making rebecca lynne

Weekend Planning [Thursday Think Tank]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:51:00 +0000

This weekend I'm flying SOLO. Well, Portia will be with me but otherwise this Mama is having a do whatever you want weekend. So of course I have been over thinking exactly what it is I am going to do!

The food I plan on eating without curious nibblers...

source

sleeping late in a Bed to Myself - well, me and my growing tummy...

source

AND

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Potential Weekend To Dos...

- Quilt for Baby R

- Quilt for Baby B & G

- Sappy "bad girly" movies

- Prep for the Mr's Birthday

- Pay state sales taxes for Lush Cluster (bleh)

- Crayon Suitcase, maybe prep tutorial?

What about you. What are you think tanking these days???

Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads. It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank. Have a blog? Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.
Thanks to everyone who linked up last week. Just a small request: Please remember to Add a Link to Thursday Think Tank in your Blog Post - that way the other people in the Linky Party are being shared with your readers! Thank you!
- rebecca lynne

Still making baby...this time a boy quilt...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:13:00 +0000

No, we still don't know whether we are having a boy or a girl (but, let's face it, chances are it is a girl, grin). Nevertheless, as I said here, when it comes to a personalized baby quilt I am making one for each gender just in case. You can see my "girl quilt" here and the "boy quilt" is below!

[Excuse the slight creases in the quilt. I folded it up before our guests came and well, I wasn't going to dig out the iron again. I know - LAZY.]

Boy Quilt

Unlike the "girl quilt" I didn't plan this one out at all. As some of you know, I always buy all my fabric from shops online and in this case I bought from different collections and different shops. So, to coordinate my fabric I used my usual computer layout method to match up the designs and colors but I didn't work on a layout...I totally winged it. There came a point at the end where I was completely stuck and the Mr. stepped in and helped me get over my issues. I literally made this in a few hours Saturday afternoon...and still had time to clean the house and cook dinner for guests. Um, I'm gonna say it, amazing.

Fabrics:

Sheep Park (Laurie Wisbrun)

Ta Dot - lime and teal (Michael Miller)

Wooden Horses Royal (Michael Miller)

Chick Chick - the lime dots, blue dots, and the chicks themselves (Robert Kaufman)

Blue Solid and Dots from the Maman collection (Anne Marie Murphy for Cloud 9)

When I thought about it later I realized that if I do have a boy that is kind of how things are going to go. I really planned things out with both of my girls...but when it comes to a boy I have no idea! So honestly, like this quilt design, I will be winging it. Winging it or not, I really do love it. It is better than I expected and every time I look at it I find new things I adore about it. Simple, fun, a tad loud, easy-going but still interesting - just how I'd imagine a little boy raised by me and the Mr. to be.

Chick Chick, Ta Dot, and the Dots from La Maman

The Sheep that started it all the those horses...L-O-V-E

This fabric FEELS amazing. It is So Soft.

Miss E saw her Daddy taking all the please hold the quilt for me while I take photos glory and begged to be included. She got so caught up in doing in a good job that she didn't smile until I reminded her to smile and look like she liked the quilt. This face was her compromise to that request below:

Vana White - the Next Generation

I plan on backing this with the Sheep Park - I contemplated the Wooden Horses but I have a green theme going on at the moment. Before then I will be starting two more baby quilt tops this week for a friend of mine who is having twins. I think I shall have plenty of scraps and am thinking of gifting them away so do stay tuned as that will probably happen over the next week or two.

I hope you all had as productive a weekend as I did! Get anything finished? I'd love to see...

- rebecca lynne

Yoga - Drama Free 2012 & Thursday Think Tank

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:04:00 +0000

I bet, like me, most of you have a To Do List about a M-I-L-E long. Am I right? Lately I've been trying to figure out how to best tackle my to dos...of course thinking about how to attack it isn't making it any shorter let me tell you... But, one of the things on my list that I really need to start taking more seriously is my goal of practicing prenatal yoga.

While living in Brooklyn I took an awesome prenatal yoga class here. I really think it helped my 2nd pregnancy go so smoothly not to mention it helped keep my stress levels down. But here, in Far Far Away, prenatal yoga is nonexistent. So, I've been meaning to do something about it. Today my chiropractor suggested that I do some stretching to stave off my sciatic nerve. In other words...I realized I needed to get off my bum and create my own at home prenatal yoga program.

