Baking…

I’ve been baking up some ideas for some quilts, trying my hand at design.  I’ll share when I figure out how to convince my husband it’s a good idea to have tons of quilts in the house.  I mean we do live in Alaska and it is winter time.  But I digress….

I’ve also been working on some other types of baking….Baking of the human sort.

Yes…that type of baking.  Which is why when everyone else was posting Halloween pictures, I was working on my glow.  Our  little Bug (as in June Bug) is due in you guessed it, June.  But I also have some pictures of our little monkey from Halloween.  I may be biased but I think she’s the cutest monkey ever.  Curious George eat your heart out. :)

Freda

Pure Boy Quilt

I finished my baby boy quilt a week ago and I thought I had shared with you.  But I didn’t.  I’m sorry.  I was also trying to be a little secretive incase the recipient was being sneaky and checking in on me.  But here it is…

I’m sure you may have seen it on flickr if you are part of the Fresh Modern Quilts group.  But as far as the specs.  I used Oh Fransson’s Charm Square Quilt pattern on my Pure Charm pack paired with Kona Cotton in Chocolate.  Complete with straight line quilting.  I really hope the new owner enjoys it.  So what have you been working on?

Freda

Citrus Star

Things like this are making me neglect my poor house.

But in my defense, being crafty is way more fun. The husband on the other had will probably not agree.  He’s been away to Anchorage for the week and well, our house looks like it’s been taken over by a 20 month old.  Her toy corner has now spread to the entire living room and well, there is a sink full of dishes that need to be washed, mostly sippy cups may I add. 

The Citrus Star is for the Scrappy Hoops swap, I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out with the colors but I’m glad I went with it.  The name?  Well, turns out the Kona cotton solids were Tangerine and Lime.

Well, maybe I should get some housework done.  I’m sure my husband would appreciate a clean house more than an awesome craft.  Then again…

Freda

Yummy-ness

I found this in my mailbox today…Some yummy fabrics from Pink Chalk Fabrics fall clearance sale and some Heather Bailey Fresh Cut Scraps I found on etsy. 

The huge stash is for the Scrappy Hoops swap.  I hope you like partner. :) 

And speaking of swappies…sign ups are on now over at the Pillow Talk Round 4 Flickr Group.  Visit Heather's blog for sign up details.

Freda

Swappy Swap

Hi!  I’ve been absent for a while.  Maybe I’m not so good at blogging…But I wanted to let you know about a new swap over on flickr.

I’m sure you have heard about Heather at {House} of A La Mode, if not she runs a ton of swaps on flickr.  The current one is the Scrappy Hoops one.  Sign ups run until today.  So if you want to play visit flickr and sign up.  Here is my inspiration for my partner.

I can’t get my links back to the proper people to work, so please click the mosaic to get linked to the flickr image with credits.   

I hope to see you guys in the swap.  So what are you working on now?

Freda

The Speed of Life

Yeah, that should about cover it.  I have been working on my mug rugs, a Christmas Tree Skirt for the family, the Quilt as you go quilt along, stocking up my etsy shop and quality family time (including Saylor).  Sorry I’ve avoided you guys so long.  But life has been hectic lately.  And now it’s time to go play mommy again.  See you soon!

Freda

Life is Hard

Especially for this guy….

Bodie, our resident tamed Alaskan wildcat (or so he thinks), is our entertainer.  I have never seen a cat sit at a window and cackle/hiss at a bald eagle.  Of course, I never lived in an area where bald eagles perched in your back yard until last summer.

But life must be hard when you can fully relax like this…

Freda

Weekend Plans

I finished up my Mug Rug for the swap.  I hope my partner likes it.

Sydney had to hold it in the pictures.  Lest it jump up and run away.  Oh the back…sure I can show you the back.

And now I’m working on my Quilt As You Go Quilt Along blocks.  I’m actually cheating.  I’m using a batik jelly roll and slicing and dicing it up.  I’m almost finished with the first block and I’m quite pleased with how it’s turning out. 

So, what are your weekend plans?

Freda

Stalking

I am currently stalking someone.  My Scrappy Mug Rug Swap partner of course.  I already have tons of ideas, I just need to get them onto paper and see how they will look to the scale I need.   

So if my partner is stalking me…I’ll try to be more consistent on posting so you can see what I’m like. :)

What swaps are you guys in right now?

Freda

Hold the Phone…She’s got a cannon.

I love that part of Dodgeball.  But seriously, Squirt is rocking a cannon!  She was playing with the dog’s tennis balls last night and managed to launch one across the room. 

I think we may have an tiny athlete. :)

Freda

Scrappy Mug Rug Swap

If you are an active flickr user, signups are going on now.  Visit the group  for sign up info.  Sign ups run until tonight (August 30), so get hopping everyone.

