Monday, December 14, 2009

Grocery Bags for Peace

Well, sort of...Sew, Mama, Sew has had several "Quilting for Peace" blog posts, and now they're challenging you to make re-useable grocery bags. Make at least five and you're eligible for one of their prizes!

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I've made so many of these "uglytotes" -- using upholstery samples! They're quick and easy. Maybe 15 minutes, including cutting...pockets add a couple more minutes, but not much!

Grocery bags are super easy to make, and there are dozens of styles. Loads of free tutes, as well, so you don't even have to buy a pattern! Grocery bags are a great way to improve your speed and skills, and try out new techniques.

Whether you make one or fifty, whether or not you enter Sew, Mama Sew's giveaway, you'll be helping keep plastic bags out of the landfill. Plus you'll be having fun!

k

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Autumn Quilt Swap

Sure, it's just a few days until Winter, but I wanted to post the Autumn Quilt I made for a Sewing Mamas swap. It was a little late, but not this late. Just late posting it here!


It's called "Turning Over a New Leaf" -- because of the fabrics, but also because the binding is made with the back side of the leaf fabric. I'd wanted something that complimented, and didn't just blend into, the backing.


front/back of autumn quilt

The backing fabric inspired the zig zag design of the front.

The quilting is simple: just four lines inside each zig-zag, using a varigated thread called "Autumn Leaves" (or something like that). It's a doll-size quilt, about 18" x 20" or so.

k

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Crafting on the Radio

Want to hear a fun radio interview? Check it out!

Christy, Korinne and I recently got together and chatted with Jerry Johnson of NETradio. He was interested in how etsy brings together crafters, and of course we were happy to talk at length! We even encouraged him to put his music in an etsy shop!

I do believe that hand crafting will be more and more popular as people take stock and realize that mass produced doesn't mean "better" -- it just means "not unique"

My hope is that we'll become less "big box" thinkers and more of a "unique is beautiful" society.

k

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Christmas Tote

It's been an exhausting week. My tyke's been "sick" -- not terribly, just enough to have her stay home from Montessori. Which means that crafting time is just not there. Don't get me wrong, we do crafy/creative things, but I don't have the ability to do my cutting/sewing/ironing while she's underfoot.

Last night, in spite of the exhaustion, I had an idea for this tote bag. Granted, it's probably not terribly original; what is truly original anymore? But I digress. It was too late to start it last night, because I know better than to try cutting/sewing/ironing while it's late and I'm exhausted. So it had to wait.

Santa suit tote bag

But not for long! My sweet husband put off his Saturday office time just so I could craft! I managed to draft, cut and sew up this tote within a couple of hours.

I totally love this bag! The applique. The size (huge!). The *look*. Even that crazily-shedding silky "fun" fur didn't make me curse (much)! It's made with bright red velvet and is fully lined with a Santa "vintage postcard" fabric.

Santa suit tote bag, back

What a blast! I'm soooo looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping now!

I'm thinking about doing a tutorial for it. Would you be interested?

k

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Quick Selvedge Project

Whether you spell it selvedge, salvage, or selvege, you've probably seen some really lovely projects made with those printed fabric edges. (Like this dress. Wow!! She really does some amazing projects, check out her blog Ric Rac.)

I do not, however, have the patience (or skills) to save up so many selvedges and put them together in such a fashionable way. I do have crafter ADD, and this project is well within my short-attention-span capabilities. (Okay, I'm not really that incapable, but I do like to see the fruits of my labors sooner, rather than later.)

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A few close up pics:

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Cute, eh? I totally love the little sewing machine!

k

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

PBK Style

Let me start out by saying I love Pottery Barn style and quality. Those prices, though. uh uh. But their catalogs are are free and sooooo pretty. Lots of inspiration in those pages.

Several months ago I was flipping through a PBK catalog and totally fell in love with this desk, but seriously hated the price (sure, *now* it's on sale! lol). But I'm thrifty and crafty. Figured there had to be a DIY way.