How?

HELLO - INTERNET! There are tons of sites out there giving advice on how to practice yoga at home. You can even sign up for an About.com newsletter that will send prenatal yoga specific emails to guide your practice safely while pregnant.

Of course nothing can replace the support of yoga classmates not to mention the importance of the guidance of a yoga teacher. But, for those of us without, well, we must make do. For those of you who are debating whether to consider taking up Yoga I would strongly encourage you to check out a class. Honestly, it can be life altering. Keep in mind, however, that there are lots of different types of Yoga. Some style may be more apt to suit your exercise needs and personality better than another. Take a look into the variety out there before deciding Yoga altogether isn't for you.

Now for you sewers out there be sure to check out yoga positions you can do while seated. Don't let your sewing get ruined by stiff posture...take a break and do some of these!

I'll be making my Baby Boy Quilt Top this weekend...whew hew! Can't wait to show you all pictures on Monday... In the meantime, let me know what you've been doing and add your link below!

- rebecca lynne

A Family Affair - I mean - Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Miss O's Quilt

Ta da!

I know it is amazing...I actually SEWED SOMETHING. In fact, not only did I sew I actually finished a quilt top!!! It really has been soooo long. I'm sure you began to wonder why I even bother keeping this blog anymore, after all, I just haven't made anything in so long.

[In my defense, I made Chicken Parmigiano with "from scratch" tomato sauce, for Valentine's Day...but with everything that had happened the day before concerning my grandmother I completely forgot to take photos for proof. Groan.]

I am really happy with how it turned out. I LOVE the movement that is created by the alternating strip widths - almost as if about to spiral but still with subtle control. I think it looks very similar to my computerized layout but even better...I love how the green is uneven and lends it a bit of a modern edge.

Computerized Layout

To be fair I cannot take all the credit for my hard work and motivation. It was really a family affair. First of all Miss V insisted on sitting next to me and watching as I sewed. Maybe we have found the next generation of sewer in the family??? She hummed along with the machine as we went.

Then Miss E insisted on helping me take photos of the quilt top... I even let her stand on a chair, normally a big no no, to hold it up high enough.

And you can see in my notes above, top right, that I was allowed to take over the whole table with fabric and machine while the girls and Daddy colored in a huge coloring book on the floor.

Miss E peeking over the quilt top

Then Miss E exclaimed it was "Daddy's turn" to hold the quilt and they all helped him hold it for Mommy.

Here are some detail shots...

Fussy Cut Shot

Girls Bending Over Pram Closeup

Now I just have to decide on what fabric to back it with. I intend to fold back the brown dots and gingham to create the binding because I do love the brown framing the overall piece. I'm leaning towards the green dots as a backing...but I think I'll sleep on it before I decide. That swirl of salmon pink really does stand out beautifully so perhaps I should go with the pink dot instead. Hmmm...

Thoughts Anyone?

Oh, and then I have to figure out how to quilt it... Hahahahaa...

Linking up to Canoe Ridge Creation's {Sew} Modern Monday!

- rebecca lynne

Modern Quilt Guild Week of Solid Tutorials Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Check out the Modern Quilt Guild's Blog today about finishing off the Week of Solids. My guest tutorial on how to create a Solid Palette Layout on the Computer from Lily's Quilts has been included!

Go check it out HERE!!!

- rebecca lynne

Drama Free 2012 - Giveaway Winner!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:42:00 +0000

So, I was going to pick the winner based on whose story had me laughing out loud the most while I was away at my Grandmother's funeral. But, honestly, I could not pick! Plus - that would not take into account all of the wonderful links I received for Thursday Think Tank that week. Therefore, I turned to the trusty Random.org True Random Number Generator and came up with:

Drum roll... (come on...you can do it...imagine a drum roll...)

Alright, I'm counting...and who do we come up with...

Sana Saroti!

