Tara Quilts

Snippets...

2010-05-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Growing!

Crafting!

Quilting!

More Quilting!

Loving!

I've been quilting!

2010-04-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing a lot this last month (thanks to a challenge in my online quilt group!) but have been slacking at the blogging.

(ugliest table runner EVER! Started 5 yrs ago for some unknown reason- at least it's finished!)

(horrible cell phone pic- Addy's bed size quilt top!)

Kiddo's spring break was last week, so we packed up 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs and a cat for a 12 hr - one way! - road trip for the baby to meet the rest of the extended family! Also included last week, a quick side trip without kiddos to the Paducah AQS show- YAY!

(also- side trip to the winery!)

(check out that attractive family!)

I'm hoping to have lots more to share soon! Next on the sewing to-do list is binding on a baby quilt (well, top and fleece back) that has been waiting for said binding for almost a year... oops!

The last of the leftovers...

2010-04-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Finally, I finished the last of the 3 planned baby quilts from the orphaned mystery blocks!

Obviously, they're all similar, but I managed to separate the blocks into 1 boy, and the 2 girl baby quilts. 3 quilts down from ONE old project- YAY!

Weekending!

2010-04-11T15:25:00.001-07:00

Maybe I should change the name...

2010-03-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

of the blog to 'Tara Slacks Off...' SORRY!

But I'm sure most of you realize how an infant cuts into sewing time, and boy does it! But I still sneak in bits here and there. Mostly on Tuesdays- a small group of friends has been coming over most Tuesdays and my dining room turns into my own personal little sweatshop (except, you know- they take the finished items home LOL)

This is something I finished yesterday! The blocks are still leftover from the same project as the last baby quilt (2 posts down). The pink chair is a TJ Maxx find and was too adorable to pass up- and since I have a girl now, I'm justified... except for the fact that she doesn't sit up on her own yet, but we'll get there (right?) :D

And Target is my new favorite fabric source! A $7.99 flat sheet will back TWO baby quilts-- so much cheaper than a trip to the quilt shop, and it's a good weight for it. Hubby sometimes loves my odd purchases.

nook Cover - Part 2

2010-03-05T06:10:00.001-08:00

BUT- I think I actually like this one! The other (post below) was a little bit too tight although you can't tell in the pictures, and I had to take it out of the pocket to get to the touch screen. This one is working out much better, but I had originally done the pocket again, realized that THAT was what I wasn't liking, and un-sewed a bit and put in the corner things on the bottom as well.... WHEW- 2 days gone figuring out how I wanted this thing, but it's done and usable now! And, I can acess all buttons, screens, and even the charging port without removing it from the cover, yay!

Mini Project

2010-03-04T05:50:00.001-08:00

So we stopped by the bookstore the other night for hubby to grab a book, and I came home with a nook! Naturally, it needed a cover, so I whipped this up yesterday. It serves the purpose, but I think I want to do another and make a few changes... (note to self: STOP using 'good' fabric on the first attempt at making things with no pattern!)

I have a plan!

2010-02-24T16:59:00.001-08:00

Well, of course it's a plan for a quilt, silly!

It involves this pattern:

(available here)

and this pile of fabric:

and it will be be-a-utiful!!! I'm waiting for the pattern to arrive and need to purchase background.

- Fun Fact- this stack includes pieces from all of Amy Butler's lines (quilting weight anyway), way back to 'Charm'!

For a friend...

2010-02-24T10:53:00.001-08:00

Another quilt completely from my stash! The blocks are part of a collection from an online mystery a few years ago... I have enough left to make 2 more quilts this size in more girly colorways! The backing, binding, and even the batting were all from my stash :D

This quilt will be going to a soon-to-be-born baby boy, who I hope gets lots of love and enjoyment from it!

The boy...

2010-02-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

New...

2010-02-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

A new project and a new finish all in one weekend!

I had been debating the Sew Liberated book for awhile, and went for it a few weekends ago. Life got in the way as I was collecting the odds and ends needed for the 'Capture the Moment' camera bag pattern in the book.

Finally, as of yesterday I had all I needed after a last minute trip to pick up some interfacing. This was needed because I decided to use a cotton print instead of the called-for decor weight for the contrast pieces. After spending most of ny non-baby time yesterday sewing, I was able to finish it up this morning after getting our oldest on the bus!

The main body of the bag is a dark brown courdoroy that I managed to find online for $2.99/yard (!!!) and the print is from Amy Butler's Belle line... love it! It fits my DSLR perfectly, and holds an extra lens and my external flash as well.

No quilty update- but where we've been...

2010-02-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ah, definately no quilting right now!

We've had quite the ordeal going on for about a week now. Addy, our 2 month old, began to be congested last Wed (Feb 3). At her already scheduled checkup the following day, her pediatrician checked it out, said he heard a bit of fluid in her lungs, but that it was just a virus that would have to run it's course... That same evening (Thurs, Feb 4), I took her into the ER in the evening because she wasn't feeling better and seemed to be running a slight fever. They said the same, but did do an RSV test which came back positive. We were told to use saline drops and suction to keep her nose clear, and to follow up at her regular Dr. the next day.

That Friday, off we went BACK to the pediatrician with the test results. Again- he told us to continue suction and 'keep an eye out'... Checked her oxygen levels which were fine and said again that he heard a bit of 'gunk' in her lungs...

Friday and Saturday, she stayed the same, actually perking up a bit Sat morning. Sat afternoon though she started spitting up quite a bit and later in the evening seemed to be breathing harder. When we noticed the breathing, which at that point wasn't horrible, but harder than she had been breathing, we headed off to the ER. At that point, it got much worse. The harder she was breathing, the more it wore her out, and it escalated. Five minutes away from the hospital she started wheezing, and at that point we made the decision to continue. If we had stopped, it would have taken longer for an amublance to get to us, so hubby hit the gas harder. As we rushed into the ER, her breathing had slowed dramatically and she was literally losing color by the second.

Following was the scariest moment of my life! 11 medical professionals rushed in (drs, nurses, emts) and got her stabilzed and under an oxygen hood. A call was made and a crew was brought down from the Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL for her. Around midnight, she was loaded into an ambulance to the airport for a flight up. There was no room for either of us, so we hauled butt in our truck and arrived in Birmingham a few hours after her at 5am Sunday morning.

Thanks to lots of prayers and a very capable medical team, her lungs have cleared up nicely though it will take some time to fully recover. She has been off of oxygen for 24 hrs now and is doing very well. Her IV fluids were cut off this morning, and her eating is slowly getting back to normal, though she is still spitting up a bit (coughing fits tend to gag her, and up it comes).

We are so grateful for everyone that has been helping to get her back to her normal self, and we're currently holed up in a hotel in downtown Birmingham so that we can visit as often as possible!

Poor baby though- I think she NEEDS a new quilt after this and mommy has one in mind :P

PS- Brother Matt is doing well, though upset that he still hasn't got to see his sister (hospital is full so she's stuck in special care even though she no longer needs to be there). We've been taking turns keeping him amused, and the hospital has an awesome area for kids with basketball, games, ping pong, etc. I took a break yesterday while Daddy was at the hospital and we went to the Science Center (he IS missing school- I figured something educational/fun was in order LOL)

So little time!

2010-02-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

There are so many NEW projects that I want to start... books, blogs- I'm getting ideas from all over, but feel like I have no time to do any of them.

