It’s been a little while since I participated in an Instagram Mini Swap. I’ve been trying to focus my concentration on sewing for my family and friends. I missed it, though! When the Easter Bunny Quilt Swap showed up in my feed, and I saw that it was a quick-turnaround swap, I decided that I could squeeze it into my crazy schedule….
This Little Boy
This little boy? When he first arrived at our front door just over two years ago, he was this little ball of anger and frustration. It was so hard. I kissed him and hugged him and worked hard to make him feel at home. I was committed to him, but I lived for nap time and bed time. When it became apparent that he wasn’t going to get to go home, I cried out in prayer one day, “Lord, please don’t just help me get through each day. Please make me fall in love with him.” And God answered that prayer. Today, when I kiss him good-bye before preschool and say, “I love you,” I mean it with every fiber of my being. I can’t imagine life without him. That’s a scary thing in this world of foster care because anything can happen at any time, but it’s a risk worth taking.
“Vintage” Doll Quilt Tutorial for Bake, Craft, Sew
Good morning, sewing friends! I’m guest posting over at Skip to my Lou today with a tutorial for a sweet little quilt for your little one’s favorite doll. Check it out right here: The Quick & Easy “Vintage” Doll Quilt.
The Doll Days! Blog Tour & Giveaway
My friend, Erin Hentzel, just released her second book – Doll Days! Sew an Everyday Wardrobe for 18″ Dolls. You might remember that my daughter, Samantha, and I joined in on the tour for Erin’s first book, Sew in Style, almost two years ago, and I’m really excited to join in the fun again!…
The Sewing Machine Hideaway ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial
I promised you a fun and practical tutorial, and I think this one checks off both of those boxes perfectly! In our new house, my studio is off to the left as soon as you walk in the front door. I would love to put in French doors so that I can close it off, but for now, I have to keep it neat and clean … at least while I’m not sewing or when we’re expecting company. Having a pretty cover for my machine helps a ton! When I can squeeze in the time, I’m planning to make one for my serger, too….
Around Here
It’s so quiet around here … on my blog, I mean … definitely not at home. My days are still mostly filled with medical appointments and therapies for our two little ones. I’m learning to navigate this world where parents of little ones with special needs live, and I’m trying desperately to find balance. It’s hard. I almost always feel like I need a nap. I consume a ridiculous amount of coffee.
In December, we moved to a house with a floor plan that works better for us, and we started a remodel of the new house as soon as we were in it. The construction felt like it was never ever going to end. I don’t even have words to express how thankful I am to have a finished house without strangers randomly appearing. We’re finally starting to actually settle in!
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Keychain Gift Card Wallet Tutorial & a Huge Giveaway!
Hello, there! I’m joining in the Bake, Craft, Sew & Decorate series over at Skip to My Lou today! This is my fourth year joining in the holiday creativity, and this year I’ve got a quick, fun and practical gift tutorial for you – The Keychain Gift Card Wallet. …
Riley Blake Back-to-School Blog Tour!
Jamie and I are participating in the Riley Blake Back-to-School Blog Tour today! He’s going into second grade this year, and, like most second-graders, he definitely has his own opinions. He’s been a little bit tough lately when it comes to letting me sew for and then photograph him. This time, I involved him in the whole process. He was really excited that I let him help me choose the fabrics for his outfit, and then he loved having a say in where and how to take the pictures. He did a terrific job, too!…
The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt Prep
I’m so sorry that it’s been so quiet here this past week. We had a little one get sick, and my week was full of appointments, medications, treatments and so much driving. I feel like I buckled, unbuckled and re-buckled a thousand carseats over the last seven days! Thankfully, everyone is on the mend now, and I was able to steal a little bit of time this afternoon to do some quilt planning!
Starting next month, there’s not just one, but two blog sew-alongs that will be working their way through the 2014 edition of The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt
The Cultivate Blog Tour
Wheeee! I am so excited to be today’s stop on Bonnie Christine‘s Cultivate Blog Tour! Have you seen the beautiful fabrics that she’s designed for this collection? (And, do you know what a great name she has?)…