artsy-crafty babe

how does my garden grow?

Is it just me, or does blogland seem quite lately?  Just wondering.

Anyway, here it is our first week of summer and things haven't slowed down at all.  We still have t-ball games to attend and a dance recital coming up and another birthday party to get ready for (yeah, I know - another one).   Last night was the recital dress rehearsal, which is always fun.  I love seeing all the sparkley costumes.

This afternoon I piddled around my little garden.  My vegetable garden is growing well, but my poor summer squash has been plagued by powdery mildew and it has spread to my cucumber plant, which does not make me happy.  I can do without the squash, but I LOVE cucumbers.  I'm pretty sure my problem is overcrowding.  That coupled with all the rain we've been getting has resulted in a moldy disaster!  The squash is now gone.  I cut off as many moldy cucumber leaves as I could, but as soon as the current cucumbers ripen, it's getting pulled up as well.  Grrr.

I picked up a few big pots with plans to grow another cucumber and squash off on their own.  We'll see how that turns out.  While I was at the garden center I picked up cantaloupe and honeydew melon plants.  I think I'll plant them near my little pumpkin patch.  That should work out, shouldn't it?  My pumpkin patch happened by accident.  I finally got around to throwing our Halloween pumpkin on the compost pile (I'm embarrased to tell you how long that thing sat by my front door...let's just say that Santa saw it).  I didn't get around to turning my compost pile, and before I knew it, I had sprouting pumpkin plants.  So, I transplanted them all to a little corner of the yard where I had planned to put another raised bed.  This is all one big experiment to me, really. 

At least I was able to pick a half dozen squash and got a few good cucumbers before their demise.  My tomatoes and eggplants are doing well.  Now I can't wait for those tomatoes to ripen.  Seeing those big green tomatoes is killing me!!  Gardening is definitely a test in patience, that's for sure :)

my late patchwork swap

At one time, I used to pride myself on being on time with swaps and such.  I don't know what happened to that version of myself because these days I seem to never be on time.  And then if I do finish something on time, getting to the post office is always a chore.  I've had things sit around for weeks waiting to go to the post office.  Yes, I know I can print postage at home and do carrier pick-up, but that doesn't seem to happen either.

Anyway, a few months ago I signed up for Linda's patchwork swap.  I was partnered up with Heather, who got her swap package out to me within days.  Yes, days!  Immediately, I hung the little patchwork piece of art on my wall.  Isn't great?  Oh, and she also sent a nice assortment of scraps.  Y'all know how much I love scraps!

I think I finished my part of the swap only a few weeks after the deadline, but it wasn't until last week that I got it into the mail.  I made Heather some patchwork coasters, which is something that I'm very much in need of at my house.  I even made myself a few, but never finished them (who knows when I'll get to that).  At least I did get 4 completed for Heather.  To make up for my tardiness, I made my scrap bundle to her extra thick.

Now I need to move on to all the quilt blocks I'm behind on for my quilting bees....

As usual, my weekend went by too fast, even though there was an extra day.  It was very full.  There were numerous moments where I was consciously aware to enjoy the moment.  It doesn't get any better than that.

I got the chance to sew up some bags, which is always fun.  I had to get reacquainted with richelle because my other machine is in the shop (boo).  Man, I love that industrial machine.  It really doesn't compare to my other one, but the convenience of sewing at the kitchen table usually wins out, so Richelle gets forgotten upstairs in the sewing room.

Speaking of my kitchen table, I did some rearranging on Saturday.  I did a swaparoo with tables in my living and dining areas.  Now we have more room to eat and more room lounge.  I think it was a win-win, but I'm still getting used to it.  Now that my table quilt no longer fits on the table that is in my dining area, I may need something new.  No, it never ends, but I'm not complaining.

