Now, for a tour of her room

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A quilt for my sweet boy

In the last two weeks, my little guy turned 5 and started Kindergarten! I can just barely wrap my mind around this. When we arrived at the door of his classroom on the first day, he stopped and said, "mom... I don't need you anymore." My heart did a flip flop, but I quickly recovered, knelt down and said, "okay, buddy, so you don't want me to come in the classroom with you?" He replied, "Nope... I got it." So... I gave him a huge hug, and watched him walk into his first elementary classroom (that was filled with the other parents and their kids.) I walked about halfway down the hill from the school before my thoughtful smile turned into tears. My baby is in Kindergarten, and he is soooo ready. I felt many different emotions just as I had when my first went to Kindergarten. This time, though, it was mostly a feeling of excitement for him.






A few days later, I got to bring Popsicles to the classroom for his birthday. The teacher greeted me and told me she couldn't believe that he was the youngest in the class. She told me that he was one of "the most with it" kids in the class and that he was doing awesome. Maybe teachers say this to parents all the time, but it meant so much to me. I have agonized about the decision to send him to Kindergarten when he would turn 5 after it started. The thing is, all indicators in every area point to the fact that he is completely ready. I can't tell you though, how strongly the majority of public opinion is slanted towards delayed start for our boys, ready or not. Everybody and their brother has expressed this opinion to me, which really is too bad. It's none of their business and it is hurtful. So I've held my head high, listened to my inner voice, watched for any signs that I got it wrong, and cheered him as he bounces in and out of the door to school each day.




I had hoped to have this quilt done by his birthday, but you know how it is. Instead, I gave him a stack of 20 improv log cabin squares that I've constructed over the past year. It was really so sweet to watch him carefully look at each one with his sister. He was over the moon that I'm making him a twin quilt for his bed. Now, I'm in the process of sewing on the sashing... Kona snow cotton. I'll explain that process when I get the top completely done and show it to you. My friend, Katie at sewkatiedid gave me the suggestion. (She's so smart!)

So this morning is really the first morning I've had to myself since they both started school. I decided to give myself a few hours for what I'm calling a mini-vacation since I never really had one this summer. It feels so good to let go and sew just for fun. I think I could definitely get used to this!

Summertime sewing

In between eating from our garden, working part-time, pool visits, running, and bike riding with the kids, I've been fitting in a smidgen of quilting here and there. This one's for my niece who turns 1 in a couple of months. I've got some other's that I'm working on.... really three, but who's counting?! They'll get done eventually and it's all about therapy for me if you get right down to it.

I straight line quilted this one and kept it nice and light for that sweet girl. The better to mush between her teeny tiny fingers as she's falling asleep.

I had a ball doing straight line quilting! I always use free motion because I so love drawing with the thread. I like the way it came together though, and the quilting fit the look of the quilt. There's squares from the clothing of my kids in there because every baby quilt needs that "I heart you history part." Really, lots of the fabrics in the quilt hold different memories for me. It was a lovely way to share a chunk of us with this spirited, beautiful, not-so-new addition to our family.

Being a mama....

How does it happen? Eight years can fly by. I still remember the absolute awe I felt at the swelling of my belly. Now, here she is. Eight years later. So much has changed. She has. I have. We have. I now know love that extends from the crown of my head to the tip of my toes. Being a mother challenges me and simultaneously completes me.

I've got this beautiful, intelligent, extraordinary eight year old who still loves to wear the clothes her mama makes her on her birthday. She wears them every day with leggings and t-shirts. As long as she's into it, I'm making her clothes!

There are so many things about being a mama that I never could have imagined. Sometimes I'm tired and ordinary, sometimes I'm awesome. Once I had one, then there came two; that changed everything. It's a struggle at times to juggle it all. Kids have more energy than adults... that is a fact that I dare you to dispute. Hands down, the blog, comes last. But can I just tell you that in some way, all of it makes me who I am? And in the very same breath, I can tell you that I am a better mama thanks to the eight year old and four year old who have graced my life. So... skirts for my girl, as long as she wants them, and blog posts every so once in a while!

finished!

Here it is! My latest quilt. It took me almost a year to complete, but who's counting. It's funny how hesitant I am to share any of my quilts on my blog. I am not prolific, nor extremely accomplished, but I do so love patchwork and free motion quilting.

This one is for close friends. In memory of their son, Alexander Oak. I quilted a tree in the middle and leaves throughout.

A quilt is the one way I know how to extend comfort to friends whose loss is beyond my imagination. Quilts are made to provide healing and happiness in my mind.

I fell in love with the backing. Lonni Rossi. She is so talented. This print seemed to embrace the cycle of life. I used fabrics predominantly by her with the exception of a few batiks and Aboriginal prints.

So, I've sewn the sleeve on the back for a wall hanging and the threads are snipped. Now, it's just ready to be delivered to it's new home. Have a great weekend, everyone!

March... you know what they say

"In like a lion, out like a lamb." Okay, okay. It wasn't quite the winter scene below. That was a couple of months ago. However, it was a wintry mix all day, and I just couldn't drag my butt out for a run. Snow coating the hillside and rhododendron leaves, in between sheets of rain? No big deal. I'll wait till tomorrow to fit in a run, thank you.

