williamGEORGE

A Zoo

2012-01-04T08:29:00.000-05:00

No we did not buy one but my house feels like one these days. Too many days off for little boys who enjoy their routine. Drew is currently sporting a cut on his eyebrow that he sustained while riding his brother around the living room. In return the next morning William came to me with his finger bleeding because his 20 month old brother had attacked his hand with tongs! Come on now, you can't even make this up, and it's not like they are unsupervised, but who thinks that you can almost loose a finger to meat tongs at the hands of a toddler.

The cure for all our ails at the moment . . .

Auntie Julie cookies. After posting this on Facebook as my picture of the day I figured out that just about every culture has this cookie but calls it something different. I call them Auntie Julie cookies, we get them at Christmas and Easter and that's it. Always stacked high in a clear plastic bag with a twist tie. Give the boys one of these and everything seems to be alright . . . for a moment or two.

My salvation . . .

Could it really have been anything else??

Hello 2012 - What do you have in store for me?

2012-01-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

I have no idea what my "new year's resolutions" will be this year, but I have a lot of goals that I want to accomplish. I want to finish my doula course and get certified, I want to learn to cook for my family better, I want to be a better woman, role model, mother, wife.

I'm also starting a picture-a-day as well. Instagram has been consuming my spare time, what a great little invention that is. I've recruited a few lovely ladies who will also join me and I can't wait to share their pictures along the way.

Today's picture, kinda speaks to what I've been doing and waiting for how I feel about 2011, icey!

So here is to melting the old year and warming up the new year. Any resolutions, goals, dreams? I would love to hear them!

Please, please bring on the new year already!

2011-12-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

I know I shouldn't say that, I have a lot to be thankful for but really, 2011 has been such a difficult year in terms of family, relationships etc, that I really would like to hit the reset button with 2012.

If only it were that easy . . . . what are you hoping for most in 2012? I might need all of these to "take" if only it were that easy.

Heartbreaking Holiday

2011-12-08T09:01:00.000-05:00

I took this picture at an industrial photoshoot back in the summer, and it kinda fits the story that is going through my head today. How do you build back something out of nothing?

William attends before and afterschool care through the YMCA, and one of his Y teachers and her family have suffered a devistating house fire. They got out (she, her husband and their two teenage children), but they lost everything including their pets. The thought of it anytime of the year would call me to action of course but this time of the year more than ever.

I put out a notice to all the parents who use the before and aftershcool program asking them to help us give a little something back. Where to start is the biggest, when you've lost everything, everything has to be replaced. Here is a woman who gives to our children each and every day and I just hope that the spirit of the season is enough to show her that our community cares. I'll keep you posted, and in the meantime hug your loved ones, and look around your home and be thankful that it is there.

My first "client" . . . introducing Sam.

2011-12-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

This is Sam, and in her lovely belly is Baby Duncan. Not only did I get to do this amazing photoshoot with Sam, her partner Duncan and the growing one, I am also going to support Sam during her labour as her doula.

I've done almost all my reading and of couse what I need now is some practical experience, and Sam was willing to offer me that. She is a barista at my Starbucks so needless to say she knows be quite well and I'm thrilled at the chance to help her out.

She and Duncan are excited but of course nervous as well, as a young couple of course it's a daunting thought to bring a human into the world, I thought it was and was well onto thirity by the time I had my first.

Baby Duncan is due to make his arrival sometime around or after January 9th, I'm preparing her to go over but that's the thing about babies, they really do call the shots. I'm extremely proud of the homework that she's doing, she's decided (all of this in a perfect world of course) to delay cord clamping, to try her best to breastfeed, and for immediate skin-to-skin contact with the babe.

It's interesting how much is not told to new parents about the importance of the decisions she's made above, and I'm glad to be able to have given her some knowledge and informed choice when it came down to it. And while I'm hoping she gets through this without an epidural, she's planning on one and I will support her. Truly I also hope that I will be able to draw her partner Duncan into the process, gently and without force, to a position that he will be able to support her as well.

This story will continue . . . .

I found it! My hometown.

2011-12-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

That's my hometown, Erieau! Don't know where it is? Many people don't. It's a tiny little fishing village on Lake Erie in Southwestern Ontario. My parents had taken us there as kids almost each weekend in the summer as we had a boat. It was about 15 minutes from where we had our house in Charing Cross, (an even smaller village!).

When I was in grade 8 or so my parents bought a cottage there, with access to the Bay and we spent from May to October there each year, funny because who has a cottage 15 minutes away from their real home. The only thing it meant was taking a different bus to school.

I will have to look up some pictures to post, but it's lovely, under 400 people, even less in the winter when the cottagers have all gone home. I spent summers working at the marina in the store while my friend Neal worked outside at the docks helping put boats in. It's quaint and lovely and when I find the pictures I will post more about it.

So the reason I'm so excited was I bought some of the Hometown canvas made of course by the lovely and talented ladies at Sweetwater, and found Erieau! I had submitted it when they had their little call out and didn't think much of it, until I was looking at the fabric today. Sadly the only problem is that I had bought it to makea gift for someone and now I don't want to use it . . . what to do????

A project of preservation

2011-11-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

There are always things that catch my eye that I think "that looks easy, I could do that" and it seems to be happening to me a lot lately. That long with the feeling of envy when I see a really neat thing in someone else's home or in a magazine that sets a space apart.

My kitchen walls have nothing to do with my kitchen and that's going to change. I am in the process of trying to change that, and this is my start. Taking the recipies that my grams wrote out for me and sent along with letters that she's written to me over the years and making them into wall art. My first one, although the title says "frosty strawberry squares", in our house it's call "strawberry dessert" and grams only makes it once a year, Christmas time.

Since neither of my parents will be around for the holidays this year, each headed their seperate ways to someplace warm, the chances of me getting my dessert are nill. Hopefully getting it up onto my wall will make me feel better. I'm debating having it printed on to a canvas already stretched or onto a fabric and framing it that way? Any thoughts?

Here's what it looks like all ready to eat!

Holiday Crafting

2011-11-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe most days but I still have a creative side I swear, and of course the holidays are the best time to get crafting for me.

A few holiday pot holders for friends from here to there. Check your mailboxes next week . . . who knows. Of course they were super easy, the labels from from Sweetwater's Etsy shop, I could spend hours and millions in there, and they make me look good when I can easily in an hour turn out things like this.

The other thing that has been hot in demand from friends and family since I posted this picture on Facebook!

I saw these in a home magazine and had one of those "I could do that" moments, and well as much as I love them, I might be sick fo making them once the requests are all in! Ha ha!

What is your holiday crafting looking like? I'd love to know.

William's Amazing School

2011-11-21T10:19:00.000-05:00

I feel quite lucky to live where we do for many different reasons, but one of them is the school that William goes to. Ryerson Heights Elementary School is one of a few in Canada who have implemented the Leader in Me Program. They teach the children from JK on how to be leaders, and each month they have a different habit that they work on.

This morning we were invited an assembly that the JKs and SKs were having. They are short, fun, they dance and sing, they hear from older students within the school about how they are using the habit that the school is promoting that month. The best part is that there were at least four rows of parents there. Some were there because their children were getting "Believe" awards, and others, like myself where there because having access to the school in this manner is important to us.

The principal Mrs. V., is dynamic and I know from being part of the PTA this year that she cares about this school and her students in a way that amazes me. She wants every student in her school to succeed, and does her best through her own leadership to make that happen. Her passion to carry out this program on top of the regular curriculum has elevated the school to heights that no one could imagine, including having a group of principals and educators from the Netherlands come visit our school last week to learn more about our kids and how this programs works. AMAZING!

This months habit, Begin in the End in Mind. Humm how can I start using that in my own life?

Mama said there'd be days like this!

2011-11-08T19:40:00.001-05:00

Yes I'm aware that "there'd" might not be a word, but it's what the song says right? Sing it to yourself . . . I'll wait. Yep it's "there'd" isn't it. I'm sure mama is right but I'm not sure she knew these days would be in November.

It is so fun to watch these two interact now. There is so much "monkey see, monkey do", sometimes it's the little man wanting to be big and sometimes it's the big man acting little. I just hope that these smiles are still on their faces when they are 14 and 18!

I also got a chance to have some fun with my macro lense attachment tonight as well.

There's nothing quite like a summer-like fall day. I feel more, I see more and I need to cherish it because all too soon that snow is going to hit, I'm not going to want to get out of bed, and I will have forgotten how fun today was.

Buzzing . . .

2011-11-07T18:38:00.004-05:00

There are things I like and then there are things that I love, and if you're reading this, you are held hostage to me telling you about the things that I love. Today . . . Mabel's Labels.

I'm not sure I fully apprecaited these labels of all sorts until William started school. Especially since in his daycare on his off days and his classroom last year there was another William! Who knew, we thought it wasn't that common of a name. So I bought in. There are a few things that I adore about them . . . I can put them through the dishwasher a million times, they can hang out in the rain, and they actually fit our last name on them!

Oh wait, and they are CANADIAN! Right close to me in Hamilton. There are some smart mamas working over there so I signed up to become a Buzzmama and get the word out. I love smart moms, I love MOMpreneurs, and we all love things that make our lives easier!

