Just JaiCi's Crafts

I won this......

2011-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

I signed up for a pay-it-forward over at Scrap Happens! I was super excited and thought I'd get a cute something. I got MORE than a cute something!!!!
Rhonda contacted me and asked if I had a daughter, and for her name...so I gave her the information and THIS is what I got!!!!!It's a mini-photo album!!! And these pictures do NOT do it justice.... My little princess is in heaven and talks all day long about her Princess Castle and can't wait to get to hold it each day. She tried to sneak it into her bed the first night she had it! I can't wait to put pictures in it and let her have it!
I am truly amazed by the talent, and generosity of Rhonda...and had to share my amazing prize :) :)

Cradle Rock

2011-01-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

While Blog-Hopping the other day, I came across this funny site that has taken popular music and made it into music for kids....hilarious right....
So, I went over and started to listen - it's pretty fun. Here's a peek of the Michael Jackson one...just click on the link to listen!Or, go check out all of them here at Tree Top Records!
Enjoy - I certainly did :)

Pay It Forward....

2011-01-26T05:51:00.001-08:00

Rhonda over at Scrap Happens posted this on her blog the other day...and let's be honest, I signed up specifically to get something awesome from Rhonda!!! She makes the most adorable mini albums that I have ever seen!! I won one at Halloween time of spiders that's just so cool! So, I thought, how could I NOT see what she had in store for this, right?!?!?!?
However, one of the rules for getting something awesome from her was that i had to pass it on...so here are the rules :)

RULES:
Something will be given to the first 5 people who comment here. (to be eligible, you have to pay it forward to 5 people, too!)
The "prize" must be hand-made or home-made by you and sent to the 5 people in the year 2011.
Ready, Set, GO!!

So, if you would like to get something "perdy" in the next couple months, just comment here and I'll get started on some super fun projects for you!!!!

I've always wanted to learn to knit....

2011-01-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

Look at this awesome headband that my mom made me....wish I could knit!

Interested...........

2010-12-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

I recently became a contributor for the blog "A Little Etsy Love"! It's an amazing blog that does features and give-aways for those that have Etsy shops and internet shops that deal in home-made goods.
I am currently looking for people that are interested in doing a give-away or having a feature done on them on this site. The site has over 1500 followers, and all of them look to our features to find good places to shop...
If you know of any shops that would like to get a little exposure with a give-away or a feature....or there is a shop you'd like to see on the blog....or if YOU would like to do a give-away or have a feature....drop me a line and let me know so I get can you on my 'schedule'!!!
Look forward to hearing from you.....

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T05:20:00.000-08:00

I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and super fun New Year!
See you in 2011!!!

List of Quick Projects!!!

2010-12-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

My sister is here visiting me from Alaska....I have a TON of projects that have GOT to be done before she leaves.....but I can't write them down because what they are are for people who read this blog :)
But, now that I've written down them I HAVE to do them because I'll have to report to my blogger-buddies :) :) :)
Wish me luck!

all GREENED out :)

2010-11-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

The other day, we took family photos...this is one of my favs of me and my baby girl. I love the way that our green shirts brings out the color of my daughter's skin and my hair :)
I know she looks nothing like me - but she's ALL mine :) :)

Growing my Stash...

2010-11-15T05:07:00.001-08:00

The other day, I received a phone call from a lady in my neighborhood. This was a lady that I didn't know all that well, but knew OF her. Really super nice lady. Anyway, she informed me that she was heading to the Goodwill with 2 bags of fabric, but wanted to give me first crack at them. Of COURSE I said sure...figuring it was just scraps to throw....
Imagine my surprise when the bags were HUGE and quite large pieces. This is a photo of the pieces that I chose to keep....
There was a pile of pieces just as large that I didn't keep (mostly small scraps that I couldn't think of what to do with). My kids had a BLAST trying to help me decide what to keep and what we could do with it...
Needless to say, I haven't had to go to the fabric store for QUITE a while and won't have to go again for an even longer while now!!!

M.I.A.

2010-11-08T13:50:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know....I have not posted for almost a month! I have a REALLY good excuse...and part of it is just laziness :)
I recently found a company that I decided to work for called Guy and Eva (see my side bar button). Anyway, they're a jewelry company, and it's been a blast!!!
However, because of this, I haven't been sewing as much! Once I get the hang of everything and things calm down, I'll be back. I have, in fact, been making super cute bags for my parties, and will be posting some pictures of those soon.
So, check out my Guy and Eva site (just fun to look at!) and I"ll be back soon :) :) :)

PINK dress...

2010-10-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

After my daughter asked specifically for a PINK dress, this is what we came up with! I got the fabric for $4 a yard, and only used a yard....yeah for me!!!
However, now she's starting to request "more pretty dresses, please"....guess I better get sewing.....
Right after I finish my witch's hat!

So AWESOME!!!!

2010-10-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

I just won a super fun give-away over at my friend Elizabeth's blog. I won this super cute pattern and some fabric to make it with! I have already started cutting it out and can't WAIT to put it together! Thanks so much :)

Halloween Bags

2010-10-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

I saw the other day some lady had made Halloween bags for her kids rather than letting them get those big orange pumpkins that are SO hard to store. I thought it was just a brilliant idea....so I "jaici-fied" it :)
I started by getting some fun black bags at Jo-Anns for $4.50 (after coupon) for a pack of 3....that's only $1.50 each :) I then pulled out my super fun bucket of Riley Blake Halloween Fabric. I like to make their stuff same-but-different, so I cut their initials out of the spider-web fabric (all same) then I cut their circles out (boys same, girls' different) and then added some ribbon (all different).
They have been carrying them around all day since I finished....and I am LOVING them!!!

