Little Purses

Recently I posted about some hand embroidery that I had been working on.  Well, I am happy to report that the Little Purses projects that I have been embroidering for nearly 2 weeks have all been finished.

I pulled the pattern from Best of Stitch Bags to Sew and am very happy with the results.  I made up 5 little purses using this pattern.  The first two I stitched up I used the Rainbow embroidery pattern that was included with the book.

The second two I stitched up I got my embroidery groove on and went out on my own!  Crazy. I gave each little purse their own cute personalized lining.

 I made the fifth purse out of some fabric I had on hand, that was already embroidered.  I made the fifth purse simple and basic.  My 'test' pattern.   I didn't want to mess up and ruin the little purses that I spent so much time embroidering.  Glue and I, as I may have mentioned, tend to get ourselves in some sticky situations.  (oh. come on.  It was screaming for a pun)

The instructions in the book are clear and concise.  The pictures are BEAUTIFUL!  I ordered the purse frames and Gutermann fabric glue from an easy.com seller While Baby Naps.  She was very easy to work with and had all of my order here in less than a week.  Suburb service.  All in all it was a wonderfully portable project, except for the glue.  Now these beauties are set aside for some special people who will undoubtedly find many, many uses for these cute little purses.

Tile {revisited.}

I have had many questions about the tile backsplash we installed in our kitchen.  I realized I never posted a finished picture.

backsplash over range

backsplash around counter

Okay for those who asked we used Travertine tile mosaic that was in 12 X 12 inch sheets.  I cut the sheets in half and ran a 1.5 inch glass tile border in between the travertine.  I also used the glass tile mosaic to create the 28 X 16 inch frame that is over the range.  I purchased the travertine and the glass mosaic at Lowes.  I used pre-mixed mastic and a V-knotched trowel.  All tiles were sealed twice with water-based Stone and Tile sealant once before installation and once before grouting.

Pitted Travertine.

We used SpectraLock stain proof grout. I enjoy cooking and am proud to say, I am not neat about it.  My DH was insistent in the use of Stain proof grout. If you have never used a stain proof grout before I found quite a bit of advice on the internet.  We found it is different from working with regular sanded grout in two aspects. 

 One. The working time is only about 30 minutes.  Because the grout uses a two part epoxy in the mix it drys very fast.  We would mix the grout and place approximately 1/2 in the freezer while we worked with 1/2.  The cooler temps in the freezer will prolong the work time. 

Two.  This grout is a two part mix.  The epoxy and the color powder.  We found that the best way to mix this particular grout for spreading on wall tile was to leave out about 10% of the color powder, which the manufacture recommends.  If all of it is added to the  epoxy the grout is almost to thick to spread with the float.  In some places I actually did spread it with my fingers.

  

Even with the sealant it was impossible to keep the grout out of the hundreds of natural holes in Travertine.  I purposely chose a grout which was in the same color family as the stone to minimize the look of the grout in the travertine.

To finish up we purchased the tinted calk from SpectraLock as well.  Did not grout the area between the counter and the tile and the cabinets and the tile. The caulk is an identical match to the grout which looks beautiful.

Hopefully this answers all of the questions I have had on the Tile project. Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section!

{Post } Christmas round-up

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Well, it has been a long time since I blogged.  Wow!  I wanted to share a few of the handmade Christmas presents I whipped up.  Most of them at the last minute!  Why do I always commit myself to these projects with one week to go?  All I know is that I did not start packing for our trip to Ohio until 6pm the night before.  And that was when my DH stepped into my quilting space and exclaimed, "Okay, now you have to stop!"  Gee, some people.

First thing I want to show off is this adorable little apron and chefs hat I made for my 2 y.o. nephew.  His parents love to cook and I am told he is quite the chef in his little kitchen.

