Capturing December: Day 19

 { Crafts }

Since I had a "crafty" type project posted yesterday, I thought I would continue the theme and make today's post a review of different craft projects I've completed in the last year and a half that never got mentioned on this poor 'ole blog! 

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The Lone Starburst

Last summer I ran across the above pictured quilt block...and I fell in love with it!  It's classic and stunning all rolled into one block.  I saw it on the Six White Horses blog.  She has a free downloadable PDF pattern.  I actually haven't gotten any further on this project than this one block, but I thought of making two more or so and making a table runner.

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Stars and Diamonds Quilt

Sometimes I'm a dreamer.  I imagine that I can create/draft my own original quilt blocks and that even someday I might have my own quilt shop.  Obviously, it's mostly wishful thinking, but last summer I did create this pattern and made a quilt!  And no, there's no tutorial, just some pencil scribbling on a piece of paper!  =)  Thanks to my Mom for quilting it!  The fabrics were from Joann's.

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Bittersweet Bloom

This is a wall quilt (just the top, it's not quilted yet).  I saw the pattern for this "Bittersweet Bloom" pattern at a quilt show.  I did not buy the pattern then, but looked it up when I got home.  At the time, Calico Corner had written/published the pattern, but I can't fine it anywhere online now.  I simply looked at the pattern and then reproduced it in my own sizes.  The pretty fabric I used came from Joann's.

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Tahiti Tote

So I keep mentioning the quilt my Mom made for Jacinda (which I really need to post about)...well, I decided to make a matching diaper bag.  I had bought this Tahiti Tote pattern at a quilt show and thought it would be perfect.  And it is...I'm still using it!

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Cross Point Star

Another one of my "original" creations!  I created this block and then used it to make hot pads for a friend.  Maybe come the beginning of the new year, I'll post a downloadable PDF pattern for you!

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Batiks Squared Quilt

Yep, another one of "my" quilts!  I had seen a picture online somewhere with the basic idea, but I added the star points and used two different colored sashing.  At this point, it's just the top...but maybe when I go home next I'll be able to use my Mom's fancy machine to get it quilted!  I used Tidepool Batiks charm packs by Moda to make this.

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Nothing fancy here, I was just in desperate need of some new hot pads!

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Since I enjoy sewing, I decided to try my hand at making a dress for Jacinda.  I used McCall's pattern #M6015.  I will admit to struggling a little bit.  I'm just a sewing enthusiast.  I'm definitely not well versed in sewing terminology and technique.  I usually just see something, create it, and make it work!  Case in point.  This dress is not perfect, but it's cute and wearable!

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I currently have a quilting WIP (work in progress), plus lots of fabric and ideas for more quilts.  We'll see where all that leads in the new year.  I'd even like to start a quilting blog that's separate from this family/ministry blog.  But as I said, we'll see!

Capturing December: Day 18

{ Christmas Stockings }

We actually don't have any stockings hung this year...mainly because I don't have any here in Mexico and also because that's a tradition we usually only do with my side of the family when we're in PA.

But I did make Jacinda a stocking last year for Christmas.  And apparently the only pic I took of it was with my cell phone.

I used fabric from the quilt my mom made for Jacinda (fabric: Vintage Modern by Bonnie and Camille for Moda) and made the stocking in a chevron style.  I didn't use any pattern per se, but I looked at pictures to get the basic idea of how to construct it, and then I traced around another stocking that I had on hand to get the shape.  I also followed several online tutorials on lining it and for doing the cuff.  Sorry I don't have any other helpful hints to pass along!  =)  I really like how it turned out though!

Capturing December: Day 10

{ Homemade / DIY }

Yesterday, I was feeling somewhat accomplished.  Today, not so much!  =)  So I'll just share some things from yesterday!

I've had some knit material laying around just waiting to be made into a few skirts.  After thinking of all the horrible things that could happen while working with knit, I finally worked up the courage to try a mini maxi skirt for Jacinda!  It turned out really cute, albeit almost too small.  But at least I learned a few things of what not to do when I make one for me!  I'd really like to come up with a size guide formula that works for anyone (baby > adult).  I'll let you know when that happens!

Then, I did a few more Christmasy things around the house.  I've been eye-balling this style of burlap trees...

I basically followed this tutorial, although I cut my own strips of burlap instead of using burlap ribbon!  (How nice it would be to have a Hobby Lobby here!)

Then I added a Christmasy bow to my ever present wooden star!

I decorated a little tree on my font porch too...but you'll have to wait on that until another day!

Christmas Around the House

 I thought I'd share a few "christmasy" things from around our house!

This year, I decided to try my hand at making a few Christmas ornaments that I had seen while browsing blog land and Pinterest.

I love these simple jute balls.  I managed to find some jute at the Walmart down here, but it only came in green.  So I bought some red spray paint, and there you go!  Christmas ornaments to match my country primitive decor.  I followed this blog tutorial here.

And then I made some primitive fabric stars.  I simply cut fabric in the shape of a star, hand stitched two pieces together, stuffed them, and then popped a button on them.  Again, very simple.  But I like them!

And here's a look at our "new" cabinets.  Depending on the lighting, the color varies between a dark blue and black.  I still have a few finishing touches to do yet, but I'm happy with how they turned out!  And I'm especially happy to have the upper cabinets to put my spices, dishes, and drinking glasses in!

I trust y'all will have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

4th of July Table Runner

In browsing through some blogs recently and gathering ideas to make our 4th of July special, I came across this nifty, patriotic table runner. I instantly knew I wanted to try something like it. You see, I love all things stars, gingham, rag quilts, and country decor.

Unfortunately, I underestimated the amount of scrap gingham I had laying around. I guess I've gradually used most of my stash for other projects and didn't replenish it before we moved down here. Oh well, after searching, I came up with some suitable plaids - and it works for me!

You definitely spend most of your time cutting and snipping, but overall, the project doesn't take too long! I'm happy with the finished project and can't wait to use it for setting a pretty 4th of July table!

*I'm linking this post to:

Nap Time Crafters

The Frugal Girls

The Shabby Nest

A Cute Onesie Dress

Every once in awhile, I feel the creative juices start flowing...and then these "brilliant" ideas pop in my head! For example: how fun would it be to make a little girls dress? Now I realize that having three boys does not lend itself to much knowledge in the way of girls clothing...but I've seen lots of creative ladies blogging about how easy it can be. So I thought, why not? I even had the idea of recycling one of Michael's old casual shirts into a little dress...but then I discontinued that idea (at least for now!) after seeing this idea over on Shari's blog. How simple, but cute!

With a little girl in our church having her first birthday, I decided a little dress was the perfect project. Now it might not have turned out perfect, but it was fun to make and maybe even a little cute! (And should I admit, I tried the dress on Parker to get the basic sizing?) =) I also love the fact that's it's still a onesie!

And because I wanted a good excuse to make one of these rolled fabric flowers that are so popular right now, I made one to accent the dress. I attached it with a safety pin of sorts, so that it could be taken off to wash.

And there you have it my friends - something creative! Maybe this little project will jump start some more brilliant ideas? I know I'd like to learn more about "mod podge-ing" (although I'm sure they don't sell that here in Mexico)...or maybe I should think more about a new quilt for our bed...then again, maybe I should finish other things I've started...?...

I hope y'all have a good weekend!

*I'm linking this post to:

Nap Time Crafters

The Frugal Girls

The Shabby Nest