finished project week!

Check out Artful Ties for a link to the necktie snake instructions--I didn't really read all the directions, so mine's a little different. I like him, though.

I've set myself a goal for this week...Finish one ufo each day for 7 days! I'm off to a good start-I finished these TWO projects last night!! On the table for today...well, there's plenty to choose from! I'd better get busy!

Looks like so much fun!!!

Must...resist....urge...to ....sign....up...for...this....swap!! (you should see what everyone did last year...Amazing)I don't realistically have time to participate and make a mobile to send someone...But I really want to!!! I have to make it all the way to Friday(that's when sign-ups end). I really want to play along, though!! The Busy Little Quilting Bee quilt block swap has been so much fun and inspiring, wouldn't another one be even more fun!!? but there just isn't time...

keeping warm

grey-gauntlets
Originally uploaded by sometimes Julia sews

I whipped up these fingerless mitts (gauntlets) from the book Sew What Fleece. They are a little too long and the thumb holes are just a bit too small, but that'll be easy to fix. The grey fleece was a remnant, so 50% off AND on sale so another 50% off Super cheap!!(like $2.50 for the yard!) so these were less that a dollar to craft!!

I have been busy sewing on a couple of quilts, but those take forever. All the trimming and ironing is a little boring. But in a good way :)

More linky good stuff

Cuteables: Features lots of great handmade stuff, artists and where to get it!! Every day!



Kid's Craft Weekly: A weekly newsletter full of great craft/activity ideas for young ones. Each one is produced around a theme which is perfect for me!! Super fun stuff--Hurry to check it out now!!



Softie Making: "resources for making handmade softies" seriously, I think that says it! Ever wanted to make a stuffed toy? Think you do now? Think you might later--look here!!

Speaking of softy making I think I NEED this: Stuffed magazine!! aaak!

I also think I need to make a chocolate cake!mmmm...cake!

For your reading pleasure...

Wanna check out a few blogs I really enjoy?...
The Crafty Crow is great for kids crafts, links, party ideas, games and an occasional giveaway! (like today!)There are great ideas for my little nieces & nephews and I've bookmarked lots of posts for use in my preschool class! Good stuff.
Bad Bird is Andrea Zuill's blog...Her embroidered quilts are amazing! I also so love her drawings...I've not bought any of her prints, but I plan to!! (I love her chickadee-so cute!)
The Toy Society is a project who's purpose is to spread some handmade love around--and asks nothing in return! I love this! How sweet to be going about your day and find a gift left by a stanger just hoping to brighten someone's day! I paticipated in the Christmas drop and plan to do it again as soon as I can pull another little package together.
And...ThreadBanger is full of inspiration, projects and how-to's! Especiallyif you like DIY fashion! (I don't really make clothes, but I like to read and think about it a lot!)
That's jus a few, I love a good blog! Have a nice day all!!

64

That's how many little triangles I sewed wrong, picked off, ironed, and pulled the threads out of. Ugh. I don't like un-sewing.
Now I get to re-sew them to the quilt blocks.

Not so busy bee!

I finished Stephani's Busy Bee quilt block! Bring on January's fabric! This was so FUN! I loooove 2 color quilts-especially red & white. I'm excited to see this put together-beautiful!!

I had 5 hours all to myself yesterday that I'd planned to sew...but I watched movies, laid on the couch, and generally just rested! It was WONDERFUL!! I had a headache most of the day but, it felt kind of good-more like pressure leaving through my temples. I feel much more able to tackle the day than I have felt in weeks. ahhhhhhh. Off to enjoy a Post office tour, picnic in the park, make soup, fold a mountain of laundry, run a few errands, write up some stuff, and maybe squeeze in a minute to work on a project! Bring on the day!

Tweet tweet!

Spool sewing pattern

Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts bird. Both are made with an Ikea duvet cover (I rescued it from my MIL's garage!) and a vintage (sounds way cooler than "old")sheet. They just happened to go so well together!

I was going to make LOTS of these to give out to family and friends like Christmas cards. But I ran out of time. ah well. Maybe this year.

If my kitchen was clean..

And if I had time...
I'd bake gingerbread men and cardamom bread.
Right now! yum!

Deserving of It's Own Post!

This is the mug my first born made me for Christmas!! His teacher is a potter and offered the kids pottery lessons during thier recess time. My son (to my great joy) cranked out quite a pile of lovely things! and so thoughtfully saved his first project for ME!! (the other things, he gifted away to his grandparents and I forgot to take pictures.) It is so fun to see his work improve with each piece...I really hope he makes more!!

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, happy, productive 2009!! with love.