so I wanted to share it too...

In my day, whether it be morning or afternoon, I try to sit down, check my email.  You know, check in electronically.  So, today, during lunch, I did the usual...check email. respond. check new pins. etc. etc.
 
So, I go over to Raechel Myers' blog, because I happen to like her cheery disposition, her realness and her sewing and fashion and so on and so on.  She posted this (you'll find it embedded below.)  At first, I wasn't too into it.  See, when I listen to books "on tape" or sermons, I have to vibe with the voice.  It has to "work" for me and it has to "flow".  Or I shut it off.  That's why I don't listen to books on tape.  I'm quirky like that I guess.

Anyway, something held me there.  Something paralyzed my fingers from clicking pause and moving on.  The story Matt Chandler tells is so raw, so beautiful.  It moved me.  So I wanted to share it too...

 

For Father's Day

K constructed a trophy,

complete with Daddy's fave - chocolate-covered peanuts. 

Tutorial courtesy of KABOOSE.



The man formed and baked this paperweight.

It says "Dad rocks", I wrote the words on paper and he did the rest.

Tutorial found at Crafts By Amanda.



Then, they constructed cards. 

Tutorial for the white card can be found at How About Orange.



Lastly, K sewed this pillow cover.

~ Completely by herself ~

Yes, it's that easy folks!

Oh, I did the ironing because she's a little intimidated by the iron,

but she sewed all of the rest.

Other than that, all I do is double-check measurements and let her roll on. 

We always use the easy-peasy pillow slipcover tutorial

from Raechel Myers over at Finding My Feet!



There was artwork, too.

And breakfast.

Happy Father's Day fathers!

ok, really quickly now

Had to take a quick sec to post these pics of the final baby shower gifts.  I made three fold and snap bibs, a softie doll, and a travel changing pad (the outfit - I bought.)  Funny how it perfectly matched the changing pad though.  Totally unplanned.

My favorite was definitely the travel changing pad.  It's so functional and cute and soft and I just want to pinch it's little cheeks.  Oh sorry, getting a little carried away there.

Finished, it was about the size of an 8.5" x 11" phone book.  I was a little rushed with all the commotion with lice and the ripple effect it has recently caused in our life but, I'm happy to report, we are all lice free.  Hope I'm not jumping the gun.  (Although, I feel this strange paranoia that just won't go away.  We're still checking heads, I joke we're like a bunch of little monkeys now - constantly sifting through each others hair.  Humor is necessary in the midst of the storm.)

Unfold once and you find that super soft minke that's oh-so-cute!  The red and white floral is home decor fabric from Wal-Mart, remnant bin - yay!

Unfold again and that black piece of bias tape is where I introduced the vinyl for the changing area.  And guess what?!  I opened the other bias tape maker and that there black bias tape is custom made - yes - by yours truly.  It wasn't so bad and I think it looks quite nice, you agree?  It adds such a polished look.

See, there it is, completely unfolded.  Finally, I attached the little Velcro pieces so that it created a little pocket where you could insert an outfit (see the first photo) and a travel wipes container with a diaper or two.

I worked non-stop on this Friday and finished it in the nick of time Saturday before the shower.  I ended up using the measurements and the rounded flap from a tutorial and the rest was all mine.  One day, when I actually find some spare time, I'll try creating a tutorial of my own.

What's next?

I'm getting ready to start on a set of these oven mitts courtesy of Raechel Myers.  You know I love her tutes!   And these look quick and easy!  They will be donated for a Relay for Life auction.  I'm not sure what else I should make.  Still thinkin on it.  Suggestions?

Other than that, K is hassling me for some p.j. shorts.  It's warming up and back some time ago, I scored two twin size flat sheets on clearance at Wal-Mart for two bucks each!  I was so excited that day, I could've burst!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend, I did!

Completed, ongoing, and projected endeavors

I told you I'd be back, with pics...

K and I were so excited about these...can you ever really have too many pjs?! 

OF COURSE NOT, SILLY!

Flannel fabric from the remnant bin = $1.50
Elastic = $1.47
Twill Tape (drawstring) = $1.27
Total = $4.24!

Then, you know who had to have some too - Thomas the Train, they had to be, he said.  And so we made them...

(I love the patience of our subjects and this photo says it all - on the move!)

I used a combination of two online tutorials to make these jammies.  This one.  And - OK, the other one, I cannot find.  I will add, that this lady is a little long winded and difficult for me to understand, completely my opinion - you, on the other hand, might find nothing wrong with her tutorial.  I need simple instructions with pictures, so you can definitely find easier tutorials if you're looking but, I had to give her credit.  Thanks lady!



Next, the man and I decided to make these felt envelopes for his classmates from this tutorial from Roots and Wings Co....

They turned out well...and yes, one day, I will get down and serious about taking those photography classes so I don't end up with wonky photos like this one.  I'm obviously doing something wrong because I adjusted my settings per Beth and I still got this.  (OK, so, I remembered SOME of what she said, not all of it.  Guess I need to read that email again, huh?  I'm feeling a little disarrayed today.  You can tell, huh?)  I told her my sewing area is very well lit but, I don't know, dag on it.  I'll go back and read the email, she probably left more instructions than I can remember.



I made the stripe-y one a week ago and this morning at Jo-Ann's, I found this fabulous "hen house" pattern that I absolutely couldn't put down.  I wasn't too excited that the latter was a little more mustard-y than I had expected but, I am partial to chickens.  So, it's a keeper!

The pillow tutorial is SUPERB! and extremely easy, courtesy of Raechel Myers.  So, easy that, newly 10 year old, K made her own pillow with a little help from moi.

We are getting ready to start this...

...courtesy of these ladies again.



And this tutorial by Dana Willard...

So, that's about it.  I made a cover with a pocket for the FoodSaver but, no pics for that.  I might get around to showing it one day.  And we're making a couple more of these as gifts.  To be honest, I'm kinda sick of 'em.  They're cute as all get-out but, we've made a few and I just need a break from 'em!