For Miss Charlotte

This past weekend was pure bliss in my studio. It's been so long since I've completed a quilt and I was finally able to make that happen. I found this fabulous pattern for a log cabin quilt in the January 2011 Martha Stewart Living and I've been wanting to make it since I first laid eyes on it. The entire front of the quilt is one large log cabin block. So I just had to make it for a dear friend's daughter Charlotte who just celebrated her first birthday. And don't you just love Amy Butler's Love fabric collection in this pattern? I've had fat quarters of each colorway since it first came out and I've been waiting to use it until I found the perfect quilt.

Getting Back Into It...

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has a tendency to struggle with blog posting...You know, really wondering why it is that I blog. I've actually considered closing this chapter of my blogging life...starting afresh...anew...a...something.

I always enjoy starting a new journal or sketchbook. Opening that cover, skipping over the first page (because some pages should be left blank), creasing down the crisp, white gutter of a new page and then beginning with whatever new thoughts come to mind...

Journals represent seasons of life. I occasionally pull out my collection of journals from high school and college and am overwhelmed by what's inside...the silliness, the raw emotion, the doodles, the relationships. I find myself getting caught up in memories (good and bad) of those past days that are so far away, but seem so near when I read each page.

That's how I feel when I browse through this "journal." I look through old posts. Browse my blogroll to see what all of you lovely people have been up to while I've been absent...

Bear with me as I get a bit transparent...
I've found myself wanting to quit doing the things I most enjoy these past few months. Starting new projects kind of makes my stomach turn because there's the always looming thought of "will I actually finish it?" Now, I do understand that life is different with our Little One in the house and priorities have definitely shifted. I enjoy soaking up the special moments of each day as I watch our Little Man grow and I do not regret pausing and embracing each of these moments. But does that mean I shouldn't go after the other things in life that bring me joy? I know God has placed the desire to craft and create in my heart. I feel it every time I look at bolt of fabric, a beautifully crafted font, a photograph that warms my heart. I feel it every time I look at what He's created...my son, my husband, the world around us. The ultimate Creator has put that desire of "creativity" in each one of us because we were made in His image.

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Let us make human beings in our image... [Genesis 1:26]
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But I've turned it into more a chore. Taking a picture with my camera (not my phone) means I have to open it on my computer, edit it if necessary and then post it. By the time I've done all that, I don't even want to follow through with the original task I set out to do...document a special moment in life...But my heart is changing...

And so, with God's help, I will climb out of this valley up to the mountain top. I will let Him burn that passion back in my life. Because we all need Him to help us follow the plans He has for us. And I need it more than ever right now.

My posts may still be sporadic, but I hope you will still follow me as I take this new path - not for my glory - but for the Glory of the One who truly is worthy of all Glory and Honor.

My Name is Stegosaurus...

...I'm a funny looking dinosaur.
On my back are funny little plates,
And on my tail there's more.

My front two legs are very short.
My back two legs are long.

My body's big,
My head is very small,
I'm put together wrong.

I learned this song when I was in kindergarten and I've always loved it. And now, I can teach it to our Little Man, especially when he gets his very own Steggy for his birthday. The Hubby and I worked together on this, each using our own craft to accomplish it. The pattern was super easy and can be found in this book.

I can't wait for our Little Man to see this. He's really become interested in toys that roll and that he can drag around.

A Little Gnome

Back in February, our Little Man was in need of a warmer winter hat. And wanting something that not every child would have, I consulted Simple Sewing for Baby and found the most amazing little gnome hat. So grabbing some super cuddly gray fleece from my stash and some re-purposed ribbon, I put together the most adorable hat.

Sweet Little Mushrooms

With the help of my mom, I made these adorable pants for our Little Man. I love how they are reversible! I combined two patterns to make them. I used the pattern from Lotta Jansdotter's "Simple Pants" pattern from her book Simple Sewing for Babies, but I chose the style from Anna Maria Horner's "Quick Change Trousers" from her book Handmade Beginnings. I've never sewn clothes before so it was easier to use Lotta's pattern versus Anna's.

A Notion or Two: August Block

August was my month for the fabulous A Notion or Two Quilting Bee. Each member had to create two (2) Quarter Log Cabin blocks. I'm super excited about all of the soft blues and natural tans that are in the fabrics of these blocks. The fabrics used are Timber by Jessica Levitt and Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey. I typically do quilts that are bright and vibrant, but I'm loving how calming and subdued these fabrics are. Once it's finished, this quilt will be draped over the futon in our Little Man's room.

Little Birds Sing Such Sweet Tunes

I have a very delightful friend, who in just a few short weeks, will be blessed with her 5th child. This friend of mine absolutely loves home-made, hand-made gifts and she's a sucker for Anna Maria Horner and Heather Bailey fabrics.

So when I was invited to a baby shower for her, I knew exactly what to make for her and sweet little girl on the way.

I found this adorable mobile in Anna Maria Horner's Handmade Beginnings and knew it would be perfect. I modified it a bit by not using the lampshade as the primary hanging piece, but I think the simplicity of it is absolutely perfect for Kellie and her little one.
Each little bird is so delicate and adorable. It was so fun to go through my basket of scraps and find the perfect fabric swatches for this. And I just knew that Kellie would love it the moment she opened it.

I love it so much that I'm thinking about making a little boy version for our Little Man. Anyone have any ideas of what I could use instead of birds? Or would birds work if I used blues, greens and yellows? I'd love to hear your feedback.

Some Nicey Jane for a Nicey Girl

This beautiful Momma-To-Be had the most terrific baby shower this weekend and I'm so excited to finally share what I made for her beautiful little girl who will be here at the beginning of October. The theme of her shower centered around Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane fabric, cupcakes, rock candy and salt water taffy. It was absolutely fabulous. And since I knew how much Stacy loves Nicey Jane (even so much as to use it at a central design pattern in the baby's nursery) I thought that a quilt using that fabric would be perfect for her.

