no big dill

Apparently, now, she bashes dunes

2012-01-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

photo by Ann Jones

Worlds away is my baby sister. She's experiencing things like camel racing, public prayer chanting, exotic spice markets, dune bashing, and heat even more intense than we have here. Pretty much her world was turned upside down and then shaken for good measure. I know it must be hard. Little Mary Deane and her cystic fibrosis treatments, though it's their normal now, are still hard. Being away from family, immersed in a culture so bewilderingly different and caring for two small, sweet souls is hard. But I haven't heard a single complaint from Ann. I'm sure there are many she could spell out on a scroll reaching miles long, but Ann presses forward with the grace and beauty she has always possessed. How I miss her. She told me the other day she has started creating for the first time since being there. She's making a quilt. I wish I could sit by her side on the couch with that quilt on our lap, needle and thread rising and falling the ocean waves, laughing and crying about motherhood, about change and the beauty of it all. Happy Birthday, Ann. You amaze me.

ps i love you

B-L-U-S-H

2012-01-27T21:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Clover, Drummer and I ate lunch with Pearl at school. They all have different lunch times, so I have to rotate through everyone. She's just like her dad. She told me lunch starts at 11:15, but I think you should leave 10 minutes early, because if you leave at 11:15 you might be too late.

We were 15 minutes early, just to make completely sure we wouldn't be too late to dine with her in a loud cafeteria that happened to have a group of high school physical education goers running in circles to the YMCA blaring and throwing balls at each as they went.

It was delightful.

Olive came home to announce she would be going to the spelling bee for the school. Stunned silence from this parent. Now, don't mistake me, I love my dear Olive. She is the most meek person you have and quite possibly will meet. She loves life and little schoolmates flock to give her hugs upon arrival, much like paparazzi to a celebrity. But. Academics is not very pressing to her. I was thrilled, because it was just what she needed. I asked her what words she had to spell, and she could only remember one, blush, and then gave me all the details of who got out and when. You know, the more important stuff.

Then, tonight she offered the prayer before dinner. The smile it put on my lips might be there for a while yet. Please bless me to do well in the spelling bee and please bless me that if I win I will be humble and not proud and please bless me that if I don't win I won't be sad....

Pearl pointed out that the whole prayer was about her. Not all of it. But most of it.

Whether or not she spells with accuracy, she will do well.

Birthday Flattery

2012-01-26T23:19:00.000-05:00

This was taken when we had half the kids we do now! Seems like an eternity ago.

I could write all night about things I adore about my mom, from her selflessness to her love of all things fiber (could that be genetic?), but as imitation is the highest form of flattery:

I want to be just like her when I grow up.

Love you mom. Happy Birthday.

Nesting Guest Post: Triple Stitched Blanket Tutorial

2012-01-25T09:00:00.003-05:00

Have you been following Delia's Nesting series? It's just begun, a fun way to get ready for her little baby babe on the way. I'm over there today sharing a tutorial on an easy project that you can do if you can sew a straight line (or three)!

So hop on over there and say hello.

Drummer sure likes it.

In fact, he thinks it's good enough to eat.

Fog and Onions

2012-01-24T14:16:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, when life with 6 children feels completely out of control and the chaos is crushing,

I q-tip my children's ears and trim their nails. Just in case you wanted to know.

I awoke yesterday (rather Drummer woke me) to a foggy, humid morning.

The pictures don't do justice to the serenity and muted yet somehow heightened colors.

I thought it might be a good day to finally make my French onion soup I've been craving.

Unfortunately, I started it too late and didn't finish it in time for dinner.

Fortunately, dinner is already made for tonight and fortunately, I wore Ryan's onion goggles=tear free. Don't believe me that there are such things?

Told you.

So, I'd say all in all it was a good day. Tomorrow holds promises of more goodness.

I am participating in Delia's nesting series. She's expecting her first girl, for which we've got rather a penchant.

ps it's time for a bang trim--do you venture to trim your own?

Advent Thank You Card Tutorial

2012-01-20T13:15:00.002-05:00

My girls got chocolate advent calendars for Christmas, which they always look forward to opening each door, to see what surprise shape chocolate it held. I reminded them how blessed they were to have their very own, as we (6 of us) all shared ONE calendar (one little chocolate every 6 days) when we were little--and I turned out just fine, right? Maybe they're a bit spoiled ;). Anyway, it got me thinking about how it would make for a fun thank you card, to have multiple little doors to open, each containing a little message or picture. So we sent out a couple of these and it was more work for me, but nice and simple for the girls to add their messages.

What you'll need for another thrilling thank you:

cardstock
markers
exact-o knife
cardboard/cutting mat
hole punch
glue or double stick tape

Fold cardstock in half and let your child draw a piece of artwork on the front. Pearl was an overachiever and wrapped her design around to the back, too ;)

Open it up and cut little doors, randomly on the top half, cutting 3 sides of each.

Using a straightedge, crease each door open.

Close card and trace each shape onto the other side, lightly with a pencil.

Open car again and let each child fill in one or more of the squares/rectangles (it's hard to see my pencil marks, but I promise they're there!)

I used a hole punch and punched just half a circle in each door to make it easy to open.

If you have double stick tape, that's the easiest to fasten the card shut, and then you don't have to wait for it to dry before getting it off in the mail, but regular glue will also do, just make sure you don't glue your little doors shut with seeping glue--that would be a surprise indeed!

I also made sure to give credit to the child who did the design on the outside.

Ta-da!

Have a wonderful weekend! I'm hoping for lots of sleep and maybe a bit of exercise (it's been a while, you know). What are your plans?

Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial

2012-01-18T12:31:00.005-05:00

Every time my mom comes to visit I promise that I'll show her how to make continuous bias and somehow we run out of time...and energy. So. This is for my mom: how to make continuous bias (of course you can use it, too ;).

Once in a while I need lots of bias, more than a little strip I hastily cut from the corner of my fabric, and let's face it, the selection of pre-made bias is slim. They've got some basic solid colors all in polyester, but no variation in pattern or content. Continuous bias is a long strip without having to sew lots of little strips together. Some places I've used a lot of bias tape are on my table and desk mats, around the edge in my Never Enough Orange Sewing studio:

and on the Divine Grace dress I made for Project Run and Play last year:

Continuous bias is also convenient for binding a quilt, although, as we've established in the past, I've yet to complete a quilt. One yard of fabric makes a huge amount of bias :)

Start by folding your fabric on the bias (45° angle). Cut along the fold.

Next, with right sides together, match the edges of fabric together so the bias edges you just cut create an X. Sew along the edge and press the seam open.

Open up your fabric and on the right side, draw lines along the bias edge. The width you draw your rows will depend on what finished size you want your bias tape. I made mine 2" wide and ended up with about 1/2" finished product once it is sewn on. If you plan to make piping, you will need to double your desired width. If you plan to use it as double folded bias tape, you will quadruple the desired width. I know, math involved!

You want to be as precise as possible so you stay on the bias. If you get off a tiny bit by the time you get to the other side of the fabric, don't worry, just trim the extra off.

This is the part that you're going to have to read more than once and study the pictures ;) If you need to actually write the numbers on your fabric to help, do it. Fold fabric right sides together, bringing the the bottom up to the top. Match the lines you just drew, except off by one, so the corner of your bottom fabric will line up with the first line you drew on the top. It will work, I promise.