We also celebrated a birthday.  Lily turned 8 on the 24th.  Wow.  In some ways it seems like she was just born yesterday, but in others it feels like she's been with us forever.  She's a special girl, no doubt.  For her gift she wanted to go on a shopping spree with me. so we did.  We had a fun time and I realized how grown up she is for only being 8 - lord help me!  After or shopping trip we celebrated some more with family over cake and ice cream.

Today we made it to the movies.  Alex and Lily thoroughly enjoyed Night a the Museum 2, but Ava fell asleep half way through, which was fine with me because then I could actually watch the movie.  She's still a bit of a challenge at the movie theatre, but it's getting better.

As I was loading wet clothes into the dryer, it dawned on me that today is Monday - bench monday - and I hadn't taken a photo yet.  Shoot!  So, I quickly hopped on the ottomans.  Now I'm trying to get my too-wound-up kids settled down and into bed.  It's been a long weekend that went by way too fast. Yes, too, too fast.

Where in the world did this week go?  Seriously.  This week flew by.  Shoot, where did May go?  How can this month be almost over?  Totally mind boggling.

Like most people, this time of year is totally crazy.  I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and a little lost, which means that it's time for me to pull back and survey the situation.  What better way to slow down and appreciate the moment than to count my blessings?  Yes, it's time for a gratitude friday.

This week I am grateful for:

• the end of the school year - schools out for the summer
• the lessening of the load (now that school is done)
• no more graduate school for matt *yay*
• my wonderful smelling roses
• our first harvest from the garden - 1 ichiban eggplant and 2 summer squash
• my friends, for putting up with my wackiness
• the 3 day weekend
• some girl time with Lily
• seeing my Mema at Wal-Mart, a total surprise and a nice treat
• watching my little guy perform at his preschool graduation - too cute
• having all my laundry washed, at least for today
• my new orange skillet *love it*
• plans to see a movie this weekend
• my new knitting project
• a cool front that brought us some glorious weather
• the health and well being of my 3 beautiful children - really, could I ask for more?

Life is good.  Sometimes I feel like I should pinch myself to make sure that I am awake.  Have a great weekend, friends.  I plan to make the most of mine!

When I posted about my L's, long time reader Beca offered to make one for my collection.  It just so happens that she recently opened an etsy shop selling letters.  Is't it neat-o?  Do people still say neat-o?  I told her to surprise me, so you can imagine my surprise when it arrived on my birthday AND was made from one of my favorite Katie Jump Rope prints.  Thanks, Beca, I love it!  It fits right in.  I wish I could get better photos of that wall, but the lighting is terrible.  Yep, I immediately hung it up  and didn't think to take it down to take a photo of it ;-)  If you're thinking about starting your own collection, or already have one in progress, Beca is offering a special discount to all of y'all - just mention "Artsy" in the notes to seller, and she'll give you 20% off your order.  Pretty cool!

In case you're wondering, since I posted about my L's. I've added at least a half dozen more.  I'm out of control!!

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind.  I guess it's no surprise that I'm tired.  Saturday I didn't even get out of my pajamas (I think this is becoming a habit).  It was nice.  I sat on the sofa, watched movies, and started a new knitting project.

I'm copying Carrie.  After she posted about her project, I immediately bought the pattern, then cashed in a Christmas gift certificate at my LYS for some new yarn.  I love starting new knitting projects (never mind that I have 3 almost finished sweaters on the needles at the moment).  Like her, I'm knitting this one in lace weight yarn to make a lightweight pullover.  I usually gravitate towards cardigans, so this is fun even though  I've had to start the darned thing three times.  At this point, there may be a 4th.  Those stupid yarn overs are getting me - I should have followed your lead, Carrie, and gone with the M1's instead.  If I rip it out again, I'll do that next time.  Ah, the joys of knitting - live and learn.

Yep, it's party central around here.  This morning I watched my husband receive his master's degree in education.  These last two years haven't been easy for any of us (definitely harder for him), but so, so worth it.  Honestly, with all he does with teaching, coaching, and being a great husband and dad, I don't know how he did it.  I know for certain that when he becomes a principal one day, he'll be a great one.

