527462012-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:002012-01-08T17:54:25.772-08:00

All Hail The New Year! Is it true? It's finally here?  I can't tell you how thrilled I was to greet 2012.  We returned from our annual holiday vacation to a mess scattered throughout the house.  I guess we were anxious to get out of town!  Now that the holiday cheer of lights and ornaments are all stashed away along with wrapping paper scraps torn to bits from the kids and puppies, I opened the

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-38471139455523890952011-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:002011-10-27T19:20:40.726-07:00

This year I've experienced chaos, fear, growth, love, grace and change. But one thing is certain, life goes on no matter what.  I'm always amazed by the details of my life path. Sometimes I'm saturated in the details and I forget the big picture. Sometimes it's the reverse. But all the time, I'm making a life well lived.  I feel the intensity of it all and keep going. We all do.  But it's amazing

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-51973493485028559762011-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:56:16.235-07:00

Is it possible for a quilter to pass up an opportunity to make their own art supply tote bag?  I think not especially when the only option is buy a black one with no bling or pop. So when my teacher said we would need to carry a 18" x 24" sketch pad to class along with a drawing board, I had to act fast.  Yesterday I spent most of the day crafting this bag. It's not as if I don't have two

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-26581089150324884442011-08-22T13:39:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:46:43.679-07:00

This morning was my first class at the local Community College. My son and I searched around for the Fine Arts building with a bit of excitement and trepidation.  It's a new campus and my son needs to crash a couple classes so we giggled as we walked in circles. Finally, we found my class and much to my surprise, in front of all the students waiting for the door to open, my son hugs me and says,

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-41439666874866710722011-07-23T19:43:00.000-07:002011-07-26T15:00:05.927-07:00

I've come full circle, almost. Three months after leaving Arizona we finally returned for a vacation. It was a bit stressful returning to the scene of the accident with Adam in tow but totally necessary. We packed up the quads and my quilting frame then towed them back to California. We're selling the quads and I'm setting up shop! It's difficult to have my quilting frame at a house I hardly sew

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-66857545385162108542011-07-06T21:30:00.000-07:002011-07-06T21:46:26.974-07:00

July is here and I'm finishing up June bee blocks, oops! Once again I find myself wishing I had more time to put these little babies together.  None the less, I completed them and will rush them into the mail.  Here's to June, see ya, now time to bask in July.  Hope you're having an amazing summer! This is a great scrap buster block using freezer paper to make random sized squares.   June

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-48397770404409670182011-06-30T14:42:00.000-07:002011-06-30T14:42:29.898-07:00

Adam's birthday came and went this weekend. I worked my little fingers to the bone stealing every moment I could to finish his quilt. I would start sewing, get in a groove only to be interrupted. Oh, well at least I'm needed. This was a difficult project for me and it shows in the stitching and piecing. Normally, I love sewing when life is crazy. I found myself with a hunger to sew but unable to

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-54555339413481637592011-06-22T14:16:00.000-07:002011-06-22T14:18:13.112-07:00

I finally finished Adam's quilt top and I couldn't wait to share it with you.  His birthday is Sunday and I have a lot of work to do to finish this up! The theme for this quilt is Making Connections.  As a result of his accident in April, he has a traumatic brain injury. His language center has damage and he's making more and more connections daily. Our prayer and intention for him is that he

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-82783058338219102792011-06-21T09:25:00.000-07:002011-06-30T14:54:01.812-07:00

I love trees.  Actually, I have a thing for them. As a young girl, I spent summers at my Dad's ranch in Calaveras County with not a whole lot of distraction aside from the occasional rattlesnake, my radio and John Travolta poster.  Daily, just before dusk, Dad and I would go for a walk. We spent time gazing upon and talking about a massive oak or the pine trees that speckled the landscape. Maybe

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-87992748314632685532011-06-14T09:42:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:49:05.738-07:00