Probably the next day, kid you not, I was in a thrift store and found this:

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It's a little shabby, someone half-heartedly painted it white, but has some pretty bones. Plus it's a true roll top desk. For a kid. Best part? It was only $10! Of course I took it home. Where it sat on the porch for about two months. (Where's the shame faced smiley?)

Then the weather started to change. There's snow in the forecast. Snow. It's hard to paint furniture in the snow. Yesterday, however, was windy and sunny. I got out my spray paint and the drawer pulls I got at Target a couple weeks ago.

Now my shabby, thrift store find has become a gorgeous, PBK-inspired piece of furniture:

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Now it happily resides in my tyke's bedroom. I'm ridiculously happy with how this one has turned out.

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Cost comparison:

PBK - $249 (okay, it's $149 on sale, but still), plus delivery

Mine - $10 desk, $12 spray paint, $8 drawer pulls, elbow grease


Bonus: the book rack above the desk is also inspired by PBK. They wanted about $99 for theirs, mine was $1 at an auction, plus some spray paint.

What do you think?

k

Thursday, August 20, 2009

These feet were made for Walking (and Darning)

If you have purchased a new machine, it probably came with at least a couple of alternate feet. You probably thought: "There's no way I'll use all these feet. What are they for, anyway?" Believe it or not, there are actually dozens of types you can get, whether brand specific or generic. Some of them are pretty pricey, too. Be sure you can justify the cost by using them often and well.

My most used sewing machine feet are the walking and darning feet. They make my sewing life so much easier, and more interesting.

Walking foot (generic):
walking foot (generic)

The walking foot has long been a favorite of quilters. The white plastic feet on this foot help to keep multiple layers from slipping apart. It also is a joy when you're trying to match plaids or stripes.

To be honest, this is my most used foot. It has taken the place of my "A" (basic) foot, simply because it is such a helpful tool. Those pesky 1/4" seams are so much easier, and it's a must-have for quilting "in the ditch" (along seam lines).


Darning foot (Janome, open toe):
darning/embroidery foot

Lately though, I've been having a little fling with my darning foot. Also called an embroidery foot, this baby lets me go to town and do some free motion quilting (FMQ); all I have to do is drop the feed dogs, set this foot on the shank and off I go!

It's not just for quilting though. I have also been using it to do some free motion lettering. Embroidery, if you will. It produces a sketchy, jittery looking stitch, which must be repeated in order to get a thicker looking letter.

My first experience with free motion lettering was a lot of fun:

pirate bag - Ahoy Matey

I did use stabilizer inside the bag, so there were two layers. Then I fused some interfacing inside the bag, to cover the stitches (it's not a lined bag) and keep them from coming loose or getting caught on anything in the bag.

The pink pirate fabric is attached the same way, essentially. I call it a "chaos" stitch, just some random back-and-forthing along the edges. No heat-n-bond or anything, either, just the stitches.

Each letter has about five up-down/back-forth sets. They're not meant to be terribly neat-and-tidy, they're meant to evoke a loose scrawl. Takes a bit of practice, and patience. I'm looking forward to using it in some near-future projects.

k

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping....

into the future!

It's been a crazy, hectic and nerve-wracking summer. Still is, actually. Haven't done much sewing or crafting at all. Been a bit depressed, which keeps me introverted, which means I don't do much posting/chatting/interacting with people. *sigh*

Let's recap, shall we?

*Cooper was born early, went home relatively quickly, but is once again hospitalized. Initially with whooping cough (I seriously did not realize how awful this can be in an infant. Scary.), and continuing with a secondary infection. He's at Children's Hospital in Omaha, with loads of specialists and all, but it's rather far away, especially when you know his mama (my dd, Jessica) and family would rather be holding him at home.

*John was offered a job with Google, in Mountain View, California. There was a *lot* of discussion between us about whether or not to accept it. Ultimately, we decided not to go. Now of course we're dealing with the thoughts of "what if" and a bit of regret.

*My laptop bit the dust. Okay, not completely, just couldn't log on to the web. But what other use do I have for it?! lol There was about a week it was not usable. John saved what he could, then wiped the hard drive. It then took a few days to get everything re-loaded, re-installed.