And the UFOs... some days I feel like just purging that whole bin in my closet. The piles of blocks, half cut fabrics, and even mostly finished quilt tops that I just lost interest in. Hopefully I can motivate myself to sift through those and get some of them finished up, if for no other reason that getting them out of that closet.

Finally- finished product(s)!

2010-01-28T14:40:00.001-08:00

I almost forgot how nice it feels to get something DONE! This top has been done since right before the baby was born. I managed to load it onto my frame a few days ago, and by quilting 15 minutes here and there, I got it done. I put the binding on this morning, and voila!

I made this adorable tutu today too! It's a little big for Addy right now (she is only 2 months old... LOL), but I have a feeling it will be perfect right around her first Halloween! Thanks to the fabric clearance at our local WalMart, the tulle was only 58cents a yard. I think this took around 2 yards, cut into 4 inch strips, then cut down into about 15 inch lengths. I had seen this tutorial in various forms around the web for a few years, and finally have a little girl to make one for... ahh, patience...

I QUILTED!!!

2010-01-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

So, I didn't take any pictures, but I swear I finally did some quilting!

I loaded backing, batting and top on the frame, and got two whole rows done! Granted, it's a smaller wallhanging, but those 30 minutes were FUN!

I need to start carving out time to get back to my poor neglected sewing room...

Baby pictures!

2010-01-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

Not that any one cares too much, but I like her, so you all get to see her!

I'm still not back to where I have time to quilt, but am trying my best to be patient about it... all in good time! And in the meantime, ideas are forming in my head :D

I'm also hoping this little one grows up to be a sewer, and in anticipation, I've started hitting the remnant fabric bin every time I'm at WalMart! She won't care about quality, and if nothing else, it'll be fun for her to toss around the house when she's a bit older. Matt has no interest in sewing or quilting (all boy there!) so I have to get at least one of my kids interested at some point.

New Year... New Resolutions

2010-01-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Now, whether or not those resolutions stick is totally another subject!

So, here goes the wishful thinking!

1. Get organized! We've moved 6 times in our 10 year marraige and have accumulated a crap ton of things. We try to clear out before every move, but it never works as intended. There are boxes of books (I think?) in my closet that literally haven't been unpacked since 4 houses ago. I think it's high time to start goign through this stuff and get rid of the things we don't use or want anymore.

2. SEW MORE! Well, maybe not a ton more time wise- hello new baby! But I would like to finish up some older projects and be a lot better at finishing the new projects that I start.

Ok... I don't want to overdo it at this point :P

So, from me to you- Happy New Year!!!

Also new...

2009-12-21T15:31:00.000-08:00

THIS!!!

I absolutely love it! I ordered it a few weeks ago from Lisa Leonard Designs and it is just as lovely as I hoped it would be!

Future Quilter?

2009-12-20T12:05:00.001-08:00

If Mommy has her say- YES! I've got big plans to buy this one a little sewing machine in 5 years or so!

Introducing... Miss Addy! She made her grand entrance in 4 1/2 hours flat almost 3 weeks ago. She was smaller than her brother was, which surprised us, but she's growing like a weed now!

(hanging out in her sling while Mommy vacuumed)

(kiddos- neither looking at the camera!)

The past few weeks have obviously been busy. Besides having a newborn, we've been shuffling family back and forth visiting, and Matt's basketball season started the week Addy was born. WHEW!

Sewing is taking a back seat, but I'm feeling the need to get back into the sewing room soon... Hopefully this week since I need to finish 2 pairs of PJ pants before Christmas eve LOL!

Some sewing! FINALLY!

2009-11-18T06:18:00.001-08:00

You might remember this quilt from a bit back... it's finally finished! It has been quilted (loopy meander), bound, washed and is all ready to be gifted for Christmas- yay! It's a good couch/chair size, so I think it should be enjoyed regularly.

I've also been working on new stockings... nothing fancy- solid front, solid back, and fleece lined. They're a bit plain, but pretty big as far as a stocking goes, so I can fit a lot in there- which I'm sure will please kiddo. I have two more to do for the hubby and myself, and then some sort of name labels, but I haven't quite figured out how I want to do that yet.

I've been working on other things too- mostly matching pajama pants for the family for Christmas morning! The two kiddo pants are done except for elastic, which I need to run out and buy today and then I need to whip up some for hubby and I. Hubby isn't thrilled about the idea or the fabric chosen, but he'll suffer through one morning for the sake of some adorable pictures :D

Also, I need to work on the tree skirt that my sister has requested for Christmas. I have a set of blocks ready to go for it, just need to cut and get that into a tree skirt shape so it can be quilted and finished off. It probably won't take too long once I actually get around to it, but at a little over 9 months pregnant, my motivation is seriously lacking!

Another annoying 'I'm alive!' post...

2009-11-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

But better things will be coming! I just need to take pictures of them first (them being a finish, and kiddo's Christmas pajama pants!)

As a filler, here is a picture of kiddo that I took while out playing with a new camera lens... and it portrays everything about this kid LOL

On other fronts- still pregnant, for a few more weeks (although I am full term now, so anytime is good to head on out there baby!) I need to work on my sister's tree skirt for Christmas, but I think everyone else will just get non-quilty presents- so I guess I should get to thinking about that!

Tomorrow's goal is pictures of sewing things for the blog- wish me luck!

Family Time....

2009-10-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday included a bit of family bonding... at the local range. Yeah- we fit in just fine here in southern Alabama!

Lots of shooting happened since I had my camera, and hubby needed to sight in his rifle for deer season. Loads of fun, even if it wasn't your typical family Saturday.

I also managed to get a bit of sewing in yesterday morning, and a little more today (so far, plannign on doing more here in just a few minutes!). I found a few random charm packs that had been lonely in my closet for way too long, so am working on a smallish wallhanging for the empty spot on the dining room wall. Hoping to get the top done today, and maybe a backing for a lap quilt since Christmas is quickly approaching! Pics of quilty things to follow....

Life in General...

2009-10-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's been rough lately! The hubby AND the kid both managed to come down with a flu-ey illness in the last two weeks. And by that, I mean, hubby had it- kiddo had it, then hubby had it again. I must have an awesome immune system (yay! and knock on wood...)

So quilting has been on the back burner... blah. I've got projects in mind, and I even played with some quilt blocks made out of new fabrics, but so far- nothing that I want to stick with, so I guess more playing is in order! Plans today include buying more batting and at least quilting on something where a top is already done (ok, well, after I make some backings, another blah).

Hopefully soon I'll get back into the sewing swing of things before I'm derailed again in approximately 7 weeks!

Here's a bit of sunshine though- I found these growing along the side of our street a week or two ago, and thought playing with the camera was enough fun!

Signs of things to come...

2009-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well, my calander tells me that today means FALL! However, the 90 degree weather, crazy humidity and my frizzy hair are telling me otherwise... We have noticed a few tiny signs of the season to come though- the above picture being one of them.

And this one... despite the warm weather, the falling pine needles are right on time! We have something like 15 pine trees in our back yard- I counted last year as I wanted to know how many trees were to blame for the endless raking.

And then there are other signs... signs of big changes to come! Welcome changes, but changes nonetheless. Well, I'm certainly bigger LOL! Baby Adelyn seems to be growing well, and all is good with dr appointments and such.

And these things... the washing, losing parts... I'm going to have to get used to that again!

In general though, I think we're looking forward to most of our changes! Except that whole sorting out my sewing room bit... eventually (and I mean like next summer) we'll want to move the baby into that bedroom, so things will have to be sorted, and probably some gotten rid of so that all the sewing things can be consolidated into our bedroom... what a hassle that's going to be!

