tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256151782024-03-13T11:42:49.450-06:00Foster RamblingsI'm going to continue to blog family stuff here. But you should really check out my other blog http://maeandk.com/Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-39016942810993271252014-04-10T19:36:00.003-06:002014-04-10T19:36:22.228-06:00We are official!It's actually been a few weeks now, but you should really go check out our new blog.<br />
<a href="http://maeandk.com/" target="_blank">Mae & K</a><br />
<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-66665364206913253372014-01-21T18:30:00.003-07:002014-09-29T11:21:50.390-06:00Confessions of a Non-Chef: Karen's adventure in freezer meals The post you are looking for has moved. Sorry for the inconvenience!
<a href="http://maeandk.com/adventure-freezer-meals/">Adventure in Freezer meals</a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-34681035302113408692013-11-16T16:30:00.000-07:002015-08-27T23:26:42.911-06:00Mack's Hunting Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqiLQcVxT5c/UnmsFsx28jI/AAAAAAAAQB0/6C6bRZUFV7E/s1600/_MG_0973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqiLQcVxT5c/UnmsFsx28jI/AAAAAAAAQB0/6C6bRZUFV7E/s400/_MG_0973.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The post you are looking for has a new home!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maeandk.com/macks-hunting-hat-2/">http://maeandk.com/macks-hunting-hat-2/</a></div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-51760090932018598062013-11-14T15:41:00.002-07:002015-08-27T23:30:11.636-06:00Hangout Hunting Vest!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRxkFBmyhg/UoVOy-1iWkI/AAAAAAAAQE4/l5BR5YE6Dzo/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRxkFBmyhg/UoVOy-1iWkI/AAAAAAAAQE4/l5BR5YE6Dzo/s400/IMG_1049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You say the post has moved? I must go <a href="http://maeandk.com/hangout-hunting-vest/" target="_blank">check it out</a>!</div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-15500922046306712422013-11-14T08:00:00.001-07:002016-03-02T15:18:46.248-07:00The Owl Says...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJzUQ40y1v0/Un8SDfj6JoI/AAAAAAAAQDo/ehxPgA_05y0/s1600/_MG_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJzUQ40y1v0/Un8SDfj6JoI/AAAAAAAAQDo/ehxPgA_05y0/s400/_MG_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This post has a new home!<br />
<a href="http://maeandk.com/o-is-for-owl/">http://maeandk.com/o-is-for-owl/</a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-48329355209609287652013-11-13T08:00:00.000-07:002016-03-02T15:19:03.031-07:00Tumble Tees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The post you are looking for has moved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maeandk.com/tiny-timble-tees/">http://maeandk.com/tiny-timble-tees/</a></div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-85024912614792425102013-11-12T08:00:00.000-07:002015-08-27T23:31:46.686-06:00Beanies for Baby<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjtH8p24coo/Un6XZk_vCiI/AAAAAAAAQCg/W-H4NbrO8zM/s1600/_MG_1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjtH8p24coo/Un6XZk_vCiI/AAAAAAAAQCg/W-H4NbrO8zM/s400/_MG_1017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Find this post here: <a href="http://maeandk.com/basic-beanies-baby/">http://maeandk.com/basic-beanies-baby/</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-18162423182234531102013-11-09T13:54:00.001-07:002013-11-09T13:54:31.829-07:00Bringing Home a Guest Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I decided it was high time to bring home a guest post I shared at Project Run & Play. I adore the infant peasant dress, and this is one of my favorite ways to make them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUH7vKjKCwo/UDJjrHf-rTI/AAAAAAAAKTU/7nV3Kox62IA/s400/IMG_9678%255B2%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello! I'm Maegen, and I am extremely excited to be guest posting today! I blog over at <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Foster Ramblings</a>, though blog posts have been sparse during my first trimester. I have one sweet little boy, who I love to sew for, but we're hoping baby #2 is a girl, seeing as I spend so much of my time sewing dresses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been following Project Run and Play since season 3, and decided right away I wanted to get in on the fun. During the All-Stars season I was shocked and excited by my win with my <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/03/project-run-and-play-week-1.html" target="_blank">Starry Night inspired dress</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/03/project-run-and-play-week-1.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lICmjMO5o10/UVNvqLGV6LI/AAAAAAAAPJg/zhvXtTB71M4/s400/_MG_9735.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But before the time commitment this sort of embroidery requires scares you away, today I'll actually be sharing a tutorial based on one of my <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/04/same-dress-six-ways.html" target="_blank">other </a>sew along looks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/04/same-dress-six-ways.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvdn4IIACB8/UWc3O9LjINI/AAAAAAAAPRA/Ikf41YGif3g/s400/_MG_9842.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That little orange gingham number in the bottom middle. The consensus has been that this dress is the favorite. My husband definitely loves it. So I'm going to share with you how I altered one of my <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2012/01/infant-peasant-dress-free-pattern-and.html" target="_blank">favorite pattern</a>s to make it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPp8fBTiKgo/UWc3MeHXkAI/AAAAAAAAPQg/Tik1gK9qlAU/s1600/_MG_9837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPp8fBTiKgo/UWc3MeHXkAI/AAAAAAAAPQg/Tik1gK9qlAU/s400/_MG_9837.