ginabean handmade

Week 5, Block 5

2012-02-05T13:31:00.002-05:00

Week five and I finished block five...right on schedule. Only 4 more blocks to go. Now it's time to pull myself way from sewing and enjoy some football. I got the Lark Quilt quilted this weekend and the binding put on, so maybe I will sit and sew it down while I watch the game.

Decisions, Decisions

2012-02-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to a local vendor quilt show and I was a pretty good girl. The only thing I purchased was this pattern. It's pretty neat. The inner star is sewn into the seam of the larger star.

It came with these templates. I like the way it turned out, but I trying to decide if I should make it with the inner star or not. What do you think? Inner star - yes or no? The blocks are 11 1/2" and the quilt has 25 stars. I am using some old Amy Bulter fabric swatch samples to make it. I might try to tackle this with the one block a week method, like I'm doing with the Swoon quilt. That seems to be a more attainable goal.

Hopping To It

2012-01-31T11:24:00.001-05:00

Block #8

I have been busy trying to catch up on my Hop To It quilt.

Block #7

There are 12 blocks in all and I am currently working on # 9.

Swoon - 3 + 4

2012-01-30T16:30:00.001-05:00

I got a little behind, but I'm back on track now.

It's week 5 and I have Swoon blocks 3 & 4 completed. With any luck, block 5 will be done by the end of the week. Cross your fingers.

Superstar

2012-01-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

My mother-in-law and I have been taking a class to learn how to make Moravian Stars. They are supposed to be made with white paper, but you know that I couldn't resist making them out of something a little different.

Because You Know We're Hardcore

2012-01-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

That's right, I said it.... quilters are bada**...and we like to make "To Do" lists

so BOOM... there it is. The ultimate comp. book cover for the bada** quilter.

You lookin' at me, you lookin' at me?!? That's right, I didn't think so. You don't want none of this.

Don't be messin' with no quilters. We will mess you up.

Nuff said.

(Quilting: It's not for Grandmas anymore.)

Peek-a-boo

2012-01-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Look at the cutie that is helping me model my new quilt.

I think he likes it!

Do you see that little smile peek-a-booing at you.

He had such a good time! Oh so cute. Cute, cute, cute.

Hummmmm

2012-01-19T21:11:00.000-05:00

The sewing machine has been humming this past week. I put the last stitches in this quilt top for Karen's shop today. It's made using Jaybird Quilts Taffy pattern and Amy Butler's Lark fabric.

I have another quilt top at the halfway stage. I hope to get it completed in the next couple of days to show you. The boys have been snotty and coughing and all kinds of good stuff this week so I have stayed close to home. It's amazing what you get done when you are not running errands all the time. I'm starting to see why some people never leave the house. It's nice to get caught up on things here. Especially some sewing.

Week Two, Block Two

2012-01-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

I am really making an effort to get some things made this week. I turned off the t.v., am limiting my time on the computer and I am trying really hard to stay focused. I have my little list of things I want to accomplish this week and I am working through it. Block # 2 of the Swoon Quilt is crossed off the list.

Fletcher Rides A Bike

2012-01-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

Sunday we went to my parents so we could have a nice place for Fletcher to learn to ride his bike without training wheels. (we live on a gravel road, not ideal for learning to ride a bike) He didn't give up and HE DID IT! Yeah Fletch!

Baby No-No is One!

2012-01-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

My little niece calls Nolan , No-No and we have all adopted the name. I was going to try to have a simple Birthday Party - just have family over for cake and ice cream. Well, if you know me, you know I rarely can keep it simple.

My mom gave me the giant Animal Cookies box and that was all the inspiration I needed. If I had given myself more than 2 days to pull it off, I could have gone way over the top. (if you know me, you know I could have gone waaaaay over the top)

Nolan is a great baby. He sleeps thru the night, he loves to play with balls, his big brother can make him laugh like crazy and he makes me happy every time I see him! We are all so blessed to have him in our lives. Happy Birthday, No-No!

One Down

2012-01-06T14:44:00.001-05:00

I just finished piecing together the first block for the Swoon quilt. Man, I don't know if I'm rusty at piecing or what, but that took me the better half of the day. I had to think too much on this one. I'm kinda mad at myself because right out of the gate I cut the fabric wrong. I wanted the dark fabric to be where the light fabric is and the light where the dark is. Only eight more to go.... I was going to try to make this quilt quickly, but I think I might shoot for completing one block a week. That sounds more

do-able. It is good to be quilting again, though. Even if I did have to match a bunch of points. ;)

Longest Post Ever

2012-01-05T14:06:00.001-05:00

Shew... it's been a little while since I've posted. There has been so much going on, I'm not quite sure where to begin. The Holidays were a whirlwind. As much as I tried to get most things done to prepare for the holiday early, I was still making preparations right up to the bitter end. For some reason I had pictured in my mind a December where I would sit back and relax while knitting and quilting by the fire. Uhhh... that didn't happen. I actually don't know why I ever thought it would. I managed to get Nolan's Christmas stocking knitted and hung by the fire with care by the night before Christmas Eve. Nothing like waiting til the 11th hour. I'll have to post pictures of it later. (I just realized I forgot to take one.) If I am adding it all up correctly, Nolan's stocking would be the 17th stocking I have knitted for family members over the years. I have an 18th to make this year, as my sister is due in February. Last year I was on bed rest during the holidays, so I think this year I was trying to make up for that. I baked waaay to much, tried to make waaay to many handmade gifts, and ran around completing errands waaay to much. It was Nolan's first Christmas and I wanted everything to be special and to begin to make some new traditions.

Let's see... what else. I went ahead and got a jump on my New Years Resolution. This is the year I am going to lose weight. I am damn determined to finally get it off. All 50 lbs. of it! I decided after a shopping trip that I was going to have to get serious about losing weight. I was having trouble fitting into the clothes at store I used to always shop at. Apparently these stores don't want the big girls sportin' their style. I used to be a solid size 6. I used to walk in these stores and pick something off the rack and take it home. I wouldn't even need to try it on. Not so much now. Shirts don't button up over my boobs and if they do they have that oh so lovely gap. Pants don't look right, (i.e. muffin top) etc... You know the story. Anyway... it was pretty depressing. So after I binged on some holiday cookies and feeling sorry for myself for a little while, I bit the bullet and got myself a personal trainer. I started my workouts the Monday after Thanksgiving. I know what you're thinking...the holidays are only like the worst time ever to start a diet, but I figured it was just like any other day. It was just another excuse to not diet. I have been lifting weight with the trainer 3 times a week and following his diet and I am proud to say that as of today, six weeks into it, I am 13 lbs. lighter. I still have a long way to go, but 13 pounds is 13 pounds! (and that is during the holidays... I kinda feel like saying Boo-ya!) Now I am adding in cardio. I'm signing up to do the Cooper River Bridge Run at the end of March. I am making goals and sticking with it. (hide yo boyfriends laaaadies! I'm bringing Sexyback. tee hee.)