It will look like this at the beginning and end of edge. Match up the lines you drew so they intersect 1/2" into the seam and sew.

This is what it should look like when you press open the seam allowance.

Now you have a giant tube of fabric on the bias.

You can either use a cutting mat, straight edge and rotary cutter to cut along the lines, or just a pair of fabric scissors, while you watch a movie that doesn't involve subtitles ;). This will take a little while.

Now you finish your bias strips how you want: piping, double or single folded bias tape. I use my bias tape maker machine, but you could also use the manual ones that are a whole lot cheaper. If you're going to go to the trouble of making your own bias, it might be worth the investment (use those 40% off coupons!) and it goes lickety split without the burns!

I wrap my finished bias on the cardboard from the store bought piping/bias tape that I've used up for neat and tidy storage. Or you can leave your bias as is and make A Very Biased Skirt:

That post also has more information about bias if you're wondering what in tarnations is so great about bias in the first place.

What comes next? Enjoy the variety that comes with making your own bias in patterns and fiber content!

Family Photo Out-takes

2012-01-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

I don't like doing family photos. It's right up there with trading out my kids' seasonal clothes and shots. Not only is it a struggle to get everyone looking nice, simultaneously, but then you have to get cooperation from everyone, simultaneously.

These were taken after church. I was tired of waiting for the perfect opportunity, the perfect light, the perfect backdrop, the perfect moment of cooperation. I knew I just had to make it happen.

I re-did everyone's hair, hoped mine looked okay, promised Ryan we would take new ones when I cut his, used a make-shift tripod since mine is elsewhere, figured out how to do the timer and we snapped and posed away.

I had to study this one an embarrassing amount of time and count the kids over and over to figure out what wasn't quite right. Can you?

Once we got to the silly photos, everyone was in a much more jovial mood. Well. Except Drummer, poor boy. His introduction to many years of family photos.

Our kids love it when we kiss ;). Despite much blurriness and a bit if frustration, these are going to make me smile and wish they could always stay little...in a few years.

4 Months

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know yesterday was National Hat Day? Yeah, I completely missed out on an opportunity to wear a hat.

Ah. Well. It's one of the less important things I've forgotten these days. Field trip slips, homework, forgotten more than once. One day I even forgot what time to pick up my kids from school. Not that I don't pick them up at the same time 5 days a week. Sheesh.

I blame it on the lack of sleep. Yes, still not getting this boy to sleep very well. So, if you ask me how I am, I will tell you tired. Happy, smitten, but tired. Ryan and I managed to get the first of the kids in bed by 6:30 and the last by 8:15 and we were in bed by 8:30. Nice.

Oh, this boy, this boy. What a loved little baby he is.

He is now rolling over. He likes music, dancing, and most anything at all as long as it involves being held. His favorite exercise is kicking his legs when he gets excited to see me. He's still working on the hair and the teeth, but he's got the chub going at a rapid rate.

This is his smolder. He's got that down pat. No resistance here.

4 months looks mighty good on you, Drummer boy.

2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months

calendar

A Picture Worth a Thousand...

2012-01-14T11:01:00.001-05:00

I love a lot of things about this photo. First of all, I love how Ashley is dressed head to toe. She's always ready to go and do. I love how ridiculously happy we all look, probably laughing at something my dad said or did. I love the paperwhites on each side--always flowers in our home (and slightly jealous because ours didn't bloom this year.) I love the carpet. Okay, not really, but it's amusing, at least. What I love most about it is how Jacob and I are touching our little bare feet together.

Ashley, Jordan, me, Jacob

That's one of the things I love about him. He doesn't need drama and the grandiose. He's fine and better with the little, simple details (and good at them too), which are usually the ones that make the most difference anyway.

Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jacob

Happy birthday, Jake. Love your orange tie and your guts, too.

There are Resolutions and there are ReSEWlutions

2012-01-13T08:00:00.007-05:00

Do you have a whole list of sewing projects you want to try this year? When Jessica from Me Sew Crazy asked if I'd be a part of her New Year's ReSEWlution series, I started to feel overwhelmed at all the things I'd like to attempt this year as far as sewing, techniques I want to try and projects I want to do. Then I started to panic about which one to choose to share. I thought, this is silly! What is it I really need to do to simplify? So, my reSEWlution is to focus on some projects I've already started (in the case of this coat, YEARS ago) to just finish them. I plan to toggle back and forth between the projects in my head and the ones sitting around, waiting to be hemmed or buttonholed. Hop on over there to see my post on how to decide what exactly to do with all those unfinished projects you've got hanging around.

Divergent but Parallel

2012-01-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

This is my second oldest sister, Jordan. We were each married within a year of each other. Most of our kids were born within a year of each other. They're like a stack of cards you shuffle, each falling neatly in order, back and forth.

We both like hats. We both love fashion and good food. Yet somehow, we've never managed to live by each other once we went our separate ways after working as Bed & Breakfast maids on Nantucket Island. Such a shame.

check out her: pappardelle with creamed chard

We do differ. Jordan's the more outgoing one. She'll choose an evening snuggled down with a book over a sewing machine, hands down. She can use words like Monet used a brush. We teasingly call her the romantic of the family. She loves to throw a good dinner party. Plus, she speaks Russian. Our children adore each other, mine still pray for Lucy's leg every single day. We vow one day we'll live closer to each other. Happy Birthday, Jord. Love your guts.

or her fried green tomatoes with basil green goddess

Kniterviews and Ruched Sleeve T Tutorial

2012-01-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

Do you fear knits? Then you will be so excited about Rae's (over at Made By Rae) KNITerviews series! She's gathered a slew of seamstresses and asked them to share their deepest, darkest, stretchiest knit secrets. I'm there today as her interviewee and sharing a knit project here today.

What you'll need:

1 1/2 yards of knit
1/4 yard of contrasting knit
Double needle
Thread, of course!

Start by cutting out two diagonal pieces for the top, coming down to mid-rib cage. Make sure they mirror each other. Cut out strips for the edges from contrasting knit fabric 3 times the width you want the desired finished edge. Stitch, right sides together with a slight zig-zag stitch. Fold the edging around to other side (no need to fold the raw edge under since it won't fray). Pin and sew on front side with double needles. (Here's a tutorial on using a double needle). Overlap front pieces and bast along sides and bottom to keep together.

Cut out the bottom portion of the shirt as well as the back. Sew edging on the back neck like you did the front. Sew front top and bottom togther with a slight zig-zag stitch and the top stitch with the double needle. Sew front and back pieces at shoulders.

Trace sleeve onto paper. Cut it mid cap and tape onto another piece of paper. This was a size 10 and I spaced the pieces about 3 inches apart. Connect the two and cut out sleeves.

Cut a 1/8-1/4" piece of elastic about 5", pin to top and bottom center. Anchor the top with a couple of stitches and then pull sleeve and elastic while you stitch down the center.

Next gather the sleeve cap and stitch into the shirt. With right sides together, stitch underarm and shirt sides with a slight zig-zag stitch. Cut arm bands twice the width you want the finished width and the same length as the arm hole. Stitch band together and the fold in half (wrong sides together). Place over sleeve and stitch with a slight zig-zag.

Finish hem by folding up an inch and stitch with the double needle. Voila!