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pattern is <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/" target="_blank">Sew Much Ado</a>'s <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2012/01/infant-peasant-dress-free-pattern-and.html" target="_blank">Infant Peasant Dress</a>. I love this pattern! I've probably made 20 of these adorable little dresses. But, the tiny little elastic casings for the sleeves are very time consuming. So I created an alternative sleeve. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-to2w7l4oO_c/UcC82p8T-JI/AAAAAAAAPcc/yWXIxA5Lu74/s1600/_MG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-to2w7l4oO_c/UcC82p8T-JI/AAAAAAAAPcc/yWXIxA5Lu74/s400/_MG_1595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alright, to start off, you'll cut out your front and back pieces in your base fabric. I used a muslin that is extremely wrinkly.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzH0REAf3-U/UcC826LWISI/AAAAAAAAPco/vZAIb8P-I8M/s1600/_MG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzH0REAf3-U/UcC826LWISI/AAAAAAAAPco/vZAIb8P-I8M/s400/_MG_1598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then you'll cut out a front and back of your top fabric using only the top part of the dress pattern. The bottom of my fabric is about 8 inches up from the bottom of the pattern piece. You'll need to put a small hem in the bottom of this piece right away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nozjMR-F7A/UcC82-s9pLI/AAAAAAAAPcg/TMUbzgObrfM/s1600/_MG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nozjMR-F7A/UcC82-s9pLI/AAAAAAAAPcg/TMUbzgObrfM/s400/_MG_1596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lastly, cut two sleeve pieces. These are just rectangles. I've had success with sleeves that are 4 X 3 1/2 inches, 4 X 4 inches, and 4 X 5 inches. I did not have success with a sleeve set that was 4 X 9 inches. Anything bigger than 5 inches stretches the neck out too far. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dG1lW0UdHQc/UcC84Enwt4I/AAAAAAAAPc0/I2YPSEyCk10/s1600/_MG_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dG1lW0UdHQc/UcC84Enwt4I/AAAAAAAAPc0/I2YPSEyCk10/s400/_MG_1618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Take a sleeve piece and fold it in half with right sides out. (the finished sleeve will be 2 inches long). Then pin one side to the top of your dress piece, also right sides together. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWvzxj3-OvQ/UcC84QN_YoI/AAAAAAAAPdE/guWUs6G9804/s1600/_MG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWvzxj3-OvQ/UcC84QN_YoI/AAAAAAAAPdE/guWUs6G9804/s400/_MG_1621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Take your shorter dress piece and pin it on top of the sleeve and other dress piece. Right sides together. Your sleeve is sandwiched between the dress pieces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2Ei6OHkyqI/UcC84Fd8z2I/AAAAAAAAPc4/yERVMysDcEY/s1600/_MG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2Ei6OHkyqI/UcC84Fd8z2I/AAAAAAAAPc4/yERVMysDcEY/s400/_MG_1620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a view of the sleeve pinned in place.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAadqs0kWAw/UcC84yQ0_II/AAAAAAAAPdI/D8HK9rjwreE/s1600/_MG_1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAadqs0kWAw/UcC84yQ0_II/AAAAAAAAPdI/D8HK9rjwreE/s400/_MG_1622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And after it has been sewn. You don't need to sew down the sides of the dress at this point-- just around the armhole.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9YkXwe0FIE/UcC85P5SKII/AAAAAAAAPdU/VZS0hLzWJs8/s1600/_MG_1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9YkXwe0FIE/UcC85P5SKII/AAAAAAAAPdU/VZS0hLzWJs8/s400/_MG_1623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pin the other side of your sleeve to the other two dress pieces and sew along the armhole.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdMrtBGmoEE/UcC85yNY2cI/AAAAAAAAPdc/ZXRKF5X57mM/s1600/_MG_1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdMrtBGmoEE/UcC85yNY2cI/AAAAAAAAPdc/ZXRKF5X57mM/s400/_MG_1624.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It seems weird, but it should turn out. Don't be discouraged if you get things twisted. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JryAfrh9nc/UcC86O9hZJI/AAAAAAAAPdg/kmtwTYZqSGA/s1600/_MG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JryAfrh9nc/UcC86O9hZJI/AAAAAAAAPdg/kmtwTYZqSGA/s400/_MG_1625.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You'll want to repeat those steps with your other sleeve. The hardest part is sewing the last sleeve in place. One side of the dress will be hanging out from between the pieces of the other side. Like in the picture above. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eAI2FC3C-Y/UcC86V17LTI/AAAAAAAAPds/TIBfGJfsX84/s1600/_MG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eAI2FC3C-Y/UcC86V17LTI/AAAAAAAAPds/TIBfGJfsX84/s400/_MG_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top stitch your contrasting piece to your base piece, and the hard stuff is done! From here on out, you'll follow the original tutorial. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TECdcE3pf3k/UcIW__Z6pYI/AAAAAAAAPeE/laTUx2jSqdM/s1600/_MG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TECdcE3pf3k/UcIW__Z6pYI/AAAAAAAAPeE/laTUx2jSqdM/s400/_MG_1677.JPG" width="265" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpA3mKYu05Y/UcC7QIBCxqI/AAAAAAAAPcM/wahnEemB3TM/s1600/_MG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpA3mKYu05Y/UcC7QIBCxqI/AAAAAAAAPcM/wahnEemB3TM/s400/_MG_1681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little model wasn't very happy for pictures at first, but after a change of diaper and a change of outfit, we got some cute shots. