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Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

What A World, featuring Leo the Lion

Posted in Family, Quilting, tagged , , on June 13, 2012 | 10 Comments »

So. Much. Fun! I had a wonderful time finishing the What a World quilt. My son, Cheyenne, helped me pick out binding. I was leaning towards orange poke-a-dots, but he very very sure it should be yellow. He won and I’m glad I took his advice.

Cheyenne & Our Doggy, Kona

Yellow Binding

The back of the quilt turned out to be an alternative front.  The map is simply amazing. You can find fun things to investigate and I’m certain you could never see it all. That goes for the city blocks as well. There will always be something new to learn. I used block lettering to add Leo’s name and a blank space of grey to the left. I thought having that space could work as an airport, car lot, or both. I just imagine lego cars, trucks, and planes all lined up and ready for travel. I should’ve played on it first, just to make sure…*Wink*!

What a World, featuring Leo the Lion

The next day, my son pictured above, was suddenly covered in hives and complaining about pain in his hip.  Very shortly, the pain was excruciating and he was bedridden. We had to take an interisland flight to Kaiser Moanalua Hospital, on Oahu, as our island doesn’t have sufficient medical provisions.  He spent the next 5 days on morphine and being tested for everything under the sun.  Through an MRI they discovered fluid in his hip, which had to be removed.  He handled the needle aspiration wonderfully.

Thumbs up from Cheyenne after waking up from the hip aspiration

We spent another 4 days in the hospital recovering, waiting for test results, and receiving physical therapy. To date, they haven’t determined what caused this to happen. They are leaning towards Toxic Synovitis. Again, since they aren’t 100% sure, they continue to monitor him through blood tests, ultrasounds, routine doctors visits, and physical therapy. They continue to rule out more serious causes as a safety precaution.

  When we returned home after 9 days, I saw the What a World quilt that was supposed to be mailed to Japan before we flew to Oahu.  I thought, wow, it’s a lot cuter than I remember. Thankfully, I have wonderful customers who don’t mind delays that sometimes occur without notice.

The quilt has been mailed and our work in progress is for Cheyenne to get a little bit healthier every day. What an experience these past 2 weeks have been. I’m very grateful for a refreshed perspective. It’s always a treat to remember what really matters in life.

♥ Robin

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Messenger Bag Tutorial

Posted in Family, Tutorials, tagged on January 16, 2012 | 4 Comments »

My step daughter, Carmen, has been waiting and waiting for her messenger bag.  We ended up having some girl time {yes, no boys…yay!} on Saturday, so I/we whipped up a new bag for school.  I spent a little time reviewing online tutorials and found some cute stuff {links at the end}.  I didn’t follow any one design or idea, so here’s what I/we did.  Mind you, Carmen picked out the fabric and overall vibe.  You can customize this bag for any style and age.  I’ll be making myself a grown up version next.  Also, I determined the messenger bag’s measurements by measuring her current backpack, which was 14″ wide X 16″ long.  Simply adjust my directions if you’d like something larger/smaller.  Also, quilting the outer bag, pockets, and eyelet lace trim are completely optional.  There are so many ways to customize a bag, you’ll have to be creative on your own…and that’s what makes it so fun.  That goes for fabric choices too.  Check out this wool messenger bag…oh I love!  So have a little fun with it.

Needed Items:

Bag:

2, 17″ X 15″ Outer Bag Rectangles

2, 17″ X 15″ Inner Bag Rectangles

2, 17″ X 15″ Felt Rectangles

1, Inner Pocket Rectangle

2, Strips of Fusible Interfacing

1, Zipper

2 Elastic Bands (Interior Bag Water Bottle Holder)

1 Button

Flip Top:

1, 15″ X 12″ Outer Flip Top Rectangle

1, 15″ X 12″ Inner Flip Top Rectangle

1, 15″ X 12″ Felt Rectangle

Eyelet Lace/Trim

1, Desired Length of Button Loop Elastic

Strap:

1, 10″ X Desired Length Strap Rectangle

1, 2 1/2″ X Desired Length Felt Strip

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Step 1:

Cut out 2 outer bag rectangles, 2 inner bag rectangles, and 2 felt rectangles: 17″ wide X 15″ long.

