my brown bag studio

80%

2012-01-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

I got hit with a bit of a flu bug last weekend, and I'm still running at about 80%. I'm at the point where the blah is old and I just want to feel better. Luckily, it wasn't bad enough to stop me from taking my Tuesday timeout on the road this week with my bestie and picking up some wonderful grey woolfelt... 80% wool woolfelt that is. (See how I seamlessly fit the title of my post into the body... twice?) I had big plans for it and today got up the energy to hit the sewing room.

The pattern is this one by Keyka Lou. I made it into a cross body bag and this time added a flap closure. This is my summer version of the same bag, with a long strap as well. Totally a favorite! The lining I put with the grey was a gorgeous cotton left over from the making of this bag. Another favorite of mine.

Remarkably, adding grey to my day brightened it a little. Even though I'm still feeing kind of yucky. True story.

thir{13}teen

2012-01-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

When your youngest hits a milestone like this, you know for sure that you're getting older. It's not that I didn't feel it when Emily officially became a teenager, but now that Julianna's there too, it's just a little more real to me. My daughters are growing up in front of me and I'm just not sure that I'm ready for it. I love that they are each so individual in their style, choices, and talents. I love that they love their family and they love the Lord. And I also love that through the years, they've learned to always be themselves. Take the Kermit the Frog t-shirt for example. Julianna understands that it's not always easy being green. But she also knows that with God, she can do anything.

And as her Mom, I'm glad to know that she knows that she wouldn't have it any other way. So Happy Birthday, Boop... make a wish! The best is yet to come!

snowing, blowing, and swooning...

2012-01-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

I've had three happy kids in the house this week, due to two snow days in a row and the threat of a third for tomorrow. The weather has been extreme for southwest BC! Heavy snow that's sticking around, icy temps and winds, and the threat of another big dump overnight tonight. As a result, schools were closed and Monday and Tuesday were filled with sledding, sugar cookie decorating, picnicking in the living room with a dvd, visiting friends, crafting, and pajama wearing. On Wednesday and Thursday they were back to school and I played catch up with the laundry, groceries, baking, and a little sewing. We're not sure yet what tomorrow will bring, but it's been a good week for all of us.

Here's what I spent a little time on... my second Swoon block...

I was loosely planning to make a whole quilt with some wonderful civil war themed fabrics that I've had for a while, but I can't really decide if I'll stick with it or not. Oh well, even if the individual blocks are destined to become table toppers, at least Java likes them! *edited... Um, that's London in the pic, not Java! Sheesh, maybe I've been cooped up a little too long with too many cats!

wordless Wednesday...

2012-01-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

snow update... etsy update...

2012-01-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

Still snowing. Aren't you glad you asked?

And since I'm grounded today, due to much too much white stuff falling from the sky for my driving enjoyment, I thought it would make perfect sense to get a bunch of new listings into the shops. Much, much warmer inside than out, I say.

Quilties and other goodies are here.
Bags and purses are here.

Happy snow day everyone!

...and the snow snow snow came down down down...

2012-01-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

Enough said? The kiddos are home from school, they've ALL completed their homework for the day (reading and vocabulary for our Korean student), they've helped to shovel the driveway, the sugar cookie decorating is begining, and the kitten's trying to figure out what on earth is happening outside her window...

Looks like it's going to be a warm and cozy winter day!

frosty (blogging) friends are the best!

2012-01-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

So it sounds as though some snow is set to fly this weekend around here (hmmm... maybe Mr Weatherman read my last post?) The kids are excited, especially Jenny (our 10 year old Korean student) although Emily is hoping there's NOT a snow day next week. Crazy right? Actually it's because she has upcoming exams and doesn't want to miss any classroom time. Smart girl!

To make sure that I received at least a little snow this winter, my good blogging friend Julie agreed to have a snowman swap with me. Well, her package arrived on my porch this morning and totally, totally made my day. Look at how wonderfully packaged all the goodies are... it looked lovely but I must admit, it didn't last long!

Julie over-gifted me and I love everything she sent... especially the maple leaf cookie cutter! How Canadian, eh? Awesome! So here are the gifties...

A wonderful red checked kitchen towel (I LOVE the red!), maple leaf cookie cutter, and sweet mini snowman pillow...

...a tall snowman figure for my mantle, two mini snowman magnets (love 'em!), a beautiful scrapbooked journal, and the most amazing snowman runner...

Let me tell you, by the time I hit "post", these goodies will be placed around my home, all ready to greet the snowstorn that's been promised. All I'll have to do is add hot chocolate and the flurries can begin!

Thanks so much, Julie! I'm sending warm winter hugs across the miles!

in anticipation...

2012-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a cold weather person, although I am hoping for a little snow to pretty up the winter. After all, if it's going to be cold, then it may as well snow. I do however love summer... probably because I'm not much of a cold weather person. I love seeing beach towels hanging on the line, and nothing beats sheets dried in the sun. In anticipation of the warmer months ahead, I made this little clothespin bag to hang on the line. It will most likely end up in the shop and not on my own line, but I figure that if it helps someone else anticipate the warmer months ahead, then it's a good thing.

{the pattern can be found here}

wordless (ok, maybe it's a little bit wordy) Wednesday...

2012-01-11T09:56:00.001-08:00

my Tuesday timeout...

2012-01-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

...took place yesterday rather than today. My sewing buddy had a field trip to attend with her daughter so we sewed a day early.

I completed my two '12 Days of Christmas' quilt tops and am so pleased with them! Great fabrics, great project, great feeling to be nearly finished!

the 12 Days of Christmas...

2012-01-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

I spotted on a few blogs here and there a wonderful non-Christmasy-post-Christmas-Christmas quilt that I just had to make.. 'The 12 Days of Christmas'. The patterns can be found on Temecula Quilt Co's blog and I'm so glad that I didn't put it off and jumped right in. I started piecing yesterday and just finished now. I even pieced two since it was so much fun!

To make my little quilties, I used a charm pack, 'Little Gatherings' by Moda and even have a nice amount of squares left over. It was a great collection of neutrals that worked together perfectly. I'm contemplating whether or not to cut into my jelly roll for the sashing, borders, and binding. I'm sure you'll see the end result in a day or so!

sew:stitch:swap

2012-01-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

Sew... yesterday I gave myself permission to make a little project that I thought would be useful when I pack up my supplies and head to Andrea`s for my Tuesday timeouts. It`s a little folio to hold my rotary cutter, scissors, pencils, pins, and patterns. I only wish I`d made it a little larger to hold my 9.5 inch ruler. I found the project in the current issue of Quilts and More magazine. And, if I do say so myself, I think the use of Moda ribbon for the ties was a nice touch! It sure felt good to make something completely useful... a great way to get back into the swing of sewing after Christmas!

