Kathy Made

Summer

2010-09-15T23:11:00.002-04:00

This blogging thing. I like it...when I get around to it. After two summers of this, and lack of summer posting, I think it's fair that I will state - no more summer blogging. Summer is a time for swimming, sunning, sipping iced tea, boating, splashing, afternoon naps, sunscreen, swinging, sunset watching, traveling, diving, body-surfing....and that's exactly what we did this summer. A LOT of it.

Looking at my family summer pictures, and knowing school has started, I can't believe summer is just about over! And, to think, that at the end of it, I was wishing for just a boring weekend at home. Was I crazy?

I did some sewing and lots of picture taking. Yeah...that whole picture taking process is still "in process" - ALL summer pictures are still on the memory cards! I guess my process got messed up this summer now that I have two cameras that I have alternated in between.

With fall coming in close, and some of the rains that we have gotten towards the end of summer, my sites are set on yard things (weeding, putting in a new flower garden, ensuring the plants planted in spring hang on till winter) and Halloween!

I still need to sew. I need to finish the same list I posted about in spring. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? I lost the desire to finish - thanks a lot summer. You were the ultimate distraction, and I loved every minute of it.

Introducing…

2010-07-31T12:08:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Owly.

Whooooo? You say?

My oldest, who loves to create, loves this owl from Pottery Barn Kids (which I LOVE!). She just kept going on and on over how cute he was. I suggested we try to make our own owl, since she loved to create things.

I had her start with an inspiration drawing. This was her first attempt. It’s the first time I’ve seen her draw an owl…I was impressed.

I had her refine it by just drawing an owl. I had her color it in so I would know how many fabrics to use.

We made a pattern using freezer paper. It was awesome because you can iron on the freezer paper to the fabric and cut it out without using pins! She is a young 6 years old, so I thought it would be great for her to try cutting out the pieces from the fabric that way. It worked awesome and she got such a kick out of it!

She went through my stash and picked out all the fabrics she wanted to use. I tried to let her pick on her own – so she could figure out what things she thought “went together” – like a true designer.

We fussy cut some fabrics for the eyes, nose, and eyelashes. I had her go through my scraps to find a piece for a mouth and cut it how she wanted. We used Steam A Seam to apply the fabric, which I let her do with the iron (also her first time ironing). She thought it was so amazing how the Steam a Seam worked to stick together fabrics – much like glue on pieces of paper.

We also put a little applique on the belly – again fussy cutting some scraps. I also free-motion stitched around all the appliques to help the fabrics stay on for years to come.

And, hence, we brought to life Mrs. Owly. Mrs. Owly who has been in her arms every possible moment. It’s amazing how well this owl flies…I am pretty sure it flies better than a real owl (even though it’s wings are teeny tiny for it’s long body).

In the end, this was a fun project to do with a child who likes to make things. She found it amazing how she MADE this – all from her own drawing. She enjoyed getting her hands involved in the whole process – specifically stuffing it. I love that she loves the end product, enjoyed the process, and in the end we have a handmade, homemade piece of art that looks just like SHE wanted it to look.

Strawberry Yogurt Cake

2010-06-10T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hand picked strawberries. Picked by the family.

Strawberries hulled by Hubby.

Cake made by me and kids.

Yummy.

Almost done

2010-06-09T22:14:00.000-04:00

I just need to bind it.

Isn’t it great?

I think I am holding on to this one….waiting for someone to have a baby girl…someone close to me…so I can see it in use…I wonder how long I will be waiting on this one? :)

Love you, you know who. That goes to more than 1 person.

My Spring Garden

2010-06-07T22:09:00.001-04:00

Spring is my favorite season. I love the way that the world comes to life with pops of color. You can tell by all the color in my garden in spring.

This was a volunteer in my garden. Last year I got some Lily of the Valley from Grandma Connie and I planted it sporadically under the crape myrtle. They bloomed, but had some damage thanks to Morgan. (I planted them in her “path” as Kenny says, so what did I expect?) Well, this appeared among them. Surprise.

I had no idea what they were, but thanks to my dear friend Dawn, I can now call them by their name…Columbine! They are really a neat plant. The leafs, the tall blooming flower. I hope they come back again next year.

The first buds of my hydrangea. I have been waiting for 3 years for one of my hydrangea to bloom. I need to take a picture of the blooms. They are amazing.

Spirea. They have no scent, but I had to take the picture. I only have 1 of this variety. I want more and I don’t know the name! I have tried to propagate it by sticking a brick on a limb to see if it will root out. No luck yet. I might try to take a cutting later this year…

Peony. Need I say more. Can you smell it? They are enchanting. They are my favorite.

Summer blooms coming up: Coneflower, Black-eyed susan, Sedum, Day lillies, hydrangea, crape myrtle, joe pye weed

On my wish list:

More hydrangea. Lots more. Mopheads, lacecaps, and event oakleaf!
Butterfly bush
Tall Phlox (pink)
Delphinum
Liriope (solid green with purple flower)

Kids Clothing Week

2010-05-11T13:24:00.001-04:00

I think I want to attempt this. Can I commit to 1 hour every evening for 1 week making clothes for my kids?

1 hour/night….I think I can make a dress or skirt in that time frame.

Well, why not? I mean, it’s not like I have anything else going on. . .

In progress:

1. Baby quilt. Cute. Not sure who it’s for.

2. Lotus quilt. Just purchased sashing to complete top (for the third attempt at having enough sashing. The top is really, really almost done but I ran out of sashing. I have backing.) Need batting.

3. Corinne’s lap quilt. Need to purchase backing. Need batting.

4. Duvet. Need to purchase backing.

Projects…..many many

2010-04-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

I have been quiet in this space. Maybe too quiet.

I have projects in place.

1. My Bee Quilt of all Amy Butler Fabrics. It’s going to look so great! I ran out of sashing putting the top together. I finally found the matching fabric and will complete the top!

2. My brick path quilt that I started during our winter snow fall. The top is done. I need to find fabric for the back.

3. I want to make a baby quilt. I am thinking something like this design, which I love…or this, which will be great for those tiny fingers.

4. The duvet cover for my bedroom. Again, the top is done. I need to buy the fabric for the back.

My plan was to finish the tops for 1 and 2, then quilt them both, then do #4. I think I need to now complete #3 first, since I want to get that completed while the baby is still, well, a baby!

What is wrong with me? Time to finish one project before I move on to the next!

(And I STILL have that bench to finish sanding and painting!!!!)

Inspiration for my bedroom

2010-02-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ahhh. Aren’t they pretty?

The stripe will be my new duvet cover. I've already sewn together the top, just need to purchase the bottom part.

The block - a block made from my PTQB last year. That's on my list to finish!

The solid - a silk fabric...I am thinking of using it for drapes for the French Doors in our bedroom. I am still debating if it is too dark...

Quilt Inspiration

2010-02-17T21:07:00.002-05:00

Quilt Inspiration, originally uploaded by KathyMade.

1. Laying out the quilt pattern, 2. coolsizzle closeup, 3. Scrappy Starlings Hedgerow Quilt, 4. pillow, 5. quilt #2, 6. Munki Backing, 7. Two Baby Quilts, 8. Mini Quilt Monday - May 09, 9. Amy Butler Brick path quilt top, 10. Red Patch Quilt - the front, 11. Emma's Baby Quilt, 12. Emma's Baby Quilt, 13. Georgie's folded quilt, 14. Larger DQS Inspired Quilt 1, 15. window panes pillows 002, 16. Color Stripe Block, 17. Winter Rainbow Quilt Top, 18. amelie horse quilt, 19. Scrap Quilt, 20. DS Quilt, 21. Hello Sunshine! Quilt - tree detail, 22. A Valentine Peek, 23. Common Threads: Rebekah Craft, 24. Block 1 for Maripenquiltmom, 25. Sherri's Block---February, 26. ATB - block 4 for Sheridan, 27. lilly scarf no.21 pink green2, 28. Black and Cream Damask Print Jumper, 29. hot house garden reversible jumper, 30. Owl Dress #1

Even though I am working on a new quilt, my mind continues to go towards the other quilts and items I want to make. I am so inspired. I am craving spring and sunny days...can you tell by all the color in these photos?

Custom Roman Shades

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the roman shades for Nathan’s room. The first one (on the right) sat half way done for 6 months. The second one I completed in 1 weekend. They were not bad to do at all.

My little Ladybug

2010-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I made this dress last month. I loved the fabric. The dress came together so easily, too.

Corinne has worn it about 4 times already. It’s also big enough that she can wear it next year.

I added little ladybug buttons as the finishing touch.

Follow the Pink, Green, Blue and Brown Brick Road

2010-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve been sewing again. I’ve not been posting, but trust me, I have been sticking to my goals of sewing this year. I am sewing for my house and family. It’s been great!

I started this quilt this week, thanks to the snow that pounded us this past week. The pattern is Amy Butler’s Brick Path Quilt. I’ve had this on my “to do” list for quite a while.

Wednesday I cut out all the bricks and this morning I finished the strips. I may get to pressing the seams later today. My goal is this week to get all the strips sewn together.

I really like the way the colors have come together. I am still rather new to the quilting thing..and the hardest part really seems to be picking out the fabrics and choosing a design!

Like my flannel design “wall”? I am going to do something more formal, but don’t have the resources this weekend. So, I used my son’s flannel bed sheet. It’s working so far!

Happy Valentine’s Day

2010-02-14T12:39:00.001-05:00

To you and yours, happy Valentine’s Day!

Year in Review

2009-12-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I am going to do it. I am going to rate how I did last year on my personal crafting resolutions. Why? Maybe it will help me stay on target for 2010.

My day is mainly full of all the things we NEED to do or things others NEED me to do (and sometimes I WANT to do those, but they are not for personal me time). Go to work, laundry, get everyone ready for the day, get everyone ready for bed, play with kids, help with homework, read with kids, teach kids lessons, make lunches, clean, etc. A lot goes into having a family and attempting to be a great mom. But we all know it, there are times when you need "you" time, and as I said...there are times when I just need it. Creativity is an outlet. Running, shopping, sewing seem to be my "me times" - the times when I feel I am doing something for myself.

