Star Light Star Bright

I made this quilt for a special little boy who's been dealing with some tough stuff.
I think the bright yellows, oranges, blues and greens are cheerful colors.
And stars always bring hope that wishes will come true.
Our thoughts and prayers and with Charlie and his family.

June Showers Finally Bring Flowers

The month of June thus far has been gloomy, wet and cold. Depressing, really. Today was the first day we've seen the sun in over a week.

To celebrate, I took some outdoor photos of the flower applique quilt I finished (after starting it like 4 years ago!).

Let's hope this sunny, warm weather is here to stay for the rest of the summer!

Make Up Bag

I made this bag from this book. The fabric is from Jo-ann Fabrics. I used the interfacing called for in the book, but because I used quilting cotton instead of a heavy weight, it didn't have as much body as I would have liked for a bag with that much shape.

A Work in Progress

I am working on revamping- something I've wanted to do for a long time but just always put it to the bottom of my "to do" pile.

So please, pardon my mess as I redo, and learn along the way.

Fall Patterns

I ordered these two items from Fig Tree & Co and they are in the mail to me! After making those apples I saw the above pumpkin and had to have this kit. So cute! I can't wait- don't you just love getting presents in the mail?


I started this jacket, style E a couple weeks ago. Haven't done anything since. I've got the collar and sleeves to put on it yet.
I'm making this above costume for Claire for Halloween. I've cut out the dress and apron and hope to get some done this long Labor Day weekend.

Happy First Day of School

Tomorrow is the first day of school for the kids. I made some patchwork apples for Matthew's teacher and some of my close friends at school. (with a few extra for me)

They were easy to make. I first cut the fabric in random sqaures, rectangles and triangles and then sewed the peices together until I had the size I needed. Then I folded the fabric right sides together and cut out an apple shape.

I sewed down the side and across the bottom and turned it right side out. I gathered the top and then, using a long embroidery needle, thread down through the bottom and then up through the top a time or two to pull the apple in. I used a golf tee for the stem and made a small leaf and tacked it to the top near the stem.

Claire and I made cookies as a thank you to our school secretaries. The first weeks of school are always pure chaos for them and they always manage to stay smiling through it all.

A girl needs her apron.

Pouring in the chocolate chips...

And the greatest reward for helping mom... a lick of cookie dough!

Summer Fun Review

A photo review of summer fun we had this year. Tomorrow is our last day of vacation. It's on to another school year- Matthew as a third grader and Claire one step closer to kindergarten. But for now, we remember when our days were filled with ......

sand castle building...
getting feet wet in Lake Michigan (brrrr!)...

enjoying the view...
carnival birthday celebrating...

drying off after sprinkler chasing....

keeping the ball from the dog...

and eating veggies from the farmer's market.

It was a fun summer!