 I took this from 2 separate patterns and added my own little spin.  The chefs hat was from www.stardustshoes.blogspot.com.  The hat is adjustable which is good for growing little ones.
I liked the apron that was also designed by stardustshoes and was paired with the chefs because it was reversible and oh, to cute.  There was just one thing that kept me from making it...it needed to be tied by a grown-up.  Well if you have ever been with a two year old you will know that cooperation is not their strong suit. Using the pattern from www.sewliberated.com which is slightly smaller, and the pattern from startdustshoes I came up with this cute mix.
The apron has a pocket for carrying treasures, an elastic strap for pulling over his head and a Velcro tab at the waist for the all important, "I do it my self." 2 year old.

This little cutie also got a wonderfully warm and cuddly fair isle sweater from his favorite Aunt.  I knit up this sweater from Cottage Creations pattern The Big Sven Sveater. Although the picture is a bit fuzzy, I think you can tell it fits well! I am sure his hat and leg warmers are also hand knit, he is lucky that way.. Now I just need a picture of him wearing his hat and apron.  (Hint. Hint.)

front

back

Here are the three Hexi-stockings all hung in a row.  Don't they look pretty?

As I stated before the week we were getting ready to leave on Christmas Vacation I decided to "whip-up" 5 insulated casserole carriers. (Yes I said 5) Oh yea and I decided to try glass etching the sides to all of the casserole dishes as well.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of them all together.  I managed to snag a few of this last carrier before it was shipped off.  I used the pattern that can be found here at twolittlehooligans  It is simple pattern with great instructions and rather quick too!  I mean if your not trying to make 5 in one week.

While I was out at the fabric store picking up a little extra Christmas fabric I stumbled upon an adorable polar fleece.  I decided right then and there that I was also going to sew up some polar fleece goodies for my little nieces.  Don't worry this was the week before the 5 casserole carrier decision.  Plenty of time left..

I stitched up this little snow bunting for my niece who will be arriving one chilly February day. This is a Butterick pattern # 5091  . I think I have used this pattern at least 8 or nine times.  It's quick and easy and I love it! She will be warm and snugly when she comes home in this cute little bunting.  

Lastly, I sewed this little polar fleece dress for my 18 month old niece.  Here I used McCall's Pattern #9532 sewn for size 1. Matching polar fleece cousins.  Too CUTE! Emma and I picked up a long sleeve shirt and some lavender tights at Gymboree for an Adorable little outfit.

Here she is at our Christmas gathering.  Isn't she precious.

My New Year's resolution is to have all of my Christmas presents for this year made before December.  With a little planning and a lot of patience I should be able to accomplish that.  I'll let you know how that goes. LOL.

Simply Homemade.

I for one love homemade gifts.  Perhaps because I know of the time, thought and love that goes into each gift.  I love making the gifts almost as much as giving them.  This year with the little, um 'bug' I caught I got a little behind in my gift giving preparation.  The Saint Nicholas Day gifts went out about a week late, but HEY they're out.  I have a feeling that some of the Christmas gifts will be a little late this year too.

One of the things my kid LOVE to do during the holiday is Countdown to Christmas.  We have had a Lego Advent Calendar for the last 3 years.  There is usually so much fighting over who's day it is to open the door that we have to make a schedule.  This year I picked up the Lego-Friends Calendar.  (You know the one for GIRLS!) There is not as much interest in this calendar as there was in the Star Wars calendar.  Go figure. Well, let's just say there is only one of my Children who is eager to open up the calendar each day.  And she Loves the fact that the boys don't want to participate.  More for Her!

Thinking about the Calendar led me to another project in the Modern Holiday book by Amanda Murphy.  The Christmas Countdown.  This calendar boasts 25 adorable little packages to decorate.  One for each day.  (yeah, yeah I realize that Advent is technically 24 days but work with me here.) In Amanda's Pattern she uses a layer cake to make the Christmas presents.  A fabulous idea I might add if you happen to have one laying around.  Sadly, I did not.  No worries.  I cut out 25 bright and cheery 5 inch squares and began sewing.  I was disappointed to find out after I had made it about half way through the pattern that there ended up being so much fabric waste!  I ended up trimming about 1-1.5 inch off of each package.  If I would have known ahead of time I surly would have started with something smaller than 5 in squares.