And my first purchase, the stocking stuffer combo, I managed to get for both my boys, and my nieces and nephew for $30, can't beat it. Head on over, tell them I sent you and tell me what you bought . . . Humm . . . what will my next purchase be??

Toes never get sick . . .

2011-11-05T18:40:00.000-04:00

Toes never look sick, and that's what I love about them. I was recently called by a wonderful friend who needed a favor. Although it wasn't your run of the mill favor, I feel so blessed that she had the strength to ask me and also had the faith that I could pull this off.

These feet belong to Baby B. She's around 19 months old and having been born at somewhere between 19 and 22 weeks her entire life has been a struggle. She is also a twin, and her sister at the moment is as healthy as she can be and doing quite well. B is not likely to make it much longer, and her struggle has been long and she has been a fighter.

Her sister was able to come and spend a little time with her and I was there to capture the most amazing, precious moments they shared in the moments they were together. They were stunning, perfect features, and if it wasn't for the tubes and wires and machines you would have never has one inclination that this little one was sick.

More than anything this was a HUGE wake-up call for me. These two little ones are the same age as Drew, and (hold on for the tears . . .) I am so lucky that my boys are healthy and happy. They have a quality of life, they challenge me every day, and they make me be a better person. I am lucky, this was a harsh reminder that not everyone is. I will stop taking for granted my children, their laughs, their smiles, their tears, their screams, and all that comes with the world of kids. I will hug them more, I will call my friends, I will appreciate those who appreciate me and I will continute to try and cut out the crap. In moments like this it's really all that matters.

Candy is sweet, but not as sweet as these two!

2011-10-31T21:14:00.000-04:00

Party Prep in Progress

2011-10-29T19:04:00.000-04:00

For our first little man's big 5th birthday party.

Ugh . . .

2011-10-27T18:50:00.001-04:00

I spent the day at home, most of it in bed with a fever and a jaw that was locked in the closed position.

I did have a small highlight, as this arrived at my door shortly before 11.

I'm currently 1/2 was through "The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes on my Kobo, but as soon as it's done it's going away for a bit so I can read this one. I'm positive it's going to be a treasure, I love Liz's blog, and I can't wait to give this a little review when I'm done.

Now two more advil, a hot water bottle on my face and back to bed. Thank goodness the boys are early bed guys as well.

Sweet . . water . . . and our winners!

2011-10-24T18:13:00.002-04:00

I love Sweetwater, there's no doubt about it. I've been in love for quite some time. They designed my logo, they made a quit for The Gracie Jane Project, and I have "authentic" canvas pillows on my couch.

Today there is one more reason to love the ladies over at Sweetwater, okay, two reasons to love them.

You know it's good when it comes in the bag above, with fabric from their "hometown" collection. These sweet charms are going to be dangling from my neck as soon as I find the perfect chain for them. I got the 'authentic' one because I loved that line so much and I am trying to be that as much as possible. The thirty-eight is William + Andrew's birthdates combined, red because I love them. And each for under $10. Truly a sweet treat. A pick-me-up I'm bound to need by week's end.

We also have our winners! Samantha was our winner from the blog and Amanda at OneGreeting was our winner on Facebook. Thanks everyone, now head over and get yourself a charm or two, and maybe even one for a friend, "that" holiday is just around the corner you know.

Giveaway Time!

2011-10-17T18:21:00.000-04:00

The weekend at the Hamilton Baby Expo was great, seeing people interested in my product was heartwarming. I even had one customer come there just for us, so that was more exciting than anything, (yes I gave her a little discount, I had to!).

The other exciting part of the show was seeing one of my favourite products and buying a stockpile.

I first saw these at another baby show about 2 years ago. I had bought a couple thinking they were neat. Oh lord, we haven't spent a summer yet that we don't pack one with us wherever we go! They are simply brilliant, and if you had kids who love freezies, they are a must.

Non-slip, non-sweating, and perfect for little hands. I now don't have to spend $5 worth of paper towels wrapping a freezie, only to have it get wet, fall off and have someone complaining in a wonderfull yet whiney four year old voice.

The other thing I love is this literally a one woman show, and what I didn't know until this weekend was she's my neighbour! Living right in our subdivision could be dangerous for me and her.

So the giveaway! I am giving away two packs of these. One large pack for those extra big kiddies and one set of smaller ones for little men like mine. Each pack is rainbow in colour so there's red, pink, green, blue and yellow.

Wanna win a pack? I know you do. Leave me a comment = 1 entry. Want another entry? Of course you do! Post our blog link to your Facebook and leave a comment there and I'll add another one for you. Closes Friday so hurry up!

A Peek at the Booth

2011-10-14T20:16:00.000-04:00

So here it is. It didn't take long to set up of course, but I hope that I did an okay job of marketing what I have to offer. I've gotten a couple comments on the boxes already which are actually baking boxes which I picked up for about $0.13 each. Worth it I think.

Here are a couple more shots. A donation canister for preemie hats and more. Don't you love the crates, they are authentic apple crates that I received from a friend back home who received them from the farmer next door. I love having great contacts, thanks Pam!

So all there is is to show up over the next two days and hope for a sale. I'm so nervous. I've always loved my stuff and know that others do as well, but this is such a big step and I've had nightmares of selling nothing and looking like a fool.

I guess we will see and either way you will have to hear about it!

Patiently waiting . . .

2011-10-03T06:31:00.000-04:00

for this book to come out!

I have been reading Liz's blog for about 2 years, since just before I started my own. I love not only her quirky way of looking at life but also her stunning photos. She is honest and normal and I have been patiently waiting for her book to come out.

I have pre-ordered but I'm hoping to win a signed copy, I've never had a signed copy of a book before, in that case it means I can pass along my copy to a good friend and share the book love!

Here is an excerpt from the book! Enjoy.

* * * * *

Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

For the love of fall!

2011-09-27T18:50:00.000-04:00

There's something to be said about fall. The crisp air, the colours, the way the sun actually warms your face without burning it. This weekend was one of those perfect fall weekends and we enjoyed every moment.

Can you smell the apple crisp? I was decident about it and added a caramel drizzle to it. Back home you always knew when it was fall because of one distinct smell, the smell of tobacco being dryed in the smoke barns. I hate smoking of any kind, and the smell of it that sticks with you long after the smoker has left, but there is something sweet about the smell of a smoke barn. Tobacco before they add all the crap that will kill you.

I don't think that they will still be smoking by the time I get home around Thanksgiving weekend so for now the apple crisp will have to do.

She's done it again!

2011-09-20T09:07:00.001-04:00

After the smash success of baby Drew's first party with all the whistles and bells William has been waiting patiently to pick out the theme for his party this year. Of course I turned to Tania of totful memories to take care of me once again.

It rocks! Hubby recently got an electric drum kit and so William has been into rocking out with Daddy, he's apparently even formed a band at daycare, all of whose members will be "performing" at the party so he tells me.

I can't wait to get started on the printing and the rest of the party, between the knitting that is. ;)

Taking a leap

2011-09-13T17:12:00.001-04:00

Yes I have decided to take a leap and invest in a booth at the Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo. My goal is to have 60 sets to sell over the weekend plus some great baby bath items as well. Just think of the bigger picture though, 60 sets sold means 60 new hats for neo-natal babes!

Spokesbaby for williamGEORGE

2011-09-04T10:33:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure that baby Grayson or his mommy really had this in mind when I invited them and older brother Gage over for a playdate, but I was dying to get some pictures of the hats and possibly even a onesie so that when I start to really do "shows" etc. I caould make something that looked more professional than what I had now.

He did great. And I think that I got more than a couple that I can use for display. If you head over to our facebook page you can even vote yourself and see more of this little cutie in action. At 9 pounds now the hat still fit great, and we put him in a 0-3 month onesie, which had room for him to grow.

And glad I got this done when I did, the next morning I woke up with a swollen foot for no particular reason and after 3 hours at the walk-in clinic, a set of x-rays and a doctor who looked at me oddly when I said I don't remember doing anything to it, I left with crutches, painkillers and 2 stress factures in the same foot! Back to knitting I guess.

Perky pick-up!

2011-08-29T12:33:00.002-04:00

If any of you have even read a few posts on this blog you will know that I love Starbucks! I do, and I don't make any bones about it. I don't drink, or smoke, I live near a casino and don't gamble, and I don't drink coffee so Starbucks offers me choices!

When you are a fan you know things, like when the new drinks are coming out or when the old favourites are coming back. I've been waiting for fall for many reasons, but one is the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, September 6th is the release date. Ha! Waiting is for those who don't know their Starbucks employees nearly well enough.

Big thanks to Anika who made me my favourite drink early, in a nice summery format!

Let us go back - what the heck is a doula?

2011-08-17T11:20:00.002-04:00

Okay let us get back to the basics. Doula what? What the heck is a doula you might ask? Or you may immediately picture me with long, long hair, a flowing long skirt, a tie-dye shirt, crunching granola on my commune.

Nope that's not it. I'm dressed in work attire, at my full-time job as a fund development coordinator for a non-profit organization. I have my standard Starbucks by my side, and my hair is fairly short.

