4th Day Giveaway

Since today is the first day of the year it is only fitting that i go into a little review of the last don't you think? We all chatted about our goals and such last night, but really did i want to tell them everything? um. no. So I sat down and thought about it a bit----but,
Before getting myself to peg down a few new goals for the year of 2010 I will review last years. Not sure how this is going to turn out.

Here I go in some attempt to make plans for the future. The year of 2009.

* Have my items in a few places for sale. Whether that be a store, boutique, market..whatever. Give it a go.
I did this!!! Art Market is my favorite and I will definitly keep that one going. I might give a few new ones this year a try too.
* Make more from my scraps. --i have a heavy heart when i take the trash out and there are some scraps in there that i really could use in a small quilt...or something.
I really tried hard on this one. My stash is dwindling a bit and i will continue the effort.
* Be more consistent with the kids with music lessons.
Did this---ok. maybe i didn't start until August, but i did start!!
* Make my patterns i have a bit more professional. I am currently working on this. Thank you Tiffany.
I did this! I didn't do anything fancy, but i did make them all one file to download. yay.
* Go to a quilt market again. (Went in 2007- good year) Either one would be good. Spring or Houston. Maybe even catch up with a few new bloggers who will be there selling.
WWAAAAA.....didn't get to do this. I did go to HMQS, but not the other biggies.
* Loose another 10 pounds. That's what i lost last year....wouldn't mind a re-peat. but not with the same pounds.
I am so NOT a looser! I must try this again.
* Be more giving with my quilts. Why am i such a quilt hog? I really do have enough. I need to learn how to share--again.
I did this sparingly.  I could have done more.
* Keep a cleaner house. Really this should say---change my attitude about cleaning my house. enough said.
Whatever. this is always on the dockett of things to do.

Overall I think i did ok!! What a relief!
So to keep in the spirit of making new resolutions for this 2010 year---let's see what i can do:
* Have one quilt in an official quilt show. Not just a group showing {i do that already}, but in a bigger show.  oh, hey does the 'O' Quilt count? ok. I won't count that one. So i need 2 in a show this year. Pressures on.

* Loose some weight. Notice there is no number here. I must try and do something girls!!! something.

* Continue to Build Patchwork Posse.  I am so excited!!! Starts in 4 days!!

* Be more excited about cooking.  Now, i love to make bread, but dinner....i have a hard time with that one.  I need to expand my recipe collection of easy nutritious things to a little more fancier. think outside of the box. but i really don't use the box too often now...hmmm

* Go outside more! Lately I have been staying inside a bit much. I need to venture out of doors more often. I am sure that will help another goal further up on the list too :)

* Keep in touch better with friends that are far away.

If i think of anything else i will add to the list. Today, they seem very do-able. Later on in the year.....somehow they loose their luster and get lost in life. We'll see what I can do. wish me luck!

How about you girls? Make any new goals? Resolutions? Share it if you want.

Today- I just might be doing this little mystery. Looks tempting.

A few of you have noticed that the poll has dissapeared from the side bar.  Well, the year is over and according to the polls---One Yard Wonders has won!!!! yay!! I am excited for this one! So because of that----I need some help. I can't sew everything nor do i want to.....so
I am taking applications for:

Sewers and Reviewers

You must have the following to apply----
** of course the book! One Yard Wonders
** some sewing experience so you can make, complete, finish the project
** fill out a little questionaire about yourself and your project and any tweeks you made
** send me some pictures, links to your blog, or website {isn't required}
** load them up to the flickr group.
** finish the project by the end of the second week of January

I need you to email me whosiesandwhatnots at yahoo dot com
Let me know what project/projects you are planning on doing and when you are planning to have it completed by. All the projects need to be done with in the first 2 weeks of January so we can make sure we get to share them to everyone this month!

Just a heads up---I will be asking each month, so watch the polls to see what will be needed for the next month if you want to be a reviewer! The new poll is up --so go take a look.

Well, I will stick a link on the side bar so you can access all the posts made on the focus for the month.
Do any of the following to enter to win a FREE membership to Patchwork Posse!!!

Enter to win a free membership:
* comment
* sign up for the newsletter
* twitter it
* follow me on twitter
* Post it on your blog
* Grab a button and post on your blog
* Purchase a Patchwork Posse membership {$40.00/year sale till feb.}
* Vote on the side bar for February's sewing focus {we must prepare for next month}
* Forum
* Flickr for members only

You can do this for each day and you have until the 4th to get it all done too!! {except sign up for the newsletter and membership- you only need that once} So let's see 4 chances of winning PER DAY! That is a lot of chances. If you win a membership that you have already purchased--no biggie, i will reimburse you or you can gift it someone else that you love! oh, and all the comments stay open until the 4th!! Launch date.

