......on a jet plane. Don't know when I'll be back again.
Not really. I'm headed to Kennett, MO for my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary/family reunion/my birthday. :D I'm gonna have F-U-N!
See ya Monday!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Block Options
I'm playing with fabric today. Specifically my new TriRecs rulers.
So here's Block Option #1. I like the idea of the fish, but I'm thinking that's too much white in front of the fish.
Here's Option #2. I like this version, but I'm having a hard time putting it into words why I like it. LOL
Here's Option 2 but rotated.
Here's option #3. It's another one that I like. I think it's because I don't normally "think" this way. It seems just enough different for me to like it. Oh... yes, there are 2 different WOWs.
Option 3 rotated. Hmm... kinda plain jane this way.
So which one do you pick? Which one do I need to make? Which one do you like and why?
So here's Block Option #1. I like the idea of the fish, but I'm thinking that's too much white in front of the fish.
Here's Option #2. I like this version, but I'm having a hard time putting it into words why I like it. LOL
Here's Option 2 but rotated.
Here's option #3. It's another one that I like. I think it's because I don't normally "think" this way. It seems just enough different for me to like it. Oh... yes, there are 2 different WOWs.
Option 3 rotated. Hmm... kinda plain jane this way.
So which one do you pick? Which one do I need to make? Which one do you like and why?
A New Quilting Tip
As a quilter of the new generation, I do a lot of strip piecing and strip cutting. One thing that has always bugged me is I would spend a lot of time ironing my fabric and getting it straightened out and folded correctly so that I could cut a straight strip. I would cut a strip and I may or may not need that particular fabric again with in the next 2 hours. If I moved it, I basically undid the straightening I did before hand. But my sewing area is just small enough that I can't leave anything out.
Then it hit me. Binding clips! Once you cut the strip you need, slip on a couple of these binding clips and you can move your fabric all over creation (as long as the clip doesn't come off). You can even store it this way!
This picture is right after I cut a strip of the white fabric. Here's my clips and my straightened out fabric, ready to go back onto my fabric shelf.
See these fabrics? I cut them 2 days ago, and here they are, all ready to go, just in case I didn't cut enough the first time.
It's really simple. If you didn't cut enough strips, lay your fabric down, move the clips over, then cut another strip. (No, I'm not following directions. I'm playing today.)
How cool is that? So simple. I'm really glad when I can find more than one task for an item.
Then it hit me. Binding clips! Once you cut the strip you need, slip on a couple of these binding clips and you can move your fabric all over creation (as long as the clip doesn't come off). You can even store it this way!
This picture is right after I cut a strip of the white fabric. Here's my clips and my straightened out fabric, ready to go back onto my fabric shelf.
See these fabrics? I cut them 2 days ago, and here they are, all ready to go, just in case I didn't cut enough the first time.
It's really simple. If you didn't cut enough strips, lay your fabric down, move the clips over, then cut another strip. (No, I'm not following directions. I'm playing today.)
How cool is that? So simple. I'm really glad when I can find more than one task for an item.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
WFMW -- Book Lover
Oh me, oh my. It's been a while.
So, my family LOVES books. We read all the time. And unfortunately, we live around the corner from Barnes & Noble. Our ever shrinking budget didn't like that so much.
What works for me is the LIBRARY. I know, I know.... it's common sense, right? But for some reason it takes more effort to get in the car and drive a couple of miles than it does to walk around the corner and go browse.
You want to know what's really awesome? The library gets NEW RELEASE books as well as the older ones. I have caught up on most of my wonderful series of books that I love and enjoy. Oh... And you can put books on hold for you as well.
The downside is that you don't get to keep the books, but the plus side is that you don't have to save up to by them, either. The library has movies and music you can check out as well. We've had so much fun.
The first Saturday we went, Sweet Pea got a total of 4 books. She had 3 of them read by Monday.
What works for me? The Library. :D
For more great ideas, check out Rocks In My Dryer.
So, my family LOVES books. We read all the time. And unfortunately, we live around the corner from Barnes & Noble. Our ever shrinking budget didn't like that so much.