{Also pictured is the inner pocket & zipper, we’ll talk about that later}

Step 2:

Putting your inner bag fabric to the side, lay your outer fabric onto the felt.  {If you don’t want to quilt, skip to Step 4 now.}  You can see that I’ve used pins to baste, but you could use safety pins/basting pins.  I was opting for a quicker method and opted out completely for the 2nd round.  I didn’t have a problem since the rectangles are relatively small.  But I have a lot of experience quilting.  If you don’t and are worried about puckering/shifting…baste with basting pins or spray to be safe.

Step 3:

Free motion quilt your outer bag fabric & felt.  You may do this in whatever pattern you prefer.

Step 4:

Place the right sides together and stitch {1/2″ inseam} around 3 sides of your rectangle, leaving the top of the bag open.  If you have fabric tags with your name/logo, don’t forget to set them in place before you stitch.  Please back stitch when you start and end your runs to secure the stitching.

Step 5:

Push the bottom corners of your bag together making a triangle.  Measure 2″ in from the corner and using a ruler, mark a line.  Stitch along this line, back stitching at the start and finish.  Do this to both corners.

Step 6:

1/2″ from the stitched line, trim off the corner & discard.

Step 7:

Turn the bag right side out & set aside.  We’ll be working on the flip top next.

Name/Logo tag.

Step 8:

Cut 1 outer flip top rectangle, 1 inner flip top rectangle, and 1 felt rectangle: 15″ wide X 12″ long.  As in Step 2 & 3, set aside the inner flip top rectangle.  Place the outer flip top rectangle on the felt rectangle, baste {if you prefer}, and quilt {if desired}.  Skip to Step 10 if you don’t want to quilt.

Step 9:

Free motion quilt your outer flip top fabric & felt.  You may do this in whatever pattern you prefer.

Step 10:

Using any desired radius {use a cup or bowl}, mark a curve around the 2 bottom corners.  Using scissors, cut along your marked curve.  You’ll be trimming your inner flip top rectangle in the exact same way, so it’s a good idea to layer them and cut all at one time.  Again, after cutting rounded corners, set aside your inner flip top fabric rectangle.  If don’t want to add eyelet lace or trimming, skip to Step 13.

Step 11:

Pin your eyelet lace/trimming right side facing right side of fabric.  Leave a little extra on both ends.  Baste stitch 1/4″ in from the raw edge.

Step 12:

It’s very easy to fudge up the eyelet lace corners during Step 13, so I like to pin them down to make sure they don’t budge while I’m sewing.  If you pin along the bottom of the lace, you don’t run the risk of sewing over the pins.

Step 13:

Lay the inner flip top fabric rectangle, with rounded corners, on the outer flip top with right sides facing each other.  Pin in place.  If you plan on using a button closure, look ahead to Step 15.  There you will see a rounded elastic loop.  If you plan on this technique or any other type of loop, you’ll need to secure it in place now.  Stitch in 1/2″ from the raw edge around the flip top, leaving the top open.  Please back stitch at beginning and end, also back stitch a few times were you’ve secured a loop if applicable.  Stitch slowly around the curved corners for the best results.

Step 14:

Cut slits around the 2 bottom corners.  Be careful not to cut into your stitching.

Step 15:

Turn the flip top right side out and iron flat.  Stitch in 1/2″ from the eyelet lace as shown, leaving the top open.  Please back stitch at beginning and end.  Stitch slowly around the curved corners for best results.  Place the flip top to the side.  We’ll be working on the strap next.

Step 16:

There are certainly ways to make the strap adjustable, but this bag is for my 7 year old; she didn’t want to bother with that.  Therefore, the strap’s length will be dependent on the individual using the bag.  You will cut the width at 10″.  You’ll also need a 2 1/2″ strip of felt X length of strap.

