Pine Trees and Baby Gifts

We're here! But only at a temporary site at the moment. The site we chose to make our "home" didn't have water service yet when we arrived. Hopes are that the water issues will be resolved before the end of the week. The water and many, many other issues are continuing ghosts of the monstrous ice storm that ravished this area earlier this year. The damage is widespread and shocking. Literally everywhere you look.

Yesterday I took a walk to snap some photos. It's a challenge to stay out of the way of the work crews, so I walked up to the archery range. Right now attention is being focused on roads and campsites so this area is not a priority.

For whatever reason, it seems this hillside took a particular beating. There are standing trees in the background, however the trees you see in the foreground are not only downed but uprooted. Lots and lots of them, like a swath was taken right across that hillside.

But most shocking is that this kind of damage is not isolated. It's around every corner. The crews here are working ever so hard and making great progress but obviously it can't all be addressed. I can't imagine how many years it will take for nature to restore herself to previous splendor. Probably not in my lifetime!

Here's a typical roadside scene. This beautiful old cedar got a good pruning in order to clear the roadway. Behind is lots more that will lie, at least for the time being.

Nevertheless, the woods are coming to life with spring beauty and here are a couple of uplifting glimpses.

The thrilling beauty of rebirth . . .

So - enough camp talk! On to sewing . . .

Here are a couple more baby gift items from Lyndsay's shower that I promised I would show.

Diaper bag made for my mom to give (Daddy is a trucker, can you tell?!).

And here is a photo album that was my dad's gift.

Are you photo over-loaded?!

Hope your day is a good one!

Sweet Baby Lullabye

I've been anxious to post this one as I think it is just so darn cute. Meagan is the forever girlfriend of one my son's constant companions and very best since-childhood friends. Meagan asked me to do this set for her sister-in-law who is having a boy. You know, it's a special challenge to come up with something that is cute and fun but still boyish. When we talked I suggested the loopy-ribbon look and Meg loved that. She made a trip to Jackman's and came back with this stripe (by Timeless Treasures if anyone is interested) and a whole bag full of the most scrumptious ribbons. Those ribbons made the challenge much less daunting!

Here's the bag - XL to carry momma and sibling items as well.
This is my favorite part - what a touching sentiment, and most especially considering this is her sister-in-law. Isn't that sweet?! (Click in to get a better look.)


We also have a matching changing pad




. . . and a blankee.
It was fun to do these but I'm weary of bags. This may be the last bag I do for a long time. However there are still a few in the wings that I haven't shown yet, just waiting until the gifting dates are past. I've been doing some different projects lately and it's been a refreshing change. Quilting (my obsession of the moment) - oh, and yesterday I finally made a kitchen curtain for myself, I'll get pics of that soon.

And of course, I'm keeping an eye on the calendar as we continue to make arrangements to head off to Kentucky. Yesterday I officially became a cell phone owner. Yes, I know I am SO behind times. I should add here that my husband did provide me with one for emergencies but it was a pay-by-the-minute one and not something I actually used. Now I have a real one so will have to learn all the stuff that goes with it. I hope everyone has patience with me as I cut them off and don't know how to retrieve their messages!

On the subject of Kentucky, our friend Kathy with whom we will work this summer, sent me some photos this weekend of the cleanup progress at the campground. They have made a couple trips down there and here are photos from last week -

I don't think they went down this road, do you think?!

My heart goes out to those who are working so hard, I can't imagine how disheartening it would be to look at so much destruction and then think - where should we start?!

Have a good day, I'll be back soon.

So many things to share . . .

it's too much for one post! There's been a lot going on around here (as usual!).

My birthday comes on the heels of Christmas and that's such an inconvenient time. I use that as an excuse to kind of ignore the whole thing. I believe it's less about the whole age thing than it is about my discomfort at being the center of attention. Then there's the fact that it falls in that dead space of time between Christmas and New Year's when everyone is too busy for birthdays. Busy trying to recover from the wild and hectic pace of the previous several weeks and frantically attempting take down Christmas decor and make preparations for New Year's celebrations. Another party?! Groan and roll of the eyes. That's the essence of my birthday.

So . . . you can imagine what a SURPRISE it was when my friend Tammy and my dear future DIL Ashley organized a belated surprise dinner party for me on Friday evening! I remember Tammy saying at one point "You thought you got by that one, didn't you?". Indeed I did. It was a special evening and I was overwhelmed with their thoughtfulness and efforts to make it so nice. Ashley is a warm and intuitive person, always in tune to what is important to you. Believe me, she has brought a whole new level of sentimentality to my son! And Tammy - if you know Tammy, you know she is all about hospitality. Whatever the occasion, her inspiring decor sets a mood and wraps you up in the moment. When you're in her environment she'll have you feeling welcome, happy, warm & fuzzy all at the same time. So when those two put their heads together, it was magical. A beautiful and touching evening. Since it was a surprise I didn't have my camera to catch the balloons, gifts and fun but here at home I took this photo.




This is the beautiful centerpiece they sent home with me. (Eek -- I should have straightened the placemats before taking the pic!)