So what is a doula? Here are the basics, but don't worry as I learn more so will you!

The following is a general description of what you might expect from a CAPPA certified labor doula. Typically, doulas meet with the parents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy to get acquainted and to learn about prior birth experiences and the history of this pregnancy. She may help you develop a birth plan, teach relaxation, visualization, and breathing skills useful for labor. Most importantly, the doula will provide comfort, support, and information about birth options.

A doula can help the woman to determine prelabor from true labor and early labor from active labor. At a point determined by the woman in labor, the doula will come to her and assist her by:

Helping her to rest and relax; Providing support for the woman's partner; Encouraging nutrition and fluids in early labor; Assisting her in using a variety of helpful positions and comfort measures; Constantly focus on the comfort of both the woman and her partner;Helping the environment to be one in which the woman feels secure and confident; Providing her with information on birth options.

A doula works cooperatively with the health care team. In the event of a complication, a doula can be a great help in understanding what is happening and what options the family may have. The doula may also help with the initial breastfeeding and in preserving the privacy of the new family during the first hour after birth.

Did you doula or not? Have a story? I want to hear it.

Wow - the stats are unreal

2011-08-15T08:37:00.001-04:00

So the more I read about birth while trying to become a doula the more I am astounded by the stats. Now I know there are more than stats in this world but really, some are harder to argue with than others.

One I found was that in the US and likely just as much in Canada interventions are used in more than 90% of births. WOW! I feel lucky to have had one without any (don't write me a letter, I had one with lots as well!).

I was also a little more than stunned to find that the on average a pregnancy lasts 41 week and 3 days. Makes me wonder sometimes about doctors taking babes early or enducing when there is no medical reason.

But again just my ramblings, nothing else, and well of course I did not have this information when having my own two, but I did have a great midwife that made all the difference. I guess what I'm learning is that if you don't know all you have to go on is the experience of either your care provider or someone close to you your trust. I wish I had of done more research when I was expecting.

So what do you know about birth that I don't? I'd love to hear it.

Knit two, purl two, until end.

2011-07-19T11:26:00.000-04:00

These little hats are ready to go for donation to a local neo-natal unit. Can you imagine, these are made for babes that are 2-4 lbs. Oh my. All of these plus a few more I've been working on have been because of sales of the newborn sets that I have been offering. It's nice once again to be making something that people seem to like at the moment, but I always have in the back of my mind that it might once again be a passing fad.

These two had a great time at the beach during our week off. It's so funny to see them more interactive with each other, and Drew is definately starting to give his big brother a run for his money.

So at the end of each post I want to ask a question that I hope you'll answer . . .

Today's question? What summer smell envokes the most memories for you? I'll tell you what mine is next time.

Fullfilling a bit of a dream . . .

2011-07-04T12:39:00.000-04:00

So I haven't been around much, and there certainly hasn't been much sewing going on, a little knitting here and there though. What's going on . . . oh so much.

There are some family issues swirling around at the moment as my parents are seperating after 35 years of marriage (if they had of done this 20 years ago I could have been out of therapy by now). I'm negoiating the situation the best way I know how, and right now that way is distraction (hense the knitting!).

There is another change going on right now as well. Not many people know but I am training to become a labour doula.

Out of left field? Not really. Since the birth of my boys I've become more and more interested in birth and the choices and options that go along with it. One of mine was drastically different from the other, and not at all what I had planned but it makes me more experienced in the end.

So for now the blog will be following this journey. There are some amazing things already that I would love to share, things I had no idea about. I hope you'll stay along for the ride.

Cross your fingers for me!

2011-06-23T10:38:00.000-04:00

So in an effort to actually get "out there" and let people know the little things I made I contacted a local children's boutique about my "Coming Home" sets. I really didn't even expect a reponse. I'm sure that everyone out there is trying to get space in a place like this to sell their wares.

Well within an hour I had no only a reply but an appointment to meet with the owner next week! EEEEEK! So now I need to get a few sets made, a few indiviual hats done, and work on a pitch. Wish me luck, I am well aware this will never be a million dollar venture, but it would be amazing to have someone who sells things for a living believe they could sell mine.

Good Karma!

2011-06-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

We could all use it right. I know that I could, these days more than ever it seems. I have been using my knitting as a form of therapy and weight loss (knitting at night means I'm not snacking or emoitionally eating), and well it seems that I need to find a good use for all the things I've been knitting.

I have listed a few more sets in the shop as well as these . . .

For those of you who don't knit, or don't have time, it's a chance to give something handmade to a babe in need. I could make them for less but the truth is that the bamboo/silk blend that I use really is so modern and a bit of a luxury that I really want these to be just like my bigger ones for sale. Also it's a great blend because it is so soft on a little one's head and also great for the insulation that they need so very badly.

Hoping that getting a few of these out the door and onto the heads of those in need will boost the spirits of the families who receive them and my karma rating, a win/win right.

Speaking of win, I will be posting about the pup sweater winner soon, just need to take a breath and get things in order.

Ruff, ruff, and a giveaway!

2011-06-05T16:22:00.000-04:00

What is this?

Yes, we've done it again. After having to rehome Clarabelle the puppy before Andrew was born, we have a new dog in our lives. This time we have been much more serious about the process . We've been looking for months now with guidelines in our heads. We wanted a dog that was a bit older, already trained, small, and had been raised around small children.

Timbit was all of those and more. We've had him almost a month and he's been great.

I even bought him this sweet polo and hoodie from Petit Dog Apparel. Lucky for you or the small dog in your life Erin is giving a matching hoodie to the one we bought Timbit away here today!

Petit Dog Apparel is a line of luxurious dog clothing specifically created for small breed dogs. It originally started when Erin the shop's owner started dressing her 7 chihuahua dogs in fashionable hoodies and shirts! She found it difficult to find quality, cute and comfortable clothing for her dogs so she decided to make her own. petitdogapparel.etsy.com is Erin's second etsy shop. Between sewing and looking after 2 young toodlers she also occasionally breeds registered long and short coat chihuahuas. In fact, her most recent litter was born on May 30, 2011! She had 4 chocolate brown and white long hair chihuahuas. For more info please visit www.mushchihuahuas.com or check out FB for the latest updates: www.facebook.com/petitdogapparel. Thanks so much Erin!

So to win . . . leave me a comment telling me about your biggest doggie do's or don'ts, and I will draw a winner on Friday. Good luck everyone!

Finally something in the shop!

2011-05-28T15:49:00.000-04:00

Finally getting a few things up in the shop. Share with friends, buy for yourself. Everything will have a charity component!

2011 Bloggers' Quilt Festival

2011-05-18T19:45:00.000-04:00

Oh the inspiration that this brings everytime that Amy does one of these. I'm also always amazed that with all the work that goes into it, she still keep doing one after another. BIG thank you Amy. If you read this blog at all your might recognize this quilt, which to this day is still my favourite. It was made while I was pregnant with my last little man. We didn't know what we were having so the colours fit either gender I thought.

I actually pretty much begged for this fabric from Tula Pink's mother! I e-mailed her store to ask her if she had any flutterby scraps left that she would be willing to part with. She was extremely generous and sold me this and much more, and didn't charge what she would have made on e-bay or even etsy. I quietly thank her every time that I see it (which is everyday of course.)

Drew still uses this quilt, it's much more of a baby lap quilt now more than anything else, but I'm sure once he starts walking it will be dirty and worn from being drug from once place to another.

The quilting is a simple straight line, which I find completely timeless. I love revisiting this quilt, and I hope that you enjoyed your visit with it as well! Come on, if nothing else, it was worth a reminder peek of what this guy looked like 10 months ago.

12”Deep, 14”Tall, 19”Wide

2011-05-10T12:27:00.001-04:00

After three tries, almost losing my mind and even almost completely giving up, Julie is getting her bag tomorrow. This is a different kind of baby bag, the kind that Julie, who is a midwife, can use to weigh the babies she brings into the world.

While this bag was for a while my enemy, it has a lot of great features for Julie and the babes. The sides fold down so that the baby can easily be placed in, and then come up so that there is extra protection.

It is wash and use, which might be the best feature, next to the super soft flannel that lines the inside. The binding is hand stitched of course (I considered machine stitching, but I just don't like the look), and the straps are just long enough to hang on the scale without being too long that Julie will have to hold the baby above her head to be able to get a good weight without the little bum dragging on the floor.

I hope that she enjoys it, if it works, we might make a few alterations to the next one, with a much better fabric (I ran out after all those tries!).

Photoshoot Friday

2011-05-06T14:26:00.002-04:00

One for a mom in our playgroup who would not otherwise be able to have a newborn shoot. Anberlin was just 2 days old today when I got my lense on her this morning.

Then while the camera was out and he was up I thought that Andrew might need a shoot of his very own! He didn't seem to mind at all.

Knitting again, for a cause

2011-04-26T08:33:00.004-04:00

So The Gracie Jane Project has been such a pleasure to do, but finding time on my machine these days, even for the quilts that people are waiting for seems to be a big issue. I still want to be able to do something, and it's funny how something is presented to you at just the right time.

The other day on Facebook my favourite photographer Melissa posted that she was finally ready to help a charity that has been the cataylist for her becoming a photographer in the first place. It fit perfectly with me wanting to do something and so here it is!