I really love how the sleeves turned out. I think I'll be doing this on lots of knit projects in the near future :)

Creme de la creme of Yogurt

2012-01-11T08:00:00.011-05:00

We love a good taste test around here. We've sampled apples, olive oils, cheeses, and other random food items.

While my parents were here we decided to do a yogurt taste test. I'm back on dairy, since that didn't seem to help our baby Drummer. He just seems to be happiest in our arms.

We had everyone rank the yogurts between 1 and 5, 1 for the worst and 5 for the best, and then describe the taste. Some we couldn't even finish a tablespoon of it and others we wanted to commandeer the whole container. I'm sure those in the European countries have even better yogurts than we do, I wish I would have explored them when I was there during my college days, but I dwelt on the cheeses instead (coming home with an extra 15 lbs around my middle!)

The soy, goat, and almond yogurts were on the very bottom. They made some of us gag, actually. Bleck. My dad even refused to taste some after he saw our reactions, so I guess our testing wasn't exactly scientific. The top was Fage (pronounced fa-yeh) as well as Chobani. Oikos was up there, too. We liked them for their creaminess, not too sweetness, and genuine flavors. Yum. They might be pricier, but worth it for an every-once-in-a-while kind of treat.

What's your favorite yogurt? Have you tried to make your own (secretly I want to, but fear I'll never get it just right)?

Baby Blanket Tutorial

2012-01-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

*another repost of a tutorial I did over the summer. This is one of my absolute favorite baby blankets ever!*

Thank you Erin for having me here today! It's fun to know there are fellow mamas who don't find out the gender of their baby :)

I haven't done near the amount of sewing for this baby that I thought I would. In fact, I haven't done any. Part of it is that we aren't finding out what we're having, and part of it is that with baby number six, there are only a few things I consider essential: diapers, onesies, and blankets. I've gone through my fair share of blankets and I definitely have my favorite: the knit blanket. I love how I can swaddle my babies, stretching the knit blankets tightly those first few months. Many of mine are pink, or other girly colors, so I decided to make a gender neutral blanket...just in case ;)

You will need two pieces of knit. Wash them twice in hot water to make sure any shrinkage that is going to happen happens before you sew. Cut them out together 36" x 33", smoothing out any wrinkles. Round each corner using a small glass. Pin the layers so they don't shift as you sew.

Using either knit, cut a binding strip 4 times the width you want the finished band to be (2" if you want 1/2" binding) and the length 140" (a little less than 4 yards). You might have to piece your binding, just press your seams open.

Pin binding around blanket, leaving 2" on each side at the ends, making sure the binding fits. Sew the ends together so they lay flat when pinned with blanket. Press open seam allowance and sew around perimeter the width you want your binding (1/2" seam allowance if you want your finished binding to be 1/2").

Stitch with a slight zig-zag stitch, so increase your width to about a 1. This will keep the stretch in your fabric.

Trim your corners down slightly, just 1/8" or 1/4". Fold the edge of the binding in 1/2" and then over the edge of the blanket.

Pin in place and stitch using a double needle.

My striped knit turned out to be too thick, so I just folded the edge over instead of folding the band in again, which you can do with fabric that won't fray if you don't mind a more casual finish.

If you are unsure of how to use a double needle, I talk about it more in depth here.

Okay. I think I am getting closer to feeling ready for this baby to come :)

Double Needle

2012-01-10T16:59:00.000-05:00

*this is a re-post of a most helpful tutorial when it comes to knits I did last summer!*

Hello, Pickup Readers! I am delighted to be here to talk a bit about my sewing passion. This is such a great series to help demystify some of those techniques you frequently see, but not explained. When Chris asked me to guest post last month, I knew I wanted to talk about double needles. Double needles might look intimidating, but they are so versatile and helpful, especially if you don't have a serger, but still want that professional looking finish. So, today I will just be going over one use of the double needle that I frequently utilize in my sewing of swimsuits for my girls.

There are several different sizes of double needles as well as types, such as stretch and denim. I use the regular double needles and prefer the 4/80 size for most of my projects, but you can order the others online. The double needle is flat on the back above the red bar, just like regular needles and goes in the same way as a conventional needle does, with the flat part facing the back as you slide it up and tighten the screw to hold it in.

You will load the top of your machine with two spools of thread. If you don't have the same color, just load an additional bobbin and stack on top of the other, making sure they are unwinding the same direction. Load them both through the top of your machine together, just as if it were a single thread.

Once you get to the thread guide just above the needle, you separate the threads on either side and bring them down to the two needles in corresponding positions. The bobbin with thread as normal, just one!

Increase your stitch to a 3, as that gives it a more professional look. You will stitch your fabric without stretching it and only on the right side of your fabric. The back does not look the same!

In fact, the zig zag that the bobbin thread creates on the back is what helps maintain the stretch-ability of the fabric, while the front looks professional and tidy! It's that easy!

Thanks for having me Chris, and if you'd like to now use your newfound skill of double needles, I've got a swimsuit tutorial to go along with this over at no big dill! Even the swim instructors will be impressed with your child's homemade suit ;)

Resolve: before and after

2012-01-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

To make or not to make New Year's Resolutions seems to be more divisive than political party affiliation these days. I used to love making resolutions when I was a girl. Starting fresh, a whole long list of my grand plans. When you're little, you have faith (and maybe naïveté) that you lose bit by bit each year. We asked the kids what their resolutions were going to be. Divine immediately piped up with the idea that we all need to be more organized.

before

Pearl then had the brilliant idea that we should all tell what someone else needs work on. I guess she hasn't heard about beams and motes. Ryan said he was going to chew his food more. Me: Since when do you make resolutions? Him: I got this one. Shooting high, my love.

after

I'm keeping it simple too. Organization, weight, exercise, sugar intake all wax and wane, and most likely always will, so I announced that my resolution was to hug my big and little dills more. Too much rushing and hurrying and hopping in and out and not enough hugging. Grandly simple. I got this one.

Do you resolve?

Thrilling Thank Yous Tutorial

2012-01-05T14:07:00.000-05:00

Hats off to you if you've already gotten your holiday thank yous written. And if you've gotten your kids to write theirs, then I bow! My parents were always very adamant about making sure we got our thank you notes written after each holiday and birthday, and I'm grateful for that because everyone likes to be thanked and acknowledged for something they've done or given.

But, getting 5 little girls to go through the list of friends and relatives who gave them gifts and thanking them all can sometimes be nigh unto torture for the mom. I've been trying to come up with some different, fun, dare I say thrilling ways to help them get them finished and thought I'd share. In fact, I enjoyed this so much it might become a series. What do you think?

Ever since I was a little girl I've been enamored with interactive cards. I used to sit down with a stack of paper and make all sorts of pop-up cards. This is like the grown up version.

Start with two photos of a wallet: one open, one closed, taking care to keep them the same size. On the first photo carefully cut out all the sides except the hinged side, bend open using a ruler.

On the second photo cut out the whole thing and any openings you'd like to use on your card and bend in half.

Glue or use double stick tape on the first photo to some card stock. Tape the inside of the wallet within the opening. If the inner wallet is bigger just trim it up to fit. Decorate any way you'd like.

Each child gets a "credit card" or "dollar bill" to write or draw a little thank you without being overwhelmed with the whole card and we send one thrilling thank you to an unsuspecting papa Thom.

How do you get your kids to get their thank yous done?

Oliver + S Giveaway!

