Mama Cubed Creations

Last Friday Night...

2011-06-18T14:47:00.003-06:00

Hahahaha! So, um no. This is NOT what I did last {friday} night. Waaayyyyy too conservative for that.

But, what I did do last night was join in the

And it was great! We're taking the Rowdy Bunch on another road trip next week. We're headed to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. And we're ~~absolutely OUT. OF. OUR. MINDS.~~ camping.

Which means we need pillows. And if you haven't ever been camping with boys,~~get down on your knees and say a small prayer of thanks,~~ let me tell you, nothing {NOTHING} comes back clean. So I didn't want to run the risk of messing up pillowcases that went with any of our sheet sets. So I did what any other crafty Mama would do....

I made them new pillowcases for our trip. And of course I had to put initials on them so there's no fighting over who has "MY" pillow. *sigh*

I had a lot of fun with these, and the boys have already claimed them for their pillows right now. I guess that's at least one more load of laundry I have to do now before we leave. Swell.

Some fun stuff!

2011-06-14T20:34:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I've had a chance to join Bobbi and Heidi for a

but I am making plans for this one! I have a few (ha! if you could only see my list!) things I'd like to work on. Most are gifts, some for birthdays, some for Christmas, and some just because.

A few of those projects would be made ~~sew~~ SO much easier with a Go! Baby. You'd like one, too, you say?!?! Well lucky for us, there are TWO giveaways going on right now for them!
Its Sew Kiki has one up for grabs {closes June 20th}
and so does
Samelia's Mum {closes June 26th}.
Accuquilt is also including 3 die of your choice with each Go! Baby! I know which ones I ~~need~~ want.

Also, Carolyn at just one more stitch has a giveaway that is sure to make you swoon! Jelly rolls and gift certificates from Shabby Fabrics. So, if you'd like ~~to lessen my chances of winning~~ a chance at these great prizes, what are you waiting for?

{teacup pincushions}

2011-05-30T17:49:00.005-06:00

I'm slowly getting back to the crafting thing, and I swear, it's like a snowball. I started, and now I am in a furry of crafting! I am trying to get some Christmas presents made - yes, I know it's only May.

But, in my defense - I have 3 boys {the youngest of which took his first steps last night! YAY!!!}

Also, it looked like Christmas here yesterday and today. Woke up to roughly 4" of snow yesterday morning, and then today it looked as though we were in for a May blizzard. So cut me a little slack, okay? - K.

I found a tutorial over at Martha's.

The woman drives me batty, but she does find some awesome projects.

Betz White can make just about anything out of felt, I swear.

This is my interpretation of her teacup pincushions. I think they are adorable.

The bottom one is for my mother-in-law for Christmas (and I am crossing my fingers she doesn't read my blog, otherwise, Merry Christmas in May!) and the top one I haven't decide what I am doing with yet. It may go to a friend who is just starting out with sewing. But first I am entering it in the Store Challenge at my LQS. Unless I enter the bottom one. I still can't decide, and I have to take it in tomorrow.

And can we say cashmere pincushion!?!? My pins have never had it so good! ha!ha!

And if you need some more inspiration, check out all the fun projects at

Please Return to Your Regular Blogging

2011-05-27T08:04:00.000-06:00

*ahem* Apparently I've neglected my blog. The good news is that is hasn't been a full year since my last post. The bad news is that it's been WAY more than long enough! Yikes.

So, rather than bore you with a long drawn out explanation of what's been going on, let's just chalk it up to LIFE, and go from there. And I'll give you a peek at what I've been doing.

Sewing

Burp cloths (I know a gazillion preggos right now)

Take-everywhere bags made for 2/3 of the

Rowdy Bunch

Mini-Twistable Crayon Rolls

Taggie Blankets

Cakes

Buggy cake for Local Library

Communion Cake

The Munchkin's 5th Birthday Cake - It's "Dinosaur Train"

for those of you who don't have PBS and a 5 year old.

So, there's a small peek of what's been going on. I plan on getting back to blogging, and I am sewing a lot more now, too. Missed you all!!!

Gone fishin'

2010-07-09T22:53:00.000-06:00

I had a blast with this cake... I really hope the lady that ordered it and said that the couple it's for "like to fish" thinks that it fits the bill, too!

Other than the line and poles, the entire cake is edible!

I added the words after the picture was taken.

Now, to deliver it in the morning!

What I've been up to...

2010-06-30T18:56:00.000-06:00

Well, Daddy Cubed and I threw the Rowdy Bunch into the Rowdy Mobile for ~~600 miles of terror~~ another fun road trip.

Back to Colorado we went. This time for Auntie's wedding!

Before leaving, I made close to 600 pizzelles (an Italian cookie that Meg and I grew up eating) for her favor bags. Daddy Cubed, who loves me enough to package 400 of said cookies but NOT ONE MORE, was busy filling bags while I was running the pizzelle iron.

Her wedding was gorgeous! And so was my baby sister!

The New Mr. & Mrs.

That's about the only picture I have right now. Our camera died right before the ceremony started, which is really sad, because the Munchkin and Gus-Gus were Ring Bearers and were cuter than cute. Well, the Munchkin was a Ring Bearer.. Gus-Gus was sick and wasn't having anything to do with walking down the aisle.

But I also made some of the cutest baby blocks ever!

2/3 of the Rowdy Bunch are slightly miffed that I didn't make any for the other 1/3. But the Peanut's are coming! I just hope I can get a spare minute to make him some before ~~he goes to college~~ he gets much older!