*Last week I tripped and fell. (Feel free to skip to the end of the post...there's just some whining in this bullet point!) Hard. On to my right knee. Now it's swollen, sore and badly bruised. Very badly bruised. Like all the way down to under my ankle! It's rather disturbing, actually. Hoping it clears up quickly.

Anyway, those are just a few of the "highlights" of our summer. I'm making an effort to do more posting...okay, it's true, "any" posting would be more than I've been doing! Even neglected the LincolnHandmade team blog (I was supposed to post on Sunday. oops. Sorry ladies!).

Leith goes back to school on the 24th. (Not that I'm counting the 12 days until then or anything!) She'll be doing three full days and two half days. That should be plenty of time for me to be churning out some lovely pieces!

Oh, one last thing. I've decided to avoid the CPSIA hassle all together....the only kids' clothes/item I'll be making will be for Leith. I will, however, be making some gorgeous quilts and wonderful tote bags for folks ages 12 and up. Yay!

k

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Seven Little Dresses!

The Anna dress pattern by farbenmix has to be one of my all-time favorites! It's easy enough for beginners and so easily modified or embellished that even seasoned seamstresses can enjoy it!

I really enjoy making these dresses and tunics, Leith has several in her wardrobe. I had a request for seven matching, four-way dresses for the granddaughters in a family. They'll be having a family reunion later this summer (and I'm hoping for action shots!).

Here's what seven little Anna dresses look like:

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Each dress has four different main fabrics (plus the pink ties and straps). Each fabric can be the front of the dress, for four different looks!

Here you can see the black/colorful fabric to the front, and a hint of the blue/dotty fabric inside.

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This shows the blue/dotty and blue/floral fabrics.

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It took well over 20 yards of fabric for these dresses, for girls ranging in size from 12mos up to 7/8! I hope they enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them!!

k

Friday, June 12, 2009

There's a new kid in town....

Cooper Wayne Chrisp!

grumpy old man

That's his 'grumpy old man' look.

If you're wondering where I've been for the past two weeks, well, the answer is Cooper.

On the 28th of May, Jessica called me and said she was at the hospital, thinking her water had broken. Cooper wasn't due until July 31st! Turns out, her membranes *had* ruptured, and they were admitting her.

There were two rounds of steriods (Thursday and Friday), lots of antibiotics and talk of doing a c-section on Saturday (May 31). Jess was required to stay in the hospital, with lots of monitoring of her and baby. On Saturday, the doctor decided that Jess was doing really well, and it would be in Cooper's best interests if he stayed inside for a while longer. We were all hoping for another week, but Cooper had other plans...

Late on Monday night/very early on Tuesday morning, Jess called and said they'd decided to do the surgery right away because she was having contractions. (She'd had a previous c-section, and they didn't want Cooper to go through trauma of labor.) So at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, little Cooper made his debut.

He weighed 4lbs 12 oz and was 17" long. Pretty good size for what they think was a 31w/3day gestation!

tiny little guy

He was immediately whisked away to NICU. Doing very well since the beginning, breathing all on his own (yay steriods!). He did have two IVs and the NG tube. The IVs are gone, but the NG tube is still there.

What looks like a skin condition is apparently just the amniotic fluid that dried/stuck to him. It's all gone now (by 12 June), and his skin looks terrific. He has sweet, wavy blond hair, too. Lots of it!

They're working on getting his temperature regulated so he can move to a regular hospital bassinet, but he's currently still in the temperature/humidity controlled isolette.

So. That explains a little bit of my time away from blogger....

k

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I left my heart in San Francisco

Finally, some pictures of our recent trip! We were more into experiencing the trip than photographing it, so not many pictures. But here are a few:

Kelly & Leith at Union Square

Kelly & Leith at Union Square

Leith was fascinated with the flowers being sold on the street corners. We let her buy a daisy one day...the next day she insisted on stopping at another flower vendor. He was so sweet and generous. He offered her the pretty yellow rose and refused payment.

Early Sunday afternoon we went out for dim sum, then we stopped by the Museum of Modern Art. Literally stopped by it....went in to the gift shop, then popped across the street to check out the fountains at Yerba Buena Park.