2012-01-04T16:15:00.004-05:00

First of all, thank you for your well wishes. Drummer was a good boy last night, he must know his momma is sick, and only woke up twice to eat. Now that I have my appetite (and calm stomach) back, I'm wishing for some French Onion soup. Too bad there's no such thing as a Soup Fairy!

So, you might have guessed I used the Oliver + S Sleepover Pajama pattern for the pajamas from yesterday. There are lots of things I love about Oliver + S patterns, which you know if you've read my blog for a while, but as I was whipping these up (the first one went together just fine, but then I had a system and the rest really came together quickly), I thought about how Liesl, the mastermind behind Oliver + S, gets her proportions right. The length of each finished garment is always just right, the fit is forgiving, yet still slim.

On the pajamas, the placket is just the right width, and the cuffs are the perfect amount of roll-up-and-grow-into-ness.

Divine was disappointed that I didn't put the pockets on (I ran out of time in order to get them finished for Christmas Eve gift opening), but they are adorable and would have been perfect to stick a bedtime cuddly stuffed friend....there's always next year, right?

Today I have TWO Sleepover Pajama Patterns to give away (one size 6 mo-4T and one size 5-12). But it gets even better. Have you seen Liesl's sweet Cape Ann fabric line? There are itty bitty Oliver + S clothes, polka-dots, stripes, you know, just about all the things I love. I'm not a quilter, but I sure would love a quilt made out of these fabrics because they feel more like flannel (they're brushed cotton) but supposedly don't pill and stretch like flannel.

So, enter for a chance to win either a pattern (specify which size) or this lovely stack* of brushed cotton from the Cape Ann line.

To Enter:

❂ Leave a comment which item you'd like to see arrive in the post.

❂ Include your email address if it isn't linked to your profile...pretty, pretty please. It makes my life so much easier!

❂ I will leave this giveaway open for one week (until 1-11-12 11:59 PM EST). Good luck!

*hehe, can you tell I'm not a quilter? I just looked it up and the proper terminology is fat quarter bundle, not stack.

Christmas Pajamas

2012-01-03T13:21:00.002-05:00

We've rung in the new year grandly. Grandly with sickness that is--ending (hopefully) with me. Yesterday I thought I was going to die. At least I was hoping.

So hot, yet cold, anything below 100℉ that touched my skin sent pain soaring through my body. It felt like a brick was sitting on top of my lungs, barely enough energy to get a cough out, which was probably just as well, as coughing made my head feel like it was going to burst and my eyes pulled out.

Too much detail? I'll stop there then. No fun. Today feeling much better with more normal temperatures, although I'll tell you what, that extra warm milk sure put that Drummer boy to sleep in a hurry. What's that saying about warm milk before bed...I'm just praying he doesn't get it.

So far that nasty little bug worked it's way through Olive, Azure, Clover and now me. Before I got sick, I grabbed Pearl and Divine by the hand and sped to the closest drugstore for flu shots.

Too bad it didn't work for me. Sigh. I'm grateful for a husband who stays home from work to entertain our hooligans for hours at a time--and pray for his health now.

Anyway, these are the produce pajamas I made for my ~~girls~~ (whoops! can't say that anymore!) kids for Christmas.

I was a sewing maniac the day before Christmas Eve. I didn't put names on them and they figured out whose was whose and wore them proudly.

I know I keep saying this, but I love that my girls will still wear things I make. They even wore them to go get donuts this morning with a stop at the local hardware store where they got lots of compliments.

Tune in tomorrow for a giveaway of the Oliver + S variety ;)

My Wish to You

2011-12-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve.

May you all have as much joy and excitement in 2012 as Clover.

Happy New Year!

xoxo

k a t y

Pre Christmas

2011-12-30T12:30:00.001-05:00

We left a few of the baby dills at home to take a quick jaunt up to Charleston last week to meet my parents and sister's family.

We stopped in Savannah so I could get me some mint julep chapstick from Savannah Bee Co and to sample the honey buffet, of course.

Then we stopped at Paris Market to see the fun French wares,

leave our resolutions on the tree,

and to sip some frozen hot chocolate and hot hot chocolate while we listened to the French music.

You have to understand one thing about vacations with my side of the family, and the in-laws have caught on, when we say vacation, it really means to-eat-at-really-good-restaurants, and as-many-as-we-can-pack-in.

I called my parents to see if they would get to Poe's tavern about when we did, but they had stopped elsewhere to eat.

That didn't stop them. An hour later they were sitting with us at Poe's tavern, eating again. (We sometimes call Pearl "Poe-poe"--do you have countless nicknames for your kids, too?)

They were so excited to meet up with their only same-age cousins. Grandpa started a game of find the stuffed elephant in the tree of lights that was delightful to watch, especially when the elephant was hidden in grandpa's jacket.

Next? More eating of course. A kid's dream: choose your ice cream and then a gross amount of sugary toppings mounded to sweet satisfaction.

That's about as excited as you'll see Divine.

Spouses feeding one another.

Up early the next morning to squeeze in breakfast (you're supposed to order "The Big Nasty"),

I loved how Jordan's oldest tipped his body over to pour the syrup and the Bells of Ireland on the tables.

Mr. Drummer takes after his uncle (his hair, not his floods).

We had to hurry on over to Glazed for doughnuts before an early lunch.

We did manage to get a little hat browsing in at Magar's Hat Shop.

I would have loved to come home with a couple of these beauties, but they were uncomfortably out of my price range. Leigh also sells them at Barney's in New York.

My dad trying on the hat forms (a very prized collection being stored here.)

Lunch at Husk did not disappoint, starting with a rock on the giant rocking bench.

Two adoring grandmas.

And one playful one.

The perfect pre-Christmas fun.

Dear Santa,

Next year I would like this house for Christmas.

Plus someone to clean the windows.
xoxo,
katy

Are you still here? Thanks for sticking it out through my photo bomb.

500 photos

2011-12-29T19:14:00.000-05:00

I took an unintended blog hiatus which are sometimes the best types of hiatuses. Yes, that's a word.

I'm currently going through 500 photos, trying to decide which ones are worthy of sharing and which ones I should just keep to myself. I had to share these of my dad. And yes. He looks like John Locke. Hope your Christmas was as delicious as ours. More photos to come.

Divine's Christmas Dress

2011-12-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

This next dress I got the pattern from another Japanese Pattern Book:

It kind of reminds me a an old diner's waitress uniform, but cuter.

I got this fabric from one of my lovely sponsors, Marie Madeline Studio. Don't you love the miniature scallops!? They also have a red and pink combo.

The scallop is one of the few decorative machine stitches that I use frequently, like here. I used dupioni silk for the accent fabric.

The buttons are vintage glass buttons that remind me of little cherries.

I used dupioni silk for the accent fabric.

I'm glad that Divine still likes to wear things I make.

How long do you think that will last?

Poppy Party Skirt

2011-12-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

I have been sewing like mad. Really. I'm trying to sew pajamas for everyone, not that I'm procrastinating or anything, but it's been hard to find the energy and time to get some solid sewing in. Plus, it's my plan B. I'm also trying to get red and white Sunday attire sewn, but I am going to have to pull out some things I've done in the past for my girls. In my attempt to create Christmas color coordinating couture for my brood, I made this for myself!

