REVIEW: 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts

I bought a copy of Quilting Daily’s 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts (for 40% off at my local Borders) and I hope to start working through a few of them. I was really inspired to use my stash when I saw this magazine. What I think tis great about this magazine is that all of the projects show have “full size” patterns. this saves so much time , I just have to trace them and they are ready to cut.

A Week Of Blessings

This week has been a week of blessings for my family. On Monday there was an unexpected check in the mail. My husband was given extra work and then just yesterday we opened the mail again and there was TWO checks that we did not expect. The Dr.’s office had overcharged on a couple of procedures that my husband had and they sent 2 refund checks one from each visit. God is blessing in more ways than one. I have prayed for a peace in my home and to help my husband with worry. Each of these have been answered.

Loyalty Card Holder

I found this cute pattern on Grosgrain during their free pattern a day during the month of April. I didn’t have a working printer so I couldn’t print the pattern. Well as of this week I have a working printer and I decided that I really wanted to make one. I changed it up and used Velcro instead of a magnetic snap because it was what I had on hand. I really am trying to use what I have for a while. I have such a good fabric stash, but this fabric is one I picked up at Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago. I fussy cut this fabric to get the large motif to be centered on the flap.

I have only half filled it . I know that It will be full soon.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee." ~ ~ Isaiah 41:10

Giveaway Winners

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1 5 4 3 

Timestamp: 2011-07-28 21:03:59 UTC

#1 goes to: SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime said...I've been happily following you this time :) Love this giveaway! Thanks for linking up at Market Your Biz and Giveaways. July 21, 2011 2:16 PM 

#5 goes to : Dollie @ Dollie Creates said...Not sure I can pick an envelope :) How about if I win, you pick :)July 27, 2011 10:51 PM

#4 goes to : Dollie @ Dollie Creates said...I'm following your blog :) July 27, 2011 10:50 PM

#3 goes to: LAP said...I am following you on pinterest also. July 24, 2011 10:29 AM

I will be contacting everyone via e-mail, but if you are a no-reply blogger I will need you to email me. Thanks.

Being a Mommy

Being a Mom is one of the most important jobs that I can have and I want to be the best that I can be at it. I really have been reading a lot lately about motherhood and ways that I can be better at what I do.

Homemade Laundry Soap

This recipe is loosely based on the Duggar’s Laundry soap recipe. it is very easy to make and you can make 10 gallons from just a few ingredients. To get started it cost me $8.31 with tax at my local Wal-Mart. I Will be able just to by the $0.97 bar of Fels-Naptha soap for the next few batches I have to make because the other ingredients will provide enough for at least 15 batches of soap. 

Wall Pocket Organizer

My latest sewing project is on the practical side of things. I need a pocket chart that would hold file folders for my daughters’ school work. So I went to the local Teacher’s store and had sticker shock, $14.99 for a file folder pocket chart. So I took a look at the measurements and decided that I could make one from my fabric stash. Here is what I came up with.

I really did this with no real measurements. I used the folders as my guide and cut fabric that was about 1 inch longer than the folders. I folded the top edge of each pocket and double stitched for strength. Each pocket is about 2 inches shorter than the height of the folders also. I then sewed each pocket on again using the folder as a guide. I stitched 1/4 inch from the bottom edge of the pocket piece. After I sewed all of hem on I took another piece of fabric the same size as my backing fabric and placed them right side together and sewed around leaving a 3 inch opening at the top to turn right side out. I then top stitched along the top edge to close the opening. I folded it over about 1 inch and then sewed it down for a rod pocket. I used a dowel and ribbon to make the hanger.

You could also use large grommets like the commercial version to hang it on a pocket chart holder if you are a teacher. I hope to have a few in my shop soon.
Linked to: Thrifty Home

Live Like You Mean It

Live Like You Mean It
 
 
 
 
This is the book that I am reading right now and I will be sharing my thoughts on each chapter. If you would like to read along with me you can pick up a copy through the link above. (I don’t receive any return for your sale, I just want to share this book with you.)
Overview:
Scripture tells us we are “God’s workmanship,” born to participate in intimate relationship with God. We are to do the work of His kingdom—this is foundational to our identity.
This book will show you how to respond to your God-inspired inner urgings and live them out intentionally. Discover your true significance and priorities in living out the incredible work of God’s kingdom.
A great discipleship tool, Live Like You Mean It also can be used in a mission setting or for personal spiritual growth.