SF Museum of Modern Art

The taller building is not part of the SFMMA, but sure makes an interesting photo!


The fountains were a big hit. It was *hot* that day!

Sunny Day in San Francisco

Leith, Daddy & Fountains

Our flight was in the afternoon on Monday, so that morning we went to Chinatown for some red bean cakes and a little window shopping.

Little Redhead in SF Chinatown

All in all, we had a blast. Plenty of good food, lots of things to see and some fun memories. We can hardly wait to go back!

k

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Heart Melter

I love sewing for Leith. She's rather easy to please, and it's fun to make pretty dresses and things for her. The other day I made a peasant-style dress out of knit fabrics (it's a pattern for wovens). I should have made a size smaller, because the dress is too big -- but I know she'll grow into it!

knit fabric Miss Madeline

Anyway, I took it downstairs to show John, and lament about it being the wrong size.

Me (holding up dress): "So, what do you think?"

John: "Pretty. Is she really that big?"

Leith: (hugs the dress) "Mommy! Is that for me!?! Oh Mommy, I love it!! Thank you so much for making it!! Can I wear it to church tomorrow?"

She was so excited and sounded so happy!

Unfortunately, it is way too big so she didn't get to wear it. Still. That conversation is one of the main reasons I like to sew!

k

Monday, May 11, 2009

Postcard from the Edge....

We're in Berkeley! John's attending a conference here, so we decided to mix a little business with pleasure and have a little family get-away.

Leith and I have been out exploring a bit today; walked around quite a bit, took a bus ride up to a favorite area of town, and had a 'top dog' for lunch....all this while John's in various seminars/talks/panel discussions.

It is absolutely gorgeous out here. Mountains. Palm (and other) trees. Perfect weather. The hotel is pretty cool, too, and really just a couple blocks from one of the most beautiful college campuses. *sigh*

We'll be heading to San Francisco on Thursday morning, and staying there for a few days of actual vacation for all of us.

k

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Warning: This post may make you uncomfortable...

Today is the second Sunday in May. Here in the US, that means it's Mother's Day. Meant to be a day to celebrate television's/movies'/media's perfect, loving "Mother" figure. Why so much pressure? If you aren't, or don't have, the perfect mother, you're forced on this one day to essentially give your mother a pass.

Don't get me wrong. I don't have a bad mother. She's pretty good as far as mothers go. But I'd like to do sweet gestures and phone calls throughout the year, and not be made to feel bad if I don't send flowers or buy a card on the Second Sunday of May.


That's why I think it's time to do away with Mother's Day. (Father's Day, too, for many of the same reasons.) Or at the very least how about we re-work it? Not sure how, but I'm taking suggestions!
Think about it. There are actually a lot of women who hate mother's day. Those who are Infertile. Multiple Miscarriages. Otherwise Childless (not by choice). Those who've had toxic mothers and survived. Those who've lost wonderful mothers. Women who've given child/ren for adoption. Women who've *lost children*! My gawd, how do they stand the day?!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

UFO sighting!

It *was* a UFO, but now it's a quilt! The top of this quilt was pieced over a year ago. It started life as an alphabet panel. I cut apart all the letters and the stars, added sashing and some tiny little novelty prints. It's a super cute Alphabet I Spy quilt now!

The colors are loads of fun. That bright green and the black? Very much like Leith's bedroom (bright green walls, white trim, black dresser and crib/toddler bed). The quilt has so many fun, bright colors that it's going to be a wall hanging in said toddler's room!

front - Alphabet I Spy


There's a stash game going on over at Sewing Mamas, so it was the perfect time to pull out a UFO and get to work! I've been admiring the pieced backings on so many lovely quilts that I decided to try it out for myself. Must say, I was wavering there after it was pieced. Too much somehow? Too *something* anyway. But I know that lots of things 'quilt out' so decided to go with it. I am so glad I did!

detail of back (3) - Alphabet I Spy

I *love* the backing. Love it. It's got almost a rainbow effect, which I hadn't anticipated. The binding, orange with tiny white dots, really sets it off.

