Rickrack and Ribbons

Twenty Years was Not Enough

2012-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

Twenty years was not enough

You said so little

But laughed so much

Twenty years was not enough

Your smile so big

As you pretended to be tough

Twenty years was not enough

Your big brown eyes

They said so much

Twenty years was not enough

So many lives

You had no idea that you touched

Twenty years was not enough

I needed to tell you

That I loved you so much

Twenty years was not enough

Now you are free to fly

As we have to heal

Twenty years was not enough

We have to smile

To pretend to be tough

To say so little

And try to laugh so much

We set you free

To light the heavens with your smile

We love you Nate

Even though

Twenty years was not enough

Losing someone you love- to young- too soon.

New Year

2012-01-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

I really love the New Year, I love the idea of a fresh start. It is really more then an idea if you put it into practice. There is something cleansing that happens in January a precursor to, what I always view as, the doldrums of February. For some reason the upcoming month is my least favorite. I digress, I was reflecting on the New Year and a fresh start. This is the time of year that I DO NOT resolve, I reflect and consider how I can improve home, health and family.

In December I was lucky enough to land a two week sub position that kept me busy and exhausted. This month has been slow so I am going to take this opportunity to clean, sort and organize. I would love to say that I will post about it regularly - but really who am I kidding- I have not posted since November. Sheesh. Yet I keep the blog, sometimes I wonder why, I am more of a blog stalker then a regular poster. Although, I know if I closed this blog I would miss it. Especially when the whim strikes.

On Sunday, my sister and I threw a shower for my niece, a bridal shower, we had a tea party theme. The vintage mugs and tea cups were the party favor. Pick your own and take it home.

I have to say that this girl amazes me. I have had the privilege of being a part of her life since birth. I think that the best part about being an aunt is I knew I loved her the first day I met her, within days of her birth. Which means I can tell my nieces and nephews that I will always have loved them longer. I have been witness to her growth through the years and so admire her grace, her character (un-matched), and her talent. I find myself a little shaken when I reflect on her journey and the multitude of wise choices she has made that carried her to this place. I am honored to be a small part of her life. The wedding is approaching fast and I am prepared for the on slot of tears that will cascade during the ceremony. But so grounded in the knowledge of the beautiful life they will have together and I can guarantee there will never be a dull moment.

I think I will have Pink

2011-11-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

This is my boy. My second to the youngest boy (by 2 minutes). He has been on the go since the day he was born. When they were little I (lovingly) called them my, Seek and Destroy Boys, they were that busy. Walking by 9 months- much to my chagrin. As the third and fourth babies I knew better than to want walking to come too quickly. But walk they did, then run, crash and do it all again.

In 11 years we had a lot of accidents, a lot of doctor visits, cuts, bruises, concussions, eye trauma, pulled ligaments, glued heads but no breaks (except for my oldest son who broke his elbow... twice). Then the phone call while I was subbing in 2nd grade, the drive to school, the doctor, the specialist, the surgery, the splint and now the cast. Pink cast. Hot pink cast.

I took several pictures and this is the face that showed itself the most.....The Tough guy. And he is. Amazing and brave and kind and grateful and funny and gracious. All the words the staff at the hospital used to describe him. The doctor told his operating staff to take care with him, "he is funny enough to be the next Coen Brother." I have come to call him my, whirling dervish. He tells me, " this should get him a few phone numbers, anyway."

A Few of my Favorite Things

2011-10-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Bet you didn't know I had a few favorite things. That is because I have never blogged of them before and because they are not things but people. Or maybe I have and I don't remember- that is possible. Well here it goes so hang on.

This girl, I can say that here because she is my only relation who reads this and because, well, look at her. She does stuff like this-fun stuff-draw mustaches on our finger kinda fun-not to mention she ooozes talent and creativity, as a bonus she loves to eat and .......sometimes keeps me up all night- I mean all night. Yup that is a true story and that is all I will say on that.

And this girl- another niece- love doing craft shows with her, not just the show, because that was a bust, but the day was full of giggles and chat. She self- taught herself to crochet and within a month was a crocheting mad women.

This was our table all set up with our wares. Hers and Mine, Mine and Hers. Notice the really cute pumpkin hat at the right- all her.

This little bunch was mine. In the blue basket are I Spy Bags- Owl, elephant, flower and birds, on the table were the pumpkin and leaf coasters and framed bulletin boards covered in nummy fabrics, I also had covered night lights and the trick-or-treat bags.

These are some of the trick-or-treat bags, I thought they were a great idea- reusable-cute-lined-washable- but alas no takers.

Maybe I will stick them in my barren Etsy shop- I gotta go now and eat this.....

Apple pizza- sorry Tricia- one more thing we never got to....

Fridays are for Show and Tell

2011-09-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

First I will show you my owls (the before is in the previous post)... Rupert, Roberta and the twins, and Ralph in their new duds all ready for fall. I do think they look smart. (yup I said smart)

I also mentioned, previously, that I was doing a craft show.....

Fall coasters make me happy, I created these but when they were done (sans their frilly necks) I was a bit scowly about their look. It so happened that a wad of excess thread happily descended upon their stems and I was all giddy about their new look and quickly sewed new tresses on all of their throats!

What do you think?

And then I created some simple leaf coasters but feel they look plain Jane in comparison.

Speaking of coasters..... these are in progress but whoa, I love how they are looking.

I may have gotten ~~coasted~~ carried away with these! I will share the other treats that are up my sleeve next week.

September Reveiw

2011-09-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Over a month...REALLY????
The month of September has flown by on wings. Thank you for your encouraging comments on my last post, it is amazing what a little support does for a girl. As for my tests.....I passed my middle school concentration with flying colors....Argh but did not pass the math, I did better then last time by 15 points but not enough. I did hear that they are lowering the required score in October, we will see. As for September....

Retro after school snacks for the boys

Seed collection for next year

The above are these giant marigolds, I have not always been a fan of marigolds but have come to appreciate both their resilience and ability to ward off predators of the garden, not to mention their deep and varying color (I have a lot of these seeds if anyone would like some shoot me an e-mail)

A little thrifting for fall- I will post the after later

Lilli playing college ball in her sophomore year= road trip for me

Ginormous tomato that dwarfs the toast of my all time favorite sandwich.... that tomato was divine... I had two of the above....so yum.

I have, YEAH, subbed quite a bit this month and between that have been working on items for an October craft show. My first since the 90's yikes. perhaps I will even be so smart to photograph my creations before the sale. Perhaps.

A little about me....

2011-08-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sweet Pea

Some things I do not discuss much here, not just because I am a sporadic poster, although that is a lot of the reason, but sometimes it is all I can do to chronicle the things I am making, that is really, what this blog is about. Occasionally, I think that this blog will become some sort of record of my free time, which is not much if you go by how much I post.

Today for the that reason, for the sake of our friend posperity, I am going on record saying that in May I graduated from college. And It was hard. It was hard in the fact that at age 34 I decided that I had had enough of the cloud of regret that has hung over me for over a decade. I needed to go to college. I needed to finish. It was hard in the fact that the other reason I knew I needed to go was to relieve some of the financial strain that we always have, my husband did not go to college either. Our job selection in this case is minimal. At least it is for us. It was hard in the fact that I had four children at home and my youngest(s) were beginning Kindergarten. And it was hard in the fact that I had to still work full time.

I miss it. I graduated. I loved class and the people I went with. In all the things that were hard lie all the things that are great. I am a college graduate. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Middle School Language Arts. I know what it is like to struggle through school, to fight and to finish. I learned I love middle schoolers as much as first graders and every age in between. My children get it.

Today I am taking my 4th of the 6 tests that I need to become a licensed teacher in the state of Minnesota. I am 40 years old. College took me 6 years and I hate tests. I know what it is like to test poorly but get good grades. I will admit it; I know what it is like to fail. I failed my math test-it is required- I have to pass. I find linear equations very challenging and geometry is a bit above my knowledge base 20+ years out of high school. My education program prepared me to teach, to learn, to care, to be humble, to understand, to analyze, to share my passion but not how to solve quadratic equations. I need to know these.

However, the test today is not about integers, exponents and slope (that is next week). The test today is on Middle School Content, I should have studied all day. I did not. I finished a quilt top. I have studied math for two solid weeks and just felt I needed to relax and refresh. The tests for licensure are new this year. We are some of the first ones taking them while I am not 100% confident, not even close; I am okay to take it twice. I took a pedagogy test in July and did fine so I suppose I am still floating on that hoping that what I know is enough.

So if you happen to read this, if you actually got this far, thank you and think of me and send me good thoughts. There are still many days when I question what I am doing, why I put myself and my family through this and if I will ever be able to get through these tests to do the one thing that I am truly passionate about, the one thing that I know I am good at, will I ever be able- to teach.

***DISCLAIMER since I have admitted that my education and my strong desire to teach please do not judge my grammatical errors- to me writing from the heart allows a person grammatical imperfections.

Path of Least Resistance

2011-08-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Can you see what is wrong with this picture? Okay not the picture but what is being sewn? Look at the seams...

Yup, that is not right sides together. I had over half of this LONG section sewn when I realized what I had done. I slowly and begrudgingly picked up my trusty seam ripper when I thought- wait- I have not attached where I joined the long blue strip. Why not just rip out 2.5 inches instead of 50 inches. YES YES.

So I did and turned the seam around (this can only work when your fabric is a solid like this Kona Cotton or a homespun) and sewed it the other way.

Whoola, quilt back for the three year quilt, done!

Rare Occurance

2011-08-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

I buy large spools of thread and it seems that when it actually runs out there should be some celebration. Look at me I emptied the spool. Perhaps there should be a pile of finished products to show for them, yet all I seem to have is an empty spool. Hmmm

This month my eldest turned 19 (wow) and the next day headed back to college. We spent the day shopping with my mother getting her 'school supplies'. The latter changes drastically from the crayons and markers of days gone by. Our list included things like a large rug, a lamp, shoe rack and a mattress cover (to name a few of the necessities for being a roommate in a house as a sophomore). I don't think we bought one pencil???

Aside from the shopping I wanted her to have a gift to open so I made her the framed fabric covered cork board, matching push pins, a nightlight and the slipps to keep her feet warm when she is up late studying.

I did not have a gift bag in the house so I whipped up this one. For a bit of whimsy I used zippers for the handles. I love these zippers- they are all metal. I have a bunch of them in a myriad of colors. I am thinking of opening a shop and will put some of these buties for sale.

Welcome Home

2011-08-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a month, a whole long month since I sent my beloved laptop to the spa, a lovely little journey all the way to Texas to see a specialist to repair some of its ailments. He is back and all shiny and refreshed and ready to work again. It had been ailing since spring and on a gradual decline in health.