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's Charlotte in a simplified version of the sleeve, without the lined bodice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUqHjW743rI/UcC7OOwtRxI/AAAAAAAAPbs/igv2DQXTdAg/s1600/_MG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUqHjW743rI/UcC7OOwtRxI/AAAAAAAAPbs/igv2DQXTdAg/s400/_MG_1655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I30ZFNBT8P0/UcC7QQnnS_I/AAAAAAAAPcI/61y-CaEUnqo/s1600/_MG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I30ZFNBT8P0/UcC7QQnnS_I/AAAAAAAAPcI/61y-CaEUnqo/s400/_MG_1675.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Head on over to <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my blog</a> for a little more information on this little blue dress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for having me, I can't wait for next season!</div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-49733280396807089662013-10-26T11:39:00.000-06:002016-03-02T15:24:17.551-07:00Kids Clothes Week Outfit 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this post has moved!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maeandk.com/embroidered-umbrella-dress/">http://maeandk.com/embroidered-umbrella-dress/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-10864602840943276782013-10-18T08:31:00.000-06:002013-10-18T08:31:01.109-06:00Kids Clothes Week: This is the PlanI've never officially participated in KCW before. Just sort of happened to make something that week and decided to count it. This time I'm going in with a plan.<br />
<br />
Mack doesn't need clothes. Seriously, between what I've made for him and all the hand-me-downs from my cousin Dennis, he has more clothes than I do. And the unfinished plaid shirt from the plaid week of Project Run & Play is still too fresh for me to be ready to tackle again.<br />
<br />
Which leaves me with a big, "Who to sew for?"<br />
<br />
And the answer, MY NIECES! I have four nieces planning to make appearances in December (don't even get me started on how weird it is that me, my best friend, and two of my sisters-in-law are all due within 2 weeks!) who are going to need something cute from me. So I'm planning to get the bulk of my baby gift sewing done.<br />
<br />
For Piper:<br />
- <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/product/olivia-pea-coat-sizes-3-mos-8-years" target="_blank">Olivia and Oliver Pea Coat</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.sewmuchado.com/2012/01/infant-peasant-dress-free-pattern-and-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Infant Peasant Dress</a> (This little beauty is already cut out, and I already spent time on an embroidery detail, but has yet to be sewn)<br />
<br />
For Georgianna:<br />
- <a href="http://www.sewmuchado.com/2012/01/infant-peasant-dress-free-pattern-and-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Infant Peasant Dress</a><br />
- <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/2013/10/sew-tiny-tumble-tee-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">{tiny} tumble tee</a><br />
<br />
For Lily & Emma:<br />
- <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2013/08/sallydresspattern.html" target="_blank">Sally Dresses</a><br />
<br />
I'm planning to tackle the projects in that order, but I'm really hoping to get down to those Sally Dresses. The pattern is darling, and I was lucky enough to win a copy!<br />
<br />
If by some miracle I get all 6 of those projects done, I'll make a little something for my own new baby, who has all of Mack's hand-me-downs, but is in need of jackets. There's a bit of a wardrobe difference between a December baby and a June baby.<br />
<br />
Now to get going on cutting out those patterns!Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-225998972243407412013-10-16T11:18:00.001-06:002014-01-13T16:38:46.033-07:00A Little Halloween OwlDo you know about <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>? No? If you like to crochet or knit you seriously need to check it out!<br />
I ran across an adorable (and free!) pattern for little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-owl-ornaments" target="_blank">owl ornaments</a> recently, and I have been dying to make some.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amorningcupofjo/134330266/14_tagged_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amorningcupofjo/134330266/14_tagged_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Halloween Owl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq7B5TNKzRQ/Ul7IiGgpN-I/AAAAAAAAP_k/vzo9K4hzA-w/s1600/_MG_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq7B5TNKzRQ/Ul7IiGgpN-I/AAAAAAAAP_k/vzo9K4hzA-w/s400/_MG_0227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I didn't have any plastic safety eyes or white felt on hand, so I decided to just sew on eyes. I also added little tufts of yarn to the ears.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXxWaHBoXd0/Ul7IiJ37y6I/AAAAAAAAP_c/bBS4EI7MUiU/s1600/_MG_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXxWaHBoXd0/Ul7IiJ37y6I/AAAAAAAAP_c/bBS4EI7MUiU/s400/_MG_0231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little guy didn't take very much time to make, and turned out pretty darn cute. Mack thinks he's a pretty fun little toy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRts62HJQh8/Ul7IiC8rmrI/AAAAAAAAP_g/bI0_wNrrFAQ/s1600/_MG_0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRts62HJQh8/Ul7IiC8rmrI/AAAAAAAAP_g/bI0_wNrrFAQ/s400/_MG_0235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here Mack is introducing himself to the owl and to the tiny pumpkin he picked out for the baby. The owl is really small, and would make a very sweet little ornament. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Linked to:</div>