Here is my inspiration mosaic, (a first for me)

1. dqs9 - look at those points, 2. Pillow for Urban Home Goods Swap, 3. YIP 365.250 :: Tuesday pillow , 4. Victoria's Block, 5. DQS9 prior to binding, 6. star mug rug, 7. a scrappy mug rug, 8. Mug Rug for UHGS, 9. mug rug

I hope to see some of you there!

Freda

Accuquilt Go Giveaways!

Right now, Heather at A La Mode Fabric and KarrieLyne at Freckled Whimsy are each giving away an Accuquilt Go.  I don’t know about you but I want this puppy.  :)  Go enter if you haven’t already.

 

Freda

Wordless Wednesday #5

Freda

Not so….Wordless Wednesday #4

I know I missed it again….But I’ve been busy again.  I told you that I had a birthday in July, but not what I got for it.  I got  a Blythe doll.

 

Ella to be exact.  I named her that, she is actually a Good Neighbor Cafe.  Then I bought….

Piper.  and these 2 little Muses inspired me to create clothing for them.  And so for the last month I have been working dilgently to make items for my shop on Etsy.  The culmination is the 34 pictures I just uploaded to my computer including the 2 above.  Once I resize them and set prices I’ll get them in the shop.  But I’ll give you a quick sneak peak.

Freda

Wordless Wednesday #2 & #3

One word…house guest.  Sorry for being away for so long. 

By the way…while I was gone, Saylor took 2nd place for best trick and prettiest coat in Valdez’s Gold Rush Days.  I’m so proud of my doggie. :)

Freda

I’m Featured!

AnneMarie over at GXQ has featured me today.  So pop over and check it out. 

And if your coming from GXQ feel free to stick around and see what’s going on here.

Freda

Wordless Wednesday #1

I just wanted to try something out for a while.  Hope you enjoy.

Freda

Before I’m 26

I know I just turned 25.  But I want to accomplish a few things before I turn 26.  Kinda a New Years Goal list thingy…

1. Run in a 5k.  (I’m not much of a runner lol)
2. Take better care of myself (ie drop some lbs)
3. Get Pregnant with Baby #2 (Long Story)

I’m sure there’s more.  Wait a minute 1 and 3 contradict themselves.   Ahh details. :) 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.  I got in touch with everyone I had an email for.  And Shana won the giveaway.  (It’s in the mail now Shana.)

Freda

25

So tomorrow is my birthday (read a giveaway post) and I’ve never dreaded a birthday…until this one.  For some reason beyond me….I’m dreading turning 25.  Maybe it’s because I see myself as a mom, wife and homemaker at 25 and my college friends are single, childless and starting their careers.  For my birthday, I’m staying in and having a nice afternoon with the family.  And my friends are renting out martini lounges for their 25th.  But anyway…onto the giveaway…that’s why your here!

For your consideration…..

Yes… that is 4 fat quarters from Kate Spain’s 12 Days of Christmas.

You want them?  Well all you have to do is:

1. Leave me a cheery chatty comment.  It is my birthday after all.
2. Become a follower of the blog.  Or if you already follow me leave a little note letting me know.

Make sure to leave a note for each and you can get 2 chances to win.  I will take comments until noon Thursday July 22 Alaska Time.  And if your international, you can enter too!  So get to some comment love. :)

Freda

Works in Progress

I’m starting early on Christmas items.  Especially with this.

That will be this soon.  I can’t wait!  But I must because I still need to quilt this…

It’s called the Coast Guard Star quilt block from Quilters Cache.  I on the other hand am going to make it into a mini quilt and on the back place a tag for each place the Coast Guard sends us during my husband’s career.  I’m only 4 stations behind. :)

Well, I think naptime is coming to an end so I’m gonna go play mommy for the next few hours.  Bye!

Freda

The Process Pledge

I know alot of the blogs I read are joining in and I took the plunge too.  I’m not an excellent quilter and I think by everyone seeing my mess before the finished project will boost some self esteem. 

I joined in here.  I’ll post up some pictures of my current projects when Sydney is taking her nap. 

Freda

Sydney’s Teepee

Well Sydney’s teepee has been used and abused the last 24 hours.  I purchased this pattern at my local quilt shop and it was well worth the purchase price.  The pattern is for the teepee, sleeping bag and the stuff sack for the sleeping bag. 

And it’s not hard at all.  The hardest part was fitting the 2 10ft sections of pvc pipe into my Subaru Impreza.  (I was a sight to see in the hardware store parking lot) And the added perk?  When you get tired of looking at it, take it down for a couple of days and it’ll be like a new toy.

Also, I paid roughly $45 to make this guy.  To buy it I’ve found teepees for up to $300 dollars, seriously.  And the cat loves it too.

Freda

Best. Mom. EVER.

I’d like to think so anyway….

Not only does Sydney enjoy amazing scenery like this…

She has a cool new playhouse like this….

Yep…I feel like the best mom ever right now.

Freda

I’m not a bad blogger

I’ve just been really busy.  At the beginning of June, my in-laws informed my husband and I that they would be visiting in 2 weeks.   So I spent that time attacking my home like a crazy person.  I never got around to spring cleaning until then. 