Good morning! What did the weekend bring you? Well, I got flowers from the in-laws!  Actually, I think these are intended for Adam but I get to enjoy them too.  Yesterday brought a few surprises. Our new neighbor brought over homemade chocolate chip cookies and introduced herself. Where am I? That is the kind of stuff only seen in movies not reality. We were so surprised and my kids got the

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-58942701094906837652011-06-10T17:54:00.000-07:002012-01-08T13:57:54.904-08:00

Hello Virtual Friends!I'm participating in Pay It Forward for crafty bloggers.  I'm looking for two more people to join in on the fun.  Check it out on my other blog http://sewingthroughthemuck.blogspot.com/.  Have a wonderful weekend.Anna

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-78751569567804219412011-06-09T17:54:00.000-07:002011-06-11T18:04:28.320-07:00

Well, most of our move is done but that leaves unpacking, ew.  I'm blessed that our new place has a room reserved for me.  Yes, an actual sewing room for ME.  I haven't had my own room since... I can't remember when.  Even when I was younger I shared a room since I have a litter of siblings. But I have a room now and boy did the husband and kids give me 'stuff' about it because my room is larger

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-27526624769214456122011-06-01T17:10:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:14:45.036-07:00

Wandering around blog land, reading posts from the blogs I follow is so relaxing and inspiring.  And look at what I stumbled on, a Pay It Forward.  How perfect. I was just thinking about joining an additional swap or two so I can receive a present for our new house. :) Coincidentally, I found this post from Spontaneous Threads blog whom you all know I adore her quilting projects and I couldn't

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-31724540755907733062011-05-30T15:31:00.000-07:002011-05-30T15:40:06.679-07:00

Catching up is hard to do.  But I was able to steal a few moments to get caught up in my Virtual Quilting Bees this week. The ladies are so generous with their grace with me during the past month by telling me not to worry about it.  But I'm the kind of person that prefers to be a bit more organized. Anyhow, today I didn't go to the hospital to visit Adam with the family since I need to get

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-42990655579730733122011-05-22T19:51:00.000-07:002011-05-22T19:59:11.513-07:00

Hello my wonderful friends! Thank you for visiting my blog to review the steps for making a signature block for the back of Adam's healing quilt.  I found a quilt that has signature blocks on them and you can view it here if you want to get an idea of what I'm putting together.  I'll layout the blocks differently but it's a great reference. First, to reflect on what I posted on Adam's Facebook

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-1200032114289315262011-04-21T23:53:00.000-07:002011-04-21T23:54:43.573-07:00

My son was in a major atv accident while on our spring break vacation.  He was flown to Las Vegas hospital and is in the trauma unit.  I will be here until he comes home.  I'll be back and will post about this as I am learning so much how to organize being in such a horrible situation and I want to share with everyone what was done.  Share the knowledge. In the meantime, he is improving every

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-1739079065712574852011-04-14T10:27:00.000-07:002011-04-14T10:34:09.029-07:00

Spring Break is almost here and I'm thrilled to leave congested Los Angeles for small town Arizona for 10 days. I leave in the morning and rushing through a couple projects and sorting which projects to bring with me.  I can't leave empty handed.  What kind of person would I be then? I finished a couple gifts for my family in Finland. My sister is delivering them next week. It seems a lot of us

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-64517508341658907992011-04-09T11:43:00.000-07:002011-04-09T11:43:10.737-07:00

I'm happy to announce that another giveaway is happening at prsd4tim2. Since I'm unable to share my current projects yet as I'm making a bundle of gifts, please check out prsd4tim2's celebration for her blogaversary.  She is giving away new gifts throughout the month of April.  Oh, and she did post about making blocks for me.  :) Peace out and keep on creating!

