Nettie & Friends, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) supporting Maxfield Learning Center.

Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2011

2011-12-28T09:26:00.001-06:00

After two weeks of reading every Gingerbread book we could get our hands on, connecting the Gingerbread to every area of academics, creating nearly every craft we could find connected to the gingerbread stories, and retelling the Gingerbread stories over and over, we celebrated with our annual Gingerbread house building extravaganza. Here are just a few examples the fun we had:


Should I stick on my house or pop it in my mouth?'

So, you pick this up and stick it like this. Make sure you have a lot of frosting!


I'm ready to start decorating... I like the frosting.

Thank you for supporting students at Maxfield as they learn and celebrate their learning.

2011 Nettie & Friends Opening Reception at the Egg AND I East, Saint Paul

2011-12-13T13:38:00.000-06:00

It was a dark and stormy night, and STILL friends came out to support Nettie & Friends and Maxfield School at the Opening Reception on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Thank you all. It was a fun evening.
Remember, the sale continues through the month of December at the Egg And I. Come on over for breakfast or lunch - - do some shopping -- do some good.

Ta Da! A Fireplace is built, the Nettie & Friends Sale is OPEN for business

2011-11-27T17:33:00.001-06:00

With a bevy of devoted volunteers, we take a bare wall and build a fireplace in an afternoon.

Thank you for bringing tall ladders and a willing spirit to turn

a wall into a warm inviting space for Nettie & Friends to

show off their wares to sell to benefit Maxfield School in St. Paul.

We're ready for business!

Thank you one and all for your support.

Thank you to the Egg and I for their willingness to host this annual event.

I hope to see you all at the Opening Reception.

Nettie

Fundraising Show and Sale to Support Maxfield School Opens in December

2011-11-03T06:54:00.000-05:00

Getting Organized

2011-10-30T19:17:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all of the 'friends' who joined us for breakfast on Saturday, October 29 at the Egg and I. We gathered some unique and wonderful items for the sale and show in December.

Wow. There's a lot of talent out in the world. Here's a sneak peak:

This is the cutest child's cooking set. Oh, my.

There are many other items, and as soon as I get photos,

you can rest assured they will be posted here.

In the meantime, I spent part of my Sunday doing a little production work:

Reusable sandwich bags... yes, they are big enough for a couple of slices of bread.

They are colorful, fun and reusable. They come in sandwich and snack sizes.

They are lined with rip-stop nylon you can wipe clean, or machine wash and dry.

S.P.A.R.C. at Maxfield

2011-10-13T06:44:00.001-05:00

Special Projects Are Really Cool made its debut at Maxfield on Friday, September 30th. Through your support, students were able to participate in special high interest activities for part of their school day. The day was a huge success with both students and staff. From an outdoor carnival to bass guitar lessons and making spring rolls to rolling beads, students had the opportunity to experience unique, fun and engaging activities.

Making ornaments...

Spring rolls...enough to share

Ooey gooey gleek...

Science... build it... chain reaction

Bass guitar lessons

Cookie decorating

Group Karaoke

Origami

Puzzles

Etching


and making beads to name a few...

There were many other activities included on this SPARC day. We will be hosting more SPARC opportunities at Maxfield throughout the school year. Thank you for making all of this, and so much more, possible at Maxfield School.

Building a Peaceful Community, One Stitch at a Time

2011-06-15T07:34:00.000-05:00

Room 10 students celebrated their peaceful community by sewing a Peace Pillow to take home and share with their family. Over the year, we have worked with students to build a classroom community where students care for themselves and each other in a peaceful way. When this project was introduced as a possibility for celebrating our hard work growing together, it was best summed up by one student who responded "That's so awesome!"

Call us crazy, but with the help of volunteers, we set up sewing machines and got to work. Students learned about how sewing machines work, taking turns, practicing patience and feeling pride in a finished project.

Feedback from families when the pillows came home was wonderful.

It was an incredible finish to a fantastic year.

Thank you for making this project, and so many more, possible for the students.

Maxfield's Mosaic Project is Underway

2011-06-04T22:25:00.001-05:00

We've been talking about it. We've been planning it. Hurray! The mosaic project is underway. Thank you to Lori Greene from Mosaic on a Stick for organizing, planning, instructing and working with us on the mosaic project to turn this air intake in our courtyard into something beautiful for our community.

Maxfield courtyard air intake

Butterfly panel in progress


Rabbit panel is progress

Yes, we are in the early stages of the project, but the work has been wonderful to share with students in Maxfield's Project Spirit after school program. Watching young students work together with teen mentors was wonderful. It was a bit of magic watching the teen mentors begin to develop their skill and craft with cutting tile, assisting younger students and have fun while working with the mosaic. A big shout out to Mr. Lyles and Mr. Hill for their commitment and enthusiasm in organizing their students to 'make their mark' on Maxfield in a very positive manner.

Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to help with the project.

Celebrating Teamwork

2011-06-04T22:08:00.001-05:00

In the Learning Center, we work with our students on being "bucket fillers" based on concepts in the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids written by Carol McCloud, illustrated by David Messing.

We celebrated by going taking the city bus and going bowling in the Midway Center together. What fun we had cheering each other on, encouraging our friends, laughing together, watching the bowling balls roll s-l-o-w-l-y down the lane crashing the pins around. It was a wonderful day for all of us.

Picking up a spare

Working on my form.

Watching our friends and celebrating together.


I think it's a spare!

Thank you for working with us to provide these enrichment experiences and celebrations with our students.

Maxfield School Patrol Parade News

2011-05-18T07:02:00.002-05:00

Maxfield School Patrol has a long history of

participating in the annual School Patrol Parade and Picnic.

With your help purchasing matching t-shirts,

Maxfield School Patrol marched

their way to a FIRST place trophy!

From the School Patrol, a big Thank You to Nettie & Friends.

(Sorry, no camera at the parade...)

And a shout out of thanks to local Midway business owners at

SHIRTZ for working with us to make this affordable.

http://www.shirtz.com

2011 MN Horse Expo with our students

2011-05-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

I'm ready for the MN Horse Expo at the State Fairgrounds!

Students from the Maxfield Learning Center went to

the MN Horse Expo to learn about horses.

Everyone had the opportunity to ride a horse and a pony.

Thank you for making this possible.

Horse owners welcomed us.

These cowpokes had the opportunity to get up close

and personal with a horse that was taking a nap.

As you can tell, this horse was very gentle.

We got to see his hooves up close.

He kept nuzzling the boys.

This Clydesdale was ready to talk to us.

Horse back riding for everyone (that's a parent in the background.)

We got to check out a horse's new shoe.

Did you know horses have frogs on the bottom of their hoof?

This smile sums up our day. We had a blast.

Thank you for making this trip possible.

Thank you for helping us get "up close and personal"

with these wonderful animals... now, off to write

our informational reports!

Celebrating Birthdays Robb Pottle Style

2011-03-10T09:09:00.001-06:00

Remember celebrating your birthday when you turned eight? Robb Pottle, our 2nd grade teacher, makes sure every student in his classroom celebrates their birthday.

We've had a rash of celebrations recently due to "half" birthdays (those summer birthdays!) He, with the help of Nettie & Friends, purchases a small gift AND decorates a cake with a theme of the student's choice. This activity is one of the many ways he builds community in his classroom. The celebrated birthday student is responsible for serving the cake and practicing their manners. Here are some of his creations (and he's never taken a cake decorating class!) Thank you for making sure each of our 2nd grade students celebrates their birthday with their classmates.

Thanks Robb! Thank you Nettie & Friends.

Look what you made possible

2011-01-18T06:53:00.000-06:00

I love a soft snowfall, kids dressed for the weather and recess.

Guess what you made possible?

This smile.

And these smiles.

And this snow angel.

Thank you for funding winter clothing so we can ALL go out and play!

Cost to outfit one student if needed:

Boots $4.00

Snowpants $5.00

Mittens $2.00

Hat $2.00

Scarf $1.00

Outcome: Joy.

Thank you.

2010 Nettie & Friends Opening Reception

2010-12-11T14:40:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful evening with friends.

Thank you one and all for making this a huge success
for our students at Maxfield Learning Center and Maxfield School.

2010 Nettie & Friends Sale Open for Business!

2010-11-28T21:05:00.001-06:00

The fireplace is installed.

