Alyson's Petals

Made with Love / Project 52

2012-01-13T11:56:00.000-06:00

Linking up with Project 52 today. This week's theme is "Made with Love". My kids, like many, are figuring out what it means to be siblings close in age. Our house is filled with lots of laughter and lots of screaming. Usually in that order. One minute they are close friends, the next minute a teacher informs me they were physically fighting at recess, landing one in the nurses office.

Today I cleaned out my son's closet and room (while coincidentally listening to a Focus on the Family sibling rivalry podcast). I found this cute card, made for him by my daughter. Special envelope, encouraging stickers (she likes to scrapbook) and warmly tucked away on a shelf. In the same envelope I find an additional note...

That one says "Stinker", and a random blob and random smiley face. Hmmmm. Although I don't allow much name calling, this is usually a word they can slide by using. So, made with love. Kind of.

I was there too...

2012-01-06T16:28:00.002-06:00

I struggle with being present. In photos, that is. Like all hobby photographers, I want the camera all the time. I never hand it off and ask someone to take a photo of me, not even my husband. Then I have to switch it to auto, maybe put a different lens on...blah, blah. Enough.

I was excited to clean out some closets this week and stumble upon a box of photos from the past few years. In addition to realizing that I am truly not going to scrapbook anymore (sorry kids, I know you love your books), I also realized that I need to be in more photos. Thank you to my Mom and Mother-in-law for taking all the photos I found! Since I got my DSLR a few years ago, there are so few pictures of me. In the moment I never care, maybe not a good hair day, not the right outfit, no summer tan, always an excuse. But years from now I will want them. I will want to see what me and the kids did together, to remember that I was there too, and to discuss if I looked better as a brunette or a blonde.

So, although I don't do January resolutions, I plan to be in more photos, especially with my husband and kids. I hope to do an actual photo session with a local photographer too, cause those are always my favorites.

Oh, and I also need to do more b & w. :)

Linking up with Darcy (I love her!!) in Project 52. I didn't make it through last year but hey, it's a new year and you never know.

{Ornaments}

2011-12-23T14:53:00.000-06:00

There is no Christmas tradition I enjoy more than exchanging ornaments. I have been blessed with gifts of ornaments from many special people throughout my life and every year I get to enjoy them during this season. I finally had some time today to practice photography with some of my favorites.

Yes, I am the crazy person that collects Starbucks ornaments. I have so many they have their own tree. Someday, my great-great grandchild will learn they are worth a small fortune on Antiques Roadshow.

Ok, not an ornament but there are so many Legos around here that it seemed like a great subject.

My Godparents have gifted me ornaments throughout my childhood and this is one of my favorites...

This is another favorite from my parents, so beautiful!

This Christopher Radko ornament was a gift from my parents when my brother was in the Army and in Afghanistan, 10 years ago already.

Bokeh photo.

This is a handmade hardanger ornament my grandmother made years ago. I miss her and love finding this every Christmas.

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and reminder of the hope and endless love that a tiny baby brought to our world over two thousand years ago.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-07T23:02:00.001-06:00

I had to take the blog off the back burner for just one day. It is 11 pm and I had to take my photo for the Bokeh Party over at Darcy's Blog. You can find the link here: Darcy's Bokeh Party!! This is my newest coffee cozy, paper pieced during Twin Cities Suburban Modern Quilt Guild in November. I finally got it finished up a few days ago and it made my latte even better this morning! I hope to take more photos on my winter break with the kiddos and post a few. If I don't get to that, have a very Merry Christmas!

Fall Clean Up, Still No Quilting!

2011-11-13T09:12:00.001-06:00

60 degree weather here in Minneapolis helped our fall clean up and we got our Christmas lights up a few weeks earlier than usual. Still no sewing...I just want to be outside until those flakes start flying! Adding a few photo updates here....

...Too fast

2011-10-29T14:52:00.001-05:00

Wow. This fall is going too fast. New job. Kids in school full time. Traveling. Volunteer commitments. It's all good but it is too fast. I've had no time to sew and not much time for photography. I feel like our family has turned another page into the school-aged kids chapter and all that goes along with it. I like it, I think.

Since time is short, here is October in photos. Some photos are just as I wanted them and some are snapshots as they happened. Most of them are from a trip to Detroit that my kids and I took. We saw my brother's family and their new little one!

I don't have any farmer's wife progress, and that is disappointing, but that is how this chapter goes.

I hope you are enjoying your fall!

Early Fall Nature Walk

2011-09-22T21:32:00.001-05:00

Hello. This fall has been wonderful at times and difficult to breathe at other times. The kids are doing quite well as they are both in school full time. I have started a part time job and sometime back in the summer thought that September would be a good month to have a garage sale. I am well into September and although I have been without a washing machine for two weeks things are looking bright. My women's bible study has started again. Waahoo! I have a new niece, Waahoo again! The weather in Minnesota looks promising for bike riding for at least another week. ;)

These photos were taken during a 15 minute walk prior to a lovely haircut a few weeks ago. I think my husband was taking the kids to taco bell. Anyway, a good night. I haven't picked up my camera since but I hope to this weekend, gathering more images of this gorgeous time of year.

I'll start sewing sometime too. Maybe some Farmer's Wife blocks next week. That's my plan.

Photography Practice

2011-09-03T07:59:00.000-05:00

FWQA [Post 3]

2011-08-14T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm behind again on these blocks but only by a few. I enjoyed making these this week until I realized that I duplicated the Snowball block. Note to self...keep better notes! I think I will keep it just in case one of the other block doesn't come together.

Faces

2011-08-09T19:39:00.000-05:00

Linking with Sweet Shot Tuesday at my 3 boybarians!

Summer {Part 362}

2011-08-03T22:35:00.000-05:00

The continuing story in photos...

I am beyond excited for this photo of lightning. In the past two weeks I have shot at least 500 photos trying to get "that" shot. This one isn't too bad. At 1 out of 500 I'd better stock up on memory cards.

Farm Time

2011-07-26T20:59:00.000-05:00

Time at the farm visiting my extended family is precious. My kids gets to roam around, play hide and seek in the trees (thank you Maggie!!), see lots of stars, watch storms come through and get to make memories just like I did. I get to relax a bit. And chat with Grandma about quilting. And sleep really good in the cold basement of a gorgeous home. (thank you Bec & Chuck!) All just two hours away.

Now I'm behind on the Farmer's Wife Blocks, lets see how the week turns out.

