Something Old, Something New

Christmas Creation Review

2012-01-12T19:53:00.000-05:00

It has been a while, but wanted to share these Christmas nativity pillows.

Just two pieces of fabric, with batting in between.

I think they turned out really nice.

The top one is a pillow and the bottom one is a wall hanging.

Birthday decorations

2011-09-09T20:13:00.000-04:00

I will post party pictures later,

but I decided to post photos of these decorations now.

Tomorrow is my baby's 4 birthday.

A princess party.

So, here are our directions

(on a shoe string budget!)

In our windows, we hung her princess dressses.

(This is, sadly, only some.)

We pulled out her princess vanity,

and she enjoyed practicing...

We pulled her pop-up castle from the basement

and put it in the living room...

There are a few hidden gems...

like this Cindy shoe with a pillow.

And there is Ms. Pots!

I think she will end up on the table...

I will post a few more later, but here is a start!

Bowling

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

We signed up for Kids Bowl Free

because of a friend who suggested it to us.

All we had to pay for was shoe rental!

And when the shoes are that cute,

who minds paying to rent them!

Eden loved it! From watching,

to eating the bowling alley pizza,

to hiding under the chairs!

Daddy was able to come with us...

and he loved helping Eden.

Here she is knocking pins down.

Oh yeah, I bowled too.

While it is over for the summer,

check it out for next year!

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

a cute idea...but...

2011-09-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

So my baby brother went to college this year.
(Apparently not so "baby" any more.)

And we love to give him mail.
We found some amazing cards at CVS.
They have a whole line of "going to college" cards.

But I found these boxes of his favorite pop-tarts
for only a dollar a box.
What a deal!

I thought I was really clever and I would just mail him the pop-tarts.
Wrapping up the side with awesome mailing tape,
I was sure the good old USPS would take them.

And they did.
For $5.50, I could mail ONE BOX to my brother
about 30 minutes away.
$5.50 each.
Seriously?

I paid $1 for a box.

Next time I am mailing him a $10. I would save money.

But don't they LOOK cute?

ABC stamping

2011-09-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

This Melissa and Doug ABC stamp set

was on sale at the mall a couple of weeks ago.

I couldn't pass it up.

(I am a sucker for Melissa and Doug stuff.)

And Eden loved them.

She did a whole page of x's!

I love that it has both capital and lower case letters.

This is going to be fun!

saving money

2011-09-04T07:00:00.003-04:00

I am all about saving money.

Especially at the grocery store.

And our family is all about tater tots.

Classy. Right?

Just takes every meal to the next level.

(really, we eat them because I can

with my weird diet and Eden doesn't complain!)

To save money, I buy the

BIG bag of tater tots.

(Now watch the price.

Sometimes the little bags are cheaper if they are on sale.)

I divide them up,

scooping them into gallon freezer bags.

Not only does it mean that they don't get wasted

when I open the bag and then try to reseal it,

but it also MAKES me eat the right portion size.

(Okay, I am stretching the truth here a bit.

The correct serving size is 9 tater tots per person.

But really. Who eats nine? I do about 12 a person.)

Then when I am ready to make them,

I pour them out on the sheet, ready to go!

What are your money saving techniques?

this is my girl

2011-09-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

This is my girl.

Sweet.

Silly.

Super.

My girl!

What a girl!

recylced toys

2011-09-02T15:07:00.001-04:00

I have a great love of Coke!

So I had a bunch of these glass bottles around.

We made a musical instrument!

We filled each with water and made beautiful music!

Fantastic!

(ignore the pop-tarts!)

Bravo Eden!

redneck wine glass

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

I found this while we were in NC.

A red neck wine glass.

It is a mason jar over a candlestick.

Too cute.

While I bought this one, I think I will be making a few!

Add a bottle of cheap wine and what a wonderful gift!

I might be a terrible mother

2011-08-28T15:11:00.000-04:00

I might be a terrible mother!

After church, I tried to find something to eat.

Really, I did!
But we had nothing!

So, we resulted in breakfast. For lunch.

Pancakes.

And eggs. And toast.

I will make a real dinner! I promise!

more aprons

2011-08-26T07:30:00.001-04:00

I just keep busting them out...

just keep sewing...just keep sewing...

this the man

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

This is the man I married.

I say, "Smile!"

And he makes that face.

Goofy.

Difficult.

Contrary.

Still...

I am crazy about this one...

Thank you God for the gift of this amazing man!

face pancakes

2011-08-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

On the rare days my dad was off when I was a child,

he would wake up to make us face pancakes.

Each one looked just like us.

Special.

And while on vacation at the beach a couple of weeks ago,

my dad passed along the tradition and made

face pancakes for Eden.

Here is her pancake:

Here are dad and Eden making them together.

And here it is read to come off the griddle.

It was moving to see my dad making them for Eden

as the memory of my childhood is still so fresh in my mind.

new project

2011-08-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

For our church's upcoming bazaar,

I made some of these...