On the sewing front, I'm seriously lacking! We've been super busy with Cub Scouts lately, and the volunteer positions I've taken on with that, that I haven't had the time or energy to do much creatively once the house gets cleaned and the family gets fed. I'm really hoping that I can just sit tomorrow in my sewing room... I don't know how much, if anything, will really be accomplished, but I feel the need to just be in there either way!

Shameless Fundraiser Link

2009-09-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm a mom- I'm allowed!!! And this sure as heck beats walking my pregnant @$$ around door to door in the heat!

-commence with shamelessness-

Anyway, as I've mentioned, Matt is a Cub Scout. And every fall, Cub Scouts do their big fundraiser for the year, which is Popcorn! (Sorry, no cookies- hit me up in 6 years or so!) No pressure, but if anyone wants some yummy, fattening, and of course overpriced popcorn (it IS a fundraiser after all!), you can use the link HERE to order year round. Using this link will ensure that fundraising monies come back to Ft Rucker's Pack 50 and the local council.

Thanks!

-end shameless fundraising-

Labor Day Weekend...

2009-09-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

And we have NO plans! Just sitting around and enjoying the time together. I'm sure we'll end up doing some things that require effort though, like mowing and getting the pool down... blah!

BBQ tomorrow at a friend's house, so I'll have to do a bit of cooking for that, but nothing too much, and hey- at least I'm not hosting!

Not a ton going on in the sewing room, but I did get this made for little Miss Adelyn last week:

I didn't like that fabric though, so it's already got another fabric cover on it! Found the pattern for free at http://sewityourself.googlepages.com/ . Gotta love making something from your stash (plus a 3$ bag of stuffing) that you would pay 25$ for in the store!

We officially kicked off Cub Scouts last week, and the first meeting went fairly smoothly for one leader (me!) and 12 seven year old boys... lord help me! Now just to tackle popcorn and get that done... AHHHH!

A finish for Addy!

2009-08-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Adelyn's crib quilt is done! All we need now is to pick up some matching sheets, and then break the cat from sleeping in the crib... (I hear aluminum foil works great, but I've promised hubby not to do it til he gets back so we can both enjoy the amusement!)

The crib skirt/dust ruffle has been done awhile, all from the same fabric line (Moda Poetry!). I'm sadly down to just scraps of this stuff now, but have gotten quite a few quilts out of the original fat quarter bundle, so I can't complain. I do think I have enough to make a pillow case, so that once she transitions to a toddler bed, at least that will match!

And just a shot of her little corner of our room. I tend to be lazy for middle of the night feedings, so hopefully keeping her in there with us for awhile will keep her out of our bed (ahem, like Matt!) And... I get to keep my sewing room a bit longer this way! LOL

It's the MOST Wonderful Time... of the year (cue Christmas melodies!)

2009-08-14T06:32:00.001-07:00

Nope, I'm not in a holiday mood just yet, but SCHOOL STARTED!!! (which is almost as good in my book!)

Matt is now a proud 2nd grader, settling in with his new teacher. No homework so far, so he's mostly a happy kid.

Matt has also inherited his dad's digital camera (well, they share, but if you ask Matt- it's his!). Apparantly he has learned the 'fine art' of MySpace type self-photography... I was so cracked up when I went through his camera this morning!

Most of his other pics are things like the cat, dogs and something he was watching on tv or elaborate scenes set up with his toys.

In other news... Mommy has a new camera too! With the recommendations of a few friends, I've managed to upgrade to a basic digital SLR... now to learn how to use the thing... Positive side note: I may not know much about settings on the camera, but the strap is now covered in a cute cute Amy Butler fabric, so at least I'll look good learning!

Snippets...

2009-08-10T14:45:00.001-07:00

A few glances at what's on the frame!

This is Adelyn's crib quilt... almost half quilted! The crib skirt is already done, and I'm just going to buy sheets to match. I already have the crib bumper too, so this little girl should be nice and comfy in her pink covered crib!

Look at me go!

2009-08-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

The fabric that started as just a few blocks yesterday is now a lap size quilt top!

This is one of two that will go out as Christmas gifts this year, so I'm ahead of the game (and a good thing, since I'll be to large and tired to do much close to Christmas!)

And it's a.............

2009-08-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!!!!

We had our 20 week (well, it was actually at 21 weeks) ultrasound last week, and got the good news! She appears to be super healthy and growing well in there. Matt (our 7 1/2 year old son) had this response to the ultrasound tech's announcement, "Well, that's a darn shame".... LOL

Other news: Her name is Adelyn Kate... I went a bit overboard shopping, and have most of her wardrobe until 4 months or so already bought (you can't beat yard sales and coupons!)... and she will NOT be cold with the pile of quilts already waiting for her!

A New(ish) Project

2009-08-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

This will be a Christmas gift this year, hopefully! I started a few of the blocks several months ago, but decided to finish them off earlier today. Now just setting blocks, a scrappy inner border and an outer border, and this sucker will be a top!

This isn't a normal color scheme for me, but it is very cheerful and I think (hope!) the recipient will enjoy it :D

It's a super simple bordered square for the blocks, but as I'd like to knock out the homeade gifts before I get huge and too tired to do any crafting, it will do.

TaDA!

2009-07-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

I feel SO accomplished! 22 hours from making the first fabric cut, the baby quilt is done! Which gives me time to wash it and go to the store tomorrow to grab a few more little gifts to go with it before the baby shower Friday morning. Whew!

I quilted it in a medium meander, all over. Thankfully, it went pretty fast. The back is scrappy too, so I'm happy to say that the entire thing came from my stash! (Including the pieced together batting!)

And for some reason this always happens in my house... What good is a quilt on the floor without a few animals on the quilt, right?

I QUILTED!

2009-07-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Finally! I got my booty in the sewing room and accomplished things.

I have 2 of 10 swap blocks done- those need to be done and mailed by the 15th or so.

And, I made a quilt top today. I found out around 9 30 last night that there is a baby shower at hubby's office on Friday.... umm OK! So I got to work today, and the top is now complete. The plan is to quilt and bind and wash it tomorrow, and be good to go come Friday morning!

Here is the top- the colors aren't showing up as bright as they are in real life, but I still think it's cute for a little boy!

We're alive- I promise!

2009-06-22T10:40:00.002-07:00

It's summer vacation though, so I tend to forget about updating the blog. We haven't been up to a whole lot- just getting more pregnant, and kiddo and I took a quick unplanned trip up to Missouri to visit some family for a week.

A few pics of randomness- I haven't been sewing a whole lot lately (since the last post!) but I do have a new stash of embroidered baby quilt tops to quilt up from my grandmother and 2 'new' but vintage quilts for the kids (I think full bed sized- will try and get pics of my old quilts sometime!)

16 weeks pregnant!

Matt getting a guitar lesson from Great Aunt Darlene... so far, all the effort he's put into learning how to play the guitar he bought himself haha!

Matt at CubScout Crossover- he's a Wolf now! (meaning I'm a Wolf den leader now- I'm sure this will work out wonderfully when I'm fat and crabby!)

Another Top!

2009-06-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

So, it's absolutely not the one I was thinking of last week... I still haven't figured out quite what to do on that one (black and white prints with bright tone-on-tones).

BUT- I did find a jelly roll in my sewing room closet! It's Moda's Chutes and Ladders line (at least a year old because I'm pretty sure we lived at the other house when I bought it) and it needed something done with it. So I seperated out the pinks/purples from the rest and added a few stash fabrics.

