Kimberly White Design

Fly

2012-01-06T16:20:00.002-07:00

On my word for 2012 ...

My favorite FLY quotes:

Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as you will. - Aiden Wilson Tozer-

Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly. - Julie Andrews-

Definition: to take to the air usually employing wings, to move through the air, to be carried through the air by wind or any force, to float or flutter in the air, to travel in an aircraft, to move suddenly or quickly, to change rapidly and unexpectedly from one state or position to another, to move or pass swiftly, to operate, to resist, to rush out, to burst into passion.

These are my favorite definitions for the word fly (found on dictionary.com and the 1828 Webster's dictionary). To resist was by far the most surprising definition (I'm interested in what I will be resisting this year) and to "burst into a passion" was also very interesting to me.

This year by choosing the word fly I am inviting: freedom, opportunity, new challenges, faith, growth, rest, passion, life, love, joy, and change. Looking forward to seeing how the journey that this new year and this new word bring.

Leah's bucket quilt

2012-01-02T16:26:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting until now to show my latest quilting creation: Leah's bucket (car seat) quilt. I made it for my newest neice Leah for Christmas. Here are some photos of the progress:

I also made my sister some mug rugs for Christmas ... I was so pleased that she liked the one I made for her previously and that she wanted more =)

Welcome 2012

2012-01-02T15:59:00.001-07:00

It's a new year! This year is my year to FLY! Every year I pick a word (as inspired by Ali Edwards) to focus on and the word I've chosen is fly. Not sure exactly where this word will take me but I'm excited to start the journey!

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. Isaiah 40:31

So happy New Year to you and yours. May this year be full of blessings.

I want to wish you a ...

2011-12-24T14:32:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart!

We are family

2011-12-05T22:37:00.001-07:00

A layout I made for my Mom's birthday. What a difference 7 years makes ...

Scrapbooking ...

2011-11-02T16:55:00.001-06:00

I spent some time scrapping Joshua's first day of playschool which was in September. Joel just asked me to make on for his first day - which was on my list . Enjoy!

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-26T11:19:00.002-06:00

This year my focus has changed. I'm very focused on my house and on my health. For my house, I'm following the Flylady and for my health I'm focusing on eating very little sugar in my diet and exercise. I've also joined Jonathan Roche's 2011 bootcamp for the rest of the year. Should be fun. Anyway, back to the purpose of this post ... creativity. Here's what is going on in this area of my life:

Quilting:

1. Bucket quilt: is finished and ready to be given.
2. Pink bucket quilt: ideas swirling around in my head.
3. A stack of beautiful fabric given to me by Blue Elephant Stitches ... thinking about what this will become.

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. October project in the planning stages. Taking photos of my word: joy.

Blog books: zero progress
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: zero progress
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 2
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12 (Seriously I've get to get these done).

You talk

2011-10-23T19:26:00.001-06:00

Thank you!

2011-10-15T15:32:00.001-06:00

photo by Jolene of Blue Elephant Stitches

Yesterday I got a surprise in the mail from Jolene of Blue Elephant Stitches. She sent me this little bundle of fabrics to thank me for reading her blog. I have to say that the pleasure is all mine Jolene! I enjoy reading your blog - you inspire me so.

Jolene has made some extremely beautiful and interesting quilts ... many of them are favorites in my flickr group. You can read her blog here, check out her flickr account here to see all her beautiful quilts, and buy one of her beautiful creations in her etsy shop here.

I'm excited to see what I can make with this little bundle ... I especially like the owls! I've already decided to use one of Jolene's quilts as my inspiration jumping off start ... now which one should I use ...

Baby

2011-09-30T14:26:00.001-06:00

I took a moment (well okay about an hour and a half) to scrapbook this afternoon. I'm pleased with the results! I really wanted to get this story "published" in our memory book. Livie sure likes her baby and she does go with us every where.

WIP Wednesday

2011-09-28T14:14:00.004-06:00

This week I've been focusing on keeping my house, exercising, playing with my kids ... and I've even started a bit of crafting! Woo hoo! I do so enjoy sewing and being creative. This week's WIP list:

Quilting:

1. Bucket quilt for my friend Cathy's baby. I've started on this! Hooray!

Scrapbooking:

1. Joshua baby book

2. Romance mini

3. 2010 Daily December

4. One Little Word Course project. September Project done.

Blog books:

1. 2007

2. 2008

3. 2009

4. 2010

5. 2011

Photo books:

1. from 2010

This week's stats:

1. New Projects: 0

2. Completed Projects: 0

3. Abandoned projects: 0

4. Currently in Progress: 11

Swedish Meatballs

2011-09-28T14:13:00.002-06:00

This one's for you Allison! You asked ... and here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

- 2 lb hamburger

-one onion (chopped very small)

- salt and pepper (to taste)

- 1 tsp cloves

- 1 tsp nutmeg

- one egg

Instructions:

- Mix hamburger, onion, salt, pepper, cloves, nutmeg and egg together in a bowl. Roll out meatballs. Brown meatballs. Remove meatballs from frying pan - place in casserole dish.

- Add 2 cans of mushroom soup and 1 can of water to frying pan. Use a wisk to mix and get all the little meatball goodness left behind. Cook until bubbling. Pour over meatballs (try to cover them all).

- Cover casserole and cook at 375 degrees for 90 minutes.

- serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables (we like corn with this meal).

WIP Wednesday ... back at it!

2011-09-14T22:22:00.001-06:00

Well, it's officially September, and I am happy to say that the fall routines are starting to fall (ha ha) into place around here! And with that, I might actually be able to find some crafting time!!!! And so, I thought getting back to the Work in Progress (WIP) posts would be a good way to jump start some creativity around here! I've noticed that I have a little niche of time in the afternoon that I can use for creativity. Lately my focus has really been on spending time with the kids, exercise, and building routines in my house so that there is a little less chaos and a whole lot more peace. Here is my list of projects to work on:

Quilting:
1. Bucket quilt for my friend Cathy's baby. He was born in June. I did start it ... but I just don't like it. So I've abandoned what I started and am still looking for a little inspiration to get started. Gotta do this ... SOON!
2. Master bedroom pillow. ABANDONED. Thrown away. Will try again ... maybe.

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. September Project done.

Blog books:
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books:
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:2
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 1
4. Currently in Progress: 11

Joy playlist

2011-09-12T14:21:00.002-06:00

One my work in progress list is an ongoing course I've been taking called One Little Word - instructed by Ali Edwards. The past two weeks I've been working hard to get back at, because I had not done any work on it since June. Eeeek! Last week I did July and in the past two days I've finished August. Hooray! Tomorrow I can start working on September's prompt.

July was to pick some of our favorite songs that evoke our word. Here's my playlist:

1. No chains on my by Chris Tomlin
2. Everything by Michael Buble
3. Just the Way you are by Billy Joel
4. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
5. Whenever God shines his light by Van Morrison
6. Everyday by Hillsongs
7. Amazing love (unknown)
8. My Wish by Rascal Flats
9. Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy) by Chris Tomlin
10. My soul magnifies the Lord by Chris Tomlin
11. Forever and ever, Amen by Randy Travis

I noticed that most of my songs were about loving or being loved - by God, by my husband and vice versa. I guess for me love brings joy. I've also noticed that joy is a choice. I've been consciously choosing joy these days when I could choose grouchy or discouraged (not always but often!) My all time favorite joy song is Everything by Michael Buble. I turn it up and dance everytime I hear it ... it makes my heart sing and fills my heart with joy!)

mom - ee

2011-08-14T16:41:00.001-06:00

Wow ... I took a moment this afternoon to do some scrapbooking. It feels good to do something relaxing for me. The boys watched 101 Dalmations and Livie had a nap. Back to my focus ... being a homemaker and a JOYFUL mother of children =)

Summertime!

2011-07-10T15:02:00.001-06:00

We have been having lots of fun here ... not much crafting. Just wanted to say I'm taking a blog break for awhile - but I'll be back!

WIP Wednesday

2011-06-29T21:23:00.000-06:00

It's Work in Progress Wednesday again ... I've been focussing a lot on my house lately, getting organized and keeping it clean, neat and tidy, so I haven't had much crafting time ... here's what I've done lately:

Quilting:
I've started two new projects:

1. Pillow for my master bedroom. This one is one I really want to abandon -- I'm not sure I like my version nearly as much as I like Malka Dubrowsky's version from her wonderful book Fresh Quilting. I have had to keep ripping out stitches because I keep sewing it in the wrong order. GRRR. We'll see!

