Creating 4 my 4

Cute stockings

2011-09-26T19:55:00.001-07:00

so I made these cute little stockings for a friend of mine and think they just turned out lovely.

I adapted a pattern for the stocking and added fun embroidery.

Pillowcase bananza!

2011-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

So this week I have gone pillowcase crazy.

It all started when my husband came into the fabric store with me!! He saw the new space invaders fabric and asked that something for him be made with it....so I thought pillowcase!! Then I saw the pac-man fabric and thought my boys love pac-man I can make them a pillow cases! My daughter felt left out so I let her pick out fabric and the rest well as they say is history!!

I think that my little ladybug did a good job with matching the fabric, she picked out all of those, I think she has a future in fabric crafting :) :)

I know that it is wal-mart fabric, but the tinkerbell fabric is super cute!!

This is the space invaders pillow case. My husband cracks me up.....but I was super happy to make him something!!

It is a little eye boggling, but I like it. The cool part is that is really does make our bedroom!!

This is the pillowcase for both the boys....so double this and you got the picture!! :) I didn't do the main part in the pac-man partly for money reasons and part because I found an embroidary for my machine......

This is in the center of the boys pillowcase. I think it turned out pretty cute!!

And the whole!!

I had fun and the great thing is that they are super fast to make!!

A Week of Rest

2011-06-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well last week was me and my husbands week of vacation. My wonderful mother-in-law takes the four kids for an entire week. My husband took the week off of work and we just had fun.

We watched Green lantern on Monday. I went for Ryan Reynolds, he went for the comic book sci-fi! :) :). It was good, I really did enjoy it! Then my sweetie took me to the fabric store and target. He is a keeper.

On Tuesday we went bowling. It had been so long since we went. It felt like we were in college dating again. I won the first game. He won the second leaving us exactly tied on pins dropped, so of course we played a third game where he very much beat me!!

On Wed we went to a place called bullwinkles, it is a family fun center. We played miniature golf and silly ticket arcade games. We were able to 'buy' the kids a woopie cushion, a jump rope and a spikey ball with all our tickets :) :)

That night we went to the 'cheap' (second run) theater and saw the Lincoln Lawyer. It was fun, I like those who can outsmart who type of movies. The language was rough, a bit of violence, and on 'personal' scene that could of been done without, but good altogether.

We did nothing on Thursday, well we went nowhere. We played video games, watched tv (catching up on some shows) and just relaxed.

Friday we didn't do much. Although my husband isn't to into garage sales, he went with me anyway....love that man. He did take me to a cute little shop around here that has vendors of all sorts of misc stuff. Mostly older stuff redone and really cute decor. I love walking around there.

The kids came back on Saturday afternoon. I really did miss them, but had a super great time with just my love!

On a side note, I got a lot of sewing done too. I finished a quilt top, pictures to come later. I got a pair of pajamas done for my daughter and cut out a bunch of other stuff. Now, it is back to reality and life with four crazy kids :) :)

Krista's Quilt

2011-06-15T07:21:00.001-07:00

My college roommate is having a baby!! She has two precious little girls and now she is going to have a sweet baby boy!!

So of course I had to make her a quilt, so here it is!!

The fabric was a large print so I used a large block so that you can see the cute little animals!!

I am still new to the quilting thing and this is the first time I did a border and am so in love with it!! Going to have to do that again!!

This is my stippling. Like I said earlier I have only been quilting for less then two years and the same for stippling. I do it on a basic sewing machine so it does present some challenges, but I do like the way the it turned out!

I used a stripped sheet for the back. I love using sheets for the back. So, that is the whole quilt in it's glory....

Being a military brat I didn't keep friend a whole long time (well not physically close anyway) so the fact that I have lived near and been friends with Krista for almost 15 years is just amazing to me.....

I wish her luck on this little baby. May he be happy/healthy and super sweet!!!

Teacher gift

2011-06-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

So the end of the year is here. So, I wanted to thank my sons teacher. So, I made a banner with my embroidery machine. I think it turned out lovely....

The full effect....I love the bright colors and cheerfulness of it!

A close-up of the letters.

Another larger shot of the whole thing.

When I saw the embroidery pattern on Etsy (bigdreamembroidery) I knew that I just had to have it! It was super easy to use and it turns out just so cute. I think my daugher is going to get one next for her room!!

What do you think??

Nice day to frisbee golf!!

2011-06-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

My boys watching the water under the bridge!

My Jojo just being himself!

Mr. Grins He just brightens my day!

My Caleb again....He looks green here which is kinda funny!

All my four babies!

Following the 'yellow brick road.'

Love it!!

My 4 angels again!

My little girls...isn't she just pretty!!?

Practicing...look at the eyes and you will see how far the disc went!!

Running after daddy!

Practice!

It was too nice of a day to not go outside and play!! So after the things that needed to get done in the morning were done, we went out to a really nice part to play frisbee golf. My husband loves to play and I took pictures!!

It was fun to just walk and talk with the kids!!

Randomness

2011-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well normally I try to post at least every other day, but alas I got sick......

I wanted to show you some summer time fun....My two little ones doing a summer time classic.....a run through the sprinkler.

Boy that is cold....

If I just touch a little bit I can 'warm' up to it.....nope...he was soaked!!

I also wanted to show you some of what I have been up too!! I had a custom job from one of my friends (I do love custom work!!!)

She is such a thrifty buyer, but you should see her house....totally doesn't look like it. Her house is just so warm and inviting and lovely to look at!!

Well, anyway, These are some curtians that I made for her. She got four panels at a garage sale. I cut them down made a fifth and added the adorable coffee fabric to the bottom and the ric-rac. I think it turned out super cute and will look lovely in her home!!

I am blessed to have friends that trust me to do these sort of things, and I really do love doing it.

-Bethany

Where is summer??

2011-06-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am so ready for my boys to be out of school and for summer to really start!!

We haven't really had good weather...very wet spring, but I will not complain because we didn't have an earthquake or tornado......

It is less then a week before my boys are out of school, and I am counting the minutes!!

So here I am wishing for summer in full swing....love to you all!!

Bethany

Wacky Wednesday!

2011-06-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well we normally use that term for dinner because Wednesday is usually leftover or cereal night, but we did that last night! Why? Because we have had a small illness run through the family. I told my husband that he is cooking dinner and it can't be bought (LOL). So, it was pancakes for dinner!! :) :)

Wack Wednesday is about the choas of my mommy life. The ups and downs and all that is in between.

The ups:

My son (3rd grade) got an A on his very first 'test' about gas/solid/liquids. The average was a 5 or 6 out of 14 and he got a 12!! Go big Bro!!

My second son (1st grade) is getting better at reading. I was told by his teacher the last time I was in his class that he is almost at grade level. That is a HUGE jump from the beginning of the year and I am super super proud of him...he has worked hard.

My daughter (4yo) has been coloring pages left and right and taking tape and putting them randomly on the wall, well I just love it. I don't want to take them down. I have an art gallery all through my house!!