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-80617753989389866372011-04-06T11:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T16:08:21.725-07:00

Sometimes life delivers sweet nothings when you least expect it.  This weekend I received an e-mail from Stephanie from Spontaneous Threads informing me that I won an award for my blog.  What? Wait, me, really? I was quite surprised as I sat sluggish on the couch watching movies with my family.  I wasn't even thinking about my blog or sewing, for once, and presto, blessing!   Here are the

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-56915458801256411442011-04-01T12:49:00.000-07:002011-04-01T12:51:26.521-07:00

As I'm still embroidering the final touches to the Spiritual Crafting Tuesday blocks; therefore, I thought I'd share the quilt blocks I  made for my Virtual Quilting Bee members for March. For NKOTB bee, PandaBearQuilts is making a BMW inspired quilt for her uncle whose son passed away. They rode BMW bikes together so this block is an excellent symbol for a memorial quilt, don't you agree?  I

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-9575870234504287942011-03-29T10:17:00.000-07:002011-06-19T22:38:23.109-07:00

Today is the last Tuesday of March, already!  Time flies when we're having fun.  In retrospect, the past four blocks that came out of Spiritual Crafting Tuesdays presented a theme. Let's take a look. Week One: The theme for week one seemed to be letting go; recognize a block or limitation, release it, reclaim one's power and replace a limiting belief with positive reinforcement. This is a

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-54273403606690606332011-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:002011-04-06T11:46:02.923-07:00

Before I jump into the final project of Sewing Through Spiritual Crafting Tuesdays, I sidetracked into bath mats using recycled old towels and mug rugs for a couple days.  The bath mats were a surprise.  I had no idea I'd decide to make new ones but what the heck, go with it right?  Here they are. This one is made with scraps of little disco witches that a friend gave me.  It says Make Magic

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-88970201316163954182011-03-22T10:18:00.000-07:002011-03-22T13:15:53.026-07:00

One more week until March is almost complete for 2011. We travel a long and winding road but there is truth and knowledge every step of the way.  Our every thought, word and deed influence our lessons, side tracks us or catapults us into a new realm. I find that simple instructions are difficult to follow.  Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." A simple sentence, right?  It

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-74599760424884571572011-03-20T18:13:00.000-07:002011-03-20T18:44:00.111-07:00

Christmas Fabric Bee Block for Singings. Welcome Virtual Quilting Bee members to my blog.  When on the hunt for holiday fabric this March, I had a difficult time.  I went to Michael Levine's downtown with high hopes, only to find bolts of holiday fabric under the cutting table.  That wasn't the best display of bolts I've ever seen.  I decided to get off my knees and their dirty floor and leave.

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-32117918767760516752011-03-15T12:34:00.000-07:002011-03-20T00:29:54.678-07:00

Signs, signs everywhere a sign! The other day I was at the grocery store.  The cashier asked the young man in front of me "What is your sign?" as he questioned the validity of his age.  When it was my turn, I handed the cashier my driver's license and he said nothing.  I asked, "Do you want to know my sign?"  His reply, "Well, if you want to tell me." I said, "Come on, it's been a long time

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-29013028819737127902011-03-10T08:40:00.000-08:002011-04-06T11:41:49.335-07:00

I love the 80s!  I'm not talking about the big hair or arena rock bands; although I still love big hair and arena rock but I'm talking about the weather.  Los Angeles weather is amazing since yesterday we hit the 80s.  We had snow two weeks ago and now we're pulling out summer tops and shorts. Our city functions better when the sun is out and I have an outing today that is making me pink with

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-52592624064062934782011-03-09T07:53:00.000-08:002011-03-09T07:53:02.979-08:00

It's was the end of February and I was on the mad rush to finish all the quilt blocks for my Virtual Quilting Bees (VQB) when I did it.  I can't believe I actually committed such an act.  What is happening with me? Three VQB are coming to an end so I decided to join a six month bee instead of continuing with another year.  I'm staying with one of the year long bees but I wanted to clear my

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-41516318102016024712011-03-08T13:14:00.000-08:002011-03-08T13:18:14.530-08:00

Sorry I'm late with my post.  Gum surgery is disorienting.  But let's look at the good stuff going on...  "Love is our highest word and the synonym for God."  Ralph Waldo Emerson  How many times do I remind myself to be in love?  Sometimes it's a mantra that might as well be in Sanskrit where the meaning doesn't permeate me without further evaluation, repetition and time.  Love is the ultimate,