The goods have been delivered and

we are open for business at the Egg & I East, Saint Paul.

Stop by for breakfast or lunch and check out the

beautiful items for sale to benefit the Maxfield Learning Center.

What you will see is a small sampling of what

awaits you Saturday, December 4th from 4 -8 PM

at the Opening Reception.

Thank you to the 2010 Crew!

Online Sale Closed But How About Getting on the Peace Train?

2010-11-27T08:51:00.000-06:00

How about a Peace and Love Pillow (14" x 14")

Bright and Wonderful...

And a Peace and Love Hotpad....

Or a Peace and Love Knitting Project Bag?

Then, there are the Beauville fabrics project bags...

All items available at the opening reception on

Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 4 - 8 at the Egg & I!

I've Been Holding Out On You...

2010-11-21T12:10:00.002-06:00

Yep, some items have arrived and I've been holding out on you.

Just got them photographed and added to the collection...

Thought maybe I should share them with you now.


Marsha's Birthday Boxes

These handbuilt boxes covered with festive papers and spunky ribbons come complete with candles, matches, a birthday poem.

Everything but the cake.

Never search those kitchen drawers for the candles again.


Rachel's "Love Remembers" Mosaic Tiles

Rachel's mosaics were such a hit last year that there

were none left for the reception....

So, this year, we will unveil them AT the reception.

Get there early!
http://seriouslywhimsical.com/

Remember you can shop online until Friday.

Just check the tab above for items that are available.

Nettie & Friends Items Available Online

2010-11-20T17:03:00.000-06:00

YOU can purchase items online before the Nettie & Friends Sale opens at the Egg & I! Just click the tab at the top of this page to view wonderful, one of a kind hand-crafted items.

See you Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 4 - 8 PM at the Egg & I.

Nettie

Give to the Max Day. Thank YOU!

2010-11-17T07:25:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all of the generous donors who logged on to http://www.razoo.com/story/Nettie-And-Friends for Give to the Max Day. Your donations totaled $760. Those dollars will make a difference for our students at Maxfield. Nettie

Give to the Max Day Returns

2010-11-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

Nettie & Friends Annual Show and Sale at the Egg & I

2010-10-30T21:51:00.003-05:00

Stop by to see us!

Getting Things Done

2010-10-22T12:50:00.000-05:00

You know those lists that keep growing?

Well, I'm finally getting some things done.

I open some boxes, and surprise!

Another project waiting for me!

I get distracted easily.

But I've finished:

A lot of snap / game bags.

A few kitchen towels,

A couple of recycled sweater pillows, just for fun.

There are still surprises waiting for me in other boxes, so stay tuned!

Remember when...

2010-10-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

I said I had some things to block for the show?

Mostly, the ones off of the needles are done!

I really like how this scarf seems so airy and light,

but will be warm and cozy and bright come winter.

Then, there's this bright, happy Clay Coyote scarf

(from a Borealis Yarns knitting clinic.)

http://www.borealisyarn.com/

I'm' making headway!

I've got a few more (a-hem! - that's my "are you kidding me? A FEW?" voice in my ear)

projects to complete before the Nettie & Friends, Inc. show and sale

in December... I'm getting the sewing machine revved up and am

burning the midnight oil. (I'm sure have enough 'material possibilities'

stacked on the dining room table for an entire quilting group.)

Thanks to every one of you who are working

on wonderful handmade items for the show and sale.

Nettie & Friends, Inc. Update

2010-09-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

It's official!
I received a letter from the IRS that begins
"We are pleased to inform you..."

Yep. Nettie & Friends, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3)!
We are a tax deductible public charity supporting education! WooHoo!

I can't tell you how happy that makes me.

Special thanks to Mary Ellen Hennen, consultant extraordinaire!
She did a lot of hand holding, talking me down when I was ready to
tear my hair out, and encouraging when I said "I need to get this done
before school starts!" She also celebrated with me when I put all
the various and sundry pieces of paper in a large envelope and mailed
it off to the IRS (and when I called her after I opened the simple envelope
the IRS sent to me!)

It was not an easy process, but I believe a worthwhile one!
Thanks to everyone who listened to me whine about
"how I'm spending my summer vacation..."
Thanks to friends who stepped up to be on the "Founding Board of Directors."

See that new logo? It's part of our 'getting things organized' move.
Many thanks to graphic designer, Christine Meade!

Happy fall everyone.
More later, Nettie

We're Ready For School!

2010-09-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

Thank you for helping us get ready for school!

This is just one of four closets that have uniform pieces

for students at Maxfield who may need them!

Thanks to all of the Nettie & Friends for making

this happen for our students.

Hats off to Mary Ellen B for her willingness to

organize these closets, shop for bargains, do laundry,

AND create a spreadsheet to help us with our inventory!

WooHoo!

The 'Clothes Closet" at Maxfield has never looked so good!

Your support has also help provide basic school supplies

for our students, a nutrition fund for the cafeteria and

classroom supplies for teachers to begin the year

(and so much more - Thank you!)

We are excited for the new school year to begin!

Bring on the students!

Some "Nearly" Completed Projects for the Sale This Year...

2010-08-12T07:23:00.060-05:00

Here's a beautiful, diaphanous seafoam stitch scarf that is in the works.

It's not blocked, it's just off the needles and so yummy!

Feels good to get something closer to completion!

(Remember the Mini-Moochi from Susan Saari's Sisu Yarns

I purchased in July? This is it! I couldn't help myself!)

And... these two pair of clogs waiting to be felted...

made from the softest wool from the Stonehedge Fiber Mill

in Michigan (purchased at Shepherd's Harvest a few years ago

with the best of intentions...Finally some action!!)

Here's that colorful wallpaper strip quilt that needed a home.

It was gifted to a friend who was visiting.

She currently lives in Hahnheim Germany.

She really liked the roosters, especially since

she lives in 'rooster town'! Go figure!

Sorry, you won't see this one at the sale!

Some completed projects

2010-08-01T16:48:00.002-05:00

Well, I finally finished some projects!

I finished this lovely Highland Triangle Shawl and am waiting for some cooler weather to wrap it around my shoulders for real! I spent many hours working in private, as the pattern required concentrating and counting to four repeatedly! Sheesh!

Then, there's a colorful sofa sized quilt made from my Kaffe Fassett stash... the pattern is 'wallpaper strips' and it went together so easily. Quilted by Randi Helling of jubileequilting.com The quilting is fabulous, wish I could get it to show up a little better when I photograph it... Visit Randi's site and take a look at her incredible work in her gallery!

I also finished another 'wallpaper strips' quilt. I was on a tear to get some of my stash sewn up. This quilt is from the Eyes Wise collection by Luella Doss. See that little pile of scraps? That's how close I came to using everything. WooHoo Me!! Machine quilted by Randi Helling, and fun, fun fun! I just don't know what I'm going to do with it!! Hmmmm.

I am continuing to work on a variety of projects, some of which might actually get completed this summer! I did try last year's strategy of taking only UFO's with me while traveling, but again this summer, I was thwarted by a visit to Susan Saari's Sisu Yarn Shop in Ely... I picked up some sweet yarn, needles and have been enjoying knitting a diaphanous Seafoam scarf for this year's Nettie and Friends sale. Hopefully you'll get to see it soon!

And WHOOSH there goes July!!!

Hotpads on a Hot and Humid Day

2010-07-07T18:24:00.001-05:00

Whew! Have I shown you these?

Hotpads... almost ready for the Show and Sale!!
Some of them still need a big old brass grommet in the corner.
The pounding will begin soon!
I've been a busy girl!

Summer time!

2010-06-22T17:35:00.002-05:00

Wow! This last school year was full of challenges, opportunities for growth and reflection.

Now, it is summer break.

Today, I'm painting my bathroom.

I hate painting. Ask anyone who knows me.

Well, except for spray painting with Marsha.

We'll spray paint almost anything.

Furniture. Big pieces of foam core for Nettie & Friends.

I like that kind of painting. I'm not fond of painting my bathroom.

So thank goodness I had a chance to get out of town last week

to attend the MN Quilt Show in St. Cloud...

Marsha had a beautiful quilt in the judged area.

It is constructed using those wonderful Dargate reproduction fabrics we adore.

It was quilted by Randi Helling of http://www.jubileequilting.com/index.html.

