Churn Dash Quilt Block

Happy almost Friday! Yeah, I can't wait for the weekend. I don't know why but this week has been very tiring. Work, and then lots of sewing, and ridiculous heat/humidity. Today, however, was beautiful--if summertime meant weather like today I wouldn't mind it at all (but I'd still love snow best. Just sayin').

I neglected to post my next quilt block for the We Can Do It sampler. It was a fairly simple one - the Churn Dash pattern. I tried to incorporate some new fabrics I had bought, but I'm feeling a little 'eh' about it:

The center block is a reaaaalllly white shade of white, whereas the cherries fabric is more of a softer shade of white. Once I have them all made and sewn together such details will barely be noticeable in the explosion of red and white. This is my least favorite of the three made so far (due to my fabric choice for the center block - not the actual block design itself). I am, however, pretty happy with the way the corners matched up for this one:

You can see the color contrast a bit more here, even with the reds. But again--once they're all together it won't draw a second glance (I'm going to keep telling myself that).

Up next - a little pressie I put together for my sister. I kind of don't want to give it to her...good thing I wrapped it already. Later, taters!

Starting them young...

I figured it was high time I posted about our July 4th picnic, seeing as it was almost two weeks ago... Remember the sweet girls I posted about after Memorial Day who put my scraps to excellent use? Well, they're baaaaa-aaack (you were supposed to read that in a creepy Poltergeist voice). It was wicked hot here, and I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to be outside until it was a little bit cooler. And since two little seven year olds high-tailed it to my sewing corner to dig through my waste basket for scraps I saw an opportunity and swooped in. I had emptied the can the night before, forgetting about their odd interest, so I strategically placed my actual scrap box nearby. I told them they could have ANYthing they wanted from it. There was so much in there that was too cute to throw away but I had no idea what I would ever use it for. Apparently they had no such concerns because they dug right in:

They cut up larger pieces so they could each have some and kept everything neat in their little baggies. It was really adorable to overhear their little conversations: "Look--these match nice because they're so different" and "I like how this one looks like a stamp." I'd make a great seven year old because these are the kinds of thoughts I have. Then came the question I was waiting for: "How do you connect fabrics if you don't know how to sew?" I told them "Why, you learn to sew of course!" So I gave my first official sewing lesson. I helped them thread their needles (and spent the rest of the day tying knots for them, lol) and taught them the very basic up-down motions of sewing. They contented themselves with their own rough style of applique for a little while, making little mosaics and collages. They were very good about keeping tabs on their needles (my feet say thank you, girls :) 

I have no idea what I'm doing leaning over in such a position. You can see some pins and glue sticks have been added in this pic, as well as another dog toy (Charlie loooooves to get involved in whatever you're trying to do on the floor--pin a quilt, add fringe to an afghan, play with scraps...)

 In this picture I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm sitting there trying to not say "No, no, do it this way" or to impose any of neurotic perfectionism upon them. Part of learning and creating is letting it just happen and flow--but it's hard not to butt when I'm so good at it (just ask my sisters).

They sat there and did this all day. Literally. They made what looked like pin cushions, they tied longer pieces together to make bracelets, all kinds of little things. I have a stuffed "fish" hanging on the lamp on my sewing desk. I'm thinking that friendship bracelets would have been an easier endeavor with more rewarding results to teach them, but then I remembered that I was never very good at those things and  I have to figure those out before I hand them a bunch of string, because that would just be asking for trouble.

The next morning the little one in the white t-shirt came over with her Pop-Pop (who was helping my dad clean up outside). She had gotten up early, traced a saucer, and used some Christmas tree snow (pretty much the same as fiberfill) to make a little pillow:

Her stitches were so even and cute (I'm thinking Grandmom helped a bit :) She said she is going to keep the needles and pins I gave her in it so she doesn't loose it. I always feel slightly jealous of people who don't "know" how to do things, so to speak. I think that sometimes when you know something and endeavor to learn whatever you can about it that you can get a little restricted by so many "rules." But you give some things to people unencumbered by such rules and the sky's the limit. I need to start thinking more like a seven year old...

If you were looking for normal picnic photos, I'm sorry to say I've got none. It was just way too hot to be hanging around outside and I had important lessons to teach. However, if you're interested in seeing how our summer picnics go down you can click here and here.