This is the end result! The colors in this picture are washed out some, too much sunlight and I was too lazy to move it to a different spot on the floor, but you get the idea. The applique shapes are sort of just larger versions of the print on the smaller 4 patches. All the applique was done raw edged so it will fuzz up nicely after a few washes!

(and I still need to do something with those other colors... hmmm)

The End of May Thing...

2009-05-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

There hasn't been a whole lot going on here the last few weeks. Definately not sewing!

Scouts (den level) is done for the year, and today Matt finished off first grade! Hello Summer Vacation... umm- Do we have to?

I've got a new idea for a floor quilt for baby, so hope to start on that in the next few days. Fabrics are in the wash as I type!

Easily my favorite 'fast' quilt!

2009-05-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Yup, definately! I've made this a few times now and it's sooo simple! Strips are cut either the same width or varying widths out of fat quarters and then sewn into sets of 3 or 4. Those strip sets are then cut into varying widths of 5, 6 and 7 inches. It's a different littie patchwork of sorts, but it works up so fast and easy!

The quilt on the top is a baby quilt- for moi! Well, for the baby- if it ends up being a girl! I made one out of this collection (Moda Poetry) last summer for a friend's baby girl and absolutely loved how it turned out, so I'm using up some of my scraps and other pieces for another.

The quilt below is approximately 3x4 feet and was made for my son. (Pic was before quilting and binding). He wanted it, and I happily obliged :D

More Mei Tai updates later- I recieved my Minky and print for the main part, but am waiting until my local Hancock's gets the color of twill I need in stock to get it made up. I am excited though!

Baby Sewing!

2009-05-05T07:35:00.001-07:00

I spent yesterday afternoon playing with a Mei Tai pattern! I had bought it a year and a half ago or so, hoping to use it for baby shower gifts. (pattern is from here: Sew Liberated )

I finally dug it out, and made up a quick one. I'll take pictures later, since my camera batteries are currently charging. I do like the way it turned out, minus the fabric choices. However, I really wasn't worried about it since it was a practice piece- it'll work for around the house doing chores! It seems much sturdier than I thought it would, and I have a few things I want to do just a bit differently on the next one. P.S. The cat LOVED it (haha!)

I've spent this morning on Etsy searching down fabrics for my 2nd version, and have most of it ordered now. I still need some heavier weight stuff for the straps, but can get that locally at Hancocks- and to save some cash, I'll wait until my next sales flier with coupon comes in - no point in spending more now when I've got about 7 months to get it done!

I have a few other projects in progress. A lap quilt for my Mom for next Christmas- I want to start early since I know it'll get hectic this fall with baby preparations. A baby quilt for my son's teacher who just found out that she'll be having a little girl this fall, and another baby quilt for friends who are currently expecting their first! (I really do think there's something in the water down here in Bama, but hey- I'm not complaining!)

Meet Le Bebe!

2009-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Except... baby isn't a lot to look at now LOL. There's a head, tummy and some arm and leg stumps- and a good strong heartbeat! All seem's well in Stumpy's world according to the docs!

Today I'm hoping that the morning/all-day sickness lets up some so that I can get some much needed cleaning done. After I get at least some productive housework done, I plan on digging out some flat sheets (that we don't use!) and making a couple of crib shits using a tutorial I found online... too easy and hello - basically free since the fabric is already on hand!

We've been BUSY!

2009-04-21T19:05:00.001-07:00

And sick... well I've been sick. Morning sickness is the pits- especially when it comes at a different time every day and I can't even plan around it!

Matt and I spent most of last week at Scout Camp. He was on spring break and since he was attending camp, I volunteered. I did lots of things that aren't really MY style- fishing, hiking, sports in the woods... I shudder LOL. But Matt had a total blast, so it was worth it!

Hopefully things will settle down soon, and I can get back to some sewing :D

Another Baby Quilt

2009-04-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm trying my best to alternate between gender specific fabrics for my baby quilt stash- a boy one, a girl one, and so on.

Today it was time for a boy quilt! I had got this F4 set and a piece of yardage of camp themed Hoffman fabrics a few months ago, and finally found the perfect pattern for them. I used the quilt tutuorial HERE and this was the result: (top only, quilting will come another day!)

Just a little bit of sewing...

2009-03-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

These pants are from Weekend Sewing . The book is AWESOME! So many neat little things to make in there!

At some point I might have to try the baby kimono.... because it looks like we're going to have a little one to dress and cuddle and wrap in tiny quilts in approximately 8 more months!!!

Anyway... thought I'd sneak that happy news in there, but the real reason for the post was to show off M's new jammie pants! We have plans to make Mommy (me!) some matching sleep shorts, but for some reason Daddy wants nothing to do with pj bottoms made out of monkey flannel... what a party pooper!

What's on the design wall...

2009-03-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

Well, the pink baby quilt was bound and finished this morning so I got to work on a few other things!

The project on the left is being made from a charm pack and pack of 2 1/2" strips that I picked up on sale at the fabric store last month. Right now I'm thinking that it will end up being a Christmas gift for my mom - I like to plan ahead!

On the right are some of the blocks for a quilt called Rick Rack Road... this was in a magazine (which one is escaping my mind right now!) about a year and a half or so ago. I even started it then, but triangles are tedious and I just found it on my table yesterday. I have about 1/3 of the 155 ish squares sewn... Maybe I'll just make it a goal to do a small stack of these each time I sit down at the machine.

Another finish! (almost!)

2009-03-20T14:59:00.001-07:00

The fabrics for this baby quilt (approx. 40 inches square) are from the rest of the same Layer Cake that I used for the last baby quilt. I used the same block, but fewer of them and mixed with solid fabric blocks. It's very busy, but I've noticed lately that my quilts tend to turn out that way... I must be going through an anti background fabric phase!

The backing came from my stash... it was one of those pieces that was bought 'just in case'... Luckily I had just enough of it to back this. And I do mean JUST enough- I ended up trimming 1-2 inches of backing off of each side, and I had to sew scrap strips onto 2 sides to make room for the tension clamps on my quilting frame!

Just another view of the backing... I like when I can actually capture the texture of the quilting in a photo. I freehand quilted it in my all over floral pattern, and threw in a few swirlies for filler and extra fun.

Such a Slacker!

2009-03-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yes... I am such a slacker... I'd love to say we've been busy, but we haven't really. I just haven't had much to post about!

I haven't finished any more quilty projects lately, but I've got plans... ahhh, plans haha. One more baby quilt top is ready, and backing is dug out. I need to get that loaded and finished- maybe tomorrow (today is semi-busy with lunch with son at school, and then home to mow). I really want to work on a UFO and finish at least one of those! I have one that is all cut, squares are stacked. Just a ton of HST type squares to sew, and then into strips- it isn't a difficult project, but again, I've been slacking!

We have done a few things. Last Saturday was spent shopping and hanging out with friends in Destin, then home to bbq with a few other friends.

(Go-karting... yes, they got me on one of those...)

(Matt at Fudpucker's goofing off)

On another note, my desire for planning WAY in advance has kicked in since we've decided to start trying for baby #2. Hubby collected some of Matt's old baby things when he was training in MO and brought them home. This was Matt's swing when he was a baby... and why were baby things soooo ugly back then? I know newer swings are smaller and cooler, but this one still works, so... it just needed a little updating. The old cushion got torn apart and used as a pattern for a new cushion.

