Quilter for Huckabee has a Quilt up for Sale on eBay

Money from her sale of this beautiful quilt will go to contribute to Mike Huckabee's campaign.



Check out Karla's blog at Quilter for Huckabee.

My Newest Project

You can view all the details here.

Buy it on eBay!

Well, first things first, I finally finished my pillow I was working on. My next projects will be finished much sooner. If ya want to find out the whole story, check out this post on Hobbies for Huckabee.
I now have the pillow for sale on ebay. This link will take you directly to the pillow.

I Like Mike Pillow

Where have I been? Ya would think after all the buzz after the debate I would be keeping writing. Some people think the debate wasn't all that great. I have to admit, if the debate hadn't taken place in Michigan, I would probably be thinking the same thing. But the debate took place in my home state. So I guess I do have some bias there. I went in watching it with total excitement. I already knew "I Like Mike" and having a negative opinion about Mitt Romney. Plus I had so much fun blogging up to the minute of the debate. Although it did tire me out. Don't think it will happen again, unless there is some other event in Michigan.

Anyways as to what I have been up to since after the second airing of the debate. I started making an "I Like Mike" pillow. I am using red felt for the pillow, blue felt for the lettering, and white thread for the zig-zag to attach the lettering.

First I started out cutting two pieces of 15in, plus 1 1/4in for seams, of red fabric. Then after those were finished, I cut out letters. Once the letters were cut I pinned them to the front piece of the pillow. Since the pins make the fabric puffy, I am in the process of basting the letters on. Basting is the process of of using long stitches to merely hold the fabric in place before actually sewing on the regular stitches. Sometimes these are taken out once the actual sewing has been done. If the stitching is directly over the basting, the basting is kept in.

What I am I going to do with this pillow? Great question. Since I can't afford to give a contribution to Mike Huckabee's campaign I am going to sell it on eBay. I will be making more items, such as pillows, coasters, an hostess apron, carry-bags, and anything else I can think of. I will be listening to Elvis and Rockabilly music while I sew. So ya know every product will be made with love.

Remember the bag I made when I went to the Iowa Straw Poll? Remember the videos I made during that time? I will be making more videos while I am busy in the sewing room. From now on my sewing projects will be posted to Hobbies for Huckabee. I hope my projects can encourage people to be creative and join me on this community blog. It is not just about sewing. It is about anything artistic and creative.

Well, I gotta get back to my sewing.

God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

My Latest Project

See the pajamas I have been working on, here.

I Finally Finished My Outfit!

Well, I finally finished my outfit. One pic is the buttons on the blouse. The other is the finished outfit.

Help Me Pick

Hey everyone, I need help picking whether or not I should wear my outfit with or without the belt. Here are the pics of both. Which do you think looks better? I still have to put buttons on the cuffs and front. Sorry if ya came here for politics. I will be back to talking politics, soon. If you are interested in finding out about Mike Huckabee go to http://www.mikehuckabee.com/. If you haven't signed up for the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference yet, go to http://www.mackinacconference.com. Today is the last day to sign up. Also, once you sign up to attend you can purchase meal tickets for the Huckabee/Romney luncheon on Saturday 12:30-2:00PM.

PS, I may not listen to you and choose the opposite ;-P.

My Current Project

The reason I am away from my blog is I am working on my blouse I am planning to wear to the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. Obviously it is not finished. I am taking a quick break after gathering the sleeves. The blouse is satin material made from a 1956 Simplicity Pattern. The skirt is boucle material with black lace sewn in at the factory made from a 2005 pattern. I wanted use material that would give the skirt a vintage look. I will post a pic when it is all finished.

God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

Now playing...The Coasters! UPDATE

Originally I posted this article on July 31. Since it has instructions on how to sew the coasters I thought I would re-post it. Remember tomorrow is the Debate on ABC. So, for good luck you might want to quickly make some coasters. I am almost done with my bag. I am going to have teacher friend, who is also the school's play director film my "I Like Mike" vid, soon.
Hey check out these Mike Huckabee articles. Huckabee: No Contradicting Pro-Life Position and
Huckabee Vows to Work on Bridges, Highways. Click on to www.mikehuckabee.com to get info direct from the campaign itself. I will be back to actual blogging soon enough. Hopefully, I get at least one post in before I go to Iowa.