So go on and do some stuff! enter away-- and then come back for some more. tomorrow.

Please leave an extra comment below for each that you do.

THX 2009

Today we will be celebrating by eating that crazy 35 pound turkey who used to chase the kids on their bikes!


gobble,gobble.....

oh, a few of the Thankful items for me:
* wool sweaters---mmmmm. oh, both to wear in the chilly weather and to shrink and cut up!
* cute kids who are best friends to each other.
* honey who lets me really do whatever i want. sort of spoiled that way. {don't tell}
* confidence, couragiousness, and persistant attitude {that's me- maybe that is why the honey allows it all}
* friends to lighten your load
* crafts/hobbies/talents to share and endulge in
* reading books all snuggly in bed -by myself or with kids- i'm ok with either

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

- travel safe- eat well- and share it with others----

Sleepy Pants

I saw these made by Lisa. Hers are long length compfy pants. I like mine short during the summer. Capri length. So since i had some vintage sheets hanging around patiently waiting for something to become, i thought---sleepy pants. I can do that! copycat!

I used another pair i bought as a template. I should ALWAYS cut the waist HIGHER than i think. These are ok, but i will definitly add a bit to the next pair.

These have a monster hem on the bottom!! with a bit of lacing stuck in there too. Fancy that.
I am hooked and will definitly be making a few more. Can you ever have to many sleepy pants?
We are going up to the parents home for some fishing and dinner and discussions...always fun! I will be sporting my sleepy pants for the sleepover. :)

***HAPPY 4TH OF JULY***

Honeys day

today it the big day for all the honeys in the world........Father's day.
We didn't have much time this morning for anything, so this after noon -4 ish, after church and all that jazz we had waffles, eggs, sausage and hashbrowns. Then the pass out of presents. The typical shirt and wallet of course :) But in my defense, the wallet is MUCH needed, since the one honey has been using was literaly falling apart....and i don't sew leather girls. He also got his dad you rock present from Jerika...a pet rock. hee hee
He is a good father. He loves to hold the kids and show them lots of love. (I feel a little clausterphobic when i snuggle with them). He shows them dad stuff and loves to be a teacher of building, golf, around the world, and anything else. He also puts up with me doing all my little extras. He helps with the kids---as long as dinner is ready, and maybe a movie set up for them too :) I am a lucky one. I know some other girls who can't get away with this kind of behavior. Lucky me.
Right now---he is enjoying his favorite dad time.....of course that would be sleeping.

Don't tell him i told you ;)

Hope everyone is having a

WONDERFUL

HONEY'S

DAY!!!

Mothers Day Doings

Did everyone have as good of a mothers day as i?

Mine started with breakfast, and a very cleaned up kitchen!!! neither of which was done by me.

Then later on last night we went up to my moms for dinner with the family. yummy! steak, salad, keylime cheesecake...you know, good stuff. oh, and presents.

This is what my mom gave all the girls- a leg pamper package. fun huh? i know. love it.

Then we of course finished the Apprentice. YAy for Joan!! you go girl.

It was kind of a calm day with family and just plain ol....nice. Sometimes i need just a nice day.

This is what i got my mom:

The notepads were done using this tutorial. I admit i need some practice doing these. Some of the pages weren't quite to the top enough and got pulled out before the pads were given. I use our own pictures, and bought their glue too.

The best doll ever!!! you have to read the note and description she came with. I couldn't resist. We got the best laugh ever i tell you!! jealous? go buy your own---here.

While watching. ok more like stalking the mailbox all weekend i came up with a swap. Still good, but i was so looking for my mothers day presents i bought myself. :)

Here is Annie from the Annie Swap. She is made by Ruth.

Eliza loves her and she now is a friend to her Annie. i don't think you can ever have enough annies. do you?

Speaking of eliza. I have to share. 2 weeks ago she said -take off my training wheels. So we did. She hated it!! Just couldn't get it. Frustrating for her and me. That was on her big bike. She had a little pink one too- too small for her. She said take off the training wheels. I was thinking -great, here we go again. another bike sitting there that she won't ride because the wheels are off. but i did it anyways. She hops on and rides away. Like she has been doing it for years!!! what?

See proffessional.

Took a bit, but she has figured out the bike that fits. Ok. it took one day. She zips around with the other brothers and sister just as fast. Scarry. We took a bike ride on this trail saturday night. fun except for all the nats that were running into you. I felt like the windshield. I put my hoodie on and could here them hit! then lets not talk about how many got into the eyes and the ones you ate. :(

And just because:

Sneak Peak

Handmade Christmas + extra stuff

I finished yesterday the tops to these play mats. I still need to sew them to the backs and then ---done...yay!! They are for the 2 boys. Sometimes i go a little over board--at first i thought hey, i'll make 4 but after thinking about it, sometimes less is more!! so i did 2.