This is the new cushion... works for now, but you bet if we end up pregnant and having a baby girl, another PINK one will be made LOL. Not a bad transformation for 3$ in clearance fabric and an hour of my time :D

Go figure!

2009-03-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

So today we had a shipment of baggage delivered... 2 years late! Apparantly it was some of hubby's things that were in Iraq when he was hurt (way back Jan 28, 2007) but somehow never made it back to him in Germany. Another country and 2 houses later, it finds us. Obviously it's stuff we haven't been missing, though there might just be a quilt in there that never made it home from Iraq!

What a testament to the Army way of life.... from the middle east to Alabama, and just over 2 years late!

A springy urge...

2009-03-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Oh, it's warming up!!! After the rare southern Alabama snow flurries last Sunday, we're now reaching around 80 degrees in the afternoons.... which means it's time to start thinking about summer clothes... ick...

Unfortunately for the people that live in this area, I've decided to wear shorts this summer... I know, I know- not that big of a deal... but living in Germany, I didn't so much wear shorts- especially the last summer we were there (it was freezing!).... and so last summer, I stuck to my jeans routine again... and nearly died LOL! I was thoughtful enough to at least grab some self tanner in my shopping yesterday- I am not that cruel.

So I broke down... I now OWN 2 prs of shorts courtesy of Old Navy... and I have an urge to make a skirt! I do love breezy skirts in the summer, so easy to just pull on and throw on a tank or tee, and be done with it.... I might not be fashionable, but I am oh so comfy... now, what fabric do I have in large enough quantities to be turned into a skirt????

Look to your right...

2009-02-25T11:21:00.001-08:00

I've added a link to a tutorial for the blocks used in the baby quilt. You can reach it via the side bar on the right hand side of this blog.

I know it's a really simple pattern, so a lot of readers probably won't need instructions, but I like to think that it would be useful for a beginner! It also has the measurements to cut up the 10" squares from layer cakes to construct the blocks.

A finish!

2009-02-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

Yup, I pretty much only quilted and raked leaves today!

But, the layer cake baby quilt is done! And only using 14 layer cake squares and approximately 2 half yards of the sashing and border fabric!

I stuck with very simple, very FAST quilting! Squiggly lines all the way across, then turned the quilt and did it in the other direction... so in the end I have a wiggly grid all over the quilt. I like how the curves soften up the squares in this one... yay!

Currently Sewing on...

2009-02-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

The binding on this quilt:

When done, this will be packaged up and off to it's intended recipient! (Cat will be staying here...)

And, sewing the sashing and setting squares to these blocks:

Baby quilt sized... not sure of the intended recipient, but it's fun! Not sure how many/if there will be more borders. Loving it though! Blocks are made from select pieces out of Lila Tueller's Woodland Blooms layer cake from Moda... the girly colored pieces are stuck back with some pink yardage from the line for a girl baby quilt or two!

Yay for Quilting!

2009-02-17T10:37:00.001-08:00

Ahh, I've had a very quilty morning!

I got a label prepared and pinned down for a gift- will get that sewn on this evening while I watch a movie or something.

Also went ahead and seamed a backing for a lap quilt, loaded it, pieced some batting together (I hate not using those big pieces!), got the top on there and quilted the whole thing... whew! All it needs now is binding!

I'm also working on plans for some baby quilts, the fabric for the tops is bought... just have to figure out how I want to cut into it all.

Ok... off to something semi-productive for a bit, like laundry- ick!

TaaDaa! I think...

2009-02-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

If you look to the right, in the sidebar, underneath my profile bit, there is a link to a Google Doc with the pattern for the diaper bag!

Now, take it easy on me... keep in mind that I've never even attempted to write a pattern or tutorial. I've tried to make it easy to understand, but I can't make any promises!

If anything is unclear, or you see a mistake I've made (hey, it happens- just don't tell myhusband that!) you can let me know in a comment and I'll try to clarify/fix whatever needs done...

Whew...

Ok... I'm trying

2009-02-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

The diaper bag pattern is done!

Issue is.... I can't figure out how to get the .pdf file linked on the right side where it can be uploaded... I'm not exactly high tech at most of this stuff, so I'll be trying to figure it out!

Another busy week!

2009-02-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

We've had Scouts and/or basketball every night this week... again! I'm going to try and get the next diaper bag and pattern/pictures done up this weekend!

For now, I just have to finish today and it's activities, then time off... ahhh!

Working...

2009-01-27T18:39:00.001-08:00

On the diaper tote pattern, that is!

I have it hand written out, but want to take some pictures to include and run through it first! Maybe find some testers...

I'm on it though!

Now to think up a fun name for my patterns...

Last Diaper Bag post...

2009-01-26T09:41:00.001-08:00

Because it is DONE!

I added 4 large open pockets to the lining, but wanted to leave most of it open space. Lining is also interfaced for stability.

I've got plans to do a few more of these as gifts for expectant mothers, and will probably pack them with baby lotions and soaps and such.

So, would anyone be interested in the pattern? Since I'll be doing it a few more times, I can write down what I do and take pictures...

Houston, We have Handles!

2009-01-25T18:31:00.001-08:00

Just a bag update. Still need to do the lining, probably tomorrow!

In a baby crafting sort of mood...

2009-01-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

Nope, I'm not pregnant (yet!), but a few friends are! So, decided I should get to work on a pattern for a tote/diaper bag. Work the kinks out, and get a few made!

I liked the look of some patterns/totes online, but wasn't willing to shell out the money. So, yesterday I sat and drafted my own pattern, quilted some fabric and got to cutting!

So far, I'm loving it! I need to make and sew in a lining still, and do handles (probably before the lining! haha)

Thought I would share!

Productive again... finally!

2009-01-19T17:21:00.001-08:00

I sewed today! For most of the day actually, and man- it was great. I still have to finish folding laundry though haha.

This will be a baby quilt- don't know for who (maybe ME if all the trying works and ends up as a girl, sooo I'll just hold on to it for awhile!). Just need to finish that outside border. The inner border is more yellow-ish than the rest of the creams, so when all is said and done, I'll probably tea dye the entire thing to even it out. But I love that the little pink leaves in the inner border fab are just the perfect shade of pink!

This is a gift... which is why I'm only showing one corner. But, as of today, it is a top. I just need to get some batting ready and sew together a backing, ahhh- love it!

Giving up....

2009-01-19T08:42:00.001-08:00

Oh, I rarely give up on a quilt, but after several weeks of fighting with that Christmas-ish quilt mentioned a few posts below, I did!

For starters, I didn't receive the whole amount that I'd ordered of the backing fabric, so I used the pieced bit bordered by the wide back. The wide back was surprisingly thin, and stretchier than normal... a disappointment, but it was on sale, so I used it anyway- maybe my first mistake.

Anyway, after quilting 2 rows of feathery pattern, I decided that I didn't like it- so picked it out. Then picked out another half row of unsatisfactory quilting. After that, the backing was pretty stretched out, and I wasn't liking it. I quilted a bit, then cut it up.

It's not a total failure, though. I have big plans to turn it into Christmas stockings for small gifts next year. I guess it isn't really giving up, just 'repurposing'!

Moving on to the next UFO now!

Goals....

2009-01-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, so for the next few weeks or so, I have LOTS of free time!

Goals:

1) Assemble top, and quilt pink double 4 patch!

2) baby mobile

3) gender neutral baby blanket for friends who are expecting their first!