Okay, next. Anthony, Nolan, Fletcher, my mom and I did the Running of the Lights at Tanglewood on New Years Eve. It's a 5.5K race that takes you thru the Festival of the Lights at Tanglewood Park. It starts at midnight and it is a lot of fun. We walked it, but maybe next year I'll run it. Who knows.

Ummm, what else.... Nolan turns one tomorrow. I can't believe it's been a year. At this time last year I was having contractions and trying really hard to deny that I was having contractions. He is such a great baby. I am so lucky to be his and Fletcher's mom! I'll post pictures of his party. We are going with the Animal Cookies Theme. It came out kind cute. If anyone has suggestions on how to make red icing with out it tasting super nasty from all the food coloring you have to add to it, I'd be glad to know.

To sum up the longest post ever.... everything is good here, boys are happy and healthy which makes me happy. I'm working on the healthy- that's top priority. I WANT to quilt. I did not make or finish very many quilts last year and I plan to do better this year. I have some to complete and many I want to start. I have my brain full of new ideas that I want to make for Flaunt. I have tutorials I want to share....blah, blah,blah. I want to thank you all for stopping by my blog and taking the time to read it. It's kinda a good feeling knowing that there are people out there that stop by.

Oh yeah, that picture way, way, way back up there at the top is the beginnings of a new quilt.

I'll just say... Swoon, Pat Bravo, Kona. Stay tuned ....

Homemade

2011-12-08T13:04:00.001-05:00

I made some homemade caramels this year. Packaging makes everything look good, doesn't it. The handmade / homemade Christmas continues....

Ummm...Cookies

2011-12-03T14:22:00.001-05:00

I'm staying way from all the crazy drivers and long lines out there in the real world. (I went out yesterday and thought I was gonna have to use my ninja skills on some dude. Don't make me take you down during this festive holiday season, because I will Mr.) I'll just stay here in my little space.... making cookies. I've never made sugar cookies before and my inner Martha Stewart really thought I should give it a try. I came across this beautiful blog and knew I had to. I used her recipe and they tasted very good. (according to my very critical taste tester who is not afraid to give his opinion...a.k.a my husband) Just in case they didn't turn out, I bought a sugar cookie scented candle. If it went bad, it would still smell all holiday-like up in hur. Now that they are baked... the hard part. I have to decorate them.

Dish Towel Tutorial

2011-12-01T20:23:00.001-05:00

While we are at it...let's make some fancy dish towels. Here is a quick tutorial to help you get it done. The tut shows you how to add a pretty decorative band to a plain dish towel. I used a dish towel, but it also works great with flour sac towels. You can also add some fancy smancy embroidery if you just feel like making it that much better. (I didn't include the embroidery part in the tut.) Now go sew more gifts for all your favorite peeps.

Tis' The Season To Make Some Stuff

2011-11-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

Well, since it's the time of year that is perfect for making things to give, I thought I would share a tutorial with you on how to make these composition book covers. They make up very quickly and I think they would be great teachers gifts. These two are going to Fletcher's teachers. I put the tutorial together pretty quickly, so let me know if you have problems with it. Now get sewing. We have lots of things to make before Christmas!

You can find the tutorial here. You can also find it up there at the top of my blog listed under the tutorials page.

For All You Deer Hunting Quilters Out There

2011-11-26T16:28:00.001-05:00

My husband bagged this deer a couple of weeks ago. He seems to be very upset that I have not posted a picture of it on my blog. I tried to explain to him that I was pretty sure that you ladies probably wouldn't be very interested in seeing a picture of his deer, but he seems disappointed, soooo.... this post is for him and all you deer huntin' quilters out there. Congratulations on your deer, honey. I'm very proud of you! Ladies, be on the look out for my Pretty Patchwork Gun Sleeve Tutorial....just kidding.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

These are for the kiddos on Thanksgiving. They are going to go at their place at the table. I think this year we are going to have ourselves a little Thanksgiving Day Pageant with all the kids dressed up.

I know that this year I am grateful to be with my family and not in some hospital room. (last year I went into pre-term labor on Thanksgiving Day) I can't wait to eat my two favorite things, Turnips and my Grandfather's Stuffing. I only eat turnips once a year, on Thanksgiving. My mom fixes them like nobody's business. (I actually think that my mom, my grandmother and I are the only ones who partake of the turnips out of the whole clan of 15 people that will be there.) We have Thanksgiving lunch at my in-laws around 11:00 and Thanksgiving "lupper" around 3:00 at my parents. It's some serious food eatin' so I will be wearing my "dress-up" sweatpants! Oh- I think I saw some Pajama Jeans for sale at Sears. Maybe I should splurge for some of those for Turkey Day.

Elf on the Towel Bar

2011-11-22T14:14:00.001-05:00

Totally Cute, Right!?!

New Bag

2011-11-21T13:03:00.001-05:00

With some time to work on my own projects, I finally got to make a new bag. I have been wanting to make the Cosmo Bag from Amy Bulter's new book since I got the book this summer. I had picked out some fun summer fabric to make it in, but now that winter is approaching I decided to use some Anna Maria Horner Velveteen. I love the way it turned out. It is a big bag, but with all the diapers and bottles I have to tote around it is a perfect size for me.

Finishing Things

2011-11-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

I actually got Fletcher's sweater finished before he out-grew it. I started it last year about this time when I was on bed rest. I got it almost finished (all but one sleeve) and put it down. Check that off the list. Now the top priority is getting Nolan's Christmas stocking knitted.

What's Been Going On?

2011-11-15T11:58:00.000-05:00

A lot has been going on around the Allen household. Believe it or not, I have gotten all the projects I needed to do for other people completed. I had some projects to finish up and I am not going to take on any more for a while. I am looking forward to catching up with my own projects and spending time celebrating the holidays with my boys. On Sunday, Nolan was baptised. It was a bitter sweet day. On the one hand, we celebrated Nolan's baptism, but then we had to attend the funeral of a dear friend. It was hard to say goodbye. I think Anthony and I are still feeling a little numb. His passing has been hard to accept. He was truely one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Trick Arrrrr Treat

2011-10-31T21:03:00.000-04:00

My Pirate and Little Parrot!

Happy Halloween

That Thing I'm Not Doing...

2011-10-19T16:52:00.000-04:00

Okay... you know that thing that I am NOT making things for because I'm NOT having a table at it because I'm NOT doing it. Yeah, that thing. It's this weekend. I'm still NOT doing it, but if you come to it, you might just see me there and I might just be standing behind a table that could or could not have things I've made on it. Just sayin'.