FWQA [Post 2]

2011-07-15T12:57:00.000-05:00

A wonderful three days up north in the woods with friends at a quilting retreat leads to lots of completed Farmer's Wife blocks. Here's the update! I am choosing blocks at random, strategically leaving the really difficult ones until I am more comfortable with these templates!

It really is as fun as everyone says it is!!

More Summer...

2011-07-08T16:45:00.001-05:00

Summer Continued...

2011-06-26T20:17:00.001-05:00

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

2011-06-23T13:50:00.000-05:00

Oh, Boy. I just jumped into a fun, big, long project. Have you heard of the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along? Well, I've been wanting to do a sampler quilt for quite a while. And a green and white quilt for quite a while. And a good hard project to learn more. This fit the bill for all of that. After I saw this post at Freshly Pieced and this post from Camille Roskelley I decided to jump in. 111 blocks, 2 per week for a year or so. One cool quilt when its all said and done.

It started a few weeks ago so I am playing catch up. Here's what I've got...

Get the book, and join in!

We are making it Summer...

2011-06-22T13:32:00.002-05:00

...even if the weather isn't with us! The other day I was bummed out at the misty, foggy lake out the window (my in-laws beautiful window!) but then I asked myself "Have I ever photographed a foggy lake?" Nope. Time to get the camera out. All I can say to you great nature photographers....you are amazing. Landscape photography is hard work.

Here's what we have been up to...a fun weekend with friends at the lake.

Finally got my loon photo!! I've been trying to get a closeup of the loons for years. After the eagle photo I have been on a mission. Also started working on shadow photos, hmmmm always new things to learn.

Here's to capturing those not so perfect days that are, well, perfect.

On the card

2011-06-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

Lots of photos sitting on the card. Waiting to upload. Loving Summer. Unexpected wonderful days. Going fast already. More photos to come.

Summertime?

2011-05-24T10:36:00.000-05:00

Our school is out at the end of this week. Goodbye to making lunches, sending snacks and homework. Goodbye to structure. My son and I have a much harder time dealing with this change than my daughter. Managing the moodiness is a full time job this week, and probably next week too. After the last few years of experiencing my mini, two week depression I think I will handle it better this year. It helps that spring has been late and I have lots to do in the garden and lots to photograph since May is so busy. Here's to a great summer ahead!

Just a few photos lately...a hug from Grandma after a dance recital. Linking up with Sweet Shot Tuesday!

A tulip in my garden.

{Gerbera Love}

2011-05-10T09:51:00.001-05:00

In celebration of Mother's Day I received some beautiful flowers. I love gerbera daisies. I took a few minutes yesterday with my 60mm macro lens and had some fun. I am pretty happy with these photos although they are a little grainier than I would have liked. My ISO was 400 and 800 since it was a little cloudy outside. These were taken inside, by a window.

There is minimal processing on these. A few RAW exposure tweaks and a little color boost on a pink one. The black background was from the back of my laptop. The white is a poster board.

My garden is finally coming to life! Things are growing everywhere. I might just have the last tulips to bloom here in Minneapolis but when they do, I'll post photos!

Linking with Sweet Shot Tuesday over HERE!!

TCSMQG Table Runner Swap

2011-05-03T09:37:00.000-05:00

Three more weeks until my kids are on summer break. There is a lot of emotion in that statement! We are excited to change things up a bit but we all love our school and community there. We will really miss it for three months. I am wondering how I will do without my own time to get things done in the peace and quiet. Now that the kids are 6 and 7 this summer involves a lot more running around than past summers but I am embracing a good attitude. :)

The sewing machine has been humming lately. My daughter finished her very first quilt last week (photos to come). I finished a table runner for a swap at our modern quilt guild. Cheryl gave me such great fabric to work with. I wanted to do a modern take on some very traditional flying geese blocks.

I'll post later with photos from the wonderful runner I took home. Well, my daughter and I are celebrating our last "hang-out" days together with pedicures today...fun!

{Sneak Peek} Spring and a Table Runner

2011-04-19T08:49:00.000-05:00

Linking up to Darci's Sweet Shot Tuesday with this...

I took this a few days ago but I am completely NOT inspired to take photos this week. Snow again? This is beyond old. My garden was in full swing this time last year and so far there is hardly a green leaf. I will continue to embrace my lesson on patience.

On a more fun note, tomorrow is my Modern Quilt Guild meeting and I can't wait to swap table runners. :) I will give these photos as teasers.

I'll post photos later this week of the finished product but I don't want to spoil the surprise!!

{Breathing in April}

2011-04-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

In Minnesota we talk about the weather. Some of it is polite, surface conversation. But when you live here you realize that this weather talk can be deep. As we all start coming out of hibernation and breathing in spring we all agree this has been a long winter. It may sound like shallow conversation but in this statement we are all just rejoicing in the freedom to sit on the front porch, to shoo the kids outside to play indefinitely, to reconnect with the neighbors in the street. To just feel the sun shine on our faces. We might get some snow on Friday but today it will be 70 degrees. The ice just went out on our nearest lake and I feel so much joy. I just love it here.

The following photos were taken last Friday. By today there is green everywhere! The changes are amazing.

The quilt that took forever...

2011-03-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

If there are any quilters left out there this one's for you! I finished this project a week or so ago. My Aunt commissioned a throw quilt for her family room some time ago. When I saw this fabric (Pure from Sweetwater for Moda) I knew it would be perfect. We decided on a pattern from Sweetwater as well. She chose her favorite fabrics from the line and I think we are both happy with the result. I have to admit that this has been in the works for a while. I intended to start it last fall but got too busy with my home improvement projects and the holidays. But it is finished and I am thrilled that it matches her room. These photos were taken at my house, I'll post some down the road of this quilt in its true home!

I did the quilting myself on a rented long arm machine at Millie P's Quilt shop in Anoka, MN. Well, the computer actually "did" the quilting but I did the rest.

Now I am getting ready to start another quilting project for the Twin Cities Suburban Modern Quilt Guild. A Table runner swap! Just got the cute fabric today. I'll post the finish after I surprise the recipient!

I heart faces entry: Slice of Life

2011-03-28T10:16:00.002-05:00

This photo is a few months old but warms my heart. The kids are on big bouncing balls, taking laps around the house and just being silly. I took it when the kids were really in need of indoor entertainment here in Minnesota and here we are, having a really cold March. Come on Spring!!!!

