Handmade Christmas

So I haven't posted since August... and I'm truly sorry about that. Hoping to blog more in the new year to go along with my goal of weekly craft projects.

In the meanwhile, I've tried many new things on my sewing machine for gifts this Christmas. I made a quilted table runner, a appliquéd fox pillow, a pocket tee onesie with skirt, and a kitchen aid mixer cover.  Let's just say I've been busy these last few weeks. But I've taken a few photos along the way.. Enjoy!

Finished table runner, complete with bias tape. I was a first timer when it came to bias tape. But I'd really love to make my own like Dana from www.danamadeit.com 

The glorious fox pillow I so wanted to keep for myself. I know it's going to a good home though!

This onesie is for this little cutie below. Her mommy's baby shower is the last post I did. Whoops! 

Love me some Hannah Jane! 😍

I forgot to take a photo of the mixer cover I made for my MIL but will take one soon! I need to make one for myself also! I'll post a tutorial when I do. I do believe that could be my first project of the new year. 😊

Meanwhile, I did make my second grade team pocket tees for our field trip to see frozen earlier this month. Have y'all seen it? Soooo good! I'm slightly addicted to the soundtrack. 

Also knitting myself an infinity scarf for the new year complete with buttons and button holes. Yay for trying new things and helpful YouTube tutuorials! 

Happy 2014! Here's to a more faithful attempt at updating this blog and being crafty! 

Loved this quote I found via Pinterest..

So true! 

Blessings to you and yours.. 

A Shower for the Mommy-to-Bee

Yesterday I had the honor of helping host a baby shower.  Mind you, this is the first baby shower I’ve ever been part of hosting.  I had big dreams for this shower and pinterest to enforce high expectations.  And so the idea for a bee-themed shower was born! Perhaps you can seek inspiration from this fun baby shower that turned out perfectly! 

The cake, cookies, and cupcakes were made by Sara’s sister-in-law Carrie. They were so cute..you would’ve thought they came from a bakery! It was really neat to collaborate with these ladies to create such a lovely shower! 



We had a craft station set up where guests could create either a custom onesie or headband for Hannah!  They loved it.  It was fun to see them all on display as well. 


Baby Hannah was very blessed with lots of gifts at this shower!  Check out that awesome diaper cake made by Sara’s friend Heather! 


Sara in her mommy tiara. 

Opening gifts…Look at that beautiful quilt Sara’s grandmother made.

Lane’s mom gave her Lane’s favorite books from his childhood.  I thought that was so sweet!  Bernstein Bears’ Messy Room and The Firetruck—Baby Hannah got lots of books at this shower, so she will have a wonderful starter library!
Sara’s friend Ashton had all these custom onesies and receiving blankets made! Super Cute!

Sara with all 5 hostesses. What a wonderful day! 

Linked up with :

Summer, where'd you go?!

There will be some new and crazy awesome posts soon, but I have to finish each project first.
A little peek at what I've been up to:
1) decorating a new classroom!!

2) making freezer meals (yum!)
3) planning a baby shower (using this as inspiration)






















4) working out
5) making pocket tees


















6) sending happy mail


















7) looking for some fun new shoes. which do you like best?

a gift of love

My best friend Sara is having a baby.  I've never been this close to someone who is with child, so I have learned a lot. As she finishes up her 2nd trimester, I wanted to give her something special. I am writing this in June when details are still fresh on my mind.  I made a list of goals prior to summer starting and a sweet friend of mine, Dona agreed to help me learn how to quilt by making a baby Hannah Jane a quilt.  Can you imagine my excitement?!!?  I was thrilled and immediately went shopping for fabric.   Sara and I talk on a daily basis, so keeping this surprise from her was so hard. Originally, I was going to wait until her baby shower to give her the quilt.  I couldn't wait and I knew she'd be grateful for this surprise.  

L-to-R, T-to-B all the fabric came in the mail, i sewed my first row together, our final decision on quilt layout, cutting squares, my new sewing machine, Faye quilting a bird, Dona making sure the seams were aligned, the bird stitched, me and the LAST STITCH!!

Dona came over one day last week and we made the quilt top.  I'm so in love with this quilt already. You wouldn't believe how long we discussed where each square needed to go (and of course, I wanted to make sure the birds and numbers were right side up!!!) Next week, we are going to quilt it by hand.

Quilt top is finished!  (yes, i'm wearing clothes!)

Setting up the quilt frame required these clamps and we had to make sure we pulled the fabric tightly. We put the quilt into the frame by safety pinning it all the way around. Then we laid the batting down and secured the quilt top with safety pins all the way around the perimeter.

At first, the thimble was my foe, but then we learned to how to become friends.  I finally got the hang of quilting...although that first square took me 2 hours!!  The end of the day drew near and Dona and her mom had done 3 times as many squares as I had.  I was the slow poke!

I returned the next week and got right to work.  It proved to going much more quickly which I was grateful for.  We finished up the top row of squares and the quilt was ready to bound.  Dona was gracious to teach me how to do a blind stitch and then rip it out when I was doing it wrong.  LOL  I got it eventually.

Sorry for the poor quality, but this shows you the whole quilt!  

We finished and I asked Dona if she would embroider a tag for me to put on the quilt.  Its nice to have talented friends.

Overall, I loved making this quilt.  Quilting is addictive.  It was made with so much love.  That baby girl isn't even here yet and she is so loved, Sara.  I loved learning this new skill and enjoyed my time with my friends.    I couldn't have done this without you, Done and Faye.  Y'all are amazing and such talented ladies.  Thank you for welcoming me into your home and helping with this gift of love.  

One of my favorite surprises ever