Tohoku Tote… kind of.

Every month over at UCreate, Kari has a Create With Me projects.  For September, the project was the Tohoku tote, a pattern and tutorial by Cheri of I Am Momma Hear Me Roar.  So I thought I’d play along, since it had been awhile since one of the monthly projects has caught my eye.  And her bag was adorable.

But, it doesn’t look like the Tohoku Tote.

Cheri’s pattern was supposed to be for a piece of fabric which already had a pleat in the center, which is opposite how I am used to doing things.  I even asked her to clarify, which she graciously did, and then I totally spaced it when I cut the pattern piece.  I’ve been a space case lately anyway, (and I openly blame being pregnant) so it was almost no surprise.  And then I ran out of yellow fabric and didn’t have anything solid in stash that I liked with it, so I nixed the bow too, which is what MAKES the tote.

Anyway, this isn’t really a craft fail because it is a really fun bag, and works great as a “diaper bag” (I don’t have one…) for tossing things we might need while out and about.  I mean, I like it.  It just isn’t the product the pattern designer had in mind, you know?  I didn’t bother sending my project to Kari :) 

The bag stripe is from a clearance tea towel from Target.  I LOVE THAT STRIPE.  One towel (with hems unpicked) yielded an un-pleated front and back of the bag.  Not bad!

Do you participate in the Create with Me projects?  Or are you like me, and you only do them if they are something you are excited about?

Halloween Village

Did everyone see this village from the Crafty Sisters last year?  Did you die over it like I did?  Here’s a photo of their awesome Halloween Town:

Well, this mom is not a master with cute crafty paper and wires and such like they are, but I can have a little fun.

First, we ran down to Jo Ann’s Fabric and Crafts.  I always see the little $1 birdhouses out front, so we snagged seven of them and left in a hurry to get started.  And we have been working on it non-stop since.

This is what we came up with, although I’m looking to put some pumpkins in front of the houses and fences.

We’ve got bats, ghosts, spider webs, giant cats, and little trick-or-treaters. 

We have sparkly rooftops and paper shingles, wooden fences, and jeweled door knobs.

I found the little trick-or-treat people at a scrapbook store in town, and I knew instantly my girls would love these little additions.  I cut tons of them out, but the girls took a lot to play with, rip in half, and eat on occasion. 

The sequined roof on this little house was the munchkin’s idea.  She’s so clever.

I mounted the houses on two separate wood boards so I could have one raised behind the other to save flat surface space- something I have very little of.  Since this is the only Halloween décor up right now, it is being displayed side-by-side atop my china cabinet.  Where no light reaches, so I brought in a lamp from my bedroom just to get these sad photos :)

I had SO. MUCH. FUN. working on this, even if it isn’t as adorable as the original.  The munchkin and baby painted everything black, and then the munchkin helped me with painting the houses and telling me where to put things.  I did do a lot after they went to bed just so it would go faster, but it was so fun to show them every morning the progress that had taken place the night before.

To all the scrapbookers out there… I have a renewed amazement for all you can accomplish.  It was really hard coming up with new ideas for each house.  I can’t imagine making page after page after page of cuteness like you do!  I am in awe.

I love our little spooky town!  Or, as the munchkin says, “Smooky!”

(FYI, just like the original Crafty Sisters project, my dowels can be removed for storing. The houses are glued to the board, so they are what they are!)

Cookie Baking= New Oven Mitts

The munchkin LOVES “Colorful Cookies,” aka Play Dough Cookies.  We saw them on the Idea Room ages ago, and now it is her favorite thing to do, although she likes to make all sorts of shapes and things with them.  They take soooo long (they are essentially a sugar cookie) that we don’t make them often, and usually I use it as a reward to get her to do something for me :)  She’s been extra helpful lately, so we got to make some colorful cookies today.

But, I have one clean oven mitt.  And what’s faster than laundry?  Making a new set.

I used my Oven Mitt pattern pieces, and a clearance tea towel set I bought from Target.  Each towel can yield one mitt, so the pack of two was perfect.  I was barely short on pre-made bias tape, so one mitt got a ribbon loop.

They were so easy to make this time.  The last time I made them I had to draw a pattern, adjust the pattern, adjust some more, then cut everything out and sew.  I didn’t use any Thermo-whatever stuff, just two layers of batting this time.  And heavier fabric. 