It's quilted in a grid...approximately 1/4" inside each letter block, both north/south and east/west, to the inside of the orange border, then one line through the middle of the larger, outer border. Used black thread on both sides. That was a hard choice. I knew it would show in the pieced back, and initially it looked a little harsh. But it was definitely the best choice.

So. What do you think? Is it a keeper?

k

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Couple of new things and a question

Actually, the question first: have you (or has anyone you know) made a coin quilt using some woven and some knit fabrics? I've been thinking about making memory quilts with tyke's baby clothes, and I *think* the coin quilt is my choice....but since some of the fabrics would be knit, I'm not sure how it'll work. Mostly wondering if I need to use some stabilizer on the knit pieces, but thinking maybe not since the pieces will be pretty small (essentially 2.5x5 or so).

It's likely I'll make at least three of them, one for tyke, one for us and one for my parents.

Now for the new things: there has been sewing! I've made a couple of AB swing bag style tote bags and an apron!

large tote - yellow birdseed


large tote - pinks


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I'll definitely be making more of these things...especially that bag! It's really easy, looks great, has a terrific feel (there's a canvas lining, so a wonderful weight), and can be modified very easily.

One modification I'm planning is to bind the bag's curve. This picture gave me the idea -- what you're seeing is actually the lining fabric, but it looks like it's bound.

large tote - pinks - detail


k

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Garage Sale Season has begun!

Yep. It's here. The local craigslist is littered with garage sale announcements.

Don't get me wrong. I *love* garage sales! When I was a (verrrry) poor, single mom, garage sales furnished my apartments, clothed my kids and even gave me a ride to work (yes. I bought a car at a garage sale!).

Leith's Montessori school is having a garage sale FUNdraiser on Friday and Saturday this week. It's been a lot of work to get it going. Tonight's the pricing party -- lots of fun, pizza, music, friends, and most importantly first dibs on other people's crap, erm, cool stuff.

I've already claimed a stroller for our SF trip. Planning to make a wrap/cozy/holder for it, so it's easy to sling across my back and whip out when she's ready to ride. Stay tuned for instructions!

Happy Garage Sale-ing!

k

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Two weeks?!

Yes, it's been over two weeks since my last post. Oops.

I've been fighting allergies *and* a cold for a while. blegh. I tend to be quite a bit more introverted when I'm not feeling well....so even though I've been getting lots of computer time, I just haven't felt like posting.

The added bonus of not feeling well is that sewing gets set aside. There are just too many mistakes made when my head's in a funk. I have absolutely no desire to cut myself with a rotary cutter!

We will be going to Berkeley and San Francisco in a couple weeks. Part work (John's attending a conference) and part play -- I <3 San Francisco!

k

Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter Dress

This was the first year I've made Leith's Easter dress. I'm really happy with how it looks., and I'll probably use the same pattern(s) again in a different fabric. It's a super cute spring/summer dress, and fits *really* well.

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I used a couple of Ottobre patterns, the bodice of one and the skirt of another, both from the 3/2008 issue. The shrug is an Onion pattern [#20026]. *swoon* I totally heart the shrug! Have already made a couple more, with plans for others in different sizes. Hello Etsy!

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Even managed to match up some of the plaids! The buttons are a pretty yellow that perfectly matches the stripes, too. And you can never go wrong with a wide, long ribbon at the waist.

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A couple more pictures, and that's all. I promise!

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Sarah thought I'd bought it at Von Maur. That makes me happy, actually, in two ways: that she thinks it's 'professional' and that she remembers how much I like to shop at Von Maur! lol

k

Monday, April 6, 2009

Good-Bye 'er'

ER Pictures, Images and Photos

SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! (Okay, not really, I mean, we all knew it was going to end....)

Watched the last episode last night (or was it Saturday?). Good episode, but....well, there's always a "but" isn't there?

Where was Dubenko? (Because he's a surgeon, not an er doctor?) Why no reference to Banfield's new-baby life? (Or did I just miss that?) How sad were you when Ernest Borgnine's 'wife' died?! Not for her, for him....*sigh*

I really appreciate that they ended it without "ending" it, you know? Plus, the final few seconds, giving us our first look at the whole hospital was pretty cool, even if it was pretty photoshopped.

