Snugglie Blanklie

These bright and cheerful baby animals have been adding a healthy dose of sunshine into my sewing room.  Using leftover fabric from a blanket I sewed for my friends baby awhile ago I made 3 - 12x12 snugglie blankies.

I think the orange and brown colors are just perfect for a fall baby.  These blankies are full of wonderful textures:  plush fabric on the top and bottom surrounded by satin borders.  I can just see little chubby fingers rubbing the border maybe with a thumb in the mouth?!  Wouldn't that be precious?

I used Anneliese's lovey boy tutorial from Aesthetic Nest (see here.)  Working with this cheerful fabric was such a delight as our weather here in Indiana has been so cold and rainy.  I am looking forward to warmer weather next week.   Who knows maybe it will feel like Indian Summer!

The snugglie blankies can be found in my etsy shop.

 Blessings!

Seeing Red

Red is one of my very favorite colors and I couldn't resist snapping a picture of the cones of thread on my serger.  I just love the contrast of red against white. 

Pairing red with navy is also a favorite combination of mine.  This little girls jumper was rescued from the goodwill store.  I couldn't resist the appliqued paisley's.  I envisioned them on an AG skirt.

I was able to get 2 skirts out of the one jumper.  The one in the photo above turned out to more of a straight jean skirt that I paired with a simple red t-shirt.

This one though I have to say is my favorite.  The skirt after sewn up has an a-line shape which is much more flattering.  I made a simple ruffle around the neckline of the shirt and it's just the right touch don't you think?  Kind of like a cherry on top of a yummy brownie . . .

Oh yum!  I think I might just have to get me one of those!!

BleSsings!

Fall Gardening

Clematis

My clematis is still blooming in my garden.  I just love the big blooms!  I planted this late spring and thought it would climb all over the trellis behind it.  While there is new growth it isn't as fast growing as I anticipated or hoped.

Winter Pansies

My neighbor was planting some winter pansies and so I was inspired to do the same.  I'm excited to be able to have color in the winter months and early spring.

Winter Pansies

Won't this look striking against snow on a gray day?  It should chase away any winter blues with its cheery face.

While not very exciting I am also edging my gardens.  I am making progress but it is a job my mind can handle only so much of!  I plan to continue with it today as we have another beautiful day to spend outside.

Blessings!

Gifted Artisans

In my quiet time I have been reading in the book of Exodus (chapters 25 and 26) where God gave very specific instructions to Moses on how to build the tabernacle where His presence would reside.  My interest peaked while reading about the tabernacle curtains since I love to sew!

There were to be 4 layers of 4 different materials (fine linen, goats hair, rams skin dyed red and badger skin.)  From the finest fabric to the most durable of material.  Directions were given for the size of the curtains, how many and how they would be joined.  Even the colors of the thread were picked out by God:  blue, purple and scarlet woven into cherubims in the linen.  Each element of the tabernacle was chosen with care to give God glory and honor.  Each element was for a specific purpose and carried spiritual meaning.  Only  the best of materials were chosen.  Not cheap materials.  Not inferior materials.  We are talking gem stones, precious metals, fine linen, acacia wood and so on.  Items of quality, purity and value.  For this is where His presence would be, where the priests in their holy garments would make sacrifices for their sins.  

God spoke to Moses,

"So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, 

whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom . . ." 

Ex 28:3

Gifted artisans

Filled with the spirit of wisdom.

It mattered to God who built the sanctuary.  Not just anybody could work on  it but only those who were skilled workmen.  People who were knowledgeable, hard-working and exceptionally talented.  People who cared about doing a good job for the Lord.

Which reminded me of this wonderful scripture in the New Testament,

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, 

as to the Lord and not to men, 

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; 

for you serve the Lord Christ." 

