Off the Cuff

I went shopping and was very uninspired.  I needed a birthday gift for a 10 y/o girlfriend of my daughter.
I had read a blog yesterday (for the life of me I cannot remember where) about the feeling of being overwhelmed by received gifts and the alternatives.

The words of the post sounded like the tattoo of a drum, 'No, trash, No trash, No trash', I could not find what I was looking for at the store so I returned home a bit disgruntled.  I did not want to saddle another mom with crap disguised as a gift.  I also did not want to look as if I had put no effort into the gift and just give cash.  An idea bloomed as I drove back to the house.


I had just enough time to whip up a child's wrist wallet.  Christie, a blogger I follow had a great tutorial here on lunch money wallets.  Very easy and well photoed.  

Here is my little wallet, and it did not take any time at all.  I will be making more for my kiddos.



A box, homemade card and a little tissue and we were ready to go.

Baby Gift - Boy

Finally got my neighbor's baby gift done.  The baby is 2 weeks old and just haven't walked across the street, I just kept making more nick-knacks for her new one.

 On top is the Spit Cloth/Changing Pad Cover then a self bound Flannel Receiving Blanket and then with scraps I made a cute little baby sized rag quilt.

Wrapped it up in a bow and put it in a baby bath.

Made up a quick little card.  I loved the effect of the colors matching, kinda of unintentional.


Then I found a cute little delivery boy to help me walk it across the street.  Miller felt like such a big boy, he could just barely handle the odd shaped package.  So Adorable.

Independence Day

Worked on several projects and finished one today.  

First, I started a new quilt - a windswept 4 patch inspired by Debbie Gibson in her BOM on Craftsy.  The fabric pattern I am using is "A Walk in the Woods" by Aneela Hoey and a pale pink I had in my stash.

I pinned all my squares in grid, I am horrible getting my pieces from the planning area to my machine then sewing them in order.  I saw someone using this grid and it made sense to me and is working until my assistant begins to help.  Yes, here he is below re-pinning all my squares.

Too cute to scold, he wants to help so bad, he even sat down at my backup machine and tried to sew while I was piecing.


My second project was off Riley Blake's blog.  This fish is too adorable for me to put it off.  I assure you that Riley's was much prettier than my first attempt but my kiddos loved it.  HERE is the tutorial and the pretty photos, of when a professional takes her hand to the pattern.


Third I settled down in front of the television and worked on my 'Grandmother's Garden' quilt top.  I will probably be a granny by the time I am finished but it is calming work.

 Just watching the tube, listening to the fireworks it is a nice end to a quick day.

Happy Independence Day.

 Thank you to all those who sacrifice to keep us the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Fabric Boxes

 I needed a napkin holder that could be versatile and made from things on hand.  We normally use paper towels, cloth towels but rarely napkins.  I hate that they get spread all over the kitchen and breakfast room.

So, I browsed around and found an old post of Christina's over at The Sometimes Crafter she gives a easily followed tutorial for fabric boxes.

Looks like the size will work out perfect and when the napkins are gone I can use it for so many other things.  I think I will just have to try to make a bunch, just love them.  It took me longer to pick out the fabric than it did to make the box.