Stitch... this is what I plan on finishing up today. It`s destined to live in Utah with my sweet blogging friend Julie. We`re having a snowman swap, what fun since we don`t have any snow. How I love my blogging friends!

Swap... and speaking of swaps... this was the wonderful package that arrived at my door in early December, from the lovely Gina. We had a penny rug swap and she tucked in the sweet Christmas bag along with the amazing rug... nice bonus! Since there was a little mix up in mailing, I lucked out and also received a yummy maple sugar melt from Roxanne (sorry, no blog link) Oh, how I`ve enjoyed this package!

I hope you`ve been doing some sewing, stitching, and swapping too lately... it`s guaranteed to bring a smile!

my Tuesday timeout that led me to need another...

2012-01-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

I think I want to take back my last post... you know, the one about being glad it's back to routine time. I don't think yesterday could have been more crazy if it tried. Here's the recap...

6:40am, Robyn drove our two girls for early morning basketball and band practices. Nice first day back to school. 7:30, Julianna phones from basketball feeling really sick so I go get her. Home by 7:45. At 7:46, my phone rings again and Emily has ducked out of band practice feeling really sick. I tell her to tough it out for now and I'll be there in half an hour. 8:00 I get Jenny (our 10year old Korean student) and Julianna into the van to head back to school... Julianna's feeling better and agrees that she's just over tired. Drop them off and pop over to the high school to check on Emily. We agree that she is also just over tired and needs to tough out the day. At this point, I/we've been at the school campus 3 times and it's not even 8:30 in the morning. I pick up coffees and head to Andrea's for our first Tuesday Timeout of the New Year. I chug/savor my coffee and we catch up a bit and then get down to a little sewing. End of the school day approaches so I go run a couple of errands and then pick up Emily and Jenny. Back to school again at 4:15 to get Julianna from yearbook class. These were trips #4 and 5 to the school. I then take London to the vet to have her nasty little kitten claws clipped, hit the grocery and dollar store, then make dinner and help with homework. Wolf down/savour dinner and then take Emily back to school as the band is playing the halftime show for the senior boy's basketball game. I don't want to sit around the school for an extra hour, so I head off to Starbucks. (I know, I know... two coffees in one day, but trust me, at this point I needed it more than you can imagine!) Then back to the school at 8 to watch the game and see the band perform. Have you kept track? That's 7, count 'em 7 trips to the school yesterday. I don't even think that's legal! But in the end, no one was really sick, the halftime show was awesome, and we won the game. It almost makes up for the fact that I couldn't get to sleep due to the Starbucks I consumed.

Oh, and as for my Tuesday timeout? I can only give you a little sneak peek of what I'm working on... hopefully you'll see more of it sooner rather than later... if I get a little time off of taxi duty, that is.

my Monday month...

2012-01-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

I am a Monday lovin' Mom! Don't get me wrong, I love the weekends as well... but I'm just not crazy about the lack of routine that tends to go along with them. I much prefer the predictable flow of a school day. During the week, I may not always have the meal planning under control, or the grocery shopping done before school pickup (usually because I've spent a little too much time in my sewing room), but for me, that's still routine. It's kind of like the month of December vrs January. Once again, don't get me wrong... I love each and every thing about December. But by the end of the month, the lack of routine gets to be a little much for this Momma. Enter January... my Monday month. Back to school, back to bedtimes, back to green leafy vegetables. Bliss.

Anyone feel the same way?

...and a Happy New Year was had by all!

2012-01-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last night we fondued, and gamed, and laughed the year away with my parents...

Of course, I didn't make it quite to midnight, but I did hear the fireworks while snuggled in my nice warm bed. I think that's the best way to ring in the New Year!

And now that the Christmas season is officially over in our home, it's clean-up day. Tomorrow we have a young girl from Korea coming to stay with us for six weeks, so we want to start out with a fresh clean start. The three girls will head back to school on Tuesday and then it's business as usual around here. And by "business" I mean it's time for "my Tuesday timeout" to start up again, of course! Yay for routine!

they've just settled down...

2011-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

...for a long winter's nap...

We had a great Christmas this year, with two wonderful girls from Japan. This was our first time hosting during the Holidays and although it was a different experience for us, we all enjoyed it. We were sure to make a few drives around town looking at the busiest Christmas displays we could find, the four girls decorated gingerbread houses and hung stockings, we played countless games of UNO and Mario, and we ate more food than should be allowed. Christmas day was spent at my parents' place and the students had fun helping with the turkey and gravy, doing puzzles, and laughing at Poppa (who looks quite a bit like Santa himself!) Here we are in front of my parents' tree...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too... and I'll see you next year!

a very special thank you to Japan...

2011-12-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

This post is being written to take the place of an email that I tried to send today since it simply refused to send for me!

Yesterday, we were very surprised to receive a package from a family who shared their daughter with us this past summer. Yuka was only here for a short stay but we were very glad to have her. Since then, she and her family have visited my blog and I was so happy to hear that! I'm sure they must laugh at the antics my family gets up to!

This is what travelled from Japan all the way to Canada... two packages for my girls, with hand towels, calendars, pens, and sweet note papers. Perfect choices for my creative kiddos!

And for me... these absolutely gorgeous Japanese fabrics...

Yuka's mother told me that she's seen what I make through this website and that she'd be happy if I can find a way to use them in my quilting. Tomoko, I promise to try to make something that will make you smile!

Thank you so much for thinking of us and for sharing these gifts. We hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season too!

Hiroaki, Tomoko, and Yuka, please feel free to email me... hopefully I'll be able to respond! Merry Christmas!

sweet (water) santa placemats...

2011-12-21T17:16:00.000-08:00

After I fell in love with a wonderful Santa print cotton at Joann's last week, I decided that a little extra sewing right before Christmas would be a good idea. Who knew that a little extra sewing right before Christmas would be a good idea! So I borrowed my girlfriend's copy of Sweetwater's book, The Simple Home, and got to work.

Since I'm such a Santa girl, I'm totally thrilled with the outcome.

I think even Santa would be pleased to see milk and cookies served on these.

I'm wrapped in warmth...

2011-12-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

... from top to bottom!

I mentioned to my family the other day how I could use a new pair of pj's and that I was thinking of hitting a pre Christmas sale to buy myself some. When I saw a few looks exchanged between Robyn and the girls, I knew something was up. A moment later, there was a Christmas gift on my lap... 'to Mom, love Emily'.

Hmmm... I wonder what it could be!

