Cabin Nights Quilt Along

I recently joined a quilt along to make a quilt for my Gramma for Christmas. I made a quilt for my Grampa too--an Irish chain quilt in LSU colors--that came together very quickly. This one is more time consuming but I'm SOOO excited about making it! My mom helped me put together a bundle of fabric and I love it so much. Here are some photos of the last few weeks. I still need to finish this week's assignment, so I'm gonna remove a kitten from my dining table (kitten foster parent probs), put away my lunch dishes, and go sew! 

Thrift Haul #2

I've only done one of these "thrift haul" posts but honestly I don't thrift a lot anymore. Or shop much anymore. There's not really anything I need, and I'd rather put my money towards sewing supplies. But I do still get a thrill from thrifting, and the other day I hit up a church garage sale that a friend told me about and I got two incredible pieces.

This ceramic Christmas tree was the first amazing piece I saw. I have a vintage ceramic Christmas tree that was made my my great aunt many years ago, and I pull it out every Christmas. A few years ago, I noticed that these were making a comeback, and now you can buy them new at Walmart for about $60. Although a vintage one can run you a pretty penny. I found one on Etsy for over $300.

This one is a vintage one AND it's handmade--it has the maker's name and date etched into the base. And... AND... it was only $5. FIVE DOLLARS. Since I already have one and had no need for another, I send a text to the besties group chat and asked if anyone wanted it. Sarah did so I picked it up for her. This is a stunning piece and I know she will cherish it. 

Next up I found this adorable picnic basket. Now I have a picnic basket that was my mom's and it's older than me, but it's a very different style and I thought this one was so quaint. It came complete with cutlery, two crystal champagne glasses (which we used for sparking grape juice), a cutting board, and a beautiful vintage tablecloth and napkins (not pictured--I hadn't washed them yet when we went on our picnic). And how much was it? Three dollars.

Life Lately (Kitten Version)

The life of kitten foster parents. So many of my photos are kittens. Those photos should not just remain on my phone. 

Fall Feels

It is supposedly fall but Louisiana did not get the memo. The weather app says it is 82 and feels like 85 but I think that's a lie. It feels way hotter outside. The cats are mad at me because I refuse to open the window--they LOVE sitting in the windowsill--but it's just too hot. 

I thought it would be cute and fun to do a post where I share my photos that feel like fall. But... I only have like 5. Because it does not feel like fall. 

Still, I've had a soup on the menu every week for the past month. Tonight I'm making homemade chicken noodle soup. Next week is chili. Casey says that it's supposed to get down to 40 next week. We shall see.

Anyways, here's my fall photos. Maybe it will finally feel like fall in December. Except we'll be in Singapore in December and its summer year-round there. Guess I won't pack away my sandals.

We love to make a seasonal bucket list! We had a date night at a local coffee shop and made our fall list.

First day of fall tradition: build a scarecrow! We were sweating.

These things can be found at Walmart and I'm obsessed.

The reality of the scarecrow. The cats decapitate Christian Bale daily. 

Just finished some Pumpkin Spice Cookies today!

I started making this pinafore two years ago and was soooo excited about it. But I wasn't feeling it as I worked on it. Pulled it back out again this year, decided I like it, and hemmed it. 

A varieTEA of photos

 Nope, I'm not done making tea puns, apparently. But here are some photos of tea being enjoyed.

I'm a Little Tea Cup

My favorite restaurant is The English Tea Room. It feels fancy, but comfortable. Every reservation is for two hours, and it’s delightful to sit and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. They have over 260 varieties of teas (varieTEAS?) and, though I’ve been many times, I’ve only sampled a portion of their menu.

At your table you will find a tea cup and teaspoon at each seat and a bowl of white and brown sugar cubes in the center of the table with a tiny, delicate pair of tongs. Your server will ask which tea you want and offer suggestions (which is a relief, because 260 teas is a lot to choose from). Once you’ve decided, they will make your tea and bring it to you piping hot in a small teapot that holds about three tea cups-worth of your selection of tea, along with your choice of milk or cream (I always choose cream).

