Weepereas

White Belts

2012-01-24T13:42:00.001-06:00

Last month, Kiki went to a birthday party for a school friend that was hosted at a Martial Arts School. He had a great time at the party, and came home with a card to try out a few lessons for free. Well, the first time we went he was so shy we just sat and watched. For his second lesson, the instructor bribed him with a training tool as a gift if he participated- to which he did really well following the commands. So now Kiki goes a few times a week, and has been getting better with his focus during class, as well as being able to follow along with the moves.

But then, in true little brother fashion, Big Boy was interested as well and was following along with the class drills from the seating area.

(Making thier Warrior Face after class yesterday)

So yesterday was the first class for both of them together. Big boy had to complete and follow along the entire class in order to receive his belt, just as Kiki had to. In the past 3 weeks since having Kiki in class he has already received 3 stripes - they signify the learning of different skills. The 2 black were awarded to him for completing a drill they have been doing each week, and he was given the yellow stripe yesterday for a positive discipline report for this month.
Besides the skills that their school teaches them (Respect, Discipline, Confidence) I have to admit seeing them in their tiny uniforms is just as great!

Sponsor Highlight {Plus a 15% discount code!}

2012-01-18T18:21:00.000-06:00

I have a sponsor highlight post over on Moriah Makes today with a lovely review of my new leather soled shoes:

(oh so darling little Chia checking out her new shoes!)

Head over to Moriah's blog to read the post which includes a 15% coupon code (good for 1 week!)

Customer Review :: Tangerine Sky

2012-01-17T20:07:00.001-06:00

The lovely Michaela posted a wonderful review of my Reversible Baby Shoes pattern on her blog today!
Just look at the little shoes she sewed up:

I love that she referred to them as looking like Toms knockoffs, and called them Tims!
Michaela also has a custom children's clothing shop, Toot Sweet Boutique you can check out. Thank you Michaela for your review!

2 months.

2012-01-09T20:17:00.000-06:00

My sweet little baby is already 2 months old!

The bigger you get, the more you remind my of your big brother Kiki!
Kiki when he was 1 month old -

(Kiki)

We had the 2 month checkup, and he weighed in at 12lbs, 5.5 oz - 22.5 inches.

With as much as we go outside running errands, I always have him in some sort of hat with ears, which had lead my to call him my Little Bear.. that and besides his little baby coos' he will say Rarw! whenever he is hungry! Too, too cute! He started to smile sweetly every time my hubs hold him.. and of course has only smiled for me a few times! This past week he also slept really well at night, and even went a 6 hour stretch at night - my little sweetie!

Noteworthy Links

2012-01-07T13:10:00.001-06:00

Some great links I have found this week

Lots of inspiring posts for your handmade biz!
:: Passion, Profit & your pijamas - an ecourse offered by The Shabby Creek Shop that is a guide through running a succesful shop & keeping it that way. This book sounds like a great starting point!

:: Tara Gentile's post on 'Can greed be good' is eye opening in putting your shop profits into a new perspective

::Gussy Sews has an excellent resource list of books on Becoming an Expert in Your Field

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Noteworthy Links

2011-12-31T15:06:00.003-06:00

Some great links I have found this week:

:: 5 Things I've learned while running a small buisness by Violet Bella (wonderful tips - especially about preseverance and being patient)

:: Persuing her Passion : Oana Befort, I love this encouraging series about other succesful women!

:: Hilarious (make that ridiculously hilarious!) Ryan Gosling meme - Hey Girl.

:: DIY - Picture Christmas card book - A great project to save & organize your cards each year!

enjoy the weekend! Hard to belive tomarrow is already the begining of 2012!

2011 in Pictures

2011-12-30T15:50:00.000-06:00

I thought it would be nice to look back at 2011. It was a crazy year, filled with many hardships and blessings amongst them.

January:

Colorado. Feeling Alone and ready to say Good-bye.

February:

With the new year, my shop officially became a business.

March:

Moving back to Wisconsin, with uncertainty but faith in our hearts.

April:

Blessed with the news of another pregnancy.

May:

Scared as my big Boy has a febrile seizure.

June:

Oh Baby.

July:

Nesting.

August:

Farmer's Markets, little adventures with only 2 wee ones.

September:

Kiki's first day of school.

October:

Birthdays

November:

Our family grew to 5. Welcome home, wee one.

December:

I feel very blessed to be a Mama to these beautiful boys.

May the journey of 2012 be wonderful, even through the unexpected.

Handmade for the Holidays

2011-12-27T18:28:00.000-06:00

Down to the last few days (er.. even finishing the day before!) I made up some ruffle pouches to give to the ladies on my gift list this year,

The bottom two were made as teacher gifts, and I also included some Starbucks Via and yummy gingerbread popcorn.

The tutorial for the pouches is from Noodlehead, I opted to not add the side strap.
Only half of these have been gifted to their intended recipients, so if you happen to be a woman I know and not received a gift from me and are reading this - well now you might not be as surprised when you open your Christmas gift from me!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T20:58:00.000-06:00

A very Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Our day was spent among close friends, surrounded by lots of yummy food, and a nice slow going pace ... Kiki has been so giddy about everything surrounding the holiday - the 'show' at Christmas mass last night, opening presents together with his brother, and keeps smiling big and telling me 'Merry Christmas!'
Wishing everyone a blessed and safe holiday season!

6 Weeks.

2011-12-21T23:47:00.000-06:00

My little one is already 6 weeks today! It seems strange to think he is only 6 weeks old, as it seems so long ago that he was born!

A few things that he has been doing:
Starting to get really good head control, and can hold his head by himself for short periods (when he's not angry & wiggly)
Went a 5 hour block of sleep this week ( !! )
Follows a pretty good schedule of eating/sleeping & brief awake times during the day, followed by several hours of alertness and fussiness before we go to be at night.
Is starting to grow out of newborn sizes, and finally fitting 0-3 months
His baby 'acne' has started to clear, and is fitting in size 1 diapers now (as opposed to newborn size)

His 3 week checkup stats: 8lbs, 3 ounces - 22" long. The doctor also noted that he has an umbilical hernia, but he is nursing wonderfully well and everything else is going great!

Gingerbread House

2011-12-16T10:48:00.000-06:00

Last night I made out very first Gingerbread House with my boys,

I always wanted to make a gingerbread house as a kid (but had a Mom with little patience & Christmas spirit), so it was a lot of fun - and a bit challenging to keep them focused on the task. Kiki loved sticking the little candies on, while Big boy got bored quickly after realizing the plate of candy wasn't just for snacking :)

Also, Kiki kept asking if we were going to eat the house, to which I told him 'No, we will bake gingerbread cookies to eat'... Somehow he took this as meaning later and kept asking
'And it will be dark outside, then we will eat the gingerbread house?'
'And we will wake up tomorrow and eat the gingerbread house?'
'Oh, it is dark outside! And now we can eat the gingerbread house?'

Such a fun tradition to do each year for Christmas!

Friday Goodies

2011-12-06T14:29:00.000-06:00

Why yes, I do know that today is Tuesday and not Friday! My mailbox has been stuffed these last few days with packages coming in from some good Black Friday deals.

I have been in love with this new collection from Khristian Howell called 'The Woodlands', so I was quick to scoop up a bundle when I saw Sew Love Fabrics had a sale going!

A big organic fabric pile! All these prints came from Sew Modern Online, they have an amazing selection of organics, with lots of harder to find prints.

My second bundle from Sew Modern Fabrics! They posted a sale after I had already received my first purchase, and I have been eager to get some Echo and try out some of the Robert Kaufman Pure Organic solids for quilts.

Pretty new twines from The Twinery. They have such lovely colors to choose from, I love using these when I am packaging up my orders! Anyone else get some new goodies with a black Friday sale?

My True Love Gave To Me {A Giveaway!}

2011-12-01T15:00:00.004-06:00

Today my shop is being featured in a super fun giveaway over on Sassy Sanctuary's My True Love Gave To Me giveaway event, where a giveaway is being posted every hour for 10 hours!

