Don't think crooked...think challenging!

Well, as I was finally deep into the heart of the school year and am ALMOST able to breathe, I felt it somewhat safe to begin to create outside the classroom once again. Christmas was coming and Kaleb did not yet have a quilt. We were all concerned, I am certain, as to "How was Kaleb dealing with NOT having a quilt from Momma?" So I found a simple pattern fit for a guy, and some fun, masculine fabric from Denyse Schmidt. I finally finished sewing the strips for the quilt top. The extremely boring pattern intended for the strips to have straight seams and edges,(yawn) but since I am a member of the "No Sew Straight Club", I ventured off on my own and chose "wonky" as the seam of choice! I was up for the challenge!!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our house to yours!

But I am so excited about many of the gifts I have found for my family...none more fun as creating homemade gifts that, until today, were not finished!
Welcome to 2010 Emmi Lane! This was probably one of the most fun gifts I've ever ventured to create. A cardtable playhouse! As I was cruising Pinterest, I found it and remembered how my kids loved to build tents over anything that would stand...chairs, couches, pillows, Mom, Dad!! So here is it! Merry Christmas, Emmi! Could I be in trouble? This is grandchild #1.
#2, Hadden is on the way, so how many more will I need make? (by the way-this is a perfect project for a member of the "No Sew Straight Club"!!)

Should I really be doing this?

YES, YES I really should! For my Emmi Kate...anything!!! I do question my sanity, though. Lesson plans, organizing, teaching the future leaders... sanding...more lesson plans, head stands, entertaining... painting...reading stories, teaching math to blank stares, talking about breves and macrons(hmmm...who in the world knows what those are?)...cutting fabric-cutting fabric again, straight this time!...laundry, cleaning, and whatever else needs to be done...finally completing a satisfying project for precious Emmi Kate. Yes, I really should be doing this. Everyone needs a creative outlet to remain sane...I know, I know...the sanilty thing is not working very well for me.

FYI...the wheels are turning...the matching dresser is in the garage, waiting in anticipation for it's amazing "make over"!

Cake Girls...Kansas!

Their inspiration comes from WE tv show The Cake Girls...although only beginners, exceptional decorators & bakers...see for yourself!

Our first "homemade" cake.  True definition of homemade - not from a box.

Homemade buttercream frosting was simple but somewhat "nasty"...not the taste, but the ingredients!  The girls were not too thrilled with the idea of using shortening in their frosting.  However, we learned that the real Cake Girls use shortening, or pig fat, as it is sometimes referred to. 

Mmmm Mmmm good??

The actual layering of the cake went smoothly, as did the decorating, as you can see. "What is your decorating plan? I asked the girls.  "We'll just wing it," they said.  Kasha just jumped right in to create the beautiful flower on the right.  Kelsi created the coin shaped flowers AND a beautiful sun...the somehow I didn't get that gem photographed!! :)

This cake didn't last long...so below is attempt #2!  Kelsi offered to make a birthday cake for her father-in-laws birthday.  Once again, both "Kansas Cake Girls" jumped right in and had a great time! Bee-u-ti-ful!! I forsee some really exciting cakes to come. Too bad summer vacation is over!  Boo!

All Kansas Cake Girls phone lines are currently busy taking orders.  Please call back...

An official member...

Yes, it is now official!  I am a member of Marcie's "No Sew Straight Club".  Actually, it's never really been in debate, but as I completed my latest project, I've discovered I may be a member for life.  It can't be that difficult, you say?  Ha...those little lines on your sewing machine that you are supposed to follow to help line up your seams...a figment of your imagination!!  They really curve and sway as you sew...an evil plot of those in the "Always Sew Straight Club", a very elite group of sewers! However, I did enjoy this project, I must say. Hopefully, my MIL will use this little quilt as she is sleeping, watching TV, or possibly getting teeth pulled so that she will be completely oblivious to the swagger of the seams!!
P.S.  Some say you must use pins.  Pin, pin, pin!!  Well, that doesn't work either!

 I must show a close up of the ONE decent corner of binding...it went downhill fast!  Also, I really had fun with the machine quilting technique called stippling.  I donned my sisters "Michael Jackson Gloves", used to help move and control the quilt, and began my stippling.  One you start, there's no stopping. This is actually pretty tricky, because, after the fact, I discovered the very vague rule...you want to stitch a wiggly line around your quilting space that DOESN'T cross itself!  Hmmm.....too late...that was news to me...I looped my stitching crossing lines many times...so I guess I practiced the "loopy" stitch! 

My next project is a quilt for Kaleb called Stacking the Odds.  I think the "odds" are against me!
Doesn't sound to promising, does it?.

Grand Reopening...Under New Management!

Back in the early 90's, this Little Tikes Salon was once known as "Koch's Kut & Kurl". It is now "Emmi's Elegance".  As you can see by the new owner's expression, it's an exciting place to be!
 






She gives a great "tut" (cut), and "shhhh" (wash)...she will even give a "bah" (bath). Due to sink size, this offer is only available to smaller customers, please!!



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Well, I am trying to create something beautiful with some "challenging" fabrics!!  I am enjoying the challenge but not sure the outcome!!  It is made with love for someone very special so I know I will love it when it's finally complete and keeping her warm!! Would like to finish before school but...time is quickly slipping away!

I love the birds...and I love "most" of the lollipop batiks...but together? 

Hmmm...not sure!



I am planning on completing the lap quilt with a "scrappy" border

and binding with the blueberry batik backing.