Every time, it’s a beautiful moment when you pour your tea from your own little teapot into your dainty tea cup, add a sugar cube (or two… or three… I won’t judge) and a spot of cream, then take your first sip. Ah. This is what tea is supposed to be like.

Now I’ll be the first to admit, I can be a bit clumsy. But, oh, when I’m holding that tea cup I try to use gentle, yet strong hands so I won’t spill. I’m holding precious contents, after all. I do love my tea, and I sure don’t want to break the beautiful tea cup. I want to make sure it’s well taken care of and safe.

I, too, am a tea cup. I’m beautifully made. I’m fragile and can be broken. I need to be washed clean, especially on the inside when I get nasty. (nasTEA? Okay, I'll stop now.)

Thankfully, I’m in very capable hands. The Lord’s hands are far more sturdy and stable and dependable than my own. He loves me and He cares for me and He holds me in gentle, loving hands. It is for this reason I can trust Him. Should I fall (away from him) and be broken (by sin), my Maker picks me back up and glues me back together. Sure, you can still see the spots where I was broken, but that is just proof of my testimony. I once was in pieces, but my Savior came to my rescue and restored me.

And now I rest, in His sure hands, a dainty little teacup, with quite a few cracks He’s repaired, overflowing with His joy and Spirit.

Cats

 

My cats are really cute. That's all.

Head to Toe in Gramma's Clothes

 

Here's one thing I'm notorious for: forgetting my hanging clothes. 

I'm genuinely embarrassed by how many times I've gone somewhere only to realize I forgot to grab my hanging clothes. Pretty sure it's happened at least three times since Casey and I have been married and for sure a few times before that too. It's a joke among my friends, "Did you remember your clothes?"

One time I got to Bossier (to visit my family) and was staying for a week and had no clothes. My mom took me shopping and Julianne ran to her mom's house and pulled some clothes from the clothing collection she keeps there and brought them to me so I could be dressed for the week. It was actually kind of fun wearing new/new-to-me clothes all week! 

But here is another fact: my gramma is the most stylish person I know.

I stay with her when I'm in Bossier and often raid her closet. She gives me the clothes she no longer wants. Those are inevitably the clothes I get the most compliments on.

This dress is one of those dresses that she no longer wanted, so she gave it to me. She also gave me the tank top underneath. She let me borrow the shoes (because the ones I brought didn't match), and I found the shades in the bag of stuff she was donating to Goodwill. (I also pulled a dress out of the bag.)

Anyways, this time I was not dressed in her clothes because I forgot mine. Just because she gave me the dress and I liked it and wanted to wear it immediately. 

But if I had forgotten my hanging clothes again, Gramma's closet would have taken care of me.

31

 

Somehow I'm 31 now, which means I'm actually "in my thirties." That's such a weird feeling. People often tell me that I don't look like I'm 30, and I am happy to take that as a compliment. 

The other day I looked in the mirror and noticed forehead wrinkles. I now understand why people get botox. It just needs to be puffed up a little and that wrinkle would be gone! The wrinkles have weirded me out much more than the gray hairs, but I've been finding the occasional gray hair since high school, so maybe that's why. I really hope when I go gray that I get a streak of gray first instead of random white everywhere.

Ultimately, I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow old. There was a time in my life where I couldn't imagine being 35. When I looked at my future, it was so bleak that I didn't even want to be 35. I hoped I could die a tragic, quick (but painless) young death because that seemed better than continuing life as it was and living to be old. 

Thankfully, God stepped in. He did some very unexpected things in my life and got me turned around. I'm not saying life is perfect, but man am I blessed. He got me out of a bad situation and now I can rejoice because I'm not where I once was. 

I'm learning to celebrate more, because, even if I'm blessed enough to grow old, life is still short. So I called my favorite bakery and ordered my favorite cake (strawberry with cream cheese icing) and text some friends and family to come over to my Gramma's to celebrate with me. 

I only had 12 candles on my cake (even though I wanted 31) because I couldn't make myself buy three packages of candles just so I would have enough. Although in hindsight, maybe it would have been worth the $10. (Probably not--it took two tries just to blow out 12.)