I was thrilled to open a pair of handmade pajama pants that Emily made for me, complete with mini pompom trim... isn't she awesome? And I love that they're a perfect match to my new socks from Robyn's parents. So cozy!

And speaking of being wrapped in warmth, this is where little London cuddled up with me today...

hip hip hooray, you'll shoot your eye out!

2011-12-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

If you've read my blog for a while, you know that my family tends to go all out regarding Christmas movies. The usual favorite of choice is "Christmas Vacation" and when we get together to watch it, it's quite the family event... if you want, you can read about our antics regarding that classic here, here, and here.

This year, however, we decided to make "A Christmas Story" movie night the event to attend.

~~Robyn~~ Ralphie was there with his "official" Red Ryder carbine action two hundred shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time...

~~Emily~~ Black Bart was busy pushing up daisies...

~~Julianna~~ Randy (Mommy's little piggy) brought mashed potatoes and meatloaf...

Poor ~~Kim~~ Flick was stuck to the flagpole... triple dog dared, of course...

And ~~Larry~~ the leg lamp was all aglow... after all, it IS a major award, you know!

And here's the fabulous electric sex cake a la Emily... *sigh* ... she makes her Momma proud...

Any wacky traditions in your family?

Emily's annual Christmas (cookie) party...

2011-12-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of school for my girls and, as is our tradition, a few friends came home with us for a little Christmas party. Each year, I have something planned for the kids to make, and they've made everything from hot glued wreaths for their teachers, to homemade chocolates, to mini scrapbook albums. This year... sugar cookie trees (90 rolled sugar cookies, courtesy of Nanny)

Another Christmas, another memory...

check those off the list...

2011-12-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

These are orders for sock monkeys that Julianna made for a friend of ours... three stockings will be stuffed with them for Christmas morning for three little sweeties.

And this raggedy doll was a custom order that I took on Emily's behaf at the Fieldstone event. I'd had doll beds for sale and was asked if I made dolls. I don't, but Em does, and together this is what we came up with. The lady's granddaughter was recently 'Raggedy Anne' in a production and I'm happy we were able to make it work for her.

Now that their work is behind them, my girls are breathing a little easier. Tomorrow is their last day of school and then the Christmas ~~rush~~ fun will really begin around here!

thanks, Mom!

2011-12-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

You're a trooper!

My mom knows how much I hate making rolled cookies... and since Emily's hosting an after school cookie decorating party on Friday and needs about a billion sugar cookies, she came to my rescue.

Even though the cast on her broken wrist wasn't even dry yet.

I think there's a special place in heaven for moms with broken arms.

yay for baking day...

2011-12-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Julianna and I helped with a baking day at our church. Ladies signed up, and there were stations they rotated around, learning a new recipe aat each. In the end they brought home plates of goodies. Our station taught candied almonds and I'm happy to say that they were a hit! The downside to the day however was that since I was a teacher, I didn't get the chance to bake anything. So today, I made up for it!

(l-r) lemon bars, caramel squares, peppermint candy cane cookies, pecan pie bars, whipped shortbread, butter tarts.

The picture should show up and down, but for some reason refused to rotate. I guess it's better this way... now in order to look at it, we're shaking our heads 'no' instead of nodding them 'yes', thus reminding us not to eat too many Christmas sweets. Logical, right?

And just because Rhonda requested it... here's the recipe for my Uncle Jeff's Momma (Mrs. Eleanor Weborg)'s recipe for Lemon Bars...

1/4c icing sugar
1c flour
1/8tsp salt
1/2c butter

Beat together like shortbread and press into 8x8" pan. Bake 15 min @ 350.
Remove from oven and spread with:

1c sugar
1/8tsp salt
2tsp lemon juice
1/2tsp baking powder
2 eggs
(1/4 flour to thicken if needed)

Beat together and bake 20 min @ 350.
Cool completely and spread with:

2tsp lemon juice
1tsp melted butter
3c icing sugar

I seriously hope there's no mistletoe...

2011-12-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's her first year in high school, and tonight's her first formal event.

Hair and nails are lookin' good...

The dress is a winner... (thank you Maddie!)

Now, where's that ticket?

Ahhh, there it is!

Emily, we love the beautiful girl you are, so very much.

We hope you are having a lovely time tonight at the banquet, and are making a million memories...

But I am so serious about that mistletoe my dear.

buntings and babies...

2011-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Although it's a little challenging to sew with a kitten on your lap, I'm up for the the challenge! Now, keeping her paws out of the binding, well that's another story! Despite that though, there are just too many things on my to-do list these days to take the afternoon off to cuddle the kitty! This was yesterday's finish... a set of buntings to coordinate with one I'd sold back in June at Yarrow Days.

The first one already belongs to this adorable pair of cuties... and here it is in action!

Their momma was kind enough to pass along this link to me... their auntie is a local photographer and by the looks of this photo shoot, she's very talented! I just loved seeing my bunting being put to good use! Thank you, Ashley, for allowing me to repost your gorgeous photo, and thank you also to Dana, for your order... I hope your girls love their new buntings!

And now, simply because there's a new baby in our house, I'll leave you with a picture of London... and you thought I wouldn't ;o)

Santa delivered early this year!

2011-12-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Meet our newest addition...

Her name is London Fog and I must say, it's awfully hard to get a decent picture of a three month old kitten.

More pics as soon as we all settle down a bit, I'm sure.

special order...

2011-12-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

It looks like someone's stuffing stockings with keyring clutches this year!

Yay! Cross that order off the list and move on to the next!

...and to all, a good night...

2011-12-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

See these smiles?

That's what happens when you leave the Christmas Market Season on a happy, happy note.
Fieldstone Vintage Market, we love you.
Lots.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish thawing out.
Oh, and my Birdie Quilt from the previous post now has a brand new home. Like I said, we left on a happy, happy note.

...and here she is...

2011-12-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

I've called her my "Birdies Through the Year Redwork Quilt" and she makes me smile!

Here are alll the blocks (in case you missed them in month's past...)

This quilt was inspired by the very talented Corey of Little Miss Shabby fame.

I do love this quilt. Seeing it finally finished makes me want to bite the bullet and just finish my second, brighter, version off. Soon. Let's get through Christmas first!

*Click here if you'd like a little more info about this quilt*

A huge thank you to Marianne for your wonderfully beautiful longarm quilting... thank you! This quilt would not be nearly as lovely without your touch! I made you a little prezzie to thank you again... here's a little peek... hopefully we can connect soon!

yes, I have ornaments for sale!