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-7008977102388958672011-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:002011-03-01T18:48:54.691-08:00

Welcome!  Grab a cup of coffee or tea and let's make an inspired piece of art.  Yesterday Dr Wayne Dyer posted on Facebook, "Practice letting go of thoughts about what's not here now.  Just allow yourself to meld into the perfection of the universe you live in. You don't need another thing to be happy; it's all being provided for you right here, right now.  Be in this moment, and free yourself of

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-62859632154069307202011-02-26T17:53:00.000-08:002011-02-26T17:53:50.727-08:00

The climate in southern California is generally warm, sunny and mild.  Even when it rains it's not for extended amounts of time.  During the holidays we wish we lived in snow.  It doesn't feel right to have Christmas with snowmen and sleigh ornaments when the sun is shining and it's hot out.  I love the pictures my online friends post of the snow.  But today, a miracle happened, it snowed here.  

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-4321842016701935452011-02-22T17:18:00.000-08:002011-10-27T15:30:21.849-07:00

Ah, the long weekend is over and it's back to work.  So long kids, movies, comfy couch and wine with my hubby. Sometimes I don't want to go through all the creative mumbo jumbo of making my own embroidery pattern.  While flipping through Phat Quarter group on Flickr, I fell in love with the little pin-up girl embroidery patterns created by Sew Lovely Embroidery Patterns.  I ordered a set and

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-25158112343975778862011-02-18T11:17:00.000-08:002011-04-06T11:42:30.395-07:00

It's the 17th and OWAH flights stopped at midnight so it's time to pick a winner from the 144 posts I received; therefore, I went to the random number generator and pushed the button.  Presto #132. Comment #132 is Gina from http://threadsofatattinggoddess.blogspot.com/ and she is the winner!  I hope she enjoys a set of heart potholders from my home to her hearth.   Have a blessed day Gina!

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-48424020263086629732011-02-17T12:49:00.000-08:002011-03-26T13:44:32.344-07:00

I'm looking for a few people who would join me in an experiment.  How about an online date to create a personal, positive, spiritual themed project made in your own style of art?  You can join in silently and visit my blog on Tuesdays to check out the theme or join in out loud.  Send me an e-mail and your intent to participate along with your prayer request or positive intention for the week.

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-91934661243388389302011-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:002011-04-06T11:44:12.462-07:00

Welcome artsy traveler in blog space, many thanks for visiting my handmade haven of quilts, embroidery and sewing.  I love all things handmade. I enjoy filling my home and covering my kids with my not so random acts of sewing.  I find inspiration from nature, friends, family, the Colorado river, music and love love love.  I hope to expand my quilting and pattern business this year by making

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-29946856806976434132011-01-27T14:48:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:57:54.930-08:00

It's fun testing my new ideas out on the kids such as recipes and such. But I thought a little bigger this time and they are my test market.  I'm writing a workshop that I want non quilters to be able to thrive and easily do, do, do; so I gathered the kids and informed them of their duty to help me.  Joyfully, thank goodness, they joined in without a hitch.  And my daughter recruited her

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-70349010611129325532011-01-27T13:23:00.000-08:002011-01-31T12:50:36.142-08:00

I'm taking the plunge and joining an exciting event AGAIN.  The One World One Heart (OWOH) is an initiative that puts your blog into contact with people from all around the world. In 2010, OWOH brought more than 1000 bloggers together.  It's an inspired event created by an incredible artist who successfully manifested her vision of connecting creative bloggers. This is my second year

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-21424566176368261982011-01-26T17:02:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:57:54.961-08:00

blogged about here http://sewingthroughthemuck.blogspot.com/

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-44640826586148401272011-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:002011-01-26T17:00:17.473-08:00

Happy late birthday to me!  I finished the table cloth top a little late but none the less it's almost done.  All I need to do is create the back with some leftover fleece fabric and quilt away.  I'm not going to add batting because I don't want it to be bulky.  But check it out! I used all scraps from previous projects and made bento boxes from 2 1/2" strips from a swap from about a year ago

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-41764782284960523672011-01-20T13:21:00.000-08:002011-01-20T13:21:10.430-08:00

I created a quick review of projects from 2010 http://soulfulprojects.blogspot.com/ check it out.