Life Lately: July 2022

 I did not mean to just... not post for over a month. I didn't even realize it had been so long, but we have been busy busy busy. Here's what we've been up to in the last few weeks.

July 11-17ish - Prep for EKWIP | EKWIP (Equipping Kids With Individual Purpose) is our church's version of VBS. We spent the week beforehand planning and prepping.

July 18-23 - EKWIP | EKWIP is all day every day for  a week. We have to stay a few hours later every day to prepare for our Kids Krusade, so we were putting in 13-hour days. Ethan was here! Ethan is my 6-year-old nephew. He came for the week of EKWIP, so we were doing 13 hour days with a 6-year-old. Whew! I'm so glad he could come.

Thursday, July 21 - Then we got invited to go on a mission trip. | On Thursday of EKWIP, we got a call inviting us to Chapel Hill, North Carolina do to children's ministry at a home mission church. If we were to accept the offer... we would be leaving one week and one day later.

Saturday, July 23 - We said YES. | On Saturday, we decided we would say yes if Casey could get off work. We had a mission fund, so why not? Turns out, God really wanted us to go and someone offered to pay for our flights and hotel! 

Sunday, July 24 - It's official! | On Sunday, he got the okay from his supervisor and we booked our flights!

Tuesday, July 26 - Bestie hang out | Juju came to town and we hung out and went to Hobby Lobby and, oops, I bought 5 yards of fabric that was on sale for $3 a yard.

Wednesday, July 27 - Bestie Hang out Part 2 | I helped Kaleigh get her classroom ready. It's her first year teaching!

Thursday, July 28 - Oops I made a dress | I used that fabric I bought and made a new dress to take on our trip. It turned out so cute! We ate pizza for dinner to support a good cause.

Friday, July 29 I crossed something off my bucket list! | We both woke up sick. Thanks, pizza. BUT we were feeling better in no time. Thank goodness, because we flew out to North Carolina! On my bucket list is: "Decide to go on a trip and book tickets and leave within a week." I got to cross it off! That night we joined Bro. Roca in a training session on how to connect with kids. And we taught action songs!

Saturday, July 30 We hiked for coffee and God is awesome | We literally hiked to a coffee shop (where we got tea, because if you've read the archives then you'll know I broke up with coffee last year) that morning then did a kids service that afternoon. God moved in a beautiful way and I made friends with another Kayley. That evening we went to an amazing Mediteranean restaurant.

Sunday, July 31 Jesus is still really awesome | We did a children's service and two kids and two grown ups were baptized in Jesus' Name! How cool! We took some friends to get weird Asian desserts and hung out with Bro. Roca's family.

Monday, August 1 It's a good thing we packed in backpacks | That's right. I packed in a backpack FOR A WHOLE WEEKEND because the carry on and baggage fees were insane. So we plopped on our backpacks and headed out to enjoy our last few hours in North Carolina. We walked downtown, went back to that Meditteranean restaurant, cried because the cat cafe was closed (I didn't actually cry, but I did add "go to a cat cafe" to my bucket list), played  a game of mini golf (Casey won), then hopped on our plane home. I finished a book and a novella on our trip.

We're now back to real life and I'm taking a few slow days! 

Meals I Want to Make This Summer

We've just emerged from a hectic season of life in preparation for SALT and I had lots of volunteer shifts and work projects so we kept relying on the same quick meals again and again. And now I'm tired of them and wanting something new. Also, with summer officially beginning tomorrow, I feel like it's time to embrace the season with some new recipes. Here are some things I want to try this summer!