March

2011-03-21T09:58:00.000-05:00

Lets just call this the March post. It might be the only one and I'll try to pack some meat into it. We just finished our spring break and although we stuck around home we were busy. I celebrated a birthday yesterday, trying to embrace my late 30's. Maybe that's why I colored my hair. Went from blonde to really dark brown. I also played around with self-portraits. I have admired many bloggers challenging themselves to get into more photos and I know down the road I will ask myself...where was I? What did I look like during that event? So, even though it was awkward and strange, I took one photo I liked...and I'm gonna leave it small because well, its my blog.

So I took a little break from the everyday and had fun with the kids. I'll just post a few photos from March, many just capturing the small moments, but the ones I'd like to remember.

I love this series of my daughter doing homework while Dad listens...she is learning to read.

What better way to use quilts than to make a fort!

We got out the big legos for my niece but guess who had lots of fun?

A foggy, frosty morning...

A fun visit with Great Grandma...

One last cute shot of my niece and her favorite Aunt!! (I am not bitter, even though she comes to my house and cries for her other Aunt!) ;)

In the midst of the fun a quilt was finished and delivered to my Aunt who commissioned it. (so long ago, I'm embarrassed). But it turned out great. You'll have to take my word for it since I forgot to photograph it! I will on another visit and post back here.

This week I am hoping for tulips popping out but expecting snow and rain. Ahhhhhh, Minnesota.

Sweet Shot Tuesday & p52 {Spring}

2011-03-01T12:37:00.000-06:00

Linking up at Sweet Shot Tuesday. Working on a little editing fun. (Photoshop elements) Can't wait until my tulips pop out in the front garden, come on spring!

Snapshots {81 & 6}

2011-03-01T12:12:00.002-06:00

I am going to start randomly posting a "snapshots" series. These will be photos shared for fun rather than photography practice. These photos were all taken last weekend celebrating my Grandma's 81st birthday and my daughters 6th. All shots are SOOC, no editing. What a fun day!

I love that my son is hovering in the background of the above photo!

{bubbles,berries and crayons} macro photography

2011-02-25T19:43:00.000-06:00

Mini macro session this afternoon. I am putting away the photoshop Elements actions that I've been using, trying to learn everything I can about Elements before I possibly think I need CS5. The library has been a wonderful resource lately for some really great photography books. I highly recommend Digital Macro Photography by Ross Hoddinott. I will buy this book, it is fantastic and met me at my level, filling in the holes where I had the most questions. I also really liked The Art of Children's Portrait photography by Tamara Lackey. This one is more information than I could handle but it had so much great stuff!

I only had a few minutes to set up some shots this afternoon. I didn't use any flash or fancy backgrounds. I mainly wanted to work on using my tripod and bracketing exposure. I also found that with my tripod I need to manually choose my focus points. Great practice all around.

I finally got to TCSMQG this week and had a blast! I love these girls, and man can they sew! I have been working on a few things but they will take a bit to come together.

The pics...

These are the predictable macro shots but this is where I am starting...we'll see what's next!

{lemonade}

2011-02-22T10:06:00.000-06:00

Well, this week's Sweet Shot Tuesday photo is a effort in editing. We celebrated my daughters birthday at the American Girl store here at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. I think I should have switched the camera to auto because the manual choices I made were pretty bad. There was a lot of window lighting (natural from the Nickelodeon Universe Skylights) but the entire restaurant is full of pink and red. My white balance was off, my shutter speed wasn't high enough, and I should have had my external flash with a diffuser and this shot is underexposed. But my first priority was getting a group of kindergardeners in and out of a crazy mall, fed and having fun! I'm guessing my Mom's point and shoot photos are better, even my sister-in-laws phone probably took better shots. We had fun though...and there is always black and white conversion!

Here is the original...

a background.

2011-02-17T14:27:00.000-06:00

Well, a fresh look to the blog and an attempt to keep up with some photography. I actually took the time to set up a crisp white background (foam core) and photographed an amaryllis that was a gift from my in-laws. I didn't kill it as I do most indoor plants. Does anyone else have a problem keeping things alive indoors, even when I love my gardens outdoors? I think photographing the color red is difficult. Anyone? Although I have a decent camera the color is never quite the same as the actual thing.

This is what my daughter did while I was busy...she can't believe that i played Mario Bros. when I was younger too. I may be old but...

Normal

2011-02-04T12:21:00.000-06:00

Things finally feel back to normal here after the holidays and our trip. Normal means lots of laundry to do, getting a little sewing done, and kids being kids. Trying to take a few minutes each day photographing the family just being. Linking up to The Joy of Love Project by Willette Designs. Working on taking great photos of our loved ones. Here are a few from the week...

There is just no taking the "boy" out of the 7 yr old boy.

Sweet Shot Tuesday & p52 {My Heart}

2011-02-01T09:24:00.003-06:00

This week's entry for Sweet Shot Tuesday & p52.

I am still working on mastering my macro lens. At wide open, f2, it has an amazingly small

in focus plane. I miss it a lot, or its very tiny. I know the more I use it the better I will get. All this snow

up here in Minnesota is getting me excited for Valentines Day and Easter...

Find the other great entries HERE...

{Aloha}

2011-01-31T13:35:00.000-06:00

I had a REALLY big treat last week. Nope, not a venti latte (ok, I had a few of those too...), but a trip to Maui! I had never been to Hawaii and it was everything everyone had promised. I will share some of my favorite photos. I am proud to say my camera was on manual the whole time but since my husband doesn't love to wait 5 minutes while I think through every shot, I am happy with the photos but I know I could do better. We hiked, biked, sunned, dined, slept, shopped, and chatted. We stayed in Wailea, at the wonderful Fairmont-Key Lani for a week. Amazing service. Paradise. Thanks to incredible babysitters I could relax (not enough words to thank them...) and enjoy!

Aloha.

Sweet Shot Tuesday {Bouncing Kids}

2011-01-11T11:55:00.000-06:00

Challenging myself to take more photos of the kids. (Inspired by Karli)
Here's my Sweet Shot Tuesday post...

Bouncy balls provide lots of exercise and entertainment in the winter....love 'em.

{Spinning} mb3 p52

2011-01-09T22:23:00.001-06:00

Here is my photo entry for the week. I am working on focusing my new 60mm lens and finding the right lighting for the best shots. I'm 50/50 getting a face in focus but when it on, its ON! (this photo actually isn't as sharp as it could be) Oh, this new lens is so much better than my kit lenses, the color and the quality are so exciting. I liked how the color turned out in this one. We've been doing some dancing at our house lately!

Sweet Shot Tuesday & p52

2011-01-04T10:01:00.001-06:00

Yep, I just posted a photo of a car. Actually, this was a super fun challenge. I needed to take the photo for a contest (didn't win, boo) and I wanted to use our Christmas lights outside, as well as my new Speedlite 430ex II. I like the final product aside from the green dot on the car (should have removed in photoshop).