It's been a long time since I posted any sewing photos too, hasn't it? Well here is that diaper bag I told you I'd been working on, along with a few other baby gift items. This seems to be the season for babies around here.

His daddy operates a septic service.
By now I'm sure you realize the bib is reversible and following photo is the back.


I fell in love with that retro print without knowing how I would ever use it -- this worked perfectly, don't you think? I believe it's a Michael Miller print, I should look to be sure.

I love those frogs, don't you? The embroidery designs were all purchased from Designs by Juju in case anyone is interested. I have a whole library from her, she does great work.

And speaking of babies, it appears that dear Lyndsay Kay (my niece) will be having a little boy, due in May. They have chosen a name; I'll ask for permission to share it sometime soon.

I'll try to get back later in the week with more posts. I have lots more to share including my participation in Project Improv , a tag game with my blogger friend Amy of Park City Girl and a photo I can't believe I took! Like I said, things are rolling around here.

May God's peace and blessings be with you today!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

. . . in our little neck of the woods. Yesterday as I dreamed up a Christmas doggy stocking in my warm and cozy sewing studio (doesn't that sound hotzy-totzy!), Randy had to dodge snowflakes as he cleaned up leaves in the yard! Not that he minds. He likes snow. He likes Christmas. Sometimes I call him "Rudy-Lou-Who". You have to be a fan of the Grinch to get that humor.

Even I who fret and worry over the holidays can't help but catch a little whimsical Christmas spirit with fun projects like last week's bibs and this week's doggy stocking for Isaac & Avery's pup.

Now you know, sweet Rusty is going to want one like this too . . .

And a close-up 'cause you've gotta check out the ribbon.

(Darn, I don't have any more of that.)

Then, the diaper bag I promised from last week . . .

And finally a shirt for my husband. This was inspired by my friend Tammy's youngest, Tyler, who wanted something Fire Dept. related to honor the memory of his uncle Todd. Tyler has a lot of qualities passed on from his mom and Todd. He has a creative mind and oh-my, can he build things with wood! At 16 he has created some amazing outdoor furniture pieces like hexagon picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. He even sold a few this past summer. He got his business drive from his dad! Now I'm rambling (my husband says I do that) . . . here's the shirt.

My husband is pleased and that makes me happy too. A somber loving happy.

Today I'm thankful for:

~ a warm home and well stocked cupboard

~ sweet puppy kisses

~ the beautiful fox couple who visits our yard daily reminding me to live life simply, in faith that our needs will be met

What are you thankful for today?

In my sewing room this week

So far this week I've completed a couple of bags. They are totally different but I love them both.

I have to say it, this one was a challenge. If she wasn't so pretty, she might not have survived!! The chocolate is a home dec with the most wonderful texture and a very sturdy weight. I was thrilled with the way it was handling, zippers (yes two!) were looking great, then I got to the straps only to find out that four layers of fabric plus interfacing were impenetrable - even with a 110 needle! I spent one whole afternoon and no less than five (I think it was actually six) trials before I came up with a handle technique for this one. Whew! Nevertheless, I am thrilled with this bag -- I love it so much, I wanna change my name and carry it!

And I just love this zoo themed diaper bag! Sorry, I had to edit the name from the photo as it's a secret. But it's a cute name and the monogramming is done in a fun, contemporary serif font in lime green. It's cute but you'll just have to take my word for it. :)


And here's a coordinating reversible bib. I like these more with each one I do. You probably can't see from the photo but it's quilted with stippling around the design. (You can see the stippling some if you double-click to enlarge the photo.) These bibs are a learning tool for me - I'm perfecting my free motion quilting skills and getting more adept at using my bias binder attachment.

I've got a couple of other sewing projects underway but nothing worth showing. I'm working on supply lists and sewing patterns for my classes. Tammy and I did grape jam last night - I won't bore you with photos but will tell you her kitchen smelled divine! Our weather is spectacular, I hope you all are equally blessed and having some time to enjoy it. Have a great weekend!

Two more orders down . . .

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend, did you? The weather was gorgeous, we got to spend some time with our kids (Amy, Kyle & Ashley), we rode scooters, spent a night camping . . . WOW, what more could you wish for?!












So now that the weekend is over, it's back to reality - I have orders I need to complete! I finished this pale turquoise and pink small-size diaper bag last week. I was told the new mother likes butterflies and I had this cute fabric on hand. Once again, I decided to digitize an element from the fabric (butterflies) to enhance the monogram.


Here's another Aly, but with a different spelling. This one is a book bag, done in school colors. It has an adjustable strap so she can choose her preference for the length of the strap. It's a bigger bag than you can tell - a 3-ring binder fits perfectly horizontally with enough room for a couple layers of books. Ugh, my shoulders ache just saying that!

And my personal excitement -- I talked twice today with the coordinator at Jackman's. I'm officially on their calendar now with two kids' classes scheduled for December 22nd. One morning session, one afternoon. Projects are yet to be determined, that's part of what we talked about. She's sending some ideas for me to consider. I so love kids and taught religion classes for seven years, so I'm thinking I can do this and maybe kids' classes will be a good starting point. Maybe?

Thanks for stopping by. I'll catch you later!