Ben

We had to put our cat Ben down. He had gotten sick in the spring- what seemed like the flu- and we were just about to take him into the vet when he got better. He started eating again and was back to his "old" self. But then a month or so later he seemed to be drinking alot and we suspected he had diabetes.

In the end, we found out he did have diabetes, but seemingly as a result of a virus that had attacked his pancreas. His kidneys and liver had also been affected as a result and so there really were no options. It was heartbreaking and with the decision to put him down came the guilt of wondering what would have been the result if we would have taken him in way back in spring.

Ben was a wonderful cat- very gentle and patient and loving. We rescued him from the Humane Society before we were even married- and he led a full and happy life. Still, even though he was a "grandpa" and we knew his time would come, it was so very hard to let him go. We miss him.

We've had some fun days at the beach- playing in the sand- what could be better?

This is my June CMP ATC- the theme was "Ingredients" which was very tough. But in the end, I thought about this sock yarn I've been knitting with- it's so soft and I love the fact that it's got Chitin in it. So I decided to use that as my inspiration.

I managed to finish piecing a quilt I started, like, over 6 years ago. It's all put together but needs the borders. Haven't been able to do as much quilting as I'd like because my Bernina's in the shop for cleaning and maintenance.

Luckily I still have my Kenmore, so I have been able to finish some sewing projects.

Like this bag...

Love the rose detail!

and this little makeup bag, both from this book.

Summer Sewing Fun

Not quite the official start of summer, but I've been sewing like crazy. I always get alot done in the summer, when I only have 4 weeks of summer school to work. It's always a great time to tackle some UFO's, and of course start some new projects.

This is the baby quilt I made for a fellow teacher who is due in August. I originally started it for Matthew's teacher but then got inspiration to do the below quilt. I thought these bright colors would be perfect for a baby quilt.

Here's the quilt a made for Matthew's teacher. I just love those retro colors! I actually got some help on this from Kevin. He helped press while I sewed. I finished the quilt in less then a week.

The CMP ATC theme for May was "Choices" and you can see below that I was inspired by some tough life choices I plan on making this summer. I want low stress these next months!

We started off our summer vacation with a trip to the zoo. Popcorn and soda.

Walking on curbs.

And turning a cheek for a kiss. Welcome summer!

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sunny Days

I finished this quilt for a fellow teacher who is due very soon. She doesn't know if the baby's a boy or girl and I think these colors would work for either. The picture isn't the sharpest, but I finished it late Wednesday night and gave it to her Thursday, so I had to snap a quick picture Thursday morning before work in not-so-ideal conditions.

I made my neice this swim suit and towel bag for her birthday and got it off in the mail this week. I can't get enough of that fabric.

And we had some great sunny days last weekend and this week. It felt so great to be out in the sun. I can't believe we only have two more weeks of school!

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! I was surprised with a day out yesterday. Kevin made an appointment for me to get my hair cut at the Aveda salon (I love Aveda). After that I stopped at the fabric store to pick up some fabric for a dress and a skirt. Then I went to the grocery store to get some gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix and bread mix. I've made the cookies before and although compared to the cookies I usually make, their just OK, compared to the nothing I've had since I've had to go gluten free- they are awesome! I'm looking forward to making the bread.

The washcloths are my mother's day theme this year. The ones above I crocheted for my grandma using Sugar and Creme. I am so making some of these for me.

And these I made for my mom using four different crochet patterns- a half double crochet stitch, a double crochet, and two different shell stitches. For these I used Lion Organic Cotton and it is so soft and snuggly. I couldn't afford to make a whole blanket with this yarn, but a washcloth takes up one skein, so it's the perfect gift.

And Claire made pictures for everyone.

Last night I started a snowball quilt for Matthew's teacher. There's only 4 weeks left of school and those are going to be so busy- I hope I can pull this off- the blocks so far are a little more tedious then I though because of all the small squares at the corners. But I got it all cut last night and the blocks pinned but not yet sewn. Well, if it doesn't pan out I could always give her washcloths!