Dress...

2010-10-11T06:12:00.001-07:00

My daughter is getting so big, that she needed a new dress...her other ones were getting WAY too short for her...some even showed her diaper!
So, I found this super fun pattern and decided to try it out. I used some super cute blue/purple-ish fabric that my Auntie gave me and made it. I was so excited, and I thought it was super cute. So, I had her try it on.
When I asked her what she thought, she said, "I don't love it! There no pink!" It made me laugh, but then I realized what a true girl she is :) I had to go get some pink fabric to make her a new one...

New Bag

2010-10-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last Week, Sew, Mama, Sew! had a cool little Bag week! They gave away some copies of Amy Butler's new book and did a Sewing Bag Swap...I mean, it was super cool! Anyway, one of the things that they did was put up one of the patterns on their blog. So, I immediately downloaded it and sewed it up. You can get your copy of it here. This gray and blue one is the picture of the bag that they had on their site! I debated back and forth about what fabric to use for my bag, then I remembered that my Auntie Anne had sent me this SUPER fun canvas...and I thought that it was just perfect!!!
Here is my finished product.... I think that I'm going to start using it as my diaper bag...I mean, it's big enough, right?!?! I can't wait to make another one, although my next one will be out of cotton.... :)

GO! enter :)

2010-10-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Gene Black is giving away a GO! Cutter!!!!!
Go HERE to enter!!!

Give-Aways....

2010-09-30T09:07:00.001-07:00

Two of my blogging buddies are having some super fun give-aways.......
Check 'em Out!!!

Such A Sew and Sew
Sherbet Blossom

How Excited Am I????

2010-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I entered a give-away over at Quilting with Debi. AND I WON!!! I was so excited, I feel like I never win anything....but keep entering them anyway....SO glad I did! Look at my goodies that I got in the mail just SECONDS ago!I am so excited, I can hardly wait to get started sewing with them...
I received, 9 Moda All about Color fat quarters, 2 charm packs, and 3 patterns!!
Now to decide what to do with the fabrics and whom to make the patterns for :)
Thanks Debi!!!

Out of the loop....

2010-09-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I've been out of the sewing loop lately....

We are working on finishing our basement, so my sewing machine is packed away for a bit.....I am SO sad....and almost don't know what to do with myself....
Hopefully I'll get back into the groove again, soon!!!!

Give Away at Land of the Misfit Toyz

2010-09-18T06:40:00.001-07:00

I can't remember how I found Michelle over at "Land of the Misfit Toyz", but I'm glad I did. She is very creative and fun to read. She is having a fun little give-away of these DARLING boards! It's only open for a few days, so jump over and enter here!

Good luck to everyone :)

Wreath...

2010-09-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

I got this idea while blog-surfing....then "JaiCi-fied" it!! This is going to be my wreath for my front door this year! All it is, is wooden circles covered in Halloween papers and then glued together! Seriously - SO simple :)

I've already started my Halloween Project for tomorrow.....

Spooky!!!

2010-09-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I just LOVE Halloween! So, I have already started getting all my decorations ready for our house. I love doing TONS of decorations, because it makes my kids happy to see and help :) This year, I saw a room in a magazine that had just a TON of Halloween-related words all over the house....so I"m totally trying that this year!!!
I am starting with these fun box letters..... I couldn't find any SINGLE color that worked for the letters, so I mixed up green and purple since they ARE Halloween colors. They are just paper mache boxes covered in Halloween paper and letters mod podged on!! Super easy.....
Now, to find a place to put them :)

Bald for Becky

2010-09-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

My good friend has a friend battling Cancer.... She is a mother of 4 and they don't have a cure for her type of cancer! So, some people got together and they are having an auction for her HERE! It ends tomorrow - so please take the time to go over and visit...maybe find something amazing you'd like to bid on.....

Christmas Tree Skirt

2010-09-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to make myself a Christmas Tree skirt....finally. It only took me 6 years to get it done (that's how long I've been married...almost!). It's got super cute Snowman and Santa fabric...and this pattern was BEYOND easy....honestly!!!!!
Now, to get it quilted.....

Skirt....again!

2010-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

I know you're probably all getting bored of seeing the same pattern over and over - but I just love it! I most especially love the aloha print ones, adds some smiles to my day! This one I had MOSTLY done for a month...and just barely put the zipper on. It's amazing how one little thing puts you behind.....

KILLER AWESOME GIVE-AWAY!!!

2010-08-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

Craftgossip.com is having an AMAZING give-away!!!!!!

They are giving out 3 etsy shopping sprees!!! ($100 each). Can you believe it?!?! It's like a dream come true, right?!?!?! I know it is for me...

Well, part of the deal of entering, is to blog about what you want to use your shopping spree for! Let me tell you, the wheels in my head were going CRAZY trying to decide what to get and whom to get it from and if that's what I REALLY wanted......all that jazz :) :) :)

I would first pick these super fun earrings (found here)! My sister and I are very proud of the fact that we have Irish heritage, and we love to let people know it. I think these earrings most definitely do the job, right?!?! Besides, I like green jewels :)

However, I would use the bulk of my spree to get me some new fabrics...
I am in LOVE with Riley Blake fabrics, and all the fun things I can do with them, however, they can be quite expensive for a stay-at-home mom of 3 :)
These are some of the fun fabrics that I like best, but there are so many that I would get.

Yup, I would most definitely use the bulk of my shopping spree to get Riley Blake Fabrics from The Fabric Store on etsy!!

Here's to hoping that I win!!

I was Featured......

