Swap Meet -- Girl's Dress Patterns

Sew Many Ways is hosting a Swap Meet Weekend and I'm participating.  Head over there for details and to view all the other participants.  Here's what I pulled out of my stash to offer this week.

Simplicity 8953, Size A 4,5,6,7,8
Uncut

Simplicity 5638, Size BB 5, 6, 7, 8
Uncut

Simplicity Daisy Kingdom Pattern
Size NN 8, 10, 12, 14
Uncut

These are patterns I've never used.  I would be willing to trade for other patterns.  Perhaps handbags, quilt patterns, other craft items.  Or I'd trade for fabric, as I'm looking to build a new stash after giving mine away recently.  If you have an offer of something else, please feel free to contact me and ask.  We can swap for one pattern above or all of them.  I live in South Carolina, so you can estimate shipping cost.  Let's make a deal!

Giveaway!

Before I get to the giveaway, I'm still looking for one more person to play Pay it Forward with me.  Click here for details.

Okay, now to the reason you are reading this post.  A giveaway...not me, but Bee In My Bonnet.  Have you been to Lori's blog?  If not you are missing a treat.  She is offering a giveaway for 3 of her patterns and these are worth the time to go sign up....simply charming.  Don't miss your chance, giveaway closes on Monday, Jan. 31st.  Now...Go, Go!



This is one of my favorites...go to her blog to see her other charming designs.  Amazing!



Want to Play....Pay It Forward?

UPDATE-- A flickr group has been created.  Spread the word!  Click here to join!

I paid a little visit to Penny's blog this morning, Hands Sew Full.  In addition to being crafty and creative, she is very kind, encouraging, and compassionate.  She is one of the first bloggers I met and started following.  Well, this morning I discovered she is playing Pay it Forward.  Have you heard of this?  It's like a swap with a little twist and I couldn't help but join in.  I think I could get easily get addicted to swaps. 

This is simple...read the rules below.  It doesn't have to be anything grand and you have this year to do it, so no real time crunch.  At first when I started reading, I thought it sounded fun, but will pass because I have a baby due in 12 days.  But, since I have the year...well, I can do that! I don't know where it originated, if you do, let me know.  I looked for a Pay it Forward group on Flickr, but didn't see one that matched the description of this particular thing.  Let me know if you know of one.  Anyhow, if you'd like to play...keep reading....

As is the tradition with Pay It Forwards, it is now my turn, so here is how it works.

1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people who comment on this post. It will be a surprise and it will arrive when you least expect it.

2. I will have 365 days to do it in. What's the catch? To get a handmade present from me, you have to play too! This means YOU pledge to send a little handmade something for 3 readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be quilty - just handmade!

3. You must have a blog.

4. Once you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going - with the Pay It Forward badge.

Please, please, please...do not be one of the first three commenters and be a no-reply blogger...meaning I can't email you and can't get details on how to mail my package to you.  I'll just move onto the next comment.  Also, if your blog isn't linked with your post, please give me the web address in your comment, so I can visit you and see your Pay it Forward post!

Let the fun begin!!!

First Mug Rugs -- Swap

I posted a few days ago that I was participating in my second swap, this time a mug rug swap hosted by Quilting Gallery.  There are 330 people from 25 countries participating. Wow! What I really love about this swap is that the person you are sending to is not the same person you are receiving from.  That gives you opportunity to meet two new people.  Also, the requirement was to make two rugs for your partner.  They could match or not, so I decided to go with two coordinating ones.

Though I've never made mug rugs before or used them, I've seen some adorable ones on several blogs.  Since I love to quilt and these would be small projects, I decided to jump on board.  I'm glad I did.  One, I really had fun making these.  A mini-quilting project was just what I needed right now.  Two, I was able to practice some things I would like to improve upon.  I made my first hexagon the other day, then another from scraps.  I enjoyed those, so thought a hexagon mug rug would be perfect, so this is my 3rd hexie.  Then I saw a petal design on a quilt some months back and had never done that before either. I decided to give it a try.  I drew a petal the appropriate size to fit the mug rug, and then I also added the applique corners to dress it up more.