So, 2011. I'm not a January resolution person. I like the fresh start feeling of this time of year. We had a wonderful Christmas break, maybe the best ever in our family. We really enjoyed each other, our time and lots of family. It was a great mix of hosting and attending. The first year of relaxing with the kiddos, seeing movies, & sledding without worries of a strict bedtime, meltdowns and constant whining. The kids are growing fast and that is ~~scary~~ really fun to experience.

I have not been around this blog much the past 6 months or so. Although I have never been a constant blogger, I felt the need to take a break from posting and my sewing has slowed a bit. I am going to continue to blog as time allows with no pressure, just fun.

I have enjoyed photography so much this last year; maybe more than quilting (gasp!). I have decided to challenge myself to a photo project, m3bp52. One good photo a week for a year. I thought about the Project365 groups of a photo a day but not sure about that commitment. I'll start slower and add more as needed. :) I want to get better, a lot better. That's most of what you'll see here in the next year. Thanks for checking me out!

{Merry Christmas}

2010-12-27T10:33:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Last child to lose her first tooth!

2010-12-12T19:30:00.003-06:00

After weeks of asking to take this photo she finally allowed a few shots! I love this look, it shows her excitement, her tooth and also her slight annoyance with me for making her pose. :) That means no more babies or toddlers, or preschoolers. We have two true school aged kids. Sniff.

Linking up to Darcy at 3Boybarians today for Sweet Shot Tuesday!!

Edit: Also linking to I heart faces, favorite face photo of the year...

Holiday Bokeh Party

2010-12-09T09:29:00.000-06:00

Joining Darcy at my3boybarians for her holiday bokeh party. My photography hobby has gone by the wayside these last few weeks but I intend to charge up my batteries and enjoy the holidays. Here are a few photos of my super cute niece from last week. I hope to play more with some bokeh photos. I also loved this photo at The Bonnie 5 but after many tries, I couldn't get it. I don't think I have the right lens. Anyway...here is some cuteness...

Fall Finishes

2010-11-15T16:25:00.001-06:00

Fall Bloom Quilt

Fabric: Basic Grey's Origins (found at Quilted Treasures) and browns from previous lines (Moda)

Design: my own with my first appliquéd flower!

Quilted: by me on a longarm at Millie P's in Anoka, MN

Fall table runner

fabric: Cotton Blossoms, Bonnie and Camille for Moda

The garden in fall

2010-10-27T07:02:00.009-05:00

Every spring I look back and wish I would have done two things: plant bulbs, and photographed the garden in the fall so I knew what to add come spring. Well, check, check. We'll see if my squirrel, chipmunk and rabbit friends leave my bulbs alone. But here are some photos of the garden this fall.

It was a stellar year for the hydrangeas. I have never seen them turn these colors in the fall, they are so pretty. We had a very early spring, a lot of rain and a very mild fall. Not sure how many more I can squeeze in next year.

2010-10-26T07:02:00.001-05:00

Most of you are aware of my love for birds. Holy cow, check out this new bedding from Pottery Barn. I think it is a love it or hate it kind of thing but I'm totally in the love it category!! Cross your fingers for the clearance section in a few months. :) What do you think???

October

2010-10-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

October has brought warm, dry, happy weather to us in Minnesota. Maybe the most enjoyable October ever. I have been out riding my bike around the lakes and playing around with my camera. I was able to take some photos of my friend and her family last weekend. I took a chance and put the camera on manual the whole time. The photos turned out pretty good, thankfully. Here is a cute one...

Nichole is an art teacher and her blog is SO fun and creative! You can find her here.

This week we enjoyed a nice long weekend with lots of family time. Here is a sampling. Pumpkin patch, afternoon at the park, my niece's birthday party...

Cosmic bowling in costumes??? FUN!!!

Look at that Mario Cake!!

Well, I've got a little one home from school today, a forced morning at home means blog post!! I might just get a little sewing done while she rests. :)

Shooting Manual....aaahhhhh.

2010-10-13T13:05:00.001-05:00

So, I got a DSLR camera last Christmas. One of my goals this year was to improve my photography and to eventually learn to shoot in full manual mode. I was feeling pretty good since I usually use "half manual" mode, where the camera sets the shutter speed and I set the ISO and f-stop (Av for you Canon users). Well, full manual is sooooo much harder. But I am getting better, thanks to generous photographers with great blogs. As I mentioned in my last post, Darcy at Life with my 3 Boybarians is posting wonderful tutorials. I just learned my camera had a meter to help me determine what the shutter speed should be!! Imagine that! Today we are learning white balance. It is coming together for me...slowly. I have to say in the world of photography, practice makes perfect. Here is a sampling of my manual shots SOOC (straight out of camera):

1/320, f/5.6, ISO 400

1/160, f/5.6, ISO 400

1/250, f/5, ISO 400

Photography Post...

2010-10-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, quilters, we will pause for a message from a great photography blog...Life with my 3 Boybarians. :) I told you all that I am trying to improve my photography skills and this lovely lady has written some of the best tutorials I have read on the details of photography, written for every day people gettin' to know their camera better. So I am posting an experiment on aperture. I took these photos in the backyard with a silly fake flower. They all look the same except the f-stop is different in each one. You can see the background progressively becoming clearer. I took 17 in all using all my f-stops but I'll only show 5 here. Thanks Darcy! Great posts...

f/5 1/125 ISO 100

f/8 1/60 ISO 100

f/13 1/25 ISO 100

f/20 1/10 ISO 100

f/32 1/4 ISO 100

Since I used a tripod I took these all at ISO 100. It is going to be 80 degrees this weekend here in Minneapolis!!! Crazy. Go Twins!!!!!

Minnesota Fall

2010-10-05T19:19:00.001-05:00

Flag time

2010-10-05T10:51:00.000-05:00

I just finished these cute flags today. They are a project for Mama's Happy. I am selling them in sets of five flags to use for anything. I'm guessing decor for kids birthdays, baby showers, kids bedrooms, etc. My kids thought they would make great toys. I'm thinking those sticks could poke someone's eye out!

On that same theme we have been watching some flag football lately!!

Ah....fall.

Look, a project!!!!

2010-09-28T09:17:00.002-05:00

I'm here. and, yes, I've been ignoring this blog a bit. I have not had much that is blog worthy to post. Quick catch up...the kids (and me) are getting adjusted to school and loving it. My house is actually quite clean at the moment. I decided to remodel my laundry room; that has been taking most of my time lately. The flooring is coming in soon. After I install that and finish painting I can get my house back in order.

