First Time for Everything...

With the big 3-0 looming (March 7th, mark your calendars), I guess I needed to know that you can teach an old dog new tricks. So, after much time helping my mom complete some sewing projects of her own (see later photos), I returned to Fresno with her old machine to begin some of my own.

Below is my first solo project since that sewing class I audited in college (yes, I'm a nerd who audited a sewing class). I saw a bag like this on the Internet but no pattern. So, I modified a crayon bag from these instructions to make a half crayon bag/half hot wheels bag for Owen.

One side holds 10 crayons and the other holds 4 Hot Wheels (or Thomas Trains for those of you whose child has that obsession...and God bless you on that one). It's lined in black and is a great size for coloring books and such. The next one I will make an inch or two wider and taller and, maybe, box the bottom corners.

Owen picked out the fabric, and I worked on it yesterday morning while the boys were playing Wii boxing at a friend's house. I had it ready after nap time, and he's been wearing his man purse ("murse") ever since. So, I've found a new way to have some quiet time without the boys. Now, when can I send them away again? ;)

Here are some of the pillowcases my mom and I made together over the holidays...she's already made more for several of her friends who are ill or super stressed, but these are mostly kid- themed and for Owen to take to Casen's birthday party, for his daycare napmat, and for his new bed (the cowboy one). Pattern


While I'm on the world's longest post, here are some photos of the t-shirt quilt Mom and a friend made for me for Christmas. She made my brother one too, but I don't have his photos. It has t-shirts from junior high quiz bowl, high school sports, mission trips, summer camp, and college stuff. So, most of you readers were there for a least one event on this quilt. I will think of you often. She did the back in a toile that matches my bedspread, so I can have it at the end of the bed. All the fabric that connects the t-shirts has prints of places around the world...most of them places I've been.



Such a thoughtful gift, right? I love it and know it will be something I have for life. If you know my mom, I hope you will agree with me that one of her love languages is "gift-giving". How many of you still have a travel pillow from a trip to Mexico or have ever had her make you a meal at our home? For a lady who doesn't have a lot of time, she amazes me what she gives to others.

Gleaning from Proverbs 31:

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.<-----or selects great fabric on sale at JoAnn's

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.<-----did you see the food she made for Christmas?

She gets up while it is still dark; <----her work hours are crazy

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.<----and she treats her staff there like family

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.<----no vineyard, but they did make a porch

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,<----eBay, anyone?

and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.<----ask her about her new sewing machine

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.<----"don't want you looking like a raggamuffin, Nat"

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.<---Shout out to Dad too!

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.<----IDK, but I know all merchants smile when they see her coming. :)

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.<----funny lady, no?

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.<----any teacher she mentors is a lucky educator

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.<----"do something for the good of the cause, Nat"

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.<----or on the Internet

Thanks Mom...can you tell I miss you?

Okay, now that my emotional-preggo self is done for the day (I cried reading the obits this morning too), I bid you "Good day!"