Now to figure out something to fill that Thursday night hour....

k

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

A trip to the fabric store(s)

I've been pretty good about using stash and not buying new fabric, not even stuff from thrift stores. Until this week anyway. Sheesh. I found some great stuff at one of the local thrift stores, *and* it was 1/2 price day! Several yards of fabric, including 1.5yards of white linen, for less than $10!!

Yesterday was a fun get-inspired-while-picking-up-necessities day. My friend Christy and I went to the local JoAnns and Hancock Fabric shops. As I was leaving the house, John said "Don't buy any fabric at Hobby Lobby." So I didn't. heh heh

I have managed to leave shops without buying any fabric, but yesterday wasn't one of those days. JA had almost no sales going on...I think it was just one of those funny in-between-sales days. I did manage to score some really cute remnants. One of them cried out to become someone's lovey, so I had to buy some coordinating flannel backed satin....oh, and there happened to be two spools of wooly nylon (for 1/2 price!) that will coordinate *perfectly* with the lovey-to-be fabrics.

Christy got some cute wants-to-be-a-purse fabric, and we both got purse handles. I'll be making a FQ Purse -- you can find the tute here at Sew, Mama, Sew.

Speaking of Christy, she's got a *fantastic* giveaway going on right now. You could win one of *five* copies of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts books! Well, one of four anyway, since I'm planning to win one!! Check it out for yourself (scroll down a bit). But hurry, enter before 10pm on Friday.

k

Saturday, March 28, 2009

It's been a long week...Leith's been out of school and John's been at school. Toward the end of the week I was really wondering if I'd be able to make it to Saturday without curling up in the fetal position and drinking half our liquor cabinet. Not really. Turns out I don't like drinking anymore! Cosmos just don't taste the same as they did pre-Leith....

Anyway. It's Saturday. What a nice Saturday, too. The weather's cooperating (not 70s yet, but it's a *lovely*spring day.) John and Leith are currently at the Children's Museum and planning a grocery shopping trip on the way home. It's been a blissful couple of hours already. (That sound you hear is a relaxed sigh.)

I've already managed to get some sewing done, and am preparing for more. My goal is to make a cute peasant dress for Little Miss this afternoon, and decide if I want to make more to stock my etsy shop and B Inspired (the cooperative in Central City).

One more bit of good news: I get to participate in Christy's Craft Challenge for *free* in April! Thank goodness for random drawings! lol

k

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

challenge entry

Have you checked out the challenge entries at christynelson.net?



There are some amazing crafts. Seriously, the competition is fierce this month! Lots of Easter-themed projects. And then there's my little entry.

I decided to do something goofy. (Really? go figure!) We bought a doll house for Leith a few weeks ago and we're wanting to paint it up and make it a little bit like our house. Haven't actually gotten around to painting it, but the craft challenge is a perfect excuse to make some funky furnishings!

Since we're given an odd assortment of items, it makes for an interesting room. Well, maybe not *interesting* but definitely interesting. You know?

So. March 2009 Challenge Packet contents: pastel plastic eggs, pearls, pastel buttons, several lengths of pastel curling ribbon, and a loverly pink fabric. We must use some of each of these items, and can use whatever else we want.

From my stash and supplies, I used: glue, a bit of cardboard, a business card, and some green and white dotted fabric.

What I made: a hanging lamp, a side table, a bed with pillow and quilt! I even staged it in the doll house!

March 2009 Challenge Entry - refibered


Here's one where you can see the little pearl and button feet:

March 2009 Challenge Entry - refibered


Make sure you get over there and vote for your favorite. (It won't be mine, trust me. There are some amazing entries!!)

k

Finally, a little accountability!

I have been sewing, just not showing so much! My current obsession is the apron. They are so much fun! These toddler aprons are a pretty quick finish, and as we all know, instant gratification is *very* important!

