BettyCrockerAss

Nothing is orginal...

2012-01-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this today and it inspired me.
Sometimes I don't make things for fear of people saying I stole it from someone else.
It's such a tricky gray area.
This makes me feel better.
And inspires me to create.

A Pretty Little Pouch

2012-01-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

Do you ever open a gift and swear.
You know, like "Oh my hell! That is so f'ing amazing!"
I tend to do that when I get mail from my crafty friends.
This time though there were a few more swear words...

This is why.

There's more.

Oh Michelle, I LOVE orange too and lime green.
Thank you for this awesome bag that's already in my bag!
Thank you for the orange fabric that I don't have and is also already being used!
Thank you for the vintage trim and hook and eyes that came at the exact right time!

The Weekender...

2012-01-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Sewing up a Weekender is a right of passage I think.
It's a bitch.
The directions are wayyy to wordy.
The cost of interfacing is insane.
You get a workout sewing the damn thing together.

But.

In the end, you get a really awesome ~~bag~~ piece of luggage.

And really, it's not hard to do, it's just a pain.
My next one though, I think will be easier with a few adjustments.

Note-I didn't add any pockets inside. I don't like pockets in my bags. I tend to fill my bags with other bags...

I was planning on not following the directions and skipping the Peltex.
Halfway through though, I changed my mind.

I had sitting in my closet some fusible Peltex.
So after I sewed on my pipping which was super easy with no Peltex in the way, I cut out two fusible piece and ironed them on!

Super easy and now my bag had the exact body I wanted.

Though, I should have waited until the bag was completely sewed together...
Which I will do next time.

I also quilted mine.
Which I would totally do again.

I was worried it was going to look like an old 80's patchwork vest or something, but I think it actually looks cool.

Both Michelle and Jill have some good tips for what they would do differently.

Here are mine: Keep in mind these are things that worked for me. I have a strong love affair with Heat and Bond and use it a lot! Also, my bag is made of duck cloth with already has quite a bit of body to it.

-Use Heat and Bond inside the handles instead of Peltex
-Use Heat and Bond for making the pipping
-Make the handles 58 inches (easily fits over my shoulder)
-Quilt all piece except bottom and zipper top
-Use Heat and Bond to fuse the side pocket front and back together
-Do the same for the large outside pockets
-Put pipping on the little side pockets-but pull out some of the cording and cut so you don't sew over it! (Thanks Megan!)
-After the bag is put together add the fusible Peltex
-Only use 2 layers of the fusible woven on the zipper pieces
-Have Jill cut me a piece of Masonite for my bottom-then sew in the lining-no false bottom needed.

When she's done, I'll do a proper photo shot and take her some where fun. I just wanted to get this out there for those of you who had ask!

Have fun and don't be scared, worried or intimidated! It's just a damn bag...

Gluten Free Walffes

2012-01-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

Yum.
I think I make better gluten free waffles then glutenous ones.
In fact, that's how it is with pancakes too.

So, here's a recipe and some photos.
Please share the recipe! But please, credit back.
There's nothing that gets my panties in a wad more then when people take my photos, recipes, ideas and don't say "hey thanks Jen". So please just make sure to give credit where it's due.

Okay so, waffles here's the recipe-the photo's following will have tips.
14 ounces flour mix (this is what I use now-thanks Laura!)
2 ounce ground flaxseed
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoon kosher salt
16 ounces buttermilk
splash almond extract
big splash of vanilla
4 large eggs
8 ounces melted butter or canola oil

Um, ya, so it's pretty thick.

Don't over fill.

Don't go by the steam stopping-these will steam until they are black! After about five minute slowly take a peak at how they are doing. I like mine nice and crunchy. (These needed a few more minutes)

Crunchy but soft in the middle.

This is how Amelia takes hers-bit size and three sauces on the side-whipped cream, berry sauce, and yes, that's salty caramel sauce.

These are mine.

Amazing.
Try them!
I love them.

Teddy Bear Clothes?

2012-01-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Huh?
I know, not really something I know about.
In fact, it seems no one really does, or at least they don't share how to do it online.
My Google search for "how to make clothes for a bear" came up empty.

Thank goodness Zeke had some lion that happened to have a t-shirt on.

This all started when Amelia's school teacher asked if I could make a shirt for a bear she just got. Every year at this time she sends the kids home over the weekend with the bear. It sounds like the are suppose to take Joe (his name) everywhere. Pretty cute idea and very reminiscent of high school sex ed where they try to discourage you from getting pregnant by giving you a sack of flour to take care of.

Anyway, I said yes without really thinking it through.
Never really have made little little clothes before.
I got the bear and panicked.

But beginning able to steal Zeke's lion's shirt and tear it apart to make a pattern seemed to work well!

As I was making the shirt, totally felt like I was making Figgy's T For Two. I completely used all the techniques I learned from that pattern while making this!

I even put a size label in it that we got from Jana in our Sewing Summit Bag of Swag.

After I got the shirt on and jumped for joy that I actually made it work it felt wrong. The bear was pant-less and I don't know, it just wasn't right.

So drew a little sketch to remind myself what pants looked like in pattern form. Using half after the bears waist I cut them out from a pillow case from Ikea that just happen to have some denim looking stripe in it! Total score.

I'm thinking I was the teachers pet in school because I couldn't stop-I mean I did in some respect because I didn't make him the robe and second set of clothes I wanted to. Instead I made him a little bag following Jeni from In Color Order tutorial. Which, I didn't read the directions well on because I did the tie wrong. But it still turn out just fine and now he has a little carrying bag.

So look at me! I make bear clothes now!
Checkin' that one off my bucket list....
Just kidding.
Kind of.

The 1st day of 2012

2012-01-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

Someone once told me that whatever you do on the first day of the year sets the tone for that year.

So this year, I decided to put it to the test. I did a little bit of everything that I wanted to do.

1. Spent quiet time with my husband.
(sorry no photo's :-D)

2. Relaxed, drank tea, knitted.

(okay so this isn't tea, but it did come after the bloody marry's.)

3. Sewed a super cute bag for knitting

4. Finished Yamtastic Bee blocks for Traci

5. Baked bread with my kids

6.Blogged.

7. Yoga
(Okay, this didn't happen today but it will. I need to find a new studio to practice at, the one I was at went out of business-if you have any local SE Portland recommendations, let me know-Hatha is my 1st choice.)

So, if this can be my year, I'll be super happy.
Hope that everyone had a great 1st day!

And the winners are...

2011-12-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Jessica Pierre'auguste
Wow, I love those bags! I am going to save your Etsy shop in my favorites, and then buy some of those bags for friends after I win the one on this giveaway! :)
In 2012 I plan to organize my sewing studio in a better way that will allow me to get my sewing stuff out of my kitchen and living room.
Thanks!

DangAndBlast!
Baby coming next month... so probably to make baby clothes and diaper covers? (I've been a subscriber to you for a long time - love your stuff!) dangandblast@gmail.com

Katie B.
Wow, that's ambitious! I have 2 big quilt tops I WILL finish in 2012.

Congrats ladies! I've sent you all an email requesting your address and favorite bag!

Now, a few words.
It was really interesing to hear all of your comments about your plans for the coming year.
Most of them centered around:

Finishing WIP/Organize
Losing weight/get healthy
Try to sew something new

For me, when I was reading the comments the first word that came to my mind was fear. Fear has got to be the most crippling emotion out there.

Last year, that was my goal. To stop being so fearful. To not let a stupid dress pattern get the best of me. To not let unfinished projects scare me. To not be afraid to cut into that super rare Japanese fabric that you can't get anymore and that I've had for two years.

I wont lie, it was f'ing hard.
But I did it.
And it was okay.
I didn't ruin anything.
I failed, but it didn't get to me.
I tried again.
I made FIVE School House Tunics.
The last one is the best.

I have no unfinished projects.
I have no voice in my head that says-"really, you're going to start something new. Have you seen that pile over there lately?"
It's so nice to start something and finish it.
There is no guilt.

Don't get me wrong, I still have so much to work on in my life.
We all do.
But it's small steps.
It's being realistic.
It's being kind to your self.
It's doing things NOW.
Don't wait until its a new year.
Grab something from your pile and finish it.
Go walk around the block (not a mile just around the block)
Get a zipper, find a You Tube video and sew it up!
TODAY.

As Dr. Seuss says:
"Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

It will be okay, I promise.

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!

2011-12-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Comments are closed, winners will be announced shortly!

Today is the day!
Sew Mama Sew giveaway day.
You have three bags you could win.
Stuffed with scraps, fabric, floss, and anything else I can find!

Just leave a comment.
I'd love to hear about just,
One goal you want to accomplish in 2012.

My goal for the 2012 year?
Post a new tutorial once a month.
It's a lot, but I already have my ideas mapped out.
So, you might want to follow along.

Feel free to hit the follow button -------->

The giveaway is open all week.
The 12th-16th.
There are so many things to win.
So many new blogs to find
And people to be inspired by.

The prizes are:
These cute zipper wristlet bags.
They measure at 8/18.
They can fit:

Ipad
Baby Essentials
Going out Essentials
Knitting
Crocheting
Sewing
and anything else you need to contain in a cute bag.

They really are a great size!

Please make sure to leave your email in your post.
I will ship internationally.
I will ship by the 24th.
I will email you when you win.
If you don't win, but still want one, you can buy it in my shop!

Sew Mama Sew! Give Away Day

2011-12-08T14:31:00.001-08:00

Starts Monday-December 12, 2011!
I'll have a hand full of things to giveaway!
If you want to be part of the fun, read about it here.

Pretty Little Pouch-An Online Swap

2011-11-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

So this is my third round of of the Pretty Little Pouch swap on Flickr.
I've had two amazing bags come my way. I know lucky me!

I've also had some awesome people to sew for.
This time around was no exception.

I got someone I know. Someone I've actually communicated with.
In fact, she was one of my first Flickr friends.
She did a huge favor for me and made a huge impact on my family. Three years later, my family and I still talk about it.

She's also quite a presence in the online sewing/quilting community.
Ya, the pressure.

In the end, I did what I know I would love. Luckily her color choices where mine as well.
I tried to do something a little different then what she would have done for herself, but included things that I knew she would like.

I even added some humor, which I always appreciate.

I hope she really does like it.
Uses it.
And smile every time she see's "hello friend". (said in a gay English accent)

A special thanks to Megan for the awesome center strawberry tea fabric!

UPDATED: Ipad Rest or Stand Tutorial

2011-10-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

(Somewhere along the way, this post got all messed up. So, here it is again, with WORDS this time!)

Edited to add this great tip from Paula:

"Additional note to your great tute, dry your rice by heating the oven-250 degrees, spreading the rice on a cookie sheet, turn off oven and leave the pan for half an hour. That way the rice won't absorb moisture. Especially if used in the kitchen for the cookbook prop."

Awhile back I showed an Ipad rest that I had made so my husband would stop yelling at me for hunching over it.

I said I'd make a tutorial and never did. You know how that goes right? Well, this morning Amanda and a few other Twitter girlfriends (yes, we are all kind of dating) were talking about it. Since my old one is so dirty and well, just plain gross (all my recipes are on it so it lives in the kitchen around food a lot.) I thought it might be a good time to make a new one with instructions. This is very photo heavy-just sayin.

Start with two pieces of home dec or laminated cotton cut at 7' by 11"

Sew 1/4" along the sides with the fabric pretty to pretty. Making sure to leave a 1" opening for filling.

Turn out and press.

Match side seams.

