DOWNY & QUILTS FOR KIDS

Did you know that Downy Touch of Comfort has teamed up with Quilts for Kids? (apparently this is old news but I just heard about it!)

Quilts for Kids is a fabulous program that strives to provide comfort (through quilts) for children in hospitals around the US.  I recently got in touch with my local chapter to find out what I can do to help.  It is much easier to help than I thought.  I made a simple request for a quilt kit (yep, a free kit) and within a couple of weeks I received a package full of precut fabric and instructions on how to complete a 4-patch quilt.  All I have to do is sew it up, grab some batting, quilt, bind & mail back within 4-6 weeks. It even comes with a quilt label.  Super simple!

I love what these quilts represent and look forward to getting it done.  I have also picked some neglected fabrics from my own stash in hopes to get a quilt done for Katie's 100 Quilts for Kids.  Also, a wonderful charitable foundation. 

If you have a sewing machine and a little free time or some fabric hiding in a closet somewhere begging to be used please consider contributing to of these great causes.  If you don't have time to sew but have some fabric they will happily accept it.  Every child deserves some comfort.

Smiles~Beth

BIRTHDAYS & BASEBALL

My apologies for the long absence.  The last 3 weeks have been filled with 3 birthdays and 30 baseball games, yep 30!!

I am now 36 and have a 12-year old son. All I can say is WOW!  I am totally amazed by the wonderful young man my Nathan is becoming (and that I am old enough to be his mother...ha!!!).  He is one of the kindest people I know.  I love that he asks me how my day is EVERY DAY and still gives me hugs without having to ask for them.  He makes me smile every day and I am so very proud of him. Happy Birthday Angel!!!

I also want to wish one of the most beautiful, giving, strong women I know, my Mom, a very Happy Birthday! Love you lots!

As you have probably figured out I haven't gotten much sewing done.  I did manage sewing up all of my blocks for Carin @ Margaret's Hope Chest.  (You can read my original blog post here)

Thankfully the deadline for these blocks was extended to the end of July so these little pretties won't be late.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!!
Smiles~Beth

MARGARET'S HOPE CHEST...I HELPED, CAN YOU?

While reading one of my favorite blogs yesterday I found myself inspired (and not in the usual way).   Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts has teamed up with Carin @ Margaret's Hope Chest to help donate quilts to children.  How wonderful is that?!?! 

Amanda Jean designed a super simple quilt block that anyone could make (seriously, if you can sew short straight lines, you CAN make this block...no matter your sewing skill level).  I knew right away that I wanted to help and was instantly rummaging through my stash to find fabric. I quickly had 18 blocks cut out.

I am hoping to get all of these sewn up and sent off by the end of the week. 

If you would like to help put a smile on a child's face, you may find out how you can here.  I would be happy to provide the fabric if you live close by :)

Smiles~Beth



FAMILY PICTURES

We had family pictures taken not too long ago and thought I would share them here.  They were taken by the ever so talented April Yost of A Yost Photography.  I can't say enough good things about April.  She was amazing from the very beginning.  From working with me & our complicated schedule to calming me down when I realized we forgot the middle monster's orange tie to dancing while taking the photos to get just the right look from the boys to checking in to make sure I received our order ok.  And the pictures, well, they speak for themselves.

A big thanks to April for capturing these beautiful moments for us.  If you live in the Kansas City metro area I strongly recommend her for your next photo shoot.

A Yost Photography

(This is my personal opinion & I have not been compensated in any way)

Smiles~Beth

SMALL PROJECTS LINK UP

I meant to get this posted before our Orlando trip, oops. I promise all projects were completed in May :)

When Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts posted her Small Projects Sew Along I jumped on board right away.  It turns out May was a little busier than I anticipated so I didn't get as many things crossed off my list as I wanted, oh well. 