2. Car seat quilt for my friend's baby. Cathy had her baby boy on the 27th and I had not even started working on it. Thankfully it is HOT right now so he won't need it. Cathy had choosen a monkey - so I'm in a delemna about what to use for a backing fabric. This is a design I've adapted from the book Quilt's Baby by Linda Kopp (the quilt I'm adapting from is Monkey Business by Laurraine Yuyama).

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. June Project done.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:2
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

Spray Adhesive

2011-06-16T10:09:00.001-06:00

Wow! Lots of comments about spray adhesive. I will direct you to Film on the Fridge's blog - I used her tutorial and it worked really really well. And I will answer your questions here too:

Did you purchase a specific kind? Yes! As per Film on the Fridge I bought 505 temporary fabric adhesive. I found it at Walmart. I thought it was quite expensive, but it is so very worth it!

Did you do yours outside? On a patio or something? If inside, did you have a problem with the spray getting on the floor around the edges of the quilt?
I laid my quilt out on the hardwood floor in my kitchen. I did tape the batting to the floor so it wouldn't slide around. Ashley wears a mask when she sprays - but I didn't. I hardly noticed any fumes at all. (It's probaly safer to wear a mask though). About the floor - there was a little bit of film from the spray - but it washed off really easily with a damp cloth. The other thing about spray adhesive -- follow her instructions about how much to spray! The first time I got frustrated and sprayed the entire half I was working on -- that didn't work as well as spraying a foot and spreading out the fabric and then spraying another foot and so on. I found starting in the middle and working my way out really really helpful for getting all the wrinkles out too.

I'm a convert that's all I have to say ... no more pins for me! Happy spraying!

Happy!

2011-06-15T17:39:00.002-06:00

I took my sewing machine to the hospital for a service this afternoon. They said I would get it back at the end of July. That's WAY to long! The service man asked why I was having it serviced. I told him that it was "clacking". He got out his oil and took it apart - within about 5 minutes there were no more clacky noises. And, he did it for me for free! What favour! I did buy some Olfa blades and some new bobbins - so now I'm ready to start some new projects!!!!

WIP Wednesday

2011-06-15T12:53:00.001-06:00

I have had a very productive quilting week! I finally got up the gumption (is that a word) to try spray adhesive to sandwich my quilt - and I am a convert. It's quick, easy and effective! Not one wrinkly seam and no slipping - I didn't have to rip out a single stitch!!!!! The only drawback is the cost ... but I think it is absolutely worth it for the results! Because that went so well I just powered through the quilting and the binding in less than a week! I choose a turquoise binding from my stash - my plan had been to use the scraps from my quilt but there wasn't enough, I had also thought of using another orange from my stash but I'm happy with the turquoise. It's now time to go buy sheets and a mattress cover and get Josh sleeping in his big boy bed!

On with the rest of my WIP:

Quilting:
- all my projects are finished -- which means that I have a little time to get my machine serviced. It is clicking and clacking and needs some love. So off to the sewing machine hospital it goes today -- I will miss you!
- while the sewing machine is away I have time to decide what my next project will be ... I want to make some little quilts for some babys that are going to be coming into our lives (a new cousin for my kids, and a new friend), I want to do the urban lattice quilt along, and I actually want to make another quilt for my master bedroom (even though I'm really really happy with the orange and pink one!)

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Still thinking about the June prompt
(With my sewing machine gone, this might also be a good week to clean up this list =).

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 10

Craftyness

2011-06-06T18:38:00.001-06:00

I haven't been doing anything crafty for a long time now. I've really been focusing on my house and getting back into the flylady groove. Although right now you can't tell - it looks like a bomb went off in my living room, I have started noticing a few very nice changes in our home. Clean bathrooms, a tidy house when I go to bed etc. It's good. We are also working on potty training Josh right now - actually he's mostly the one working on it - I'm encouraging and handing out stickers and keeping the bathroom clean.

So, craftyness has been on the back burner for awhile, and I miss it! I really need to baste and quilt Josh's Lizzy House quilt so that we can move him into a big boy bed soon! It's all ironed and ready for the inspiration to strike! I also have a patchwork quilt I want to make out of my Hope Valley fabric, and I want to get going on an Urban Lattice Quilt. I really like Lee's version over at Freshly Pieced.

WIP Wednesday - I'm back ...

2011-05-25T19:14:00.001-06:00

Well I have had a really busy few weeks! I had the opportunity to go to Vancouver and Medicine Hat and had a wonderful time in both places! Spring has arrived here in Red Deer and for that I am thankful! The grass is green (and I have new sod in my backyard) and there are blossoms on the trees and birds singing! I haven't had much time for crafting ... but I want to show you what I have ...

Completed:

1. My Master bedroom quilt. We have been sleeping under this quilt for a couple of weeks now! I'm really enjoying it - it's the perfect size for our bed and big enough that we don't fight for the covers (although I think we'll like it even more in the winter because it gets kicked off most nights - a duvet plus a quilt is too much in the spring!)

Quilting:
1. Lizzy House Quilt. Remains needing to be sandwiched ... only because I need to find some time to do it and I need to get over the fear of trying a new thing (spray adhesive).

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. May is almost done ... I still have to do this prompt.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 11

A wee break.

2011-05-10T12:13:00.001-06:00

I'd love to show you my finished quilt ... But my computer is down. I will be posting ASAP!

WIP Wednesday

2011-05-04T10:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday! The sun is shining ... the weeds are growing and life is good! I even got a little bit of crafting done this week:

Quilting:

1. Master bedroom quilt. Working on hand sewing the binding! I'm so very close to finishing this project! I am very pleased that the corners are beautifully mitered - I have not always had the most beautiful corners!
2. Lizzy House Quilt. Remains needing to be sandwiched ...

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. My plan is to write my letter for the April prompt today - I worked on the things I want to say last night - I procrastinated on this one!
5. Nocturnal layout - you can see this layout here. Told the story of Joel learning about owls and telling me he wanted to stay up all night so he could be nocturnal.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:1
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

Nocturnal

2011-04-27T22:24:00.005-06:00

Another scrapbook layout ... I'm excited to be documenting the stories of our lives again ... with creativity and with love. Hooray!

Design Inspired by Ronda Palazari
Digi Elements: K. Pertiet, A. Victoria, Patti Knox, CD Muckowski, Lisa Sisneros, Kasia Designs
Journaling:
Joel studied owls at school this month. They read Jan Brett’s book The Mitten, and each student was put on a team to study one of the animals in the book. They gave us a presentation (Grandma, Josh, Olivia and I came) and we got to learn about the animals too. It was great to see Joel in action at school! A few nights later Joel told me he wanted to try and stay up all night. “I want to be nocturnal because I was on team owl, and owl’s are nocturnal.” Go to bed Joel! March 2011

WIP Wednesday

2011-04-27T08:56:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful week I had ... celebrating Easter at church and also with both of our families, spending time outside, and getting some crafting done. Life is good. Today's work in progress update:

Quilting

1. Master bedroom quilt. I am finally done quilting this! HOORAY! Planning to sew on the binding this afternoon (and then start the process of hand sewing the binding to the back).
2. Lizzy House Quilt. Remains needing to be sandwiched ...

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Starting to think about the April prompt. Today I need to do this.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

quote found on pinterest

WIP Wednesday

2011-04-20T18:26:00.003-06:00

Happy Work in Progress Wednesday! The weeks are just flying by, and I'm happy to report that spring is here! I have been really focusing on my house this week, but I have managed to sneak some time in for crafting too =)

Quilting:

1. Master bedroom quilt: I'm STILL quilting this ... it's taking forever! I have 23 more squares to freemotion quilt - I'm echoing the flowers in the squares as inspired by Kaffe Fassett (in the quilt I made from his pattern he suggested quilting around the flowers).
2. Lizzy House quilt: remains waiting to be sandwiched - I'm going to try spray adhesive and I'm a little nervous about trying it.

Scrapbooking:

This week I have caught the scrapbooking bug ... I've scrapped two layouts (you can see my Welcome Spring layout here). This layout was inspired by a photo I saw on pinterest. Digi elements by: K Pertiet, A Victoria, Kasia Designs, Patti Knox, Lauren Reid, Karen Funk and Audrey Neal.