Step 17:

Placing the 2 1/2″ felt strip aside, iron the 10″ strap in half.  Open, and fold both sides in towards the center crease.  Iron again.

Step 18:

Open one flap and insert the 2 1/2″ felt strip.  Fold the flap over.  Now, fold the strip in half so that you have 2 1/2″ of width.  I forgot to take a picture of the next step, darn!  You’ll need to pin along the open edge matching up the edges neatly.  Then, stitch along the opened edge, closing it up.  I chose to add additional lines of stitching for added interest.  Skip to Step 19 for a visual.

Step 19:

It’s time to pin your exterior bag, flip top, and strap together…wow, it’s looking like a bag now!  Match the center of the strap to the seam running up the side of the bag and pin in place as shown.  Do this to the other side, making sure the strap isn’t twisted.  Before you pin on your flip top, make sure you take note of which direction your name/logo tag is facing.  That will determine which side your flip top will go.  Now pin your flip top to the exterior of the bag, right sides facing each other and pin.  The edge of the flip top and straps should be nearly touching on both sides, but not overlapping.  If you have eyelet lace, make sure it is pinned to the outside of the strap and not stuck underneath.

Step 20:

Baste in 1/4″ from the raw edge to secure, trim any excess lace, and place aside.  We’ll be working on the inner bag next.

Step 21:

Ready for the inner pocket?  If not, please skip to Step 25.  You’ll need 2 strips of fusible interfacing that are a bit longer and wider than your zipper.  I’m using a 12″ zipper that I cut down to 10-11″.  However, use any size you prefer.  The pocket can also be any size.  Just make sure it fits within the inner bag rectangle and that your pocket and zipper size are compatible.  I used the left over scraps from my exterior fabric for my pocket.  Just cut a rectangle in the size you desire.  You’ll be flipping it up in half, so keep that in mind.  Now take the strips of fusible interfacing and iron one to the wrong side of your pocket material and the other to the wrong side of your inner bag rectangle.  The interfacing should end up lining up in the same place when you lay/face the pocket material and inner bag material together, right sides facing each other.  Now, sketch a rectangle.  The length will be determined by your zipper.  If your zipper is really long, don’t worry about it {See Step 23}.  You can trim it down to your desired length.  The sketched rectangle width is just shy of 1/2″.

Step 22:

Stitch along your rectangle.  Again, always back stitch at beginning and end.  Note, do not sew beyond your rectangle, that will screw you up!  Cut a slit down the middle and veer off into both corners as shown.

Step 23:

Stuff your pocket material through the slit and fidget with the opening a bit until you get it nice and neat.  Iron in place.  Place you zipper within the rectangle you’ve created and stitch in place.  Remember to back stitch at the start and finish.  After you’ve completed this, trim off any extra length of your zipper, if necessary.

Rear View

Step 24:

Flip up your pocket and sew around the 3 sides {1/2″ inseam} to close.  Please move the inner bag rectangle out of the way and do not stitch through it.

Step 25:

Repeat Steps 4-7 to complete the inner bag.  If you would like water bottle elastic loops, secure them in place during Step 4, prior to stitching the 3 sides.  Note: Leave about a 4″ opening along the bottom.  You’ll be pulling the outer bag through this space, so don’t forget {See Step 27}!

Step 26:

With the inner bag inside out, place your outer bag inside, with right sides facing each other.  Stuff the straps down and out of the way.  Make sure the seam running up along the sides of the both the inner and outer bag are lined up and pin into place.  Sew around the raw edge {1/2″ inseam}, back stitching at start and finish.  Important, back stitch a few times over the straps for extra strength too.

Step 27:

Imagine lifting up the bag as if the outer bag, which is stuffed in the the inner bag, was liquid and it simply drained out the 4″ opening.  So, gently pull the outer bag through the opening.  Stuff the inner bag into the outer bag and make sure everything looks good.  If so, close up the 4″ opening by hand or machine.

Test the elastic loops.  Adjust if necessary, before sewing up the 4″ opening.

Step 28:

Sew your button into place making sure not to catch the inner liner.

By golly, I do believe you are done!