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-60736623014013263562011-01-20T13:15:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:57:54.989-08:00

Sitting in my funky chair with a nice cup of coffee and hot tea, double fisted first thing in the morning, and reminiscing as I reviewed posts for the past year on my http://sewingthroughthemuck.blogspot.com/ blog. I realize that I made a lot of new projects such as the dotee doll, pincushions and potholders.  But I only made a couple completed quilts to post online.  And I designed a couple fun

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-87332496935897744792011-01-19T14:13:00.000-08:002011-01-19T14:13:23.495-08:00

I hoped to make my first post of the year a reflection of last year's projects.  A cheerful, full of life post filled with encouraging words for the year but I can't do it right now. Boy oh boy has this New Year dropped a few unexpected lemons my way.  We started the year with our dear friend in the hospital only to loose him on January 6th.  Gee, really didn't expect it so our family once again

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-61210185691025031282011-01-19T14:06:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:57:55.036-08:00

I hoped to make my first post of the year a reflection of last year's projects.  A cheerful, full of life post filled with encouraging words for the year but I can't do it right now. Boy oh boy has this New Year dropped a few unexpected lemons my way.  We started the year with our dear friend in the hospital only to loose him on January 6th.  Gee, really didn't expect it so our family once again

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-10364565488447136452010-11-17T14:49:00.000-08:002010-11-17T14:49:13.209-08:00

Blogged about here.  http://soulfulprojects.blogspot.com/2010/11/loving-our-babies-with-more-baby.html

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-21238523417229817642010-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:57:55.059-08:00

When I was little, I didn't leave the house without my 'how-how' blanket.  Why did we call my sweet little Winnie the Pooh blanket with the white silky boarder a how-how?  Well, my simple Finnish Mom thought Winnie the Pooh was a dog and would make a 'how-how' noise to me when I was little as if Winnie the Pooh barked like a dog. That is how a how-how got it's name. I loved my blanket so much

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-34618519090218939952010-11-05T23:12:00.000-07:002012-01-08T13:57:55.079-08:00

I love to make ornaments.  Every year I make ornaments or beaded garland for our tree.  So when I saw the Trim The Tree Handmade Ornament Swap on Flickr, I jumped in with both feet.  I needed to find a project that would work for the three people I'm scheduled to send ornaments.  I fell in love with the little house ornaments that were displayed on their mosaics; therefore, I decided to make a

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-963330615748047312010-11-05T21:40:00.000-07:002011-04-06T11:40:51.512-07:00

Hello!  It has been a very long time since my last post and I'm here to tell you, I started a new blog.  Why?  Well, because I decided to stop Sewing Through The Mulch, I mean Muck, and move onto Soulful Projects.  Sewing Through The Muck was a perfect symbol for what I felt was happening in our lives.  You know, economy, work, stuff and bleh, more stuff.  Anyhow, I'm turning over a new leaf.  

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-16056780511890981702010-11-05T20:23:00.000-07:002012-01-08T13:57:55.097-08:00

Welcome to my new blog.  Let's start things off with my first tutorial, a spontaneous strip with a splash of color. This project is fun, easy and is a quick stash buster.  The above confetti-type quilt was made in strips of 17 3"x3" squares.  I used duponi silk in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and white but silk is not the easiest to sew.  The final measurements for this wallhanging is

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-62868486127124287682010-09-14T16:42:00.000-07:002011-10-27T15:33:35.815-07:00

I need pillows with lots of color for my very beige couch.  How did I end up with a beige couch when I started out searching for a red one?  Anyhow, after four days of being stuck in bed with the flu last week, I spent all weekend finishing my pillow.  The front side has quilted houses and an embroidered and appliquéd tree.  Also the two houses are made from scraps left over from a throw I'm