Measure 1" from raw edge, then 2" from 1st pin, then 1" from 3rd pin

Draw a line from side to side were your pins where (I used a chalk pen)

Sew down chalk lines-add stitches in-between the two 1" lines. Leave 1" opening on 1st line for filling

Fill the 2" opening with rice. Fill it FULL this is what keeps your Ipad up. Stitch close with a zipper foot.

Your stitches will not be perfect. It's okay. Really. It is. (Go slow and be careful not
to sew over any of the rice!)

Fill up the main part. I suggest using a funnel. I didn't the first time. Also, I added some essential oils, now my space smells like a spa. It's nice! Eucalyptus and Geranium.

Once it's nice and full, hand stitch it closed. (I used a blind stitch-truely it will only take like five minutes.)

Last thing to complete are the raw edges. The last time I made this I just trimmed and hit it with a super tight zigzag. If I had a serger, I'd do that. Do what works for you.

This time around, I just tucked them under and did a top stitch.

You are done! Enjoy and I hope this helps your neck and back!

It's been busy...

2011-10-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

...around here. My husband was in a little shock that it's almost November! NOVEMBER!

I guess that's what happens when you only have two weeks of summer.

The last few weeks have been insane, and will continue to be so through the end of the year I'm sure!

How about you? Busy, Not? Thinking ahead for Holiday gifts?

I opened a little Etsy Shop.

Running around non stop with these little rug rats. (okay here they're watching TV, but Mama needed a break!)

Watched my ever growing stack of sewing "to-do's" Must get done this week!

Watched my husband create me a new sewing space (still SO MUCH TO DO)

Got my email down to 27, which is great but I NEVER have that much email waiting for me to do something with!

Binding binding binding

Stamped tea towels for an up coming craft bazaar

I have a lot of stuff up in the air right now.
I really really hope I can't get it all done without being a jerk and still having fun with my kids.
Please please please!

Lime Coconut Shrimp Soup

2011-10-12T14:46:00.001-07:00

Last night I posted this photo:

Yes, it's was amazing as it looks! It's typically the first thing I make when fall really hits in Portland. Like most things I make, it's from a recipe out of Everyday Foods-Great Food Fast. However, I've changed it so much, I now say "inspired by".

This posts dedicated to Rachel. NOW GO SHOPPING AND ENJOY IT!

Ingredient list
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons grated ginger (I don't peel mine)
4 cloves garlic grated or minced
A pinch of red pepper flakes, more if you like it spicy
4 medium carrots cut into bite size
1 red pepper cut into bite size
1 small yellow onion cut into bite size
2 cups shelled edamame (I get mine frozen at Trader Jos)
1 lime
4 green onions sliced
1 can coconut milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 pounds of shrimp (I leave the tails on to give the broth more flavor)
2 cups of cooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
Handful of salted peanuts
Cilantro
1-2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper

Phew, after typing that list, it feels like a lot. However, these are items that I seem to always have on hand.

On to the easy part.

Heat the oil in a 3 quartish pan on medium heat
Add onion cook until translucent 5 minutes or so
Add red pepper and carrots cook for 5 minutes
Add garlic, salt, pepper, ginger and red pepper flakes cook 1 minute
(You should be stirring while doing this Rachel)
Add coconut milk and chicken broth

Mix the 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 1.5 tablespoons of water. When it's smooth add to the soup.

Bring to a boil, turn to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Don't over cook, mushy carrots are disgusting.

Add shrimp and edamame. Cook until shrimp are pink.

Turn off the heat and squeeze in the lime. This is to taste, I like about 4 tablespoons.

Ladle into bowls top with warm cooked rice, green onions, cilantro, peanuts and if you like sweet chili sauce.

This is the book.

It's really great, mine is so used the pages are falling out. I love that it's organized by season, which helps me to eat what's actually in season! Also, every recipe has a photo of it.

It's not all that I use but it is my go to inspiration.

So, for Rachel here is my menu this week (more on the creation of it when I get my desk top back)

Tuesday- Coconut Shrimp Soup p. 186

Wednesday-Warm Quinoa, Spinach and Shiitake Salad p. 235

Thursday-Top your own pizza (veggie)

Friday- Mediterranean Chicken Stew with polenta p.287

Saturday- Orange Beef Stir-Fry over rice p. 212

And now, I'm hungry.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

Quilted Birthday Pillows

2011-10-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

This year, all of Amelia's and Zeke's little friends got birthday pillows with their name and ages on it.

Since they all have quilts and bags, this was the next logical step.

These two were for Dalia and Annaliese (um, obviously).

I love the straight line quilting on Dalia's. The texture is perfect. Her favorite color has always been orange, but I think it's moving more to blue these days...it was fun to mix up the two. It's actually my favourite color combo lately.

With Annaliese, I wanted to keep it a little softer and girlier. She's still little and the simple free motion quilting I think worked nicely. IF I would have been brave (need to work on this) I would have done some big flowers.

At any rate, I know the Mama's and Little girls will/do love these. At 20 by 20 they are the perfect size for little ones to cozy up with and read or listen to a book.

In other news, I leave for Utah in a few days.
My list is shrinking which makes me happy.
Can't wait to meet my online friends, make new ones and see my family!
I may blog while I'm there, I may not. If you want to stay up to date, you can check out my photos on Flickr, Instagram or Twitter!

Project Modern: Find your voice.

2011-09-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

From the back of the quilt to the front.

That's how this quilt came about. When I first started quilting a few years ago, everything was new to me. From selecting fabric to loading my bobbin thread correctly.

At that point I had no idea that there were actually sections in fabric stores where you could buy one big piece of fabric that was big enough for the back of your quilt! I found this out about five months ago at a PMQG meeting.

I've been quilting for 2.5 years.

To create the backs for my quilts, I simply took the left over fabric from the front and made a back, usually pairing it with some solid. It just made sense to use up all the fabric I had left over. More times then not, friends, family and quilt recipients commented that they actually liked the back better then the front.

I vowed one day to make a quilt with the back on the front.

Enter this quilt.

Over the last six months I have put down my sketch book (for the most part) and just let the fabric pieces direct me. I found that being a little bit lose and not so boxed in really made me happy. Using this technique only on my smaller projects, until Challenge Four came out. I knew the moment I read "Find Your Voice" exactly what I was going to do.

Pulling out a big bag a scraps I had recently gotten and the big bee fabric piece that had just shown up in the mail from Melody Miller, I started cutting. Even the size was determined by what the longest scrap in the bag was! Which, by the way, is huge at 84" by 84".

Throughout sewing this quilt I found it freeing and felt really great to sew with someone's scraps that would have other-wised been tossed out. All the little slivers of color that pop through still makes me smile and squeal a little!

The back, well, it's just a big ole sheet! Which worked out perfectly.

If you haven't checked out the Modern Quilt Guild, you should! If you're local I'd love to meet you at a Portland Modern Quilt Guild meeting!

Zeke wanted to learn to sew today, so proud!

2011-09-28T17:56:00.001-07:00

Zeke wanted to learn to sew today, so proud!, originally uploaded by bettycrockerass.

It kind of even makes me tear up a little!
I was so surprised to see how much he knew, the pressure foot, where to put the fabric, and how to work the petal.

He's two and half, what's the youngest you've seen sewing? Just curious...

I swear I still Quilt...

2011-09-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

But for now, it's another dress.
My hybrid School House Tunic and Simplicity # 2642.
This time, I added pipping and baby blanket bias tape! I'm sure some seamstress somewhere is shaking her head with that statement...but I don't care I think it looks awesome!

The pok-a-dot is super hard to photograph as well as photographing myself in our super small mirror in my super small bedroom. But you get the point.

I really like it with the cute high heals, but reality is I will probably be wearing my boots and prison vans for the rest of the year...

With this dress done, I'm only have two more things left on this list!
That makes me so happy. Especially since I added a few other craft projects in the mix that I hadn't planned on.

It also means that everything I'll be taking to Sewing Summit, will be handmade by me! I might even have time to make a cute tote bag to shove all my crap in. Any suggestions on patterns? Not too big just big enough for my camera, Ipad and a few zipper bags.

By the way, who's going to Sewing Summit?

Another School Dress...

2011-09-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

How can I resist when Amelia comes up to me and says:

"Mama, I'm a little sad that I wore all my new school dresses already. They are so pretty and I love them so much. Maybe I could put some more new ones on my wish list?"

Um, Ya, can't say no. In fact, I was so touched by her that I made this one during her nap that day.
Yes, it's another Pattern's By Figgy. My FAVORITE pattern maker out there by far. (And yes, I do have a little crush a Shelly but that has nothing to do with awesome clothes designs).

It's big, but in a month, it will fit her perfectly. To fix a little of the bagginess, she asked ever so sweetly if she could have a black belt just like the cool one I made myself. (LOL)

With each rolled hem I'm getting better. I love the look and the feel of it. Plus, then I don't have to hem!

Since Amelia is super girly right now (I know it will change at some point) I added a little bow at the neckline, which turns out to be the first thing she commented on.

I'm so glad that she likes what I make her. I remember my mom making me some bell bottom double knit polyester pants for school which I hated and use to tuck into my boots after I'd left the house. I sure hope Amelia keeps liking what I make for her!

By the way, this is the Tee For Two Pattern. It's the same one that I used to make Zeke's shirt out of! Such a versatile pattern!

My brain...

2011-09-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Is so scattered.
I have (had) so many projects in my head.
I've tried to make lists.
Tried to prioritize.
I just couldn't get everything straight.
(could be the late night viewings of Dexter Season 5)

So, today I decided to make piles.
I love piles.
LOVE.
My husband hates them. He's kind of a neat freak. I'm kinda not.
I've been trying to not make them, but the inner pile freaks been coming out lately. Today I fully embraced her and made nice neat piles of projects that need to get done in the next few weeks.

If I can see it, I'll know what to work on next.
Phew, it feels so much better already!
(Thank goodness we finished Dexter)

Now what to do first?
Here's the list by the way:
1. Black and White Pok-a-dot School House Tunic Hybrid
2. Two pairs of Olive and S Jeans for Zeke
3. Quilt to T and J
4. Mod Kid Stripe Jail dress for me
5. Ofelia Dress for Amelia
6. Kimono Dress for Amelia
7. Pull over top for Zeke

It's a lot, but I think I can pull it off. Two weeks. That gives me about four hours for each project and a few extra for the quilt. Wish me luck!

Just curious, how do you plan your sewing/crafty stuff out?

Bee Tweet

2011-09-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that I joined an online Bee in May.
My first.
It's fun but hard. Not technically hard.
But making sure I do something good for the person hard.
Some of the blocks are new to me as well. (Okay all of them are but these for Rachel).
So that's good to learn new blocks.
These are what I did for Rachel. It was fun because it was a log cabin, which right now is my favorite.

I decided to use the red square in the middle as done in the original tradition symbolizing the "hearth" of the "cabin".

It was nice to be able to add some of my own fabric-the solids. I still have a hard time adding tons of prints together with no solid relief. Hope this works out okay for you Rachel!

I think they turned out nice. I sewed until I ran out of fabric. She asked for 1 I ended up making 3 1/2. Probably if she would have sent me enough fabric, I would have made the whole quilt...

I made Jeans

2011-09-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

As in five pocket jeans.
Not for me.
Sally said I needed to start small.
So I made Zeke some.

It's my friend Gibby's fault. She made some that turned out awesome! When she showed me the pattern by Ottobre, she totally convinced me how easy it was "look!" she said "there's hardly any directions!" Which is turn and turned out to be the hardest part!

In the end, it was fine. I only almost gave up once.
But I don't give up.