I'm sharing the quick how-to over at Kelly's "12 Days of Skirts" series at Sewing in No Man's Land.

Another project closer!

Slaving Away....happily

2011-12-19T20:59:00.002-05:00

I've been maniacally sewing. I've got a knot in my right shoulder from kneeling on the floor tracing and cutting patterns. My sewing machine seems to be going slow motion, for as fast as I'm trying to get through things. I even checked to make sure it wasn't on 1/2 speed. It wasn't.

Today I thought all the girls were playing unusually (and suspiciously) quiet, so I went searching to find Divine and Olive playing out in the garage, not causing too much havoc. Pearl was holding Drummer and then I looked out the back window and found Azure in her swimsuit and Clover in nothing with muddy little feet and hands.

Then I went back to sewing, because really, what was I to do? At least they were playing nicely together.

This is an Oliver + S pattern and I used ticking for the fabric.

Ticking? You say. Isn't that typically used to cover mattresses and pillows? Why, yes, yes it is! But I think it looks awfully cute and a bit old fashioned, and I love how this pattern shows off the striped on the bias for the collar and sleeve cuffs, and then I turned it horizontally for the top part of the yoke.

Oh, and don't worry about me. I've got Ryan and his hands to rub that knot out. That is as soon as I get more sewing finished. ;)

My Short Christmas List

2011-12-16T15:36:00.000-05:00

Is that you, Friday, already arrived? How did you get here so fast? I'll tell you.

There were plays and performances and recitals to prepare for and see.

All the right classroom treats were sent with the right schoolgirls.

All the right gifts were given to the right teachers.

And 2 holiday dresses and a skirt were sewn.

We are getting closer to being ready for Christmas. Are you? All I want for Christmas is some sleep.

Danish Pastries

2011-12-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

Today I'm over at Dana's blog MADE, participating in her Sweets and Treats series, a countdown to Christmas. If you're looking for some new holiday treats to make, you really need to check it out.

These are made every year in our home, drawing from the Danish heritage on my side of the family (my great grandma, Pearl Estella, used to make these). My lucky family got them early this year so I could share the recipe with you. They were immediately inhaled. What is a holiday necessity sweet treat at your house?

Also, today is the last day to enter the HP Touchsmart computer giveaway here.

Dose of Drummer

2011-12-14T14:41:00.001-05:00

Oh, you wily three months, where did you go?

Despite the lack of sleep, serious lack of sleep, you have escaped me.

But, you have brought these gummy smiles,

and extra chub for me to squeeze and tickle.

I've yet to make another stocking this year for this boy,

but I've spent my time well, kissing those cheeks,

and allowing neck nuzzling a bit longer than I should.

And although I shouldn't have one, I have a favorite age.

This one. You 3 month old confection of an infant.

Attention: Utahns and Winners

2011-12-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

Those of you living in Utah are invited to a Stained Glass Star Open House at my sister's tomorrow! Yes, it's quite the family business :). These are already made and ready to walk out the door with you, first come, first serve. Gifts or just for your window, you can never have too many, as you can see! Email her for more information and directions.

****

And what about the 2 winners of the Clever Charlotte Pattern? Here they are:

and

Don't forget that you can still use coupon code "nobigdill" through December 10th for 20% off your entire order from Clever Charlotte. You can also find them on my sidebar.

****

Also, if you haven't entered the HP Touchsmart Computer giveaway yet, go here. We're getting great use out of ours already. Pearl is learning her times table right now, playing lots of multiplication games on it. She actually comes home from school and says, I need to work on my 4's today. Can I get on the computer? Do you have multiplication game website that have been helpful for your kids learning their times table?

PS Are there any Charlestonians (SC) out there who can recommend some fun things to do there? Fabric shops not to miss?

Pearl's Pearls

2011-12-08T14:19:00.001-05:00

Do you ever go through your photos and find little treasures that you never posted or forgot about? I found this from a couple of months ago that I think belongs in a frame. I love how Pearl is looking at her reflection, watching her dress float up with a gust of wind, the sun illuminating those beautiful locks.

Each year the girls' school holds a little Christmas shop where the kids can buy gifts for family and friends. Everyone else counted up their change and stuffed it in their backpacks, hoping they had enough for everyone on their list.

Pearl decided that she was going to make her gifts instead. That's my girl.

Out of all my kids, I never would have guessed she would have been my one who has latched onto sewing like she has. She can thread a needle, tie the knot, work the sewing machine and do hand embroidery.

After I made that Rollie Pollie for my kids, she wanted one for her doll. She asked if I would make it, but couldn't wait, so she just made her own.

There are quite a few of these laying around, too.

This one is my favorite. A velveteen rabbit with golden whiskers. Right now she's working on a fish. I can't wait until she finishes it, because I have a feeling it's going to be quite spectacular.

Something New

2011-12-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

Whelp. I think I've successfully passed on my affinity for hats to my girls.

And I think they carry it well.

Even if it is a balmy 72 degrees on this very day.

Do you have a fun place where you get hats? I'm always on the hunt, even if I do just have one head.

Oh, and my dad always said to us while growing up you learn something new every day.

My something new? Little Cloves has a dimple in her chin when she grins a big one. That girl. How did we not ever see that before? Probably because she never holds still long enough.

Because I know someone is going to ask: I got all these hats from MooseMouseCreations.

Perfect Decorating Frosting

2011-12-06T17:12:00.002-05:00

If you plan on decorating gingerbread/graham cracker houses this month, you are going to thank me for this. Truly, this stuff makes all the difference between dripping, loose candy and awesome decorating fun.

I always thought that decorating frosting was all the same. Oh no, my friends. I've been enlightened.

1 lb powdered (aka confectioners) sugar
3 egg whites
1 Tbl cream of tartar

Whip all ingredients together until stiff.

The roll of each ingredient: You can control how stiff your frosting is with the egg whites. I whipped mine for a couple of minutes and had a perfect consistency. The egg whites also act like cement when dried. The cream of tartar is to help with the humidity once it dries so it will stay dry.

I actually made the graham cracker houses last minute since I ran out of dough and steam for the real McCoys.

You'll see later that these didn't quite dry enough for the grabby, rough hands of a 3 year old,

but they stayed together without too much holding in place during construction.

For the bigger kids I actually made gingerbread dough for the first time, and used this ceramic mold my mom gave me. It might be an antique, or at least as old as I am. I was surprised at how much it really was like a bread dough, kneading in the last 4 cups of flour.

Such supple dough.

That frosting even held together these heavy pieces.

Place it in a ziplock bag with a rubber band and snip just an eighth or quarter of an inch off the corner.

Not letting the graham cracker house dry long enough=

But don't feel too bad, because her architecture disaster just meant there was more time to just EAT the candy. And eat she did. Clover thought she had gone to heaven.

I am surprised that nobody went to bed with a tummy ache.

I just needed more orange candy ;)

Deliberate Stoking

2011-12-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

Last night, after we got the kids tucked in, mostly without tears, Ryan and I sat on the couch, enjoying the glow of our finally decked Fraser.

camera settings: iso 4000, f/5.0, shutter 1/25 with a 35mm lens, resting on the music stand ;)

We reminisced about our first Christmas with our tiny little tree we picked from a tree farm, using the little cash we had. It didn't have more than 2 or 3 strands of lights, probably not many more ornaments than that, and even less gifts under it.