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-69100621238013064702010-08-18T21:04:00.000-07:002010-08-18T21:16:38.192-07:00

Sebastian, reclined in his chair and suggested that I make a small pillow to boost his head ever so slightly as he watches television.  Be careful what you wish for because no more than three hours later he had a new pillow.  A few days ago, I found a top at the thrift store that I couldn't resist buying.  I mean, come on, it was $2.00. The colors of the fabric are bright and cheerful with

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-8953344241818331442010-08-18T14:45:00.000-07:002010-09-14T16:08:41.665-07:00

Greetings and welcome.  As summer is winding down a bit and our vacations have pretty much come to an end, it's time I clean up pending projects.  When projects come to an end and find their place for display or use, new projects are inspired and require immediate attention, such as Bunting Flags.  Ooh, I love making them. I made a set from large scraps after finishing the quilt top for my son's

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-39149321957937229112010-08-12T21:18:00.000-07:002010-08-12T21:18:11.124-07:00

I'm having a wonderful and busy summer.  As I finally crawled back to my blog, I found a post I didn't post.  Ooops.  It's incomplete but I'm posting it so I can start fresh tomorrow. Last night wasn't as productive as I hoped.  We shopped and I think shopping is just horrible.  I find it draining as it reminds me of when I was barely a teenager and shopping with my sister.  She would take

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-57723544849940037882010-06-23T12:55:00.000-07:002010-08-18T20:52:35.247-07:00

Flickr gets me in trouble.  I can't keep my eyes off it and I spend hours lurking and viewing other's creative masterpieces. I'm obsessed and in love with everyone's sewing, embroidering and freakin' fabric.  No one has to worry about me coveting my neighbors anything because I'm stuck in admiration mode and an 'I wanna' loop. "I wanna make that, I wanna make that...I wanna make that..."  And I

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-4067659573165064472010-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:002010-06-07T11:54:50.200-07:00

Loud music, dancing, hot weather, snacks galore, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue chicken breasts, loud fast boats, loud people on boats, cold river water, alcoholic beverages and lots of funny friends with unusual nicknames.  Welcome to Willow Valley, Arizona.   To commemorate Memorial Day and share with our friends, my husband Sebastian, daughter Melissa, her boyfriend Brian aka Elvis

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-18156399421326874462010-05-26T16:16:00.000-07:002010-05-26T16:36:39.360-07:00

Walking and thinking is all I seem to do aside from sleeping.  Maybe I'm just sleep walking as I plan a second career, redecorate our home and the kids rooms.  Is that why I seem to start projects and abandon them because I'm scattered and a bit afraid of the changes going on in my life?  I read on Quilting Arts e-mail list that abandoning projects can be just part of the creative process.  

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-17673349670313737622010-05-03T20:32:00.000-07:002010-05-03T20:32:29.473-07:00

Resurrected from my son's prom, a family wedding, house hunting, the river, fresh vegi cooking for my new diet, exercise (yes, minus 8 lbs) and the occasional creative project and now ready to post.  Gee, I have been busy! Today's post is quick, easy and painless. This is the quilt top for the Wonky Blocks created from Sew 2 Speak quilting bee members.  I made additional blocks so I could make

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-66144253019625220662010-04-13T14:35:00.000-07:002011-06-21T09:46:56.861-07:00

Oh, I'm late checking in, only a few weeks late.  Because of my tardiness, I feel the need to spurt out an excess of excuses as to where I've been and why I haven't posted.  The bottom line, I'm house hunting and overwhelmed. I don't know if I should pack, go for a jog, sew or watch a movie.  Which means I spent my down time zoning out on the internet, exploring other peoples art and adding more

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-85549218214705559602010-03-24T14:41:00.000-07:002010-03-24T14:45:03.900-07:00

Swirling and spiraling goes my head as busy times consume me.  We're looking for a new home and plan to move; therefore, my sewing is a bit limited for two weeks now.  But I completed a few swaps and found time to carve out or should I say embroider a new project for the new home.  Whatever our new home may look like or whatever street it resides on, one thing is sure, a peacock pillow will sit

