7.29.2011

Happy Moment #34: A New Quilt in the Wash!

A Friday ritual with Soulemama.  A single photo (or a few) - no words - capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary, happy moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments too!




“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”
~Omar Khayyam

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

7.28.2011

More Sammy Firsts!

Sammy is officially three months old now, which signalled our visit to the vet last week.  Sammy has been nothing but fantastic for the vet so, I didn't really have any concerns leading up to the big day.  Shot day.


I pulled up to the vet and he was outside speaking with a handyman.  He waved hello as we passed.  I got out of the car and he greeted me asking how things have been.  I said just fine and went to pull Sammy out of the car, as she is riding in the backseat now -- big girl style.  She was a total squirm-worm upon seeing the vet to the point that I wasn't sure if I would be able to hold on to her and my car keys. 

As a matter of helping, the vet came over and offered to hold Sammy for me while I got my things together. 

And that's when it happened. 

Sammy peed all over him. 

Total laughter.  Total embarrassment.  Ugg. Puppies!

Luckily, our vet has a good sense of humor (thankgoodness!) and Sammy now has completed her puppy shots (for the most part... I think we go back to the vet in a month for a second shot of lyme and a dystemper booster).  This means she can now officially leave the house and go explore the world!  As you can imagine it's been an exciting week of gaining freedom and starting to see the world in Sammy-land!

Sammy's First Walk to the Lake

I am so excited to be getting back to morning/evening walks with the pups.  Katie and I had really made a habit of it even throughout the winter.  Here is Katie, smitten to be out an a walk.


So, how did Sammy's first pack walk go?  Pretty good I'd say.  We have practiced walking on the leash this whole time so she was pretty good at not getting too tangled.  Although, I have to admit I still figuring out the whole walking two dogs and taking a photo at the same time thing.   


My favorite moment was when we finally rounded the tree line so that she could see the lake for the first time.  She just stopped and you could tell she was just taking the whole thing in.  Big eyes.  Nose sniffing. 

Makes me think she was thinking something like, "WOW, that is the biggest bowl of dog water I have ever seen!"

Sammy's First Dunk in the Lake

I took them both down to dog beach.  Nice hot day, means they get to go for a swim or a dunk if they are in the mood.  Sammy walked up to the edge of the lake and respectfully waited.  I splashed my hands in the water to show her that she is welcome to hop in and play. 

She didn't ask twice.


 We even saw a tiny frog!


Sammy's and Katie Share a Bone

Katie and Sammy are really starting to show how much they have bonded over the last few weeks.  Here is a good example.  For the most part bones in the house mean one of the dogs has the bone and the other is trying to get it. 

But, imagine my surprise when I turn around in my office chair to see this.  They were quiet.  They were sharing.  My heart melted.  I guess they really do like each other!! 


Sammy's Long Car Ride to Grandma and Grandpa's

Sammy has had lots of visitors, but to this point she has only been in the house she was born in, at our house, and at the vet (10 minutes away)

So, it was another big moment when I decided to take her to Grandma's house (silly, I know.... but my Mom and Dad loved meeting her!  After all she is their grand dog-gther).  Here she is tuckered out, laying down like an angel on the ride home.


Oh, and I almost forgot.  She also stood up on her hind legs to look out the back window and both side windows.  I got to see some huge smiles from adults and kids alike, passing in their cars, as they saw her in one of the windows.  She brought lots of smiles that day!

And occasionally she rides like this standing up in her travel bucket looking out the front.  This is the view over my shoulder.  So darn cute!


It's been a great summer and things couldn't feel more complete as I hang out with these two.  My gals.  My partners in crime!  Couldn't you just kiss those faces!!  If you want I'll give them a smooch for ya!


日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan 

7.27.2011

Snuck in Successful Sewing Sessions

I snuck in some small amounts of sewing time over the last two weeks.  Here is a check on what is on my sewing table.

--ONGOING PROJECTS--

X Marks the Spot {thinking now, I may keep the name}

The front has been pieced for a few weeks now and it was time to work on creating a back.  I didn't have anything planned out, so I just grabbed the stack of scraps I had accumulated and thought I would see what developed.


Here is where I am with it now.  Some large pieces are laid out and starting to fill in the backing.  I haven't quite had that ahh-ha! moment where I know it the way I want it, but I feel close. 


Happy Garden (king sized)
 
I made the binding and laid it along the edge of the quilt to see again what it will look like.  It's the perfect choice!
 
 
I also wanted to share with you one of the ways I roll my binding to keep it from getting wrinkled. 
 
Start with an empty thread spool.  Make your binding.  Then get a small piece of tape.  Secure one end of the binding onto the spool with the tape.  And then begin to wind the binding around the spool.


Yup, simple as that!  The extra bonus part is that as you are working to attach the binding to the quilt it unrolls very nicely... doesn't get tangled... and just over all makes me feel more like I know what I'm doing!


I have also attached the binding to the front of the quilt... all the way around.  Have I mentioned lately that is quilt is gigantic?  Last thing is to attach the binding now to the back. 