• BBQ chicken legs | TBH, I'm not a big fan of chicken, but this feels appropriately summer and chicken legs are budget-friendly.
• That famous pasta sauce 
• Naan pizza (idea from The Lazy Genius)
• White Chicken Enchiladas | I actually made some of these recently but wasn't a fan of the recipe, so I want to try a different recipe.
• Taco salad | I'm honestly getting sick of having tacos on the rotation, but having it as a salad... yes please.
• Bruschetta with ricotta | I had bruschetta once in high school and that's the only time I've ever had it but I really liked it. So why not make it at home??
• Burgers and fries | We don't have a grill so this is not something that's ever been on my menu rotation. But there are other way to cook burgers. Also I used to be a person who only made things from scratch and that's just not the kind of person I currently am. So I've never bought frozen fries. But I think it's time. 
• Chili dogs | This is something we recently added to the menu rotation and it's gonna stay!

12 Things I'm Embracing This Summer

1. Cold treats | Give me ALL the snowballs (known as snow cones everywhere else besides South Louisiana). A few of the stands here have a "Barbie" flavor that is PINK. I don't remember what flavors are in it, but it sure is tasty with some sweet cream. Also ice cream. A few years ago I decided to embrace the waffle cone, so I gotta get a scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone when we come across an ice cream shop. 

2. Watermelon | This is one of those things I like but don't love, but as soon as summer hits I need a few pieces of watermelon. (Today I mixed some chopped watermelon with some sauteed zucchini, chili lime seasoning, and feta cheese. Yum.)

3. Fans on | I sleep with the fan on every night and have since I was a child. But I'm embracing turning ALL the ceiling fans on. We live in an old house so it doesn't have the best insulation and it can easily get up to 76 (or higher, yuck) as the AC fights to keep the house cool. Fans keep the house much cooler and the breeze just feels... summery.

4. Closing the blinds and curtains | I'm that person who likes to get up and open all the blinds... but lately I've just been leaving them closed. We still get PLENTY of sunlight and keep some of that coolness in. Also last summer I thrifted these super cute (read: they look like they came out of a granny's house) pink and green floral curtains that bring SO MUCH LIFE to our emerald green dining room. They're super cute and when they're closed the light coming through is PINK. Keeps out the heat AND turns the room pink? Yes, I'll take it.

5. Iced Chai lattes | Last month we picked up an iced chai latte mix on a whim and now we're obsessed. Even though I don't like hot Chai tea. But this stuff? Oh, it's the best. (Especially since I had to give up coffee last year--I still miss iced coffee.)

6. Sandals | I actually started embracing sandals for the first time last year when someone recommended Mia sandals to me. I LOVE them. They're so comfy and go with anything. 

7. Swingy cotton dresses | It's too hot to have fabric touching me, so I want loose-fitting dresses. Preferably made in breathable cotton. I've made a few and want to make some more to add to my wardrobe!

8. Staying hydrated | Two and a half years ago I left my beloved water bottle somewhere and I was devastated. So I went on a mission to find the perfect water bottle. Requirements: Be insulated, have a wide neck opening to add ice, have a lid with no straw, preferably one that didn't require being spun off, and must fit in the cup holder. Behold, I found the perfect water bottle and have been adding cute stickers to it. I just got a "Hydrate or Die-drate" one because that is our saying at camp every year. Also, it's pink.

9. Beach | Honestly, I've never been a beach person. Something about that sunburn I got at the beach at the age of 9 traumatized me. Thankfully I've since discovered sunscreen and I like to apply generously and often. Casey had a job at the beach the other day (it's only like an hour and a half away from us, which I always forget because we've only been a few times in the four years I've lived here), so I went with and we spent an hour or so at the beach at the end of the day. We're in the middle of a HOT summer (it's like, August temps outside and it's only mid-June) so it was so lovely to cool off in the ocean. We took a gallon of water and sandwich stuff (and sunscreen) and got some ice cream at a local shop and had a lovely, impromptu day trip.

10. Being Barefoot | Yet another thing I've always hated. Seriously. I'm either in shoes or socks at all times. Barefoot is yuck. BUT. It feels so summer-y (and cool, let's be honest) walking around barefoot. Do I like that my dirty feet keep reminding me of the fact that I need to vacuum? (In my defense, I've been sick all week, so I'm behind on housework.) No. But it's fine. I'll just sit on the bathroom counter and wash my feet off in the sink. (Yet another thing I've done since I was a child and people think it's very weird.) (And yes, I'll get around to vacuuming soon.)