Col 3:23-24

There is a striking contrast between someone who does a job with all his heart and someone who does a sloppy job cutting corners wherever it won't be noticed.  But, somewhere down the line someone pays for those mistakes.  Over the weekend my husband spent a great deal of time fixing something in our house that was done all wrong (it's a looooooong story.)  Thankfully, my hubby is a great fixer who has been taking things apart since he was a very young boy.  His wonderful mom gave him the freedom to take apart toasters, hair dryers, etc so he could learn how they were built and therefore how to fix them.  Needless to say, he has fixed countless things in his lifetime: dryers, dishwashers, washing machines, computers, cars and on and on it goes!   A lot of times these repairs were because someone did a poor job or had a poor design..  God knows and sees and he isn't pleased with sloppy workmanship.  He hates dishonest scales.  And frankly, I do to.

I'm counting my blessings  . . .

* my husband was able to fix the problem

*  it didn't cost a dime

BTW, I in no way exhausted the topic of God's sanctuary.  There is so much to learn about it so if you are interested just google the topic and there is a lot of wonderful information about the meaning behind why God chose what he did.  It really is awesome to learn about.

The best BleSsing in this is

* Because of the work of the cross God's presence now resides in the heart of every believer and not in a dwelling!

Now, that is something to sing and shout about!!

Brrr . . .

Mounding Petunias with Spike

This morning I awoke to the sound of my furnace blowing through the vents. Really? How can that be? It's been months since I heard that last.  I am going to miss my pretty flowers as they succumb to the cold temperatures. I have been so pleased with my pots of petunias. Low maintenance with big rewards they have been. As a result they are on my repeat list for next year.  I will miss them as I gaze upon them while eating my oatmeal in the morning or preparing a meal later in the day.

Thankfully, our roses have gone through another round of blooms. Their vibrant color is a bright spot in the garden.

Can there be anything more beautiful than the unfolding of a rose?  The layers upon layers are astounding. And as you get closer and breathe in the scent it is refreshment for the soul.

Today, I will be cleaning up my sewing room with projects gone wild and heading to the mall to buy a jacket for my oldest son.  Is this the same son who years ago wouldn't wear a coat insisting it was warm outside?  Times they do change!

BleSsings as you go about your day!

Smoothie-licious

The wonderful fruits of summer are beginning to wane.  But before they do you may just have to try this recipe for a blueberry peach smoothie.  My kindergartner requested this smoothie for lunch today alongside his pb and j.  I'm so glad I get to each lunch with him everyday!  I am trying to enjoy these precious moments because time just won't stand still.  I am painfully aware my boys are growing up way too fast.  Serving them their favorite foods is just a small way of showing my love for them.

Either fresh or frozen fruit will work for this - my wal-mart actually had peaches at 50c a pound yesterday.  I couldn't believe it!

This is my best guess at how I make it (since I never measure):

Blueberry Peach Smoothie

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 peach, cut into chunks (fresh or frozen)

3/4 cup vanilla yogurt (our favorite is Dannon)

1 cup milk

1-2 Tbsp honey

sprinkle of cinnamon

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend away!

Makes 2 large glasses

To make it even healthier sometimes I add a bit of flax.  Don't skip the honey and cinnamon - they totally make this smoothie-licious!

BLesSings!

Baby Dress Upcycle

This sweet baby dress was just too cute to pass up at my thrift store.  Not that I have a baby girl to wear it but I saw it's potential as a doll dress.  In my mind I planned to give this a-line dress another life!   Wouldn't it be cute worn to a tea party, birthday party (with cupcakes of course) or a wedding?  You get the idea:)

Well, it was time to make my plans into a reality!  Since the dress was a 3/6 month size it had be taken up in the shoulders, sides and bottom hem.  A. lot.  A baby is much plumper than a doll so I took off quite a bit on the shoulders and sides.

I found myself in the school of hard knocks doing this as this was a first for me (a.k.a. a lot of trial and error!)  I drew lines with my erasable marker and did a lot of test runs with basting.  Thankfully, my model was a good sport and didn't mind all of the dressing and undressing.  She just kept smiling at me!

