Neutral? Pssht. [Thursday Think Tank January 26, 2012]

Here is a quick update on things in the MRL household...

• I am loving my new job.  Totally different from the legal work I did before but I am really enjoying it!  Unfortunately, I work quite a few hours and then have a commute each day so it can be taxing.  I am hoping I'll get into a routine and still be able to sew each night before the baby is born.
• Miss E turned 3 this week...and I'm still feeling the guilt of not creating a post dedicated to her!  But, making cupcakes for her daycare class was a much higher priority than Mommy's blog.  Perhaps I will create a post after her birthday party this weekend.
• I had a short bout with food poisoning last weekend which prompted by Dr. to order an ultrasound.  
• Ultrasound was all well and good...but baby wouldn't cooperate!  He/She insisted on sitting cross-legged and we couldn't find out the sex.  But...He/She is healthy and really that is the most important thing.  

Well, now that we are all caught up let's get down to brass tacks.  The whole not knowing the baby's sex situation has really thrown a wrench in my plans.  I know most people have very strong opinions on whether to find out the sex early or to wait.  With each pregnancy I have had debates with people who insist we are doing the "wrong thing" by finding out early.  I insist that it is a surprise either way - early or not - and it is my choice.  This time people's reactions to our inability to find out have been wildly varied.  One person told me "Good.  That's how it should be" with smug satisfaction that I'd been shown what's what.  At the other extreme a cousin exclaimed "What are you going to do?  Aren't you nervous?"  I assured her that the world wasn't going to end just because we didn't know.  My sister, on the other hand, was thrilled by this wrench in my plans and claimed it would be "good for me" not to be able to exercise control over something in my life.  

Regardless of people's feelings one way or the other I am a planner, I like to plan ahead, I was waiting to find out the sex before buying fabric for a baby quilt...obviously this changes things quite a bit.  And yes, it is driving me mad.

The solution?  

Make two.  

That's right folks.  I am going to make one of each.  A quilt for each sex.  After all, who says I can't?

Boy's Quilt

I've always wanted to do one large Log Cabin Baby quilt.  I think that such a simple design really needs stunning fabric so here are some of my ideas...  Oh, and I think I should mention, the Mr. has a thing for sheep (I know that sounds bad but there it is).

Kayo Horaguchi for Kokka Woodland Border Daylight

This is a bit muted for what I am thinking...but I think I'll have to get this someday.  I just love how majestic the Stag looks with those out of place lamp posts behind him.

Laurie Wisbrun Modern Whimsy Sheep Park

I am strongly leaning towards this.  How cool would this fabric be with other blues and greens to create the log cabin design?  I am digging how bright and fun it is for a bouncing baby boy.

Monaluna Organic, Taali, Bah Bah Black Sheep

This is so cute!  It is a bit more traditional baby fabric so it might be less original but I can't help but smile whenever I look at it.

Girl's Quilt

This is a bit harder.  I'm really drawing a blank on this one.  Is it because I've made two female baby quilts and now I'm out of ideas?  Maybe...  So I'm asking for a bit of inspiration on this one.  Anyone have any interesting patterns they'd suggest?  I'm all ears!  

Here are some fabrics I'm totally drooling over...  One requirement is that the quilt include some fabric with a bird as both my girls's quilts incorporate a bird theme.

Kokka Push Pin Thumbelina Pink

I am loving this fabric!  That sparrow with the little girl on it is so adorable.  I love all the girly details.  And I think it could be really beautiful paired with some yellows and reds to complement the flowers.  But, I think it will probably come down to whatever pattern I pick.

Anne-Marie Murphy for Cloud 9 Fabric

Remember this?  Oh yeah, this Mama hasn't forgotten about the Maman, Les Petites Filles.  I still adore this whole collection and if I hadn't seen the Thumbelina fabric above there would be no doubt that this is it.  But...now I'm not sure!

Thoughts?  Opinions?  Advice?  As always all ideas are greatly appreciated as I keep Making Baby!

Now what about you.  Tell me, What are you up to these days...  You know the drill!  With pictures!

- rebecca lynne

Laminate Me [Thursday Think Tank Jan 19, 2012]

I have wanted to use laminated fabric for awhile now.  Like badly.  What makes me attracted to cotton fabric that has been made shiny by a polyurethane coating?  Well, I am not exactly sure but I've resisted so far because it can be a tad pricey.  Luckily I now have the perfect reason(s) to acquire some!

Diaper Clutch
I mentioned this diaper clutch from Cluck Cluck Sew in this post.  While I know Baby No. 3 is likely to be a little less challenging to diaper after the practice of two other babies...I also remember how easily accidents happen when you are lacking sleep and get caught off guard!  So I'd love to use some laminate to make the clutch waterproof and easy to clean.  Now the question, and feel free to answer, is whether to use laminate on BOTH sides or just ONE?  Hmmmm...thoughts?

