Waiting

The backing fabric has been ordered. Can't wait to get this quilt sandwiched, tied and bound!

Baby Girl Quilt

Just about two months left until this human comes out. I feel a little overwhelmed with everything I need to get done before then. I thought I had plenty of time! And then suddenly all the time was gone.

Bought this fabric and pattern while in Utah at Christmas and just started working on it this week. I'd be done already if I didn't keep taking naps. Ha!

It's coming together very quickly and easily and the fabric is so lovely to gaze upon. Not sure if I'm going to tie this quilt or send it to be quilted -- kinda don't want to spend another $100...but we'll see.

Finished Gifts

The gift making is done! I took it easy this year by only making a couple things. I'll share more about these after the holiday...





I am surprised to realize December is basically already half-way over. Time is completely out-of-control lately. Only 4 more months until I suddenly will have two children. Can't wrap my head around it!

To Haul Myself Out of a Rut

Oh, hello there, little blog. I am here. Still here. I've been in a rut for the past few months -- creatively, emotionally, physically, mentally. Today has felt like the culmination of a lot of neglect on my part, of myself. So, I've got to pull myself together and get back to the things that make me feel happy and fulfilled (beyond just being a Mom and Wife -- which I don't think I've been doing too well of a job with either, lately). I have definitely been feeling the lack of a creative outlet and in the past few days it's really been wearing on me.


I think I have found the perfect remedy. I've found something that will force me to be creative and to learn new skillz and to be productive. One of my very favorite crafty blog girls, Rachel at Smile and Wave, is co-teaching an online Home Ec class that started yesterday. I am so thrilled to be able to take this class. There is a new project everyday, each one teaching a new sewing skill. Many things I already know, but there are some great advanced things (like pattern reading and alterations) that I just can not wait to learn. I've been wanting to start making my own clothes for so long, but have always been too scared. I'm thinking this will break me into it and give me the confidence to continue.

Each project includes step-by-step instructions, lots of photos and even videos. Questions can be asked and there will be a few live chats with the teachers, too. The private blog will stay up for a year, so the projects can just be completed on my own schedule. I am so so excited.

And, good news, they've extended the registration to August 15, in case anyone wants to sign up! Just go HERE to read more about it, and let me know if you decide to join. I'll definitely be sharing my completed projects on this blog, so check back soon!

I Am The Walrus

I made this stuffed Walrus in 7th grade in home-ec. But never actually completed him (I wonder what kind of grade I got?). He was missing his moustache and the stuffing hole wasn't sewn closed. He's been sitting around in various storage boxes in various storage facilities for these 15 years.

Until today. It took approximately 6 minutes to cut out a new moustache, applique it on, and sew the hole closed. A procrastination world record maybe?

William loves him. The Walrus sits on his bed, in all his mustachioed stateliness.

Quilt Finishing

Last spring or so, my brother Ivan got on a sewing kick and put together this quilt top. And then got burned out I suppose. Knowing that he'd probably never finish the quilt on his own, I took over. I bought the backing and batting, tied it, bound (binded?) the edges and gave it back to him for Christmas. It was a satisfying day's work (after having the quilt top since July and not doing anything with it...oops).

Popcorn on the Cob

Just some little gifts I quickly put together for all of my aunts and uncles and some friends. A couple cob of popcorn with instructions and a hot pad or two. Fun, easy and cheap!

Two Simple Totes for Two Little Girls

These little book bags were made for two little girls I know who love books. They seemed so tiny when I made them, but after seeing them on little ones, they were just the right size.

The pattern came from Amy Karol's (aka The Angry Chicken) Bend-the-Rules Sewing, which I've made several projects from now. The directions were soooo confusing for me, but once I actually just followed them -- instead of trying to think ahead -- it was easy and it worked!

This project uses so little fabric, is so quick and it's so fun to mix and match fabrics. I'm definitely going to make one for Will and probably will make a larger one for myself. Heaven knows I need yet another bag in my life.

WJS

There's a new William in town (in fact, he has the exact same initials as my William, which means they'll probably be bros-for-life) and we spent most of last week visiting that sweet baby and our great friends.



I threw this quilt together at the last minute (ah, procrastination) the night and morning before driving out to our friends' house. It's made with scraps of a few of my favorite boy fabrics that I've used in other projects (here and here). Easy 6" squares pieced together in rows and machine quilted with organic bamboo batting inside. Yum.


Also yum, this sweet sweet new baby:

Cafe Curtains

I finally took down from the kitchen window the dirty, half-broken blinds that were always trying to fall down onto William or myself. Now there are pretty, airy, non life-threatening cafe curtains in their place!

I whipped these up in an afternoon after months of thinking about doing them. I always work up things like this in my mind to be a big deal. And then I finally do it, and it's not a big deal at all.