My youngest (2yo) well he is trouble, but there are up for him too :) :) He is going to bed much better then he use to and sleeping really well!!

The downs:

Having four kids means fights and whinning and much time in the car. Today expecially my two little ones have been fighting A LOT. My baby is finally feeling better after a couple day fever and getting into my daughters stuff.

My two olders ones I hardly see. They come home from school and get a bite to eat and run back outside to play with their friends. Now, I do love it that they are outside and that they love being with friends, but I do kinda miss them!!

For me and my husband we are looking forward to our week off. My MIL takes the kids for a whole week in the summer and we get to do WHATEVER! We normally go to the beach or something, but this year we are doing a 'staycation.' We are going to play around here this year.

I am finishing up a custom project (picture to come on the next post). I LOVE custom project.....

My life is full, but I sure do love it.

Paris anyone!

2011-06-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

ohhappyday.com is having a giveaway to Paris France. Yeap that is right. To PARIS! I do hope that I win! But if you would like to have a chance head over there and sign up!!

Exciting stuff!

Movie Quote Friday

2011-06-03T08:53:00.001-07:00

"She is too pure to be pink."

It is one of my favorite musicals. What could it be??

Have a happy Friday! I know that I am going to enjoy my weekend, I hope that you do to!

My 'corner' of the world!

2011-06-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here is just a glimpse into my little 'corner' of the world. With four kids and a 'smallish' house I had to find a little place to call my own and this is my little place.

This is my bookshelf. It may look crazy, but it is organized. The bottom has my sheets (vintage and new) that I like to use for either practicing new things or for quilt backs. the next shelf has nice yard cuts and big scraps. The next shelf is finished small product and ribbon and tulle.

See not as unorganized as you might have thought.

This is a picture of the entire space. No it is not much but it works. I have shelves above me that house my misc stuff, patterns, and flannel. I have a magnent board in the back where I put my patterns when I am working on them. Three thread holders for sewing thread, embroidery thread and quilting thread. I have small children's hangers to hold the finished items or just to get some things out of my way.

This is on the opposite side of the tall bookself. The plastic drawers hole the small and med. scraps. Along with my interfacing and stabilizer. One drawer also has my scrap batting. All within arms reach.

I may not have a big studio, but I love my little space. I call it my cave. I can't hear the phone or the tv or anything. It is right next to the kids playroom so I can work they can play.

Tell me about your work area.

Fun Pillows for a Friend

2011-05-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well after fighting with this pillows for a while (trying some new things that didn't work), I finally got them finished....

This is what all four of them look like whole. Simple, sweet and yet totally cool!!

This is birdie number one...so much fun!! I love using my machine for fun stuff like this!!

Birdie number two....don't you just want to take him home!!

Birdie number three....She is just pretty as a peacock!!

Birdie number four, sitting so contently...

So, I finally finished these for my friend. I do hope that she likes them...I know that I had fun doing them!!

I know that I do!!!

Memorial day

2011-05-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well it is a great weekend. We have a four day weekend because the kids had off on Friday as well. My mom is here and we are going to have a relaxing couple of days.

But really Memorial day is about remembering. So, that is what I am going to talk about today.

I am a military brat. I moved around a lot when I was a kid, lived on base and off. I had a dad that was a career coastie (that is United States Coast Gaurd Officer). I am very proud of him. I am very proud of being an American.

We are to remember that our freedom did come come free. It still isn't free. There were men and women in the past that fought to make up free, there are men and women that are still fighting to keep us free.

Now you may not agree with everything that is going on with America right now. I know that I don't, but I will ALWAYS support our troops. Because they don't say 'no' when they are told to go. They don't complain that it is a 'stupid' war. They just go. No matter what. They do what they are told to do. They go into places that no one else would want to go. They do things that are uncomfortable for them. They carry a gun so that we can fight about whether carry a gun should be allowed. They live in tents, while we go camping. They eat prepackaged food, we eat at well prepared food. They put themselves in the line of fire, while we watch movies. I am proud of those men and women who do this every single day.

I am proud to be an American.

I enjoy the freedom to say what I want (and use it often). I enjoy the freedom to disagree. I enjoy the freedom to go to my church without fear.

My comfy life is on the backs and because of the blood of those to fought the good fight and gave the ultimate gift. I love our country. I love our service man and women.

This is a weekend of fun, but it is also a weekend to remember.

Please Remember!!

Winner Winner - Chicken Dinner

2011-05-26T09:00:00.001-07:00

Well the winner for the anything in my shop has been choosen. It was a lot of fun to do the sewmamasew giveaway. I was even lucky enough to win.

So the winner of this May's giveaway day is Amber she writes:

Hello from Sunny New Mexico.

So Congrats to Amber and thanks to all who came and took a look at my little blog.

And now for the chicken dinner. Oh you thought that I was just being funny...nope. I am giving you my recipe for pepper jack chicken. It is a fav at this house.

First you take chicken strips or breasts (whatever you want) and marinate them in Itailian dressing for a couple of hours to all day (whatever you want)

Take them out of the dressing and put them into a casserole dish. Making sure of not take to much of the dressing with them.

Take slices of pepper jack cheese and put on top of your chicken. I usually smother them pretty good. Place the pan in the oven for 45-60 minutes on 350 until the cheese is starting to pretty golden brown color and it is bubbling good.

Serve...easy as that and so so so flavorful....hope you enjoy!!!

GIVEAWAY

2011-05-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

So it that fun time in blog land again!! It is sewmamasew's may giveaway day!

So I am giving away one thing from my etsy shop....anything...that is right, one thing of your choice. You can see a sample of what I do on the right side of the blog. You can click here for more selections. You don't need to tell me in your comment what you want, just when you win you will need to tell me. I will be placing more stuff on here the next couple of days ( I was hoping to have them done, but sickness kept me away (Sad). So you will have more of a choices by the time the giveaway is done. Happy day and may I choice your number!! :)

Leave a comment about anything you want - Your childhood friend, you kids, your favorite color, you favorite things to make, your summer traditions....you get it, anything!

I will leave the giveaway open until the 25th of May, 8:00 pm PST! I will use a random number system. I will have my three older kids pick numbers. I will put them in a hat and let the little one pull out a number, and that will be my winner.

OH and for a little treat for EVERYONE, I am doing a 15% my shop for those who visit because of sew mama sew. The coupon code is sewfun11 and again you can get to my shop here.

Thank you all for showing up and GOOD LUCK!!!

Hopeless to hope

2011-05-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well it seems that the world is either fully believing that today is the day of rapture or totally making fun of it......

I just wanted to put my 2 cents in (or sense).

Those people who do believe have hope...it will be lost after today, but for now they have hope! Hope of thier savior coming to get them. Hope to stop living in this rollercoaster life. Hope for what they have been waiting for, an eternity with Christ. They will be disappointed later today or tomorrow when they realize that they are still on this earth. But they do have hope.

I have hope. I have hope that one day my Lord will come and get me....I will live forever with him in heaven singing his praises for eternity. I have hope that He will be coming back soon. I do have hope. I don't know when that will happen. I really don't want to know when that is going to happen. It will happen all of a sudden and I will be gone.....boom!