Our road trip home was even more fun than the trip down there. All 3 of the kids were sick, and 2 of them decided it would be fun to see if Mama & Daddy could withstand 200 miles of whining and crying. Seriously.

Apron in the breeze

2010-06-19T08:52:00.001-06:00

So Friday was the monthly "Friday Night Sew-In" over at Bobbi Jo and Heidi's blogs... even though Bobbi Jo is doing this month's solo!

Here's what I was able to get done! And sorry for the not-so-great picture. But I live in Wyoming, and if you haven't heard... Wyoming is WINDY! And really, I should just be happy it wasn't snowing. Seriously.

This is a present for a friend's mother-in-law. I love the solid black on it. It really makes the apron!

Some Exciting News!!!

2010-06-15T21:47:00.001-06:00

So usually when something really exciting happens, it's all I can do to shout it from the rooftops. Usually.

I was contacted by Melissa of Jason Kelly Photography awhile ago about carrying Mama Cubed Creations in her boutique in Kingston, Ontario. ~~I am pretty sure I was jumping up and down screaming my head off.~~ I was beyond excited. The Rowdy Bunch all thought it was pretty ~~funny~~ neat, too.

Their Grand Opening is on Saturday the 19th! And I would love to be there... I think maybe someone needs to get a passport.... what do you think???

If you haven't already, check out my Facebook Fan Page. You can also visit Jason Kelly Photography's Facebook Fan Page.

And aren't you proud of me for keeping my big mouth shut until I knew it was a done deal???

I know I am! hee hee

Showing off...

2010-06-08T15:09:00.000-06:00

because I can. And it's fun to share my completed projects with you guys! :)

This was a custom order for a good friend of mine. Shauna owns Shauna's Bowtique, and makes some of the cutest hairbows I've seen. So cute it almost makes Daddy Cubed and I want to try for a girl. Almost.

Anyway, this is her Chloe Bag!

I can't wait until she gets it! And either can she!

Awesome Scentsy Giveaway!!!

2010-06-07T09:24:00.001-06:00

So awhile back, I found this blog...Sniffaway. Wendy is a Scentsy consultant. She happened to be doing a giveaway, and I happened to win one of her prizes (a Beach scented travel tin that has made the Rowdy Mobile smell divine!). Well now, she's teamed up with Heather at Airplanes and Dragonflies to giveaway a warmer and a candle bar!

Wouldn't that be festive for 4th of July? I love it!

If you head over to Airplanes and Dragonflies between now and the 18th, you can enter to win it, too!

And if you just can't wait until the 18th to get your own, visit https://snifftastic.scentsy.us/Home to order from Wendy right now!

Good luck!

The coolest cake... possibly ever

2010-06-01T22:06:00.001-06:00

So the last week has been a ~~trip jam packed with madness~~ bit of a whirlwind. Daddy Cubed and I took the Rowdy Bunch home to Colorado for my little brother's high school graduation. He was my last hold-out on really having to be an adult, but that's a whole nother post. Anyhow, when planning his graduation party, my sister and I tried to figure out what he wanted. My conversation with him went like this....

Me: "What do you want at your graduation party?"

Him: "I don't care."

Me: "No, not good enough. What do you want?"

Him: "A keg."

Me: "A cake?"

Him: "No, a KEG."

Me: "Ha ha. Nice try. Anything else?"

Him: "I don't care."

So, I gave him what he wanted. A keg. Maybe next time he'll be a little more specific.

I freaking LOVE how this turned out!

The Grad and his cake. Can't you just see how thrilled he is to be having his picture taken? But, he did text the pictures of the cake to his buddies, which is the true mark of coolness to a 19 year old.

New Look!

2010-05-25T08:41:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to debut my new logo! I liked my old one, but I felt like I needed something a little more "fun" and something that tied the Rowdy Bunch in.

Enter my cousin Chris. He's a graphic designer... he's been doing this for as long as I can remember. In fact, he designed the logo for my dad's electrical business WAY BACK WHEN.

~~I have to work on getting the header smaller, it's freaking ginormous a little bigger than I would like.~~ But I can sew. I can NOT figure Blogger out to save my life.

It's better now! But I still can't figure Blogger out! ☺

Isn't it cool though?

♥I love it! ♥

It's Giveaway Day on Sew Mama Sew

2010-05-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

and HOLY COW can you win a lot of cool stuff!

Let's do a list, shall we....

Heather at Mountain Home Quilts has 2 nifty Moda pre-cuts (a charm pack and a turnover) and a quilting guide
Katie at Something Old, Something New has something blue to give away! Love me some Jelly Rolls!!!
Lisa Marie has some pretty Amy Butler Yardage at That Crazy Quilty Girl

There are a TON, no really, more at Sew Mama Sew! SO get over there!!!

Worth the wait!!!

2010-05-15T12:26:00.000-06:00

I know, it's taken forever.... but I'd like to introduce you to someone.

Meet Chloe.

She's pretty gorgeous, huh?

I think so.

And she was totally worth the wait.

ahhh, bliss.

Well that was fast!

2010-05-07T14:58:00.000-06:00

Mama Cubed Creations hit 250 in less than 5 hours!!! Amazing! Thank you all so much!!!

Congratulations Sherry!!!