How does that relate to new year's resolutions? Sort of like this: keeping a balance between my time with/for others, and the time needed for personal, individual goals for ME: making things, staying fit, making a comfortable home space.

My 2009 resoltuions:

1. I want to finish up a few unfinished projects.

These include putting some printed photographs in real albums - the last of the printed photos I plan to have...digital pictures are so much easier to keep organized!

I have two pieces of furniture waiting for me to finish them. One is a rocking chair I gave to my son for his 1 year birthday. They love it unfinished, but the whole plan was to finish it and put it in his big boy room. I am not behind on this (yet).

The other piece of furniture is a bench given to me by my sister. Last summer I took off all the stain. I just need to give it one more nice sanding and paint it.

I did NONE of those! This will remain on my 2010 list.

2. I want to finish decorating my dining room and bedroom.

I did NONE of those! This will remain on my 2010 list.

3. I want to attempt sewing clothing again.

See my comment on #4.

4. I want to make Corinne a few summer dresses. I made two last year. I can do better, they are so easy!

I did make 1 dress for Corinne. I did not blog about it because I needed to move a strap on the dress and I didn't get to it. I made 1 shirred dress for Corinne out of pre-shirred fabric. It came out OK, but I am not convinced I like the way the pre-shirred fabrics work in dresses. Maybe next time I will try to cut off the shirred part as a top and add a skirt so the dress will be more full.

5. I want to make myself a quilt. I've got the pattern. I need to do a few items above before I give myself the pleasure of a quilt for myself.

Still have not done. Still have the pattern. Lots MORE ideas this year, too. This will remain on the 2010 list.

OK, so I didn't do so well on my list. I kept up with my quilting bee, and I got a lot of blocks back on that (to add to fulfilling #5 above), I started a roman shade for Nathan's room...(add that to #1). I made a few gifts...oh well.

I had a fun year remaining balanced in other ways. I played with my kids a LOT, I continue to teach them lessons, keep them learning right from wrong, and show them love every day.

I'll just see what this year brings. My goals will still be there. They are things to aspire to, things to do on a rainy day, or a big day of needed "me" time.

Another gift…

2009-12-29T23:32:00.000-05:00

This is another gift that was made a few months ago.

A pair of flour sacks with decorative trim. AND, a mini-punching bag. For a co-worker who worked her tail off with me. She just wanted a punching bag at times.

Knitting Needle rollup - again

2009-12-27T23:28:00.000-05:00

I made another Knitting needle roll-up. It was a birthday gift for my Mother In Law. She had requested it months ago and was quite surprised when she opened this up.

I am really happy with how it turned out. I used this tutorial from Lupinbunny.

Fully opened up.

It flips over at the top to keep all the needles in.

It was a well-received gift.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T23:21:00.001-05:00

No handmade holiday for me this year. Just finishing up on my PTQB blocks. ALL CAUGHT UP! This theme was “Trees”. I was inspired by a Christmas card at my Mother In Law’s house.

A log-cabin-ish block for Rebeka from Artsy-Crafty Babe. Hope she likes it.

Last minute Halloween costume

2009-11-01T21:30:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of October ago, Corinne told me she wanted to be a mummy for Halloween. Of course, Nathan chose to be the same thing as his big sister. I had planned to make a mummy costume following this tutorial. We had many things going on in October with Stephanie’s wedding, a week long vacation planned, and a very busy work schedule for me this month. I was planning on spending nights last week getting the mummy costume together. It really didn’t seem HARD, just a bit time consuming, but also worth it for the great looking end product.

Well, on the way back from Florida, 1 WEEK before Halloween, Nathan decided he wanted to be a pumpkin. Corinne followed suit. With 1 week to go, where was I going to find a pumpkin costume? I was so thankful that my friend Sharon, who has 3 girls, had a pumpkin costume she could lend me for Corinne. I went to Target looking for something for Nathan and I did not find anything. I did not get a chance to look for one at any other stores – again a busy week at work that interrupted real life (1 more week of this thank goodness). So, I began thinking how can I throw together a pumpkin costume for Nathan? Hmmm, paint some cardboard and hang it on him somehow???

Then I remembered an orange shirt, donated to me from Stephanie, that was in the Goodwill pile BECAUSE, although it was a cute shirt, the color reminded me too much of a pumpkin. Wouldn’t that be perfect? I so wish I had a before picture…It is a lined knit shirt. The outside knit had some flowers throughout the fabric, but it would not be very manly. Luckily the shirt was lined with a solid orange. I cut off the sleeves (which were sort of capped, again – too girly), made the shirt inside out, attached black shapes for the jack-o-lantern, and stuffed it with newspaper. We zip-tied the sides to sort of plump up the pumpkin. I think it came out really well!

I took a lot of pictures because I thought he looked so hilarious. Even Corinne kept laughing at him.

All in all, I think it came out well. He was happy to wear it, we had to put it on and off for the fittings, the trip in the car, a trip to the neighbors, etc., and each time he was ok to take it off and put it back on again.

I think we are going to keep it around…if I just put it down on the ground, it looks like a great Halloween decoration. Maybe the head of a stuffed person next year for our front porch…lol. The Great Pumpkin landing at our house. Yes, Charlie Brown, he will be at OUR pumpkin patch next year!

Getting caught up

2009-10-25T15:12:00.001-04:00

Back from vacation, with the fall feeling in the air, I am having the urge to do some sewing!

I really, really want to get to some fun stuff for me and my family (curtains, clothing, gifts, etc.), but I know I need to get caught up for my quilting bee.

I left for vacation with a 5 block backup. I was able to get two done yesterday in my small amount of free time. I have 3 more of my backup. The problem is, I am going to get 2 more next month! I hope to get caught up this week so I am not behind as we enter November. Maybe then, I can get into something more fun.

Jodi’s block.

Samantha’s block.

Quilt Envy

2009-10-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

Quilts, crafts, quilts.

Sigh.

I wish I had more free time.

My desire is there. Big time.

My free time - not so much. Especially since I am about 4 or 5 blocks behind on my quilting bee. I hope to start catching up on those one night this week, and one or two nights next week.

Free time with work, daughter who just started school, 2 year old boy, spending my time being a GOOD mom = little to no crafting time.

The desire was not there during the summer. But, the crisp air, the shorter daylight times, the thought that Christmas is only a few short months away all bring back my desire.

Remember that list at the beginning of the year? My goals. I have NOT COMPLETED ONE ITEM. I have patterns, I have fabric, I have desire. Time, maybe if I had not just wasted so much time on the internet figuring out how to support my daughter in learning sight words while she rests in her bed...again...too busy trying to be a good mom here.

Sewing machine? What's that?

2009-09-22T10:02:00.002-04:00

I am feeling the urge to sew. I sewed last night. I hemmed pants. Boring, but functional and needed. I did the blind hem on two pants – by the time I got to the 4^th leg I was confident. I stitched it up, and the stitches were perfect! They were small, barely noticeable, etc. Then, I put on the pants. Oops, that last leg, the one I was SO CONFIDENT about…I sewed the hem backwards. Sigh. I put them aside and told myself I’ll come back to them later. It only took me 6 months to get to them in the first place!

Items I am making (or still want to)

2009-08-05T23:26:00.000-04:00

I was finally able to start on Nathan’s curtains, and that feels good. I am halfway through one roman shade. I got to the point that I was comfortable getting to – cutting and sewing together the lining and the outside fabric. Now, I really need to focus on adding the roman shade tape for the towels. I am using some sort of tubing in a kit I got from Jo-Ann. I have to make two since he has two windows, so I figured I make one from scratch, learn my mistakes, and make another from scratch all over again. I am hoping that doing it that way, rather than assembly line style, will prevent mistakes.

I’ve also got a birthday gift in the wraps for Corinne. I have GOT to get started on that! The party is in a few weeks, and it will be here before I know it. I want to make her a mat cover to nap on at school. I think I can get it done before the party, but at the expense of the Roman Shades, which is OK. He still doesn’t mind the ladybugs that are there currently.

Summer Bounty From My Garden

2009-08-04T23:25:00.000-04:00

Why can’t I get color like this every month of the year?

Thanks to my little helpers, who helped “cut” to flowers.

Catch up on Blocks

2009-08-03T23:20:00.001-04:00

I got behind on my blocks. I spent two weeks catching up in my limited free time. I am so thankful I got caught up since I’ve got vacation, birthdays, weddings, first days of school, etc., coming up at the end of summer and fall.

A spider block. I did one in the spring for the bee, and once I did one, this one was easy.

The Easy Virginia Star. She wanted it to look nostalgic. I did paper piecing for this thinking it would be easy. I have paper pieced before and found it very quick. However, this pattern I found challenging and time consuming, and I had to modify it when I made a mistake. Can you tell?

And, something to represent a circle for Stephanie. I appliquéd it on. I am still not very confident or patient with curved seams. I love her fabric choices.

Good news is it’s my turn for PTQB! I am so excited to see what sort of blocks come back. It was a lot of work getting all the 19 fabric envelopes ready to go out, but it will be fun to see the returns. I am thankful to all those other ladies out there who will be making blocks for me.

Summer

2009-07-14T23:14:00.002-04:00

Dear Blog,

Summer is here. Can you tell? I've been quiet here. Too busy playing outside with the kids to do any crafting on my own. My list still exists. I still want to sew a dress for Corinne, curtains for Nathan, finish making his room a boy room, curtains for my dining room, finish painting that bench and that rocking chair. Pretty much everything I had on my new year's resolution. Ha! The fun days of summer have gotten in my way.

I am only able to keep up with my quilting blocks for the quilting bee. Two of 3 that are on my to do list are done. The last should be finished this weekend and all 3 in the mail next week. Hopefully I remember to take a picture to post here and on flickr.