1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Starting to think about the April prompt.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books:
1. from 2010 (finished December 2010)

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:2
2. Completed Projects: 2
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-04-20T09:44:00.001-06:00

I make these almost weekly ... they are devoured within about 24 hours.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

400 degrees 20-25 minutes (makes 12 large muffins)

Ingredients:
1 cup of white sugar (I usually put in 3/4 cup)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
3 bananas (really ripe ones work great)
3 tablespoons of sourcream (I make that a heaping spoon)
1 teaspoon of baking soda
2 cups flour (about 2/3 cup ground flax and the rest whole wheat flour - not white flour it makes it too dry and yucky)
1 bag of MILK CHOCOLATE chips

Instructions:
Beat sugar, oil, eggs and bananas.
Dissolve soda in sour cream (give it about 3 minutes and the sour cream gets all fluffy). Slowly add sour cream to mixture and mix on low. Add flour, mix. Add chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Welcome Spring

2011-04-18T12:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was wanting to do something crafty, and Olivia was wanting to be held ... so I made this scrapbook page (I'm able to snuggle with my left arm and use my right to click on the mouse).

Journaling reads:
We are excited because the snow is melting.
Then we are disappointed because it snows again.
Mr Sun, please shine so we can get out in our new rubber boots and have fun!
Livie sure likes stomping around in this weather! April 2011

Digi elements: K. Pertiet, Karla Dudley, Jen Wilson, Anna Aspnes
Inspired by this layout I saw on flickr.

WIP friday ... oops!

2011-04-15T16:48:00.007-06:00

I got busy on Wednesday and didn't get to the computer like I planned! I've been working away at quilting my Master Bedroom quilt. I have to still finish the inner boxes and then I plan to freemotion quilt around the flowers.

I went to the bookstore with my kids last week and splurged on a book for me too ... fresh*quilting by Malka Dubrawsky. Her projects are beautiful and inspiring. I want to use her instructions for her strings attached sham - to make a quilt, and make the zigzag pillow, the ABC baby book, and Nate's quilt. So much eye candy! I like how she mixes colors and I'm very INSPIRED!

What I did in the laundry room

2011-04-15T16:47:00.001-06:00

"Your laundry room mission for today is to place a picture of your
family or favorite pet or a picture of something that is special to
you in your laundry room. This allows you to see something pleasant
when you are blessing the laundry." The Flylady

I found the flylady many years ago - probally 7. I have started and stopped her program so many times. I've been getting her emails again for a few months and have been just working on her babysteps the past 4 days. This morning I read the above mission for my laundry room and thought it would be just the thing to get me motivated to get going on my MOUNTAIN of laundry. The laundry room is not finished - there will be cupboards and drywall that is actually taped, mudded and painted, BUT in the meantime these pictures give me something nice to look at. I like it!

WIP wednesday!

2011-04-06T17:07:00.001-06:00

Not much to show you ... but I have been able to get some work done on my WIP list. And I'm happy to say that spring has finally decided to come! Bring on the rubber boots and the spring jackets. I don't even mind that I have to wipe the dogs paws - hmmm... maybe that's taking it a little to far! I'm so happy that spring is on its way! (I even saw some Canada geese and my friend saw a robin the other day!)

Quilts:
1. Masterbedroom Quilt: I continue the job of quilting this monster. I'm excited to get this quilt done and on my bed!
2. Lizzy House Quilt: I bought the spray adhesive so I can sandwich my quilt. Waiting for the right night to do so - when my kids go to bed on time, and my husband is home so he can help me.
3. My fabric came in -- now I'm dreaming about what to do. Thinking I will make another quilt for our bed inspired by Blue Elephant Stitches Hope Valley Patchwork quilt, and I'd love to try a single girl quilt from the scraps. These are just ideas - not adding them to the WIP list yet!

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Starting to think about the April prompt.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books:
1. from 2010 (February 2011 done and working on December 2010)

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

2011-04-05T15:26:00.001-06:00

The postman has been kind to me this week! I got my package from Fabric Worm (the fabulous collection of Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley Fabric in 1/2 yards) and I got my copy of Amy Ellis's Modern Basics quilt book! There are a few quilts in there that have caught my eye ...Tumbling Cubes, Posie Patch, Modern Maze and Knotted Squares. Thanks to Amy Ellis for inspiration and also for the wonderful book (I won it!) YIPPEEEE!

WIP Wednesday

2011-03-30T13:06:00.001-06:00

It's spring break here ... and maybe spring is on it's way! There is so much snow on the ground, but the temperature is rising and it's starting to melt! Good thing we had the new eavestroughs put on the house last week - just in time! So glad I have had some time to be crafty this week:

Quilts:

1. Master bedroom quilt: in the process on being quilted. I've decided to do some echo quilting on this one. It feels good to be on the home stretch with this quilt - I've been working on it for a long long time! (Like almost a year).
2. Lizzy House quilt: I have completed the front and back of this - it's waiting to be sandwhiched. I have decided to use adhesive spray to baste this one - I'm hoping there won't be as much shifting and slipping as I get with pins (and I pin every 4 inches when basting).
3. I'm still waiting for my Hope Valley fabric to come from FabricWorm. In the meantime, I've been drooling over some of these projects I found on Flickr:

1. 'Hope Valley' pin cushion, 2. Sewing machine cover in 'Hope Valley', 3. patchwork squares pillow, 4. Hope Valley Quilt back, 5. Hope Valley pillow, 6. Two tiered skirts, 7. Binding the Hope Valley Quilt, 8. Hope Valley quilt-the back, 9. a hope valley queen sized quilt, 10. Supernova quilt, 11. { handkerchief corners }, 12. Hope Valley Patchwork Squares

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Continuing to work on my March prompt.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books:
1. from 2010 (I made a book for January 2011 - can you believe I filled a book with 22 pages just with January pictures? And I did not put all of the photos in that I took. I take a lot of pictures! - planning to send it off to Apple so I can hold it in my hands and enjoy it!)

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

What I'm up to today...

2011-03-26T22:08:00.001-06:00

In list form :)

1. Parenting. Working on getting my kids to sleep. Really looking forward to having an evening all to myself (and to share with the love of my life).
2. Playing with technology ... my iPhone and now I found this new site called Pinterest. So darn addicting.

3. Quilting. I finished making the back of my Lizzy House quilt yesterday and started quilting my Masterbedroom quilt. I think it's interesting that it takes me a long time to start stuff - (like quilting this quilt) when I'm a little intimidated by it, and then when I start, it's really just fine. Maybe, that's a thought for all of life.

Rainbow Challenge

2011-03-24T20:24:00.000-06:00

My friend Corey put out a challenge on her blog to capture rainbows with our kids. This is what Joel and I came up with! I've also been really wanting to do some scrapbooking so I thought this challenge would be a perfect way to jump back into it!

Thought I'd also post about what the rainbow symbolizes - so thankful for God and his promises!

Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. Genesis 9:12-15

WIP Wednesday

2011-03-23T16:20:00.001-06:00

Is is Wednesday already? It has been snowing here - it's ridiculous how much snow. Today I had to back up and try to get into my driveway 3 times - the snow was deep and the ice slippery! On with the crafty list:

Completed Projects:

1. Cathedral Quilt Sampler: I finished this last night. I've decided it'll be a mug rug. It's about 4.5 inches square. I've also decided I really don't like the hand sewing at all - but I will try the machine sewing method. Thanks to Elizabeth D. for the link. You can find it on Hyena in Petticoats blog.

Quilts:
1. Master bedroom Quilt: at a stand still. This week I'll start quilting it - I promise =) (I'm a little intimidated by how big it is).

2. Lizzy House Quilt: I finished the quilt top this week. Woohoo! It feels good! I just worked away whenever I had a couple minutes. If I do another patchwork quilt, I want to have all the blocks divided evenly by row or 9s ... I had quite a few more orange ducks and ran out of green ducks, blue stripes and blue circles. I think it turned out good though! Josh still says that it's way too big =)

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Continuing to work on my March prompt. We went bowling - our family adventure! Much joy and smiles and fun was had!

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

PS. I'm so excited! I've been drooling over Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley collection and I now have some on it's way! More WIPs here we come!

WIP Wednesday

2011-03-16T14:18:00.001-06:00

This week just sped by! I've found some time to do some crafty stuff in amongst my other duties like parenting and laundry. Here is this week's progress:

Quilting:
1. Master bedroom quilt: at a standstill for two reasons - it's going to be a huge quilting job and I'm still not sure how I'm going to quilt it, AND I'm focussing on the Lizzy House quilt top.
2. Lizzy House quilt: still working on the top ... getting bigger every day. I also took advantage of a 50% off sale at my local fabric store and bought the batting and flannel for the back.
3. Cathedral quilt sampler: a new little project. I've been noticing on flickr some beautiful quilts - some that I'm particularly interested in making are - Cathedral window quilts, hexigons and wedding ring quilts (although I really like the look of Denyse Schmidt's single girl design). Back to the point, I went to the library and found a book called Ultimate Quilting Bible by Marie Clayton which has some good instructions for how to make all of these quilts (but not the single girl). This week I started a small Cathedral window quilt sampler. Not so sure I will ever make another because of all the hand sewing ... Here it is so far:

And here is some inspiration I've found on flickr:

1. cathedral windows, 2. single girl #2, 3. new bag!!!, 4. King-Size Single Girl, 5. a hexagon potholder, 6. Mini Hexagon Pincushion Practice, 7. Wedding Ring, 8. Pillow Talk Swap Pillow Front

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. One Little Word Course project. Started working on my March prompt. Planning to enJOY and adventure with my kids and husband this weekend (we talk about this and just rarely do it).