Melissa has generously decided to donate her time and her talent to the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation. And what a cause it is.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. The NILMDTS mission statement is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the gift of professional portraiture. We believe these images serve as an important step in the family's healing process by honoring their child's legacy.

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) administers a network of more than 7,000 volunteer photographers in the United States and 25 countries. At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.Our entire network of affiliated photographers graciously donate their time and talents to our families and we are proud to be able to offer our services at no cost.

My contribution, to knit blankets for Melissa to take to the families to use in photographs and then to give them as a keepsake of their little one.

The blanket is about 15x17 but I'd like to square it up a bit. I'm still working on the perfect pattern but I'm sure the ones along the way will find a use as well. There is always something we can do to help others . . . .

Let's get this party started!

2011-04-19T07:29:00.000-04:00

Just those words put a tune in my head that I'm not going to be able to get out all day long!

We finally were able to have the birthday party. Here are the highlights only I swear!

And as much fun as it was, I'm kinda glad it's over. Now on to another year of wonderful memories!

Party Prep - Part 2!

2011-04-15T18:03:00.001-04:00

We are going to try and hold little bear's birthday party again this weekend.

I'm in love with these tags!

Paint chip coloring books. Nothing better, and next to free!

When I grow up, I want to be . . .

2011-04-13T06:36:00.000-04:00

Pete Souza.

Not only does he have access to an amazing president, but his photos inspire me everyday.

What an amazing job he has.

Firsts

2011-04-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Baby Andrew turned one yesterday, and his birthday was filled with some unlikely firsts.

First time he's been back to the hospital since the day he was born

First ever hospital bracelet (we were only in the hospital 4 hours when he was born so they sent his home with him but never put it on!)

First x-ray, no they wouldn't let me take a picture. And the end result was his first bought with pneumonia. Poor man, he was so sick and happy through it all, a little deceiving for the staff there, even they admitted that!

In the end, he had his first cupcake, and we celebrated an amazing year with our little man. The big party is on hold until next weekend.

Let the party prep begin!

2011-04-06T19:11:00.000-04:00

Ohh starting back to work is really not that much fun, especially when I could be and should be working on this.

Yes little man is turning ONE on Friday and his party is on Sunday. I am thankful to have had an entire year off with him, I know many of my US blogging friends don't have the same luxury. I can't wait to see how it all turns out this weekend.

Not just for babies . . .

2011-03-29T11:58:00.001-04:00

While still on a name quilt tear I have discovered that parents don't just want them for babies anymore.

This one is for a lovely girl who I've met because I've gotten to form a lovely friendship with her mom Anika.

Henry is never really going to find that mug with her name on it, and if she does it's likely going to be blue. She not only deserves something with her name, but she needs it too, after a bunch of weeks in a cast and a bunch more to go this was the perfect present from her mom!

Spring tweets!

2011-03-24T12:02:00.000-04:00

I saw these the other day over here, and thought, "hey I could likely manage that".

They were so easy and I would recommend them to anyone. I was making them for the playgroup that Baby Drew and I attend twice a week over at the local elementary school. Of course before I took them over I couldn't help but snap a few "artsy" photos out in the snow that surprised us all yesterday.

Seeing double?

2011-03-22T06:52:00.000-04:00

Umm, yep that's a second machine, same as the first. It's mom's. I confess I stole it on the weekend when I realized that there was something wrong with my machine and the stitches. Hers does this.

What a perfect stitch. I don't even think that I realized that mine was so off until I used hers. So it's on loan until they can get up here and Dad can clean it out and tinker it back to health.

I also used this for the first time ever!

Yep no cotton with this one, they did't have a colour that matched as well and I'm a stickler for matching my thread. So far, so good, maybe I don't have to be an all cotton snob afterall.

Important vs. NOT Important

2011-03-21T06:48:00.001-04:00

I will never understand why people can't see the bigger picture of what is important in life. A little while ago I blogged about a friendship that literally exploded on me, and well apparently one explosion is not enough. I ran into the person yesterday, in public, in our neighbourhood, and when asked if I wanted to talk, I said no, that I had come to terms with the situation and anything I had to say now was not productive for either of us.

I apparently hit a nerve and this well educated, mother of one, tried to play "The Real Housewives of Brantford" right there in public. I really underestimated the hurt this person must have suffered at some point in a previous friendship because the lava that then spewed from her with such disdain did not match the situation or the friendship that SHE has ended with me. I walked away not willing to engage in her behaviour or let her embarrass herself anymore.

We are 30somethings who should not be content to act out dramas the likes of 16 year olds. So for an ah-ha moment here is a picture of my grams with her first visit with my cousins (who she practially raised but for reasons beyond their control have not seen her in about 10 years!).

Her face says it all. That is what IS important.

I've never liked solids

2011-03-17T14:29:00.000-04:00

I may be changing my opinon thanks to design seeds.

One of my biggest fears with solids is matching them up. I'm good with things that come together, but always second guess myself when it comes to putting things together myself. design seeds does all the hard work for me. Not only are their pictures stunning but it breaks it down for me in a way that I could pick those colours for a quilt and get started.

This may be the start of something new . . .

Castle Peeps Peek

2011-03-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

I can't remember when I ordered this, or what I had in mind for it, I think that it was just a bundle that I thought I had to have. Well today it got cut up, sewn together, basted and is headed towards name quilt fame. I thought that if I had to do another name quilt that I would scream, but this one is for my friend Karyn. She is purchasing it as her younger cousin Kelly is expecting later this month. Kelly and I were in Karyn's wedding party together and she really is like everyone's "little cousin" so the bundle I thought I would save forever is going to Baby Jack once he arrives.

Note the pins, I ran out of spray baste and I didn't have the time or extra cash to run out and get a new bottle, so pins it was. The verdict, I hate pinning. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.

Is change good?

2011-03-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

When it looks like this . . . . (Starbucks new logo)

And tastes like this . . . (their new salted caramel chocolate square)

Change is good!

B & B Quilts

2011-03-08T18:41:00.001-05:00

As I told you before this whole name quilt thing has taken on a life of its own! So here are a couple more that got finished over the weekend.

Brady is a playmate of William's. Jane and I met at a baby playgroup at the local Early Years Centre when they were under a year. The boys then ended up at the same pre-school and are now in the same "big boy" school as well. I was more than thrilled when Brandon arrived in December meaning that he and Andrew hopefully will have the friendship the older boys do.

Jane wanted something bright, just like the clothes that she dresses the boys in everyday. I was lucky enough to find just enough of each of these at the local Fabricland (which is closing at the end of the month, booo!)

As you can see from the picture she sent to me I think that they have the perfect wardrobe to match these quilts. I also love that when I picked William up from pre-school today Brady has brought his quilt with him! There's nothing better than when people love the things you make.

Puppy Dog Tails

2011-03-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

If I were the kind of person who named my quilts that is what I would name this one.

This quilt is going to be donated to a raffle at the big boy's YMCA Child Care Centre. He has been going there since about 3, and is still there on his days away from "Big Boy School (JK)". I recently was asked to join the Parent's Advisory Committee and gladly said yes. Last week we had a meeting about this year's "Art Gala" which is an evening of spagettii dinner, and art made by the children.

Of course I wanted to be able to do a little more to squeeze out some extra donations from the parents (usually they are only asked to donate for the piece of art their child has created). So here is it. This along with some other items will be going in to a raffle so that we can d our best to raise the $1500 that the centre has as it's goal!

The quilt itself is crib sized, with raw edge circles placed randomly across the quilt. I stitched the circles on to the top before the quilting process so that no matter what these guys are not going anywhere. I wasn't sure that I would like the end product, I really just wanted something quick and easy, but I'm going to be buying a few tickets myself, baby boy needs a new quilt.

Enough Already!

2011-03-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

It is once again snowing outside my house, no little snow, big, fat, windy, crappy snow. Just when we were starting to see the grass again, and the big boy had dreams of riding his bike somewhere other than the basement.

Trying to infuse a little more green in my life while dreaming of spring.

Nothing says spring like a Shamrock Shake!

This it the green thing that got me through the winter.

Can you even tell what this litlte thing is? Once upon a time hubby went off an a business trip to Arizona (not even sure we were engaged back then) and brought me back a pack of catus seeds. I found this them summer, while cleaning out my bedside stand. They spent the summer in a pot in the garden and didn't look like much, but finally they are starting to show some potential!

Funny what memories do

2011-02-27T09:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday they made me buy some of these.

Hot cross buns always remind me of my Grandma Doddy, my Dad's mom. And then lead up to the memories of the easter egg hunts that my brother and I use to have with her and my Grandfather. The memory is so strong that I cannot at all pass them up when I see them. These beauties were fresh baked and even have the great little candied green and red cherries in them. Yummmm.

The funny thing about memory is that despite the fact that after my Grandmother passed and my Grandfather severed relationships with almost everyone in the family, which added to a mess of a group that was already messy, the thought of the hot cross buns, the thought of the easter egg hunt, really take over and leave the rest behind.

Please Mr. Mailman, hurry up!

