Baby New Year 2011

Another tradition to share, another story...

I am finally getting back to my sewing machine after being overwhelmed by Christmas and colds, etc. Today's project started with an idea I got many years ago. When I was a little girl, I had a friend named Heather. Her Mom had pictures of her and her sister on their first New Year's Day with a year sash. It was a white sash like Miss America wears over her shoulder with the year on it. I filed that idea away in my head for many years, until 1996 when Petey had his first New Year. I made a little sash with 1996 on it and took pictures. Every time I had a new baby, I made the new year sash and took pictures. By the time Rosie came, her first New Year was 2000, which was pretty exciting. In fact I had several "I was born in 2000" outfits for her.

I put a white cover over the diaper for the picture. I think this is a fun tradition and it's neat to look back on the pictures and remember what was happening that year. It's not too late for you to make one for your baby this year!

I just cut a strip of white broadcloth about 5" wide, fold it in half and cut the ends at a 45 degree angle. Stitch, turn right side out, and stitch the angled ends together. Then, I use Heat 'n Bond on black broadcloth for my numbers. I print the numbers on the computer in a nice font, about 2" tall. I trace them on the Heat 'n Bond and cut them out. Then just iron them on. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of this idea.
I have started working on my row robin for my Quilt Guild. I am doing a Sampler Quilt and I have to turn my row in on Thursday. I chose 4 blocks that are fairly intricate. I'll be back tomorrow or Wednesday to share them with you!

The Virtuous Woman...

This beautiful cross-stitched sampler was made by my talented Mom. Of course, there is a story behind it. When I was 16, my older brother married a girl from a small town in Pennsylvania. A lady from her church stitched this sampler for her as a wedding present. My Mom and I both thought it was beautiful and my Mom was able to find the pattern. Years later, she made it and I was the lucky recipient. I am a very traditional person and I try to embrace the ideals of Proverb 31. I don't always succeed...except this part, "she rises before the dawn". Uggh. I'll be glad when the sun is getting up before me again! I hope you enjoyed seeing this sampler and I am going to try to live up to its message in 2011!
In case you are feeling inspired to be a Virtuous Woman, too, here's a link to the downloadable pattern for this sampler: Virtuous Woman Sampler Pattern.

Easy Tea Cozy

 

 This pretty tea cozy is easy to make as well as practical. It is really just 4 rectangles of fabric stitched together into 2 panels with batting inside and a casing at top and bottom for ribbon. It is reversible, too!

Here's a view of the inside.

Here's what it looks like flattened out.

I have made several of these as presents and I use mine often. It really does keep the tea pot warm much longer and it makes your tea table look so much prettier! You can co-ordinate your fabric with your china to make it really special. I hope you are having a wonderful new year! Back soon with more stitching.

Laugh of the day: Remember we bought a new refrigerator several weeks ago? Well, my son (15) has a quick sense of humor. When he first tried the ice/water dispenser, the ice came flying into his glass and he said, "Help, I'm being ice-ssaulted!"