Cheesy Croissant Rolls

I love these and they are so easy to make. I let my girls help with these because they really can’t mess them up.

Family Friendly Nook Book Freebies

When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent (NavPress Publishing Group, 2004)
Change the way you think about personal challenges. Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say— “Isaac experiences” as in Genesis 22— thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives: Their twenty-five-year-old son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with an impeccable military record, shot and killed his wife's ex-husband. Jason Paul Kent, long recognized for his exemplary character, now walks a path no one could have predicted—and his family lives in the aftermath of a devastation most cannot imagine. Carol's candid retelling of her emotional and spiritual agony will touch your heart. The principles the Kents learned in the process of surviving such unspeakable circumstances will bolster your faith, renew your hope, and challenge you to new levels of personal and spiritual commitment.
About the Author
Carol Kent is a popular writer, an international speaker, and president of Speak Up Speaker Services, a Christian speakers’ bureau. Her many books include Tame Your Fears, Becoming a Woman of Influence, Mothers Have Angel Wings, and Secret Longings of the Heart.

Free Nook Books

I love to read and I thought I would share a few good books that I have gotten for free on Barnes and Noble’s Website. These are Family Friendly Books and I hope that you will enjoy them. They will not stay free for long so you need to get them while you can.
 
Stealing Jake
Book Description
When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.
Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

Hoo Are You Week #48

Here are this week's questions!

1. Have you ever attended a professional sports game?

2. Have you ever been to a concert and if so which one was your 

ultimate favorite performance?

3. Have you ever been to Disneyland or Disney World?

4. What is your favorite theme park?

5. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Here are my Answers:

1. No I have never attended a professional sports game
2. I have been to many concerts. Carman, DC Talk, 4Him, (am I dating myself yet) , Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, Ray Boltz, Newsong, Michael English. I would have to say 4Him, they were in their hayday and it was one of the best.
3. Disney World (drove by Disneyland if that counts)  
4. Six Flags Over GA
5. I would have to say the beach. I love the beach and the rest of my family loves the mountains.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake

Number 3 on my list:
Cook more than just food to fill our bellies but food that will be enjoyed.

I love Chocolate Cake and I love Cherry Pie, so I just had try them together.

My Journey

Earlier this week I posted that I had taken a leap of faith. I would like to take you on this journey if you would like to come along with me. I hope to share this with you my readers and anyone else who would like to read along.

Giveaway

I love working with paper fabric and I always have an abundance left over so I would like to send 4 lucky readers a 6x9 envelope full of goodies.

Wordless Wednesday

Tybee Island, GA

More Flowers

I have been very busy the past few weeks making flowers and things. I have also made a couple of camera strap covers and I will post pictures as soon as I get a chance. But here is a few of the items that I have made that I would like to share.

Black, White, and Red Ruffled Fabric Rose

A Fresh Start

Today is the first day that I can really say anything about our new family situation. We have decided after much prayer that we should homeschool our children. I have left my position in the Public school system. I have enjoyed my years there and I am not saying that I will never go back. If the opportunity presents itself and I feel that is where the Lord wants me to be I will gladly return. Its bittersweet knowing that I am leaving a place that has been like a second home to me. From the 1st day my oldest daughter began kindergarten, I was there helping wherever I could. Then the next year I started as a substitute teacher, then began working full time the next year. I enjoyed my time there and the friends that I have made, but I feel like this is what I am supposed to be doing at this place in my life.

Go! Baby Fabric Cutter

I really want one of these. This looks like it would make my life so much easier. I love the use shapes for my fabric creations. I really think that this machine would help in a lot of ways.

Fabric Keychain Tutorial

These are very easy to make and  You will be able to make 2 of these with just 1/8 yard of fabric. They are also available for sale in my Etsy Shop. Read on for a quick Tutorial.

