~Missions Project~

I have always loved missions.  I want to pass that on to my children.  I try to always participate in activities and provide meals when any special speakers are coming through. I was sad that we missed our church's missions conference this year because of the chicken pox.  We did however watch some of these Torchlighter videos and we continued to make bracelets.

These beaded bracelets will be going to Mexico this summer.  The kids and I have  been making them together.  Kiersten is my biggest helper.  Our church is trying to make 5,000 for the whole summer.  I think we are half way there!  Our family may hit 100.

~When you can't go, you can still send~

My friend Kristi and her friend Michelle are currently on a missions trip with Medical Mission Outreach.  Our church found out about this mission because one of their RN's attended our church for a short time while they were moving from Ohio to Maryland.  Becky (the RN) was such a sweet servant we fell in love with her immediately!  

I am so excited for them!  Of course it is totally unfair that they are on one of the tropical islands in the Philippines enjoying summer weather in the midst of our winter cold.

The kids, some friends and I made 126 bracelets for another mission trip but it didn't work out to send them to that.  I guess God had other plans for them.  I sent them along with Kristi to hand out.  After each person is helped physically by medical personnel, some one shares the gospel with them.  We are praying many year the gospel and receive Christ!

It is my desire to join one of these trips in 2015.  I don't have a medical background, but they said they can always use extra help:-)

I couldn't go on this trip, but I can send bracelets and prayers!

~Craft Day~

A friend of mine came over for a craft day a few weeks ago.

all my misc stuff

(I had the girls make a sign with their name on it to keep them out of trouble... but they played really well and were no trouble at all.

Our first project was making hand scrub.  

It was just a mix of sugar and Dawn dish soap with Olay in it.

Next we tackled our sock snowmen.  They were so much fun to make!

 and then some post it note stations.

After Barlet left, Nathan asked for a snowman too.  His had to have eyes on it though... because, of course, he needs to see where he is going!

We got all this done before lunch!  Can't wait til next time!

~Big Kneedls, Big Cozy Blanket~

I got myself some size 50 knitting needles!  I had to use nine strands of yarn together to make the yarn thick enough... I could have used 12 strands if I had them!

I used two strands of multicolor tan/brown/off white

four strands of off white

three strands of brown

(I think that was the mix)

This cozy blanket was for Trevor and Oliva... the newlyweds!

I would certainly like to make another blanket like this... BUT my needles were not long enough and I had to smush every row on to make the blanket wide enough.  I have my eye on these for knitting... someday.

In the meantime, I've taken a break from knitting bit projects... I'm still trying to fit some embroidery into my day!  Soon, very soon!

~Another Blanket~

I have been very busy this summer with my knitting and crocheting!

This blanket was for Aaron and Antenea... a young couple at church.

I used two strands of yarn together with size 13 bamboo needles... I really like using bamboo!

The base of the blanket was just knit and pearl... about 70 across.  I added a crochet edge... first time I've ever done that.  The edge was from this book.  I really like how it turned out.  I prefer to crochet but I like the looking of knitting better.  I also have less issues with carpel tunnel with the knitting than the crochet.

~Baby Blanket~

I don't get to make baby blankets for all the babies I meet... but I like to if I have the time!

My mom's cousin's son's wife is having a baby soon... and I couldn't resist trying this chevron pattern.  I really like how it turned out.  I used Red Heart Soft yarn and a size G hook.  I tried using a bigger hook but the chevron didn't look as nice.

It should be soft, warm and washable.  I really enjoyed the pattern.  There were comments that it was hard to understand, but I didn't think so.

Finished on Tuesday and gifted on Saturday... just in time!

~Holiday Weekend~

Gregg had a really long weekend.  He was off Thursday for the holiday and Friday because he never took Memorial Day because he was in China.

We all just stayed home most of the day Thursday.  I spent most of the day cleaning my room.  Found some long lost earrings, got rid of some clothes and cleaned up a huge pile of books.  I still have one corner to clean up but I'm happy for what I did do.  I was listening to one of the sermons Jordan heard at camp and grilling chicken. My oven isn't working so I'm stretching my grilling abilities.  Next time no foil and cook on a higher temp.  It was really good for my first try.  The boys can't wait til I try again.

Friday was also at home for me.  Jordan raced Friday night and I was supposed to go so all the kids could watch but I wasn't really feeling up to it.  It was really hot and I didn't want to pack everyone up.  I also hadn't finished the laundry or done hair cuts and wanted to get to bed on time for once in two weeks.  I'm glad I didn't go, Jordan's car overheated (it was loosing water) and he wasn't able to finish his feature.