I am offering one lucky reader a $25 Shop credit, and a 20% discount code will also be posted! Head over and check out the giveaways, and Good Luck!

Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-25T12:04:00.000-06:00

I hope you all enjoyed a day of rest yesterday (Or hours spent cooking away in the kitchen!). I am so thankful for my amazing family God has blessed me with, my awesome friends, and for running a shop that I truly love and am constantly inspired by!
Thank you for being a part of that!

So, I've got plenty of Amazing deals for this weekend:

2 for $30 baby shoes - That's buy 1 pair, get the 2nd pair 60% Off! I just added new styles this week too! Also, DIY Kits are on sale ~ 1 for $11, 2 for $20, 3 for $30 and 4 for $40!

I also have some great deals in my Sale section at 40% off,
And Free Shipping on all orders over $50 - use code 'FREESHIP50' during checkout!
Head over to my shop before it's too late!

Tiny Sweetness

2011-11-23T22:17:00.000-06:00

My little wee one is 2 weeks old today, and still a tiny little bundle of baby,

It may be a bit early to be saying this,
but oh boy this little one is all sweetness.
In just two weeks, he is sleeping & nursing better than I would expect (I hope I don't curse myself!)... I might even dare to see he has his only little schedule down, at least for the time being.

Love his fuzzy hair, tiny toes and ears and his sweet baby smell!

Welcome home, wee one

2011-11-17T16:26:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday, just 8 days ago we welcomed our wee #3 to the family,

Birth Stats: 6lbs, 13 oz. 22 inches. 1 week checkup: 6lbs, 14 ounces (He had gained back 4 oz from his hospital discharge!)

Labor was furious, but I had a great nurse and wonderfully supportive husband by my side to aid in a natural childbirth. Shortly after delivery, he started to have respritory complications, and we spent the next 3 days in the NICU to monitor him. After the first night, and all tests came back clear, he was able to get off the nebulizer, out off the inclubator and able to breastfeed.

This little one is all sweetness, with his little grunts when he is hungry and his tiny smiles for the little moments he is awake.

Proud Big Brothers. I finally have let down my Big Mama Bear protective instict a bit and have allowed the boys to touch their baby brother, and even give tiny smooches. Nothing could have prepared me for how crazy difficult it is being a Mama to 3, but Kiki is amazingly helpful and so kind with his baby brother. He was beaming with pride when he got to 'show off' and introduce his baby brother to his teachers and classmates. Big Boy seems to be a little lost in where he fits into the new family situation, I am sure that will get better over time..

Charmed.

2011-11-08T16:17:00.000-06:00

My sewing machine broke over the weekend. Perhaps I was sewing a bit too frantically, and my machine jammed up with little lint balls. I did quite the aggressive cleaning and I guess (ahem..) ended up knocking loose a part of my bobbin bracket buffer. So, to keep busy I cut up lots of fabric over the past few days for various projects I've had in mind.

Except these.. This is a quite tall pile of 5" charms with no real project lined up for them. I ironed out my garbage bag (yes, garbage bag) of scraps and went crazy cutting 5" charms.

(this pile reaches 1/4 up the height of my window!)

While not completely original, I saw Jenny stash/scrap cutting piles away into charms awhile ago and I loved the idea. I can see some little patchwork quilts coming out of the pile, or at the very least the ability to use these fabric much sooner than if they were hidden away in my scrap bin!

Happy Mail

2011-11-04T17:10:00.001-05:00

These last few days my mailbox has been turning up lots of goodies! I just love a fun fabric swap- I feel both parities always come out on top - new pretties for both!

Goodies from Kelly- I swapped some Outside Oslo fabric that I loved, but just wasn't getting around to sewing with. Now I've got new prints to go with some other projects I'm working on!

I received this tiny, and oh so adorable crochet baby hat from the shop Two Cute Boutique. It is so sweet in it's simplicity!

A pretty bundle from Karen, I became inspired for a few projects once I opened up the envelope!

A too stinkin cute monkey hat from RoseyToesCrochet. I love how very thick this hat is - it should be great for keeping baby warm this winter!

Fun, fun polka dots from Bonnie! These will work as some great coordinates for some of the projects I have planned! and I think that fun math problem fabric would make for a very fun baby bib!

Pumpkin Farm

2011-10-21T08:10:00.000-05:00

We finally made a (quick) trip to a local pumpkin farm, and picked out a few small pumpkins to take home.

Sitting amongst the big pumpkins you can pick out

'Riding' on the train

Sitting by the huge inflatable pumpkin - this pumpkin makes it hard to miss where the farm is at!

The kiddos walked around the little petting zoo area, we brought home carmel apples, several small pumpkins and decorated them with silly pumpkin sticker kits. I would love to take the kiddos back to walk around longer and get big (carvable) pumpkins, but this is the farm that I rode on a tractor hay ride and went into labor with Big boy the following morning.. so I feel this may be our only pumpkin farm visit this year!

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway winner

2011-10-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who entered the UPrinting Postcard Giveaway!
I chose a winner using Random.org:

Congrats to Vanessa who commented:

All of the extra comments 'liking' the other pages really helped! Vanessa, I emailed you about your winnings!

34 weeks.

2011-10-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

And counting.Techincally I took this picture this morning and am 34 weeks, 3 days. Which makes all the difference to me since I can now say '5 more weeks'.

A little bit going on these last 2 weeks:
*I got a terrible cold last week, which left me pretty darn miserable every.single.day. Head colds stink!
*I haven't gained any weight from my last check in 2 weeks ago - which is just fine because baby is doing great.
*My last pair of maternity jeans (wearing in the pic) reaaally don't fit anymore. As in, 4" in gap between button hole to button. Since I have already bought 3 sizes, I am not buying the next size up so its either yoga pants or uncomfortably tight jeans here on out.
*Baby's head dropped this week, and his (not so small) bum is always kicking my ribs. During my exam today, my Doctor called it that she would be delivering this baby in only a few more (she guessed 3!) weeks. I will have a better idea at my next checkup in two weeks.

Custom Toddler Backpacks

2011-10-18T08:14:00.000-05:00

I finished up my last custom toddler backpack over the weekend, I think next year I will start back to shool sewing in June to fully stock up!

I received lots of fun custom requests for backpacks -
#1 Buzzing Bees is made with custom print Spoonflower fabric, and an outer and inner pocket.
#2 Echino Purple Scooters was made with a patchwrok front in include the stripes and pink polka dots.
#3 & 4 are the same backpack, different views. The entire backpack was made patchwork style, with a different bold Echino fabric for the front, back and sides. This one was a lot of fun to create!
#10, the Echino Green Helicopters is the backpack I created for my little one starting 4K! There is a front snack pocket and it's larger -13" to accomodate a folder.

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway

2011-10-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

*Giveaway is now Closed*

I am excited to host a giveaway today sponsored by UPrinting.com! Uprinting.com is an online printing company that offers flyers, greeting cards, posters, canvas prints and lots more! I also love that they are a socially responsible company and are committed to eco-friendly printing initiatives.

Today UPrinting.com is offering one reader 100 5"x7" postcards printed on 14pt cardstock gloss!

(No folding, Front only printing with 2 business days print turnaround time)

Think of all the options of can create to use your Postcards: holiday cards, invitations, family picture cards and for business advertising! If you don't have an image for your postcards, no worries because leading online printing companies, like UPrinting.com, have come up with various designs to suit your needs.

To Enter:
1: Mandatory entry: Leave a comment on this post letting me know what you would use the postcards for!
2: Optional Entry: Subscribe to the Weepereas blog (top right 'subscribe' button on this blog), and leave a comment saying you did
3: Optional Entry: Like Weepereas on Facebook and share to your page/friends
4: Optional Entry: Like UPrinting.com on Facebook and leave a comment saying you did

This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years old and above only. Giveaway will end at 9:00 PM on October 20th, 2011. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize and will be announced on this blog.
Weepereas is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a postcard prize for hosting.