It is an amazing week here in Minneapolis. Beautiful Autumn I love you!!! The fall colors are perfect, about 60% I would guess. My goal is to get some good landscape photos taken this fall. We'll see.

I started this quilt with the intent for it to be a few table runners. I really liked how it was coming together and decided to keep going with it. The top is not done yet but here is the start.

I may sell it but I'm pretty attached right now.

In case you wanted to see my family, this is all of us in the photo below. We are pictured with our vehicles. They were individually customized for us. Mine is the satellite truck. I think I am wearing a chef's jacket. My son has a good sense of humor.

Until next time.

His Magestic beauty...

2010-09-08T10:33:00.001-05:00

I am so grateful that God allows me to see these beautiful creatures visit after visit to my in-laws' lake home. They are magnificent!

The quiet

2010-09-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

Ask me in a few days and I will say I love it. But today, too quiet. Wondering what they are up to. Knowing they are having a great day, but still hoping they are. I'm so glad the sun is shining, helps me feel content.

Fresh picked raspberries, mmmmmmm...

2010-08-27T15:56:00.001-05:00

The kids and I ventured out west of town to pick fall raspberries today. Oh, my. Soooooo good. I should make jam or something but I think I will just eat them. and put them on ice cream. and put them on my Cheerios. and put them on waffles. and next week when they are gone I might just go and pick some more. Because they are my favorite fruit of all, possibly my favorite food. period.

I've been spending more time with my camera and kids than anything else...

2010-08-25T14:56:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have some time to blog but nothing "quilty" for you. I've been spending lots of time with my camera trying to get the perfect shot of these two...

I need some art on my walls so I'm working on the photography skills and looking for some smiles. Lucky for me the kids are not yet sick of my camera and are still home every day. Two more weeks and they will both be in school. {cue smiles and tears}

I've also been checking out some local city gardens. I love Minnesota!

I am also very excited to report that I sold a quilt a few weeks ago! The Four Square quilt has found a new home and I hope it keeps somebody warm and cozy this fall!! I've been stocking up on some new fabric, getting ready for some projects. I'll share those soon but I must enjoy these fleeting days of summer!

I'm here! The machine is on!

2010-08-11T13:40:00.001-05:00

Hello! I'm guessing there are not many people out there checking out the blog since I have not posted all summer. I have slowly started up the machine and have a tabletop quilt to share. This was my first project using the cotton/linen blend fabric and I quite like it. It stretches more than regular cotton and that takes some getting used to. Anyway, better get back to summer...

This item will be for sale at Mama's Happy this weekend!

Can I just say...

2010-07-17T12:09:00.000-05:00

...that we will be back to our regularly scheduled blogging after Labor day? This summer is going so fast and I'm excited to say that I am enjoying the time outside and with my family. We are staying busy with all their activities and when I get a few minutes I am out on my bike or at the coffee shop with a book. These next few weeks are our official "family vacation" with my husband taking some time off and we are all really excited about that.

Sewing has started and halted again. Enough to make a few of these...

I will be selling them at Mama's Happy, a local occasional store. Downtown Mound for you Minneapolis folks!

I hope to update the blog a bit this week and maybe get a few photos of our summer posted soon.

Next Tuesday evening is our monthly Modern Quilt Guild meeting, again, if you are local, come and join us!!!

Perfect day...

2010-06-28T17:38:00.000-05:00

Cool weather
Outing with my kids and my Dad to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Relaxing afternoon with the cool breeze and sunshine through the window
Playing with photos and Photoshop Elements

What sewing machine???

2010-06-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

For the first time since I started quilting almost three years ago I feel like taking a little break from sewing. So I have been. In the last month I have made a camera strap and that is about it. I haven't been blogging either. Nothing personal, just trying to settle into summer, traveling a bit and making the most of some family time.

Here are a few photos of Whister, BC, some cutie-pie cousins, and some incredible weather here in Minnesota.

I'd like to say that I'll get back to sewing soon and that I'll post some pictures of my progress. On the other hand I might take my kiddos swimming tomorrow...we'll see what feels right. :) Happy Summer!

Lovin' Summer

2010-06-09T16:21:00.004-05:00

Two weeks of summer vacation so far and we are making the most of it. Blog posts will be hit or miss for a bit while we travel and see our family.

I had to share my new favorites...

Weekends by Erin McMorris for Free Spirit

I am a huge bike/cycle/spin enthusiast and these are so awesome!

I had been waiting for this fabric to spend a birthday gift certificate from a few months ago...thanks Janet and Michelle!

May in Photos

2010-06-03T14:17:00.000-05:00

What is your favorite fabric ever?

2010-06-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

The month of May was crazy good. and just plain crazy. Here what happening in my sewing world. I started a string quilt. I am using the paper piecing tutorial found on Film in the Fridge. So far, so good. I did switch to using my walking foot to keep a smoother seam. I will tear out the paper at the end. I'd like to make this quilt pretty large so it will probably take me all summer. I am using a lot of Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet fabric and a few random pieces from my stash.

So I realized that I have a favorite fabric. One that I have used in so many projects I've lost count. Here it is:

This is from Park Slope by Erin McMorris. It is the perfect shade of light, bright green. It seems to match everything I buy and I love the leaves, the circles, everything. I have purchased it countless times and if I ever find it again I'll get more since I am not sick of it yet.

This might be my next favorite though...

So I would love to know...what is your go to fabric? Do you have a fabric that you reach for in almost every project????

Hurray for Blogger's Quilt Festival!

2010-05-21T09:52:00.001-05:00

Blogger's Quilt Festival is here!

Honestly, this online quilt festival is one of the best things about blogging! I love to check out everyones ideas and inspiration.

Welcome to my blog and please make yourself at home and click around! It has been a busy spring for me: a few quilts here and there and excitement in starting up another chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild.

The quilt that I want to share this go-around is my Four Square Quilt. I just finished it a few weeks ago. I used all Simple Abundance fabric from Bonnie and Camille for Moda. I ended up using a charm pack, a few fat quarters and some yardage.

This quilt was fun for me because a branched out into straight line quilting and pieced it as I went without much of a plan. I really enjoy that process of just "playing around" and I am trying to do it more!

I am taking the leap into long arm quilting with a class on Monday so if you want to check back, I'll share my beginner's take on that. Welcome to everyone in town for quilt market!! We love Minneapolis and we hope you do too!