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:1
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 13

WIP Wednesday

2011-03-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

This has been quite the crafty week! I've been getting some sleep ... and therefore everything seems to be rolling better! Hooray!

Completed Projects:

1. God keeps his promises mug rug: I needed a birthday present for my sister Kara - I went to 3 different stores and couldn't find what I wanted (in my budget). Three stores were all my kids could handle so I settled on making her a mug rug and giving her a cheque! I have been enjoying seeing all the rainbow inspiration out in blogland and flickr and so that inspired my latest little rug. I like that they are quick to make - it feels like I've accomplished something! =)

Quilts:

1. Master bedroom quilt: sandwiched! Hooray! This is a big quilt - I used over 200 safety pins (I bought two boxes of 100 and then used up most of the ones I already had - so closer to 300). I'm seriously considering basting the sandwich with spray adhesive next time. I've had some trouble in the past with the back not being perfect and having to rip out quilting stitches. Hoping this won't happen for this quilt. Two questions: a) what kind of basting do you use? b) how would you quilt this one? I'm considering wonky straight, OR echo of all the squares and free motion around the flowers.

2. Lizzy House quilt: I'm having so much fun with this one! I've been sewing it in 9 patches (random) because I have 9 different fabrics I'm using. It's so much fun to put together a quilt top!

Scrapbooking:
I haven't worked on anything in the scrapbooking realm for a while. This weekend I got to play with my stuff and teach my sister in law Allison a little about photoshop elements - that was fun times! I'm starting to long for this part of my creativity ... I feel some pages coming!
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. February One Little Word Course project.

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:1
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

Some progress ... and thoughts on process

2011-03-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

I've got a pretty good start on my patchwork quilt. I'm making it with some of my stash fabric - Lizzy House Red Letter Day. This quilt will be for my son Joshua's big boy bed - he is still in his firetruck toddler bed and I think making a quilt is a good way for him to get excited about the transition. Today I want to talk about how I make quilts.

1. Look for inspiration. I do this a lot ... I like to look at flickr, quilting books, and magazines (but I look at flickr most - daily)
2. Decide on the design. This can be agonizing ...
3. Decide on the fabric - either find it in my stash OR buy it (usually online at Fabricworm or Hawthorne Threads or my local fabric store)
4. Cut it out. This is the scary part because once I've done this, I'm COMMITTED!
5. Start sewing the quilt together.
6. Decide on the quilt back design (#2, 3, 4, and 5)
7. Sandwich the quilt (I baste it using pins but I may try using spray adhesive - Film in the Fridge has a great tutorial here)
8. Quilt it on my machine (more decisions - free motion or straight lines, if straight lines how - wonky straight, random angles, echo quilting ...)
9. Binding - cut, machine sew the front, hand sew the back
10. Wash and enjoy!

I'm in the #5 stage right now for my quilt. I really enjoy this stage ... it's fun to see how the design I worked out in my head is working - sometimes it does, and sometimes there is a whole lot of seam ripping and starting over. I decided instead of sewing the blocks together one by one to do a nine patch random formation. I think it's helping keep the shape of the quilt and also helping me with keeping the patchwork looking random. I like it so far, and so does Josh (although he did tell me it's too wide and not long enough). Off to make some popcorn for my boys and work a little more on this quilt.

WIP Wednesday

2011-03-02T18:21:00.007-07:00

A busy week has flown by again. And I'm happy to report that I have made some progress in the crafty department!

Quilting:

1. Master Bedroom Quilt: I finished the back, a completely different style than I usually do! I usually use white flannel and a strip of fabric to echo the front. This quilt back is inspired by this quilt back on flickr which was actually the reason I wanted to make this quilt in the first place! I was thankful for my husband's input the day I was making the quilt back - I was nervous that the orange might be too much - we experimented with white but I'm glad we decided to be bold! You can see a picture of the front of my quilt on this post.

2. Patchwork quilt. I have been really drawn to patchwork quilts on flickr lately. I also have been wanting to buy new fabric and it's not in my budget at the moment ... so I looked through my stash and I'm going to use up the Lizzy House Red Letter Day fabric I bought last year - a stash busting project! Hooray!

3. Mug Rugs: Last week I spent some time playing and made two little mug rugs. A fun and satisfying project - I really like how quick they are to make!

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. February One Little Word Course project (some work done here see this post).

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011 (I started working on this one ... this is such a big job)

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:2
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
4. Currently in Progress: 12

I like patchwork!

2011-03-01T21:23:00.002-07:00

All quilts made by these amazing quilters (found on flickr):
1. custom baby quilt., 2. Hope Valley Patchwork Squares, 3. Lotus Patchwork Quilt - finished, 4. Sample Block for Joy Circle January do.Good Stitches, 5. "Huckleberry" Modern Baby Quilt, 6. Baby Quilt, 7. One Little Monkey 2, 8. squares!: piecing done, 9. Baby quilt

I will admit that since I got an iphone for Christmas I look at quilts A LOT on my flickr app. And I've been adding a lot of quilts to my favorites list lately! I like a variety of quilts, but I've noticed lately that I'm drawn to square patchwork quilts. So today I started one.

I've been really wanting to buy the entire Denyse Schmidt collection of fabrics Hope Valley. They are beautiful and I see her fabric pop up in so many lovely quilts these days. But, right now it is just not in my budget to buy any fabric. So, I started thinking about the fabric I have and settled on using up the Lizzy House Red Letter Day collection that I have in my stash. This will be a quilt for my Joshua - he's going to be moving into a big boy bed soon and "needs" a bigger quilt.

Oh, and some exciting, jumping up and down news! I entered into a draw at for a book called Modern Basics by Amy Ellis last week on the Wild Card blog and WON!!!! I'm so excited! Looking forward to reading this one - and trying out some of her ideas!

Joy Mosaic

2011-02-21T19:17:00.001-07:00

My assignment this month for my ONE WORD class with Ali Edwards is to take pictures of JOY in the world. I was having a difficult time with this so I thought I'd check out Flickr and see what inspiration I could find! There were many many pictures classified as Joy - here are my favorites!

1. Joy, 2. JOY, 3. Joy, 4. joy., 5. Joy, 6. Joy, 7. Joy, 8. joy, 9. Joy Division Intersection

Creating ...

2011-02-21T18:59:00.001-07:00

mug rugs! These seem to be all the rage in the quilting world right now! I made the first one for my wonderful sister in law Allison for her birthday.

This star mug rug is for me =) I have been reading a book by Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston called Collaborative Quilting and I wanted to try out making a star.

WIP Wednesday

2011-02-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

Another week has flown by ... I do find this WIP post actually gets me going. Maybe I should be blogging about organizing my house =)

Quilting:
1. Master bedroom quilt. I finished the quilt top just this afternoon! Woohoo! I'm commited to getting this quilt done.

Scrapbooking: (no work done this week)
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2010 Daily December
4. February One Little Word Course project (photographing my word in the world ...)

Blog books:
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010
5. 2011 (I started working on this one ... this is such a big job)

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:1
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Abandoned projects: 0
3. Currently in Progress: 11

WIP Wednesday

2011-02-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, another week has flown by. I think my house is now messier than last week, and I still haven't even dug out my cutting table so that I can work on my quilt. I wonder, is that because I haven't been sleeping much, or because I'm busy with other things, or because I'm not that excited about the quilt I have assigned myself to start working on again (probaly a little of each)? I have been looking at lots of flickr inspiration and thought I'd share some of my favorites with you here:

1. Hope Valley Patchwork Squares, 2. Hope Valley Quilt back, 3. Urban Lattice quilt top, 4. Bee Creative block-Jenn, 5. Binding Fabric for FFA2 Kitchen Windows Quilt, 6. Innocent Crush Rectangle Squared quilt, 7. Lotus Patchwork Quilt - finished, 8. Sample Block for Joy Circle January do.Good Stitches, 9. far far away 2 quilt, 10. Modern boys doll quilt, 11. Almost Squares - Orange Flower, 12. Hideaway quilt, 13. modern munki munki martian quilt, 14. Green Quilt, 15. aqua red babyquilt , 16. Autum's September block

Back to the reason for this post =)

Quilting:
1. Master bedroom quilt. (no work done so far this week)

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book ( I pulled this out and put holes in the pages and binder rings in the holes. Starting to think about the photos and stories I want to add - this was a very special gift from my blogland scrappy friends and I've never added anything to it because of being afraid I'd wreck it. How ridiculous! I'm going to use this precious gift in the way they intended!)
2. Romance mini (also dug out. Considering abandoning this project as it is still waiting for me from 2007!)
3. 2008 Week in the Life (finished! WOOHOO! Can you believe it was really just printing and editing to finish this project that's been hanging over my head for 2 years!)
4. 2010 Daily December (no work done this week)
5. February One Little Word Course project (photographing my word in the world ...)