Actually, it is going to to pretty AWE-SOME! (not because I'm not doing it either.) Karen got pallets and pallets full of the most beautiful Westminster fabric and it is all going to be $5 a yard. Yes! that is not a typo! 5 Bucks! Like I said.... pretty awesome. We are talking Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Joel Dewberry, tons of Kaffe. You know... some primo stuff. There are also flannels and quilted fabrics. I have seen it! This is no rumor. I can confirm! She also will have some very cool quilted bags, thread, accessories. All kinds of good stuff. Oh.... and some insane deals on charm packs, fat quarter bundles, & design rolls.

If you are a quilter, fabric hoarder, whatever... you should be there! As Rachel Zoe would say, it is going to be BA-NAN-A-S. If you are a VIP, you can even partake of the special preview Friday night. (I have some pretty good connections... I can get you in.)

Metal + Linen

2011-10-13T09:56:00.000-04:00

I'm really starting to get into making these metal clutch purses. Can you tell...

Pumpkins + Camo

2011-10-10T13:47:00.000-04:00

I think I forgot to post an 8 month picture, but here is a picture of my big 9 month old. Saturday was a beautiful day and we headed to the pumpkin patch to get a big ol' carvin' pumpkin. Fletch wants a pirate pumpkin, so we will have to see if we can make that happen.
Not only is this pumpkin season, it is also deer huntin' season. My husband has been waiting for the day he could take Fletch hunting with him since the day Fletch was born. This is the year. Fletcher got all decked out in his camo for his first hunting experience with his daddy. I figured it would last about 10 minutes, but to my surprise, Fletch spent almost 4 hours in the "deer condo". Go figure!

Wine Bottle Bag Tutorial

2011-10-06T21:39:00.000-04:00

Okay- here it is... the Wine Bottle Bag Tutorial. I did it pretty quickly, so I hope there are no mistakes in it. Blogger is being kinda funny tonight, so you can find the tutorial over on my sidebar. Enjoy. -g

Water Bottle Fobs

2011-09-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

More stuff... these are Water Bottle Fobs that I made to sell at Flaunt. They have a rubber washer that slips over the top of the water bottle so you can wear it on your wrist and carry it.

In answer to the questions from the last post about a tutorial for the Wine Bottle Bag...I don't have a tutorial, but I will put one together for you. I will try to get it posted sometime in the next week or so. They are pretty easy to make and would by perfect for the Holidays.

Wine Bottle Bags

2011-09-29T15:40:00.000-04:00

Did I say that I was going to sew Journal Covers today? Man, am I so full of it. It is 3:30 pm and I haven't made it to the unfinished little part of the basement that is my sewing room. I'll call it a "Sewing Studio" because it makes it sound like I have some fabulous area that I sew in everyday . You know... a "studio" with floor to ceiling white shelving and robins egg blue walls and hardwood floors. Oh... and endless bolts of beautiful fabric. (This is what I like to pretend my cement floor / block wall garage turned sewing room looks like.) A girl can dream. Anywho... this is a Wine Bottle Bag for the craft show that I am NOT doing.

Crunch Time

2011-09-28T21:32:00.000-04:00

I've been absent from my blog for a while because I have been sewing my brains out. There are about 3 weeks until Flaunt. I keep saying that I am not going to have a table there, but for some reason I seem to keep sewing things for it. My new favorite is this Composition Book Cover. I'm digging the grommet. Tomorrow I plan on getting a bunch of these made. I have the fabric all cut out and ready to assemble. I'm going to try and post pictures of some more things that I am making to NOT sell at the table I'm NOT going to have at Flaunt ;) over the next three weeks! You will probably gather from the variety of things I've made that I have some serious A.D.D.

Milestones

2011-08-25T08:41:00.000-04:00

Today is the big day! Fletch is off to Kindergarten. Surprisingly, I handled it pretty well. Hubby was a little more emotional then I ever expected him to be. Fletcher, of course, was fine. Here's to a good, successful school year!

More Stuff

2011-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Can you tell I have been in the "sweat shop" that is my sewing room. I've gotten some pacifier clips made for Flaunt. Many more things are on schedule to be made, but I'm kinda getting burnt out. I think I need a "Bahamavention". Well, maybe just a day by the pool or something. Or a pedi. Yeah, a pedi would be nice.

Sneak Peak

2011-08-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

I can not get enough of these cute little pinwheels. They look adorable on cupcakes, which I can also not get enough of. These poor little guys need some cupcakes to partner up with. Ummm.
If you will notice, too...this is a little sneak peek of the kitchen redo. My new counter tops are installed and the tiling was wrapped up on Tuesday. I'm not ready for the big reveal yet. I still need to make the new window treatments and cover the bar stools. I was going to go with a nice top treatment on a pole, but now that the counters and tile are all in, I'm thinking simple Roman Shades instead. The fabric is ordered... found just what I wanted at Ballard Design AND it was On.Sale. Score! I guess that help make up for the horror of the faucet installation. Let's just say it involved 5 trips to 3 different Lowes Home Improvements, one trip to The Home Depot, one trip to a kitchen & bath supply house, one leaky faucet, a faucet with a box of missing parts and two very high dollar sink strainers. Oh... and a partridge in a pear tree.

Where's the Baby...There's the Baby

2011-08-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

Seven Months Old.
Time Flies.

My other little baby, Fletcher, starts the big K next week. Kindergarten! I'm not too sure this momma this gonna handle that too well. There was already a brief eposide in the grocery store while buying juice boxes and goldfish to pack the lunch box.

The Production Line

2011-08-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

Retractable Badge Reels - for holding your badges or....
your sewing scissors! I can never find where I set my scissors down when I need them!

Trying New Things

2011-08-15T14:02:00.000-04:00

I thought I would try to make some metal framed purses. This is my first attempt. I'm pretty pleased with how it came out. I even managed to get it done without covering me, the fabric, the frame, the table, etc... with glue. (it was almost a given that I would get glue everywhere) I'm trying to make some time to get some more made, maybe to sell at Flaunt. Operation DIY Kitchen Remodel is still underway. We are not going to talk about that though. Only to say that this weekend didn't go so well. HGTV makes things look so dog-on easy. WHATEVER, HGTV....what.ever.

Lots To Do

2011-08-10T08:48:00.000-04:00

It seems like I have an endless "To Do" list lately. I guess the best thing about that is I seem to stay more focused and get more done when I have a lot to do. Here's a sneak peak of the latest quilt I am working on. I hope to have it done by the end of the weekend.
In the middle of everything... this is going on in my kitchen. After ten years of a counter top I never liked, I am finally getting new ones. So, today is demo day in the kitchen. The hubby already tore down the old back splash and today he is taking off the old counter tops. Darn... I planned on cooking a nice big dinner, too. Oh well, guess I can't. (Yeah right, like I was going to cook. But that's my story and I'm sticking to it.) New counter tops get here Friday. I can't wait! After that, hubby has to put up a new back splash. I'm thinking subway tile. Then I need to make a new window treatment for the window over the sink, then we need to recover the bar stools, then we need.........the list goes on.
I'll let you know how it turns out.