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-81041401516561952382010-03-11T11:53:00.000-08:002010-03-11T11:57:04.356-08:00

Sewing through the muck is a process in which I am very familiar; the quest to mesh together fabrics and designs to represent a speck of feeling.  But Tuesday was filled with dysfunctional sewing.  Maybe it happend since I was wound up about producing projects and heavy breathing because I needed to cross off items on The List of Things To DO.  Suddenly, winding thread was laborious followed by

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-10312978832179442452010-03-05T10:15:00.000-08:002010-03-05T11:53:46.391-08:00

What a beautiful day. The sun is shining in a clear Hollywood blue sky. Well, it's a clear sky for now. LIFE & CRAFT: It’s Friday and we are running away to Arizona this afternoon. I can’t wait to see the Colorado River and stand beneath the big open sky. Our friends will meet us there and I’ll say goodbye to my sewing machine for a couple days. I know I need a break from my machine because

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-59803067965701223622010-03-01T11:30:00.000-08:002010-03-05T11:22:36.306-08:00

Ben is our best friend who battled stage three colon cancer for two years before it claimed his life.  My husband, Sebastian, and Ben hung out for 16 years.  They raised their kids together to be as close as family, laughing, joking, playing at the river in boats, listening to music together and on occasion they poked fun at each other and their football teams.  Sebastian is a Raiders fan; and

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-32515220000749886482010-02-24T21:11:00.000-08:002010-02-24T21:16:22.137-08:00

LIFE:  New Year Resolutions.  I made a few resolutions this year.  Unfortunately, I struggle with the weight loss one, uck, I'm not surprised. But one resolution I'm doing well with is called Give Three Fold to family and friends.  Monthly, our family finds three ways to give unconditionally as an act of unconditional love.  Our first project, we brought dinner to my kid's dad and his wife. 

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-57994119223524943402010-02-22T16:36:00.000-08:002010-02-24T21:11:05.719-08:00

Obsession of the week, potholders!  I have a complicated quilt laid out on the floor with 20 rows to sew and all I want to do is make potholders.  And to top things off, I woke up this morning wanting to make potholders with bird houses on them.  Here are my updates.  I made a block for Dear March for the She Gets What She Wants swap; and I made it too small.  So I made another one and it's too

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-67103031910226472582010-02-15T18:07:00.001-08:002011-04-06T11:43:38.043-07:00

This will be quick since I'm posting from my phone, out of town with no computer.  INSPIRING ADVENTURES OF ALWAYS INSPIRED won my Bless Wall hanging.  I hope she enjoys it.   More on  Wednesday. The One World - One Heart event ended at midnight on February 14.  Unfortunately, I was out of town with no internet aside from my phone and only visited about 250 blogs in a few days.  Whew!  So, next

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-22254494001934003852010-02-07T23:41:00.000-08:002010-02-10T00:22:02.294-08:00

I'm taking the plunge and joining an exciting event.  The One World One Heart (OWOH) is an initiative that puts your blog into contact with people from all around the world.  In 2009, OWOH brought together 911 bloggers that may have never met before.  At last count, 2010 is at 1000 bloggers.  What an inspired event.  I'm new to blogging and I can't wait to take a look around. Click on the image

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com153tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-70017048456705861792010-02-03T12:41:00.000-08:002010-02-03T13:03:34.281-08:00

Well, over at http://aprongoddesses.blogspot.com/ the Gingham Life contest to win one of her aprons ended yesterday.  Her etsy store has a lot of vintage inspired aprons and unique tablecloths that remind me of a different and simpler life style. Her contest ended; but, all purchases made at her etsy store during the month of February will benefit WomenVenture (http://www.womenventure.org/).  It

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-5639095081462385412010-02-01T13:51:00.000-08:002010-02-19T11:17:32.810-08:00

I changed my updates to bi-weekly since I'm shoving a lot into a week.  I found the Dotee Doll online in a blog last week. A Dotee Doll is made of fabric, has an embroidered or painted face, has a tail of some sort made out of beads.  It's primarily face, hair and lots of embellishments. I remember perusing a swap-bot about them but I don't resonate with dolls, well, at least I thought I didn't.