Colleen’s block

2009-06-08T23:17:00.001-04:00

I finished Colleen’s block over the weekend. I really love the way it turned out.

She gave us a lot of discretion on how to put it together. I had a creative block for a few days, but then remembered this quilt from Ashley, at Film in the Fridge. When I remembered that, I thought it would go well with all the very cool colors and shapes in the fabrics Colleen chose.

The square was slightly short of the requested 12.5”, so I hope that Colleen has some solid to wrap around the edge. I think wrapping it in the dark blue of the center will really make it stand out.

I’d like to try this method again, in a small quilt.

On to other things…remember my list of things to do? Well, I finished both the blocks (One really turned out horrible…so bad that I will not post about it), and the dress to be done by 6/15…not even started! I went to my local library on Friday, picked up some books with the kids, and one for myself.

Talk about a phenomenal book. I have not been able to put this down. If it wasn’t for taking care of the kids/house/laundry/work, I would have completed this book in 2 days.

I have not really sat and read a book for quite a while. I kept trying, but could not seem to get into the books I picked up. It’s so nice to curl up and enjoy a good book again.

Back to my page…

Giveaway winners

2009-06-01T21:39:00.003-04:00

What a fun few days - a lot of you commented on my giveaways.

I used this random number generator to determine the winners. The lucky winners are #16, Stacey, for the cape, and #33, Lara, for the Onesi set. Congratulations!

Thanks for stopping by.

Next items on my list...

2009-05-31T13:53:00.003-04:00

Wow, you guys have been awesome about commenting on this cape! I can't wait to see who wins it. I will do the drawing tomorrow evening and post the winner then.

This weekend I have gotten a little sewing in. I made 4 more capes! One for both of my kids, one for my nephew, and one for another little guy who turned 3. They all seemed to get a kick out of them.

I also finished a block, for the Pieced Together Quilting Bee. Just the last April block I had to do....now I have two May blocks waiting for me and I KNOW this week I will have two June blocks in the mail. I have GOT to get on top of those!

I hope to finish the May blocks quickly and get onto the Summer Dress Sew Along hosted by Stephanie. I have a deadline...that should help. I'd like to make a dress from this book, I think the one on the cover. I have some Amy Butler fabric waiting for me in my stash.

After I finish a dress for me, I'd really like to finish Nathan's room. Poor guy...he's been living with Laydbugs and Dragonflies as a leftover from his older sister, when I made all the curtains and bedding. It's time he gets a boy room!

For now, I am off to enjoy this beautiful summer day outdoors in the sun, sipping iced tea, floating in the pool. Ahhh. Cleaning? Sewing? They can all wait. :)

May Giveaway Day! Item #1

2009-05-26T21:56:00.001-04:00

Today is the big day all over blogland! I am participating in the May Giveaway day hosted by Sew Mama Sew. Check it out for lots of other giveaways. It’s a great way to check out other people’s blogs, too, and the wonderful handmade things they make.

I have two giveaways. The post you are reading, and this post.

Item #1: I am giving away one of my favorite items to make…a cape for a little one!

This is the 4th cape I have made using this tutorial from Puking Pastilles, and I am making 4 more this weekend! It's a great tutorial, a great gift, and such an easy thing to make and personalize!

Details on the cape: my model is a two year old of average height. A typical boy and he loves the cape. The inside is lined with star-covered fabric.

Close-up of the back. I forgot to give it a light ironing when I was finished (do you ever get that excited about a finished project?). I will press it again before I mail it.

Details on the giveaway:

Please comment on this post for a chance to win this cape. I will randomly choose a winner on June 1. I will ship within and outside of the U.S.

Enjoy Giveaway Day!

May Giveaway Day #2

2009-05-26T21:54:00.001-04:00

My giveaway item #2 is a leftover from this post. It was a baby present for a girl…who turned out to be a boy! Woops!

Giveaway #2 consists of 2 appliquéd onesi’s, size 0-3 months, and 3 burbcloths.

To enter the Giveaway, please post a comment on this post. I will randomly choose a winner on June 1. I will ship inside and outside of the U.S.

Please make sure to visit Sew Mama Sew to see a listing of other great giveaways.

Enjoy!

Mommy, I picked you a flower.

2009-05-20T21:43:00.000-04:00

Thank you, baby. Thank you.

How does your garden grow?

2009-05-19T21:36:00.000-04:00

Smell that? Peonies…

Garden gifts from friends…hand-me-down hosta, that I shared with a friend last year.

She gave me the items in the box. Lilly of the Valley! More great scents to add to my garden.

Twirly Skirt – DONE

2009-05-18T21:25:00.001-04:00

Yay! Remember this post? I finally got around to doing this twirly skirt tutorial, from Erin. It was so easy, and it came out very cute. It was a winner in this household.

I finished this last week, but today was the first day it was worn, so I finally got a picture. It’s at the end of the day, so don’t mind the strawberry on the shirt, or the fact that a seam is on the front…do you know how hard it is to photograph kids????

She told me she wanted to wear it to school so she could show all her friends her skirt that I made. Sure enough, her teacher told her right away how much she liked her skirt, and Corinne’s answer “My mommy made it!”

The skirt passes the twirl test, big time.

I love the look on her face on this one.

If you have a daughter, you should really try this tutorial. It was so easy. I will probably make another. Maybe one for me…

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!

2009-05-13T22:59:00.003-04:00

Woo hoo, another great Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!

I mised the first one, but I have some time to prepare for this one. Stop by on May 27...I will have something cute to giveaway to 1 lucky winner! Hint...your young kids will love it.

(Now that I have posted about this, I have really committed to this! Oy vay!)

Favorite fabrics

2009-05-12T21:41:00.000-04:00

OK, one more post about this quilt and I am done!

I wanted to share with you this Michael Miller fabric. I love, love, love it. I have more to spare…I am thinking a cute summer shirt is in order for the little guy!

Nathan’s Finished Quilt

2009-05-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are pictures of the finished quilt. I am very happy with the way it turned out.

I had a lot of fabrics I chose for this one, and I re-designed this quilt about two times before completing. I ended with the design I thought best showcased the different fabrics.

I chose to free motion quilt the whole thing. That was an experience! I liked the way it came out, though. I guess I’d try to do that again…I think it’s one of those things you get better with time!

I made this quilt reversible. That was probably a big part of the many re-designs. I knew I wanted the back to look like this, but the front was not as easy!

The best part about this quilt is the story. Prior to this blanket, Nathan would not sleep with a real blanket. He would only sleep with baby blankets, and always the one you see behind him in the picture. Well, the night I put this on the bed, he let me cover him up with it and he settled in. I guess he knew how much I had worked over it and that it was his own unique piece.

Happy Mother’s Day

2009-05-10T21:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day!

We all got a lot of relaxation in today.

I am so thankful for my little ones, and the hubby who made my Mother’s Day fantastic. I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast out this morning, and played outside with my kids and my garden for the rest of the day. I even had some visitors at the end of the day, which opened up our evening to a great meal, outside, in the perfect weather.

I hope your day was as wonderful as mine.

More Pieced Together and One Year already?

2009-05-09T20:58:00.001-04:00

Has it been already over one month since I have posted? Yep…I guess I’ve been busy doing other things than crafting. The great weather and the addition of a swing set to our backyard has kept me away from my sewing machine for any real project!

I have, though, finished this quilt. I’ve been meaning to get a picture on a nice day…I hope to get a good one tomorrow.

I have been trying to keep up with my quilting bee. I am behind…it requires 2 a month. I am only really 1 behind…and that’s the block for my sister, so I know I have a little leeway there. It’s on my list, though.

Erin requested squares and rectangles. I am happy with the way this came out. I really like the diagonal line of the light blue squares that happened. I hope she likes it.

I also realized that the 1 year anniversary of this blog just came and went! It went by fast. I guess I have done a lot in the past year but I haven’t done as much as I wish I could. However, being a fun, interactive mom always takes priority and for that I am can say I am PROUD. I have a wonderful family and two very adoring fans who make being a mom the most rewarding (and challenging) thing I have done.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Easy Summer Dress

2009-04-01T21:54:00.000-04:00

I made one of these last year, from the “per inch” stash of shirred fabric from Jo-Ann. The fabrics are so cute, they are hard to pass up.

I have to fix a tie that’s a little off, but other than that, it’s an OK dress.

The fabrics are so cute, but really, when you stitch them up, there’s just not a lot of shape to the dresses. I am wondering, if I cut off the part below the shirring, hem it, then add some elastic to the bottom to make it more of a skirt, will it look cuter as a shirt/skirt combo?

If you have any ideas or suggestions, please comment. I’d love to hear about your experience with these fabrics.

A baby girl gift in waiting

2009-03-31T21:47:00.000-04:00

My friend, Missy, had her second baby recently. I was ready with some handmade baby gifts – more burp cloths and appliquéd onesi’s. I love the bugs on these. How perfect for a baby girl!

Too bad two sonograms were WRONG! She was surprised to deliver a healthy, bouncing, baby BOY. Woops! Congratulations and welcome to the world, little guy.

My handmade gifts were not what she needed! I guess I’ll keep them handy for the next person I know who has a baby girl.

Sorry, Missy, give me some time and I’ll give the little man and the big brother a sweet little gift.

To the Creek!

2009-03-30T21:36:00.001-04:00

We have a creek that runs along the back of our property. Recently, we have created a path to it. The kids love the path. They have yet to discover how much fun it is to play in the creek, but I know that will come over the years.

Tonight, after work, instead of heading in straight for dinner, the warm evening air and sunshine kept us out. We went to the creek!

On the way there, we had so much fun finding things

A pine cone, two “flowers” (AKA weeds, but to the innocence of a child, it’s a flower), a large leaf, and

A four leaf clover! Corinne found it herself, amongst a LOT of clover. She picked it out in less than 1 minute!

I have it in between some wax paper in a book right now. I’d like to frame it and hang it in her room. What a token of luck!