One year we had an unplanned Christmas away from home, across the country in a corporate apartment without any of our Christmas decor. We bought a rosemary tree and hung miniature, plastic bells and ribbons tied in bows on the tiny, albeit wonderfully fragrant branches.

This year, as the lights on this beauty of a fir give a warm glow (with the weather even warmer outside!) I reflect on how much has changed over these years. There are now 6 baby dills who share our roof! Our seams threaten to pop with all that comes with raising a family of this size.

And how blessed we are. Each of them changing the mix, requiring adjustments of the ingredients of our parenting. My patience, along with those seams has been stretched and stretched and sometimes, probably too often, in need of repair.

It seems so clear, the way we should raise these baby dills when they're asleep with a peaceful, glowing, almost porcelain countenance. But my mind quickly becomes befuddled when little feet hop out of bed and someone turns on the chaos switch to HI, and somehow I have the remote for everything but that.

I want to resolve to build my treasures above (Matthew 6:20) instead of here below. I will resolve to build my relationship with each of my children (and of course with my Ryan) with more deliberateness and care, more than the arranging of ornaments and gifts chosen to wrap and give. I want to relish and stoke their desire to please us and their Father above. And it all starts with desire, right?

My parents brought these stars down for our red schemed Christmas when they visited us last. I loved picturing their hands make them (because I know it's a lot of work!) as we placed them on our tree. Do you want one for your tree or to give to someone who has everything (except a Knudsen star, of course ;) ? Keep them busy, go here.

Clever Charlotte Giveaway and Discount

2011-12-03T08:00:00.006-05:00

Remember when I made these pieces a few months ago? They are the darling designs from the pattern company Clever Charlotte.

I'm pleased to have them on as a new sponsor this month! If you are looking for unique designs for children's patterns, you will love poking around in their shop. Not only do they have patterns, but they also carry several fabrics that coordinate well with their designs.

They also recently released their new line full of great pieces for cooler weather:

Today Clever Charlotte is offering 2 patterns to no big dill readers AND a coupon code for 20% off anything in their shop, including fabric and kits, for one week! Use coupon code "nobigdill", good through December 10th 11:59 pm EST.

Go here to enter giveaway.

Christmas Tree Skirt Cheat

2011-12-01T16:08:00.003-05:00

Do you ever cheat? A little short cut, here and there? Not with important things, mind you. I'm talking decor. I'm sharing a little non-sewing secret today, and maybe it's something you already do, in which case, great minds, right?

Each year we choose a color scheme for Christmas. Last year it was black and white. The year before that? Orange. The best, and you'd be surprised how many orange ornaments are out there. This year we're going more traditional with red. Now sewing a tree skirt every year would stress me out because o1 I don't like to sew things that we use once every few years and o2 I don't like sewing tree skirts.

So what I do is just use fabric! That way I can just wash it up afterward and use it for another project! Plus, it gives a more organic, swaddling, flowy feel.

You'll need about 4 yards, depending on how loose you want to wrap it around the base.

Use some old towels to give it even more "poof" and just lay the fabric on top and around, allowing the folds and wrinkles to take over. Tuck the selvedge under and

voila! A big, full "tree skirt!" That "2" fabric sure has come in handy!

We usually decide on our color the year before and buy things on clearance after Christmas for a huge bargain. I also am starting a new tradition this year. I saw this over at Dana's blog and thought it was brilliant. We all love an advent countdown. Tired of chains, but didn't want the kids fighting over the candy or gift advents (or make 5!).

So I decided to do a book advent, but we don't really have a collection of Christmas books, so I took a trip to the library and found some fun ones to wrap up. The Christmas books are all in one section, so it's easy to peruse and find some good ones. I pulled the red wrapping decor and had at it. Want some inexpensive ideas of wrapping presents? This is from last year.

The amaryllis are coming along nicely (the paperwhites not so much.) Do you plant amaryllis and paperwhites for the holidays?

Stockings are ready to be hung (with or without care).

And I bought myself a little productive time by putting Drummer in front of the high contrast photo wall ;) He's ready for a few of his portraits to be up there. Next up: decorating the tree because it only took me 3 days to find enough time to put the lights up.

Chop Chop!

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

It was time. Mostly out of laziness, partly out of rather spending money on fabric, I haven't had a change in my do for a really long time. The plan was to chop a whole bunch off, but that sweet talkin' gal with the sheers did this instead:

I still pass by a mirror and wonder who that is, I haven't had bangs for ages, and I haven't done my hair straight for probably a year or more. Like I said, mostly laziness.

I brought with me a most delightful companion. She sat there the whole time, devouring three fashion magazines, and had to show me every other page full of crazy hair-dos, colorful make-up, and fancy clothes.

Plus, she did her own hair. What a cutie. We don't spend much one-on-one time now that she's a school girl.

So we stopped to get her any frozen concoction her little freckled face desired.

She ate every last drop and kept looking at me with surprised eyes exclaiming, "I keep forgetting what you look like!"

I think that was my favorite part.

Still getting used to the bangs. Mostly loving them. Ryan even asked if I had my hair colored. Nope. Just chopped off a bunch of natural highlights I guess.

Sure glad I took along this little side kick.

Winners & Discount

2011-11-29T22:09:00.002-05:00

The three winners of the Princess and the Pea Pattern from Follow the White Bunny are:

Shannon,

Suzanne,

Jennyroo!

Congratulations, you three!
***Nicole is now offering 15% off any of her patterns in her shop www.followthewhitebunny.com using coupon code "NOBIGDILL" until December 4th!

Also, remember that cute spool necklace?

Karla is offering no big dill readers 10% off that or anything else in her shop until December 6th! (psst, stocking stuffers?) Use coupon code "sewapropos" for your discount.

Belated Thanks

2011-11-29T09:23:00.002-05:00

Wowsers, as the great Inspector Gadget would say! After your comments, recipes, links, ingredient recommendations, and encouragement from yesterday's post, I feel like I can do this non-dairy thing wholly and enjoyably! Thank you for all the suggestions. Drummer isn't colicky (we've done that and it's a wonder we had any more kids) but he is an awful light sleeper or his stomach doesn't agree with what I eat. He seems to be doing a bit better, and hopefully we can figure out how to get more sleep.

I am behind on my Thanksgiving post, happily due to Once Upon a Thread, and beware of the photo explosion, but I do have 6 kids.

We took a walk up the beach for some yearly Starbuck's hot chocolate, but of course it's better when it comes in a fancy cup and when we pay an entire paycheck for one round. Ryan and I stuck with the apple cider, mine sans whipped cream.

Ryan strapped little Drummer to his chest and he slept the whole time (Drummer, not Ryan.)

I had the kids write in the sand what they were thankful for.

In case you can't tell what they say,

Olive is thankful for nature.

Clover is thankful for messes (and noise and chaos and more messes.)

Pearl is thankful for her blue beta.

Divine knows what to say ;) She's growing up, that one. The other day at dinner she replied to someone's story, TMI (too much information). Yeah. She's already speaking in acronyms and abreeves. I told her that her parents aren't Peeps, are we? Sheesh.

Azure is thankful for God. Ditto, Azure.

Drummer is thankful for snuggles with his dad,

and food from his mom.

We didn't do turkey.

Neither Ryan nor I like it.

We had homemade pizza, and the kids don't seem to mind we don't do a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

I told them to make a funny face.