Welcome Home.

In the mean time I filled my camera card and had no where to go with them. So today, after I nearly hugged and kissed the UPS driver who delivered my laptop back to me safely, I uploaded all a gazillion or so photos back onto this little baby and subsequently got busy ~~deleting~~ editing said gazillion pictures.

I did a few things this summer.

Before

Sometime in June my amazing niece took my boys on the vacation of their lifetime, leaving me home to fend for myself. It is a weird thing when the house empties of the children who reside there. A quiet enters every room and you find yourself a bit lost. That lasted a nano-second. I in turn took apart their rooms and organized and cleaned like crazy.

After

The first room I did belongs to my eldest son, my reader, my peacemaker and my conflict flee-r. This little shelf has had many roles and for the last few years sat solemnly in his bedroom holding miscellaneous junk. I gave it a new covering with pages of a book that had lost its own cover and was headed for the bin. I also printed a few things off to add additional interest such as the Dracula book cover and pages from my all time favorite book, Runny Babbit.

A little modge podge and a little paint and we have a transformed shelf that now sits beside another project for his room:

Found this desk at a garage sale for about $3, the maps were from

National Geographic mags, all it took was a little modge podge and new wood knobs painted white.

His walls were white and not having time or money for new paint I used tape to measure off squares and rectangles in various places. I had blue, brown and chalkboard paint that I used to paint random squares.

The chalkboard squares have become a really popular doodle spot where he can doodle on his wall without repercussions. I also painted with chalkboard paint a strip of wall just inside his door where he can doodle to his hearts content.

Then I needed some art.

He had the above mirror he bought at a garage sale for a quarter (love this kid) and I sprayed it in celery along with the frame, also a quarter. Since he is such a reader his art is all about that. The pictures I printed off and framed.

The frames, again, are from the thrift, and the top one sports more of the book I used for the shelf. The quote is by Cicero, "A room without books is like a body without a soul."

He was very happy and surprisingly his room stays a lot cleaner. Bonus.

Caution....Airing dirty laundry....

2011-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Or should the title read: Confessions from a Clogged Sewer...When Craft meets ADD...Starting is the antithesis of Completing. Okay enough you get the idea.

This is a good sign, is it not? Of some progress, somewhere. My spool is almost empty, there must be completed projects out there.

After writing this post, and reading this one, I started to clean out my sewing space. It tends to attract clutter of all types- it is very non-discriminate. It took me a whole day and part of another to get it to a workable place. It still needs work. True.

One thing I managed to do was round up a myriad of unfinished projects. YIKES. The above pile sports a quilt that needs a binding, a collection of Aunt Grace's fabric that I was going to make a bag with and now the urge is gone. In the first bucket is fabric that I started collecting ~~8 years~~ sometime ago for a quilt for our bed. The bottom one is also the fabric for another quilt. Sheesh and that is just the first pile.

This (above) was a quilt for a baby (now 5) but I wasn't crazy about it and here it sits.

And this pile...oh my... On the tippy top is this quilt and happily the backing came to my doorstep yesterday. Then there is another fall quilt top, 2 more quilts- started but stopped. What is my deal? Under those are some fix-it type things, a table runner, and a few odds and ends. Feeling embarrassed.

The package containing my backing.. hopefully...

I won't even talk about the ideas in my head or mention the things I want to make from the above collection. No. I. Won't. Start.

I think I will just go have one of these... Recipe on post down below...They are delish and I feel tired now.

Fun Finds and Cool Treat Recipe

2011-06-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Edited to fix pictures.

The boys and I ventured out a hit a few sales and a few thrift stores. I buy all my spices in bulk and was being overtaken with bags of spices. I was excited to find these. Not sure if I will keep the rack as I store my spices in the freezer. Maybe hit it with some spray paint? Not crazy about the yellow.

This shiny little gem lived in an exciting restaurant in its past now it mentioned it was ready to retire to a quieter life. Imagine the conversations it witnessed. Oh it just gleams on my counter keeping coffee warm for me into the afternoon.

Pretty sure my whole micro sized kitchen is reflected.

I have such love for vintage notions. Look....these are sewn on.

So pretty..

I was ultra excited to score this. $3.00 - mine broke years ago. If it was used you cannot tell. the ladies at the thrift had no idea what it was.

In other news.....

I have been obsessed with making pops this summer. They boys and I have had a blast coming up with creations and I have been watching for fun molds but have not found any other than these...

I really want this book or this one or this but they will have to wait.

In the mean time I want to share this fab recipe that we came up with today....So good, our best yet. The worst is waiting for the freezer to do its work.

Black Cherry Banana Yogurt Pops

In a blender combine:

1 Cup vanilla yogurt

1 large banana

1 cup dark cherries (we used unsweetened frozen)

2 Tablespoons honey (1 big squeeze)

2 Tablespoons coconut (1 big pinch)

1/2 cup Milk

I did put some coconut in the bottom of half the molds before pouring in the mix.

Blend on High and pour into molds and freeze

Drink left overs.... or add ice cubes before blending and it is one yummy smoothie.

All I wanted was a bike tire....

2011-06-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to our local hardware store, with the innocent intentions of purchasing some new white wall tires for my lovely vintage Schwinn bicycle, I ended up without said tires but with what is pictured below.

Wholly Cow, you are thinking that is a mass of fabric. Tis true, three bolts to be exact. Three of a zillion the proprietor of the hardware store had in her car. They are to become....slowly mind you... Dresses for Little Girls, a cause for the children of Africa. There is also Britches for Boys being made out of old t-shirts. Someone had donated bolts and bolts of fabric that was in their basement and that was unfortunately flooded. All of the fabric had to be washed. I used vinegar and baking soda to try to remove the odor. There is only a mild amount in the blue fabric which I am going to cut and hang on the line- let the sun do the work.

Nevertheless, I did not get a tire, they didn't have any....ahem... Who has time to ride bike when there is all this fabric to contend with.

I have started to putter away at this gem again. I blogged about it here way back in the beginning of my blogging adventures. Yikes that means I have been at this for coming on five years. That makes me laugh as I see how many blogs have changed and progressed. I remain, slow and reticent to commit to a regular scheme. Oh well.

This is pretty much how I received these pieces and I have not gotten very far. I am trying to move forward on my many UFO's, like this pictured here and this one that I put boarders on this morning only to discover that I do not have enough of anything sufficient to back it with. I was hoping to finish it today. As I was searching through old posts to find the link I see this one also needs a binding. And then there is this...started and living in the great below (my basement sewing room).

As I think about all this I remember one that I have not even photographed that is a started but sitting in a drawer. Again, Yikes. I am thinking I should just add a category of started projects so that when I need a fix I can just look at all the stuff that I have not finished.

I can't tell you how happy this fabric makes me. Reminds me of Jacks and Marbles. I love the colors and am thinking of a grey binding. Okay I should think to get it together before I contemplate binding. Right.

In July I will be teaching a class here on these sweet little girls. I am pretty excited about it.

Baby Janes

2011-05-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

These may be the smallest things I have ever made.They are Mary Jane's with a tiny snap on the side. My machine was quite confused by the tiny-ness of the project and I swear if it could have looked at me it would have had a quizzical, you really want me to do this look.

These fit a newborn's foot or a dolls. They are for my great niece who is in Children's Hospital right now fighting RSV. Prayers would be appreciated.

I gifted them to her in this sweet little box that was almost too cute to give away. I did anyway.
This was another great pattern from I Think Sew

Happy Feet

2011-04-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

After I made these slippers, the recipient ordered a pair for her grandmother.

The second time around went even better than the first and I find I really enjoy making these. Even better, my niece brings her pair with her and when she enters a home, taking off her shoes, she puts the slippers on. I would love to have a basket of them by my door. Some pretty new carpet would help as well. It seems 10 years of wear, young children, a dog and cat have done little to keep the white carpet that was in the house when we bought it, white.

With the slippers I included a sachet/shape holder that is stuffed with antibacterial bamboo stuffing and organic lavender flowers that smell delightful.

And put the happy little slippers in their own special flannel lined shoe bag.

Babies Everywhere

2011-04-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

Two of my nieces have had babies in the last month. So I was busy making gifts. Above is an I Spy bag filled with trinkets to find.

For the back I used a new product I had not tried before,

it is a printable cotton by Avery.

I made the car for my great nephew for Christmas.

The printable cotton worked really well and I don't have to

not forget to reverse my image as with an iron on.

I found the onsie tutu at Target and bought each great niece one so they could wear them together. I wanted socks to go with but could not find what I wanted.

So I bought plain white socks and added black lace and rickrack. It was really easy and I think they turned out spectacular. I hope the recipients are happy.

Happy Easter Sunday!

Milk Glass in the Rough

2011-04-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today I student taught solo for the first time. The day went well, no major issues and for that I am thankful. I can say that I am exhausted, teaching takes a lot of emotional stamina.

I had hoped to have another pair of slippers done to show off but alas they are still next to my machine in an almost done state. Planning for teaching had to happen therefore, creating could not. Hopefully this weekend. I am excited to be 'pinning' I love this site and have waited patiently to be accepted and now I am. This is a warehouse of inspiration and I have only begun to tap into it. It is a great place to go for a quick pick-me-up. Have a great week.

The title....yeah just random like the picture.

Guest-ing

2011-03-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

When my niece came to visit i wanted to do something special for her. So I put together a little gift basket (of which I do not have a picture) and made her these slippers.

They were made using a pattern from I Think Sew, I absolutely love her patterns, they are well written, easy to understand and obviously tested before they are sold. The download is very quick and whola you have a pattern. Needless to say Tricia loved her slippers and wore them the entire weekend!

Adventures in Book Making

2011-03-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

And mess making...

I had a heck of a lot of fun this weekend with this girl, who also happens to be my niece. She graces us with her presence every so often and it is always a celebration.

This weekend we broke out the tools and scrap paper and created books. And a few laughs. And stayed up way too late.

We bound some some of them with Japanese binding and took some ideas from this great book.

It has detailed directions and a lot of recyling and reusing ideas.

The above book is made using 3 x 5 index divider cards and is ready for the hole punches.

Next time, more completed works.

The book below is sporting a cover from a recyclyed gift bag.

I had some discarded and very worn out books from Maurice Sendak.

Here one is re-sized as a cover to Tricia's inspiration book.

Before and After

2011-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

This chair came with our marriage. It was my husband's grandmother's and it has been in every place we have lived (it has been somewhere that is). Of late it has resided in our storage room taking up space, space that could be used to store other stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I love vintage as much as the next lover of all things used and loved. But this pattern did not go with any of my early American garage sale decor that I have in my house.