Stash Busting for a Summer Wardrobe

2009-03-11T23:27:00.000-04:00

The spring weather we had last weekend got me in the mood to not only garden, but make some more handmade clothing for Corinne.

Poor Nathan, I still have yet to make him some clothing…it’s on the list. Girl clothes are just so darn much CUTER than boy clothes!

I am pretty sure I can make a few items without having to buy more fabric or patterns :)

A new skirt :)

Another new skirt. I have been wanting to attempt this Twirly Skirt Tutorial for over a year. I love this fabric, perfect for twirling.

I’d like to also get a new dress or two for her in.

And I am still making progress on Nathan’s quilt. I ran out of white for the sashing, otherwise, the top would be done. I need to get this done soon. The poor guy is about to climb out of his crib. He really could if he tried hard enough.

A hint of Spring

2009-03-10T23:10:00.001-04:00

Open windows.

Outdoor wildlife.

A 4 year old’s version of a flower for mommy.

Hunger for color in the yard.

A baby gift – Onsies and burb cloths

2009-02-24T21:08:00.001-05:00

My friend Julianne is about to pop with her second baby girl. She loves handmade things as much as the rest of us, so I thought I’d make her a gift for her new little one.

What infant doesn’t need need onsies and burb cloths?

These were a great, quick gift to give. She loved them.

I love the way the owl came out.

2 Year Old Birthday Party

2009-02-20T22:01:00.001-05:00

I am so late in posting this. My son had a big birthday a few months ago. He turned 2! It’s so hard to believe he is already 2, the first 2 years with him flew faster than the first 2 years with my daughter.

Nathan loves trains. To celebrate, I made him a train cake.

I used a cake pan that I received from my mother in law that makes a bunch of mini-trains. Because the day before his birthday party was a very busy day, my husband and I stayed up late to decorate the cakes. We covered it with a large piece of cardboard propped up by cereal boxes, so it could be a big reveal for the birthday boy at his party. We decided to use a lot of the candy that we received from the many holidays, and we were successful in using up most of it. This one was a caboose!

I enjoyed every moment that went into the cake. The most fun of the cake was seeing how much the 2 year old boys (cousins) enjoyed it.

Now, to see the most awesome home made train cake in the world, go see what Katie recently did. I am totally amazed!

Katie’s Block

2009-02-17T21:18:00.001-05:00

My first quilting bee block! Katie wanted a block that was based off of Denise Schmidt’s Project Improv. OK, I took the challenge, did some flickring around for inspiration and I came up with this.

I hope she likes it. I really wanted to try a diamond within a square, and I am happy with the way it turned out...I really like that it's off center. I was a little challenged in doing this because I normally lean towards for a balance with the colors and patterns.

I was surprised at the time it took, so I am really glad that I only had to do one! I also used just about every scrap that Katie gave me, and added 3 other fabrics of my own…I can’t help but wonder if her strategy was for us to really work with the scraps to get more of an improv look??!!!

Katie, I will have it in the mail to you this week. I really hope you like it!

Squares

2009-02-15T15:17:00.001-05:00

It’s been a while hasn’t it? I’ve been busy with life, work, and that always leaves little time for crafting. I got some time in recently, though, and did some more work on Nathan’s quilt. I am feeling a bit of pressure with timing on finishing this. He’s over 2, still in his crib, and about to go into a big boy bed. I have GOT to get this finished! I am hoping I finish this before the bed is in his room. We still haven’t bought the bed, so I think I still have some time.

This is going to be the front. It’s going to be reversible. Remember this post? I decided to go with adding the extra gingham. I was very happy with it, but something was still missing. I felt I was copping out of doing a real quilt. And, I had made all those squares of strips! Well, after lots of market research (aka viewing all kinds of other’s peoples quilts on flickr and other blogs), I came up with a layout and design idea. I wanted to have some feeling of lots of fabrics, yet, also showcase some of the really cute fabrics that I purchased for this item. I am going to use a white sashing between each square.

I am hoping to make some progress on attaching all the pieces together this week. We’ll see. It’s a very busy week.

Opinions, Please!

2009-01-19T21:37:00.001-05:00

I redesigned the quilt for Nathan. I just didn’t like the way the squares were turning out. I really loved this, and thought I could use the fabrics I had to make a version of it. However, I really didn’t like the way my fabrics were turning out. I think it is because my fabrics contrast so much, and the design would do better with fabrics that blend better.

So…I went back to my original design before I thought I’d try a bunch of squares. It’s not done, but I am so much happier with it. I really wanted to showcase the cute fabrics I found for this, and the little squares was not cutting it!

So, now, here’s my dilemma. I am not sure…do I repeat the blue gingham between the white and red fabrics or not? I can’t decide. Without it, it’s going to be about 82” long, so it can take a little length. What do you think?

Please comment with your opinions. I really could use some input here. I haven’t asked my husband yet. But, I know, if I ask “should I add the gingham”, I’d get an answer like “what’s gingham?” or “sure”.

Pieced Together

2009-01-15T23:06:00.002-05:00

I joined a virtual quilting bee, Pieced Together. I have been thinking of doing one of these for the variety of blocks you get back. Thanks to Katie for looking for volunteers!

What's a quilting bee? A person is assigned to a month. For that month, that person is responsible for sending out fabrics & instructions to everyone for what type of block they would like to receive back.

So, I will have at least 1 block to do every month for someone else, and one month, they will all make my blocks! My month is August, so I have until about July to decide on fabrics to include. So many choices!

Patchwork dishtowel

2009-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last, but not least, the patchwork dishtowel.

This really came up becuase of my guilt of not giving my parents a handmade gift. Well, they got one.

I used a flour sack - they really make the best dishtowels because they leave no lint behind, and they dry so fast.

Red Flannel Scarf

2009-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

One of my dearest friends, takes time out of her day for every holiday, birthday, etc. in this house and mails us a hand-made card.

She needed a handmade scarf.

She needed the fun pom-poms on the end. Yes, she did.

Chalkboard Placemats

2009-01-12T15:37:00.000-05:00

Four Chalkboard Placemats.

These were just too easy.
I found some chalkboard cloth from a local independent sewing store. It was so wide, I had enough to make these 4, and I think 2 more.

Instead of binding them (I need to improve my binding skills), I cut the back larget than the front and "self-binded" them with the fabric from the back.

I added iron-on vinyl to the backside fabric before sewing the pieces together. I wanted them to be completely wipe-able, so they could be taken into restaurants, get a little dirty while you wait for your food, and then be completely wiped down clean with a baby wipe.

They have been successful in my house so far. I made 1 for each of my kids, 1 for my nephew, and one for my niece.

I used the cutest fabric for the boys'. It's got a small town on it, named "Smallville", roads, buildings, etc. I thought this would be nice for the boys as they could take in their small cars and "ride" the road while we wait.

Another Toothfairy Pillow

2009-01-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed making the first one of these, and this was my second. These log cabins are fun to make. They so satisfied the need to do some patchwork.

It was a perfect timing gift, too! This was for my niece, who, right before Christmas, showed me how she could wiggle her tooth with her tongue.

Emmeline Apron

2009-01-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

It was time for me to make my mother-in-law a nice handmade gift. (My own mom got one at Mother's Day). I thought she would love the Emmeline Apron.

What a great apron. It's wide, and reversible, and very flattering (the image below was taken by a 4 year old...sorry it's not better.)

I would have made another for my own mom, but my sister wanted to do it. I also thought of making another for my sister, but she then requested the knitting needle case.

I may make myself one of these one day. I think it's much nicer than the store-bought one I have.

The start of a new item

2009-01-08T22:59:00.001-05:00

The first cut is always the hardest, isn’t it? Right now it’s a mess, but this combination of fabrics will eventually turn into a quilt for my little guy. The design? I think I am working it out as I go. I’ll keep you posted.

Handmade Holiday: Knitting Needle Rollup

2009-01-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

My sister requested a crochet/knitting needle case for Christmas. She's become quite the knitter lately, and has stated that her knitting needles are getting out of hand.

I found this tutorial from Angie. I thought she did a great job sharing how to put this together. I was able to complete this project from start to finish in about 2 hours, maybe 1.5. I was surprised that I got it all done in one sewing session.

I paired the case with some Alpaca wool I picked up on this trip. She can make some very nice warm socks.

A New Year!

2009-01-04T15:43:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everyone.
I have a whole month of posts planned, the wrap-up of my handmade holidays venture. However, before I get to that, I am going to share some new year's goals with you.

1. I want to finish up a few unfinished projects.

These include putting some printed photographs in real albums - the last of the printed photos I plan to have...digital pictures are so much easier to keep organized!

I have two pieces of furniture waiting for me to finish them. One is a rocking chair I gave to my son for his 1 year birthday. They love it unfinished, but the whole plan was to finish it and put it in his big boy room. I am not behind on this (yet).

The other piece of furniture is a bench given to me by my sister. Last summer I took off all the stain. I just need to give it one more nice sanding and paint it.

2. I want to finish decorating my dining room and bedroom.

3. I want to attempt sewing clothing again.

4. I want to make Corinne a few summer dresses. I made two last year. I can do better, they are so easy!

5. I want to make myself a quilt. I've got the pattern. I need to do a few items above before I give myself the pleasure of a quilt for myself.

I have 12 months...I think I can do it all. :)

Happy new year.

Preparing for Christmas

2008-12-21T22:58:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I am so close to being done! I can't believe that today, alone, I finished 4 gifts! 4! AND, I still managed to have lots of playtime with my kids, prepare 3 full meals (including, yes COOKING a real dinner), wrap about 5 Christmas presents, and a finish a few loads of laundry!

OK, well, TWO of the items were practically done...Now, they are DONE, ready for blog pictures, and ready for wrapping. What a sigh of relief.

My Christmas cards are late this year. Unfortunately, we had to delay the portrait session due to stomach flus a few weeks ago, which means my order of cards is still yet to arrive. I think the actual snail mailing of my cards will turn out to be Happy New Year cards. So, without further ado...