Bookmarks?

2011-08-08T08:21:00.000-04:00

I made these cute little bookmarks and then I got to thinking....does anyone even read books anymore, or do they all use Kindles and Nooks? Maybe I should have made sleeves for them instead.

Key Fob, Anyone?

2011-08-06T13:03:00.000-04:00

So I've gotten some key fobs made for Flaunt, too. More things to come...

Heads Up

2011-08-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's gonna be gettin' crafty up in hur!

see... I told you I have been sneaking in a little sewing time.

I am totally, needlessly, stressing myself out thinking about all the things I want to make for FLAUNT (local handmade market in October) and wondering if there is any way for me to get it all done. I have big plans swirling around in this head of mine, one quarter of which might actually get done. (if I'm lucky)

Stay Calm and Sew Stuff!

WOW!

2011-08-04T14:47:00.002-04:00

You guys are awesome! Thanks for helping me clear out some of my stash! That's one way to get'r done.
This is all that is left from my fabric bolts. Now I feel like I've really done something. It was hard to part with. The mail man had to pry the boxes out of my hands, but I do feel like a huge weight has been lifted. The fabric is no longer sitting there in my sewing room staring at me. Staring at me and whispering in my ear, "use me, make something out of me, I wanna be in a quilt, too!" Ahhh.... it feels kinda good. Now if you will excuse me, this is cutting into the time I could be shopping for new fabric online. Na, I'm just kidding. (there is still plenty left in my sewing room)

Fat Quarters, Too!

2011-08-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

I also have this fat quarter bundle that I bought on impulse and it has been on my shelf for about a year. (I know you all never do that!) I don't know when I am ever going to get the time to do anything with it. It is a Moda Sandy Gervais Lollipop 44 fat quarter bundle. You can have it for $60 plus the shipping. Let me know if you want it!! Email me at ginabean@yadtel.net

I promise I'll stop posting stuff for sale and start posting crafty things. Believe it or not, I have been sneaking in a little sewing time lately. School starts soon and Fletcher's Summer Entertainment Committee (i.e. - me) will be getting some time off. Hopefully, my craftiness is on the up-swing and I'll have time to post more. I know I've been pretty stack about posting this summer.

FABRIC and SCRAP SALE!!!!

2011-08-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

So, you know I am in the "get the crap out of my house" mode. I have hit the sewing room and I need to get rid of some fabric. It needs to go to good and loving homes, so I thought I would offer it up to you guys. It is all Michael Miller (MM) and Westminster Fabrics. (I have good taste, tee hee.) Could you all handle, say....$3 a yard? Let me know if you want some and how much and we can do the whole paypal thing. I'll just invoice you. I'll send it in priority flat rate envelopes and boxes, so shipping will just depend on how much you get. Probably $5 - $10. For the most part, I have several yards of each. I also thought I would offer up some 1 pound (2 quart) bags of scraps like I did in the past. (Because Lord knows, I've got some scraps!) Only the good stuff too, ya know. Micheal Miller and Amy Bulter and such. How about 5 bucks each for those.

1. Michael Miller (MM) Dandy Damask - Black

2. Tina Givens Annabella Rochelle - Gabriel gone

3. Amy Butler (AB) Lotus Oxford Stripe - Mustard gone

4. AB Lotus Star Paisley - Coral gone

5. MM Dumb Dot - Pink

6. MM Daisy Dreams - Brown gone

7. Sandi H. Bouquet Toss - Blush

8. Heather Bailey (HB) Pop Garden Peonies - Rose gone

9. Sandi H. Bouquet Toss - Lime

10. Anna Marie Horner (AMH) Garden Party Guest of Honor - Rose

11. AMH Chocolate Lollipop Charcoal Brown gone

12. AMH Chocolate Lollipop gone

13. AB Midwest Modern Fresh Poppies - Fuchsia

14. AB Midwest Modern Martini - Moss

15. MM Patty Young Mod Blooms - Earth

16. MM Patty Young Tiny Dots - Earth

17. Tina Givens Annabella Nikki - Mink

18. AMH Garden Party Polka Line - Raspberry

19. MM Dumb Dots - Kiwi

20. Erin McMorris Wildwood Sophie's Garden - Fuchsia

21. AB Lotus Full Moon Polka Dot - Cherry

22. HB Pop Garden Peonies - Red

23. Erin McMorris Wildwood Sophie's Garden - Orange

24. HB Pop Garden Wallpaper Roses - Turquoise

25. AB Lotus Full Moon Polka Dot - Tangerine gone

26. MM Dumb Dots - Avocado

I'm trying really hard not to be featured on that show "Hoarders"!

If you see anything you can't live without, just contact me at ginabean@yadtel.net

Month Six

2011-07-14T13:08:00.006-04:00

Wow! Six months has gone by so fast! The boys have been keeping me busy. I am also in the middle of what I call, "Operation Clean Out This Huge Pile of Crap That Has Taken Over My House." I just finished cleaning out and reorganizing the kitchen. The man at Goodwill and I have become pretty tight during this whole process. I have to say that having the kitchen all clean and organized ALMOST makes me want to cook. ALMOST! I still have the bathrooms and boys rooms to do. I'm not even going talk about the pile of junk hanging out in the basement, but I am ready to take a break from cleaning and sew a little bit.

I'm getting behind on my applique project, so this weekend I hope to get the ol' sewin' machine out and work on the pieced sashing. Cross your fingers for me!

Miss 4th of July

2011-07-05T13:14:00.000-04:00

Fashion for the Fourth

2011-06-17T09:23:00.004-04:00

The 4th of July is a big deal in our family. This year is the first year in I can't tell you when that our whole family will be together for the 4th. I decided that my two little nieces needed something cute to wear on the big day, so they are both getting a festive pillowcase dress.

Turning 5

2011-06-16T08:47:00.004-04:00

Fletcher turned 5 a couple of weeks ago. (I haven't had time to post, I know, I'm a slacker)

He wanted to have a Monster Truck Party....so that's what we had.

I had fun making the invitations, cupcake toppers and wrapper, gift bag, etc. for the party with my new Silhouette SD. I even made monster truck tattoos for all the kids. (I am loving this machine.)

Fletcher!!!!

2011-05-24T13:59:00.008-04:00

Fletcher.... would you please hold still so I can get a nice picture of you for your preschool graduation?

Fletcher... seriously, act like you have some sense and smile nice!
Seriously Fletcher!

I'm not kidding, Fletcher. If you would just go ahead and smile nice you could have been done by now.

Fletcher!!!

Fletcher Tillet Allen!!!

Really!!!

Alright, that's it. Forget it. Why would I want to have a nice picture of you anyway?

Finally.... Thank you. That's my sweet boy! Congratulations on surviving preschool! Kindergarten teachers... are you ready for this thing!?!?