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-14310849604413929342010-01-22T10:04:00.000-08:002010-01-22T10:05:43.854-08:00

What a week!  When setting my sights on being creative every day, I had no idea that I would actually start really creating.  I mean, something switched and real, new patterns came out of me.  I didn't know I had it in me.  I take that back.  I know that I can 'create' quilts with my own patterns.  I attribute that ability to my inability to follow someone else's instructions.  It's my way or the

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-38133272207672968412010-01-14T13:01:00.000-08:002010-01-14T13:01:48.142-08:00

Here we go again with another group swap with my online quilting group!  The Witch Bonnet Sue swap from last November was a complete success.  When I received my package filled with homemade quilt blocks of all different styles, colors and techniques, well, I giggled.  My soul was filled with warmth.  Doesn't homemade just feel better than store bought?  We can all buy a quilt at the store but

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-61152210392072656852010-01-12T21:42:00.000-08:002011-01-26T17:19:44.736-08:00

Wow, finally we enter 2010 with good intentions and to-do lists.  I couldn't wait for the New Year to begin.  I signed up for Art Every Day for the year and I only made one quilt block so far, oops.  But I am actively looking for work; therefore, I'll begin posting weekly projects next week.  This weekend, for my birthday celebration, it's me and the family, The Getty Museum, Venice Beach and my

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-45802882376454348622009-11-23T21:06:00.000-08:002011-01-20T12:00:22.638-08:00

Todays project was making tutus.  I went to my favorite fabric store during lunch, Michael Levines, in downtown Los Angeles.  I made three tutus and I have two more to go.  This Thanksgiving when we go on our annual 4 x 4 off road event from Mohave Valley, Arizona to Laughlin, Nevada then back to Needles, California, a handful of us girls are wearing tutus on the Rhinos, quads or whatever else we

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-90618189973706301102009-11-20T14:31:00.000-08:002010-01-12T22:02:40.119-08:00

Today my art project of the day was cutting out 2 1/2" squares for my attempt at a Rainbow Quilt for my living room wall.  I want to put a lot of color on the wall above my couch.  This project was inspired by Color Splash a show on my favorite television channel, HGTV. The picture below shows the fabrics I purchased at Michael Levines in downtown Los Angeles. It took two hours for my daughter

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-68337812694830110872009-11-19T19:43:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:48:17.674-08:00

I did it!  I joined an art challenge for the month of November already in progress.  How great is that?  I found the challenge a bit late and decided to join anyhow.  Instead of painting, I will be quilting or sewing for a few hours a day.  I will post projects in process since realistically I won't be able to complete a large quilt every day.  Anyhow, this is a quilt made with vintage sheets

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-79096687194916353252009-09-18T12:24:00.000-07:002009-09-30T12:15:35.882-07:00

I like to receive surprise packages in the mail so I frequently visit and sign up for swaps on Swap-Bot. I signed up for a Day of the Dead quiltie. A quiltie is a small quilt no larger than 12" x 12" for this swap. I will send a quiltie to someone in Australia. I have no idea who will send one to me. I've never made a Day of the Dead anything; so this should be fun. I have a few tiles with Day

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-17310532555906582952009-09-17T09:07:00.000-07:002009-09-22T12:39:27.066-07:00

So, this is a blog. It looks a bit bland. So, Blogger is not an actual place where I feed my kids and pat my husband on the bottom; but a virtual place where I can unfold whats happening on my craft table. And who knows, maybe I'll tell a tale or two in an attempt to conjure up a giggle. I quilt, crochet, embroider, knit, scrapbook, journal, cook, bake, draw and paint. I learned to sew from my

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-962275672526161038.post-47655249939815209042009-09-16T00:11:00.000-07:002010-02-08T00:13:54.107-08:00

Anna Circohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152045007294748013noreply@blogger.com