2011-11-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

As I was ~~frantically creating~~ doing some tole painting in prep for the Open Houses, I was asked a few times whether I'd be offering ornaments for sale here online. Well, I still have a few handpainted ornies available that I've listed in the shop if you're interested... and they're super cute if I do say so myself! I'm in yet another market this coming weekend... better grab the one you love before it's gone!

a belated thank you!

2011-11-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

A little while ago, my new friend Trish and I had a wonderful bloggy swap and although I've been meaning to share what she made for me, I just haven't found the time. So... here it is... an absolutely gorgeous granny square scarf! We've already had a little snowfall and you'd better believe that I wore this lovely to celebrate!

Thank you again Trish! I've worn it many times already and it makes me smile every time I look at it!

Trish's blog, Notes of Sincerity, is a lovely place to visit... be sure to pop in and say *hello*

open house weekend... round two...

2011-11-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

Some quick pics of my house all dressed up... wish you were here!

where has the week gone?

2011-11-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Wow... Wednesday already! This week has really flown but I wanted to pop in and show what I've been up to in prep for the next round of sales. Our weekend Open House at Andrea's was the best it's ever been. As I glanced through my individual part of the sales list, I stopped counting at over 80 items sold. Add to that the other family members who contributed their wares and also did extremely well, and my mind is boggled... boggled and frantic. So on Sunday, I started sewing a few new pieces to try to re-stock and this is what I managed to do...

... a log cabin twist quiltie... made with the green and red portion of a Crazy Eight honey bun...

... a vibrant santa themed panel that I quilted and still need to finish handsewing the binding on... I sold one like this last year through my Etsy shop and thought it would be fun to do again...

... a SWEET snowman table runner. Love the quilted snowflake detail! Can't wait to make more of these!

... a Santa fabric inspired log cabin mat... the colors are based on the wonderful Santa fabric in the border...

...also, yesterday I had an order arrive from Green Fairy Quilts and I couldn't resist using one of my Ruby charm packs to make a dozen teabag coasters.

Hmmm... so I guess I just answered my own question... where has the week gone? I think this has been the most intense week of sewing I've ever had. I actually have another sweet topper pieced and ready for quilting... we'll see if I can get to it or not. My hubby has been amazing this week, cleaning floors, hanging garlands and lights, and getting the tree up for me. Tomorrow - set up!

open house pics!

2011-11-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

So here's the sale in the tiniest of nutshells... I'm beat and we're set to do it all again tomorrow! Sorry the pics are a little small... click to enlarge!

Today went really well and we're so thankful for the support of friends and family! If you missed out on being there today, we'll see you bright and early tomorrow! Info is on my <-- left sidebar <--

wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

my Tuesday timeout...

2011-11-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

...isn't happening this week! I'm running in a hundered different directions today but just wanted to slow down for a monent and make a quick post...

Don't forget to take time to reflect as things get busy with Christmas coming. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

ho ho ho... and a little oh no!

2011-11-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

So things are crazy busy around here, but that's normal for this time of year. Open House is just 4 sleeps away and there's just still so much to do...

This is what I stayed up waaay too late last night to make... I started with the most wonderfulest Santa fabric and went from there. You have to understand, I am a Santa girl through and through. At first, my hubby wasn't so sure about me making a Santa bag, but now he agrees with me in thinking it's pretty awesome. So awesome I might even have to keep it. Anyway, here's the fabric...

And here's the bag... awesome, yes?

Totally worth the late night!

And as for the oh no part of my post... I think my computer has died. This is not a good thing. But the worrying will have to wait a few days, because I either have something to paint, sew, hot glue, bake, or clean right now. Good thing my kiddos have a laptop for mom to borrow...

it's a mini quilt party!

2011-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Mini quilt, you say? Well, I made a couple of mini quilts recently, I say!

I came across this wonderful Mini Quilt Party through amylouwho and thought it would be fun to jump on board.

So here's my first mini... she's called "My Scruffily Scalloped Hometown Table Mat"...

She's petite and sweet, measuring 13" square...

She's got all the right colors in all the right places...

She's a curvy little gal, and not afraid to show it... that's what I like about her!

And here's mini #2... "My Simply Scruffily Homwtown Table Mat"...

Itty bitty little 1" squares... scruffily sweet petals... crosshatch quilting...

Yummy osnaburg...

She may be a little square...

...but as you can see by the cookies, she's a fun lovin' gal like the rest of us!

Thanks for joining me today! I hope you are enjoying all the mini quiltie goodness here in blogland!

Oh and FYI... both quilties are available here in case you love them as much as I do!

wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

my Tuesday timeout...

2011-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

It was a little of this and a lot of that today, with mailing packages, stopping to get a flute fixed, shopping here for a zipper and there for scrapbooking tape... and then heading over to my kids' school more than an hour earlier than I needed to actually be there by accident. *SIGH* Really? Wasting time this close to Open House? Oh well, at least I got a break from the painting that's covering my table and knocked off a few levels of angry birds on my phone... before I realized my mix up! Thank goodness Robyn was around today... he went back at the scheduled pick up time for me so I could keep painting. My hero!

So anyway, here's a little peek of what's on the go right now... and a couple of little finishes too. I love it when finishes are a part of my Tuesday timeout!

Nativity pieces in assorted stages of detailed-ness...

Snowmen napkin rings...

Box tops waiting to be sealed... I love these and they're really popular. One year a woman bought about 10 of them to be gifts for her women's Bible Study group... perfect!

...and one of two sled ornaments...

it was a busy day from where I sat...

2011-11-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

It was a full day, and I sat for 99% of it. I'm not so sure that the lack of movement was the best thing I could have done for myself, but I did get a lot accomplished. I listed some candle hugs.. they're in the post previous to this one. I finished my scrollcutting that I'd started last night, then basecoated Marys, Josephs, camels, and wise guys till I couldn't basecoat any more. (Basecoating is one of those things that takes forever but you don't really see where the time went.) I moved on to photograph a schwack of quiltes and stitcheries and it felt great to get them all listed in the shop. It felt even greater to discover that two of my listings had sold this morning. Kind of makes sitting around all day a little more worth it! So now that I'm all caught up with the business end of my online life for now, I'll quickly show a few pics of the new listings... and then get back to my painting.

Be sure to make your move if you're interested in any of these listings... my Open Houses are coming up and my online shops will close for a few days. All of my items are ready to ship and I do try to get them out in a day or two... Christmas is coming, and my quilties make perfect gifties! But once they're gone, they're gone!

candle cuffs...

2011-11-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

...now in the shop...

it's almost painting time...

2011-11-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

The pine is prepped, the designs are transferred... I'll be in the shop on the scroll saw if you need me tonight!

