My little clown

My two year old is learning the art of teasing from her older siblings (and dad) quite well. And, when it comes out of her mouth, it's even more comical than it would otherwise be.

Today, I had plans to go out with the two little girls after the kindergartner got on the bus. Ryan had already taken Jack out so it was just me and the girls. So, I'm getting ready to go and Hannah comes running to find me and says, "Mommy! Dad took yo caw!" (My car, for those of you who can't translate two-year-old-speak).

"He did?" I say with surprise moving toward a window to check. This wasn't the plan.

Just as I get to the window she yells out, "Just kiddin'!"

Oh, dear. She's been on a roll, lately: discovering how easy it is to hand the teasing/taunting right back to her older sibs. And I am amused. Truthfully, I've been waiting for this day to arrive- the older two have had it coming for awhile now.

Oh, and since I'm discussing her- might I add, here- she decided this week she's done with diapers. Just like that. Not the typical way things have happened in this house (if you all recall my struggle less than a year ago...!) Imagine that- no bribes!- I could get used to this.

J & L were a bit disappointed that the snowflakes didn't fly today as forecasted. L was certain beyond a doubt it would snow because her teacher said it might. And the boy just wants to shovel snow- he's waiting for snow to play in. I, on the other hand, cannot relate. I did clean the kitchen to Chris Groban's Christmas CD the other day, however. (But that does not mean I am ready for snow.)

I worked on Lydia's quilt some more today and as I did I marveled at the fact that I could possibly win a contest for the longest start-to-finish project ever. The fabric was picked out when pink was the highest color on her  radar. So I chose fabrics on the pink, green, and teal theme. And now? Now she wants to paint her room red becuase red is her all time, no contest favorite. That's what I get for taking years to complete this project. But I'm exicted to get it done now- even if it is all the wrong colors.

I tend to get too interupted with quicker projects like this:

I originally did this pattern for myself when Adalie was born, but the bag was a bit too large for me to comfortably carry around for too long. So, I adjusted the pattern down a bit and here's the updated model. But this one was not for me. Kind of made me want to make myself another one, though. After the quilt, of course.

So perhaps I have a *slight* addiction to fabric

Yesterday as I was browsing across some blogs, I came across a really neat idea that involved transferring a few lines of a written letter to a pillow by scanning in the written work, blowing it up, and printing it out on transfer paper. So cool. It would be really cool if you had, like, old love letters to work with, I think.

Well then today while wandering through a gift shop I saw these great wall signs that had many random thoughts on them- kind of like informal rules about life? So as I was busy scheming up how to make them, I thought- how cool would it be to write my kids letters but then instead of putting them on pillows paint them on something that could hang on their walls. No, they can't read yet- but by the time this plan is put into action they'll probably be going through chapter books. So if I get a start on it now there is the possibility they could receive these as gifts, like, when they graduate high school or something.

I do want to make one for my living room, though. No love letters, however. Just some random thoughts. I'm real good at random meaningless thoughts in case you were in doubt. Getting projects completed... well, not so much.

This morning my sister called (yes, the one who lured me to Mqt a few weeks ago with that great 30% off coupon) and informed me of the sale going on at the quilt house: 20% everything in the store.Well, now. Who can pass up an opportunity to seek that out? I mean, even if you don't need anything 20% off is 20% off so you have to just look, right? I'm pretty sure I would save all kinds of money if I didn't have my own personal bargain hunter informing me of all the great sales going on. Yes, you read that correctly. No, really. Everyone should have a personal bargain hunter- especially one that says "I'll be there in forty five minutes" and whisks you away from your motherly duties for a fun day out.

Anyways. I had a great time at the fabric shop. I love when I'm standing at the counter waiting for my fabric to be cut and the lady wielding the scissors across the beautiful prints says, "So what are you making?" It always results in me going blank and uttering something like, "Um... Uh, well I'm not entirely sure yet. But, I do have some ideas," followed by a few very convincing nods. Apparently some people get patterns first and then shop for the fabric second. I prefer the 'oh-this-is-soooo-cute-I-think-I'll-just-get-a-half-a-yard' method. I am pretty sure, however, the pattern first process would be much more effective. Might have to try that some time. But then, that would probably result in me leaving there with only what I need. And what fun would that be?

