Well, No One's Perfect

I was feeling quite pleased with myself as I was squaring up my blocks for te Siggy Swap, that is until I discovered that I had cut the first 18 of the 60 a quarter inch too small. Errrr! Frustration! Well, no one's perfect and so I made 18 new ones using these fabrics that were leftover from another project. And made sure to cut these and the other remaining blocks the correct size. But all is not lost with the first 18. I got to playing with them and found I can make a nice table runner with them. That will have to wait though until I mark a couple other projects off the "Have to do List". With spring break having been this last week for the boys, we took a little trip up to my sister's for a couple days. Since I never leave home without a project in hand, I put together the first three blocks for Gail's "A Christmas Wish" and was able to complete those while up at my sisters. For some reason though my camera dumped the photo of the "LOVE" block. Also on my list of completions for the week is Rae's Buttercup Bag. My dear friend Jessica is celebrating a birthday tomorrow and I'd been contimplating for a while what to make her. When I saw this bag I thought it the perfect gift. Rae's tutorial is very well put together with loads of photos. The only change I made to the design was to add some heavy interfacing to the handle. I did not like how flimsy it was without it. Friday was a beautiful day here and I finally had the chance to get out and work in the yard. Boy, I had not clue just how out of shape I'd gotten over the winter. I am not a winter person and tend to hibernate. I was able to get quite alot done though and it felt wonderful. Still loads more to do so I am looking forward to more wonderful weather as spring makes it's way in. The daffodils and hyacinths are in full bloom and the tulips are just about to bloom.

Siggy Blocks

Finally getting my siggy blocks completed for the siggy swap. Could not resist the urge to play with them a bit as I was squaring a few of them. I love this effect. Think I will have to add this project on my personal want to do list and I know just the colors I would do it in too.

Little Mama

Unforunately I have nothing craft wise to share this week. I have done quite a bit this week with needle and thread but it is all swap stuff that can't be shared just yet. I did complete items for three of the swaps I am participating in and will be walking down to the post office Monday to mail them out. Three of you will soon find some treats on your door steps.....hmmm wonder who it could be. Since I had no crafty photos to share I thought I'd share this one of my Ivy Girl. While finishing up one of my swap items yesterday I heard a suspicious noise from the direction of the bedrooms and went to investigate. I did not find trouble as I thought I might but instead found Miss Ivy reading to her dolly. Her auntie gave her this dolly for Christmas and she never leaves home without it. A friend of mine has nicknamed the doll "little Pirate". As you can see one eye is closed. This eye has refused to open from day one, hense the nickname.

Some Swap Goodies

What a fun week for swapping. Our church had a fun activity on Tuesday night in which we held a clothing swap. We gathered with clothing items in excellent used condition that we no longer wanted/no longer fit, whatever the case and swapped them out with other ladies. It was a great opportunity to clean out the childrens closet's. I was so excited to come home with four pairs of pants that did not look like they had ever been worn. Haven't had a new pair of pants in eight years and it felt great. Of course I am a bit vertically challenged so I did have to take a couple inches off all four before wearing, but heck, who's complaining when the cost is "FREE". The children also got a couple "new/used" items as well for which they were very excited about. Then to top off this excitement the postman delivered a pacrel on Weds. morning. I was so darn excited I forgot to grab the camera before digging in. It was my long awaited swap item from the "Amy Butler Bag Swap". Let's just say, it was worth the wait. Abbie sent a wonderful tote sized bag loaded with pockets and an attached clasp that works great for holding my little scissors. I plan to use this gorgeous bag for our bi-weekly trips to the speach therapist for Sarah. Since I wait in the waiting room for an hour I like to take something to work on and this will be a very stylish way to do so. Thanks a million Abbie, It's FABULOUS! Weds. afternoon I started on a project for one of the swaps I've signed up to particpate in. I have been having so much fun with it and hope that .????. likes it as much as I am liking the final results. Isn't it pretty...hehehe

Happy Stitchin'

Heaven and Nature

Completed this pillow today from Bareroots. I have done it a couple of times in the past as a gift and decided to do it again as it is one of my favorites. I do like to change it up a bit and use some fun fabrics. This photo is prior to my putting in the pillow form and as usual with my photo it is not the best but you get the idea. The bunny leaping across the center is so fun. Love the newest stichery from Willowberry and could not resist doing it before going to bed last night. It now joins the first two and I can't wait for next month's to be released.

Fabric Fun

Saturday was quilt club for the "Kaleidoscope of Kolor" quilt and I took the opportunity while I was there to purchase some fabrics that were on sale. From the moment I saw these fabrics from April Cornell I had to have them for the spring swap I signed up to participate in. I thought the colors and pattern spoke nothing but "spring". Aren't they lovely. The shop was also having a sale on fat quarters and I just had to get these five from the Oh, Cherry, Oh line. I fell in love with this line the moment I saw it and knew I wanted to do this quilt from Oh, Fransson. When I saw this quilt I instantly thought, "what a great picnic quilt!" The children and I join a group of ladies from church at the park each Weds. during the summer for "Picnic in the Park" so this quilt would definitely get used. Unfortunately the shop only had these five from the line so I will have to look else where to get the rest. Following quilt club and shopping I headed over to Jo-Ann's and purchased these fabrics for Sarah and Ivy's Easter dresses. I already purchased the ties from The Children's Place in the same colors for the boys so that all four kiddos will coordinate. I am leaning towards using Simplicity's 4647 (dress C with Bodice A)for the girl's dresses but have not totally decided. I did not get much sewing done this weekend as we were getting ready for DH to head out for some training before he heads off ooverseas. But I did manage to get started on making my blocks for the Siggy Swap after DH left yesterday. Just have to add the centers to the sixty blocks and I can get them in the mail.

Under The Willow

From the moment I saw Cheryl's Veranda Views BOM I knew I wanted to participate. I finally had the chance to do block 1, Under The WIllow yesterday and look forward to complete block 2 this weekend. Thank you Cheryl for your generousity in sharing this lovely stitchery pattern.