On a side note - I'm trying to change up the look of my blog so if it looks a little wonky in the sidebars I apologize--I'm still figuring out the column widths (which apparently means different things to different computers - I should just go for it and get a blog makeover).

Back soon with my red and white quilt blocks!

Fruit Slice Decor

Hellooooo!!!! Happy Sunday to you! I've got a backlog of posts to share with you so I figured I'd better get started. First, though - does anyone else use Blogger in draft mode, and therefore has been subjected to the new format? What do you think? I personally hate it. The look is cleaner, but I think they could have cleaned it up without completely rearranging it and making it difficult (for me, anyway) to navigate. I keep switching back and forth between the two, but I guess I'd better learn the new way as it looks like it will be coming soon and I'll be forced to deal with it anyway. I think the other version was just so much more user friendly....

OK, moving on. I saw this idea on some blog that had linked it a few weeks ago (don't remember which) but I do know that ultimately I ended up at the Purl Bee for these delightful citrus coasters. The colors sucked me in immediately, and it was one of those "I must make those right NOW" moments. I didn't go for the fancy felt (at ten times the cost of the cheapo stuff? No, thanks) but did just fine at Michael's at a fraction of the cost. It took me a looong time to cut everything out (because of course I went overboard and made oodles of them), and by the time I was finished I had holes in my fingers and never wanted to touch felt again. but they came out adorable and they're fun to look at:

I made 17 of these little stinkers. The nephew wants to know what citrus fruit comes in pink--I had a hard time thinking of anything besides grapefruit, which isn't even always so pink, so I told him I'm sure there are fruits we've never seen in tropical countries that are that color. I don't think he bought it....

Some of the wedges are placed a little out of whack as opposed to the usual perfection seen in actual fruit slices--and this is with them being pinned perfectly in place at the outset (this is why I don't make hand sewing a habit).

 I just love looking at the bright fun colors of these.

I didn't like the way they felt as a coaster (a bit wobbly), and since I had so many I strung them up to hang in front of the kitchen window:

I have reconciled myself with the fact that no matter the time of day/year, I will never be able to get a quality picture near this window.....

So that's that. For a couple bucks a super cute garland! Yay for cute!!! 

Linking up here:
C.R.A.F.T. *** Homemaker on a Dime *** Craft-o-Maniac *** Sew Can Do *** Ask Anna *** Sumo's Sweet Stuff *** Skip to My Lou *** Running with Glitter *** Pinkapotamus *** Sarahndipities *** Sugar Bee Crafts *** Funky Polkadot Giraffe *** Creative Itch *** All Thingz Related *** Beneath the Rowan Tree *** My Girlish Whims *** Not JUST a Housewife *** Today's Creative Blog *** Tea Rose Home *** Someday Crafts *** Sew Much Ado *** Free Pretty Things for You *** Somewhat Simple *** Fireflies and Jellybeans *** Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sit-com *** Momnivore's Dilemma *** Momma's Kinda Crafty *** The Shabby Nest *** While He Was Napping *** Iron Violet Designs *** Creation Corner ***
Tatertots and Jello 

Aunt Bee's having a moment.....

Rambly and non-crafty--consider yourself warned :)

The nephew is staying with us this week. My favorite boy, with his sticky fingers, chocolate-popsicle ringed mouth, mismatched shorts and t-shirt (because "Who cares? I'm going swimming anyway"), big multi-colored eyes (are they hazel? are they grey? I don't know!) has invaded the quietude that normally dwells at Casa del Rapp. I have woken up to a song being plunked out on the piano at full volume (just one song - he only knows the one), watched him try to navigate the keyboard to play Oregon Trail from 1989 or thereabouts (no mouse control, then, m'boy - if you google it you can find it in the Apple archives) while we crossed our fingers that the wagon wouldn't tip over in the middle of the Snake River, and eaten my weight in plastic-wrapped freeze pops. I realized a few things: I have a fraction of his energy, he eats non-stop (and has little 6-pack abs to show for it), and he's not so little anymore. Sad face for Auntie Bee....