After enjoying the quilt show and a lovely dinner with friends, we made a plan

to go to the Munsinger and Clemons Gardens (http://www.munsingerclemens.com)
in the cool of the morning the next day.

More beauty.

And since we had a chance to get out of town, Marsha and I kept going.

We had sweet little 'suite' in Itasca State Park. Can you believe neither of

us had ever stepped across the Headwaters of the Mississippi? We did it!

We also saw the Minnesota State Flower in full bloom.
They were blooming all over the park!!!

Ahhh, what a lovely beginning to summer break.

Now, back to painting my bathroom...

When that's done, more adventures!

Maxfield Learning Center Welcomes Mosaic Artist Rachel Rodenborg

2010-04-18T21:13:00.001-05:00

Rachel Rodenborg, from

http://www.seriouslywhimsical.com/www.seriouslywhimsical.com/home.html

visited the Maxfield Learning Center on Thursday, April 15th as a guest artist. She brought tiles, and beads, and blocks, and baubles and patience. The students created beautiful tiles that Rachel will grout and seal for us. Everyone was engaged in the activity and each tile is individual and wonderful.

Here are just a few...

Thank You "Nettie and Friends" for making this artist visit possible!!!

What, you may ask, was I working on while on vacation???

2010-04-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

Not much.

Perfecting my soldering craft...

(it has a long way to go, but I'm making progress!!)

"Perfecting" also required two trips

to Home Depot various 'support' tools.

No jump rings yet, and they are in the very rough state.

I need to file and polish... decided that it might be best to

use that trusty ol' Dremel to help with that!!

A sweet little pink heart.

A custom pincushion for a friend.

Many knitting projects in various states of completion.

Many embroidery projects in various states of completion.

Acquistion of more raw materials for more projects...

Yikes!!

Nettie and Marsha's Big Adventure

2010-04-01T12:19:00.003-05:00

First, finding the right train to Chicago from Lake Geneva, WI.

Well, actually, from Fox Lake, IL.

This was a great, no fuss trip into downtown Chicago.

We took a quick walk to the Chicago Cultural Center

to see what history has wrought...

These photos cannot do justice to this beautiful building.

Incredible mosaic quotes abound.

Tiffany lights.

A Tiffany dome.

I'm a sucker for old buildings, glass and mosaics.

This building is a true treasure.

Marsha and I also took in a lovely solo piano concert over the lunch hour.

What a wonderful respite in a bustling city.

Many people walk through cities and take cityscape photos.

I take photos of light fixtures, sidewalk art, building details.

They give me great pleasure.

We walked the lakeshore through Millineum park to the Shedd Aquarium.

Have you ever looked up when you enter through the main doors?

Okay, so Marsha and I didn't stay too long-

BUT we learned a huge lesson:

this is the busiest week of the year for the

Chicago Museums. The place was PACKED

with eager children and adults looking mostly bewildered.

We decided to cut out and walk a little more

on an incredible spring day in Chicago.

We went over to the Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower)

to see about going to the top for a view of the city.

Keep in mind that I am afraid of heights

and kinda freak out when up on a ladder.

Decision time: to the top of the Willis or perhaps sitting out

rush hour over a beer would be a good idea!

We opted for the beer. Over a couple of Blue Moons

and appetizers we discussed going to the "Sky Deck floor 103"

of the Willis Tower. In the spirit of living

without regret, we made our way over to

Willis Tower, and bought our tickets.

Then, into the elevator to the top!

Stanley was showing no fear.

Here's a view you don't see everyday unless

you are employed at the top of the Willis Tower!

You know, it is beautiful up here.

"On a clear day" and all of that!

Well, then, there's "The Sky Ledge."

You step out into space on a glass ledge.

Some of us backed out and never looked down.

Some of us wouldn't step out in any fashion!

Oh, yeah, I was saying (ordering, whining, pleading) repeatedly

"Take the picture!!"

Then, a very nice woman suggested that Marsha

take the picture from a window just around the corner...

that would mean I would have actually let go of

the building wall and step onto the platform

AND turn and look out of the side of the ledge.

Deep breath. Go fast Marsha!!

Whew.

I did it!

Can you see those little blips

at the top of the next photo?

Those are the 'sky ledges.'

YIKES.

No regrets.

Lots of laughter.

A very good day indeed.

On the road again....

2010-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

It is Spring Break in my world.

Ahhhh. On the road again with Marsha.

Her husband doesn't much like road trips.

Marsha and I really like them. You just never

know what you might see. So, we loaded up the

Subaru and off we went... headed to Lake Geneva, WI.

I've got access to a timeshare there :-)

We stopped in Madison and immediately found our

way to a Home Depot so I could buy some clips for

a new addition to my ADHD (Attention Deficit Hobby Disorder.)

Flat Stanley really liked the lime green clips.

They seem to accent his outfit!

Then, off to the Capitol in Madison.

We arrived in Lake Geneva, WI safely.

There are many beautiful mansions that surround the lake.

By treaty with the Potawatomi Indian Tribe, there

must be lake access at all points around the lake.

There is a 20.2 mile path that follows the lake shore.

Marsha and I walked a small portion of it.

Much of it is brick, stone or dirt.

We came upon this portion...

It made us stop and slow down and consider.

Ahhhhh.

Of course, when a person travels by car, and checks into a little condo where maids are not coming in to clean and you have a real bed to sleep in, you might as well unfurl the sofa sleeper and set up a wonderful place to create right in the living room in front of the big TV! Let's hear it for a Subaru wagon that allows us to pack up our raw materials and possibilities!

Creating With Friends

2010-03-28T07:42:00.001-05:00

MaryEllen and Paula organized a quilt retreat I attended.

MaryEllen finished this quilt (no small feat when you are

listening to comments, handing out door prizes and laughing

with your friends all day and night!)

Marsha brought her Dargate Quarter Circles quilt for show and share.

Isn't it beautiful? Randi quilted it! http://www.jubileequilting.com

(Randi has also donated yards of quilting for snap game bags...

Her daughter, Marianna, sews them up, and voila' they

magically appear for the show and sale. Wow. What a

wonderful mother daughter team.)

Leila and her church group made all of these sweet, yummy hat and mittens sets

for students at Maxfield. I was a little overwhelmed.

I wanted to start trying them on immediately!

Me? I was making hotpad tops for the 2010 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale...

I have a HEAP of colorful strips that continue to call my name year after year

and make me the point of many comments at every quilt retreat or sewing day!

Marsha refers to it as my 'haystack of fabric!'

Quilters took time out from their own projects to make

some game bags and travel bags for the 2010 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale.

Okay, then, there's Judy. Quilter extradoniare, who helped everyone with their projects.

(She's amazing...she taught me a trick or two that weekend.)

An incredible group of funny, creative, big-hearted

women who are willing to share their time and talents.

Thank you one and all. Happy Quilting!

What I've Been Up To....

2010-03-06T21:39:00.001-06:00

Knitting! How about this lovely Mini Moochi Rainbow Scarf???

This is a soft, wonderful merino wool scarf in 'Amethyst'.

Here's a lovely, 'smooshy' scarf in 'Spring Tickle.'

This scarf is mohair and silk and wonderfully yummy.

And I finished a sweater for Marsha's granddaughter!

The 2010 Olympics

2010-02-22T07:10:00.011-06:00

Yep. I'm glued to the T.V. watching incredible athletes do amazing things. (Ouch!) I am knitting, reading and putzing while people hurl down steep slopes or speed on sharp blades. I'm not doing any Olympic knitting... I thought I might, but I'm just not a competition knitter!

My camera and Flat Stanley went to the Olympics. I didn't... Here are some original Whistler shots! Note the similiarity between Stan and the Olympic Emblem - a stone landmark called an inukshuk.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/26/world/main6141941.shtml

Wow. Who wouldn't want to be here? Looks like a beautiful place. I'm putting it on my list!

A Journey of Thanks.

2010-01-07T14:20:00.000-06:00

Building the display.

Organizing and pricing all of the donations.

Hanging the show.

Opening reception.

Show me the money.

New school shoes that fit.

Priceless.

Thank you everyone.

Thank you.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T08:49:00.001-06:00

The show is over for another year. Thank you Marsha and Gail for helping me take it down. There is not much left which translates into a very successful sale. Thank you one and all for your donations, creativity, encouragement and laughter.