I am debating on this one... I could either hand or machine stitch it.  By hand with have a nicer finish, but will take forever; which may be ok as the weather cools off and I would want to snuggle under it as I work.  But, on the other hand I want to get this one finished so I can wash it already and see what the quilting wrinkles up like.

My dilemma... to hand or machine sew the binding to the back?  What do you think?
 
--STALLED--
 
I am looking froward to getting back to this one, but decided I needed a finish, so this one was put aside. 
 

Crewel Spring Flowers
Nada -- poor pretty flowers.

Katie Fiber Art
No action here.

You Can Sew-a-thon!!
You haven't heard of it??... check it out here or read about our first project (Strawberry Pincushion).
 
This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats 
Last WiP Wednesday Total: 6
New Projects: 0 (I have been so good to try and focus on what I already have going)
Finished Projects: 0
Total WiP's: 6 (same as last time)

---Linking to W.I.P. Wednesday with Lee at Freshly Pieced---

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

7.26.2011

Twin Fawns Under the Apple Trees

We have no shortage of wildlife in our front/back yards.  Over the weekend we were treated to a cute show of two fawns bedding down in our front lawn under the apple trees. 

Right by the road I might add. 

In plain sight

And I bet they might have even eaten a few of the apples *sigh*

Aside from always needing to check if there are deer nearby before letting the pups out... they are a wonderful sight! 

See if you can spot them!


And because I know that is still not nearly enough fawn photos (not to be confused with fan photos), here is a quick video of one of the fawns laying down. 

Yes, it's that stinking cute!

Ignore Project Runway re-runs in the background.

And ignore the Sammy yip.

And enjoy!


Made my day.  Hope brings a smile to you as well! 

Tomorrow we talk sewing again! 

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

7.23.2011

Friday Night Sew-In was AWESOME!

It was hot and late, but so fantastic to get back behind the sewing machine with a little purpose.

Here is what I was starting on.  Any guesses?


For those of you who said pillow.. Yup!  For those of you who said Sprocket Pillow -- exactly!  I've had this on my want to do list for way to long and it was time to build some circle sewing confidence.  (Thank you Cluck Cluck Sew for putting together such a great tutorial!!)

For those of you who have already noticed... yup, there is an error in these first two pictures.  Sigh.

Take a closer look.


I had forgotten to put the two right sides together.  Silly-heat-got-the-best-of-me sewing mistake.  

Thankfully, I caught it before I got all the way around the circle.  It came out fairly easy and the rest just flew together!


The button was the next most challenging part, but I couldn't be happier with the results.  And I can see making more in the future.  This is the large size in case you are wondering.

Here is a look at the back.  Great way to use a favorite fat quarter!


My brown flowers on the sides.


I was even able to feature a cupcake.  Too cool!!


And that was enough accomplished for me to retire to bed with the biggest smile.  Satisfaction!!


Hope you also had a great night whether you were sewing or doing something else.

Also linking to Fabric Tuesday at Quiltstory... come see all the other great projects brewing!


Fresh Poppy Design


日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

7.22.2011

Let's Catch Up, shall we?

I have been living in the glorious moments of all that has happened this past weekend and week.  Makes me really smile to think of all the things that surrounded me.  Pure joy.  Let's take a look.

I got an amazing giftie in the mail.  Chock full of thoughtful gift tags, cupcake keyring, beautiful fabric, and a scarf (which I tied on to my handbag).  Thank you again to the lovely Seaweed and Raine!

And on a separate, but related note have you seen her Sunshine Mail Swap yet?  Yup, it's every bit as delightful as it sounds.  I'm in.. hope to see you there!



I managed to make a bunch of... you guessed it... red binding!


I had a lot of help attaching the red binding. 


My (little) brother got married.  Yes.  Married.  As in even more of a real grown up.  Crazy stuff.  And my new Sister in Law is fantastic.  They made the most adorable bride and groom... threw a crazy fun party... and I can't wish them more love for a happy ever after!


I even made a new friend at the wedding.  Tell me you could pass up a picture with the hedgehog?


I also finally got to see the water/rock/light center piece my brother designed and has been talking about for months.  Well worth the wait.


Weddings mean families come together.  And I got to see family I hadn't see in six years.  Yes.  Six.  Too totally long. 


I've been eating dinner straight from the garden.  Lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, jalapenos, basil, cilantro.  Eating like a rabbit suits me well and I am so proud to be able to 'harvest' dinner!


I have chased this one around the yard.  A. Lot! 

She is starting to test her limits now at three months.  And weighted in recently at almost 17 pounds.  I'm not going to be able to sling her under my arm shortly.  Uggg.. what a cute little stinker!


Overall, I think we are all enjoying happiness in the moment.  I get these grins nearly all the time right now.  Happiness must really be contagious.  We certainly all have it!





Last thought before I shove off -- I am participating in July's Friday Night Sew In tonight.  Yes, braving the heat in my non-AC sewing room.  Can't wait to show you what's on my sewing machine tonight. 


Handmade by Heidi


Hope you are doing well and staying cool if you are fighting off the same heat wave we are getting here in NY.  See you in the morning!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan
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