The weather has cooperated a few times (not so much the last couple of days!), so I managed to get some modeled shots. Some are modeled by Leith, some are modeled by my patio furniture....don't worry. You'll know which is which without me spelling it out for you!

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Pretty little baby blanket.
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(oh yeah. turns out the mannequin also helped model...)
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There's been more, but that's enough pictures for now. Some of the items are in my etsy shop, some are available at B Inspired, a little shop in the town where my parents live.

k

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Toddler Apron Giveaway Winner!

What a fun week it's been! Lincoln Handmade Team's week of giveaways has been loads of fun, and today I get to announce a winner in the Toddler Apron drawing.

Congratulations to The Holdaways!!

Thanks to all who entered!
k

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Whoooo hooooo! Lynette Fast's got a giveaway!

Have you seen her shop? She has *amazing* jewelery. I especially love this ring. Ohhhh it's pretty. I've seen it IRL!

She's doing today's Lincoln Handmade Team giveaway. You can win a set of magnets! Check out her shop, then leave a comment at one of her blogs. Check out the Lincoln Handmade Team blog for more information about her and where to sign up.

k

Friday, March 20, 2009

Wait, wait! It's not done yet!!

Did you get to Lincoln Handmade Team's blog today? Have you been to crafterella's blog?

What are you waiting for?!

There has been so much crafty goodness and fun giveaways from the Lincoln Handmade Team on Etsy. Plus, Lynette Fast is having a giveaway starting tomorrow. She has some *amazing* jewelery. I am the happy owner of her ART LUV earrings. I'm also in love with her rings...(hint, hint, honey). They are absolutely beautiful.

You also still have time to enter for a chance to win the adorable toddler apron -- you know your monkey needs one! -- right here at refibered. Scroll down or click here and leave a comment. Drawing will be Saturday afternoon, and a winner announced on Sunday.

k

Thursday, March 19, 2009

refibered's turn for giveaway goodness!

You've heard the hype...Lincoln Handmade Etsy team is hosting a week of giveaways. Today is your chance to win something fabulous from refibered! Lucky you. Well, lucky tot-that-you-know!

Every monkey needs an apron! There are a couple in my shop, and more on the way, but you can enter to win this adorable apron (adorable toddler not included!). Monkeys and jungle animals make for a super cute apron. It's fully reversible to banana yellow. Best of all, it's easily washable!

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There is elastic in the neck band, so your tyke can just slip it on over his or her head, and there's one waist strap that closes with Velcro(tm). Super easy for a toddler to do "all by myself" -- fostering independence is mighty important!

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How to enter? Just leave a comment and let me know how you heard about refibered and/or the Lincoln Handmade Team giveaway. That's it.

What's that? You *really* want to win? Well, you can get an extra entry by blogging about this giveaway and the Lincoln Handmade Team Week of Giveaways! Entries will be accepted until Noon on Saturday, March 21, and the winner will be announced on Sunday.

That's all there is to it! Come on. You know you want to!

k

ps: don't forget to check out crafterella and Lynette Fast for chances to win on their blogs, too.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Go Team!

Lincoln Handmade Team is hosting a week of giveaways. But you already knew that!

Did you get in on Christy's giveaway? Three months of her craft challenge!

Julie had a St. Patrick's Day beauty on Tuesday -- green in more ways than one! You have until Thursday night to enter, so go. Do it.

Wednesday is Lisa's turn. You could win anything from either of her etsy shops! How's that for fun?!

Luckily for me (and for *you*) tomorrow is your chance to win a kid-sized apron! Check back in the morning for a picture and info about how to enter.

k

Monday, March 16, 2009

More giveaway goodness!

Just snuck a look at the crafty conservative, and noticed she has a link to a fabric giveaway on MandMStudio. Well, you know I'm a sucker for free fabric, but WOW! What gorgeous fabric. Plus, it's four yards of gorgeousness. Yes, I said four yards.

k

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Are you ready for some Giveaway Goodness?!

Starting in just a few hours, some members of the Lincoln Handmade Team on Etsy will be hosting daily giveaways on their blogs! The Lincoln Handmade blog will have members' links and information. So check it out for yourself!