I put everything in the house on New Year's Eve, then loaded the car and headed north to Jeff's place to celebrate New Year's. We had big plans to snowshoe... but mostly we stayed in (did you check the weather??? Brrrrrr.) We did get out on the lake on New Year's Day and cavorted a little before the wind came up.

I turned the binding on my William Morris quilt:

Note how lovely it looks in this room, it is NOT staying here! I couldn't decide what fabric to use for the binding so I did it scrappy style and love it!! Happy New Year to me! I have a new quilt to sleep under to bring the New Year in! Woo Hoo!

As promised, I helped Jeff learn to knit... It was too cold to go outside, so we stoked up the fire, took up the needles and started. He did GREAT!!

I'll be posting more about the show, but for now, I need the dust to settle and enjoy the coming of the New Year. Thank you one and all for your support this year. Wishing you and yours the best in 2010.

Peace. Nettie

Ahh, vacation time between the holidays

2009-12-30T18:36:00.000-06:00

So, my neighbor, Liz wanted to make a quilt.

We talked. I loaned her some tools and my

Singer Featherweight... it wasn't too long

and she called to say she had bought her own

Featherweight on Ebay. She called me this week and

said "It's done!" I stopped over to see this beauty:

I've been doing a little of my own

'raw materials endless possibilities' stash reduction!

How about these little toe warmers???

These are made with scraps of Lamb's Pride Bulky... they are fuzzy - wuzzy!

This pair looks a little 'mossy'... Hmmm.

Thanks to Abby @ Borealis Yarns for helping me

give them a little shave!!!

Happy New Year to ALL!

We are taking the show down on 12/31/09 and I'll be

giving you all an update soon!

Thank you.

Nettie

Happy Holidays Gingerbread House Style!

2009-12-26T09:03:00.000-06:00

The annual gingerbread house building extravaganza in Room 10 was another success!

Thank you for making this and other enrichment activities possible!

You can check out more of the houses on the Maxfield website...

this link should take you there!!

http://maxfield.spps.org/Ms_Monroe.html

Wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season. Again, thank you!

Nettie

Thank You Friends

2009-12-15T06:45:00.002-06:00

It's cold. We live in Minnesota. It snows.

I teach. We go outside.

Thank you for snowpants, boots, mittens, jackets, hats, fun.

Thank You "Builders"

2009-12-14T22:21:00.003-06:00

Many years ago, my friend, Marsha, said, "I want to get a group together to work on projects between Halloween and Christmas so we have a dedicated time to get stuff done for the holidays, but we can't call it 'craft night', we need a better name than that"... and 'Builders Forum' was launched.

For years, these women, among others, have been my mainstay in the world of "Nettie and Friends." Here are some photos of a typical night... These happened to be at my place... A simple meal, some beverages, lots of laughter,

Yep, there's a lot of 'building' going on... Marsha's working on a 'rescued' quilt, Elizabeth is practicing her accordion, Cathi learned how to make earrings, Kathleen is making scrap socks, Dorothy is making more dishrags, Rita finished addressing all of her holiday cards and is getting some felted wool ready turn into the cutest pins, I finished a 'hoot hat' for a colleague, Sunny was just hanging out under the table, Kathleen showed off a find from Saver's (a Seminole 'man's long shirt' which she is working diligently on fabric dating) there's Max, who decided that Marsha's quilt was just the thing to cuddle up in on a chilly evening and here's Bonnie working on a scarf (she finished addressing all of her holiday cards... I'm jealous!) Not pictured: Jean J. (you wouldn't want THAT one posted!) and Kathy...off to care for grandchildren.

The Builders often help me with tagging items, inspire me to create more and support me when I'm just plain tired out. Thank you Builders for all you have given me and others over the years. You are the best!
Nettie

2009 Opening Reception

2009-12-06T08:53:00.001-06:00

First, thank you set up crew! Thank you Andrea for waiting on us and making sure I was drinking enough water throughout the evening. Thank you 'show me the money' friends. Thank you 'take down and pack it in Nettie's car' crew. Thank you friends and supporters for your kind words, encouragement and enthusiasm! Thank you friends for donating your time, your craft, your artistry. Thank you Marsha for dreaming up a show stopping fireplace that has people talking!

Here is a very 'unedited' slideshow to enjoy!

Thank you everyone. Now, "after ecstasy , the laundry!"

Nettie

Sneak Preview... The Fireplace is UP! The Show is OPEN!

2009-11-29T19:00:00.001-06:00

Thank you to the fantastic crew that showed up to help with the hanging of the

2009 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale. After eleven months of planning,

organizing, painting, building and dreaming... today is the day!

Thank you to Dave with his tall ladders, long arms and patience

for making sure our 'lodge' fireplace went up in alignment!

Take a blank wall, add some pizazz and viola' a fireplace!

Next add a heart warming wreath.

Thank you Robb for your good eye at getting the display started (and level!)

Thank you Marsha for dreaming about a 'lodge' fireplace for this year's show...

It took many hours, but WOW! Was it worth it!!

Thanks for being my friend for all these years!

Thanks Jean for loading up the display racks with yummy, beautiful items!

Thank you Lynn and Jean for making so many tough decisions

about which items to display (and displaying them so well!)

Thank you Kim for your willingness to climb up and hang stuff

and smile and make us all a little nervous with

your creative stacking of items to 'gain height' when the ladder was in use!

It's really UP! The show is ready and open for business on Monday, November 30th!

The staff at the Egg and I were WOWED with the fireplace!

It is the centerpiece for so many beautiful items that have been donated.

Thank you!

WOW!

Thank you friends!

Whew!

Pricing Day! We did it! WooHoo!

2009-11-22T09:19:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who donated beautiful items for this year's show and sale.

The pricing committee met and:

laughed
talked
oohed and aahed
discussed items and the present economy
priced
tagged
haggled
did a little arm wrestling over some items
tried to tuck some items away in secret spots so they could be first at them when we hang the show
laughed some more
modeled some items
took very few photos
finished pricing everything in one day!
Whew!

A Weekend Away With William Morris

2009-11-15T18:44:00.000-06:00

I went to my friend, Karen's, house for a weekend of sewing, laughing, creating and general fun.

I took a box of William Morris fabric I have been hoarding for years... Karen told me she had an idea for a quilt pattern... So, I jumped. I took a deep breath. I measured. I cut. My Singer Featherweight hummed. I ironed. I kept my head down and the pedal to the metal. I've got a beautiful queen size quilt with I don't even know how many William Morris 'favorites' sewn in it! I started out with good intentions of making a quilt for a friend. Too bad. I'm keeping this one!

This is Karen's 'play room' above her garage.

A beautiful place to sew.

Just what I needed!

http://morris.artpassions.net/

Almost Ready!!!

2009-11-08T21:33:00.003-06:00

Can you believe this beautiful wreath?

It's great to have a wonderful friend like Marsha!

Look for this 4' wreath at the Egg and I
Opening Reception on December 5th!

Just a little distraction...

2009-11-05T21:36:00.004-06:00

Me Margo Krager My friend, Karen Benson

So, my phone rings in the middle of my teaching day.
(Yes, it is on vibrate...) I check the message on my lunch.
It's Marsha. Margo Krager of Reproduction Fabrics in
Bozeman, MT is speaking at the Minnesota Quilters
meeting tonight. We're meeting Karen at 5:30 at
Cupcake for a little soup before the meeting.

Just enough time to vacuum off the Dargate quilt that
has been on my bed and has had two felines napping,
purring and shedding all over it before I jam it into
a tote bag to drag with me to the meeting... Karen made
this quilt for me for my 50th birthday.

If you've been to my house, I've made you look at it.
It is stunning in it's Pepto Bismol pinks, botanicals,
cheddars and Prussian blues...all from 1830's French
dress making fabrics..and all from Margo's "Dargate" line.

I love this quilt.

Margo was pleased to see it and oohed and ahhed over
her 'favorites' being sewn together for a gift and blessed
with use and a kitty sleeping on it! (She even asked the
names of the cats!)

I passed out a few "Nettie and Friends" postcards.

This weekend... a sneak preview of what was happening
with that big round white donut thingie!

Peace.
Nettie

We're gettin' ready!

2009-11-01T19:51:00.006-06:00

Start with a blank palate...

Add a little green paint...