Blog books: (no work done this week)
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010

Photo books: (no work done this week)
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
3. Currently in Progress: 10

WIP Wednesday

2011-02-02T15:42:00.001-07:00

This week has been quite tough ... I'm doing a lot of night time parenting (all three kids have needed me and I'm TIRED). I've done very little this week crafty speaking =) Here goes:

Completed projects:

1. Purple quilt - this has been done for quite some time, but I was finally able to give it to my wonderful friend Leona. You can see pictures on this post.

2. Drum stick bag. My son Joel asked on Sunday for a place to put his drum sticks. A few quick seams and voila!

Quilting:

1. Master bedroom quilt. I have a rule in quilting - to finish what you start before you go on ... I didn't do that with this one and it's feeling kinda stale. Especially because I have so many cool ideas swirling around in my head for new ones. It's my goal to finish the quilt top this week.

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2008 Week in the Life
4. 2010 Daily December - I got quite a bit done on this one ... still more to do!
5. February One Little Word Course project (photographing my word in the world ...)

Blog books:
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010

Photo books:
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:2
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Abandoned projects: 0
3. Currently in Progress: 11

Sometimes I wonder how all you crafty people out there pump out so many quilts! It takes me months to make one! And how do you keep your houses clean and your families fed?

Purple Quilt Reveal!

2011-01-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

This quilt was made with love for my friend Leona. I started it in October using Oh Franson's Crazy 9 patch lattice quilt instructions, inspiration from Urban Patchwork's quilt, and fabric bought from FabricWorm. I'm so thrilled that Leona likes it!

PS. Doesn't it look great on her bed!

WIP Wednesday

2011-01-26T21:30:00.001-07:00

I'm baaaaack! Last week I didn't do a WIP post because I didn't work on anything crafty. I'm happy to report that this week I did get to be crafty and can cross 2 things off my list! WOO HOO! Today I'm going to go through all my projects and write a detailed list of what I really want to do. Here goes:

Completed Projects:
1. Daily December 2008
2. Daily December 2009
So cool to have these projects complete! It's quite interesting to be able to look back and see what we did for the last four Decembers! And it feels so good to have them no longer on my "to do" list!
3. Purple quilt (It's in the dryer right now, ready to be delivered this week ... pictures soon, I promise!)

Quilting:
1. Master bedroom quilt. (Sitting in my guest bedroom ready for me to start working on it - I am in the process of sashing).

Scrapbooking:
1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. 2008 Week in the Life
4. 2010 Daily December (just need to put the pictures in)

Blog books:
1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010

Photo books:
1. from 2010

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 3
3. Abandoned projects: 3 (Valentine's mini, Miscarriage mini, Denver mini)
3. Currently in Progress: 10

WIP Wednesday

2011-01-12T19:16:00.002-07:00

The week has flown by and most of my intentions for the week (at least crafty wise) have not happened. I'm thankful for a nice warm house and a car starter these days because it's so very cold and snowy here. BRRRRR! On to my progress this week:

1. Quilting
- no work done on this front.

2. Scrapbooking
a. I have finished this month's assignments for my One Little Word class. A wonderful lesson in definitions. So enjoying my word: JOY! You can see some of my art here for this project.
b. I worked a little on my 2009 December Daily project, not complete yet.

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:0
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Currently in Progress: 15

More work to be done on cleaning up my office, getting ready for a birthday party this week, and washing the mountain of laundry (and drying and folding and putting away). Happy Work In Progress Wednesday!

Joy

2011-01-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

I found these two quotes the other day:

Don't move the way fear makes you move.
Move the way love makes you move.
Move the way joy makes you move.
-Osho-

Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.
-Leon Bloy-

LET there be JOY!

Here are some of the things I've been working on for my class:

WIP Wednesday - Happy 2011

2011-01-05T12:15:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year! A new year to love, to grow, to create! With all the busyness of Christmas I have some creations to show you ... and some projects that are still needing work. Here goes for this week:

Finished Projects:

1. Doll Quilts for Olivia and Brooke (the girls got baby dolls for Christmas - complete with cribs and high chairs and strollers. I wanted them to have little quilts for their "babies".) These quilts are inspired by these mug rugs by Yarntini that I saw on flickr.

2. Superhero capes and pj bottoms. Four boys were very very excited to receive these on Christmas morning!

Works in Progress:

Quilting:
1. Purple Quilt - just needs to be washed and given. Photos to come after this event =)
2. Orange and Pink quilt - I plan to organize my office/quilting/scrapbook room this week and get working on this quilt again. I stopped working on it last October so I could get my Christmas projects done. Now it's time to get this quilt finished.

Scrapbooking:
3. One Little Word Course. A new project that will last all year. I am taking Ali Edward's class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. So excited to be working on this ongoing project about my word this year - JOY!
4. 2010 December Daily - have to put the photos in, hole punch the pages and put in the binder rings.
5. 2009 December Daily - have to finish embellishments, make title page, hole punch pages and put in binder rings

(lots of other scrapbooking projects in my WIP list but this is my goal to finish for January)

This week's stats:
1. New Projects:1
2. Completed Projects: 4
3. Currently in Progress: 16

2010

2010-12-31T17:09:00.001-07:00

Has been a year of blessings for me and my family. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2011.

Stay tuned for next year's word: JOY

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

May you be blessed as you celebrate Jesus' birthday!
With love from the Whites.

WIP Wednesday - Christmas edition

2010-12-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

There are only 3 more sleeps until Christmas ... and I'm VERY close to being ready. Today my lovely sister in law took the kids for the afternoon so I could get some crafting done. Here's my progress:

Quilting:
1. Purple quilt
- this week I finished the quilting and I am busily working on the hand sewing of the binding.

Scrapbooking:
2. December Daily 2010
- I am continuing to keep up with the journalling and the photographing. That's where it will stay though until I have more time (like in January ha ha). I'm finding that I'm enjoying the journalling much more this year because I'm just doing it right on the final product. The past few years I was taking notes and then journalling later - I like this year's system much better.

Sewing:
3. Superhero capes and Pj bottoms
- this afternoon I finished the 4 pj bottoms and 2 of the capes. I have about an hour left to finish this project (my husband has graciously said I can work on it tomorrow too - and he'll occupy the kids.)

New projects:
4. Mystery Christmas gift (2 of them)
- I actually came up with the idea and completed the projects this weekend ... pictures to follow after Christmas.

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 2
2. Completed Projects: 2
3. Currently in Progress: 20

WIP Wednesday

2010-12-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

It's Work In Progress Wednesday ... and only 10 days till Christmas. I've got some work to do!

Quilting:
1. Purple Quilt:
Using this walking foot quite alot these days. Just about done the quilting ... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I did learn something in this process - I'm not good at eyeballing straight lines. So I have been using a masking tape line to follow to make my random diagonal lines.

Scrapbooking:
2. Daily December 2010:
I'm doing really well with keeping up with journalling and taking pictures. I may be working on this project in January to finish it up.

Sewing:
3. Super hero Capes and Jammies:
- all the fabric has been cut out and some the jammies just need hems and waistbands. I learned something here too ... always bring the pattern to the fabric store (or have a firm plan for how much to buy.) When I went to buy the fabric originally, I was really not sure what I needed or what kind of fabric I wanted. I thought I needed 1 meter of fabric for each cape but the lady at the store convinced me I only needed 1/2 a meter. She was wrong ... so back to the store I went hoping I could find the same fabric (it was on for 70%). Thankfully it was still there and at the same price.

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 0
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Currently in Progress: 20

WIP Wednesday

2010-12-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Another Wednesday has come and gone ... and there are only 16 days left till Christmas (I think). So I've pared down the things I want to get done ... or at least prioritized them a little.