4) 'Spring' clean - even though it's January

5) organize the 'crap closet' where everything lands (holiday decorations, footlockers full of military gear, boxes that haven't been unpacked in 3 moves haha)

6) generally declutter- this probably should include my sewing room...

Wish me luck!

A little birdie...

2009-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Yup, so far, just one!

Using this pattern: Spool Sewing

I have big plans - namely, a mobile. Also from a picture on that sight, using sticks and several of the stuffed birds.

Looking again, I see that they didn't stuff the tail of their birds, so next I might test one outthat way- for the first one though, I stuffed that sucker totally full! I don't mind plump little birdies! In any case, I plan on making this little guy some friends. Planning on sticking with a black/white and bright theme... maybe with white sticks? Hmmm

Why a mobile? Well... we're now officially 'trying' for #2! So, in efforts to be somewhat prepared, I'm starting to make stuff NOW- just neutral stuff. I didn't sew 7 years ago with kiddo #1, so I'm all excited about the possibilities now.

It went like this....

2009-01-08T08:02:00.001-08:00

Week before Christmas: Lots of cookies! Cub Scout party, school party, and break began!

Christmas: Presents out the wazoo! We took a year off from traveling cross-country, and stayed home. Just the three of us + pet- totally relaxing, and worth the cost of shipping presents to extended family!

Then came the company! Picked up a friend and her son locally on the 29th, then the next day, took off down to the coast to pick up another friend! I love having friends that travel to US!

New Year's Eve: more company! I'll let you guess which pic started the night and which ended it haha!

Post New Years: still have company! A bit of hanging out, took the kiddos to the Army Aviation Museum- Matt always loves it. Oh yeah, and on the 3rd, Matt's 7th birthday party- MORE company!

This week: Basketball season kicked off in full swing Monday with kiddo's first game! They lost, but had a blast! Tuesday and Wednesday were spent making return airport runs and getting the company off on their merry way. Now I'm helping my house recover from a week's worth of twice as many people, and enjoying the quiet!

Obviously, I am in SERIOUS need of some quilty goodness!!!

I'll be back...

2009-01-04T17:10:00.001-08:00

to everything soon! Sewing, relaxing... ahhh.

The holidays were good, but we've had company for a week, and they won't be heading out for a few more days, so quilting is on the back burner.

Soon though..... soon!

A non-quilty project...

2008-12-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

Ok... not the greatest picture of what I'm doing, but sort of... Can you pick out that HORRID striped wallpaper above the tub in this pic? Yup... GONE! Now, see that really awful linoleum flooring? In the process of being ripped out!

Although at the rate I'm going, it may be another month before the bathroom is finished, I am excited to say that my walls are now a pumkiny orange paint color, and (since hubby is out of town for the weekend) I'm currently pulling up the floor. Kiddo and I will go pick up new flooring tonight, and hopefully I'll have a new bathroom by the end of the weekend! Then, I can easily paint trim next week.

Ahhhh, hooray for no more ugly bathroom!

Impatiently waiting

2008-12-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

On my backing... for the below Christmas quilt! I'm really hoping it makes it today, I want to get this sucker loaded. Have big plans to practice feathers on it, so I'm hoping that turns out well, but at least it's a busy top in case it doesn't... haha!

Other than that, I still have a quilt on the wall that needs assembled, and then I need to find a border fabric for it, or figure out some type of border. Still a bin of UFOs in the closet too... I think for 2009 I'll tackle those!

Merry Christmas to all! Tomorrow is kiddo's last day before the break, and we have several old friends flying in over the holidays, so I doubt much quilting will get done.

***Update... stupid store only sent half of the backing I'd ordered, so instead of using a solid piece like I was hoping, guess I WILL have to use the leftover pieced backing and border it with what they did send... super GRRRRR!***

Another post with Christmas in the title... Why not?

2008-12-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

At least this one is quilt related!

This top, the center, was pieced a few years/houses ago. It was done up in the Yellow Brick Road pattern (I think, memory fails sometimes!). Since Germany, it's been packed up in the UFO bin... until a few days ago!

I dug out the extra yardage that I had bought when the line came out (Moda's Maison de Noel), and I had some fat quarters leftover that weren't used in the top or anything since then.

So, it got borders. And then I thought I'd make a pieced backing, but it ended up with too many seams, so I think it's just going to end up as some kooky, odd, practice piece wallhanging! But now, I still need a backing for the lap quilt, AND now one for the other!

In the mood (a Christmas-y mood that is!)

2008-12-07T13:26:00.001-08:00

I've been listening to this album all weekend: http://www.hotelcafe.com/wintersongs/

I so love it! You can't go wrong with an album full of women singing Christmas songs. Unfortunately, you'll have to download it somewhere or go buy it to hear the full songs, but at least the preview gives you an idea.

Christmas presents are DONE!

2008-12-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

Yup, this is it! The last present... ahhh. Just the simple piece of fleece and a 1/2" binding... works for me!

And... some stash photos. These will become something at some point, though I'm not sure just what yet! Ok, well obviously that bottom pic will be something Christmas-y!

Tag! I'm it....

2008-12-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Robyn has tagged me, so... .here goes!

The rules to play TAG are these: ~ Post a link to the blog that challenged you and add these rules to your post:
~ Share 7 things about yourself~ Challenge 7 other blogs at the end of your post through naming their blog and post a link to it.
~ Let them know they're been challenged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 Things about me:

1) I've been an Army wife for almost 9 years now... that means 4 duty stations (2 in country, 2 overseas) and we're on our 6th home... and our son- in 1st grade- is on his 3rd school!
2) I taught myself how to quilt right after our son was born... with cardboard templates... ick!
3) I'm short... 5'2".... yet I'm also taller than my mother and grandmother.
4) At one point I had 9 body piercings... down to just 3 now (ears and nose)
5) I have one tattoo... and it hurt like crazy so I have NO plans for anymore- EVER!
6) I have a thing for Christmas trees, and we have 4 artificial ones. So far I only have 2 up this year.
7) I married hubby at the ripe old age of 17... before I graduated HS

I'm skipping the tagging people part, but if you want to play along- go ahead!

Come out, Come out!

2008-12-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Wherever you are!

I seem to average about 5-8 blog views a day - not many, but I'm not putting it out there or anything.

However, when- out of boredom- I checked my map/visitor counter, it seems that there were approximately 40 visitors yesterday.... who are you guys? LOL

Post a comment and say HI! if you're reading :P

The most Wonderful time of the year!

2008-11-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ahh, yes- the time when I get to break out the Christmas trees and say hello to all my favorite ornaments! We don't do themes so much, but have a pretty ecclectic mix of ornaments. I will admit though, that I'm slowly collecting more and more of the Jim Shore ornaments, and I'm thinking they'd make a tree awfully pretty all on their own!

A few pics to share of just some of my favorite (ok, they're really all my faves, but I won't bore you with that many pics!):

(chubby Santa made his way home with me from a Chinese gift exchange in Germany... I believe he came from Poland! Quite the traveler :P )

I'll try and get more tree pics as they go up (the three small ones)... I love torturing hubby with the PINK tree!

Hmm, brain issues!

2008-11-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

I did title that last post ' A FEW little things', and then only posted about one really!

Here are a few random other snapshots that I meant to put up- kiddo has been having tons of fun with Cub Scouts, and though I'm sure I'm not the best Den Mom ever, we're all working it out!

Now that hubby and kiddo are back from the store though, we're off to finish Fred Clause! Nothing like holiday movies :D

A few little things...