(We'll see how long I last... it's pretty cold out there!)

can I get a woo-hoo?

2011-11-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yay for a finish... or two... or three... or four...

And now... on to the next thing on the list!

retro Christmas quilt update...

2011-11-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

It took 1 hour and 22 minutes for me to crosshatch quilt my Retro Christmas Quilt...

Difficult on my machine? Yes. That's why I decided against stipple quilting this time around. But so worth it. And now it's time to snuggle under it (with Christmas tunes playing and a mug of eggnog chai beside me) and get the binding finished. Oh, the hardships...

wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

my Tuesday timeout...

2011-11-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for my Tuesday timeouts.
For laughs with a friend.
For creativity.
For homemade chai.
And today, for Hallowe'en candy.

Happy Halloweenie!

2011-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Now that the kiddos are a little older, it's time that they hand out the candy instead of holding out their hands. I'm planning on making lasagne today for dinner, among all the regular craziness of Open House prep... so I'm sure that this will be us tonight... that is, if Java leaves a spot by the fire!

quilting around the {retro} Christmas tree...

2011-10-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been going full tilt here this week... the Open House and Vintage Market will be here before I know it! (Info for both is on my right sidebar --> )This is just a little of what has been going on in the sewing room lately...

I finished quilting my reindeer stitcherie quilt, bound it, and ran it through the washer and dryer... I love it! I'm sure that for a quilter, nothing beats that crinkly goodness!

Here's a close up of rudolph...

I made a Christmas bunting to match, using coordinating 12 Days of Christmas pieces to match... and also another bunting based on a fabulous Michael Miller retro print.

And just this morning I finished off this awesome quilt top, and am so happy with it although I have NO idea how I'll manage quilting it on my small machine! (Pssst... Santa... are you there...?) I took this while standing on a chair and barely got it all in one picture!

It was a kit I purchased from Amy Smart and I'm so glad I did... having all the fussy cut squares delivered to my door was well worth the money, and her pattern made it a snap to put together. The square I placed in the centre is my favorite...

So now it's either time to figure out how to quilt this sucker or start something new! I'm sure I'll keep you posted!

wordless Wednesday...

2011-10-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

my Tuesday timeout...

2011-10-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today was all about being a bag lady... and this is what I accomplished...

Five sweet keyring clutches got finished off... yay! They're a little picky to make, but are so worth it in the end!

One bucket bag... I love this combo!

I also worked on the body of a pixie handbag and some owl envelope clutches... I've sold so many bags and purses this fall that I really need to re-stock the shop! Hopefully tomorrow I'll get them finished off so I can then get them listed, unless I get distracted by other sewing. But you know me... that rarely ever happens. Right?

thread : paper : scissors : food

2011-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a good day.

Andrea I attended a 12 hour event at our friend Cindy's chruch titled "Thread : Paper : Scissors" and it was a bring-whatever-you-want-to-work-on-and-we'll-provide-all-your-meals type of deal. {And FYI, Cindy prepared every bit of food you will see in this post... be sure to stop by her site to say hello and to thank her for my jeans being even more snug than usual today.}

Yes, Saturday was a good day.

Breakfast was ready when we arrived... I may have had two slices of this. I can't really remember. All the food I ate that day is a bit of a blur. I DO remember having fruit and coffee with the lemon cranberry cake though. You know, to balance things out a bit.

I was ambitious and really planned ahead for this day. I cut and prepared patterns 'till my thumb was ready to fall off. I even paid Emily to cut a bit for me, for fear that my thumb actually would fall off. I packed my big sewing bag and checked it twice. I left a clean kitchen and dinner plans for the fam in place. They went ahead and ordered pizza.

Here's what I brought...

We claimed our tables and got set up. I brought my ironing board along and discovered this little note was stuck on it... I love you too, Emily!

There were (I think ) about 20 women there, working on everything from scrapbooking to stitcheries to sewing projects. There were even two classes that ran throughout the day to make cards and quilted Christmas ornaments. They looked interesting, but they weren't for me. I had a goal.

I sewed stitches. I ripped stitches. I changed the foot on my machine a couple of times since it was acting up. I re-threaded and tried a new machine needle. Really? Today of all days?

We stopped and had lunch. Just one of these plates was mine. Sheesh, what do you people think of me?

OBVIOUSLY, I needed to save room for dessert.

I sewed some more and completed this...

...and Andrea completed hers too...

Time for a break? Sounds good to me. Spicy cider and pumpkin muffins... Mmmm...

I think it was at this point that a few of us decided to take a little trip to the local fabric store. I don't get out that way often so it was a nice little outing. I may have spent some money on this kit by Moda... however that (like the amount of food I consumed that day) is a bit of a blur.

Back to work. I got the second of my big bags (the black and grey combo) well under way so I feel really good about that. I also did a bunch on the little keyring clutches... the yucky picky stuff like sewing all the keyring hangers and the velcro in place, and making the bag shells. Glad to have all that behind me! And happy to be able to say that I did get one clutch finished off.

Who's hungry? Good, let's eat!

Got room for dessert? Amazingly, I did...

At this point I *yawn* may have been slowing down a bit. Who knew that ~~eating~~ sewing for this many hours could make you this sleepy? So, to keep myself motivated, I turned to my new Moda kit and started working on a few of the advent calendar pockets. It's a great project and was just what I needed to round out the day. And before you could say "coffee-with-a-shot-of-eggnog" it was time to pack up and head home.

Thank you, Cindy, for your part in organizing this awesome day. I had a great time, got a lot accomplished, and will be starting my diet right now. Just as soon as I finish my mocha.

bad business? what do you think?

2011-10-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

So here's the sweetened condensed version. I recently made an online purchase from a shop that states on its site that it carries a large amount of stock (50 of each) on the items I purchased. As a customer, I believed that this meant that the shop actually does carry the amount of stock it says it does. After the shopowner had my payment in her hand, she emailed me to tell me that she had to make my items and they'd ship in a week. I didn't say anything because I really need the items I ordered and I just wanted to let her get them shipped. After they did ship, I questioned her on this. I told her that I was confused by the transaction and pointed out that her site tells customers that she carries stock even though she doesn't and that she is misrepresenting herself. She told me that nobody in her business carries that much stock, and that all purchases are made to order.

Would you agree or disagree with me in my opinion that this shopowner is misrepresenting herself?