I was cutting out all those pieces for the wavy top tote for my grandma last night, while he scampered off to bed (after a full day of running he still has energy to go full-speed everywhere). I was fusing all of my interfacing, when this caught my eye:

His little (or not so little) shoes (would you believe these are practically new?) just chilling on a dining room chair. Something about them sitting there while little guy was in dreamland made my heart get a tingly feeling, and I felt in the worst way like I was going to cry for no reason at all. But there is a reason - my guy is growing up and getting big and wise and smart and independent (seriously - it's a good thing he's not my actual kid because my heart might literally split in two over it). I finished what I was doing and then headed to bed, where I couldn't fall asleep because too many things were racing through my brain. Things like:

• The night he slept over when he was just under two. He was sleeping in a mini-crib in my mom's room, and in the middle of the night he decided to stand up and yell at full volume every word he knew. Over and over. "Up! Down! Mom-mom! Apple!" and so on. I almost wet MY bed across the hall I was laughing so hard.
• How he used to say "yid-dull" instead of "little." I'm still sorry I taught him proper pronunciation of his Ls.
• The time he hid in the empty clothes hamper and scared the living hell out of my dad (who is usually stoic and unshakeable).
• How my sister taught him what tepid means, and how he would use it. When running his bath he'd come and watch you and say "Dooon't make it too hot - make it tepid" (he was about 3 so this was really funny).

Now he's this super-smart kid who's way too logical, already is quite good with the use of sarcasm (he is a Rapp after all--it had to happen sooner or later), and who is already acquiring the ways of a teenager ("How many times do I have to ask you to shut the door/cabinet...put your clothes in the hamper/bureau...etc.?"). But he's also the kid who sits there on the porch with you listening for the ice cream man with a plan: "You catch him and start ordering, I'll run inside for the money" (it's more fun if you're not actually prepared with the money already in your pocket).

I miss my little guy, but I kinda sorta can't wait to see who this big little guy becomes.

Next up: something I made. Not sure what - I've got a few things ready to show :)

Bling Sale!!

Hello, dearies!! If you take a look at the right sidebar you'll see that there is a banner ad there for Chunky Bling. They are a jewelry company that specializes in (American-made) interchangeable watch bands and faces so that you can get different looks from a few components. They also have bracelets, necklaces, and other fun jewelry. I have one of their rings with ruby-colored Swarovski beads and I love it! It has stretch to it (for my short fat fingers this is ideal - how am I just shy of 5'9 and have short fat fingers? I'd love to know...) and doesn't do the slip and slide like other rings, where the setting ends up underneath (hate that!). But back to my point - right now they're offering my readers a great deal on watches. Get a watch for just $19.95!! (sale link at end of this post). That's the band and the face - and you get to pick the ones that you want for a unique watch made to match your unique style. These watches normally run $30+ so that's a great savings right there, and the watch-bands are really quite pretty. Take a peek at some of them:

 I look at these and think nothing but "Mmmm...beach."

 This is probably the one that I'd get - red and white polka dots? Yes please!

 This one is called 'Christmas Candy.' I have a layer cake of a fabric line called Christmas Candy. I should probably get this so I can wear it while making my Christmas quilt and then snuggling under it.

 And can you get any more classic looking than this?

There is also a great variety of watch faces to choose from. It's almost as much fun as picking fabric (and maybe just as difficult to choose).

To take advantage of this sale (is it ever really too early to start Christmas shopping?) click HERE. It runs through July 12th so trot on over!

One Lovely Blog Award

Suz over at Inspiring Creativeness decided that I have One Lovely Blog.

Thank you, Suz! You guys know the drill--I get to tell you seven things about myself. This is getting tough...

1. You know Fla-Vor Ice freeze pops? I determined this evening (in conjunction with my sister and the nephew) that I could eat them all. Day. Long.

2. I am almost 100% certain that I am going to be re-reading every Harry Potter book in the near future.

3. I never complain about it being winter. I always complain about summer (but I wouldn't if it didn't get so crazy hot, or if heat wasn't one of my migraine triggers).

4. My 2 favorite shows when I was younger were "Facts of Life" and "The Young Riders." Everyone knows about the Facts, but it appears that TYR is a bit of a cult thing... There were a lot of people on that show that may surprise you (Stephen Baldwin before he got weird, Josh Brolin, Melissa Leo (who just won an Oscar)...ok, so 3 that I can think of now, but it was a great show. I used to tape every single one and watch them religiously. I recently transferred them all onto my computer but have yet to burn them to DVD. I should because this would free up a phenomenal amount of memory on my laptop.

