Create Studio's Get Out and Play Spring Giveaway

Look what CREATE STUDIO is giving away! I need this! I am working on creating an outdoor play space for Noodlebug so that we can spend lots of time outside.  He loves being outdoors and I could use the encouragement to get my own bum off the couch.

To get in on the giveaway fun, go here.

Of course, I'M going to win!  (wink)

Getting Addicted to DIY Dish

There is a new weekly mini-webcast show called DIY Dish that has the greatest and easiest craft projects.  The first show demonstrated how to make easy and fast felt pincushions along with 2-minute rosettes to decorate them with.  The second show demonstrated how to make decorative straight-pins for the pincushions as well as faux-papier-mache Easter eggs. Can't wait to see what next week's episode will have!!!

Find the DIY Dish here.

Victory is Mine!!!

I finally finished the rag quilt!!!



TA-DA!!!!

I had lots of trouble cutting the squares uniformly so there are some mistakes. Overall, it looks pretty good for a first effort. Noodlebug doesn't mind the mistakes.

(We call this the Sesame Street stare)

Easter Tutorials

I just found these two adorable Easter-themed tutorials and I am dying to try them.  After I finish the never-ending rag quilt of course!

Dana's PEEPS Garland

Find the tutorial here.

(photo borrowed from and owned by Dana of MADE)

The Purl Bee's Lamb Pillow

Find the tutorial here.

(photo borrowed from and owned by The Purl Bee)

Isn't the blogging world just wonderful? I'm going to run over to Joann's on my lunch break!

Update

I had Spring Break last week and we went to spend it in the snow. My friend Kim and her family generously lent us their vacation home for a few days and we had a great time.  It was Noodlebug's first experience with snow and he wasn't too sure about it.

I did a little work on my 39 squares sampler but I have been lax in photographing it.  I will probably finish Noodlebug's rag quilt today. It has been a learning experience.  We'll see how the finished product looks.  I am back at work and trying to catch up with e-mail and all the little things I didn't do while gone.  Before I left, I sold my first item on eBay. I was so excited until I found out today that my buyer never received the item. I mailed it the day after she bought it.  I'm worried that I will end up having to refund her money without getting the item back. That would really stink. I think my husband has the delivery confirmation info so I will follow up with him today.  Gosh. It SEEMED like a good idea.

Hope you are all having a good week!

Crown and Crumpet Birthday Party

I pulled it off! The event was a big success!  We loved the Crown and Crumpet and can't wait to go back.  A few photos with more to come---

The chair for the Birthday Queen:

My lovely friend Carmen:

The birthday girl:

Can You Keep a Secret?

Sunday is my mother's 65th birthday.  She expressed some interest in having a tea party at local tea room.  I decided to up the ante.  She thinks we will be at the local tea room but....we will meet our friends in front of our local tea room and then a limo will pick us up to take us to San Francisco to have tea at the CROWN AND CRUMPET!!!  I recently read about this little jewel on the Polka Dot Pixie's blog and decided I had to try it.  All the reviews I have read are great!  I handmade a special crown for Mom and the rest of us will wear little rhinestone tiaras.  I am so excited and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all will go well.  I won't be around much this week as I will be busy planning this event but I hope to have photos for you next week.

Next week, I will be furloughed for a week for Spring Break. It will be hard not having a paycheck for that week but I look forward to spending some much-needed time with my family.  Posting will be sporadic but I'm hoping to finish Noodlebug's rag quilt and do so more work on my 39 Squares project!  I'll be checking in with all your blogs!!!

(photo owned by and borrowed from MADE BY GIRL where you can see more photos of the Crown and Crumpet)

Sock Lamb

My bi-monthly craft club met yesterday and we made sock and glove animals using patterns from this book.  I made Noodlebug a lamb from an old pair of athletic socks. Not bad for a first effort.  We'll be meeting again in May when we will be making collages.

Squares Five and Six

I don't know why this is sideways. I'll try to fix it later.

Squares Three and Four

My first attempt at a lazy daisy and a raincloud to mimic what I saw outside my office window today:

Want to Play?

It has been far too long since I have participated in a swap. This one looks great!!!

Sign up here.

Squares One and Two

I have decided to do 35 squares in Amy Powers' 39 Square stitchalong.  (in honor of my impending 35th birthday)

My theme is Spring.

Here is my first square:

One French knot is more pronounced than the other so my bunny looks a little wild-eyed.

Here is Square Two:

Considering the fact that I have never ever embroidered before, I think I'm doing okay.

Inspire Co. Stitchalong

The fabulous Amy of Inspire Co is hosting an embroidery stitchalong in honor of her upcoming birthday. She has created a dedicated blog for this endeavor with a different square for each day for 39 days.  Since I have been wanting to play with embroidery, I thought I would give it a shot.  Guess I better head to the store today to pick up supplies!  Join in on the fun!!!