Get a caulk gun and 'construction adhesive'...

Viola' ! A wreath...

Built by Nettie and Friends for Nettie and Friends!

AND we're NOT done yet!! Stay tuned.

Now what are these women up to????

2009-10-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

What is going on here???

Nothing like a little foam core, cardboard, spray paint,
double stick tape and presto!

A fireplace! Isn't Marsha amazing??? Wait
until you see it at the Egg and I in December.

I'm so excited! You, too, will be able to sit
near the fireplace and enjoy a wonderful
breakfast or lunch! Cozy.

Oh, we're not done yet! Stay tuned.

2009 Nettie and Friends Breakfast

2009-10-24T20:42:00.004-05:00

Wow! What a group of talented generous individuals.
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful support of
our students at the Maxfield Learning Center,
Maxfield School, Saint Paul.

Thank you.

Mastering the art of the zipper...

2009-10-18T14:26:00.006-05:00

Well, there is the actually putting the zipper in.
Then, there is the actually putting the zipper in correctly.
Practice makes perfect, they say... so why did I make a bag
with a wonderful lining, leaving the required 3" to turn the bag
right side out, only to discover that I had zippered the zipper
closed and couldn't get the bag open, much less turned right side out???
Then, of course, there is the leaving the zipper open, only to add a
'design element' where the pull tab on the end of the bag
is sewn in backwards, creating not a pull tab at all, but two stubby
ends of the ribbon sticking out... Geesh. I need more practice, it
is plain to see!!

After several days of committed sewing, I have completed
40 small bags of various proportions - small coin bags to
'12" x 12" carry everything in your luggage, knitting, quilting,
crafting world' AND 8 snap-closure bags AND 8 more futzy,
putzy kitten - knitting themed bags which were the near undoing
of my mental health. Oh, did I mention that I actually sewed through
my finger while putting in a zipper? This just after proclaiming to
Marsha that I was "finally getting the hang of this zipper thing."
Yeouch! Sewing is NOT for sissies!

In between zippers, I completed some more coasters... sewing around
and around and around and around. Thank goodness for the Antiques
Roadshow and a couple of movies to keep my mind occupied!

I'm excited to see what everyone has been working on this year!
See you Saturday at the Egg and I Breakfast! Woo Hoo!

Nettie

Snow in October

2009-10-12T12:28:00.002-05:00

October 12, 2009 - Maxfield School
What's going on ???

I wanted to post happy faces of students in snow boots,
snow pants, nylon mittens and big, happy smiles, but I
don't have the photo permissions yet! Just know that
when you are wearing nylon snowpants, you F-L-Y down
the big blue slide!!! (Yes, you really 'get some air' before you land!)

Thank you, one and all.

"That's what it's all about!"

Nettie

Caught with my hand (paw) in the cookie jar...

2009-10-06T18:10:00.004-05:00

A picture is worth a thousand words....

I had a great plan to help my big ol' Sunny boy cat
lose a little weight. The vet suggested an
automatic timed feeder.

Looks like it's time to eat!

Let's just say, no felines have been losing
weight at my house! This automatic feeder
is automatic all right!

A few holiday sewing projects!

2009-09-24T14:57:00.006-05:00

Coasters for the holidays!

How about a beautiful bag for that
bottle of wine you are giving for the
holidays??

Borealis Friends Baby Afghan - The Bidding is Open!!

2009-09-15T17:35:00.003-05:00

Stop in at Borealis Yarns in Saint Paul
and place a bid on this darling baby afghan
made by Borealis Friends to support the
Maxfield Learning Center where I teach!
(Opening bid : cost of outfitting one student
with a new uniform and miscellaneous school supplies.)

Abby and her friends are also creating a
large afghan for the December Show!
Make sure you get there in time to see it
(and maybe buy it - it is going to be spectacular!)

Get in to Borealis Yarns (corner of Thomas Avenue
and Hamline Avenue - St. Paul, MN) and
consider raising the bid on the afghan by
the price of daily snack ($1.85 - $2.25.)

Thank you Borealis Friends!!

Nettie

Friends of Borealis Baby Afghan - Yummy!

2009-09-09T19:35:00.005-05:00

Wow! Items have started to arrive for the
2009 Nettie and Friends show and Sale...
Abby, owner and knitter extraordinaire,
called me Wednesday night to tell me the
"Nettie and Friends Baby Afghan" was ready.
I got myself right down there to see this
yummy, delightful, sweet blanket.

Here's the deal... soon, very soon, there will
be a 'early bird opportunity' for you to bid on
this blanket to benefit the Maxfield Learning Center...
We'll have the details worked out soon, and I'll
let you know all of the particulars by Sunday or Monday!

Stay tuned!!

This Week at Work...

2009-09-06T11:10:00.003-05:00

Those of you who know me, know I'm not a good 'sitter.'
Last week was the opening week for teachers in St. Paul.
That means a lot of meetings where people talk to you.
I'm not a good 'sitter'. I squirm. I fidget. I look through
my bag. I doodle. I make lists of things I need to do, both
in my head and on paper. I think about songs that won't
stop going around in my brain... they worm into my brain and
even if I 'sing them like Dylan' I can't make them stop...
Sooooo, I decided to knit during the meetings and here's
what I completed. I have the scarf to finish, but everything
else is DONE. (No, these were not on my 'unfinished list'!)

Tuesday, the students arrive... the best part of my job!
Have a great Labor Day, everyone. Be well. I'm looking
forward to my week. Nettie

Harry Potter / Snape and a Catchy Little Video

2009-09-01T07:12:00.002-05:00

If you are a fan of Harry Potter and Severus Snape,
there can be no doubt that this video will get stuck in your brain.
Let me apologize in advance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

I've got to learn how to embed these things!!!

Have fun. I'm off to work now.

Back to work (at school I mean!)

2009-08-31T22:09:00.002-05:00

Check out the latest batch of wool felt pincushions
and ornaments I finished while in Ely... no, I didn't
finish any of those objects on the 'unfinished' list...
but I visited another knitter who has a few unfinished
items herself, so I feel better about just making a list!

I'm back to work today, so I'll be busy with
getting my classroom ready for the new batch
of students who are headed my way. I'm excited
for the year to begin with the kids! Yippee!

I'll keep you posted!

The Final Leg of the 2009 Summer Cabin Tour

2009-08-25T15:11:00.004-05:00

I live a wonderful life. There can be no doubt about it!
So, a little over a week ago, one of the 'gal pals' asked me if
I would be making anymore of 'those felted tea cozies' for this
year's show...Huh. They hadn't crossed my mind!

But...

I dug around in my stash, grabbed some bulky Lamb's Pride
wool/mohair blend and became obsessed! I've knitted to the
end of the current stash... I'm at the Ely cabin,
and since there is no washing machine here, I'll have to wait
until I get back to St. Paul to see the final result. I'm sure
there will be embellishments to behold!

That diamond looking thing? Not part of the tea cozy, but
rather an attempt to use up snippets of Lamb's Pride - how
about a coaster???

Be well all. Peace.
Nettie

Okay, I Should Be Doing Something Else

2009-08-15T20:16:00.001-05:00

but I checked my Facebook Wall and saw this video that a friend posted (thanks Lynn!) that reminds me why I love being among children!

Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EELEjeYzfjM

Distracted Again!

2009-08-12T20:51:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm on the annual galpal trip... and I'm distracted again.
None of these items were on my 'get them finished' list!
But aren't they just the cutest??

Ahhh, the joy of a 'to do' list...

2009-08-05T17:48:00.007-05:00

These weren't on my 'to do' list... I arrived in Ely
when it was chilly... my friend, Marilyn said,
"you know what I could really use? A pair of
mittens!" So, I rooted around in the back of the
Subaru, came up with some yarn and needles
and viola'! Mittens... oh, those were NOT on my
'to do' list! OOPS!

Hmmm, this sweet little star pincushion
was NOT on my 'to finish' list... how did
that slip in there?

Yikes! Where did this pincushion
come from? It wasn't on the list of items
that demanded my attention to be completed!

Susan Saari of Sisu Designs in Ely is responsible
for this blatant breach of my plan to finish items
on my 'to do' list! Just walk into her store and
see what happens to YOU!!!