I am way impressed with my husband's photo skills...

Aren't these photos amazing?

Cupcake Socks

2011-08-17T23:22:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine is having a birthday this week

and I wanted to share some cupcakes with her...

But who really needs cupcakes?

So here is the alternative...

CUPCAKE SOCKS!!

Each cupcake is made up of three socks.

Making them is really easy!

First, take one sock, fold it in half,

and roll it in a circle.

You will want to make it somewhat pointed...

Then take the second sock, fold it in half,

and wrap that one.

Take the final sock and wrap it...but don't fold it first.

Then using a rubber band, wrap it around the outside.

NOW fold the sock in half, to hide the rubber band.

I added candles in the top

to make it clear what it was....

I used the mix-match set by Jockey...

just so she wouldn't have to find the other pair!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

a quilt to share

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love making quilts. I just don't need them all.

And Sunday at church, a missionary from India

inspired me to share my quilts with the children in her orphanage.

These are "throw away" children.

Without parents, without family, without a future.

Until they found a home with Theresa and her friends.

So here is my first quilt for India.

Made with love, not precision.

But hopefully will help share the love of Christ with these children.

And to prove it was made with love,

my tag!

Blooming Where You Are Planted

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

While leaving church the other day,
I stopped to talk with a couple from our congregation
and they found this.

A beautiful flower blooming in the street gutter drain.

It made me think of the times and places
in our lives that are hard.
Times and places in our lives that just seem impossible.

But even in those difficult places,
it is possible to bloom.
It is possible for God!

"For nothing is impossible with God"
Luke 1:37

Dance Class

2011-06-17T07:00:00.010-04:00

My favorite girl Eden has been taking dance classes

at the local rec center.

She loves them.

And loves that her friend Claire is there too!

Here I am watching, apparently intently.

Instead of a full blown

pay a lot of money recital,

they just invited the parents to the last class.

Way better then sitting through the performances

of other children. WAY.

(No offense other children.)

A star in the making!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2011-06-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, not really yet.

But I wanted these bad.

And my hubby knew it.

(Maybe because I emailed him the link

with specific instructions.)

Aren't these amazing?

I can't wait to use them.

Look at all of them!

Time to get started!

a gluten-free easy treat

2011-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

So I am gluten-dairy free.

Not so fun.

Not so tasty.

Most of the time.

But I found these pre-packaged

break and bakes and they were fantastic!

Here they are on my sheet.

And that is the last photo I have of them.

Because we ate every LAST one.

Yum!

By Train

2011-06-12T07:00:00.003-04:00

For my baby brother's High School graduation,

Eden and I rode the train to VA to spend a few extra days

before Daddy came to join us.

Here we are waiting for the (commuter) train!

Dad stayed until the train came (in case it didn't!)

Here we are waiting. What a pair!

Looking cute with our suitcase waiting for the train!

And then finally on the train!

It was a fine ride...she stayed awake the whole trip

until we came into Union Station. Then she wanted to nap.

Not so helpful. But after an Aunt Annies bribe,

she woke up and we waited for Aunt Ggie and Uncle Keith

to pick us up.

Over all, we would do it again...

but next time, I am bringing more SNACKS!

Graduation

2011-06-11T07:30:00.001-04:00

I am so proud of my baby brother.
(okay, not so baby anymore.)

He is faithful, he is loyal, he is brave.
He is strong, he is courageous, he is kind.
He is handsome, he is talented, he is smart.
He is funny (and not just when it comes to fart jokes).
And he has amazing things in his future.

And he has one really big fan.
(okay, he has lots of fans - and not just ladies of all ages)

But ONE of his biggest fans is Eden.

She LOVES her Uncle Gray.
And he loves her too.

Congratulations GP! We are so proud of you!

Making Pizza with Eden and the Barbies

2011-06-10T19:55:00.001-04:00

We love making pizza!
(gluten/dairy free!)

but the Barbies have to watch

Here is Eden and the Barbies

Adding Pineapples

Now just waiting for it to cook!

Disney in Review (part 1)

2011-05-09T11:49:00.000-04:00

I have quite a few wonderful photos
from our latest trip to Disney
(including the Cruise Ship)

So they will be a bunch of posts about it,
but this is the first post of many...

Eden and Daddy at the airport...

Eden and Mommy in the Dumbo line...

The whole family with Mickey and Minnie...

I can't say who is more excited

to meet the princesses...

Mommy or Eden!

Eden Makes a Blankie

2011-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Eden saw this fleece at JoAnns and

wanted to make a new Tangled Blankie.

Go for it girl!

She used EVERY one of my stitches

on my sewing machine along the edges.

Now we can have a great time picking our favorites!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T07:00:00.004-04:00

For Mother's Day,
we decided to honor the mothers/grandmothers/aunts
in our lives by making dresses in their honor
for young girls in Haiti.