Don't you just love that Embroidery?  Thanks M.

Other than that picky little problem I really enjoyed sewing this up.  So much sew (couldn't resist.) That I went ahead and hand quilted the quilt (gasp!)  It was a great project for our car trip to Tennessee but trying to find the time to sit and finish it almost killed me!

The finishing touch was the cute little "yo-yo" bow for the package.  I couldn't bring myself to make 25 yo-yos so I cheated. (shh. don't tell Santa.)  I found a package of glittery pom-poms and used those as my package toppers. I did have to break down and make one gold yo-yo for the last package.  Don't worry.  I survived.  I shipped off the quilt along with a box of candy numbered for the days of Advent.  What's Christmas without chocolate?

Chocolate and a Christmas Countdown...  A delightful combination.

I had a dream...

Last night I had a dream.  A very disturbing dream.  I dreamt that I was working in a hospital.  In the ICU.  That was not the disturbing part.

You see, in my past life, I was a nurse who worked in ICU.  During the course of my life I had children, mind you I had help.  When the children came I quit working as a nurse at the hospital and started my new life as a nurse at home.  During this time period I put my nursing license on inactive status, with the possibility that "some day" I would go back to work.  I have thought about it quite a bit in the last 5 year.  What is holding me back?  Well, after being inactive for 15 years they kind of make you go back to school to refresh your skills.  In the hospital you are in fact dealing with living people, people who would prefer to stay that way and technology has advanced significantly since the 1990's.  Since there are no re-certification programs here I would have to travel to find a school.  Since my DH already travels quite a bit, coordinating such a program would be more than a bit challenging, not to mention transferring my license from one state to the next is a challenge all it's own.  So I've put it off.

In this dream I was back in the hospital working towards re-activating my license.  I had a preceptor who was following me and showing me the ropes. I also was being evaluated by the head nurse and the director of nursing who always seemed to be following me.  All of this, while perhaps a tad paranoid, seemed reasonable to me.  Funny how in dreams "reasonable" is taken to a whole new level.

The disturbing part of this dream was that I had 5 loads of dirty laundry which I was trying to do at the same time.  Not only was I trying to do the laundry at the hospital, but I was trying to do it without anyone finding out.  I was traveling the elevators 5 floors down to the basement to use the industrial washers and dryers, caring a laundry basket full of dirty clothes trying to look inconspicuous. This required  hourly trips up and down the elevators, of course this was shortly after doing hourly vitals on my patients (of course!)

Not only was I doing the laundry but somehow in this twisted bizarre world of mine I had an vacant patient room where I was hiding the clean laundry.  Then  I would sneak off and fold, because I didn't want the laundry to wrinkle. (how weird is that? I don't ever worry about that now.)  That was the plan...until it was announced that I was to get an admission!  Now I had to find a new hiding place!

The entire dream people kept complementing me on how "organized" and "efficient" I was.  (if they only knew). I awoke covered in sweat, wondering if the dryer was done. Sometime later while drinking my 3rd cup o'joe my daughter said, 'MOM!  I don't have any clean shorts.  I did you do laundry last night?'

Loving Homemade

This past weekend along with Mother's day was also my Birthday.  It was a glorious weekend with breakfast made for me, a lunch and shopping date with my hubby and lots of homemade gifts and cards. Let me just say, "I felt Loved."   I love receiving homemade gifts.  It puts life into perspective.  Reminds me of what is truly important.

I did some sewing on Friday before the weekend.  Still working on the end of the year teacher gifts.  I know! sew many!  But really, I do stop making gifts once the kids are in High School, my time is running short. (sniff)

Recently I have stumbled upon several key fob and lanyard patterns.  They are a wonderful idea for busy moms (or dads) on the go.  Who doesn't need an extra hand?  There are days when I could you several.  Thinking that the key fobs and lanyard paired nicely with the pouches I have been making I set out to try my hand at making a few.

