Thankful

I am reflecting today on my weekend. So busy and packed full of things, lots of boring, real life things, like cleaning house and laundry. Some fun things like hair design,color, and consultation for wedding hairstyles. Some inner strength requiring things, like helping a 19 yr old friend see that her life will be fine, better tomorrow than today, maybe not easier, but definitely better. Some parenting things like how many friends can stay over, is there enough food in the house for three 14 yr old  boys for the weekend, worrying about whether or not the 19 yr old is making safe choices in her desire to spread her wings. Lastly, getting the finally finished quilt in the wash so I can enjoy its crinkly goodness before it goes to its new owner (this occurred at midnight last night). Hmmm as I type this I am thinking I should be exhausted, but I am unusually refreshed. Looking back I know the exact moment that happened...11:47 am Sunday morning sitting in church, contemplating the message that has been shared about Believing God, not just IN Him, but BELIEVING HIM...God spoke to my heart, I have been troubled about a situation with my son and his unintentional wounding at the hands of a leader. The Lord reminded me that _______ may have lost relationship with my son, but the Lord has not. I cannot tell you how much that restored my soul. I BELIEVE God in this, and am so thankful for his promises that He speaks to my heart!

New projects

Here is my nephews belated birthday gift...Very belated, and obviously not getting to him anytime soon because I decided to hand quilt! It will be wonderful once complete, simple reverse appliqué circles in four different fabrics. It is all out of flannel, so it will be snuggle worthy for a 16 yr old young man. I am so excited to get it all quilted so I can get it all washed up and see what happens to the appliqué. Back to the office tomorrow.

Keeping busy!

I have been keeping busy with all kinds of projects...Maybe I am ADD? I made this apron out of a vintage table cloth that I found at a resale shop... 

I ended up sort of fussy cutting it to get the design to lay out the way I wanted. I love it and have already put it to good use!

I also made this bible cover out of the Lantern blooms stash I have been saving. I so love this fabric!

AND 

Last but not least, I made these socks! This was my first attempt at knitting socks, I found it to be very enjoyable and challenging at the same time.

I used Sockotta yarn and Plymouth yarn Design studio "Corrugated rib top sock pattern"

I have already worn them and they are very comfy. At first I didnt think I would like them due to the cotton texture of the yarn. However after wearing them I found them very comfy! I did have to watch my gage very closely it was very easy to let my stitching get loose, I generally do not have an issue with that as I knit. Over all I think it was a great introduction to knitting socks!

Too Long!

I have been so busy lately, doing what? Not sure- just life I guess!
I am Thankful
My husband and I totaled up that we combined have had 7 weeks of furlo the past 7 months...OUCH...Husband is good with finances, so we are OK.
I am Thankful
We are all healthy
I am Thankful
My kids have generous, kind hearts
I am blessed beyond words!

Projects to come

Next project will be some Kimono tops out if these fabrics for a special order.

Then on to this quilt pattern for a wedding gift out of these fabrics

Love Paradise Garden in Periwinkle and Love Sun Spots Tangerine

or maybe this...

 

Just spreading a little LOVE(hehe)!

Lantern Bloom

I finally have pictures of the completed quilt I made for my friend Gale. I loved making this project, the photos are all before washing, and in its new home. I added an additional border on this project to make it a tad larger.

I used a varigated thread as I stitched around the branch with a machine blanket stitch. I love how the varigation added dimension to the branches.

I backed the quilt with off white muslin. I contemplated long and hard about the back couldnt make up my mind ultimately I went with the muslin(safe). I think if I looked at this everyday, I would really have regretted this choice. Its funny I choose "safe" for the backing... the quilt is anything but "safe"! Overall I am quite pleased with the final product.

254th day of the year.

My husband turns 49 today...Hard to believe that 24 years have gone by since we married, he still looks like the same handsome man I married, wish I did, that is so not fair!

I cooked his favorites: Cheese and Clam Fettuccine (from the Taste of Oregon Cook Book), Garlic French bread, big tossed salad and a Chocolate Cream Pie from Scratch (ala Betty Crocker) with some freshly whipped cream on top, yumm! So nice to have the whole family home for the evening, doesnt happen often with and 8th grader and a college student in the house. Even more of a rareity is that we were the ONLY ones home! Not complaining, we love the busy house. Life is definitely better than good!