The world is hopeless. It lives for now. The pleasures of now, the power for now, the money for now. It doesn't really think about tomorrow or the 'after-life.' It puts no stock in that, because thinking of it would be a remembrance of the hopelessness that they have. Keep running, keep making money, keep getting stuff. If their minds are occupied with this, then they don't have time to think of their soul or what happens when they die.

What are we doing? What is our purpose? Do we have hope or living a hopeless existance?

Now I will confess that a part of me is making fun of the people who believe that today is the day that the Lord returns, but really it could be. Not even Jesus knows when he will be coming only the father. I have hope. I have hope in my future, here on this earth and after. I am not scared of death or the rapture. I am secure in my 'afterlife.'

Do you have hope??

Ramblings of a tired mom

2011-05-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel pulled in seven different directions and I only have four kids...funny how that works. I sat at Jojo's soccer practice yesterday eating my dinner because I had to throw the kids at my husband and get to the next event. I guess that is the typical life of Americans. Go to this, then that, then the other thing. Oh but on the way get this done and stop at this store.

Sometime I want to scream, 'stop the spinning, I want to get off.' But really I love watching my kids grow into the little (well big) people that they are. Their minds are expanding and learning. Their getting into their own groove. What they like and don't like. They are just so precious to watch. From a helpless babe to a strong thoughtful young man (or women).

I sometime worry about the world that I brought my children into....am I the only one?? Yesterday I was sitting in the car waiting to pick my boys up from school. Happily reading my book (the only time in the day that I get the luxury). Then all of a sudden screaming and cussing and all together awefulness was coming through my open window. I stopped reading and looked in the back to my two younger kids....they were blissfully unaware of the yuckiness that was taking place outside (they were watching a movie). I sat and prayed for the women that was just so angry. Why would she use that language and what could make her so angry so fast. It is times like these that I just worry about my kids and I want to keep them home forever so that they don't have to see/hear/be part of that nastiness. But God is bigger and stronger and more powerful then me, and my kids are safer with Him. It takes LOTS of prayer for the worry and anxiety to go away. But HE is always faithful to do that.

But there are times in my mommyhood that just makes me laugh and smile. When my older boys read to the little ones. When I see them pushing each other on the swings or wanting to all sleep in the same room. I am very blessed that I have four precious little kids. They are a joy and a blessing in my life. It is this reason I want to let the mama bear come out and start slashing those that would want to harm my kids. And by harm I mean physically (of course), but also with their words or attitudes. But I have to put the growl away and the claws down (in most cases).

My ramblings are coming to a close.....for now. I have silly, wonderful, talented, healthy, crazy, passionate, creative, smart, curious, happy kids....what more could I really ask for???

Being married

2011-05-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today is my anniversary. We have been married 11 years today. There are times that it seems that we have been married for-ev-er, but other times it really doesn't seem like we have been married all that long.

We meet in College the first day of our freshman year. We didn't like each other at first (well not in THAT way). We were just friends. He helped me with my homework and we watched movies together. You might have noticed that I didn't help him with his, that is because he is SO smart and I am just average!! :)

I finally decided that all men deserved to die (different story, to long to tell now....but you get the idea)......that is when God decided to show me what a real man is, that is Phil. He is sweet, funny, kind and treats me with love and respect. He holds me when I cry. He holds my hand when we are walking along. He will watch a sappy movie with me and not make fun of the way I am doomed to cry every time. He makes me laugh. He is my strong rock when times get tough. He gives me space when I just need to be alone. He is a great daddy to our crazy household of children. He is a gentle leader of our home. I could not be more proud that I am his wife.

I hope that this is still the beginning of our marriage in comparision to when it will end....

I am one very lucky women to have a man like him. I hope that all other women out there get as lucky as me.

Being a mommy

2011-05-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well I might be a little behind on this post, but I am getting to it. The reason I am behind is because we had a surprise visit from my in-laws this weekend (well they let us know on Thursday they needed to come down). So, it was a crazy whirlwind weekend.

Well, to the point. I am a mom of four and there are days that I think I have the best 'job' in the world and other days that I just think I am plum crazy!! Yesterday was the ladder! My two year old had squirted toothpaste over the bathroom, peed on the carpet and tried to escape the house and that was before nine in the morning. Ladybug (my daughter) was in a rare mood yesterday too. Everything that happened was the-end-of-the-world! I couldn't count how many tantrums the two year old had or crying fits of the my daughter. But today is a new day, and I am glad to be a mommy.

I was woken up by a super sweet hug, smiles and laughter. I haven't had to clean one spill or yell even once. They boys were nice to each other as I dropped them off at school. Man, the difference a day makes.

On Mother's day. I recieved many nice gifts from my crew. I got a pretty picture by Jojo, my second son. I am really impressed with it. I got a survey of why I love my mom and a couple of poems from Brother (my oldest). I am impressed with him as well.

I thought I would share some funniness with what they wrote about there mom....

My mom has a funny habit of........laughing and sewing
My mom favorite cloths.........dresses
I like it when my mom wears.......regular cloths
My mom cooks the best.......pizza

On Brothers top ten list of reasons he loves me here are a few:
She loves daddy (so sweet)
She loves the Lord (I am glad that he can see that)
She drives me crazy (uhhh?? I thought that was the other way around)
She drives to places (all the time)
She gives me chocolate (because I believe that it can cure all ills)!!

Well, being a mothers has its ups and downs...its highs and lows. But I am glad that for the most part my life is 'high.' With four kids it could be either way....and a two year old can leave you void of energy and emotionally spent.

I am proud to be a mom to Brother, Jojo, Ladybug and Tate. (The names changed to protect them). I am proud to have the little extra mommy belly, and to sacrifice my 'designer' wardrobe for sweats and t-shirts. I am proud that my life reflects that which is most important to me. I am a proud momma, not because they get good grades, make pretty pictures or pee in the toilet (the last in important), but because they try thier best. I love the 'bear' hugs and silly laughter. I even love the talks that are a bit uncomfortable because it means they feel comfortable talking to me. I even love the times I have to correct them because it means we can get back to being on good terms. I might wear many hats as a mom, but I love every single one of them.

Giveaway

2011-05-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Since it is Monday and spring has decided to never come here in the Pacific Northwest, I wanted to lift my spirits (and hopefully yours) with a giveaway!!

On the giveaway table is one of my owl pillows! You can see the four that are available on the side of this blog! Please tell me which one that you want and if you win, I will send it to you!!

Take a peek at my etsy shop here!

Repost please...help me to get the word out!! :) :)

I will leave the giveaway open until fabulous friday at 10:00 am PST!! Good luck to all!!

I will use a random number generator to decide the winner!!

Daily tidbits

2011-04-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well life as a mom is never boring!! Between soccer for Jojo and homework and church and playing board games and and and ....well you get the picture.

This weekend we had grandparents in town....that is always fun for the kids. They got to play extra games, go to the park then walk to get ice cream. It was super fun for them.