After several false attempts at getting a good fit I used tissue paper to trace around the doll for a dress pattern and it was much more successful in getting a good fit.  After hemming I was finished!

I kept the back the same.

  I turned a once loved baby dress into a doll party dress.  What do you think?

Blessings to you my sweet friends!

 Party Dress is in my Etsy Store.

I am linking up with Sew Much Ado.  

We Remember America

Today is a somber day as we remember those whose lives were taken in the 9/11 attack 10 years ago.  Our nation was forever changed on that Tuesday morning.  We recognize and honor all fire, police and military workers who laid down there lives on that day and everyday to save and protect us.  But, lastly we pray to our most Holy God for safety and peace within our borders. 

MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL

by Stacey Randall

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'
I held his fingers steady as he dialed.  I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK... I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children.  I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help.  
'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.
He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer.  I was with the crew as they
were overtaken.  I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.  I knew
every name - though not all knew Me.  
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.'  Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do.  However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time,
would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you.  But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.  
Seek Me now while I may be found.  
Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Repurposing

I was inspired to re-purpose previously loved clothing by sewing them into doll clothes.  I discovered it is really a lot of fun!!  The skirt on this cheerleader outfit used to be a Denver Bronco's baby outfit and the shirt was made from a brand new Detroit Tigers t-shirt that matched perfectly (both items I got at Goodwill on their 50% off day!)  I fell in love with the pleats and thought it would make a cute cheer skirt.  

I centered the pleats to fall right near her hips.

The NFL logo just so happened to land on her side.

And to save myself one step in creating the t-shirt I cut out the front and back pieces on the bottom hem.  

Then I created these pom-poms so she genuinely looks like a cheerleader!  

I enjoyed the challenge of thinking this process through and I am eager to see what else I can create with the other cute clothes I bought.  Next time I will remember to take before shots!!

Cheerleader Outfit can be found in my etsy shop.

Linking up with Sew Much Ado

A Blanket for Baby

Over the long weekend I was able to do some sewing which is always a good thing!  Getting time to sew is such a treat for me.  I try to squeeze it in whenever I can.  So getting to make this sweet blanket was a joy. 

Where the 8"squares meet I hand tied through the top and bottom layers with embroidery floss.  It's difficult to see it in the pictures but I think it adds to the charm of the simple blanket.

And on the backside is a pale yellow.  I like how it tones down the stronger pink and blue colors.

It is a soft, lightweight blanket great for keeping baby cozy. 

Hope you all had a nice long weekend doing something you love and maybe getting a few projects done around the home!!

Another year

My third oldest son turned 11. Eleven! Where do the years go?

We must be having fun because time is just flying by!!

This boy of mine has taken quite a liking to baseball.  More so than my others.  It's been fun to see him progress from t-ball at 5 years of age now to live arm.  He plays short stop or 2nd base when he's not pitching.  I thought it would be a good time to show you around his room.  Please come in . . .

I recently added some wall decor to his room.  His little brother convinced me while we were at Hobby Lobby  we "needed" these things for their room (they share.)  He of course was right! Everything we bought went perfectly with what was in their room already.   

This is what's over the birthday boy's bed:  eat, sleep and play ball.  Pretty close actually (or a close 2nd to computer games!)

I also purchased the red shelf  thinking there would be no more "where's my hat?" as he ran out the door, late to practice or a game.  No such luck.  I guess those things only happen in mommy heaven.  The Cardinals sign was a gift from his grammie when we lived in St.Louis.  It goes perfectly over the hat shelf.

Last year I made the pendant using leftover baseball fabric from a pillowcase.  I finally jumped on the pendant bandwagon!  They are a neat touch to add to any space; here I used it over their window.

The curtains were store bought which I embellished with wooden buttons below the tabs.  I wanted to customize them a little bit.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of his room (well the cleanest parts anyway!!)  Happy birthday sweet son!!