For Chastidy

Chastidy, I LOVE my little blue Janome. Until recently I sewed on an old, heavy Singer. I actually purchased the Janome because I needed a machine quick (my Singer broke down in the middle of a project and I didn't want to have to "shop" around for a big, expensive machine) and the price was very right. I figured that once I had it I could take my time shopping for my "real" machine. I wanted my new machine to be more portable and easier to store, which this one is. I wanted it to be easy to use, without a bunch of stuff I wouldn't use...check. I haven't found anything that it CAN'T do yet. It powered through putting a lightweight quilt together, so seems to be powerful enough (for me, at least). I haven't quite figured out why I couldn't find any reviews, etc. But seems to be due to the fact that it is a Kenmore with the Janome name. Hmm. I'm beginning to think that I won't need to get another machine, because I really like sewing on this one. Hope this helps.

LWR Quilt Top

My first project on my new machine was to put together a quilt top for Lutheran World Relief. A lovely group of LWML ladies at my church puts together many of these quilts each year. I know it's a little loud but will definitely hopefully bring a lot of warmth!

On its Way!

I'm finding out that sewing machines are like cars...everyone has their favorite make & model. But by far, I received the most positive feedback about Janome machines. Well, I finally purchased a new sewing machine, a Janome 1913. I will most likely be buying a bigger, more expensive machine in the next couple of months, but this one will be perfect for when I want to bring my sewing machine along with me (it only weighs 11 pounds!). Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Rock the Vote!

Hey, Everyone! Tracey over at Itching 2 B Stitching is hosting the Because I Matter Challenge and it's time to vote for all the June entries. Will you go over there and vote for your favorite project? You'll find my June project (the sewing organizer) as well as a bundle of other super cute things from very talented crafters. CLICK HERE

Don't Look Tracey!!!

Phew. It is finished...almost. That's right. ALMOST finished. I still have to complete a little bit of hand stitching around the zipper, and inside the lining. What a big challenge this bag was for me. I really am happy with how it turned out despite all the little quirks that got sewed in. I added the little fabric flower to spice it up a bit...what do you think?

Because I Matter Challenge--June Project

Because I scored a loaner machine from my very sweet friend Phyllis, I was able to finish my June entry for the Because I Matter Challenge over at Tracey's. This little organizer is the perfect size for all of my quilting and small sewing tools. It is lined with fleece so it is perfect for safely securing needles and scissors. Next month maybe I will dream up something bigger for myself, but for this month, I kept it simple.

RIP Little Singer

My sewing machine died last night. It's got some kind of timing issue. It has been a great sewing machine, but last time that I had service done on it, I vowed not to spend and more $ on it so I guess it's time for a new one. I don't mind buying a used one, but really need a work horse...anyone have advice?

Sneak Peek (TRACEY, DON'T LOOK!)

Drum roll please. I finally got started putting together Tracey's bag from her swap that ended a million years ago. Amy Butler's Weekend Bag. I got a little farther tonight and completed the piping around the front panels and attached the zipper. It isn't nearly as complicated as I feared and I am so happy with how it is going together. The stripes matching on the front panels is a total fluke...and they don't match up one bit on the zipper panel, which may look funny. So this is a sneak peek:
I haven't given up on quilting yet. I'm also still stitching away on my pink quilt. I really enjoy the actual quilting part and slowing am getting better at it. Addie's toes will probably peek out from underneath by the time I get it together. :)

Squares & Skirt for Addie

TA-DA!

All but one of my homework squares are finished now. I will be working on getting borders on and then will start quilting. These squares represent HOURS of seam ripping...especially that silly 8 pointed star. I now have a much deeper appreciation for the hands behind all those quilts I own and see in shops.

After this week's overwhelming class where we learned about different quilting stitches and techniques, I had to go straight home and work on something that I was comfortable with. So I made Addie this cute little skirt from Bananafana out of the princess material and ribbon she picked out at the store recently. I have some beautiful fabrics to make a few more skirts from this pattern, but had to make this one first. It turned out SO cute and was SO easy.

Quietly Quilting

I've been spending those few precious hours after the kids go to sleep, working on my quilting class homework. I finished four blocks last week (pictures soon) and now have two more to do before the next class...eight point star and drunkard's path. I have enjoyed the cutting, piecing, and ironing--I think it really appeases the control freak in me. Okay quilters out there...why, when, and where do YOU love to quilt?