Oops. Just realized my hubby is probably going to read this. So in that case- forget the whole last paragraph, dear, I am always extremely conservative when it comes to fabric shopping. I only purchase what I know for sure without a doubt I might have the opportunity to possibly, someday, if the correct situation allows... find some especially great use for each carefully selected piece of fabric.

Trust me. Really.

Also on the agenda today was a stop at Goodwill. I found a bag stuffed full of iron on transfers in prints of flowers and miscellaneous designs. Again, their purpose has not exactly been determined, but I will think of something. Eventually. I might actually use some of the basic ones to put on fabric for Lydia to do stitching on. I remember doing those when I was about her age. That might be a fun thing for her to do for Christmas presents.

Speaking of kid's projects... Anyone have any projects for a four year old boy? He's so bored when big sis goes off to school in the afternoons and little sis is napping. It's only October and my ideas are running low- any suggestions?



Projects & Plans

I can't wait to show you what I'm working on right now! They are little and girlie and so much fun... But, I will refrain and keep you in great suspense until I can show you an actual finished product. Providing it, uh, turns out that is. There is nothing like a rainy fall day to get me excited about new projects. Yes, this after I just declared in my last post that I'm basically a lost-cause on the project-front. Ahem. I change with the weather. Nah funny!! As Hannah would declare.

Speaking of little miss princess, she's still awake upstairs in her crib. I just went and chatted with her for a few minutes, rubbed her back, and highly suggested she close her eyes. She's not buying it. She just grinned at me and wrinkled her nose and proceeded to tell me there was a bug on the ceiling. That's what I get for trying to squeeze a nap out of her at 2 p.m.

And then there's the littlest princess. She's been having a rough evening over here. I'm quite certain big bad tooth #1 is about to make it's appearance and that's leaving her rather confused and sad. Ah, all the things they must go through. I also think she's really wanting to crawl. She's not pushing herself to her knees or type of advanced movement like that (remember- the last babes in this house didn't take steps untill 18 months so our expectations are low). However, she's not so content to just sit and play like she used to be. My babies always go through these little mood swings right before they learn something new. Or, then again it could be the tooth thing.

Anyways. I'm going to bed so I can wake up early tomorrow and drink my coffee before the morning mayhem occurs. Hah. It's always a nice thought anyways.

Fabricated Dreams

I'm having serious fabric cravings right now. My stash is weary. I keep unfolding the same stacks of material- splaying it over the table, turning it around, trying it with this piece then that. And then folding it up again and stuffing it back into the cabinet. Those pieces may very well have much life left in them but they're begging for some bright new friends to revive them. So, I've been virtual window shopping- adding all kinds of make-me-smile prints to my shopping cart and never making the actual committal by clicking the checkout button. We're kind of limited in this area when it comes to fabric shopping so online bargain hunting it is.

But, it's not the same. I need to touch the colors imagining how they might blend, hold the heavy bolts of fabric up and dreamily stare at them for awhile while visions of what they will be float before my eyes. I like to walk down the rows of rich reds and blues and polka-dotted greens lined shoulder to shoulder and breathe them in. And oh, how shopping online does no justice where all of that is concerned. A point and a click just don't quite have the same effect. The enlarge option is great but there's no life-size option. The online design walls are intelligent for examining coordinating patterns, but they lack the thrill of stacking three bolts haphazardly across each other and seeing a bag. Or a dress. Or a baby blanket.

I just navigated away from the shopping cart page once again. I don't like when I can't see it in real living color. Still. Fabric shopping is a high. Even if it is the virtual window shopping kind.

{On another note: not sure what happened to the pictures when I changed the layout of this blog, but for now it's not letting me fix them. We'll see if I can readjust them another day. Blogger can be temperamental like that.}

Carseat Cover

So here it is- the finished product. This was one of those projects that started out all fun and misled me into thinking- this is way easier than I thought it would be! And then the fun started. The binding was all messed up, the canopy would. not. work. (and still needs some fixing- someday when I have more patience). And then there was the button holes for the straps to fit through. Oh, now those were just plain fun with the puffy backing I used. In the end it worked out- but just a note of advice if you plan to try one of these yourself- have plenty of Dove dark chocolates on hand. It helps.