We also had the Easter production at church. After a week of long practices and four preformance I finally get my husband back. He runs the sounds (well helps anyway)! There were over 150 people involved. It was incredible.

When my in-laws were here my MIL and me did some extreme shopping. Between coupons and gift cards (and groupons) we made our like crazy. First at Fred Meyer we got a Wii game, an i-tunes gift card and lunch stuff for 9 people all for $16. Using a gift card, but still we were pretty happy. Then we went to a shoe store (dangerout). We used our groupons to get dansko's for $25 and $40 (she got sandles and I got clogs). Then I know there is more....we went to Papa Murphy's to pick up pizza and between my full stamp card and my gift card we got two family sized pizza's and bread sticks for nothing.

I am so proud of us!!

Well, that is my fun story for today!

I hope all is well in blog land. I hope to do a give away soon!

Bye!

Crazy amount of fun!

2011-04-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

So I have been super busy lately.

1- I feel like my fingers are pincushions for all the sewing that I have been doing. My husband jokes with me that I don't need a thimble, but a whole iron hand....maybe that is true. I have done my daughters easter dress, and some stuff for the shop. I am so exctied to say that I had my first sell yesterday...very happy about that!

2-My husband has been super busy with work related stuff. So lately I have felt like a single mom....but at least I know that after this week I will not be again....there is hope, a light at the end of the tunnel.

3- The Easter production practices and set set-up are in full swing at my church. So, that means that my hubby is gone for that (he does ligthing, sound stuff) I am helping with painting of the set and whereever else I am needed. This morning came a little fast.

Here is a really bad picture of Ladybug's Easter dress:

Thanks for 'chatting' with me....till next time!

Where have I been??

2011-04-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well everywhere and no where!! With four kids life is a never ending battle for time and lack there of!! :) I have been sewing some projects, quilts and cloths for my little girl....and stuff I plan on trying to sell!! Etsy is a little overwhelming to me so many vender and so many items. I have no idea how to get notice there! Also I am not very good with pictures so that will not help my sales much....anyway! Easter is coming up and I will be spending more time at the church getting ready for our big production...that should be fun! Well ta-ta for now!

Lately

2010-07-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well after a two week vacation, the ramp-up and aftermath of the vacation and getting over a really bad cold I am back to the land of the living!!!

After such a long time away from my sewing machines, I was itching to get back to it!!

So here is the latest thing that I have finished....

I call it the NEW heirloom quilt. Each square represents something that reminds me of my grandma, or something that we did together!! In the middle is her last name, the corners are handprints of my kids (to reresent all her great grandkids), a canning jar of tomatoes, a heart for all the love she has, a fish because she took me fishing all the times, a football because she loves it (with eagles fabric backgroud...her fav), a cross for her faith, a candy because she would give us money and we would walk to the store and by candy, a farm house (which she owns), and a boat for the times that she took me out on the boat!! The backing is for all the times that I spend on her property in the woods building forts!!

I do love my grandma. I miss her very much (she lives accross the country)!! I can't wait to see her in less then a month and this is my little surprise for all the years that she spent loving me, caring for me, praying for me, and just being the best grandma!!

Quotable Thursdays

2010-06-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

"Taken to the board with effectiveness"
--Announcer for the Stanley cup

A tribute to the hockey season, I am so sorry that you are over!!

sadness

2010-06-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was suppose to be garage sales, outside time and then some sewing time!! BUT!! I got a call in the morning and heard that my grandma has an incurable cancer! So the day went out the window. After a really good cry and a little bit of prayer we did get somethings did get done, but not nearly as much as I wanted.

So, the sewing waited and I hope to get something done today or tomorrow. I am going to take some time with my family and leave the rest behind!

-Bethany

Etsy store open

2010-06-02T16:00:00.001-07:00

Well I took the plundge. I have opened an etsy store!!

I have only 3 items right now, but I am working on more!!

So take a look and let me know what you think!!

4my4creations.esty.com

-Bethany

Matching dresses

2010-06-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well I finished my friends matching dresses. She just had her second little girl and who wouldn't want them to match so I made this little dresses!

I hope that she likes them!!

Well I am late telling you the fact or fiction from last Friday!! It is fact. A man in Feb of 1990 walked into a leather and weapons store and tried to rob the place. He didn't notice the marked police car in the parking lot and he opened fire and was shot dead. So, fact: a man tried to rob a gun store and was shot dead....kinda funny!!!

Have a great day!!

--Bethany

Fact or Fiction Friday

2010-05-28T07:34:00.001-07:00

Okay here is one for ya....fact or fiction!!

A man tries to rob a gun store and it shot dead by the people inside!

is that fact or fiction....funny either way!!

On Monday I will tell ya whether that is fact or fiction!

-Bethany

Quotable Thursdays

2010-05-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

"Your son is out of surgery and he is fine."

-Dr. Brock today after our youngest son got tubes in his ears.

We are happy that he will start to feel better and that he is done and we can move on!!!!

-Bethany

Brother's Done quilt

2010-05-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally done!! I told each of the kids that they could pick out all the fabric for a quilt for thier very own so here is my oldest sons quilt. I finished the binding today and surprised him when he was done with school. It hasn't left his side since. I hope you love it, brother!!!

Technology

2010-05-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the technology out there and what we use! I mean I have three computers at my house. I do facebook. I have a blog (duh) well really I have two! I just started a twitter account. I am getting a computerized sewing machine in a couple of days. I mean it is truely amazing. I am thankful for technology and how it helps me daily. Whether it is for the microwave lunches or the embroidary machine working it's magic. The other thing I am thankful for is that it keeps food on our table and a roof over our heads. Yes, my husband is a geek. I love him for that. It means I don't have to learn to much of computer stuff.

so today I am thankful for technology in my daily life, even though sometimes it can drive me crazy!

Creative laziness

2010-05-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Okay I have a lot going on at my craft space right now!! I am making two quilts, one for my grandma (super excited about that) and one for my second son, the first already has his. Then I am making a friend who just had her second girl matching dresses. Well this is where the laziness came it. I found a cute pattern and so I started on the big dress. It was all going well until I got to the sleaves. The way that the pattern makers had you do it was totally stupid. So then I decided that this dress will be sleeveless. It was for summer anyway, right. It looks cute. I will post some pictures tomorrow when I finish the hem.

So am I the only one that hate it when the pattern is either VERY hard to understand or set up totally dumb!?!?!?

And the answer to fridays fact or fiction is fiction. In the movie Back to the future II they don't make any prediction about the 1997 world series. So there ya go!!

Have fun!!

Fact or Fiction Friday

2010-05-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a movie fact or fiction!!

***The 1989 Film "Back to the future II" correctly predicted the winner of the 1997 world series. ***

Is that fact or fiction!!

I will let you know on Monday!!

Thanks-

Quilter's blog festival

2010-05-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Amy at Amy's creative side for hosting a quilter's blog festival. So, here is my entry!