2010-08-28T11:47:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Hannah over at Sherbet Blossom asked for ideas on organization. I submitted one, and she USED it!!!So, head on over to Sherbet Blossom and check out my post :)
(Thanks mom!)

Capes

2010-08-25T07:46:00.001-07:00

So, I sew all the time for my daughter, but feel bad because my son kinda misses out! So, I ask him about 2x a week if he wants me to make him something - he usually says no. However, yesterday he said YES!! He told me he wanted a CAPE!!!
I thought, really?!?! But, ok...
So, I had him pick out colors and got to sewing...but then of course, sister wanted one, too!
So, they each got capes, but my son refuses to take a picture in his.
He did tell me that he wants a PIRATE cape (didn't know pirates wore capes), so now I have to go find pirate fabric.....

ANOTHER skirt

2010-08-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here is another in a LONG series of skirts for my baby girl! She refuses to wear pants (really....REFUSES!) so I make her about a billion dresses....and she loves them all. This one's pleated different, and that's why I like it :).

Nelli's Apron

2010-08-18T10:54:00.001-07:00

My super cute sister sent me this AWESOME apron!! I like to wear it when I'm sewing so that I don't get threads all over my clothes. My kids also think that it's the funnest toy ever :)

New Skirt for ME!!!

2010-08-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Most sewing and crafting I do is not for me, but for others. However, I got in the mood yesterday and decided that I needed a new skirt. I have a great reason....my sister's best friend from when we lived in Hawaii is getting married in 8 days (yeah, tuck!) and I decided that I needed a new skirt....so I got to sewing...
I used the pattern that I got from Joel Dewberry and some fabric that my mom got me in Hawaii...and got to it! It came together in just a few hours. I had to do some adding and adjusting for length, but I think it's totally worth it. All I have left to do is add an eye-hook at the top and then wa-la!!

More Pattern Testing!!!

2010-08-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

The other day I received an e-mail from Laurie Dewberry asking me if I was willing to do some more pattern testing! I would have to be on something to say no, right?!?!?!
I immediately said yes, and anxiously awaited the arrival of these gorgeous fabrics.
The pattern was for a bag and a super cute one at that. It was different from any that I had made before so I was very excited to get started! I got everything all pinned and cut and ready to go when I realized that I didn't have enough cording for some pieces. Darn it! So, I had to postpone finishing until this morning when I could get to the store.
But, it is now finished and it is AWESOME!! My 2 year old calls it, "MY pretty!" and carries it around the house. Every time I take it away from her, she sneaks it back. I guess that's a good sign!
This pattern will be coming out with the skirt pattern that I tested here. Definitely keep your eyes open for it - it's worth the purchase :)

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-08-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'd rather be busy than bored...that's for sure!!

My son has been working hard on his garden... He has the most gorgeous flowers growing in the world. He does it all himself too. He waters them every day, and I can't believe how beautiful they are. Makes me sad because my grass is busy dying while his flowers are THRIVING!! Guess I'll let him work on the lawn, too....

I have also been working on this super fun project. I got tired of binding placemats and started working on something else... It still has a super long way to go, but it's super fun, and I like being able to see my progress... It still needs some words, and embellishments to make it complete...
My sister thought it had something to do with a witch, but I told her that witches don't wear green......

WIP...

2010-07-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

I decided that I needed some practice with my Granni's quilting machine and made some placemats to practice on....

I forgot I would have to bind them all!!!!! Working on it.....

Look What I Got!!!!

2010-07-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

So, the other day my Auntie asked me if I wanted some of her old fabrics because she's not being able to sew much because of her eyes... Well, any true quilter or sewer knows to never turn down freebies :) :)
I thought that it would be a few pieces....and THIS is what she brought me!!!!!!!!!
I am in stinkin' heaven...and at the same time floored. My Auntie always comes through for me.... Oh, and btw, not a single piece is less than a yard (spoiled, i know)
Now to decide what to make......any suggestions!?!?!?!?!

Footprints

2010-07-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting at the table with my kids the other day and realizing how big they are getting...
Sometimes it makes me sad that they can't stay small...so I decided to make this instead :) My kids LOVED making this! My youngest son is 7 1/2 months old, and he just kept squishing his toes in the blue paint. And, yes, my oldest son and daughter's feet are almost the same size...and they're about 21 months apart :) :) :)

My Clever Sister.....

2010-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

My sister is one of the coolest people ever...and on top of that, she is AWESOME at designing quilts! I called her the other day with a quilting challenge...and it didn't even phase her.

Her Challenge..... I needed a quilt design for a baby...gender not known!!! (thanks a lot Jessica) In addition, I needed colors for this quilt...but could not use red, yellow and blue.

Within about 10 minutes, she designed a quilt...explained it to me over the phone and picked colors. She even told me sizes and shapes! So, I promptly went out and purchased the fabrics and started washing, ironing, and cutting.....

These are the colors she chose...pretty awesome, huh?!?!

She decided to call her quilt "Citrus Peel"...can't wait to work on and finish it :) :)

Thanks Nelli

Ribbon Quilt

2010-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am on a ROLL!!! Here is another finish that I have. I actually made this quilt about 18 months ago when my husband was in Japan for 3 months...needed something to do. Each square has 1-4 pieces of RIBBON on it. It was super fun to make, and allowed the creative juices to flow :) :)
I quilted it up on Granni's quilting machine (another one to practice on) and bound it. My daughter now won't let it out of her sight...good thing it was for her to begin with!

Jealous?!?!?!

2010-07-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

I got this AWESOME package from my mom yesterday!She and my dad were recently in Hawaii, and I asked if she'd pick me up some fabric while she was there... She and my Auntie Flash went to the store...and I think had too much fun :)
Aren't connections great?!?!?!
Thanks mom (and Auntie Flash!)

