Not sew much sewing

Originally this blog was going to be about my new adventures in sewing.  Turns out is about all things made by yours truly (and with some help from my other half, Paul of Metcalfe Iron Works), whether it be a craft, a before/after project, sewing, knitting or crocheting.
It's taken me awhile to get to this post.

This was a desk we bought at a garage sale last summer.

I forget to get a true before pic...the knobs have been removed and the sanding started.
We sanded, primed and painted this desk for my Avery's room.  Paul made all the drawer pulls (he's an artistic blacksmith)

Now to finish the lamp and the chair....hopefully I will post pics soon (I heard they were painted today)

Steph

Knitting

I love knitting.  I especially love knitting for other people.  I have so many projects on the go that it seems to take forever to complete them.  Or I complete them, they are gifts and I feel like I can't blog about them until they have been given.

Here is a blanket and a hat that I made for a special little boy that I was waiting to meet.  I work with his mom.  She is a great nurse and I bet she is going to be a fantastic mother.  I met this little guy last week and he is soo adorable.

Period of Purple Crying

At the hospital I work at all new mom's are given information and a video to watch and share with all people who will help care for their newborn.  This video provides information about the period of purple crying in infants and what to expect from your newborn and strategies for coping with this period of their lives.
The month of November is the awareness month for this program.  In recognition of this program all babies born this month will be given a purple hat to wear when they are born and to take home with them.  All hats have been handmade by volunteers.  I also made some purple hats which my children wanted to take to the hospital themselves to donate them.  I thought it was a great opportunity for my girls to thank the wonderful staff in the birthing centre for the great care we received there.  They really are a great group of nurses!  Personally I think they are the best!

Here are my girls with Nurse Ashley.

Homemade Birthday Gift

Avery was attending Allie's 8th birthday party today and we decided to make a homemade friendship bracelet making kit.  I found the idea here http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/1370/tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/08/summer-social-guest-project-make_16.html

I purchased a small tote and used the printable found at the link above to make the label.

I filled the tote with embroidery floss and plastic lace (or when i was a kid we used to call it gimp).  I also covered two pieces of wood with paper and added paperclips to hold the bracelets while being made.  I also printed off some instructions on making friendship bracelets.

Then to finish off the project I sewed up this bag reall quick this afternoon. 

I hear the birthday girl loved her gift.  Maybe next time Avery will more with the project!


My new project is knitting purple hats for the Walkerton Birthing Centre for the month of Novemeber.  November is going to be the month to recognize the period of purple crying in infants.  Follow this link for more information regarding the period of purple crying.  http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purplecrying.info%2Fsections%2Findex.php%3Fsct%3D1%26loc%3Dmb1r3p6&h=iAQDmcAPLAQBl9wLD0eO7lLBa55iRr38nhlv4bOcVQ3-wKw

So here is the one hat I have completed so far.

Until next time!

Steph xoxo

It's Been A Long Time

So summer has kept me from my blog but it hasn't kept me from crafting.  I have started working on my very first quilt.  I am soo excited about this and can't wait to show you the finished project.

I also covered a lampshade in fabric for the very first time for Avery's room.  I used to bag her bedding came in.  Amy Butler fabric is some of my favourite.  Here is what I had to work with.

Now here is a sneak peak.  I have yet to paint the base of the lamp and I will show the finished project when I get around to actually completing it.

I have also discovered a non-profit organization for making handmade things for those less fortunate.  It's called Craft Hope.  They are on project number 14 which is Christmas in Dixie for Tornado Survivors.  The project was to make Christmas stockings.  We decided to make 2.  I used Grandma Donna's old curtains and fabric that used to belong to my husband's Grandma Mac (she loved to quilt and I bet she would be happy to see what use I am putting her fabric to).  I didn't want to do Christmas themed stockings as I wanted them to be reminders of hope all year long.  My fabric choices made them look a little more "county" then I intended but the kids loved them.  Peyton helped me stitch on the stars.

And here they are all folded and ready to be shipped tomorrow.  I think I might leave that task in my husbands trusty hands.



Now to enjoy the quiet while Macy naps and before Avery and Peyton get home from school.

Steph xoxo



Pillowcase obsession

My second post ever....but no followers yet.
I did finish my dress in time for the birthday girl...but I don't have pictures of her yet.
I do have one of the one I made for Peyton.  I am obsessed with pillowcase dresses because they are soo simple to make.  And Peyton does love dresses.

And now I going to learn how to hand quilt...I bought a book and have been reading online.  I want something portable to take to work for those quiet nights.  I will keep you posted on my progress. 

Until next time!

Welcome

Hello to everyone who decides to read this.  I am new to blogland and don't really even know where to start.
This is me a few years ago in Little Current on Manitoulin Island our favourite family vacation spot.

Today started with a very stormy day in Bruce County today.  I worked the night shift last night to come home and get set up for a mom 2 mom sale.  I made it to bed late only to be unable to sleep and I must return to work another 12 hour shift tonight.
I am stressing because I need to make a dress for a birthday gift for tomorrow for a sweet little one year old named Raelyn...my godchild.  She is beautiful.  I can't start it now.  I am just too tired and won't enjoy it.  Hopefully tomorrow I am in a sewing mood at some point and will post a picture of beautiful Raelyn wearing it!

So happy reading!