Matt, words can't express how proud I am of you!  You're an amazing guy, really you are.  I love you!

So, today is my birthday.  I'm 34.  Just because, I thought I'd share 34 random tidbits about me:

1. I don't like my fingernails painted.
2. My toenails are always painted.
3. My closet is usually in a state of chaos (along with the rest of my house).
4. I daydream a lot.
5. I hate to wash dishes.
6. I like the gasoline smell in our outside utility shed.
7. At one time my favorite color was green, then for a long time it was red, sometimes it was pink, and now I'm developing a fondness for blue.
8. I like bold, bright, happy colors. (surprised?)
9. That Jack in the Box commercial with the little cows kind of freaks me out.
10. I have a small scar from my childhood on my upper lip.
11. I can not sing worth a flip, which is fine considering that I have no desire to sing whatsoever.
12. Watching my garden grow bring me immense pleasure.
13. I want a clothesline, even though all our neighbors would be able to see the laundry on the line.
14. I listen to NPR just about every day.
15. One day I'd love to live in an old house.
16. I'm not much of a phone talker.
17. I rarely wear shoes at home, inside or out. (you don't want to see my nasty cracked heels!)
18. I tell my kids that I love them every day.
19. I think eating on a pretty plate makes food taste better.
20. I like shoes with flowers on them.
21. Pretty fabric makes me happy.
22. So do flowers.
23. I bought my own gift this year, which I don't usually do because I like surprises.
24. I think my husband is the greatest.
25. I think I look better now at 34 than I did at 24.
26. The first live concert I ever attended was Lionel Richie's Dancing on the Ceiling tour (ha ha!).  I went with my boyfriend at the time and his parents.  I think I was in 6th grade.
27. I think our cat Oreo likes me best, probably because I feed him.
28. I've been applying wrinkle cream to my face since I was 16.  Has it paid off?  Eh..
29. I am very much a homebody.
30. My favorite cocktails at the moment are margaritas and pomegranate martinis.
31. I want a pretty umbrella.
32. Sometimes I forget to pay my bills.  This only started happening after Ava was born.
33. I've used my washing machine as an ice chest for a New Year's Eve party.  That was a lifetime ago.
34. I once brought my kindergarten teacher a frog.  I don't remember it, but my mom does (and I'm sure Ms. Liggins remembers too!),

Whew, that was hard!   On the agenda today is lunch with friends, cake with the kiddos, and hopefully a late dinner out with Matt.  It's gonna be a good day :)

Nope, I don't stay away from bags for long.  During my "sew time" this weekend I managed to make the tweaks that I had in mind for this bag.  This time I didn't do the pieced insert, but I'll get to that soon enough.  Because I was working on the overall shape, I went with a solid insert, just to make sure that the basic shape and proportions were right. 

It feels right now (and I LOVE that insert fabric, which reminds me of fruit stripe gun).  The insert ws a little too wide on that last version, causing the straps to be a little too far apart.  This one works out much better.  I think I'll use this one now, and put the yellow one in the shop for cheap.  I do NOT need another bag hanging around. In case you're wondering, this will be my next bag pattern, available real soon.

Also going in the shop is this one.  I started making it weeks ago, but it got tossed aside for some reason.  I think this was part of my whole curve obsession.  I have a few more bags I need to upload to the shop as well, the Pretty in Pleats cover bag and this one.  Wanna know a secret?  I HATE uploading things to etsy.  Product descriptions - yuck!  Pricing - double yuck!  I can't promise that they'll be there tomorrow, or even the next day, but one day soon...if you're interested in one of these before I get it uploaded, just send me an email, we can work something out :)

This weekend I got the chance to play.  On Saturday morning I decided that I needed some creative play, so I stayed in my pj's all day and sat at my sewing machine (thanks, Matt).  There was cutting, patchwork, applique, and a bit of embroidery.  Fun stuff.