I was so excited that they looked so cute, I had to take pictures before I even put on the belt loops. Because to be honest, I put them on Zeke with the intention of them being terrible. But when he turned around and I saw his cute little butt...

I decided to finish them..
I'm so glad that I did.
When I brought them back up after sewing on the belt loops to fold and put in his draw he screamed: "No MAMA I wear them NOW! Those are my PAPA jeans".
I think I cried a little.
I know I wont be able to make their clothes for long, so I'm totally enjoying it now!

So now he has jeans with a big Z on his butt.

He has jeans just like his papa.

While they are not perfect, I MADE JEANS!
Me.
I'm super proud of myself and so thankful that I have a group of friends that push me to try new things. That encourage and feed the desire to make things.

I encourage you to try something new, something you've been scared to try. Do it. You'll feel better!

Since I have discovered my SLR again, here's a little montage of him when I asked him to look at me and hold still. :-)

I'm sure these will soon become his favourite (No, that's not missed spelled, I'm practicing being Canadian.)

Amelia's First day of Pre K

2011-09-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

She's never been to school.
Never been away from me for longer then an hour (other then with family members).
She wasn't ready.
Too shy, not potty trained last year, just not ready. It didn't feel right to me.
So she didn't go to pre-school (3-4) like the rest of her friends.
It was totally fine. We do enough learning, playing and socializing here that I wasn't worried at all. If there's anything I've learned about Amelia, it's not to push. If I push at all, she goes the opposite way. (Not AT ALL like her Mama ;-)-totally like her Mama)

Now, watching her with other kids, introducing herself, feeling right at home, I know it was the right decision.

She marched right in, put her bag away, said hello and sat down to play with water.

When we said goodbye, she didn't even look up. Just waved and said bye.

Picking her up, she looked exhausted but happy. The teacher said she was great and fit right in. It's always nice to hear when your kid does well!

She didn't have much to say about it. Just that she had fun and was the line leader...oh and when does she get to go back? Just confirms that I need to continue to listen to her and follow my gut with her needs.

The photo's below might be a little mean, but I couldn't help snapping photo's as she was trying to get her backpack on! It reminded me of a dog chasing a tail. She'll hate me when she's older for it, but at least I wont be showing her boyfriend naked pictures of her...

Now Zeke, he'll be in school as soon as he's potty trained!

BTW, the dress is this Pattern by Figgy's I can't say enough about how awesome this dress is.
The fabric is Peacock Lane by Violet Craft and you can find it here on sale!

At the beach

2011-09-10T15:56:00.001-07:00

(and testing out blogging from my phone the photos might be I'm funny places. $

This is us, at the beach in Pacific City Oregon this morning. It's so perfect out here this weekend.

The kids made sand castles, few kites, made sand angles (Amelia's going to find sand in interesting places tonight!) and even found a special beach ladybug!

Tonight we party at a friends wedding. A good way today good by to summer and hello to fall and school!

Tomorrow- Tillamock cheese factory!

Christmas Tree's in September

2011-09-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Which really isn't too odd. Especially if you are a planner.
It's just a little hard because it was 90 something again today.
Why can't Portland just a have a summer. You know, sunshine with 80 degrees? No we get 75 and cloudy for three months and then a crazy heat wave. Sorry for the rant, sometimes it just gets old!

Okay, on to tree's.
These are for my Bee:Bee Tweet. Amy of AmLouWho is doing a Christmas quilt with all kinds of trees, presents, wreaths, etc. I picked trees.

When I sat down to think about what I was going to do, I had Dr. Suess stuck in my head.
This is what I came up with.
(Funny note: When Amelia woke up she requested to watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
(Even funnier note: I just realized as I was typing the name of Amy's blog that AmyLouWho is a character in The Grinch! Oh my sometimes I wonder where my brain went.)

Then that became this.

Dr Sues meets the Preppy 80's.
They also kind of look like the wind is blowing them.

Then I got nervous that she would hate them.
So I cut a new piece of Kona white that was laying in front of me and made this.

Still cute, but way less wonky.
I offset it to still add my flair to it.

Here's a close up of the applique (I think that's what this is called!)

Please note it is not perfect! I'm still working on it. I think it's pretty good however, especially since it was done on my daughters Hello Kitty-Sew Pretty machine!

I'm sending her both.
Amelia said they were both "goregous".
I trust her, after all she's four and totally honest about EVERYTHING right now!

She stands!

2011-09-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

(I just found these two post in my drafts! Thought I'd post them now, a few years late!)

While hanging out at Jennifer's house, Amelia stood by herself for the first time. It was only about 20 seconds, but she did it.

This is a picture of her right afterward. She was so proud...probably just because everyone was clapping for her!

She was hanging on to me, but this is what she looked like when she was standing.

Always giving her hugs

So cozy

Happy Happy Happy

2011-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

(I just found these two post in my drafts! Thought I'd post them now, a few years late!)

For the past week, Amelia has been taking a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. The first day it happened, I didn't know what to do. All that time to my self? What?

In addition to me being happy, the Bug is always in such a great mood. This is what she looks like when she wakes up.

Gluten Free Caramel Applesauce Cake

2011-09-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Our air conditioner has been out of order for a few days. Unfortunately, during the HOTTEST time in Portland.

I've been pretty good about not using the oven-original from 1950 inefficiencies and all-it stays hot for hours after you use it.

Anyway, I got a hankering for cake. It didn't matter that it was 98 outside and 86 inside. It had to be cake.
Not any cake, but this cake.

Katrina has a gift for make food.

However, now that gluten is no longer something I can eat, I've been slowly convertering some of my favorite recipes of her's.

Here's what I did.

Mix together:
13.5 oz All purpose flour mix*

3 t baking powder
2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 t cinnamon
4 eggs
1.5 cups sugar
1 cup oil
2.5 cups applesauce
1 t vanilla
(Some times I add nutmeg, cardamon and cloves to the mix too)

Pour batter into a greased 10″ springform pan (or sheet pan)

Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a tester inserted into middle comes out clean. Remove from oven, and remove the ring of the springform pan. (This time around I just used a sheet pan-lazy but just as yummy)

When cake is cool enough to handle slice through the middle and fill with most of a container caramel sauce (1 cup of so) or here's my recipe for the best ever!

Top with cream cheese frosting! (Stick of butter, 8 oz cream cheese, vanilla, salt and powdered sugar until it taste good!)

*For my flour mix I use the below chart from Gluten Free Girls site:

Choose 700 grams of any combination of the following flours:

Almond
Amaranth
Brown Rice
Buckwheat
Corn
Millet
Oat
Quinoa
Sorghum
Sweet Brown Rice
Teff

"Almond is not a grain, but it is a whole flour, so I’ve thrown it in there. You might notice that I have not put in garbanzo (I don’t like it) or coconut (I don’t like the way it tastes or the way it sucks all the moisture out of a baked good) or soy (I’m having a hard time finding a good gluten-free one). You might like those. Substitute if you want."

Add 300 grams of any combination of the following:

Arrowroot
Cornstarch
Potato Starch
Tapioca Flour
White Rice Flour

I never write down what I put in but I've never come up with a bad combo. Yes, I do have 15 different flours in my cupboard it's a little crazy but worth it to me. I feel lucky to live 5 minutes from the Bob's Red Mill store. (Oh and Bob is real and does indeed drive that old green car around!)

I usually do double the batch of flour so I have in on hand. I use it for my flour sub in almost everything. The key is to weigh it!

So, gluten free, try this. Not gluten free try this. It really is yummy and will put you right into a fall mood! It's moist, spicy, sweet and just a little naughty...

Tee for Two by Figgy's

2011-09-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

Zeke has become quite the character...

He's finally talking, with his new favorite thing to say being "actually".
I guess I say that a lot. Should probably stop saying it.
It's actually not very nice.

So last week I was feeling sorry for him that I never make any clothes for him.

Problem solved with the Tee for Two pattern by Figgy's (a hot little lady and a fellow Yam).

Anyway, I love the pattern.
Again, super simple using only five pieces and sews up in about an hour.
The fabric I used was scrap from one of my latest dresses.
Makes me feel good to use up all I have. Plus then I don't need to put it away. Too many years at Gap folding jeans.

Anyway, Zeke loves it. He called it his "soft shirt".

I think he looks pretty cute in it too!
Things to note:
-It's suppose to be a raw-edge raglan, however, Jason (papa) thought it was "weird" so I just made the seam go in.
-It's a size 4/5 and Zeke is 2. I purposely made it big on him.
-I will try not to wear the matching dress on the same day...that might be too strange for me.

Pretty in Pink?

2011-09-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Or, another pirate dress?
You decide.

Summer in Portland just showed up. Meaning it's kinda hot. 90 degrees plus hot.

I know that's not super hot. Especially coming from a girl growing up int Utah when it would hit 115 several times during the summer.

But for people who are not use to this, it's hot.

I've been making a ton of dresses lately, however, they're more for fall.
So, last night I decided to quickly do a down and dirty job and making this dress.

While it's not the best job, it certainly fits the bill for what I need for the next week.
(If you see me in it more then twice this week, pretend you didn't notice.)

It's super cozy, light weight and the fabric cost me $6. I love finding inexpensive fabric for practicing my new love of clothes making! (Don't fear! I'm still quilting up a storm!)

So the pattern is Penelope by Patty Young (Mod Kid). It's good, but pretty shapeless-hence the belt (I'll probably make a white belt that will look better then the black), but super easy to make. I think I finished it in less then two hours-start to finish. If you can find it on sale, I'd totally recommend it.

Now, go make something!

Jen

Summer 2011

2011-09-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess at some point every blogger takes a break, planned or not. In this case, unplanned.

That doesn't mean I haven't been creating and playing!

In fact, I think that's been my problem. I've been so manic about "getting things done" that I haven't taken the time to stop, slow down and enjoy what I've been making!

I think I need that permanently tattooed on me!

So, instead of trying to catch you up with a ton of post, here's a few mosaics. If you follow me on Flickr, Twitter or Facebook you've seen these all...if not, here you go! Hopefully, I can take my own advice:

Slow Down
Enjoy
Share

Improv Blocks for PMQG

2011-06-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Katie is making a banner to take with us to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The Portland Modern Quilt Guild will be one of the special exhibit this year! We have about 18 quilts that will be hanging among 3,000 others.

She asked that people of the guild make a 6 by 6 inch block to be sewn into the banner. Here are the ones I did.

My goal was to use scraps, to get them all done during nap time, and have them represent me. I was able to accomplish all three! Several people commented that they knew which ones were mine-Yeah!

It's fun to know that I"m developing my own style and that it's actually recognized.

Thanks for doing this Katie! Can't wait to see what it looks like. I'll post photo's when it's done!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-06-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

You, want to make these.
You do.
Trust me.
The recipe came from Petra, who got it from here.

Here's what I did, which varies slightly from the original recipe.
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
Cream these two together (mix them up until smooth)
Add one egg (if you feel like it pre beat it)
Add one teaspoon of baking soda
Add one teaspoon of salt (good kosher salt-if you skip this, they're good just not great. If you forget, you can sprinkle some on when they are warm!)

The mix will look crumbly, which is great.
It will all stick together when you roll them out into your favorite size ball.
If you're a traditionalist-add those awesome fork marks.

Additional things to add if wanted:
Chopped Peanuts
Chocolate Chips
White Chocolate Chips
Krispy Rice (I haven't tried this one but it sounds good!)

Cook at 350 until light brown-about 10-12 minutes.
Let them cool for a few minutes on the pan.
Transfer it a wire rack-cool.
EAT.
Yum.