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS.

May your holidays be filled with good cheer and many blessings.

Handmade holiday

2008-12-19T23:59:00.001-05:00

I wish I could share some things I have been working on....I can't until after Christmas. :)

I hope all you out there are ready for Christmas!

Thanksgiving Challah Bread

2008-12-12T23:03:00.001-05:00

So, yes, Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago. I am finally getting caught up on pictures.

I made this challah bread for our special family feast. The item in the middle? A Teepee Corinne made in her class that same week! It was not planned at all, but the two fit together perfectly.

Never having braided Challah bread before, I took it on and had awesome success, thanks to the Internet and Maya who's tutorial was absolutely perfect! If you ever want to take this on, check out her link. Success on the first try, even with two little ones pulling on my legs most of the time.

Toothfairy Pillow

2008-12-05T22:57:00.002-05:00

Toothfairy Pillow, originally uploaded by KathyMade.

The toothfairy pillow #1 is done. I am very happy with the way it turned out. Corinne loves it, too. It means so much more to me since she helped me make it.

She loves the Alexander Henry circle fabric the best. I love the Amy Butler Coriander in combination with all the other colors.

Of course, we have a few years until it's really used as a tooth fairy pillow. For now, it's a great memory.

Special craft time

2008-11-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

Nap time, bedtime, those are the times I can get any crafting done.

Nap time might be dwindling with my oldest...that will be a sad day.

This weekend she "couldn't fall asleep" after many tries. So....I had her join me. I was making a toothfairy pillow for my niece, who is about to start losing teeth.

Like it? I was inspired by Stephanie, and Katie. Ever since I saw these, I had an overwhelming desire to try some patchwork. I also knew I wanted to make a tootfairy pillow to hold lost teeth and toothfairy treasures. Why not combine the ideas? See that squre in the middle? It's a pocket!

My helper loved the idea of it. She wanted one for herself, even though she doesn't really understand what it means to loose baby teeth since she is NOT a baby.

After showing her how to hold her hands and guide the fabric, and after letting her push the pedal while I guided the fabric, and after her picking out the next strip of fabric...how in the world can I give this item as a gift? Looks like I am now making 2 toothfairy pillows.

Good times in bloom

2008-11-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Life.

Puppet Show Time.

Row, Row, Row your boat time.

Alpaca open house time.

SHE walked up to them all, no problems. HE clung to me and only pet them while holding onto me.

Bloom time.

Family time.

My quilt is done!

2008-11-09T10:00:00.007-05:00

MY QUILT IS DONE!

I have finally finished my quilt. I have actually been done for about two weeks, but was awaiting the right lighting to get the picture. I am really happy with the way it turned out. I stitched in the ditch for all the rows. I did some free motion quilting on the white part. I was trying to go for an all over meander in that area. It's definitely not perfect (hence, no pictures of the back), but I think it came out well for a first "real" quilt.

I learned how important a good quilting area is around the machine. I also don't have an extension table on my machine and I think I'll be putting that on my Chrismas list this year so I can improve. I think quilts of all sizes can make great gifts, given some time and pratice. Who wouldn't want to warm up in something that was handmade in love?

This is going to be a great gift to give. But, it does have special meaning to me, and I have become slightly attached to it. So have some others in the family.

Halloween Review

2008-11-08T22:31:00.004-05:00

Dear blog,

I's been a while, again. I hope these next few posts hope you feel like I am keeping you up to date.

Halloween, 2008, Review

We had a great time on Halloween this year. It started early in the month, as my previous post talked about. We had pumpkins gallore between this trip to the patch, the field trip with Corinne's school to the patch, and some pumpkin gifts from friends. What do you do with so many pumpkins?

Painting them is a great option.

I have lots more painting pictures, but since I made the two of them strip down to minimal clothing...not a great idea to share on the WWW!

Trick or treating was a hit this year. We were visitors of a very friendly neighborhood, and boy did they go all out. Corinne got into it this year, wanting to run from house to house. She walked into any house when they opened their door too far! She also had NO fear of the scary houses. One was all decked out with smoke, lights, a moving ghost on a wire across the front yard, scary noises, etc. She had to walk through a tunnel with spooky lights to get to the house, and she went right up. No fear (ever). However, Nathan, he held my hand tight and didn't want to go anywhere near the noises. I truly feel that HE will protect HER one day.

The best part of trick or treating....checking out the loot on the return to the house!

A wonderful fall day!

2008-10-19T21:28:00.005-04:00

Hello all!

Today, I got to spend the day sewing with my sister, and what a great day we had (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!). Although she didn't get much sewing in, I think she had a great time finishing up another project - staining a piece of furniture. And, I got to get a lot further on the quilt! All is done but the binding - final pictures to come soon!

How many of you have been enjoying fall? I don't know about you, but I think it feels so nice to have a crisp breeze in the air this time of year. Something about the coolness of the air, the leaves showing their colors, the angle of the sun, makes it so nice to be outside this time of year! My sister and I also got to get a great run in today, and it was a great treat to enjoy the air, the city, the leaves all on foot.

So, being that it's fall, I thought you'd enjoy the pictures of a trip to the pumpkin patch.

Searching for the perfect pumpkin.

Found!

(Yes, she picked out that outfit herself! I could not get her to change it...that girl has her own sense of style)

Hmmm...

This is it!

Attempt to get a group picture #1.

Attempt to get a group picture #2.

Flowers in the Fall

2008-10-09T21:33:00.004-04:00

I am loving my garden right now. I have some great color going on. Not the oranges, reds, or yellows that you would expect me to be talking about at this time of year, but PURPLEY-PINK.

Absolutely gorgeous.

It was in this post that I first referred to these plants. I was wrong by calling them a hardy geranium. They are really Japanese Anemones, and what a winner of a plant. They started out small, and in two year's time they have really spread.

I think I can split them this fall or next, to spread the color throughout the garden. They are really a welcome plant this time of year.

A new cape!

2008-10-09T21:13:00.003-04:00

No, I have not finished my quilt yet. I finished the stitch in the ditch quilting, now I have to move on to the free hand part...But, since the quilt is already late, I had to stop for a night and move on to fulfill an obligation. Way back in February, I made a Superman cape for a little boy for a birthday present (pre-blog days, so I don't have a picture). The mother liked it so much, she asked me in March to make a Batman cape for Halloween. So, it's been on my to do list since then!

This is the third cape I have made using this tutorial from Puking Pastilles. It's a great tutorial, a great gift, and such an easy thing to make and personalize!

This is a picture of the cape on my son, so it's long on him, but since the real owner is 4, it will be a great length!

Even the applique was easy!

Sarsaparilla Skirt & Vest GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-22T21:55:00.000-04:00

Why not try again? This is pretty cute!

Sarsaparilla Skirt & Vest GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Tools of the Trade

2008-09-21T21:04:00.004-04:00

Remember, in this post, I mentioned that I had signed up for a quilting class? I loved the class, and learned a lot. In that class the instructor had us sandwich a mini-quilt. She taught me some great tips that I used in the past two weeks when I finally sandwiched the quilt top I referenced in my last post. She taught us the time-saving tricks of:

Always leave your saftey pins open when they are out of the quilt, they should only be closed when they are in your quilt.

Add all pins to the quilt, without closing, then when all pins are in, go back and close them.

Use a tool, called a Kwik Klip to help close the pins.

In the past two weeks, I have sandwiched, and then re-sandwhiched that quilt top. The first one did not turn out so well. The back had all sorts of lumps in it WITH the pins in it. Which meant if I had gone ahead and quilted it, then it would have been a very sloppy back. So, out came the pins and back to the drawing board I went!

My tools and timesaving tips:

Don't use painter's tape. Nope, it didn't hold down my backing enough. Hence, the lumps. I used Duct tape the second time, and it went much better.

Who needs a Kwik Klip, when you have a Strawberry topper-cutter?

Seriously, I don't know what this little utensil is called, but we use it in the summer time to cut off the tops of strawberries. It works great in that aspect, but I found a new use for it with the quilt. It holds the bottom of the pin perfectly, so I can just push down on that safety pin and close it up.

With about 100 or so pins in this blanket, your fingers can get really raw trying to hold that little pin in place. This little tool was a big timesaver!

Tasks for this week: Get to finally finishing up this quilt!

Quilt top done

2008-09-07T20:27:00.005-04:00

I have been working off and on all summer for a gift for someone special for our family, the lady who watches my kids while we work. She is so good to the kids and to her family. She had it hard when she was raising her own kids, and now she gives back to them by watching her grandkids while the parents work. We're not family, but we're close enough in my book. It was a tearful day when I decided to take my oldest out of that setting and into a pre-school.

I have finally finished the top to the quilt. I am planning on quilting it over the next two weeks or so, so I can finally give her the quilt. I had hoped it would be an end of summer gift, but life got in the way of the final finish.

Each hand represents a child had in her house this summer. The age group is very large, so the older kids helped with the younger kids. I hand embroidered each one's name under their hand.

When summer started and most kids were back to school, I asked her if it was too quiet. She said it was nice, but she did feel like a lot of her help left!

As for the fabric, I bought a jelly roll of the Flutterby line for the strips. The brown is croduroy. I am hoping the contrast in fabric type will work ok. I think it offsets the hands nicely. Anyone had experience mixing fabric types in their quilts? I'd be interested in knowing how it turned out.

Fall Color Anticipation

2008-09-04T20:55:00.000-04:00

Fruits of our labor. Fresh, warmed by the sun, home-grown tomatoes. Yum. What a nice treat to enjoy with dinner.

I am awaiting fall color from this plant. I'll have to look up the exact name, but this is some sort of hardy geranium. I was not sure about it, but was told it would have great fall color. Last year was the first year I had put them in. They were AWESOME flowers. At a time when there is not much flowering going on, when the garden's summer colors simmer out, this plant puts on its show. I am awaiting with anticipation some more color! See those buds? It's FILLED with them.