Now. Just anxiously waiting to try it out. Ah, let the waiting game continue.

Mittens, mittens everywhere...

When you live in a cold climate, you might as well embrace it.

These were the mittens I made for Christmas presents. (Alas, the tinsel & coat hangers did not work out so I tried these instead.)

We had a nice Christmas over here. Little bit different than we're used to, but good. Had the last of our Christmas parties last night and the tree will come down today.

Here is another one of the projects I did:

I knew a special little girl was asking for Mia for Christmas and I couldn't resist. I've never sewn doll clothes before, so this was new- and so much fun. Now, to make some for Lydia's dolls...

I'm still borrowing my Mom's sewing machine and now I'm inspired to get going on some curtains for my living room. One of the shades is quite mangled and broken- doesn't even pull up and down anymore. Yet, each morning I take the thing down, stuff it under the couch, and each evening I put it back up. I refuse to buy a new one for temporary purposes because then I'll never get the curtains made. Hah!

Today is the first real quiet day since Christmas Eve. And, I'm soaking it up. The kids are happily playing- still highly entertained by their presents, and I made extra coffee because I have a fun new cup to use. Yep, my sister- actually both- gave me new coffee cups for Christmas. I guess I whined loud enough when I broke this one!

Have a great day!

Here's how I cart Hannah around...

Here's the finished mei tai (pronounced "may tie"-- I think). It's an "asian-inspired-baby carrier." For some reason, I was obsessed with finding a good baby carrier for Hannah and when I looked at these ones online (google it: you'll find a thousand different types), I knew I really wanted to try making one. So, I found a few different measurements and set out to make it. It did consist of a few headaches but that's probably just because I'm not much of a sewer. It's actually very comfortable- I even tried putting my older kids in it to test it's strength- and I realized I could easily lug them around in it if I had to! The "professional" ones online claim they can hold infants to toddlers. You can wear it on your front, hip, and back... but so far I've only mastered the front. With the great lengths of (padded) straps that wrap around you, criss-cross across your back it's very comfortable and supportive. It's also reversable. And it's really not that hard to make once you figure out what you're doing. Fun project- and useful!

Remember those stacks of material?

Well. I finally finished a couple of bags (which were promptly given away as gifts.) I know... I posted pictures of the material months ago but I gave fair warning not to hold your breath waiting for me to actually turn them into something. Anyways, here's a picture of one of the finished products. I also made myself a baby carrier- also called a mei tai. I was kind of excited with the way that turned out. Okay. Just tried to post a picture of that, but it's not letting me for some reason- even though I just posted one. Not sure why that is. Maybe it's a hint- no one wants to see your little projects! Stop trying. Okay. I can take a hint.

I returned home from my "vacation" Sunday to find- thankfully- the house was still standing. No caved in upstairs. That's always a good thing. And... My living room has suddenly doubled in size! No more massage room. I'm going to post before/after pictures, but I want to finish the painting before I do that. You know- so you can see the final results. Again- don't expect this real soon. We're not known for our efficiency around here- although lately projects have been geting done. Imagine that.

School is back in full swing. Two nights a week for me- Ryan doesn't start till July and then he only goes one night a week. Just when I feel like I'm not sure I'm going to make it through I hear the cost of diapers is raising 20%... Hm. Suddenly motivated again. Is this true or...? I don't know, I haven't been shopping lately, but those are the rumors I hear. Cloth diaper suddenly don't seem quite so bad. Woah. Did I really just say that?

Hah! Lydia was looking for her bear before bed tonight. I asked her where it could be, tried to get her to think of where she had left it and she says, "I don't know! I put it somewhere safe." Yep, she hears her mom say this all the time... "I have no idea what I would have done with it... I probably put it somewhere safe and now I can't find it."

I'm determined to get somewhat organized. Starting right now. My sister & I are having a garage sale this weekend so I've been plowing through the upstairs getting things in piles for it. Step one: remove all cluter and useless junk. I'm still thinking it would all be so much easier to just rent a dumpster.

Enjoy your day!