So, while the cookie dough was chilling in the freezer, I whipped these up so I’d feel cute pulling the cookies out of the oven :).  Oh, and so I didn’t get burned.  That too!  I got a set of adorable striped towels that I am dying to use for mitts… probably as a Christmas gift.

You’ll find the Oven Mitt pattern along with lots of other patterns and templates, here.

And, those cookies still aren’t done, so… no pictures.  Hee hee!

Sneak Peeks

Today I have my tentacles all over the blogosphere.  Amanda at Every Creative Endeavor is having a Fall Fever, and I’m adding to the mayhem with some easy Salt and Pepper Shakers.  Go take a look!

 

Also… if you are looking for a decent dose of darling, head over to Tip Junkie where I am sharing a new set of toys for the baby boy.

 

And, now I’m off to the fabric store with the kiddos.  We’ve got a few copy-cat projects in the works that the munchkin is super excited about!

May I Present You..

…with the only things I have so far that are baby boy related:

A soft ball toy, and two little items of clothing.  $1 for each little outfit, though, not bad!

Pathetic.  I’m measuring 32 weeks now, and just don’t have the motivation to do anything to prepare!  Well, I do, but the motivation to haul around my two kids, one of which is in the throes of her terrible twos, to fabric stores and clothing stores and baby stores is completely non-existent.

I am thinking of doing a new crib skirt and some art to add some boy flavor to the girls’ room.  You heard me- we’re tossing all three together into the same room.  That should be fun!

I haven’t even started a quilt for the little man.  I can’t decide on a pattern, and I’m no good at coming up with cool stuff on my own like Kirsten.  Here is what I’ve pulled from my stash for something for little man.  There are airplanes, helicopters, cars, fish, dinosaurs, turtles… quite the mix!  I will eliminate or add as I find a pattern, and I can always throw in solids:

Here’s where you step in:  GIVE ME LINKS TO BOYISH QUILTS!  AND FUN BOY FABRIC!  I will be doing the crib skirt with decor weight fabric, just so you know.

Oh, I guess I lied.  I made some other toys for brother but the girls have taken over.  I’ll share tomorrow :)

Come Ye To Bethlehem

 

As most of you know, while my husband is trying to figure out single parenting/bedtime routine for two and a half hours on Thursday nights, I’m singing to my heart’s content with the East Valley Mormon Choral Organization.  This year, we have 240 singers (not all of us are Mormons, in case you wondered) in the adult choir alone, and my little munchkin has joined up with the Young Singers chorus (ages 4-6). 

And we’re all loving it.  It is another way my creative side can get to work!  How often do you sing with a full symphony?  My point exactly.  Our director asks a lot of us, which makes me work hard to improve.  I love that! 

The most exciting part of the semester is when we get to perform for all you lovely people.  This is THE HOLIDAY EVENT of the season.  And I’m not just saying that. Music is such a large part of the Holiday season, and we’re working hard to ensure the best experience possible for all of you.

Mark your calendars!  Bring your neighbors!  Invite your grandmas!!!  This choir has been THE greatest non-family-related experience of my adult life, and I’ve only performed with them for a year.  And this year, I’m hoping to push out a baby in time to a)fit in my concert dress and b)recover before the concert!  :)

Come Ye To Bethlehem

Friday, December 2 and Saturday December 3, 2011 at 7:30 pm in the Mesa Arts Center 

I’d love it if you came.  Tickets are available now online or at the box office, and yes, we like to have a sell-out crowd :)

More info about my wonderful choir at www.evmco.org

Fall… ish.

Today, the high will be 101 degrees.

Which means the fall decorations are out of place, still.

But I like it anyway.

Happy Monday!

What a Wallet!

I’ve been into PDF’s lately.  I like ‘em.  I do like paper versions best, so I print out all my PDF’s and keep them in a file- it works great :)  My latest is a fabric wallet from M.o.M (Mother of Marine).  It is pretty dang awesome.

This project is super colorful, thanks to a swim I took in my scrap bin!  The pattern only calls for three fat quarters and different interfacings, but I decided to take it a step or 7 more and use up some of my scraps.  It feels good to use them, you know?

My baby was in my lap while I sewed the final steps, so of course the tab is not beautifully centered.  It is kind of endearing, since the little arm-grabbing culprit is pretty cute :)  I added a (vintage) button because I goofed and cut a hole in the tab- I had to cover it somehow!  My secret is out- I’m not perfect ;)

Look, I got to use a fun colored zipper.  I have a huge stash of zippers, but usually chicken out and go with white for my projects.  This time, there was no excuse! 