Okay so I am new to the quilting thing. I did my first one about a year ago with a tutorial online. I love blogs and the lovely people who put the time into them!

This is the fourth quilt that I made and it was for our bed. I wanted something bright and colorful that matched what I wanted and couldn't find anything like that (I have been looking for 5 years). So, when I began to quilt why not, I will make one for my bed!

I was a queen sized quilt and was a little bit abmitious for a newbie, but I did and I am proud of it!
This is the few from the front. I love the way that it turned out!

This is the backing. I love using sheets for the backing. I just stitched in the ditch for this one! It was the first one I did that for the rest I free motion quilted which I like a little bit more. I wanted to keep the crispness of the front of the quilt.

If you want to get inspired with quilts go to http://www.amyscreativeside.com/2010/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-spring-2010.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fxddd+%28Park+City+Girl%29

That is where all the quilt link are for all of blog land. Go have fun and get quilting!!

A winner!!

2010-05-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

The winner was 112. What I did was I had my sons pick 5 numbers, then I put those numbers in a hat and drew one!!! That is as random as it can be!!!

Jodi was 112 she said:

That quilted runner is beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway! My favorite candy is Take 5! :)

thank you all who entered. It was truly truly fun!!

Her blog is really cute and you should check it out! http://jodibee.blogspot.com/

It was fun I will do it again sometime!!

Quotable Thursdays

2010-05-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

A new thing for me, I am going to have funny quote from my kids or special quote from famous people whatever 'floats my boat' at that time ready for number one

'Squirrel'
-"UP"
-My daughter today in the car!

GIVEAWAY DAY!!!

2010-05-16T18:06:00.001-07:00

Yeah it is here.....it is the funniest day in the world of blog's....it is Sew Mama Sew's giveaway day!!!

I think this is so much fun. I love going to the blogs and doing some fun stuff on mine...love it!1

Well I won't bore you with my life story so here it is the giveaway...

I am giveaway a pink colored table runner. What a great thing for summer. It is about 4 foot long and 12 inches wide!!

(and small disclaimer....I STINK of photography!! Most of the quilt was made with an Amy butler line, that I can not remember at this time. So sorry the pictures are not so good!!!)

Here is a good picture of the colors in the quilt!

Here is a longer version of the runner!!

Here is what the back looks like!!

Here is the low down:

Leave me a comment:

tell me your favorite candy (if you can pick just one)

Leave it by the 20th at 5 o'clock in the evening (pst)

sorry no international shipping

I will be doing a random number draw so please make sure that I can get a hold of you via email, or I will have to 'draw' another winner! :(

I think that is all the 'business'

so of course have fun!!

Okay, I stink

2010-05-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a crazy time in our house lately!! Between the house remodel and just living...

so sorry but I stink. Then I saw that sew mama sew was having thier giveaway and I thought that was super fun, I should do that again!! So I am!!

Well I have had a lot of sewing flops lately...sad....I guess that is all part of learning. But right now I am doing two quilts. One for my oldest son. He got to pick ALL the fabic. It is the craziest quilt I have ever seen, but he is LOVING it!!! The second is a quilt for my grandma (I can say because she doesn't read this blog) it is going to be so special.....each block is a reminder of something she has done with me or something that reminds me of her.....I am so excited pictures to come later......

Thanks for you patience!!

House Redo

2010-02-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Well my sewing has come to a standstill. I think that I have done like two squares on my quilt in the last two weeks. We had another bout of sickness (having a family of 6 it takes a while for it to run through). so that took a lot out of me.

Then we decided that a couple of things need to be done on the house. We finally have the money (we don't do anything that we can't pay for NOW!!). So, I had to call contractor and met contractor and go to the hardware store and it take a while. So, finally the work will be done on Monday. Well, not entirely true the workers will be done on Monday. Then it will be time for me to work again. I have to repaint and reorganize and re-everything.

I am so excited that it is getting done. I have been wanting (and saving) for 5 years to get this done. So, I guess that I really should be happy!?!?!?

Well well well

2010-01-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while....there is a good reason.

Last week all puke broke loose in this house!! In one night three of my children in the span of about two hours, then my husband all night and into the next day! Me and the baby were the only ones not affected! It was crazy around here. Finally everyone is feeling better. I can get back to the things I love to do.

Play with my kids (not clean up after that)
Sew (very little time for that before)
and
Shop (I was kinda house bound for a while)

All is better (just a little bit of tired still).

I thought that I would share.........

The 80's strike back

2010-01-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

I found this fabric on super clearance and thought that would be a cute skirt for my little ladybug....so I made up a pattern and here it is .....it looks really really cute with the footless leggings!!

She loves it, but then again she loves anything bright or colorful!!

And so it begins!!

2010-01-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

Well it is the new year the craziness of the holiday's are behind us....time for new project!!

This is the first block to my new quilt!! This one is for me and my hubby's bed!! I never really like the comforter/quilt that I purchased at a store not to be named!! (it is out of business now) So I decided to make it myself. Our bedroom is a light blue and lime green with white and black!! so the colors I have decided for the quilt!!

I am super excited how it turned out.....

btw, I am doing the tutorial from quiltdad.com! He did it in September, I really wanted to do it then, but my plate was too full. So, new years and the quilt has begun!!

Now I need to decided if I want to do a store at etsy!?!?! Questions Questions!! I want to, but still just don't know!?!?!? I think I need to get through the birthday season (3 in two months)!!

Tired

2009-12-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is over!! That is a 'let down' and a relief!! I had a WONDERFUL Christmas!! My husband is the best gift giver in the world!! My kids are running around the house playing Nerf wars and luckily my husband got one too!! All my boys (well not the baby) are playing war all over my house!!

My Christmas Crafts are done!! YEAH (that is a good thing because as you seen before Christmas is over)!! But I have one more 'Christmas' tomorrow. My parents are coming in! So, one more crazy fest!

I have a couple of projects in teh upcoming month or so!! I am going to make a new quilt for our bed to replace that yucky store bought one (can you hear the snobbery in my voice...hahaha)! And then I would like to make a few things for me....wierd I know, but I have a really nice jacket pattern that I want to try!

I have a baby sale coming up (after 4 kids lots of things to sell) but I was thinking of making a few homemade items too!! We will see!!

Well now it is just waiting on the new yeat....2010 that is totally crazy!!

What I have been up to!

2009-12-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well the season is busy...super busy!! I have been sewing up a storm...or a sewing machine (haha)

I made the kids matching Christmas outfits....(There are two of the vest for the older boys, but I couldn't fit them all in the picture)!!
Then this is the quilt that I am making my mom....so pretty almost tempted to not give it to her...haha

I have put the handprints into it through a stipple....and all I have to do is hand stitch the binding on....YEAH!!!

I am making PJ's for the kids that match.....I am having trouble finding a pattern that will fit over the kid's head...it is a little fustrating....So Ihave changed the pattern that I have to have velco in the back or snaps I haven't decided which!!!! I will show those when I get a little bit more done......

Have a Merry Merry Christmas and for two in my house....a happy birthday!