11. Grocery pick up | I really hate it (I actually enjoy perusing a nice grocery store--I really like Rouses), but we're in a season of sticking to a pretty tight budget, and this really helps me stay within that budget. Due to an unpredictable schedule and only having one car, it's easier to plan our pick up than to figure out which day we have enough time to go grocery shopping. So I've been planning out a menu (I'm embracing simpler meals and trying to not overthink it, so menu planning actually is working--yay!) then placing an order for Casey to pick up. 

12. The Lazy Genius | She has changed my life. Seriously. The Bible is the only book that's changed my life more. I've gotten so many cool ideas from her books and podcast and Instagram that are helping me "be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't." (That's her tagline, btw.) I just went through her list of summer meals for some new inspo for meals in the upcoming months (I'm tired of the same meals we've been rotating through) and my goal is to embrace this season of life (which is one of the Lazy Genius principles).

Wedding Quilts for my Besties

Two of my besties, Julianne and Sarah, got married this year! Julianne married my brother-in-law in January and Sarah married Zach (whom I've known since he was a child) in March. I wanted to make them each a wedding quilt, and I just finished Sarah's and Zach's, so I want to share them!

Julianne and Caleb's Quilt

This turned out to be the coziest quilt because the backing is a super soft sheet I thrifted. This quilt was made entirely from scraps and recycled materials, which is my fave kind of quilt. Every fabric has a story, and some of the fabrics were given to me by Julianne. As a fabric and second-hand collector herself, I knew Julianne would love it. She's assured me it's been plenty loved already.

Sarah and Zach's Quilt

I LOVE how this turned out. I did buy fabric for it because I wanted it to be in colors that went with their home, but I also wanted it to have a somewhat scrappy feel, so I did all the hearts in different fabrics. They're mostly from JoAnn, but some were already in my collection. The heart is from the Heirloom Hearts quilt by Lo and Behold Stitchery. I love that pattern, but didn't want to make the 9-patch blocks. 

The patchwork backing was not in the original plan. I was originally on task to finish this quilt before the wedding, but got sick and couldn't finish in time. While hanging out with Sarah the week before the wedding, she randomly showed me a patchwork quilt while she was scrolling Pinterest, so I thought it would be cool to make the backing of her quilt inspired by that photo. I used the scraps from the fat quarters I'd bought (a lovely way to reuse them since they aren't my style) plus some others in my scrap bins. I adore how this turned out and will probably do more patchwork quilts/backings in an attempt to use up some of my scraps.

Currently Sewing #2

I really love these posts because it helps me realize what I've actually accomplished and what I need to prioritize in the sewing room.

Recently Finished

Pink Everyday Dress

This dress turned out simple and cute just like I wanted. The problem? I have no idea what the fabric content is but there is no way it's cotton. It's pretty hot. So now I want to find some pink cotton and make another pink everyday dress.

Strawberry Dress

This is my new favorite dress and currently my most favorite thing I've ever made. My goal was to finish it in time for the Strawberry Fest last month, but we were making and selling cookies and I had no time to finish the dress. BUT it does not need to be Strawberry Fest for me to wear this adorable dress!

Maisel's Harness

This turned out so cute! It's a little small for her (I based it off a harness she already had but... she's gained a little weight). 

Working on

White floral dress

I thrifted this cute fabric thinking it would make a cute quilt back. Until I saw Amanda from ModernJuneCleaver make a dress out of the same fabric. And then I realized this fabric was meant to be a dress. I'm still working on the bodice (currently finishing off the neckline). The sleeves are going to be puffy. I've been thinking about doing a few layers of the skirt, but it depends on how much fabric I've got left. So... I guess future me will be able to tell you later what I chose!

Sarah and Zach's Quilt

While I was hanging out with Sarah during wedding prep, she came across a cute patchwork quilt on Pinterest that she showed me. She had no idea I had that same photo pinned, and I decided to use it as inspiration and make a patchwork backing for her quilt. Now, this definitely added A LOT of time to construction, but I think it is fun and was an amazing way to use up a bunch of scraps, especially since most of the fabrics I'd chosen for her quilt weren't my style and I was wondering what I was gonna do with them. I might start doing more patchwork quilt backs as a way to use more scraps!