Isn’t this fun??? The PDF comes with an optional card insert, but I was scavenging the house just to find these… so I didn’t make it.  Some of my favorite features are the self-binding (that polka-dot you see on the edge of the card slots), and the zipper pocket on the back for spare change.  There are pockets everywhere!  I’d love it if someone stuffed it full of cash for me :)
The PDF is super detailed, has great illustrations, and excellent suggestions on how to get a nice, tailored look.  And the zipper part couldn’t be easier.
My only problem is that it is almost the size of my purse.  Have you seen my purse?  It is tiny. Like, it carries my keys and my phone and maybe a Jo Ann’s coupon and that’s it tiny.  I’m not a big bag girl (which means I am totally behind the times and SOOOO not fashionable) but if I were, I’d be very grateful I had a wallet that didn’t get lost in my bag :)  This has been great for a few errands lately where I was by myself, and just took this with me.  Love.
I’m thinking I’ll make another.  And another.  And then maybe some more!  Do you want to make one too?  Well, lucky you, Debbie is giving a pattern AND three fat quarters away to a lucky reader.  Head over to her blog, Stitches and Seams, and enter for a chance to win.  You’ll love it!

Scripture Tote- Messenger style

 

I heard about a fun Etsy shop called Yards and Yards where Anna, the owner, creates PDF patterns to sell.  This is just one of them, and it turned out really cute! 

It fits the standard LDS Quad perfectly, or in my case, the Bible (did you know this year is the 400th anniversary of the first KJV publication of the Bible? Cool, yo!) and Book of Mormon paperback set- I lost my quad recently.  Boo!  There is a pocket on the outside, which will hold my mini hymnal or Personal Progress book… when I find those…

The pockets extend to the side, which is good for pens and such.  The bag is stabilized with denim (I used canvas) so it is still soft while being durable.  One of the problems I have had with heavy interfacing is it is just sooo stiff in the end.  So, soft and sturdy it is!

Both of my fabrics are from Hobby Lobby, in case you wondered!  But at any rate, this messenger-style scripture tote is good because my hands are always full at church- kids, folders, study material, sippy cups… you name it, I’m carrying it.  For those who don’t regularly carry around a Book of Mormon to church, there is plenty of room for study materials, small notebooks, etc. in that extra space. 

I’m excited for Sunday when I can tote this to my church meetings!  I have a feeling my 4-year-old will take it over once we get there, but hey, it is cute and she can’t pass up cute :)

Vintage Spools.

Last week sometime, we went to Mike's grandmother's house to visit, and while we were there, grandma offered me some of her mom's sewing supplies.

WHAT??? YES PLEASE!!

So, I only grabbed a handful of stuff, since another friend wanted to feel the vintage love too. These spools were just a part of what I got, though! I have a jar full of vintage and antique thread... and this is perfect.

I also got a few buttons, some fabric (including some yo-yo's you see in the top photo!), and some mini embroidery hoops. Hopefully I can show you projects with those soon.

In other news, we finally got a call today that they are in the final fix-it stages on our computer. Funny story (and funny only in hindsight...), the computer company sent me the wrong recovery discs, then the fix-it place lost the new ones, and we've all been sufficiently frustrated. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back to my own computer. It is so hard to blog from other people's computers!!!  May your computer never crash.  Amen.

Wild Thing Quilt Finish!

It is done!  I hurried to finish it for a church activity that was happening last Thursday where women got to share some of their hobbies.  I thought a quilt (or two...) and a dress would be a good representation of where I spend most of my free time :)  I wasn't able to actually attend, but I'm hoping the ladies at my church got to know a little more about me through my projects that were on display.

I had Mike play quilt-holder this time.  He's such a good sport.  Even if it means showing off his mismatched socks.  Hey, at least they are both black!  Anyway, he had the nerve to tell me he wasn't too sure about this quilt as I was making it... but he does like it now.  Doesn't he know you can't go wrong with Kate Spain??

See the back?  I used that border!  I like its simplicity.  I did a large stipple on the whole quilt, and bound it in a solid purple Kona.  Don't bother asking me which purple... I just grabbed what matched.