Well, after seeing those lovely mitts in red and brown,
I sent a 'wish list' with a friend to Ely, if she just happened
to stop by Susan's shop... pick up the yarn in the original
colors... an earthy green/brown combo... What do you know?
She brought the yarn back to the cabin... and I cast on...
what else could I do?

I hate to admit that these are just a few of the things
I worked on during 'cabin time.' That bag full of
'to do' items? I'm putting it back in the car for the
next trip. Wish me well!

Pins and Needles

2009-07-18T16:27:00.004-05:00

Somebody stop me!
I'm really enjoying working with wool felt!

Pin cushion, anyone?

I've got a feeling these are going to get wilder and wilder as I perfect my technique (and there's a lot of room for improvement!)

As I continue my 2009 summer cabin tour, I'm trying to limit myself to 'portable' projects... but when you are driving a Subaru Outback, there's a lot of leeway in what constitutes 'portable'!

In the meantime, I've managed to get a neighbor hooked on quilting... she didn't own a machine, so I loaned her my Singer Featherweight. Next thing I know, she's on ebay bidding away and today, her own Featherweight arrived! A woman of action. No doubt about it! I may have met my match!

Up next: confronting the 'unfinished objects' knitting list (woe is me!)

From My Cousin In Michigan

2009-07-09T10:28:00.004-05:00

So, I stop to see my cousin, Peggy in Lansing, MI.
She brings out a bag of these colorful, not so scary
mice for me to sell at the Nettie and Friends Show
and Sale in December. (67 to be exact.)

I wondered if they were pet approved.

So, we got a couple out at my sister's place (now at 65 mice.)
Her miniature dachshunds loved them.
Carried them all over her house.
Kept them from her cats.
Got a little protective of them.

I selected one for my cats (down to 64.)

Here's the proof at my house. The mouse has been all over the
apartment. I spotted it here this morning, safely tucked
under Max on his cat stand. He particularly loves the
sturdy braided tail and often carries the mouse around
by the tail!

Stamp of approval. Dog tested. Cat tested.
For sale in December!

Quilts for My Siblings

2009-07-04T16:43:00.003-05:00

Queen of the Ranch for my sister.

Now, here's a lesson for you:
Do NOT think you can make a quilt kit from a particular quilt line, especially if you are recovering from surgery and taking narcotics for pain... I thought I would do some 'cutting ahead' and make one or two quilt kits so I would be ready for my next quilt camp / quilting weekend... What a great idea! I wouldn't have to think about what to take! I could take a quilt kit that I had already prepped, put the pedal to the metal and S-E-W!

Well, sew, I did. I had these sweet Roy Rogers / Happy Trails prints that I started sewing and assembling. When I put the strips up on the design wall, my buddy, MaryEllen almost fell off of her chair! Whew! It was a bit much, even for me! I mean, really. The result of my narcotic induced design was manic, disorganized and just plain TOO MUCH! So, I started 'unsewing' and ripped the entire thing apart! Then, with the help of Marsha on our road trip, I found MORE fabric to make a mess work. Here is the end result - three sweet quilts that my siblings loved. I hope they are well used and enjoyed for a long, long time.

Live and learn... Live and learn!

Portable Wool Felt Projects

2009-07-04T16:30:00.005-05:00

I've been having a good time with these very portable projects.
I made most of these while in Michigan visiting my family!

There are many more in various stages of completion.
Each of them is individually designed and embellished.
I'm loving it!
:-) Nettie

Home to Michigan

2009-07-03T08:42:00.014-05:00

I drove home through the Michigan's Upper Pennisula and across the
Mackinac Bridge. I put the camera on the steering wheel and clicked
my way across the bridge.

A friend on Facebook (well, he's also a friend in real life!) saw these photos and sent me one of his. If you Facebook, check this out!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/photo.php?pid=38130&id=1835904701&ref=mf

Then, the family festivities really began!

I went to watch my grand nephew race this go cart.
These little things go about 45-55 mph! (And this guy
is only about 7 years old! Watch out - he's good!)
He is also one of the sweetest kids I know. After
coming in 2nd in one of the heats, he told his dad
"I let 83 pass me because he doesn't get to win
very often." Be still my heart.

I went to a horse show to watch my grand nieces.
What a great day! Sun. Go-carts. Horses. Dust.

Then, off to the James M. Monroe family reunion.
Here's how the Monroe family has fun.
How about a water balloon toss using beach towels?
It was a nice sunny day so no one really cared when
they got splattered with a missed catch!

I had a great trip, concluding with taking the
Lake Michigan Car Ferry from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI.

What, you may ask, projects have I been working on this summer?
I'll post some photos a little later.
I did complete some small quilts to deliver to my family
in Michigan on this last trip. They will be well used and well loved.

Ahhhh. Summer.

MN Quilt Show - Duluth

2009-06-14T07:41:00.009-05:00

First, let me apologize for not having the names of the talented quilters who made these beautiful, eye catching quilts...

I do know Claudia Clark-Meyers made this award winning dahlia quilt.
This is just a small portion of her quilt.

There were bursts of color with prairie points, pinwheels and lanterns:

There were studies in green and red:

There was humor:

There were big ships! This one is the largest ship to sail the Great Lakes!
It was amazing to watch it glide by us and slip under the lift bridge.
Marsha and I took a walk one morning and got a little distracted
by all there is to see in Canal Park! It was a delightful trip.

Well, Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-06-08T20:31:00.006-05:00

Okay, it is NOT my birthday, but we were celebrating today in my classroom unbeknownst to me! Little did I know there was a surprise afoot when I thought about making BIG hats with the kids to celebrate the end of our school year together... then, Ms. Arkell arrived (aka student teacher extraordinaire who finished with us in early May) AND she brought her beautiful daughter, Yemi. Yemi wrote out a couple of Morning Meeting greetings for our group that we got to 'show off' this morning.

So, I'm lining kids up for lunch and there is all of this hubbub near the door with Ms. Arkell poking her head out in the hallway and this shows up! A yummy chocolate and white mosaic horse cake!

Then, the pizza arrived! WooHoo! Well, then, there were the hats!

These are the hats Yemi made for us! Aren't they something??
Thanks to Marsha for the hat making bands (that she all prepped and hanging out in her basement... the joy!)

You just gotta love working in Room 10 Maxfield School!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 is our last day together... it has been a very good year teaching!

Ahhhhhhh.....the cabin.

2009-05-30T20:41:00.007-05:00

I am so blessed to have a refuge at a friend's cabin in Ely. Early one morning over Memorial Day Weekend, Cate got up early and took these photos... Can't you just feel the calm? It is so marvelous.

Thank goodness I had such a view to behold while I worked to sew in all of the ends on this sweet little pain in the butt to finish baby sweater. It is possibly the most poorly written pattern I have tried to follow, but the result is so very sweet. I'm blocking it now and I'll have to find some wonderful little buttons for it.

Thanks to Cate and Richard for planning the food, cooking it up, helping with the annual 'putting in the pump' ritual, reading, walking, laughing, driving, encouraging words when it was time to go 'jump in the lake' and listening to grumbling about trying to decipher a pattern. Absolutely the best company a girl could wish for in one of the most beautiful places on earth! Thank you!

Happy May Day!

2009-05-02T16:32:00.008-05:00

So, our class organized these wonderful little May Day bouquets to deliver to every staff person at Maxfield. We did the actual assembly on Thursday. Our classroom looked like the back room of a florist's shop and smelled heavenly! We divided up all of the staff names and organized delivery with the two other Learning Center classrooms. It was a fantastic surprise for the staff! Again, thank YOU!

2009 MN Horse Expo Field Trip

2009-04-25T21:03:00.003-05:00

To say this is my favorite field trip of the year is putting it mildly. Some of you might remember that I was unable to attend the trip last year due to some pesky emergency gallbladder surgery... I was actually whining to the surgeon on the way to the operating room about missing the Horse Expo!

We wore our cowboy hats and bandanas and had a great time talking to horse trainers and owners. Almost everyone rode a horse and a pony!

I am very thankful to all of the friends who volunteered for this trip. Their participation made the day successful for every student! Thanks to all!

If you would like to see some photos from the trip, please follow this link:

http://maxfield.spps.org/Ms_Monroe.html

Click on the 2009 MN Horse Expo Field Trip to see the photos.

Thank you for making this possible...

K-1 Eric Carle Author Unit Thank You!