Quilting:
1. Purple quilt: still need to get the quilting and the binding done. I'm kinda nervous about the quilting and if it will look good. I think I just need to dive right in and get it done. Saturday I have a babysitter for just that reason!

Scrapbooking:
1. 2010 December Daily. I'm doing well keeping up with taking pictures and writing the journalling. This year I'm doing the journelling right on the paper with no notes ... it's a good plan.

Sewing:
1. Four super hero capes with pj bottoms. I'm in the cutting out phase of the operation (has to be done with the boys sleeping)

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 0
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Currently in Progress: 20

PS. The photos from my Kaffe quilt are up ... you can check them out in this post!

Make and Let Go

2010-12-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

December 6 – Make.
What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

The last thing I made ... today I worked on my December Daily project. Made mostly on my computer but there is a spot where I hand journal (I think it's important for this project to have my handwriting). Paper, photo paper, ink. I have taken on WAY to many projects for before Christmas. But such is December.

December 5 – Let Go.
What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

Two things this year:
1. My house. Our family moved this August ... into a smaller older home that is still in the midst of a renovation. Letting go of my house was tough for me because it was designed by my Dad (with huge input from Matt and I) and built by my husband. He did most of the work and it is a BEAUTIFUL house. But it's just a house. And there are wonderful people living there (who take such beautiful care of it). I really do need to remember that it's not the house or the land that I need to sink my roots into. And besides ... home is where your heart and your family is.
2. The idea of having a fourth baby. We are complete at 3 children.

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Kaffe Quilt

2010-12-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

I can now reveal the pictures of my Kaffe quilt (I gave it to my sister Rhonda yesterday for her birthday - and she likes it!) I used the Pastel Italian Tiles quilt pattern by Kaffe Fassett from his book Quilt Romance, for inspiration (I took it out of the library this fall). I also used Laura Gunn's Poppy collection fabric. Perfect colors for Rhonda's house ... I really like the watercolor floral pattern.

Wonder

2010-12-04T23:38:00.001-07:00

December 4 – Wonder.
How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

I looked up wonder in the dictionary:

- cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel
- miracle
-the quality of exciting amazed admiration
- rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience
- a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

I like the "rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience" definition. This year I worked to cultivate wonder in my life and my children's lives by taking them on adventures - mostly in the summer. I plan to do this every summer - this year my favorite was going to Fort Edmonton Park. Taking the steam engine, walking around the park and looking at all the old buildings, giving Joel the opportunity to ride a horse. That was my favorite part. The first time we went, he got on the horse and then after about 2 minutes the handler brought him back - he was too scared. When we got back to Grandma's house he started asking to go horseback riding again. All weekend actually. So, on Monday morning, I packed up the three kids and went back (this time with no Aunties or Grandma) and he did it. It was WONDERFUL to see him conquer his fear, and ride the horse! His eyes were shining and he couldn't stop talking about it for the rest of the trip.

Moment Captured

2010-12-03T23:12:00.002-07:00

December 3 – Moment.
Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

I've thought about this prompt all day ... and my MOMENT happened tonight. (written at 2307 pm).

Olivia was in my arms wiggling around, when I smelled a familiar odour. I swept her down the hall and placed her on her change table. Normally she wiggles and fights as I change her but tonight she looked up at me and giggled. In that moment I felt such connection with my sweet daughter. Giggling and smiling into each others eyes ...I scooped her up, gently squeezed her small frame and told her I loved her. Now that is a moment I do not want to forget. What a joy and a blessing my daughter is.

Writing

2010-12-02T15:07:00.001-07:00

December 2 Writing.
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?
(Author: Leo Babauta)

I'm going to add change the word to CREATING. Because I don't do much writing ... well I guess I do. I have a journal where I write down my thoughts and favorite promises from the Bible, and also notes that I want to remember. I also do some writing on my blog. But that's not the question ... what do I do that doesn't contribute:

- blog surfing instead of creating or writing
- getting anxious about all the other responsibilities that I have so I don't do anything
- watching tv

Some things to do to eliminate these:
- having a list of things to do (to keep me organised)
- having a time limit on how long I will surf around looking at blogs and other inspiring stuff
- choosing to create when I often would sit down and veg on the couch

** this prompt is good for thinking about other important stuff like:
- having fun with my kids
- spending time with God
- getting my housework done
- creating (scrapbooking and quilting)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

One Word

2010-12-02T14:54:00.001-07:00

I noticed on Ali Edward's blog that she was participating in the REVERB 10 challenge. I thought it was interesting and that I would give it a go ...

December 1 One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

Every year I pick a word (also inspired by Ali Edwards). This year's word was BLESSING.
How has this year been a BLESSING:
- a new home (a better fit for us with a bedroom for each of our children and a smaller mortgage).
- debt freedom (except for the house - thank you Dave Ramsey)
- a new baby ... Olivia (such a joy and a blessing in our lives)
- 6 years of marriage - and we're happy and in love.
- Joel has started kindergarten - in a wonderful school with a teacher who is perfect for him
- Josh has been growing - especially where talking and vocabulary is concerned
- Allison and Glen have moved to our city
- I've started being on the music team at church
- attending Bible study with some wonderful women - and learning so much
- God has blessed us more than we could ask or imagine.

I'm still throwing around a word for next year, some I've thought about are: PEACE, CALM, JOY, SUCCESS

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

WIP Wednesday and an invisible tutorial

2010-12-01T17:39:00.002-07:00

It's WIP (Work in Progress) Wednesday! A day to reflect on the crafty work I've done this week ...

1. Quilting:
a) Kaffe Quilt - IS FINISHED! Hooray! Photos to come soon.
b) Purple quilt - I started to quilt this ... and made a lot of puckers so I had to rip out the seam. Tonight I'm planning to add more pins. My friend Shirley suggested I pin the sandwich every 4 inches ... I need to add quite a few =)

2. Scrapbooking:
a) 2009 Daily December - I have the journalling done and the pictures mounted. Next is embellishing and the title page. Really want this done by next week!
b) 2010 Daily December - I have started with a few notes about today and some pictures of the kids. Ideas swirling around in my head about how this year's book is going to look!

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 0
2. Completed Projects: 1
3. Currently in Progress: 20

Invisible Stitching Tutorial

Thought I would give a little tutorial on how I have made the binding sewing "invisible".

1. I use Elizabeth's instructions at Oh Franson to sew on my binding. She has explained on there how to hand sew as well.
2. I gather my tools:

- a needle, thread (that is similar to the back of the quilt), scissors, and a thimble. I keep them all together in a baby jar (but you could use anything for this) so that I'm not constantly looking for the scissors or the thread etc.

3. I thread the needle with a double thread (the tails of the thread closest to the needle, this helps me to make a neat knot at the end using the "fold" of the thread.

4. I start my stitch just behind the last stitch and run my needle along the inside of the fold of the binding. Then I put an anchor stitch into the backing of the quilt (but not all the way through) and start again.

The trick for me was the running my needle along the inside of the fold of the binding! Hope this helps and made sense!

WIP Wednesday

2010-11-24T09:57:00.012-07:00

This week's progress:

1. Quilting:

a) Green Kaffe Quilt: I finished the quilting on Saturday and am in the process of hand sewing the binding. A big thanks to my friend Shirley for teaching me how to make the stitches invisible. It looks so much more beautiful than my other attempts at sewing on binding!
b) Purple Quilt: yesterday I made the sandwich! Today I'm considering my options about how to quilt it. Thinking that I will try random straight stitches (inspired by a post on the Film on the Fridge Blog).

2. Scrapbooking:
- 2009 December Daily - still working on the journalling.

3. New Projects:
- 2010 Daily December (this starts next week ... I'd better get cracking on starting this!)
- fabric bought for some Christmas presents for my boys
- idea swirling around for sewing a little something for my Olivia
- wanting to join the Urban Lattice Quilt along with Me? A Mom -- in the new year

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 4
2. Completed Projects: 0
3. Currently in Progress: 21

Wow, do I ever have a lot of projects. I'm enjoying this WIP Wednesday post though ... I feel a little more organized and less like all these crafty projects are hanging over my head.

PS. A few of you had some questiions about my Kaffe Quilt and my sewing machine. I answered them in this post.

WIP Q&A

2010-11-18T14:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all the lovely comments! There were a couple of questions I thought I'd answer:

1. Lee asked if I was using Kaffe Fabric for the Kaffe quilt that I am working on.

No, I'm using Michael Miller fabric designed by Laura Gunn - her Poppy collection (I got mine at Hawthorne Threads). I really really liked the flowers in this fabric and so I just "had" to get it! Then one day at the library I found the Kaffe Fassett quilt book ... his Pastel Italian Tiles quilt was one of my favorites. I was talking to the local quilt shop lady about this quilt and she thought that the fabric I had would work wonderfully with the pattern. I didn't follow the pattern exactly - used it mostly for inspiration. I will show photos of the finished quilt in December (hopefully I finish it by then!)