I don’t think that I’ve cleaned that much since I was nesting. 

And now, my in-laws have left 2 days ago and I’ve still neglected my blog.  I’ve visited all my blogs that I read and entered numerous giveaways.  Right now this may be my favorite…

Photo by Deb Robertson

Deb at Works In Progress is giving away this quilt.  She made it with vintage pillowcases and isn’t it just yummy?  Visit and leave some comment love.  

And I want to share this picture from my last few days.

  

Pardon Me

I’m working on redesigning the blog so please pardon my dust.

Freda

Finished…Finally

So I joined in on Rachel's Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along back in February.  I finished my quilt last night…only 2 months or so behind everyone else.  So for your viewing pleasure…I present my new favorite blankie.

It was made using a Nest by Tula Pink layer cake, the backing was from the same collection as well.  And right now it’s in the washer getting that crinkly goodness we all expect in a handmade quilt.

Wow..2 blogs in one day…I’m on a roll. :)

Freda

AccuQuilt giveaway!!!

Amy’s Creative Side is giving away that!!! So go visit, leave comment love and try to win it, I know I am. :)

Freda

Big Girl Toddler Bed

Not so much….After an hour of transitioning my daughter’s crib to the toddler bed this is what we had….

A generally happy child.  And she stayed that way until naptime….Now there my child has been replaced by some evil hateful being.  The sad thing is I don’t know if it’s the “I-don’t want-a-nap” fit or “I hate this bed now” fit.  But for now  the cries have subsided and I think I won. 

I also wanted to showcase my work. :)  I made the pillow using the Cushion Couture tutorial and I have a couple more in the making.  The quilt you guys have already seen and of course everything is made using Hunky Dory.  I think I may be in love…I’ll definitely be heart broken when they discontinue it.

Yesterday, I had a moment of weakness.  You see, after 16 months, I’m still not happy with my new mommy body.  I have a tummy pouch and my hips are huge.  Oh the results of having a 10 lb 4 oz baby.  After 9 months of that weight on my hips, I’ve resigned to the fact that I will possibly always have a wide load below the waist.  But it still doesn’t make it any easier.

 

Freda

A New Diet

When I was pregnant, I assumed 9 months on, 9 months off for my weight gain.  How wrong was I!  My daughter is now 16 months old and I haven’t lost it all.  So, I’m trying something new….something radical.   Remember being in college and only being able to afford Ramen Noodles and water?  Oh yeah…and then loosing weight and looking fabulous because you were broke?

Introducing the Broke College Student Diet…

I guess it’s worth a try.  It worked 5 years ago……

Freda

Big Girl Quilt

The half finished quilt top you saw yesterday….

Is now a completed quilt.

Let’s just say mommy is running on little sleep right now.  But to go with it….I’m going to make these!!!  I love the pillows that Julie and John designed.  And I think that they will make Sydney’s little toddler daybed perfect.

Freda

Viruses or Viri?

I’m not really sure what the plural of virus is.  But any who… Something a virus i think got into my email.  So if you have gotten an email from me with like a Canadian pharmacy link.  I am sorry.  I don’t know how it happened because I have never used an online pharmacy.

I am also sorry for neglecting you. :(  I didn’t mean to, I’ve just been taking advantage of the surplus of sunshine here in AK.  I mean I really need to stockpile the Vitamin D, 8 months of virtual winter really depletes my stock.

Potty training is still going strong.  And Sydney is loving the “big girl” diapers.   I really hope that she loves this. 

 

 

It’s a  disappearing nine patch  using a hunky dory layer cake.  I only have 4 of 7 rows here.  It’s part of her Big Girl Quilt for her toddler bed.  She’s still in her crib for now but we will be transitioning soon to the toddler bed.  Kids really do grow up fast don’t they?

I think she may even be interested in photography.  She loves my cameras.

 

Freda

Adventures in Potty Training

Well, Sydney started potty training on Monday.  As of now, we have made poopy and pee pee in the potty.  Not always regularly but we have done it and it’s a start. 

I’m sticking it to the man too….she’s only 16 months…eat that diaper companies. :)  Oh I see the light at the end of the diaper tunnel and that light looks good.  :)

Fun Weekends are Too Short

Yeah, they are.  We have been to Keystone Canyon to see waterfalls…

To see the unfinished railroad tunnel

We’ve rode 4 wheelers and Sydney even got to go swimming for the first time.

Today we visited the Old Valdez Town Site.  Valdez was originally located 4 miles east of it’s current location.  It was relocated after the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964 and it’s subsequent tsunamis destroyed the town.  This was one of the largest earthquakes on record at 10.4.

It’s amazing how much stuff is still out at the town site from the disaster.

These are just a few of the things I found today; a forklift, a pump and an upside down truck axle. 

Overall, a WONDERFUL (sunny at that) weekend with the family.

 

Freda