KCWC :: Day 7

2011-10-16T14:12:00.000-05:00

Well, the Kids Clothes Week Challenge has come to an end, and several items on my list didn't get made. But I'm ok with that, because I did push through and finish up several items, and add a few to my list! Here is what I finished up last night:

A knit baby kimono top using the pattern from Habitutal, and a knit baby hat using the tutorial from 2 Little Hooligans. I modified the kimono top to have side snaps instead of ties, and I really want to make up several (smaller) newborn size top using snaps as well. I was thinking to have the binding go around the front and neck, and placing several snaps along the front of the top instead. I also think a lined version would be cute and comfy as well!

The baby hat is actually quite tiny - a printing to scale error on my part. But that's ok since that hat looks tiny enough to fit those first few days when everything look ginormous on your wee newborn. I want to make a couple more, and use a different print for the brim.

A few things that I accomplished / felt I was challenged with this week:
*Sewing knits! I ran into zero problems, which makes me wonder what I was really afraid of!? Does anyone have a good source for buying knits? The selection at Joanns is kind of sad!
*I realized sewing for a baby is much cuter than a toddler - and you can sew multiples in a fraction of the time! I also rarely sew for my kiddos anymore - and with all the inspiration from the flickr pool and new tutorials I have found - I want to make more tiny baby clothing!

KCWC:: Day 4

2011-10-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

I was on a roll yesterday sewing! I managed to get these little baby knot hats sewn up:

The left 5 hats are all knit- I have no idea was I was so hesitant to sew with knits! I had absolutely no problem sewing up these hats, no weird stretching while sewing or tension issues like I had imagined or expected! The cream and owl fabric is actually from a blanket I had saved, because the print was too darn cute! The solid blue hat is made from fleece, and the far right hat is made of organic sherpa. I had some scraps of the organic sherpa leftover from making blankets this week, it's super soft and cuddly!

Since I was so pleased with my first batch of hats, I kept sewing after the kiddos went to sleep. I dug out some organic fleece that I had scraps left over, and since they were not quite big enough for the whole hat pattern, I sewed a bit of a cotton print to the top for the knot! I think the polka dot hat might not stretch enough because of how much is the cotton print - but they are both cute none the less!

KCWC:: Catching Up

2011-10-13T14:19:00.000-05:00

It's day 4 (Already!?) of the Kids Clothes Week Challenge, and I had to play a bit of catch up last night for my lack of daily sewing:

3 little pairs of baby shoes, using some of my favorite fabrics (or scraps, as that alligator fabric is sadly all gone). I am planning on making some knit baby hats this afternoon, a project that seems a little less daunting for my first time sewing knits. There is lots of amazing clothes popping up in the Flickr pool!

Kids Clothes Week Challenge

2011-10-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

Elise Marley is hosting another edition of the Kids Clothes Week Challenge, this time with a focus on fall clothes.

With a wee babe on the way to sew for, and a impending cold Wisconsin winter, this challenge is the perfect excuse to sew some tiny baby hats and clothes! The goal is to sew for 1 hour a day for 7 days - I am hoping by adding some simple projects and a more challenging clothing item this will help keep me from feeling discouraged.

(Reversible baby sweatshirt - knit & fleece fabric, pattern from Growing Up Sew liberated)

My List:
Several pairs of warm baby shoes
Draft a pattern for & sew a pair of leather baby boots
Reversible baby sweatshirt (my ~~scary~~ challenging project, pictured above)
Moth and Sparrow baby animal hats
Prudent Baby Top knot baby hat

So yeah - basically some simple shoes/boots and hats and then hopefully I can conquer a knit sewing project! If I can find another kimono style newborn top, that might make its way onto my list as well! Anyone else joining in for the challenge (or have simple baby clothes tutorials to recommend) ?

Shop Feature :: Sprinvale Soap

2011-09-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

Am I the only person that when you find a new product/item you love, you just go a bit crazy and immerse yourself with it? No!? That's just crazy me who buys nearly 100 bars of lovely goats milk soap?

Well sadly, my favorite soap shop - Springvale Handcrafted Goat's Milk Soap, is going out of business.
With yummy scents like Hot Cocoa, Apple Chai, Sweet Pumpkin Spice and Country Apple I just had to stock up. The shipping box was so heavy I had to scoot it across the room, I couldn't even pick it up! If anyone is interested, Deb has an amazing $1 clearance sale posted on her Facebook page, just email her for what bars are still available.

Now this should hold me over for the winter, but if anyone has a favorite soap shop to share - let me know!

Saturday Shopping :: Autumn

2011-09-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

A pretty collection inspired by the changing leaves and crispness in the air

Also, do you notices the changes around here? I feel like my new shop focus deserves a new, more fitted design as well!
To CELEBRATE, enjoy 25% off your purchase in my shop, before shipping! Use Code FALL25 during checkout to apply the discount! (*The discount is valid until midnight tonight, so hurry - thats only 12 more hours!*)
Need some ideas of what to fill your cart with? Check out these new items in the shop! ♥

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Big Bundle

2011-09-14T17:25:00.001-05:00

I got lots of new fabric this weekend for some fun new fall/winter items for my shop.

Pretty organics from Cedar House - I love this shop! Great selection, fast shipping (Free over $50!) and repeat custom discounts. Also, I am so excited to start making items with the fun Anika & Storyboek collections!

A whole bolt of organic sherpa - this looked crazy coming off the FedEx truck! It was just wrapped as in in plastic and tape - no box or anything! This sherpa is oh so soft too, like the kind of sweatpants you never want to change out off .. But then again we can all agree on never wanting to change out of sweats, right!?

A big bundle of some great new prints, a few restocks (I can't keep the space invaders fabric in my stash!) and a few organics. This last bundle couldn't even fit into my fabric storage, which means I have lots of sewing to do.. or maybe I need to stop buying so much yardage!
Anyone care to share you latest favorite fabric collection you have picked up?

The Third Day

2011-09-06T19:53:00.000-05:00

Today was the third day of school for Kiki, and dropping him off didn't go so well. He is still afraid of me leaving him there, despite me saying it's only for a little bit and talking up all the fun activities he does at school. Walking out of school my little one crying behind in the classroom is so difficult! When I picked Kiki up today though, his teacher said he did really well and I spied him in the classroom talking and smiling!

(cheese!)

Kiki was acting very silly, and told me he was only 'shy a little bit'! I brought him a Rocky Road Cake Pop (from Starbucks) for doing so well today at school... No, I am not beneath bribery! Hopefully his special treat will be a nice reminder to be brave when I leave him at school.

Also, we picked up The Kissing Hand to help with the seperation anxiety, anyone else have any good books about back to school?

Saturday Shopping + Labor Day SALE

2011-09-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

All things pretty for Autumn! honey :: pumpkin :: teal :: rust

With my schedule filling up with new fall items (a preview will be coming soon!), and back to school crazyness, I will be sewing away this weekend taking advantage of the 3 day weekend.

So, in order to CELEBRATE this extended weekend, enjoy 10% off your Weepereas order of $50 or more (before shipping)! Use coupon code LABORDAY10 during checkout and the discount will apply.
*Coupon code is valid through Monday, September 5th at 11:59 PM.
Enjoy the weekend!

First Day of School.

2011-09-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of K-4 for Kiki,

Sending him off to school today, I was thinking, when did he get so big?!
Looking back at these pictures, he looks like such a little boy, and was so very excited to be going to school.
He did so well with going into his classroom, hanging his backpack and sitting down. He didn't even cry when we were leaving the room, which made it even harder to go! He did pick nervously at his shorts when they began story time (I was watching from the window), but his teacher said he did really well, just was a bit hesitant to join in right away.
So I guess here is the start to a crazy busy school year!

A Christmas quilt to-do list

2011-08-29T12:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's only nearing September and I am thinking about Christmas! Mainly because I know I will be busy with shop orders, a new baby and I would like to give a few special people a quilt this holiday.
First on my to-do list,

A first sights quilt for this wee babe. I actually picked up this charm pack of an assortment of prints from Michael Miller's first sights line to make a baby quilt for my second son.. and well it never happened. I found the backing fabric panel at a lqs for only $5/yard and its just wrong not to finish up this quilt now!

