max

So over the summer we added a new member to our family.

Max, meet everyone.  Everyone, meet Max :-)

We have talked about getting a dog for a few years and finally decided one night in August that the time seemed to be right - chaotic as always but still right.  So one night we did some searching and the next day, we met and brought home a very sweet, car sick (from the 2 hour drive home) 8 week old golden doodle.

Max has settled right in and it is hard to imagine what life was like without him!

zipper quilt

I am happy to report that I finished the zipper quilt that was at the top of my craft month list :)  This was a really fun quilt that came together quickly and I am so excited with how it turned out!  I made the smaller version which turned out to be 46" x 56" and I plan to make the larger version as well (after I make Round & Round) :-)

How about you, were you able to get any projects crossed off your list?

happy national craft month

How will you be celebrating the month of crafting?  Perhaps you will finish up some projects that you started but haven't gotten around to finishing (this isn't just me right?) or maybe you have a list of new projects you would like to try.  

At the top of my list this month will be figuring out how to use my new serger - yay!  After a few hours of trial and error I managed to get it threaded although I am not sure that it is completely correct.  Of the millions of You Tube videos there isn't one for the Babylock 097 model - seriously?!  I was able to serge around a piece of scrap fabric without any injuries.  I am not sure why but I had this urge to wear a pair of safety goggles - I am happy to report they were not needed :-)

If you aren't sure what your next project will be, I have included a few things that are on my list.

zipper quilt

I just bought this pattern last week and have already started cutting out my pieces.

confetti tablecloth

We have a few birthdays coming up that I need to make this already!

dipped wooden utensils

bunny

crochet granny square

I encourage everyone to get crafting!  And if you have any helpful tips on threading a serger please share - thanks :-)

my song

I have been following Ashley for a few years now at Under the Sycamore.  If you don't already know Ashley you must go and visit her blog.  I recommend getting a cup of coffee and a comfy reading spot  because if you are anything like me - you will be there for hours.  This is one blog (along with a few others) that I check everyday for crafting ideas, photography tips and a peak into her adorable family.

Lately I have quilts on my mind.  I want my home to filled with stacks and stacks of quilts.  I want my kids to reach for a handmade quilt and feel the love that went into making each one.  Over the last few months I have made a few quilts that sit in our family room (more about those another day) and the kids have happily claimed their favourites.

One day Ashley had posted an update about her new daughter who they finally brought home from China after a {very} long wait.  She was sitting on a quilt called My Song that was made in her honour. I knew this would be my next quilt.  I have my fabric cut out and am working to get it pieced together.  I cannot wait to see it finished!    

Look at that picture - that is one proud big sister :)

If you would like to make a quilt of your own, please visit For the Love of Joy to purchase your quilt pattern.

If you would like to read more about their adoption journey, go here. 

More quilting inspiration to come soon!  What have you been inspired by lately?

hello monday

February is my favourite month...it has both Valentine's day and my birthday!

link

hello monday and happy birthday to my brother - hope you had a great day!

hello monday and finally a healthy family - it didn't happen last week but fingers crossed...

hello monday and happy birthday to my mom (on Wednesday) - hope you have a great day!

hello to an engagement in the family - I am so excited

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I will be back later this week with some Valentine's day inspiration and ideas - only one week to go!

What a great start to the week already!

what are you saying hello to?

inspiration

DIY Pillow

photo booth pictures

home made marshmallows

patchwork quilt

summer list - could also work for winter

1  stencil pillow diy - this would make a great valentines day gift

2  how to turn all those iphone pictures into photo strips

3  homemade marshmallows using cool whip - I may actually be able to do this!

4  patchwork quilts to make - I have 2 kids rooms to redo soon and these would be perfect

5  I could use a winter list to get me outside - anything to cross things off my list :)

what's inspiring you today?

hello monday

hello wellness, good bye whole family being sick

hello spending a fun afternoon at the museum

hello facetime with far away family - love it!

hello new appliances...and constant fingerprints on the fridge...

hello glow-in-the-dark bowling 

hello to photos taken by d... she is turning into a great photographer!

hello to new ideas and lots to do

what are you saying hello to?