baby, baby...

Went to a baby shower on Saturday.  I should have taken pictures of the decorations, it was beautiful.  I always imagine throwing a party with such cute decor, but never have.  Anyway, it was fun to see someone else do it... and to be invited.


I made a diaper caddy.  I need to make myself some of these.  So cute.  You can find the tutorial with pattern download here.

And of course, a couple of hats... a knit pink and brown...

and a crocheted cream one, with a hot pink flower.  Hope she likes pink.  And hats.

I actually started the cream one probably about 12 months ago, for another baby.  It was put down, and not picked up until recently.  It really was so quick to finish though.  Of course then I felt badly that I hadn't made myself finish it so many months ago.  Oh well.

Both hats have the same triple layer flower on them.  The light pink one is made with a bigger hook.  I'm really loving that flower.  It's all one piece, instead of three separate flowers, layered.  Fun.  It came with the crocheted hat pattern.  You can find it here, if you're interested.  She's got a lot of cute patterns.

winner! winner!

Congratulations to Maureen!  Number 57.  She said:

My favorite holiday goody is sweet Potatoe pie. I usually only have from Thanksgiving until Christmas time, so I look forward to it as a special treat. Thanks for the chance to win this adorable cupcake hot pad!

Thanks to everyone who commented.  So fun to read about your favorite holiday treats.  Thanks for sharing.

I'll be contacting you, Maureen.  Expect your hot pad soon.  Just in time for lots of holiday baking!!!

handmade gift exchange

A couple of weeks ago, before Thanksgiving, I participated in a Handmade Gift Exchange.  Twice a year, Craftaholics Anonymous hosts this exchange for readers and crafters everywhere. Participants make a handmade gift for another crafter with whom they are paired.  

This was my second time participating.  It's a lot of fun.  I mean, who doesn't love getting mail?!

This time around, my swap partner was in Austin, TX.  Knowing this, I couldn't do anything for cold weather.  So, I decided to make her a scarf that she could wear right now.  Well, year-round, really.

This picture was taken with my iphone, right before mailing the package... not a lot of modeling choices.

The fabric was slightly sheer, hemmed on all sides, with 3 rows of elastic thread.  This was my first time sewing with elastic thread.  It was cool.  I don't know why I waited so long.  It was easy.  I NEED to make Hazel something smocked... soon.

Try to imagine the cuteness of this in real life.

I added to it a cute little wristlet.  There's no picture of the lining, but it was a cute red and white design.  And chevrons?  What's not to love!  You can find the tutorial for this wristlet here.

So much fun.

And here's what I received...

A couple of brown paper packages tied-up with string, er, a, twine.  The excitement grows...

Check out how cool this is.  Vintage flatware that she has stamped.  LOVE it!  

How fun will this be to use?!

Mmmm.  Ice Cream.

I Am Sew Happy!  Clever.

I'm thinking this could be a really cool gift for someone who's maybe a little hard to shop for?  You should check out her shop:  For Such A Time Designs.  Thanks Aly.  LOVE IT!

Giveaway Day!

I think I've seen this previous years, but never in enough time to participate.  This is the year!  Such a great idea... thank you Sew Mama Sew.

Here's what I'm giving away...

... a cupcake hot pad!  Your fingers can slide in under the frosting.

So here's what I need:

• 1 comment telling me what your favorite holiday goody is (if you want to leave the recipe, feel free)
• Email address so I can contact you
• Open until Friday, 7 December, 5pm
• US and international entries

Can't wait to read your entries!  Don't forget to check out all the other great giveaways on Sew Mama Sew.

long time gone

Feels like it's been forever.

Practically has.

I mean, I can barely remember August.

Lots going on.  Which, isn't really a great excuse.  Everyone could claim the same.  But, I'm still going to use it.

We sold our house.  Looked and looked for a new one.  We moved.  To a rental.  The kids started school.  The kids were in soccer, 3 times a week, all afternoon or morning long.  Four kids in soccer is a BIG commitment.  Laundry.  Dinner.  Lunch.  Cleaning the house.  Speech for Hazel twice a week.  After school tutoring.  Chess club.  Press club.  Two work trips to Dallas.  Breakfast.  Thanksgiving.  Christmas sewing.  Birthdays x 2.

I'm sitting here racking my brain for other things I could possibly include on my list to make this long absence seem legitimate... nothing else is coming.

Anyway.  Here we are.  December.  Wow.  How did that happen?


We had a GREAT Thanksgiving.  Spent it with two of my sisters and their families.  Good times.

Lynette (sister) whipping up something amazing.  Rachel (sister) in back ground, and half of Shawn, cutting something very important to the meal.

Lynette and I working diligently, as Lynette pauses to smile for the camera.

Rachel working on some pickle dip.  Mmmm.

Turkeys.  Traditional in Anthony's (Lynette's husband) family.  Cute.  Fun.  Edible.

The little, little kids table.  You can tell how much they loved the turkeys.

A little "Just Dance" action while the dinner was still being prepped.

The meal.

Funny that you slave in the kitchen for half the day (at least), and it's gone in maybe 30 minutes.  But so worth it.  I love Thanksgiving.