My Brother-In-Law had his first baby boy this summer, so sending a baby quilt to him is way overdue,

I would love to use a block to showoff the fun prints, I was thinking maybe like this quilt from Cluck Cluck Sew.. Anyone have any good suggestions - Maybe I need to mix in a few more fabrics..?

A little neighborhood quilt for my oldest son's best friend - (blogged about here)

A modern log cabin throw quilt for someone special (I don't want to reveal any details in case they read my blog)

I have 7 blocks made up, and loads of fabric cut. Just need to sit back down for a day or two and chain piece like crazy. This quilt pattern is from Modern Log Cabin Quilting, it is the quilt on the front cover. Once I flipped through that book I knew I just needed to make that quilt, and started these blocks the following morning!

And certainly not the least important on my quilt to-do list, (but the most seemingly over whelming) is to make a plain spoken quilt in similar colors to this 'Paletas' Quilt for my children's godparents -

Um yeah, that's 5 quilts to be finished up an off to the long arm quilter's to be back in time to give for Christmas. Maybe I just need to stop jumping around from each quilt project and just get 1 top finished at a time!

DQS11 Received!

2011-08-28T19:58:00.001-05:00

My lovely Doll Quilt Swap package came in the mail to me this weekend! I received the sweetest little quilt from Laura J,

I love the pretty fabrics, and the dark grey background! (looks a bit black in the photo, buts it is more of a pepper grey)

And she sent along some lovely goodies! Fun boyish fabrics and an awesome mug rug (that is reversible!!). I love that I received this round from someone I *sortof* knew already online, and she did am amazing job making this cute quilt for me! Laura J hand quilted it, and the little ties in the center remind me of little elephant tails! The hand quilting just takes this quilt over the top for me, such a little detail that I truly love!

And to wrap up DQS11, here is the doll quilt I sent to.. ? (still hasn't received it!) and my amazing little quiltie from Laura J.

Little Neighborhood

2011-08-22T12:58:00.000-05:00

I went to town yesterday (hehe, excuse the pun!) on my scrap bin and started whipping up these little house blocks:

I am planning to make this into a little throw quilt to give to a special little girl this Christmas..

With 8 blocks finished, at 8" I figure I will probably make another 41 blocks to have a 50" square quilt..

The little neighborhood so far! I have always wanted to make a house quilt, but I saw these house blocks from Cara {Me! A Mom?}, and felt the urge to stop everything and start making houses! It's awesome when you feel inspired like that!
If anyone would be interested in swapping some finished house blocks for fabric or the like, let me know! I can always use some extra variety in this little neighborhood!

To Market, to market

2011-08-21T15:33:00.000-05:00

I finally got the chance to stop in at the local farmer's market this weekend,

The fresh produce was bountiful and so much variety,

We came home with a heavy bag of peaches & apples, so small & sweet! I made Apple Crisp using this recipe and it really turned out perfect. The crisp apples having me yearning for cooler weather, fall baking, and cuddling up under a quilt!

Doll Quilt Swap 11 - Sent!

2011-08-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

I finished up and mailed my little doll quilt this week! I had so much fun making this one, I can't wait for my partner to receive and she what she thinks!

Lots of pretty purples, polka dots and bits of grey.

A close up of the quilting, I echoed the plus signs throughout the quilt. Also, plus quilts *might* just be my new favorite pattern!

The back of the doll quilt, I also made a little plus block for the label!

A little extra bitty pouch for my partner! I hope my partner enjoys everything just as much as I loved making a little quilt this round!

Baby Bump, 24 weeks

2011-08-12T12:39:00.002-05:00

Baby Bump, 24 weeks, a photo by weepereas on Flickr. (Please excuse the bathroom photo!)

Yup, 5 months already. Pretty sure in a few more weeks it won't be feeling like already, but rather how much longer. This second trimester has been full of ups - finally enjoying a bit more energy as well as enjoying my bump without feeling like a blimp. The weather is starting to finally feel like fall, and it just encourages my nesting (crazy cleaning I did this week - cleaning out our heat vents. Yeah...).

Since I haven't posted an update on here since we found out - I am expecting another little boy.
Yes, I am pretty certain 3 boys might drive me to be a bit crazy.. but I am excited to be having this little one. Something about boys/ brothers and the way they protect each other and just stick together.. I feel like it's similair to a pack of wolves- they do what they can to protect the pack!

I have lots of projects that I am trying to squeeze in while I still have a bit of energy, but I know my to-do list will remain much longer than my energy will!

Baby Cuteness

2011-08-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

I have been so excited to work with the lovely Erin Noie Photography to model some of my shop items:

(Reversible Baby Shoes, Argyle)

(Doll Quilt, Pretty in Purple & Pink, Doll Bed Photo Prop )

(Doll Quilt and Scallop Bunting Set, Strawberry Lemonade &

Reversible Baby Shoes, Mini Harlequin)

New items, and so much cuteness!

Scrap Crazy.

2011-08-01T11:23:00.000-05:00

This is just one a 4 piles I dumped out,

Wowza. I really need to stop tossing in 2 inch squares, and I also found many, many fat eights or larger of my favorite Japanese prints!
Anyone have any great scrap busting projects to share? I am thinking I might be sewing up some pouches or pincushions this week!

Happy Sunday.

2011-07-31T20:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Sunday., a photo by weepereas on Flickr.
The first flowers to bloom in my butterfly garden!

Saturday Shopping, {Pretty in Purple}

2011-07-30T12:09:00.000-05:00

My love for purple hues has grown, and I take back everything I have said prior about not liking purple!

Happy Stack.

2011-07-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

This happy stack came in the mail to me yesterday,

Such a lovely assortment of Echino prints - mini cars, buses, scooters and a bit of helicopters.

This is my kind of rainbow! I will be making up some new toddler backpacks for my shop, and then using the leftover bits and peices to make a patchwork baby quilt like either of these -

(image credit- Left: Hipster Quilt by CBHandmade, Right: Echino Quilt by A home In The Highlands)

Cuteness.

2011-07-24T12:24:00.000-05:00

Yes, it doesn't get much cuter + sweeter than this!!

I have been working on adding a new section to my shop, Scallop Bunting Flags.

I am fortunate enough to work with a very talented local photographer Erin, from Erin Noie Photography.

This is only a sampling of what is to come, I will be announcing some more new and very cute items soon!

DQS11 fabrics

2011-07-23T20:23:00.002-05:00

Well, I have no excuse for my absence for the past week except the crazy heat wave we had. Days with 115F heat index doesn't make for a very productive preggo! I've got lots to show in the next few days..

I have pulled together a nice little pile of fabrics to use for my DQS11. Pretty purples and greys, but I will be using a lot of the grey to balance things out.. just wanted a variety of purple solids and dots! I am hoping to be able to get my top finished up in the next few days!

Colorful & Messy

2011-07-16T14:34:00.001-05:00

My sewing table has been full this past week,

Piled as high as my machine, so colorful and messy! I have lots of new items to annouce soon, but in the meantime I need to clear up my shop!

There are 30 pairs of baby shoes in my sale section, all marked 65% off at $9 each, and I have free shipping on shoes for this weekend only!
You can shop the SALE section here.

DQS11 Inspiration

2011-07-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay partner! I didn't think I had enough favorites to compile this mosaic, and then I had a hard time narrowing it down to just a few!

These are just a few of my favorite quilts, or little quilties that I am drawn to lately. I like bright colors, solids, and palettes of just a few colors are very loved. I hope this helps you, but please don't be to stressed about what to make me! I am sure I will love the bitty doll quilt you make me :)

Here are a few notes about why I choose the quilts in my inspiration mosaic:
1: Love a cathedral block, and all the crisp white with color
2: Grey & yellow, a fav color combo of mine as well as love for zig zags!
3: Love the cool color palette used in these blocks, and I think the wonky log cabins would be great bitty!
4: The quilting is amazing, as well as all the saturated colors against the white.

