Oh My...

I am in awe of how long it has been since I have last posted. And you know, it's been about that since I last sewed too!! Sad day, eh? However, it is not because I've been lazy.

You see, I had one of these:

We started up this:

{homeschool}

And now we're trying to sell this:

So we can move here with the military:

However, with all of the craziness, life has actually somehow allowed me a little time to start sewing again. I've started back up with our Quiet Book pages, I am currently working on pages O and P, and they are FUN!

I am also in the process of cutting squares for my little guy's quilt, to match this one.

So, while I may not be posting very often right now, know that I am always thinking about this little space of mine and am anxious to get back. That being said, I must admit that it has been nice to take a little breather, gain a little perspective and organize other parts of my life in the mean time. I think it is vital for us to step back every once and awhile and reevaluate to make sure that all of the many things we have going in our lives are just the things that we WANT to have going. Or do we feel needlessly bound? Thankfully, I have come to the realization that creating things for my family with my very own hands fulfills an inner need to make something out of nothing in an effort to beautify our lives. Thanks for joining me on this little journey. And if you haven't already completely given up on me, I hope you'll continue to stick a little while and see what the future of this blog holds.

In the mean time, go make something! Go play with your kids! Go do something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and I'll be seeing you soon!

Baby Texture Quilt

I actually made this about 2 years ago for my little Kai when he was just a wee little thing. . However, back when I made, I had no idea how to do binding. AND I didn't sew all the pieces together with enough of a seam, so some of them came apart. So, I pulled it out of storage, took off the binding and redid it and added some stitching to keep some squares together.

You just need a whole bunch of great touchy-feely fabrics. I just raided my mom's stash of home dec and costume fabrics. I found lots of silky, fuzzy, bumpy and colorful fabrics. Such a great way to use those small scraps! I backed it with a nice silky fabric. It's lovely.

This isn't the easiest little blanket to make simply because you have a lot of different types of fabrics that stretch really differently as well, so they end up a little bit wonky. You could, of course, be uber careful and probably make it closer to perfect, but quite honestly, I know that it just gets drooled on and chewed on and the recipient doesn't care all THAT much.

Regardless of how perfect or imperfect it is though, my little guy loved this thing. It was just the thing to help him stay happy when lounging on his tummy or just hanging out on the floor. It's not very big, only about 14" x 14", so it just gets stored in the basket with the other infant toys.

Can't wait to be able to use it again:) Come out little one!! We're ready for you!

Far Far Away II Quilt...done!

I've been working on this quilt for a long while now and am so glad to have it finished. This is for Emmie and Kai will get his after the baby comes. I love love love this quilt and I love love love this fabric. It is so beautiful and surprisingly soft, for being linen.

 

I tried my hand at freehand quilting and really enjoyed it once I got the hang of it. It definitely takes some practice,  but it was really relaxing and I love the way it turns out. For the sashing I used a wonderfully soft cotton/linen blend found on Sew Mama Sew.

 

For the binding I used a vintage sheet that matched just about perfectly. I was unsure of what color to go with when a friend said "I was thinking yellow!". Done. (Thanks Kristen!)

Sweet and Easy Baby Gifts

Between fulfilling orders and babies being born every time I turn around, it was high time I got to business making some baby gifts. Here's a sample of what I've been up to.

Both booties patterns came from Precious Patterns on Etsy. They seriously have some of the sweetest patterns on the block and at very reasonable prices too! The raggy burp cloth idea came Homemade by Jill. I just drew half a basic burpcloth shape, cut all my fabric on the fold, sewed them wrong sides together (including a cross in the center to keep the pieces from shifting in the wash), cut the fringe and washed them. Super easy. You can seriously whip so many of these out in such little time. And honestly, I do love making practical things for new moms.

I am currently trying to sew my way through my WIP pile...what a job. But it always feels so good to get another thing out of that pile. Not to mention, all those projects are taking up so much room in my craft room right now that I have moved downstairs onto the kitchen table....much to my husband's dismay....muah hah hah! I should make him a deal: He finishes my kitchen backsplash and floor and I'll move back into my own space. Hmn. Wonder if he'll go for it.

They're in the Shop

Remember all those lovely vintage sheets from my thrift store adventure the other day?? Well, I felt so lucky to find such treasures (and have so very many more in my vintage sheet stash) that I though I should share:) SO, you will find lovely little fat quarter bundles in my shop. Didn't know I have shop?? It's true. I don't advertise it a whole lot but it's there and active so go ahead a take a look. You'll even find a sweet little apron there...the last of that favorite fabric of mine...

Wondering what to do with all these lovely sheets?? Here are some great tutorials/ideas using just fat quarters to get you started:

Vintage Sheet Wrapped Wreath
Patchwork Pocket Tote Bag
Vintage Sheet Quilt -- So lovely!!
Swatch Portraits
Lunch Tote

I have some very sweet blues and pinks that will join these delicious yellows shortly. Keep checking back!

Kids' Dish Drawer Organization

Now this is organization on a serious budget. I picked up these three wire baskets at the thrift store for just $1.99 and it has completely transformed my kids' dish drawer. (yes, this really is how it has looked for the past two years...)

Hooray! Super simple. Super cheap. LOVE! All those bits and pieces in the back of the drawer are just that...bits and pieces: lids without rubber pieces, random little accessories, bigger water bottles. Who knows, I may keep my eye out for another small basket to house the rest of that little stuff.

Lovely Vintage Linens

So, I hit the vintage sheet jackpot at the thrift store this week. In fact, I felt like somebody had placed all these lovely sheets and pillowcases all in a row, just for my enjoyment...and purchase;)

 I also scored some fabric. No matter the yardage, my thrift store just sells it all for $1.99 a piece. Well, the top two are just about a yard and the bottom piece is well over 3 yards! Yay!I think it will make a lovely backing to a baby girl's quilt...