4th of July Table Runner!!

2010-07-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, it is complete! I have had this in my mind for FOREVER and finally finished it! I did it all on my machine, even the stitching... At first I wasn't too fond of the binding, but now that I look at it more, I am starting to love it! I figured it's okay to leave it up until September (memorial day) so that everyone can see my craftiness :) Now, on to my next runners...a birthday one, a Halloween one, and a Fall/Thanksgiving one.....

How Cool For ME!!!

2010-07-10T05:55:00.001-07:00

I was featured over at the Quilt Shoppe's Finished Friday Parade! It was great. I was there with 29 other crafters, and it was amazing to see what everyone had been up to....great ideas are flowing now!! Just click on the picture below or on my side-bar and go check it out :)

BackPack Pattern...

2010-07-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

Katie over at Kwilting with Katie asked me to do a test run on a back-pack pattern that she had created! Of course I jumped at the chance....

This is a picture of the bag she made from the pattern....I just love the red, white and blue....you?!?!
So, I decided to try some things that were a little different with mine, and I just love it!

I actually made my top with elastic instead of a pull-tie; mostly because I didn't have the proper materials at 10:00 at night....but it turned out ok. However, I will do the ties next time!! The thing I like best that I did was my straps, I did a small portion at the bottom with the same color as my contrast color, then the rest a normal color. I think it adds some fun character!! I just love it. Isn't Katie just so creative?!?!?! Next I'm going to try my hand at that super cute "Uncle Sam" character on her bag.....

Halloween Quilt

2010-07-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

So, for the past 2 years, I have been quietly and slowly collecting Halloween fabrics...just ones that i LOVE that would go perfect in a Halloween Quilt. Took me long enough. Then, I finally got it all pieced together and ready to send to my mom (she lives in Alaska), but then my Granni told me she was buying a long-arm quilting machine...so I saved it (she lives just 10 minutes away)!
So, I finally took it over to be quilted at my Granni's house, and realized that I had used my back for something else, so we had to quickly sew up a back and put it on the quilting machine....
So, FINALLY, my Halloween Quilt was my first ever quilt that I quilted myself on a long-arm machine! And I must say, I am HOOKED... :)

I was Featured.........

2010-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

I was featured over at Riley Blake Designs 'Cutting Corners College'!!!!!!!

When I saw their super cute Halloween fabric line, I knew exactly what I wanted to make with it, and they gave me the awesome opportunity to teach it to everyone HERE!!!

Please, check it out and let me know what you think...

Flag Cake

2010-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to try my hand at some clever baking! I love to bake, and I'm fairly good at it, but I thought I'd try something fun and different for my daughter's birthday...
Now, to look at the cake from the outside...not so pretty. I ran out of frosting, actually. However, once you cut INTO the cake......
TA DA!!!

Turned out pretty good, I think!

Hat

2010-07-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

First off, i did NOT make this!!!
However, I think that it is too cute to not share! My mom made this for my daughter's birthday - and she refuses to take it off...she even napped with it on. I just love it and thought I would share with everyone..... Makes me wish I could crochet (I know how, just not very good at it...)
Thanks Mom...I mean Queenie!!!!!

Entertaining Kids.....

2010-06-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

So, it's been one of those days that I'm trying SO hard to come up with things for my kids to do besides watch the Disney Channel...

My son keeps asking if he can paint, but I don't like to let him use my real paints and paint on my good wood....so I have a dilemma...
But, I came up with THIS.....It was stinkin' awesome. My kids were able to paint all over the sidewalks without fear of getting them ruined....the kids or the sidewalk...
It is so super easy, i super highly would most definitely recommend that any one with little kids try it at least once! You just mix water, cornstarch and food coloring....that's IT!!!!! Just remember to add enough food coloring so that when it dries it doesn't dry white. I actually put 10 drops in each little circle...
And, the bonus is that if they paint themselves, it dries quickly, and will wash off in the bath..

Bread

2010-06-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

All 3 of my children are taking their naps/rests at the same time today! That doesn't happen very often...

But, for the first time in a LONG time, I decided to make some of this instead of doing some sewing...... My tummy thinks it's a good choice :)

Christmas Countdown!!!

2010-06-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Do you realize that it's LESS than 6 months til Christmas?!?!?!

I do!!
I can't wait - let's be honest! It was always a huge to-do when I was growing up, and I hope to continue that with my kids...

I have already started my sewing for the holidays, and just hope I can finish it all in time... I always get so many great ideas that I have a hard time deciding what to do, then I start too much and don't get it done... That's why I start early :) :) :)
I created a list of ideas that I had, and wanted to write them down so I have them somewhere... mostly so I won't forget all my plans and goals...

Nieces Chirstmas Gifts
Nephews Christmas Gifts
In-Laws Christmas
Kids Gifts
New Tree Skirt
Stockings
New Snowman Something

I realized that all my photos didn't link back to where they should!!! I apologize for that, so for now I have only left up the one quilt that i KNOW where it came from!! Ya'll should definitely go check out here where I got this SUPER adorable snowman quilt!!