They're super great with caramel ice cream-I get the Five Ingredient one from Haagen-Daz. Which by the way was $.99 at Trader Jo's!

By the way, I re did my blog-if you're in reader, switch over and let me know what you think! Any feedback is welcomed.

Yellow Quilt.

2011-06-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Aka: If it doesn't get sunny in Portland I'm going to KICK IT'S BUTT.
Aka: If I make a picnic quilt summer will come.
Aka: Here Comes the Sun.

Okay okay, it's me so Yellow Quilt.
I'm not sure what got into me last week, but I decide I needed some sunshine in my life. I needed a picnic quilt and I needed it now. (Plus I had just put it on my Summer Sewing To DO list).

So I set off to design something quick and easy-log cabin style. But it wasn't quick. I mean it didn't take long, but it took more then the five hours I was thinking. That's okay, I really like how it turned out.

I completely depleted my yellow stash. Which is kinda good. They weren't my favorites and there's always more to buy.

The one red square is kinda becoming my thing? Monochromatic with one odd pop of color.

The quilt is huge at 86/86". Come to find out though, it's really the perfect size, for fire trucks.

Lunch

And I'm sure many other activities as summer starts!

For Heather, who left a comment about how to do proper log cabin...I learned mine from reading Susan Beal's Modern Log Cabin book. She did this awesome video that helped visualize. BTW, this quilt is 100% chain pieced like Orange Cross Quilt.

Do you have a summer sewing list? Or is that just me? I'm a list kinda gal. Helps me get all the crap floating around in my brain out and onto paper.

Next on my list is a few Father's Day treats and napkins for Emily and Julie. I know exciting...

Pretty Little Pouch Swap-A Thank You!

2011-06-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

A long over due thank you!
Looks at the awesomeness that I got a few weeks ago...

Fiona from Poppy Makes did such a great job! It's so pretty, yet function-able (it's coated in vinyl!). I can really actually USE IT! (Sometimes I have issues with using pretty things). She got everything perfectly-color (orange and lime), Japanese fabrics, pok-a-dots, shape and size!

The best part for me though, the size! I don't have to take three different bags. Everything fits in side!

She also sent some great FFAII that I had wanted and chocolate, that was literally gone by the time I was done unwrapping everything. So thank you Fiona, this will most certainly get lots of love and use!

A Tiger Log Cabin Pillow...

2011-06-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

For an awesome birthday girl.
Who of course was turning 2.

Stella when asked what kind of party she wanted plainly said Tiger. So, that's what her mama gave her. Unfortunately, I was out of town for the fun, but I hear it matched ANY keger that Heather and Topher have thrown in the past.

I had been saving this fabric for a year or so just wanting for the right time.

Stella's tiger party was it!
The pillow is nice and big-20 by 20.
The front just a simple log cabin design that I am now in doing in almost everything I sew! Now that I know the proper way to do one, it makes things so easy!

I've also been pretty addicted to embroidering names on things. I'm sure I'll get over it after the next batch of birthdays, but for now, I love it. Oh and the one letter a different color? Another thing I've been doing. (You'll see it in my latest "SUN show up in Portland or I'm going to kick your BUTT" quilt that I am about to finish binding.)

Happy late birthday Stella! I'm sure year 2.0 will be stellar!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Actually, Butterscotch Chocolate Chip. These don't have any of the Gums either! (Xanthum or Guar).

About four months ago I found out I was gluten intolerant. Not Celiac just "I feel like and look like crap when I eat anything with with Gluten in it". It was a super easy transition. That's how good I felt. Bread? Nah, no desire to feel that bad ever again! Cookies? Um, well, how about I make them Gluten free! So I found Shauna at Gluten Free Girl. I set out to make her cookies (this was back in February). They turned out awesome, however, my joints and belly did not agree. I gave the rest of the batch to my mother in law and husband to take to his nerd class (his teacher ate a dozen-yes, Jason got an A in that class-I like to think I helped!)

I couldn't figure out what was wrong? They were gluten free, but why did I feel like such crap? The next day I did some research, come to find out the gums can cause the same symptoms that eating Gluten does. Bingo! Bad news, this meant to most Gluten free packaged items where out. Good news, Gluten Free Girl has the same issues! YEAH. I mean, not yeah, but yeah! All her new recipes would be WITHOUT the gums.

I've been waiting patiently for the new cookie recipe to come out. Waiting, waiting, wanting, nothing. So I thought I'd take the matter into my own hands. Learning from her Pizza Dough recipe, I simply added a flax seed slury.

Now, I'm not sure if this helped, but it sure didn't hurt. The cookies are amazing. So good in fact, that I should probably not make them more then every few months.

When I do make them again, I think I'll use a little less butter. They got a little flat and I'd like a little more lift. This could have however been from over betting the butter? Hum. Not sure because one of my assistants was causing trouble.

Here's the link again for Gluten Free Girls cookies. The only thing I changed was adding 2 tablespoons of boiling water to 1 tablespoon of flax seed-mix, let cool and add after the eggs. Oh and adding the butterscotch chips!

I might be able to live up to "BettyCrockerAss" nickname after all!
Go forth and bake!

Ruby Star Rising-King Quilt

2011-05-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

A while back I had decided after seeing the new Melody Miller line that I would HAVE TO use it to make a quilt for our bed.

While reading about the people in my new Bee "Bee Tweet" I read this from Chris aka Freaklemama:
"Oh, and I have a quilt from Target on my bed because I always seem to be making things for others first. Sound familiar"

It did. So I designed the quilt, cut it up, sewed and quilted it in two days. Yes, two. It was super super easy. The blocks are huge at 9 1/2" so really, there wasn't much to it. I thought that it would a challenge quilting that large of a quilt on my machine, but with my new Juki, it was just fine. I'm not longer scared to do a king quilt! So, another one is forming in my head and will be on paper soon!

I still have pillow cases to work on, and now that I have a little more free time, that might just happen this week!

BTW, I finally bought the domain for bettycrockerass! Yeah, thanks for the kick in the pants Erin!

May 18th-The day I was born...

2011-05-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Apparantly, I came out purple. The cord was wrapped around my neck-a story my mom told me a lot.

Obviously, I don't have a photo of that, but I did find this one today...

Not the best photo of me when I was little, but the only one on my new hard drive. I think I was almost two and in the hospital with phenomena. Still kinda cute with those pig-tales and all!

Then, I became a surly teenager. So unsure and a know-it-all at the same time.

Now today, I'm 39 and happy to be 39. I know so many people dreading 40. I however am so looking forward to it.

I find every year I get better. Truly!

I find more confidence, more talent, more wisdom and more humor.

I'm finding that I'm really pretty good at things. Especially if I slow down a little and take my time. The best thing that I've even made were these.

I'm so proud of them. I love how sweet and nurturing Amelia is. I love that Zeke is fearless and lovey at the same time. They rule.

So, Happy Birthday to me. I'm so glad that I got to "get born" (Juno reference) .

Thank you to all of you for the birthday wish and comments!

I'm off tomorrow to celebrate my BFF's birthday in Hawaii. No kids. Even though I'll miss them, I know the quite and girl time will make me a better mama. So much thanks to Jason and Grandma for picking up the slack and making me feel great about this! Love you both!

I think while I'm relaxing in the sun I'll come up with a 40 before I'm 40 list...suggestions?

Snack Sacks for Judy

2011-05-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Judy keeps me in fabric spending money.
I love getting emails from her with little requests of things she wants me to make.
She's super easy to please and always very gracious.

This time around she wanted some snack sacks.
I had made some a year ago and liked them but didn't love them.
At the time I didn't have access to a serger and I had quilted them.
Those two things together didn't work so well.

So, here are the new ones I made for Judy. (She requested purple and yellow)

Here's the other side.

This time instead of batting I used Wonder Under. Which worked great to keep it a little stiffer while not too bulky like the batting.

So to make this all I did was take two pieces of fabric, with pretty side to pretty side stitch all around leaving a small opening.

Turn out, press, sew on the Velcro. (I've tried the iron on stuff a ton and can't get it to last)

Fold pretty side to pretty side and serge!

Box corners if wanted.

Super easy and may favorite way to carry around snacks for the kids and even me!

Pretty Little Pouch Swap

2011-05-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

I know I know.
I did another online swap.
I got a kick butt partner.
Super happy and really easy to sew for.
I made her this.

Then filled it with all kinds of necessary wrist-let things.
Spot remover, gum, mints, mini pencils, lip balm, etc.

My favorite part is this.

As soon as I started stalking her, I saw she was a member of the LA Modern Guild. Taking a chance, I email Alissa and asked her to check on Nichole's birthday. See, she had said one of her favorite fabric designer was Kumiko Fujita who made this great calendar fabric. I thought it would be fun to incorporate her month into her bag.

Since she's rad, of course her birthday is in May just like mine. I didn't have May in my stash but my Japanese Fabric lover soul sister Megan had it...it's nice to have friends with great taste in fabric that you hang out with every week!

I mailed as to arrive on Saturday, her birthday. I'm kinda a dork that way. Luckily she loves it (and I got the birthday right!)

My day...

2011-05-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day I got five things:

1. I woke up to these:

2. I got to sleep until 8:15 (normally I'm woken up by the fat man-Zeke at 6:30)
3. Some beautiful Art

4. All three of my watches fixed! (Ironically, one of them is from the period of 25 years ago! Weird week I tell ya!) It's fun seeing them all on my arm like that. Each one totally represents a part of who I am and my personality...

5. Yummy gluten free waffles with strawberries!

6. Bonus: I did my first hand quilting on my orange cross quilt.

It was a really nice way to spend the day. I'm very thankful to my kick ass husband for putting it all together for me.

I hope yours was equally as nice!

May-In like a Lion out like a Lamb

2011-05-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

My month has started off strangly-very Lionish.
Not in a bad way. Just strange.
I've been thrown back 25 years and have had a hard time getting out of it.
However, a few conversations have me crawling back to the present. (Thank you-you know who you are)
I know it's for a reason, and I might have figure it out. But time and lots of thought will tell.

What I really need to do is start Yoga again.
A little mind quieting is good for everyone I think.

I snapped a photo today-wanted to see what others see.

I also wanted to be able to capture the moment of realization.
This was it.

Jen

(back to sewing/quilting/kids tomorrow)

Easter Clothes

2011-04-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I posted a photo of the Jane Dress I made for Amelia for Easter...here it is actually on her.

I can't believe I actually got her to smile and in more then one photo. As I was going through the photo's today, I noticed that her smize is actually getting really good too! I really love this dress and so does she. Right now all she wants to do is wear a dress. Which can be challenging when playing in the muddy sand box.

Here's Zeke. He's such a nut and totally two. I mean a two year old boy. There is a difference a big one. Luckily, I had some jelly beans to bribe him with. I got him to stop throwing his shoes and hitting his sister for about five minutes.

The bow tie idea come from this post from Erin. I wasn't going to make anything for Zeke, but after seeing it, on her little boy, I had too. I'm glad I did. Amelia loved that her and her little brother matched.

I think next time I'm going make it bigger. He'll hate it and I'll love it!

Getting photo's of the two of them together, both looking at me, and both smiling, is impossible. I took maybe 50 and this is the one I like the most...it's not frame for grandma worthy, but I think it really shows where they are as brother and sister.

PJ's for the Fat Man and a Princess

2011-04-28T22:33:00.001-07:00

Okay, he's not fat, just thick. Tall and thick. Zeke weights almost as much as his sister who is two years older. Not a fat roll on him either. Makes me a little sad. Neither kid had any kind of chunk on them-one of my favorite things about babies.