Thanks Amy for hosting this...such an exciting event!

I got to meet...

2010-05-20T21:14:00.001-05:00

Sandi Henderson!!!! What a fun time! Sandi was so nice and gracious to sign our books and answer all of our questions. (From left: Cheryl and her cutie, Sandi, Kristina and me. )

{Everything I'd never done}

2010-05-16T20:09:00.000-05:00

I just finished a little project; forcing me to try a whole bunch of techniques I'd always wanted to try but never got around to. You know how it goes...the list of things to finish and fabric waiting to be cut for the next quilt. But I rarely take the time to just sit and play.

Kristina asked if I would make a mini quilt featuring solids for a quilt shop display she is putting together. Count me in! I have never made a mini quilt before and now I understand what the huge draw is...so quick and a great way to try things!

Try a quilt with just solids...check. Try straight line, all direction quilting...check. Modern pieced binding...check. Practice wonky log cabin blocks...check. Make a shop sample...check!

Thanks Kristina, I had a good time working on this one.

It's raining Hexagons!

2010-05-12T10:02:00.003-05:00

Ok, here in Minneapolis April was May and May has been, well, April. Cool and rainy. I've been doing a little of this and that. But a lot of this...

Angela has been too...we have come to the same conclusions regarding putting these together. We both like The card stock hexagons. (Is it totally lazy to just link up to her post, since I feel the same way?!)

Tula Pink's Nest fabric...can you stand it????

I have not posted in a while; I've been enjoying a busy May, wonderful Mother's Day and some other sewing projects. I'll post more photos and we'll get caught up this weekend!

If you are local come on over to the TC Suburban Modern Quilt Guild Sewing night!! Tonight, 5-10 at Quilted Treasures in Rogers, MN!!!!

Four Square Quilt

2010-05-01T09:05:00.004-05:00

I've been calling this one the Four Square Quilt. It is made from a charm pack, a few fat quarters and some yardage of Simple Abundance from Bonnie and Camille for Moda. You won't see me using red very often. I am usually a pink girl, the brighter the better. But I love this red, especially the binding fabric. The brown is fantastic too.

The back is a pale yellow small print with four pinwheels along the edge. I made use of every last bit of this fabric!

What excites me the most is branching out on the quilting. This is my first straight line quilting project and it was really fun, and easy (with my walking foot).

I am getting certified on a Gammil longarm on Monday and I am so excited. I can't wait to try something new and hoping that it won't be too challenging. I'll let you know...

Giveaway Winner...

2010-04-30T08:57:00.007-05:00

Wow, was that fun! Thanks to Julie at Jaybird quilts I got to meet so many bloggers (100 posts)! Thanks everyone for your kind comments on the tutorial and sharing what is in your mug. I learned many quilters are tea drinkers and everyone loves a charm pack! So....here we go.

(Random number generator used)
The Odyssea charm pack goes to #37

Lisa said...

I work in coffee, so my favorite changes a lot so I don't suffer drnk burn out, right now I am liking caramel macchiatos, but we'll see what sounds good next week =) since I don't really relax at starbucks (since I work there and it sometimes kills me not to go and help) I read in my car in the driveway sometimes. or I siton my dryer and read and look at my fabric =)

and The Fruitcake charm pack goes to #74

momto2wasd said...
That is the most darling thing...a quilt for your coffee!! Have you tried the dark cherry mocha--yummy! But my standard is a double tall vanilla latte.

I'll be in touch with these two winners and thanks again for entering! I loved looking at all of your blogs, I am not quite through them all but I found so many cool ideas and inspiring quilts!

If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area please join our Modern Quilt Guild and our next event, a book signing with Sandi Henderson (details here)! Have a great weekend.

Cozy Coffee Sleeve Tutorial and a Giveaway

2010-04-23T13:31:00.006-05:00

{If you are new, welcome to my blog! You can scroll down and find the giveaway at the end!!}

Well, this is not the newest project on the block but it remains one of my favorites. I thought I would share my way of putting these cute coffee cozies together. Now, if you are like me and have an embarassing addiction to Starbucks, grab all of your scraps, make lots of these sleeves and boom! Now you have another cute accessory to wear. If you don't share my ~~money-down-the-drain addiction~~ love of the coffeehouse, just make one and call it your earthday project!

OK, grab your latte, some scraps and lets get sewing!

Supplies/Prep:

You will need two pieces of fabric and a piece of batting each measuring 12 inches by 5 inches. For the binding you will need fabric measuring 2.5 inches by about 30 inches. You will also need coordinating thread, a button and a medium sized hair elastic.

{tip} If you are planning on attaching your binding by machine the 2.5 inch binding is important.

{tip} Since it will be on the back and not seen, you can use a cheaper, scrap piece of fabric for one of your two fabric choices.

{tip} If you like a patchwork look, feel free to sew together scraps randomly to create your main fabric piece.

Sewing:

Start by making a quilt sandwich, with the batting in the middle, fabric right sides out.

Quilt as desired. Just about everything looks cool on these, loops, meandering, straight lines, etc. This is a great place to practice free-motion quilting.

{tip} If you plan on making a few sleeves with the same fabric scheme, go ahead and make a larger quilt sandwich and cut out more than one sleeve out of the piece.

Now, following this template, trace the sleeve shape with a pencil. This will be covered with binding so don't worry about the line showing.

Cut out sleeve along the lines.

Binding:

Take your binding strip and fold in half, right sides out, ironing as you go along. Once the strip is folded you can pin onto the sleeve with the folded side to the center. If you are not familiar with binding check out this great Heather Bailey Binding Tutorial. You will be mitering corners and attaching with pins along the way.

Although I would not use this method for a quilt, folding and wrapping the edge of the binding like shown works for this little project. Perfectionists...flip, measure and stitch if you want to!!!

Then sew with a quarter inch seam around the sleeve. Remember to stop 1/4 inch from each mitered corner and continue along the next side. Once you get to the right side of the sleeve, insert the hair elastic so that just a little is showing on the outside. You can see it in the photo below. Then reverse stitch and reinforce the stitching a few times over the elastic.

Now flip that binding over and if you would like, you can sew it down on the back by hand. This looks really nice but I often make a few of these at once and I like to go for quick! I flip over the binding to the back but I secure it on the front, grabbing the back side of the binding with the pin, right in what will be the stitch in the ditch line.

Then I sew in the ditch all the way around, securing the back binding as I go.