Funny Skirt

2010-06-22T08:18:00.001-07:00

For as long as I can remember, my sister and I have wanted to have a skirt made out of ties! For some reason, we can never seem to get the pattern that we want in our heads to work on paper or with the ties...
So, my little sister (not really little, she's almost 21) is my inspiration for this skirt. It's just a practice one for now...I'm sure that I'll made another one, or two!
I made my daughter a basic straight skirt with elastic just at the sides, and then sewed a bunch of "ties" to the top and let them hang down! She thinks it's awesome, and loves playing with the pieces...but I would make some DEFINITE changes next time. I was talking on the phone when cutting, measuring and sewing the strips...BAD idea! I meant for the strips to be 2" wide so that they could over-lap a TON...they're only 1" wide, so I BARELY had enough and there's no overlap-age..... Also, I would like to put something at the top of them to tie the ties together. Right now, the ends are just cut off and frayed... It's cute, but not what I was going for...
Guess I'll just have to try again.....

Placemats...

2010-06-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard on getting some place-mats for my fam. My kids are super messy when they eat, so I figured that it would be a GREAT project for me to do! I made some personalized ones, some fun ones, and some I just cut out of fabric... I like variety... I am trying to decide which ones are my favorite...and I just can't decide right now! I have sewn them all together and am going to take them over to the quilting machine sometime this week, and that makes me excited.....

Brave...or something like that :)

2010-06-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have seen a number of people do scrappy sewing with their scraps, but I never really have done "scrappy" sewing with my scraps, just real stuff (planned out and everything)... I decided that it was time to be brave and try it.

I am making place-mats for my fam, and realized that I needed one more. But, I didn't want to have to design something to only make one of it...so I decided to do something scrappy!!!

So, I got out my scrap bucket and my scrap bag...I have 2, one for BIGGER pieces and one for SMALLER pieces...really I should just combine them :) Then the hardest part for me...truly, honestly picking pieces without looking! I always try to match (I know, not ok). But this time, I would close my eyes, pick a piece and sew it to the next piece without looking. There would be spots where I would CRINGE at what I picked out, but I still sewed it to the last piece...and this is what I got!
I am proud of myself...still not sure if i LOVE it, but it's not bad for my first try. I had a few pukas and a few 'gathers', but again...first try :) :) :) :)

Measuring Tape - FINISHED!!!!!

2010-06-20T06:19:00.001-07:00

So, I finally decided to just start over and re-do my Measuring Tape. I was just so frustrated that I knew if I tried to fix it, I might say some bad words in front of the kiddos :) :) :)
So, with a little help from this handsome guy, I flipped it over and tried again!!
It is now finished and hanging on my wall...and the kids love it. They spent all day yesterday trying to touch it!

Riley Blake

2010-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this new line from Riley Blake?!?!?!?!It's called "Boo To You" and it's DARLING!!! If you would like to see ALL the fabrics in this line, go to THIS link...
I recently got some of this line in the mail and am cooking up a SUPER cute project for them....and it's been the highlight of my week for SURE!!!! I can't wait to share it when I'm done....which will be soon.....

Give-Away Winners!!

2010-06-16T07:14:00.001-07:00

Because I have 2 kids that like to do everything that I do, I decided to let them help with my give-away! I typed up all the names and put them in a bowl, then let them each pick one out :) but first they decided to fight over who got to go first......My darling daughter picked out her name and immediately put it in her mouth!! Luckily I was able to salvage the name... My son was very excited to show me the name that he picked out!
The winners are.....

Trish (you got eaten!)

esquiltingpassion

Thanks for everyone who stopped by...made my week :) :) :)

Measuring Tape - ruined?!?!?!?!

2010-06-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

After letting my measuring tape dry outside...it rained that night. And I'm not talking about a little drizzle....it freakin' POURED!!! So, after the rain stopped, I figured that I needed to let my measuring tape dry outside...BAD idea. My vinyl lettering started to "droop"...I was so bummed. So, I picked off the ones that were turning side-ways and put them back on by hand. I got smart and immediately Mod-Podged them all to stay on...and set it in the BASEMENT to dry (see, getting smarter). Then I took it outside to stain...give it that old look...and it RAINED AGAIN!! But, I was bathing my children and didn't realize it was raining...so there are now water droplets all over my stain on my measuring tape.
I'm considering just starting over..........

Measuring Tape...Step 2

2010-06-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

The next step for making my super cool project from my mom was to get the vinyl onto this 6 FOOT piece of wood... Sounds easy, right?!?!?! Maybe if I had followed my mom's advice and used 2 people, but NO...I had to do it myself!!!

I struggled, and fought with it, but finally got all my vinyl numbers and lines on the wood. Then I set it outside to dry...not to just wait some more for the next step...

More Summer Dresses

2010-06-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Because I had some AMAZING fabric sitting around and waiting to be used, I decided it was perfect fabric to use to make my daughter a dress! This is fabric from Joel Dewberry, and I have just been sitting on it waiting to make something of it - and this was perfect!! This was such a super easy dress to make (no pattern), and my daughter just loves it.

As always, my son had to get in on the picture-taking...

Measuring Tape...Step 1

2010-06-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

So, when my mom was here a few weeks ago, she brought me PART of this super cool project to finish! I was super excited and couldn't wait to get started. My plan was to do it by myself after the kids had gone to bed... but then my children saw that I had bought paint!! After that, doing it by myself was a dream...
So, I got some old T-shirts, some old paint brushes and laid down some paper bags on the kitchen floor. I was going to do it outside, but I prefer the side-walk to stay UN-painted... Come to think of it, I should have risked the side-walk, not my kitchen floor :)
Anyway, they got started. I would pour the pain on the board, and they would paint like crazy! I think they went through an entire bottle on just one side....cause they always needed "more paint!" I had to go back through when they were finished and fill in un-painted holes and even everything out, but they actually did a fairly decent job...
It's great...just drying outside before we do the next step....

Give-Away

2010-06-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

I was realizing the other day that I missed out on the "Sew, Mama, Sew" give-away day, and I also missed my 100th post for a give-away....so I decided that it was time to host a little give-away on my blog! :) :)
I am going to make the entry process interesting :) :) and probably very difficult for me...

