Thursday, January 26, 2012

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).

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.




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.

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.


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



Thursday Think Tank

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

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!!!
Thursday Think Tank
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

Monday, January 16, 2012

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.

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Outside of Suitcase
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Loving these handles with the opposing fabric lining inside.  What a cute detail!
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Inside of Crayon Suitcase
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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!


- rebecca lynne