As promised, I will now talk about the coasters. No, not the doo-wop group, the coasters I am making. Dang, ever since I saw the video of Mike Huckabee at the Surf Ballroom I can't get out of this time machine.

So now I shall give step-by-step instructions for making felt coasters.

Supplies: All purpose thread, scissors, small snippers, 3 or 4 inch square piece of felt, small ruler, bias tape; single or double fold, marking pencil, embroidery floss.


Cut felt into a 3 or 4 inch square. If ya got large drinking glasses you will definitely want to cut the felt at 4 inches, possibly 5 inches.
After you have cut the square you will want to attach the bias tape. Some packages have easy to understand instructions. Don't purchase the extra-wide. While it is easier to attach to the felt, it won't look as good, due to the fact that it's width will be too much and the balance won't look right.
Each edge of the bias will be folded towards each other in the center, this is the part that won't be seen on finished project. Always attach with the wider half on the bottom of the coaster's edge. The edge of the felt should come to the center of the tape, whether it is single fold or double fold. Now you will bring the shorter half over the edge.
If you are sewing with a machine have some of the bias end piece hang over the crossways edge of felt at the beginning of sewing it on. Do not pin bias to felt. Just keep your fingers holding it as you slowly sew the pieces together.
If you hand sew the bias on you can pin it to the felt. Attach using a backstitch. I can't explain a backstitch, so I will direct you to this link.
Sew one edge at a time. When you are done with an edge, clip the remaining bias and repeat. With machine sewing only reverse stitch on the very last edge.

This is what your coaster will look like after you have attached the bias, clip any hanging threads.

For the lettering, backstitch. Unless your sewing machine has zig-zag. If your sewing machine has zig-zag, but ya would prefer to have straight stitches on you lettering, that's fine. I promise the Craft Police won't get ya. Now wasn't that fun!

NOW FOR ONE OF THE MANY REASONS "I LIKE MIKE"

I figured that with my little projects that I am making, this would be the perfect time to talk about one of many reasons why "I Like Mike." He wholeheartedly believes that schools should teach extensive Arts and Music Education. His theory is that it helps kids learn with both the left and right side of the brain. His thought is that these subjects should not be considered extra-curricular, but required, like math and science. I agree!

While I am obviously out of high school and don't have kids in school, I support that issue. Why? He also says that school kids are taking the most expensive naps in school, because they are bored. Well, those naps are at mine and other tax-payers expense.

When I was in school I was not the best student, a Rebel without a Clue. During my Senior year of high school I took a sewing class. Now some people may think this is part of home-ec. Yes and no. With the sewing clothes, it would be considered that way. But with basic sewing knowledge ya can make crafts and home-decor using the knowledge ya learn from making clothes.

Even though I never took an actual art class, crafting is an art. It really brings out the creative side in people. Whenever I go to the fabric store I really wake up and get excited. I love to look at the patterns and fabrics. Even if I can't afford some of it, it is fun just to look. I would assume that it is the same way for students of music and arts when they go to a music or arts supplies store. I think the best time for them to learn arts and music is in school, while they are still young.

Well, gotta "Shake, Rattle and Roll!" and God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

Fun Debate-Party Ideas!