2011-02-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

I was on Etsy doing a little shopping for some upcoming custom name quilts, I told you these things are in demand. They are great, and I'm glad that people are enjoying them.

This one is going to be for Cadence who is in JK and goes to the same playgroup as Andrew on her days off.

This is the set that Candence's big sister Emma picked for her name quilt. The rest is going to be used for a projec that my friend Claudia has ordered for a babe in her family.

This last set is going to make a name quilt for Tania's new nephew. Tania is the amazing lady who is designing Andrew's birthday party printables! I love that she enjoyed my work so much that she wants to purchase a quilt.

So if the postman could just hurry up, I could take a trip to the local fabric store, match the colours for the centre/back/binding and get to work on these.

Invitation Photoshoot

2011-02-22T13:56:00.000-05:00

So I needed a photo to send to Tania for the package she is doing for Andrew's 1st Birthday Party, and of course as usual I'm a little anal.

Since the invite colours are red, brown and blue I wanted to make sure the picture would match, so out comes the likely slightly too small red shirt from the summer, it's amazing what a onesie under it can do! I think that either one of these will do just fine, I sent them both away and we will see which one she picks to use.

In quilting news, don't people who know me and know I quilt also know that I've been off the entire year. I have only had a couple of sold quilts while I have been off. Number of people who have talked to me in the last week about ordering one (they are all the name quilt too, people love it), seven! Yes seven, really people. I only have 5 weeks left before I go back to work, guess my nights after bedtime are about to get very busy.

tot.ful mem.o.ries

2011-02-18T16:03:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe but Baby Drew is turning one in just over a month. Not only am I in denial because I have to go back to work, find him daycare and leave him every day, but also because William had such a great 1st birthday party that I want Andrew to have the same.

Enter tot.ful mem.o.ries and Tania.

Now I tag myself a creative person, but seriously just look at this photo! This is the work of a lady who knows what she is doing.

In her own words "I'm a 30yo! ouch :) but a lot has happened in those years so I proud of every one of them. I have a wonderful husband and two fabulous little boys, three and one. I work as an elementary teacher by day and a party making mama at night! You see, I do all my tot.ful mem.o.ries work in the evening after all my boys have gone to sleep. This evolving venture of mine is an absolute labour of love."

Bonus points because she's from Vancouver, a part of my home and native land (although a part that I have yet to see). She is an elementary school teachers who makes these amazing packages which I consider works of art while her boys are sleeping at night, making a hobby into something that can be used by others, something that is unique, special and best of all personalized. Can it get any better? Let me show you another photo.

Tania has been great working back and forth with me on the theme that I had in my head for Andrew's party. With colours and I liked, and designs that I found not only cute, but stylish as well. She shared with me what she loves about the design process of it all.

"I love to create new designs. I find it exciting how I can start with a blank page and then end up with a finished product that not even I knew where I was going with it! I have always worked organically, just going where the idea takes me next. I never really have a plan of what the design will turn out like, I just keep building upon an idea until I feel it is complete...definately not a linear thinker!!! I also really like to see what clients have created using my packages. Sometimes, I get pictures of the cakes they have had made to match the invitations or maybe the birthday boy or girl smiling ear to ear, party hat on, and first birthday cake all over their faces and maybe a crumb or two in their nose! I love that I get to play a part in their special day."

I also adore that she's an Etsy seller with integrity! When I asked her what she oddest request was she told me that she one had one that complimented her work and then pretty much asked her if she could make a card from a picture, it was a picture of a card someone else had made. She wondered why if they liked the card so much they didn't just buy it from the person who made it in the first place, ummm me too.

"Everyone has their own style and we should appreciate all our creative processes. What inspires us is our unique creativity and we should all strive to keep it that way."

Tania not only does kid stuff, but shower packages and more. Please go check her out, leave her some Etsy love, and encourage this creative momma to keep on creating. I can't wait to share with you guys what she's designed for Drew's party! Thank you so much Tania for letting me profile you, your shop and for working back and forth, back and forth, back and forth with my for my little man's big day.

Birthday Books

2011-02-17T18:03:00.000-05:00

One of the best parts of my birthday last week was getting not one, but two gift certificates to Chapters. Everyone around me knows how much I love to read, and if there is ever any doubt as to what I want, a good book is top of the list, even over fabric I must admit.

So I quickly ordered three books that have been on my list for a little while, and they arrived on Monday, and while I opened the box right away, I did have to finish the book I was already reading before delving into one of my new ones.

I picked this one off my sister-in-law's bookshelf last time I was home to visit. This book did not disappoint and to think that Harry, the author, made his debut as a novelist at the age of 96! The story of his family during WWI, living in a small English town that is much more divided than by the obvious Jewish side of the street and Christian side of the street. This is a story that for many our age we can't even imagine happening let alone living through like Harry did. Pick it up, read it, let me know how you liked it.

So what's next? I think that I'm going to have to play enie-meanie-miney-moe to decide! Although I'm leaning towards "The Best Laid Plans" since it just won the CBC Reads 10th Anniversiary edition, the books they pick never disappoint.

Yes, it's another name quilt!

2011-02-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

I had given you a peek of this one earlier, during the quilting process, but here it is all finished.

It has been packed up with Wynn's quilt and they are on route to the United States of America, where the lovely aunt who is giving them as gifts better take pictures of the babies with them for me to see!

These are becoming all the rage in my little world! I've never had so many friends ask about quilts before, which is really nice. They may become my signature quilt for a while, until everyone catches on to something else, hee hee.

Love Day Baking

2011-02-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

For two of my three boys, maybe I'll colour Baby Drew's cereal with strawberry mush!

Even my barista was feeling the love today!

Yum-yums!

2011-02-13T15:25:00.001-05:00

It's so hard to know what to get teachers these days. William just adores his so I thought we would do something a little different. Pictures of these are all over the place these days, and some people are even selling them on Etsy so it must be a good trend right?

I'm hoping that she will enjoy them, they were fun and easy to make and I might have sampled one (for seven) myself!

Hot-Mess Applique!

2011-02-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

Call it "organic" or "whimiscal" but I am calling my applique technique "hot-mess" oh yes. I'm not good at it, I will never be a free motion quilter, lines are for me. Using anything other than my regular foot or a walking foot is a place I don't go. But as more and more friends request these "name" quilts, I've been forced into the unknown. After trying and trying to make it perfect, I went hog wild and that's the way I'm doing it from now on. It is now my signature style!

I don't know Baby Wynn and I've never been to Chrisman, Il. But apparently this quilt will match the colours in her nursery. It was my first time doing all solids, and I really like the way it turned out. Hubby even liked it so much he asked for one, and took notice, which is nice. I hope that her parents and the auntie who is giving it as a gift like it as much as I do.

On another note with Big Boy home with flaming ears and a chest the sounds like an 90 year-old man we've been trying to make the indoors fun again. Apparently 'angry bird' needed a nest and so he's now at home under the table with my lovely pillows which I'm sure are collecting play-doh on them in places I will never fully get out!

Sweet Friends

2011-02-09T16:37:00.000-05:00

Two for dropping off these beauties with a very large Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha.

One for bringing me this and some other things I couldn't photograph because I already ate them!

All for remembering my birthday and taking care of me on a day when one of my babes is down and out with pneumonia and a double ear infection.

Quilting Girl Style

2011-02-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

Despite having only boys in this house, I seem to be able to do a lot of quilting for girls. This week is no exception.

This is almost the last of my Bliss layer cake. I need to find some cheap charm packs, because this is a line I'm not losing my love for any time soon. This quilt was put together and done within a day for my friend Heather, who just delivered her third little girl. I had a quilt ready for her which I thought was gender neutral until she had a girl and then it seemed really boyish.

Heather and I have known each other since we were 2. Our birthdates are exactally two weeks apart, our first born are exactally two months apart. She is part of the great network of women that have known me for so long that they can no longer get rid of me. They accept me, my flaws and quirks and have seen me at my best and worst.

Another is Karyn who will be my visiting buddy when I get home this weekend to see baby Ashley. Karyn and I seem to see new babies together, and she is the only person I know who has called me and invited me into her hospital room meer hours after her babes are born. These are ladies I'm not sure I would know what to do without. We have done everything together, we all played baseball together for the better part of 15 or 16 years, were on the same school athletic teams, and are the only three in our close group of friends whose parents dared to move from their family homes (only to relocate at the furthest 15 minutes away!) They say that you can never go home. Untrue!

The Year of Inner Peace

2011-01-29T18:07:00.000-05:00

This post has nothing to do with crafting, quilting or creativity. It has only to do with inner peace, something I am desperately seeking at the moment. While this post-partum has been much easier than it was with my first son, I still each day continue to take medication to keep depression at bay. I've learned all the techniques I can to keep myself and my mind healthy, but there is one area that I still struggle with. Letting go.

I recently had what I thought to be an amazing friendship explode on me. If it was an earthquake it would measure off the scale and the aftershocks are their own quakes to deal with. While it is still very raw for me I need to learn to let go. I need to know that I have done everything I can to support someone, that I have never come from a place of anger or spite, and that whatever has caused this really is not my issue.

So here's to the year of inner peace! I'm starting now, wish me luck. Hard thing to do, espeically for me, since I seem to take everything so personally.