Lastly, I was able to practice my stippling and hand stitching the binding to the back.  Both still need work, but overall I am greatly improving.  I feel like my stippling was much smoother, though it still has quirks, including getting the tension just right.  But, I'm thrilled with my little project.  Honestly, I cannot tell you which rug I like better.  I can't choose.  What fun!  Hope my partner likes them as much as I do.

Tried to get a good photo, but I still need work on that. The colors are more vibrant than they appear in this picture.

Almost forgot...the white fabric was something I had on hand, but the rest is from a charm pack I ordered from Connecting Threads.  The line is called Canning Day and I thought very springlike...wanted something bright for this project.

Kristy

Kristy, at a horseshow last fall

Okay, I definitely have some crafty things to post, but that will have to wait.  Mom must brag on her daughter's talents for a moment!  This is Kristy, our oldest.  I cannot believe she will be 13 later this year.  Wow!  She reminded me the other day that she'll be 18 in just 5 years and I told her not to remind me of that again. haha! By the time you are my age, you realize how quickly 5 years will pass. 

I took this photo of Kristy and her dad yesterday before her piano party (recittal).  She is still very  much a daddy's girl!  We took her shopping a couple weeks ago and this was the outfit she picked out to wear for the day.  She looked beautiful and yes, she was the only student dressed in a western outfit with boots.  It just proves you cannot judge hastily.  She does love her boots and would rather live out with the horses, but there will be a piano in that barn amongst the hay.  Kristy played Sonatina in G by Beethoven and Prelude in B Minor by Chopin.

Besides classical music, another great love is art. She loves to draw!  This is a drawing she did of the superficial muscles of the horse and she has submitted it for the state 4-H creative contests in a couple weeks.  Last year, her arabian drawing took first place and she's hoping for another first this year.  I asked her about doing a different drawing this year, one that combined art and science, so she decided on doing this drawing and if it doesn't pull first, she can blame me. haha!  She also wants to enter this in the fair this fall.  Go Kristy!

Kristy studies hippology (horse science) with her 4-H teacher and will be competing with her group, our county's horse club, in the statewide hippology and horse bowl competitions at the end of Feb.  She was explaining genetics to me a couple days ago and I confess, her science knowledge surpasses mine already.  Her goal is to become a vet and if she continues being this diligent in her studies, I say she is on her way.





My First Hexagon!

I've been drawn to hexagons for awhile now, but am not a huge fan of handwork.  Personally, I'd rather machine stitch anything.  Blame my generation's lack of patience....I confess. Or perhaps it's my personal lack of patience.  :-) But, I do like hexies.  I thought I'd try one today, to test if I could actually picture myself doing a larger hexagon project or quilt in the future.  I think I could.  I actually did enjoy this.

I gave my entire stash of fabric to my neice over Christmas, except a few pieces that were in a bin in storage and a couple more in my hutch.  She works in a girl's home and they do teach sewing...all fabric is donated and I sent them 1 bin and 5 trash bags full.  Time to start fresh here, but building another stash takes time and money. I have ordered some fabric to make mug rugs for the swap I'm participating in and I've also ordered some fabric to make a diaper bag.  In addition, I'm waiting on my first BOM to arrive in the mail.  Lack of patience doesn't make it easy to wait for fabric to arrive and I had to satisfy my itch to do something cheerful and productive.  I was happy to find some coordinating pieces to make this with, even if pastel ginghams aren't exactly my thing.

Now the family is asking what I'm going to do with it.  Hm? I don't know.  I hadn't thought that far ahead.  Maybe add onto it?  Perhaps a hexagon shaped table mat?  Perhaps use this for my mug rug swap?  Any suggestions for a small project?

Oh, and I've read several tutorials online for how to make hexagons and used what I thought would work for me.  I also used the 1" hexagon printout that you can find on Texas Freckles.  I don't know Melanie, but thank you!!  I printed on card stock because I thought I'd need something a bit firmer than regular paper.  It helped!