And, it is already being put to good use.  Those dark clouds in one of the above pictures ensured we'd have some time to spend under a blanket, even if it was still hot outside :)

Pattern:  Wild Thing by Thimble Blossoms

Fabric:  Central Park by Kate Spain, Kona Solids

Baby Showers

I attended a baby shower for my cousin this weekend, and since she's a really creative and talented person, I knew she'd probably appreciate something from me that I made.  Well, I hoped she would :)  I had some great fabric I've been saving for the perfect project, and while hunting through my pile of fabric, it jumped out at me as the perfect choice for baby girl. It is from Jo-Ann fabrics, one of their Premier Quilter cottons and feels really soft and thick, unlike their other calico fabrics that make me want to turn and run most of the time :)

I used the same Simplicity pattern that I used for my own baby a year and a half ago or whatever it was.  I still love this pattern.  It is really easy, and it is quite grown-up for such small people, I think.

It just so happens that the expectant mother's sister is the same photo-gal I've mentioned on here before, Kendyl Hawkins.  She had a snazzy new camera and was grabbing everyone at the shower so she could take their picture.  I had showered 10 minutes before hopping in the car to go, so my hair was thrown in a ponytail, and I was lucky to have any make-up on.  But, after everyone left, Kendyl did my hair all modern and fancy, and then took some pictures.

I kind of really really like them.  :)  The above shot is our favorite, because you can see my belly a bit, and my non-plucked eyebrows not so much.  Ha!  No, really it is the composition that won me over.  It was hard for me to not smile, though.  Kendyl is a great photographer!  And a super cousin. 

As for the rest of my busy life these days... I'm so busy!!! CRAZY busy.  I had to take some time for myself yesterday, and it helped rejuvenate me a little.  Of course, that time by myself was just working on a huge to-do list, but things go a little faster without kids running underfoot and needing you every second.  You know?  So, I'll have some fun projects to share with you that I am finally finishing!

Gotta run.  Lots to do.

I Know Famous People

Hi everyone.  I hope you all had a good holiday, or good Monday, depending on where you live.  I pretty much sewed all day long while my kids destroyed the house around me.  It was awesome.

Today's post is nothing but a big brag session, so hold on to your hats!

See that?  No, not my hastily basted quilt back, the magazine on top of it.  The cover of the magazine.

And flip open the magazine, and you see this lovely lady!  I know her!  She gave birth to me.  Hi mom!

And she is the owner of the professional drapery workroom that produced this arched wonder.  Can you imagine working with an upholstered cornice that is not only arched, but 250 inches wide, and 30 inches tall that won't fit into an installation truck/van?  Well, crazy, yes, but get this:  it is hinged in the middle.  Awsome-opolis.  You would never know.

But she's not the only famous person I know in regards to this Prize-winning magazine feature;  my mom's employee who knelt on the floor for a few days to actually bring the sketches and creative thinking and planning to life is none other than Kirsten of MaterialGirlKirsten.  I watched her make some of this thing... it didn't look easy.  It was a beast. 

So, if you're wondering where to find talented people... I know them. :)  And this is also why I am a curtain snob.  Now you know.

Wondering why this post is a little familiar?  It is because they've been in a magazine before.  I know, right???

I'm so proud of them!!

Hard Drives and Sponsors

Well, sorry I've been so sporadic.  We decided to fix our computer instead of invest in a whole new one, which meant we had to replace our hard drive completely.  It was totally fried.  Luckily I didn't have much on it to be sad about losing- my kids grace this blog enough that most of their growing has been well documented :)  But borrowing computers has been tough!  My husband has a work computer that probably came from the Jurrasic time period, and it can't do much.  Using it this past week or so has made me feel pity for his every day work experience.  Oh well, he's a tough kid.

ANYWAY, I thought now would be a good time to introduce you to one of my newest sponsors! 

Stitchesn N' Giggles is the place to go for fabric -including pre-cuts- patterns, notions, etc.  Let me give you some examples:

I've been really wanting to make a Christmas quilt, and they've got this:

That I can use with this:

and applique little bows to each block so they look like presents.  FUN!

Lori, the heart and soul behind Stitches N' Giggles, prides herself with great customer service.  She'd love to help you out in any way she can!  She's even awesome enough to promote a Deal of the Day every day on her website, where something is crazy discounted for that day only!

So, while you're waiting for our regular blog programming to resume, go check out Stitches N Giggles!