oh happy day!

Oh! I am so excited, my sweet heart gave me a new camera for Christmas!! I LOVE to take pictures...then they just sit on the computer and I sit here and look at them. Maybe next year I will take one for my holiday card. (Oh yeah, those are still sitting on my desk...now they will have to be New Year's cards!)
Just before Santa was about to arrive, I finished the stocking for my 4 year old baby! I have been working on his stocking for three years, we found the unfinished stocking when we got the decorations out earlier this month. He was keenly aware his was missing, all those sequins and felt. Technically, it isn't complete...I used pins to attach the back, pathetic, i know. Now I have to make on for myself...I can't decide whether to keep the felt & sequin tradition or make something that has a little creative expression. Next year I will finish the backs of the stockings!!!
We had a wonderful Christmas. The boys had a great time on Christmas day playing and playing and playing some more. Time to get ready for Manhattan Transfer on New Year's Eve, and some amazing fireworks...gotta get the camera ready.

teacher gift...

This is a picture of the apron I quickly sewed this morning for TJ's teacher. I absolutely loved these two fabrics together and had NO idea what I would use them for....today they became a Kindergarten apron. Since there are boys in the class I thought the stripe side would be best out. The floral side is darling. One really big red pocket and a couple D-rings and it was complete!
Here it is all wrapped up! I sure hope she likes it! Most of the time she has an apron on in the classroom.
It was much cuter on than on the floor.

It was time

As usual in December I get really frustrated with my hair. First, my hair falls out like a big hairy dog and clogs the drain. Second, the dry air wreaks havoc on my normally dry hair. Flat hair isn't very attractive. Third, and most important, don't get a perm...they suck! There is nothing else to do but get it cut off! I love the style. It dries in a three minutes, as opposed to 15 minutes! I was at school today and one of the teachers said, "Your haircut makes you look really 'put-together'." So, before...I looked bad and un-put-together?! hmmm.thanks, I love it!

This week has rocked! Most of the Classroom Projects are getting finishing touches. This is the 6th & 7th grade project. Each of the students made a God's Eye with embroidery floss and dowels. I let the kids choose two or three colors. The dowels were spray painted with brown paint and cut 2 inches long. All of them are hot glued in a shadow box frame. It is a really stunning piece of art. Hopefully, it will do well at the auction. I think it's cool that it represents each of them individually and as a whole. Man is it challenging to take a picture of something in a frame with glass!

S.A.D.

This morning was the first morning I tried to have the lights come on before I woke up. Lately, I haven't been able to wake up (since Daylight Savings) So when Ted left for the gym I asked if he would turn the light on. It worked! Two weeks ago, I thought I had beaten Seasonal Affective Disorder!!! Then last week was cold and ugly. S.A.D. I think this light thing might just help!!!

Super busy around here. On the list for today, work on Kindergarten lap quilts, take finished classroom projects to school, pick up presents I ordered on-line, shop for a few more people, research cameras, carpool, Christmas program at school. Maybe, since I typed all of this out it will force me to actually accomplish all of this!!!

phew!

A few pictures of beads I made recently. I just took them out of the kiln. It's such a rewarding feeling. Especially rewarding since some of them didn't come off the madrels...big, big bummer. This set is one of my favorites to make, lots of color, I'm keeping this set for myself...
A couple Christmas sets, for a couple special people.
Pinks...plain and with frit. One little light green set.
The browns, the bottom set is a custom order, hope she likes it! The top set again, is mine!
Some teacher sets, the big round bead in the middle is a large hollow bead, so much fun to make.

Last night was the Dixie Chicks concert. Wow! I really think they are better in person! I was so impressed with Natalie Maines voice, and the harmony that the sisters bring to each song is just amazing. I don't even know how many instruments those girls play, unbelievable!!! Great concert, great company. Mom even went!!! Dazzling us with her sparkly Christmas sweater. Good times.

pilgrims & indians

Yesterday was the Thanksgiving Feast for my kindergartner...all of them were so excited to put on their head dress or collars & hats. I wonder if the pilgrims and indians ever found such colorful things sprouting from their potatoes...they were so pretty and weird, I had to take a picture!!!