<a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/search/label/Too%20Cute%20Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Blog/TooCuteTuesdayNEW.jpg" /></a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-8840172356961848432013-10-15T08:00:00.000-06:002013-10-15T08:00:05.940-06:00Confessions of a Non-Chef: Tuna CasseroleIf you read my intro post, you may remember that I mentioned making a legendary <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/03/scrumptious-tuna-casserole.html" target="_blank">Tuna Casserole</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/03/scrumptious-tuna-casserole.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpXerr63eDU/UUjp83hb4GI/AAAAAAAAPHo/Ff5qr9riGo8/s400/IMG_20130228_175649-001.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
Why legendary? Because I only get it a few times a year, and on one day in particular: My Birthday!<br />
Nathan really hates this casserole, and so do several of my siblings. So we spare them the horror of peas and tuna 364 days a year. But on my birthday, when I get to pick whatever I want for dinner, we have tuna casserole. I don't remember when I started picking this particular dish, but it's so much of a tradition that my mom still makes it for my family, even though we don't live near them.<br />
I changed up my mom's original recipe by using cream of chicken soup rather than cream of mushroom. Mushrooms are not my thing.<br />
This dish has everything I love: peas, noodles, cheese, potato chips, and tuna fish.<br />
Kiah makes it with fresh tuna (I'm a little jealous that they live near fresh fish!) and says it's ten million times better. Someday I'm going to have to try it, because I already think it's awesome.<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-86048430366423000092013-10-10T12:21:00.000-06:002013-10-10T12:21:15.392-06:00Belly shot comparison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EARTBCwnLg/TaXGQeUcxKI/AAAAAAAABe0/GVH_VM3hyVU/s1600/DSCN0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EARTBCwnLg/TaXGQeUcxKI/AAAAAAAABe0/GVH_VM3hyVU/s400/DSCN0644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
29 weeks pregnant with Mackay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0w0AMsT_8A/Ulbvg82xIxI/AAAAAAAAP-k/51IrkCXavsA/s1600/2013-10-08+09.43.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0w0AMsT_8A/Ulbvg82xIxI/AAAAAAAAP-k/51IrkCXavsA/s400/2013-10-08+09.43.09.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
29 weeks this time around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-38320582799907762482013-10-09T10:50:00.000-06:002013-10-09T10:50:13.646-06:00Confessions of a Non-Chef: Why I CookI've decided to start a series where I share recipes and tell you all about my cooking adventures. Not because I'm an amazing chef, but because I am really just sorta okay at cooking. And I'm fine with that. We can't all be amazing at everything, and I'm sure I'm not the only person out there who tries with all their heart to be that awesome mommy who can bake everything from scratch- and only sort of succeeds.<br />
<br />
I found myself crying a few months back after I burned my 3rd attempt at chocolate chip cookies in as many nights. Why was I crying? Because I had somehow failed at making cookies from a tube. How do you fail at making cookies when all that is involved is: separate, put on pan, put in oven, take out of oven and enjoy?<br />
We later came to realize it wasn't my dismal cooking skills or even me being scatterbrained, but rather an oven problem. Once the oven problem was fixed, things got much better. But I came to a realization as I cried over those no-fail cookies.<br />
"I am never going to be a world-class chef and I am okay with that."<br />
I don't really enjoy cooking. I'd much rather be doing something else. I often forget to add things in the right order, and I tend to just "eyeball" measurements. Most of the time even the yummiest things I make end up looking a little odd. But I cook for a greater purpose than just making food that tastes good and is super pretty. I cook to feed my family. I make all those breakfasts, lunches and dinners because I love my family and feeding them is a way I can serve them.<br />
Now, before you think I'm being too hard on myself, I do want to let you know that there are a few things I make well. I make delicious brownies (and have been since 1998). I make rolls that look really funny and taste really good. My potato salad is nearly worth indenturing yourself to me; and my Tuna Casserole is legendary. Everyone has their good days and bad days. The other day I made absolutely gorgeous bread and decided to try my hand at popovers and banana bread. Each one was a success! Then there are the, "I barely managed to make toast without burning it, you want me to make <i>what </i>for dinner?" days.<br />
I plan to share plenty of successes, and probably just as many failures.<br />
Are you ready for this?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XZ13wCl6Yk/UhQJyuzd0AI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/iVyolc6VYhA/s1600/SCAN0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XZ13wCl6Yk/UhQJyuzd0AI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/iVyolc6VYhA/s400/SCAN0083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the kitchen around age 10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-16179132513445376082013-10-03T17:41:00.001-06:002015-08-27T22:34:17.318-06:00Procrastination just might be my signature style!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFfAO6LT4iA/Uk3_JoCZ7MI/AAAAAAAAP8s/ZmcSpvuJYYU/s1600/_MG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFfAO6LT4iA/Uk3_JoCZ7MI/AAAAAAAAP8s/ZmcSpvuJYYU/s400/_MG_0214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stop! This post has a <a href="http://maeandk.com/procrastination-just-might-be-my-signature-style/" target="_blank">new home</a>!</div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-40214743043024815052013-09-30T09:04:00.000-06:002013-09-30T09:04:14.765-06:00So excited!I am the lucky winner of a copy of the Sally Dress pattern by Shannon from <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/" target="_blank">luvinthemommyhood</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://veryshannon.com/patterns/sallydress" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yZonSAgJiQ/UhWMeOB12fI/AAAAAAAAs10/BIqLjObeQck/s400/sally.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of nieces will be treated to an adorable dress in the near future. Thanks so much Jenn and Shannon!<br />