Quilt Sampler Magazine

2011-05-12T13:25:00.000-04:00

The Spring 2011 issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine put out by Better Homes and Gardens is now on stands. The magazine features my favorite shop and good friend, Karen Gray. If you get a chance, stop by her shop and pick one up. It has a great pattern by her in it and I got to quilt it for her.

I feel like a superstar, because my name is in the magazine. She has kits all ready to go, so pick one of those up too, while you're there.

Finished Quilts and Four Month Olds

2011-05-11T15:04:00.004-04:00

I finally finished a quilt! It's for my sweet little niece who turns 2 this week. I made it using this pattern, which I have to say, was super easy.
And I had to throw in a picture of this major cutie! He is now four months old. Time sure does go by fast. He is getting so big!

My Lastest Obsession...

2011-05-09T12:43:00.003-04:00

...making t-shirts and onesies. I hope to have some in my Etsy shop soon.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T11:27:00.002-04:00

For my mom, who I inherited all of my craftiness from. She made my dresses and bows and taught me how to decorate cakes and how to sew. But most importantly, she taught me how to be a good mother to my boys. Thank you!

Lucky #5

2011-05-05T21:36:00.002-04:00

I don't know. Is 5 lucky? Well, let's just say it is. It could be. Anyway, #5 is done! Yeah!

Sweet Sunday Strawberries

2011-05-02T09:47:00.007-04:00

Sunday my husband and I loaded up the mini-van with Fletcher, Nolan, my brother-in-law, sister and niece, Marion and headed to pick strawberries.
It went a little something like this for Fletcher... pick one, eat one, pick two, eat one. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. Plus, we got a boat load of some delish strawberries! Now I have to figure out what to do with them. I'm thinking homemade strawberry ice cream.
(Do I have a little redneck or what?!? Wearin' shorts and still has to have those cowboy boots on. Don't ask me where he got that hat, either. I didn't buy it.)

Can't beat it!

Busy, Busy

2011-04-26T15:54:00.003-04:00

Things are busy here, like always. We had family here last week. My brother and his wife and three boys were here. Fletch could not get enough of playing with them. Aren't my boys handsome all dressed to go to church on Easter!?! I'm proud of myself for actually getting everyone ready and a picture made of them and still making it to church on time. The Allen's run late to EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING! I could get up five hours early to get ready and still run late.

There hasn't been too much sewing going on here lately with all the activities and family, but I did manage to finish up another block for my Hop To It quilt. Summer is going to be busy. Who knows how much I'll get done. I've decided I'm not going to worry so much about getting too much sewing done. I'm just gonna have fun!

Who Gets Married On Tax Day?

2011-04-15T13:59:00.003-04:00

This day is special to me. Do you know why? Yup, I love Tax Day! Just kidding. Today is my 11th Wedding Anniversary. That's right, this day 11 years ago while all of you were mailing out your taxes, my husband was having the BEST day of his life. No... it's not because we had an open bar. It's because he got to marry me, of course. I mean, every man wants a wife that can't cook and spends all her free time sewing. Who knew that 11 years later we would have 2 beautiful boys and such a good life together!

Thank God I'm A Country Boy

2011-04-06T10:14:00.002-04:00

Yup! Thank God I've got myself a little Country Boy!

I Used To Be Cute

2011-03-29T10:14:00.008-04:00

I know it sounds crazy, but I did used to be cute. I used to have a cute figure and wear cute clothes. I used to have a cute hair cut and wear cute make-up and cute shoes and drive a cute little car. I miss being cute! When did it happen that all of the sudden I woke up and was overweight and sweatpants became my usual outfit and a mini-van my mode of transportation? (I seriously went to the grocery store yesterday in my sweatpants and sweatshirt with no make-up and I honestly can't recall if I even ran a hairbrush through my hair at all.) I used to care about how I looked and what I ate and if I exercised. I never wanted to be one of those women that got married and had kids and stopped caring about herself and the way she looked, but I guess I did. I need to get back to being the kind of women that takes care of herself because if I don't take care of myself, who else will? I've decided that I've got to take some control (because lord knows I can't afford plastic surgery, tee hee.) As Justin Timberlake put it, "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" or at least cute (probably cute, not sexy, yeah....most likely cute.)

Take Two

2011-03-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

Remember me saying that I wanted to make the smaller version of Amy Butler's new pattern? Well, I actually got it done. Write that down! This is my new diaper bag. The larger version was a little bigger than I needed to carry all my junk around.
The bag is reversible. I'm having a hard time trying to decide which side I like better. Next up...some more Barney things for my niece.

Block #3

2011-03-09T13:56:00.001-05:00

Yeah! I have block #3 finished. Now to get crack-a-lackin' on #4.

My Little Sewing Helper

2011-03-08T09:35:00.003-05:00

Have you been wondering how someone with a 2 month old is able to get so much sewing done? This is why... so far my little buddy is very agreeable to the hum of the sewing machine. His brother used to sit on my lap as I was sewing, but now he has traded me in for his daddy, so this one will have to help me out while I'm sewing. (Fletcher only likes to help wind the bobbin now because he thinks he is driving a race car when he is pressing the petal.
This weekend my sister came over and we made this little pop over pinafore for little Marion's big outing to go see Barney. I can't believe that my sister lets her watch Barney! Not that Barney is bad, but it is super annoying to me. And Marion watching Barney means that my sister has to watch Barney. I for one could not take that. That's why my kids will not be Barney fans.

Marion is, however, his #1 fan. She loves him and she will be the most stylish little girl at the show, for sure.

Infant Car Seat Cover Tutorial

2011-03-02T10:15:00.003-05:00

Alright, I've gotten another tutorial done. This one is for an Infant Car Seat Cover. A friend of mine made me one for Nolan and I love it. It's perfect for keeping the cooties away from your little one when you are out and about. You can find it here or on my sidebar.
Just for the heck of it, I thought I would share a pic of BB (big brother) and LB (little brother).
I thought the newness would wear off for Fletcher and he wouldn't be as interested in his LB, but this kid could not get enough of loving on his LB. He is a very good BB.

Yesterday was Fletcher's first t-ball practice. He loved it. He is on a team with all his friends and he was so cute out on that field with all of them. It's the same field his daddy played on when he was Fletcher's age. :)

Applique Block Roll Tutorial

2011-03-01T09:31:00.003-05:00

Told you I was gonna try to do more tutorials. This is an easy one. It took me about 15 minutes to put one of these rolls together. (Thanks to my friend, kb, for showing me how to make these.) This is a perfect and stylish way to store and carry all of these applique blocks you have been working on.

Just place your blocks in and roll it up and off you go to class. You can find the tutorial here or on my side bar. Now go make some!