Happy Thanksgiving to all.

let's celebrate

Oh boy, oh boy! We lost a tooth! "I lost my first tooth and it's Friday night!" If someone noticed, he let them know by flashing a big smile, that he had lost a tooth. The toothfairy brought a "one dollar coin!?!?!" Grandma was a little offended when I said the toothhfairy left a dollar...apparently, she felt it should be more like FIVE!!! This is just the first of many! Oh to be six again!
Yipee! Yipee! I finished my felted slippers! I don't think I have ever been so pleased with slippers. They are so comfy. My quest for perfect slippers has ended! I just have to pick out the wool and get to work on the next pair!!! These knit up very quickly and are easy if you follow the pattern. I will admit, when I first read the pattern I wondered if I was in over my head. The pattern reads, row by row, you literally can't mess up, unless your sticky note loses it's sticky. I asked my husband if he wanted a pair,he said, "not really." He thinks I am overly concerned with his footwear. fine.your.loss.

good times

Can you feel the love? This was our 2nd Toby Keith concert. His performance was outstanding. In the last couple years, since the new arena opened, I have gotten increasingly picky about who I see in concert. Is is just our arena that gets unbearably loud? I have to use toilet paper to soften the volume. I know, I sound like a geek, I made my 11 year old son stuff some in his ears! (I think he let is "drop" out "accidentilly!" Toby's concerts are always such a blast. I like his voice and the way he writes songs. Poor guy, his "new" belt broke during the concert last night...the stage hand had to take it off stage, he could have just called me over and I would have been happy to help!!! ...a big shout out to Amy today, sorry you had to sit for "Who's Your Daddy!?!?!?!" so.sorry.

Only one more concert...Dixie Chicks at the end of the month...then I'm done for a while!!!

insanity

This lovely pile of stuff is for classroom projects. Here is where the insanity begins! Coordinating this takes many people and many hours. All of this needs to be done before Christmas, so I can enjoy myself. I am much more organized this year and ready to get these things done! I enjoy doing the projects but they really cut into my "personal stuff!"
My goodness, this looks really green! In real life, it's a very pretty shade of green. This scarf is from Nicky Epstien's Knitting Over the Edge, I used Elsebeth Lavold's Angora. It is a really easy knit and the angora is dreamy to knit with. I have to admit, I don't follow directions very well and tend to "figure out my own way of doing things." The loops would have been much cuter if I had followed the directions.....I still probably would have tied them together. The slip stitch down the middle of the rib really gives the ribbing some definition. All in all, I like the scarf.

frustration

i've tried two time to upload some images...no luck. I was so pumped to post...no luck. Maybe later

change on the horizon

Last Sunday night at the Def Leppard/Journey concert.

So much fun, why don't we do this more often? Oh,...because we have responsibilities.

Starting today, I am going to try to post more often. Which means a little change in the content of the blog. There will still be lots of creative spirit, but I also want to use my blog to keep family and friends posted on "what's up with the supercutes." Maybe by not having a specific focus, I will write more often and share more pictures. But to all of you who "gently" remind me I haven't posted in "a long time," from now on, you have to leave comments when you visit!!! This also means I have to figure out how to do links on the sidebar, @#*&%.

Cables are for driving

Cable goodness! I loved this sweater when I saw it! I had to make it. I have to admit, I am making the large! "Tiny fit" isn't for me! Size 3 needles = lots of time! I can only knit a few rows in one sitting. Tomorrow we are driving for 3 hours so hopefully, I can make some progress. I have to reserve knitting for the car and football parties! (If I concentrate hard enough I can block out the sound coming from the TV!)

All my sewing projects are on the table waiting. The "neurotic" debate begins...do I clean or sew. . . . .sew!

Waiting for a ride

My littlest started pre-school, he was so excited on the first day. I love these bikes, all just waiting to be riden.

When did he get so big? When did he learn to speak in complete sentences? When did he get so demanding!?!?!

Lots of projects on the needles knitting and sewing machine!! Waiting for their ride!

The little man is waiting for his "ride."

free time...

School has started and all the spare time I thought I would have to make stuff has disapppeared! Between running errands and volunteer obligations I am busy! These cute sitckers have been waiting patiently to adorn an old suitcase...please, be patient a little longer! Maybe next week.

On another PR rant, I am so excited to see Angela go! I am hoping to see Jeffrey, Michael & Uli in the final three! Laura made an absolutely beautiful dress for jetsetting...her designs are beautifully made, but I don't know if she will last to the end... Now I want to go to Paris!!!

project runway rant...

What in the hell is this about? I loved Allison. Although, her recycled dress was not her best, all of her other challenges were great! Vincent, on the other hand, should be out. Did he get on just because he cashed in his 401K? He's nuts.

Another thing, please make Heidi shut up! Her remarks are, well, retarded! Shut up about hte mall, please. Could there be some different judges? Nina...boring. Michael Kors, I will let him stay just because he gives constructive critisism. Get some more qualified judges.

okay, I feel better.

good laugh

Ted: "You guys think we're immature, but you girls are just as bad."

As he walks away I can hardly breath, from laughing. I think he might be right.

cute and rosy, sort of!