2. Elizabeth asked how I like my Janome machine. (Janome 4030 QDC Quilting/Decor sewing machine)

I really like it! I got it for Christmas last year (a joint gift from my wonderful husband and inlaws - thank you so much!) I had an old Kenmore sewing machine that I learned to quilt on, but the feed dogs wouldn't lower (which meant either no free motion quilting or taking them out and messing up the tension on my machine). I really like all the features on this machine ... the walking foot, the fact the feed dogs drop down easily, the button for backing up, the button to plunge my needle in the fabric, the fact that I can control the speed of sewing with my foot or with the lever on the machine. I don't think I've even scratched the surface of all the things it can do.

WIP Wednesday

2010-11-17T16:43:00.002-07:00

This week I've been focusing on two projects (in very small a few minutes here, a few minutes therebabysteps - I do have 3 kids, a husband, a home and a dog to care for):

1. Quilting:
- getting the quilting done on my blue and green x quilt. I've finally decided to go with the instructions from the pattern (written by Kaffe Fassett - to stitch in the ditch around the lattice and also the squares and to freemotion around the flowers. I hope it looks good when I'm done ... I usually like swirly freemotion quilting). My goal is to be done the quilting and ready to hand sew the binding on Sunday during the football games that Matt and I watch.

2. Scrapbooking:
- Ali Edwards has been gearing up for this year's December Daily project on her blog. I thought I'd better finish last years. I've got the journalling done up to December 16 - it's good I kept notes. Once the journalling is done I'll print the photos and embellish the pages. Goal to be done by next week so that I can put together this year's December Daily project.

This week's stats:
1. New Projects: 1 (getting ready for December Daily 2010)
2. Completed Projects: 0
2. Currently in Progress: 18 (see this post - yikes that's a whole lot)

Holiday Ideas found here:

2010-11-04T13:50:00.001-06:00

Go check it out at Inspire Co.

Work In Progress Wednesday

2010-11-03T13:41:00.002-06:00

I was wandering around blog land this morning and noticed Lee is doing a Work in Progress Wednesday feature on her blog. I have MANY MANY WIPs on the go. On Monday night I got out my boxes of them (still unpacked) and looked through. Here is the list I have come up with:

Quilting:

1. Green and Blue X quilt
2. Purple quilt
3. Master bedroom quilt.
4. I have an Olivia quilt swirling around in my brain =)

Scrapbooking:

1. Joshua baby book
2. Romance mini
3. Valentine mini
4. In real life mini (Denver trip)
5. Miscarriage mini
6. 2008 Week in the Life
7. 2008 Christmas book cover
8. 2009 Christmas book (journalling, pictures, everything)

Blog books:

1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2009
4. 2010

Photo books

- from this whole year

I so need to get to work on this stuff. Some of it may just not happen (especially of the scrapbooking WIP). The current WIP I am working on is the 2009 Christmas book ... I want it done before December so that I can make one for this year guilt fee. I'm also working on the X quilt and purple quilt.

Another quilt top sneak

2010-11-01T15:19:00.001-06:00

I finished my second quilt top on Saturday (thanks Mom for watching the kids so I could sew!). I'm really happy about this because I've met my goal for October ... two quilt tops. My goal for this week is to have them both sandwiched and ready to quilt by next week. I plan to have them both done by November 30. I've had lots of people ask how I do this with three kids. Well, I do it in fits and starts. A minute here, five minutes there (and sometimes if my Mom comes to visit I get to quilt for several hours uninterupted by kids). Another thing is that my house suffers ... the laundry piles up, and it's not as neat as I want.

Quilt top sneak

2010-10-19T16:09:00.000-06:00

Olivia is showing off a sneak of my latest quilt. I finished the top this afternoon! And hooray for sales ... I got a great deal on quilt batting and fabric this weekend at Fabricland!

Breaking my rule ... again!

2010-10-04T16:25:00.001-06:00

I am breaking my rule about working on more than one quilt at a time AGAIN! YIKES! As October has arrived, I decided to get going on the two quilts I want to have made by Christmas. I plan to go right back to my orange and pink quilt as soon as they are done! I've made quite a bit of progress on it actually - I'm over half way done sewing together the top.

This weekend I pinked the edges of the fabric and washed them (I find pinking the edges helps them not to fray as much). And I ironed all the fabric during the 3 football games Matt and I watched yesterday (it took me that long because I did a lot of parenting and food making/eating during that time too!) I also got my blocks mostly cut last night! Today I've started sewing the blocks together. Here is my inspiration for the quilt. And this is the tutorial I'm using to make the blocks.

More bibs!

2010-09-23T23:07:00.001-06:00

Olivia doesn't wear bibs. She can't stand the plastic or the velcro ones - she just rips them off! So when she actually kept the one on that I made for her a few weeks ago, I thought I'd better make some more. (She must just really like the cute quilting fabric I choose). The other nice thing about this project was that I realized that I do have some cute fabric in my stash that I could easily make into something beautiful!

Some Creativity

2010-09-20T16:00:00.003-06:00

A scraplift of a recent Ali Edwards layout.

Just in time for

2010-09-09T22:52:00.001-06:00

the opening night of NFL football! Thank you Shirley for my wonderful football themed pot holders! What a lovely surprise! Thanks for your love and support and our quilting chats (and your fabulous tips! I'm looking forward to sewing on binding in a much more invisible way now.) Tonight Matt and I enjoyed our favorite Epicure cheese dip while we watched the Saints beat the Vikings. I really enjoy football season - time with my wonderful husband relaxing and enjoying!

Quilting - I'm back at it!

2010-09-07T18:39:00.001-06:00

While I'm waiting for my wonderful husband to finish the kitchen (so I can unpack most of our boxes), I decided to unpack the quilt I had started way back in May before I did my commissioned quilt. You can see my inspiration here. So over the past two days I have finished making my squares and now I'm in the process of working on the sashing. I would like to put a design wall in our office at some point so that I don't have to use our bed like I did in the above photo.

Craftyness

2010-08-29T19:31:00.001-06:00

I am not sure if that is a word, but, if it isn't I just made it up and it makes me happy! I finally dug my sewing machine and iron out of the many many boxes that litter our basement. I've been itching to get back at quilting but also feeling a little guilty about wanting to create when there is so many boxes to unpack and every area of our new home to be organized. I decided today being Sunday I should rest from all that labour and have a little R&R and do something I enjoy! So I made Olivia a bib (I used a free online pattern from Chickpea studio - tweaked a little to make it bigger). It's certainly not perfect, and she puked on the prototype before I was even finished sewing it - I was checking to see if it would fit! So don't mind the puke and the imperfections ... but I'm back at it in the craftyness area of my life and I'm so very very happy about it!

The quilt

2010-07-22T23:23:00.000-06:00

I dropped off the commissioned quilt today ... and she really liked it! She also said I should consider making quilts to sell. It's a thought ... in the meantime I have to pack up my house and move and then once the house is in order (or I have time to set up the sewing station and I find the box) I will continue on making the orange quilt for our bed. After that I have another quilt swirling around in my head (the fabric is here waiting to be cut and I want to make Olivia some quilted bibs and some mini art quilts. Did I mention I like quilting?

Hooray!

2010-07-19T00:15:00.001-06:00

My commissioned quilt is finished! Which frees me up to do some much needed packing.

One step forward ...

2010-07-03T23:55:00.001-06:00

two steps back. Having the right tool for the job is very important and helpful. This week I started quilting my commissioned quilt and decided to try straight stitches ... and so I used my new walking foot. It works so very beautifully and I really like it! BUT, I should have been checking the back while I stitched because while the front looks beautiful, the back is all puckered. My issue was that I started around the outside and so the flannel stretched and now I'm doing hours and hours of ripping out stitches. Let that be a lesson unto me ... ALWAYS start in the middle and work my way out.

Some more on process ...