I was working on these pillow cases Friday while helping Jared with math.  They are for my Aunt and Uncle for their 25th Wedding Anniversary.  I finished them after the kids went to bed while I listened to   another camp sermon.

Saturday was a picnic at my brother's house.  The kids enjoyed the pool and I finally got to sit down for a bit.  The older three left early for a race with some friends... they don't really enjoy picnics:-)

I am looking forward to a down day again today... getting some school planned out and many other little projects that really need to get taken care of.

~I Won!~

I entered this giveaway... not really thinking I would ever win... but GUESS WHAT!!!?!?!?

Whooohooo! I WON!  Five winners out of 2,773! and I WON!

I was a little long in deciding what I wanted... I didn't want to taking this winning thing lightly:-)

Should I splurge and get them to make me something or should I be more practical and get some patterns... I went with the patterns!

I got the emerson skirt for Kiersten...

and the chic sisters apron pattern for myself!

I was able to sew both of these over the weekend!  I got a few other patterns as well... I need another sewing day!

Kiersten picked the butterfly fabric from my stash.  I traced a butterfly shape and sewed that on a plain white t shirt.

The patterns were very easy to follow and I really like that the the girls patterns are for size 2 to 14!  We will get many years of clothes out of these patterns!

Marie Madeline also sent some brochures... I am so glad they did!  Their are a lot more photos on there than on the website.  I didn't realize that Kiersten's skirt also came with a gather option and a pleat option!  That was a nice surprise!

~Soap Saver~

I am really trying to finish up a bunch of sewing/crochet projects.  I am not letting myself start anything new until I've cleaned up a little... well, unless I see something I really need to make:-)

 

I need little projects while I'm doing school with Eric.  Sometimes I scrapbook with my laptop but I mostly like to knit or crochet.  I have two blankets and one sweater to finish but I fit in two of these soap savers last week.

 

I hate the feel of mushy bar soap in the shower, but I don't trust the chemicals in the liquid soap.  I am testing this cute little bag...

 

I changed washclothes every day because of the smell, so I'm not sure how long this will last.  It reminds me of these kids soaps I sometimes get. 

directions are here.

~Hats~

A friend of a friend is collecting hats for her senior project... not just any hats though.  These hats are for cancer patients.  I decided to join in the fun.  Kiersten is always my willing fashion model :-)

I wish I could make more, but these two will have to do for this time.

Bucket Hat
Ridge Hat with Brim

~Loom Knitting~

I found a really good price on some knitting looms.  Kiersten and I sat down Sunday afternoon to see if we could figure it out.  I wrapped the yarn and she "hooked it over."  She did a really good job too.  Here is our first project...

A doll hat.

 Here is our 2nd project...

 

 

I'm not that impressed with the finished product... but maybe we just need a different design to do.

I have been searching patterns and will be ordering a library book to get more ideas.  I think this will be a fun thing to do while I'm trying to get her to sit quiet!  Nathan even enjoyed doing a row.

~Flounce Scarf~

I tried this way of just basically chaining the scarf (top of page)... but I didn't like that there was a back side.

So I tried this way of crocheting rows (bottom of page)... but it wasn't working up as quickly as I wanted and it was hard to find my rows.

I caved and got out my knitting needles and tried this one... (I don't like knitting!) and loved the result!  It actually only took me a day to complete one scarf.

Kiersten has already claimed one but said she would let me borrow it:-)

~Finally Some Relaxing~

I tried to empty my schedule for this week... and I think I did good.  I did a lot of sitting and handwork... I forgot about the heavy outside work and the cleaning out that needs to be done.  I feel much better after this week... like summer vacation has finally arrived.  I haven't picked up a book yet, but that is coming...  along with some sewing!

My big project was grooming the dogs!  I normally need a lot of help from Jordan to hold them, but they were really good this time and Eric and Jared were able to help me with the finishing touches... they really don't like getting their legs done!

I spent time working on these pillow cases...

They are a gift for a sweet couple that just got married... I'd like to make a set for my bed as well:-) I put a crochet edge on and only wish the yarn was thinner.  There are several tutorials...   This one is the one I used, but I also like the blanket edge on this one not to mention the posh pillow case I want to try (I really like the idea of the pillow tucking into the end, and this last one is just so lovely!  

I also made some dish cloths for them....

I kept the multi colored one to see if it stayed cleaner looking longer.  These are by far my favorite dish clothes!

 The boys got to race this weekend!  Look at that dirty face:-)  He came in 2nd! 

It was a great race with 9 cars!

 She loves going!