I told her that I'd like to pass on good reviews when I pass on her site to my friends and she replied that she will do the same with mine. This woman doesn't know me as a business person, just as a customer who had a complaint. She has no idea how I handle my business. But you'd better believe that I take better care of my customers than this! I have no idea what she's planning on saying about me, and to whom. I know she's visited my blog since I contacted her about this issue. I don't expect her to make any purchases from me. And even though I do love her product, she has asked me to no longer shop with her, because I am "so unhappy". I really think it's wrong to tell someone to "no longer shop here" just because they pointed out something that could very easily be fixed... and apologized for. It's not my fault that whoever keeps her website updated can't adjust numbers when necessary to keep the "in stock" tally current.

I'll keep an eye on her site. It'll be interesting to see if she makes a note that her product is made to order, or keeps things the way they are... misleading.

wasting not is so rewarding!

2011-10-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

So a little while ago, yours truely was featured on Moda Bake Shop with my "About Town {Hometown} Ruffle Scarf". (Did you like my reminder and shameless plug??) Anyway, if you read the tutorial, you saw that I was bound to have leftover strips after cutting the Hometown jelly roll into pieces for my scarf. The strips weren't all that long, but I was determined to make them into something beautiful. So yesterday I decided to get creative and managed to use 'em alllll up. Are you ready...? Here goes...

This is what I started with... mmmmm, a delicious fat free jelly roll...

Here's my scarf... project #1. (I wore it about town yesterday with jeans, a long dark grey sweater, wooly brown clogs...and bare feet 'cause I'm just not ready to give in to fall!)

I used this pattern and made a mini version of it with leaf shaped cuts of Hometown sewn onto a solid osnaburg backing... it needs to go through the washer and dryer and then it'll be frayed to perfection... project #2.

Then I took the leftover leaves and borderd this little cutie. The squares finished at just 1 1/2" and I used a red from my stash for the binding... I love it! Once it goes through the wash and dryer I think the crosshatch quilting will really pop! Project #3.

Next, it was a mini mat with the font inspired by a Sweetwater pattern ("City Block") that they gifted to me during their Random Acts of Kindness promotion. Sweet, right? Project #4.

And finally... last but not least... I made three adorable fabric covered button rings... you can see them, and also the barest of leftover scraps from the jelly roll if you enlarge this last picture. Project #5.

It has been a good, good couple of days in my sewing room!

awww... I shouldn't have...

2011-10-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

No really, I shouldn't have.

You know when a friend makes you a little giftie and your reaction includes an "awww... you shouldn't have"? Well, I made myself a little something today and I really shouldn't have. I simply don't have the time to spare, but I really needed a new little bag for my on-the-go sewing supplies.

So to make a long story short, here it is. I'm showing it open because although my zipper went in beautifully, my hexagon ends did not. Don't get me wrong, the pattern was wonderfully written and makes a really great bag. The problem was that I sewed with too many other things on my mind.

Kind of like sewing under the influence?

wordless Wednesday...

2011-10-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

my {Ruby} Tuesday timeout...

2011-10-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was a little under the weather this past weekend, so I spent my time in my jammies... sipping tea...and handstitching...

I'd cut into my coveted Ruby jelly roll and just kind of dove into it without a plan in the world. I pieced a couple of runners... (the top one is ready for handstitching the binding in place)...

...and with some orphaned blocks that I'd made incorrectly, was able to make a third little topper so they weren't wasted... (I took it out of the hoop for this picture, but there's still more stitching to do)...

Today's Tuesday timeout involved a lot of cutting with scissors and my hand is sure feeling it! I've been selling quite a few bags out of my etsy shop and thought today would be good for getting ready to restock a bit. The choosing fabrics and cutting everything takes forever so I'm glad to have that job behind me!

But today was also good for finishing off the binding on one of my Ruby runners, making it a great {Ruby} Tuesday timeout!

I'm in a canning bind!

2011-10-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Although I've never canned anything in my life, I've always been a lover of all things canned. Pickles, peaches, pears... perfect. Tomatoes... to die for. Asparagus... awesome. Salsa... sign me up. Marinated mushrooms... mmm. You get the idea.

This is my latest on-the-go quilt. I pieced the canning jars last week and just finished the sashing and borders today. Now the question is, what to bind it in? I was planning on just using the brown print but one of my kiddos is voting for the cream muslin, and the other thinks I should go with scrappy fruits and veggies. I think the latter might be lost with the borders being rather dark. But it might work... I just don't want to waste any of this delicious fabric!

Any ideas to throw in the pot?

it's _____ Saturday...

2011-10-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

_____ being...

sore throat.
turkey soup.
peppermint tea.
(feel sorry for me?)

sigh... TGIF...

2011-10-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

about town {hometown} ruffle scarf...

2011-10-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's today!

I'm very excited to have been given the chance to design a little something for Moda Bake Shop! My "About Town {Hometown} Ruffle Scarf" is on today's menu... and it's delicious if I do say so myself!

Be sure to stop by the bake shop to have a little peek...and thanks so much for visiting me here today!

my Tuesday timeout... and my big news!

2011-10-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

Poaring rain. Salted caramel mocha. Delicious fat quarters. Wonderful friends. Hugs from 3 year old Isaac. My Tuesday timeout.

And in other news... on Thursday a project of mine is going to be featured on Moda Bake Shop! Me... excited? Oh not much...

Thanksgiving thankfulness...

2011-10-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we really took the day to slow down. The last couple of weeks have been a little crazy for us. But we're so thankful that God was with us through it all since I don't know how we could have done it without Him. There were Emily's extra early band practice mornings that definitely had me wiped out. Robyn's back pain meant time off work. I was more than stressed about having to physically chase down payment for some quilts. I had a doozy of a flat tire while across the line. Our neighbours enjoyed running their air compresser and impact drill after 11 at night. And then we blew a fuse Sunday morning while getting ready for church, and half the house shut down. Yes, they're just life things, but they felt like they were getting the best of me. My creative motivation went out the window at a time when I need it the most. So this weekend we just stopped and did nothing. And it felt good.

Actually, we didn't {just} do nothing. I cooked my first turkey dinner all by my onesies. And so we ate. And enjoyed. And were thankful because God is so good.

wordless Wednesday...

2011-10-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

swooning... my way...

2011-10-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

I decided that Saturday would be a good day to Swoon a little... and after a bit of searching through my scrap bin, this was the end result...

I love this block! I love the size (see my little piggies near the corner?)! I love the scrappy-ness! And I love working with darker colors now that it feels so much like fall! Makes me wanna swoon a little!

But wait... there's more...

Here it is again looking totally different, with scalloped bunting on white and tiny pindots on red (my favorite go-to 'basic')...

Just makes you happy all over, doesn't it?

well, good morning, Friday!

2011-09-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

...you're looking lovely today!

they're the bomb!