Over at OneMom Kerry has a good post about the Republican debates on George Stephanopoulus' "This Week" show, that will take place next Sunday Aug 5. Please read her full post for info about show times.
Watch this debate to show your support for Mike Huckabee. Invite friends and family to watch with you, whether they follow politics, already think they have chosen a candidate to support or are already Huckabee supporter. If they do not support Mike Huckabee I will predict they will support him after hearing him talk against the other guys. He has given great debate performances in previous debates and I don't think things will change.
Now for my fun ideas. Some people may groan about watching political debates and think they are boring. Here's a few ideas to turn watching debates a fun party. Have a potluck, whether there is a lot of people or only a few. A way to make a debate- party potluck fun is to make candidate themed food. Examples could be Southern for Mike Huckabee, Italian for Giuliani, Southwest for McCain, New England for Romney, cheeseball for Tommy Thompson (or Ron Paul; TT is from Wisconsin, RP is well...a cheeseball), etc. You can also get patriotic themed paper plates, cups, napkins, etc. or at least red/white/blue.
Now since most of you are Mike Huckabee supporters here are my personal ideas. Make coasters out of red/white/blue felt. It would be real simple. Just cut out little squares that are average coaster size, back-stitch "I Like Mike" lettering using embroidery floss, then trim with bias tape. For the bias tape you can either machine sew it to the square or back-stitch. This is very simple even for people who don't sew. I will start to work on my coasters and take pictures giving step-by-step instructions.
If you are fairly familiar with sewing you can make a hostess apron or potholders that says "I Like Mike." Since I have too many projects going on now I don't have time to make one for myself, but again, this too would be easy whether you use a pattern or design something of your own. Add a cute little elephant and/or embellishments. These can be made with any fabric that you have on hand or can find on sale. Both ideas can get a subconscious message to your non-Huckabee guests without being pushy.
For food I would suggest banana pudding. I know, I know, Mike Huckabee is the candidate who is on a health kick, but this is a popular Southern desert. I have two recipes, my dad's and one in my Elvis cookbook. I like my dads better. My dad's recipe; take vanilla wafers (store-bought or home-made) put on the bottom of a baking dish, layer sliced bananas on top, then pour vanilla pudding on top. If you want you can repeat process. When you have the desired amount of layers add whipped cream.
Don't forget pom-pons to cheer on Mike! Any other ideas, please let me know.

Playing with My Sewing Machine

Since I am going to Iowa I will be busy sewing pajamas and an "I Like Mike" carry bag to take my stuff in. Also I am going to make hair ribbons or a headband. So I won't be able to blog as much.

After seeing Sunday's video of Mike Huckabee at the Surf Ballroom, it brought out my inner Rockabilly self.

Ya can't see from the pic, but for the pajamas, it is flannel with kitties on it. Granted no one will see me in my pajamas. I just think it would be fun to have a new pair to take with me. The second photo is the pattern I am using.

The red/white/blue material is felt. With my Rockabilly personality I decided to copy the old "I Like Ike" campaign ideas. I will be making a red travel bag that says "I Like Mike." It will say "I" on top, with a blue elephant in the center and "Like" sewn on him, "Mike" will be on the bottom. I will probably use the white felt and/or scraps I have for the lettering. If the campaign is reading this don't worry, I won't be making a "poodle skirt" that says "I Like Mike." Unless ya want me to :). Hey, an idea. Get women to go to senior homes in "I Like Mike" skirts and crinolines. I can just see heads shaking in Iowa now. Well, my regular readers no that I have a bit of smartallically personality. So, only take everything I say with a grain of salt.

I am not sure if I will make hair ribbons that have glitter saying "I Like Mike" and "Mike Huckabee." Or a headband saying "I Like Mike." I need input into which sounds less tacky, but fun at the same time. I can provide ribbons to anyone wanting some.

No I have not gotten the Elvis apron finished. Speaking of which, TV Land will be having an Elvis month all August. Elvis died on August 16, 1977 at his home, Graceland. This Summer will be the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Have no fear, I won't be completely gone. I will touch base to give a quicky newsworthy post once in a while. Or I can kill two birds with one stone and give video blogs while I am at the sewing machine. I have found some retro-political videos that I would like to share links with y'all. They aren't on YouTube so I can't actually post them.

They are relevant, due to the fact that "the more things change, the more they stay the same." The 1952 and '56 campaigns of television being the "new" political medium and the Internet/YouTube being the new political medium. Plus, I found the original "Obama Girl" from Stevenson's '52 campaign. No joke, the girl looks just like Gwen Stefani, blond piled up hair and all. I even found a Stevenson supporter who looks just like Hillary Clinton.

And of course, there is "Ike." His wide range of supporters, issues and "I Like Ike" campaign commercials reminds me of the Mike Huckabee supporters and "I Like Mike" vids. Except the taxi driver in the "I Like Ike" '56 commercial is leaning against a lamp post smoking a cigarette. I don't think we will see any "I Like Mike" vids with people smoking.