Blooming Gifts

It's Teacher Appreciation Week at J's school. This is what we came up with for his four awesome teachers. I actually bought a very similar pin recently, and planned on buying more for these gifts, but I ran out of time and was forced to make my own. :) Mine are a little less shabby-chic (it's the OCD in me) and a little more symmetrical, but I think they turned out so sweet. Jackson instructed me to pick out "beautiful orange fabric." I'm not a super fan of orange, but I love all of these fabrics. The top two look red/pink in the photo, but they are really orange. What do you think?

Triangle Squares-

These are the last of the units for this week's homework. I still need to trim the triangle squares and then piece together two blocks from these squares. You can see my favorite tool...the princess pencil. I thought it was appropriate to work on Addie's quilt!

Making Progress

I completed 2 more units tonight! I'm saving the triangle units for tomorrow. Once I get those units finished I'll piece together my two 9-square blocks. I am having fun learning about "quick piecing," and am getting better at lining up the seams.

I'm Back and Gettin' Busy

Now that the marathon is over I can get back to my sewing! You can read about my marathon experience over at the family blog (link to the right).

This is part of my homework from a Quilting class that I am taking with my friend Linda. This is my very first block ever...the Rail Fence. The blue one is the sample I took from class, the pink one is mine. I'm pretty happy with it except that the center seam is a tiny bit off. Can you tell what's on the fabric? Cupcakes, polkadots, & flowers. Can you tell who is going to receive the finished quilt? You guessed it, the number 1 pink lover in my house...Addie.

Two more blocks to go before class next Tuesday. I'll post pictures when I get them together.

Look What I Got!

My sweet friend Linda made this beautiful apron for me. Linda tackled her first sewing project at the apron class I hosted a few months ago...and has really taken off with her sewing. Can you believe she's only been sewing for a few months?! She brought this to me today with a sweet note, and I just can't tell you how happy it made me. My eyes were full of big watery tears as I tried it on. The fabric is a FAB Amy Butler pattern that I just adore. What a treat. Thanks, Linda!

PS. Jackson took the picture for me so I could show you...he said: "I don't think I can get ALL of you in here, but I'll try!" :)

Flower for Addie

These flowers are from Amy Butler's Uptown Handbag pattern. I just LOVE making these. They require a very small amount of material and take just an hour (if that) to make. I attached this one to an alligator clip and stuck it in Red's hair. She likes it enough to let me take her picture.

Yep...Nope

Yep. I am supposed to be making some headway on my project for Tracey's We the People Swap #4...Have I? Nope. I was never a procrastinator, so I'm not sure why I'm having such a hard time getting started. I have the best partner (it's Tracey!!!) so I want to do an extra good job on this bag. Hmmm. I will get started soon. Maybe tomorrow. :) I'll keep you posted on my progress.

I did make these really cute frogs for the kids' Valentine's Day gifts. The pattern is Frog Patch from Me and My Sister Designs. I am by no means a quilter (although the stuff Marlene does could make me try to be), but MFFS (my favorite fabric shop) has one of the frogs made up and the kids just love holding him...so I broke down and bought the pattern (it's actually a quilt pattern). Basically you piece together the top, quilt it, and then assemble the frog and fill it with poly pellets. They turned out pretty cute.

Also, I will post some pictures soon of a dress that I hope to finish up for Addie soon. I've been working on it for ages...but I'm almost there!!!

Prayers

Keep THIS family in your prayers.

Her family is building a playground in Cora's memory. Here are two ways you can help:

Donate directly to the playground fund

or

Purchase one of these beautiful headband/pins from Joy's Hope (all proceeds will benefit Cora's playground)

Just for Fun!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear


• * Listen to me carefully


• * Don't judge me for my anxiety


• * Work things through with me


• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us


• * Laugh and make jokes with me


• * Gently push me toward new experiences


• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

More Aprons & Stuff

This was a gift for a baby shower. I made a burp rag and nursing cover from this cute pink & yellow Amy Butler fabric and then tucked them inside the bag I made from Amy Karol's book. We were requested to bring gifts unwrapped--and I think this turned out to be a cute way to package all the goodies.

This apron I made as a gift for a friend. I was supposed to work on it at the apron making party that I hosted--but I just finished it. It is the same pattern as this apron that I made awhile back.

The boys sporting their man-prons that I made them for Christmas. Of course these are only for manly uses like grilling and making pancakes.

Fear not...

Okay, my faithful blog readers. Yeah, I know you've been coming over here to see all the great projects I've been working on, only to find...NOTHING. I have been working on stuff and I even have pictures that I will try to get up today. So come back soon and I promise to have something to look at. Oh, and THANK YOU for stopping by!