Sunday Sewing

2011-02-27T14:59:00.002-05:00

I spent just a little bit of time on this pretty day (75 degrees outside) making these pajama bottoms and embroidering this pajama top for my mom. I'm kinda diggin' them. I want some for myself now! I'll save making them for myself until another time. Right now I'm going outside to enjoy this weather with my boys.

Patchwork Belt Tutorial

2011-02-26T13:29:00.004-05:00

I added my instructions for making this super fab patchwork belt to my side bar. You can find it there or if you click here. There are tons of other tutorials floating around in this crazy brain of mine. I hope to get some down on paper. That is my intention, anyway. We shall see if I can make that happen. Maybe if I do, it will help calm these voices in my head thinking up things for me to do. Hope you enjoy!

34

2011-02-25T13:27:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was my 34th. My 34th birthday, that is. The boys gave me a nice little gift certificate to get a mani and a pedi! Mommy like! The tooties are NOT looking so good these days and a pedi is just what they need. I actually could care less about having my toenails polished, although it is an added benefit. What I absolutely love about a pedi is the foot massage. Heaven! Might be having to make myself an appointment for some me time on Sunday and cash in my present.

Oh yeah, the random picture above is the 80 key fobs I made for something my mom has got going on. I didn't really have any pictures related to a birthday post and I am sitting here with Nolan and too lazy to get up and take a picture. So I'm just going with this one. They look kinda pretty there all in the bowl together.
Just thought I would mention, too ,that I saw that The Real Housewives of Orange County is coming back. Yeah! While at the grocery store this morning, I also saw a magazine with a pregnant Kim in a bikini on the cover. I don't know how I feel about that or maybe I just don't want to say...
also... to continue with my random thoughts that I felt like expressing to everyone in bloggy world for some reason today... never watched Celebrity Apprentice before, but may have to this season. NeNe laying the smack down on Star Jones in the promo looks like good t.v. to me!
(My sister would probably tell me right now that I need to get a life.)

Block #2 = Done

2011-02-21T14:47:00.002-05:00

Moving right along on my applique quilt, I am happy to say that I am a block ahead of my planned one block a month. Here's hoping that I can keep this pace up.

On a side note; I heard on the news the other day that lack of sleep can make you appear uglier than you really are. Great! They really give the mother of a newborn a lot to feel confident about. Ugggh!

Mamma's Got A Brand New Bag

2011-02-15T16:03:00.003-05:00

Yup, that's right. Cause when mamma's happy, every body's happy. So I made me this new Amy Butler bag. It's big, it's reversible, it's got lots of pockets, it's perfect for a diaper bag. It also helps hide my post pregnancy belly when I'm carrying it. Might have to make the smaller version next. In my free time. Wink. Wink.

Baby + Quilt

2011-02-08T17:52:00.002-05:00

Nolan is one month this week. I can't believe it, one month already. Times goes by so fast. I already can't remember Fletcher being this small (even though I know he was), so I am trying really hard to soak up every moment of it. In some of the quiet time, when Nolan is sleeping and Fletcher is at preschool, I put together another version of this baby quilt. It went together so quickly. (Rumor has it Karen has put together some kits with this pattern for the shop.)

Field Trip

2011-02-01T20:49:00.002-05:00

Today I took my first official outing with Nolan. (I'm talking about going somewhere besides the pediatrician.) You know exactly where we went, too. Of course, we went to the fabric store. Of course, I bought fabric. Of course, I am thinking of starting another quilt. Of course, (as established in the last post) I am crazy!

You Can Call Me Crazy or You Can Call Me Crazy

2011-01-31T13:28:00.002-05:00

I must be. I decided that with a newborn and everything, that now would be a good time to start a new applique quilt. It's only one block a month, right. Totally do-able. Yup, totally!

Such Cuteness

2011-01-26T15:48:00.005-05:00

If you're sick of me posting pictures of this cuteness, just say the word and I'll stop. Okay, who are we kidding...NO I WON'T. Nolan is doing good. His doctor says that he is a little wimpy in the eating department and he has a hard time putting on weight because of it (must take after his mother...yeah, right. I wish), but he is slowly but surely gaining a little bit.

Push Present

2011-01-24T14:33:00.003-05:00

I gave myself a little "push present". I added Nolan to my charm necklace. Now it's complete.

2011-01-19T14:12:00.002-05:00

This little guy has been doing plenty of this... (isn't he sweet)

So while he has been doing that, I have been spending the quite time trying to get back into a little sewing.
It took me about a week to get the binding sewn on a little baby quilt, but I got it done. Too bad little Nolan won't be using this one. I don't think pink would be a good color for him. There is more to come. I have an all new UFO list made out for 2011.

My Cup Runneth Over!

2011-01-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

Nolan Lavery Allen

January 6, 2011

7:31 am

5 lbs. 13 oz.

20 1/2" long

He's here! He's a little early. He came at 35 weeks, but he is beautiful and healthy and home! Warning: from this moment forward, this blog will probably contain more baby things then crafty, sewing things. At least for a little while. Thought it only fair I give you a little heads up.

I Must Be Pretty Awesome!

2011-01-05T12:10:00.004-05:00

My good friend tells me that your friends are a reflection of you. Well, if this is true, I must be some kind of awesome! On Sunday three great ladies threw me a beautiful baby shower. I was so overwhelmed with all the wonderful people that showed up and I was so glad to see every one of them. It was a who's who of what I believe to be some of the nicest, craftiest, quiltiest, loveliest ladies in North Carolina!
Did I mention that they are some great cooks, too. Thanks to all of them, my freezer is now stocked full of some delicious food. And if you thought it couldn't get any better, they also collected money for me to hire a cleaning service. Fletcher would say, "that's jackpot!" How spoiled am I!!! Don't you love, too, the cute baby wash clothes, burp clothes and blanket the Boss Lady (Karen Gray) made for Baby Allen!
I'm at 35 weeks now. I had an ultra sound on Monday and everything is looking good. The baby is cute as a button in the ultra sound. (but of course) I am able to do a little more now that I have past the 34 week mark. I am ready to meet this little one, but am trying to take it extra easy this week. My mom will be in Florida participating in the 1/2 marathon at Disney, so I am praying to hold out going into labor until she gets back.

Super Exciting Announment!

2011-01-03T08:28:00.002-05:00

Guess who is going to be in the Spring 2011 Issue of Quilt Sampler? Karen Gray Design!!! She is featured as one of the top ten quilt shops. Isn't that exciting! She has been sitting on this news for a few months now, and finally she gets to let the cat out of the bag and tell everyone. The magazine will also feature an original quilt design made featuring Anna Maria's Innocent Crush fabrics. How cool is that! I've seen the quilt and I'm in love with it. I can't wait to get my hands on the kit so I can make one. I am so excited for her. She has some really exciting things planned for the shop this year. There are some great new classes on the schedule and some wonderfully talented new teachers joining the shop to teach those classes. As soon as I have the baby, I am going to have to strap on the Baby Bjorn so I can hang out at the shop and soak it all in.