Stepping back, you can see they have a great mounded shape. I planted them behind some peonies...I'll probably move them after they bloom. The peonies are taller, so you really have to peer around those peonies to see what's going on with these geraniums.

Check out this combination! This was an unplanned combination that turned out well. I love the way the yellow from the Black Eyed Susans mix with the purple-ish color of the Sedum 'Autumn Joy'. It works well with each plant's bloom time, too. The BES bloom while the Sedum's green buds come out. Then, just as the BES yellow begins the fade, the Sedum begin their show!

And, while I am purusing through my gardens, what are my little helpers getting into? Anything and everything they can.

Refreshed yet?

Table Cloth Skirt and Dinner Party Top GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-09-03T22:03:00.000-04:00

Woo hoo! Maybe I'll have a chance to win a new, cute outit or Corinne!

Table Cloth Skirt and Dinner Party Top GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

First Day of School

2008-09-02T22:02:00.001-04:00

There she goes again, on to school again. She had so much fun last year that it was easy to take her again this year. I am so glad that she is learning so much, and has fun doing it. It sure makes it easier on me when I drop her off!

The best part of school is that every day is a new adventure. Some new activity, or new story, or new friend. We have enjoyed seeing her flourish in a school-like environment.

She is now in "Pre-K", but I think the curriculum is about the same as last year. ABC's, 1, 2, 3's, etc.

This picture was taken in our front garden, what she calls "Mommy's garden". I was going to take it by the light pole with the black eyed susan's still in bloom and the sedum Autum Joy starting out its fall show. But, nope, she wanted the picture to be RIGHT THERE. And, of course, Morgan got right on in the action!

Another year, many more adventures to come!

The dress she is wearing was made by my sister, Stephanie, using the Oliver and S Tea Party Sundress pattern. The dress was a gift. I have not been convinced that I like this pattern, until, of course, I saw the final product in person, and on it's even better! This is a very flattering dress, with a cute flair at the hips. It's perfect for Corinne, who I think has a long torso. She likes it, so that's what really matters.

I may attempt a winter dress of this pattern in Corduroy. I think it will be really cute with a matching long sleeve shirt and tights. And with Mary Janes, of course....

McCall's 5369

2008-09-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

I made a special dress for a certain someone who had a birthday party recently. It took me almost every night for one week straight, but it got done in time for the party, which was my goal.

I loved how it came out.

I realized, though, at the cutting stage of this dress, that I am not good at critiquing the patterns I choose to sew. I need to improve here. Had I realized that each ruffle would need to be hemmed, and then sewn on, I am not sure I would have chosen this pattern. It took a lot of time.

In the end, it was worth it. She loved the dress. She wore it with no problems, and I was ready to hear the "I don't want to wear that" argument. Nope, it was her party dress, and she knew it, and she loved it!

She posed so great, too, for my pictures! Wow, it's amazing that she has become such a sweet little person.

I had to add two buttons to the bag, rather than the one it called for. The dress, size 4, was WIDE at the top. The two buttons I added enabled the bodice of the dress to fit better. I think it came out looking just fine.

This dress, size 4 came out a little short on her, so she wore some small shorts underneath. If I did it again (which I won't - nope, this was a lot of time), I'd add one more ruffle for length. I ran out of fabric for that.

Is it September Already?

2008-09-01T21:54:00.001-04:00

Although my blog has been quiet during the month of August (and for the most part all summer!), it's not been quiet here. It's been a busy summer. August flew by.

This summer we've:
* Had two long vacations
* Visited DC
* Had a birthday party
* Hung out at home
* Enjoyed time on a boat
* Seen a helicopter up close and personal
* Ridden horses
* Introduced our little ones to fun on two wheels
* Gotten some crafting done

Back to reality this month...

More Summer Fun

2008-08-07T21:03:00.000-04:00

I have yet to share some of the great stories and related photos from our trip to PA in early July. Below is a handful of pictures from that whirlwind trip!

We went to Hershey Park, PA, on July 4. What fun. The kids, obviously, were looking forward to a fun time!

Yeah! We are finally here! Let's have some FUN!

Waiting in anticipation for really fun rides. (Holding balloons, of course.)

And enjoying the rides when they got on. Lots of enjoyment. Corinne in the middle, Elissa to the right, and Ryan to the left. They all loved it. Look at Ryan! Can't you just eat up that smile?

We also took a train ride on a real steam engine train! I knew this would be a winner. We have a few train lovers in this house!

Isn't he a big boy, mounting that train stair all by himself?

This was before the train took off. That little hesitant smile should give away how much "fun" we had on that train ride. It started out GREAT. But, we had a meltdown in the middle. Not just a small meltdown, no, the big, all out, I am mad and going to let everyone on this train know it and too bad you are all stuck on this train with me. With nowhere to go. And no no way to make me happy. Nada.

Luckily, in the middle of the train ride, there was a place called Cherry Crest Farm. What a lifesaver! And, what a fun place to go! They had live animals, two huge jumping pillows, one for adults and a smaller one for kids. I have no pictures of that because, well, I was just having too much FUN jumping on that thing. Talk about AIR. They also had a large corn maize, a farm tour, games, and other fun, outdoor, things to do. And slides built into a hill that were the length of a snow tube ride. Again, no pictures. Too much fun going down those on a burlap sack! Corinne said this was the best part of the whole trip. She went down the slide, by herself, countless times!

We all held live, day old baby chicks! I wish I had a camera of Ryan's little GRAB of the chick. He picked one up like it was a baseball. Poor guy.

Yes, a good time was had by all.

One finished, one I give up!

2008-07-20T20:46:00.000-04:00

Well, this project is done!

They look great, too. I am so happy with them. I lined store-bought twill curtains with a blackout lining, and I added the side and top striped fabric to make them more exciting. The reason for doing this: To attempt to keep my daughter in her bed past 6 AM (the morning light hits her room first). Did that work? No...we still have an early riser.

Oh well. The updated curtains dress up her windows nicely.

On to that mini-wardrobe challenge? Um, on a break AGAIN. Not for lack of trying....
I ripped the circle top out and attempted to add it on correctly more times than I can say - or want to own up to. I am giving up on this pattern. It was NOT easy, as the pattern led the buyer to believe.

Oh well. Life goes on. :)

My sweet family. Oh, how it's hard to have a non-stop talker, a copycat walker/talker, and a dog that wants to be in the middle too. But, after I've had time to recoup from it all, I ask myself, would I give it up? Nope. Not for anything.

Nathan is at that age in which he copys EVERYTHING Corinne does. He tries so hard. He's figuring out the world. He discovered ants this week. Mushrooms this month (lovely). Rocks are a favorite. Attempting to jump, like the older one, but feet never leave the ground. He doesn't care. He has a ball going up and down. I can't wait to see what he's like when REALLY gets air.

Corinne. Our sweet girl. Our chatterbox, built in entertainer. I mean, there's always something to talk about, or sing about, or ask questions about, or something to get into. Sigh. She can pick up the words to a song after hearing it one time. ONE TIME. Where does she get that? Not me. And, then, there's "special" songs. Songs she's made up. About whatever is on her mind. It's a non-stop singing fest with her around.

Yesterday, we got a new floaty for the pool. It's a lobster. It is a "seat" kind of floaty, that you can sort of recline in on the water. It's as tall as Corinne. Today, she walked into the bathroom while I was in the shower. Do you know what was on her arm, like her best buddy? Yep. The large, orange lobster, antennaes and all. AND, yes, it came to our sitter's today. He was my third child today - all the way in the back seat. So, on my ride to and work and home, I got to enjoy the view of the three of them in my rear view mirror.

No, I wouldn't give any of it up.

Summer flowers from the garden

2008-07-16T20:28:00.001-04:00

Too hot outside? Not for these guys! They are happy in my garden beds.

Back Eyed Susans ('Goldstrum) and Joe Pye week ('Little Joe')

Excitement

2008-07-15T22:12:00.000-04:00

Who knew, that someone showing me what she could make and the gorgeous fabrics she made those items in, that I, too, would become slightly addicted to looking at fabric? Sounds weird. I have other things I could spend discretionary income on. But with fabric...I can MAKE something! I can have a creative outlet! I mean, with a job like I have where I have to THINK so much (believe it or not), and be logical, and times at home I feel more like a referee than a mom, I have found I really like having this creative outlet. And, doing it doesn't require me to have sunlight (like gardening does - yes I still love it, but my daylight hours lately are consumed with playing like a child, cleaning, etc.), I can listen to music, or listen to a show that I love...I don't know. I am getting into this sewing thing right now...

Yes, I realize I have a tendency to obsess about something for a while, then it fizzles a bit -- I can count a lot of those experiences over the past few years :) So, I just enjoy my little obsessions as they come.

I digress...the reason for this post: Farmer's Market!

Let me explain - I have been visually enjoying Sandi Henderson's line of Ginger Blossom. I finally bought some a few months ago and cut into it for this project. I still have more to play with. I was very excited to see her new line, Farmer's Market come out. I ordered some...and today - it's here! And - the Internet just doesn't do it justice!

I have big plans for this!

Yes, big plans.

And - I think someone will enjoy my big plans. Heck, she's enjoying it now - and it's just fabric! :)

And, imagine how excited I was to find this place! It was downright amazing that they had so many designer fabrics in stock. Designer fabrics! Jo-ann and Hancock fabrics have some, when you really pay attention you might find it. But, I have yet to see the big fabric names there - Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson, Free Spirit, Moda . I can finally browse in person these wonderful fabrics before purchasing! I checked it out this week and am heading back this weekend. I know I can control myself - but will I be able to control my sister and mother who are going with me? Hmmm.

AND, the best part - Quilting Adventures offers CLASSES! A variety of classes. One caught my eye, and lined up on a day in which I am off work, hubby can watch kids, and it is so timely for the quilt I plan to make for Nathan, that I just couldn't pass it up. Call me an old fogey - I am going to learn to make QUILTS and I am proud of it.