After making my pillows, I had quite a few pieces of heat-n-bonded fabrics left over.  What better way to use them than applique on some fancy home made kitchen towels?  All the motifs are from Ed Emberly's Picture Pie.  I love that book.  I bought it for the kids, but I knew that I'd get some use out of it.

So, I decided what I wanted to "draw", picked out theapplique fabrics, then I went through my scrap basket of big scraps to find some pieces long enough to go across my kitchen towels, which are pieces of kona cotton cut to about 22"x28".  I'm sure it would have been easier to use ready made kitchen towels, but I didn't think about that.  I was going to use my rolled edge foot to sew up the sides and tops, but I never could get that to work (a skill I need to improve on).  I did use ruffled trim at the bottom, so that was easy,  Boy, I like that stuff!

I thought about sewing around my fused appliques, but I didn't.  Well, a few I did sew through, but not around, like I would for a t-shirt.  I figure these will mostly be decorative, so I think I'm okay.  If the recipients would like to sew the appliques on, they're free to do so.

None of these are hanging around, they're all going to homes of friends as gifts.  Of course, now I'm thinking that I need one too, ya know, to hang on the door of the new range that we'll be purchasing this summer (yes, I think the kitchen will FINALLY be finished in the near future).  

So yeah, it ws a good weekend,  just what I needed. 

P.S.  Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!!!

too fast

As usual, my weekend went by too fast, even though there was an extra day.  It was very full.  There were numerous moments where I was consciously aware to enjoy the moment.  It doesn't get any better than that.

I got the chance to sew up some bags, which is always fun.  I had to get reacquainted with richelle because my other machine is in the shop (boo).  Man, I love that industrial machine.  It really doesn't compare to my other one, but the convenience of sewing at the kitchen table usually wins out, so Richelle gets forgotten upstairs in the sewing room.

Speaking of my kitchen table, I did some rearranging on Saturday.  I did a swaparoo with tables in my living and dining areas.  Now we have more room to eat and more room lounge.  I think it was a win-win, but I'm still getting used to it.  Now that my table quilt no longer fits on the table that is in my dining area, I may need something new.  No, it never ends, but I'm not complaining.

We also celebrated a birthday.  Lily turned 8 on the 24th.  Wow.  In some ways it seems like she was just born yesterday, but in others it feels like she's been with us forever.  She's a special girl, no doubt.  For her gift she wanted to go on a shopping spree with me. so we did.  We had a fun time and I realized how grown up she is for only being 8 - lord help me!  After or shopping trip we celebrated some more with family over cake and ice cream.

Today we made it to the movies.  Alex and Lily thoroughly enjoyed Night a the Museum 2, but Ava fell asleep half way through, which was fine with me because then I could actually watch the movie.  She's still a bit of a challenge at the movie theatre, but it's getting better.

As I was loading wet clothes into the dryer, it dawned on me that today is Monday - bench monday - and I hadn't taken a photo yet.  Shoot!  So, I quickly hopped on the ottomans.  Now I'm trying to get my too-wound-up kids settled down and into bed.  It's been a long weekend that went by way too fast. Yes, too, too fast.

gratitude friday

Where in the world did this week go?  Seriously.  This week flew by.  Shoot, where did May go?  How can this month be almost over?  Totally mind boggling.

Like most people, this time of year is totally crazy.  I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and a little lost, which means that it's time for me to pull back and survey the situation.  What better way to slow down and appreciate the moment than to count my blessings?  Yes, it's time for a gratitude friday.

