This is why my head is spinning

I think I have a problem. I think Christmas cheer and fun and traditions and I think... I MUST DO IT ALL! RIGHT NOW! So, here's a few of the things I've been working on the last few weeks. This isn't everything and several of these projects are still unfinished, but it's a sampling.


Years ago, back in Idaho, I purchased a bunch of Christmas fabric at JoAnn's for something silly like $1/yard or something. So, since I have the sewing machine now, I thought, "Hey, why don't I make a tree skirt this year!?!" So, Jared and I spent hours cutting fabric and I have been sewing away. Here's a sample of the skirt with the prairie point star at the tip. I think it will be nice if I ever get a chance to finish it!

I accepted the challenge to organize the Christmas party for Friday footsteps this year. So, we're doing Christmas in Denmark. It's been fun, but a bit stressful prepping crafts, decorations, making nut-free Danish Christmas yummies, and trying to come up with something short, sweet, and meaningful to share with the kids about Christmas in DK.

One of the first things I worked on back in November was the ornaments and devotionals for our Jesse Tree. I ended up using info from various sources, but mostly from the Reformed Church of America's website. I ended up getting a small Christmas tree and then buying little wooden ornaments that I painted the images on (poorly, but recognizably!). Ruby has been following along very well each night and can't wait to do our devotional and hang up the new ornament.

Yesterday, I said, "Let's make sugar cookies!". Here is Ruby proudly posing with the fruit of our labor. It was not exactly the least stressful thing I've ever done, but it was worth it to hear Ruby say, "This is the best day ever!". She sure is soaking up Christmas. Max, on the other hand, was busy upturning the kitchen trash and scaring me witless with numerous load crashes throughout the house. He also enjoyed stealing cookies. What a kid.

Oh, and did I mention he thinks he's potty training. I still haven't totally hopped on the wagon, but something tells me this little boy is getting big boy underwear for Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

Max's Quilt

Way back in June I decided to splurge with my birthday money and buy a sewing machine! Back in Idaho my dear friend, Esther, taught me the basics of sewing and even helped me make my wedding dress! Truth be told, she did most of the work, but I tried! After all the wedding sewing was done we started work on feathering my nest: curtains, a bed skirt, simple clothes, and eventually I was sewing for Ruby! I have consistantly had a problem with overbuying in the fabric department, so I had a lot of extra yellow and orange flannel leftover from making diaper inserts. I decided that I would attempt to make a quilt out of them.

As it turned out, I didn't have nearly enough fabric and decided to buy some boyish fabrics to make a toddler bed sized quilt for Maxwell. I ended up with a rather eclectic collection of camo, cowboy, music notes, and everything in between! This is a close up of the rag quilt after sewing and clipping was done, but before I had washed it again to get that "rag effect". A huge thank you must be given to my dear hubby who did at least half of the snipping while watching TV! That is hard work on your hands even with the spring loaded scissors.

Here's a picture of the whole quilt before washing. The back of the quilt is a pattern of white, yellow, light orange, orange, and red flannel. It looks like a normal block quilt on the back. There is also an inner layer of flannel to add a little weight and warmth.

I was a little concerned at this point that it was looking too red on the front side, but once I washed it, things did improve some and I think that it will look better and better with each successive wash.





Here's the finished quilt! The only thing that I wasn't crazy about in the end product is that I wished I would have used less flannel patterns on the top side because it is prone to pilling. Other than that I'm really pleased with my first effort. Ruby has already picked out the fabric for her quilt, so that's my next project. At least that's one reason to look forward to the cold winter months--less time outside and more time inside for sewing!!

Last, but not least, I want to wish my sister, Christina, a happy birthday!! I hope you have a fantabulous day!!

do the bunny fold!

My mother-in law sent me the tutorial for this great napkin fold this week and so I thought I'd share it. It's definitely one of the more complicated ones that I've attempted, but sure would be cute for an Easter brunch!

Thanks Good Housekeeping and Mama Kay! Our tables will be cuter because of you!