eXcellence love!

I did it. Bought THE machine. At least I hope it will be THE machine for a very long time. The Elna 740 eXcellence. Big decision...huge purchase...I"M IN LOVE...Not only with the machine, but also with my very supportive M.A.N.  He asked to see my used car when he came home today (ha, ha, ha)!

I decided on this machine because of all the features it has and came with. LOTS of feet, big harp and throat for quilting and she hums. She is beautiful.

My first project is this little bag created by Anna over at thimbleanna.com. She has a couple of great tutorials and this one allowed me to use a few of the plethora of feet this beauty came with. Sadie started 6th grade today(middles school) and this will be for whatever useful purpose it can serve.

I love that I can personalize items now.

Oh boy, too many projects to make.  Now if I could just lock myself in the house for a week!

Hot off the press

This quilt has been 9 months in the making (not because it took me that long to make, but because I procrastinated). When I saw the mini quilts created by Kajsa, I knew I need to make one. So here it finally is, completed and put in the mail tonight! Hopefully it will travel fast to its recipient.

 

I really enjoyed this little project...I think I might have to make a few more. Tak so mycket Kajsa!

Jules...this ones for you.

This quilt is on my list of top favorites. When Julia told me her colors for her nursery, I was a little skeptical, but as it came together, I became attached to this quilt and LOVE IT! The bright colors with the gray contrast so nicely.

Derek was my little photo helper
Congrats Jona and Julia!

Lost Camera

So, we've lost our camera. Have you ever lost something, worth a lot of money, and feel really awful? I feel like sitting on the couch today and eating chocolate. The worst part is we can't remember exactly where it was left. We know we had it at our pinewood derby night for cub scouts but neither Chris nor I remember taking it out to the car so we are pretty sure it was left at the church. Yet, it is not showing up at the church, at least not yet. We have emailed each ward and continue to wait to see if someone is holding it to keep it safe for us, which we really hope is what is going on. It is kind of depressing and frustrating at the same time. Because of this, no pictures for what I hope to be only one posts worth. If you have our camera or know of its whereabouts, please let us know!

Quilt along

Elizabeth of Oh Fransson is doing another quilt-along. YAY! This time I am going to finish the quilt!!! (The previous quilt-along quilt is all cut out, but not sewn together yet). The concept is a paint box quilt where all the quilt blocks would be a different color. My quilt, however, is only going to have 4 colors in the blocks. Here are my "gold" blocks. I'll also have red, black and white. I think it will turn out nicely.

What are you working on?

Gracious Giveaways

Some of you may remember this post. Well, all of my packages were delivered or mailed by Dec. 31st(talk about procrastination) and yet here is what I found in my mailbox BEFORE Christmas from Krista Lou!

I love the little magnet clasp! What a fabulous invention.

The necklace is so beautiful, you can either dress it up or down.

Of course, I won't normally wear it with this outfit, but I thought you needed to see it on me.

Thank you Krista Lou, I LOVE IT!

And then...Heather over at Trends and Traditions offered a giveaway for her new Wildflower line of fabric and guess who won the giveaway?! Moi, yes that's right. I was ecstatic and then this is what I found on my doorstep:

Talk about a generous amount of fabric! The fabric is so beautiful...now what am I going to make with all this? Heather is a very talented designer and has a lot of great fabrics and ideas. Make sure you go check out her blog. Thank you so much Heather. I am very grateful and can't wait to show you some completed items!

Bookshelves

I have enjoyed reading this blog recently. She has so many amazing ideas. One of which was a post about these bookshelves made out of rain gutters. I found a tutorial online on this other blog and then convinced my awesome husband to help me put them up in the boys room. I love them already!

Mason loves that he has a place for not only his books, but his new Didj too. I like that the books are facing forward and the kids can see the covers. So far, so good!

One little project

Sadie has been asking for beds for her dolls. She has been using the boxes the dolls came in for beds which has been working quite well actually. Yet, I felt like she needed something more. So, Santa found this set of beds on craigslist and then I created some bedding to go along with them, mattresses, pillows, pillowcases and quilts. They turned out quite lovely, I'd say...Sadie is pretty happy with them too.

Be Merry!

Merry Christmas!



As Christmas day approaches I have been able to reflect and BE grateful for my many blessings this year, for my savior and my family. I am glad to BE with my family this season and have time to play, snuggle, laugh, eat and create. BE Merry!

Letters were inspired by Heather! Thank you for the great idea! She also has a great new line of fabric! Check her out.

Winter is here!

Happy First Day of Winter!
We are celebrating by going here:

This is also our first day of Christmas break and the kids are looking forward to going swimming today! Too bad we aren't outside playing in some snow instead like all those people up in good ol' Maryland. Hope you guys are enjoying the snow! S is ready for Christmas:

Isn't she so cute?! She loves her Santa hats this time of year. This one was given to her by her primary teacher at church yesterday, as were the glasses. I think she probably slept with the hat on. Who knows. I have been busy creating little things for this girl. She wants everything American Girl and I have a few things in the works.

I am also going to make some letters like the ones shown here as gifts for a couple of friends. I am really excited and I hope they turn out good. Happy creating and Merry Christmas!