A trying day

2008-07-13T23:06:00.001-04:00

Ahh, the days of summer.

Don't you just wish that you could live these again, as a child?

That's one of the big pluses about being a mom. I get to re-live a lot of things, like summer.

Seriously, do you think she needs those arm floaties? And yes, our dog thinks the pool is her personal water bowl.

I've not posted a lot these past few weeks. We've been busy. And, my kids have given me a strong dose of patient-testing, especially with the young one cutting 4 eye teeth at the same time. Today I tried to step back and enjoy summer through their eyes. I had some smiles today, and am sharing them with you. This was the best part of my day today (other than naptime).

On the crafting side of things, it's been as slow as my posts this month. I have one work in progress going, and a finished project awaiting a photo-shoot to share. With someone always hanging on my leg, or screaming when I get out of site (this separation anxiety thing is really starting to wear on me), I couldn't get a moment to take the photo today!

Clothing inspiration

2008-07-01T01:05:00.000-04:00

Oh, my my my! This applique skirt might be just what I needed to get out of my clothing slump! (Yes, Steph, after I finish the other curtain panel!).

I am envisioning a circle skirt in this fabric....yummy.

Kate, from Handmade Kate, referenced the skirt on her recent post. Thanks for sharing!

A summer dress

2008-06-27T21:41:00.000-04:00

I made this dress for Corinne in late spring, but have been holding on showing it to the blog until I had nothing else to show! So, here you go.

These aren't the best of pictures, but sometimes you take the shot when you get the chance.

The dress is actually a halter top. She is wearing her bathing suit underneath, hence the white criss cross straps. (Yes, in the background, that's Nathan, he's turning up the radio!)
Now that the music is louder, we could all dance :)

I was so happy with the way this dress turned out. I still love it, and it's been warn several, several times this summer so far. It was also very easy to put together. I was surprised by how quickly it came together.

This was also the first time I used Amy Butler fabric. I was inspired by this one - Coriander. I am itching to get some more, especially from her new line. I purchased two others with the intent of making myself a new dress...they are still waiting for me ;)

This was the first time I tried a blind hem. I learned a lot from that experience, and have since done more on clothing I have bought and made. I like the blind hem a lot, although it does take some patience to keep it "blind".

The very best part about this dress - when people tell Corinne they like her dress, she smiles a big smile and says proudly "My mommy made it!".

Break on Mini-Wardrobe Challenge

2008-06-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

Last week I finished bottom #1, the drawstring skirt. I am not happy with the result and want to convert it to something else...we'll see what it becomes. I think I am going to step away from it and figure out what to do. I have a few things in mind...I'll get my hubby to take a picture and post it here to get some female feedback.

I took a break from clothing sewing this weekend and did some home sewing. I found a lot of satisfaction in it. I think, as I venture more into sewing, that the constraints of sewing clothing for myself is not as satisfying as creating something for my home, my children, or for gifts for others. Or, maybe it's the boring fabric I have chosen? I was trying to go for practical fabrics that could blend with all sorts of clothing items...but....the end results are a little, well, boring...

This weekend we worked on Corinne's sandbox. It needed a little help.

The orginial "roof" lasted about 2 years. It was 2 green Home Depot tarps, overlapped and screwed on with grommets. I guess they don't last forever. All those strong thunderstorms didn't help.

Thanks to Jo-Ann and a 50% off outdoor canvas sale last weekend!
I bought 2.5 yards one day, then discovered I needed more to get the correct width. I went to a different Jo-Ann and bought what I thought was the exact same canvas. I didn't realize until I got home that they were actually different! But, thankfully, they are all in the same colorway, just a different size stripe. I stitched a border around the main top, and voila, a custom, fun, sandbox cover! I already enjoy seeing this outside my kitchen window much more than that green tarp!

I am sew inspired by blog world that I am having trouble deciding what to do next. I REALLY want to try something like this for Corinne's jeans that she's outgrown. I also want a new purse and am not sure which way to go. I found this and think this would be incredibly convenient - much more convenient with the two kids to keep my hands free.

Nathan's quilt keeps calling my name, too. I can't wait to get that done - it's going to be so unique and boyish.

I really want to get to work on making the office a child friendly playroom/craftroom.

Today I saw daylillies that would be GORGEOUS in my gardens and I am thinking I need to make that trip to the local daylilly sellers and check them out. I have only been thinking of doing that since we've moved here....

Someone I know asked me to make another cape for him (I'll have to get a photo of the orinigal), and little Miss Corinne has requested an apron more than once....

All those things seem more exciting right now than making clothing for myself...

Sigh - it all takes time, money, time.

Gardenias

2008-06-10T22:15:00.001-04:00

If you've ever been around a Gardenia, you know their enchanting scent.

It's a strong scent, yet fresh and welcoming. I have about 12 lining my front porch. Yes 12. And they are all in bloom. This is my first year they ALL decided to put on a show.

Sniff strongly and you might enjoy their sweet smell. One can not ignore it.

My eternal garden "helper".

I love this image. It my current favorite.

Top 1 is done!

2008-06-07T21:28:00.000-04:00

McCalls 5636

Yay!

Mini-wardrobe Challenge

2008-06-06T23:38:00.001-04:00

Stephanie started a mini-challenge that I thought I'd participate in. She challenged her readers to make 4 coordinating items, try to use items already in your fabric stash, and set your own goal to have everything complete. It sounded easy enough. I stated I was interested, because earlier this spring I bought fabric for outfits I had yet to make. I didn't write anything here because I was afraid to commit to all of YOU. But, today, she posted her entries into the challenge and she had me on there. Oy Vay. Here goes nothing...

My Plan

Top 1, Bottom 1 McCall's 5636

View A and View E.

OK, so, yes - looking at it now it sort of looks like a 70's maternity shirt. I thought, though, that View A looked rather "hip" with the belt.

The status of this? It's in progress. I thought I'd finish the shirt tonight and if it had not been for me messing up the bottonhole placement (this was my first time doing a "real buttonhole that needed to be in the RIGHT place), it would have been done. Instead, it's done all but the buttons. I say it's "done" but it's not complete. I believe it need some darts/pleats in the back to make it fit more flattering. I am going to seek the advice of my sewing mentors (mom/Steph) and see how it can be remedied before I post a picture.

Bottom 2: Simplicity New Look 6811, View B

Yes, this might look too easy - but after my mistake with the shirt and the time it took to get THIS far, I want something really easy on my plate. I think this skirt is litterally 3 pieces of fabric...Is that cheating? :)

Top 2: Simplicity 2892 View B

I DID start this challenge with a different approach rather than the skirt. I really wanted to make McCalls 5633, View A.
Since I had never made pants other than the Snoopy pajama pants, I made a muslin of View A before cutting into my fabric. Turns out, I was WAY off on sizing. The muslin pulled over my hips, but I am sure if I added the zipper and tried to sit or walk, the seams would have ripped right out. The pattern I had didn't go up to the proper size. Hence, the skirt is in the offical plan.

The item I am most nervous about: those capris! Wish me luck.

The Graduate

2008-05-31T23:35:00.000-04:00

This was the last week of pre-school. How proud are we? It's been a wonderful experience. We all enjoyed the field day celebration.

Butterflies. How fitting. She wore them on her first day, too.

An apron for every artist

2008-05-31T23:14:00.000-04:00

My new apron!

I love it!

I made this apron using the pattern from Craft Apple. It was so easy to follow! And, it has already made a difference in my sewing rthym...no longer am I misplacing down a pair of scissors, my invisible pen, or my trusty seam ripper.

I made two at the same time, one for myself, and one for Steph. Learning many things from her (and more to come I am sure), I cut both the aprons out at the same time. I stitched up one, then put that one on and utilized it in stiching up the second.

She had no idea it was on the way. Sometimes it's fun to send something "just because".

Baby Girl Blanket

2008-05-25T14:56:00.000-04:00

I made this gift a while ago, but have been waiting for the right light to take the picture. This is a gift for a friend of mine who recently had a baby girl. I intended to make a blanket that the child can enjoy through toddlerhood, rather than newborn baby hood.

Learning from my experiences, kids love very, very soft blankets with the satin binding. I made this blanket with materials that were super soft. The back is a soft pink polka-dot mink, the front a soft flannel with small roses on it. I added the flower patch for some more interest in the front.

I found the satin binding very difficult to work with. I don't like to hand-sew, so I thought I could just stitch in on in one sitting around the blanket. I wasn't sure how it would press against the mink, so I thought, sure, this would be no problem. Um, no. I must not know how to work with this stuff correctly because it took me way too long, and way too many ripping of seams. I ended up hand-stitching some of the binding in the back. This was not one of my best works. However, I think a small little girls hands will still love to rub the blanket against her face, and pinch and rub the satin with those little fingers. She won't notice the bad stitches for years to come....

Spring gardening AND Mother's Day 2008, Version 2

2008-05-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was a super busy weekend. Not only did we go Strawberry picking, but I got a chance to play in the garden. After picking the berries, I planted about 19 plants! Yes, 19! They are all summer blooming, so the fruits of my labor will be enjoyed throughout the summer.

Can you believe this is my garden? I am in awe. We planted this patch when I was pregant with Nathan. It is turning out so well. The grey small plantings are lamb's ear from our dear friend, Connie's garden. The flowers are various peonies. They are nothing but pure enjoyment for the eyes and nose. They are so fragrant. I only wish they bloomed year round! The tree in the back is a pink Japanese Dogwood. They bloom later than the normal American Dogwood, but they are worth the wait.

The plants that I planted will bloom in the summer, so this garden will have year round interest now. The show starts in the spring with the Azaleas, to the peonies, to the Astillbe, the Stella D'Oro day lillies, the Black Eyed Susans, and the grasses will show all year long (not shown in this picture). I am very proud of this patch (can you tell?)

Closeup of the pink dogwood.