Eric had his first career win!  He started 2nd and was running in third... on the last lap (or two to go, I can't remember) the first and second car were battling for the lead and slid up the track.  Eric drove right past them on the inside! I was distracted by my littlest man and totally missed the win!  I looked up to see the checkered flag in Eric's hand...

 I had promised to buy him a Gatorade if he won a race... He was so very happy!

We had a graduation party to go to Saturday evening so it was a rush to get home and clean but it was so nice to sit and relax... and laugh... with friends.  I also tried a milk cake.... boy did that hit the spot!  The bride is from Guatemala and shared this Mexican cake with us...yummm!

I had the opportunity to set up for our fellowship Sunday night after church that was also a special time for the above mentioned bride and groom.  I really enjoyed working in the quietness of the empty building!  It was also enjoyable to chat with friends until late. 

Happy day...what will next week bring??!?!?

~Aprons~

I have been wanting to get involved with some of the Craft Hope projects since I won a copy of the book almost two years ago.  The timing was just never right... til now!

These aprons are going to ladies in Haiti!  I made two with really big pockets (middle and right) and think they will be the nicest... if I make more they will be like those two.

The craft hope website is down right now for some fixing so this project was posted on Facebook here.

The project runs until May 31 so  you all have time to get in on this project!

Anyone have a favorite?

~Scarf~

I saw this scarf on pinterest... and found directions for the sultan stitch here.

This one is a gift... I'm thinking I might need one for myself:-) I have enough yarn for one or two more!

~Ressurection Sunday~

We spent Good Friday handing out flyers for our church services on Sunday. I often fix Easter Dinner on Saturday because Sunday just isn't the day for that much work:-) This year we were at the track so I just threw ribs in the crockpot... easy enough!

I made these for dessert...

and here is Kiersten's Easter dress...

~Saturday Sewing~

Kiersten's Easter dress is done but I need a ribbon for the bow so I can't show you yet:-)

I'm on a roll with all these sweet little dresses and made two more today! My serger is now my BFF!
This peasant dress is a gift for a sweet little 4 week old. I made some bloomers too.
Pattern here.

This one is for Kiersten...

I think I like her dress better... mine looks a lot busier. It will be a nice play dress anyway! It was cut and sewn without a pattern! I will be doing this style again! I really like the cut on the front... the back looks the same.

Did you notice the buttons? I couldn't find what I wanted in my button box and then I got the idea to layer them... LOVE!

Pattern here.

~Sundress~

I needed to make something with my birthday serger before I started on Kiersten's Easter Dress. I chose this sundress.



Aren't the buttons so cute! I added pin tucks in the ribbon... it was too plain and flat.

Kiersten doesn't have many clothes for this summer, so I'll be sewing some for her... so. much. fun.

Oh, and I LOVE the serger!

She wore this tonight to church with a white top! Cute stuff!

Pattern here.

~Nature Tote~

I asked my Mother in law what she wanted for her birthday last month... she said something handmade would be nice... and then she mentioned a nature tote bag would be great. She sent me a photo of the things she carries with her on her nature journeys and I got some ideas as to where she wanted everything inside/outside the bag. She also mentioned blue (or a color that wouldn't show too much dirt) and red piping.

I was going for a patterned fabric, but couldn't find anything I really loved. It turns out the plain dark blue denim was perfect!

I took an afternoon to draw it out. I didn't want to make any big mistakes:-) I ended up changing things as I went, but I never had to redo anything, so I'm happy with my "pattern."

And the finished product...

I got the handles at Joann's and love how they feel. They are actually long enough to go over your shoulder. My sewing machine does embroidery so I put that on the front to liven it up a bit. I found the little iron on bird and fell in love with him!

Looking at the front... there are two small pouches on the left one for a phone and one for a camera; one big pouch on the right for poo-poo bags:-) One big flat pocket on the front. I didn't have exact measurements on anything, so we will see where she ends up putting things! I'm hoping I got close to the right sizes!

The back pocket is split in half... one half for paper/tablet/pens and the other half for a dog dish

Inside is a hook for keys, insulated water bottle pouch, two smaller pouches for binoculars and such, an elastic for a tripod and a big flat pocket.

The outside pockets were all lined with this fabric... I loved it!

I have seen these and really wanted to make one! This was a great excuse to give it a try! I was hoping it wouldn't fit my m-i-l's phone so I could have it:-) My phone is always in the bottom of my purse! I guess I'll have to make my own because she says it fits!

My m-i-l frequents state parks with her little dog Molly and takes beautiful photos! I'm so glad I could give her something useful.