My husband celebrates 31 years on this earth on Saturday and My baby boy Tate celebrates is first year on this earth on Sunday!!! So happy Birthday to two of the 'men' in my life!!!

Introductions

2009-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

I thought that I would introduce myself so some of the new friends I have out there!! I am Bethany! I live in Salem Oregon, but I am not from here. I was a Military Brat (and yes I am okay with the term)! So, I have seen a lot and I like that fact! I have been married 9.5 years to the best man ever...my little computer geek (and yes he is okay with that term)!!! After graduating college we were surprised with our first child, brother (not his real name, changed to protect). Then quickly after him came, JoJo. Ladybug came after a while. Tate was a surprise, but we love him anyway :) :)

I love to craft stuff for my kids and likely they are at a stage that they like it too. My boys mostly like PJ's, and it is good that they are easy!!! My daughter is always asking, 'what are you making me now?' because yes I make her more stuff then the boys :):)

My life is pretty busy with four kids a hubby and my work at the church, but I wouldn't trade it for the world (or all the money in it). I get to do the funniest, hardest, bestest job in the world.....being a housewife, homemaker, stay at home mom, or as my mom likes to say 'retro mom' which is my favorite because I love anything retro!!!

I would love to hear something about you if you get a chance!!!

Winner

2009-12-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been having some computer problems. But my super smart hubby got them fixed!!

So Congrats to

Jenna - Mushroom Fabric
Carla- Apron

Your packages should be in the mail in a couple of days. Thanks to all the others who entered. And thanks to all those other blogs for thier giveaways.....I won something too!!!

Hello Blogland -- Closed

2009-12-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

Well it an exciting day in blogland it is Sew Mama Sew's December Blogland giveaway day (or days as it seems).

This is my first time giving anything away I am really excited to be part of this fun day is crafting blogland!!!

So for my first giveaway I am giving away two different things (because if I remember from last time there are many many commenters)!!!

So here is the deal:
1- comment on my post about your favorite holiday tradition (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or even Arbor day...it doesn't matter)
2- Tell me if you want the first prize or the second...or both if you can't decided!!!

I will be giving these prizes away using a random number generator.

I do not ship internationally.....sorry :( :( but all those here is the US of A come and get it!!!

That is it...all she wrote...ohh yeah the prizes.....

The first prize is a fabric panel for a Christmas apron...it is simple to do, but fun to have for holiday baking!!!

The second option is 1.5 yards of flannel. It is super cute with mushrooms. It would make great winter time PJ's or pillow case...well the options are endless!!

Have fun out there (and stay safe)!!

and please please please have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

So sorry

2009-11-24T10:36:00.001-08:00

It has been a crazy couple of weeks....I guess that is what happens when you have four children (HAHA).

I have been busy sewing even though we had a sickness run through that six of us (and no...no piggies here).

This is something I am very proud of...sorry to any of those black and orange fans!!! I made a quilt top for my mom for my dad....to make it clear. My mom wanted to make a quilt for my dad and to make it a surprise I made the top for her and she is going to sandwich and quilt it (something she can do at night while my dad is at work!!!)

So GO DUCKS!!!

I am very proud that I 'designed' the block myself (I know that is was most likely done before, I couldn't find it anywhere...so HA)!!!

The other squares are old t-shirts of my mom's!! She had MANY...as my dad is a VERY big fan!!

I have almost finished my mom's quilt, and started the kids Christmas outfits for church!!! Along with some stuff I have done for friends my sewing machine as been zipping (she is such a trusted friend)!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all......

Christmas Present number one

2009-10-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog.....It has been a while!! I have had a house full of sickie's including myself :(

Well, anyway I wanted to share my mother-in-laws christmas present. It is a quilt with the hand prints of the kids stippled into it!! It was a lot of fun and I hope that she likes it!!!

My fault

2009-10-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well I have been working on Heather Bailey's happy stacker (http://www.heatherbaileystore.com/product-p/sp003-hs.htm) for my son for Christmas...not so easy!! I got the first ring done and then the post...YEAH!! Then I did the big ring...TOTALLY messed up!! I had to run to the nearest quilt store and YEAH they had the cogsmo crickets line and I was able to redeam myself with a new piece of fabric. Why are new patterns so hard??? I think I have it now...just three more rings to go!!! But I had to share my fuff-up!!

Scrappy Letter

2009-10-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hello world of Crafters-

This is my first tutorial and I am very excited!! I will give you a bit of warning...photography is not one of my talents...so bare with me please!!

Today I am going to show you how to make this wall hanging!! Great for a child's room!!

List of Supplies:
A pile of scraps
a piece of batting (16 inches or so)
fabric for backing and strap (these could be solid pieces or you can piece them with scraps also...your choice)
A piece of paper for graphing (don't worry it is not that difficult)
And of course thread, sewing machine and an iron!!

And away we go.....

First we need to start by graphing the letter. I know you never thought you would have to use math, but don't be alarmed it is super easy!!

I did a 12 x 12 inch square and broke that down into 2 inch squares! Then I drew out the letter in a blocky format!

Then I filled out the letter into the surrounding blocks!

Then a little bit more thinking comes into play. I need to figure out how many squares of background and how many squares of color! For this letter 'c' I need 26 2x2 background squares (and for this letter it is the patterned fabrics) and 4 traingles. So I need to cut 30 squares. I happen to have 5 different fabrics making that 6 of each fabric.

For the letter that gets a little different. You can make longer rectangles. But I will tell you that you need to look at the square in the terms of long strips (that could be horizonal or vertical)! I choose horizonal because that gave me two long piece of solid versus one! So in the solid color I need 2 2x4 inch strips 2 2x2 inch squares and 4 triangles! So that means that I need 4 2x2 squares to start with!

Get your scraps together and lets have some fun!!

Cut each scrappy piece into 2 1/2 inch squares (remembering the seam allowance)!

Okay I will wait a minute while you get that done.........

Now get the solid color and cut those into the recangles and squares that you need!

Okay great. Here are my scrappy peices!!

Now take those peices that you have and make the squares into triangles!

Now you get to lay out the pieces into you letter. Moving pieces around until you get the look you want.....yeah...fun.!!

Now time to sew.....ohhh yeah the fun part!! Make sure that you have good even seam allowances!!
Start with one of the strips and go across row by row. Making sure that you iron your strips when you are done really well. (Make sure that you iron your seams in the same direction for each strip)

These are my strips!! (They are not ironed yet)

Now we iron your (ironed) strips together. Did I mention the need to iron?!?!? I pin this part to make sure that the small squares line up!

Now your letter is finished!! yeah....pretty easy so far right?? So now we make the quilt 'sandwich.' This is also a great way to use the left over portions of the batting from your last quilt!!! I use a spray glue to keep the 'sandwich' together!!
Cut the batting and backing a little larger it just makes it a little bit easier!

I used my walking foot and outlined the letter for my quilting. You can go crazy different ways in this step! You can stipple the whole thing, everything but the letter. You can do as your heart would like!!