5: More grey and yellow love, also the polka dots and pinwheels are great!
6: Love the colorful pinwheels when combined with the grey. The simple quilting is also fantastic.
7: Awesome whirly-gig blocks, love the bright yellow with teal and grey!
8: Simple block in fabulous colors!

9: More zig zag love, and I love orange & teal together!
10: I love cross and plus quilts. I really love all the solids in this quilt against the white.
11: I love all the motion the flying geese and quilting have in this quilt
12: Love the polka dots & solids together

14: Love the wonky crosses and color palette!
15: Oh this block makes my heart pitter patter! I have a new found love for purple and combined with grey it is so sweet! I also love that this block is so simple, yet has an amazing end result.
16: oops! repeated from 7

Oh, Mr. Clean

2011-07-11T12:45:00.001-05:00

Oh, Mr. Clean. My nesting crazy cleaning loves you.
Where was I yesterday at 10 in the morning? Cleaning my oven out, when it had already reached 80F outside. Promptly followed a fridge deep cleaning and throughout Magic Eraser wall scrubbing.
Yup, I have began nesting and I am sure some baby sewing will follow all this cleaning madness.
(On a side note, does anyone crochet baby hats// other baby items and would be interested in trading? Let me know!)

Happy Sunday

2011-07-10T13:44:00.000-05:00

One item crossed of my Summer Bucket List- Catch fireflies. It was so nice and cool last night, so we stayed out late to catch some fireflies. And by we, I mean I frantically tried to swiftly scoop them into the jar. My kiddos are still grossed out by bugs, so the jar served a great purpose for checking out the fireflies without actually having to touch them. They will have to try catching them again with their Papa, and hopefully he will catch more than 3!

Picadilly the Elephant

2011-07-07T12:33:00.000-05:00

A little elephant softie for the new baby,

My kiddos name this elephant Picadilly, after the elephant in the magic show in the Curious George movie.

Made with a Michael Miller yellow dumb dot, and organic flannel ears. I adapted the elephant from a vintage pattern, but my next elephant will have a few more changes. I used poly-fil as stuffing and I found it much too dense, compact and not very soft. Does anyone who makes softies have a better suggestion for a fiber fil?

SUTK Goodies

2011-07-05T12:05:00.001-05:00

I got my amazing package from Collen this weekend for the Spicing Up the Kitchen swap,

3 great art hoops, 2 patchwork tea towels and 2 potholders. I feel so spoiled!

I love how fresh and sunny the potholders are, and they have little loopies on the back!

I am going to have a hard time putting these towels out to get used! I like how they have the big applique fruit on the front!

These hoops are perfect for my kitchen! We have one main (empty) wall that these are going to be perfect on. I love how I can hang some bitty buntings up, without actually having a kitchen bunting (something my hubs would not go for!). The embroidered words and Love flags just make these so perfect!

Thanks to Erin and Darci for hosting such a great swap.. I am already eager for a round 3!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T13:33:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th!

Very (P)interesting

2011-06-22T16:59:00.000-05:00

I have become completely addicted to Pinterest.

By Love Remains The Same / Pinned to Inspiring Words

I am hooked on pinning, creating an inspirational boards, following others boards (and trying not to repin their whole board!) and pinning the evening away.. I love that I can use it as a tool to collect images and save ideas, but also a place to go to find inspiration! I find its a great way to collect ideas ~~not feel so OCD~~..

by Jessica Berrett / Pinned to Baby Nesting

I have found new blogs, great people to follow, amazing recipe sites and some very tempting shops all by following a link on an image, or from links that people posted.

If you have already signed up for Pinterest, you can follow my boards here, and let me know yours so I can follow your boards! If you need an invite, I can send you one also!

Oh Baby!

2011-06-21T11:20:00.000-05:00

Big news! This is where I've been

(Please excuse my bad bathroom mirror picture and lack of smile - no sleep+no coffee!)

Yup, growing a little baby. I am about 17 weeks with our wee # 3. I feel quite excited this time around, that is as much as I have time to while chasing two little boys. This pregnancy has been pretty rough with feeling very fatigued, and needing to get a prescription of Zofran to help with the nausea bouts that I still am experiencing.
So far baby is very heathly, and we will have an ultrasound in about 2 weeks and hopefully will find out the gender. I will be keeping the details of this pregnancy more private this time around, but will still do baby belly and other updates. Generally we haven't shared this pregnancy with many people, except those who we see every week and have noticed my growing belly.
A few randoms from the last week or so..
Craving: Green Olives. Mm.
Baby Movement: First felt around 16 weeks and surprisingly feels like little hiccups this time.
Weight: Thankfully I gained 2 lbs this last month, after losing 8 lbs the month prior (thanks to all the nausea).

I am starting to feel more normal energy levels each day, which means it's time to start sewing for baby!

Happy Sunday

2011-06-19T10:16:00.000-05:00

(image credit)

Thanks to a very early morning rise today, I am left with the feeling that everything will be O.K.
Things will work out, and this week will be beautiful.
I have lots to share with you this week, Enjoy the rest of the weekend! (:

If you haven't entered the giveaway yet, Here is the post!

Customs & a $45 Shop Credit Giveaway!

2011-06-18T13:57:00.003-05:00

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - Congrats to Entry # 11, Nicole who commented " I am a huge fb fan!! "

A few custom items I shipped out last week. The crumb catcher/pocket bib set (on the bottom right) was definately a favorite of mine of mine to make, and I see more coming to my shop in the future!

A sneak peek of a new collection coming.. Classic Leather Baby Shoes!
I will be releasing new OOAK (One Of A Kind) items every Monday at 6p.m. central on the Weepereas Facebook Page .
So what does this have to do with your chance of wining a $45 Shop Credit?
To increase fans on my facebook page for my OOAK nights, simply head over and 'like' Weepereas on Facebook. That's right, easy peasy.

So, to Enter the giveaway for a $45 Shop Credit at Weepereas

Head over to Weepereas on Facebook, and 'like' my page,

Then leave a comment back here saying you did so. Commenting on FB doesn't count towards entries for the giveaway, but feel free to share some love (:
Already a fan? Simply leave a comment saying you already like the facebook page!
Want an extra entry? Refer your friends to my FB page, then enter 1 more comment letting me know you referred your friends. Giveaway will close Sunday night!

Summer Bucket List

2011-06-17T19:24:00.000-05:00

With the warmer weather, I am hoping to do plenty of fun activites with my kiddos! Anyone have any suggestions of simple, yet fun activities for children?

Spicing up the Kitchen Inspiration

2011-06-13T12:09:00.001-05:00

Dear Partner,pardon my tardiness but here is some inspiration for this swap, with some goodies I received last round as a starter! I love citrus colors, linen, patchwork squares rectangles and even triangles. I love crisp quilting and everything scrappy! A few random things I would love to recieve in this swap: Tea towels, cloth napkins, potholders and maybe even a mini wall quilt! Counter and table space is limited in my kitchen, so I don't have any more space for runners or placemats.

Happy Sunday.

2011-06-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

Cheese kolaches, my favorite danish pastry and a wonderful way to start the morning. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Hello, June

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

(image credit)

Oh hello June, so happy your here.

Scary.

2011-05-29T16:42:00.000-05:00

Horrifying may be a better title for this post.
My littlest one had a febrile seizure on Thursday.

Big Boy had a very mild fever the night before, (99.1F) and had the same temperature in the morning. We had just layed him down on the couch, and I went to grab some Tylenol when Hubby started yelling at me frantically in the living room. When I walked in and saw my little one convulsing on the couch, pale and blue lips, I scooped him up into my arms and saw that he wasn't breathing.

The next two minutes while my hubs called 911 and yelled our address repeatedly was the most horrific and longest moment in my life.

Just before the ambulance arrived, Big boy stopped seizing, and started short, shallow breathes. His body was completely stiff, his eyes pearl and rolling back. I felt as though we were losing him. When I called out his name to him, when the paramedics shined a light in his eyes, he was completely unresponsive. Even though I held his hand, he did not squeeze mine back. I felt as though I was holding his body, but he was gone inside.

