Who doesn't LOVE gift cards ?

Here are a few Santa left in my stocking this year.

It's 32 degrees here this morning.........I needed hot coffee!

I prefer my coffee black but decided to experiment with the different flavors from Dunkin' Donuts.
I tried the gingerbread flavor this morning.
Tasty, but way too sweet for my taste.
 Anyone have a suggestion on something not so sweet?
Do you have a favorite Dunkin' Donuts flavor?
 

New Stockings

I hope everyone had a wonderful and happy Christmas.

Now that Santa has come and gone, it's time to clean up.

 I am not one to leave the decorations up days after Christmas.  I usually pack everything up the day after - I am a little late this year. 

Before everything gets packed away I thought I would share my new Christmas stockings.

We desperately needed new stockings this year so I whipped these up a few days before Christmas.

I wanted them to all match - but not match - if you know what I mean.

I used the same fabric, but gave them each a different look.

All the fabric I used came from my "stash" so they didn't cost me a cent.

My wish for you this Christmas...

Wishing you the blessings of peace and love this Christmas and always.....

Teacher gifts

I usually wait a few weeks before Christmas to make the gifts

 for my daughters teachers.

In the past I have gotten "stuck" with a few personalized gifts because a teacher transfers or quits the month before Christmas. This year I really waited until the last possible minute....

I needed something I could whip up quickly.

I purchased yummy hand soaps from the Bath and Body Works store and personalized hand towels in a cute Christmas font from Embroidery Garden.

From the bottom of our hearts....

We want to thank everyone so much for all your kind words concerning

 the loss of baby Kember.

I am so amazed at the wonderful and kind people there are out there in the blogging world. I have met many thoughtful and caring friends through this blog. 

Thank you all for your support during our difficult time. 

Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated.

Fly Away Home..............................................

We proudly posted news of our new grandbaby boy Kember's birth November 12, 2010; it is with the utmost of broken hearts and sadness that we inform you of baby Kember's passing. We never got the chance to meet Kember face to face or hold and hug him or give him a kiss, but as grandparents, our love for Kember will never subside. We will save the hugs and kisses only to give to him face to face on a day yet to come.  We may never know or understand why this loss has taken place as our hearts and minds struggle to make sense of it, but this we know for certain - that one day in the future we will reunite with him.
Until that day, sweet baby boy Kember - we will miss you.

Love forever,

Pappa J, Mimi and Aunt Polly

Kember McCray

November 12, 2010 - December 3, 2010

***********

To our most wonderful daughter and son-in-law we are in awe of your incredible devotion and love for Kember during his time on this earth. The strength that both of you have shown not only to us, but to the world is above measure.  

To Miss Oakleigh,

Our hearts are also broken for your loss.

There will never be a better big sister to a little brother. 

I've gained a few pounds lately...

Did I just say a few?

If a couple is two, does that mean a few is three?

Hummmm.... maybe I should be saying more than a few".

That being said....

I started walking a few days ago.

My first day I made it 2 miles in 25 minutes.

Check out day 2......

5.32 miles

5623 Steps

In 45 minutes!

Of course, everything from my thighs down is in pain now, but

"no pain no gain" right?

Quick stitch blankets

I have been "stumped" this year as to what to make two of my nephews,
ages one and four.

I decided to go with blankets...

The 4 year old LOVES Wii Sports and thinks he is THE all time champ!

Smart or cheap ?

I am always on the lookout for sale items to add to my stash 

of quick gifts to embroider.

JC Penney sends me $10 gift coupons several times a year.

 A few years ago I spotted this set for exactly $10.

Using my coupon I ended up only paying the $.60 tax.

 

My niece lives in Wyoming and I thought it would make a perfect gift for her.

For $.60, a little thread, stabilizer and about an hour of my time, she now has a very personal gift.

What do you think - smart or cheap?

 

Just in time...



A placemat and burpcloth for the grandbabies.

Since Kember is only 2 weeks old today, I thought he could use a burpcloth instead.

  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Reversible turkey top

I made this outfit for Miss Oakleigh last year.

It started like this....

I embroidered a shirt and added a ruffle to the jeans.

Isn't he just to cutest thing?

Any Whoo...

It can be worn "as is" or she can add this little top to match the ruffle on the jeans.

Reverse the top and...

she's ready for dinner!

Zero calorie cake!

A few weeks ago I purchased this Easy Circle Cut for another project.

  I keep saying to myself...

Now, what else could I use handy little tool for???

Well...
Make a cake - of course!

Todays links:
http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/
http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/
http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
http://froufroudecor.blogspot.com/
http://www.remodelaholic.com/
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

I am such a copycat...

A total copycat!

I saw this idea in an antique store recently and just HAD to copy it.