2011-09-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

So, 'Angry Birds' seem to have taken over our household just a little this past week or so. Those little suckers are hard to resist! Even though we're quite a bit late in jumping on the bandwagon, we're sure enjoying those slingshots and piggies! And Emily's had a lot of fun taking it to a higher level... much to the amusement of her classmates...

She's also made the red bird and is working on a yellow one. She found the pattern here in case you feel the need to stitch your own bird to toss at someone you love. I know they'll do the trick because I may have tried it once or twice. I'm just sayin'.

{almost} wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

...I'm starting to think 'Open House' around here...

my Tuesday timeout...

2011-09-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

{{Ok, I'm sure that everyone who drove down my street while I was snapping pictures of my feet for this post must think I'm absolutely crazy for bending at awkward angles with a camera aimed at my toes... but hey, it was worth it!}}

Lookie what I made last night and this morning... slippers!

I found the pattern here on etsy and was totally smitten... can you blame me?

The brown pair aren't quite finished yet but they soon will be...

And the bunting pair turned out exactly as planned....

Methinks I've found a new addiction?

finally fall...

2011-09-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, if I had to pick a day to say farewell to summer, Sunday was the perfect day. After the amazing weather we'd enjoyed for the past few weeks, the sunshine for the market on Saturday was the ultimate icing on the cake. Then, through the night, the wind and rain came and it's officially fall around here.

It's time for hoodies and slippers and wonderfully scented candles. Oh, and baking something - anything - with pumpkin in it. And have you done your fall decorating yet? I did mine a little early since it made the process of photographing fall and Hallowe'en quilties for my shop a little bit easier. And speaking of fall and candles and quilties and my shop... I have these sweet candle wraps available for sale. Because, hey, if YOU'RE dressed in a hoodie and slippers, shouldn't your candle be all wrapped up too?

today's market {in a nutshell} was...

2011-09-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

...outstanding.

Today was perfect. I would not have changed a thing and feel so thankful that there was a space for me. (And for Julianna, who made a wonderful helper! I couldn't have done it with out her!)

Fieldstone Vintage Market...

2011-09-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

(image from Birch and Bird)

It's almost time... and the weather forcast couldn't be more perfecter if it tried! I'm winding down projects, starting to pack up and counting my blessings. It looks like it's gonna be a good weekend.

wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

oh, the excitement!

2011-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday passed without me even knowing it. First thing in the morning, I received an email letting me know that I had been accepted into the Fieldstone Vintage Market here in Abbotsford... and it takes place this weekend!

Once my heart slowed back down to its normal pace and my thoughts cleared a little, I started thinking 'vintage'. I decided to abandon a quilt project that's been on the go for quite a while and turn the blocks into individual wall quilties/tray liners... I love how they're turning out so far!

I have plans for a few more projects that shouldn't be too much to take on this late in the game, but you can still wish me luck... I have a feeling I'll need it this week!

under the big top...

2011-09-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! I'll let the pictures do the talking while I go make coffee... and plan the best way to tackle the unpacking/organizing that always comes after an event like this...

Thanks so much to those who stopped by to say hello and do a little shopping! You're the reason we do what we do! And we hope to see you at our Christmas Open House in November!

today's to-do's...

2011-09-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Two more days 'till Campbell Valley's Country Celebrations... so today I'm painting signs!

Well, that, and quilting a couple of last minute pieces, pricing everything that's not nailed down, hauling out the display stands, packing the baskets and bins, praying for sun, and running errands all over town. You know, the usual.

wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

it's not Friday, but I've got some finishes to share!

2011-09-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

What a busy weekend we had... and this week will be crazy too. On my left sidebar you can read a little about the Country Celebrations event that I'm participating in, and that's what this week will be all about. I have a few finishes to share, but I won't go into any describing detail as they're all now listed in the shop and you can read all about 'em if you click here! Have a great evening and enjoy the pics... I had a lot of fun taking them!

Oh, and here's a couple shots that I captured this past weekend... it really feels like that was the end of summer, or at least the end of swimming for the year, and I'm SO glad that we were able to end it with friends... 'cause that's what it's all about, splish-splash!

did you hear it too?

2011-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

This past week brought a lot of sounds to my ears. Sounds of heartache. Sounds of worry. There were sharp words but also soft words. Words of doubt and words of wisdom. Plans were made and good things happened as a result. Heartache turned to joy and worry turned to relief. As a Momma, I know that all of these sounds were necessary to bring us to today. So now I'm smiling. Can you hear me?

Friday finish...

2011-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

I had to snap this little cutie by the pool since we're enjoying some absolutely amazing weather these days...

Made with Strawberry Fields, a wonderful taupe solid, and a sweet cream on cream print backing with green polka dot binding...

Oh, and did I mention it's reversible?

sweet l'il dumplings...

2011-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

So I must day, I've become a little addicted to sewing zippers of all things. If you know anything about my past relationship with zippers, you'd be very surprised at me admitting that! But it's true what they say (whoever 'they' are)... practice really does make perfect!

My latest addiction... dumplings... aren't they adorable? Hey, I sure think so!

Thank you again to keykalou for your fabulous tutorial! Wanna make some dumplings of your own? Click here to learn how. Don't wanna bother and would rather browse some already made dumpling goodness? Click here to visit my shop. Enjoy!

wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

winner winner chicken (caesar wraps for) dinner!

2011-09-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh when I pulled the winning name out of the old hat on this giveaway... it's my lovely friend Kristin! Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes and for playing along!

And now, it's time to make dinner... any guesses as to what we're having?

last chance to enter!

2011-09-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, today looks like it'll be a labor-filled Labor Day around our house, and not an end-of-summer beach day like ~~we'd~~ I'd been hoping for... there's cleaning to be done, some seasonal decorating to swap out, three quilties I'd love to stipple and get ready to bind, a huge pile of fallish pieces to photograph and list in the shop, and since tomorrow's the big back to school day, I guess I'd better make like a good momma and bake something. Whew! What are your plans for this gorgeous early fall day?

And just a littler reminder... today's your last day to enter my birthday giveaway! Click here to enter... and good luck!

wedding checklist...

2011-09-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'll bet you've never seen a wedding checklist quite like this...

*origami paper
*coloring supplies
*dinosaur stencils
*tabletop ring toss game
*books
*cars
*rubix cube
*rubix snake
*non-chocolate cookies
*spinning top

{{My girls have been asked to nanny at a wedding today for three handsome little guys and they're all very excited. One of the little boys was disappointed however when he learned that there are three boys and only two girls. Too bad buddy, you'll just have to make do!}}

Please pray for safety for the whole group today. The wedding is an hour away and it will be a looong day for all involved. It's also a non-Christian crowd so prayers for my girls' protection would be greatly appreciated!