The first is a water scene. There is a lot of water and a few islands with trees and of course the island in the center with the X marks the spot and a treasure chest.

The second is outer space. I found this great piece of material at Joannes and added a large sparkly white moon, a yellow planet, a big blue one off the side and a melinium falcon. It would be just the landing pad area....can you see it? Get it? ok. neither did the honey, but oh well. i am a sewer, not a space aircraft designer!! Cheese.....what do you all expect? :)

I am trying to get ahead of tomarrow- dinner and all- so i am making pies. I get all the pie crusts ready-2 and mix the ingredients for the apple insides and go to get the apples...what? where did the apples go? there is only 2 apples left? what? who?

So here it is:

I know...how could they? didn't they know? so i looked and looked and dug to the very back of the pantry and alas---i found it!! the can of pumpkin!!! So I had to roll out another vERY THIN crust for a third pie. Because nothing can be that simple- it was a monster big can of pumpkin. Mixed it all up and there. 3 pies. Now that i guess is planning for extra without even knowing it. hmmm

Last item on the get ahead for tomarrow list. HAIRCUT!!! Leave it to me to leave it to the very last minute possible- and then change haircutters, and beg the new one...please today, please.

It was soooooo worth the begging and waiting. I feel like a new gal!! My hair is FINALLY to the length that it needs to be to be a 'style'. Take a peak:

As you can see i am not a professional self portrait taker. I need to follow Boiled Peanuts cue and give it a go. Just a reminder---I am a sewer people!!!

Well- after wrapping a few things today and looking at the little piles of gifts I think i have it under control. I think I am really ready. By this time tomarrow i will be second guessing what i have of course....what else is new?

but today---- today i know it's good.

Is there an age limit for Stuffed animals on the bed?

So is there? I only ask this question because that is what the honey is getting for Christmas. He has been dying since i made this first one:

About every day he asks......did ya make me one yet? Is it done yet? So being the handmade christmas year that it is I of course made him one. Has he seen it? Does he know? No......I am pretty sure that he doesn't read this blog-----ever, so here is his dog: nameless- any suggests?

He has a removable winter wool sweater and a little wool hat with a tassle at the top. hee hee

But, me being me said.....to me......He can't have his own dog!! What about me!! What do I get? So this is what I came up with:

My very own kitty cat!! Of course it would have to be the opposite friend of the dog. That always makes things more interesting doesn't it? She has stitches in her legs so she can sort of sit just a bit. I got the stitchery pattern from Cinderberry Stitches. she has some fantastic designs. Well, so instead of a bag, i did a cat. The back is the same fabric as the dogs stripe and the front is the same linen as the elf pillow. It seems though that I am reverting back to my love of blue in the room....hmmmmm...

Here we are together. Quite a pair don't ya think? They are both now wrapped and under the tree.

On a quilting note, Here is Ammons' Quilt:

Super heros!! The center block is an 8X8 inch square and then 2 boarders in different colors. The final block ends up at 17inches!! that makes this quick to put together. Half of the blocks were done by others around the state of Utah last year. I do a round robin exchange every year. New block to make for someone each month. This is the one i passed around and then split up the blocks for the boys.

Here is the back. I used a spiderman sheet. My first time doing that. Worked out pretty good. I did just a big meandor on the whole quilt and double batted it for a little more warmth and weight. I still have one more to go..... and a pattern to decide on for next year to pass around.

I have survived

Hello, my name is becky, and i have survived being Director of Girl Scout Day Camp!!!

Everyone else says: hello becky, so glad to hear that your back!!

Sorry about that bit of nothing zone. I really have had no energy to do anything. I haven't even looked at others blogs....soooo sad.... But here i am!!!

Had a great 4th of July. of course i got 2 pictures and then the batteries were dead!!

So this is it:

Here are the square pants playing with the cars, and the girls doing our crafty stuff.

This is the art project.

I will definitly be doing a tutorial on this later on this month. no time now. It is sooo cool though, and very easy...takes a little finger rubbing...but pretty easy.

This week i had Girl scout day camp.

Boy was it a bunch of fun and work!! Everything was very well planned by mouai, and i had a lot of mom helpers so it turned out fairly easy for everyone (including me). The people i hired to come teach the girls showed up, taught great stuff, ate lunch, and enjoyed the girls. What a relief!! There were 100 girls and 20 moms per day coming for some good times. Our theme was "Under the big top" I was the Ring Leader...and we had a juggler, yo-yo guy, balloon animal clown, magicians come show us a few things.