First ... the prize!
I will be giving away 2 sets of 4 fat quarters from this gorgeous line by Joel Dewberry!
And now, how to get entries...

Leave a comment and get 1 entry.

Blog about my give-away and get an additional entry (please leave a comment with your blog address).

If you were directed here from someone else's blog, mention their name, and you'll BOTH get an additional entry...so if lots of people come from your blog, you'll get lots of extra entries :) (This is in addition to your 'comment' entry!)

You can enter until the 15th of June, and i will announce the winner on June 16th!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!

AMAZING!!!

2010-06-10T07:40:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned before, I was a pattern tester! It was for Joel Dewberry, and the amazing things that they have there!! In fact, if you go to this link here, you can compare what I made to what it was SUPPOSED to look like...how'd I do?!?!?! I'm actually really excited to make another one! Now that I had time to try it out, I can make the next one even better! My favorite part is the pleated bottom...I would love to make a dress for my daughter out of just pleats :) :) :)

It was an absolute blast to make, and they are such amazing people to work with! I'm not sure when the pattern's coming out for purchase, but it's a great one to have for any collection!

I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

'Nother Summer Dress

2010-06-08T12:25:00.001-07:00

I just finished another summer dress for my girl! I often feel bad for my son, because he doesn't get as much fun things when I sew as my daughter does! She just loves dresses so much, and I can sew them so much cheaper than purchasing them that we figure, why not! Guess I need to make some shorts for my sons...

Summer Dress

2010-06-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

This is another of the summer dresses that I have made for my baby girl! It's a 3T....she's only 23 months old :)
She already loves it and won't take it off.....except to go swim!
It makes me happy that she loves when i sew for her so much...hope she never grows out of it.

Pattern Tester

2010-06-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

So, I got an amazing e-mail the other day asking me to test a pattern! I agreed quickly and without hesitation!! I got my pattern and this GORGEOUS fabric in the mail yesterday... Is this not going to make the most gorgeous skirt you have ever seen?!?! I can't wait to get sewing...

In Progress...

2010-06-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think that this one'll NEVER get finished...but then i pull it out and start working on it. Every time I finish a flower, I seem to get more and more excited to get it done. I know I have a TON of work still, but it's just so fun...
I currently have a ton of flowers waiting to be sewn on....it's my "TV-watching, kids-bathing, avoiding-folding-laundry" quilt!!

Blogger's Quilt Festival!!!

2010-05-26T10:49:00.001-07:00

It's that time again!! One of my favorite times out in the Blogger's World is this great Festival that has been put together by Amy over at Amy's Creative Side called the Blogger's Quilt Festival!!
I tried frantically to decide what quilt to put in this year, and had a hard time deciding... I finally decided what I was going to finish for the festival, but before I could finish it, got called away to a funeral for my grandmother. I was so sad about her passing, but happy for the end of her suffering. But, when I got home, it made me realize that this quilt was even more perfect than I thought. It is still in process, but getting closer to being done!!!
I saw this beautiful quilt over on ModaBakeShop a little while ago and just knew it was something that I HAD to make. I changed a few things to make it more "JaiCi-ish", but the general idea is the same. I made it for a special reason...
There is a little girl in my neighborhood - not even 2 - who had a brain tumor, and they found it on Christmas Eve...(you can read her story here) Through everything that the family has gone through, the parents continue to be just extremely upbeat and happy...and I knew that this would be the perfect gift for them.
As I make it, it is a continual reminder of just how precious each and every day is...and each day is TRULY a gift.

For Fun Dress

2010-05-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

The other day I decided to make a super fun dress for my daughter out of this fun material I found at JoAnn's. So, I cut out the pattern, was so proud of myself, tried it on her - TOO SMALL!! I even made a size 3 (even though she's only 22 months old) and it didn't fit. Sometimes I even forget how big she is. She is super tall, and just very broad across her chest. But, turns out it was a good thing. I was able to give it to someone else who adores it!!

WsIP....and STF projects :)

2010-05-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

These are two of my current Works In Progress. I made them because I have a best girlfriend that is pregnant and will be finding out soon what she's having... and I decided that it's just best to be prepared no matter what... Whatever she doesn't have will go into the "gift drawer" and wait until I need a quilt!
I have a little bit of applique work to do on the sewing machine on the girl's quilt, and I want to add some fun 'boy' stuff to the boy quilt. Then quilting, binding, and DONE!!!

Patriotic Table Runner...in progress

2010-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am on a roll!!! I have been sewing like a maniac the past few days (mostly to stay sane because of sickness in my hosue) and have accomplished a ton. I am almost done with another table runner for my front table. This is my patriotic one. I didn't want to post this picture of a close-up, because my points are a little off...but then I remembered, I have to show my flaws now, because the way I'm going to finish it, you won't be able to tell I screwed up :) :) :)
I can't wait to get down to my basement today, put on the last finishing touches, then take it over to be quilted...

Fun Skirt

2010-05-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

I made this skirt for my daughter in an attempt to redeem myself for making a too small one for her the week before. It is super cute, and she loves it. But, it has been a challenge to get a picture of her IN it because she won't stand still!! She loves to run and jump and play - especially when she has a new "pretty dress"...

Table Runner (Easter)

2010-05-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

I know this is late....or REALLY, REALLY early for next year. But I finally made my Easter table runner.

