Go Away Bug!

I took my daughters to the Children's Museum and took home an unwanted visitor.  A nasty flu bug that is taking its sweet time leaving. Fever, sneezing, runny nose and low energy.

Jamie on a big ant.

The faucet with the runny nose.  Little did I know I would experience my own Grossology!

Clouds above rolling around getting ready to make thunder.

Want to hug?

Jamie usually has a shell shocked look when surrounded by so many kids, but she does like face painting.

(I almost took a picture of nostrils in the mirror with Jamie.)

Ruby Doll from One Red Robbin

I had fun making this little Ruby Doll.  She is much cuter in person than in pictures.  I got this free pattern at One Red Robbin.  If you like to make dolls, you should give her a try.  I definitely learned a few things, like I should practice sewing around curves.  Also when sewing the legs and arms not to stuff them too much by the opening because the sewing needle has to go over this area.  Also I'm not sure if my seam allowance was 5 mm.  I just moved my needle over 3 times to the right on my Bernina. I wish I had used different fabric on the bottom of her dress.  I liked the bird but can't hardly see it when she is all sewed and stuffed.

I was going to take pictures during the making of her, but it got late and I forgot to take pictures towards the end.  Here are some during the beginning phase. I plan on making another one so maybe I can take pictures during the later phase.

Copying the pattern. I use my fine Sharpie.

I cut out each piece according to direction how many of each.

Assembled all pieces I would need. Multiple layers on top of each other.  Also took liberty to giver her a thumb, just a thing with me not liking the amputated hand look.

Sewed, stuffed and closed her appendages before continuing. (See how far right the needle is.  You definitely need an open-toe foot to accomplish the adjusting of the needle.)

This is where it started getting late and I just forgot to take more pictures. I did sew on her acrylic felt face after the body was done because I wasn't sure how well I would sew curves and didn't want to sew on top of her face.  I hand sewed it on with monofilament thread. The challenge with using monofilament thread was getting a knot at the end - wiry little bugger.

Have a great week!

Balkan Puzzle Block

The second February block the Balkan Puzzle block is a fun block.  Learned a new way of making fast half triangles.  I used the scant 1/4 inch and am happy I don't have to do it over again.

I also crocheted a few more coasters.

Sleeping Audrey 

Craftsy Block of the Month February

My Chunky Chevron block pattern.

I was getting pretty cocky thinking my piecing was going along pretty smoothly.  Then when I went to size the block to 12-1/2 inches, it measured at 12-1/4.  Doh!  Not sure what I'm going to do about my 1/4 inch loss.  Darn!

One down one more to go - Not!  Hello seam ripper, my friend!  When Amy say stitch using a scant 1/4 inch, that means your blocks will turn out like mine if you do not.  So I am going to try again but will move my needle over one stop to the right.

It was painful to rip this back to 3-1/2 inch squares.

I moved my needle one stop to the right for a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Carefully sewed it back up again...deja vu!  One of my valentines day presents to myself.  This red pointer thinga mabob (Fons & Porter), especially good for control freaks (like me) who want to control that fabric to the very last stitch! It is me against my machine and I vow to win!

My 12-1/2 inch ruler says, YES, it was worth it!

I wish my girls liked dolls.  The dragon is what Audrey picked out for Christmas. I posted this picture on Facebook and someone asked me what she named it.  I asked her and she said his name was Eating (strange name).  It is a soft plastic and pliable (she can open and close the mouth)  She has fun playing with it and it is interesting listening to the dialogue coming from the fierce dragon.  It is king of the roost in the land of stuffed animals.

The year of the Dragon.  Let your inner Dragon Roar!

This photo from Mary Lou and Cherries Too

New Quilts from Grandma

The girls got new quilts from Grandma Hannah. She found one fabric panel at Goodwill. That was so nice of Grandma to make these lovely quilts.

Tried a new crochet pattern for a coaster. I photographed on top of a blanket.

Pillowcase Fun

I recently saw a saying "Dream Big" and wanted to make a pillowcase with this saying on it. There are a lot of great tutorials on making a seamless pillowcase on the internet and probably on your favorite blog. The one I'm partial to because I am so visual is Jenny's Tutorial on You Tube.

I tried out a decorative stitch to applique the letters on and I'm not sure it was the best choice. I'm not picky since it is for me. I'm not sure who that is in the picture below. Meaning, where did I get the patience to sew with a child on my lap? I don't know where the patience came from, but I like this person, I want to get to know her better. Also to post a picture of me without my make-up or contacts on, looking and feeling like a ragamuffin is something new too (weekend freedom, love it!). Can old dogs learn new tricks? Maybe not, but they can learn to relax and go with the flow...yeah!

I sew in the basement, but when I'm in the zone, it is always sunny and bright!

I think I was feeling calm because the girl's birthday party is over and all went well. The girls were excited to open presents after waiting patiently all day. They got baby quilts from Grandma which I'm going to post pictures after I take pictures of them during the day.

This cake was the hardest cake ever to cut into. My babies turned four on Saturday February 4th!

Have a great week and don't forget to Dream Big!