Time for another GIVEAWAY!!! - CLOSED

2010-05-07T10:58:00.002-06:00

So my last giveaway on Mama Cubed Creations Facebook Fan Page went over very well. So well in fact, that I am having another one! As soon as there are 250 fans, I'll use random.org again to pick a winner. What are you going to win? I haven't decided yet! How fun is that?? Oh, and we only need 25 more fans to do the giveaway!

Are YOU a fan yet?

I know...

2010-05-05T11:06:00.002-06:00

it's been awhile since I've posted anything new. BUT I had to show this off! I think it might be my favorite Addison purse yet. It's a good thing Michael Miller isn't a real person, or Daddy Cubed might be in trouble.

But look..... just look.

Sigh. It's so pretty. If I didn't have another gorgeous bag in mind for myself, I don't think I could put this one in the etsy store. But I do, so I will.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, that's Daisy Dream on the outside and Candy Dumb Dot on the inside.

The Blog Guide Book

2010-05-04T15:28:00.003-06:00

Have you ever wondered what other blogs there are out there in Blogland? I know I have, but I am really not all that good at navigating around to anything other than crafty blogs. But now there's one central place where we can go to search for fun new blogs. The Blog Guide Book is like a Yellow Pages of Blogs! Happy searching!!!

P.S. I am under the "crafting and sewing" and "handmade" categories! Where are you?

Last night's project!

2010-04-27T10:20:00.000-06:00

How cute is this?

It's a camera strap cover I made last night! Since ~~I'm not quite cool enough to have~~ I don't have a DSLR yet, it's for a friend who ~~is cool enough~~ does. Ruffles are addicting, though. Think I can convince the Rowdy Bunch and their dad that ruffles are very manly? Yeah, me either.

My new gig

2010-04-26T14:18:00.001-06:00

Like I don't have enough going on, right? Well, anyway, I am now going to be a contributor on "a little etsy love". It's a wonderful blog that showcases amazing talent on Etsy! And the best part? All my posts are going to be giveaways! So you want to make sure you go over there and follow so you have more chances to win, huh?

I'll be there on Wednesdays, so make sure you come say hi!

Our Earth Day Adventure

2010-04-22T21:56:00.002-06:00

The hubby and I decided that we'd take the Rowdy Bunch on a short road trip this week to Yellowstone National Park. We are fortunate enough to live about 120 miles south of "the Park," but we haven't been since before the Munchkin was born. Yeah, yeah, I know. Anyhow, we tried to go today, okay, happy now?
Yes, we tried to go. Turns out that this week there isn't an entrance fee to any of the National Parks. Which is great - if you live near the West or North entrances of Yellowstone. If you live near the South entrance it ~~royally sucks~~ isn't so great. We got up this morning still, loaded the Rowdy Bunch into the van, and off we went. Did I mention it was rainy and overcast? Were we going to let that deter us? Never! A quick stop for ~~junk food~~ nutritious and wholesome lunch items in Jackson Hole, and we were back on the road again. We drove, and drove and drove.... couldn't see the Tetons because of the clouds. So now I can say I've been to Grand Teton National Park, I just haven't seen them. Yeah, I'm cool like that.
We drove until we could go no further. We respectfully obeyed the "Road Closed" signs ~~someday maybe I'll be a rebel~~, and had a picnic in an empty parking lot. The boys ran around for a little while, but the clouds were looking more and more ominous, so we packed it up. Good thing too, because it started snowing on us. It didn't stop until we got home. Welcome to Wyoming in the Spring.
I think I have pictures I can upload... will have to check those later, when I find the camera!

Oh and I need a nickname for the hubby.... got any ideas?

My First Giveaway!!! - Closed

2010-04-21T09:52:00.003-06:00

I can't believe I forgot to post this here! WHOOPS!!! Anyhow, today, on Mama Cubed Creations Face Book Fan Page, I will be using random.org to pick a fan to win a free key fob! So go join! You have about 10 hours until the drawing!!! Hurry! :)

CONGRATULATIONS TO TONYA!!!

Let them eat CAKE!

2010-04-20T08:47:00.003-06:00

So I don't have any new sewing projects to show you today, but for good reason. I spent Friday and Saturday making 2 1/2 sheet cakes for 2 different events. I lost a little bit of time on Friday because the Peanut decided to keep me on my toes and run a 102 degree fever 2 days in a row with no other symptoms. After our RSV ordeal in February, I didn't want to risk anything, so off to the doctor we went. No idea what was wrong with him, but he seems to have knocked the fevers off.
Anyhow, back to the cakes....

The first was a Lemon Cake with Fresh Strawberry Cream filling, covered in Butter Cream.

There were pink footprints all around the side of the cake, too. Cute, huh?

The next one was for the First Communion kids at our Church. It was 1/2 white, 1/2 chocolate, and also filled with Fresh Strawberry Cream filling covered in Butter Cream.

The Rosary beads and Bible are both made out of fondant. The Bible is a cardboard box. I had considered making it out of cake, but it just seemed wrong to eat the Bible! I was very impressed with this one.

Katie's Apron

2010-04-16T10:06:00.004-06:00

Last month, I made an apron for my sister's BFF. Well, I posted it on my Face Book fanpage, and one of my friends loved it. It was a very "Katie" kind of fabric, and she asked me to make one for her. I wanted to try a few different things I'd seen on other aprons, so luckily, Katie trusted me enough to give me artistic license on her apron.

There's the end result. I LOVE it! I still don't ~~feel bad ass enough~~ think I could pull off the skulls, but the style of it I love! And it's so much fun to be able to say that it's a Mama Cubed Creations original design!!

