Work in Progress

This quilt has a little bit of everything, embroidered trim from a 70's night gown, a vintage dish towel, silk lining from a 50's dress, the Leaf Stripe fabric from the Echino line from Japanese designer Etsuko Furuya, and a couple of fabrics from Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party line. 

I am posting this while it's still in progress because I decided to hand quilt it with embroidery thread, and it may take years for me to complete.  

Chalkboard Menu

I looked online for a chalkboard menu, but only found one I liked for $180.  This window had been sitting in garage for years.  $20 in chalkboard paint later, I have my chalkboard menu!  Notice that my son James added some items to the grocery list in the bottom right corner.  Bunch of candy, marshmallows.... I don't think so.   

I have been on a healthy cooking kick, which requires a little more planning ahead.  I have to start soaking rice and beans the night before and make sure I have things like homemade chicken broth and bread when I need them.  This weekly menu has helped me keep up.

Kathy's Quilt

This quilt was a gift for my mother-in-law.  She has been hinting that she would like one for at least 4 years now.  And I kept planning to make one, but Christmas creeps up so quickly each year.  This year I bought the fabric in January and started work on it right away.  I was still finishing it just days before Christmas. 

I used lots of Joel Dewberry's Deer Valley collection, although I can never stick to just one designer.

This was my first time using my handy free motion quilting foot.  I traced the outline of the flowers on the border of the quilt only.  It was a great way to get used to the foot because I had the design right there to trace.  The rest of the quilt I stitched in the ditch. 

Super Hero Capes

I made these capes for James and Luke for Christmas, as part of my campaign to make as many homemade gifts as possible this year.  

They are lined with a very soft, furry fabric.  They are always stealing Sophia's baby blanket in the car to cuddle up with.  So this was my attempt to kill two birds with one stone.

Why?

Why do I continue to try to make pie crust when it always turns out like this?  I will tell you why, because people like my mother-in-law are constantly telling me how easy it is and they can't image why anyone would ever buy one.  Well, not anymore, I promised myself I would never make another homemade pie crust again.

Homemade Gifts- A necklace for Mom

This year I tried to make as many Christmas gifts as possible.  Here is a necklace I made for my mom out of things I had in my craft stash...vintage buttons, yoyos from past projects, beads, lace, and bits from old necklaces.  I knew I was keeping that stuff for a reason.  

I Love New York (For a day or two)

I recently got the amazing opportunity to spend a weekend alone with my husband... and in New York city...less than a block from the garment district. 

Shopping at Purl in Soho.

Rick Rack at a trim shop in the garment district.

I bought this stash at The City Quilter. 

Too mature???

As I was cutting this I thought the silloutte is pretty mature, the fabric is mature.  A mini dress with picture collar in gray? Not what I would usually picture for children's wear.  I was majorly questioning my design decisions.  I probably wouldn't have even finished it, but it was so simple to sew, it only took me an hour.  The verdict is... I love it!   I want one for me and I think it's fabulous on her as well. 

Okay, I realize that picture taking is a big part of blogging, but I am still getting the hang of it.  When your model is 18 months old, there are additional challenges.  Sophia didn't want to cooperate this morning.

Sophia's new dress and capris

This is more fabric that I recieved at my baby shower.  Thanks Noelle!

Miss Sophia was not about to give up that pacifier this morning. 

I finished 3 sleeveless dresses for Sophia just in time for Fall!  I guess she will be wearing long sleeves inderneath because I'm not going to let her outgrow them without getting lots of wear.  This dress I patterned and cut last May and just now finished.