This week I am grateful for:

• the end of the school year - schools out for the summer
• the lessening of the load (now that school is done)
• no more graduate school for matt *yay*
• my wonderful smelling roses
• our first harvest from the garden - 1 ichiban eggplant and 2 summer squash
• my friends, for putting up with my wackiness
• the 3 day weekend
• some girl time with Lily
• seeing my Mema at Wal-Mart, a total surprise and a nice treat
• watching my little guy perform at his preschool graduation - too cute
• having all my laundry washed, at least for today
• my new orange skillet *love it*
• plans to see a movie this weekend
• my new knitting project
• a cool front that brought us some glorious weather
• the health and well being of my 3 beautiful children - really, could I ask for more?

Life is good.  Sometimes I feel like I should pinch myself to make sure that I am awake.  Have a great weekend, friends.  I plan to make the most of mine!

another letter

When I posted about my L's, long time reader Beca offered to make one for my collection.  It just so happens that she recently opened an etsy shop selling letters.  Is't it neat-o?  Do people still say neat-o?  I told her to surprise me, so you can imagine my surprise when it arrived on my birthday AND was made from one of my favorite Katie Jump Rope prints.  Thanks, Beca, I love it!  It fits right in.  I wish I could get better photos of that wall, but the lighting is terrible.  Yep, I immediately hung it up  and didn't think to take it down to take a photo of it ;-)  If you're thinking about starting your own collection, or already have one in progress, Beca is offering a special discount to all of y'all - just mention "Artsy" in the notes to seller, and she'll give you 20% off your order.  Pretty cool!

In case you're wondering, since I posted about my L's. I've added at least a half dozen more.  I'm out of control!!

phew!

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind.  I guess it's no surprise that I'm tired.  Saturday I didn't even get out of my pajamas (I think this is becoming a habit).  It was nice.  I sat on the sofa, watched movies, and started a new knitting project.

I'm copying Carrie.  After she posted about her project, I immediately bought the pattern, then cashed in a Christmas gift certificate at my LYS for some new yarn.  I love starting new knitting projects (never mind that I have 3 almost finished sweaters on the needles at the moment).  Like her, I'm knitting this one in lace weight yarn to make a lightweight pullover.  I usually gravitate towards cardigans, so this is fun even though  I've had to start the darned thing three times.  At this point, there may be a 4th.  Those stupid yarn overs are getting me - I should have followed your lead, Carrie, and gone with the M1's instead.  If I rip it out again, I'll do that next time.  Ah, the joys of knitting - live and learn.

another day to celebrate

Yep, it's party central around here.  This morning I watched my husband receive his master's degree in education.  These last two years haven't been easy for any of us (definitely harder for him), but so, so worth it.  Honestly, with all he does with teaching, coaching, and being a great husband and dad, I don't know how he did it.  I know for certain that when he becomes a principal one day, he'll be a great one.

Matt, words can't express how proud I am of you!  You're an amazing guy, really you are.  I love you!

34

So, today is my birthday.  I'm 34.  Just because, I thought I'd share 34 random tidbits about me:

1. I don't like my fingernails painted.
2. My toenails are always painted.
3. My closet is usually in a state of chaos (along with the rest of my house).
4. I daydream a lot.
5. I hate to wash dishes.
6. I like the gasoline smell in our outside utility shed.
7. At one time my favorite color was green, then for a long time it was red, sometimes it was pink, and now I'm developing a fondness for blue.
8. I like bold, bright, happy colors. (surprised?)
9. That Jack in the Box commercial with the little cows kind of freaks me out.
10. I have a small scar from my childhood on my upper lip.
11. I can not sing worth a flip, which is fine considering that I have no desire to sing whatsoever.
12. Watching my garden grow bring me immense pleasure.
13. I want a clothesline, even though all our neighbors would be able to see the laundry on the line.
14. I listen to NPR just about every day.
15. One day I'd love to live in an old house.
16. I'm not much of a phone talker.
17. I rarely wear shoes at home, inside or out. (you don't want to see my nasty cracked heels!)
18. I tell my kids that I love them every day.
19. I think eating on a pretty plate makes food taste better.
20. I like shoes with flowers on them.
21. Pretty fabric makes me happy.
22. So do flowers.
23. I bought my own gift this year, which I don't usually do because I like surprises.
24. I think my husband is the greatest.
25. I think I look better now at 34 than I did at 24.
26. The first live concert I ever attended was Lionel Richie's Dancing on the Ceiling tour (ha ha!).  I went with my boyfriend at the time and his parents.  I think I was in 6th grade.
27. I think our cat Oreo likes me best, probably because I feed him.
28. I've been applying wrinkle cream to my face since I was 16.  Has it paid off?  Eh..
29. I am very much a homebody.
30. My favorite cocktails at the moment are margaritas and pomegranate martinis.
31. I want a pretty umbrella.
32. Sometimes I forget to pay my bills.  This only started happening after Ava was born.
33. I've used my washing machine as an ice chest for a New Year's Eve party.  That was a lifetime ago.
34. I once brought my kindergarten teacher a frog.  I don't remember it, but my mom does (and I'm sure Ms. Liggins remembers too!),