Oh, and nap time is a beautiful thing, especially when every member of the Rowdy Bunch sleeps at the same time! This is what I did yesterday -

Lila Tueller's Eden Plumage in Buttercup is on the outside, and Kate Spain's Verna Damask in Budding Green is on the interior. Doesn't this just scream Spring???

And because I had two orders for cakes for this weekend, my Friday Night Sew-In was more like a Thursday Afternoon Sew-In! Some day I am gonna sew on a friday night!!!

Just a little slice....

2010-04-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

So awhile back, Melissa at Lilac Lane asked her readers to send her some yummy bread recipes so she could try them out on her family. Guess who she's featuring right now? Yep, yours truly. Go check them out. They are to.die.for breads. But I better not let my hubby see this, or I'm gonna have to make him bread today! :)

The Dough Week 2

Enjoy!

I'll be back later... I gotta run in to town. I've run out of thread AGAIN!!!

So You Think You Can Quilt?

2010-04-08T09:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I don't.... not yet anyway. I've only made the one table runner for my sewing swap. I know the basics, but ~~don't have the patience~~ am not ready to tackle anything bigger than that though! However, Melissa at Lilac Lane is competing in "So You Think You Can Quilt" and they are already on Round 2! I love Melissa - she's got some great tutorials both on her website, and on Moda Bake Shop. And for the next little while, you can go vote for your favorite quilt in the "SYTYCQ" competition.

Those are the gorgeous quilts you can vote for here. Have fun voting!

The Addison Purse!

2010-04-06T09:32:00.003-06:00

Another new design by Mama Cubed Creations! Fun and functional - what more could you ask for in a purse?

Don't you just love the Michael Miller fabric?

Doing my part to enable my fellow fabric-aholics!

2010-04-05T08:49:00.002-06:00

So I LOVE LOVE LOVE Leah over at Burgundy Buttons. She's got great prices on her precuts and stuff to begin with, but NOW she's going to start carrying some fabric by the yard. She's currently trying to figure out which 12 Days of Christmas by Kate Spain for Moda bolts to buy. If you get in on the presale, you can get the fabric for $6.80 a yard!!! She's also got some other yardage right now that is cheaper than my LQS, plus you can get 10% off if you buy it today and use the code "hoppy" at checkout!

104 Easter Egg cookies later....

2010-04-02T09:05:00.001-06:00

I was asked about making some cookies for the kids at church, rather than having an Easter Egg hunt after Mass on Sunday. The boys love to help me bake, so yesterday we fired up the Kitchen Aid.

I used this recipe from CakeCentral, and used Jell-O Cheesecake instant pudding. The cookies are wonderful. I didn't freeze the dough before or after cutting it out - I don't have enough freezer space right now (which is kinda scary, cause we have 2 chest freezers, too!). I used LOTS of powdered sugar under the dough for rolling out (works as good as flour without drying out your cookies) and then used a piece of wax paper on the top. Cookies are decorated with a slightly thinned out basic Buttercream frosting.

All I can say is oh boy am I tired. I had to wait for the boys to go to sleep before I could decorate them, so I didn't get to bed until about 1:30. And the hubby got stuck in Cheyenne because of the snow storm. I need a nap!

P.S. Don't you love the silence of pictures? You'd never be able to tell every other sentence out of my mouth started with "No, don't......" There's a reason I don't have any pictures of my 2 little chefs helping me.

And while you are at it, go see what other neat projects there are over at Tam's so you too can

GET INSPIRED!

Add one more please!

2010-03-31T09:56:00.000-06:00

I got the diaper bag done, and met my "end of March" deadline!

The outside is Carnival Bloom in Brown by Michael Miller, and the interior is coordinating Dumb Dot in Aqua

Whoa! Really???

2010-03-30T11:05:00.001-06:00

So I was just thinking about this last month. It's hard to believe it's the day before the end of March! Seems like it's gone by fast. At least until I think about how busy I've been sewing this month.... Since March 1st, when I got my Brand New Baby, I've made:
10 crayon/marker rolls
1 diaper bag
1 tote bag
3 aprons
2 chef hats
1 journal cover
2 wonky journal covers
1 quilted table runner
and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, not really the partridge in a pear tree, but I did do the rest of it! :) And if I have my way, I'll knock another diaper bag out before midnight tomorrow night! I heart sewing!

And I heart these 3 too. A lot.

My Week of Fabric

2010-03-29T09:17:00.001-06:00

When you can't go out and play, what's the smartest thing you can do? Why, buy more toys for when you can play again! And that's exactly what I did over the last week!

First, I got this gorgeous Honey Bun and Layer Cake from Leah at Burgundy Buttons.

It's Nostalgia by April Cornell for Moda. I have some plans for it for my Mama!

Then, the Rowdy Bunch and I took a trip to Idaho for some shopping, and this is what I came home with....

I have plans for all of it!! What's in there you ask? Well, I see some bags (gotta feed the addiction) and an apron or two, and maybe some bag accessories.

And then I went to the mailbox, and found this!

Happiness is a package from Ari at Buttercuppity full of 12 Days of Christmas by Kate Spain for Moda. I love this fabric even more in person than I did ~~drooling over it~~ seeing it on the 'net.

So now I just need to conquer my fear of the rotary cutter, send the hubby on another business trip, and get to creating! I am SO excited!!!

I am sure I will have a few things left over for this month's Friday Night Sew-In. Maybe.