<br />
Did you see the <a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.com/2013/09/sally-dress-pattern-tour-giveaway.html" target="_blank">adorable dresses</a> Jenn made for her girls?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.com/2013/09/sally-dress-pattern-tour-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKF2wjEs1MM/Uj5frfXJGwI/AAAAAAAAJPk/VQSxIqCtTyI/s400/Sally+Dress+4T+2T+3.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-12807269178205333492013-09-27T08:00:00.000-06:002013-09-27T08:00:06.629-06:00Preggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If there's anything more exciting than being pregnant...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaIvVEG-_Zg/UkTk-1VYHwI/AAAAAAAAP6k/C-Y85b2Wg9g/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaIvVEG-_Zg/UkTk-1VYHwI/AAAAAAAAP6k/C-Y85b2Wg9g/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's getting to be pregnant at the same time as your best friend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ka_XYqD96Qo/UkTk_NaVaMI/AAAAAAAAP6o/nquNMJjttwk/s1600/IMG_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ka_XYqD96Qo/UkTk_NaVaMI/AAAAAAAAP6o/nquNMJjttwk/s320/IMG_0185.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kiah is due with a little girl just 9 days before I'm due.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3B9Y1rURfsI/UkTk_QlP0II/AAAAAAAAP6s/8atMcii36WA/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3B9Y1rURfsI/UkTk_QlP0II/AAAAAAAAP6s/8atMcii36WA/s320/IMG_0186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kiah and Mikel were in the area for a wedding, and we were lucky enough to steal them away for an evening. We had a lot of fun just catching up and chatting. I wish so much that we didn't live 14 hours away, it would be so nice to be able to hang out like that all the time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(And to use her daughter as a model after she's born!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kiah left with a few Maegen-made things for Baby. A little pea coat, my <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/09/oliver-s-popover-sundress-remix.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S remix top</a>, hairbows, and some beanies including one exactly like <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/02/baby-beanie-giveaway.html" target="_blank">the one I made for Fizzie</a>. There are a few more projects in the works for her little girl, and I'll be sharing those as I complete them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-61100087885799666732013-09-26T19:47:00.001-06:002016-03-02T15:26:32.465-07:00Not quite finished<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eH_pJLqaoI/UkTZK7JOovI/AAAAAAAAP54/UUR5E-sqc_M/s1600/_MG_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eH_pJLqaoI/UkTZK7JOovI/AAAAAAAAP54/UUR5E-sqc_M/s400/_MG_0200.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's sure cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
check out the rest of the post here <a href="http://maeandk.com/not-quite-finished/">http://maeandk.com/not-quite-finished/</a></div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-71748699924232607432013-09-26T08:00:00.000-06:002013-09-26T08:00:09.977-06:00Throwback Thursday<div>
I was going through my drafts and found this gem. I figured it was worth sharing, since it was one of the first times I had ever tried sewing anything for Mack. Please excuse the poor quality of the pictures. Having a DSLR makes an enormous difference (even with my limited photography skills)!<br />
<br />
<div>
So after my sister-in-law Karen introduced me to <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_blank">MADE</a>, I decided to try out the <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-90-minute-shirt.html" target="_blank">90 minute shirt tutorial</a>. It looked pretty easy, and we have a ton of Nathan's bright red Standard Plumbing Supply t-shirts sitting around so I wasn't worried about wasting the fabric if it totally failed.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUQ9dys_R7s/Uj46XD1vQtI/AAAAAAAAP4k/Bgdwi1szIdk/s1600/DSC00615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUQ9dys_R7s/Uj46XD1vQtI/AAAAAAAAP4k/Bgdwi1szIdk/s400/DSC00615.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
It didn't totally fail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__typxgknGc/Uj46XiSVj4I/AAAAAAAAP4o/6vU_LxoBppc/s1600/DSC00616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__typxgknGc/Uj46XiSVj4I/AAAAAAAAP4o/6vU_LxoBppc/s400/DSC00616.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
But it did kind of fail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI57qx9Ix-w/Uj46XpEtz_I/AAAAAAAAP4s/FNz9CEgtBwY/s1600/DSC00617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI57qx9Ix-w/Uj46XpEtz_I/AAAAAAAAP4s/FNz9CEgtBwY/s400/DSC00617.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
It was definitely an unwearable garment. Luckily, it didn't completely scare me off of drafting my own patterns for sewing.<br />
<br />
This silly little red shirt is tucked away in my scrap box. I'm thinking that maybe someday I'll shorten it a little more and sew a skirt onto it to make it a little dress.<br />
<br />