One funny thing about these curtains is that this fabric was originally intended to be made up into place mats. I even had them mostly all cut out. Six months later, I found store-bought place mats that I liked and then had a pile of rectangles sitting around. So, to do these curtains, I had to sew all those pieces back together again. Haha! Which means the bottom curtain is a bit silly, but we'll just call it character.

Wonder Wallet

My mama was here last week for a few days. We spent her time here going on walks, shopping, making healthy food, embroidery-ing and sewing. So, pretty much the best time ever.

For Christmas, my mom made all the girls one of these little "wonder wallets" . They're super cute and I use mine to keep all of my punch cards and whatnots that I don't need in my regular wallet all the time. Slim things down, you know.



William loves to empty wallets, which is not so convenient. So I figured it'd be a good idea to make him his own. I stole a bunch of empty gift cards from various stores and my mom made him one.



This project is so fast and easy. Especially if you just sit there and watch, like I did (I did sew on the Velcro at least...).

William has been putting corn and raisins up his nose all day. Luckily, most of them have come out on their own. One raisin I retrieved with tweezers. And one raisin is still up there. I'm waiting for back-up.

*Update: The raisin has been evacuated. I held his mouth closed until he breathed hard out of his nose. Haha.

An Olive for Makayla

So it's February already. Wow. How weird. And I think we've just skipped right over winter here and are going from summer right back into summer. How disappointing. I am definitely meant to live in chillier climes.

But anyway, I'll save it for my weather blog...




Here is the doll I made for our friends' daughter who had her first birthday last week. It's another Olive doll from this Wee Wonderfuls pattern, the same one I made for William's birthday. I am just so in love with these dolls. They are so easy to make and it's so much fun choosing their outfits.




(Please excuse the bad photos.)

I hope Makayla likes her Olive doll as much as William likes his Olive and Archie dolls. He sleeps with Archie every night and loves giving him hugs. Right now Olive is chilling with Spaceboy on the little toy piano. Will gives them kisses and then plays a little tune.


Please click on the photo to see the full-size version.
It's totally worth it. This kid just kills me.

This kid also just graduated out of the "bucket" into a big kid car seat. So far he loves it. Now he can see out the window and see us in the front seat. Plus, it's so super-cush. I'm a little jealous.

Burnt

I'm so burnt out on sewing at the moment. It's been an intense week. But I do have to finish up this little something so I can get it in the mail on Monday. It's for a certain baby girl who's turning one! More pics later...

Traveling By Train

While in Utah, my sibs and I frequented the antique shop. Frequently.



They had two complete sets of vintage Samsonite luggage. One brown set and one green set. My sis-in-law and I both quickly fell in love with the train cases. She with the brown and I with the green.




My little sister got Christi the brown one for Christmas. I went back later and got the green one for myself for Christmas. Everyone is happy. Though Christi is probably a bit happier than me because she also went back later and got more of the brown set for her. I couldn't get more of the green cause I had no way to get it home. She wins.

So that's the story of how this adorable little trunk came to be mine.




I'm using it for my sewing notions.




It does a good job. And has the best, old, dusty, funky smell. I love it. I just go smell it every once and awhile.

Popsicle Posies

It's not actually cold enough to wear a scarf. But I did anyway. Because it's January and when else can I wear a scarf?

Hey kids. John's off being a rock star for the week so it's just been me and the babe. It's been lonely but we're cool. Lots of sewing, playing outside, reading books and watching movies (for me, after Will goes to bed).

Today has been a great day! First, it's been raining and overcast. Second, it's cool(er). And third, I finished my quilt top!

Um, amazing. Now do you see why I nearly died at the quilt shop?

I already mentioned this, but this is the Popsicle Posies Quilt using the American Jane "Recess" fabrics. I'm so so in love. I got the backing and the batting today and now I've got to quilt it. I was originally going to take it to be quilted by the same lady who did my last quilt. But...now I'm considering hand quilting. I've never actually done hand quilting, but I'm always getting bored and wanting to learn how to do something new. So...I just may do it. I think it'll add to the vintage-y, old-school-y-ness.

Love that red one on the bottom left there. I think I need more for Will's robot.

The backing is the same fabric as that green tiny dot border there. Adorable over-load!

I'm off to research the hand quilting what-nots. So wish me luck! I can't wait to start! (And if you have any tips, please let me know...)

Miss you, Daddy!

Turning Twenty

I finished another quilt! And this one is like, a serious quilt. With actual piecing (though easy) and actual quilting (though I didn't do that part).

The pattern is called Turning Twenty -- because it's done with 20 different fabrics. I thought it'd be easy to find 20 fabrics I love but it was actually really hard. Especially when going to only one store for them all. I kind of wish I had taken more time selecting (going on line, etc) because there are a few fabrics that I don't totally love. My favorites are of course the Amy Butler and Heather Bailey ones.