These pillowcase dresses are easy to make,

but so beautiful.

And for some of the girls who will get them

some of the only clothes they will own.

Made together,
by me and my apprentice Eden
they are full of love and blessing.

Happy Mother's Day Moms, Grandmas,
Great-Grandmas and Aunts.

Thank you for blessing us with your love.

these trees are amazing

2011-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

These trees are amazing.

It makes me want to make a pink and green quilt.

Memorial Day Table Runner

2011-05-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

As we gear up for Memorial Day at the Bishop House,
I whipped up this table runner so we could look somewhat festive.

I am in love with the pattern.

And coordinated that with the binding.

I love that it is big.

Right now I am working on a wall hanging

that would match the table runner.

We will see!

Matching Shirts

2011-05-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

For Disney, my husband screened us t-shirts.

His doesn't have a bow.

But the one for Eden and mine do!

(ignore the self-portrait.

This is as good as it get folks.)

And we make Eden's shirt into a

t-shirt dress.

Rock it girl!

I promise to share a copy of the family photo

we take wearing them!

planning for Disney

2011-05-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

We are leaving for Disney today and

we planned our trip.

Here we are checking out the details...

And here we are getting super excited!

2 Days at Disney Word and then a 3 day cruise!

Life is good!

Girl time

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

I gave up and stopped working

to play.

Here is when I asked her to push me.

She said, "No. You are to big"
Thanks Eden.

Can you tell we are related?

Being a mom is the best job in the world!

jump for joy

2011-05-01T07:00:00.005-04:00

BEST PHOTOS EVER

Am I right or what?

ballet class

2011-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Today starts our first ballet class...

We are a bit excited.

(And by we, I mean ME -

THIS STAGE MAMA!)

I think Eden is also excited.

There are no parents allowed in the class.
So we will see how that goes.

Especially because Nana has to help put on her shoes.

We will see how this goes.

grilling

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Grilling peppers and onions,
hot dogs and chili lime chicken kabobs.

So glad that Spring is here!

What do you like to grill?

spring is here!

2011-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love my garden.

(Mostly because I have done NOTHING to it

and still it is beautiful.)I am so not a gardener.

Okay, some of this is not so beautiful...

just ignore anything that is not a tulip.

These are beautiful too.

So many I can pick a few.

But just a few.

And so is this bush.

Anyone know the names of these.
See. Told you. Not a gardener.

painting the sidewalk

2011-04-25T07:00:00.010-04:00

What did we do with the left over egg dye?

Paint the driveway!

The wind was drying the "paint"

as fast as we were putting it down.

An artist in making...

Doesn't this look fun?

dying eggs

2011-04-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

Had to share these.

Dying eggs last minute.

I can say it was because I wanted to wait

until Aunt Ggie was here...

but in reality, it was because I was lazy.

She looked like she was having fun!

Happy Easter to you and all of yours!

Photos By Eden

2011-04-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

While sewing in the basement last week,
I let my three year old Eden have my little digital camera.
She went to town!

They came out well!

(Not all of them, I did delete a few)

I love this one of her daddy.

Too cute!

Very artistic!

Pillowcase Dresses for Haiti

2011-04-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

As I have mentioned before,

a mission team from my church will be heading to Haiti

next January to do some rebuilding.

And we are sending handmade gifts of love

from other members of our church would could not go.

We are doing baby hats, baby quilts, shorts,

and these fantastic pillowcase dresses.

I think the blue one is for a size 6-10 and

the Sesame Street one for sizes 2-4.

Very versatile.

And they only take about 30 minutes to make.

I whipped out a few more today,

but will save those for another post!

It is really making me think about what I make

and why I make it.

Am I making things to sit on a shelf?

Am I making things to fufil my needs?

Or am I making a difference?

Back to the sewing machine....

Works in Progress

2011-04-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Still working on a few of these pillowcase dresses to send to Haiti.
(My daughter Eden is trying one on.)

And still working on an Easter surprise!
(Hopefully it will be done soon!)

And one quick shot of the family.
(Don't judge my hair!)

Having fun, working hard, cherishing family!

Pastor's Stole

2011-04-17T07:00:00.008-04:00

I was asked to make something for a church auction
to raise money for the Latino Initative in our local city.

Here is what I made...

(My daughter Eden is checking the number card)

Here it is in my living room...

Here is another shot...

It went for $40!

Fun Spring Project

2011-04-15T07:00:00.005-04:00

Found this while flipping through blogs the other day

and I think I am going to try to make this one...

Rainbow Cake In A Jar

looks yummy!

Baby Quilts for Haiti

2011-04-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Our church mission team is heading to Haiti this coming January

to build homes and work in the rebuilding effort there.

The team that is going is going to be taking

handmade clothing for children and babies,

including some baby blankets.

The youth group sewed together quilt tops

for baby blankets at our last lock-in two months ago,

and I am just getting to finishing them.

Here is one that is finished...