Winter Wonderland!

2010-12-29T13:19:00.002-05:00

I think the news said it was 1969 since the last measurable snow on Christmas here in North Carolina. We had about 8" here at our house.
I know it made this little guy almost more excited then the presents Santa left under the tree. All around it was one good day! I hope yours was, too!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:37:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

There's an App for That

2010-12-21T13:43:00.005-05:00

I came across this pretty cool quilting app for my iphone the other day. It makes it very easy for you to make yardage calculations for your quilts. It helps you easily calculate backing, batting and binding yardages based on your quilt size. It has other useful calculators, too like a square in a square calculator. This should help make life easier. Thanks Robert Kaufman!

BTW - I guess I blew my mom's moon phases/labor theory out of the water because I am still here at home hanging out on bed rest.

Keep On Knitting, Keep On Knitting...

2010-12-20T14:16:00.003-05:00

I feel like Dory from Finding Nemo, "keep on swimming, keep on swimming." Except in my case it is knitting. To be honest... I'm getting kinda sick of knitting. I have now been confined to bed rest for almost 4 weeks and mostly I have been knitting. I have sleeves left to do on Fletcher's sweater, but I'm over knitting. (or maybe I'm over bed rest) I have thoughts in my head of maybe starting a hexagon quilt while I sit here. (just thoughts, though) What I really need to do is finish the hand applique quilt I started over 2 years ago. I only have a little left to do on it, but if I finish it, would my life still have purpose? What would I do without that project hanging over my head?!? See what you have time to sit and ponder when you have nothing else to do but sit.

Today was my weekly field trip to the doctors office so I did get to step out in the real world for a little bit. I'm 33 weeks prego now and goal #1 is to make it to 34 weeks, so this is good. Goal #2 is to get to 37 weeks. There is, according to my mom, a full moon and some lunar eclipse thingie which is occurring with the winter solstice which rarely ever happens all at the same time all going down tomorrow night. This could do strange things to a pregnant woman apparently, so we shall see. Keep your fingers crossed that this is just a theory. I'll let you know how it all works out.

Awkward!

2010-12-17T10:42:00.002-05:00

My friend posted this site with Awkward Pregnancy Photos on Facebook the other day. Considering my current state, I thought it was hilarious...or sad, or weird or maybe a little of all three. Actually, I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. I thought I would share it with you. I know I can be judgemental sometimes (all the time), but I really wonder what in the world people are thinking when they do stuff like this. Just sayin'.

I'm Bad!

2010-12-15T11:29:00.005-05:00

Guess what I got today!!! MJ for the Wii!! I can't play it yet, but as soon as I can, you all can come over for my dance party. It even comes with a glove. (Is it weird that I will probably be wearing the glove and dancing the Thriller dance by myself in my living room? I don't think so.) AWE-SOME! Happy early Christmas to me. :)

Knit One, Purl Two...Repeat...A Lot

2010-12-12T18:24:00.005-05:00

The good thing about bed rest is there is not a lot to do besides knit, so I have been able to get things I probably would not have had time to make done. This baby is going to have a whole layette set by the time it is all said and done. I have been able to get the sweater I started a little while ago done and add some socks and a beanie to it. I still have left over yarn from the fair isle part of the sweater, so there might be some more beanies and socks coming. Judging from the cold weather we have been having, the baby is going to need them. Fletcher really wants a camouflage sweater, so that is in the works as we speak. It is coming along quickly, so maybe I will have something to show you in a couple of days. I have a baby quilt top I made before all of this bed rest stuff went down that I would have liked to have gotten done, but I guess I will just have to let that go. For now, it is no quilting, plenty of knitting.

M.I.A. (Missing in Advance)

2010-12-06T13:19:00.004-05:00

So, remember me saying that this pregnancy has been kicking my butt? Well, since I have some time on my hands, I thought maybe I would let you all know what's been going on. In the middle of November, my son got sick with that nasty stomach virus that was going around. Well, you know that I was going to end up getting it,too...and I did. I got it so good in fact that I ended up getting to take a field trip to the hospital. After a shot to stop the vomiting and a couple of IV's to rehydrate me, I got to come home the next morning. Everything was going better until I woke up on Thanksgiving morning sick. Here we go again, I thought. But surely it couldn't be the same stomach virus. So after missing the Thanksgiving meal at my in-laws and then my parents, my husband took me on field trip numero two to the hospital. Guess what? I was in labor. How could this be?!? I was only 29 weeks. They took me into labor and delivery and started me on some wicked drugs to stop the contractions, steroids shots to help the baby's lungs develop and all kinds of other things to prepared for a delivery. What the hell was happening!! Long story short, after 24 hours, the medicine worked and my contractions slowed and I still have a bun in the oven where it is supposed to be. Now I am at home on bed rest. It seems that except for the weekly trips to the doctor, this will be my view of the world for a while. They would like me to get to at least 35 weeks. I have Netflix, applique projects, knitting and books. I've also gotten tons of Christmas shopping done at Amazon.com. The hubby is starting to see that being the mommy isn't all bon-bons and soap operas. He has taken over housework, grocery shopping and all things Fletcher. My mom is really helping out and my in-laws are keeping Fletch occupied. (it is good to have family close by) Everything is looking good, except for the head cold I now have. Seriously, can you believe I have a cold now. Uhhh...(also, the one medicine the doctor said I could take has apparently been RECALLED) (of course it has, why wouldn't it be?!?)
So that's where I stand, Missing in Advance, not doing my usual running all over the place, teaching classes, quilting, etc. Just sitting here in my bed, making lists of things I want the hubby to do to get ready for the arrival of our baby. Hopefully later rather than sooner.

Giveaway Winner

2010-12-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm only a week late in picking a winner of my Thanksgiving giveaway, so without waiting any longer, the winner is....Jennifer from My Not So Hurried Life. Thanks to everyone who played along. I appreciate all of the great comments from everyone and I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Jennifer- email me your info and I will get that out in the mail to you as quick as I can.

My New BFF!

2010-11-23T07:24:00.005-05:00

If I haven't mentioned it, this pregnancy is KICKING MY A**. One of the worst things about it is the constant acid reflux I have been suffering from. OMG- it's bad. Anytime you see me, I will usually be carrying around a bottle of Tums. I have bottles of Tums stashed everywhere, the car, my purse, my bedside table. I have also been taking Zantac twice a day. No relief what-so-ever. The other day, the doc said to try Prilosec. Ohhhh, I could kiss that man. This is a game changer! The RELIEF!!! I can actually lay down to sleep. I haven't eaten a Tums in 2 days. (insert choir of angels...hallelujah!!!...here) As a result, I hate to do it, but sorry Tums and Zantac, I'm breaking up with you. Prilosec is my new BFF!

How About a Giveaway!