Now she wears this lovely black and white flowered frock. Home dec fabric that I purchased for another project. Created ~~cheater~~ efficiency style. Simply a piece of fabric sewed up each side and an envelope enclosure at the end. I am thinking of painting the wood a shiny black. What do you think?

Science Fair

2011-03-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, I will be the first to admit....when it comes to science fair I am a bad mom. This year it is the twins turn at the science fair go around, I guess you could say I am bad mom squared. It is my 7th and 8th time doing this. It is odd for me to be this way- I am:

a. a pre-service teacher (enough said...sheesh)
b. I really like science (often heard...go ask your mom she is the science girl)
c. I enjoy doing things with my kids (and this is a good experience for them)

But science fair....well bugs me. Maybe it is the lack of instruction that I feel the kids get ( I don't really know it just seems that way). They panic, "what do I do, what goes on the board, we have to do this NOW."- I am admittedly a chronic procrastinator relying on the ~~excuse~~ notion that I work best under pressure, whereas the pleas of NOW send me running in the other direction for a place to hide.

Or maybe it is because my usual laissez faire personality goes on vacation and words such as, "that can't go there it looks unprofessional." -Really, it is a kids science fair it shouldn't look professional. Then my son gets that- oh no mom is getting upset, I better agree tone- in his little voice and i feel like well, the worst mother. So I made myself laugh and be patient and work with the boys on their boards and yes force them to turn off all distractions.I only heard the 'tone' once and quickly made a joke. And it is done, they are ready to be judged. Let's hope they get more then a participant ribbon but if they do...that's okay.

Looks Like You Had Fun Today

2011-03-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

So said my son when he walked in the door from school and eyed the cinnamony yumm-fest on the counter.
Since last Thursday I have been on Spring Break. Just me. At home. Alone. WOW.

To this afternoon I thought, yup, muffins. Consulting this cookbook I devised my plan. I would make Ree's French Toast Muffins.

They came out this creamy unblemished color. So pretty, I was hesitant to proceed with the next step. But forge on- they say.

The next step was a bath of butter. I know it is wrong but I am of the 'I love butter and sugar' school and then add cinnamon and I was ready to jump in myself.

One bite of these tender sugary muffins had me convinced that I did, indeed have fun today. And you should have tasted my fingers (I know that would be weird) but if it wasn't and you had, you would have agreed that these are quite possible the best thing since...well you know the rest.

Yesterday

2011-02-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Oh did we get some snow. For two days it snowed and snowed. A week after 40 degree temps. I thought I was ready for spring, then it snows and reminds me that I don't mind the winter white. Then this morning on my way to school...oh it was georgous out. White everywhere. Trees weighted down by thick fluffy winter candy. A fog was just lifting above the ground. The sky was pale shades of blues and pinks, like driving in Narnia. Yes, I can live with a little more winter white.

Happy Wednesday!

Inspiration

2011-02-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Why can't my brain work like this?

Loving

2011-02-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

This site! Brain Candy!. Happy Saturday!

M is for.....

2011-02-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

I made this for my great niece who love to cook, to read and all things frilly. I did not have a pattern and the fabric was mostly pieces from the stash. I was really happy how it turned out. Isn't it great when things actually become the same or better than when they were in your head! That is how this turned out. I had been thinking about a ruffly apron for a while and then it translated exactly how I wanted and she was thrilled. Yippee!

I am mid-way into my second week of student teaching. For the last five years I have worked as a para in our local school district and loved it. It is a public school. My student teaching is at a Montessori school. Thanks to blogging I know a little about Montessori and Waldorf methodologies. However, in no way did they prepare me for the difference in teaching style compared to public ed. I feel a little like a fish out of water. But as any fish worth their scales knows, you have to jump back in if want to survive. And that is what I am trying to do. I find the learning in this environment so exciting and so student orientated. I hope to share some of what I am experience here from time to time as I learn right along with the students!

Eat more cookies

2011-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

I started student teaching last week. As any student teacher knows it is most important to not miss a day. On my day 7 my van wouldn't start. My husband is 40 minutes away and I am stuck at home. Alone. I called in. Did I mention alone. Oh so rare for me.

I wrote a paper. Worked on a science unit. Baked cookies.

Cookies went like this....

Mix up cookies

scoop on trays

place in oven

set timer for 9 minutes

strip bed linen

remove pillow cases from 8 pillows

gather 1 blanket, 2quilts and 2 down comforters

take ginormous pile down stairs

place sheets and cases in one washer

place quilt in other

fold load in dryer

go back upstairs

warm up coffee

scoop next batch of cookies

take cookies out of oven

put next batch in

9 minutes

start putting dishes away

realize the disaster the silver drawer is

re-organize and sort spoons and forks by size

why do I only have 5 butter knives?

investigate later

open cupboard to put measuring cups away
retrieve honey bear from his nose dive into the batter
wash honey bear
vacuum living room
scoop out next batch of cookies
take cookies out of the oven
let cool
put next batch in
9 minutes
wash a few more dishes
trip on cat
wipe down counter
put cookies on cooling rack
warm up coffee
eat cookie
eat another
scoop out next batch
catch up on e-mail
go down stairs
put quilt in one dryer and comforter in other
put other comforter and quilt in washers
take cookies out of oven
put in next batch
9 minutes
wonder where the day went
put cookies on cooling rack
scoop out next batch
wipe down bathroom
take out garbages

check on linens

put clean sheets on bed

dress 8 pillows with clean cases

warm up coffee

eat more cookies

Value Quilt Finished

2011-02-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

I began this quilt here, I finished it in the nick of time for my niece's wedding. When I say nick of time, I mean I was finishing the binding in the few morning hours before the wedding.

I really loved this quilt, I love the print variety, most from my stash and few I bought because I didn't have enough light prints. Also, a few I bought, special, for this quilt. It took a while, a little help from my sister, and I think we got the balance right.

I quilted the quilt on the diagonal seams and bound it in a solid chocolate brown that frames the quilt.

You know, you make these things with the utmost of love, and it truly takes love to give them away. A part of me just did not want to part with this one.

As any quilter and crafter knows a lot of work goes into the things we create, we give them away hoping the recipient loves them as much as we do. But you have to just let it go once it is given away. While I feel that my creations should be displayed or used in a place of prominence, well that does not always mean that the recipient will feel the same. They may feel it is best served in a playroom, that has to be okay, right? Whether I think it is or not. The giving and the love that went into must remain, unconditional.

Certainly Not

2011-01-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

Was this space abandoned? Maybe a little lost but not forgotten.

Handmade bridal gifts and a cushion for a pin

2010-08-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

I needed a few gifts for my niece's bridal shower.

It all started with the above basket from a maya made pattern

which was - by the way - a snap to do

I started with a kitchen theme and made a few magnets and a pot holder.

The purple inside the basket are a few grocery totes.

and an emergency sewing kit with mini scissors, needles,

thread and buttons. Of course her name

is spelled with pins.

Finally for the bride some supplies for relaxation:

a sleep mask

flax seed hot/cold pack

and lavender bath tea

all in the bag below.

The bag was a rayon tank top in its former life

it begged to become a bag.

Finally for me, the first of the projects from these scraps

in a thrifted vase.

In other news I am finally a senior in college. For as long as this process has taken me I could have a doctorate but am so happy to be at this point. Fall classes have begun and one week from today I will be back at work as an elementary school para. The busy season is upon me and I cannot wait to be back with the students. When I first started college I wrote so many papers I could have written a book, I still write at least one or two a week but for the next five months I will be focused on writing lesson plans. Much more fun then papers but way more work. Speaking of.... I better stop procrastinating and get back to work.

Camp quilt.....check

2010-07-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

I started this quilt in July of 2007. Yikes. I finally found a direction for the backing purchased the batting and put it all together yesterday. I pieced the back, basted the layers, quilted it on the horizontal lines...

....sewed my table cloth to the back, removed the table cloth, ~~squared~~ evened things up, sewed the binding on....

and finished hand stitching the binding at 2 a.m. It is a sickness- I could not stop.

I could not love this quilt more. I used a kona cotton for the binding in avocado.

There is only one print in the whole quilt it is on the back and happens to be geese in bonnets. I know. Odd. Other then that the back is flannel and brushed cotton...so so soft.

A few facts::

This is the largest quilt I have quilted myself.

This is the first quilt I have ever made with a solid binding and all the same fabric.

The binding was inspired by this great quilt which also inspired this quilt.

I loved quilting this quilt.

Quilting with cats can be challenging.

Apparently a quilt layed out is done solely for the cat.

I purposely left the air a little cooler last night so I could justify sleeping under this quilt.

I slept like a baby.

1970's Hex

2010-07-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Some fantastic prints from the 60's and 70's

Thought I would share one of my on going projects. It is my portable project and goes with me everywhere in a small baggie. Some years ago my mother-in-law gave me these hexagons already cut. She had cut them out years earlier with her mother-in-law. At the time I was not at all sure I wanted to do this. However, I hung on to them and a few months ago I realized what a perfect project they would be. I have done a lot of quilting but never by hand. I want to make one entire quilt by hand and this is it.

So these will become, one day, a quilt completely made by my hand. I have no illusions on how long this will take, yet the process is meditative. I love the tiny stitches I am able to achieve through the English paper piecing method- the method I choose for these because I feel it is the most secure. To the left of the above box is a baggie that has a needle, thread, card stock templates and hexes to be basted. It all fits neatly in my bag and I can pull it out anywhere. Sometimes I take the whole block with me and work on that. It helps to have that along because people will ask you what you are working on and then look at you like you are nuts, which I am- so fine!

"Oh, you want to give me your scraps?"

2010-07-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

My sister made this fabulous quilt, of which I do not have a photo but will try to get one.
I coveted that quilt like you would not believe.
It was comprised of the above fabrics and had circles.
One fine day I was over at her house and she gave me the scraps from the quilt.
Good enough for me- the colors....

My scraps and I ventured into my sewing room to see what was there.

Plenty I think.

A lot of it is Amy Butler's Midwest Modern.

Oh how I love the colors.

I sorted and ironed and separated them into three sizes.

I have plans for these babies and they are well underway.

My intention is to use each bit of this fabric and see what I can do.

Because I need to have 5 projects going at once.

My question is.... when is a scrap a scrap?

When does a scrap just need to be tossed and when should it be folded and put on the shelf?

In the Garden

2010-07-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

This year my flowers are putting on quite a showing of their

finest finery. So sassy in her silver pot.

I love the simplicity of these onion blooms, I wonder if they know how modern their lines are?

Yellow peppers just asking to be plucked.