The black and white dot background is too cute!

Way to go kids!

Charming Windows

2011-04-11T20:56:00.000-04:00

Moda has this amazing tutorial on cathedral windows
by Angela from My Three Sons ,

(something I have been wanting to try, but have been SO terrified to even begin)

and following it, I was able to make a sample.

What do you think?

This is something I think I want to try again.

I need to work on my points,
(which has everything to do with the folding of the fabric).

This time using a Kona coal background.

Perhaps a bigger wall hanging for our stairway. Or our dining room.

Or maybe by our bed.

So many options...such a wonderful tutorial!

Thanks Angela!

family tree love

2011-03-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

I am totally in love with this.

It might be the perfect finishing touch for my living room.

Now to find the time to make it!

So Thankful For Spring

2011-03-20T20:54:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for spring.
Spring means that the flowers will be blooming.
Spring means that vacations are coming.
Spring means longer days and warmer weather.

And spring means dinner outside.

With this girl

And this guy.

And this dog.

(bribed with fries to stand still.)

One big, happy family.

Oh Spring, I have missed you!

Craft Hope

2011-02-28T11:00:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this book?

AMAZING.

It has projects that can be made

to make a difference in our communities,

our nation, our world.

Aren't these just amazing?

And these hats are about as easy peasy as you can get.

But wouldn't that be nice for a new mom to get for her baby?

I made one in 5 minutes.

The book has lots of photos, easy directions,

and projects for all levels.

GO and get it now!

Little Mrs. Fix-It

2011-02-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

For the Project Quilting Challenge 2,
we were to be inspired by the hardware store.

I loved this challenge,

mostly because it made me think

about walking though the old hardware store

with my father. I never really knew

what we were supposed to be getting,

I just thought it was cool that my dad and I went together.

The inspiration for this challenge

was the rows and rows of little things all over the store.

From the paint chip aisle (do they call them paint chips anymore?)

to the nuts and bolts, to the seed packets for spring,

I loved the ordered chaos that was the hardware store.

And such colors! Everything was color coded!

I drew inspiration for the fabric choice

from the colors I found throughout the store.

One of my critiques for the last challenge

was that my binding was terrible.

(Which it was.)

So I worked really hard on my binding for this piece.

I followed a couple of tutorials,

and am still not 100% pleased with it,

but am happier then I was last time.

I guess I am learning that proves

that quilting is always a work in progress.

So, I made a ticker-tape quilt.

First I decided on the size and made a quilt sandwich.

Then I picked the sizes of the pieces

(1 inch squares, 1x2 inch rectangles and 2 inch squares – sooo small!)

and then I pined them to the backing.

I wanted to make sure the colors looked random

so I moved things around until just right.

Then I machine sewed on top of the pieces.

Once I finished that, I cut some of the fraying off,

left a bit of it for that “rough” hardware store look,

and began to place the nuts and bolts I purchased.

I used regular jam nuts on the smallest squares,

wing nuts on the rectangles and Lock washers

(something I found to be beautiful in and of themselves)

for the larger squares.

I spread them out over the quilt using clear thread.

I think it makes the squares look like

the little packages of hardware at the store.

My hardware store quilt,

“Little Mrs. Fix-It” turned out to be beautiful

and quite fun to make! I hope you enjoy.

Deadlines and Diapers: Stolen Moments

2011-02-25T17:02:00.002-05:00

Here is my column

for the local Frederick NewsPost

called Deadlines and Diapers.

Please read!

Left Over Valentine's Day

2011-02-24T09:17:00.000-05:00

Woops.
Valentine's Day came and went and I did not share these...

A lap blanket for two...
you know...to snuggle with my love.

A baby doll blanket for my baby doll.

It has glitter fabric.

And a table runner for my dining room table.

fantastic pinwheels.

Challenge Four in Progress...

2011-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

And that is all I am going to show...
for now.

Here is the link to Kim's Crafty Apple.
There is still time to do your own entry!

Talk About A Bad Idea

2011-02-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

My husband found this note yesterday....

It was a note that I had his office secretary leave
for him one day.

He had called and asked me a question.
When I called back, he was in a meeting.
So I had her leave the message.

My husband decided to keep the letter.
In his wallet.
Just incase.

Project Quilting Challenge Three "Be Mine"

2011-02-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

For challenge details, please visit Kim's Crafty Apple.

This past week, the scripture passage of 1 John 4:7-12 has been on my mind. It was the text we used for last Sunday as we began a new sermon series, “Love is a verb.” When I think of love, I can’t help but think of the great love that our God has for us. And the “God shaped hole” in my heart that has been filled now that I know that love.

So for my piece, I made a heart. Blue because of the way I felt before I knew the love of God… cold, empty, sad. And I left a “God shaped hole” (symbolized by the white heart) in it. The only pink I used was the little pink button that symbolizes the love of God moving to my heart.