I have this super cool table that my Granni gave me, and I have a goal to make a table runner for it for every holiday...I think it'll be fun and make it even more cool...
I finally finished my Easter one...it took awhile because I usually wait for the holiday fabric to go on sale and then buy the fabric to make things for the NEXT year...
BUT, since this was one of my Spring To Finish projects, I got it done right after Easter this year...

now to get it quilted....

Time Out For Moms Challenge

2010-05-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Over at Simply Modern Mom they are having a "Time Out For Moms Challenge", and I think it's a BRILLIANT idea.They are encouraging moms (or grandma's or non-moms) to remember to take time for themselves each day. So, here's my contribution...

First off, I will admit that my favorite channel to watch is the Disney Channel. They have some of the funniest shows...and not just for kids :) So, I like to take some time at night (especially on Sunday night) and be by myself and watch some funny shows. I make myself a HUGE bowl of ice-cream, lay on my bed and watch Disney Channel. I don't fold laundry, or clean or do anything but enjoy my ice-cream and watch a funny show! My husband thinks it's funny that this is what I choose to do with my "me" time, but I love it and enjoy it and do it every Sunday!!! :) :)

House Warming Gift

2010-04-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

I saw this cutest little wreath on a fun blog as I was blog-surfing around the internet... It's from a site called V and Co. and it's too cute. She has some super cute tutorials over there that are easy to follow and fun to create. I decided that I wanted to try this one, and what better way to try something out than to make it for my best bud since she's moving into a new apartment next week...I just loved making it, and it turned out better than I thought :)

Perfect Intentions...

2010-04-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

As I was playing with my kids yesterday, I had this GREAT idea for a cute summer skirt for my baby girl pop into my mind. So, I quickly got out a paper bag (to make a pattern) and got to work...

After about 20 minutes or making calculations, drawing pictures, and cutting out decals for it, I was ready to cut and sew!
So, i cut, ironed, pined, and sewed for about an hour - getting it all perfect and just the way I wanted it...then I pulled my daughter to me to try it on her and then...

BABY DIAPER BUM got in the way!!!

It made me laugh because I had just finished talking about it before I made the pattern, and still didn't include it in my pattern making... Clearly, my daughter is not meant for pencil skirts!

So, this absolutely adorable skirt that I spent so much time working on will be going to Cousin Ava...cause she's so skinny and barely has a bum worth mentioning :) :) :)
As soon as it's completely finished, I'll take some pictures of it on Cousin and post them...

Summer Fun Skirt

2010-04-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

My little princess LOVES dresses and skirts. In fact, when i ask her in the morning if she wants to wear a dress or pants she 95% of the time will say "dress!!" However, she's super tall and has what we like to call "Polynesian bum"...a large tuchus :) but it's super cute!! So, dresses that we find in the store are usually too short for her, and if we do find one that's long enough in the front, it's often too short in the back. Lucky for her, she has a mom that knows how to sew :) :) :)

I found this cute pattern for a skirt called "The Market Skirt" here, and made a few minor adjustments for my baby girl; like no pockets, longer and wider pieces (I like the ruffled look) and had at it! My daughter just loves it, and wants to wear it all the time. Guess I'm going to have to make some more!

She just adores modeling her dresses, so she asked me to take a picture of her in her "pretty"!!

This was also one of my STF projects....I am on a ROLL!!!

Bed Bags

2010-04-27T07:38:00.001-07:00

As I was looking at projects across the blogger world the past week, I came across this site... I thought that this bag was a super cute idea, but didn't agree with putting one on the crib, (personal opinion!) however, I realized that they would be great for my older kids on their beds!!!
My kids have medical sleeping conditions, so sleep is always a fight at our house. To help with this, a long time ago we took EVERYTHING except for books and 2-3 lovies out of my kids' room...but it was always 'where do these things go'?

I started out by getting out my scrap bucket...Then I let my son go at it with the colors. He picked out the colors for him and for his sister...he's actually quite good at color matching. He's my best partner when fabric shopping if my mom and Granni aren't around :) :)

Here is my daughter's finished bag with nothing in it, and my son's finished bag packed almost as full as it can get :)

Now there' s a nice place to put these few things that they're allowed to have! Thanks for the super cute idea!

This was also one of my STF projects...only 8 more!!!

Common Sense Advice..... :)

2010-04-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

I was doing some sewing this morning and broke a needle...a VERY common thing at my house!! I sew over pins, forget to change my needle, etc, etc...
However, it made me think of some advice my Granni and I got from a sewing friend of hers.
My Granni recently bought a quilting machine, and I was over learning how to use it and prep it and stuff like that, and the lady that was giving the lessons looked at us and said, you DO know how to keep your needles from breaking, don't you?!?!
We were so excited...thinking we were going to learn some great new tricks and get some advice we'd never known....she told us;
Don't Sew Over Pins!!!

it makes me laugh...this is something that we all know, but I rarely do...sometimes it's those common sense things that hit home hardest, eh?!?!

STF Project DONE!!!

2010-04-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is the diaper bag that I made for my sister-in-law who just had her baby! He is very cute, btw...

It was one of my STF projects, so I'm on my way :) :) :)

Another one!!!

2010-04-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sherbet Blossom is having a kick-behind give-away over on their blog...it's for some of the coolest jewelry I have ever seen...and want VERY badly :) Such a great idea to have a "celebrating motherhood series"...I love it...

Spring to Finish...

2010-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Over at Tallgrass Prairie Studio, they are having a "Spring to Finish" Challenge...
I love when she does this, because it gives me the little kick in the behind that I need to get things done that are almost done, but not quite finished!!
So, if you have any unfinished projects, and would like to join in the fun, hop on over and sign up :)
I have listed my projects for the challenge on my side-bar...hope I make it this time!

Head Start...

2010-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd get an early start on my summer projects...