First the lanyard.  I used this tutorial by Gen X Quilters.  A very simple and straight forward tutorial that took me all of 15 minutes. It is a fairly good length for me, but I am of a smallish stature.

I then moved on to the key fob.  There are literally hundreds of patterns and tutorials for lanyards and key chains.  I chose this pattern at The Idea Room simply because I had all of the materials on hand.

I used these sweet planters the kids filled for me as my mother's day gifts as my background for the photos.  How, I ask, could a mom not love that?

Twirly

As promised here is a picture of my sweet niece in her "newly" made dress from Aunt Kristin. The pattern "Sweet Apple Frock" is from Ellie Inspired.  It is roomy enough to put a shirt under when the weather is cool and modest enough to wear without when it heats up.  Making this versatile dress a must have for any little girl.  The dress was a big hit!  And to quote a 7 year old,

 "It Twirls!  Just the way I like it!"  

But of course.

Baby Sister in her matching dress....

The 3 R's

Well, it is finally here.  The first day of school. All three of my children went back to school this morning with smiles, laughs and giggles.  Oh, wait that was me.  I have to say it was an odd feeling this morning rising at 5:30, making breakfasts and lunches and realizing I would have the entire day to myself. (Pure Joy)  So odd in fact that I almost felt sad to have them growing older, entering a new grade and spending more time with their friends than with their family...almost.

In fact this morning there was no drama.  Emma was up SHOWERED and ready to go, Mark and Jack were equally motivated.  It was reassuring to know that they are growing more capable every year.

I only walked one child to their classroom, my youngest.  However, she soon saw that I was the only parent in the 5th grade hall and I was quickly dismissed with a "bye mom." over her shoulder. (Rule 1.  Do not acknowledge your parents around your friends.  They might realize you have them.)

Mark and Jack leaped from the car the moment I put the vehicle in park (I believe this was because they were filled with enthusiasm and vigor ready to start the new year.  Certainly not because they were embarrassed to be seen with me)  Once out they mumbled something that sounded like, "grumf"  or it could have been "brrmf."  Not sure.  I however interpreted this to be "Bye-mom!  Have a great day." in the ever shrinking vocabulary and language of the teenage boy.(I am becoming quite fluent you should be impressed. Really, you should.)

While my kids are off to study reading, writing and arithmetic and enjoying life without mom,  I am left home, alone.  Thinking happy little thoughts, dancing for joy and enjoying the sounds of silence.  Now that the shopping is done, the kitchen cleaned and my blog written I must finally get working on my three R's.  Reading, Rest and Riesling (not necessarily in that order.)  Happy First Day of School!

windows and water balloons

Yesterday, I sent Thing 1 and Thing 2 out to play.  I don't know why, but when I make this request I am usually met with resistance.  "It's too hot!"  they whine.  Well, yeah. It is summer after all.  So when they threw out that complaint, this time I was ready.  Water balloons!   They spent several hours outside with them.  

I was doing some last minute cleaning inside, getting all geared up for Emma's End of Summer Sleepover/ Belated Birthday Party.  Why I was cleaning before the party is still uncertain.  I started doing windows and doors, removing finger prints and nose prints (which were not all from the dog.) from the edges.  I came around the side entrance and noticed my two cuties playing so sweetly.  I also noticed that the windows on the door were FILTHY.  I then stumbled upon a brainstorm.

I headed out with dish soap, a scrub brush and a washcloth.  "Guess what?"I asked.  "I am going to let you two clean the windows!"  As you can imagine they were less than thrilled, until I told them they got to add water balloons onto the list of cleaning supplies. Okay, truthfully the enthusiasm only lasted a short while but the windows did get cleaned and rinsed. 

Unfortunately, the door seals on the door could use replacing because after the door was washed we had a rather large puddle on the floor of the mudroom. Anyone want to wash the floor?

