Mendocino Mermaids

Did any of you guess what I was up to? I am totally going to blame Jan she showed an awesome pouch that she received in a swap and I was super jealous (she even named the post- Jealous?- how did she know)! Then Mum sent me a pin that linked to this embroidery. So when we came upon this frame and Mum asked me what I was going to do with it. I was all 'I am thinking of doing an embroidery...' mermaids never crossed my mind and when she mentioned it (DUH!) we both knew that had to be it. 

Please excuse the photos I tried really hard but it was super difficult to get even these photos- I'll try to get better ones at some point but I couldn't wait any longer to show you guys!

The opening on the frame is 16" so these are very large-compared to the originals. 

I did a mix of the two inspiration embroideries and then added my own touches. The solid color of the tails is actually 3 different threads to give them dimension. 

The girl on the lefts face is a little truer to the fabric, the girl on the right isn't quite right but I liked her expression so I went with it. 

I tried to remain true to the fabric. The fabric is linen I backed it with a fusible cotton - the kind you would use to stabilize a collar. It was a super fun project. 

It was originally done for Bella's room but who knows maybe I will hang it somewhere I will see it more- Uber likes it which I wasn't expecting so we will have to see where they end up!

A Quilt For My Grandson

I started this way back when I found out he was to be. Thank goodness I finished before he grew up.

 It's my version of an eye spy quilt. Hand quilted with size 5 pearl cotton.

 Simple quilting.

 Jess told me not to get all uptight about the quilting. It's wonkier in some places than in others. I tried. 

  There are fabrics in here from several lines, some of which were donated by Jennifer and Katelyn. Thanks you two. 

I was having so much fun making the blocks that I ended up with enough for a twin size quilt. Pay attention much? Do math much? Jess asked me to make it with blocks on the front and back. Double the fun..... 

The individual blue blocks on either side were a happy mistake.

                          

I've said it before, I'll say it a million times. I love this boy!

Lovely Pillowcases

Another step in getting Jess ready for the hospital was to make her pillowcases. She was told to bring a couple of her own comfy pillows, but to be sure that the cases were distinctly hers.  Do you think these will work??

She had just a yard of her most favorite Mendocino fabric and a white cotton pillowcase. It was destiny.  It was magic. It was fun.  I did the planning and cutting, she did the sewing. 

The Color of Happiness

My niece asked for an apron.  What color? She wrote, "I was thinking a bright and sunshine yellow. It just reminds me of happiness!" This didn't surprise me because sunshine and happiness are two words that come to mind when I think of her. Though most days I still think of her as the little Tidbit she was, she is now a grown woman. A young woman that I don't know half as well as I'd like but that I love tons. I knew just the fabric I would use. Hope you like it Jelly Bean.

Kelly and I had a lot of fun out in the snow. You can't  really see how hard it's coming down unless you expand it.....

The fabric is Kona cotton and Sunshine by April Cornell for Moda.

Five more gnome key fobs. It was a mob scene when I took them out at work. Those girls are scary.

Wool, corduroy, cotton and linen

I've made this coat in all of these fabrics and I'm still not bored with it. Jessica sent this fabric combination for me to make her one too. I was actually able to start and finish it yesterday. She didn't get to send the buttons so I will have to put those on when I get there.

I love the drape of linen. This is a fairly heavy weight and having to hang it to take the photos makes it look slouchier than it is. I think it's so fun that she chose Mendicino Two sisters by Heather Ross for the lining. Hope you like it Jess!

And just for good measure, I made my green scrap bucket. Funny, I had a lot less green than I thought.

For those of you who haven't got the new improved upload (yep, they gave us strike through) I'm sure that you all will have an easier time than I am getting used to it. Old dog, new tricks and all that. The link button is better, it allows you to check it before you post. Once I figure it all out it will be great.

Guest Room Slippers and a Gigantic Cat

You may not know this but I have big feet. I believe knowing that fact will let you in on just how big this cat is. Evie is big, not fat. She is curious too. And a bit of a freak.
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This is my third project from Weekend Sewing. Everything was destined to go wrong with this project but, I think they turned out nicely anyway. Yes, there is a seam on the toe. No, there is not supposed to be a seam there. But what if you don't have enough fabric for the fold... I also forgot the non slip bottom fabric package on the counter at work. I was tired. They are still cute, if a bit challenging to make. I decided to sew the bottoms on with the machine instead of the suggested hand sewing. Not so easy to make it around the toe. I needed a mini machine and smaller hands.

More later.

This, that and some other stuff

Warning: only the first couple of pictures are of projects. If you are adverse to seeing me and more of my family having fun, stop here. I'm serious. So, while we were out seeing East Coast family, I did manage to make a few things. So many projects, too little time. This first item is made from "Weekend Sewing" by Heather Ross. Jess had just this much fabric and so we modified them a bit. She also wanted a soft waistband with no elastic. I think the ribbing turned out well. Second project from "Weekend Sewing". Made with Art Gallery Fabrics by Patricia Bravo. I love the hand of her fabrics. We will try to get some for the shop. I made one of these for myself too. Jess is just cuter... I thought of this purse before I left. Got halfway through while I was gone and just finished it last week. I really like it. I think I"ll make another.

The crafting portion of this post has ended. Proceed at your own risk. Thank you.

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When we go to my in-laws, we go to the beach as much as possible. The beach on Topsail island is beautiful. Wide, sandy and full of treasure if you're willing to look. I love the beach. It's loud and peaceful. Sometimes I do silly things, like pretend to fly.

Treasure hunting occupies Jess and you know who far longer than me. They are perfectly content hunting together. For the longest time I couldn't find the silly things then they just start popping out of the sand.

Sharks teeth are what we hunt for. I am not sure why. Their cool and smooth, all worn down by the surf. Some are black, some lighter colors. Some are sharp enough to hurt when a certain someone pokes you with them.

Our first night there we got a record 94 teeth. There are bigger ones out there, some the size of your fist. OH! Yeah, that's why we keep looking......

I love this face.

My in-laws have managed to create a sanctuary in their yard. This is a small tribute to them. They started when they moved in, hmmmm, 6 years ago? Time flies. Over the past few years my brother and sister in law have also helped out. It's just lovely and I had to show it off. Should be in Better Homes and Gardens. There are three levels of decks, the middle made up like a living room.

The pond used to have big fish. Then a heron found out. Heron's apparently are voracious eaters of Koi. They managed to save some and found the survivors a new home.

Another of the outdoors "rooms" on a path out to the front.

Just one of the gorgeous hydrangyas my MIL grows.

These cone flowers are so cool. They bloom again on the top. Unfortunately it had rained, hard, and those were not doing so well.

Needless to say, it is a butterfly haven.

Last but definitely not least, please let me introduce you to Mercede. She is lovely. Next to my own Brinkley she might be the coolest dog ever.

This might be the last "family" post for awhile. I am really trying to get some creative work done. Life just keeps being so distracting.