have you seen my table?

We are still trying to find the kitchen table...in the meantime here are a few projects from the weekend. The pink quilt is already in use, even though it's not "finished." The safety pins don't seem to be a problem when you are laying on the couch. The consensus is it's "really warm, and perfect for laying on the couch." Hopefully, it will warm up soon so I can finish, hurry up Spring!
I am totally in 'love' with these t-shirts. I saw something similar and decided to try to make my own. (I just can't stomach paying $65 for a t-shirt) I used some of my "Bohemian" fabric and printed out the words, used some freezer paper and the stretch stitch...supercute!!! I can see many more of these in the future.

The grey scarf needs something else, I just haven't figured out what it is.

the countdown has begun

A couple of the finished classroom projects. Most of them turned out better than expected. The Kindergarten quilt I made is not what I had envisioned....oh well...still pretty cute! (no picture)We have a very small 8th grade class, only 11 kids. The collage above is a great representation of them. Hopefully, one of their parents will want this REALLY bad!!!
We did this project last year, I modified it since we had to make three of them!!! The wooden frame was spray painted (my new favorite thing!) then we used decoupaged the pics on, the cool thing is that the chalkboard paint and decoupage glue made a really cool texture. The white description is temporary...it's a picture frame. The auction is a week from tomorrow, a few stray projects to complete...so hard to depend on other people when you're a control freak! I need to figure out what I'm wearing....decisions, decisions...

what isn't weird about me?

I think all my life, up until recently, I thought I was weird because I wasn't like "eveybody else." Only lately have I really embraced my unique creative expression. I wear clothes because they make me happy. I used to think people would think I was weird...now if they think I'm weird...it's fine with me.

Another foundation piecing scarf...gosh, those are fun to make. I especially like to make them out of cotton flannel... super.soft.on.the.neck! This one may be my favorite. It has lots of colors in it and looks great with everything!! love.that.

on to the six weird things...I was tagged by Becki...

1. My feet and hands are super cold at night, when I climb into bed, my husband covers my feet with his and warms them up...his feet are always hot.

2. I say, "ya know" after most of my sentences...it drives my sister crazy.

3. I have to sit up to burp. If I am laying down I have to sit all the way up. It just gets stuck down there.

4. I start lots of projects and they sit around forever, before I finish them. ex: pink quilt..still on the kitchen table. We haven't seen the kitchen table for at least a week.

5. Before I push the start button on the washing machine I have to have the fabric softner cup in my hand, so I can pour the softner in and dilute it with water. Even I think it's weird.... every time.

6. I live on a lake, wear a swim suit, but don't get in the water. Even though I have heard that it is "really clean" water. Gross.

I think anyone who wants to tell six weird things already have!!!

May I introduce,

Minnie Mouse. You can't say we don't have fun around here!! Oh, yes this is a real mouse, not a computer mouse! Minnie will be running a maze to find cheese and peanut butter...hopefully, she can run quickly. She will be timed to see how long it takes to get there! Any guesses? Oldest has predicted 25 seconds. At a $1.99, I think she can be replaced if her life expectancy proves to be short...
On to more exciting things, I am almost finished with the little scrappy pink quilt top I started on Friday. I love pink fabric! The pinks have been accumulating, I decided to try a new technique and cut really long strips, then sewed them together lengthwise. At some point during my sewing/cutting, the lines became a little crooked...rats! I did my best to just go with it...we'll see in a few days when it's all sewn together. It is busy...needs a little solid to unify it. Hopefully, no one in my house will want to use this blanket, considering when a Princess commercial comes on, the youngest says, "I do not want that!"

think alterations

If you love Def Leppard as much as I do, you will totally want this tank top! My sweet husband got this for me for my birthday. When I mentioned at the concert, that I wanted one, he listened!!! I think this might have been the last tank top in their store...which explains why it is a small, and I am definately not a small...hence...the reason I have a long sleeve shirt on under it!!! My sisters knew he was getting this, the only clue I got was, "think alterations." I am not sure just what I will do with this "little" gem, but I know one thing...I have to put my thinking cap on!!! Any ideas?