Do let me know if anything is unclear or if you need some extra guidance!

♥ Robin

Tutorials I viewed for inspiration:

Obsessive Crafting Disorder

Fishsticks Designs

Between the lines

mmmcrafts

Pocket Zipper Tutorial

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{Scrappy} Mod Mosaic Block

Posted in do. Good Stitches, Family, quilt squares, Quilting, Scrap Projects, Tutorials, tagged on January 11, 2012 | 15 Comments »

In spending quite some time pondering ideas for a new quilt for our living room, I think I have the golden ticket!  My hubby built me a really nice shelf/quilt hanger and I’ve just been using quilts I have at home for display.  None of them are quite right and I’ve known a new project would be under way.  But what?

Last year, I was excited to participate in do. Good Stitches {a charity bee}.  One particular month, Elizabeth of Oh, Fransson was the quilt designer and I was lucky enough to be a stitcher.  I fell madly in love with her mod-mosaic quilt blocks and had fun creating two of my own to contribute.

Do you see where I’m going with this?  Oh yessiree, I’m ecstatic to make my very own for our living room display.  This will be quite a bit of work, but I’m in no rush.  Rachel at Stitched in Color is hosting a Scrap Attack Quilt Along and I think this will be a good opportunity to hold myself accountable for a completion date at the end of March 2012.  I’ve never needed help keeping motivated, but it will still be fun to be part of a scrapping community.  Speaking of scraps, I’ll be using various fabrics from my 2011 quilt orders and a few other projects.  If you’ve ordered a quilt from me, you’ll probably spy your quilt scraps.  And since most of my quilt orders are from sweet friends, this will end up being a sentimental quilt.

Luckily, I’ve been hording my scraps, in desired colors, just for this project. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough scraps for a queen size quilt , so I’ll cut into my stash.  And since I always order just a little extra to stash away for my personal projects, I should have enough.

There’s a particular piece of artwork above our television that I love.  I’m pulling all the same colors from my scraps and their larger counterparts that are stashed away.  I’m going matchy-matchy, which I normally hate.  However, since it’s a mosaic design with multiple contrasting colors, I think I’ll love it.  To be sure before I pour a lot of hard work into a large quilt, I did a sample square.  And baby, I think I’m in love.

Love is a funny thing.  Sometimes you just know it’s the one.  And sometimes you “think” you know it’s the one, but then it’s not.  Do you know what I mean?  So I turned this mod-mosaic square into a pillow and will hang out with it for a while to be sure.  If I keep stealing glimpses from it, then I’ll proceed.  If not, I’ll keep searching for another scrappy design.  I’m 99.9% sure this is it!

Artwork & Coordinating Fabric

Artwork & Coordinating Fabric

Fabric Scraps from Past Projects

{Larger Stash Pictured Above}

Scrappy – Mod – Mosaic Pillow

Imagine this square as a queen size quilt.  Hard work?  Absolutely!  Worth it?  I think, oh yes!  And onto some super-duper cuteness, we got a puppy!  She’s a golden retriever mix.  And do you notice she’s the same color as my flooring?  So on purpose!  Wow, I did not realize a new puppy would be such hard work.  I’m like seriously exhausted!  We are house/crate training her.  We’ve been very diligent and consistent with her training {thanks to inspiration from Cesar Millan}.  Surprisingly, she has learned so much in just 5 short days.  Luckily, I am taking her to work with me and hopefully that will lend to a very sociable and obedient dog.  At least that’s the plan.

Our girl, Kona ♥

♥ Robin

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Space Invader Quilt

Posted in Family, Quilting, tagged on December 29, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Previous posts here & here.

