Most Recent Sewing Purchase

I love Farbenmix. I have loved it for a few years, but never splurged on a pattern because they run around $15 and NEVER go on sale. So, when I was introduced to the book Sewing Clothes Kids Love by the founder of Farbenmix it was a done deal. Great photos, clear instructions and 10 - yes10 - full size patterns. I ordered it and have been soaking up each detail for the last few days. I love it! I don't know when I will have time to actually tackle any of the pieces, but I am excited none the less.When I was on the site, it recommended some kids craft books to look at. I was immediately interested in Ed Emberley's Complete Funprint Drawing Book. I took it up north with some ink and cards and let the girls go to town. It was fun watching them look at each page and deciding which designs they would make. We ended up with lots of inky fingers, but they had a blast.

I would highly recommend each of these purchases. And BTW, Walmart had good prices and 97cent shipping per item. It was on my doorstep in 48 hours. Not bad!

First Tomato!

We picked our first heirloom tomato yesterday. It was delicious! We all had some and agreed that we can't wait for the rest of them to ripen.

A Mixed Weekend Up North

This past weekend the girls and I made the trek up north to visit with my parents and spend some time on the beach.
Friday was great. Lots of swimming, and fishing.
Saturday was rainy. Dad and Uncle Russ took Claire (8) and Brody (3) fishing. They caught about 100 fish. Yes, read that right 100 fish. Only the little ones fished. Incredible! Russ' pond is stocked! Claire's favorite part - wait for it - peeing in a bucket on the boat. Unbelievable!

We swam in the middle of the lake. This was a highlight!

Baby Shower Gifts

We had a surprise baby shower for a friend at work today. She was really surprised. Thought I'd show you what I made for her.
She is having a boy, but I didn't have the right fabric prints in blue, so I went with a green and orange combo. It has a ruffle because I like ruffles and think that if a mom is carrying the bag who cares if it looks girly. After all, she is a girl.
I also made a "quilted" taggy blanket. It has a layer of crinkly plastic in the inside so it makes noise. I love the way this one turned out!

Congrats, Cindy! I hope all goes well in the next few weeks.

Heirloom Tomatos

Last year I planted a cherry tomato plant in a planter by our front door. None of them made it into the house. The girls snacked on them while playing outside. I didn't mind. Healthy snack.
This year my Mom and Dad bought some heirloom tomato plants. We have about 15 or so. They are doing great (I think) and we have lots of small tomatoes and blooms. Can't wait until they are all ripe, but here is a sneak peek.

This one is kind of a mutant tomato. It grew around a leaf. Should be interesting to eat!

VanderSlik Family Photo Shoot

I don't do this very often, but Amy called and asked if I'd shoot some pictures of their entire family. It is hard to get them all together, but she came up with a time and I showed up with a camera. I do not claim to be anywhere close to a professional photographer, but when a friend needs help I will do what I can.
I hope you guys find something you like!

Girls Bedroom ReDo

If you have read this blog in the last little while, you know I have big dreams for redoing the girls' bedroom. I already have installed the chandelier and completed the book slings and pillow cases, now it is time for the walls.
I found this image this week and I think this is the direction I will go.

Did you know that you can adhere fabric to the wall using starch or even an iron on fuseable webbing? I am now on the hunt for the right fabric. Once it is on the wall we'll frame it with trim.
I worked on these while the girls were gone.
I think I'll put them in an oversize frame painted in a funky color. They will be similar, but not matchy matchy.

Whatcha think?