Then I told them to each kiss their neighbor. Ha.

We spent the morning painting toenails. That's a lot of nailpolish. Yo. (I'm practicing having a tween.)

Then I told them to spread out their toes.

And tangle their legs.

Then tangle their arms. Clover doesn't like to mingle, apparently.

The hot chocolate was guzzled and made for full bellies and warm bodies.

They're all so different, from what they'll eat, wear, and do to how they need to be loved, parented, and teased.

Some slip their hand into mine without even noticing, just needing a touch. Others you have to sneak in a hug when they're not looking ;).

They make us laugh and want to pull our hair out from one moment

to the next.

I'm grateful for the man who made them with me.

He's pretty amazing, you know.

He makes me want to do and be better, supports me even when I have crazy ideas. Plus he's a hunk.

Okay, enough mush. Happy belated Thanksgiving,

and off to wrap Christmas presents, hang stars and snowflakes (that's the only way we'll see any snow here.)

OUT: Muster of YOU! (plus a giveaway)

2011-11-28T11:36:00.003-05:00

So many of you have been playing right along with Once Upon a Thread and have done such fun projects. Here are just a few from the Flickr group:

Sweet Cheeks Design had fun with the princess and the pea!

Liza Jane made this colorful jacket based on the book "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More," actually painting the fabric! (The book looks like a very fun one, too.)

A Piggy Baby did some cute onesies inspired by "A Color of His Own"

Feather's Flights made this cute applique and somehow managed to capture this shot of her cutie cute mimicking the bird from "Are You My Mother?" Love it.

And we all recognize these characters from Richard Scarry. Good job girls from Crafting Makes the Heart Grow Fonder!

Darling bunny from "Fluffy" and I'm loving the cover to the book as well!

A peasant dress from Bremen Town Musicians, great applique work!

Story dolls-I can pick out Pippi Longstocking, can you tell who the rest are?

Colorful Skirt and Shirt inspired by Suki's Kimono written by Chieri Uegaki--makes me want to check out the book!

"Little Blue and Little Yellow" land on a hoodie!

"The Little House," of course! You'll want to click to see Jane's great roof detail.

Another one you'll want to click on to see the interior details from "Will You Be My Mommy."

Another Pigeon Project! Look at the tie. Love that detail! Good job, Jen.

Richard Scarry's characters in a quilt to keep you warm! Darling, and fantastic embroidery.

and a matching "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" quilt!

"Emily's Balloon" recreated by stamping random red stars on the fabric. Brilliant!

And I've been waiting for this one to appear! "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See." I know my little Cloves would love this as she "reads" it.

Look what those lovely gals at Clever Charlotte came up with using their patterns, as well as the Knuffle Bunny look alike!

I hadn't heard of this book before OUT, but think I need to check it out, because I certainly have 7 silly eaters of my own!

You really just need to check out the Flickr group to see them all, such great projects, everyone! I wish we could just all meet up and have a night of sewing and sharing our inspiration and eat avocado ice cream with almond cookies. I think I'll put it on my wish list to Santa.

Now, for one more giveaway to send you off from another round of Once Upon a Thread, I have 3 patterns returning from last OUT, Follow the White Bunny!

This would be a great holiday project to take with you when you travel, you know, just in case you have the itch to sew in the midst of the fruit cake and mistletoe.

Okay. So:

➊ Leave a comment to enter to win one of 3 patterns!

➋ Please include your email address if it's not linked to your profile.

➌ ~~Open JUST TODAY!! (so hop on it. ;)~~ Closed!

Thank you one and all for another great round of Once Upon a Thread!

It was delightful as usual!

Reminders and Dairy Free Desserts?

2011-11-28T11:00:00.002-05:00

Have you entered the HP Touchsmart Computer giveaway yet? Go here. (Or buy one today for $100 off!)

Have you checked out Home Depot's ways to go green? Also, I'm giving my lettuce one more week to grow before I attack it. ;) I'm off dairy to see if it helps little Drummer to sleep better. Talk about torture. Seriously. Ryan tries really hard to make sure I have some sort of treat, but I'd rather be eating his homemade chocolate pudding than butter-less popcorn. Have any dairy-free desserts to share? Please do. Please. Otherwise, I'll consider my homegrown lettuce a treat.

ThanksGiveaway Winners

2011-11-28T09:47:00.001-05:00

The winner of the balancing books print by PolkadotStripes is Erin!

Elif will be wearing a cute little spool around her neck, thanks to Karlita's Shop!

The winner of the Alice in Wonderland Novel Purse by Novel Creations is UBee!

Dagan gets to pick out her favorite cupcake from Petit Plat!
(please email me, Dagan)

Kate Giovinco Photography is the winner of this one and only Where's Waldo? star!

The Astorga Crew will be enjoying a $50 gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop! (By the way, the Fat Quarter Shop is having a Monday Cyber sale with 25% off your purchase!!)

And the 4 winners of Dana's Rollie Pollie Pattern are:

Congrats, you lucky winners!

Come back later for a muster of YOUR creations for OUT and one last giveaway!

OUT: Itsy Bitsy Spider with Make It and Love It

2011-11-25T11:55:00.001-05:00

Ashley from Make it and Love it is here today! If you don't know who Ashley is, maybe you just got the internet? She has loads of tutorials that are perfect for those who are new to sewing or experienced seamstresses who want a quick project. Her ideas seem to be never ending! I think what is most admirable about Ashley is that she will see something she likes and figure out how to replicate it, saving money and often times recycling something else that might have just been thrown out-such great qualities to have! Happy to have her as my final guest for Once Upon a Thread, here's Ashley!

Yay..........I love this Once Upon A Thread series that Katy puts on. And was so excited to join in this time around (last time I was days away from popping an 11 pound baby out of my belly!). And wow, all of the projects have been fantastic this time around. Again. How I love this series Katy!

Anyway, I love children's books. And I love being inspired by them. I had about 27 ideas running around in my head but I finally I chose the book The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Kate Toms. The story and song is a popular one......but Kate Toms gives it such a fun spin.

The story line is so silly and the flow is so easy to love. And most likely, you'll giggle through the whole thing.

And what I love about it, is that each image is a scene created with textured fabrics. They're so eye-catching. And darling.

So, of course I fell in love. And then decided to take an image from the book and create a piece of art work out of it.....using some textures from my stash of fabric scraps.

Don't you think it would make a great little addition to a nursery or toddler room? Sit it on top of a dresser or hang it from the wall. Or hey, it would even be cute in the bathroom, hallway, playroom, etc. (Okay, and after I made this one......I decided it would be cute to make 2 more scenes from the book and hang them all together on the wall.)

But really, you could do this with any book and any scene.......

But what a great gift it would be to give someone a book, along with a piece of artwork that corresponds. Anyone making their Christmas gifts this year?

Would you like to create one of your own?

If you want to create a page from The Itsy Bitsy Spider like I did.......here's what I did.
(But keep in mind, you really could do this with any book and just use this as a guide.)

First of all, decide on the size frame and matte you want to use (I bought a frame with a 11x14 opening but the matte is an 8x10 opening).....then cut a piece of burlap that is an inch bigger than the opening of your matte on all sides. Now place the matte on top of the burlap to see how big your opening is and mark with chalk or place pins on each side to use as your guide.