Mmmm... leftover cheesecake for breakfast...

2011-09-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Last night my girlies worked their birthday magic and created a little celebration just for me. Julianna said it was to be a 'red' party since I love red, and it was lovely! We celebrated outside since it was a beautiful evening... there were red dishes and balloons, gifts of new red oven mits and a red seed holder tin that will find a place of honor in my sewing room. And there was a wonderful bracelet made in Africa that I just love. Maybe getting older isn't so bad after all!

Have I ever mentioned that I have the bestest family?

*Don't forget to enter my birthday giveaway! Click here to enter*

happy birthday to me... and a giveaway for you!

2011-09-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's my party and I'll have a giveaway if I want to!

So, the beginning of September always brought mixed feelings for me as I was growing up... there was always my birthday to be excited about, but then there was that dreaded back to school day... and often they fell one on top of the other! Now that I'm a parent though, for some reason I look a little more forward to the beginning of September. I'm sure that you, as parents, can understand where I'm coming from!

Here at My Brown Bag Studio, it's been quite a while since I've had a little giveaway to share. And the good news for you, is if you just leave a comment on this post, you're entered! (I'm not into all the hoop jumping that often is a part of entering a giveaway)

So, thanks for your visit today... I'll draw the winner on Sept 6th... the day my girls head back to school and I head out for a celebratory mocha.

wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

sayonara Midori...

2011-08-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

We had a very sad morning to wake up to today... after two weeks with us, Midori is on her way home to Japan. We had such a wonderful time with this girl and it honestly will be very quiet around here until we get back into the swing of things. We tried hard to keep her busy here in Canada and I think she had a good time... we picked blueberries, taught her to play cribbage and then played lots and lots of cribbage, we shopped, hung out at the beach, went out for dinner, stayed in for dinner, played badminton, went to a wedding and a birthday party, created scapbooks, crafted with felt, brought her to our church, watched Harry Potter and raced on Mario Cart... whew, I'm tired just remembering it all!

Thank you for staying with us Midori! We really loved having the chance to get to know you and we'll miss you very much!

happy birthday to you... and you!

2011-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

August is a birthday heavy month for our family... Robyn and his mom share the 12th, my cousin and her daughter are on the 19th and 26th, and yesterday was my Grandma's (we call her Deeda)... this year she's 96 years young. We celebrated Robyn's and Deeda's with cakes and laughs and that's what birthdays are all about! My girls baked for their dad... this was their version of a laungoustine... ever heard of that? They and Robyn all love Mr Bean, and the cake was based on this movie clip (click on 'this movie clip'... apparently my link is there, you just don't know it!). I thought they did a wonderful job and it was an amazingly creative cake!

And here are the girls and my grandma together. We celebrated with her and my parents on Saturday night and had a great time. Like I said, she's 96 years young... we love you Deeda!

Friday {almost} Finishes...

2011-08-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

I got my Hallowe'en quilt top finished off yesterday, between dips in the pool and games of crib with the girls. Have I mentioned how happy I am that it's finally summer around here? I'm debating on whether or not to add a scrappy border... what do you think? And I wasn't too sure about the darkish block in the top left corner, but now I really like it.

Here are a few close up shots... I'm looking forward to getting the quilting done!

And this is a little sneak peek of Emily's latest project... she's doing so well with her sewing and I can't wait to see this little witchie-poo finished off...

something spooky...

2011-08-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you take a few odd sized Halloowe'en scraps...

...add to them a fat quarter bundle that you got on sale at JoAnns...

...and mix them together with some wonderful pinwheel patterns by the very talented Rachel of psiquilt ?

A quiltie that's off to a very spooky start! {Hopefully this little baby will be close to completion by the end of the day...}

wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

our happy cam-purrr...

2011-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

My favorite place to spend the afternoon is in my sewing room, and Java usually is there with me. She's not a housecat that's allowed on the tables, but in my sewing room she does use it to climb onto the windowsill, which is her favorite place to spend the afternoon. Well, if you take a regular sized windowsill, and a mid sized cat, you'll discover that they're not the same width. It was getting really funny watching her try to position herself so her stomach wouldn't make her fall off... so we came up with this solution...

Yesterday Robyn built a custom kitty bed for Java's place in the sun and we outfitted it with a little quiltie to make it her own (and so kitty hair clean up was a little easier for me)...

I think she looks pretty content, don't you? She's a regular little happy cam-purrr!

tonight, dinner was on the house!

2011-08-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we took Midori, our Japanese student, out for dinner at our favorite family restaurant, Red Robins. We thought it would make for a fun evening, and boy, did it ever! The girls all ordered milkshakes, Robyn had a float, and I ordered a favorite... freckled lemonade, which is made with fresh strawberry slices floating in it. Well, after the drinks arrived and the food was ordered, I took a sip and set my glass back on the table. It was a tall pedestal glass and when I set it down, the bottom crumbled and the whole thing ended in my lap. It was so cold and so sudden that I think I was in shock! Remember the strawberry slices I mentioned? Well, they were now decorating my light colored linen capris. There was juice in my shirt and glass in my shoe. I hightailed it out of there pretty quick to run home, wash, and change (and to pop the clothes in the washer) and made it back to the restaurant in 10 minutes flat! Normally it's about 10 minutes just to drive there but, um, let's just say that traffic was light. All's well that ended well... I got the stains out of my clothes and my entire meal - including my replacement freckled lemonade - for free. And Midori got a story to take home to Japan. Win-win, right?

before & after...

2011-08-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

We've spent the last week getting to know a wonderful girl from Japan. Her name is Midori and we've been so blessed to have her staying with us. I know for a fact that all the laughs we've shared will stay with us all for a looong time!

Tonight Midori made us dinner and it was absolutely wonderful. None of us had ever eaten California Rolls before and let me tell you, I think we're hooked! Well, all of us except Emily... you can see her plate in the upper left corner of the first photo... it's the one with a fajita cut California Roll style, and she had sour cream to dip in instead of soya sauce. I'm not too sad that she decided not to try one... it just meant that there was more for the rest of us! At least she ate them with chopsticks! Here are the 'before' and 'after' pics...

new cross body bags...

2011-08-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

...in the shop if you're interested! Oh, and I've lowered the price on them too... quick, go have a peek!

wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

my Tuesday timeout...

2011-08-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Pair a great bundle of prints picked up on etsy with a few sample pieces found at a local quilt shop... add a couple of free hours while the kids play outside... and what do you get?

A happy me. What else?