Zipper Pouches

Ever since Miss E was a work in progress (haha) I have wanted these Sugarbooger Organizer Pouches to keep our dirties and clean clothes separated in our diaper bag.  Unfortunately, they were never purchased as a gift and I never got around to buying them myself.  But...there is no reason why I can't make some pouches for organization on my own...using laminate for easy cleanup.  Heh heh!

I'm thinking of throwing together a few extra zip pouches and having a giveaway.  Anyone interested? Who couldn't use some easy to clean pouches?  I know you moms out there are down...

So now that I've established a purpose for buying laminate all I have to do is figure out what design I like best!   Oooh shopping...  Here are some of my top choices:

Anna Maria Horner's Totem Pole from the LouLouThi Collection

Something bright and jewel toned from Joel Dewberry's Heirloom Collection

Or maybe something uber intricate from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms Collection

Obviously all these choices are great and I don't think I could possibly go wrong!  These are all available via Fabric.com as are many others in each collection.  While I am sure I will come up with my own tips once I get my hands and Bernina wrapped around the Laminated Fabric if you'd like to learn a bit more about sewing with it check out Amy Butler's Tips on Using Laminated Fabric.  

Now of course once I am done using laminated fabric I'm going to need to figure out an excuse to use Velveteen!!!  Yum!!!

In the meantime please don't forget to link up for this week's Thursday Think Tank!  I'm actually upgrading our TTT Fun by adding a linkup for Thumbnails.  Whew hew!  I am really excited and cannot wait to SEE what you guys link up this week... ;)

- rebecca lynne

Crayon Suitcase Done! A {Sew} Modern Finish

Whew hew crayon suitcase is done!  Using DS Quilts Fabric it is cute, functional, and cheery.  Perfect for any creative child.

Outside of Suitcase

Loving these handles with the opposing fabric lining inside.  What a cute detail!

Inside of Crayon Suitcase

Crayons waiting to be used...

I'm thinking of posting my step my step process for suitcase #2 as a sort of suitcase tutorial.  Hopefully I'll have it up by next Tuesday!  My new job keeps me from completing much sewing during the week.  But, thanks for your well wishes, the new job is going well so far!

If you haven't already check out Canoe Ridge Creations' {Sew} Modern Monday Linky Party!

- rebecca lynne

Drama Free 2012 [Thursday Think Tank Jan 12, 2012]

So...I'm sick...again.  It seems that Baby No. 3 is really kicking my immune system's, ahem, bum.  As the Mr. put it, if there is any shred of sickness anywhere near me I catch it and then it mutates into the worst possible version of itself!  What it is probably just a runny nose in any average adult has morphed into a sore throat, migraine, throbbing sinus and cold chills for me.  It isn't just pregnancy though...illness is also brought on by stress and a new environment so it isn't totally surprising that I keep falling prey to every little bug that comes my way.

Which brings me to this week's Think Tank.  I alluded to the idea in my Resolutions Post in 2011.  It took me long enough but I am finally expanding on the notion and introducing my pledge with Kelli, from Seriously...I think it needs Stitches, to have a Drama Free 2012.


Here is the awesome button Kelli made just for the occasion!  Feel free to grab the HTML on the right and post on your blog...   Isn't it optimistic looking?  




And here is Kelli's blingy version...  You can grab it on her blog here!Kelli and I hope to introduce ways to keep the drama OUT of 2012.  Pamper yourself, spoil yourself, share your good vibes with others, spread the love, ignore those energy vampires in your life, focus on the people that put a smile on your face!  Obviously I need to start on a boosting your health post for myself...hahahahaaa...
I'm curious how you all try to keep drama from taking over your lives.  Let me know in a message below!
In the meantime I'd love to know what you are all think tanking these days.  Still on target with your 2012 Resolutions and Projects?  Link up to Thursday Think Tank so we can all read up on it!
- rebecca lynne
p.s. Today is my official First Day of Work at my New Job.  If you have time send me a good wish!!!
Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads.  It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank.  Have a blog?  Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.  

Please leave a link to your T.T.T. on your blog in the linky party below or leave a comment with your Thursday Think Tank ideas!

Lots of Little Projects [WIP Wednesday Jan 11, 2012]

I never had a chance to post my pretty little pouch swap goodies!  I received this very cool log cabin pouch and little zip pouch from Jen at The Messy Nest!  If you haven't yet you should check out The Messy Nest.  I respect that Jen's blogging style is so real and down to earth...she doesn't mind sharing her perspective with the rest of us and I love that she doesn't make excuses for living life on her own terms. It is really such a fresh blog and I am glad she was my partner so that I can now learn a bit more about her.  

You can see in the picture above that the larger pouch is very generous in size, which I love btw, but the zipper opening at top (see below) is rather small in comparison.  I was wondering how to maximize this design element when it hit me that a small opening in a large pouch is the perfect travel container for makeup/bathroom accessories...preventing small fingers from reaching inside and easily dumping everything out if you know what I mean!  I cannot count the number of times Miss V has been found in possession of items from my bathroom case - reinforced zippers notwithstanding.