I was a bit surprised by how tired i was wednesday after the end. I have taken a few naps and when i go to bed i am out for the count. Today, i finally feel more like doing things. I actually swept and mopped the floors. yay!!!

At the end during lunch they gave me a loaf of cinamon raisin bread, some popcorn, bath stuff and the best: a basket full of notes---one from each girl. They are soooo sweet!! i had a few tears....can you believe!! i think i was tired.... :)

I had no idea they were even writing me things...i was walking around and looking at everyones books even....again, i think i was tired....clueless, maybe just a bit....

Friday all the kids had Birthday parties to go to.

Jerika went to a girl friends art birthday party, so we of course had to make her a marker roll for her art stuff. (lucky i had some new markers just waiting for it---i think that i might have to keep those in stock, just in case). She really liked it too...that is what i heard.

I also made a pink flamingo for another birthday party....sorry no picture....maybe i'll sneak one later to show it off. It is a little goofy, but just right for the 4year old.

Went to a few garage sales today.

There was this one sale that was closing out some scrapbook store. So i picked up a bunch of little buttons, a button shank remover, and a bunch of buttons....lots.

Got some great colors, and sizes. Perfect for little people, animals, or whatnots in the works!!

We are currently getting ready for our trip to Mt. Rushmore!!! We are leaving next week in a rented Winabago with the honeys brother, sister-in-law and the 3 girls. We are all excited!!!

This is what we worked on yesterday. Got a photo copy of the maps (we are crossing over a few states), package of markers, a zipper packett to keep everything in, a glue stick, pen, and a family fun travel photo copy fun book.

We glued the maps (folded) into the note book. Skipped a few pages, added another map....kept going till they were all gone.

The kids can write, draw, or glue any postcards, collections, or whatever their little heart desires into the note book. I think i'll keep them for the year and when we go places do the same, map...add anything they would like. Like a travel log for the year (more like summer).

we found everything at $1 store. sweet. love that cheap prices!!

We will load them up into their little backpack (from girl scout camp) and a water bottle and be on our way each day. I am just a bit jealous.... they are cute and look fun to add too.

ok. that's it for now, i have to take the hair dye out....and catch up on everyone elses news for the last week.

Totally Toadstools

I got my toadstool!! isn't she just lovely?






Thanks to Clare who was my trade partner, all the way from the u.k.





Very simple, but really pretty darn cute.


Check out the sparkly top:











I thought that in the kitchen transom window above the french doors would be a great place for it. Now Meli has a shady soft place to lean up against.





I keep all my little "collections" above in the window. Little things i have collected and liked and they look ok in the window. At christmas time i found the sign above them all. Fitting.








I guess i should put some pictures of the family there too.....






Now for the award
Thanks Julie... now, i don't usually follow the rules---i think that has become expected of me...not too....but we'll go over the rules anyways. you can see how many i break.

The rules that apply to this award are as follows:


1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.


2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.


3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.


4.The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.


5. To show these rules.

my 5 people i have chosen. i don't know that many well enough to choose 5. i linger on a lot of blogs, but don't know if i can pass the buck on. anyways....here they are:
1) vintage fern.... have done a trade with her, lovely stuff...and i won something too. more lovely stuff.
2) The boiled peanut ---randomly found her. she works for girl scouts though...that is the connection...i felt it. :) love the self-portrait thing going on. might have to try that. maybe not as long.
3)polka-dot creations ...has wonderful kookie taste (just as daring as me, maybe with a little better taste though). is currently doing the vintage sheet swap.
4) Quiltville -- she is my idol right now. teaches, makes patterns, sews alot, and a bunch of scrappy stuff too. mostly scrappy.
5) covered in threads -- she makes wonderful clutches and sell A TON of them on etsy. funny too.

hey- i really did do 5!! yay for me. check them out.
They will probably not care or pay attention to this award. but you never know i guess.
Fun to see who are my really favorites are though. Julie you would have been one, but it was from you....no give backs.

I am still quilting that darn hens and checks quilt. I think i only have one more row or something, but i just can't seem to do it. Maybe this weekend.

Thursday we are going up to my moms for a sleepover. The golfers get up at the crack of dawn on the 4th and go ....golfing. We sleep in just a bit and then head down to grandmas for breakfast when everyone trickles in. Fun stuff. we do a little crafty project...eat breakfast, play in the water (little pool things for the kids) and then eat some lunch...sweat outside and then take off late afternoon.
We all enjoy ourselves and so do the kids.
Just sit around, gab, eat, sweat....whatever

Fun Family Stuff