Eye spy Quilt

Still an ongoing project. I felt like working on it a little yesterday and got another block finished and a few blocks sewn together. This will probably be a fave quilt when it's done.

Things on my to-do list

Summer Scrappy QAL: Yeah I haven't worked on this one. Maybe once Sarah and Zach's quilt is done I'll pull this one out and spend an afternoon on it.

Finish vintage quilt top: I thrifted a vintage quilt top (I think it's made of flour sacks) and I want to turn it into a quilt. I think I may skip the batting so it can be a thin summer quilt, perfect for picnics. I need to pick backing fabric and binding.

Finish cutting Fresh as a Daisy quilt: I started this a long time ago. There is so. much. cutting. I need to just make a few blocks to get the momentum going. But probably I should focus on one quilt at a time.

Did I mention I started a log cabin quilt too? It's been a while back and I had 4 blocks finished. It will be a cool quilt when I finish, but it's def not a priority now.

Mending pile: I don't even wanna talk about it.

Life Lately Brain Dump

Just a few things about life lately!

SALT. I've been a part of SALT since 2011 and it's one of my favorite things in the world. Planning has been ongoing for the last few months and now it's crunch time. Between handling stuff for SALT and making sure we're prepped and ready (HOW did we just realize that Casey doesn't even have a week's worth of pants??), volunteer days, and trying to finish a wedding quilt (for Sarah and Zach who got married 2 months ago)... things are busy!

Easy Dinners. That's what's on the menu. Sandwiches, spaghetti, hot dogs, grilled cheese. I keep reminding myself it's just a season, and the important thing is to feed my family.

Name what matters. This is a principle I've learned from the Lazy Genius (Kendra Adachi) and it's been helping me so much. Like with easy dinners. What matters during this season of life? Not fancy meals, not healthy meals. Just... meals. As someone who would love to have more veggies and variety in her meals, it felt like a fail to admit that those just can't be my priorities right now. But man, how good it feels to just let myself be okay with "feed my family." 

The Lazy Genius. I. Am. Obsessed. Ob-sessed. I don't remember how I found her podcast last year, but I listened to a few episodes then borrowed The Lazy Genius audiobook from my library. It was so good and I loved her principles. Now I follow her on instagram, listen to a few of her podcasts a week while I do chores, and her newest book, The Lazy Genius Kitchen, will be delivered to my doorstep today. Applying her principles "Name What Matters" and "The Magic Question" are helping me to prioritize things. I'm on the waiting list for The Lazy Genius audiobook because I want to give it another listen. 

Sewing. I'm stealing moments here and there to sew. I finished my strawberry dress and it might just be my most favorite thing I've ever made. I need to make another Currently Sewing post. Those are a great way for me to keep up with what I've made and need to work on. My current goal is to finish Sarah and Zach's wedding quilt in the next week and a half. I have some extra time this week so I hope to at least get a good amount done on it.

Currently Sewing #1

I tried to make a list of all the sewing projects I did in 2021 and I got a pretty good ways... but I'm not sure I actually remembered everything I made. So here's what I've sewed in 2022 and what I'm working on.

Finished:

Scrappy Blue Irish Chain for Julianne and Caleb

I wanted to make a quilt for my bestie and brother-in-law for a wedding present, so I went with a scrappy blue Irish chain quilt. It was so fun because there is a story for every fabric--some of them were ones that Julianne gave me! It's backed with a super soft sheet and is so cozy!

Jon Fav(th)reau Quilt Top

I was inspired to work on clearing out my scrap bins so I dug into the pinks and yellows to piece together a fun, simple quilt top. I told Casey it was made with happy colors and he said, "Happy like Jon Favreau?" I thought it was funny so I'm calling this the Jon Fav(th)reau quilt. I need to buy batting for it and quilt/bind it.