{tip} As you can see above, there might be little slip-ups (lower left corner) but as long as it is secure, especially the corners, no problem (unless it is a gift...or your perfectionist tendencies come out)

Almost done. Time to go and grab coffee if you haven't already because we need to measure that button. The elastic allows for some give, so the sleeve is effective for many size cups. Although you may as well fit it for what you use the most. I use a medium sized cup and wrap it around. Cross over the elastic and mark a centered spot that will hold the sleeve snug but not tight.

{note} If you use these a lot the elastic will stretch out a bit but I have never had to reposition a button.

Mark your spot then sew on your button. Keep in mind if you have a large button you will need more slack from the elastic to get it around the large button when fastening.

You are finished! If you finished your coffee too, you can use your caffeine high to jump around a bit or call your good friend and ramble on about what a fantastic job you did.

{*Giveaway*}

So, how do you enjoy your Java? What is your favorite beverage treat? Do you have a favorite place to read a book or chat with friends? I'd love to hear about it. Leave a comment here and you will be entered in my giveaway. I am giving away two Moda charm packs. I have an Odyssea by Momo charm pack and a Fruitcake by BasicGrey charm pack. I will pick one winner for each of them on Friday, April 30th.

This is also a celebration of one year and almost 100 posts. :) No need to link up, be a follower, etc. But...I would love it if you would!

See you next Friday.

Flying Time...and lots of links!

2010-04-14T13:44:00.005-05:00

Wow. I started this blog over a year ago now and it has been a fantastic way of journaling my crafty side. I warned you all from the beginning that my prose is nothing to write home about but I am excited about what I am learning in the quilting and photography arenas. I am looking forward to exploring my garden with my new camera this summer and since the leaves are already popping out there should be less bird photos (this makes my mom and aunts very happy!). I hope to do a little giveaway soon so keep checking back...

I am currently working on a quilt that I started way back in the fall. It is using a charm pack and some yardage. I did this one without a pattern and using Simple Abundance fabric from Bonnie and Camille for Moda. I am in the middle of straight line quilting it and I am loving it. I'll share a little more when I finish it.

The fun news is that a few quilting friends Cheryl, Kristina and I are starting another chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild!! This one is the Twin Cities Suburban chapter and our first meeting is Friday, April 23rd, 7-9pm at Quilted Treasures in Rogers, MN. Please join us if you are in the Minneapolis area!!

Part two of that news is that the new guild is co-hosting a book signing and open house with fabric designer Sandi Henderson. Holy Cow is all I have to say. I can't wait!!! That is May 19th, from 6-8pm. Woo Hoo!

So that's what is going on in my little quilting world. More later.

Macy's Flower Show 2010

2010-04-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

A few of you might remember my post from last year's flower show. This year my daughter and I ventured downtown to enjoy it. Activities together are always fun, but it was on her time not mine. Since last year I have upgraded my camera, a plus, but even with a good camera the fluorescent lights are tough. I did manage to take a few photos, but fast. It was inspiring and so colorful and then, in a flash, she wanted to go home.

For all the bird lovers...

2010-04-08T10:15:00.001-05:00

And I know that many of you are not! But I was greeted this morning with pheasants in my yard! I never was able to get a great photo but here are a few from the morning:

The above picture isn't the greatest but it's like guys morning out! A cardinal, 2 blue jays, and the male pheasant.

Ok, more nature than some of you need, I know! Next post will feature a quilt, or baby, or something of that nature...

Road Trip!

2010-04-02T15:57:00.002-05:00

It was short but it was sweet. Last week we headed to Detroit to see my brother and his family. I was a little worried about two days driving with the kids but they did great. This was the first real road trip since they were born and it felt good to get out on the road and see some sights. I'll include some photos for the friends and family out there. The highlight? Getting to see this precious face again in person!

Here are some other photos of the kids. Most are at the Hands-on Museum in Ann Arbor, MI.

We couldn't leave without fixing our hair!

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Matthew 28: 5-6

Here's the scoop...

2010-03-22T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's been a good week. I enjoyed my 35th birthday. It is more meaningful to me than 30 for some reason. I think I have more time for reflection now than I did when my kids were 2 and 1. I think these years are a great mix of feeling young while having some life experience and self-acceptance as well.

I found some fun things at Target the other day. I am on the Liberty of London bandwagon, especially the black, white and hot pink stuff!!!

I have finally finished my Authentic quilt top.

I like how it turned out. I would have made a few different choices if I had access to all the fabric I wanted but I really tried to use only what I had.

Here is my big dilemma...It is a large throw. I would love to do some fun quilting in the circle centers but I would be wrestling with it quite a bit. I am so intrigued by long-arm quilting. I have tried to find a "quilt it yourself" place to use a long arm and take a class but I have not found that yet. Please leave me a comment if you have tried this yourself or if you have any ideas.

Yesterday we enjoyed the day with my husbands family. We enjoyed this yummy creation for dessert. My crafty sister in law made it from scratch!

Then we all goo goo and ga gad all afternoon.

2010-03-20T15:49:00.000-05:00

You leave the quilt shop with way too many fat quarters.

And this isn't even from my favorite shop! They do have an awesome 40% off sale though.

Footstep Follower

2010-03-16T17:00:00.003-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've had anything to say! I just got more fabric the other day and I've been working on a few things but nothing close to posting. That's the trouble with projects that have so many pieces, they are slow! So, I'll post some long overdue photos of my daughter's 5th birthday. I love the sewing ones...I'll have a buddy to sew with yet. She wanted to be fancy for this one, clip-on earrings and all!

Grandma made this yummy cake!! Mmmmmmmmm.

2010-03-09T14:26:00.001-06:00

I am here, just waiting for fabric. I ran out of one fabric in the middle of my Authentic quilt and I decided to order more instead of using a different color. So more quilting next week.

I am getting used to the new blogger editor. If you are on a feed reader I'm sorry, you are probably seeing 5 versions of this post. I had to redo some HTML because the new editor messed up my blog settings. I think we got it and my cousin's cool background pattern finally showed up!

I finally caught another photo of the cardinal in the neighborhood. This guy was sitting in a tree across the street. I think if I had a tripod I could have a really sharp image.