Isn't it amazing how cute and productive my life looks on my blog? As I type, three boys are at various stages of volume...talking to me while I type, yelling how much he doesn't like what I am "making" him do (clean bathrooms), and the middle talking to himself quitely.
Little pink skirt with a drawstring hem...so cute. This print doesn't show the detail....I think I will need to make this in a solid. My in-house photographer was having trouble not wiggling the camara during the photo shoot...bless his heart for putting up with me.
Okay, I am a sucker for the magazines with the coupons at Hancock Fabric. The last time it was 50% off...with a link to a free pattern on www.sewnews.com a six panel drawstring skirt. I loved this fabric immediately, but couldn't come up with a skirt pattern on my own that didn't look like a table cloth. I used bias tape to make the hem and two of my lampwork beads for the ends of the drawstring. This pattern was easy and resulted in a cute skirt. I can see a variation on a theme in the future! Finally, my Amy Butler 'crack high'. I was flipping through my InStyle magazine and came across a little bag that was WAY out of range....you can see where this is going....I decided to break out the green floral and companion print for this special occasion. The only trouble was the third print. It had to be funky and unexpected. I finally decided on the pink and brown multi stripe on the bias. This bag went together in a snap. I have to modify the straps...just a little longer...I can see more of these in the future. Which means a trip to the Quilted Moose!

clapotis almost complete

We had the most incredible weekend...a family reunion. My husband is the 52nd out of 53 grandchildren on his dad's side. Every 5 years they have a reunion. Aunts, Uncles and cousins come from every corner of the U.S. I think there were close to 300 people! My kids met cousins from California, New York, Florida, Arkansas, and many other places. I remember growing up and meeting my cousins from other places, it was so cool! There were parties everyday for four days. That can make a girl tired.

Another very cool thing about a reunion...lots of knitting time! My Clapotis is almost done. There are only 60 sitiches left on the needles! I think this is one of my favorite knits! Can someone tell me what is a clapotis? It isn't the easiest word to pronounce. Now it's time to drop all those stitches!

let freedom ring

God Bless America, my home sweet home.

my.first.meme.

Pinched from http://peasoupoftheday.blogspot.com This is one of the funniest memes around, and VERY easy.


YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on your father's side, your favorite sweet/lolly):Katherine Heath, as in Heath Bar...


YOUR FLY GIRL/GUY NAME (first initial of first name followed by "izzle", first two or three letters of your last name followed by "dizzle"): Bizzle Radizzle...what is a "fly-girl," and when am I supposed to use this name?


YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Red Koala, seeing that I already ask too many questions , maybe everyone should call me by my new name, Red Koala, P.I.!!!


YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first 3 letters of your name- last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name repeated twice): Betutt Nicnic, thank goodness I have a pet...this name fits her, because she is SO smart!


SUPERHERO NAME ("The", your favorite color, the automobile you drive): The Scarlet Suburban...wow. scary. ..the car-pool kids will think twice before leaving any candy wrappers in my car!

Okay, that was pretty entertaining, you know so much about me now! Happy 4th!

ten things

1. family and an amazing husband who I love

2. going shopping all afternoon with a 3 & 5 year old who were well behaved, even hugged the lady at the fabric store

3. summer....my favorite season...NO COATS, sunny days, sandals, tank tops, shorts, cute summer skirts and friends visiting

4. early evening walk around the lake with the guys

5. front load washer...when I pre-wash my fabric it doesn't come out narly! the old agitator used to turn pre-washing into a twisted fabric mess. even the ends aren't as frayed, yeah!

6. two weeks of summer camp are over...get him to camp, pick him up from camp, drop off carpool kids,get him to camp, pick up....................

7. a 5 year old who can knee board

8. tomato trellis...WAY better than those wimpy tomato cages! three sided, opens up so it can be "wrapped around" the tomato...why didn't i think of that!

9. $2.00 embroidered cotton t-shirt at Wal-mart, so damn cute...i might even wear it out of the house

10. free state maps on tourism websites, upholstry tacks and faux-leather fabric trim for the boys room...just wait...

Red-Friday belated

I don't think I have ever seen a rose like this. It caught my attention. This kind of picture makes me appreciate my little camara, even more. Especially after it went in the lake almost a year ago. I didn't think it would recover. Now look at her!?!?!

Steamboat March 06

I'm jumping in feet first with the color challenge. Today is white...could there be anything "whiter?"

fancy free fabric!

Oh how I love free fabric!!! The challenge with this fabric was it used to be a designer sample book. (thank you, Amy!) I'm not sure how much time I wasted trying to get the fabric off the metal pegs....I finally freed each piece then ripped off the paper with the description off the back. About an hour and a couple vintage buttons on each side and it was done! Next time I will try it the "long" way and see how the purse looks.

happy skirt!