We meant to craft, but it never really happened. There was cleaning, forts built (destroying the sense of cleanliness), quite a long period of imaginary play, "Go Fish" negotiated between a 4 and an almost 8 year old, and then basil seeds planted (just about the time I thought I might lose my mind.)

Finally, yes, finally. I got to work on my projects. Birthday secrets for my big girl... I was completely content cutting up and combining fabrics. It's quicker than a quilt, but with all the satisfaction of patchwork. I was happy to give up my plans of planting strawberries, greens, and new potatoes. There was no way I was going outside today. On days like this, bliss is drinking tea and eating my mother in-law's cookies. I'll run it off tomorrow while I piece fabrics in my head.

Wouldn't it be something to achieve that state of contentment and bliss all week? Alright, I know, it's a non-reality. I always have the highest aspirations. I am the horse that starts out of the gate, spirited head held high. Somehow, though, I always finish in a lack luster position of not-so-noticeable standing. Does anybody else get that? So, I remind myself to think happiness with a modicum of grace mixed in. Sound good? Alright then, I'm headed for Monday with enthusiasm (and the knowledge that my sweet sister is arriving in just 6 days.) Maybe she can conquer the laundry.

Spring Cleaning

Such a lovely weekend we had! It's been in the sixties here and we just can't help but think about spring. Honestly, it's been hard to come indoors, and we've been working hard at cleaning up the yard and getting the garden ready. I did rummage around in my sewing room, and it's time to let go of some fabric. A Moda Wonderland Jelly Roll, anyone? We've been feeling the crunch of the recession on our family's business (and primary income.) I love all my fabrics, but it also feels wonderful to let go.


So, I'll be offering up yardage as I come across it (or can part with it.) Most of my fabrics are out of print, so there promises to be some good stuff over the next few weeks. If you're local and want to buy, email me and we can avoid the shipping and paypal costs. Any advice you have is welcome, as I'll be figuring this out as I go. I've noticed lots of folks destashing for seemingly fair prices, only to watch the buyer turn around and sell that fabric for more. That just doesn't seem right and I want to earn for the needs of my family. So... spread the word if you will, it's all here. I'd appreciate it.

Sewing with seven year olds

Santa brought her a Singer 1507 sewing machine for Christmas. It was the one thing she asked for, so I was very relieved that he got it right. She's had a ball with it. Although she's used my machine a few times, we started with the basics. I let her get used to the petal on her new machine first. We did this without threading the machine. She ran the pedal with her foot, hands under her bottom, until she was able to start slowly and maintain a steady rhythm. Then we put thread in the machine and worked on stopping, starting, and following lines drawn on paper (straight, curvy, and angles.) It was worth the time at the front end to explain some use and care of the machine, along with the mini tutorials. We talked about the fact that everybody has to practice if they want to get better at something. I think that's such an important insight for kids, so I slip it in whenever I can. (Once in a while, I get some eye rolling from them, but I think they appreciate the reminder!)

Next, she moved onto making fairy quilts. She pieced blocks of fabrics, designing her layout beforehand. She created the entire mini quilt, start to finish, and was so thrilled. She made about ten more. The part that absolutely awed me was how she went about quilting each one. I was actually a bit nervous at first. She ran the machine like she was running a race; she looked more than a bit like a mad artist. I stopped myself from saying anything about needles and fingers, and just watched. I realized that she was essentially free motion quilting, just like she's seen her mom do so many times. The even more extraordinary thing (which will only mean something to you if you sew) is that she never dropped the feed dog, AND her stitches looked great! Hmmmm. If only I sewed as well as her when I was seven.

(Another one of her quilts, a felt bird that she made, and the pincushion I made for her to use with her first machine.)

Getting in my groove

Somewhere along the way in the last year, I lost my groove. It just happened. Certainly there was plenty of chaos and life stressors. It's easy to put oneself, or one's passions, on the back burner when it comes to raising kids. I'm fine with that these days although there was a time I felt decidedly more resentful. There is usually an ebb and flow, and I have a great life. Still, it just feels so good when some of my dreams take center stage.

Recently, several things converged for me artistically... drawing, block carving, print making, and sewing. They were driven by the deadline of our upcoming holiday show, but nevertheless, it got me in gear. These images are prints that I did on textile with my carved stamps. I did these more than a year ago, but I carved them again during my hiatus this summer (aka: dog attack recovery.) Plenty of helpful info is listed in this post and this one if you're interested in giving carving and printing a try.

I absolutely love drawing, and it is thrilling to see how your drawing will look once you've carved it. The printing process is equally as gratifying for me. There is something very meditative about it as you get into the rhythm of printing. These were my first attempts at printing on textile. I used linen and Pebeo Setacolour opaque textile paint from Dharma Trading Post.

Here's some of the results. The top two are being made into pillows. I also designed a messenger bag. I've printed up about 18 for the show and we'll see if I get them all constructed in time. Did I mention that the show is just 10 days away?! Hmmmm. My goal is to remain healthy while cranking it all out.