Anyway, Zeke was down to two Pjs. I was feeling a little bit like a bad mom so I decided to whip up a few. I had gotten a ton of flannel at then end of last year at Joann's for $1.69! Thought it was time to actually use it. (by the way, if anyone is looking for some flannel, I have a TON left!)

I wasn't in the mood to make top and bottom, so I just picked up a pack of white T-shirts and did a little appliqué with the matching fabric. I used the Oliver and S pajama pattern, with some modifications. Since Zeke has his papa's ba-donk-a-donk (bubble butt) I used the size six and cuffed the crap out of the leg. I could have just cut the leg, but this way when he shoots up in another few months I can let the hem down. Plus, I actually really like how the cuff looks. (You can see more photos on my Flickr site, just click on the photos)

Amelia got a little jealous and started going through the flannel saying things like "Oh Mama! These mushrooms sure are cute! Look at the fairies! I wonder what they would be good for?" Being an ex religion, guilt set in and she ended up with these. I'm such a sucker for a cute face!

These were made by modifying a dress pattern I had. Using my friend Jill's serger (thanks again lady!) I simply serged the neckline, hem and sleeves. Once that was done, I pulled out my favorite shirring elastic thread. Did a few rows and there you go! Pj's for princesses!

I'm really proud of my self for actually modifying a pattern and not swearing once! Like I said in my previous post, clothes making is new to me and a little scary! But again, practice is the only way for me to get better!

Have you been scared to try something before? If so, I challenge to just try it! it doesn't matter if you fail, try it again, ask for help, seek out tutorials online! I'm quickly learning that I can sure do a lot more then I gave myself credit for.

I bet you are the same...

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

The Jane Dress

2011-04-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky enough to get to do a little pattern test for Shelly-Pattern by Figgy.

I made the above one in flannel because I didn't have the yardage in cotton. It worked out really nice and are now great PJ's for Amelia.

This dress, The Jane Dress will be out soon. I believe you can pre order it here.
I'm not an experienced clothing maker. In fact, I kinda suck. I get by and pretend.
For some reason though, with this dress it clicked. So much in fact, I made three.

The Easter dress below was a last minute kind of thing. I sort of forgot about when Easter was. Seriously, you can whip this dress out in 45 minutes!

Finally I get how to makes clothes. I still need lots of practice, things aren't perfect and there's room for improvement. But I'm not scared anymore! I still wouldn't do a dress swap or anything. Maybe after a few more tries...

Thanks Shelly for letting me test this for you! It's my go to dress now.

Karen! Mrs Sew and Sew...

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

You won yourself some scraps! Now you'll have a few modern fabrics to add to your stash.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...: I have absolutely no modern fabric! I am so drawn to it...but my stash is country. I feel such a pull to modern quilting and that great bunch of modern fabric. I feel guilty about starting a new stash but think I will have to do it to satisfy this craving! Oh too much chatter but orange is my favorite. I would love to win the giveaway to help me get on my way to modern quilting! I got this urge after reading your blog and alot of other modern quilters! I love the look of your linen and orange quilt...fantastic!

Thank you everyone for you're great comments. It truly was a great quilt to make. I figured out the quilting. Hand quilting. It might take forever, but I'm willing to put in the time. I'm using white, light orange and medium orange floss to do an echo running stitch. Monica had assured me that I can do it. So, I guess that means I can!

I'll update for sure with some photos.

Modern Log Cabin Quilting, by Susan Beal (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

2011-04-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

A review and study:

Susan is in my quilt guild-PMQG. She seemed a little quite, a little shy and maybe even a little reserved. Now, this is all from the outside looking in. When I finally got to sit down and talk to Susan, oh my, this amazing bubbly, smart, funny, and a little sarcastic personality comes out! It's brilliant.

So how excited was I when she asked me to be part of her book review! (My first by the way.) I knew I wanted my review to be first hand. Not just talking about the book, but actually making something from it. For those who know me, this is huge. I don't follow directions well. Which is way it took me several times reading the directions. Believe it wasn't the directions, it was me. So for those of you who have issues reading directions...just read it a few times and then trust.

When I finally settled on what I was going to do, I dove it. Guess what...it was awesome! Who knew that doing a proper log cabin was so easy and SO. MUCH. FUN! Seriously. I'm totally hooked.

I'd done them before but not the right way. Not the way in which it makes sense when you iron it and put everything together. Reading the information/tips/tricks section in the front of the book was the best thing I did! Things started to click and I was ready.

I jumped in and started cutting. Sixty different prints of orange. Yes, I was tackling the 80 by 80 Modern Cross Quilt on the front cover. How could I not? It's amazing. I have to thank Jill and Elizabeth for sharing their orange stacks with me.

The part I really like about the book was the directions on chain piecing. So efficient. So orderly.

Even though I'm messy at times. I find beauty in order. I like batching my tasks and doing them in the proper order.

After getting the first block chain pieced, I couldn't wait to finish the other 60. I laid it out and actually squealed with delight. Orange, linen and pretty seams! I couldn't believe the beauty. I was actually proud of my self for making something so pretty. Well, and for actually following directions!

The great thing about this book, is once you get it. You get it. The steps are so easy to follow and translate into your style.

When I finally got all my blocks done I took them upstairs and laid them out. I couldn't stop smiling. Something I might not have mentioned...this one is for me! The first quilt I've made for myself. I set out with that intention and am so excited to cozy up with it.

I kept the book with me at all times. Not wanting to make one mistake. Susan doesn't say you need to square your blocks up. However, sometimes working with linen and well, my sewing "too fast" method can result in some questionable wonkiness. I normally don't square blocks up, but this one is special, and I just had to. I was surprised that it only took me a "nap-time" (2 hours).

I'm glad I did it. Sewing the strips together and basting it went so much easier then previous quilts. It was worth it.

So now, I need to figure out how I'm going to quilt it. I've had some suggestions, but I'm not sure yet.
It's all basted and ready to go. I love how Susan used vintage buttons. I might go that route. I might want to take my time and hand quilted with some floss. Or I might just free motion the heck out of it. I suppose by the time you read this, I will have started on something.

Thank you Susan and Potter Craft, for letting me review your book and put my spin on your gorgeous design. This is by far my favorite quilt I've ever made.

By the way, I loved this design so much that I'm making an all red and white one for Quilts for Quake Survivors. A project of Susan's!

If you've made it through my longest post ever, thank you! I'm rewarding you! I have lots of strips and scraps left over from this project and I would love to give them to a lucky reader. Just leave a comment. If you are so inclined I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on Modern Quilting in general. I think Susan did a great job translating a tradition method in a modern way...Don't forget to check out Susan's book. It's got some amazing projects in there that will really get you inspired and ready to sew!

Tutorial for an Ipad Stand/Rest

2011-04-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Please see the updated post here!

Purple Lattice Quilt

2011-04-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

A gift for James and Deb.

A little while back Jill (who just happens to be on of the winners of Project Modern!) and I were talking about what to do with her Nicey Jane fabric. I've been wanting to do a lattice quilt so that's what I suggested. It was selfish yes. But, that's kinda how I am ~~most of the time~~ sometimes. We looked at a few on Flickr and came up with a design that meshed several together.

She drew it up in AutoCAD and started cutting.

A few days later I asked her to send me the file...I wanted to give it a go.

Two, yes two day's later Purple Quilt was born.

I swear I sent Jill 100 text messages those few days. My husband was out of town and I spent my nights sewing and bugging Jill . (Sorry lady!)

It was originally going to be donated but in the end it wanted to live with James and Deb who are currently on their way to New Hampshire. James has been out of work for over a year and finally found a great job clear across the country. I really wanted him and Deb to have something to remember Portland by. It happened to work out that Tuffed Tweets by Laurie Wisbrun had birds on it. Have you seen Portlandia? If not, you must watch this.

Thanks to Becky who let me finish drying this in her dryer during the going away party. Safe travels for James and Deb and we will see you next Spring Scoot for sure!

Piglets

2011-03-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Hillary, the one that I made the snack mat for? Well, we got special permission from her to go see the piglets. I probably shouldn't be telling everyone this, but I have to share. So don't get mad Hillary!

They were so cute.
I kind of wanted to take one home.
Zeke did too.

Amelia had a blast and shook with excitement when we saw the pigs. In the end though, it was the ladybugs that won her over.

Thank you Hillary for allowing us to visit the special farm!

Space Invaters Mug Rug+Giveaway

2011-03-30T02:40:00.000-07:00

First off, Mug Rug? Well, that just sends my mind to the gutter and makes me shutter a little. Same with my friend Megan. So she renamed them and came up with Snack Mat. I think, in this case a little more appropriate. When I think of a "rug" for my mug, I think coaster size. When I think "snack" mat. I think I get a tasty snack to go along with my beverage. But, whatever works for you however!

I was super excited when Erin asked me to participate in this! Her and I meet via blogs and twitter and have been "dating" for a month or so. Come to find out we grew up less then 5 miles from each other...small world.

Okay, on to the snack mat. I made mine with my husband in mind. I think the boys in our lives sometimes get left out. Plus, I've been on a male sewing kick. When I first wrote this post I had very step by step instructions. I've gone back and edited to simply show you my inspiration and give you a few directions. Make it your own!

This was my inspiration:

When I get something in my head and I can't quite figure it out (I never played Space Invaders as a kid) I simply search Google Images. This generally gets me headed in the right direction. In this case, it was simple to break down and turn into a snack mat. I generally just start cutting and hope for the best. This time, I took notes so I could actually share what I did!

::Step One::

Cut 9 strips at 9" by 1 1/2"

::Step Two::

Randomly cut strips at different length (save what you cut off for the back)

::Step Three::

Cut your black fabric at 1 1/2" by about 24-36" This will be dependent on how much you cut off the print fabric. I went the lazy way and laid out the black fabric (added an inch for good measure) and cut.The totally strip not sewn together should equal about ten inches.
Sew the black fabric to the printed

::Step Four::

Cut 8 black strips at 1" by 9"

Lay out strips and begin sewing together.

::Step Five::

Use a slight or scant 1/4" when sewing.

::Step Six::

Once all the strips are sewn together, press in your favorite manner. I tend to press to one side.

::Step Seven::

Cut one strip of black 1 1/2" by 14" and one red 1 1/2" by 1 1/2"
Sew together
Press then sew to the top of your mat-the red piece is suppose to symbolize the space ship guy shooting

::Step Eight::

Use the extra scraps to make your back.

::Step Nine::

Baste
Quilt-I just did straight lines an 1/8" on either side of the seems. You do what works for you!

::Step Ten::

Square up and bind-I used gray because that's what was sitting on my table. Next time I might use lime green. (I'll be making another one today for the giveaway! The first one was for my husband-he gets all the imperfect ones)

::Step Eleven::

Hand over to your child to give to their Papa. (Obviously you don't need to to do this, but my daughters been bugging me for weeks to make one for her Papa. She was a little disappointed his name wasn't on it, but said it would "work")

::Step Twelve::

Take photo of your geeky/dorky/nerdy/awesome husband.

Your last step?
Leave a comment on the official giveaway post here for a chance to win some of the gorgeous Mug Rug's Erin is featuring this week.

If you've already made a Mug Rug from one of the tutorials featured this week, make sure to go join and post it in the Mug Rug Madness group on Flickr!

Things to Note:

The finish mat is about 13 by 9 1/2
A great binding tutorial for small items can be found here. I however make mine at 1 1/2.
This rad fabric can be found:

Locally at Cool Cottons

Online at Fabric.com

My Husband does not always have crossed eyes.