And in case you're wondering, that's a little over 20 yards of fabric, and then I ordered another 3 last night. Hmm, I think I might have an addiction on my hands. Don't tell my hubby, okay?

Rotary Cutter - 1, Erin - 0

2010-03-24T09:13:00.000-06:00

So I was cutting some fabric yesterday, and had a big OOPS!

About an hour and a half later, I was back home with 4 stitches in my finger, and a slight hesitation to pick up the rotary cutter EVER again.

So there may be a little silence here for a bit. It's hard to get my thoughts out when I have to chicken peck type!

Another "Hip Mama" and Friday Night Sew-In

2010-03-19T18:26:00.005-06:00

Time to GET INSPIRED! with a FRIDAY NIGHT (or morning in my case) SEW-IN!

A friend of mine really liked the diaper bag I made for myself, and asked me to make one for her. I think it turned out SO fab! She sure is going to be one hip mama, don't you think?

I think the Michael Miller fabric makes a fun diaper bag. This doesn't say "mommy" to me at all!

This was my Friday "Night" Sew-In project, though due to few things, I had to do my sew-in in the morning!

Top Secret NO MORE!

2010-03-18T19:41:00.003-06:00

So I can finally reveal what I've been up to lately. I belong to a great message board full of mommies, and 12 of us just did a sewing swap. We all send fabric to someone else, they make something out of it and send it back. Well, this is what I made...

and a journal cover

You're looking at my first 100% completed "quilt." I use the term quilt loosely, since it is so small. But still, I DID it! It's based on this "recipe" from the Moda Bake Shop. Vickie from Spun Sugar Quilts has got some of the best tutorials out there.

This was my first swap with the ladies, and I can promise you I will be doing them all in the future!

I can't believe it...

2010-03-17T19:47:00.001-06:00

I must be living ~~in Wyoming~~ under a rock. Somehow I didn't know that Kate Spain, yes THE Kate Spain has a blog. I am so sad. But it's okay now... I can go on. Especially since she's having a giveaway. It's of her to die for Verna line. Have you seen this line? Talk about pretty with a capital P!!!

And for even more fun, go check out the cute recipe using Verna that Nicole has over a the Moda Bake Shop. When you're done there, check out Nicole's blog Our Cozy Nest because she's having a giveaway to celebrate her 200th post!!!

Celebrating - lots of giveaways!

2010-03-16T11:04:00.001-06:00

First of all, I am THRILLED to tell you that a friend of mine is being featured on a little etsy love today! Pannay has a wonderful etsy store, but right now, if you check out a little etsy love, you have a chance to win one of her beautimous hair flowers! So today I am celebrating Pannay!!!

Kari at Fresh Cut Quilt Pattern Co. is celebrating spring and all that goes with it with a giveaway of a Layer Cake of Fig Tree Quilts' Fresh Cottons and 2 of her patterns!

Michelle at Dresden Quilter is also celebrating! She's celebrating the 1 year anniversary of her blog, and also is a featured blogger on Park City Girl. Some gorgeous fat quarters will go to the lucky winner!

Me and My Sister Designs are celebrating their release of their "new" again line of Me and My Sister Favorites. I am so happy to see some of these prints "back" in production!

And last, but most certainly not least, Emily over at Em Celebrates! and of The Peanut's new quilt fame is CELEBRATING life, like no one else I know. Go nominate someone who YOU think celebrates life!

Another fun giveaway!

2010-03-15T08:34:00.001-06:00

Someday, I promise I will do my own. But for now, jaybird quilts has a great sponsor giveway! Burgundy Buttons has teamed up with jaybird quilts to giveaway a Jelly Roll from A Breath of Avignon by American Jane & 2 yards of coordinating fabric!!

Happy entering!

My Sister's Bag Tutorial

2010-03-13T12:52:00.002-07:00

Another feat for me this week: I designed my very first bag from scratch, and made it! My sister got her RN license in January, and is now working in the neuro unit. She wanted a bag she could tote her stuff to work in that had pockets she could put her coffee cup in without it spilling. Erin to the rescue! So without further ado, I give you "My Sister's Bag."

You will need:
1 yard of fabric for bag exterior
1 yard of fabric for bag interior/accent
1/2 yard fusible fleece
lightweight fusible interfacing (optional)
thread to match fabric for interior/accent
1/4" elastic (approx. 8")

From your exterior fabric you will need to cut the following :

a. (1) 32" x 15" (main piece of exterior)
b. (2) 14" x 6" (exterior sides)
c. (4) 9" x 5" (pockets on front and back)
d. (4) 9" x 8" (coffee cup pockets on sides)

From your interior/accent fabric you will need to cut the following:

i. (2) 2" x 15" (trim on exterior)
ii. (2) 2" x 6" (trim on exterior - sides)
iii. (3) width of fabric (WOF) x 4" strips (straps)
iv. (2) 2" x 5" (exterior pocket trim)
v. (2) 17 1/2" x 20" (lining)

From the fusible fleece you will need to cut:

(1) 34" x 15"
(2) 15" x 6"

If you are using the fusible interfacing for your "Coffee Cup Pockets," you will need:

(2) 8" x 9"

ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE 1/2" UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Constructing the EXTERIOR of bag:

Sew trim pieces to exterior pieces of bag (1 i. sewn to each end of a. and 1 ii. to one short side of each b. piece). Press seams open.

Follow the directions to fuse your exterior trimmed pieces to the fleece.

