Traci’s Baby Quilt

Several posts have referred to the busy-ness of life right now and here’s one of those projects that have been a work in progress and finally accomplished because of that…now mind you the heir-apparent to this cuddly quilt, Lawson, was three months old when I finally got it done, but still, he can enjoy it for a considerable amount of time, so a little grace here eh?!

Traci's-Quilt

If I remember right the dimensions of the finished quilt are something like 72 x 54.

A couple of things I learned on this project that will benefit the next one are:

1.)  Start early!  A project like this needs lots more time than you think!
(Doesn’t everything come to think of it?)
2.) Don’t try to quilt following seam lines when you haven’t sewn one in
how many years?? Even though 90% of all those corners matched
really well, the 10% that didn’t quite match up were pretty
conspicuous when quilting in the straight lines…diagonal lines or
shapes within the squares would have been much preferred.
3.) No matter what the directions call for, always buy ‘EXTRA’ lengths of
fabric because when you need more and go back to the store, guess
what?…they’re sold out! Trying to match a fabric with what you’ve
previously bought is time consuming and difficult and can affect the
overall color scheme of the whole project.

Traci has worked for my sweet hubby for nine great years and we have watched her grow and mature and now she and her husband Jason are parents of a sweet little boy that they adopted. Just like our son Brandon, I know he will fill a special place in their hearts and lives with much love and joy that come with all children. If others should come, they too will have their special places…that’s why God made the hearts of moms and dads like stretch pants…one size fits ALL! LOL!

I hope you’re having a wonderful month, thanks for stopping by!
Katherine

Looking forward to a New Year and a New Look!

With everyone’s budgets being stretched to the max lately, here’s an easy affordable way to brighten up your home and create that warm unique look just for you, yet won’t break your bank:

Project_Decor_Stencils_CheepTalk

Discover the versatility of Stampin’ UP! Definitely Decorative stencils. When you want to add the perfect touch to your home or office, look no further than the Definitely Decorative products. We offer a wide variety of images for every room or occasion. You can create images that are soft and subtle, bold and bright, or anything in between.

For a closer look at the darling Cheep Talk stencils (set of 10 stencils) simply follow the link:  Definitely Decorative

For more home decor ideas check our  Fall-Winter 2009 Definitely Decorative catalog.

Thanks for stopping in and have a great weekend!

Katherine

Making Memories…

The other day, Tuesday in fact,  my dear friend Barbie and I enjoyed a frantic time of running around Waco, finishing up errands, fixing mishaps, and generally “I can’t believe we’re ever going to get on the road” kind of day as we were trying to leave town for our monthly girls-day-out Tudor Rose Sampler Guild meeting in the Dallas-Ft Worth area.  Now keep in mind we usually leave around 9:30-10:00ish for a day of shopping and lunch followed by fun, sharing,  and stitching a bit at guild that evening and returning home around 11:00.

This month however we were both stressed by the busy-ness of our lives and, to make matters worse, we had decided to participate in the Christmas Ornament exchange at guild, which meant stitching and finishing an ornament suitable for peer review at guild.

We did finally make it to guild and at the end of the day we had a wonderful trip as usual.  I was very delighted to end up with an ornament that complimented a piece I had stitched back in 2001 for Christmas that year.

2009-TRSG-Christmas-Ornamen

You can see how the two go together so well.  I’m looking for one of those curvey stands to hang the ornament from so I can keep the two of them together.

All-in-all the experience has taught me that I need to make that extra effort to de-stress my life and, maybe plan things out a little better, and possibly lower my expectations of what I can get accomplished in a given time frame.  I’m hoping to get a picture of the ornament that I created from the sweet gal who ended up with it…since I forgot to take a picture before I wrapped it!!!

Oh well, in spite of our protestations to the contrary, life goes on!  I hope you’re going to have a great weekend and remember to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, the music, and the crispness in the air, the shining faces of the children.  But,  remember most of all to tell them of the story of the One who made it all possible!

Blessings to you for stopping by!

Katherine

Another ‘Season’

When it comes to SPORTS…I don’t think there is ever a time that you’re not in some ‘SEASON’ or other.  For instance,  Football Season ended on a Friday with a Final/Last game and Basketball SEASON began the following Monday with practice and a FIRST game on Tuesday!  2009-11-24-Basketball

It was  a lot of fun to watch the shifting of gears from an outdoor field, pads, helmets, gloves,  and cleats; to tennis shoes, gym shorts, and tee-shirts.  Colin gets a lot less ‘playing time’ in basketball since this is his first season to participate, but he’s learning the ropes quickly, or should I say ‘hoops’.  A bit reluctant initially, but I think he’s warming to the sport and feeling more comfortable on the court with each practice and game.

We are pleased that Colin is with most of the guys from the Live Oak Classical Academy football team and Coach Barker is continuing his shepherding of them.  It’s a great peer group of  Christian young men in training!

It’s so important during the High School years that your children have the ‘right’ friends in their peer group who can encourage each other in their faith and help hold each other accountable for their behavior;  on the field, on the court, or on the bus enroute, or just hanging out with each other.  We are thankful that Colin has the opportunity for this positive influence and experience to help him on the road to adulthood.

I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

thanks for stopping by!  Katherine