Now sew a few stitches around that edge but about a 1/4 inch in from where the matte would sit....so that you can see the stitches after the matte is in place.

Now, cut out some shapes to create the water spout. Then add a few stitches for detail. (The yellow fabric is duck cloth and the blue is faux leather.)

Now, you could use your sewing machine to stitch each piece on......or use the glue gun. Since this won't be washed or played with, using a glue gun totally works. And is a quick short cut. Place your water spout pieces down and glue in place. (I always placed the matte down over top to see if my placement was good before gluing anything down.)

Then cut out the shapes for your spider, umbrella, and raindrops. I used all different textures and materials. Anything works though.......use up your stash!

Then place your spider down on the burlap and arrange the legs how you'd like them. (I just bent the twine to get the bend in each leg.)

Then lift the body off carefully and glue a foot down to each end. Then place the body down with glue, sealing in the top end of each leg with it.

Now, glue your umbrella down in place.........and then add the top arms and hands, attached to the umbrella. (I tucked the other end of each arm underneath the body fabric.)

Then add eyes, nose, and mouth out of felt.

To finish it off, I stitched out some lettering with my machine (feed dogs down) and glued it to some burlap and then down to the matte. (You could also hand stitch some lettering or print the title off on the computer.)

It certainly makes your book come to life a bit more. And will put a big smile on your face.

Now make another one or two from the book. Or choose another book and make a scene to match.
But have fun...........and enjoy your favorite book scenes inside a frame.
And thanks again Katy for inviting me over! I had so much fun.

What a fantastic way to personalize a child's room with their favorite book! Thank you, Ashley!

ThanksGiveaway: Where's Waldo Star

2011-11-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

To those in the United States celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope you have been kicked out of the kitchen so you can put your feet up while everyone else does dishes. This is the last ThanksGiveaway of the day. So many beautiful things, right?

I asked my parents if they would come up with a star for my Once Upon a Thread series this time around. They said yes, and with those two, you never know what amazing creations are going to arise. They did not disappoint!

The one and only, WHERE'S WALDO STAR! Doesn't it just make you smile?

Now you will never have to wonder where he is again with this hanging in a window.

Sometimes I wonder if my parents have too much fun.

➊ Leave a comment: What's your favorite children's book?

➋ Please include your email address, if it's not linked to your profile, even if it's in the form of: nobigdillblog at gmail dot com, if you're worried about spam. Please, oh, please.

➌ You have until Sunday 11:59 pm EST to get your comment in.

If you're looking for some fresh, simple Christmas decor, check out their shop. Each year we choose a color scheme, my favorite being orange. This year we're going more traditional and doing red. All red. We have big plans for these stars...I'll show you soon.

PS Tomorrow is the final guest! Monday I'll announce winners and have a muster of YOUR projects, so don't forget to add them to the OUT flickr group.

ThanksGiveaway: Fat Quarter Shop

2011-11-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

What would Once Upon a Thread be without a fabric Giveaway?

Want to win a $50 gift certificate for any fabric, orange or otherwise? Go here to enter.

ThanksGiveaway: PetitPlat Miniature Cupcakes

2011-11-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

My kids love the "If You Give..." books. We have several, including the one Delia featured, and they have us read them over and over, especially Azure and Clover. It must be something about getting absolutely everything you ask for that they love ;)

I flipped when I saw the cutest miniature versions of all sorts of sweets, starting with these cupcake pendants and thought of If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. Hmmm. There are five, just exactly how many girls I have. These just might have to be the cutest ever stocking stuffers!

If cupcakes aren't your thing, Stephanie makes a plethora of sweet treats like these donut earrings,

or these scrumptious fruit tarts. Look at that detail!

Today Stephanie is offering one from this set of cupcakes for a very lucky no big dill reader!

➊ Leave a comment: What does your sweet tooth crave the most? (And do you have a recipe to share? ;)

➋ Please include your email address, if it's not linked to your profile, even if it's in the form of: nobigdillblog at gmail dot com, if you're worried about spam. Please, oh, please.

➌ You have until Sunday 11:59 pm EST to get your comment in.

Take a peak at Stephanie's little bakery, PetitPlat, yet another great option for stocking stuffers, and anyone in your life who loves miniature. And the best part? No calorie, no guilt pleasure!

ThanksGiveaway: Novel Creations Book Purse

2011-11-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

I was excited when I found these book purses from Novel Creations (such a clever name, too!) Wouldn't you love to be out and about with one of these on your arm?

Karen creates these and has a variety of novels, depending on what kind of reader you happen to be.

A little Jane Eyre?

Sweet, beloved Anne?

What woman hasn't read this.

Or how about The Chronicles of Narnia--I'm loving the ice handle!

Today Karen is giving away this charming edition of Alice in Wonderland! A statement accessory indeed!

➊ What's your favorite classic book?

➋ Please include your email address, if it's not linked to your profile, even if it's in the form of email at gmail dot com, if you're worried about spam. Please, oh, please.

➌ You have until Sunday 11:59 pm EST to get your comment in.

➍ Eligible to US residents only, please.

ThanksGiveaway: Rollie Pollie Pattern Giveaway

2011-11-24T12:01:00.003-05:00

I love deadlines. I need one looming over my head to really be productive, which is why I always love Once Upon a Thread. I have all these books with ideas and often they never have a chance to actually be created because, well, you know how life gets in the way.

I've wanted to make Dana's (MADE) Rollie Pollie pattern for many months and finally had that deadline grinning it's wily teeth at me. In fact I made not just one, but two!

(do you like our make-shift fire? it was in the 80s this day!)

But with that procrastination that often holds hands with my deadlines, I didn't have enough filler for both, and didn't have time to order some more.

We don't have very much furniture in our house, but we love to curl up every night with our books.

Often the whole width of the fireplace is filled with library books to choose from. We probably keep the library in business with all the late fees we tend to pay.

So I dreamed of having a Rollie Pollie for the kids to enjoy their literary treasures. Mighty comfy, wouldn't you say? I think I might have to make 2 jumbo ones for Ryan and me.

Want to make your very own Rollie Pollie? Dana is generously offering 4 of her patterns to no big dill readers!

➊ Leave a comment: Where do you prefer to do your reading?

➋ Please include your email address, if it's not linked to your profile, even if it's in the form of: nobigdillblog at gmail dot com, if you're worried about spam. Please, oh, please.

➌ You have until Sunday 11:59 pm EST to get your comment in.

Of course you can always just buy Dana's pattern, which includes two sizes! Her instructions are filled with color photos and easily assembled pattern pieces you print at home.

ThanksGiveaway: Karlita Spool Necklace

2011-11-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

Miniature sewing paraphernalia. Need I say more?

Well, if I do, this little beauty comes from Karlita's shop. She not only carries this seamstresses necklace, but she makes rings, scarves as well as other jewelry designs, coming all the way from Belgium.

The chain is sterling silver, and she weaves a bit of color into it for an added pop.

I would, of course, choose orange. But I know there are other colors out there, too. Sigh. That just makes orange even more beautiful, don't you think?

➊ What color of spool would you choose? Is that the color that is usually threaded in your machine?

➋ Please include your email address, if it's not linked to your profile, even if it's in the form of email at gmail dot com, if you're worried about spam. Please, oh, please.

➌ You have until Sunday 11:59 pm EST to get your comment in.

Are you thinking of stocking stuffers? These would make great ones!