For me, there is no greater valentine then God, who is always calling out, “Be Mine.”

I paper pieced the background out of a jelly roll I had been saving. I quilted the background with brown and teal thread. I then used blue buttons and the two heart buttons on top.

Made in Brunswick, Maryland, this piece is 6.5 inches by 9.5 inches.

Valentine gifts

2011-02-09T00:44:00.000-05:00

This Valentine's Day, my little one
is having some dental work done.
(NO FUN).

So, her Daddy and I decided that
we were not going to do candy as treats this year.
(BUMMER, I KNOW)

So I did some blog hopping,
and landed on these.

These are how ours are turning out... not so bad!

I also love these heartbreakers by Dana at Made.

So beautiful

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Maybe I am partial...

but I think she is the most beautiful child

God has ever made.

Ever.

Just saying.

Project Quilting Challenge Two Results

2011-02-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Here are my critiques from the Project Quilting Challenge 2 Challenge. I loved getting to participate and share my little quilt. It has now been passed on to its home…someone I think will enjoy it!

While I did not win Judges choice or the Popular vote, I was very pleased with the finished project and with the Judges’ scores – 8.4 is not bad for my first time out of the gate!

I can’t wait to try again when the next challenge is posted…and I encourage you to do the same! Visit Kim’s blog for details about Project Quilting.

Quilter: Pastor Katie Bishop

CRITIQUE: I really like this simple little piece. I really like that you searched for the name of a town that had a personal meaning to you. Loved your story. I also think the three little red hearts add a lot to the piece.

SCORE: 9.4

--

CRITIQUE: Your inspiration to design the home-sweet-home at the end of your Dunmovin story is a really nice artistic expression. Design-wise, the use of lights and darks in each section gives good depth to the landscape and sky. The way the shapes balance with the wide area of dark sky on the left and wide area of dark grass on the right, along with the balancing of the heart placements really lets the eyes rest comfortably on the focal point of the house. I would like to have seen a more interesting pattern for the house since it is such a focal point, however using the solid does also convey the simple pleasures of home, so it does work either way. The stitching lines in the sky and land are very evenly spaced and nicely done. The stitchwork in the house and machine binding are a bit rough.

SCORE: 7.50

--

CRITIQUE: This is a simple piece, but has many great things going for it. You did a great job with the hills and sky. The raw edges are even turned under and very neatly, too. The curving lines complement the landscape perfectly. The house is tucked in nicely behind the hill.

The only thing I don’t like as far as workmanship is that the binding is topstitched down from the front, but even that is done well and that’s not easy.

The hearts in the sky make me think of the Christmas star beckoning you home.

SCORE: 7.7

--

CRITIQUE: Your story made me smile. I can relate, as my family has moved many, many times in only a few short years. I'd love to be “Dunmovin” for a while! I think it's great that you picked a name that could be quite meaningless to others, but struck you in a very personal way.

Your quilt is, in many ways, quite simple and almost “folksy”, but I think that is particularly why it is so effective. Your inspiration had you dreaming of a lived-in, family friendly home ... and that is precisely where I could see this little quilt hanging as a constant reminder to be happy where you are. The heart in the home really underscores that point.

Your selection of blue and green fabrics is wonderful – the prints are subtle enough not to overpower the design, but have enough texture to really evoke the sky and grass. The quilting also enhances the design. And the little hearts are an inspired touch – not only because of their relation to the meaning of the quilt, but because they add a little pop of color that the quilt really needed.

Great job!

SCORE: 9.0

Average: 8.4

quick treat

2011-02-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Eden made these for her teachers for Christmas.
And now they are her favorite treat to make.

Today we made them in 10 minutes.

Take one bag of peanut butter chips
and one bag chocolate chips
and melt them in your microwave.
(Stiring frequently.)

Then mix in your favorite dry treats.
Today it was whatever we had around the house.
A big bag of crunchy noodles
and three cups of Cheerios.
(Eden tossed in some M&M's too).

But in the past I have used peanuts, chex mix, etc.
Whatever.

Then scoop it out into clumps.

We like big clumps, because we love snacks.
But you could make them little.
(I guess if you don't like treats.)

Let dry for about twenty minutes
so the chocolate hardens.

We keep them in an air tight container.
So they stay yummy.

And enjoy!

Last Day for Project Quilting Challege 2 Voting

2011-02-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

Last day!

Go and vote for your favorite quilt on

Kim's Crafty Apple 's Project Quilting.

She has a prize for those who vote and comment on the website!

(Mine is on there too!)

Measuring the snow

2011-02-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

We were supposed to get a sizable snow.

(I say supposed...because we got nothing...

even though the schools closed.)

Eden's Granny had suggested we measure the snow.

So Eden and her daddy took a bowl outside.

To measure it.

Apparently Daddy's don't remember about coats.

He says it was only a minute!

Making Icecream

2011-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last week

(as I hid in my sewing cave of a basement)

my husband Chris and daughter Eden

made ice cream.

