Having Fun Yet?

When my boys were younger and attending grade school, there was a kindergarten teacher whos favorite phrase was ,"Are we having fun yet!"  It was a fun class, however, for many of the parents helping with a very large group of kids could be overwhelming. It was one very active - busy classroom and I think the only kindergarten in Dash Point. 

In my "Friday's Rambling" post on April 4, I shared a bit on fun and being busy. Going back to that post you will see the photo's of created fun with painted cans and sticks. I decided to continue and create some fun here and there - in and out about my day of set "goals" to accomplish. I was very happy with how my new sticks turned out. 

The start ~

Not as a great artist might have done it, but fun non the less.  It's even okay to look dorky in pics and at my age .  .  .  . nobody has to like it.  haha  I also needed color having the perfect spot for this sticks.  Oh the sticks are made for yuccas on the property I have pics here.   Though I'd been trifling / toying with putting clear and frosted glass beady things on one stick at where the blossoms bloom from, so until I decide - for there always is time somewhere .  .  .  

The finish ~  

I enjoyed doing this and since the finished photo was taken I brushed down the webs and swept the diet in the lizards dirt - lol I also got those plants in the pot I understand they love - love the sun and are drought tolerant.  YAY and I'm hoping the hummers have already been enjoying them.  Now get out there and have some FUN!

Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved [shaken]. Psalm 55:22 NKJ

- casting all you care upon Him, for He cars for you. 1Peter7:7 NKJ [1Peter7:6-9, very good]

I just want to say God isn't surprised of the trials we have the storms that come upon us. He always provides a way to weather them. He is faithful. I know that you who are reading have possibly are in a season you wished wasn't upon you, lay it down at Jesus feet and more so - push yourself to do so and trust Him for your day. 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 NKJ

 [And, may you keep Him in your sights, from Me] 

Another bit of .  .  .   :)   with local music in the background ~

Merry Christmas!

Yep a new entry.  .  .

I have been up and down in the decorating department since we moved back to the southwest, more like on and off depending on able-ness.  It's complicated.  Anyway, I was able to ship out a few things surprising early.  And, I mean surprisingly! Yep something just came over me a couple weeks ago in the creative department.  I wanted to do something special for dear friends - even I was impressed.  I actually sewed something, keep in mind Julie I haven't forgotten the quilt (I'm ashamed)!  It's been so long I believed you when you said, "It's been so long I forgot what the fabric even looks like."  (I'm ashamed)!  I need more than inspiration! It's complicated ~

Getting back to being impressed -

Merry Christmas to my girls, Joan, Monica and Rita!

It's called "the emmeline apron" that I purchased from the Jack of Arts here in town.  The Teapot fabric I purchased years ago from Calico Corners in Ohio; it is a discontinued fabric from Bloomcraft. I tried everything in search of it and it's no where that I can find.  So the aprons are truly one of a kind including a few little mistakes! lol  There is so much fabric in this apron :D - and you can have fun cooking it up with one side and dress up serving with the other.  I opted out on tying around the neckline since the strap at the waistline is so big.  Some have made the pattern with a narrower strap; I followed the directions with the full 3" width finish.  If I make this again I would probably use less  - "possibly."
The smaller apron was an idea I had for Rita, youngster, that she can grow into, it actually is my favorite.  For the boys I made pillowcases that they can hangout together and watch sports or movies ~

I wanted to do something special for my dear friends (family) that have been a blessing to me.  This year I guess was it, my husband said his present was to see me sew again.  Will see if the "phenomenon" continues.

In keeping with a reversible theme, and not to leave out  -

Our "Sweetman" Logan

I felt like he needed his own stocking.

      I had leftover material from other projects.

Jim suggested the bandana. 

With special touches. 

So a couple days ago I decided our girl Reilly needed her own stocking from me.

Stockings had become an important part of our family (immediate).  Our Christmas tradition we started when our boys were very young.  I don't know how I decided to do this but all of us enjoyed having the stockings.  We first would include them as part of our over all decorations.  Then after the boys went to bed Christmas Eve I would fill up the boys stockings with all kinds of fun things and goodies.  The stockings would usually be placed in their rooms on their beds just before they'd wake,  Then I'd go back and lay down to prepare myself for the day but mostly listen for happy sounds of excitement.  We got to rest awhile and the boys enjoyed their loot!  My husband said he thinks the boys enjoyed their stockings the most.

Part of the fabric used in Reilly's stocking came from Christmas curtains I made when the boys were younger in NM.  Also the corduroy I used for reversible side is also trim for Logan's.

I pray that everyone has a blessed Christmas.  Last year at this time was spent at the hospital with my husband recouping from an emergency neck surgery.  I didn't get anything done as far as Christmas goes.  It was a long hard time for us.  I'm so thankful that he came out of the surgery alive and not paralyzed.  Praise God!  Our journeys aren't over and the past year plus has been something for the books as my gram used to say.  But those stories will have to wait for more time to share.