And this is my squash- I love squash- I want an abundance of squash of various varieties- which I have. However everyyear they are under attack by the squash vine borer.

A very destructive, unwanted and uninvited garden

pest. It kills my plants every year and I get maybe one or two zucchinis.

Naughty.

Not this year, last night I performed major surgery on my poor plants and

removed many of the ugly little worms. Hopefully with luck the plants will recover

and prosper. Fingers crossed.

2010-07-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

On the deck with a glass of wine. I love summer nights.

Thrifted

2010-06-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

When you have a house full of boys and kitchen chairs that are used a lot- well like Goldilocks and the Three Bears- they sometimes fall apart at the joints. We were down two chairs from our table and borrowing uncomfortable ones from other places. Then on an excursion to my favorite antique mall I came across these. I love their regal design and tall backs. Even the color speaks to me.

The mod seat fabric. Nice. A coat of paint and a light sanding and they should be perfect.

An exotic tale of mint and fried chicken dripping in fresh cream

2010-06-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Spicy dahl with meatballs, fresh tomato and cilantro. Mint chutney on the side.

( the meatballs have leftover basmati rice from Sundays meal).

Many years ago the sound of the ocean and the song of the Cascades drew my restless soul to the great Pacific Northwest. It was there that I met my husband and there that I learned an independence that I had never known before. I also discovered ethnic food. Okay I had tasted an enchilada and known the taste sensations of a Chinese buffet. What I had not ever tasted was fresh cilantro in a homemade salsa, or sautéed bokchoy in a stir fry created before my very eyes. Tai food was an exotic mystery and I never dreamed that vegetables in a simple Asian broth could bring such joy and satisfaction on a rainy winter day. Then there was that fresh salmon (need I say more) and mussels in a creamy sauce over angel hair pasta (who would have thought noodles could be so thin). Nor had I had the delicate and intricate flavors of Indian cuisine.

This is my favorite and most craved of all my discoveries. Now don’t get me wrong I wasn’t actually deprived of food as a child. I drank milk that came from a large jar with the cream floating on top and that same cream was served with fresh strawberries and homemade biscuits for desert or breakfast. Oh yes and it was heaven. I grew up on the comforts of things such as porcupine meatballs and beef stroganoff, not to be outdone by fried chicken and potato salad dripping with mayo. Snacking meant grabbing a mulberry or boysenberry right from the branch and lefsa and pickled herring are still my holiday favorites. And my mother makes the most delectable rhubarb and apple pies that I have ever had.

After several years and babies #3 and #4 on their way we decided that with our jobs and the cost of living we would be better to live in the Midwest where I was from, so we moved. Ten years ago. For the last 8 years we have resided in a tiny little town that boasts one store, two hometown restaurants and like all small towns one bar. The flavors of my past are tucked conveniently in my memory.

Mint Chutney first attempt.

Since the move my cooking has drastically changed, true I still prepare the occasional tater tot hot dish, but for the most part we eat fresh foods with lots of flavors. Over the years I have honed my Indian cooking skills and make a pretty great curry, dahl, korma and my naan rivals any restaurant. One thing I have yet to master is mint chutney. Actually this was my first attempt and while it was tasty it did not offer that ‘I need to have that on everything’ quality that I expect from my chutneys, relishes and salsas. Up until now I have occasionally traveled an hour to the Indian grocer to stock up on red and yellow lentils, seasoning and mint chutney but at $4 for a small bottle I must be able to make it myself. I have all of the ingredients fresh just steps from my kitchen. I will keep working on the recipe and I promise to post if I hit it.

::Side note:: it was also in that beautiful country that I had my first espresso and then honed my aptitude toward being a complete and utter coffee snob. I was a barista in the 90's after all.

A lesson in value

2010-06-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

In October my niece, who also doubles as my God child, will be betrothed to her beau. I am most certain that she does not read this blog and if you happen to, LOOK AWAY until your nuptials. However this lovely niece of mine does read her and also happens to be sister of the bride, whom I am most certain can be trusted with my secret.

I was inspired, first by this, which led me to this - pure inspiration- and the tutorial that I have followed up to this point. I have never done this type of quilt before and it required a little more patience of me so I did have to set aside my typical seat of your pants quilting style. The hardest part was deciding on what was light and what was dark. I must most certainly be, value blind or need value glasses because I had a heck of a time. Unless its darkness screamed at me (which at one point it did and I decided I need to go to bed when my fabric starts to talk to me). The next morning my blocks were quiet again. Thank goodness. Yet it it wasn't obvious I struggled with it's value.

This is a final gift -part of a wedding gift concept that I am working on and will discuss at a later date. The first pictures I took I realized that there was an issue with the pattern that I did not see just looking at it. In the photo it is much easier to spot where the blocks have gone a rye and where they are great. I need about 16 more blocks but I have been through my stash and do not want to duplicate anymore so I am at an impasse. Many of the fabrics I used were cut for the very first time. I was not planning on buying anymore fabric until I burned through my overflowing collection. But ahem what to do. Back to what I was saying about picture taking::: I used the picture taking technique when I made this quilt::

This is a pretty bad picture of it but I made it for my daughter's volleyball coach and each of the girls signed a block. The center is the center of this year's volleyball shirts that all the supporters wear and the girls themselves, it says..... peace love volleyball. Lilli was a senior this year and so this was her last high school season.

This is the back of the quilt and the back of the shirt is in the center. This quilt was my first foray into free motion quilting.

{sorry about the teeny pics they were hijacked from another site of mine}

Hopefully, the next time you see the value quilt it will be done or near done and won't have gone broke foolishly buying more fabric.

Edited to add: I guess I already blogged about the Volleyball quilt here- this is just how good my memory is- I had to be reminded by the little pictures that are automated after each post...sheesh.

Time just keeps moving

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

In the last two weeks we have:

::painted our living room, kitchen, bath, hallway, entryway and lower landing.
::Re papered the entry and updated the trim
::Hung new curtains
::Cleared out all living area clutter (notice I say living area, there is plenty more to go)
::Cleaned the garage
::Cleaned the house top to bottom

Most importantly we watched this beautiful child grace her way through another rite of passage....high school graduation.

Our final company pulled away from our house this morning on their way back to WA and the finality of it all is just setting in. Next we will be packing up and sending her off to college. You wouldn't believe all the panic that is attached to this process. I have these words on a constant reel in my head...."did I teach her how to....." and "did I prepare her for....".

Last month my focus was on getting through three classes, finishing up at work, doing my practicums and planning graduation. Each object of my attention ending in that order - classes, practicum, work and finally graduation. As soon as school was out it was full on graduation party mode with its painting and cleaning and preparing. It was odd as we stood and watched the last of our family leave our house. A strange sense of lost-ness came over me. Most of this day I just haven't quit known what to do with myself. I suppose this is a variation of what it feels like when the last of your children head off to college. The house will be empty and years of focus will have to be readjusted. The one positive is that in a teens senior year of school they are gone a lot, at work, games or with friends so that some adjustment is already happening. Yet somehow it doesn't seem any easier.

Happy Birthday!

2010-03-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

The jumper on the left, is 13 today, a much anticipated rite of passage has been crossed from pre-teen to teen. Happy Birthday to a boy who rocks my world!

Corners

2010-03-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

A lovely little mess- patiently waiting for attention.

Lunch just got a whole lot cuter!

2010-03-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

I spent the better part of today not doing what I should and instead doing what was fun! I needed a lunch bag that would accommodate the rectangle glass containers that I usually take my lunch in. This is what I came up with. I kinda like it!

I had really been wanting to make a reuseable snack/sandwhich bags and my first attempt is pictured below. I just used a ziplock bag as the liner. This was my first try and ~~it sucked~~ I am not crazy about it. I especially do not like not being able to iron it-that is driving me crazy. It was supposed to be just a wrap but I sewed it together envelope sylye- but not very well.

And closed....see it really needs an iron!

Then I found this great tutorial that reuses the bags that chips come in. I just so happened to have a Mylar bag and whoola… I made both the snack size and the sandwich size bag! I am really excited at how these turned out. The only change I made was using the rick-rack instead of the elastic. I have one more idea for these bags but it will have to wait.

Snack bag

And for the luckiest sandwhich in the world......

I am pretty sure my lunch is going to taste way better. Would it dare not to in such cute attire?

Finally, I made this snack mat from this book. I would like to make a bunch of these to have around. They would be great for holding chips or crackers. Of course it is perfect for tea and a few cookies.

In case you were wondering..........

2010-02-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

How to Preserve a Husband

Be careful in your selection. Do not

choose too young. When once selected,

give your entire thoughts to preparation

for domestic use. Some insist in keeping

them in a pickle, others are constantly

getting them in hot H2o. This makes

them sour, hard to get along with

and sometimes bitter. Even poor

-2-

varieties may be made sweet,

tender & good by garnishing them with

patience, well sweetened with kisses

Wrap them in a mantle of charity.

Keep warm with a steady fire of

domestic devotion and serve with

preaches & cream. Thus prepared

they will keep for years.

I found this amidst a bramble of recipes in this

thrifted box.

Thrifty Friday Finds

2010-02-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

When life gives you a Friday off you pack up your ~~bags~~ boys and head to the once monthly vintage market.

Where you find these fantastic aprons, still crisp with sizing and a 57c price tag from this mostly gone but not forgotten place.

Okay you are happy- then you see this delightful little....

Fish. Plaid fish at that. Seriously.

And then......

I find this and this one makes three. A collection for me!

Artistry

2010-02-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Winter has a way of sugar coating things.

Making a warm bed warmer.

And

The calm breeze crisper.

Painting her mirage of cleanliness.

In winter white.

Wishing you a sugar coated weekend.

Trash to Treasure:: Curtain Call

2010-02-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

My sister had a Creamery in the 80's where she sold household items, crafts and country decor. I specifically remember the goose and pineapple themed items that were popular in country decorating at that time. She also had curtain samples. Several years ago, okay 8 years ago, she gave me a box of the curtain samples. The following curtain has lived its life in my head until yesterday.

I simply laid out all the samples, putting like widths together, trimmed them so that they could be sewn in four panels. I top-stitched the panels (to showcase their pretty edges) and then sewed the four panels together.

Conveniently enough there was a valance to top-stitch to the whole piece- it determined my finished size. I had just enough of the eyelet samples to make the above curtain. The trees are my favorite part. I did sew a hankie on and another piece of lace to cover up a stain that I couldn't remove. They have been living in storage for a long time. Now this curtain is rightfully out of my head and on my window. Coincidently I feel a little lighter in the noggin because of it, perhaps now a few new ideas can move in!!

