From Grandma and Mom

I was at my mom's house the other week and we were talking about quilting and scrap fabric. She and I went down into her basement were she presented a tub full of fabric scraps that were leftovers from her and my grandma. HOLY FABRIC GOLDMINE BATMAN! Since most of the fabric was already cut into these long strips of fabric, my thought was to make a string quilt. Too easy, I know.
I am using Ashley's (Film in the fridge) tutorial as a guide to making the quilt. I am thinking that I need to head on over to the fabric store to pick up some white material to start making my squares. It looks like a very fun way to use up scrap material. I also hope that I can use up some of my own scarps in the process as well.

Summer is made for.....

The kids making their own peanut butter sandwich for lunch.

Picnics and funny faces.

Summer Feet

She Sews

I have to admit that I have been enjoying this skirt already this summer. It is so soft and comfortable. I hope next year to have a couple of these made up! I used Simplicity pattern 4237 as a guide and then modified it just a bit. Using view A (the full length skirt), I took out the seam down the middle of the skirt and make the front panel one piece. Did the same thing to the back. I also cut it much longer as I am on the taller side and hate it when skirts end at mid calf! Used a pumpkin color knit fabric that was purchased at our local fabric store. It is a nice light weight knit with a great drape.

In the fall/winter I really don't wear skirts, but this one may have to be made again for fall at least. It has possibilities!

She Knits!

My current knitting obsession is mittens. Mittens make great summer projects. Not so bulky, easy to take with you while on vacations and living the busy summer life. This particular project is the Chevalier Mittens by the talented Mari Muinonen. Pattern can be found on Ravelry as well. The yarn is the always fantastic Cascade 220 Heathers.

I love this cable pattern. It keeps your attention and is fast moving. The chart is simple to follow. I have one down and one more to go. That is the only problem with mittens. You have to make 2 of them!!

I am really looking forward to wearing these this fall while walking the little man to kindergarten. In the meantime my list of mittens to make this year continues to grow.

Home again from time well spent at the cottage. There was swimming, fishing, playing in the sand, campfires, and family fun.

One day we had some rainy weather, so tradition was kept alive with the boys making fish cookies with grandma. YUMMY!
The hubby was able to relax and able to take up his ol' fishing pole. He even caught himself a fish or two.
Yeah, there were happy faces all week long. This is why we love summer!

A Long Strange Trip

Rothbury 2009 went off without a hitch. We had a great time. We spent from noon until midnight (and sometimes beyond) listening to live music being preformed. We discovered new folks and feel in love with favs. all over again. There are lots of pics to check out!! Will have a later post of the "atmosphere" at the festival.

The Amazing Bob Dylan

Jackie Greene with Phil Lesh

Willie Nelson and Family

Brett Dennen
The Ever Amazing Ani Difranco (my fav.!)

Flogging Molly
Martin Sexton with Keller Williams
The Dead
Guster
The Hold Steady
The Black Crows

Wish I had pics of The Ragbirds (Great Ann Arbor Band!), Davy Knowles and The Back Door Slam Roberts Band, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Band, Lotus

(sigh) Good Times

Take A Look At Yourself

Michael Jackson. Love, hate, or totally ambivalent about him, this video is so powerful and stands true today. It forces you to ask, how far have we really come?? Can we really make a better tomorrow? Thank God for some amazing people who blaze trails for us. And yes, we must look at ourselves. Are we at our very best, are we setting good examples for our children and others around us?? Let's hope so.