Whew, that was hard!   On the agenda today is lunch with friends, cake with the kiddos, and hopefully a late dinner out with Matt.  It's gonna be a good day :)

back to bags

Nope, I don't stay away from bags for long.  During my "sew time" this weekend I managed to make the tweaks that I had in mind for this bag.  This time I didn't do the pieced insert, but I'll get to that soon enough.  Because I was working on the overall shape, I went with a solid insert, just to make sure that the basic shape and proportions were right. 

It feels right now (and I LOVE that insert fabric, which reminds me of fruit stripe gun).  The insert ws a little too wide on that last version, causing the straps to be a little too far apart.  This one works out much better.  I think I'll use this one now, and put the yellow one in the shop for cheap.  I do NOT need another bag hanging around. In case you're wondering, this will be my next bag pattern, available real soon.

Also going in the shop is this one.  I started making it weeks ago, but it got tossed aside for some reason.  I think this was part of my whole curve obsession.  I have a few more bags I need to upload to the shop as well, the Pretty in Pleats cover bag and this one.  Wanna know a secret?  I HATE uploading things to etsy.  Product descriptions - yuck!  Pricing - double yuck!  I can't promise that they'll be there tomorrow, or even the next day, but one day soon...if you're interested in one of these before I get it uploaded, just send me an email, we can work something out :)

a few gifts

This weekend I got the chance to play.  On Saturday morning I decided that I needed some creative play, so I stayed in my pj's all day and sat at my sewing machine (thanks, Matt).  There was cutting, patchwork, applique, and a bit of embroidery.  Fun stuff.

After making my pillows, I had quite a few pieces of heat-n-bonded fabrics left over.  What better way to use them than applique on some fancy home made kitchen towels?  All the motifs are from Ed Emberly's Picture Pie.  I love that book.  I bought it for the kids, but I knew that I'd get some use out of it.

So, I decided what I wanted to "draw", picked out theapplique fabrics, then I went through my scrap basket of big scraps to find some pieces long enough to go across my kitchen towels, which are pieces of kona cotton cut to about 22"x28".  I'm sure it would have been easier to use ready made kitchen towels, but I didn't think about that.  I was going to use my rolled edge foot to sew up the sides and tops, but I never could get that to work (a skill I need to improve on).  I did use ruffled trim at the bottom, so that was easy,  Boy, I like that stuff!

I thought about sewing around my fused appliques, but I didn't.  Well, a few I did sew through, but not around, like I would for a t-shirt.  I figure these will mostly be decorative, so I think I'm okay.  If the recipients would like to sew the appliques on, they're free to do so.

None of these are hanging around, they're all going to homes of friends as gifts.  Of course, now I'm thinking that I need one too, ya know, to hang on the door of the new range that we'll be purchasing this summer (yes, I think the kitchen will FINALLY be finished in the near future).  

So yeah, it ws a good weekend,  just what I needed. 

P.S.  Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!!!