When we arrived to the hospital his temperature was 104.1. He was still completely unresponsive for over an hour. When a nurse brought a popsicle in, Big boy finally looked at me and mumbled 'yeah'. After a few hours with some apple juice, another popsicle, a few 'yeah' s, and a few doses of Motrin Big Boy finally began to be responsive.

Over the weekend, there has been a few scary moments of fast rising temperatures over 102. I am so very fortunate that our children's Godmother took Kiki over the weekend so Hubs and I could devote all of our attention to Big Boy, and our paranoid middle of the night temperature taking. Through the exams the doctors found out Big Boy has an ear infection, most likely the cause of his fever. He now has a 30% increased chance of having another febrile seizure, of which he will most likely outgrown by the age of 6. (another 4 1/2 years). My medicine cabinet will never be without the giant bottle of Motrin & Tylenol, and I will never again underestimate a slight fever or mild cough in my children.

If you want more information about febrile seizures, this link, or this link have a good summary of what I was told repeatedly by doctors. Our pediatrician told us while very scary, febrile seizures are more common in small children than we what think.

Shop Update (And a Discount code!)

2011-05-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

Whew, this weekend I was super busy sewing up these new lovelies for my shop:

Contoured burp cloths! Better yet- they are backed with organic flannel! This is the softest stuff I have ever felt (better than minky!) and the flannel provides some great stay- put action over the shoulder! I pulled out some of my favorite bits of fabrics to make these patchwork burp cloths - do you see the Echino cars on top!?

Also, today I have a shop feature over at the oh so sweet Josiah's Nest, with a coupon code for 20% off your order! Check it out and see what inspires me as well as a few handmade shop tips!

Pretty in Pinks

2011-05-22T03:29:00.000-05:00

This lovely bundle arrived to me today:

So Pretty. Lots of pinks and lavenders..

Know, if you know me, these are SO out of character for me! I usually gravitate towards and buy bunches of boy fabrics, and my stash has been known to be 2/3 blues and greens!

I have seen a lot of people in love with the Heath colorways in brown and black, but I am smitten with the pink and lavender! Now, off to sew pretty girly baby shoes and such!

This to that..

2011-05-11T19:44:00.000-05:00

I have been totally absent for the last week. Each day has been a crazy (Awesome & Wonderful) whirl of sewing and packaging orders..

This was just one morning, one size all ready to go. Going from this..

To that. This is the biggest tub I have to hold all these orders in!
Thinking about how many little shoes I have shipped out this week, as well as the amount of tiny toes I am covering is just wonderful!

Zuppa Toscana

2011-05-11T19:21:00.000-05:00

This soup turned out just like Olive Garden's! My hubby whipped this up for lunch today, I am so fortunate he is such a good cook!
This soup has a rich and creamy broth, with hearty potatoes and sausage.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground mild italian sausage
1-2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 large onion, diced
1 strip of bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream
5 large russet potatoes, sliced thin
1/4 of a bunch of kale

Saute Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes in a large stock pot. Drain any excess fat, and set aside in a bowl while you prepare the other ingredients.
In the same stock pot, saute bacon, onions and garlic over medium low heat until onions are soft and translucent.
Add vegetable stock to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.
Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, approximately 20 minutes.
Add the heavy cream and cook just until heated through.
Stir in the sausage and the kale, and cook until heated thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and Serve!

Heartsy & Weepereas!

2011-05-04T08:30:00.003-05:00

So yesterday I hinted to something you all were going to ♥...
Have you checked out Heartsy before?

Heartsy is an awesome site that features Etsy shops, with special deals at 50% or more off!
And guess what?
Today I have a feature for my shop, at 63% off!
(happy dance!)
You can head over to Heartsy, and check out my (today only) deal here.
So you know all those fabulous new baby shoes I posted about yesterday? Yup, perfect for using your Heartsy voucher for! And if your new to Heartsy, sign up, there's lots of new shops to check out!

Shop Update!

2011-05-03T10:43:00.001-05:00

Have ya'll seen all the cute new shoes I have added to my shop?

I pulled out some of my favorite fabrics to create some adorable limited edition shoes!

Also, tomarrow I have a big feature that you all are going to ♥ (hint, hint!)

Happy Sunday.

2011-05-01T18:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday, a new weekly feature to inspire more of the positive moments, tiny as they may be.

Baking chocolate chip cookies on a sunshine filled afternoon.

Saturday Shopping...

2011-04-30T13:33:00.002-05:00

For Mother's Day!

DQS10 Received..

2011-04-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I received the most Amazing little quilt from Pam - Uberstitch! My package came while our computer was getting repaired, so I tucked it away until I could send proper thanks first!

Pam did such an amazing job at making me a quilt with everything I love! (Pam, I would have been happy with your first ideas as well!) I love the mix of orange, blue and grey, the linen binding and the little details like the rounded corners and fussy cut centers of each block! The quilting is great, and compliments the quilt perfectly!

She sent along some great goodies too - I feel So spoiled!

A cross rug mug, lunch notes, a lunch tote (that my kids ran off with!), a fq of lime apples, extra of the Riley Blake print from the backing, and a charm pack of Sugar Pop! I am thinking about making myself a throw quilt with the charm pack, the whole line is pretty! Thanks Pam, for making the end of this round so very sweet for me!

DQS10 Sent..

2011-04-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

We finally have our computer back from repairs so I can start posting regulariyl again, and my partner has received her quilt! I sent to Lori (lollydo), and had a lot of fun stalking her likes and making this little quiltie for her!

I tried to make this quilt full of everything she loves - orange, circles and trees! It was a bit of a challenge to try and incorporate it all into one quilt!

The back of the doll quilt, I pebble quilted the center, and it really stands out on the back! (the crayon is covering Lollydo's name, as the pic was taken before she received!)

The applique + pebbling reminded me of bubble wrap! It really gave it a nice 3-D texture!

I also sent along a few bits of fabrics I thought she would love! Lori posted a picture of the doll quilt hung up, it look great against her yellow wall!

Quilty Weekend

2011-04-11T12:01:00.000-05:00

I was in a dumpy mood Saturday, and had a bad headache.. Now I am not the type of person to just sit around, so I started peicing together charms from the I Spy swap..

The quilt top came together pretty quickly, due to already having all the main peices cut (and being toddler bed sized!). Plus, I have a ton of charms left over so I think another I-spy quilt top is in my future. If anyone is interested in some i-spy charms, email me/comment as I would be willing to share!
Anyone have any suggestions for backing fabric? Maybe a solid with a strip of more I-spy fabric? Just a solid as the top is already so busy? Any suggestions are welcome!

3 days..

2011-04-07T17:11:00.001-05:00

Our computer crashed, and we dropped it off to get fixed and I have been without internet for the last 3 days! A few peeks of what I have been up to...

Yummy orange rolls for breakfast. Hubs work schedule leaves me feeling like its the weekend on Wednesdays. It's nice to enjoy a breakfast all together..

Pebbling the center of my DQS10. Now I just need to finish up a little quilting around the border and get this packaged up and on the way to my partner!

Sour jelly beans. I said I wasn't going to buy Easter candy early, but all those tiny egg shaped candies made me cave. I am blaming it on the desire for bright spring colors. ^-^

Saturday Shopping...

2011-04-02T20:50:00.000-05:00

Some local Wisconsin love!

Tiny cuteness

2011-04-01T22:28:00.000-05:00

I just had to share

I just love when I have an order going out for tiny newborn shoes! I think everything is cuter when it is wee and little!

Also, in case you guys haven't checked it out yet

The giveaway over on Josiah's Nest for a $40 shop credit is still going on! {There is a 20% off all orders discount code as well!} You can check out the One Year Blog Anniversary giveaway here, and enter all lovely 13 giveaways!

Doll Quilt Swap progress

2011-03-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

I have finally gotten my ideas together and started to work on my doll quilt for DQS10

Bright orange with bits of aqua and grey.

I got the quilt top finished up, and just need to applique the circles on and quilt it all! I am thinking pebbling in the center around the circles, and straight line quilting around the coins. I am hoping the quilting really brings all the elements of this quilt top together!