Here is a picture of my lovelies in front of the garden. Corinne is wearing the ladybug dress that I referenced a few posts back. It came out great. It was a pre-shirred fabric that was sold by the yard. In most cases, all you have to do is zip up a seam, hem the bottom, and the item is done. However, in this case the fabric had a strip of ladybugs at the bottom that I didn't want to loose in the hem. Instead, I took up the fabric right underneath the pre-shirred fabric. I added the red strip at the waist and I added ties to the top for straps. I think it came out very cute, and Corinne enjoys wearing it.

The same day we went to the patch, and planted 19 plants throughout the yard, Corinne and I made a cake to take to Mother's Day #2. We were inspired by a kids cookbook given to her as a gift. I think the cake came out very much like the picture in the book. It was a lemon cake, and it was GREAT!

Strawberry Picking

2008-05-25T14:18:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we went strawberry picking at a local pick your own farm. It was a great day to enjoy the weather. The strawberries were EVERYWHERE! This was our first experience doing this as a family, and I think we can say we all had a great time.

We all worked hard, picking the juicy berries warmed by the May sunshine....

Really hard at work....

All hands pitched in.

Little hands just couldn't resist the taste of freshly picked berries. What could be better?

I think this face says it all. :)

2008-05-22T09:36:00.000-04:00

I have not had a lot of time to post lately. I have a list of projects I want to share, and I have pictures of my garden that I want to share and save here. But, today, I saw this article written by Stephanie Pearl, and referenced by Amanda Blake Soule (whose book I am going to purchase as soon as I can get to the store to use my Christams gift certificate from Kenny) and I couldn't resist sharing with you moms out there. You have to read the part about dress-up play.

I love being a mom. I love it. And I love sharing my stories, reading others, and trying to remember to cherish each moment. When my young children are doing something that is either annoying, or exhausting me or Kenny by pushing our limits, or trying to define out their boundaries, I try to tell myself that I will miss these days. I really don't look forward to the day that my daughter or son tell me they hate me, or "I don't know what it's like to be a teenager" in a teenage rampage, or the day they don't want me to hug them when I leave them at school. I am eating up this wonderful time of play, sharing, learning, and pure enjoyment.

Some photos of fun play. A favorite past-time activity: building. These were taken at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. We didn't make it to the actual museum part, rather we hung out in their GREAT play room, but one day we will return to learn more about building...

Nathan's castle.

His humble servant, helping to build that great castle.

She decided she needed her own.

A Homemade Mother's Day

2008-05-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

What a cute little box! What could be inside? Is it a lunch box?
No, it's a Mother's Day gift for my mom, who loves her cup of tea DAILY. :)

I knew I wanted to make her a handmade gift since she knows how much I have been sewing lately, and I didn't want to do something that she has already received as a homemade gift from one of her other daughters. The handmade items - scented tea coasters and a personalized coffee cozy. All items are lined with Insul-Bright, so they can be used with hot drinks.

I used a modified version of this tutorial for the coasters. I liked the idea of making the coasters washable, but I didn't want bias tape all around the coaster. So, I cut the back in half and used bias tape for the back split, but I sewed the front and back pieces right sides together instead of adding the bias tape all around.

I also sort of quilted the top. I fussy cut some fabric, added binding, and stitched along the lines of the fabric. I tried out different decorative stitches to make each coaster unique.

The spice insert is removeable, as shown in the above picture.

I followed this tutorial to make the coffee cozy, as my mom also enjoys a trip to a coffee shop occasionally. This was my first experience embroidering by hand. It was not hard to do, and I got into a rythm at the end. I used Steam-A-Seam to connect the pieces instead of Wondertape (I could not find Wondertape at the fabric store). I think if I make this again, I may add velcro instead to make it more adjustable. I told my mom that she'd have to let me know what she thought of it not being adjustable.

I enjoyed putting this together think it was a well received gift.

In Recovery

2008-05-11T04:51:00.001-04:00

Well, it's done. I had my LASIK on thursday and all went well. I was not too nervous right before, but was a little during the surgery. The worst part was the cutting of the flap and then the drive home. After a small slumber all felt better. I woke up this morning and couuld see clearly. I felt almost normal. They say it takes a few more weeks for best vision, but already it is better than my vision has been since I was in middle school.

I spent some time running in the morning outside in the fresh air the day of the surgery. Morgan came along with me and seemed to enjoy her trot.

I also got to finish a few projects (see previous post) before heading to the doctor. I am happy with the end products, but will have to wait until later this weekend to share. ;)

I am not sure what to pick up next. I have a long list of things I desire to create!

Simplicity 3750

2008-05-11T04:07:00.001-04:00

It's finished! This is the shirt that wouldn't quit, in my mind. I bought Simplicity 3750 pattern back in oh...January? Well, March had me picking up the pattern and make the attempt. I am very happy with the final product, but the process to get there took longer than I expected.

Turns out, I think this is going to be a great summer shirt. Now, after a few alterations.

It didn't start out looking great. Simplicity 3750 first go round:

The picture above is the shirt put together as the pattern calls for. I orginally did View C, with the capped sleeves. I thought it looked OK, if I walked around with my hand on my hip all the time.
Without my hand on my hip, I felt like I looked a little square with the sleeves.

I took lots of pictures because I couldn't decide if I liked them. Well, I didn't like them, but the sleeves took so much time to put on, I didn't want to think that this shirt needed them removed. After showing the shirt, as it was, to my mom and sister, I decided to remove them. I felt more comfortable with this shirt without the sleeves. So, off they went.

Here's the side view, before the sleeves were removed. See all that extra fabric, and the tie in the back? I thought that once I removed the sleeves I'd be ok with the shirt. I attempted to wear it out, sleevless, with the tie in the back once. I took the shirt off before leaving the house. There was too much ease in the waist, and the high umpire tie in the back made me feel like I was wearing a maternity shirt. That's the last way I want to feel when I walk out of the house!

So, today, K. took the kids shopping and I stayed home. What a great mother's day gift there - time. Time to pick up this shirt, rip out the side seam, remove a tie, attach the other tie across the back, take it in on each side, and add an invisible side zipper. Ahhh, much better! Now, you may actually see me wearing this shirt out in public!

View from the back.

Side View, with the invisible side zipper.

Would I make this shirt again? Yes, with the alterations that I put in place. I would make a size 8 (pattern sizes run bigger that store bought clothing sized) for both the top and bottom pieces. I would also add a 12 inch invisible zipper down the side and take the pattern in. I like my clothes to fit a little more closely to the body than the pattern called for.

Plans Change

2008-05-07T22:23:00.000-04:00

Ah, aren't they adorable? They are really best friends at this age. What fun.

I loved the light at this time in her room after her nap. She's always in the best mood after she's had a good rest.

Someone got new shoes that looked just like mommy's. It's still a big deal around here.

See what I mean about best friends? If she's around, he's her little follower. She has a full time, built in fan. And, he's got the same thing - even though she sometimes gets upset when he HAS to be working on the same puzzle she is, or playing with the same blocks, or when he knocks over one of her block creations....

This week I had big plans to finish a few projects up. One was the ladybug item I referred to in my last post. It's still there, and I am glad I didn't finish it. My final plans changed on inspiration from another blogger. I'll go into those details when I finally post the finished product.

This week we had unexpected things come up that had me in other places. It was not fun hanging out at the hospital with my son, but I am thankful he was there just to be checked out. We now know to watch out for some small breathing issues come weather changes: the pattern was very familiar to the pattern we experienced in the fall. We thought we were over it, but we're not, and it's not uncommon, and we've got a treatment plan. We know what symptoms to watch out for now, and that is a good thing. This time, though, Nathan's breathing issues were resolved quickly, and we did not have any accompanying fever. That means, he was back to his happy, playful self in no time.

Tonight I had some free time after work to do some shopping (Thank you mom and dad G.!!!!). I returned some clothing that was not going to last Nathan through the summer and found a DEAL of clothing at Kohl's for bigger size clothes. Woo hoo. I also spent some time at Joann fabric store and stocked up on some necessities. I got the cutest boxes for organizing patterns and I rushed to my craft space to put them right to use. I love them. That space needs some livin' up, and it's going to get there!

OK, so LOTS of rooms in my house need some decoration attention - so little time to shop, so little money to go to things like "accessories" when we all need clothing, food, shoes, gas for the car...sigh. We'll get there...eventually! I've got some decorating goals this year that ARE going to get met in that area. My new sewing machine is going to help me along the way...that's been a big motivator.

Tomorrow is a big day for me. I have not had a lot of time to think about it this week due to the busy week with the hospital visit. I am excited, nervous, and tired. I hope to sleep for a LONG time after the surgery as I am told the hardest part is the many hours right after the procedure.

With that being said, I am not sure if I'll be on this weekend at all. So, until then, Happy Mother's Day!

Spring is in the air!

2008-05-02T23:19:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love playing outside on warm spring days? We had some time today to enjoy the weather and all the wonderful things that start to happen in the spring.

Every year for the past two years, I have taken Corinne to the garden center to pick out her "garden". It's really a pot or two of annuals, but we call it her garden. We got to do that today. But this year, she changed it up on me a bit.

See those vegetables? Yes, those things that grow in the ground that you can eat? We added some tomato plants and some pepper plants this year. It will be interesting to see her enjoy the fruits of her labor.

I got to enjoy some buds that are awaiting to show their display and those that are in full bloom...

So did this little guy.

It's been a day of ladybugs....

More to come on that last image. The dress got its final fitting today. It's awaiting my return to the sewing machine for the finishing touches and the fashion show!

Welcome!

2008-05-01T17:27:00.000-04:00

Hello Family and Friends!

I am going to use this site to share some adventures with the kids, crafts, and home projects. I hope you will enjoy. I was inspired to do this by my sister and so many other bloggers out there who willingly share their stories. So many amazing projects out there to do and enjoy. I hope to make a lot of things for my kids, family, and friends to enjoy. As I have time, of course...

To entice you to return, here is my favorite recent picture. Don't you just want to give them a squeeze?