Chocolate ice cream to be exact.

Chris got this ice cream ball a couple of years ago

and you just put the ice cream mix inside

and roll it around.

I think she liked it!

Playing in the Snow

2011-02-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

How cute is this?

And we are are looking cute.

(ignore my hair please)

Could she be any cuter?

And I personally find this one cute too.

(you don't have to. He is mine.)

And I love living in hilly Brunswick...

sledding in our backyard!

Valentine Runner

2011-02-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

You know I love Joy's Hope Blog.

Just fantastic.

And today, she has a guest post

with a fantastic table runner

just in time for Valentine's Day.

Looks like I have a project for

Eden's nap time!

Go vote and win a prize

2011-01-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

Go and vote for your favorite quilt on

Kim's Crafty Apple 's Project Quilting.

(Mine is on there too!)

Dunmovin, CA

2011-01-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

This week’s Project Quilt challenge was hard…

Not because I was uninspired.

We had to pick a place name as an inspiration for our project.

And then we could make anything.

Any size, any shape.

Anything.

And I think that anything was the problem.

I came across Dunmoivn, California

(right off 395 near the Sequoia National Forrest)

And was inspired.

Because we move.

A LOT.

As pastors, we move whenever and wherever our Bishop sends us.

So in 5 years of marriage, we have lived in 3 different homes,

(and that is if you don’t count the six weeks we lived with my in-laws

while I was pregnant – God bless them.)

The idea of being “done moving”

brought peace, brought comfort,

brought this 27-year old thoughts of retirement.

And I liked it.

which might have been some of the problem.

So here is my submission.

After many takes, here is my quilt,

Inspired by “Dunmovin, California.”

It is 11 inches x 9.5 inches.

Book Review: Totally Desperate Mom

2011-01-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

Book Review: Totally Desperate Mom by Wendy Hagen

I happen to follow Wendy’s “Totally Desperate Mom” blog

which I always find to be a source of humor and insight.

She tells stories that are simply too funny not to be true.

(And that mirror the existence of my own totally desperate motherhood…)

So when I saw she was writing a book about being

a Totally Desperate Mom,

I knew I had to get it.

Last night a friend of mine needed me to watch her kids...

It was one of those "babysitting emergencies"

so I went to her house with this book...

and finished in under two hours!

The hardest part was trying not to laugh out loud

while my friend's twins were sleeping.

Wendy is hysterical.

She speaks the truth of her experience

(and that of other Totally Desperate Moms like me)

and also speaks the Truth of God's call to motherhood.

And her experience of labor...lets just say I could not help but laugh out loud!

(Don't worry, the twins did not wake up.)

It is well worth the read and something to share with other mothers.

Because as much as we love being moms...some days we feel totally desperate!

Kim's Crafty Apple

2011-01-18T18:12:00.001-05:00

Kim (from Project Quilting and the Blog "Kim's Crafty Apple")

is being so nice to me!

Even though I am not eligible to win this round,

because the flu got a hold of our house,

she did post my quilt and my story.

Very kind!

Stop by and follow Kim's Blog

Valentine Projects

2011-01-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

I would love to get a handful of these made.

Wouldn't that be wonderful for my husband to find on his pillow

Valentine's Day morning?

The trick is keeping it secret...

Project Quilting Finish

2011-01-17T01:08:00.000-05:00

So I am a day late...

I got swept away with the flu...

but here it is. finished.

and I am really pretty happy with it.

I am also finished with this...

my baptism quilt.

2 ingredient fudge

2011-01-16T07:30:00.013-05:00

Joy's Hope is one of my favorite blogs.

She is so full of joy, so full of grace.

Inspirational.

And so funny.

And her 5 minute, 2 ingredient fudge

is both inspirational and funny.

All you need is chocolate chips and frosting.

Sounds like a good afternoon snack to me!

Project Quilting in progress

2011-01-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

So I am taking a leap here...

stretching myself if you will.

I am going to join Kim's Project Quilting.

It is ambitious. Mostly because I am a beginner quilter.

And these folks are AMAZING.

You should see the photos from the last go around.

But I decided I wanted the critique. I wanted the feedback.

I want someone to tell me just how bad I am...

and suggest how I can get better

So here is where I am so far...

on my ironing board..

The blocks all laid out...

Here is what part of it looks like...

But I am finding myself doing a lot of this.

Mostly because I have sewn the blocks together in the wrong order.

I have until Tuesday at noon to finish quilting.

Good thing today is my day off!

work in progress

2011-01-13T16:10:00.000-05:00

just a little something I am working on...

Baptism Quilt

2011-01-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

often as I quilt I am in prayer…

so for this quilt, I decided to reflect on

baptism.