Now you trim your batting and backing to the same size as the letter!

Making the binding!! I cut a 2 1/2 inch strip(s) and sewed them together (in order to make the sew part of the strip you need to put the piece in an 'L' shaped and sew from the lower left to the upper front right corner. I am so sorry that I didn't get a picture of this....bad Bethany)! You can do the strip in two ways....fold as I have shown and sew onto the letter and I will show later or you can do it any way that you have done it in the past!!

I folded the binding on the letter as shown (due to lack of time for this present I didn't have time to hand sew...again Bad Bethany)! I used my walking foot again to sew it on as seen!

Yeah the letter is done...so close...you can do it!!

Now it is time for the strap!! Yeah. There is a number of ways that you can do this too!! You can make it with a number of scraps or one long one like I have done!! I took a 4 inch strip. I folded the ends up (about a 1/4 perfection not need here) on both sides!! Iron into place!!

The I folded both sides into the middle as seen!!

I sewn the strap down the side with the two folded sections!! Now your strap is (almost) done!!

I picked out two small buttons and hand stitched them to the back of the letter about 2-3 inches from the top (again perfectionism is not needed here)!!

I took the strap and did two button holes on each side of the strap (that way you have some chooses as to how long you want it to be!!)

Now take a step back and look at your master pieces!! Great job!! Not to hard, right?!?

Here is the master piece hanging on the wall!! YEAH!!

I hope that was fun and easy! But mostly I hope that I was easy to understand! If you have questions please comment and I will get back to you!! Thanks for looking!! I would LOVE to see your handiwork for let me see um'!!

Sew mama Sew PJ Party

2009-09-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, 25% done with the fleece now to the boys'. Yes, this is my daughters. I told her whatever she wanted to pick out and this is it. But I picked out the flannel for her. She is the only girl and I wanted to make something girly for her!!!

Getting there!!

PJ Party

2009-09-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

By the button on the side of the page it will tell you that I am part of the PJ party at Sew mama Sew!!

Come and join in....

scrap buster

2009-09-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sew mama Sew is having a great theme for October...scrap busters! I know that I have trouble throwing away anything larger then a quarter, but what to do with them????

So they are having an entire month to dedicate to it....sweet.!!! Also they are having a contest for good idea with scraps. So, if you have an idea and would like to share please come on by and take a look at the rules!! I have an idea and will be trying it next week and posting it to sew mama sew sometime at the beginning of the month!!! Exciting stuff!!

Looking Forward

2009-09-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

Well this weekend I am looking forward to a office/sewing room overhaul!! My fabric is getting out of control!!! So we got some more shelves for the wall and my husband...my wonderful husband is going to put some of his stuff and books on those so that I can have more room...seriously wonderful right?? I hope to have a before (don't judge, LOL) and after pictures after this weekend. It will be a bit of work but then I will know where all my fabric is and it can be organized...YEAH!!!

9-11

2009-09-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Although I have only dedicated this site to my crazy crafting!!! Today I wanted to remind people to remember!! Remember our freedoms....remember those who fight for us!! Remember those people (civilians) who lost thier lives!! Remember those who are home missing those who are fighting for us!!

We live in a great country! Although sometimes we don't like this or that, but we have the freedom to state it!! The freedom to talk!! The freedom's that other people can only dream about!! It has taken people's lives to get that and it still does!! Please pray for those who lost loved ones 8 years ago!! Please pray for those who lost loved one in this war!! Today we should remember...it makes us stronger if we united in a thought!!

Another SUPER giveaway!!

2009-09-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sew fantastic is giving away some WONDERFUL things....check it out!!

http://sew-fantastic.blogspot.com/2009/09/1000-etsy-sales-giveaway.html

So (Sew) Many Projects

2009-09-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, have you ever been so overwhelmed and excited at the same time!?!?

Well I am there now!! I have so many project to do in the next couple of months it seems very overwhelming, but man I am so excited about each and every one of them!!

I am going to make my son Tate a stacker toy (the heather bailey pattern).
My daughter I am going to use a tutorial I saw online (UK Lass in US).
I am making my mother in law and mother a quilt with the handprints of the kids quilted into it (this I am really excited about)
Then I am going to make each of the kids PJ's in the fabric that they choose!!! (Brother and Jojo choose pokemon and enough left over for Tate and Ladybug choose a blue fabric with dogs and bones on it...my only girls!!!)
Then I choose fabric to make PJ bottoms out of!!
I am making a dress and shirt to make for a friend that is having a boy and already has a girl (It should be cute)!!
Then I am making a shirt for a friend who just (today) adopted a little boy!!! (YEAH)
Another coat (the second is always better then the first) for my daughter

and maybe I will attempt a dress for me...this scares me so we will see!!! Yeah for the sewing!!!

My perfect cookies!!

2009-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

The other day I made cookies and they turned out so perfect that I had to share with the world!!!

My kids didn't like the fact that they were so small, but it was nice to have just one and not really be defeating the hour in the gym in the morning!!!

Giveaways...lubird!!

2009-09-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Giveaways!! I love Giveaways!! So, here is a blog that is giving something away!! I will try to repost any giveaways that I find!!

I do love the internet world of crafting, so much out there to look at. So many wonderful ladies that can do so many wonderful thing and then to top it off they give some of it away!! WOW!!!

http://lubirdbaby.blogspot.com/

School

2009-09-02T08:42:00.001-07:00

Holy Cow two of my boys are going to school this year!! I am looking forward to it! My older one is going into 2nd grade and looking forward to that also. But JOJO he is not looking forward to Kindergarden, he is a little scared of new things, oh well, he will get use to it!! The adjustment will take a week or so!!

Bring on the School!!!

Holy Cow

2009-08-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while!!! I was on a two week vacation (to my parents house) and then it was week or so of getting back into the swing of things....crazy!!

I have finished a number of projects and almost finished with chistmas present number one!!!

Here a few of the things that I have been working on!!! Enjoy!!

Shrit and skirt for my baby girl!!

A Jacket for ladybug....I just loved the lining..it is vintage (I found it at a estate sale...LOVE IT)!

Thanks for looking!!!

Withdraws

2009-07-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well I am going through withdraws. Last week was so busy that I didn't have time to sew. Sure I got about an hour in last week, but really that is the same as not sewing at all right. This week is not looking any better.

Brother and Jojo are in swim lessons this week again and I need to pack the family for a week and a half trip to the parents house. I might be able to get some in everyday if I try really hard.

I think I can!
I think I can!
I think I can!

I wanted to get Tate's and Ladybug's cloths done before we go. Some shorts and vest combo for Tate and a skirt shirt combo for Ladybug....ohh well I might just have to wait until I get back from Reno!!!

Cleaning my fabrics

2009-07-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well the other day I cleand up by fabric. Well to be honest they were starting to take over the office. So, I seperated and organized and man I forgot about some of my fabrics. Well, I had left over 2.5 inch strips from the Old Red Barn Co. quilt along so I made this skirt. I am impressed with myself because I made it without a pattern.