2010-11-22T09:35:00.003-05:00

In the spirit of the upcoming Holiday, I thought I should give some Thanks and do some Giving, so how about a little giveaway! Sounds pretty good to me. I'm all about trying to simplify things around here, so I'm going to make it pretty easy. All you have to do is leave me a comment between now and Thursday and you will be entered to win. Easy Peasy. Good luck and thanks to everyone who stops by to read my blog and leave comments.

Festival of Trees

2010-11-20T13:13:00.005-05:00

This weekend is the Festival of Trees to benefit the Brenner's Children's Hospital. Local organizations and individuals decorate trees that are then actioned off to raise money for the hospital. I belong to the Forsyth Piecers and Quilter's Guild and they have been participating in the benefit for 20 years.

This year I was the chair person for the decorating committee. A wonderful group of ladies helped to hand make 85 pears, 50 birds and 80 pear blossoms for our "Partridge in a Pear Tree" themed tree. All of their hard work payed off and we had a beautiful tree to show for it. I wonder how I can con them into doing all that hard work to decorate my Christmas tree at home. Hummm?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:34:00.004-04:00

Ahhhh, Halloween! Only like one of my all time favorite holidays. I love dressing up or in this case dressing Fletch and his cousin up. I fully acknowledge that my son will one day need therapy and that this will no doubt be one of the suppressed memories that will eventually come up. It was totally worth whatever it will cost me in therapy bills because this kid is C-U-T-E!
And this kid is super cute! I just want to squeeze those little cheeks.

Weather they know it or not, they made my day. I think my husband would have preferred his son be dressed as a super hero or something a little more "manly". It nearly sent him over the edge when I added the make-up, but Fletch can dress that way when he is 10 and doesn't want his mama to make his costume anymore. And one day when he is 18 and brings home a girlfriend, I know he will enjoy having his mama show her these pictures. I'm sure of it.

Busy, Busy

2010-10-28T13:25:00.004-04:00

Last weekend was the Flaunt! Handmade Show I have been telling you about. Everything went great. There was a nice turnout for the event and I feel pretty successful about the whole thing. My mind has been swimming with ideas of things to make for next time. There is talk about us having one again in the Spring.

Flaunt was on Saturday and on Sunday we relaxed a little bit and went to the Statesville Hot Air Balloon Festival. I had never been to it and I have to say that it was pretty cool. It was a little windy, so not all 50 balloons were able to launch, but just the ones that did made quite an impression.

We brought a blanket and sat there eating funnel cake and watching all the kids fly mini kites. The weather was perfect, too. It is definitely something we will do again. I was amazed at how close we were able to get to the action and actually see things up close and personal. We were all but in the basket. (which was fine with me, these little feetsies are staying on the ground!)

Now that Flaunt is over and Furniture Market is over, I am on to getting caught up on all of the other things on my never ending list. First up, Halloween costumes! I told my friend today that you know you are sick of sewing when you resort to putting Halloween costumes together with glue and a stapler. (hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!) I can't wait for you to see what Fletcher and his little cousin are going to be. It is so cute, I can't stand it. But you will have to wait until Sunday!

Finishing Touches

2010-10-21T16:20:00.002-04:00

I have been spending the day in my sewing room putting the finishing touches on some things for the handmade event on Saturday. I need a nap!

Wondering What To Do This Saturday?

2010-10-19T21:24:00.004-04:00

Come to Reynolda Village for FLAUNT! Karen Gray Design is going to be host to 20+ local artist and craftsmen flaunting all their fabulous wares. I'm really excited about it! I'll be there with some of my handmade purses and accessories, but I will probably spend more than I make on some of the things that will be sold there. I saw the list of the other vendors that will be there and I have already begun making a list of things I would love to own. It is going to hard to narrow it down. There is going to be quite a wide variety shown there. Hope to see you there!

Yeah! It's Over

2010-10-15T12:43:00.002-04:00

Well, another furniture market bites the dust! I cannot tell you how tired I am and glad that setting up for furniture market is over. It is usually hard work, but being pregnant while doing it is exhausting. The showroom looks fabulous and I hope that Guildmaster has a successful market. I spent the morning doing laundry and I think that this afternoon you will find me working on putting booty prints in the sofa and catching up on my Netflix.

Yummy Fall!

2010-10-10T09:25:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite things to do in the fall...bake a Fresh Apple Cake. It has kinda become my own personal tradition. Every fall, my in-laws go to the mountains of Virginia and get apples. Every fall, I make an apple cake.

Fresh Apple Cake

2 Cups Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Crisco Oil

3 Eggs

3 Cups Flour

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Black Walnut Flavoring

1 Cup Coconut

1/2 Cup Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts)

3 Cups Chopped Apples (2 Large Apples)

Cream sugar and oil; add eggs, flour, soda, salt and flavoring. In separate bowl mix coconut, nuts and apples. Fold into creamed mixture. Bake in a greased and floured tube pan in a 300 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours.

Glaze

1/2 stick Margarine

1 Cup Brown Sugar

3 Tablespoons Milk

Combine in saucepan and cook for 10 minutes. Brush on hot cake with a pastry brush.

Reversible Camera Strap Tutorial

2010-10-08T06:00:00.003-04:00

I told you I have been in a little bit of a sewing frenzy lately! I need to be on a sewing frenzy, instead of what seems to be my pregnancy induced feeding frenzy. I went for my check up the other day and found out that at my 22nd week, I have gained 9 pounds. I know what you're thinking... 9 pounds is not bad at all. I agree, it's not bad. The only problem is that I gained 8 of those 9 pounds in the last month. Yikes! So to keep me from eating non-stop, I got to work putting this tutorial together. I hope you enjoy it. Who knows, there might be more tutorials to come. I have a bunch of ideas swimming around this head of mine.

Rally for the Cure

2010-10-07T09:23:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was the Rally for the Cure put on by the Oak Valley Ladies Golf Association. I made the quilt that they raffled off to raise money to go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I'm happy to say that a sweet lady named Joann Marion won the quilt. I hope that she will enjoy it! I am also happy to report that the sale of raffle tickets raised about $820. I wanted to thank everyone who helped to sell the raffle tickets. We really could not have done it without you! Also, thanks to everyone who bought tickets. I am so pleased with the outcome!

New Tutorial!

2010-10-06T00:02:00.003-04:00

I like it so much I thought I should do a little tutorial on it for you guys. You can find it on the side bar or here.

Let me know if I made any mistakes or if you have any problems or questions.

Enjoy!

In the Groove

2010-10-05T21:52:00.003-04:00

Okay, I've gotten a few more things made for the Flaunt event. I feel like I have gotten into a groove and have been the most productive I have been in a long time. I'm actually getting into it and having fun. It is fun to just create.

Wait- stop the train! It is 10:00 pm on Tuesday night and I just realized that the new Real Housewives of Atlanta is on. "Who's gonna check me, Boo?" Love it! Gotta go!