I was so thrilled that I had a nice amount of this floral-filled fabric in my stash, as well as yards upon yards of this beautiful eyelet fabric to pair it with.

A Notion or Two: May, June, July Blocks

I've finally caught up on my quilting bee blocks for A Notion or Two. Sorry it took so long ladies...apparently this whole moving thing really does take more time than I thought. Now that my studio is finally put together I can get back behind the sewing machine. I can't wait til next month...It's my month and I've had the fabric for it since February!

Amy's Pinwheel Sampler Block.

Nicole's Maple Leaf Block.

Amy's Drunk Love Log Cabin Blocks.

Because Every Two Year Old Little Girl Should Get a Doll on Her Birthday

Or should I have titled this post "The Longest Title You'll Ever Read for a Very Simple Blog Post About A Little Doll Made for a Little Girl"?


Anywho...

A good friend of ours is throwing a fun little Birthday bash on Friday for her two year old daughter Emerson and I just couldn't resist making one of Emily's Black Apple Dolls for her. Isn't she just darling? She's quite hugable and loveable. I know this because I tested her out on my Hubby (he gave her quite the sweet little squeeze) and of course I gave her lots of squeezes before wrapping her up for the Birthday girl).


I'll attempt to photograph Miss Emerson opening her gift at the party on Friday, but I make no guarantees. This baby brain of mine may just make me completely forget to bring my camera to the shin-dig...

Around the House Saturdays: In the Studio Edition

It has finally begun...nesting. The baby bump is getting bigger (I'm at 18 1/2 weeks now) and I've finally begun sewing the many projects that I have compiled for this little one.


Of course this first project is more for Mommy, but still, it's something I wouldn't make if we weren't expecting...so it's kind of for Baby, right?


And obviously this project had to be the hardest and most tedious project I've ever made, which explains why it took me 2 1/2 weeks to make. A little bit here... A little bit there... A phone call to my Mom to help me figure out what steps "a" through "h" mean... and Voila! You get the "Everything Bag" from Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones.


Never in my life have I worked with some of the supplies needed for this bag. Fusible fleece. Elastic. Peltex? Who ever heard of Peltex? It was definitely a challenge (a 4 out of 5 for difficulty, according to the sewing goddess herself), but it was well worth it.

I absolutely adore how this bag doesn't look like a traditional diaper bag. Instead, it's a cute tote that I can carry around with baby stuff inside, but still look cute and fashionable. Thank you Amy Butler. Although your patterns are quite intimidating sometimes, it's well worth it to stick at it and complete the project.


Now don't think I've left my Hubby out or that I'm going to make him carry this bag around town when he takes Baby from place to place. I plan on making the "Dad Bag" from Anna Maria Horner's Handmade Beginnings for him. He's super excited about it and I am, too. Of course, it's a pattern that once again looks intimidating as all get out, but I think if I could make my bag, I can make just about anything now... Unless it involves triangles... Triangles just know how to erk my nerves the right way to make me want to quit a project within 2 seconds...

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day weekend and doesn't get too sunburned at those cook-outs and pool parties. I know I'll be lathering up a bit more this time and making sure I don't miss any spots like I did last weekend.

A Notion or Two 2010 April Block

A fun Dresden Plate block for Amber. Such a timeless block, but it has such pop with these bright colors. It was definitely a fun one!

A Notion or Two 2010 March Block

Sorry it took so long Dana, but here is your traditional star block. This block had me shaking in my knees, but I was so proud of the way it came out. Perfect points and everything! Now I must make some type of wonky block just to calm my nerves and balance myself!

Around the House Saturdays: Quilting Edition

Here's a little bit of quilting inspiration from the oh-so-amazing-I-want-to-buy-everything-in-the-store Anthropologie. Can you believe they used voile in this quilt? It's probably beyond dreamy and cozy. I think I may have an idea of what to do with my Anna Maria Horner voile. I absolutely love the pattern of this quilt and think I just might have to replicate it (with some modifications of course). And...if you don't feel like making it, you can always purchase it here, as well as other beautiful pieces in this WildField collection.

I'm So Making This

It's funny how the blogosphere is literally a bunny trail of link clicking...hopping from one blog to the next. It's like going through a new hidden door with every click and not being able to figure out how you got there. I really do love it and the discoveries (and friends) that I make along the way.

Well today, I started at Dana's Made and read a post entitled "Make it for Mom". This then led me to the oh so charming luvinthemommyhood, which then took me to From An Igloo, where I eventually landed. While there, I found this incredible clutch that I must add to my "I Have to Make This, There's No Question About It" list. She has the entire tutorial on her blog and the entire thing is made out of fabric scraps...of which I happen to have an abundance!

*Photo via From An Igloo

If you're looking for any other hand-made gift ideas for your mom or for friends/family/yourself, you must check out Dana's post. It's simply fabulous.

Black and White and Red All Over

Back in February I was asked by my wonderful grandma (whom I call Nanny) to make a purse for my Aunt Sally like the one I made her for Christmas. Nanny told me that Sally loves hers so much and so she thought it would be perfect for me to make one for Sally for her birthday (partly so Sally can enjoy one for herself and so she can stop oogling over hers). So this past weekend, I finally got a chance to put it together...


It's the "Taxi Tote" from Anna Maria Horner's Seams to Me and it's so much fun to make. Because my aunt loves black and white with hints of red, I decided to create a fabric flower that would add some pop and pizazz to the purse.


I found a cute little red button from my vintage button collection that worked perfectly with this purse.


I think it turned out really beautiful and I can't wait to see her reaction.