25.

2011-03-27T21:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my 25th birthday. Silly me had forgotten all about it, until my Aunt called the night prior with birthday wishes.

The day was spent doing not much out of the ordinary, which was perfect for me.

Hubs made me yummy chili rellenos, fresh style (without being deep fried) and stuffed the chilis full of feta, queso panela and queso oaxaca. This weekend has been a wonderful reminder of how blessed and grateful I am for my family's health, my home and my family!

Toddler Backpack

2011-03-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

I finished up this little backpack this weekend, just in time for our car trip. (And it got great use when my sister took the kiddos to a Wildlife Experience!)

The pattern is from Made by Rae, and it such a great pattern! Very easy to follow, simple directions and never once did I get lost and wonder ' What am I supposed to be doing?!'

I have a new found love for piping, and I think it gives the backpack a nice professional finish.

Kiki loves his new backpack, and has proven it's strength with shoving it full of every toy and stuffed animal possible. I definitely see myself making 100 more of these backpacks this summer!

{SUTK} swap goodies!

2011-03-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

I received my swap goodies from the {SUTK} swap this weekend!

Oneblessedmama4 sent me such lovelies, and perfectly my style!

A great table runner, awesome appliques tea towels, a cute card, hexies and even some yummy tea!

The table runner is so perfectly sunny! And I have a new found love for cross hatch quilting!

Tea towels with little hexagons! Practical, and cute!

I has some leftover scraps sitting on my table after I sent out my SUTK package, and made this little potholder and little table runner.

I felt quite lucky that I was sending to a partner that also had the same tastes as me!

Now I can't wait until this weekend when we are in the new house, and I can use everything to decorate our new kitchen! Thanks Erin and Darci for hosting (and creating) such a great swap!

Shop Update!

2011-03-06T13:54:00.000-06:00

Whew! I haven't done a shop update lately, and I have been creating so many new things!

First of, my shop has moved!

Yup, with a new focus and lots of new ideas, my shop has moved over to Big Cartel

{New Shop}

Also, you might notice things look a bit different around here..

The lovely Lisa of My Little Buffalo has been amazing to work with on some new graphics, and I believe the new design is a better reflection of my personality and my shop style!

Lots of new baby shoes, a few new quilts and much more to come!

Spring is such a inspiring time of year for me, when I can enjoy the sunshine, work on new designs and I feel so renewed!

In honor of my new shop, and new look,

Enter code ' Spring20' during checkout to receive 20% off your total purchase!

(Discount is valid until March 9 - 3 days only!)

Favorite Things Friday

2011-03-04T14:05:00.001-06:00

Bright blue and yellow, I am so ready for spring and lots of sunshine!

(In case anyone is wondering how to make a favorites mini from your Etsy - Go to 'your account', build your own Etsy mini, select 'Items to show- items from my favorites' Choose image size as thumbnails, Then choose your layout. Copy the code for the javascript verion, and paste that in your blog post uner 'edit html' (Up above, on the top right corner next to compose)

Since now you know how to make a mini mosaic with links, will you join me in Favorite Things Friday?

Sunny Days...

2011-03-03T14:04:00.000-06:00

Sunny Days, sweeping the clouds away..

The last few days I have been in such a positive mood, and have been singing the Sesame Street theme song to myself. Silly, I know but I can't get it out of my head!

It was so sunny yesterday, that we only needed sweaters on to be outside.

We went to The Shoppe, and picked up a few mini cupcakes (and a whoopie pie!)

Great thing about mini cupcakes? You can get a nice variety.

The downfall? You can eat them in one bite.

Hubby and the kids were even sweet and super patient and let me stop into Fancy Tiger.

They have the new Circa 60 collection, and I promise you it is even more pretty in person! I already started making a quilt with it!

We went down the street to a great train hobby shop- Caboose Hobbies,

And the kiddos were overwhelmed with all the model trains! They have layouts where you can push a button to start the model trains, and well as tracks running with trains around the store above your heads. They also had a ton of Thomas trains, including older retired models!

Anyone else have a fun family day lately?I'd love for you to share!

{SUTK} Swap Package

2011-03-02T10:00:00.003-06:00

I spent Monday binding up my little goodies to send for the Spicing Up the Kitchen Swap.

I made this mini quilt in bright green, orange and yellow, would you believe this was my first attempt at half square triangles?! They are quite addictive, just like piecing hexagons are for me! I think it is great sized that it could be a wall hanging, or as a little table runner or mat.

A citrus-y potholder, whipped up at the last moment after seeing all the leftover small bits on my table!

I also sent some patchwork tea towels along with the mini quilt and potholder.

This swap was so much fun, and I love how many possibilities of items there was to create! Now I have to wait patiently for my own parcel to arrive!

My New Gussy Tote

2011-03-01T12:54:00.001-06:00

My lovely new Gussy tote bag arrived this weekend, and has me so excited and longing for spring!

I feel like the {cool kid} arriving on the playground, finally having my own awesome Gussy bag!

{Image Credit}

What I love most about the bag? Is is softly padded (especially on the handles), is roomy without being huge and bulky and has the perfect sized pocket on the inside. Oh, and of course the colors are perfect for spring! And yes, I was ~~excited~~ dorky enough to wear a coordinating tee+cardigan out yesterday with my new bag!

You can check out the lovely Gussy Sews shop here, for your own lovely ruffled accessories!

Saturday Shopping..

2011-02-26T16:38:00.001-06:00

I thought it would be fun to join Gussy's Saturday Shopping meme, since I didnt get a chance to post my Friday Favorites.
Pretty {spring} items..

I'm so in love with little flowers and bows right now!

I failed..

2011-02-23T14:40:00.001-06:00

Yup. Leave it to me, in the very last week of the fabric diet to break down and get a bundle of fabric! Oh well at least I made it 7 weeks. Fancy Tiger announced a 30-50% off sale in their shop over the weekend, and how could I not stop in! I picked up some wool felt, Kokka robots, cars & buses, legos, super cute grey/yellow dots and some Echino cheater patchwork. Some blue kona yardage as well, since they still has a few bolts at the old price of $5.95! I don't feel so bad, as the kona and Echino prints have already been assembled for a quilt..

6 weeks, 6 confessions

2011-02-21T21:38:00.001-06:00

6. Six weeks until we move back home, to Wisconsin.

Six weeks until I leave the security of my day job and will be able devote my full energy to my shop.

I am frightened of the unknown, yet deep inside me I want to persevere and work on what I truly love doing. I want to be more confident, and prove to others that I can do this.

{Photo Credit}

After I saw the confessional post over on Freckled Nest, I thought it would be fun to play along..

1. I ate 4 boxes of Girl Scout samoas cookies this weekend. I have no shame.

2. I broke my fabric diet. For a sale at Fancy Tiger, then didn't even buy anything that was on sale! (a picture of the haul to come tom arrow!)

3. I hoard extra pillows at night, and sleep way over the half way mark in our bed. I have even admitted this to my dear hubby.

4. I am currently obsessed with the color lavender. Not too long ago, when fabric shopping I had said many times 'I don't like that fabric, it's purple!' So I'm sorry, lovely purple, because I find you quite pretty now. Especially with teal and grey!

5. I'm an old lady at heart. Most people I meet think I am years older than I am (25, for the record) but it doesn't bother me. I enjoy hand stitching, quiet afternoons and like the idea of growing old with my hubby. I don't mind being thought of as old fashioned..

6. I can't sew with socks on (or shoes, for the matter). It weirds me out, so I often I'm sewing with one sock on, and the other is bare..

Anyone else care to share their confessions?

Celebrate The Boy :: Winner!

2011-02-21T15:38:00.003-06:00

I am so completely overjoyed with all the comments on the Celebrate The Boy Giveaway! Thank you to all 612 people who commented! Random number generator chose #267, which is

Debra Joy, from Jubilee Life !

Since I wish everyone could be a winner,

I am offering 15% off with the code CTB15

for all items in my shop! Valid until February 28th, 2011.