Crafting content coming soon!

tell me why...

I would like someone to explain why I am ignored when I walk into a fabric store. Particularly a specialty fabric store. (I even get ignored at large chain stores.) I try to be kind, unoffensive and polite. I try not to bother the people working and figure things out myself. I wait my turn, even though I am usually the ONLY person in the shop. I get ignored and insulted. For the last year I have tried to "buy locally, " for two reasons. The first is I really like to physically see the fabric before I buy it. Second, I want to support local small business owners. I love to look at fabric on the internet...looks like I will be buying on the internet from now on. You snotty shop owners have insulted me one too many times. I'm going to Walmart, the only place where the fabric ladies speak to me. ( They even talk to my children, and smile!) I will have to buy my notions there...

A few months ago, when I was discouraged with the same thing...I considered opening my own fabric store. (I did lots of research.) I wanted to open a shop where there were fun projects hanging up, good looking fabrics, you know, the place you dream about walking into..can you see the stack of crafty magazines and books, right over there by a cute red velvet couch, begging you to sit down and find a really cool project. A great atmosphere and kind, helpful salespeople, fun classes. Whether you were new to sewing or a pro you would feel like you were appreciated when you walked in. I could do it, nothing is impossible, especially since it's something I love and I'm good at. As soon as my guys are old enough...I.will.do.it.

Is the new generation of people who sew being treated like this? And why do these shop owners not see the potential income for them? All those old ladies aren't going to be able to quilt forever, you know. Open your eyes.

busy, busy, busy...

I have wanted to try and make a fabric scarf since I got the Denise Schmydt quilt book. I found a really cool mottled batik, and a couple other coordinates at the fabric store the other day. Add to that all the scraps I have and wholy moly...supercutestuff! You may recognize the large flower print and striped from the Christmas apron for TJ's teacher. Gosh, they don't itch at all!! I love knitted scarves, but they often itch all day!!! Also, not too warm or cool. Perfect. I can tell, they are going ot be addictive!!! Equally addictive as felting thrift store sweaters!!! Last week I hit the JACKPOT at the thrift store. I think I found 10 sweaters most of them felted beautifully, a few were duds. I really love cardigans and hate crewnecks, so I felt the sweater and then cut it up the front center. (After the second washing they look a little more finished.) I have to be careful not to over felt, the sleeves can get really small and the edge gets wonky. The biggest lesson I learned is to wash one sweater at a time...the different color fuzz takes a long time to pick off.

Ahhhhhhhh! I can't get this lined up...darn...I wish I know how to fix this stuff and put links on the sidebar, oh well. maybe.some.day.

go ahead...laugh

Here is a picture of a "supercute" wallet. It was fun to make. I even used some of my favorite Amy Butler fabric....
Go ahead, laugh...as usual, I started making this, I even followed the instructions from a nice little tutorial link from Craftster, http://www.yattabags.com/downloads/longWallet.pdf ,added an extra little card holder, all by myself....maybe my seams were too big...
Only one side of the card holder has enough room to HOLD A CARD!!!! I will be spending some quality time with Elna tonight, this time I will make sure to take that little gift card down with me!!! Watch out, it might even have a coin purse, too!

goals in 2007

After considering a list of resolutions/goals for this year, I decided that my only goal is to live a true and honest life. Lots of things can go under that "umbrella." Like, making my home the very best place for my family, be a good wife, mother, daughter and friend. Most importantly, being true to myself. Last year Ted asked what were my goals and dreams...I guess the only thing I have ever dreamed...to live an honorable life and have a happy family. Here's to 2007!

bracelet & bead love

Three bracelets I put together lately. Stringing is not my favorite thing to do. I tend to repeat stringings. The top bracelet uses head pins instead of beadalon wire, I got tired of re-stringing broken bracelets and decided if I "hinged" the parts together it would be less likely to break. Hopefully, in 2007 I will make more beads! This will require good time management when everyone is in school!!!

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!