Ticker Tape Quilt

Sometimes I forget to post things I make.  Actually, a lot of times.

This was a fun quick quilt to make.  Since I used fusible batting and quilted as I went, there was a lot of instant gratification during this quilt.  It now hangs out on Jenna's bed.

Time Flies....

Last night Jenna wore her monkey pjs.  These were originally made for Hailey in 2007, when she was three. Our current three-year-old is now the proud owner. 

And the train pjs that Jackson is wearing.....yup, he still wears them! They are a tad bit small, but he does not mind!

Paper Fun!

Jackson LOVES cut and assemble paper figures.  He loves it so much that everyday he carries a new project to school to show his class.  Last week it was a pin hole camera.  The comedy of listening to Dad answer questions was delightful.  Questions such as, "Where do I see the photo at?"  "How do I get a picture?"  "Develop film, what's that?"  "You have to advance the film, what is that?"  We will see how the project turns out once he finished taking his photos.

On Saturday we stumbled upon some free cut and assemble projects online and better yet, they were Mario.  Jackson took this to school today:

You can download the printable Mario and lots of other fun fellas right here.

New Book!

Oliver & S is one of my favorite pattern companies. I love the extra details they put into their patterns.  And they released a book chuck fill of great items.  That makes me extra super happy! :)  

Here is the first item created.   A bucket hat using Amy Butler Love fabric line.  It is constructed as a reversible hat, but the addition of the  flower and monkey was more important for Jenna!  I will also add a neck strap for those windy days.  Now....all we need is warm weather and sunshine!

Orange Coconut Cookies

Today's cookies are Orange Coconut Cookies by Vivian.  

I was very excited by the combo of orange and coconut.  Yummy.  The cookies are a very moist, soft cookie with subtle orange and coconut flavors.  Next time I make these cookies orange zest will be added along with the orange juice.

The Details:

1 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

7 tbsp orange juice

1 1/2 cup coconut

3 cups sifted flour

1/2 tsp baking soda.

Shape into roll and chill.

My added notes:  Divide dough in half.  Roll into log on wax paper.  Place in freezer for one hour. Slice into cookies about 1/4 inch thick and bake at 350 for 12 min.  Great cookie to freeze and cut off and bake portions when desired!

Long Lists

My project list is over flowing.  New ideas, old ideas, project in the works and on and on.  It is the projects in the works that are really taking up space.  Space in my brain and in my sewing room!  So I am, once again, starting to tackle them.  I did put a huge dent in the "needs mending" pile.  This was something I was dreading.  Why???  Once I got out the needle and thread,  it was no big deal!  Putting it off and working it up in to big job in my brain took more energy then doing the work.  I will need to remember this next time I am putting a project off.

One of the items that was started last fall was a string quilt.  Contrary, to the mending pile, this project was meant to take time and will for some time to come.  For me, this project is very enjoyable.  When I just want to sew mindlessly for a few minutes this is perfect.  I love it because I get to see all the scrap fabrics and recall the project that was originally made with them, I don't have to try matching (actually trying  not to match works better) and best of all, I use whatever thread is on my machine!

My Dream Machine

Let me introduce to you my new favorite sewing machine.  Out of my 4 machines, this one is my favorite - and it barely works!  All it needs is a little TLC.  While searching online one evening, I found a photo of a similar machine with an Eau Claire logo on it and LOVED it. A couple weeks ago, while shopping at an antique shop I found this one.  Oh, was I thrilled!!  It is a Precision De Luxe.  After a little research, it seems this machine was made in Japan.  Companies, or in this case, town names were printed on the fronts.  Now I will be searching for a cabinet for it and then give it the TLC it needs to get working again.  After that it will be on display in our living room.