It cost me $5 to make my own.

Recently a brand new Wal-Mart moved into the neighborhood and sent out $5 gift cards.

I spotted this $10 platter and thought it would be perfect for this project.

It's HUGE - and it only cost me $5 after my gift card.

I brought it home, got out the leftover chalkboard paint from my piggy rescue and started painting.

Here's the result:



Very easy project.

Linking today to:

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/

http://www.thegirlcreative.com/

http://itssoverycheri.com/

Remember this?

The basket I made for my new grandbaby?

Yippee !!!!!

He just arrived....

Kember McCray

1:43pm

7lbs 4oz

20 inches long

Congratulations are in order for Mommy, Daddy and his big sister Oakleigh !

Veterans Day



We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

~Cynthia Ozick~

Today is the day to be grateful and celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our U.S. Veterans.

Memorial Day honors those who have died in service to their country - Veterans Day honors those living veterans who have served honorably in our U.S. military.

~I am grateful for both~

How A-door-able....

is this?

My mother hosted a sewing get together a few years ago and I made this as her hostess gift.

I included homemade note cards, matching envelopes and tissue holder.

I made this A-door-able little thing using this pattern...

 

I have purchased several Lazy Girl Designs and have never been disappointed in their patterns.

Wouldn't this be a cute surprise to hang on a favorite neighbor's front door and run? 

You could fill it with goodies for any holiday or maybe their birthday.

I would love to find one hanging on my front door - how 'bout you?

Linking today to:
http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/
http://todayscreativeblog.net/
http://www.beckieandbrad.blogspot.com/
http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/
http://itssewstinkincute.blogspot.com/
http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/
http://alliemakes.blogspot.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

Fall back....



I hope everyone remembered to turn those clocks back before bedtime last night!

Even though it gave me an extra hour of sewing time this morning....

I am really going to miss my Daylight savings time.

Did you know the only U.S. states that don't observe daylight savings time are Arizona and Hawaii?

Crayon Bag Tutorial

Kara at Mine for the Making has asked for a tutorial on my crayon bag.

I thought I would share it with everyone.

First, I would like to apologize up front for the quality of some of my pictures; I am not a photographer.

Okay, here goes...

I like to use the pre-quilted fabric because it's sturdy and you don't need to add any stabilizer or lining.

You can make your bag any size you would like; below are the measurements I used.

Cut two pieces of your quilted fabric - 12 X 10 inches.

 You can see here, I use the quilted fabric that is finished on both sides.



Cut the fabric for your pockets 9 X 10 inches.

Fold your pocket fabric in half making it 4 1/2 X 10.

Lay your folded pocket piece on top of  your 12 X 10 piece of quilted fabric matching raw edges.

The fold will be at the top.



Begin in the middle and start marking 1 inch sections for your crayon pockets.

To mark my stitching lines, I use a water soluble marker like this one.

Here you can see some of  my 1 inch markings.

Again, start with the middle marking and sew from the top of your pocket down.

Make sure you back stitch at the top of the pocket to secure it.

All your pockets should be completed and look like this.

Serge or zig zag across the top of both quilted pieces.

With right sides together, stitch both sides and the bottom of your bag - leaving the top open.

Serge or zig zag both sides and bottom.

Turn right side out.

Measure down 1/2 inch from the top, fold, pin and press.

Now lay the bag aside and we will work on the handles.

I find this method of making the handles easier than turning and it makes them much stronger.

Cut a strip of fabric for the handles 15 X 3 inches.

Fold and press in half.

Unfold and press one side to meet the middle fold.

Fold the opposite side in the same way, press.

It should look like this.

Fold over again meeting folded edges and press.

You should now have something that looks like this.

Start by sewing down one side and then the other.

I usually stitch another seam down the middle for sturdiness but it's not necessary.

Cut the long strip in half (making two handles) and serge or zig zag the ends.

Measure 1 1/2 inches from each side of the bag for handle placement.

Place both handles on the inside of the bag and pin in place.

Stitch around the top of the bag catching the handles as you stitch.

The buttons are decoration only and not neccessary to attach the handles.

Add the crayons and...

Your done!

Pretty easy even for a beginner, huh?

If I have confused you with anything or you have any questions, please let me know.

If you DO make one, please send me a photo.

I would love to post it on my blog.

Here's mine with the matching dress.

Linking to:

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

http://www.alittlelovelyblog.blogspot.com/

http://sewchicandunique.com/

http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/

http://www.justagirlblog.com/

http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://www.thegirlcreative.com/

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/

http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/

http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/

http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/

http://itssewstinkincute.blogspot.com/

http://alliemakes.blogspot.com/

http://itssoverycheri.com/