A curtain like this could easily be done with different cuts of eyelet or lace. I love the sheerness of it, we get great afternoon sun through this window- too much light for a bare window but this will allow it to shine through without rendering us blind and all squinty- quit commical at dinner- but uncomfortable.

Were you wondering about my little blue planter? Formerly known as a stool until it's seat broke. Do you see it by the wicker planter? barely? Now that is a lot of snow and another snow day for us.

That is why, my dear Tricia,you get to read yet another post from me. Well that and I am procrastinating doing my homework.

Snow Day.....again

2010-02-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

School was closed. To illustrate the mass amounts of snow we have look to the above Photo taken in December. As of Saturday the snow was up to that next wrung. Look at my little plant holder this morning.....

A little snow anyone? So what do I do with this suprise day off? I have done all of absolutly nothing except sit on at the computer and peruse blogs....sheesh I have got to take advantage of this. So I wish you all....

Crafting old crafting new

2010-02-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all your kind comments on my last post. For some reason I have not received the e-mailed version of the comments so I did not reply to anyone- something I like to do if an e-mail addy is provided. And yes, I am still in school, I have a year to go before I start student teaching!! Yay Yay Yay It has been a long 5 years.

I will admit it, I love Valentines Day. Yes, the all the flowery romantic business perpetuated by Hallmark, flower and other retail stores is fine but it is not the true reason I love it. No the reason I love it has to do with the interjection of pinks and reds and hearts and candy in the middle of a cold and white winter season. It is the last winter holiday and is a tease that spring is right around the corner. With all these spring colors how could it not be so?

Okay, I am also hopeless romantic at heart and a huge sucker for hearts and spouting love and all those perpetuated notions of Valentines Day.

~The above table runner I made about 10 years ago when my twins were just babies. The quilting shows my inexperience but makes me smile when I think of how far I have come!

The banner I eeked out last weekend and spells out FEBRUARY. I am pretty happy with how it turned out but think I need to applique around the letters so they pop out better.

I love the mushroom fabric of the Y.

For the universe, I just want to say that I would like a treadle sewing machine. (wink wink grin)

To the readers who have a happy, romantic, cheery, pink, sweet and lovely Valentines Day.

For last years Valentine inspiration click.

Finally

2010-02-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, Fine, I am not the most regular blogger. It is true, but this time I swear it was not my fault. After my last post my hard drive on my laptop took a permanent vacation to the South Pacific- it is way warmer there- so it is hard for me to blame it.

Then when I had some breathing room- I lost my camera cord. I am not a, word only, blogger type person. Is that because my words cannot stand on their own? maybe. Or perhaps I just need a picture for inspiration. I do think it is the latter.

For posterity (I know it is February) I am going to post some of the things that I created as Christmas gifts. I need a record somewhere and this has become the best place. Bare with me and I promise to get on to other things soon.

Above is a craft apron for my sister inspired from this awesome tutorial.

This apron was for my niece it is the Emmeline by Sew Liberated I was really pleased with how it turned out! Front is above and backside below.

Finally for the same sweet niece is a little personalized kitchen set, towel and washcloth. Yup it has a monogram on it. She is my God Child after all and recently announced her engagement!!

Next is a camera strap cozy and two coffee cozies - just to keep things cozied up! These items were for my other wonderful niece who happens to be apron niece's sister. Great things came out of that family for sure. Oh Yeah she has a monogram too!!

(That bottle up in the far right is medicine- oh man did we all get sick! I was the last to go. At about 12:30 in the morning after tending to 2 of my 3 son's and my husband (Lilli and Nolan were already sick earlier in the week)- I thought 'oh. no. I am the last man standing'- 3 hours later- I was down! Blach.

Finally, and yes a little blurry, (I was deathly ill just hours after these were taken) a Gramma and granddaughter set for another sister of mine! Maybe I can get a better shot at a later time?

I also made a number of the coffee cozies so it was an apron-y cozy year!

Wait

I guess I had one more... This is a scarf I made for another niece out of recycled sweater cuffs! Cute huh. I may post how to make this sometime. That is it. For real. Have a lovely week!

2009-12-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

::::Favorite Holiday Collection:::

2009-12-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

After reading this post at Wisecraft, I had to share my favorite collection. They are tiny delightfully knitted mittens, socks, a sweater and a larger mitten. Four is enough to say it is a collection, right? They are hard to find, but I sure love them.

She will show you how to make your own miniature ornament. Make your own, why didn't I think of that? Especially after all the little outfits I made for these ladies. Oh well, I am excited to add to my collection of winter wearables eventually. I suppose that would fall under To Do. Ahem.

Blue and white cardigan for chilly nights.

One red mitten

Tonight I may get out my felt and started stitch'n!

High-waters no more

2009-12-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

My pants were too short. Why? Of course it is because my legs are so so long. Or maybe it is that when my middle puts on a few extra holiday cookies- my pants seem to get shorter?

Anyway...I don't have a plethora of pants to choose from so being down a pair was not working. So I lengthened them. What do you think? Do they look silly or dated? You could say I up-cycled them. You could also say, judging by the above picture that I need a new ironing board cover! eek.

To Do::::::::

2009-12-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have a To Do list. Today, I decided to start photographing the things I want to finish and posting them. I am sure, I am the only one who doesn't finish projects! I thought perhaphs that would help me to get in gear and get them done. Hopefully, I will be able to Coinside the to do's with the done's!

Lately I was inspired or should I say re-inspired by a commentar, Mary Lou, she is a fun and whimiscal designer. This quilt is full of her fabric designs, some of my favorite fabrics reside between the seems. This quilt is about the 4th one I ever made. I made it in 2003-2004ish. I finished it. I love it. There is a block for each of my children with their birthdate. I sent it to the quilter and she did it justice.

Then tragedy struck.

No sooner had I got it home, did I spill coffee on it. Quilting and coffee do go together but not literly. I cried. I ruined it, I felt. I had to soak it and soak it and subsequently some of the applique began to come up at the seams. I couldn't look at it anymore so I packed it away. 6 years ago.

Until today. I still love it and it just needs a little fixing, some minor surgery and it will be just fine. It is a little wrinkly, 6 or so years in storage does that, and the wings need tacking. But the binding is ready to go. I will try to post some better pictures on flicker and when she is done you all will be the first to know.

What do you have packed away waiting to be finished?

Jones-en

2009-11-29T19:07:00.001-08:00

sewing room
Originally uploaded by Rickrack and Ribbons.

My time for blogging is very limited. My time in general is very taxed. My ability to manage said time is poor at best. This fall I took two classes instead of one. Since these classes are condensed it is like having a full load for a normal college student. I also have my job, which oddly enough demands that I be there every day. Then I have my family who needs to be fed, and have their clothes laundered not to mention a bit of my precious commodity of time to enjoy, nurture, defuse them.

Me I need a creative fix; I am jonessssss-en for it. I crave it, require it along with my daily vitamins and the occasional chocolate bar (ha, I said occasional). So I lurk. I am a lurker. Lurkey lurkey loo, that is what I do. That side bar over there with the many great blogs, along with the ones that I have in my search bar- I get a fix from them. It is a band-aid to my bleeding creative side. Time to create is the medicine but right now, the time cost is too expensive. So, I live that part of me vicariously through the creativity of others. In the mean time I pop in here now and again, until summer that is, or until the demands of my time recede.

I just want to say thanks for that! To all of you incredibly creative people whom I have never met but truely admire!

Reflections

2009-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

I am a parent. I am a parent of a senior in High School. When my youngest children (twins) turned 7, they endered mid-childhood and I realized I had crossed over from young mother with young children to an older, ermm wiser, mother of older children. This signified the ending of a season of my life and not without mourning. Now my eldest will graduate this year.

Having a high school senior is like reading the end of a long beloved book. Things finish, they conclude constantly. There is the next book to look forward to yet you have to let go of the one you have gotten to know so well.

Volleyball has been in our lives for a very long time. Lilli has worked and sweated and cried over her losses and her gains. She like so many other girls work and work for their senior season. This is the season that they shine. All their learning and strength and maturity intertwines in this year. They emerge strong and talented. My Lilli is no exception. She shined, she sparkled and she played like a champion.

Her coach was a big part of that growth. So to thank her for all she had done for Lilli and the team I made her a quilt.

This is the first quilt that I have ever quilted myself and I even did a little free form. We had all the senior players sign a block and presented the quilt to her on awards night. The center block and the block on the back are from their team t-shirts. All the parents and fans of the players also had these shirts to wear to games.

The ending of this particular season was sad, or maybe I should say bitter-sweet. Not only was it the last high school volleyball season, it signifies the ending of another season of both our lives. Endings that have to occur to open the way for the new seasons to begin.

Inspired hand work

2009-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

I was so inspired by this ultra talented lady. I have followed her blog for a few years and she is always amazing me with her creativity. My fabulous niece called it a "fabric doodle" and that is exactly what it feels like!! Pick up a needle and doodle away! It is also a great way to get in the embroidery groove before you start a project, just like anything hand stitching takes practice and momentum and a few stitchs on a 'doodle' is enough to get you warmed up for something else!

I am not crazy about how well the pics came out but you get the idea.

The great thing about this type of work is it is totally random, spontaneous and (the best part) I can incorporate all the bits and pieces that I have-and can't throw away- such as the garter thingy in the first picture!

Not to mention it is so relaxing to sit on the couch at the end of the day and bury myself in floss, buttons and do-dads! I still want to fill in a bit at the bottom and then figure out how to finish it off!

My First Quilt

2009-09-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

I am usually late in the game and have seen several 'first' quilts' in blogland, so I thought I would share with you my first quilt- I haven't shared it here before have I- anyway it is a string quilt that I made for Lilliana. She was in the 4th grade at the time, she is a senior this year, that tells you how long ago it was. Her and I did the piecing on a foundation, I remember my eyes going a bit buggy from the brightness of it!! The 'strings' were just strips ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide. The pillow top has stars that were cut from the blocks and appliqued on.

2009-08-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Fall,

2009-08-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

Dear Fall

You are so funny, you fall you! You blow in here early with your wild winds and sheets of rain.
You’ve cooled things down to a crisp briskness. You think you are fool’n us to think that summer is waning. But I got your number and I am not going to succumb. Silly fall, who do you think you are pushing your way in when summer is still working its lovely magic. Summer is not ready to give up, I know she isn’t, she is still working on her garden- reddening the tomatoes, greening the peppers, and encouraging the squash. So do not think that for one minute we are going to fall for your fall like ways, no sir, not this time; so pack up your cooler temperatures, your harsh winds and your sniveling rains, so summer can finish in peace.