It was very easy. Each block is only 3 pieces -- just different size rectangles/squares. I think it only took about a week to complete the top. And then I took it up to Utah with me to be quilted by a lady my mom knows-ish. Then I sewed on the binding in a couple days. It's almost queen-size and we've been sleeping with it since I got it done about a week ago.

Blah blah blah.

And here's a sneak peak at the new quilt I'm working on -- Popsicle Posies Quilt (with fabric by American Jane, a new favorite!). This pattern/fabrics just about gave me a heart attack in the shop. My mom, sisters, brother and John can all attest to my weirdness. I was like, actually freaking out. I'm so stoked on it. I'm half-way done with the top, so I'll show you some more pics soon! I LOOOOOOOVE IT! Just you wait!

Spaceboy

This is what I spent Christmas Eve making for William. It's the Spaceboy from Wee Wonderfuls . Doesn't she design the cutest things ever? I love that she has so many toys for boys (because she has one, I guess). The pattern book also came with a pattern for a robot (see link) and I'm hoping to get that made this week.

Spaceboy wears his space goggles when he's on a mission.
This guy is William's favorite new toy, along with this peg board). William flies Spaceboy around while making rocket sounds. I love little boys.

Mission accomplished!

P.S. I'm planning on embroidering a 'W' onto his belt there. Just as soon as I can get it from William for long enough. :)

Birthday Prep

Hello, October 8th. Why must you be 96 degrees? Why?

So it's been quite awhile since I wrote and it's because I have been super busy! Two very exciting things are happening next week. William's 1st birthday is on the 14th and we're having a party, and also, half of my family is coming to visit. They fly in on Saturday and will be staying for 7 whole days! We can't wait!!

Here, take a look at what I've been working on...



Invitations. Beautiful papers and envelopes from Paper Source -- my paper nirvana.




Olive and Archie dolls made from a Wee Wonderfuls pattern. These were way fun to make and super easy. I loved designing their outfits. I will totally be making more of these dolls. I also want to get the pattern for the Space Boy & Robot. Maybe that'll be Christmas. :)




Some favorite books from my childhood (does anyone else remember Santa Mouse? I had totally forgotten about it until I saw it at B&N -- I love the illustrations! Like, in an obsessive way).




A 'Happy Birthday' bunting to be hung on the special day.

I always have thought that birthday parties for kids under 3 were silly. I swore I would just do a low-key dinner with family only for my kids' first couple birthdays. Yeah. Then I got too excited about the possibilities of an acorn theme (see invite, more to come) and it just got a little out of hand. Now I'm thinking about party favors and stuff. I must be stopped. :)

Anyway, can't wait to show you more pics from the actual party -- it's going to be very acorn-y and autumnal. I just hope the weather cooperates. Please? Can I at least get something in the 70s??

"Cool weather, please!"

Scrap Quilt Completed

I have finished the scrap quilt. It looks great as long as you don't analyze it too much. Haha. It's the first sort-of-pieced quilt I've ever made and I certainly learned a lot. I could have learned many things before making this quilt if I had just read my First-Time Quiltmaking book first. Like, being extremely accurate with measuring and cutting and like, sewing in a straight line (I did actually know all of these things...I just didn't do then since I wasn't following any instructions). Haha.



Also, I messed up the corners on the binding somehow. I have no idea what I did but they are pretty hideous.



Despite all of it's numerous flaws, I do love it because I love all the fabrics. And it's a nice little size for my lap while knitting or something. If it ever gets cool enough to ever want to touch yarn or have a blanket on me. Plus, I like the way it looks in our living room -- it makes the room a little more my style. Woot!

Sofia Blanket

On Saturday night we attended a really beautiful baby shower -- lots of twinkly lights and pink tulle and white linens. It was catered with some amazing Italian food, cake from Bread Basket Cake Company (as was the cake from my baby shower -- yummiest cake ever!) and attended by over 70 people!

The shower was held at the father-to-be's grandmother's house and I fell in love. The grounds and gardens of this house were my dream. Beautiful flower beds, fruit trees, lots of room for vegetable gardens, a beehive, grassy lawn and patios. There were even sheep next door. *Sigh*



But anyway, what we're really here to talk about is this Sofia Blanket that I designed and made for the baby-on-the-way. It's made with 3 different fabrics from Heather Bailey's new line. This fabric is so vivid and soft and with just some thin flannel as batting, the weight of this blanket ended up being so yummy. It was really, really hard to part with, but seeing how much the mommy liked it made it a bit easier. :)



So anyway, I'm thinking that I will make a few of these for sale on my etsy shop, once I get that up. My only worry is finding a good price point for something like this -- where it makes sense to cover the cost of the fabrics (this used nearly 3 yards of fabric total) and also so I could make a little bit of profit. What do you think? How much would you pay for a blanket like this? They would be made with beautiful, designer fabrics, the dimensions are approximately 30x36 and the batting is organic, un-dyed flannel. ???