MIA on my blog/Get that sock off his back!

Yep...you've missed me! Admit it!

So...what have I been up to this whole time you ask!?!?!

Let me sum up (in no specific order):

I turned 28!  

Make a wish!

The Favorite woke up early to make me breakfast burritos. He cooked me brats on the grill. and the kids had special pictures they had colored a couple days previous!  The Favorite gave me some Bass Pro gift cards that we get from our credit card points (very coveted items at our house---so this was huge for him to give to me instead of keep for himself). And then, Buddy and the Favorite made me Pineapple cupcakes! YUM!

I was visited by a friend...who also brought me cupcakes...but these were all different flavors. Yum! 

A couple days later 3 of my sisters made me a special lunch. 

I have taken a short break from paper piecing.  I worked a little on it tonight, but sometimes you just got to take a short hiatus and then return later.  It was starting to become too much of a good thing if you know what I mean.  I have had quite a bit of business making ties and pacifier clips in the meantime anyways!

Here's what I've done that you haven't seen yet! George! (Available here!)

We celebrated Easter! 

We celebrated on Friday and Saturday and saved actual Easter Sunday to remember Jesus Christ and not think about the Easter Bunny.  I like it that way! 

Buddy hardly took off these goggles for a couple weeks.  Then the strap finally broke and it was a sad day at our house. 

 

I got more serious about Family History Work. 

Now don't get me wrong.  I have NO CLUE what I'm doing.  But, I'm learning. 

I have been working with my dad who is working with my uncle and I have been given an ASSIGNMENT which is fantastic, because it's something I know how to do! Yay! 

And the myth that "Aunt Mary already did all my family's work" is just that....a myth. Surprisingly! 

*Aunt Mary...this is in no way directed at you! lol (yes I actually have an Aunt Mary). 

I've been doing a lot of other things as well.

-Priming the dog mansion. 

-Getting over being sick (yes...I was sick again). 

-Nursing the Favorite when he had his "man cold." (He's a big baby when he's sick). 

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST! 

I joined a gym.  I got a great deal (Groupon) and bit the bullet.  I have grown to love running, but I need to change up my routine.  

So far, I have tried Zumba, Cycling, and lifting weights for my arms. 

I loved the Zumba and Cycling.  The weight lifting....I felt like I looked like an idiot.  I had to read the instructions on every machine.  And I just walked around the gym like a lost little puppy. 

Oh well! Tomorrow I have personal training, and I'm going to ask about weight lifting! Maybe I won't stick out like a sore thumb anymore after tomorrow?!?! 

Here's a little comedy to help you picture how I felt at the gym. 

Dressing the Littles

I have been sick....like really sick.  My littles (both Buddy & Ten) had Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease, and they shared. How nice...right?!

The first day, I did a whole lot of nothing.  I relaxed in our love sack and watched Duck Dynasty pretty much ALL day. 

Today, I felt a little better, but only well enough to sit...calmly. So I made a dress for Ten. 

I have used this pattern 3 times now and have come to LOVE it! Pink Poodle Bows on Etsy! I HEART YOU! This pattern is so well made.  BONUS: it includes sizes 9 months - size 12. 

This pattern will grow and grow with your kid.  I sound like I am being paid...but I actually PAID for this pattern and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

It is also EASY EASY EASY! 

Another favorite thing about this pattern is that you can cut most of it out using your rotary mat.  A quilter's dream pattern!  I took the pictures of the dress at night, so the lighting isn't all that great! I will have to take a picture of Ten wearing it on Sunday! (This dress is the 18 month size)  

Here's a picture of Ten back in July in the 9 month size dress I made her!

Yoshi Pattern

I helped a fellow paper piecer today! He needed help creating a Yoshi pattern! I have it available for FREE in my Craftsy shop! Enjoy!

Done, son!

I finished this wall hanging today! Yay! It's for the Arizona Pointing Dog Club annual banquet.  My husband asked me to do this piece so they can auction it (I believe) as a fund raiser. This was my first attempt at free motion quilting. I'm not super good at it yet.  I need more practice.  I am also not an expert at binding quilts....blah.  My weakness! 

I did, however, appreciate the tutorial from Jaybird Quilts on binding.  Like I said, I'm terrible.  I needed a refresher course and her site offered just that! 

If only I could make the quilt tops and someone would quilt and bind them for me....for free! Ah! That would be the life!      

The pattern for the German Shorthaired Pointer is now available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops! 

Helloooo...anyone out there?

I think I've pretty much discovered that I'm an old lady trapped in a younger body.  Let's examine the facts: 

1) I love cooking & baking in all forms.

2) I sew A LOT. 

3) I love gardening (when my dogs don't tear my yard up). 

4) I have cancer (ok ok...so this has to do with my body, but basically I think my body is trying to catch up with my mind.) 

I have been in a paper piecing (foundation piecing) mode lately where I have been creating paper piecing patterns.  I taught myself how to make these patterns with free computer program that is available out there. I have a million ideas, but limited time sadly. 

I love this method for quilting! If you can count...and you know your alphabet...and you can sew straight lines (and you can read...which I'm assuming you can since you're on my blog) YOU CAN PAPER PIECE! 

I LOVE THIS METHOD! 

Miss Enota (aka Kristin) at Mpls. Modern Quilt Guild couldn't have said it any better here!  

Here's the patterns I have finished so far.  All are available in my Etsy Shop or my Craftsy shop. 

I have created patterns for temples by request or out of necessity.  My niece will be getting married on February 14th and I have pieced this together for her and still need to finish it as a wall hanging.  

For the Beautiful KK. Who will soon be the beautiful KC.

Brigham City Temple

Gila Valley Temple

Thanksgiving Pilgrims 

Out of curiosity I wondered...is there anyone else out there that likes paper piecing and creates their own patterns?  And...THERE IS! 

Kristy @ Quiet Play has some beautiful patterns (here kitchen item themed patterns are my favorite and very inspiring!) 

Kristin from Fave Crafts Blog gives an excellent beginners tutorial. 

Generations Quilt Patterns offers some free patterns. 

Of course, there's always one of my favorites Paper Panache.  I've done a couple of her patterns! Love them!

Fandom In Stitches is a great page as well.  I've used their patterns before, too! 

Needles and Knowledge has a great pumpkin tutorial that would be beautiful for Thanksgiving! 

The Sometimes Crafter tried a block that turned out beautiful!

I'm still searching for more blogs and fellow paper (foundation) piecers!  

Comment with links to sites if you know of any! 

One more...one more! Sylvia over at Sylvia's Stitches may have become my new favorite! She paper pieces and she is a CANCER SURVIVOR!  You amaze me! Talk about encouraging to hear of a cancer survivor! Thanks for the inspiration!