1. Pincusion (for me)

2. Fabric trashbag for car (2)

3. Kindergarten Grad shirts (2)

4. Cut fabric for Nathan's quilt

5. Pillowcase for Sam

6. Mickey Mouse shirts for Disney (17!!!)

7. Skirt (for me)

8. Phone holder for when it is charging

9. Finish binding on Chrysalis DP quilt

10. Bind Dr. Seuss quilt

11. Zip pouch for special someone

12. Cape

13. Pillows for new couch

14. Money cuff (3)

15. Replace straps on Kristine's dress

16. Get t~shirt quilt top complete

17. Fix Nathan's jammies

18. Make 4 Granny Square blocks (I am SO behind!!!)

19. Cut solid rectangles for I Spy quilt

20. Table runner for kitchen table
21. Luggage tag
22. Pillowcase for Adam
23. Sleeveless bow shirt (for me)

1.  Pin cushion

Sprocket Pin Cushion Tutorial from Cluck Cluck Sew

3. Kindergarten Grad shirts

True color in the pic below.



Adam and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Andrews



4. Cut Fabric for Nathan's quilt

6. 17 Disney shirts

I don't have a picture of all 17 of us together but most of the group is in the pic below...see how easy we are to spot ;)  We were quite the bunch.





9. Finished binding on DP Chrysalis Quilt

10. Bind Dr. Seuss Quilt

15. Fix straps on dress
The original straps were thin and broke after several washings.  I chose to braid strips of kona cotton together for the new ones and then added a little elastic at the end to ensure a good fit over the shoulders.

19. Solid rectangles for I Spy quilt

 

I am hoping to get a few more crossed off before the end of June but not putting any pressure on myself.  Summer break is in full swing along with baseball season so sewing time is limited. You can see other bloggers Small Project Sew along finishes here.

 

Smiles~Beth

SMS GIVEAWAY DAY WINNER!

So sorry for the late announcement.  We had a very busy weekend of baseball that consisted of 9 baseball games (6 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie and a trophy!).  Needless to say, we all felt like this by the end of the last game.

Add caption

I want to thank everyone who entered and especially my new follwers!  Although I wasn't able to respond to most of the comments I did read every single one.  I am surprised (and jealous!!!) to know that so so many of you have been to Italy.  My favorite was to Cabo San Lucas a couple of years ago.  It was the first trip the hubs and I had been on alone since our honeymoon (10 years prior)!!  I have a feeling that our upcoming trip to Orlando (Disney, Universal Studios & Sea World here we come!!) with my side of the family will take over the #1 slot though ;)  Ok, now for the winner!!

It's Valerie!!!!

Valerie said...

LOL I wish I had a vacation story from some place exotic, alas. My favourite vacation was to Tadoussac, in Quebec. We went for 4 days, an anniversary getaway. It's supposed to be a whale-watching mecca, but the whales didn't get the memo and we saw zero of them. But we did stay in a charming B&B, went for hikes through the woods and brought home a very charming souvenir who showed up 9 months later :)

May 21, 2012 10:32 AM

Congrats!!!  I have already sent you an e-mail.  You can expect your goodies soon!

Smiles~Beth

DR SEUSS QUILT~FINISHED!!

Okay, so some of you already know that I finished my Dr. Seuss quilt last week but I said I would post better pics of it so here they are.  Plus, it is just so darn fun & colorful I couldn't help but post about it again. It is already a favorite in our house :)

 

I used just about every print from the Celebrate Seuss line by Robert Kaufman.  I also threw a Lorax print or two in there.  Each wonky block measures roughly 10 1/4" square.  (You can find my wonky block tutorial here).

For the back I cut up a panel from the same line & bordered each scene with coordinating fabric.  I used Kona cotton by Robert Kaufman in Turquoise, Snow and a red from my stash to help showcase these adorable snippets.  I may just like the back more than the front!

 I used a black & white stripe for the binding (purchased at Hobby Lobby).  I decided to machine stitch the binding onto the front for this one.  Knowing it is going to get alot of use by my 3 monsters I figured that would be best.

I love how this one turned out. It is truly a quilt for both the young and old in our house. 

One last picture of one of my favorite blocks.

A big thanks to my neighbors for letting me borrow their swingset for these fun photos :)

Hope you have a splendid day!

Smiles~Beth