Yahoo, I finished just in time to wrap this “quilt of awesomeness” and stick it under our Christmas tree for Cheyenne.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get the decorative pillow done.  Luckily, he didn’t seem to notice or care for that matter.  I’ll get the pillow done in the next few days.  I’m quite happy with this quilt.  Actually, it’s pretty bad ass.  Thanks to Elizabeth, I’m pretty popular with my son over this quilt.  I was hoping she would post her finished version so I could see how she put all her space invader squares together.  Dangit, that didn’t happen.  I was on my own.  Hopefully I did it justice.  I opted for a  Kona Coal background as opposed to Kona Pepper and made the space invaders larger.  Kona Coal is the loveliest shade of grey I’ve ever seen.  I’m slowly converting the boy’s room over to yellow & grey, so this option worked better for me.  Plus, it fulfills my Kona Coal crushing needs.  One regret, I wanted to quilt a techno free motion pattern, but I ran out of time and fell back on my loopy/puzzle look to save time.  I do love the textured look acquired, but wish I would’ve had some extra time to do something different…like this.  Next time.  Regardless, it’s the coolestestest quilt I’ve ever made.  And it’s 726, 3″ squares, holy crud!

Space Invader Quilt

Back: Grey Twin Flat Sheet from Walmart

Space Invader Fabric Binding

Matching Pillowcase: Repurposed pillowcase from Walmart

This one was a blast.  I really loved making this quilt.  Again, thank you Elizabeth for the inspiration.  You are a genius!

♥ R

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Crayon Apron {Guide}

Posted in Family, Holiday Projects, Random Projects, Tutorials, tagged , on December 16, 2011 | 10 Comments »

Yay for days out of the office, especially when they are an unexpected treat.  I’ve been needing to get Carmen’s crayon apron going, so I did just that with my time off.  I happened across the crayon apron concept a while back.  Yesterday, I did a google search and found some great pictures for inspiration.  However, I didn’t really find anything that was exactly what I wanted…so it was time for improv.  No pattern.  No precision.  Just a little imagination.  Since I can’t direct you to my source of “how to”, I’ll attempt to “guide” you through my process.  I hesitate to use the word “tutorial”, so “guide will do.  This way, you can be creative and make an apron how you prefer.  Plus, there’s no right or wrong.  Let’s get to it….

Fabric Picks & Dingle Berries

{Decided to switch to eyelet lace post picture}

Again, there is no one way to make fabric selections.  You may want to do everything in one color or many.  I personally like contrast, while tying colors together.

24 Crayola Crayons

I am making a one size fits all for children over 5 years old.  I would recommend using 12 crayons if you are sewing for a toddler.  If you would like to downsize my directions using only 12 crayons, cut my measurements in half.

Stitching Base, Pocket, & Lace Together

1. Cut 27″ X 6″ rectangle for base {pink}

2. Cut 27″ X 3″ rectangle for pocket {snails}.  If you don’t want to add trim {above the sail print} as I have, please cut height at 5″.

3. Both prints will be wrong side up, however lace will be right side up.  Pin and stitch in 1/2″.

{Note: I like to leave my lace and pocket over sized by 1/2″ or so on either side and then trim when I’m finished. I.E. Pocket 28″ rather than 27″ as noted above.}

Iron Press & Stitch

You’ll want to stitch 1/2″ in along the lace, lower top of pocket.

Add Contrasting Trim on the Pocket

I did not capture each step because you can do this however you choose.  My plan was to fold the trim over in half, so it is cut at 2 1/2″ in height.  I attach the 2 1/2″ wide strip to the pocket strip, sewing in at 1/4″.  I then surge the other edge, fold it in half towards the back, ending where it covers the stitching, iron, and stitch down 1/4″ from the snail print.  For added detail, I stitched along the top of the trim 1/4″ in as well.  Do not sew through the base pink fabric.

Stitch 24 Individual Pockets

Spaced 1″ apart, sew 24 openings.  Start dead center.  To do this fold your apron in half and iron.  Unfold and use the crease as a guide.  Then, stitch 12 pockets to the left and right.  Important, back stitch at beginning and end of your line to secure the stitch and prevent unraveling.  I recommend doing this anytime you are sewing, but especially for this portion.  Also, stitch with the opening of the pockets facing your chest.  This will prevent puckering.  You’ll end up with 1 1/2″ of fabric on either ends once your 24 pockets are stitched.   Trim off any excess fabric {if you prefer wiggle room like myself} and surge the edges.  Fold in 1/2″ and iron press.  Fold over 1 more time, another 1/2″ and iron press again.  Pin in place and stitch down to finish off the sides.  Again, this is one of those areas where you may prefer a different technique.  If you prefer a different method, make sure you take into consideration the overall base and pocket widths, and make any necessary adjustments.