What works for me is the LIBRARY. I know, I know.... it's common sense, right? But for some reason it takes more effort to get in the car and drive a couple of miles than it does to walk around the corner and go browse.
You want to know what's really awesome? The library gets NEW RELEASE books as well as the older ones. I have caught up on most of my wonderful series of books that I love and enjoy. Oh... And you can put books on hold for you as well.
The downside is that you don't get to keep the books, but the plus side is that you don't have to save up to by them, either. The library has movies and music you can check out as well. We've had so much fun.
The first Saturday we went, Sweet Pea got a total of 4 books. She had 3 of them read by Monday.
What works for me? The Library. :D
For more great ideas, check out Rocks In My Dryer.
Momma
My mom has been gone 2 years ago today. Sometimes, it feels like it's only been 2 days. I miss her so much.
This is one of my favorite pictures of her. Teaching Sweet Pea (yes... Sweet Pea, not Little Bit) at such a young age to love fabric and quilting. One of my favorite memories is when she made Sweet Pea's 3rd birthday cake and taught her the most important part of baking.......... licking the beaters of the mixer.
This picture was taken the Christmas before she got sick. It's all of the "Gardner" women. Dale was overseas. Sweet Pea and I made a special trip home.
I have more pictures, but they aren't on my computer yet. Maybe, just maybe I'll look through those today instead of sewing.
My mom was such a sweet person. She loved everyone, no matter what. My grand aspirations in life right now are showing my daughters the kind of love she had for me.
This is one of my favorite pictures of her. Teaching Sweet Pea (yes... Sweet Pea, not Little Bit) at such a young age to love fabric and quilting. One of my favorite memories is when she made Sweet Pea's 3rd birthday cake and taught her the most important part of baking.......... licking the beaters of the mixer.
This picture was taken the Christmas before she got sick. It's all of the "Gardner" women. Dale was overseas. Sweet Pea and I made a special trip home.
I have more pictures, but they aren't on my computer yet. Maybe, just maybe I'll look through those today instead of sewing.
My mom was such a sweet person. She loved everyone, no matter what. My grand aspirations in life right now are showing my daughters the kind of love she had for me.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Vanishing Nine Patch (or why I don't play politics)
I just finished a baby quilt. I don't know if the correct name is Vanishing Nine Patch or Disappearing Nine Patch. I don't know who the designer is either. All I can tell you is where I first saw it.
I actually had a friend who mentioned she saw this post on Sew, Mama, Sew! Then Gail made one. She did so well at explaining it, that I decided to make one too.
Here is my big helper holding up my version of the Disappearing 9 Patch. (I'll explain the pink in a little bit.)
And the reverse side. I took the extra blocks and made a 9 patch of sorts on the back.
My children, especially Sweet Pea, are such camera hams. You see the face she's making? I made that exact same face when I was her age. (Heaven help me.)
Sweet Pea also helped me make the label. :D
Now, for the "rest of the story." I started this quilt in January after learning that Dale's boss was pregnant with a baby girl and on bed rest. I always feel bad for ladies on bed rest, because I get antsy and can't sit still.
So I had this quilt mostly finished, and I learned that something like 4 of Dale's cousins are pregnant or recently delivered. I had thought about giving this quilt to one of them, but still was wondering about boss lady.
Then Dale came home one night and said that the company he works for was hosting a baby shower for boss lady and lady he doesn't like very much. Amber and I told him, as a guy he wasn't expected to do as much as a female, so he could get away with a gift card for each of them.
At the same time, Sweet Pea has been in a service club at school (also a self esteem boosting club), where she had a teacher who was her "buddy." The teacher has also recently had a baby girl. So, we as a family, decided that the teacher was as deserving as boss lady, and the quilt was given to her at the last meeting today. The cool part is, if we stay put for a year, Sweet Pea has a chance of having her as a teacher next year.
Try the vanishing 9 patch. It's really easy.