I was fun to look at all the fabric that I had. The only problem is it gave me so many ideas of what to use those fabric's for that now my list of would-like-to-do's is even bigger.

Oh well, I guess that is the nature of the beast.

Making Lemonade!!

2009-07-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

Well in the process of making a dress for my daughter I totally messed up...I mean totally. I tried to fix it....but it was a gonner...really sad because it would have been a really cute dress.

So when life hands you lemon you................................make lemonade!!

So I took the skirt part of the dress and make my daughter an apron!! I turned out pretty cute. I feel better not wasting ALL my work and fabric. It was a super cute fabric so I didn't want to throw it all away.

I hope that she likes it.....the kiddos are coming back today!!!

Finished Finished

2009-07-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished my very first quilt...I am very exctied that it is done. I took on a huge one as my first one. It is 6 feet by 7 feet.....Why do I never make it easy on myself.

My husband is as excited as he can be (which isn't much), but I am happy that it is done for him and now he has his very own 'blanket.' I will try hard not to let the kids play with it!!!

This is my one week of vacation a year. The three other kids (brother, jojo, and ladybug) are with my mom-in-law for the week. It has been quiet and fun and I miss them!!!

Almost done

2009-07-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well I am almost done hand stiching my binding on my very first quilt...I am truly giddy inside. I am so so so (x10) excited about it...so here is a sneak peak!!!

It was a lot of work, but well worth it.....I hope that my wonderful hubby likes it!!!

Giveaway - another blog

2009-06-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well after doing the sew mama sew giveaway I found a number of wonderful blog and this one is giving away the cutest of cutest patterns. I mean wow...I will be super super happy to have this pattern...

http://littlemunchkins.blogspot.com/

so check out her blog and see the cool things that she has going on!!!

Vacation

2009-06-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

What a week!!!! I have been at my in-laws house doing a week of canning. I have only ever done jam (which is pretty easy). I wanted to have some salsa and salmon which my mom-in-law does super well and what a better way to learn. So, we did 8 batches of salsa (over two days). Four batches of Jam...fresh strawberries picked in the morning and canned that afternoon...should be good!! Then we did 17 pints of Salmon. That was harder then I thought just because of the time of pressure canning. But now I am set for a year and so is she.

It is nice to have this relasonship with my mom-in-law...so blessed!! So, tomorrow I am heading home....man I miss my love, my husband!! It will be a long day tomorrow so ta-ta for now!!!

Taking the plunge!!

2009-06-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I am making my first quilt and true to form I want to do it ALL!! So, I am doing free motion quilting!! This is the back and the front of the quilt. I am having a blast doing it!! It is a lot of work. For someone who goes to the gym three times a week my arms hurt from quilting...I find that a little bit funny!!

It is going to take many a more hours, but it is going to be worth it. My husband is going to love it. It own blanket. I guess the trick now is to not let the kids steal it, like they have done with every other blanket!!! LOL

The waiting game

2009-06-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

I guess I am more of the instant gradification then I thought. I purchased some thread online because the price was awesome, now I have to wait to get started on the quilting part of my quilt. I don't like to wait I wanted to get started two days ago. I mean it shipped out on thursday. WHY IS IT NOT HERE!!! Well, I guess my pretty quilt will have to wait all sandwiched up for another day. The other thing is, why do my mail not some until 6-6:30. Ohh well, I guess paitence is the name of the game.

On another note, I got the quilt sandwiched together. It is HUGE!! It took quit of bit of work. I used the spray basting method. I think I worked up a sweat getting it all pieced together. It was hard to get all the wrinkles out, but alas it is done and waiting for my thread.....maybe today....maybe today!!!

MommyHood

2009-06-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well I know it is not about crafting, but I just have to put it out there. Being a mommy is hard!! Number 2, Jojo, is being very stubborn and disobiendent. We have tried everything we can think of and I am very tired. I guess being more stubborn then your child takes a lot of energy. I don't seem to have any extra right now....well I guess I just have to have more caffiene.

On top of that....number three, ladybug, is sick. Number four, tate, is teething. Well at least number one, Brother, is doing just fine. But hey, wait that is only 25%, does that mean I fail. Well, I guess I will just have to study harder!!

(and if you couldn't tell I am using nicknames for my kids....I feel safer that way).

Happy Monday!!

Finished Quilt top

2009-06-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well I finished my first quilt top. I am doing the oldredbarnco.blogspot quilt along and having a blast. I am learning so much, it is incrediable....

I am very excited to try the quilting process...well nervous really. I do have a tendency to bite off more then I can chew because I am going to do free movement quilting. But I guess you have to start somewhere and why not here!!

More pictures to come as I finish more and more of it!!!

My first quilt...the start

2009-06-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

These are the strips for my first quilt. I am doing a contest on a different blog. And I am following her six week step by step directions. For my first quilt I am very excited.

I will update as I am getting along. I am two weeks behind, but I made them up today (likely they were easy...pick you fabric and cut into strips. Now on to week three...sewing them together).

Sew Mama Sew questionare

2009-06-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well I am new to the blogging and relatively new to the sewing, so I thought I would dive in feet first and all the way.....here we go

What brand and model do you have? Kenmore 385

How long have you had it?About 6 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? It was about $200 (I think that is what my mom-in-law said)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I love to sew clothing for my kids. But I have done curtians, pillows, and one basic quilt

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? In the last year I sew once a week on average (sometime I take a break and other times I sew once a day)

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love my machine. It does everything that it needs to do. I would love to get a 'fancier' machine, buy my tried and true little lady does the trick.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? I love the extra stitches, and the button holer is WONDERFUL. I do cloths and without that it would be very difficult.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I thread pops off a lot from the top and not the bobbin. Then I have to totally retread it, to make sure that it goes through all the ness. places.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! When we lived in an apartment I had to haul it in and out of the closet and she took it really well. But no no crazy stories. Well, I guess that when my mom-in-law gave it to me I was very touched. It was not many years after I married her son and the extravagance of the gift really touched me greatly.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I would. Expecially if they are new to sewing. It doesn't take long to understand and it does stiches wonderfully. If you are more advanced or would like a ton of extra stiches then this machine would not be for you!!

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? The cost to your sewing ability. What I mean is, if you are a casual sewer then a fancy machine is kinda a waste of money. If you just need to do little hems here and there. If you love love love to sew and would even consider a business in it, then a more expensive 'fancy' machine would be most likely better. If you don't think that you will use the different stiches then don't worry about them so much.

Do you have a dream machine? I don't as of this point have a dream machine. Like I said I am kinda new to all of this, so I sure it will not take long to get one though. Expecially after this month on sew mama sew!!

To Dress my daughter!

2009-06-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my first post of my craft projects. I love this dress pattern it is really cute!! My 'model' was not really in a good mood, but the dress is shown non-the-less. I had a small amount of trouble with the collar, but figured it out!! I didn't even have to use my seam-rippers in this dress. I think that it is the first time!!

Just Starting

2009-05-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

I'm just starting my crafting blog. I love crafts and can't wait to share with the world!!!