Thank you

The summer lover

Exercises in small motor

2009-08-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is Ash and he is 9. He is tactile. He is bright. And he loves his blankets. I call them that because at 9 you no longer sleep with a 'nigh nigh' but a blanket. He still has and sleeps with the one he received as a baby- well both considering he also confiscated his brother's.

He wanted a new one to replace (erm, in addition) to his. So we went to the fabric store and after much dilberation, he picked out his fabric. He wanted it just like his other, fabric top and bottom and tied. AND with wide silk blanket binding. After the initial sticker shock of store bought binding...a whooping $6 a package, we made our purchase. I am so spoiled by buying most of my supplies second hand!

The deal was, he had to help. He was great and such a trooper! Watching his little fingers trying to manipulate needle, thread and fabric was amazing and as stated in the title a supreme exercise in fine motor skills!

Road Trip

2009-07-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Early...oh so early Monday morning my sister and I hit the pavement for the American Quilters Society Show in Knoxville TN. It was a very long day of driving. 19 hours long. We will stay the night in Nashville. I love Nashville and TN as a whole, such a gorgeous state. Then we headed for Knoxville.

I needed a new bag for the trip. Something to hold all my gear in the van and to tote around at the show....just in case... I find a lovely piece of fabric I need to have. Yes I said need...what?

When I was a junior in High School I bought a messenger bag by Esprit. Remember them? I loved anything Esprit. Last fall the strap broke, mind you I have had and used the bag for 20+ years. Mostly for travel and for school. I was so sad. I loved that bag for these types of trips. I would forgo a purse and put everything in the bag, including a book to read and my water with plenty of room for small purchases.

I had to make a new one. Ahem. That means a pattern, of which we (the pattern and I, that is) have a long history of a love/hate relationship. Mostly it is the cutting out of the pieces, it seems that every time I unfold the thing I am under some sort of physical tissue paper assault.

Look on the strap....See that buckle? You may have seen it in Time magazine, that is if you read it in 1942 because that is when it was featured. It is a 'self-covering' buckle and can you believe the sticky still worked like a charm?

We now have two days of the show under our belts. We have been doing a demo of a this really great ruler for making bias binding. It is fantastic. I am not quite Vince Shlomi but I am getting close!! Have a happy Friday!

The 32lb fish..You know the one that got away..

2009-07-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have a favorite antique-type haunt. It is a big, huge place with tons of vendors and lots of fun stuff. I rarely run into something that is outrageously priced. A few months back we were browsing about the place and I found the greatest quilt. It was different then any I have ever seen before.

It was like it was pieced together with bits of other quilts but in no particular order. If a crazy quilt left its fancy stitching at home and married a quilt of the the month. Well, that is close to what this quilt was like. It had blocks and then just pieces, top-stitched down in places. No batting, maybe flannel in between. The back was bigger pieces pieced. It was the truest 'use what you have' quilt and don't let anything go to waste.

I really wanted it but it just wasn't the time to spend $25. Yes I know $25. I was really filled with regret, after, because the fabrics and textures were so amazing and so filled with history. I went back 3 days later, I had to have it. Oh you already guessed? Yeah, it was gone. Swoosh. Just like that. I was so so sad.

A few days ago, 'the quilt' was swimming around in my brain. I have a few odds and end blocks. Most are vintage. Some are from my mother in law....

Some I made, but never did finish that quilt of the month...

Some more from my mother-in-law. The hexagons are all hand pieced...

Not to mention a ton of single hexagons...

And a few that I have purchased...

I also have feed sacks and vintage fabric hanging out...

So I decided ,that in the spirit of the beautiful piece of patchwork that is now only a memory, why not put together my own . Use what I have, rescue a few blocks here and there and put a few together. Then I could actually keep that 32lb fish...you know the one that got away.

What a Guy

2009-07-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

My sweet 12 year old has been gone for 12 days fishing with our neighbors (surrogate grandparents). He brought everyone home a gift and the above was for me. How sweet and how truly well he knows his mother!!! Now I just have to figure out what to use the little pot for? Any Ideas?

Charmed

2009-07-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sure!! I LOVE :: love charm packs because well frankly, they charm my pants off. They are cute and square and bound by a simple wrap. I know, I am easy, but really what is not to love. There is little cutting involved. True, true I did cute these. But in defense of Charms it was really quick.

This little quilt is lap or a cuddle size. Big enough to take off the chill! The back is mostly the flowers- a print I adore- with a section of pieced fabrics, because I never do a solid back, never have, I like the element of surprise in it.

The borders are a cozy chenille that really brings the whole thing together. I think anyway. I also think these pictures are a little blurry. {shrug} My camera's flash went kaputz so I do what I can.

What I did do with this little lovely that I don't usually do, or have only done once before, was tie it. The quilting part of quilting has a tendency to bug me. I admire those who love it and therefore, feel it is my duty to support their craft. But with the man of the house layed off and me not working this summer, I had to take matters into my own, capable hands. So I tied and I tied- oh my God did I tie.

Sorry I digressed into 90's music. I do that. Now I have it playing in the background and that is not helping my train of thought at all.

To make a long story short. I like how it turned out and I think now, that the sassy little pink ties only add to the charm of this little number.

Last Weekends Festivities Posted a Week Later

2009-07-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

We had a blast last weekend at the lake. The food was fantastic. The show of fireworks was unbelievable- apparently if you live or weekend on my mother's lake (well it's not hers technically, but she lives there) it is imperative that you try to out do your neighbors with your fireworks display. This is great for those of visiting although you may experience whiplash from trying to look all over the place and right in front of you at the same time. The fireworks incidentally, lasted about an hour and a half between our own and everyone else's!!

There were also games to play, such as Egyptian Rat slap a game that should not be played while anyone is trying to sleep within a 5 mile radius! The laughter is too fantastic.

And of course more creatures brought to me for inspection. How cute are these little guys. We also found a plethora of tadpoles and poly wogs.

In light of yesterdays post, I thought I would also share today's discovery of all things gross smuggled into my house by my own little naturalist. I was cleaning the downstairs and noticed an inordinate number of fruit flies, this is odd because not food is allowed in the lower level. (she laughs to herself) I investigate the boys bathroom further- yes my first mistake- boys, I have found are HORRIBLE about their bathroom!! Low and behold the sink held a huge- dead- stinky- (colossally stinky) fresh water clam! smuggled home from our weekend at the lake! Said child was explicitly told to return the large clam back to it's habitat to live its life and make pearls or beads or whatever- but do not bring that home! It came home anyway. A zoo I tell you. A zoo.

Wild

2009-07-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

(Lilli had nothing to do with the capture of the following creatures and no creatures were harmed in the pursuit of emulating the discovery channel.)
Things brought into my house over the course of two days::

Day 1

Enter baby bunny gently caught, admired, petted, and released. Hands washed.

Day 2

Things went progressivly

down

hill::

-Enter bird again gently caught - I don't know how, but it is true- and released. More hand washing.
-Then came the grey colored tree frog leaping out of hands and across the floor.
-And last....this is were I had to draw the line...seriously, what do these boys think this is, a zoo? Okay don't answer that. They presented me with a snake. Great. Deep breath. A couple of WOW's and with as much control as I could muster, a Please take that back out to its rightful habitat because that is were it belongs, As do all the other creatures outside so let's leave them there!!! And again wash your hands.

Its Been a Long Time...

2009-05-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

...since I sat at my machine. I borrowed a little time over the weekend to revisit the old girl and came up with this. I LOVE LOVE it. I had purchased the fabric as a charm pack- it is FLutterby- By Tula Pink- I wasn't sure what to do with them- so they sat patiently for 6 months or so.

Then one day I was visiting my sister, who had patterns for charm packs and after confiscating it and making a run for it, she chased me down but alas I am younger and faster- though she may have better insurance- came up with this. It still needs its borders-coming soon.

It felt great to hear the roar of my machine again and I think I am going to brave the unknown territories of machine quilting all by my self.

Other than that life seems to just keep moving. I am taking an art class right now and so far really like it. I have concluded that if what came out on paper even closely resembled what is in my head, well, I would be really good. That not being the case I am learning and enjoying that process. My husband is still layed off, but the optimism has not totally dissipated from our lives. Have a lovely Monday!!!

What's all the Goo about?

2009-03-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is my laundry soap which, at first glance may appear to be just another science experiment but in reality is a money saving, Eco, bit of wonderful. My first experience with the this particular type of slop was when the twins were mere babes. Why I went back to commercial is beyond me. Do you want the know how-to know how to make your own? Well, I will share but there is a gazillion recipes and variations on the great World Wide Web.

Here is the one I use:

But before we get into that lets have a frank discussion about soap...K.... The first time I made my own soap I used good old Ivory bar soap. It was fine and I liked it. This time I used Fels Naptha (can be purchased here) it is harder to find but I LOVE it. It works well and smells great plus the 1/4 part of the bar you don't use it a great pre-treater.

I also read that you you could save up your shower bar soap bits and use those..Good idea too!

All you need to be on your way to your own batch is:

1 Cup Borax, 1 Cup Washing Soda and a bar of soap of your choice!

The recipe or the method:

Take 4 cups of water and bring it to an almost boil or a nice simmer, meanwhile (back at the Hall of Justice) grate 3/4 bar of soap into your pot-o-water and melt it. I use a whisk to help this happen faster.

In a rather large container or bucket pour 1 cup each of Borax and Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda)

Once you have melted your soap :::add it to your borax/Washing soda mixture, stir until dissolved. Then you may add two gallons of water. I use warm right smack out of the tap. Stir stir stir and stir again. Walk away. Ignore for a while then stir again.

You want to give it a quick twirl often as it cools and it will congeal better. Be forewarned though it is nowhere near as pretty as the packaged soap but the container can be used again and again and again and you will not be adding anymore ginormous plastic bottles to the landfill. There you have it!

Let me know if you try it or have tried a different recipe.

Happy 12th year!

2009-03-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

2.5 years on so so sweet (Yup that's me with a couple of babies in my tummy about 4 months along)

3 yrs and still smiling

10 yrs and loving it

11 yrs and modeling??? This is an award winning picture take by my niece

and still so contemplative.

What does a 12 year old want to do on his birthday.....well go to the bookstore of course!!!!

My sweet boy, born in a storm -has been the epitome of calmness and light his whole life. The love I have for you dear son, is deeply woven in every fiber of my being.

For Tricia

2009-03-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is the -17 below windchill or the 4 inches of snow yesterday that was eventually hurled about as nature played with 40- 60 mph winds. But today I need some spring, spring in my step, spring in my mind and spring in my bath. The above flowers were drawn by me-errr my child- okay no, I was the artist. Created with the most amazing fabric oil pastels, given to me by my fabulous and talented niece as part of "a few of my favorite things" Christmas gift- complete with "a brown paper package tied up with string"!