2008-11-29T13:27:00.001-08:00

More fleece fun: This will get a dark brown binding (the thread is a brown varigated in different shades) and be FILs Christmas gift. It's a 2 yard piece of 60" fleece, trimmed down when finished, so a bit smaller than 60x72 finished. Hard to see, but it's 'quilted' with swirls all over for a textured effect.

Other than that, I'm in the process of laying out and assembling some past swap blocks for a quilt for a friend... lots of pinks, lots of fun! I may get brave and try out quilting feathery designs on this one...

Giving Thanks!

2008-11-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

For many things... healthy, family, friends... and the fact that my turkey turned out great and I shouldn't be accidentally poisoning anyone! (side note: I never have poisoned anyone, however I have gotten a nasty case of food poisoning from turkey, so I think any Turkey day that goes by without that is a plus!)

Happy Thanksgiving, Blogland!!!

Almost done... ahhhh!

2008-11-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

I have a binding to sew onto a fleece panel and I'll be DONE with Christmas! Feels sooo good to be so close.

This last gift (no pics yet) will be for my father-in-law. It's a 2 yd panel of grey fleece, quilted for texture. Even though I got the fleece pieces to practice on, I really like the sculptural effect it gives!

Playing around...

2008-11-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Some freehand on fleece:

I swear, I won't bore you anymore!

2008-11-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

Not with this quilt anyways, because it's DONE! WOOHOO!

Will be packed up and shipped out to it's intended recipient by the end of the week, ahhh.

(the cat just can NOT resist a quit on the floor!)

Sewing goals for the week:

2008-11-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

* Bind sister's lap quilt

* Make yellow/blue and Christmas tree blocks for swap, prepare for mailing

* Assemble lap quilt top for FIL's Christmas pressie

* Read up on and find vids for sewing pantograph patterns... maybe practice on FIL's quilt top!

Ok... looks like enough!

Officially on a ROLL!

2008-11-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

All this sucker needs is binding!

And, it's finished- well, the quilting part at least!- 2 weeks before my self imposed mailing deadline.... ahhhh!

And what demands even more 'ahhhh'? The fact that I only have ONE more Christmas present to finish... another lap quilt!

I guess you could consider this 'on a roll'...

2008-11-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Especially considering the quilty slump I've been in the last few weeks.

Not ONLY did I get the backing done for the scrappy medallion, but I also loaded it... and started the first bit of quilting. Ahhh.... Sidenote: Nora the Nolting does not like prewound bobbins, no matter how many times I try them- on the bright side, Patty the Pfaff could care less! (yes- I name my sewing machines, it makes them nicer)

And, among the quilty goodness I even managed to finish a book, eat a few times, and do a bit (ok, a tiny bit!) of cleaning!

Yay!

2008-11-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

I did it! I sewed! Unfortunately, this quilt is a bit wonky... too many triangles? too much crinkling and stuffing into the corner so I won't have to look at it? LOL In any case, it's a top now! Right at 5 feet square, which isn't huge, but my sister is wanting it for a lap quilt, so it's a decent size for that use.

Either way, I'm confident that a good pressing and the quilting process will work those kinks right out!

Back in the saddle!

2008-11-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm not yet... not as of today, but tomorrow is the day! I WILL SEW TOMORROW! Something... anything!

I have one lap quilt that needs ONE border in order to be a top and get loaded and quilted. I could go super simple, or I could go a little less simple. I have a few ideas in my head though, so the goal tomorrow is to get that border done and get that sucker loaded up on Nora's frame. (Nora is my purple FunQuilter- she and I get along well!)

I also have a few stacks of ooooold swap blocks that will be my last Christmas gift for the year. The FIL will be getting a lap quilt to keep in his truck when he's out on the road. I haven't decided yet which stack of blocks will be his, but maybe while I'm finishing up the other top tomorrow, I can figure that out as well.

But... TOMORROW I will quilt, or sew something quilt related- I promise myself!

Oh my...

2008-11-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

I feel Christmas sneaking up on me!

The above lap quilt is done (and really not quite so wonky, but I was too lazy to de-wrinkle it before picture time). This is another of the Christmas presents done, and ready to be shipped with a few of the others- well, they'll be ready to ship once one more lap quilt is done!

I have 2 lap quilts left to finish, and I REALLY need to be working on those, but I have nooooo motivation... at all! I wander into my sewing room (hmm... maybe I should start calling it my 'studio') and look at everything, and leave without doing anything! Well, I'll take that back, I did just make a pincushion. I didn't need a pincushion. I didn't particularly desire a new pincushion. I don't even USE pincushions. But I had a glimpse of an idea... and some fabric... and time to waste... I'm not a huge fan of the way it turned out, but I like the shape (a fluffy box/mattress!) and I'm sure I could do it up pretty in other fabrics... Hmm... more thoughts taking shape, but probably not enough motivation to do anything about it!

Such a slacker...

2008-10-23T05:45:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile!

We've been busy here- field trip, Cub Scout campout, a weekend visit from the hubby, out of state family down for a week, frant

As far as projects go, a few updates- the scrappy rug is scrapped... for now, until I can learn to crochet correctly. The crazy brown/blue quilt is done, but I have yet to get a picture of it in it's finished form. This means though, that I only have TWO lap quilts to finish in November to be ready for Christmas- go me!

A few pics from the last couple weeks:

(me, kiddo, and a 50 lb python... good stuff!)

(he LOVED this baby deer!)

(so... it's a good thing we don't keep flint around the house!)

(Matt shooting a BB gun at Akela Camp... 46/50- go Mr Sniper Matt!)

(Matt's bath/Jedi robe- first attempt at making a costume- simple but he loves it!)

Currently working on...

2008-10-07T09:27:00.003-07:00

1. Binding on the blue/cream crazy lap quilt. Just have to flip and iron, and topstitch the front down.

2. A rag rug, from leftover fabric strips and extra binding pieces. Currently this size:
It will end up a cirle, beacuse I don't know how to crochet any other shape (except a chain, and that would make a horrible rug!). Truthfully, I hardly know how to crochet at all, but it's holding up so far haha! I'd like to make it big enough to go side to side ... so this will probably get finished about the time the Army makes us move and we have to sell the house! And, just to make you lose your lunch, here's a close up of the true ugliness... ahh, loves it!

3. To be fair, this is done, and even has a matching checkbook cover from the blue fabric. I used an Amy Butler pattern, Frenchie bags, for the tote. Viola! Another Christmas present checked off the list!

Fabric, fabric, fabric!

2008-10-07T09:27:00.001-07:00

Overdue picture...

2008-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Of the previously mentioned bike riding! He's since upgraded the bigger, 20" tire bike, but for some reason, I haven't taken pics of that yet- oops!

Parental Accomplishements...

2008-09-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

1- walking
2-talking
3- potty training
4- 1st day of Kindergarten
5- RIDING A BIKE ON TWO WHEELS!!!

That's right- yesterday, Matt finally figured it out! After a few days of sore backs (me) and frustrations (Matt), we decided to try out a new method that Mommy found on Google. Lesson learned- Google is ALWAYS right!

After about 10 minutes of the new method ( http://www.ibike.org/education/teaching-kids.htm ) he took off and started pedaling on his own! By dusk yesterday evening, he was able to start off with me holding his shoulders - hasn't quite figured out the pushing off on his own yet. AND he is able to go up and down our street/cul-de-sac all the way alone!

