« November 2012 | Main | January 2013 »
Some of my favorite moments from the past year...
When I look at my everyday life, I sometimes have the tendency to focus on what I wasn't able to accomplish, what I didn't finish, what I still haven't figured out. Today, I took a minute to think about what I did do, and let that wonderful feeling of accomplishment propel me into the new year.
Goodbye, 2012.
I can't wait to see what next year holds in store!
The kids and I have been busy making these ornaments for the Christmas tree.
We started with my collection of scraps from old projects.
We picked out the brightest, cheeriest colors, and the kids cut them into even smaller scraps.
Which we (I) stuck to these plain glass ornaments.
We are selling these little baubles for $5 each or 5 for $20. I'm not putting them on Etsy this time, because I want every dime to go to our cause. After Christmas, the kids are going to count up what they have made, divide it into two, and each pick what they want to donate through World Vision.
(If you've never been to their website, it's worth a look!)
Right now Emma is leaning toward buying chickens, and Ethan wants to help someone who doesn't have a house. (This is something that has been on Ethan's heart for months.)
If you would like to purchase an ornament or several, please sent me a quick email, and we'll figure it all out. [email protected] I can ship quantities of 5 or more, and it should cost around $6 per 5.
Buy yourself a pretty new ornament that will also help someone in need.
The Christmas tree is up.
It's cold outside. (A rare treat in Dallas!)
And I'm curled up under my new quilt, sewing on the binding.
This is my favorite part.
Progress of the gift-quilt is coming nicely.
Here's the back. I almost like it more than the front!
Esther likes the front quite a lot, though.
This is one reason we call her Essie Kat. She has to be right in the middle of any project--especially if it's happening on the floor. If you've ever lived with a cat, you know what that's like.
After I finished the back, I spread it face down on the kitchen floor, taping it down as I went.
Then came the batting, and the quilt top (face up) as the top layer.
Since I was tying the quilt, I bought a 100% wool yarn in grey, and a new large needle.
With my trusty clear ruler in hand, I placed a stitch every four inches. This is the best way to tie a quilt. No need to cut a thousand little strings and thread them a thousand times. Just one piece per row. And when you are done, snip between each stitch and tie into place. I went into more detail about this process in this vintage blog post.
I chose the wool yarn so that the ties will felt up into little balls in the wash.
Hopefully I'll remember to take a picture of that, too!
XO, Anna
Questions? Contact Me!