And those red shirts? Yeah, we still have a lot. I used one of his sweatshirts in my <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/01/doctor-love.html" target="_blank">Doctor Love</a> look for Project Run and Play a few seasons ago.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-56014569225456614592013-09-20T18:43:00.000-06:002013-09-26T20:05:00.847-06:00"Back to School" for Littles Part 3Puzzles!<br />
I love puzzles, and I seemed to have passed it on to Mackay. He has a handful of wooden puzzles; three are from Grandma, and my lovely Aunt thought of us when she had a chance to pick up some puzzles from her kids' Montessori school.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpXSxJtYOAI/Ujxh49fddKI/AAAAAAAAP4I/21T1-qO_OoQ/s1600/_MG_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpXSxJtYOAI/Ujxh49fddKI/AAAAAAAAP4I/21T1-qO_OoQ/s400/_MG_0140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So when I was at East Idaho's Biggest Garage Sale I kept my eyes peeled for more wooden puzzles. The hardest part is finding ones with all the pieces! At the end of the day I had picked up a number puzzle for about $1. It wasn't in great condition, the stickers were peeling off the numbers, and it was pretty dirty. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Undaunted, I set to work to make the puzzle nice again. Here's the sad part. I can't find any of my before and during pictures! What I did is pretty basic. I started out with baby wipes, which got the dirt off. Then I sanded the whole thing, aside from the grooves where the pieces sit. It took a really long time to sand the stickers off the top of the puzzle pieces, but it was definitely worth the work! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I recovered the puzzle pieces with scrapbook paper from <a href="http://www.diecutswithaview.com/product_view.php?id=2018" target="_blank">The Guy Stack</a> and the <a href="http://www.diecutswithaview.com/product_view.php?id=1709" target="_blank">All About Boys Stack</a> (the same stack I used for his <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/2013/09/back-to-school-for-littles-part-1.html" target="_blank">notebook</a>). It took just a little modge podge and then I re-sanded around the edges of the numbers to give them a smooth finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFaxRPtzzhk/Ujxh4strycI/AAAAAAAAP4E/2QDROil1CoA/s1600/_MG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFaxRPtzzhk/Ujxh4strycI/AAAAAAAAP4E/2QDROil1CoA/s400/_MG_0139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used a few layers of acrylic paint (by a few I mean 10+) to cover up the weird pictures that were in the number grooves. If I had been smart, I would have started with one layer of black, then hopefully one layer of white and one of red. Instead, I did about 8 layers of white and 2 of red (and you can still see the pictures if you look hard enough).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Cx1Sulzv8/Ujxh2tSn1gI/AAAAAAAAP3w/dAEnEcj1emU/s1600/_MG_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Cx1Sulzv8/Ujxh2tSn1gI/AAAAAAAAP3w/dAEnEcj1emU/s400/_MG_0134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mack was really excited to get a new puzzle.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWgbPwOm2Zw/Ujxh22JHIDI/AAAAAAAAP30/pMl_1ZB4TYQ/s1600/_MG_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWgbPwOm2Zw/Ujxh22JHIDI/AAAAAAAAP30/pMl_1ZB4TYQ/s400/_MG_0135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's really into counting things lately, so this is perfect.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFXvDNZxN00/Ujxh3moCcpI/AAAAAAAAP34/4-1sQf-IGcg/s1600/_MG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFXvDNZxN00/Ujxh3moCcpI/AAAAAAAAP34/4-1sQf-IGcg/s400/_MG_0136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuDTjcBPUuk/Ujxh2usLKhI/AAAAAAAAP3k/aPDPZhEt9Yo/s1600/_MG_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuDTjcBPUuk/Ujxh2usLKhI/AAAAAAAAP3k/aPDPZhEt9Yo/s400/_MG_0133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Linked to:<br />
<a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="A Jennuine Life Thrifty to Nifty Thursdays" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa423/jldeshazer/AJennuineLifeButton-ThriftytoNiftyThursdays_zps3f217df6.jpg" /></a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-55993060325552685602013-09-19T09:09:00.000-06:002013-09-19T09:09:08.809-06:00"Back to School" for Littles Part 2Rexburg has this Back to School festival every year in Porter Park. Businesses set up booths with carnival games, there's free food and lots of activities. We didn't make it last year, but did this year and it was really a lot of fun. They had a lot of things we didn't do because Mack is just too small, like rock climbing walls, giant bowling, and a life-size Angry Birds game.<br />
<br />
We ended up with a few free books:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Box-Antoinette-Portis/dp/0061123226/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379566606&sr=1-1&keywords=not+a+box" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41eNqAoWCLL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
