Mixed thoughts

I can't wait for September! August has been a mixed bag, but mostly not nice. Near the top of the naughty list, someone stole the portable dvd's from our truck right after we got back from vacation. The day after that my hubby got rust stuck in his left eyeball. It took two trips to get pieces removed, and more discomfort, and now I think he is feeling better. No more red eyeball. At least he wore his safety goggles the next time he went out into the garage.

Vacation was the highlight of the month, and hearing baby girl say her name for the first time, and then repeating every word I gave her to try. So exciting! And our little guy heads back to preschool after this week is over. So glad he will have his buddy in his class again this year & another friend from our playgroup who will be new to the class.

I am on fabric overload. I really have to quit shopping and get to sewing. Our little, independent fabric shop just got in some of Sandi Henderson's Farmer's Market and a few of Michael Miller's first sight fabrics... and they reorganized to fit better all the stuff they are getting in. I love it when I see new stuff there, especially when it's one of my favorites. The owner just turned 90 yesterday, I guess they had a big party for her. I hope she had a great day.

I posted a pic of a birdie that was out on the feeder a few weeks ago. I'm not sure what he is, but I'm sure my aunt will know. I'll guess a red headed cowbird or something, I'm sure I'm way off base, I don't even know if that is a real bird but it sounds familiar. =) I don't have much for pics right now as I've been spending all my time reading everyone else's blogs, and learning about Stephanie, and printing out HB's pincushion tute and catching up on the photos in the Otto flickr pool. Not much time for sewing when I keep distracting myself.

Back Home

We are back from vacation. This was the annual family trip with my husband's family. A whole week of walking down to the lake to play and fish, and watch the hummingbirds. Nice sunsets, nasty little mosquitos. The kids had a wonderful time swimming in the warm waters of Kentucky. Normally we go to northern Minnesota, so there is a big difference in how the water feels. They had a neat pirate ship playhouse for the kids. I wondered if it was Amish made since there are communities not far from there. Went to Dairy Queen, too... =)
While they were resting, I made a little pillowcase for A. (I couldn't take my machine, so I took some supplies and my Ottobres.) She loves bunnies, and I just got this cute yellow fabric before we left. I thought maybe I'd use it for the Misty skirt, but it was a perfect choice for this project. I'd like to make a bed sheet to go with it, so that's on my list.
I spent last night getting laundry sorted and oiling my sewing machine. I cleaned out a small amount of dust, a button, and a piece of construction paper that a certain little boy put in there a long time ago. Then I moved on to the serger. I oiled it about two weeks ago and let it sit, but last night I could still barely move the wheel by hand. It was slightly better, but I don't feel ready to tear it apart and oil the entire inside. I have never sewn with it, so I'd like to know how it's suppose to feel. So, I'll be sure to oil it on a regular schedule in the future. For now, I'll be waiting a few weeks to get it back. I'm sure I have plenty of other things to finish up. Ta ta.

Weekend excursion

Weekend finds, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

This past weekend I went with my mom & grandma to a new (to us) quilt shop. I found some Erin McMorris fabric there. They didn't have much, but I was happy to find some just for me. I *love* the blue/green flower one, it is lighter in the center and gets darker towards the edges. It reminds me of some of the border prints that I have.
Then I found a fat quarter of the cutest bunny print. It has bears too, but I like the bunny. My dd loves bunnies, and I thought that I could work this into something for her. First I thought clothing, then I thought I could learn to make a quilt, or a doll quilt.
...... then I went to a quilt shop near me today and they have a whole room of thimbleberries fabrics. I bought a pattern & kit that includes the bunny & bear panel. So now I have committed myself to making her a quilt. Committed myself being the operative words. =)
Now, the only thing is, that the kit doesn't incorporate the fat quarter I like so much. So, maybe it will be a matching pillow case or dolly quilt.
I don't know how to make a quilt, so this will be an adventure.
So the weekend excursion led me to a find today, but I keep telling myself, I don't feel too guilty as long as I keep sewing. I don't want to accumulate fabric that doesn't get used. Whew.

Too young to drive

My little guy decided that he needed his own driver's license.
He said he needs it before vacation... "Remember, mom, last year I helped Daddy drive the boat, so I need my own license, so I can drive." BTW, his driving consisted of mind spinning donuts with the occasional loop out... fun for all.
A while back I had made him some simple cards to color and glue on for Valentine's day, (giveouts for class). So, I thought I'd take the same approach. I think some form of simple stationery that he can personalize is what appeals to him.
So, if you have a budding driver, visit my flicker and download a sheet with 6 licenses and print it out on some cardstock. Your child can draw in their own face, and maybe you can get them to practice their name and address.... ;)