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.

i.am.addicted.to.sugar.

This morning was all about making cupcakes for the church lenten dinner. What is it about cupcakes that make them so good? First, the fact that they bake in 15-20 minutes makes them a top treat to make. Second, the boys love to lick everything. Third, making almond flavored buttercream frosting. Fourth, how excited the boys get when I get the sprinkles out. Fifth, biting into the one cupcake I saved for myself. I.Am.Addicted.To.Sugar. Is sugar addiction genetic?

Mr. Robin

The first signs of spring. He wasnt' too shy. He let me get really close. Scary weather in the midwest today. Spring cleaning my studio today...organization isn't my strong suit.

premier post

Today is the first post for me. I have wanted to have my own blog for quite a long time. I have been reading lots of awesome blogs, it took a while to build up enough nerve to do it myself. I have found there are so many people out there who have the same interests as I do. Can't wait to get started posting about my creative indeavors.

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