My very own pattern! The fabric is 100% cotton Amy Butler from the www.quiltedmooseonline.com ! I really like the drop waist and yoke. I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted it to look like. The main part of the skirt is a yard of fabric cut in half the "long" way and gathered (jsut about 1.5.) I wanted to add the orange and lavender print so I cut a 3" strip on the bias and gathered it slightly, not even 1.5 mor like 1.333....I used the pinking shears and didn't finish the edges. The contrast of the finished top and "un" finished bottom make me happy. I think when it gets washed it will fray nicely.

this one is mine

I actually am keeping this little jem. Saturday night I had a little time to sew. Sometimes when I walk in my studio I don't want to do the things I "need" to do. Like make curtain panels, sew pillows for someone else or fix bracelets. After a trip to the Quilted Moose on Thursday...I knew just what I wanted to do! (The new Amy Butler fabrics are supercute!) The pink fabric in the middle was a 'must-have!' The lining/handle fabric I have been saving for the perfect project...and Grandma's flower trim. I was so excited after I finished. Ted said, "wow that's girly." I said, "I'm the only girl here!"


Only two days left until summer vacation begins. I'm ready for summer! Maybe a little time to figure out how to navagate the side bar and include some links of my own.

a whole lot of "stuff!"

There's no place like home! This little 25x28 quilt is for the St. Pat's 2007 Auction. It was so much fun to make. Quick and easy...very gratifiying! It isn't finished but I love the 'ruby slipper' in the corner. I think I might have to make another trip to The Quilted Moose for more applique fun.















A good friend asked me to make a center piece for the Hearts of Hope fundraiser. These little girls were so much fun. I "heart" them! A couple syrofoam balls, wire, paper, a lentil for the nose and alot of glue! They were definately a challenge. I would have liked to give them faces, but my drawing ability is below average. After alot of mental debate, I decided they looked better plain. Next time, I want to experiment with watercolors and different colored paper.





















This week I have to plant the garden. I need to put a little fence around the perimeter, to keep little animals and boys out! Just the basics...tomatoes, onions, sugar snap peas, cucumbers and a pepper or two. The wind out here is definately a challenge. We're going to plant some pumpkins in the vacant lot next door. Hopefully, there will be enough for the Halloween party this fall!

No pictures today. I am too tired! I spent the day with Lucy Neatby www.lucyneatby.com at String of Purls in Omaha. I learned to knit socks!!! What an amazing craft. I knew I could knit lots of things and have started to feel like a "somewhat" confident knitter. Can't wait to sit down and start a pair for myself. Not just a sample sock!!! I h ave a great appriciation for all those people who have been making socktoopalooza socks!!!

"precious"...time

Today I finished the collages of my guys. I have wanted to finish these for quite a long time. I always get a boost of motivation right before we are going to have company over. The next two weekends are booked with parties! It didn't hurt that I had some time at home alone today to get lots done. It's amazing how much I can get done without distractions.

The office got a good organization as well as the kitchen utencil drawer....it's beyond me, why other people who have lived in the same house, for the same amount of time, still don't know where things are supposed to go in the kitchen. My meager attemts at making my point are fruitless. It isn't even worth plotting. Just a waste of "precious" time.

Lots more home "making" is going on I need to take some photos. Maybe tomorrow morning

Ten half-offs

I never thought I would enjoy making stuffed toys. After seeing all the darling "stuffeds" that others make...I was curious. Much to my surprise it is really fun. Meet my latest soft toy froggy. She still needs a wiggly smile and a lily pad!
Yesterday I found an old suitcase at an estate sale and decided it would be the perfect place for the stuffeds. It was the last day of the estate sale and everything was 1/2 off the marked price. JACKPOT!!! (Nevermind that Mom locked her keys in her van and had to be rescued. Or that I was originally asked to meet her to help her move a table and chairs, not to shop at the estate sale.) Oh the goodness...old suitcase, tableclothes, art books, punchneedle with the accessories, floral prints, and a few books for the boys. I think the green tablecloth will make nice seat covers for the chairs in my "activity room."
Can you believe only a $1.50 for this suit case. It is in need of some tlc, but it will be great for the frog and other soft toys.Now the most difficult decision....what to make with the other napkins and tablecloth.

Easter flowers

Saturday was the annual Easter Egg hunt at Grandma's house. The kids had lots of fun searching for the 20+ eggs Grandma stuffed for them. The flowers in Grandpa & Grandma's new yard were alot of fun to photograph, as well.
I lost a few photos of the bunny I made last week. I think I may have erased them...bummer. No week is complete if I don't start a new project. This week it's a knitted bunny from the Debbie Bliss cashmerino 2. Photos soon.

a little lampwork

How cute is this? I made this for a fundraiser at my husbands alma mater. I love to make lampwork beads. The hot glass, the blow torch, the colors oh man..it's just as addictive as fabric! Right now lampwork is overshadowed by fabric!!! Today I'm working on a bunny rabbit, his ears are a little tricky, pictures tomorrow.