To make the exterior front back pockets, sew (with RST) 1 c. piece to 1 iv. piece along short side of c. Press seams open. Pin and sew 2nd c. piece to trim. Fold pocket in half, with the trim at the top, right sides together. Sew along bottom edge only. Turn pocket right side out and press. This will allow your pocket to have a finished seam at the top and bottom. You will hide the unfinished sides under the straps later. Repeat for other pocket.

Place pockets 4 - 5" down from each short edge of the bag exterior. Pin in the center of the bag, and using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew 3 sides onto bag, leaving the top of pocket open.

To make handle:

Sew short edges of 3 WOF strips together, pressing the seams open. You will have a GIANT loop of fabric. Fold in half and press, as though you were making double fold bias tape. Open and press each edge into center like so:

Fold in half again along original crease, and press. Using matching thread and a 1/8" seam allowance, top stitch closed along both edges.

Find center of strap and pin to bag, making sure you cover the raw edges of pockets. You will want to make sure that your strap is going to be even on both sides of the bag. Starting where the bottom of the bag will be, follow stitch line and sew to bag, stopping and turning at the trim line then continuing back down and around.

To make the side "Coffee Cup" pockets:

If using the fusible interfacing, fuse to 2 of the d. pieces. Take one interfaced piece, and one NON-interfaced piece and pin RST. Sew along short side, turn and top stitch 1/2" from seam to create a "tube" for the elastic. You will now need to "box" your corners to give enough room for a cup to fit in these pockets.

Measure in 1" from the side and bottom of the pocket on each corner (outer piece, and lining). Mark this with a line as shown. You will then fold the lines together, with the RST of the material and sew on the line like so:

Cut excess 1/4" away from the line you sewed. Repeat on remaining 3 corners, and then again on the second side pocket.

Cut a 4 - 5" piece of elastic (depends on how stretchy you want it to be) and using a safety pin, run it through the tunnel on the pocket like so:

Using 1/8" seam, tack elastic down at each edge of the pocket. Pin pocket to side gusset piece and using a 1/4" seam allowance, stitch to gusset.

With right sides together, line up your trim seams on the side gusset and front/back exterior piece. Use 1/2" seam allowance and sew together. Repeat on other side, the turn the bag right side out.

To Make Lining:

Pin lining pieces RST, and stitch around 2 short sides 1 long side, leaving a 5 - 6" opening in one side for turning bag. Next you will box the corners of the lining. Line up your side and bottom seams, pinching them together. From the point you have just made, measure in 2 1/2" and mark a line across the corner. Sew along this line. Before you trim your seams to 1/4", make sure you are happy with the stitching. Repeat along other corner.

Attach lining and bag exterior:

You will need to tuck your handles into the front and back pockets so they stay out of the way. Place the EXTERIOR of the bag, into the interior of the bag, RST. Line up the side seams on the lining with the center of the side gussets on the exterior. Pin and sew using a 1/2" seam allowance.

Turn bag through the opening of the lining, and slip stitch the opening closed. Push lining into bag and finger press the lining/exterior seam. Top stitch around the top of the bag with a 1/8" seam allowance, keeping the handles out of the way.

Then take the handles and sew them with a box and "x" pattern to attach them to the top of the bag and give them strength.

Voila! You now have a fabulous bag fit for any nurse to carry!

The Peanut's Celebration!!!

2010-03-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun mail day for the Peanut. He got a nifty new quilt from Emily over at Em Celebrates!. And he loves it - he told me so. Now, if we can just keep his brothers from claiming it as their own......

44th Street Fabrics Giveaway

2010-03-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

I was ~~not so~~ very patiently waiting to see what gorgeous fabrics 44th Street Fabrics had for their giveaway this week, and OMgoodness, was it worth it! And the best part? It's like a way more fun for us fabric ho's version of "Where's Waldo?"

So good luck!

Check out these FAB giveaways!!!

2010-03-09T09:31:00.001-07:00

So I am a little slow on the tutes I am doing right now. I wrote and wrote and wrote last night, only to realize tutes must. not. be. written. while. tired. PERIOD. So I have ~~a crap ton~~ a little editing to do still. But they are coming, I promise.

To keep you occupied until then, go enter yourself into some fun giveaways!!!

Vanessa over at V and Co. has a giveaway from The Quilt Shoppe of a gift card, AND a jelly cake! *drool*

Burgundy Buttons has a great give away for a Moda Advent Box. You have until the 14th for this one. On my list of "To Dos" are Advent Calendars for each boy this year... thank goodness it's still only March!
They also have one for a fabulous pattern!

If you love the look of scrappy quilts, Mountain Home Quilts has 2 different groups of scraps to share the love with!

Rachel of p.s. i quilt has a sponsor giveaway of some cutie pie baby stuff!

The Purl Bee has a giveaway of every. single. color. of Kona Cotton. Yeah, really, every one!!!

Natalia at Piece N Quilt has a BEAUTIFUL Frolic Charm Pack by Sandy Gervais for Moda fabrics that could be yours!

And a giveaway for 2 more patterns over at Sevi Designs. But these aren't for quilts, they are for to die for kids stuff!!!

Good luck!