Merry Christmas one and all with blessing for the New Year!  I serve an awesome God who loves us all.  It's why we celebrate Christmas - though maybe not the exact day but we celebrate the birth of Jesus - Gods gift to a sinful world.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

Throw Rug Tote's ~

Most of us have them or inherited them - either grown tired of them or they've started to wear out.  Now what to do with those old or new little throw rugs?  The older rugs still may have some usefulness so why not give this a go.

This is another idea I wish I could take credit for and I have NO idea where I saw this.  It's a cool one I'll say that - who doesn't need an extra tote for something - I apparently like tote I see to have made enough of them over the past several years.  :D

What you will need:
Throw rugs
Grommets & placement tools
Strong good quality thread
Needle(s) suitable for heavy fabrics
Webbing for straps or other

When making two you don't make the same mistakes with the second. LOL  The second tote was thought out better and went much faster.  Measurements etc. were quickly made since I did all the figuring with the first.  First bag I placed grommets last - I did not do that with the second tote.

Grab the throws you'd like to use.

Since it is fringed I didn't pin entire both sides,

so I could turn down for a decorative look.

Figured out where I wanted the handles to be and placed grommets.
Since the throw was thick I had to use 4 grommets on each side.  See below.

Measured out 28" of webbing for 2 handles.  Then as in picture above
folded over & pinning sew as close to edge as you can.  This is for a
loop in grommets.  Do this at both ends then sew together making handle. 

That was the first tote.
Second tote I decided to place grommets first.  If you've never used them or if you have and forgotten - there is a front and back and a easier way than the first tote I did. :)  I had the right stuff lost directions finally decided to look on line here it was a good refresher.

I then knew what this was for! LOL hole placement~

Before you put top and bottom of grommet together,

make sure you know which is top and bottom. :) 

I needed to use as above for added thickness with fold.

Some thoughts ~

When I first decided to do this - I folded it in half, pinned, threaded my machine but didn't use proper needed for the project, and it was a bit of a struggle.  Also I was originally going to just sew the handles on.  I think - :)  Anyway, I headed into town and "search" for a size 14 - 16 machine needles to finish the job.  Next day got up and started on the grommets! LOL Afterwards I thought was I going to sew on the handles!  I do like the grommets better and on the second tote - I did them right.  (Photo's were taken with camera and cell - explaining coloration changes).

Again here's how to install grommets.

Pillowcase Tutorial

Though a small thing I feel good that I've accomplished this little project.  :)  I saw this in Ohio and even purchased the instructions - however it is with my my other misplaced patterns.  So Saturday while in town I went to The Jack of Arts where they were giving little demo's of this pillowcase.  I was pleased to get the refresher!  So I went ahead and purchased the fabric below with instructions.

It's simple but it helps to have the visual when doing.  For me anyway ~ I love how it goes together though and if I had come up with this it would have taken some thought and some more.  LOL

Once you have one done it takes nothing to throw more together once you have your fabrics chosen, measured and cut out.  As my Gram would have said, LICKETY- SPLIT!

For each pillowcase you will need:

3/4 (27") yard of your main fabric
12" by width of the fabric (selvage to selvage) for the cuff
optional accent strip (trim) 1.5" by with of fabric

I measured the width of fabric to be 43"

Pick out fabric.

Cut off this.

With right sides up lay together as so. If using trim fold  & press in half  wrong sides together.

Cuff 1st, main piece, then trim if used - pin.

Once pinned roll main piece toward pinned seam.

Re-pn. I will resemble a tube.

Sew pinned seam together using 1/2" seam.

Pull fabric right side out press trim down and cuff flat.

Fold with right sides together press and pin cut seams.

Stitch as close as you can to the edge. Yes on right side, side and bottom.

Turn inside out (right sides together) press where you just sewn to flatten.

Sew a 3/8" seam over the "L" shape (side & bottom) you just sewn.

Turn right side out - you now have a clean seam - seamless.

Very nice pillow to enjoy are give away!

If you have any questions ask away I'll do my best to answer.  It truly is a quick case to put together; in fact post took more time.  :)

I have to say that our little town seems to be getting active once more.  It a wonderful thing.  With the efforts of A Step Back In Time - cool little coffee shop reminiscent of those I've visited and lived near in other places - doing what they cant to generate business.  It's sad when a town starts dying without the support of the community.  I've/we've always choose to support local business first.  Personally I can't stand Walmart and choose to stay out as much as possible.  In fact unless I can find it elsewhere I just don't need it.  :)  However, sometimes I'm forced without a choice.  :(

So kudos' for all who are working hard to keep our town active and alive.  I'm continuing to add some favorite places around town to do above are two.  Below a few more:

Cottage Bakery   also Olney B & B you can check on home page.  I LOVE going here!
Gingerbread Co.  (Facebook)
Debbie's - great for crafters.

There's a lot more than meets the eye and I'm hoping the community will really give shops there due and support them.