2009-04-19T19:52:00.007-05:00

I would like to thank you for making this project possible! We made beautiful Hungry Caterpillar T-Shirts!

Check out the pictures at:

http://maxfield.spps.org/Eric_Carle_Author_Study.html

You Drive, I'll Knit You Some Fingerless Mitts....

2009-04-11T22:56:00.003-05:00

So, Marsha drove most of the way home from Lincoln, NE last week and I mostly made these fingerless mitts for her. They are yummy soft (Cascade Cash Vero) and warm. I finished them back here in St. Paul and she modeled them at breakfast on Friday. It was a win-win situation!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety, Jig

2009-04-03T18:42:00.006-05:00

We decided to stop half way home and stay in Perry, Iowa at the
Historic Hotel Pattee. They have a William Morris Room.
So, of course, the fabric groupies had to stay in the room dedicated
to William Morris and decorated with his wallpapers and textiles.
Wow. This Historic Hotel is worth the trip. It is a classic
Arts and Crafts building that has been painstakingly and
lovingly restored to great expense.

This big comfy bed was luxurious and yummy.

There is a private bowling alley in the basement, along with a classic 'spa' layout,
fitness room and did I mention the restaurant which serves wonderful food
and 1st class bread pudding?????????

Make the trip. Check them out on the web: http://www.hotelpattee.com

The Fun Just Doesn't Stop!!

2009-04-02T22:28:00.006-05:00

So, I'm having trouble getting my head around the "rhino herds roaming
around Nebraska" and then, we saw the dinosaurs...
then of course, I had to stop and see this guy in front of
Morrill Hall at the University of Nebraska...
Whew. My head is spinning.

On the Prairies of Nebraska

2009-04-02T07:58:00.008-05:00

International Quilt Study Center and Museum - Our true destination -We saw some incredible Chintz quilts here... How did those women sew those things with 12 stitches per inch by hand and with no OTT lamp??? It is really a 'study center' and NOT a quilt show, so if you decide to visit, keep that in mind. It is a beautiful facility and the staff couldn't have been more wonderful.

Nebraska's Capitol in Lincoln. This pair of doors leads to the unused Senate Chamber since Nebraska has a system of unicameral government. Marsha got us into the chamber which is usually 'off limits' so we could see a featured piece of mosaic work and beautiful tapestry!

The Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska. The winds stopped 'whipping down the plains' so we could actually get out and tramp around this beautiful prairie site. A nice respite from the museums and tours. We saw pheasant flying low. Ahhhh. Space to breathe!

The Nebraska FFA Convention is in Lincoln. It does my heart good to see all of those blue corduroy jackets wandering around our hotel. The kids have been really polite. I asked these guys if I could take a picture of their coats... then told them to 'smile' they all started laughing. I'm sure they are thinking 'now there's a crazy old broad!'

BTW, did I ever tell you I was the first girl in FFA in Ingham County MI to win the 'Crops and Soil Judging Contest'? Tada! My claim to fame! There's a photo of me in the yearbook working on a disk! (not a CD, a disk, you know, a kind of a farm implement!)

Off to other adventures! :-)

Hold Your Horses! Look at This!

2009-03-31T07:56:00.008-05:00

Marsha and I are on a road trip to Lincoln, Nebraska. We're taking our time getting there, enjoying the prairies and the sites along the way. Imagine our surprise when we rounded a corner in Omaha and came upon these horses! There are also bison cavorting along the streets and sidewalks!

Then, we went to the Henry Doorley Zoo where the jellyfish
were dancing their slow graceful dance for us.

THEN we went to the Joslyn Art Museum and I worshiped at the site of the Chilhuly!

Wow is all I can say. Wow! Great Road Trip Beginning!

2009 Spring Retreat Game Bag Frenzy!

2009-03-22T12:34:00.005-05:00

At the Spring 2009 Quilter's Retreat at the ARC, south of Osceola, WI, we invited quilter's in on the fun of making a game bag! Look what they did!! Over 30 game bags were constructed and donated for the 2009 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale! WooHoo! Way to go!

It was a wonderful weekend of quilting, laughing, quilting, talking, and general good fun!

Some of the gals even got their sewing machines programmed and used their decorative stitches! Thank you to Village Quilters of Saint Anthony,MN; Mixed Sampler Quilt Guild, Siren, Wisconsin; and Lakeshore Quilters of Shoreview, MN! You are best!

Thanks to Barb for the funtastical baby bibs and to Leila for the cuddly burp (!) cloths!

You are the best!

Retreat!!!!!!!

2009-03-21T09:33:00.006-05:00

Very Hungry Caterpillar!

So, look what I made for the classroom!
How cute is this??? Wow. Everyone else is making quilts and
I'm focused on these panels for my classroom.
They are soooooooo cute and will be a wonderful
compliment to our "Eric Carle Author Study" unit
that is starting next week.

:-) Nettie

Extreme Sheepherding and LED Technology

2009-03-19T19:51:00.002-05:00

Now, this is just too much fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

Read Across America Day at Maxfield

2009-03-02T18:41:00.005-06:00

Education Minnesota President Thomas Dooher
and
Saint Paul Federation of Teachers President Mary Cathryn Ricker

It's Dr. Seuss' Birthday and Read Across America Day!
We started with green eggs and ham for breakfast in
the school cafeteria, made some Cat in the Hat hats.
Then it was time for our 'guest reader'...
perhaps you've seen Tom Dooher on TV going around
the state talking to teachers... Well, today he talked to me!
(Off camera and in my classroom...) It was a pleasure to
meet him, my kids did a great job introducing themselves
to him, he joined in the fun. He's a very nice guy!
(And he reads a mean Green Eggs and Ham!)

Strawberry Hat

2009-03-01T08:19:00.007-06:00

These little strawberry hats just don't come any cuter!

Gearing up for Next Year's Show...

2009-03-01T08:10:00.004-06:00

Game Bag with Zipper

Game bag with snappy closure

Well I just can't stop making these wonderful little game bags.
I learned how to put a simple zipper in a bag, and now I'm making
all kinds of little bags. I hope somebody needs some when next
December rolls around!
Ah, the roll of the dice.

Have a great March (already???)
Nettie

Stand by Me...

2009-02-17T17:40:00.001-06:00

A friend sent me this link to a wonderful video on YouTube...
Stand by me. I felt better, immediately. I hope you will, too.
Peace

http://www.youtube.com/v/Us-TVg40ExM&hl=es&fs=1

The Joy of Nylon Coated Kids

2009-02-10T18:16:00.003-06:00

So, I forgot to post last week about nylon jackets, snow pants and good boots. We were outside on the playground and discovered a large patch of ice. Now, some teachers would freak out and keep their kids off of the ice, but I remember the thrill and terror of sliding on the ice in my boots as a kid, so off we went with very close monitoring. It didn't take long for one of the guys to discover that if you climb to the top of a small snowbank and get an off-balance, unplanned slide down the snowbank, you get a real thrill when you hit the ice! Then, there was the 'trip and fall forward belly flop sliding across the ice like a seal' move that was an immediate hit with the rest of the crowd and soon, there was a line-up waiting for their turn to see how far their nylon jackets and snow pants would take them! Thank you for brightening our day with the needed 'equipment' to really enjoy a Minnesota cold snap... It was a lot of fun to watch (I did NOT belly-flop or snowbank slide! I did sing "It's So Nice on the Ice" and recite "How to Talk To Your Snowman" for the kids' listening enjoyment!)

I Just Can't Help Myself!

2009-02-10T18:04:00.006-06:00

I've already started on next year's sale and I don't even have my taxes ready yet...
Well, heck! This is a LOT more fun than taxes!!!!

Check out these Plymouth Boku Wool Self-Striping Scarves...
You can get the yarn at Borealis too in downtown Saint Paul! WooHoo!

Now, back to my taxes (grrrrr.)

What Happened to January?

2009-01-25T18:19:00.001-06:00

Back to work. Taking down the "2008 Nettie and Friends Show". Paperwork. Frigid temperatures. A dead car battery. Game night with the gals. Out haunting Target to find school uniforms on the clearance racks for the kids at school. New students arriving. A NEW PRESIDENT! That's what happened!