They are wonderful and I fully intend to play with them more! I have used fabric crayons with the kids but these are so vibrant, so creamy and so colorful. As a child I loved oil pastels- they were such a treat because they were rare and expensive. I had the same set for years I used them only occasionally mostly because I can't draw and did not feel worthy of their promise.

I also made this happy little set which hangs in the west wing of our home in a guest bathroom. That was fun to type- considering we don't have a west wing or a guest bathroom for that matter but if I did I would hang them there!!

a wall

2009-03-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

When we bought our house a few moons ago and the dinette wall had this ugly camper paneling on it. I hated the stuff, loothed it really. So as any intelligent person would do, one night in a wine induced moment of stupidity, the husband and I decided to just take it off. Yup we stripped it all off- the paneling that is..... Ohhhh we were so wise, so smart...we will just paint the wall and it will all look great. Easy peasy. You know where this is going huh...

People put paneling up for a reason. A quick cosmetic fix for an ugly situation. A situation like drywall that has not been taped and mudded and of course a huge gap in the drywall that ranges in size from an inch to two or three inches, did I mention that the walls were uneven on either side of the gap?

In the first picture - best i could do - you can see the ugliness to the right of the quilt. I plastered it with the kids artwork for a long time. We just were not sure how to fix it. Then came my stroke of genius. I hung a huge piece of fabric from the wall top to bottom- or as you can see in the second picture.

But now.......It is all grown up with paintable wallpaper- purchased for pennies at a yard sale- and wainscoting. It is beautiful!!

I don't think I shared here that in January my husband was layed off from his job. For all practical purposes that sucks. However, our house has never seen more projects finished, nor have I had more oatmeal choco chip cookies, warm from the oven after I get home from work!!

A little irony before I go.... Tomorrow is spring break for our school....we were released at 10:30 this morning because of a major snow storm that is pelting our area!!!

Winter

2009-03-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

work desk
Originally uploaded by Rickrack and Ribbons.

This blog has seen about as much action as this little desk has. My laptop on the other hand has been busier. I managed to get through Statistics and eeeked by with a passing grade. Now I am up to my neck in Behavioral Research.

I did make it to the fabric store to purchase some decorator fabric to cover our daybed cushion. If I get crazy enough I may even sew it together!

Happy March and please tell me that spring is around the corner and soon I will see green instead of white!

Hearts of Love

2009-01-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

From these to...

This and ...

These...

Three Valentine wreaths to hang on the windows and they couldn't have been easier. Wrap scraps of fabric around a Styrofoam form and pin in sequins. I put a dab of glue at the beginning and end of each strip. Or tie on strips, mine were approximately 8 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. It was a good way to use up goodies from my scrap basket.

There's No Day Like a Snow Day!

2009-01-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

Edited to fix picture problem...sorry about that
At 7:29 a.m. I was blowing my hair dry and watching as all the surrounding schools scrolled their 'closed', across the T.V but of course not us! Ugh, I thought, "ok one more minute and I will be serious about getting out the door." And there it was in all it's glory:: Our school closed too!!

So I finished this lampshade that I was working on and am rather please with the result.
The tricky part was keeping it even because when I took the existing 1980's accordian shade off the metal there was nothing holding the top and bottom wires together.

The lamp itself was brass and I sprayed it white, it was a cast-off of my daughters. My mom gave it to her but she didn't like the brass (don't blame her). Now she wants it back. Again I don't blame her. Sorry. This isn't the first time she has wanted a cast off back. The lamp below used to have a soccer ball for a base. Again a gift for my daughter who plays volleyball! Again, Sorry-am I mean or what?

I covered the ball with a light coat of white and smattered the base with a gazillion pearls in shades of white, cream and pink.

Dear Diary........

2009-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

January 8-2009

A little Birthday Indulgence

Click for better view if you please!

The time has come.....

2009-01-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Alas, all good things must end and our little vacation is at that point. This means back to work for us elders and back to school for the kids, I also get to start my new class this week the same day I turn another year older. Who wants to start Statistics on their birthday- I mean really- kinda mean don't you think?

In a moment of self-indulgence I made myself a new bag. In my impatience I made this bag without a nice stiff interfacing-I was out- I am sorry for that- its a bit floppy.

Oy-vay I love it anyway!

And so I didn't forget my two favorite emotions- I embroidered them on the front.

I had to laugh because of the mix of fabrics- its an Amy Butler meet Jo-Ann meet Moda, backed in linen, lined with the softest thrifted sheet. Such a meeting of the minds!

So as you all kick off the first full week of the New Year:::::: Laugh and Love and all is right with the world.

Refreshing

2009-01-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Before I started my cleaning frenzy yesterday I finished this little runner using scraps from my Christmas projects.

The pink fabric that is smiling at you is all that is left of one of my favorite pieces of fabrics. So cute and happy!

Many years ago I resolved not to make anymore resolutions. What? Cop-out? Umm yeah I know it is but it absolves me of failing. Puts a positive twist on things, Yes?

So what I do is have 'hopes' things I hope to do. With all the traditional hopes like loose a few pounds and continue my organizing dreams, are my crafty goals. My main hope this year is to bind 4 quilts that are lounging around in my sewing space. They have been so patient with me but I don't like binding, I try, I really do.

It not so much the actual binding I dislike- its the prep- the cutting of the strips, sewing them together, precisely ironing the long joined strips and then attaching it to the quilts big bulky weight. The final part, the hand stitching to the back of the quilt- that I like.

At that point I can see the end, I like the weight and warmth of the quilt on my lap, the relaxing rhythm of my needle as it pierces the fabric and ices the layers together. So this year in between housework and homework, dinners and paper writing I hope to be bound to the needle, to the thread as I complete 4 quilts begging to be finished.

There I have said it or written it- it must happen now, right. Yes.

A little After and A little Before

2009-01-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

after

It is done... the holiday 'take down' is down and done. Ahem it went too fast. The holidays, not the 'take down'. Not only are the holidays over but my- two week blissful vacation -from both work and school is almost over as well. I cannot express how lovely it has been without the pressure of college homework! Okay-Enough of that!

The picture is of one of those cheapo cupboards that you assemble yourself from Target- They stay white for about, oh two seconds in this house. Actually, this one has been around for a few years and as you can see in the 'before' :::below::: it was pretty marred. I decoupaged it with scrapbook paper and find that it looks pretty snazzy. Don't you agree?

before
In other craziness it took me about 7 hours to put away the holiday decor. WHAT? 7 hours you say. Yes. Seven. You see when you decide this is the year to label each box, with it's contents (oh you always do that? hmmm. okay.) I don't ......but do now.

Then you decide to take down the accumulations of collectibles above the cabinets which have grown a skin of grime and clean them. Well if you clean that grime you need to wash the walls and if you wash those walls you need to dust the living room. If you decide to dust the living room you need to de-clutter and rearrange. See where I am going with this?

Yeah 7 Hours.

Oh my dogs are barking but man is this place clean!

Making.....Making.....MADE!

2008-12-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

Now that the days and days of sewing are behind me and the days of eating are on my behind, I can share with you some of the fruits my labor! Thanks for your ideas, they were great, I really wanted to make a CD holder as Sarah suggested but ran out of time. ( I ended up decorating a dollar store one with glow in the dark paint.)

I made this really quick, for my tactile boy who happens to love monsters and incidentally wanted a scarf.

Below is a pencil roll I made for Mr. Tactile who also happens to be the resident artist. He was thrilled and I was pretty giddy with how it turned out.

Lilli received this bag and the smaller bag below. I also included a eye mask for sleeping.

This little bag turned out better then I expected considering it was my FIRST, yes FIRST zipper, ahhh one fear conquered.

Notice the Zippy Zipper.....yup I did that....yup yup

These pretty little bags sitting prettily on such a ucky ironing board cover were for my sisters, inside each is a lavender rice pillow, lavender bath teas and sleepy eye masks.

They were a hit (I think) and smelled divine- love lavender and got a good deal on it on eBay.

Below is the best. This little bag was for my niece Chloe made from an accidentally felted sweater but in true lemon to lemon-aid fashion I have made several great things from it. But that is not what makes it the best.........

The best is this sweet face that dramatically swung the bag behind her and gave an adamant NO every time anyone tried to look at it..... Oh be still my heart she likes it she really likes it!!!

Coming soon.... the amazing gifts made for me.

Despertly seeking ideas

2008-12-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Okay so the idea of an all homemade Christmas has always been appealing to me for various reasons. Foremost, of course is my secret wish to be Caroline Ingalls and live in a log cabin in the woods when one particularly snowy Christmas a large man donning a great beard treks through the woods to bring my small girls a stick of candy for Christmas. I believe Mr. Edwards arrived only in his red long underwear, the kind with the drop flap in the back. (sorry I don't know what that is called other then a drop flap. However, I apparently was born in the wrong time period not to mention the fact that Charles never proposed to me. That does not stop me from my romanticised visions of being a homesteader, in my vision it is a calm simple life- no bubble bursting on that one please.

Wow I got way off track-let me get back on- Okay I began talking about our homemade Christmas. Yes. Well then, somehow I was able to get everyone on board even with visions of store bought goodies fighting for position in my children's heads. Perhaps, it is the difficult economy that we are all too well aware of or better yet maybe, just maybe- am I romanticising again?- they are all intrigued with the idea of creating something special for all those involved.

Now that I have taken this on I have to actually come up with things to make for everyone and there in lies the problem. I need some ideas- hopefully there are a few of you who still pop in here now and again and can help me. Mainly I need ideas for my boys ages 9 and 11.

Any suggestions?

Oh and you are?

2008-12-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hello- what is up with this vacant lot? Did the blogger move out and forget to tell anyone? Is she coming back EVER? Well and if she does will she return or just humor this little space to appease it?

For the answers to these questions and more stay tuned for the next episode of Soap.

I have a little room to breath- just a little-and I need to be inspired, I need to chronicle our upcoming Homemade Christmas endeavors. I have made many Christmas presents over the years but this is the first year we are all on board in our little family of six.

I have spent a lot of time in perusing the various ideas out there especially here.

I did make this little potholder and hot pad and there will more to make.

In other news we spent some time enjoying nature with our family. We spent an early November weekend at my sister's cabin in Northern Mn. It is very primitive and I mean outhouse, no running water, get there via four wheelers primitive. We loved it.

We went hiking and exploring and enjoying nature's music.

A beautiful snow fell shortly there after, one of those heavy fantastic snows that coats everything and melts away too fast.