My daughter is a 4th of July baby, so I always make her something fun to wear....this is this year's dress...Hopefully she doesn't out-grow it by then!!

Naturally Meg :)

2010-04-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Meg is being featured over at Sherbet Blossom...
She is such a clever person and makes some of the most adorable creations you have ever seen!! They are having a give-away of one of her trees right now...it's definitely worth the time to go over and check them out!

Awesome Giveaway

2010-04-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

JJ Cole bags are awesome - if you haven't seen them, you should totally check them out.

Sherbet Blossom is having a give-away on their site for a JJCole bag....you definitely need to go enter :)

FINISHED!!!!

2010-04-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

I started this quilt WAY too long ago than I'd like to admit...but it's finally finished!

I started it because I wanted something girlie for my daughter's 'Big-Girl-Bed', but not too girlie. Then I thought I had finished it and was going to put a border around it, and my mom talked me out of it (thanks mom), so I had to find more black and pink to do a few more rows.
Then I let my daughter pick out a back, then shipping it to my mother for quilting (again, thanks mom!).
She got it back to me, and then to decide on a binding...plain black...and of COURSE I didn't have any...to the fabric store! Finally, after she's been in a big bed almost 4 months....it is FINISHED!!!!!
She didn't like it at first, but now drags it around the house...everywhere. It's nice to finally have a quilt on her bed that fits :)

Easter Treaters

2010-04-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

As I was blog-browsing the other day I came across this super cute website called "Creative Holiday Gift Ideas" and saw this super cute idea for Easter...

So, I changed a few things, and made them...
They're called Easter Bunny S'mores...and they're just cute as a button! My kids REALLY enjoyed helping me put them together - especially eating the extras!

Easter Dress

2010-03-29T08:19:00.001-07:00

This is my daughter's new Easter Dress...even though I didn't make it I wanted to show it anyway....my MOM made it for me. Isn't she just the most talented ever?!?! I sure think so :)

Bouncy Seat

2010-03-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law came over the other day with her bouncy seat cover...with rips all over it. She asked if I could fix it and I said of course. Meanwhile my brother says....can you just cover it, it's so ugly! So, I told him yes.....
After un-picking everything, this is the pile that I had to use to make a new pattern for a bouncy seat coverAfter pinning, cutting, and then trying to remember how to put it all back together, I got this!!!It turned out pretty good...if I do say so myself :) :) :)

Bags and Bags...

2010-03-19T12:59:00.001-07:00

I made this Bigger Better Bag for my sister in law who is expecting in 2 months! I let NJ pick out the colors, and then put it together. The best thing about this bag is that it doesn't take long to make, but lasts forever...and is VERY useful :)

I made this small bag (it's the perfect scripture size) for a church activity. It was a prize for a game, and a huge hit...

Finished...kinda

2010-03-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

So, I finished these...

I am making a super fun project for my bed bud and her little nieces! These are the bags that are going to hold the fun stuff :) :) :)

And here is my model.....

Now to just complete what goes inside!!! To the sewing machine!!!

currently working on...

2010-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

Been working hard on a project for my best bud...here's the first part of it finished...

St. Patrick's Day Pretties...

2010-03-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

I love to go all-out for St. Patrick's Day. However, it's hard to find decorations that I LOVE for the holiday. So, I decided to make some of my own this year...

Bigger Better Bag

2010-02-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

A while ago, some of the ladies in my mom's sewing group decided that they were upset with buying bags for church, because they were never big enough....
So, my mom and her sewing group came up with this....They call it The Bigger Better Bag!!!

They rock. The bottom is 9x15, so it's fairly big...I have 3 kids, and it's perfect for everything I need to bring to church.

p.s. Baby Gift for gift drawer.....part of 1 resolution done....

New Year's Resolutions......

2010-02-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Yeah, yeah...it's almost March....I get it!
However, I have made quite a few SEWING and CRAFTING resolutions this year, so I wanted to post them as to have to be accountable for them........

Piece, Quilt, and Complete a MINIMUM of 6 quilt tops

Finish all Home-made Christmas gifts by August

for every 2-3 dresses I make for my daughter, I have to make one for someone else...(she has a LOT of dresses)

Hand-make 2 girls gifts, 2 boys gifts and 2 baby gifts for my "gift drawer"

Let's see how it goes, eh?!?!

Fun New Patterns...

2010-02-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Have you ever needed an amazing quilt pattern?!?! I have found the bestest place to get them. Go check them out here and enjoy the patterns as much as I have....

I love entering give-aways.....

2010-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Super fun give-away here!! EVERYONE should go check it out :) :)

Big-Girl Quilt

2010-01-20T09:04:00.001-08:00

I am working on a quilt for my baby girl to have for her big-girl bed.....Now to decide on a back and get it quilted.....

Candy Wreath

2009-11-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it look yummy?!?!?!

I Love Giveaways

2009-11-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

I found out about this awesome give-a-way!!

It's a chance to win a Sleepy Wrap and matching baby legs...so cute!!

I could definitely use it with baby #3 coming in 4 weeks :)

check out their link here!!

Quilt Backs...

2009-11-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

I posted earlier that I'm trying to figure out backs for my kids' 'winter' blankets.

So, I took them both to the fabric store with me on Saturday. I told my son that he needed to pick out 2 fabrics for himself...and he picked these.....Then I told him to pick out 2 fabrics for his sister...and he picked these...Now, to put them together.....

Another WIP

2009-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

This is my daughter's top from my leftovers. She doesn't love it QUITE as much, but she still likes the heaviness of it :)

So, now I just have to go shopping for a back and decide how to finish them both :)