Gathered Waist Band

Sew a line of loose stitches across the top of your {pink} base fabric where you’ll be attaching a waistband.  Make sure to leave yourself excess thread at the start and finish.  Note, do not back stitch!  Next, pull the bobbin thread {back} on both sides simultaneously to tighten and gather the fabric at the top.  It’s up to you how gathered you’d like it.  I didn’t use any set width measurement.  Next, cut your waist band fabric.  I planned to fold mine in half, so I cut a strip at 6″ in height.  The length will be determined by your little ones waist, but go long.  I think extra length is perfect for the one size fits all concept and will accommodate a growing child.  Prior to pinning on the strip, find the center to the apron and waist band.  Again, you can do this by folding in half, ironing, and using the center crease.  Match up the two creases and pin.  Pin along the entire length of the apron top and stitch together with a 1/2″ inseam.  Fold over the opposite edge of the waist band 1/2″ and iron press.  Fold the waist band in half, towards the back, and cover the stitches.  Iron press.  Pin in place.  Turn to the top and stitch 1/4″ in from the {pink} base fabric, as seen in this picture.  You’ll do this the entire length of the waistband, which will attach both sides of the waist band together.  As added detail, I stitched another line across the top of the waist band at 1/4″ in to match the bottom {not pictured}.  Close up your ends and you are done!

Finished Crayon Apron

I think Carmen is going to be thrilled, especially when she sees the custom made easel daddy built to go with her apron.  It’s going to be an artsy sort of Christmas.

Again, please remember this isn’t a full-scale tutorial.  It’s simply a guide and you’ll need to use your sewing skills and a bit of imagination to get through it.  However, FUN PROJECT!  Plus, it’s easy…promise!

Miraculously, my holiday gifts are being accomplished in a timely fashion.  Gosh, I’m feeling ahead of the game.  Better enjoy it while it lasts.  Surely, I’m about to lose it…who am I forgetting?

♥ R

Ps.  If you care to give this project a whirl & you get hung up, let me know!  I’ll do my best to assist!

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Owlettes {Phase 2}

Posted in Family, Holiday Projects, Random Projects, Scrap Projects, Tutorials, tagged , , on December 15, 2011 | 1 Comment »

After completing phase 1 of my owlettes, improvements were necessary.  Isaac’s owlette just wasn’t settling with me.  Plus Luke & Carmen’s eyes were too far apart…must fix now!  Isaac’s eyes are now much larger and more proportionate to his body frame.  And I moved Luke & Carmen’s eyes closer together, much better!  Cheyenne inherited Isaac’s original eyes, which work out great.  Next, onto the bottom support structure.  The directions here use cardboard, but my hubby suggested 1/4″ plywood rounds.  Cardboard would eventually get wonky and moist in our Hawaii weather, so plywood would be a whole lot better.  Plus, plywood is heavier and props up the owlettes perfectly…yay!

New & Improved Isaac

{Double Button Eyes with Chocolate Brown Center}

Luke’s Eyes are Now Centered

Cheyenne’s X Eyes from Playing Video Games Too Long

Owlette Bottoms

1/4″ Plywood Rounds

{Nothing fancy, my hubby used various drill bits and no sanding necessary}

Fabric Cover

Hand Stitch in Center

The Correa Owlettes

{COMPLETED}

That was fun.  Off to the next project…

♥ R

 

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Owlettes {Phase 1}

Posted in Family, Holiday Projects, Random Projects, Scrap Projects, Tutorials, tagged , on December 14, 2011 | 6 Comments »

I admit, I’m not one of those crazy for ‘everything owl’ people, but owls happen to be significant to our family.  Interestingly enough, {my 9 yr old son} Cheyenne’s father’s side of our family & my now-a-days hubby have the same Hawaiian ʻaumakua, The Owl.