I know I'm behind in posts and news from the "Nettie and Friends Sale" but let me say this: "The sale was FANTASTIC! Thank you!" Through your work, we have been able to purchase a lot of uniforms (yep off those clearance racks) for Maxfield. I was able to hand Marilyn (head nutrition services staff at Maxfield aka 'the lunch lady') a check to cover any hot lunches and/or milk purchases for the year. I met with the Kindergarten teachers and gave them $$$ to cover snack items for their kids for the rest of this school year (they are VERY grateful!) So the money is already out there doing a lot of good! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I'm starting some new knitting projects, hunkering down through these cold snaps and considering my yarn and fabric stash as insulation against the cold!

Peace to all of you. Be well.
Nettie

Happy New Year!

2008-12-29T17:04:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
As this year closes, I want to say a heartfelt "Thank You" to each and every one of you who helped in any way with the 2008 Nettie and Friends Show and Sale at the Egg and I East Restaurant. The show and sale has been a tremendous success! Thank You, on behalf of the students, families and staff of the Maxfield Learning Center, Thank You.

I've had a lot of fun, seen a lot of friendly faces, met some new folks who have been shopping, laughed with the staff at the Egg and I, and talked with friends about the 'miracles of Christmas' (Marsha's fireplace stayed up, I didn't gain any weight!)

There is much to be thankful for, I am thankful for all of you.

Happy New Year.
All the best to you and yours in the coming year.

Nettie

Gingerbread House Extravaganza

2008-12-18T21:50:00.007-06:00

Well, today was one of those days at the Maxfield Learning Center.
I mean, one of those really good days.
The kind where things go right.
Children are happy.
Staff are happy.

We made gingerbread houses!
Here are some of the creations we made.

Thank you for your support!
We're having a wonderful 'run up to the holidays' in Room 10, Maxfield School.

We bundled up in all of our nylon coated glory and
went out an played in the snow today - finally !
(Brrrrr it's been cold!)

We had a great day! Nettie

My Students Rock!

2008-12-08T22:43:00.003-06:00

Check out the link to the left to view the story by Jeff Olsen, KARE11 reporter on the show and sale.

Hey, I'll try to put the link here! Let's see what happens!
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=531449&catid=14&provider=email

My students ROCK! (Yeah, how 'bout those Jingle Bells?) They were so great when Jeff was in our classroom!

Then, of course, we got to get our winter wear on and play in the fresh new snow! We had a blast.

Thank you one and all for your support!

Nettie

What A Wonderful Opening Reception!

2008-12-07T19:54:00.005-06:00

I had such a wonderful time! There are so many people to thank for all of the hard work that went into planning, setting up, lighting and relighting the luminary on a blustery night! (At least we didn't have 8" of snow!) YOU are the best! Thank you.

To those of you who donated wonderful, unique, hand-crafted items to sell to benefit our students, thank you.

To those of you who donated time and energy to price items, wear a "show me the money" hat, do the math, carry items to and from the car / truck, lend a truck when my car decided it needed a little break this week, and provided emotional support, thank you.

To those of you who found wonderful items to buy to share with others or enjoy yourself (I found a couple myself!) Thank you.

Especially to Marsha for her unflagging support, listening to me go over details again and again, who helps me make lists and timelines, who makes wonderful BIG signs and a cozy fireplace (even when I said "What are you thinking???"), who laughs with me and encourages me to dream bigger, ask for help and say 'thank you.' Thank you.

To all of you, I had a great night. Thank you.

Jeff Olsen, from KARE-11 is coming out to school on Monday to do a little interview.
Wish us well. I'll let you know when the segment will air.

You are the best. Be well.
Enjoy this holiday season.
Peace. Nettie

I'm SO excited!

2008-12-03T06:46:00.004-06:00

The show is up. I'm SOOOOOOO excited for Saturday! I keep hoping and watching the weather and hoping that we WON'T have a repeat of last year's big snowstorm. This is better than Christmas for me! WooHoo!

Again, I want to thank all of you for your support in getting the Nettie and Friends Show and Sale to this point. Watching my students on their stability ball chairs yesterday, I kept thinking "I could have never done this without the Nettie and Friends Show and Sale." Of course, right after that one of the kids bounced off the ball chair!

Last night at my bookclub, one of my pals asked "Did setting the earlier deadline help this year?" My answer, a resounding "YES!" which was immediately backed up by my buddy, Linda. "Yes, she's much more relaxed this year." I know that deadline was a little tricky for some of you, but thanks for playing along. It has made pricing, organizing and hanging so much easier for everyone involved in helping with the process.

Okay, enough blathering. I'm off to work. I'm looking forward to Saturday with 150 luminaries glowing (oh, yeah, ask whoever you ask to be gentle with the wind on Saturday afternoon/evening!)

Thanks to all who have offered to help with set up. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and support.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Nettie

PS! The OTHER reason I'm excited is that Borealis Too! is opening in downtown St. Paul TODAY! If you are a downtown employee, denizen, or just like to walk the skyways, check out Borealis Too off of the EcoLab Plaza.... Have a great day Abby and Jean! http://www.borealisyarn.com/

The Nettie and Friends Show and Sale Is READY!

2008-11-30T22:04:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful group of friends arrived at the Egg and I to 'hang' the show today! It is up! We are ready! I'm excited and looking forward to seeing everyone at the Opening Reception on Saturday, where we'll have EVERYTHING out for viewing and sale! I have a carload of boxes just waiting to be unloaded! See you then. Thanks to everyone who helped out today! You are the best. (And Marsha, that fireplace IS just what was needed!)

We are done with pricing!

2008-11-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

The Pricing is Done!

Yep, everyone of these boxes are FULL! There are so many wonderful, beautiful, delightful, fun items. Thank you one and all!

If your items came in after the Oct. 25 deadline, I might not have gotten photos on the web. Sorry about that... my 'real' work has been pretty demanding (paperwork, conferences, actual teaching!) Well, that and a cat that is on the mend from having a toe amputated (poor guy) has taken all available time and energy.

Once again, my thanks to the pricing committee. Whew. I couldn't have done THIS without you! (Let alone tried to figure out pricing in our present economy.) We did have discussions about our goal of actually selling the items and what 'the market will bear' in the current fiscal fiasco.

Jean, Marsha, and I have been experimenting with the luminaries... we're trying to figure out exactly how much kitty litter we will need for 150 bags... well, if we're asking questions, exactly how much lighter fluid will we need in those clicker things to LIGHT 150 candles in the dark on a December afternoon? Those might be questions for another day. Right now, I've got to get to work!

Have a wonderful day, week, year, life!
Be happy! Nettie

Let the Pricing Begin!

2008-11-13T21:11:00.003-06:00

Well, the pricing committee met and started tagging the items you so generously donated! We had a little difficulty not getting distracted by all of the beautiful objects, textures and fibers we were fondling. Ahhh. We are really under way here! Again, thank you to everyone who has contributed - either energy, time or items.

Oops, I meant to take a few photos, but got so totally focused on pricing that I spaced out my camera. Geesh. Maybe next time!

Peace.
Nettie

November Already????

2008-11-03T07:10:00.003-06:00

So just when I think I am 'clearing the decks' I start a new project. That ever happen to anyone else? Geesh. I was digging through my fabric stash and found some things I was going to have ready for this year's show and sale. Due to a lack of impulse control they are now in a half-finished state! I'm going to kick it into high gear and get things done this week (including school conferences!) So, if I don't answer the phone, or many emails, it's because I'm putting the pedal to the metal and burning through thread on my Singer Featherweight!

Send out those postcards for the show! If you need more, let me know.
I'll be getting a pdf file out to people AFTER the election!

VOTE tomorrow.
:-) Nettie

I saw a lot of 'good eggs' at the Egg and I!

2008-10-26T06:07:00.003-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came to meet for breakfast and kick off the Nettie And Friends Show and Sale at the Egg and I on Saturday morning!

What a wonderful bunch of creative, crafty, funny folks. It was a blast. I can't believe all of the wonderful things you delivered for the sale.

Everything is safely tucked away in a pet free location (not my cat hair haven, that's for sure!) I was able to take some photos of some of the items and they are posted with the previous link on the left, so everyone can ooh and ahh.

Soon, the pricing committee will meet and I'll get to fondle everything again! I'll just bet my 'pet free' friend is doing a little gazing when she passes by those yummy items!

Again, thank you.
I'm getting a little teary eyed here.
Time for coffee and a new felted wool project!

Nettie Jean