&</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Garden-Verses-Golden-Classics/dp/0307102262/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379566725&sr=1-8&keywords=robert+louis+stevenson+a+child%27s+garden+of+verses" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GQEGF5HXL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mack really enjoyed playing all the carnival games. There was a little obstacle course, a ring toss, a fishing pond, and so many other fun games! Unfortunetely, I didn't get any pictures because I was helping him play. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did, however, get a few pictures (with our point and shoot) of Mack's favorite part of the event-- the train ride!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amiLkVlTsI8/UjqFxHJRx-I/AAAAAAAAP28/YZ-j3k9D-T4/s1600/DSCN1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amiLkVlTsI8/UjqFxHJRx-I/AAAAAAAAP28/YZ-j3k9D-T4/s400/DSCN1906.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNoMUyEQVaM/UjqFxK54H3I/AAAAAAAAP3M/l1xRVzlLt14/s1600/DSCN1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNoMUyEQVaM/UjqFxK54H3I/AAAAAAAAP3M/l1xRVzlLt14/s400/DSCN1910.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ko-KhexH-U/UjqFxRgO9iI/AAAAAAAAP3A/yX_8G9Vc3ls/s1600/DSCN1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ko-KhexH-U/UjqFxRgO9iI/AAAAAAAAP3A/yX_8G9Vc3ls/s400/DSCN1908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwBBTZ6IUwA/UjqFyQQ4zWI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/uaIiM4l7T7Y/s1600/DSCN1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwBBTZ6IUwA/UjqFyQQ4zWI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/uaIiM4l7T7Y/s400/DSCN1916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Does your community have any back to school activities?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another thing we took part in recently was the Summer Reading Program at the library. We completed the whole thing for Mack, and most of the program for me as well (because the books I read to him counted towards my page total). We ended up with some cool prizes! I can't wait to participate again next year with two little men to read to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More "Back to School" projects coming soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-17390229354526299362013-09-18T21:47:00.001-06:002016-03-02T18:21:48.551-07:00Candy Inspired<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrKJP4trOEU/UjpucIp0dzI/AAAAAAAAP2A/eVw-xsqGCAo/s1600/_MG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrKJP4trOEU/UjpucIp0dzI/AAAAAAAAP2A/eVw-xsqGCAo/s400/_MG_0097.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maeandk.com/candy-inspired/">http://maeandk.com/candy-inspired/</a></div>
<center>
</center>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-80992178009810149222013-09-18T11:00:00.000-06:002013-09-18T11:07:28.117-06:00"Back to School" for Littles Part 1I don't have a kiddo getting ready for school this year. In fact, it will be two more years before we even do Pre-School.<br />
But I find myself wanting to join in the fun! Don't we all love this time of year? New clothes for school, and that fantastic school supply smell. I know all those kids are just itching to use their brand new crayons. I always was. I was one of those kids who kept my school things as nice as possible for as long as I could. Which was something I'm sure my parents loved, because it meant they didn't have to buy as many new things. <br />
Mack isn't at the point where he needs a new wardrobe. He's still got lots of hand-me downs. But he will be getting a few new things from Project Run and Play, and other sewing/knitting/crocheting adventures. And his daddy bought him pack of McQueen socks!<br />
<br />
<img height="400" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f505712fa6&view=att&th=141320492e88b3fe&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1446535404964544512-1&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_X7LUzqo887jBjfG1dHJQW&sadet=1379523980035&sads=TQU7jGaImfYlISMD5s4C_RnzF9c&sadssc=1" width="399" /><br />
<br />
While my parents were visiting a while ago Grandma gave Mack his very own box of brand new crayons. He doesn't need them, he's still got plenty of crayons in great condition (he's really only been coloring for a year), but as my mom said, "everyone deserves to get in on the fun of back to school."<br />
<br />
And that is what got me thinking.<br />
So I decided to make him a few "back to school" things to go in his little messenger bag.<br />
<br />
First off is this cute notebook:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rxbK7YeHZs/UjZPKPkEztI/AAAAAAAAP1A/yC0d6bZ6MiE/s1600/_MG_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rxbK7YeHZs/UjZPKPkEztI/AAAAAAAAP1A/yC0d6bZ6MiE/s400/_MG_0026.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's just modge podge and scrapbook paper from <a href="http://www.dcwv.com/product_view.php?id=1709" target="_blank">this stack</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The font I used for his name is <a href="http://www.dafont.com/badonk-a-donk.font" target="_blank">Badonk-a-donk</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDSafUDDI8I/UjZPI0vIg6I/AAAAAAAAP0o/ZzKTgNfUsl4/s1600/_MG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDSafUDDI8I/UjZPI0vIg6I/AAAAAAAAP0o/ZzKTgNfUsl4/s400/_MG_0020.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I let him color with his new crayons.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u156Hanu_BI/UjZPJDlPElI/AAAAAAAAP0s/6RVY2iwGGp8/s1600/_MG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u156Hanu_BI/UjZPJDlPElI/AAAAAAAAP0s/6RVY2iwGGp8/s400/_MG_0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He wanted me to write his name down for him. He says, "M, C, K" as he scribbles in his notebook. He also really loves tracing his hands, which is something they seem to do a lot of in nursery.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTShqNKuluw/UjZPJJqLm1I/AAAAAAAAP00/v64TxQKt3BE/s1600/_MG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTShqNKuluw/UjZPJJqLm1I/AAAAAAAAP00/v64TxQKt3BE/s400/_MG_0023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Come back tomorrow for the next installment!