Today we're going to try and master taking off on his own... and working on turning LOL! I'll try to get pictures, but that's hard to do since hubby's out of town and I'm trying this on my own haha

Christmas Project #2

2008-09-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so surprised I managed to get this much farther with this today- I spend half the day figuring out how to change spark plugs and spark plug wires... Good news- I figured it out... Bad news- it seems that wasn't the only issue w/ the car and it still doesn't run- OOPS! Haha

However, this project was a bunch of 6" blocks this morning, and tonight it is a top! Well, a center at least... I'm thinking an easy cream border and then scrappy blue for binding... it's a little crazy, but that just makes things more fun sometime.

One down... some more to go

2008-09-23T06:54:00.001-07:00

YAY! Christmas pressie #1 is ready to go... except for a quick washing to get cat hair off of it. Hard to see the gingerbread men's buttons and the buttons on the trees, but it's the general idea, and at least it's done!

Project #2 is almost a top, minus sewing rows together and adding a quick border.

A few random pics from our weekend:

(yes! I've trained the cat to go out and come in with the dogs- go me!)

Random Cub Scout fun... (at least by kiddo's definition!)

Still working on Christmas stuff

2008-09-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

The tree skirt is coming along nicely... I have a few more buttons to add on, and then it's done! The binding is on, and it's nearly finished- almost have one gift down!

I started working on Christmas gift #2 last week also. It's going to be a simple split 9 patch lap quilt. The recipient stated that he wanted 'blue'.... so I'm trying to work with that! I think it's turning out fairly well so far. Here it is in the beginning stages:

This blog, http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ , is providing lots of inspiration. Not only for me, but Matt as well... he is in love with that Jedi robe! I see more projects coming and the tin can pincushions seem like they would make cute easy presents for sewing friends for Christmas.

Tree Skirt Progress

2008-09-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, I managed to get it totally quilted and off the frame last night. Nothing fancy, just a loopy meander around the applique shapes. The binding is ready for hand sewing to the back (hence all the clips- you can ignore those!) and then it needs some button embellishment, then all done!

Big plans tonight include binding and a movie, yay!

Tree Skirt.... Christmas Project #1

2008-09-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ahh, I swear it's not really so wrinkly and mis-shapen... between me laying it down and getting the camera out, the animals rolled around on it a few times!

It's loaded on Nora (Nolting and frame) now, and I'm quilting - WOOHOO!

Finally doing stuff!

2008-09-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I'm working on quilty things- yay! Now when my Grandma calls and asks, I can actually tell her about new things LOL.

My mom requested a tree skirt last year to be done by Christmas this year, and even went so far as to buy fabrics and a pattern (not using the pattern, but it was a starting point!)... I've got parts of this cut, and the gingerbread down, and buttons picked out for them... I'm tea dying some white rick-rack right now, and have a Christmas tree shape ready to turn into a simple applique for 2 panels... go me!

Dad requested a lap quilt in blues, and I've got a group of blue repros that I'm thinking can go with some cream prints and work up i nto a quick split 9 patch. I haven't tried that pattern yet, but it looks fun and fast, so this is as good a reason as any!

My sister's wall quilt is almost a top, I think it needs just one more border. I bought fabric today for my MIL's present (an apron or tote bag, got enough clearance fabric for either one!)

Ahhh, feels good to be getting this Christmas stuff finally going!

More small stuff...

2008-09-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't been too movitvated to work on large projects lately, but I'm going to HAVE to work myself out of that funk and get started on Christmas!!!!

Last night I did some simple embroidery while watching Transformers (again) with Matt, and dressed up a little canvas tote. I got the totes in the craft section at WalMart for 5$ / 3 and figured they'd be a good little start to using my own grocery sacs! But, plain canvas totes are pretty plain and ugly, so....

And this morning, I was in the mood for another small project, so decided to try out a checkbook cover (pattern from http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ ). There may be some people out there who are past checks, but I still use them on a fairly regular basis since a good part of my bills go to departments who aren't neccassarly caught up with technology (blame being in Southern Alabama maybe?!?)

It turned out cute enough, but Ithink I'll just use a plain fabric for the lining next time... no point in wasting the pretty stuff when you can barely see it!

Now, I'm going to have to get myself motivated for Christmas projects... so far I have in mind

*wall quilt (top about half done)
*3 lap quilts (going to use swap blocks for these I think, so that should make it a lot easier)
*apron
*maybe a few tote bags? stockings? not sure yet...

Still around

2008-08-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

I haven't been up to much sewing the last week or so because I've been feeling a bit blah, but I am still around and kickin'!

Another small project...

2008-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

I had started quilting this leftover fabric a month or so ago out of boredom, and it ended up being a tote. Nothing fancy, but it gave me something to do!

Baby Quilt... Finished!

2008-08-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

So this project started as a UFO... originally intended to be a baby boy quilt for commission, but it was in process when hubby was injured during deployment, and never got finished (customer understood, no biggie!)... now I was in need of a baby girl quilt for a friend who is expecting... what to do? Repurpose!!! A stack of light green bowtie blocks became this...

The only batting I have on hand is poly... which I'm not a huge fan of, but it's here, so I'll use it. I'm not fond of the fluffiness (and this is the lowest loft poly I could find), because, in this case especially, it seems like some of the fabric pattern is lost. Ah well- it's not one I'm keeping anyway!

I do think, though, that it turned out nice and girly enough... sort of cottage garden-y... but definately for a little girl with the pink!

And, in efforts to use stash and keep my (or hubby's, whatever :P ) money, I used the same fabs for a pieced backing... I don't really do pieced backings, but figured that a small baby quilt was the best place to start. Oh, and the binding is pieced... the strips came from the excess backing that I cut off... man, I rock!

Tara Quilts

Snippets...

I've been quilting!

The last of the leftovers...

Weekending!

Maybe I should change the name...

nook Cover - Part 2

Mini Project

I have a plan!

For a friend...

The boy...

New...

No quilty update- but where we've been...

So little time!

Finally- finished product(s)!

I QUILTED!!!

Baby pictures!

New Year... New Resolutions

Also new...

Future Quilter?

Some sewing! FINALLY!

Another annoying 'I'm alive!' post...

Family Time....

Life in General...

Signs of things to come...

Shameless Fundraiser Link

Labor Day Weekend...

A finish for Addy!

It's the MOST Wonderful Time... of the year (cue Christmas melodies!)

Snippets...

Look at me go!

And it's a.............

A New(ish) Project

TaDA!

I QUILTED!

We're alive- I promise!

Another Top!

The End of May Thing...

Easily my favorite 'fast' quilt!

Baby Sewing!

Meet Le Bebe!

We've been BUSY!

Another Baby Quilt

Just a little bit of sewing...

What's on the design wall...

Another finish! (almost!)

Such a Slacker!

Go figure!

A springy urge...

Look to your right...

A finish!

Currently Sewing on...

Yay for Quilting!

TaaDaa! I think...

Ok... I'm trying

Another busy week!

Working...

Last Diaper Bag post...

Houston, We have Handles!

In a baby crafting sort of mood...

Productive again... finally!

Giving up....

Goals....

A little birdie...

It went like this....

I'll be back...

A non-quilty project...

Impatiently waiting

Another post with *Christmas* in the title... Why not?

In the mood (a Christmas-y mood that is!)

Christmas presents are DONE!

Tag! I'm it....

Come out, Come out!

The most Wonderful time of the year!

Hmm, brain issues!

A few little things...

Giving Thanks!

Almost done... ahhhh!

Playing around...

I swear, I won't bore you anymore!

Another post with Christmas in the title... Why not?