We Met the Duggars Today

We were so excited to meet the Duggar Family today. In the picture above is (L-R) My wonderful Mom, Shae my youngest, Jim Bob Duggar, Me, Anastasia My oldest, & Michelle Duggar.

A New Bag

I have been busy today. I made an apron for my youngest daughter this morning as well as one for her doll. She has put it on and taken it off all day. She keeps wanting to iron it every time she takes it off because the straps get wrinkled when she ties it on.

I made this hobo bag for Sale. here in my Etsy shop.

I love the pattern on the fabric. It really is sassy.

These pleats really add to the design. I will be making a few more of these for my Etsy shop. I hope to have them added to the shop in the next week.

The Bag strap is made in two pieces and then tied in a bow so you can decide how long or short you want the strap to be.
A Southern Lady’s Ramblings  © 2011

Upcycled Skirt

My Etsy Shop

Sunday Ramblings

Sometimes a break is just what is needed. Even for just a few hours it can be what gives you the boost that you need to continue in whatever that you do. I have been working live a hive of honey bees for the past few weeks in preparation for a large event on July 4th. I have made more product that I would have ever thought that I could produce in that amount of time. I know that it was only with God giving me the strength and to do what I desire to do.

My best friend had a crazy idea to go on a road trip. We have done our share of little day trips so this was no different. We decided that our destination was going to be Savannah, GA and Tybee Island beach. This is a little longer trip than we would normally take but It was well worth the extra time. It was only 3.5 hours away and I knew it would be an early morning. She met me at my house at 6 and we loaded up the car and the kids (still in their PJs, with pillows and blankets too). Almost 7 and only 1 stop, It was such an easy trip and we arrived on River St. a little after 10am.

We were able to enjoy River Street and the 1st Saturday Market. There was some great artist there and I really enjoyed this part of the day. I love seeing other Artist’s work. It is always a great inspiration to see what other people create.



We visited River Street Candy Company, and had to bring some Pralines home. They are making them all day, and hand out still warm samples as you walk in the door. We also tried some of the Turtle candy, it was so yummy, Carmel, Pecans, and Chocolate. A wonderful combination.  We enjoyed a quick lunch at Panera Bread on Bull St.

After lunch we drove out to Tybee Island. It was a very quick drive and we did not hit any traffic, but once we arrived it took forever to find a parking spot. You have to pay to park all over the island and some people were using it as a way to make money. If they had a house near the beach they were charging $20 to park . I guess a little bit of ingenuity goes a long way. We didn’t end up having to park in one of these types of places. We found a public parking area and only had to pay $6 a lot better than $20. The beach was crowded but not too bad, for a holiday day weekend.




We rented a couple of chairs and an umbrella and found the perfect spot the let the girls play and for us to relax. Shells and Sand Dollars held the girls attention for a while. Everyone was finding the Sand Dollars but since it was still alive I told the girls to throw it back into the ocean. She wanted to have proof that she found one so we had to take a picture before she threw it back. 

It was wonderful and the few hours there energized me to come back home and get a few more things completed for tomorrow’s show.
I also completed a couple of journal pages but I forgot to take some pictures. I will post them soon.

Summer Fun

When you read this I will be at the beach for the day. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend but I wanted to share a few of my painting projects with you. I love painting on canvas and last week Hobby Lobby had all of their canvas for 50 % off. No it is not a large painting but it is canvas no less. I have been painting bags and an apron. Let me know what you think about them and I might just have to make a few more. I will be selling them at a local event on Monday, but if there is any left over I will post them for sale in my Etsy Shop.
(UPDATE) We were rained out on Monday so the items are being listed in my Etsy shop this week. Links are posted under the pictures.

Painted Apron 



Large Canvas Tote bag


Fall Flower Tote

I made the template for this flower years ago and I have used it for all kinds of applications I thought I it would help me make a quick bag.


I used Scribbles 3D paint. I have been playing around with a new technique that I will show soon. It is a way to make it look like watercolor on fabric. It is a great way to get more than one look out a product.
Linked to: The Thrifty Home, http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ ,
A Southern Lady’s Ramblings © 2011