Celebrate the Boy! {Giveaway}

2011-02-19T00:02:00.004-06:00

The fabulous Rae at Made-By-Rae and Dana from MADE are hosting the amazing
Celebrate the Boy series! Check out their blogs for a complete list of other giveaways, and tons of Boy tutorials!
I am offering up 1 lucky reader a DIY Bundle Kit, with all the fabric and supplies you need to make 4 pairs of baby shoes. You have your choice of 4 fabulously boyish baby shoes designs from my shop. Included is my PDF pattern to make my reversible baby shoes, a great baby shower gift or for your own little one!

To Enter:
Leave a comment on this post with your favorite thing to sew for your little guy.
(one entry per person, please)

Please leave your email address in the comment, or enable email in your blogger profile.
If you'd like you can be friendly and also follow me on twitter, or follow my blog (not a required/extra entry)
Giveaway runs until sometime late Sunday night :)
1 winner will be drawn at random on Monday morning, February 21.
Giveaway is open for international readers.

Inspirational Studio

2011-02-18T09:37:00.004-06:00

I finally got around to hanging up a few of my art prints (from Studio Mela) I picked up some unfinished wooden frames, some yellow + teal spray paint and now I think they look nice clustered together!
I have been wanting to make some hoop decor, and I still have so many more ideas! Bitty buntings, twine and little rosettes...
A little ruffle inspiration from Gussy ( I love her swet ruffles!) Can you make something gussy-fied? Is that an adjective?

Plain unfinished wooden letters from Michaels, and some more spray paint. Now my little sewing corner isn't so bare!

Live what you Love

2011-02-17T22:26:00.006-06:00

A bitty bunting quilt, hanging in my studio for some inspiration... Live what you love,

a reminder for me to surround myself in the things I love doing,

to remain positive and to look on the bright side of things
I originally had the idea for creating this mini quilt for someone else, who I thought could use some inspiration and warm wishes... But (and for true disclosure) I made several mistakes on this quilt, and didn't send it off. My stippling skips stitches in a few spots, and the dark grey embroidery thread shows behind the words. Oh well, I finally finished binding this quilt and hung it up in my studio. Becasue I can live with my own mistakes, right?

What is inspiring you lately? Or does anyone have an inspirational quote or scripture that really moves them? I'd love for you to share in the comments!

Indie Buisness 3.0 {a new course}

2011-02-13T09:54:00.005-06:00

Oh, I am SO excited! I just registered for the Indie Business 3.0 ! The Indie Business 3.0 course still has registration available, and I can't wait for it to get started!

I am the kind of person who likes to be informed, and think it is going to wonderful finding other indie business owners as well! And the course instructors seem lovely and inspiring too!
If you are serious about your shop or business, I encourage you to check out this course!
Already signed up? Let me know so I can start to get to know others in the course!

Friday Etsy Favorites

2011-02-11T14:00:00.003-06:00

Lovely little mustard+teal items I would love for my studio..

i've gone to the dark side..

2011-02-10T12:42:00.003-06:00

But only with my hair, hehe.
My hubby has been telling me for a while that my hair would look nicer a little darker, so yesterday I went to 'black tea'. So this is me, the woman behind the blog and shop..
Now I could use some pretty rosette hair clips or something!

it's a family biz.

2011-02-07T10:40:00.006-06:00

With being busier with orders, and increasing my productivity each day I have recruited my hubby to help me. It only makes sense, and I don't know why I didn't ask for him help some time ago.. We had a poor Internet signal all weekend because of the snow (and we didn't watch the Superbowl), so I had hubby cutting fabric for me. (That's a bolt of chenille in the picture)

Big boy thought it was fun to try and keep up with how many bib patterns I was tracing, although it was more like -one, two, tres, quatro, eight!! He also liked showing me all the circles..

So, my wee ones count how much I making, (Kiki told me yesterday 'Mucho mucho blankets, Mama!), I am tracing patterns and sewing up orders while my Hubby helps me with cutting and packaging. I don't think my shop can get more handmade than that :)

Friday Etsy Favorites :: Valentine's Day Goodies

2011-02-05T00:37:00.003-06:00

Valentine's Day Favorites, for me.. 1. Secret Message bottles - SET of 3 by Mimimicards (how sweet are these!)

2. Love Gnome -- I Love you My Little Heart -- Chocolat by FeeVertelaine ( Check out her other cute Waldorf gnomes too!)

3.Muah cards set of 4 by LollipopsCards ( I love all her note cards!)

4. Abigail & Olivia - two bow hairpins by Sandyalamode
( I want every bow she has in her shop!)

Hoarding...

2011-02-01T12:03:00.002-06:00

Taking part in this fabric diet has given me quite the perspective into my fabric stash..

This is my stash of my most coveted organic and Japanese yardage.

Yes, yardage. As in some of those are at least 3 yards.

So my goal this month is to use it up. Yup. Lovely new quilts will be coming to my shop.

I am curious as to what other fabric dieters are feeling about their stash? Are we all just going to hoard that FMF away? Or will some lovely new projects abound?

Or maybe this is just an evil way to deprive ourselves from the amazing new lines coming out? (Hello Echino Spring line, Circa 60, Marine, Robert Kaufman's Retro living, the new Alexander Henry.. my list could go on and on!)

I'd love for others to chime in as well as to what they plan to do with their stash, the first line they will buy when this diet is over, or any realizations they have discovered with their stash!

Giveaway Day!

2011-01-31T11:01:00.004-06:00

It's Giveaway time! Head on over to 30days to enter for a chance to win a $40 credit to my shop!
Check out the giveaway here, and please comment on that post to enter!

Serene..

2011-01-30T23:13:00.002-06:00

Hubby talked me into a day off yesterday (becasue I never feel I have a day 'off' when you work from home..) and we drove up north to the mountains..We haven't visited Boulder, CO before and it was sunny and 40F outside.. We drove to see Boulder Falls, but couldnt get to close due to icy paths. We went all the way up to this reservoir, at an altitude of 8,183ft.

The view was so beautiful, and such a lovely way to start the week..

Weepereas

White Belts

Sponsor Highlight {Plus a 15% discount code!}

Customer Review :: Tangerine Sky

2 months.

Noteworthy Links

Noteworthy Links

2011 in Pictures

Handmade for the Holidays

Merry Christmas!

6 Weeks.

Gingerbread House

Friday Goodies

My True Love Gave To Me {A Giveaway!}

Black Friday Sale!

Tiny Sweetness

Welcome home, wee one

Charmed.

Happy Mail

Pumpkin Farm

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway *winner*

34 weeks.

Custom Toddler Backpacks

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway

KCWC :: Day 7

KCWC:: Day 4

KCWC:: Catching Up

Kids Clothes Week Challenge

Shop Feature :: Sprinvale Soap

Saturday Shopping :: Autumn

Big Bundle

The Third Day

Saturday Shopping + Labor Day SALE

First Day of School.

A Christmas quilt to-do list

DQS11 Received!

Little Neighborhood

To Market, to market

Doll Quilt Swap 11 - Sent!

Baby Bump, 24 weeks

Baby Cuteness

Scrap Crazy.

Happy Sunday.

Saturday Shopping, {Pretty in Purple}

Happy Stack.

Cuteness.

DQS11 fabrics

Colorful & Messy

DQS11 Inspiration

Oh, Mr. Clean

Happy Sunday

Picadilly the Elephant

SUTK Goodies

Happy 4th!

Very (P)interesting

Oh Baby!

Happy Sunday

Customs & a $45 Shop Credit Giveaway!

Summer Bucket List

Spicing up the Kitchen Inspiration

Happy Sunday.

Hello, June

Scary.

Shop Update (And a Discount code!)

Pretty in Pinks

This to that..

Zuppa Toscana

Heartsy & Weepereas!

Shop Update!

Happy Sunday.

Saturday Shopping...

DQS10 Received..

DQS10 Sent..

Quilty Weekend

3 days..

Saturday Shopping...

Tiny cuteness

Doll Quilt Swap progress

25.

Toddler Backpack

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway winner