Busy as a Bee

2010-03-07T09:33:00.001-07:00

Whew. Have I been a busy bee this week! I knocked out 2 crayon rolls the first night I had my machine, and those are birthday gifts for my nieces. Then on Tuesday, I made this

It's a reversible apron for my sister's BFF. Tiff's birthday was last month, and Meg asked me to make something special for her. I absolutely love this fabric. I saw it in January at JoAnn's, before Megan even asked me to make anything for Tiff, and I KNEW it would be perfect for her. You see, Megan bought Tiff a sweater for Christmas a few years ago that looked like it was black with pink polka dots. If you looked really closely, the polka dots were actually skulls. When I took the bolt to the cutting table, the lady there thought it was cute, and then noticed the skulls and flames. I think she was a little ~~freaked out~~ surprised by it. But I LOVE how this turned out. I can't wait to hear how Tiff likes it.

Then I made these for Tiff's girls (and how funny is it that she's getting an apron too, and doesn't know it???)

I love making kids's aprons! They are so much fun, especially when you see them on their new owners. As a bonus, here's The Munchkin and Gus-Gus in theirs.

Brand New Baby!!!

2010-03-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Baby Lock that is! I finally got my new machine today.

I love UPS. The UPS guy doesn't bring you bills - he just brings fun stuff! So much better than USPS!

Isn't she purty?

I just had to start on a project or two... my first crayon rolls ever! And both were done in less than an hour!

I hope my nieces like them. I sure had fun making them.

My He-man

2010-03-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

So The Munchkin just broke his first window. I am sure there will be more to come, but still, it's a momentous day. His intended victim - a fly. His weapon of choice - his fist.

Nice, huh?

Apparently the fly was not traumatized by the event, because he returned to the scene of the alleged attack.

However, he wasn't counting on Daddy and the Attack of the Packing Tape.

Yep, I now have a fly (and all his guts) taped to my living room window. Bet you're just green with envy (or is that nausea???), huh?

I love my life.

March Friday Night Sew-in

2010-02-28T22:58:00.003-07:00

Doesn't a night all to yourself with nothing to do but sew sound great? Then save the date for the 19th - the day of the March Friday Night Sew-in.

Grab a glass of wine, a project or two, and enjoy a little "therapy" in the comfort of your sewing/crafting room! I know I am looking forward to it, and with the 8, yes EIGHT, projects I cut out this weekend, the problem won't be finding a project to work it, it'll be deciding which ONE to work on. And go check out Heidi and Bobbi's blogs in the meantime!

Can't wait!

I won! I won! I won!

2010-02-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am SOO excited! I won Day 4 of Buttercuppity's week of giveaways! I never win ANYTHING. And my fabulous prize you ask??? A Charm Pack of Kate Spain's brand spankin' new 12 Days of Christmas for Moda!

Isn't it just loverly!?!? I can't wait to make something out of it. I am thinking something for me this time. Oh, the possibilities! Any suggestions?

I am just beside myself with giddiness... :)

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-22T14:00:00.002-07:00

I got to spend Valentine's Day this year in a very nicely decorated suite, with one of my favorite people in the world! We had the suite all to ourselves, I could order room service whenever I wanted.... sounds lovely, yes?

How 'bout no. The Peanut decided he needed a few days alone with Mama, and got himself admitted to St. Alph's in Boise while the Rowdy Bunch and I were visiting Grandma. My poor little guy had a pretty bad case of RSV. The "cold" he had that had been getting better got very, very worse Saturday night, so I took him to Urgent Care. They told me with his age that he needed to be seen at the ER. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 - straight there. When we got there his fever was 100.1. At 100.4 in babies his age, they get to go through a whole bunch of tests, including a spinal tap. *shudder* The ER doc wanted to be very proactive, so he had all of the tests done, except the spial tap. If we still couldn't figure out what was causing the fever after all the tests, then he'd need the spinal. Thankfully we got the positive RSV result, and got to forgo that one. Because he was having a little difficulty breathing, even after an epinenphrine breathing treatment, we were admitted to the hospital for observation. The ER we went to wasn't actually connected to the hospital, so Nicholas and I had a fun ambulance ride to downtown Boise. There's nothing like being strapped to a gurney while you hold your infant. Kinda makes you wonder what would have happened if we'd been in an accident.
When we got there, he was hooked up to a continuous O2 monitor. They wanted to make sure his sick little lungs were still getting enough oxygen. He did good until about 8 that night, and then were dropping into the low 80s for too long of a time period. He wound up on oxygen for the night and most of the next day.

Told ya my date was a cutie!

He did better the next night, to the point that we got to take him off the oxygen.

After being told we'd probably be there a few more nights, he surprised the pediatrician, and she let us go home to Grandma's on Tuesday!

The older 2 had been having fun with Daddy and Grandma, camping out in the living room. Can you tell which one is the night owl and which one isn't?

The Peanut is doing better. He's still coughing his head off and sleeping a lot, but he's no longer having a hard time breathing.

Oh, and Peanut, if you're listening, Valentine's Day was a little too reminiscent of Christmas Day. Your Daddy and I talked, and we'd really appreciate it if you didn't spend every holiday in the hospital this year. thanks! xoxo

Giveaways Galore!

2010-02-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

While I am waiting on my machine (I bet you are just on pins and needles, like me, huh?) I thought I would tell you about a few giveaways I found!

First up - Jandi at Jandi In Stitches moved her blog from Wordpress to Blogger and wants to get the word out with a fabulous MODA giveaway!!!

Then, 44th Street Fabrics has their weekly giveaway here. It's also some fabulous Moda fabric - this time the Love U line... I love the snails in it!

Also, Buttercuppity has a giveaway everyday this week (sorry, the week is half over... I just found out about it too, darnit!).