Anticipation

I am participating in Multitude Mondays, which is a list of One Thousand Gifts I've started.  You can read more details about it and follow my journey here.  I confess, I'm not the best at sticking to any schedule, as life tends to always happen and I don't like too much structure.  Yesterday was my 2nd Monday and a perfect example.  I spent almost the entire day at the doctor's office and was not emotionally up to posting my gratitudes last night.  Multitude Monday became Thankful Tuesday this week and I'm sure in the future I'll have many Mondays on other days of the week. I do have much to be thankful for, much positive to focus on, even during a diffcult time in my life right now.

And instead of just thinking about the many things I'm thankful for, my mind is on some things I'm greatly anticipating.  Some anticipation is cheerful and some of it brings me anxiety.  I think of the times Christ said to take no thought and looking up "thought" in the concordance, it means to be anxious or troubled with cares.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to reach a point in our relationship with Christ that we take no thought, instead of having to deal with the thoughts when they come?  But, the reason Christ is touched with the feelings of our infirmities is because he lived in a body of flesh.  I'm reminded of Matthew 26, where Christ, knowing the crucifixion to come, tells his disciples that his soul was exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death.  Then he fell on his face and prayed...not for his will, but the Father's. 

As my thoughts tended toward the gloomy yesterday and I feel weary, I need this reminder this morning.  Not my will, but Thine.  Thankful for comfort in Christ, in the Word of God...thankful for comfort from a loving family and compassionate, praying friends.  So, said all that to say, here are some things I'm anticipating, little or big, just on my mind this morning.

1. Some cheerful charm packs and fabric arriving in the mail...to work on my mug rugs and a diaper bag.  Sewing Therapy is good for this gal!

2.  Washing, folding, and organizing baby clothes and blankets.

3.  Kristy's piano recittal on Sunday afternoon.  Also, her 4-H Creative Contest drawing entry this month.  Go Kristy!!!

4.  Oh, my Block of the Month block arriving in the mail for the Civil War quilt I'll be working on this year.  Excited!

5. Managing my health and Jacob's health the last 3 weeks of this pregnancy. Definitely where most my anxiety is coming from....a deep sense of frustration over how my body doesn't handle pregnancy well at all.

6. The c-section, scheduled for Feb. 9th. Just as soon as I think I've accepted this, I am overcome with fear again.  My last c-section was difficult and those memories aren't easily forgotten.

7. But, the anticipation of kissing Jacob, holding him in my arms, nursing him, and loving every moment of this new life I'm blessed with does far outweigh the anxiety I'm feeling.  I'm already blessed with being the mom of the three most precious, wonderful children.  Another is more than I deserve, but am ever grateful for.

8. My mom and little sister coming to help out.  Can't wait to hug my mom!!!

9.  Laying on the bed with Russ and our new little one between us, both staring at him in awe, as we've done with the other kids.  It's definitely a time of complete joy and humbleness.

10. I'll stop for now with anticipating Russ coming home from work today and giving him a kiss...just thankful he's my husband....and anticipating feeling like his lovely wife again in weeks to come, instead of a miserably sick pregnant one.

Hope to post some fabric pics and new projects soon!!  And won't be long before posting pics of our Jacob Zane!

Mug Rug Swap

I'm participating in my second swap...this time a mug rug swap.  I've never made a mug rug, but looking forward to a cheerful, little project.  In this swap, you make two mug rugs, which can coordinate or not.  Registration closes Jan. 18th and the domestic mailing deadline is Feb. 21st.  Click the link below for more information.

Zucchini Bread

Winter storm hits the south and our little part of South Carolina is covered with snow and ice.  It's beautiful outside, but not posting any photos of that right now.  Being 35 weeks pregnant, I didn't venture out in the cold and slippery weather to take photos while Russ and the kids played outside.  Perhaps tomorrow.  Despite the below freezing temperatures all day, we are quite cozy inside, toasting ourselves around a fire.  I love sitting around a fire!  It's incredibly beautiful, warm, and brings a feeling of peace and contentment with it's smell and sounds of crackling wood.  So soothing, as it warms the heart as much as the body.