2010-06-24T23:53:00.002-06:00

In the busyness of life with three kids, trying to get a quilt done and packing for our ever approaching move, I finally got a scrapbook page done. It took me about 5 sittings to get it done (5 minutes here and 5 minutes there.) I have been considering my artistic process ever since this post ... here's what I've come up with so far:
1. I feel the itch to create something, and I have a moment of time.
2. I look for inspiration. For quilting it is flckr and blogs, for scrapbooking it is usually the Designer Digitals gallery (and my favorites).
3. I run with my inspiration. Sometimes it's a color, sometimes a topic but usually design elements.
4. I make the scrapbook page or quilt. If it's a scrapbook page I usually start and finish it in one sitting if I have enough time, and if I only have snippets of time it is done within two days. Otherwise I get bored with the project and move on. I never seem to go back to it once it's saved and put in my project folder. It needs to be in my face when I turn on the computer or it's forgotten). If it's a quilt I work on it for weeks (a small quilt) or months (a large quilt) ... this is always snippets of time when ever I can get it. I find apprehension about what direction I want to go in often slows down my quilting progress. On my first quilt I was apprehensive to start each phase:
a) cutting out the fabric (it was just so pretty and expensive I didn't want to make a mistake)
b) sewing the quilt top
c) sewing the back
d) making the quilt sandwich (top, batting and backing)
e) quilting (this is where I'm stuck right now because I'm still deciding if I want to stiple it or straight line quilt it. I've been given the option to do whatever I want by my friend who has commisioned the quilt).
f) sewing on the binding (this is a skill that I need practice on ... especially the corners. Every quilt I learn something new with this part.)
g) washing ( I know that sounds funny but it took me months to wash my first quilt. MONTHS! I didn't want to hurt the quilt .... if the end I learned that I should not wash the batting prior to quilting it - although I do wash all the other fabric - because I like how much more the quilt crinkles when the batting is unwashed.)
So that's my process. One other thing ... in quilting I have a rule. Don't start a new quilt until the last one is finished. I do not want a whole bunch of unfinished quilts lying about making me feel guilty. I have broken that rule to make this commissioned quilt, BUT, even though I have at least four quilt ideas floating around in my mind, I will be going back to the quilt I'm making for our master bedroom.

Quilt Progress

2010-06-23T00:24:00.001-06:00

Funny how a phone call can get you going ... I've been steadily working on this quilt since May - a commissioned quilt for a friend made out of baby clothes. Jody called me yesterday and they are coming for a play date tomorrow. I wanted to show her my progress - so I'm happy to report that I am ready to start the quilting process - today I finished the quilt sandwich.

So proud!

2010-06-20T16:57:00.004-06:00

We are so very proud of my sister in law ADRIENNE WHITE who shot a +1 (tied for 65th) in the ShopRite LPGA tournament this weekend! Way to go Adrienne! We love you!

Seriously inspired ...

2010-06-10T12:13:00.000-06:00

You can find it at Chronicle books.

photo from whipup.net

By this post. For sure a book to put on my birthday idea list. I am seriously inspired. And I want to make a quilt wall in our new house (but first I need to finish the other quilts ... my commissioned quilt - just about done the top and a shopping trip is in order, and my queen sized quilt for our bed, and the next one which I can't talk about on the blog yet because it's a gift)

Quilt Process (a commissioned quilt)

2010-05-23T14:21:00.001-06:00

So, I'm breaking a quilt rule. And that is not to start another project until the last one is finished. But I think I have a good reason. I have been asked to make a quilt for one of my friends (actually for her MIL). So I have been given the task of cutting up baby clothes from the 80's to make into a quilt. I had to think about it for a while, and went into my favorites on flickr to find some inspiration. The inspiration comes from this quilt and this quilt.

So I have been cutting up the clothes into 5 inch squares and will mix it up with white squares for the front. The back I am planning to make out of white flannel with a few of the favorite pieces from the clothes placed strategically. Thinking I will quilt it with straight lines (and try out my walking foot).

A terrible photo of my idea ... I wanted to see if it would look okay and also approximately how large the quilt would be. My friend would like a fairly large quilt ... I think it will be a lap size.

Quilt Festival

2010-05-21T17:01:00.002-06:00

Amy’s hosting a quilt festival and this year I decided to join in … Check out the fabulous entries here!

I made this baby girl quilt last November. This is the fourth quilt I've made and was the first time I tried my hand at design. At the time I was pregnant with our third child and did not know if the baby was a girl or a boy (and believe me I had to tell the ultrasound tech about 8 times that I didn't want to know ... I had a lot of ultrasounds to make sure babe was growing properly and because the babe was breech until 32 weeks). Anyway, back to the quilt ... I decided to make a boy quilt and a girl quilt and started on this one because I thought if I had another boy that this would be my only opportunity to ever make a pink quilt! Happily we had a girl - our precious Olivia Renee and she sleeps happily under it every night.

Quilting Process Pledge

2010-05-19T10:47:00.002-06:00

I found this pledge here.

I, Kimberly White, pledge to talk more about my processes, even when I can’t quite put them in the in words or be sure I’m being totally clear. I’m going to put my thinking and my gut feelings out there.

Some of the topics I want to talk about on my blog about quilting are:

-Do you have any new sketches to show?
-Is this design inspired by a past quilt or someone else's quilt you saw (link, please)?
-Does the color palette come from somewhere specific?
-Are you trying to evoke a specific feeling?
-Is this quilt intended for a specific person? How did that inform your choices?
-Are you following a pattern, emulating a block you saw somewhere, using a liberated process, or totally winging it?
-What are you hating about this quilt at this stage? What do you love?
-Did you push yourself to try something new?
-In working on the quilt, are you getting ideas about what you might want to try next? What? Did you sketch it?

(pledge and list of topics found on Rossie's blog)

And now he counts!

2010-05-17T10:59:00.001-06:00

H is for House

2010-05-15T17:40:00.002-06:00

It's thursday

2010-05-06T11:29:00.003-06:00

I've been working on my week in the life project. Monday is done and printed. Just 6 more days of journalling to go (I have all the photos arranged just waiting for journalling - that's the hard part for me. I don't find the words as interesting as the photos - thankfully I have notes from every day or I would be in TROUBLE!)

I'm also working on a quilt for our bed ... this will be the biggest quilt I've attempted so far. I'm enjoying the process (although it's taking me awhile - what with chasing after kids all day).

Joel and Grandpa

2010-05-03T16:44:00.002-06:00

Week in the life project

2010-04-28T11:38:00.001-06:00

Last week (as inspired by the talented Ali Edwards) I snapped many many pictures and wrote down our schedule. This week I'm starting to put together my scrapbook pages for the project - all digital as usual!

Thankful

2010-04-24T12:51:00.001-06:00

Thank you Shirley!

2010-04-21T22:45:00.001-06:00

My friend Shirley gave me these wonderful quilting gloves! I can hardly wait to use them ... so very helpful during the quilting process because it gives me a better grip. Speaking of using these gloves, they will come in very handy on my latest project. I'm working on a quilt for our bed inspired by this beautiful quilt I found on flickr. So once again, thank you Shirley for all your tips and advice and support in my quilting (and other parts of my life) and for the gloves =)

Family

2010-04-16T22:28:00.001-06:00

Meant for eachother

2010-04-11T16:45:00.000-06:00

Scrapbooking ...

2010-04-07T15:02:00.001-06:00

Olivia's bucket quilt

2010-04-07T13:43:00.001-06:00

I finished Olivia's bbucket (carseat) quilt today! (Inspired by Aimee Ray's woodland creatures baby bumpers in Quilt's Baby).

And an idea I came up with ... when I hand sew the binding of the quilt (the only hand sewing that I do, except for the embroidering I guess), I like to sit on the couch and watch tv. I find myself looking quite often for one or all of my tools as little people sometimes like to move them (or they fall behind the couch etc.) So now I keep my scissors, thread, thimble and needle all together in this handy baby food jar and it works great! No frustration (or nervousness) about where my needle is and if someone might step on it!

Daisy

2010-03-26T10:44:00.001-06:00

For the Hodge Podge All about Us challenge.

Goodies: K. Pertiet: curled note paper, art class frame, block alpha; Anna Aspnes: stitched by Anna; Lauren Reid: Waxy alpha; Ali Edwards: petals; 3 Paper Peonies: grass paper; Pea Jay font.

Thankful Thursday

2010-03-18T14:45:00.004-06:00

Today I'm thankful for:

1. Having a little bit of time to be creative. This quilt was inspired by Aimee Ray from the Quilts baby book. The deer reminds me of my Grandpa H. He was always drawing little deers and creatures on the cards he sent. So thankful that I was able to know him (and that he's in heaven hanging out with Grandma and Jesus).

2. I noticed my tulips are starting to emerge! So excited that spring is coming! I hope today's snow doesn't chase the flowers away!

3. Clean walls! Thanks Mom!

4. A little break today! Thanks Renee!

5. Words. I see evidence of Joel's learning all over - he asks me all the time how to spell things. And I see evidnce of Josh's learning too - this week he has spoken many more new words like baby and milk and Grandma and nose.