Another First

2011-01-26T07:31:00.001-05:00

I am going to quilt-along with Cherri. I've been wanting to do one of these for ages, but never before have really felt like the pattern has stunned me, I like simple things, simple patterns, simple colours. So this is perfect, and since I'm still a beginner, completely managable.

I love the fact that not only is the pattern simple Cherri was nice enough to even lay out colour options! This might have been the kicker for me. I love when I see a quilt that someone else has done in the perfect colours, patterns, etc. I am NOT good at interjecting my own style into things yet, hense my love of pre-cuts.

This gets even better as I found a lovely online shop (in Canada) that is offering kits to go along with this quilt-along. Pam at Mad About Patchwork is selling kits for each of the different colours for $14! I could not believe it, and the fact that she's in my country and doesn't make me pay an arm and a leg for shipping is even better. I don't think that I would have gone through with this little adventure if I had not stumbled onto her site. Thanks for the push Pam, and here's to the adventure Cherri!

Cousin quilts and a few firsts

2011-01-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

This is the first of two quilts that I will be shipping off to Chrisman, IL. My lovely "American Sister" Katie has two little babes arriving in her family very soon. One is a boy, and the other a surprise and so she comissioned two of the name quilts that I recently made for Naomi's birthday.

This project is going to provide a few firsts for me. This is the first time I've ordered and worked with Japanesse fabric. It is worth every penny, and since Katie is a teacher she loved the letters on this set.

The other quilt, while following the same pattern will be a first for me because it will be the first time that I will be working with only solids. Yep, hard to believe, but I have never done a quilt with all solids, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what it turns out like.

More to come!

Fake out

2011-01-19T16:48:00.001-05:00

The cupcakes are real, the picture was taken by me, but the truth is that they are not completely homemade carrot cupcakes. I used a box mix (insert your screams of shock and horror here), and then made them fancy by adding coconut, crushed pineapple and golden raisins.

The cream cheese frosting is not from a box, but a can like container, I did pipe it on there in a pretty swirl and I do get credit for more coconut right? There's nothing wrong with taking something Betty Crocker spent years perfecting and adding a little of your own touches. She would be okay with that, I'm sure of it., Duncan Heines, not so much!

Liebster Award? For me?

2011-01-18T16:02:00.000-05:00

It's funny when someone recognizes that you blog! I really sometimes believe that only few of my close friends and family know that I do this, and even then they don't really check that often. Today my belief was shattered when I received a simple three line e-mail from Cinda at Rose Room Quilts that simply said she had nominated my little blog for a Liebster Award.

The absolute best part of this german love, that is given to blogs with less than 300 followers, is that I get to now nominate three others, and I can't wait for you to start visiting these ladies!

Ariel of The Creative Juices of Ariel. This is a momma with style and talent! A quilter, and illustrator, a full-time mom of two beautiful little boys. Ariel is who I want to be when I grow up. Ariel really was the person who inspired me to quilt and to blog.

Kristy of Handmade Retro is also a creative wonder, and very generous too. She donated two quilts to The Gracie Jane Project which are making their way up to the hospital this week!

Pigtails and Snails is my last nomination. Not only does Elizabeth quilt, but she takes by far the most stunning pictures of anyone that I know. She's also a Canadian girl and if I could afford to fly the family to Calgary just to have our picture done, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Thank you once again to Cindy for nominating me and I hope that everyone visits these other amazing talents. Become a follower, you won't be disappointed, I promise.

Colds no, Pox yes!

2011-01-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

Yes indeed, Baby Drew had the chicken pox. It is still a bit of a mystery where he got them from, I'm almost positive that Big Brother brought them home from pre-school where there was a minor outbreak, and then passed them on so quickly he himself did not break out. Luckily this little man in too young to know any better so other than a few sleep disturbances he was his usual smiley self.

It certainly didn't stop him from experiencing his first sled ride with big brother while spending the weekend at Papa and Grandmas.

William made sure that he got several rides on the snowmobile while we were there (always with a helmet I promise, this picture was taken while Papa was resting.)

And we all ended the weekend warming ourselves up by the fire. There's nothing like a good weekend home, and real wood smell in the house.

Handmade Pay-it-Forward, Kinda!

2011-01-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

So while checking my Facebook for the hundredth time yesterday I noticed that Ariel was having a little "Handmade Pay-it-Forward" challenge. You had to be one of the first five to post on her message and to also agree to so your own little handmade love to others as well.

I was almost devistated when I thought that I had not gotten in on it, but decided to do one myself as well, but I didn't make others agree to do it as well, I just opened it up and waited for my friends to fight to reply first. Yes I'm vain enough to want to believe that they were frantically typing trying to be one of the top five, it's good for my self esteem! Even better for my happiness was that Ariel then sent me a message that I had indeed made it into her top five, and boy is that a score, have you seen the things she makes!

Here are the lovely ladies that were quick to reply. It's neat because I a lot of them in completely different ways. Some I have known since we were 4, others I have known only for about 4 months. And I'm sure that almost all of them are going to be extremely happy with me when they find out that I took pictures off their facebook and posted them here! Sorry ladies, but remember that you are getting the better end of this deal.

I designed a little questionnaire for them to fill out and return to me, just to make them work for their present. I have all of 2011 to get this done but I have a feeling that it won't be long before I start working on my first project. I think that the hardest part is going to be whose gift to work on first! Any great tutorials you see, pass them along, I'm going to need some serious resources for this.

Quick and easy . . .

2011-01-07T14:09:00.002-05:00

After not being at the sewing machine for literally months, when I decided on Wednesday that I was going to make not one but two quilts for a first birthday we are attending tomorrow, I needed a quick and easy pattern. This was it! Of course when in doubt and not feeling my own creativity pulsing through, the Moda Bake Shop is the best place to go. The finsihed result, two great gifts for a little girl who is turning one! (And whose mother better have heeded the warning on Facebook for her to stay away from the blog today!)

Wednesday night, 7pm. Decide to make a quilt. Go online and find the great pattern from the shop. 8pm, cut and sew, cut and sew, cut and sew, and spray baste in the basement. Make the binding and go to bed! Thursday was quilt, quilt, quilt and by late that afternoon I had both done and in the washing machine. I can't believe it. I even had my first attempt at applique. I have to say, that I'm calling the stitching on the name very "organic" which is my name for ugly! But I went over it all a couple times so that it looked like it was suppose to be the hot mess that it turned out to be, and well it does kinda work. Literally nothing I can do about it now, so I'm going with it.

And while I have never taken pictures in the snow, it was so nice and perfect out this morning, with no signs of staying this lovely, so I thought I would try! I will be updating with more pictures once Naomi has her lovely quilt, all packed up with a cute little Cabbage Patch Baby so go with the smaller version.

New Year - New Donation

2011-01-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

When I first started quilting I had dreams of success that really never materalized. The more I did the more I realized that I enjoyed it more for the creativity than anything else, sharing my little projects with others via this blog, as well as the smiles that the end results brought to others when they recieved them as a gift.

So in 2011 I resolve to do more just for the heck of it. I may offer a few things up the my Etsy shop but even those will come with the stipulation that the money will be used as a donation to The Gracie Jane Project. I will quilt for the enjoyment, and because I have much more than most and I need to give back.

I have several quilts being packed-up for the hospital but this post is about another donation.

I first read about Baby Molly as I was browsing CBC.ca on my Ipod. I often read just the headlines but as soon as I saw this little face I had to read the entire article. Baby Molly is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells. After being diagnosed on Christmas Eve she has been in the hospital since, and the kicker for me is that she's only 1 month old. I have been following her website and wondering what I can do. A monetary donation is not in the cards, but for sure I can craft, so here it is . . .

I hope that the family will find it comforting, and I really do hope that Molly makes it through this difficult time. Hop on over to her website, you can see updates on how she is doing and find your own way to give just a little something to this family, if it were one of us we would hope someone would want to help right?

Neglected

2010-12-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

That's what this blog is. Now that babe is a lot more interactive he has been keeping me busy. I have also for the first time in the 6 years we have lived in this city feel like I have found a community to belong to. I have made some amazing friends over the last months and baby and I attend a drop-in program at big brother's school twice a week.

There is one thing that has not been neglected and that is my addiction to Starbucks. We are there a couple times a week at least. Don't tell my hubby, but then again I don't drink, smoke or gamble, so this is my only real vice! Is it telling how much I am in there when this is handed to me today?

It will be hard to hide this from the hubby. My only vice though remember! Okay and fabric, which has also been neglected in my life these days and I'm completely missing the creative side I use to have. I will be sewing something very soon for a little friend once the fabric arrives, it will be basic but I can't wait to get back on the machine and post something about it as well.

I've also been writing a lot more these days, short stories with thoughts of a book, but then again that is a dream that I'm not sure I will ever achieve. So for now they are stories, and that is the way they will stay, but the process gives me a break from reality and really a chance to use my brain before I head back to work in April.

Puppy Love

2010-11-27T07:59:00.001-05:00

Don't worry, we are not going through the insanity of getting another puppy. I still miss little Clarabelle and I'm not sure my heart would handle another puppy giveaway when we realized once again that we are just not puppy people.