“ʻAumākua are intimate members of the human family, spiritual relationships with them are especially close and their presence is sought for feast and festivity, as well as in time of crisis. They act as healers and advisors, counteracting troubles and punishing faults.” -J. Gutmanis

After finding some great {& easy} owls here, I thought it would be fun to make an owl of each one of my children.  Not for them, but for their other parents {my husband’s ex-wife & my son’s dad}.  They combine the quirkiness of crafting, fabric that represents each child’s particular interest, and the sacredness of ‘aumakua.

Isaac {Our paddle boarding, fisher, & lover of all things, ocean!}

I was hoping the buttons look like fish scales.

Luke {Our dirt bike riding, skate board loving, & all around no fear adventurer!}

Okay, the buttons looked like wheels until I added the green buttons.  Now it looks like he’s wearing glasses…oh well!  He is our only green-eyed beauty.

Cheyenne {Our tech savvy, “No, I don’t want to go outside & play, computer game loving, & smarty pants sweetheart!}

What did you say, “I have no eyes mom?”  Oh yeah, I’ve got to hit up the store again for that…coming soon!

Carmen {Our sweet as sugar, lover of all things girly, especially Hello Kitty, & youngest muchkin!}

Just love her button eyes!

The Correa Owlettes

{Minus eyeballs for Cheyenne}

I’ll admit, there’s something just not quite right about Isaac’s owlette.  I’ve got my mind set on restructuring him somewhat, if time allows.  However, isn’t the idea fun?  They would be great book ends, plain ol’ knickknack decorations, or even Christmas ornaments.  I highly recommend this pattern if you are looking for a quick project.  It really doesn’t get any easier than this…although sewing on buttons after stuffing makes stitching somewhat of a pain.  There’s probably a trick to it, but I have no idea what.  Next time, I might sew down the nose and stitch in the button eyes before I stuff the owl…just a thought.

♥ R

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Just Plain Progress

Posted in Family, Quilting, tagged , , on December 7, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Last week was jam-packed with “to-dos.”  It’s not often I accomplish everything on my sewing list, so I’m celebrating.  Possibly to a fault being that I have 5 papers due by Monday and I haven’t started yet.  Not to mention studying for 2 finals next week.  Nope haven’t done that either.  That’s boring stuff and I’m having fun with my Extreme Team project and yay,we got to take a random family Christmas photo by our wonderful friends Josh & Miho of Fletch Photography.  They did our wedding photos and have become new friends.  I love when that happens!

Luke’s Extreme Team quilt has been a challenge.  I told my husband, “It would be Luke’s quilt to give me trouble!”  He laughed because it’s true, he’s our kolohe (stinker) boy!  What do I mean by trouble?  Well, I sandwich pinned the quilt 2 times and also pulled out free motion quilting stitches for about 1/4 of the quilt.  Yup…it was painful!  Why?  Well, I’ll tell you.  Our kids only like to snuggle fluffy polyester blankets.  I thought, hmmm…I’ll quilt the top right onto a polyester blanket and forgo batting.  Cheap + Soft = Perfect!  Not quite.  You see, those snuggly blankets are shifty.  After I pinned and quilted 1/4 of the quilt, I noticed the massive puckers in the back and the quilt top was squirmy.  So I quit.  Took the quilt to work with me the next day and ripped out yellow stitches.  Luckily, I hadn’t given up and I reevaluated using yellow thread.  It was a great concept, but didn’t add enough contrast against the Kona in Natural sashing and it clashed with the black squares.  So I bought lovely charcoal thread and found a different polyester blanket that felt more like flannel, but was thicker.  This time around, the blanket worked flawlessly.  And the charcoal thread is exactly right.  Yay!  I finished free motion quilting last night and prepped my binding.

Free Motion Quilting in Charcoal

Kona in Glacier ♦ Binding

Extreme Team-ed a Walmart Pillow Case

::Extreme Team:: Progress

Next, a decorative pillow to tie it all together.