The awesome photo of New York in the back ground is from a dumpster. Find me at Sewing Summit and I'll tell you the story.

This is me...

2011-03-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of self portraits.
I know my best side.
I understand that it's best if you shoot me from above to avoid that awesome double chin.
I can delete at will.

Last week I rented a 24 mm 1.4 lens.
I'd love to have it, but the lack of $3k laying around prevents me from owning it.
However, it did allow me to get a decent self portrait that wasn't just half my face.
I like it.
I'm so glad I found my green shirt. I forgot how nice it is.

Using is it a great pleasure. It freaks people out a little when you get so close to them to take a photo. Hence, Elizabeth's face in the below photo...

I took a few other's of my fellow SHY's. (Sweet Hot Yams)

Elizabeth

Sally

Violet

Heather

Monica

Please note: not all of the SHY where present...

So my question to you...who are you? What do you look like. Not just half your face, but all of you! Ya, I know, it's kind of like internet dating. But for most of us we now have more friends online then in real life. It's nice to know what people look like. Let me re-phase. It's nice to know what people look like now. Not in a photo taken five years ago. So, I guess I challenge you to go out, take a new picture and have fun with it. Show me who you are...lets date!

By the way, this post was completely inspired by Erin and Christiana's posts.

Mug Rug Madness Sneak Peak

2011-03-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

The "manly" or "total geek" mug rug/snack mat.
Check out the tutorial on March 30th!

Have you checked out Mug Rug Madness week that Erin at Two More Seconds put together? You are sure to be inspired to make some for yourself and gifts!

Plus! There's a giveaway to sign up for!

Quited Placemats...for friends

2011-03-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

My friend Juli recently asked for some quilted placemats. In linen please, with a green color scheme. How in the world could I say no to that? Plus, she was paying me.

So I let her into my scary fabric cabinets to pick out some fabric she liked. I should learn not to do this. Actually, I take that back. I need to learn to do that more. Stop hording fabric and saving it for something special. Are you like that? I'm trying not to be like that. Anyway, she pulled out the Tuffed Tweets I've had since they came out. At first it hurt (some of you know what I'm talking about) but then, when I got started it was great! I was so glad she picked what she did. I am so glad that I actually cut it up. In the end, I didn't use much. Makes me what to slap myself for being so hordy (I know it's not a word) and selfish in the begining.

So.

Wanna come paw through my fabric and pick something out?
SURE! (Just don't touch my Japanese stuff)

Okay enough about my silly issues and on to the placemats.

Cool huh! I'm pretty excited about these.
I tried to let loose a little and just cut and sew cut and sew.

I love all the little shots of color.
But my favorite one, look close.
Bottom left.
That little piece of 1/8 (if even) of green coming through?
Such a happy little moment.

I did two of the six in red to be funny.
Yes, I'm the only one I'm sure that thinks it's funny...but Juli loved them too and that's all the matters.
I channeled my love of tube socks on these.

I made them smallish-11/16 so Juli could fit all six out when guest are eating her husband Marks delicious pulled pork tacos. Yes, I'm inviting myself over. Please.

Reading...

2011-03-18T14:21:00.001-07:00

Reading..., originally uploaded by bettycrockerass.

The other day Amelia decided it was reading time. So she made Zeke snuggle with her and she read him a book.

When they hate each other in the future, I'm going to pull this out and shove it in their faces.

I think I'm done with swaps...

2011-03-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Because really, who could ever top this.
Seven place-mats (that I wont eat off of because they are so pretty. Rather I think that will become art in the kitchen)
A hot pad that will sit very pretty under my new teal vase and some very inspiring extra's.
Here are the close ups of each place-mat. The white scooter with the blue and red writing was modeled after mine. How awesome is that!

My swap partner ended up being Amy of BadSkirt. Someone that I've had a girl crush on for awhile. You get those right? Where you can't help but want to be friends with someone because you admire them so much? She's so rad. Even her husband is rad. Not only does he make his own man bags but he also makes some kick-ass furniture for Smith. Her fabric shop is stocked full of some of the greatest fabric. I go there every so often and fill my cart, and then realize how terrible the dollar is.

I feel so lucky that everything she made was so right on in terms of style, color, need. It really could not have gotten better.

These are all my little extra's she sent. I've been coveting the orange and lime fabric since it popped up on her blog forever ago.

Thank you so much Amy! I can say it enough. I love everything you made and will treasure it!

Thank you also Erin and Darci. You have restored my faith in online swaps-you really put together a great group!

The last of the Snack Mats

2011-03-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

That is until I get my husbands done that Amelia INSIST that I make NOW. She's not bossy at all! ;-)
I decided that the little kids we hang out with every week might enjoy a little snack mat with their names on it. Plus, I wanted to practicing my new stitching skills.

I made seven of them which seems like a lot, but they went super fast. I really really like embroidery. Now I just need more practice...which means more snack mats.

Amelia loves her. The cool part is its helping her spell her name. But god forbid, if it's dirty and in the wash there'll be hell to pay.

So, I'll give you a break on snack mats. Like I mentioned I'm making on for my husband, it might be a little inappropriate, but that's make it fun right!

A Man Bag...for my husband

2011-03-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Poor guy he gets a little negected.
See that ZipLock bag?

That's what he puts his man stuff in when traveling.
Gross right?

Right before we went to the coast, I decided to make him a zipper bag for his stuff.
I had left over Echino Scooter Fabric left over from what Christina gave me.
However, I only had a 14 inch zipper.
So he got a super long and skinny bag.

This turned out pretty good though because the Sonicare fits great in it.

I did forget to put any stabilizer in it, so it's kind of floppy. I might fix that though....
In the mean time, it's nice to open his drawer and see something other then a Zip Lock!

Oh what? Another Snack Mat

2011-02-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Duh! Of course another Snack Mat. It's all Megan's fault.
This one was for the PMQG swap for February.

Notice anything? My new header is from this photo.
I love the deer. She's so sweet looking.
Anyway, I was having a hard time figuring out what to do for the swap. Lately I've been a little uninspired. (Don't worry getting out of that now). This little block was up on my wall waiting. I hated it when I first made it. It was actually for Brooke-but it didn't feel right. So I set it aside. The more I looked at though, the more I feel in love.

So I cut it up to the right size, used the left over for the back and presto! Instant snack mat.

I gave it a little test run before I wrapped it up.

Another Snack Mat-A MANLY Snack Mat

2011-02-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

For my friend Morgan.
Today is his birthday, but he got it a little early while spending some time at the coast.
It's already gotten some good use.
It will get more...coffee, lunch, pistachios.
Same fabric as Ian's man bag.
I just loved the color combo.
The straight line 1/4 quilting was done for his wife who loves texture.

I'm trying my best to do a little improv without completely drawing and measuring before hand. so far so good. I might try it on a bigger scale next! Dare I say a doll quilt??

I have many more snack mats to show off so bare with me!

Piglets and A Snack Mat

2011-02-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for cuteness overload?
Even me, who rarely has my heart melt over an animal melted when I saw these photo's by my friend Hillary. She works on a farm, Mama pig Rosie had babies.

Amelia informed me that Hillary had a pig with babies in her tummy and we would get to go see them when they were born!
Heaven for a four year old.

The piglets where born sometime last week. How flippin cute are they!
I mean, wow. I want to wrap one up in a new quilt and pretend it's a baby!
Not really, but you get my point. Right?

So Hillary has been watching the kids for me on Thursday so I can do my time with grown ups thing. I offered her trade.

What a great feeling to finally be good enough at something that I can trade! It's been a dream of mine for a while. Dork I know.

The first thing she asked for was a bag for her computer. So I made one GIANT zipper bag. It turned out great. Of course I have no pictures. I'll try and make her take some.

She's still working on figuring out what she wants for the next thing. So in the mean time, I made her this.

It's not for trade. Just a gift to celebrate Rosie having some pigs.
As well, to get the idea of a zig-zag snack mat with half square triangles out of my head.

Hopefully she'll use it for her tea and vegan scones and think of Roise when she does!

A MAN Pouch...For Ian

2011-02-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ian is a long time friend.
We meet riding scooters.
He's Rad.
Amazing photographer.
And.
Our dog sitter when we head out of town.

He endures Fatty, Smelly, Neady, LOUD Lulu.

We are headed to the beach this weekend for a friends day of birth celebration. Ian will be beagle, cat and turtle sitting. He'll get beer, snacks, a little money, and this. Originally, I was going to make a pillow. I still might, as we do go to Utah every summer.

He wanted a bag to put his charges in.

With Velcor (Which, I'm not a fan of, I'd rather do a zipper) I ended up using the Fusion Velcro-that you iron on. I've used it in the past with not so great results. However, this time I actually READ the directions. Worked like a charm!

In doing this bag, I didn't plan at all. I mean, I knew what size I wanted to be and that was it. The rest was totally improved. I was trying to channel Cheryl who's awesome of that kinda stuff. Me, well I plan EVERYTHING.

It worked out great. He better like it or I'll kick his butt and take his lunch money.

2011-02-14T20:37:00.001-08:00

A Valentine Day Craft

Some Glue

Some Glitter

A Glitter Heart from Us to You

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

Spicing up the kitchen-A Swap

2011-02-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have really bad luck at swaps.
I've done a few via the interweb and they all turn out horribly wrong.
From not getting anything to getting something that Amelia could have made, but better.
I vowed to never do them again.
Ever.
Then I accidentally signed up for one.
I go my partner. Phew..she's cool.
Though we have fairly different styles, I think I got it right!
I made her some stuff-after LOTS of doubts.
Now I'm about to put it in the mail.
I really hope she likes it.
For me, that's the hardest part-wondering if they are going to like what I made them.
Here's what I made.

A runner and five place mats. It seems a little strange I know. They don't all go together. There's a reasons though that I can't revile. Though, she's probably already guessed...

So partner, these will be on their way tomorrow!

Hopefully I'll receive something great to restore my faith in online swaps.
I really really hope so!

Elephant Quilt for Eloise

2011-02-04T20:23:00.001-08:00

My dear friend Juli had sweet little Eloise a week before her baby shower was to happen. I knew there was a chance she'd come early, but not five weeks!

The baby shower got rescheduled and worked out great because baby Eloise got to attend! It almost killed me though not to give her the quilt I made early. It had been done since November!

After I was done taking photos, I folded it up and laid it on my couch. I do this with every quilt I make. Its my way to admire, touch and sometimes sleep under until it goes to its new owner. When I stepped back I noticed how nice it looked. This is a bonus because we have the same couch...

I was totally inspired by this quilt by Angela. Where she embroidered I 1/4 straight lined quilted. It added some pretty awesome texture. Thanks for the inspiration A!

OH! and the binding is a 100% linen. If you've been wanting to try it do! It turned out great.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

Sew On, Open House

2011-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

We have such an amazing quilting and crafting community in Portland. I feel so lucky to have meet the people I have.

Cherri, a former PMQG board member with me just bought herself a pretty fancy long arm and rented a big ole studio to put it in. The open house was Saturday complete with lessons via Rachael on how to use it, cookies, milk and every a kick but gift all the way from Japan.

Here are some of the pictures from the afternoon! (You can see the whole set here)

A little wall hanging I made for Cherri (First hand quilting!)

Cherri and her husband Vince

Cookies, milk and treats...with an amazing back drop.

The practice board.

Tracy

Michelle

Monica

Jill

Violet-well, I'm not sure what she's doing...

Sew On sign by Jill

Thank you again to Cherri for the party! I can't wait to start borrowing your baby! That is once you've logged your 50 hours and finished your 12 quilts to quilt!

Spring is COMING!