Working on: 

Pink everyday dress

Literally all I have to do is hem and then finish the raw edges where the top and skirt meet. I'm excited to have a pink everyday dress!

Maisel's Harness

We have a cute harness for Maisel that looks like a dress, but it is a winter harness (made with velvet and lined with fleece) so she needs a summer version. I made a pattern from the harness we have and only have a few more things to finish it up. I'm making it out of some strawberry fabric I had (not the strawberry fabric I bought--see below) and a vintage pink gingham pillow case.

Scrappy Summer Quilt Along -- 2020

Yes, I started this quilt top in 2020 as part of a quilt along... it's still not finished. I'm getting there though! This entire quilt has to be laid out to work on it, so I tend to grab an easier project when I feel like sewing. This was the quilt that first inspired me to learn to quilt, so I'm not mad about it. I hope to finish it before this summer... we'll see.

Eye Spy Quilt

I started on this one last year, inspired by Gigis_Thimble. This is such a great way to use those little scraps--every square is cut at 2 inches and finishes at 1.5 inch. This is the perfect project when I just feel like sewing for a little bit--I don't have to pull out all the blocks and can just start sewing a colorful square to a white square. I love playing with all my fabric scraps! I really think I'm gonna love this quilt, and I might always have a similar quilt in the works as a way to use up those tiny scraps. There is no hurry to this quilt--I will likely be working on it for a while, and that's okay.

Sarah and Zach's Wedding Quilt

I was on schedule to finish this quilt (a modified Heirloom Hearts quilt by Lo and Behold Stitchery) before I had to leave town for the wedding, but then I got sick and wasn't able to finish it. I considered bringing it with me to finish but decided it would be okay for them to receive their quilt late. I didn't have to haul my entire sewing room on a five-hour drive and I'm able to be more present as I'm helping with wedding prep. I've got all the hearts sewn and just have to do top assembly, quilting, and binding.

Fabric Acquisitions 

-white and cream sheets to use for quilts (thrifted)

-white sheet with cute flowers on it--will be a cute quilt back (thrifted)

-Pink floral sheets that are the exact same as I have on my bed (I LOVE them) that I got at Dirt Cheap for half the price (originally from Target). I love these things so much and I'm sure they will find their way into a quilt. Maybe I should buy another set and turn it into a dress???

-Fabric for Sarah and Zach's quilt (navy background, a mix of blues, greens, yellows, and terra cottas for the hearts -- all from JoAnn) (blue floral fabric from Hobby Lobby for binding)

-strawberry fabric from Hobby Lobby - it's PINK and has strawberries on it and was 40% off. I wanted about 4 yards but decided to just buy what was left on the bolt. I think it's around 6 yards. I plan to make a flowy dress out of it which will be perfect for summer and the upcoming Strawberry Festival. I don't know what I'll do with the leftovers but I'll definitely come up with something!

Disneybounding!

In 2020 I found the Disneybound challenge on Instagram and thought it would be fun to participate. I loved it so much that I participated again in 2021 and I was even featured on the official Disneybound account! I thought it would be fun to share some of my Disneybound looks here.

What is Disneybounding? "Disneybounders dress up in stylish, everyday outfits (known as Disneybounds) that are simply inspired by a particular character." (source)

The theme was obscure characters so I was the picnic blanket from Frozen. So many people loved it and this look was featured on the official DisneyBound account!!

Inspired by Princess Diaries 2 -- the water fountain scene! This was one of my favorite looks. Everything is thrifted or secondhand.

A classic Snow White look. Everything but the shoes and headband was thrifted!

Eve from Wall-E. I made the purse but the leaf symbol was just taped on. The dress is secondhand--from my Grandma!

This look was inspired by Aqua from The Cheetah Girls. I made the skirt and thrifted the jacket and shoes.

Toulouse from Aristocats! I took these photos with our foster kitten, Peggy. She got adopted and has a lovely family and a new name - Angel! I made the pinafore and bow and thrifted the top.

Daisy from Mario. The dress was thrifted and the belt was actually a napkin that I turned into a belt!

Another Cheetah Girls look! Top and skirt were thrifted.