I know there are many of us from different belief traditions…

so let me explain…

for United Methodist Christians

baptism is all about water.

it is about being water washed and Spirit anointed.

it is about being marked as a child of God

and one of the two Holy Sacraments we can experience.

it is special.

it happens only once.

so I made a baptism quilt.

not quite finished.

i want to add some words.

and need to quilt "me"...

but I am happy with how it is coming out.

(it is hard to see the water quilting lines on the bottom...

but I will try to show that better in the final post.)

and thankful for the spiritual experience it is for me.

valentine garland

2011-01-10T10:43:00.002-05:00

THIS has to happen!

Maybe today, maybe tomorrow,

but definitely before Valentine's day.

Maybe to hang on Valentine's from my daughter's door.

Snow Day

2011-01-09T00:13:00.000-05:00

Today we woke up to snow on the ground.

Not much, but enough for the girl to enjoy!

the swing was her favorite thing...

what a silly girl...

don't you love her smile?

while Chris played with her outside, I was in charge of lunch

veggie Soup

grilled cheese

they are a pair, aren't they?

eventually they came in,

(and left me this),

but it was a fantastic day!

Pinwheels Top Ready to Be Quilted

2011-01-07T19:19:00.000-05:00

Here is my pinwheel top,

ready to be quilted...

I think.

I am thinking about adding my daughter's name

in the block at the bottom.

In white? In pink?

Thoughts? Suggestions

Pinwheels

2011-01-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Pinwheels are simply beautiful.

They remind me of my childhood.

They remind me of spring.

(Like the weather we had here today...)

So I pulled out my Go! Cutter

(yes, a WONDERFUL Christmas gift)

and made some triangles... to piece these pinwheels.

(the pile!)

(one of my favorite patterns)

(I have to add white sashing...)

Aren't the fabric patterns fun.

Now I am trying to think about what to add

at the top and bottom.

Maybe stars? Maybe mini pinwheels.

New BOM for 2011

2011-01-01T23:23:00.000-05:00

Jenny of Elefantz has a wonderful new BOM for 2011...

all about giving thanks.

(Which I am all for.)

Go here for more information.

a new year, a new goal

2011-01-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

I am going to try to sew daily.

Seriously.

I think it will make me better, and I think it will help me stretch my creative side.

So far (for 1 whole day)

I have accomplished this goal.

And here is the result:

More Christmas Presents

2010-12-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

The Blue Jelly Bean Quilt is Finished

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

another gift

the back

the back up close

another star tablecloth

the "Oliva" Quilt finished

just a few finished before the year is up!

Christmas gifts

2010-12-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

This NYC Quilt is a gift for my sister.

Who lives in NYC.

The fabric is sold at a cool shop up there called

the City Quilter.

And this is a table runner I made for my great-grandmother.

I actually am "making" another one.

I am not sure if it will be done before Christmas.

I like that the stars are wonky

and that the colors are not the traditional red and green

but the green a bit lighter and the red a bit darker.

Just thought I would share!

Been quiet

2010-12-16T19:54:00.000-05:00

I know I have been quiet lately...

because most of what I am making happens to be a Christmas gift.

(anyone else there?)

But tomorrow, I promise

a tutorial on a quick hat an scarf set for children or adults.

Chocolate Trail Mix Gifts

2010-12-10T20:42:00.000-05:00

This year, we are going homemade.

With two schools…

Countless teachers…

And a long gift list…

I decided it would be better for my daughter Eden

to make something special for her teachers.

So we made Chocolate Trail Mix!

We went to the grocery store where she picked

pretzels

cheerios

rice chex

raisins

peanuts

and mini chocolate chips

and picked up red and white melting chocolate.

I even let her decide how much of

each ingredient to put in the mix.

We had a fantastic time.

And the mix looked great.

I am going to add a bow to the top of the containers and add a note.

Yet another “to do” is done!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

at least at the our house!

I made this stocking before last Christmas for my daughter Eden.

Talk about a labor of love!

I filled a glass cookie jar with ball ornaments.

They were on sale at the dollar store and make a cute,

inexpensive table decoration.

Here is an up close image of the lid.

We put greens up around each window in the upstairs this year.

A new house means new decorations.

Little birds, birdhouses, and snowmen are hidden in them.

While this nativity is up all year long,

we have added some trees and

blue strings of lights to make it extra special.

More decorations to come...

Blue Jelly bean take two

2010-11-01T19:11:00.000-04:00

So I have contacted the winner of a yard of this fabric twice...

and nothing back!

So, I am going to pick another winner.

Check your inbox.

New Deadlines and Diapers:Slow Motion

2010-10-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

I have a new deadlines and diapers out. It is the column I write for our local paper.

Check it out!

Deadlines and Diapers: Halloween Edition

2010-10-18T10:13:00.002-04:00

The column I write for the local paper...
Deadlines and Diapers!

Thanksgiving Table Runner

2010-10-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

Took me ten minutes.

A third of a yard of fabric

a bag of fake fall leaves

and orange thread.

Not my idea...one I found on another blog.