This is a much different kind of puppy love . . . .

Andrew has two teeth and working on more each day. After trying to figure our what is safe for him to spend his time chewing on and what is not, I decided to take action. When we did have our little pup she loved rope toys, not only the tugging with you but especially the chewing. Well what better for Drew than a baby chew toy. I took some left over cotton that I had from knitting dishcloths and spent the next hour doing and redoing, braiding and re-braiding, trying to get very large knots out that were rather misplaced until I had the perfect toy. And as you can see he loves it, and I don't have to worry about what in his mouth.

I may just offer a few up in my Etsy shop, we will see!

I Heart Shutterfly

2010-11-15T17:57:00.000-05:00

So after being away from blogland for a little while and updating this page yesterday I skipped on over to Ariel's blog for a peek to see if she's doing any better than me at having a baby and updating her blog. (She is by the way!) I was more than jelious to see that she was posting about getting free Christmas cards from Shutterfly! I mean seriously, who wouldn't be jelious right. Then Ariel being as nice as she is let everyone in on the secret and now I'm well on my way to earning my own holiday cards.

I wasn't going to do cards this year, I mean I wanted to but I didn't think that it really would get done with all the other things that I've been behind on. Even without the free cards I have to now, just looking at all the choices from Shutterfly has given me card envy. And since we do have a new addition to the house to introduce to everyone, it's only fitting that if any year we go all out, this is the year.

Now here is the problem, they have something like 1000 choices! In the running right now . . . .

I love that I can incorporate a letter with the pictures! I don't have to write all that much because there isn't much room, it will force me to edit myself. And really who doesn't love the red and blue. I quilt with it, why shouldn't I holiday card with it?

A more simple approach, but with lots of pictures, of the little ones, not so much of me!

And this one really is just lovely. Again simple and says it all. I can send it out just like that, although people will wonder when they see girls and I have boys.

The only problem is that I got looking around the site and really wanted to order things that didn't involve the holidays at all. Like their canvas wall-art. We had some pictures professionally taken when Andrew was about 6 weeks old and I would love to have at least one of them hanging in a very large format on my living room wall.

Maybe hubby will read this, take the hint and get me some kind of on-line gift certificate? What are the chances that hubbys really read these things we write? Want you own chance? Go here! can't wait to see what you pick for your holiday greeting . . . .

Yummm-ohhh!

2010-11-14T13:24:00.001-05:00

I feel like it's been forever since I have been able to sit down and blog. While this post-partum has been a breeze compared to my last it has not been without it's dips and peeks.

I'm hoping a new regiment of medication and supplements will mean things are better than ever. Especially with the long, dark winter days approaching.

I have had time to do a little baking here and there! Makes me hungry just looking at them again.

So tell me. What is your secret to getting through the winter?

Brrrrrr.

2010-10-15T08:49:00.000-04:00

And it's not even close to winter yet, especially here in Canada. So what have I been doing while hiding these days? Let me list the ways I've been spending my days.

1. Baby Drew has been battling his first chest infection, so my sleeping through the night since 4 weeks baby has not been.

2. Knitting up a storm, I miss quilting but this is so much more portable. Everyone is getting something knit for the holiday season.

3. Drinking as much Starbucks as I can. Even the baristas can tell I'm looking a little tired, they are making my drinks with something a little special.

4. Frequenting some fall festivals and craft fairs, and enjoying every minute of it.

So what have you been doing on these chilly fall days?

Sewing in Lavender?

2010-09-30T15:32:00.003-04:00

Nope. But I am at a conference for the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance of which I am a board member.

If you know nothing about Epilepsy or seizure disorders do me a favor, take a moment and learn something new. Here is a start, 1 in 100 Canadians are affected. Want to know more?

www.epilepsysupportcentre.com

My Talented Mom!

2010-09-25T17:33:00.000-04:00

I've never revealed to you the talents of my mom! She has come into her crafty phase later in life but boy has she made up for lost time.

My mom and dad live in a little fishing village called Erieau. We've been going there since I was little and long before we had a "cottage" there (which is really 15 minutes away from the home that we lived in the rest of the year). When both my brother and I were off they sold the house in the other little village and moved to "the eau" full time.

My mom loves the beach and Lake Erie has been good to her as well, washing up all kinds of things for her to craft with. So every night she and our dog Casey scour the beach. Want to know what she finds? Beach glass, sand, old pottery.

Want to know what she makes with it? These . . .

Already in a few months she has sold over $1500 worth of her pictures and I'm so proud of her. She even convinced my dad to convert the front hall area into a little shop for her. I just wanted her to know how proud of her I am and I wanted to entire crafty world that I get in touch with here to see what amazing things she makes.

Fall? Already?

2010-09-08T10:47:00.000-04:00

I was totally not ready for fall to descend on us as it has in the past week. It's cold, and rainy and just blah. There are a few little things here and there that make it easier, and one of them is fall fairs. I love that we live in a city of 90,000 people completely surrounded by farming communities. I grew up very much in farm country and so it's homey to me.

This past weekend was one of the local fairs, and William and Baby Drew had great fun with livestock, next weekend, different town, different fair.

Donation Day . . . and giveaway!

2010-08-31T11:13:00.003-04:00

Head on over to The Gracie Jane Project to see what's up for grabs!

Oh the end of summer

2010-08-30T07:18:00.001-04:00

It is more than hard to believe that the end of summer is here. William will be starting JK in a couple of weeks and baby Drew is getting bigger every day. Where has the summer gone? I'm not sure.

Tomorrow is donation day for The Gracie Jane Project and I'm really excited. There are seven quilts finished with the new pattern and I'm really proud of the following that the project is getting. Wednesday it's going to be featured on Quilt Story which is more than I could have ever thought would happen. Maybe it will bring in some donations, my charm pack stash is exhausted at the moment, but if nothing else maybe Gracie's story will touch a few hearts.

Latest picture of the babe? Of course you can see one.

Sewing Frenzy!

2010-08-24T09:37:00.000-04:00

My week has consisted of project madness. I've been trying to get ready for the donation next week with new quilts and I'm feeling really re-newed by the prospect of making a little bit of a difference to someone else. Baby Andrew is so big and healthy and happy that I can't help but feel lucky.

I'm looking for donors so skip on over to The Gracie Jane Project and check it out. Don't we all have a charm pack we could spare?

Renewed Hope

2010-08-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a new look at The Gracie Jane Project over the next little while. I was re-contacted by the NICU that I had had previous contact with and I have a date of August 31st for a visit and our first donation.The more I thought about it though the more that I feel the need to re-work the project a little.

Working in non-profit pofessionally I know that the best successes are those that are run very much as you would a business.So where to go? Here is my list . . .

1. New logo

2. Mission statement

3. One uniform pattern

4. Realistic and specific wish list for donors

5. Pledge to donors

6. Letter/E-mail donation request

7. Get quilting with what I have here

Wish me luck. I few of these I have already I just need to get them written down. It is my hope that with a plan I can use my next 8 months off with baby Drew to really get this project off the ground.

Smile

2010-08-09T20:00:00.000-04:00

Seeing this everyday makes me want to as well.

Like a gold star . . . .

2010-07-26T15:44:00.000-04:00

Remember that feeling you got when you were in school, your teacher handed back a picture you had drawn and on the top was a lovely gold star. It was a kiddie version of the universe saying "nice picture! great job!" You couldn't wait to get home and show your parents, you took it out on the bus and passed it around to show everyone, and maybe even smiled a bit broader than your then bucked teeth should have allowed.

This is the adult version for a quilt loving, picture taking adult like myself! And I got it! (I knew it was fate when I saw her button, it matches my blog perfectly.) Since Jodi started this site I've been secretly hoping to find a picture of mine featured on there. Checking it obsessively is a bit of an understatement. I got the e-mail today from Jodi that one my pictures had been featured and I think that I audibly gasped. Okay I know that I did because William asked "Mommy do you have enough air?"

If you haven't visited the site yet, it's the perfect blend of quilting and photography perfection. It is inspiring, full of things I will never be brave enough to try, and now features a picture from a little known blogger who is still grinning from ear to ear.

No longer a newborn . . .

2010-07-22T18:02:00.000-04:00

So sadly my babe is no longer a newborn. Andrew has reached three months, weighs around 15 pounds and is increasingly gaining the best personality around. Unfortunately he is growing at such a rate that the little quilt I made before he was born is just not going to cut it for much longer.

See what I mean. So here is where I need help. I have a sneak peek of his new quilt for you. I am just really undecided on how to to quilt it.

Keeping in mind two things . . . I love straight line quilting, and I'm not really great at perfectly straight lines.

I'm waiting for your suggestions!

Nothing nice to say . . .

2010-07-11T17:54:00.001-04:00

. . . so I won't say anything at all, but I will post pictures of my June finishes! All baby/toddler quilts the smaller ones are about 32x34 and the larger 36x40, taking them all with me to the art sale I'm doing at the end of the month, EEEEK!

Bliss

iheartfaces!

2010-06-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

I've been browsing the I Heart Faces Photography blog for a while now creeping around and checking out everyone's photos. If you haven't seen it before it's an amazing site that not only holds a weekly contest (hence the dog!) but also has great tutorials, tricks and a ton of inspiration.