So... I've been a busy little bee, but that's usually the case this time of year. I find that I'm feeling really energized by my new creations, so let's hope is the drive that I need to get it all done. Really, though, even if I don't get everything made that I want to, the very best part is feeling like I'm back in my creative groove. Ah, yes. That's more like it.

At it again

I know, I know. I complain bitterly about sewing them up, but they're just so darn awesome. I want everyone to have one. We all have an artist within, don't we? I've been using my kids to do a little drawing lately. I think I may have to keep one of these new ones for myself. More here if you're interested.

Headbands!

Here's what we made... I fashioned my own pattern after looking at some others.

Here's what a friend made... just cut up strips of old t-shirts. Brilliant.

Here's what we found on the internet, should you be inspired:

fabric covered headbands

knit headbands

just one more (super easy peasy) knit headband

Have fun!

Remember me?

Well now. Have you missed me? I know, I know. It's been a while. I could give you the novel or the cliff notes. I think the novel will need to wait, so I'll suffice it to say that there have been some ups and downs in the last couple of months, along with plenty of busyness on my part.

I have recently spent some time considering whether or not I want to continue this blog. I was surprised and gratified by people asking me when I would post again. I really didn't think that my absence would be much missed. Sometimes writing in this space seems a little silly and insignificant to me. Other times, I genuinely enjoy the process of sharing. In truth, it keeps my sisters and friends easily apprised of the things going on in my life.

We'll see what happens in the next few months. There's always plenty going on, and it may be the thing that has to give is the blog. But in the meantime, I'll show you some things I've been working on.

Teacher's gifts... I downsized the pattern for Amy Butler's swing bag. I like them just a little bit smaller than the original. (Now, do you see those doors they're hanging on? Each door was conditioned, stained, and polyurethaned by my husband and me. Then we put the hardware on and hung them. There's way more work in the doors than those bags, let me tell you!)

A quick cheater pillow. Japanese fabric machine appliqued onto a clearance priced pillow cover. Note that the trim is still not installed on the floorboards. Big sigh. This house is a work in progress, and I promise some pictures soon (for real this time, Jen!)

Working on a quilt for special friends who are grieving the loss of their son. It has helped to heal my heart as well.

And finally, the most gratifying for me of all, a vegetable garden at our new home. There is so much sun that I don't know what to do. I spaced things too closely because I'm not used to them growing so well. My husband protested when I asked him to till 8 rows that are 45 ft long each. Look! We needed every inch. It's packed, and things are cranking.

I walk out in my garden several times a day, and just watch things grow. I pick away at weeds, nibble the herbs, and revel in the dream of having a full sun garden... finally... after 14 years. Pinch me. Is this for real?

Twirly skirts and seven year old girls

I absolutely love celebrating my children's birthdays. I am wrapped in memories of their births each year, and savor them like a fine wine. I get giddy planning the little surprises and treats. There is no shortage of excitement around here on birthdays. She was surrounded by loved ones and treats all weekend. It was unforgettable.


This year it was a bit more down to the wire than usual, but I was able to uncover my sewing machine and get busy making 3 twirly skirts for her. The tutorial is one that I found from 2008. It's here at Seven Layer Studio and gives directions for a range of sizes. I'm thrilled with it. It was quick to make and involved only 1 tier of gathering. That's a bonus! Last year I made this one and the second tier of gathering became tedious. I only made two more after that because I got tired of dealing with the gathering.

The only deviation I made from this tutorial was no topstitching and a rolled edge on the serger for the hem. Also, if you're serging, go ahead and do that gathering with your serger. Set the stitch length to the longest setting and differential feed to 2. Then you pull on the SHORTEST thread in the chain to gather. Easy peasy (unless you pull on the wrong thread.)

More of these skirts might be on the horizon. Really, there is nothing like making clothes for your children. It makes me grin to see her sailing through the yard in something I made for her. What warms my heart even more is when she comes to me with a specific request that I make her something. She's already asked if I can make some more skirts so she can wear one every day of the week. Sweet, huh?

Happy birthday sweet girl. It has been a joy to be your mother for these amazing seven years. Thank you for every inspiring minute of it.

Our valentine's weekend

Can I just tell you that I am astounded by the love in our life? I receive so much from my friends and family; it really is remarkable. I've always been an "in the closet" Valentine's day lover. I can look right past all the commercialism. The whole concept of expressing appreciation and love for those that you care about is my kind of holiday. That, and I secretly adore the combination of red and white. So, here are some glimpses of this weekend's treats.

Can you see the fairies flitting around with us in Friday night's snow?

I finally embraced the sheer beauty and stopped grumbling.


Chocolate peanut butter cup making.... the recipe from some one's blog, but I can't remember who now. Email me if you want it... it's too die for.


Placed in a reused container decorated with some Modge Podge and fabric.


Cookies made at a friend's, filled with their homemade cherry jam!

A quick little surprise for my big girl, using a nothing special shirt from her drawer.

What were your valentine's treats? I'd love to hear.