The best part of my swap from Jen is the fact that she sent me the extra fabric from the pouch!  Isn't that so amazingly generous?  As I decided to use the pouch as a travel bathroom pouch I thought what better than to use the extra fabric to make a makeup brush roll to go along with it?  So I did...

Here is the makeup brush roll front using the extra fabric Jen sent with the pouch:

Here is the inside of the roll.  I used a plain black fabric for the lining because it will be easier to see the brushes against it:

And here is the roll with the brushes inside.  I took my mother's advice and arranged the brushes in the order that I use them in the morning...starting with foundation brushes moving all the way through the eyes to the blenders.  What organized thinking isn't it?

 

Here is the whole family.  I've already taken the smaller zip pouch and thrown some lipgloss and mascara in it for my everyday needs.  How matchy matchy and cute!

I realize I haven't posted for WIP Wednesday in months.  I guess it is became my biggest WIP, Baby No. 3, was such a big secret that I just couldn't get behind writing a post!  Luckily, the news it out so I feel happy to be back in the thick of sewing again...

I am still working on the crayon carriers for my niece and nephew.  I don't know why but I have been dragging my feet on these.  Luckily the easy makeup roll got me motivated again.

I decided that at their Pre-K and Kindergarten ages a crayon suitcase would be better utilized than a crayon roll.  This way they can use it in the car and anywhere else they travel.  It will be about a 7hr drive for them to visit us...so what better way to thank them for enduring such a long car trip than with a gift they can use during their travels?  I searched high and low for an appropriate blank journal so that their creativity can run wild.  

I just need to add handles and the front fabric and it should be all set.  Then onto crayon suitcase No. 2.

 

What is on your worktable this week?  Link up to Work in Progress Wednesday at Freshly Pieced so we can check it out...

- rebecca lynne

Making Baby [Week 1]

I really loved Janine's Making Christmas every Monday.  Even when I wasn't diligent about posting it was the perfect weekly reminder to get my act together on my Christmas Makes.  So, I am going to adapt this idea for my Baby Make countdown.  This will be especially important as I start my new job this week...a schedule will be that much more important.  And of course what do you need before creating a Schedule?  A To Do List!

Making Baby To Do List 

(the optimistic catchall version)

• Personalized Baby Quilt (need to learn gender first)
• Diaper Clutch a la Cluck Cluck Sew
• Aboriginal Quilt (a piece of home in the hospital quilt)
• Tote

• Spinning Stars Quilts [anyone remember these?  they were put on hold for the holidays...]

• Circular Playmat a la Tickle and Hide

Now I need to work on a reasonable schedule to actually accomplish some of this.  But at least my sewing machine is upstairs and ready to go...I've even sewn quite a bit this week already!  Miracle of Miracles I know!  Just have to keep the momentum going.

What is on your To Do Lists these days...

- rebecca lynne

Circle of Life [First 2012 TTT!]

I had LOTS of blogging plans for this week...so much to share and so many ideas to post about!  I hope 2012 is going to be a big year for MRL.  I'm planning on joining forces with Kelli to promote a Drama Free 2012 and some stash upcoming giveaways.  Plus, Erin and Lucy and I have been throwing around a few ideas for a QAL...hee hee...

But, life tends to throw a wrench in our best laid plans, and unfortunately my grandmother has been admitted to Comfort Care (like hospice) this week so the fam and I have been a bit scattered to say the least.  Instead of dwelling on that though I'd like to share some good news with you all.  News that I've been so excited to share for awhile now!  Especially because it is news that greatly influences my Sewing Plans for the 2012 Year!

Please meet Baby No. 3!  It has been a bit of a difficult pregnancy with a few minor complications so far not to mention a total surprise.  Hahahahaa...but we are very excited.  I am about 17 weeks now and if all goes well we will meet the newest family addition in June.  He/She will either be a Miss O or a Master L...time will tell.

Anyway - this is why I've been so exhausted, migraine-prone, repeatedly sick, and non-sewing as of late.  I am so happy to share the news and now that I'm solidly into my 2nd Trimester I am starting to get the itch to sew some baby items!

So...any ideas on what I need to start creating???  I know I definitely need to make a...

Baby Quilt
I've made a quilt for each of my girls so it is an obvious requirement for No. 3.  I'd love to use this collection of Cloud 9 fabric...but I am not sure if it is too girly.  I am kind of waiting to find out the sex of the baby to know what to use.  But, I just LOVE this specific pattern with the two girls over the stroller...it reminds me of my girls!

source

I am so excited I finally got to tell you all and I can't wait to hear your ideas of what Baby No. 3 might need.  In the meantime, if you have any brainstorming going on in your hood do share your Think Tank ideas and link up below!

- rebecca lynne

Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads.  It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank.  Have a blog?  Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.  

Please leave a link to your T.T.T. on your blog in the linky party below or leave a comment with your Thursday Think Tank ideas!