And a milestone for the twins

The big #9- can you believe that there was a time when it was hard to tell them apart and now they have both grown into their own.

My little soldiers

Busy

2008-08-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Phew. The last week has been a blur with busy-ness. My last class was demanding of both my time and intellect. A challenge on both levels. Last week I had to do a paper on an analytical study of Hebrew poetry. Very interesting, intricate, beautiful but wowza a lot of work. Okay so I got that done and did well, thankfully.

Then my lovely Lilliana turned 16 on Saturday-oh my- we went to our family's in the late afternoon to celebrate and spent the next night. On Sunday we were having a five year memorial for my father. I got sick that morning and never made it out of my niece's bed till we drove the two hour trek home. At which time I went to bed for the rest of the evening. Okay that was rough but to make matters worse I had a 5 page paper due on Monday and an 8 minute oral presentation, both of which I had planned to do Sunday afternoon. ( are you bored yet?)

Okay to make a long story short, I worked on Monday came home a spit out the paper and the presentation, drove the hour to school and lalalala, all done with that bugger of a class. PHEW what a week.

The picture is after a storm that came through, I would just love to climb into that pillowy goodness and rest.

New Memories coming soon!!!

2008-08-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Memories Past

We are getting reading for a long weekend camping trip. Remember in childhood when the waiting to go took sooooooooooooooooo long? Now as an adult the time that they spend waiting flies by for us as we hurry to get everything together. I look forward to perk coffee, the lake, fresh fish, hiking, discovering and camp fires. Not to mention spending time with family. I hope you all have a great weekend too!

Yup I told you I would

2008-07-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

So I made my bloomers today....

They were quick and easy.....

And so so comfortable...

They are as good as....

A fresh smoothie made with berries, bananas, greek yogurt and wheat germ.....Yum

As for my knickers in the trees......Well I warned you!

Quickie Curtains

2008-07-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

I love having a window to the backyard above our kitchen sink to gaze out of while doing dishes. I have spent a lot of time watching play and work happen out this window. Both from our fine feathered, canine and of our little rabbit family that tries to sneak into the garden under the fence and from the kids play, work and build. What I don't love is the heat and intensity of the afternoon sun that blinds one while washing. (on a side note: when the kids do the dishes they may be doing it blind when you see the sometimes unsightly results of their labor). For a while I had a pretty apron hanging there but I was afraid that it would become faded. So I made these.

They were really easy::: Simply four place mats that matched my other kitchen curtain...

I sewed three pieces of ribbon to the top and bottom of the top ones and three pieces to the top of the lower ones.

Then tied them to the rod...So easy. They can be untied for cleaning.

Now I thought myself pretty darn clever that is until I told my neighbor all about my ingenuity to which she replied..."Oh that is so cute I just saw that in a magazine" Ahem, what is that saying a little late and a dime short or something.

Have a great week~

Country Dreaming

2008-07-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

The boys and I ventured into town yesterday, I say ventured because we actually live –in a town, a really small one grocery, one hardware store town- the bigger town is 25 minutes away-ergo it is a venture or adventure when you go with three chatty, curious boys….did I say chatty because I really mean non-stop chatty!

Anyhoo- we went and picked up a few groceries and I meandered over to the magazine section. I have a problem. I am an addict. It goes way back to when I was in my teens and discovered Seventeen and Young Miss. Then to feed my obsession with New York I subscribed to the New Yorker. Which was a little beyond my years but I loved it anyway, even if I did not understand all the political underlying. Okay back to present, I have tried to cut down my purchasing of magazines that is until yesterday and somehow rationalized a small splurge. I had taken three wily boys into the big town you know. So, I picked up a Sew Simple and then… oh yes then my eye caught this little gem.

Okay truth be told if I ever actually did one of the tags that I was tagged for of 7 weird things (sorry ladies who tagged me I just am really bad at pressure blogging) one of those things would be this…. I always wanted to grow up and marry a farmer. I did not. I still wish he was. He is not and will not ever be…. I love him anyway.

It is my hearts desire to live in the country on a plot of land and raise the roof…..no raise a few chickens and grow lots and lots of yummy foods.

Seriously this is a picture of a chicken coop- Now I just might want to be a one of Mary Jane's chickens when I grow up so I can roost here. This coop is cuter then any room in my entire house....How fair is that?

I had heard of her books before and even have her Stitching Room book on my Amazon wish list. Oh but this is a great issue, lovely it even includes a pattern for bloomers. If any of you who read here now, read here then you would know that I had a desire to make these some time ago and still have the fabric waiting. I think the time has come don’t you!!!

Now if I actually had that plot of land you better believe I

would be hanging all my pretty undergarments out in the trees.

The patterns are in the mag bloomers and camisoles too- some are made from vintage pillow cases!!!

Garage Sale Weekend-And a new blog

2008-07-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today is garage sale day, what a lot of work on top of all the other work in a day. Oh well I do love having them for nothing else then chatting with others. There always seems to be a couple of good laughs involved as well. I wish that you all (you know who you are) could come. I know that you would find something you would like. I wonder if a person could have a virtual garage sale? Oh yeah...ebay...duh!!

Now the picture, that lovely photographer is my uber talented and incredibly wise niece, she has also acted as my editor for school papers and such. (I just like to say I have an editor) When I first started college she kindly pointed out that you only use one space between sentences and that the word -that- should not be in every sentence I type. She took these incredible pictures. She has started a blog chronicling her photography endeavors-pop in and say hi..

Have a happy weekend!!!~N

That nagging little voice in my head.....

2008-07-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with my sociology class this last week. As one class comes to an end another one begins. What this meant for me is that I had a mountain of homework over the weekend. One of the things I had to do was to write a final for my sociology class on immigration. Okay I know a little about that and did a bit of research...great. So I sit down Saturday morning to write....and nothing....and then nothing more... I was stuck. I wrote a few sentences that were horrible and took a break. I have a couple of books that contain short stories so I thought that maybe doing some reading would help. I read a little, researched a little. Yup- this will work I poured another cup of coffee, faced my laptop, pulled up my APA formatted paper and......umm nothing.... OMG. I. can. not. express how frustrated I became. The clock ticked away mocking my inability to complete a full proper sentence, to express a single thought.

I have never fancied myself to have excellent writing skills- adequate yes. I have been at the college thing for three years now you would think I would have picked up something-yes? No! apparently it was all for not, because I could not put more then three sentences together for two whole days. I think I broke the spell... at least a little... yesterday I was able to pull out several paragraphs- not cohesive but paragraphs all the same. Ahem, this experience has rocked my self-esteem and left me feeling scared and anxious. That nagging little voice of self-doubt seems to have had a its fill and is now spewing all its negativity into my consciousness.

So there you have it....that is where I am at this week- I hope that those who visit here are having a better experiences.!!

Shabby Chic:::No More

2008-07-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

So after days of scraping, sanding and sweating, gone is the shabby chic exterior...

...welcome clean, crisp and gray/ blue. I adore this color, it is crisper in person but the sun was not in my favor when I took the picture. The white looks really white and beautiful against the blue. It reminds me of a house that should be ocean side instead of landlocked. I asked my neighbors if they minded if I flooded the middle of our block for a lake but they were apposed... The nerve- some people have no sense of adventure. Ah well. We are hoping to get the shutters back up tonight but we are having company so we will see. I made this bread to go with spaghetti carbonara and a dark chocolate cake.

Oh yeah- I did do this lovely piece of patchwork over the weekend..see how neat the sashing is... and if you look really close you can see some little pleating I did!

Happy Independence Day!!

2008-07-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

I did not put out any decorations this year for the Fourth, but I thought this guy, created by Ash, was jolly enough to wish everyone a happy 4th of July! May your sparklers sparkle brighter and your festivities go off with a bang.

The long weekend brings:

:::House painting
:::Homework finishing (or blog surfing to avoid homework blech)
:::Some small celebrating just the two of us
:::Purging or erm Cleaning the boy's rooms while they are away (do we really need 15 rocks and various sticks under our bed?)
:::Curtains made? if time allows, for their rooms
:::Saturday the twins return
:::Sunday to my mothers to retrieve Lilliana

Have a safe and happy weekend!!

What is all that quiet about?

2008-07-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

No really- it is really quiet around here. My house that is!! Why you are wondering? Last Thursday I sent my babies- okay I know they are 8 yrs old- with our neighbors. They are an older couple who over the years have taken a likin' to our kids. I guess it started when Nolan and age 2 went over to their house, knocked on the door and asked " can Mark come out and play?." Keep in mind that Mark in well into his 50's. They are kindred for sure.

So fast forward- they are up at Lake of the Woods in a cabin that, and I quote "is HUGE" fishing and swimming and making new friends without me. Sigh, I can tell you that as crazy noisy this house gets, letting them go was not easy. A little hard on a mama's heart!!

That left Troy and I and Lilli and Everett- we all headed down to the reunion- where we had a great time. I am still heavy with nostalgic after effects. Lilli then decided to go and stay with my niece, who is 22 and way too much fun. So that left the three of us to come home to a really quiet house. Then on Tuesday my other niece came and took Ev away to her house.

That leaves two-Troy and I- I don't suppose anyone would come and get him for the week so I could really..... NAaaaaw I am just kiddin.....(Anyone) hehe

In the interim I have been a busy little girl cleaning away. Troy is planning on painting the house and I cannot for the life of me figure my way out of that. Especially without any children here, but I am working on it.

Little House weekend

2008-06-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

For the weekend: 2 hour drive to a family reunion

Tour of my grandparents home place and were my mother and her brother and two sisters spent summers romping in the fields, pumping water, running around the house flipping switches because they finally installed electricity. We will see the fields were my 8 yr old mother would carry onion and butter sandwiches for my grandpa in a tin pail. The back yard that my grandpa would flood ever fall so the girls could ice skate and the highway where my mother would hold on to a rope while roller skating behind grandpa's car....eeegads.....

Nostalgia family, hugs, laughter and goodbyes to those that we won't see again for another two years.

Have a Happy Weekend!!

Making :: Finding

2008-06-24T20:03:00.001-07:00

Gifts for little friends:: and their frequent trips to the library:: Easy totes to tote their goods::

Above (as I am sure you guessed) was a pillow case in a former life. Add to that left overs from a quilt-that is sitting waiting paiently to be quilted and some frill from this find.

This is for him made from left overs from other projects. Love that cowboy fabric!

Found the little lovely below in a Free box at the sales from the weekend. It was stained and stinky:: I was not afraid:: Now soaked, washed and hung for that outside heaven sent -scent::it is perfect (well almost).

Have a happy Wednesday!!