Ya would love to hear my sewing machine running. She doesn't sound like these new sewing machines with their click, click sissy sounds. Once my machine gets fired up, oh baby does she go. I have no fear using denim or upholstery. I listen to Rockabilly, Doo-Wop and Elvis when I sew. Listening to great music while sewing makes it even more fun! Vroom, Vroom!

Well gotta "Shake, Rattle and Roll" and God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

Suzy Homemaker Kitchen Warrior

OK, so I've got a little dissin about my Home ECONOMICS question, during the previous Mike Huckabee Blogger calls. I prefer to call Home Ec Home Survival. It is more than just making toast. Home Economics teaches about how to survive in the grown up world. All Americans need to eat and be clothed. Unfortunately, not all Americans have a roof over their heads.

Not everyone can afford to eat at Red Lobster every day. Not everyone can afford to buy Tommy Hilfiger jeans. Not everyone can afford to shop at Macy's. Not everyone can afford a Rolex.

Some people have to live on a tight budget. Some people don't know what a family vacation is. Some people wonder where their next meal is coming from. Some people have to work two jobs to put a meal on the table. Some kids still wear hand-me downs to school.

This is where a basic home-ec education comes into play. Home-ec used to teach about healthy nutrition, use what you've got in your cupboard, basic sewing. Also it taught how to budget for rent or mortgage, groceries, clothing, utilities and saving for a rainy day in case your home or appliances need repairs. If ya have enough money after that ya can go on vacation or buy something frivolous.

I would like to talk about some people I have talked to about this issue. One, I have a friend who is a high school English teacher. She was saying that at the local high school the only thing the students, girls, do in class is make a cheesecake from a boxed kit. The sewing is making a throw pillow. This happens during a full semester. This is my tax dollars at work. How is knowing how to make a boxed cheesecake gonna help them when they are out living on their own without mom to cook for them? How is making a throw pillow gonna help them in the real world when they find themselves needing clothes and they can't afford to buy new ones? When she first started working at the school, back in the seventies, girls would make their own jeans and even Prom dresses in class. They would learn how to make full nutritious meals.

In my state of Michigan former beauty queen Governor Jennifer Granholm wants to give ipods to all high school students. That's nice. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the country, 7.1% and she wants to waste my money on that. Listening to music on an ipod is not music education. I am all for music education, but like band and/or choir so they learn about playing an instrument and/or voice range. Ipods don't teach that.

I was talking to a woman who was a Home-Ec major in college about how ridiculous this ipod idea is. She was saying that teenagers need to learn about things that will help them in the real world.

I was talking to a MAN about the ipod thing also. I said if the Governor wants to pay for expensive items for the kids to use in schools they should hand out sewing machines for girls and tool kits for boys. Wood shop and Metal Working classes are also curriculum's that are also going to the wayside. He said that the liberals are afraid that the boys might get their hands dirty or get a cut on their fingers. He said he took shop class and it was a great help to him. One of the reasons homes in poor neighborhoods get dilapidated is not because the homeowner is lazy. It is because they can't afford to have get the repairs done. Maybe they can afford to pay for the materials, but then the labor can be twice as much. If the homeowner had knowledge how to fix home repairs they could get things done. Again this is something that I would love to have asked the Mike Huckabee about. But I guess he wouldn't want to answer a question about making bird houses and ashtrays, according to some people.

If schools would bring back Home Survival classes there may be less Americans living in piles of debt. There would be less hungry kids going to school without breakfast. Less American adults and children would be obese. There would be less spoiled children trying to grow up to be like Britney or Paris and desiring material items. Parents would not give into their kids whim.

Both Home ECONOMICS and Shop classes should be considered Home Survival classes. And both boys and girls should have a basic knowledge of both. Most people don't get married out of high school. So, men should learn how to cook a basic breakfast, lunch and dinner. Women should at least know how to use a hammer and nail for more than just hanging a picture. My dad is a general contractor. I have worked for him and learned a lot regarding basic home fix ups.

I think kids from all economic levels should learn about these basics. When people have these basic knowledges they can learn to help others when they find themselves in dire situations. But I guess I am being too archaic to think Americans should be more self sufficient and help others in need. The problem is our society just wants to throw money at problems without teaching people how to help themselves. Jesus himself that if ya give a man a fish he eats for a day, if you teach him how to fish he eats for a life time.

God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!