one shabby chick

Post 399

Wow - guess I'd better be planning something for my next post...like maybe a giveaway?

I was reading though my Google Reader today and came across this post. Betz always has terrific ideas and this one sounded so easy.

I just got some bottles out of the recycling and about 5 minutes later, the kids were blowing snake bubbles in the backyard.

So fun and easy!

Little piles of sparkling diamonds are now dotting the yard...

and the pool.

This guy isn't feeling well - poor thing.

And hubby is finally going to the doctor today after work - he just can't seem to get better.

Fun mail day - I think some more Heather Ross log cabin blocks need to be made with all the new fabric.

And a bird quilt with the paint by numbers and summer in the city birds.

*These didn't come in the mail today - just to clarify :-)

Red Letter Quilt

I had planned on getting this up sooner (sorry Cynthia) but we (just me - the kids ride their bikes) have been walking to swim lessons and then today when we got home, my 7 year old was needing some one-on-one time so we played Stratego - he beat me and was so excited too!

Anyway - here's the Red Letter Quilt all done:

I washed and dried it last night and the raw edge applique is totally fine.

Here are my two reluctant helpers (my son and his friend).

I think I want to try a smaller version of this as a baby quilt - smaller circles too.

The raw eating is going good - lost a few pounds already.

I made this the other day for lunch and used a raspberry vinagrette  as the dipping sauce.

Raspberry Vinagrette:

1/2 c. canola oil (I used olive oil)

2 T Honey (you can use raw honey)

1 T mustard (you can use whole grain)

3 T Balsamic Vinegar

1 t lemon or lime juice

salt and pepper

1/2 c. fresh or frozen raspberries

Blend in blender until desired consistency. You could always add a bit of water to thin it out if it's too thick.

Going raw (among other things)

I've started eating raw - not forever - just for a few weeks or so. I need to lose about 20lbs. and thought this would be a great way to jump start that...and get me eating right too.

So far I feel great - way more energy!

Got some great swap mail today:

And have been working on a couple baby girl quilts...

Hubby has the cold flu so he's been in bed all weekend - poor guy - he missed out on the fireworks on the 4th (we went bowling too - it's so fun...we do it every year!).

Hope to finish up the Red Letter quilt tonight and I'll share pics of it tomorrow!

 

Happy Day

It's always a great day when you come home and find a pile of boxes on your steps!

We had our morning swim lessons and then a library stop and came home to some fun mail.

My quilt from Back Porch Quilters - it's so beautiful!

Thanks so much Russ and Rhonda - I love it. Can't wait to finish the binding on this one too. Got a great movie at the library that should be perfect for binding.

This is the back.....

Also a wonderful box of fabric - fun!!

And an Ebay buy.

I think the fabric spending has come to a halt now - the checking account is too depleted! Now I just have to start sewing with all the recent goodies.

On to the binding

Yesterday I basted the Red Letter quilt and got about halfway done with the quilting.

Today I finished it up. Now I just have to do the binding!

The birthday boy is out with Tita (my mom) for lunch, a movie and a trip to Toys-r-Us to pick out his present (more legos).

I'm making spaghetti (per request - his first request was hamburgers, pizza and spaghetti but we told him he could only pick one!) for dinner....along with root beer floats - I know what a combo!

Friday he's having two of his friends over for a beach party. 

We had his swimming lessons today and they had a combined class with the older kids and he got to be in the big pool and swam across it (widthwise) a couple of times - he was so proud of himself.

He's such a sweetie and never wants to be the center of attention so it's so cute today that it's all about him.

I can't wait to see his face when he opens his presents from us tonight - he's been asking for this for months now and I ordered it since I couldn't find it anywhere here.

Off to fold my mountain of laundry!

Lime Green

I actually used the same thread color to quilt both of these.

Partly I was just being lazy but I tried to find a color that matched the gray and couldn't so I decided to go with the green.

I absolutely love this quilt. I wish I had made it bigger - I actually wish it were queen size and I could put it on my bed. But it's not.

It may go into the shop since everyone around here seems to be having girls.

This one was just for fun - to try out some piecing...it took a long time with all those tiny strips.

And it's kinda on the small side for a baby quilt. I'm debating what to do with it.

I do like the quilting on it - I'll definitely be doing more of this in the future - maybe closer together too.

Ok off to sew up the back for Cynthia's horribly late quilt and baste it. Got some whiny (and sorta sick) kids around the house today - and tomorrow someone is turning 7!!

Some sewing

Finally getting a bit of sewing done (in between all the swimming/soccer games)...

Quilted a few tops.

I tried to do this one in various widths and alternating directions.

This one is just a wide zig zag in a fun thread color.

I need to work on the Red Letter Quilt but the thought of quilting it is intimidating me a little - I'm going to try for this weekend.

Some more fun "swap" mail - that HR beach fabric is so cute!!

Off to make some fun drinks and watch Top Chef Masters with my sister!

I know most of you don't care....

But the USA team had the best game today against Spain! It was so exciting!!

We have been watching the tournament and I thought for sure they were out last week but then they pulled off an amazing win (and had a bit of luck).

Then today was amazing!

Makes me happy I'm playing this weekend - just a scrimmage - but still fun!

And my mom is taking the kids to a concert at the zoo this afternoon so I hope to get some (kid-free) sewing in before my quilting class tonight.

Oh - my sister-in-law's new cd is coming out soon and you can go here and download a single for free!

Taunting

I'm starting to feel like I'm taunting you all with all these fabric purchases and swaps - and if I am,  just tell me and I'll stop posting pictures.

More amazing mail...

fabrics (and some other goodies) from my swapping friends.

More plaid and dots from Chocolate Lollipop (from this Etsy shop)....

and the cutest Prints Charming fabric from Z and S Fabrics! I seriously love this fabric - isn't it cute?!

I have always loved Pretty Ditty's aprons and couldn't resist buying a pattern to make my own after seeing them on True Up.

And maybe a dress??

I'm supposed to be typing up my tote instructions - I actually think there are quite a few ladies coming (maybe 8-10!!). I hope I can explain everything good!

Swimming lessons are every day except Fridays now. Today (and Wed.) was the 6 year old and tomorrow (and Thurs.) are the older two. They all had fun today playing afterwards since a few of our friends' kids are also taking lessons.

It's good for my kids (and me too) to get out of the house and play. But that also means sewing is going to be a little slower.

I'm sure I can work in some time for it though!

Sunday

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Father's Day!

Hubby is off playing some soccer with his friends - and we watched a game today after church - can't believe the US made it through! The kids are outside playing a mini game right now too.

We are having the family over for dinner and making fajitas (this marinade is so yummy!) and my sister made Banana Cream pie since it's my dad's favorite.

I made Hubby some Rice Crispy Treats but used Frosted Flakes instead - he was talking about them the other day and how they ate them when he was little.

I've started sewing up the Red Letter Day quilt....

I'm thinking diagonal lines for the quilting but we'll see.

We have swimming lessons tomorrow and my tote class at night (which I need to make up some samples for) so a busy day - plus the house needs to be cleaned!!