I am still enjoying my basket of bulbs, I think everything has bloomed. Enjoy your week!

throwin' it up on the design...carpet

2010-03-01T09:09:00.002-06:00

Yep, I need a design wall in my sewing room! My beige carpet is not enhancing the quilting process! Well, here is what I'm working on. The fabric is Authentic by Sweetwater for Moda. I've had this fabric since last summer and finally cut into it. The pattern is from American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, about a year and a half ago, featuring Heather Mulder Peterson from Anka's Treasures. Speaking of Heather...I won a fantastic giveaway on her blog a week ago!!! Her new pattern is coming soon and I already have it! Check it out here...I can't wait to work on some pillow shams for my daughter. This lady is so talented!
This pattern is a little traditional for me, I am usually drawn to squares, rectangles and more...squares but I wanted to do something completely different than I'd done before. So far I really like it. The fabric is so fun to work with. The original pattern is three squares by four squares with a large border but I am going to try it four by five squares with no large border. I'll keep you updated.
My basket of bulbs is blooming. It is funny how much enjoyment one can get from watching flowers grow. I smile every time I walk by, and it gives me something to photograph!

The Start of Something Beautiful...

2010-02-25T15:11:00.003-06:00

Quilt Squares...

Indoor basket of bulbs...

Come soon, Spring!!!

We LIVE Here

2010-02-22T19:36:00.004-06:00

As I look around my house today I am knee deep in laundry and I can hardly see through the mirrors in the bathroom. I often get frustrated that the house can't stay organized and picked up. But then I remind myself...a family LIVES here. I can look at every pile of toys and tell you what the kids were doing; car races, a musical show for all of the stuffed animals, making art for everyone we see, reading to each other. In that reflection I gain my perspective back and calm down. We live here, and we are creating a great life.

I just finished cutting all of this fabric for my next quilt. I think the quilt top will come together faster than all of the cutting. I'll post more details later this week.

I'm off to pick up a few toys...just a few.

Wonderland Quilt

2010-02-19T08:34:00.007-06:00

Oh, what a beautiful week here in Minnesota! 35 and sunny everyday. Some of you may think I have a crazy perspective. I might, but I do love living here. You will hear me complain when it hits 90 degrees this summer. On to the quilting...This project is my sister in law's quilt. She had someone sew the top based on my Simple Swap Squares tutorial. The fabric is Momo's Wonderland for Moda. I like the colors even better in person, the pics were taken quickly. I quilted with a simple stipple and the back is Kona cotton. I am not sure what color it is but it is beautiful! The binding is a brown fabric;I think it is Urban Couture from Basic Grey for Moda. Cream Aurafil thread blends in on this busy quilt.
See that Bright pink square with brown polka dots? MY FAVORITE! If I ever see that fabric 2 yards are coming home to live at my house!
Feels great to get sewing again. Stay tuned for the start of another fun project...

Turn back the clock: Wedding Quilt 1997

2010-02-18T16:34:00.005-06:00

Almost done with this baby.....But I want to share the quilt pictured below...
As I was making my bed yesterday I realized that this quilt has yet to hit blogland. My Grandma made it for my wedding almost 13 years ago. I have blogged about her before...here. This quilt is huge; a generous queen size quilt long enough to do a pillow wrap/cover. I love the effect of a whole quilt in only two fabrics. That is on my list of quilts to make. What is interesting about this quilt is that it is hand quilted and doesn't have binding. She simply machine stiched the top and backing, right sides together, layered the batting in there and hand stiched the side up. At least I think that's how she did it, I never did talk to her about it. Anyway, I am thrilled to have this huge, hand quilted keepsake from her.

Frosty

2010-02-16T19:58:00.003-06:00

Thanks to those of you who are sticking around looking for quilts while I post about photography and my family. I am in the middle of quilting a quilt made from Momo's Wonderland fabric. It is fun and I can't wait to show you. Hang in there...I am sewing more these days!

Last Saturday morning we enjoyed a beautiful, frosty winter morning. Although I am ready to see the signs of spring, I grabbed my camera to practice. Here are my favorites...

Fabulous at Five!

2010-02-15T09:17:00.004-06:00

Happy 5th Birthday Sweetheart! You are the sunshine of our every day. We love your creative, imaginative spirit. We know that you can do anything(and so do you)! You are such a good friend to others, are so smart and so caring. Listening to you sing to Jesus in your loudest voice is the highlight of my day. You are always there to give hugs and to help with any project or meal. You have a wonderful giving spirit and sense of adventure. Keep dancing, keep smiling and keep reminding Mom that silliness is good! We love you, Happy Birthday!

A Cozy Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T08:59:00.005-06:00

a wonderful morning at church. a quiet, cozy day at home. sledding with the kids in the backyard. chocolate thrown in every now and then. an hour at the coffee shop to read a book. chatting with hubby over dinner after the kids are tucked in. Perfect.

My Valentine

2010-02-11T10:27:00.001-06:00

What's lunch without goggles?

2010-02-09T13:41:00.003-06:00

My husband picked these up the other day thinking the kids could wear them sledding and eventually on a ski hill. Today they were essential for dance class and lunch. Some things you just don't fight.

Another 10 inches dumped here on Minneapolis but today is beautiful. The plan for the day is to play in the snow (while I play with my camera) and bake cookies.

As you know I have been trying to learn basic photography skills lately and Christina over at The Sometimes Crafter has posted some great beginner photography posts. Check them out!

More Relief

2010-02-08T10:14:00.007-06:00

Today I want to share a few things. First, a great idea. My sister-in-law has made some really awesome scrabble tile necklaces and she is selling them with all of the proceeds going to Haiti. Actually, the proceeds are going directly to missionaries providing aid to earthquake victims. If you are interested in checking it out or getting more information here is her link and she has a Etsy link on her blog.

www.scraplikecrazy.blogspot.com

Here are a few pics of the table runner I finished this weekend. I like the combination of the traditional pattern and the funky fabrics. The fabrics are Eva by BasicGrey for Moda. The pattern is from a Minnesota designer found here: http://cottontales.net/ The pattern is well written and it was fun to work on!

Time to go dig out the driveway...10 inches of snow today.

{In Progress}

2010-02-04T20:40:00.002-06:00

A little bit of sewing and a few valentines!

Who doesn't love a cute baby?

2010-01-29T11:14:00.004-06:00

Prepare to be bombarded by cuteness! I am sharing some great photos of my niece that I took just yesterday. These are for Grandma and Grandpa in Arizona!!!!

Don't you just feel better now?

...a little late

2010-01-28T13:02:00.005-06:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone but I have a few holiday projects that I never finished. I haven't started the sewing machine for over a month and I am out of practice. I finished this yesterday and I'm glad it is staying in this house! So many mistakes! Use it or lose it I guess.

This is a table runner made out of Figgy Pudding fabric by Basic Grey for Moda. I don't remember the details on the binding but the backing is a plain white sheet from IKEA. I know a lot of people have been using these with success but I didn't have the same luck. I'll try it again, it very well could be operator error!