Now, what else could make a winter evening wonderful but zucchini bread.  Mmmm....good!  I thought I'd share the recipe because it is a favorite fall and winter treat around my house.  It also makes good gifts for friends and family.  Sometimes I use this to make muffins instead.  Very easy and I hope you enjoy!

Zucchini Bread

2 cups sugar

3 cups flour

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Nuts (optional)

Sift all in large bowl

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup cooking oil

1 tsp vanilla

2 heaping cups grated zucchini (2-3 zucchini)

Mix in a smaller bowl.  I finely grate my zucchini, but you can do a regular grater as well.  Pour liquid mixture into dry mixture and stir until just mixed.  Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake @ 325 for 1 hour.

Pinwheels

Here is another one of my holiday projects.  I love pinwheels and so does my mom, not to mention the combination of red and white.  This is a set of hotpads and coasters.  Again, the larger hotpad is for any larger pan such as a 9x13, but both my mom and friend I made them for have used them in the center of their tables.  So, I guess they could be a mini table runner.

This photo is a bit blurry and I think the coloring is not quite right..
"Joy" is in white letters, not pink!

Now, my mom sent me a link to a video on how to make fast and easy pinwheels and I love it.  Definitely a must share technique and I wish I'd known this method when I made the above project.  I can't wait to order some charm squares and start on a pinwheel quilt.  Take time to watch...you won't regret it!!



The Stay-At-Home Missionary

My mom emailed the link below and I had to share.  I've already posted on my facebook page, emailed to a few other friends, and now would like to share here as well.  What a beautiful post!!  Please take time to read, if you liked to be encouraged, challenged, and to be reminded of some much needed perspective. 

While visiting The Stay-At-Home Missionary, take time to browse around as well.  After some reading, I decided it's a site I'll visit often.  This is the type of Christian woman our churches need more of...may we exhort one another as wives and mothers!!

She Has No Name

Reflections on Resolutions

Happy New Year!!  It's so funny how our mind perceives time.  I know that when God divided the day from the night that this was for us, for signs and seasons, days and years; how one day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.  Yet, New Year's faithfully arrives and it always feel special.  I reflect on the past and think about days ahead, but truly any day is equally sufficient for these contemplations.  Every morning I have new mercies because God's compassion does not fail.  This is how I feel on New Year's and I wish I could take this truth to heart, waking up every morning feeling this way.

I've never been big on making resolutions, but I do think of things I'd like to work on or areas of my life to improve.  However, in this I fail.  I don't believe I've lived one year in which my thoughtful plans lined up with the path the Lord led me on.  I don't believe I've ever had one area I wished to resolve by years end that actually did.  Instead, often those are things slowly transitioning over time.  For instance, I can't say I've tackled gardening or organizational skills that would improve how smoothly our home runs.  But, over several years these are improving.  I have yet to fully control my temper, be faithful daily in thoughtful prayer, nor have I managed to make it one year doing all things without murmuring or disputing as the scriptures teach.  Yet, I am not who I was even 5 years ago.  I have grown in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior.

This is my hope for the coming year, to continue to grow in grace and in knowledge of Him.  I am joyfully anticipating some things, such as Jacob's birth, no longer feeling so sick and the limitations that come with that, my daughter turning 13, family time, some planning for our future military retirement, etc.  Even all these though are completely out of my control.  I think of the verse in Ecclesiastes 9 which describes that the race is not to the swift, the battle to the strong, bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, but time and chance happens to them all.  Despite what I see in the months ahead, I have learned that these may change.  I cannot predict how life will go or how the Lord will lead this year.  But, I do know His promises....that his mercies are new every morning and over all His works, that He leads me on the path in which I can grow in grace and knowledge.  Looking forward to each new day with Him!