2011-01-29T10:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so really it's not. A few more months though!
Today feels warm.
It's not raining.
I didn't even wear a coat.
Violet posted this on Twitter.

It got me thinking about the back yard.
It got me looking at swing sets for kids..

Ours looks like this.

Something free that Grandma scored on Craiglist. (Thanks again Jan!)
I'd like to add a few things to it though.
Maybe take the climbing robe down.
Add a different different swing.
Stain it?

Ideas?

I'd also like to find an outdoor table and chairs. Something to match the Mid Century House.
Oh, and pull out all the bricks, get the herbs going, bring the play house up from Grandmas...
I know I know its January.
I have Spring Fever.

Salty Caramel Sauce

2011-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Edited to add: Does it need to be refrigerated? Yes. Due to the fact that it has cream in it, I would suggest keeping it cool. I have had friend keep there's out, but I wouldn't recommend that.

This year for holiday gifts I made a few different things. The most enjoyed however, would have to be the Salty Caramel Sauce.

I took a Ina Garten's caramel recipe and made it even better.
Wanna make it?

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon Karol Syrup (helps the sugar not crystallize)
1/3 cup water
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoon SALTED butter
1-2 teaspoons kosher salt (start with one you can always add)

Mix the water and sugar in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Do not stir. Just look at it. Seriously.

Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves.

Increase the heat to medium and boil uncovered until the sugar turns a warm chestnut brown (about 350 degrees F on a candy thermometer), about 5 to 7 minutes, gently swirling the pan to stir the mixture.

Watch the mixture very carefully at the end, as it will go from caramel to burnt very quickly. Like in five seconds. DON'T LEAVE THIS AT ANY POINT. It WILL burn.

Turn off the heat.

Stand back to avoid splattering and slowly add the cream and vanilla. Don't worry - the cream will bubble violently and the caramel will solidify.

Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel dissolves and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.

Add the butter and salt. Use a spoon to take a little out. Cool-then taste for saltiness. Add more if needed.

Allow to cool to room temperature, at least 4 hours. It will thicken as it sits.

Don't know what to put caramel on?
-Apples
-Pears
-A crisp
-Duh, Ice Cream
-Pancakes
-French Toast
-Pretzels
-Popcorn
-A spoon

Really anything goes with this stuff! Enjoy and if your butt gets bigger it's not my fault.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Valentines Day Craft

2011-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Amelia is really into holiday's this year. So I've been trying to keep her busy with all kinds of crafts. I saw this one on Noodlehead and thought it would be great for her.

She loved it.
You should do it.
Cost about $2 and a good 45 minutes of fun for her.
Each morning she wakes up and runs to the widow to see how "beeaaauuutiful" they look.

Pot Holders Hot Pads

2011-01-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

Whatever you call them, I made some for my friend Juli.
She wanted them for gifts for her sister and mom.
She paid me.
Sweet.
I think they turned out pretty good.
Yes, I'm stuck in patchwork and linen.
That's Megs fault.

For mom.

For sis.

Portland Modern Quilt Guild Swap

2011-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

We followed the lead of the LA Guild and did a fun swap.
The idea-fill a small zip lock bag full of your favorite fabric, bring it to a meeting, but in the bag and then grab someone else fabric. The rules were you could only add one additional fabric, but could make whatever you wanted.

I accidentally used two different fabrics, really, it was a mistake. I was so please with how everything went together I thought it would be fine.

A Moleskin cover:

A little zipper bag:

A big zipper bag:

A big ole tote bag:

I think I may have even made one more zipper bag...I can't remember though. I was so feverish about making all of it I've forgotten.

This whole lot when to Heather. I'm glad I got her in the swap and so glad she liked it!

Robot Dress/Shirt For Amelia

2011-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

My friend Jill and I hit Crafty Wonderland this year.
It was my first time and total inspiration overload.

I did end up buying quite a bit-coasters, tshirts, books and a few prints.

My favorite however were two robot t-shirts for Amelia and Jason. They were different-one was a boy robot and the other a girl. The binary code is actually a dialog between the two about how much they love each other. So sweet. How could I not get them for the two lovers of robots in the family! The problem was they only had adult sizes. So knowing that I could do something to it to make it work I got a small-which in American Apparel t's that's like a XXXXXS.

I was so into smocking after making myself some pj's I thought I'd give it a try on the t-shirt.
Here's a little photo story of what I did-IT WORK AWESOME! Go do it. Have fun.
(Note: I smocked the sleeves, waist, neck, and shoulders)

Um, HI!

2011-01-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of people I know and hangout with on the interweb, I've been sick.
I finally broke down and went the Dr. Which means I was really feeling bad. I wont go to the Dr. unless I KNOW I'm sick. Something about being worried I'm a hypochondriac. Strange I'm sure.

Today I feel better then I have in weeks. I'm still tired, coughing and generally cranky (sorry kids and husband) but at least I made it in the shower and to the grocery store today...baby steps.

Okay, back to crafty stuff.
Zeke's robe.
I've had some towels from Ikea for months. Meaning to making little hooded towels for the kids. Instead, they turned in to this.

I used this Olive and S pattern to make the kids PJ's this year. I loved it so much that I decided it would make a great robe. I simply made the top longer, added some belt loops, a strap and called it good!

(Excuse the thread in this photo-I was super excited to see it on him)

Amelia of course got one in pink with a big A on the back. She's been camera shy lately, so photos of her's later.

Ipad Rest

2011-01-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

One night my husband pointed out that I was hunching over my Ipad.
I was.
It's kinda of my third arm.
If I could carry it around my neck or on my belt loop I would. Yes, I will be the little old lady wearing a fanny pack.
My daughter refers to email as "Ipading" and if I'm not looking at it or holding it she finds it and says "Mama, don't you need your Ipad?
My son knows how to turn it on, find his games and he ever bought something once!
Best Mother's Day/Birthday gift ever.

Anyway, back to the hunching.
I took his comment to heart and stitch up this bad boy.

Cute huh! It works great.

It's even great while laying in bed and watching movies!

Now I take it with me everywhere I go.
It's a little heavy since it's filled with rice, but totally fixed the hunching issue!
And, it works in both landscape and portrait!

Zeke's 2nd Birthday

2010-12-28T19:38:00.001-08:00

Just one more for the parents...(tomorrow will be crafty for sure!)

Zeke-You are TWO!

2010-12-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Today is Zeke's birthday. He shares it with two amazing people David Fogarty and Meherbani

My awesome little man has gone from this:

To this:

To this:

I love you so much.
Since you are two, here are two reasons why you are so kickass.
1. You have an incredible full belly laugh that I've never heard from anyone before I can't help but laugh with you!

2. You are such a lover. You can walk right up to someone a give them such a good snuggle I know it just makes their day!

Thanks for being my little boy, Mama loves you so.

Sushi and Baby Eloise

2010-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our friends Juli and Mark invited us to dinner. Sushi you say? At my all time favorite sushi place? HELL YES! The best part was Eloise got to come to. She's so sweet and little and slept the entire time. Knowing Juli's first baby this was an amazing gift that baby E gave to her mama.

Normally, I like to take photos of the sushi at Yoko's. But I found my self hungry and forgetful of my camera. Until Eloise was released from the wrap...

Thank you Mark and Julie (and the grandmas!) for a great great night out! Love you.

Christmas PJ's for the Family

2010-12-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Robot PJ's that is!
Awesome I know.
I'm pretty damn excited.
I followed a pattern.
I smocked.
I finished before Christmas Eve.
And, they look kick ass.
Yes, I am very proud of myself.
Look, I'm even writing about it now, vs in a month!

Zeke got the red ones to match Papa.

Amelia got the blue, because "BLUE YELLOW AND PINK ARE HER FAVORITE COLORS."

Jason got some kinda janky PJ's, but they fit and I even put a big pocket on the front so he can carry his phone around.

Mine, I smocked. It was so easy! I mean so easy. I love it. In fact I will be making more.

So, on Christmas Eve, we will all be sporting these.
Kinda dorky and super sticky sweet all at once!

BTW, the pjs are the Bedtime Story Pajamas by Oliver + S. I highly recomened them. HIGHLY.

Down to the wire...

2010-12-20T13:59:00.001-08:00

Thats where I am. How about you?

This morning I found my self looking for household items...a corner tv stand to be exact. Don't ask why!

Now I find myself searching for a kick butt Christmas gift for my inlaws as the one that just came from Etsy kinda sucks. The guy was nice and refunded my money, but now what. Crap.

Oh well, I guess Ill head to the basement and make those kids pjs that I need to have done at the end of the week!

Oh and here's a cute picture of the kids...I bribed them with gum drops.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

Location:SE Roswell St,Northwest Clackamas,United States

Sew Mama Sew Winner!

2010-12-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have to be a little honest here.
Random generator picked someone...I went through, counted twice (as my comments aren't numbered) and almost hit that random generator button again.
Really? HER? She needs to win?
Ugh-But she's an amazing sewer. A M A Z I N G.
I have to send her MY stuff?
Crap.
Almost everyone knows her...you know from the Bloggers Quilt Festivl.

So Amy of Amy's Creative Side, you won. BE NICE. I'm still kind of a new sewer.

Send me your address and I'll ship this package off to ~~Utard~~ Utah. My home town and were I will hopefully be meeting you in October for The Sewing Summit!

Thanks for everyone comments. I found out a lot about what people buy at craft bazzars and found it super helpful!

Jen

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway!

2010-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

This year, it's brought to you by the color ORANGE.
It's my silent protest to Patone's Color of the year choice-Honeysuckle. It's pretty and all, but NOT the color of a year...

Anyway, here's what you can win!

All of it goes to one lucky reader!

-A cute linen and cotton apron with pocket and towel loop with extra long straps-

-A quilted/padded camera strap cover in linen and cotton-

-A canvas orange bird zipper bag-

-All to be wrapped in this cute recycled felt Charlie Brown Stocking-

Here are the rules:
Leave a comment about what your favorite thing is to buy at craft bazaars-be specific
Make sure I have a way to contact you
If you live outside the US, you can play too
A winner will be picked randomly on 12.17.2010

Have fun!

Tomorrow-Holiday Bazaar

2010-12-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

Come say hi if you're local.
I have some stuff to sell you might like!
Remember, the money goes to get Zeke a train table and Amelia a sewing machine! ;-)
Here's a recap of just some of the things I have.

In addition to the above, I have:
Salty Caramel
Spicy Sweet Pear Jam
Gum-drop wreaths
Gum-drop trees
A ton of Christmas stockings
Some New Mom homeopathic kits

Here's the information on the bazaar. It's from 9-4 and there's a pancake breakfast that starts at 8 am!

"An Old Fashioned Holiday"

Orange Quilt

2010-11-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

I love orange. I hear that many people don't. Orange just makes me happy. So, I present to you Orange quilt. Another one for the craft fair, and the twin to Green Quilt.

I've also been into green and brown. Brown has pretty much made it into most of my quilts this year. I used brown variegated thread-another obsession this year. It's also my favorite free motion quilting that I've even done!

The back is one piece-again, in the interest of time I wanted to keep it simple and quick. Start to finish this took five hours. I'm not sure if that's fast or slow...

I got the fabric some time ago at Fabric Depot during a crazy blowout sale last year.

Hopefully it will go to some one who will love it! If I don't sell it, it might just have to go to a very pregnant PMQG friend...who also loves orange.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

2010-11-25T07:10:00.001-08:00

"An Old Fashioned Holiday"

Garden Home Recreation Center's 26th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Suggested donation: 2 cans of food
Featuring more than 100 vendors and breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast ($5 adults/ $3 children). The event also includes entertainment, a quilt raffle, and a used book sale.
Sponsored by Garden Home Community Library.