Thursday is refibered's turn to host. What'll it be? You'll have to check back on Wednesday to find out! I can tell you this though: it's super cute and refibered.etsy.com will begin stocking them on March 21!

Each participant has different rules and requirements (gee, that sounds more brusque than intended! It's really more laid back than that, I promise!), so check out the blogs for details.

March 16: christynelson.net
March 17: Kundi Creative
March 18: Chimera Crochet
March 19: refibered
March 20: Crafterella
March 21: LynetteFast

Check out their etsy shops, and remember to check out Lincoln Handmade blog for links to the giveaways!

k

Saturday, March 14, 2009

SWAT

Yep. SWAT. Just like on TV.

There have been police cars blocking the cross street just to the South of us (1/2 block away!) and in the alley (adjacent to our house/property).....there are two officers standing at the back of a property two houses down and across the alley from our house. We can't see the front of that property, but we can tell that the street is blocked off. There are six duplex/cottages, and it looks like they're focusing on one of the middle cottages, so we can't exactly see what's happening...

This has been going on for at least three hours. I'm curious, but not alarmed. [5:15 pm]

Jessica, who lives next to us on the North, just called and asked what's going on because *her* friend called and said that SWAT is out front of the cottage property! [5:20pm]

At 5:45, Jessica sent a text message that her friend can see that the police are escorting neighbors out...we haven't been contacted, but are calling the PD to find out if we should leave, too.

LPD dispatch put me through to the Sgt. in charge. He contacted the SWAT commander and asked if we should be leaving....answer: we're not considered for escort, but if we feel unsafe we are welcome to leave.

Soooo, what would any nosy neighbor do? yep. Stay. We can see a lot of what's going on through the attic window.

It's really kind of creepy to see SWAT dudes, with real, *actual* guns, walking up and down the alley just 10 feet from your kitchen! There are a bunch of people outside, some news cameramen, some neighbors, looky-loos, too....

John and Leith went outside to maybe get a little more information. [6:30]

A flurry of activity about 6:40...the police dog straining at his leash...the SWAT dudes moving quickly toward the cottages...

Then it just seemed to be done. What was done? Don't really know!

John and Leith just came back into the house....apparently it was a guy upset about a breakup. Initial report was of someone vandalizing cars in the neighborhood, and apparently the responding officer became concerned and the call turned into a not-so-routine situation.

Looking out the window again, from a slighly different angle, I could see a guy, mid-20s to mid-30s, yellow tshirt, shorts, being handcuffed in the alley. Ultimately, he was loaded into an abulance.

Guess we'll find out more at 10 tonight! (That's when the news is on!)

Whew. Rather exciting, in a strange way. I'm just glad that no one was injured, and am hoping the guy gets whatever help he needs.

k

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Lincoln Handmade Team Giveaway Week is Coming!

Some of the Lincoln Handmade Team members have gotten together and will be holding giveaways next week! Each participating team member will have a giveaway on their blog. The Lincoln Handmade blog will have members' blog links and information. Or check out the blogs and shops yourself!

More details coming, just wanted to give you a heads up about who and when:

March 16: Christy Nelson/craftyconservative
March 17: Kundi Creative
March 18: Chimera Crochet
March 19: refibered
March 20: Crafterella
March 21: LynetteFast

Check out their etsy shops, and remember to check out Lincoln Handmade blog for more information!

k

Saturday, February 28, 2009

spoonflower

heard of it? Spoonflower is a company that allows you to create your own pattern and they'll print it on fabric for you.

thelongthread is doing a giveaway for two yards, and they'll even help you create the file from your own artwork. Yowza! Just leave a comment at thelongthread to enter.

Even if I don't win (please pick me, please pick me!), I'm planning to order some fabric in April, and I'll let you know how (and how well!) spoonflower works.

k

Sunday, February 22, 2009

mmmmmmmm, cake

John made an amazing birthday cake for Leith. "Death by Chocolate" cook book. This cake has it all: chocolate, cashews, chocolate, ganache. Did I mention it was chocolate?

Take a look:

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But wait, it gets better.....

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Told you it was beautiful.

k