When the post came up this week that the entry was pets, I remembered taking this photo on a trip to Florida last year. This lovely little man was parked in the middle of a Target lot, hanging out in the Florida sun, waiting for his owner to come back. I couldn't resist, and although I have no place in my house to hang a photo like this, I love it none the less. So wish me luck, I'm going for even an honourable mention!

On the quilting side of things, I'm spending my day cutting my scraps, I'll need you to wish me some luck in that regard too.

Not in Canada!

2010-06-20T16:20:00.001-04:00

A list of things I had to stock up on this weekend while visiting Erie, PA. Coconut Dreams Cookies, York Pieces, all the Goldfish they don't sell in Canada! (The rainbow were William's pick!) And the most amazing of them all, a new discovery . . . M&M Pretzel. Who knew? Well I guess all my American friends of course.

Rachel made me do it!

2010-06-09T18:41:00.000-04:00

Yes Rachel I am blaming you for falling off the fabric wagon. When Rachel made her post this morning little did she know she was pushing me over the edge. I have not bought any fabric while off on maternity leave, actually I haven't bought any since before Andrew was born. But I have a weakness that the Canadian Goverment cannot subsidise with what they pay me to be home for the year.

PURE by Sweetwater. If you read my blog you know how much I loved AUTHENTIC. My love for the new line might possibly over shadow the previous one. So I would do anything to get my hands on some of it before the August release. Here is what Rachel did to me . . . .

Not only did she put up pictures, she even added a link to where the kit could be bought, so of course I resisted for an hour or so before pulling out the credit card and adding this to my online shopping cart. Now Rachel if you could kindly write a note to my husband telling him it's your fault that would be great, I will present it to him when the package arrives. Thanks.

This has also been a breakthough week because I've been doing a little designing. I'm not sure how it will work out, but I'm working on my first pattern, I guess we will see. I'm bad at math that's why I married an accountant.

Anyone want to help me test it out?

Shhhh... Mommy is quilting!

2010-06-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

It is true enough I have managed to manage my time enough to get some quilting done for the upcoming show/sale that I'm in back home at the end of July.

Here are a few "Take-along to Tag-along" quilts that I've done. They are both about the same size, 34x38 and perfect for packing in the diaper bag, or having drugged though the house with one end balled up in toddler's fist.

"A Little Glace"

"Olde School House"

Don't get me wrong, there are still moments when I'm feeling so completely overwhelmes that only a good cry will do, but those are less and less. Andrew is a great baby, and it helps that we've kept William in "pre-school" 4 days a week. He really strives on the routine and Andrew gets the attention he needs. I've taken a lot of flack personally for that decision, but William is starting school in the fall and I don't need him to fall behind socially or otherwise because I brought him back home and then didn't have enough time to teach him.

I think that moral of the story here is that no matter what someone is going to have an opinion, I just need to decide if I care or not. That's a little harder said than done! Quilting is so much easier.

I'm back and promissing to be better!

2010-05-26T09:39:00.000-04:00

Okay so now that Andrew is 6 weeks old and we've got a semi-routine going I'm promissing that I will blog more, if there's anyone left out there to read it. I have to say that the last weeks have been so totally different from what I experienced with William, and I feel so much more at ease this time around. I'm sure part of it is being a second time mommy and part of it is that I continued on the medication I had been taking since being diagosed with post-partum depression with William. I only wish that I had of gotten help sooner after William was born so that I could have enjoyed more of his little days as well.

We had the boys pictures taken by Casting Memoires photographer Melissa last time we were home! How cute are these?

And much to my surprise I have gotten some quilting done. I finished off the quilt for my midwife, which I will take a picture of when we give it to her today. I also have started working on take-along-quilts for an art festival I'm doing back home in July. They are baby sized, all around 28x24, perfect for the diaper bag and great for tagging along behind them as they grow up.

Here is a sneak peek at the first one . . . .

Introducing Andrew!

2010-04-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

You'll forgive my lack of posting. Thursday April 8th, after only 2.5 hours of labour we welcomed Andrew David to our family. He was a chunker just like his brother weighing in at 8lbs 6oz! He's a great little man and now we're just adjusting to life with two.

I do have something on my sewing table but it's going to have to wait!

Trying to get it all in.

2010-03-31T08:47:00.001-04:00

I have left all the quilting to be done later, all the crafts to be finished some other time, and spending as much as time possible with this little man before the next version arrives.

Green, the new blue or pink!

2010-03-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

Pink and blue are so over-rated, green is where it's at. Thanks to two very sweet friends of mine I can indulge in more of my favourite colour. After having just a horrible day, the two suspects stopped by the mall where I was manning a booth selling raffle tickets for my organization. They had a bag in their hand, a very large bag, it was suspicious, and it didn't take me long to figure out why they had little smirks on their faces as they walked over to me.

This, incase you don't recognize it, is the perfect diaper bag. One that I have had my eye on since we found out we were having another baby. I have scoured Ebay, Target (when I'm in the States, they don't ship to Canada, they should!), and lots of other places to find it for a reasonable price. Perfection does still need to be within reason. Good friends know just what you need, and this is what I needed. Filled with diapers, wipes and onesies, they really did shock me into tears. What they didn't count on was the obsession it would spur to make things to go in the bag that match!

What a better line to use than Tula Pink - Flutterby which I just received in the mail and which is almost the last known in existance so I am assured by quilt shop owner/mother of such famous fabric designer. Isn't it just all perfect? The bag, the burp cloths, the quilt for playgroups etc. I'm pretty sure I'm in love.

First quilt with a name.

2010-03-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

So normally I don't name my quilts, but more and more as I see others coming up with endless creative names for theirs I want to try and do that as well. Last post I had unfinished pictures of "Princess Jungle", and here is the finished quilt.

As you can see up close the painter's tape really does help keep me on track with my lines, and I really won't go back to trying on my own! It's not worth the headache and it's not worth the disappointment when I cannot get it quite right and end up tearing out line after line.

So where's is this little beauty going? It's headed off to wait the arrival of my husband's friend Darryl's first babe. Hailey is set to make her debut around the second week of April, in the states. I can't wait for them to see it. They have a "lollipop jungle" bedroom set so I drew my inspiration from the pictures I saw on line of the bedding etc. I love the colours, and I love that it's not too pink, but seems like just enough. I hope that little Hailey enjoys it when she gets here.

Cheating or Industrious?

2010-03-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

The one thing I love about blogging about my quilts is that I get tips and feedback from all the others out there who are doing the same thing. The on-line community for us quilting mamas has been quite open with me and I apprecaite that.

So I was a little disappointed when while reading another blog someone commented that the blogger was "cheating" because of the following (which I obviously do all the time.)

I love to straight line quilt. I like the look of it and I'm really a semetrical person so it makes sense to me. I also love squares, and sashing which work with my love of lines. I'm not sure how long it will take me to make a straight line, but I've been at this for just over a year and I still can't do it. I use my walking foot, I use a guide and I still can't quite get it right.

I found the idea of using painters tape to create the guidelines for me. I find it also a lot faster to quilt because I don't have to constantly keep measuring to make sure that I'm on track. You bet that if I thought I was off even a little I would be tearing those rows out and starting again.

So . . . . is it cheating? Or is it industrious? I vote for industrious and I thank the person who passed on the idea to me. As for the person who thought it was cheating, I guess to each his own, someone of us are much more traditional and I can apprecaite that as well, it's just not for me.

In 5 weeks . . .

2010-03-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

In five weeks I need to take our nursery from this . . .

To this . . . (these pictures are from William's nursery, and I loved it so much that re-creating didn't even get a second thought, it was perfect!)

Is it possible? I sure hope so!

Living in the basement . . .

2010-02-22T08:28:00.001-05:00

Well not really, but that's where my sewing machine is, and now that hubby has hooked a TV up there and William has some of his ride around toys down there as well, it's a little easier for me to get some actual sewing done.

This is my finished Oddysea baby quilt, measuring about 34x40, so perfect for a new babe. The debate will rein on if it will stay in our house or be off to one of the many other babies that this year holds for our friends.

I wanted to post a better picture of this quilt as well. A full view. A little hard to be creative when you're stuck in the house. I swear the pictures will get better in the spring.

6 weeks until our little one makes it's debut. Visiting the midwife every 2 weeks now which makes it feel more real than ever. We have nothing ready, and I'm starting to feel the crunch of that . . . . hummmm nesting perhaps?

Is there enough time? Never.

2010-02-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

As the belly gets bigger and the baby gets closer I feel like there's just not enough time to finish all the projects that I want to get finished. I also feel like we're not nearly as prepared for this baby as we were for the first. 6 weeks left, we need to paint, decorate and furnish the nursery! No biggie right.

Here is what the belly looks like with 6 weeks left, William had a great time doing his handprints!

I have gotten a couple things started. I'm becoming the queen of the unfinished project! A cute little baby quilt made with Odyssea by Momo for Moda. The pattern is from Bubba Chic and so simple!Funny picture? It's the area I work in, but at least I don't have to pull the machine out of the closet everytime I want to sew, so that's an improvement.