Bags. I love bags. Zipper bags, big bags, little bags, strangely shaped bags, really anything you can use to carry other bags in! Well except diaper bags. I hate those. I saw theses one somewhere in blog land. I'm sorry that I don't remember where, sometimes things get all mushed together! They are not anything fancy. Just some straps and body. But so convenient. Since they were so easy to make I'm selling them cheap-just $10!

This one is my favorite, and it already sold to Kristen, a fellow PMQG friend. She actually was there when I was surging them and almost tore it out of my hands. I'm glad it went to a happy home!

This is the inside. Its not lined so I decided to serge the insides so they were all pretty and clean. Since I don't have a serger I spent on of my Friday nights at Modern Domestic's open sew. they have a super rad one that I love!

On another note, Happy Thanksgiving day to all my US friends! I hope your day is filled with good people, good food and maybe even a little sewing!

Jen

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad-

Location:Super Simple Carry-All Bag

Green Quilt-Charm Square & Holiday Bazaar Info

2010-11-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have a back log of Holiday Bazaar items to show you! So this week might just be full of some scheduled posts...

For those of you who have been wondering:

"An Old Fashioned Holiday"

Garden Home Recreation Center's 26th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Suggested donation: 2 cans of food
Featuring more than 100 vendors and breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast ($5 adults/ $3 children). The event also includes entertainment, a quilt raffle, and a used book sale.
Sponsored by Garden Home Community Library.

So, come say hi to Tamara and I! We'll be the second table from the entrance...

Okay, on to Green Quilt. I think there are just not enough boy quilts out there. So, I made this one with that in mind. Though, it totally could go either way.

I used this simple patchwork pattern to see how fast I could make a quilt (this one took about 5 hours start to finish). It measures about 40 by 50. No pieced back-as I was working on time. Turns out that I'm really enjoying a plain back. I like how it shows off the quilting.

The green is one of my all time favorite Kona's. I don't know the name. If I had a damn color card though I'd tell you! Can't wait for those to get in stock somewhere!

So, you wanna buy this? :-) Come see me at the craft fair! I'm hoping to get Amelia this for Christmas!

Four years old...Happy Birthday Amelia June!

2010-11-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

The first day of Amelia's life brought so much joy and love I thought I would burst.

Today, four years later, I still feel the same way.

Amelia since you are four, I will give you four reason why you are awesome:

1. You are so smart, funny and silly all at the same time

2. You say "what the what?!" at the appropriate time

3. You love to read

4. You make me laugh every single day

Happy Birthday my special four year old! Mama loves you so.

(If I sell a lot at the craft fair, I'll for sure get you that Hello Kitty sewing machine you wanted for your birthday!)

Amelia, Preschool and Backpacks

2010-11-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

This little girl is turning four in less then a week!

So of course, I started freaking out about preschools. I think we've settle on one but we wont know until March 2011 if we can get in.

What's a girl to do? Look for school supplies of course! The first thing that's a must is a new backpack. So I started looking at these kids backpacks.

Look-a robot one! Maybe for her "blue princess robot" birthday party, she can get one!

Maybe Zeke needs this one.

Maybe I should get one?

Oh goodness, I can't wait for school supply shopping!

Think of all the pencils I she can get.

Something Pretty and Cute...FOR ME!

2010-11-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but all of the things I make for the first time end up being mine. Some are okay, some are down right embarrassing.

The other day I was pulling out my pen zipper bag and was horrified by how bad it was. The sewing, the fabric, everything!

So on this dark, cold and rainy day, I decided to add a little cheer to my bag-which also probably needs to be remade!

Then, since the other day I scored these little pencils for $2, I thought they also deserved a little zipper bag. (Amelia thought they were for her. HA! Not even little girl, Mama gets the cuties)

Then, because I just wanted to see what it would be like, I made a SUPER tiny pocket. Just for fun.

And here are my pencils all happy and away from little one's hands. Looking at this picture now, I probably should have mad the pocket big enough for the pencil sharpener...next time.

Okay, now I should probably re-do the laundry that my husband left in the washer on Saturday. Whoops-those wet smelly clothes are going to have to be washed a few times!

Purple Baby Quilt + Doll blanket

2010-11-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

The first quilt I made with the Craft Fair in mind.
Not sure why I thought half square triangles would be "fast".
Silly me.

Still, it's cute.
Purple is not may favorite but I do love how the green pops with the binding.

I'll have info on when this Craft Fair is next week!

Brother and Sister

2010-11-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

A little while back I took these pictures of Zeke devouring a green apple.

While taking them, I felt I'd done it before. As it happens, I did.
They were taken at exactly the same age-almost to the day.

Camera Strap Covers

2010-11-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

More stuff for the craft fair/Christmas Bazaar.

I'm getting more excited as it approaches. Plus Saturday Tamara and I get to go look at the space and plan out how to lay things out!

Here are some super easy but cute camera strap padded covers.

There are a few of you out there that I was thinking of when I made them...

Here's a closer look. I love that bike fabric. Got it last year at Bolt.

Bloggers Quilt Festival

2010-10-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

Amy over at Amy's Creative Side is hosting the fourth annual Blogger's Quilt Festival.

Last year my entry was Orange Quilt.

This year, no contest, it had to be my Dresser Wedding Quilt for Greg and Jen.

This quilt started out from this inspiration:

I was just starting to see quilts in something other then just another quilt. It stayed in my bag and on my wall for a good year. Finally, when some friends were getting married, I decided that this would be a great fit for them.

Even though it looks pretty simple, the math was pretty crazy. So my husband helped me draft it in his architectural software - Revit.

Once I got all the fabrics gathered and cut out, it went really quick. Even though I actually had to pin (I don't pin). But with the last two piece being 60 inches long, I needed to make sure the stayed straight and I didn't pull the fabric while sewing.

The back was left over scraps, which is now my standard. It takes a little longer then just a large back, but worth it I think. It makes the quilt double sided. In fact, sometimes people like the back more then front. It also gives me a place to experiment with a different technique or pattern.

I was able to work my label in nicely!

After basting it, I was having issues designing the quilting. Then my husband came up with the brilliant idea to snap random chalk lines (with construction chalk). After testing to make sure the chalk washed off we snapped away.

It was gifted two days before I finished-not many people got to see it in person. However, I am planning on making another one in a green color way. Then a print...maybe. It may also turn into a pattern one day...

Christmas Stockings

2010-10-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Have you even done a search on Google or even Flickr with title?
Well, if you have small children around or are, lets say "innocent". Don't.

Last night I was doing a little research on them, I actually didn't find many that were cute, or at least my style.

I'm at the point now in my "craft fair" making that I'm not sure where to go next.

The things are remaining on the list are:
Stockings
Bookmarks
Aprons
(I have a few things that need just a few things and then I'll show you the rest)
None of these things I'm comfortable making in an efficient manner yet.

Here's my stockings that I did today.

One of the goals of doing the craft fair for myself, was not to buy anything new (with exception of notions).

If I made the stockings, I'd need more felt. Which is on sale right now for $2.99. So do I do it? They'd be $15 or even 2 for $25. What do you think?

A fall leaves and pinecone hunt

2010-10-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

This morning was/is a perfect morning.
Fall in Portland is amazing (just pretend it doesn't rain most of it)
So, while it's snowing in SLC (sorry guys) and still sunny here, I thought the kids and I should go on a leaf hunt.

We have a huge back yard with lots of trees.
This is what we found.

So now, what do we do with them?
I must have done something with gathered leaves as a child?

Any suggestions?
All are welcomed!

Quilted Snack Bags

2010-10-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, again, more for the craft fair.
I made these as well some time ago.

I love them.
The kids love them.
Zeke loves the noise the Velcro makes.
Knowing there's a great snack waiting for his big belly.

I only have these left out of the 15 I originally made.
I think I might have to make a few more?

Pin Cushion Winner!

2010-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Regina! Looks like you don't need to make one! Send me your information and I'll ship out Orange Cushion!

Regina said...

I'm so jealous. Pincushions are one of those things that I can't seem to bring myself to make.
October 21, 2010 8:10 AM

Thanks for all the nice comments!

Modern Baby Math Quilt

2010-10-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Is going to an amazing friend of mine.

I hope it's loved and enjoyed in Baby G's life.

It started out as a cross quilt like this one.

But, well, everyone's been doing them and I've been feeling anti follow the leader lately. At the same time, Jason and I were talking about "negative space". Not something that's used in quilting that often. Something that kind of scared me, but I totally want to try out.

So the cross quilt turned into a math quilt.

See, Ivy was a math teacher at one time. Today, she still does a lot of math. So, It thought she'd appreciate it as well as see the humor.

I used up every bit of fabric I bought. It was suppose to be a baby quilt, maybe 45 by 55. However, it got pretty big and now measures 65/70ish. Whoops. I guess Ivy could have helped me plan my math a little better.

So the negative space wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I didn't have the urge to fill every bit with color. It's clean, refreshing, and modern.

Sewing it together was a little tricky. I had to leave a lot of 1/4 seams open to then fit the next piece in. But it work and came together quickly during a nap time.

It goes to it's new home today. Baby G is expected in December. I can't wait to meet him/her!

Love you Ivy!

Zipper Bags

2010-10-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

More for the craft fair.
However, these I made a little while ago.
I love zippers bags.

I don't like pockets in bags.
Just bags in bags.
Keeps things neat and clean.

Though, you'd never think that if you looked in my bag.
Still, aren't they cute?

Pink and Brown Bee Baby Quilt

2010-10-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

I've been putting my poor ole' 1972 Husqvara from Katrina through a lot lately.
Why? Well, I'm doing craft fair with my PMQG friend Tamara. I have no idea if I'll even sell anything. But, it's worth a try and it gives me a chance to hang out with her for the day!

I'm making only a few small quilts. Priced very reasonably. The rest of the items will be $20 and under. I think that's a more "craft fair" kind of price?
Yes?
Have you done one?
Any advice?

Okay, so on with the quilt.
I fell in love with this bee fabric. Such a sweet color combo for a little baby girl.
I stacked and whacked using this method from Cluck Cluck Sew.
However, I stacked and whacked incorrectly.
So I had to make it up after that.

While doing this I timed myself from start to finish.
This took me 5 hours. I think that's pretty good.
It's small, 40 by 40. Probably my smallest baby quilt ever.
Totally usable for a play mate, storytime, or just to snuggle with.

The back I kept simple, since I was trying to be cost effective, and simply used one
big piece of brown and white gingham.

My free motion is getting better thanks to all the tips and tricks from Christina.
Soon I'll be ready to expand into something more fabulous like she does.

I love my label. Have I told you that? Thanks again Emily.

Swappin' Some Pincushions Plus GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Our swap this month at PMQG is pincushions.
They're fast, easy, a good way to use up old blocks you made and never turned into a quilt and a good place to you know, store your pins.

Theses are the ones I made.

They both have linen in them. Something that Megan totally got me hooked on. Almost everything I make now, has a little.

Both are quilted. Orange one is suppose to look like an old wodden spool of thread-squint and think real hard and you'll see it!

Angry Owl is a little block I made for a pillow that didn't quite work and has just been hanging out on my wall.

I love them both and hope they go to a great home tomorrow night.

I made two Orange ones. So one will go to the meeting with me. The other is for one of you! Just leave a comment. No need to follow or tweet or any of that business. (Unless you really want to!) Just a simple hello works just fine. Make sure I can contact you though!