I actually had a friend who mentioned she saw this post on Sew, Mama, Sew! Then Gail made one. She did so well at explaining it, that I decided to make one too.
Here is my big helper holding up my version of the Disappearing 9 Patch. (I'll explain the pink in a little bit.)
And the reverse side. I took the extra blocks and made a 9 patch of sorts on the back.
My children, especially Sweet Pea, are such camera hams. You see the face she's making? I made that exact same face when I was her age. (Heaven help me.)
Sweet Pea also helped me make the label. :D
Now, for the "rest of the story." I started this quilt in January after learning that Dale's boss was pregnant with a baby girl and on bed rest. I always feel bad for ladies on bed rest, because I get antsy and can't sit still.So I had this quilt mostly finished, and I learned that something like 4 of Dale's cousins are pregnant or recently delivered. I had thought about giving this quilt to one of them, but still was wondering about boss lady.
Then Dale came home one night and said that the company he works for was hosting a baby shower for boss lady and lady he doesn't like very much. Amber and I told him, as a guy he wasn't expected to do as much as a female, so he could get away with a gift card for each of them.
At the same time, Sweet Pea has been in a service club at school (also a self esteem boosting club), where she had a teacher who was her "buddy." The teacher has also recently had a baby girl. So, we as a family, decided that the teacher was as deserving as boss lady, and the quilt was given to her at the last meeting today. The cool part is, if we stay put for a year, Sweet Pea has a chance of having her as a teacher next year.
Try the vanishing 9 patch. It's really easy.
I'm here.
I'm here. I promise I'm here. I just seem to be really really busy all the time. Plus, I just haven't been very bloggy lately.
Little Bit got up a bit grumpy this morning. She was whiney, and clingy, and was hungry and "tirsty," and only wanted "mama" and not Daddy.
I leaned down and said, "Baby, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" She hugged me, and said in this little (whiney) voice, "I tink so." Poor Little Bit. I gave her a big hug and that seemed to help her.
I'm going to post some quilt pictures later.
Little Bit got up a bit grumpy this morning. She was whiney, and clingy, and was hungry and "tirsty," and only wanted "mama" and not Daddy.
I leaned down and said, "Baby, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" She hugged me, and said in this little (whiney) voice, "I tink so." Poor Little Bit. I gave her a big hug and that seemed to help her.
I'm going to post some quilt pictures later.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Computer Problems
I am having some computer issues. I'm hoping that my IT husband will fix it this weekend, but there's no guarantee. If I seem to disappear, that's why.
Hugs,
Melinda
Hugs,
Melinda
Monday, May 05, 2008
A child turns 3
Little Bit turned 3 last Thursday. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital.
Even at 1, she showed her bright and bubbly personality. (See the little tooth peeking out?)
At 2, she was in love with Elmo. And the hair was crazy wild. LOL
At 3, she's growing up too fast. She talks so clearly. She is so loving. She is so funny.
Oh my sweet baby. Don't grow up too quickly, okay? I love you Little Bit.
Love,
Mommy
Even at 1, she showed her bright and bubbly personality. (See the little tooth peeking out?)
At 2, she was in love with Elmo. And the hair was crazy wild. LOL
At 3, she's growing up too fast. She talks so clearly. She is so loving. She is so funny.
Oh my sweet baby. Don't grow up too quickly, okay? I love you Little Bit.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, May 02, 2008
Sleep......
So, I'm sitting here trying to get up the energy to post pictures of Little Bit, cause yesterday was her 3rd birthday. However, I'm going on 2 days with not enough sleep and just downright exhaustion, so forgive me for being a bit tardy with it.
To tide you over in the meantime, I thought you might get a kick out of this picture.
I promise I really do feed the child. I guess I should take her urgings of "Mommy, I weally weally hungry" more seriously, though.
Now, I'm off for a 5 minute nap.
To tide you over in the meantime, I thought you might get a kick out of this picture.
I promise I really do feed the child. I guess I should take her urgings of "Mommy, I weally weally hungry" more seriously, though.Now, I'm off for a 5 minute nap.
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