But it is a perfect place for my pumpkins.

I think I have fallen in love (wink*wink*)

Don't forget the giveaway

2010-10-16T07:00:00.001-04:00

Don't forget the giveaway!

Screened Costumes

2010-10-15T20:27:00.000-04:00

My husband hates halloween.

He hates the costumes.

And with party after party on the calendar

for the next couple of weeks

we thought we would come up with some easy costumes.

Me as Batgirl:

And here it is upclose:

And Chris' Spiderman:

And the graphic upclose:

To make your own,

simply print this photo!

Fabric Giveaway - Blue Jelly Bean

2010-10-15T11:32:00.001-04:00

So...I am in love with this fabric.

And when I went to the store to buy the blue backing...

for my Blue Jelly Bean Quilt.

the Joann's lady convinced me to buy the rest of the bolt.

(It was not such a hard sell.)

SO! Who wants some?

The giveaway is simple.

Leave your favorite flavor of jelly bean as a comment on this post

and a winner will be randomly selected Monday morning.

The winner will get A YARD of this fabric!

Who wants to win?

Blue Jelly Bean

2010-10-14T01:30:00.000-04:00

I was so close to being done with the top

I stayed up until 1:30 am.

But "Blue Jelly Bean" is pieced

and waiting to be quilted.

Which is made up of 20 of these blocks

which started off as these

Now to do some basting.

And quilting.

What do you think about a blue backing?

And then quilting with blue thread?

Two Black and Whites

2010-10-12T23:21:00.000-04:00

So I am working on two different black/white centered quilts...

trying to use stash...to prove to my hubby I can handle more fabric!

A Disapearing 9-Patch

When it is done,

I am thinking about calling blue jelly bean...

Mostly becuase my daughter loves blue jelly beans!

We will see...

And then here is the other one...

from a pattern called paradigm shift

here it is laid out...

What do you think?

Holly Jolly Top

2010-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my Holly Jolly quilt top.

It is huge.

(How am I going to quilt this sucker?)

Suggestions?

The National Canal Museum

2010-10-11T08:00:00.010-04:00

Yesterday, I posted about our trip to the Crayola Factory Museum.

Very cool.

With our admission price, we also got in to

the National Canal Museum.

I know you are thinking…

“They have one of those?”

I thought the same thing too.

But it was very cool.

My three-year old had the time of her life,

learning how locks work – just like an elevator for boats!

She got to put cargo on a toy boat and then travel it

from one side of a room sized water table to the other.

And then you went to another room where you could

learn all about simple machines

(like levers and pulleys).

And then you could learn all about live in Easton, PA

when locks and trains were the life.

They also had a floor of how to build materials.

Quite a surprise. We all loved it!

Worth a trip!

Crayola Museum, Easton PA

2010-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

I grew up museum spoiled.

Living in Washington DC, I was blessed to have total access to

history, creativity, beauty.

From the American History Museum to the National Zoo,

to the arboretum to the White House,

I am museum spoiled.

And the best part…they are all free.

So when I heard about the Crayola Museum Factory

in Easton PA, I was a little nervous.

Would it be worth the 3 hour drive?

Would it be worth the $9 admission price (before parking?)

YES!

Not only was it worth the drive and worth the money,

but we have to go again.

So laid back.

So child friendly.

So, so cool.

So colorful!

(yes, this is me and my mother-in-law rocking out

at the video dance party. What of it?)

And lots of projects to try. Something for everyone.

With our admission, we got in free to the Canal Museum.

I will post about that tomorrow. Very cool too!

Owl Quilt Block Swap

2010-10-09T21:43:00.000-04:00

I participated in an owl block swap earlier this year.

With the move, I never got around to doing something about it.

Cleaning up my quilting things, I pulled them back out and made this top with Eden.

When my husband got home, he took this picture.

As he did, he said, "Nice hooters."

Classy.

I think it will be something fun to use while sitting on the couch this fall.

(I guess I better go ahead an quilt it then!)

Paradigm Shift

2010-10-08T22:44:00.000-04:00

I have a great love of black and white.

Some think that my whole wardrobe consists of black and white…

And pink.

Because I also have a great love of pink.

So I found a wonderful quilt pattern that capitalizes on my love for both…

Paradigm Shift.

I have finished 6 blocks (out of 24).

It looks like I have more shifting to do ;)

Dear Santa

2010-10-07T10:28:00.002-04:00

Dear Santa,

Did you see this?

Because I was just checking.

Too cool.

And it has a pink case!

Love, Katie

New Deadlines and Diapers - Longing for a Girls Day

2010-10-06T13:51:00.000-04:00

My newest Deadlines and Diapers - the column I write for the local Frederick NewsPost paper!

Check it out: Deadlines and Diapers

It has been so long...

2010-09-30T20:01:00.000-04:00

It has been so long...

since I have done ANYTHING creative...

it is coming...

For now...fun family photos we took as Eden turned 3