I mustache you a question...

But I shave it for later. LOL!
Last weekend at my sisters wedding we had an invasion of sorts.  A mustache invasion!  I purchased 6 of these peel and stick felt mustaches for the photo booth.  Boy were they fun.  The kids had a blast posing with their mustaches, even the adults got into the fun.  Here are a few pictures to enjoy.

With a great mustache comes great responsibility.

I'd rather be growing a mustache.

I'd love to stay and chat but really I mustache.

My mustache brings all the girls into the yard.

A home run.

Recently I was asked by my cousin and his wife to make a Cleveland Indians quilt for their new bundle of joy.  Since she is due in August, I realized I better get busy.  They had seen this quilt for a client last year and really liked the design.

To me this design doesn't scream BABY.  I went in search of baby quilt designs.  I ran across a few I thought would work and I drew up a plan.  Unfortunately the bold colors of red and blue along with the adult looking Indians panels did not get me a "baby quilt."  Nevertheless, I am happy with the design. 

I added multiple blocks embroidered with baseball terms, hoping to add to the educational level of the quilt.  (Never to early to learn).

It finished up at 48" x 48".  Quilted with an all over baseball pantograph, and backed with baseball fabric it just might inspire the little guy to play in the big leagues.  

Quilting

This week we have had my niece here visiting. The kids always love seeing each other.    The first day is always easy, lots of catching up to do.  Then it gets harder. Even cousins get stir crazy when they are cooped up in the house to long.  During these times I always have to have backup ideas to keep everyone smiling.  This week was no exception.

 Wednesday we hit the water park.  Friday we took in a movie and some yummy frozen yogurt,  and Yesterday was Boating!

The kids, and adults had a blast.  This also, believe it or not provides me with extra time to get things done.  By planning activity breaks in between, I get a lot more done.

 I finished off this wedding quilt for a client and was able to get it shipped off just in time. (I was really sweating it)

I also finished up this little baby boy quilt.  I picked up the cute panel at Jo-Ann's in May for only 6$  I thought it would make a nice charity quilt.  The front has flannel and Minky, along with those cute transportation appliques.  The back is wonderfully soft flannel.  Love the stripes.

Yellowstone.

As I mentioned in the last post we took off to Yellowstone 3 weeks ago (can that be right?)  This had to be one of the most wonderful family trips we have taken.  We flew into Salt Lake City and then had to make the 5 hour drive to West Yellowstone.  As we pulled into our cabin on Tuesday night snow had just started to fall.  Yes, I said Snow!  June 5 and it was still snowing!  It was no surprise when we woke Wednesday morning to find just enough snow to make a little snowman.  The kids loved it.

 (Believe it or not this was the first snow we had encountered this year. HA!)

We took in every thermal feature, waterfall and geyser they had, and I have the 460 photos to prove it.  I believe some editing will be required prior to making a photo album of this trip.

 We were lucky enough to see a ton of wildlife.

Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Coyote, Bear, Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bald Eagle, Raven, Trout, and Osprey were among the animals we watched.

The only animal we did not see in the wild was the Wolf.  Emma had hoped to spot one out but we never did.  Emma and I did make it over to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to see some of the captive wolves.  While the girls learned about Grizzlies and Wolves, the guys headed out to learn to fly fish.  They had a wonderful trip and learned a great deal.  If you are ever in West Yellowstone we highly recommend The West Yellowstone Fly Shop.

  Between the 3 guys they caught 20 plus fish, both rainbow and brown trout.  Just when we started to tire of Bison, if you can imagine that, we headed over to Grand Teton National Park.  It remained cool, snowy and a bit cloudy, throughout the trip.

 But at 8000 feet above sea level you take what you get.  We did several day hikes and saw some really beautiful scenery.

We also caught a glimpse of a Moose, Beaver and Marmot. Overall it was a wonderful trip and one we will remember for years to come.