And just for fun…

Happy Holidays!

{Photographed by Fletch Photography}

♥ R

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Baby Kirrah Kahu’omana’o'i’o

Posted in Family, Quilting, tagged , on August 17, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Sweet baby Kirrah was born WAY to early.  It’s beyond me how a baby can survive at 1lb, 6oz at birth.  Well, she has and she’s doing wonderfully.  The staff at Kapio’lani Medical Center are among the best and what a blessing to have them just an island hop away.

Kapio'lani Name Tag

Kirrah Holding Mommy's Hand

Kirrah is the daughter of Lehani & Warren.  They are young newlyweds just starting their lives together {their wedding gift is blogged here}.  Lehani is the daughter of my hubby’s cousin Lilia, who we LOVE!  Their family has been so encouraging and supportive to our family and you WILL be laughing continuously while you’re around them.  Their tenacity for life and their love for God have really been their rock.  Along with so many friends and family who have been supporting them in prayer and contributions.

Today, Kirrah is 2 months old and weighs 3lbs, 3ozs.  She’s a miracle.

Kirrah at 2 Months Old {3lbs, 3ozs}

Recently, I was perusing the blogging land of quilting and ran across a charity group quilting for premature baby units at hospitals.  Of course I thought about Kirrah and knew I was going to make her one too.  A quilt is probably the last thing she needs.  I’m guessing she’s gotten a few blankets and such, but it’s what I do.  They’ve requested a pink Hello Kitty theme.  I’m not the most trendy person, but I think I can manage.

A few of my fabric choices:

Hello Kitty

I’ll be making a preemie quilt.  They typically measure 18″ X 20-24″, which is ridiculously small.  She has strict orders to keep growing so it’ll be more like 30″ X 36″ or maybe 30″ square.  I’m either going to do a wonky star quilt or simple patch work inserting  frames of  Robert Kaufman’s Appleville Screen Print by Suzy Ultman {which is WAY better than “hello kitty”…shhhh!}.  I snagged a little over 1/4″ yard at our local discount fabric warehouse.  WHO NEVER HAS AWESOME FABRICS!  I literally FREAKED out yesterday when I walked in a found 3 tables piled full of modern fabrics.  They were end of the bolts sent from some WAY COOL shop elsewhere.  The sizes ranged from 1/4″ yard – 1/2″ yard for $1.50 each.  Do you realize I order these fabrics online for double and pay shipping?  I was in heaven.  My favorite finds will be up to view very soon…

In the meantime, sweet Kirrah keep on getting stronger and bigger by the minute.  We are all so amazed by your strength and perseverance.

Tons of love,

Aunty Robin

{if you have projects in the works, head over to freshly pieced and share them.  you’ll get more traffic & find lots of inspiration!}

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Taught to Fly

Posted in Family, tagged on July 7, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Malia and I grew up in the same town.  She was that girl who glowed, literally.  Her outer beauty is breathtaking, but nothing compared to her inner spirit.  She is special and you don’t even have to know her to figure that out.  We’ve grown up and now she’s the mommy of 4 awesome kids.  She’s got a fun blog to follow and there is nothing boring about her Maui country life.  A few days ago her spirited 9 year old daughter, Lanea, fell off a roof.  She fractured her skull and was in ICU for 2 days.  She’s been released and what a blessing.  Unfortunately, she’s been left with paralysis on the right side of her face and loss of hearing on that same side.  There are also major concerns of blindness in her right eye.  Malia is on Oahu with her today seeing specialists and I can’t get her off my heart.  So here I am writing and asking you to pray for her if you may.  All positive and healing energies are welcome towards this little girl.  She’s a dolly!

This situation reminds me of one of my all time favorite quotes:

Sooooo, I’m up to something crafty for this little munchkin.  I know nothing can completely take away pain from tradegies, but maybe I can make something that can help her smile every time she sees it.  I’m excited to start this quilt….

Lanea, we are hoping for the best and sending you lots of love!

♥ R

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