Oh, and stay tuned to see pictures from my wonderful Valentine's Day with my oh so cute date! (there really is some sarcasm in there... you'll just have to wait to see where!)

The waiting game...

2010-02-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Elna has gone into a coma. Whether or not she will come out of it remains to be seen. And while I am mourning the loss of a good friend, I find myself anticipating a new relationship. I am chomping at the bit to meet my new friend... I think I know who it will be. This is who I think will be entering my life soon. I am very excited, yet nervous! I've never had a friend this sophisticated or fancy. I don't want to hurt my new friend. But I do so very much want to play! I've been waiting since mid-January. I only have a couple more days to go though.
The Rowdy Bunch and I are taking a road trip on Saturday to visit Grandma. It's there that I am hoping to meet my friend, and bring her home. Don't let the name fool you, for I know in my heart SHE is a kindred SISTER spirit. Besides, a girl can only take so much testosterone in her house, you know?!?!

So stay tuned! I hope to have her resting upstairs soon! :)

Child's tote bag

2010-02-10T16:27:00.005-07:00

For this EASY, lined tote bag, you will need 2 coordinating cotton fabrics. 1/2 yard of each will be more than enough. I haven't gotten great at figuring out exactly how much fabric to get yet, so I always wind up with extra.

From here on out, the bag EXTERIOR will be called Fabric A. The bag INTERIOR will be called Fabric B.

Seams are 1/4" unless otherwise noted.

You will need:
a. (2) 14" x 14" pieces of Fabric A
b. (1) 6" x 10" piece of Fabric A
c. (1) 5" x 5" piece of Fabric A

d. (2) 14" x 14" pieces of Fabric B
e. (1) 6" x 10" piece of Fabric B
f. (1) 5" x 5" piece of Fabric B

for the handles you will need (2) 4" x 14" pieces of EITHER fabric. I used Fabric A.

First you will make the pockets -

take b. and e. (the 6" x 10" pieces) and pin them right sides together. sew around 3 sides, leaving a short side open for turning. clip the corners, turn right side out and press. do the same with c. and f. (the 5" x 5" pieces). If you have directional fabrics, make sure that you are cutting and sewing them the way you would like them to be on your bag.

Then you will attach the pockets to the bag:

take one piece of a. (bag EXTERIOR) and center the larger pocket on it. pin in place and sew around 3 sides on the bag front with 1/8" seam allowance.

take one piece of d. (bag INTERIOR) and center the smaller pocket on the top 1/3rd of the bag. pin in place and sew around 3 sides on the bag inner back with 1/8" seam allowance.

Next, construct the interior and exterior of the bag:

line up the 2 a. pieces, right sides together, making SURE the pocket is facing what will be UP, and sew 3 sides together. I chose to box my corners with a 1" box. you can forgo this step if you'd like. to do this though, line up your side and bottom seams, pinching them together. from the point that you have just made, measure in 1" and mark a line across the corner. sew along this line. repeat on the opposite side. you will want to turn the bag exterior right side out to ensure you are happy with your boxed corners. turn wrong side out again and clip the corners, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. turn exterior right side out.

repeat for the bag interior, but make sure you leave a large opening on the bottom for turning the bag right side out.

To make the handles:

take one handle, fold it in half wrong sides together along the long edge, press and then folded each edge into the center and press again, and then fold it along the original press line and stitch closed and around end and other side using a 1/8" seam allowance . repeat with remaining handle.

To complete the bag:

pin your completed handles to the outside (right side) of the bag interior, about 1/3 of the way in from each side. repeat on the back side of the bag, so you will have one handle pinned to the front and one side pinned to the back.
place the bag EXTERIOR into the bag interior so you have right sides together. stitch together around top edge of bag. turn bag right side out through the opening in the lining and sew the opening closed by whatever method you prefer (by hand, machine, etc.) push lining into bag and then top stitch around top of bag using 1/8" seam allowance. voila!

this is an adaptation of this crayon tote bag. I left off the crayon pocket because my nephew doesn't like to color ( :? yeah, I don't get it either) and did the handles differently.

When Less is More... and More is More

2010-02-04T09:58:00.004-07:00

Last May, we got a wonderful, albeit shocking, surprise. To our surprised delight, we learned that I was pregnant with the Peanut. Why was this shocking you ask? Because the Munchkin took us 4 years, and more medical procedures than I care to count or remember, to conceive, and Gus-Gus took us more of the same medical procedures to conceive. So we weren't thinking there were any more small fry in our future. Apparently we just weren't thinking.

On to the less is more thing... we have this diaper bag. Specifically,

this diaper bag. Don't let it's tiny thumbnail-not-loaded-down-with-everything-in-sight size fool you. When it's loaded, you could lose small countries in there. And it's next to impossible for me to carry when I am all by myself with the Munchkin, Gus-Gus and the Peanut in his car seat. I would need to morph into OctoMom (no, not 8 kids - 8 ARMS) to be able to do it. My solution??? Make my own bag!

Voila! A smaller bag, that is still large enough to hold stuff for 2 in diapers, but small enough that I can manage alone. Did I mention it is cuter than cute, too? I am loving it, and have gotten lots of compliments on it. The best thing? I made it! :)

And the more is more thing? Well that's self explanatory! I have more kiddos, more love, more everything! And I am loving every minute of it!

2009 Projects

2010-01-31T16:19:00.001-07:00

This is part of what kept me busy in December.

I made Christmas stockings for my family. I had so much fun, and they all seemed to really like them! It's something special that they will have for years to come.