5. I need to lose about 20 pounds. Yes, Mom, I do (I know she totally read that and thought "Oh, you do not").

6. My guilty pleasure in music is so guilty I'm not even going to tell you what it is. Welllllll....I'll give you a hint...John Deutschendorf, Jr. Go ahead...google it...you know you want to... Tease away :)

7. I have a mild obsession with the American West. I have a favorite outlaw (Billy the Kid) and a favorite Native American (Crazy Horse). Pioneers, and steam locomotives, and all that jazz interests me like nothing else in history. I blame it on The Young Riders (see #4 above).

I'm supposed to award this to 15 blogs, but I'm lazy and that's a lot of work, so I'm going to cheat. I leave it here for you if you'd like to pick it up and share about yourself. Please let me know if you do - I'd love to see your 7 things about you :)

A Bag for Me

Work let us out early on Friday due to the holiday weekend. On the way home I thought "I am going to make good use of this time and start making my bag." So I went straight home and sat on the porch and played Angry Birds until my phone battery died. Then I thought "Well, there's no time like the present" so I read until the pizza guy got here. After dinner I finally laid everything out and snipped and fused to prep everything. I got the lining of that bag whipped up pretty quickly. I'd have finished the whole thing in an evening if my sister hadn't taunted me with comments like "Hey--let me know when you watch Harry Potter 1" (part 1 of the seventh installment). As such, I finished this little number yesterday and I adore it:

You may remember this bag from here, but this one is pretty much the same as the one made by Lisa Lam from u-handbag and used on the cover of her pattern. I loved these fabrics and couldn't find anything that looked like them, so when she put them on sale I used that as an excuse to snatch them up. The only changes I made were to add a zipper pocket on the inside, and to shorten the zipper a bit (the tabs stuck out waaaayyyy too much for my taste and made it feel awkward to open the bag). Now they're of a length to just tuck down a bit and they don't stick out too much:

I had a weird thing happen with the zipper. I have a bag of zipper pulls that are extra long that I use for bags. I just cut the zipper, pull of the zipper pull and attach a new one. I have never ever had a problem with this technique. But on this zipper (the same kind I always use) it spiraled up like a conch shell. I thought I had things backwards and tried a few times but it kept doing it. I put the old pull on and it was fine. Odd, and I still can't figure it out.

There is supposed to be piping around the top but I didn't feel like adding too much bulk to the seams, so I did a faux-piping sort of thing - I just pulled up the lining a little bit and stitched in the ditch. This reduced some bulk in the side seams, too. The pleat was the easiest thing ever, and the fabric covered buttons....oh, the buttons! I could have sat there and made them all day (but those little buggers are expensive!). I'm slightly concerned about how quickly I'm going to get this bag dirty, but it's one that I don't think I'd mind putting through the gentle cycle. The buttons serve no purpose but decoration - the straps are super-stitched down behind it. I fought with myself on this part - I like having the handles coming out seam of the bag instead of sewn down onto it, but it wouldn't have the same look so I followed the pattern. It fits all my stuff perfectly:

My bag has slowly been increasing in size and weight, so I recently went through and kept only the essentials out. I like having a big bag, but the down-side is that everything ends up in there and it's just an invitation to carry more junk around (in the words of my sister Alicia: "Really? When would you EVer need this?").

I've got a few little sewing things to tackle, and then it's a bag for my Grandmom. I'm going to make her the smaller version of the wavy top bag in a fabric I've had set aside for over a year now (I promise - my to-do list isn't all over a year old - just this bag and her bag). Have a marvelous Sunday! It's picnic day, so I'll try to snap some pics for you (I totally forgot on Memorial Day)! Back soon!

Linking up here this week:
Craft-o-maniac *** Ask Anna *** Sew Can Do *** Sarahndipities *** Sumo's Sweet Stuff *** Pinkapotamus *** Running with Glitter *** Funky Polka Dot Giraffe *** Creative Itch *** Sugar Bee Crafts *** Today's Creative Blog *** Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy *** My Girlish Whims *** Sew Much Ado *** Skip to My Lou *** Someday Crafts *** Free Pretty Things for You *** Fireflies and Jellybeans *** Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom *** Iron Violet Designs *** While He Was Napping *** Creation Corner *** The Shabby Nest *** Tatertots and Jello *** Be Different Act Normal *** To Sew With Love *** Not JUST a Housewife