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-47597083556352624592013-09-12T08:00:00.000-06:002016-03-02T18:22:15.028-07:00Oliver + S Popover Sundress Remix<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfBb5F9d050/UjFEYzPgURI/AAAAAAAAP0M/ohBSbfoDtNA/s1600/_MG_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfBb5F9d050/UjFEYzPgURI/AAAAAAAAP0M/ohBSbfoDtNA/s400/_MG_0085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maeandk.com/oliver-s-popover-sundress-remix/">http://maeandk.com/oliver-s-popover-sundress-remix/</a></div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615178.post-20001176051854134692013-09-09T08:00:00.000-06:002013-09-09T08:00:09.088-06:00Bringing Home a Guest PostA while ago I was invited to participate in the Make for Mom series that the Shaffer Sisters did. I've decided it's time to bring the post home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;">I'm very excited to be here! So many wonderful things have been shared, and I know many more are to come!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;">I'm Maegen, and I blog over at <a href="http://dudeyourockmysocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Foster Ramblings</a>. I'm the mother of one crazy almost two-year-old, and someone who has never sewn for herself. I sew all the time for a little girl I do not have, and for my son, Mack, but sewing for myself is something I have always shied away from. I accepted the invitation from the Shaffer Sisters knowing there would be no way out, and that I'd finally have to step up to the challenge of making something for myself.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;">If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/fosterramblings/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you may remember me mentioning that I had received some happy mail from my mom a few weeks ago. Some John Deer flannel to make jammies for Mack, a darling little boy knit that's been passed down for three generations now (waiting for the perfect project), my all-time favorite movie The Secret Garden, and a few other bits of fabric. Included in the package was about 3 yards of this sheer coraly/peachy white dotted fabric. I saw it and it just screamed SKIRT (or sundress).</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffaKAXxjNxQ/UZW0qFyMtqI/AAAAAAAAPZU/pz6wRx1u0RI/s1600/_MG_9957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffaKAXxjNxQ/UZW0qFyMtqI/AAAAAAAAPZU/pz6wRx1u0RI/s400/_MG_9957.JPG" width="266" /></span></i></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">I think it turned out pretty adorable. And I love the way it looks with my favorite cardigan. Ignore how awkward I look, I really don't love having my picture taken.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">I had originally wanted to make it a high-waisted skirt, to wear over a white t-shirt. But as I got close to finishing it, and tried it on, I realized that I wasn't going to look especially good in something high-waisted, seeing as I have a pretty short torso. And when I realized I had forgotten to taper the band to fit my body I decided to completely scrap that idea, and folded the band in half. I haven't sewn it in place yet, because that will require removing the zipper. Something I will get around to doing, because I made a huge mistake a bought a 9 inch zipper for a skirt which really only needed like a 4 inch zipper. Extra work. But someday I'll get it done, and it will be awesome. And for now I really don't mind wearing the skirt as-is, with the band folded down.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">The skirt is very comfortable. I'm still wearing it while I write this. Because the material was so sheer, I bought white fabric for lining. 100% polyester so it flows pretty well and won't wrinkle. For the outer layers of the skirt I simply folded the fabric in half, gathered it, and sewed it on the band. So there are two layers of the peachy fabric, and I really like the way it looks. My biggest secret about the skirt is that I didn't bother to hem the outer fabric, I just left the salvage edge the way it was. It really looks nice, and I was glad to not put forth the extra effort that hemming requires.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mmg_7ndBaQ/UZW0qcl1LNI/AAAAAAAAPZc/XS4u9TNehY4/s1600/_MG_9959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mmg_7ndBaQ/UZW0qcl1LNI/AAAAAAAAPZc/XS4u9TNehY4/s400/_MG_9959.JPG" width="266" /></span></i></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">As the first thing I've ever made for myself, I'm actually very pleased. And now that I've had some success without a pattern, maybe I'll be brave enough to tackle some of those fantastic costume patterns I've been hoarding, and make myself a civil war era dress (complete with underwear and hoopskirt).</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #444444;">I want to say thanks to the Shaffer Sisters for having me, and for understanding that being a mom gets crazy. So many things happen in our lives that can get in the way of taking time for ourselves. We cut deadlines close, and sometimes (like my sister-in-law) we realize we haven't been to get our hair cut in 15 months! I'd like to encourage all the other mothers out there to go ahead and take the time to make something for yourself. I can be every bit as rewarding as making something for your sweet little one. I'll confess that I have a huge pile of dishes waiting to be washed, clothes sitting unfolded in the dryer, and a bedroom I'd be ashamed to let my mother in. But I took the time to put on make-up and fix my hair today, and I really feel great wearing my cute new outfit.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
But I have a confession to make.<br />
After wearing the skirt to church once I decided I really didn't like it all that much. So I spent a few quality hours with a seam ripper, and now I have this beautiful fabric sitting there (it was basically intact. A skirt like that is just a rectangle) just waiting to be made into something. And I think I'll leave it alone for a while.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992170994482479367noreply@blogger.com0