What makes this so funny is that Sana thought, based on her reading of Kelli's message, that I was in some serious trouble and was in prison! Sana, what I want to know is exactly what you thought I might have been in prison for!!! Now that is a story we should blog about...a fictional story...this former prosecutor and current county attorney has not been nor is she going to prison! Hahahahaa... (Hmmm, unless Sana knows something I don't?)

Kelli still has to pick her winner so stay tuned and pop on over to Seriously...I think it needs stitches...she said she was going to get to it later this afternoon. Fingers crossed for you all!

If you don't win this time don't worry - Kelli and I will be doing more Drama Free Giveaways throughout 2012. If there is something you'd especially like to win do tell us by leaving a comment below.

- rebecca lynne

Birthday on the Brink - Thursday Think Tank

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:13:00 +0000

I just wanted to thank everyone who linked up to Thursday Think Tank last week! It was so nice to see all those thumbnails and to visit everyone's blogs. Thank you so much...

So what is up this week? Well given recent events I've been thinking a lot about family, drama, life, and priorities. I've decided, and it comes as a complete shock to me, I am really happy here in Far Far Away. I really believe that when you are on the right path you can feel it and I definitely feel that things are right here. My largest source of sadness is being so far away from family and friends...but I hope in time that will change as we make new friends and our girls get older. People keep asking when we are moving "back" but I just don't see that happening, my perspective may change but right now it isn't in the cards.
Regardless of what WILL happen I am deciding on what IS happening today. With that said - it is time to plan the Mr.'s Birthday Gift. I want to go budget, but thoughtful, and hopefully surprise the crap out of him! Hahahhahaaa! I think I have an idea...but I'd like to do something romantic as well... Any ideas?
I hope you are all creating wonderful things that will inspire me to keep working on this...please link up and inspire me below!!!
- rebecca lynne
Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads. It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank. Have a blog? Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.

Get on with the gettin' on. Making Baby Month 6!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:19:00 +0000

Enough is enough...I'm ready to put all the ups and downs of the last few weeks behind me and get on with the gettin' on... Maybe it has been all the awesome comments I have been receiving via our Drama Free 2012 Giveaway (still open so feel free to jump in until the 25th!) or the realization that life isn't about to stop and I'm not going to just submit and take the hits laying down. Either way, I've finally returned to my love of fabric again. Sigh, finally! And where better to start than by cutting fabric for a new quilt?

Fussy cuts for Girl's Baby Quilt - Nursery Rhyme Maman Organic

I started cutting the fabric for the girl's baby quilt and I totally loved the idea that hit me when it came to
cutting this fabric for this pattern. I'm sure I will be the only one who notices these little fussy cuts amidst all the other fabrics...but hey, I'll know!

Hope you are all doing well and getting on with the getting on in your life...

- rebecca lynne

TTT~and a GIVEAWAY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:55:00 +0000

Hello everyone! My name is Kelli, and I blog over @ Seriously..I think it needs stitches. Today I am honored to be guest posting for the first time ever and guest hosting the Thursday Think Tank for Rebecca Lynne, while she is out of town attending to something very important.

So I hope some of you will link up and share what's been on your mind this week, or what you've been up to. Quilty, crafty or otherwise. Anything goes in the Think Tank.

What's been on my mind today is this pillowcase that I ~~made~~ HAD to make. A few weeks ago, I let my son pick out a yard of fabric for a pillow case that I would make him. He was so excited. Then he wanted to pick out the border for it. The fabric was on sale, I had a weak moment, and I let him choose, on his own. I'm all for letting kids have their own creative license and all that.. but I REALLY REALLY didn't like the two fabrics he chose to put together. But he had his heart set on them. The other day he asked me where his fabrics were and described them in detail. I figured it was time to face the fabrics.

So today, I sat down and sewed it up. At least pillow cases make for a speedy project. Something about the fabric colors and little bones.. UGH. I love dogs and so does my son, but these two fabrics just seem to clash! I feel bad for hating it so, when my son is so in love with it, but it actually makes me cringe. At what point do you say to a 5 yr old.. "that's not such a good combo", or "sleeping on that might make you dizzy and throw up"? I didn't have the heart to, so I just sewed it up.

He wanted his finger in the picture.

I don't know.. something about the color combos. ACK! I don't know whether I'm going to have a migrain or chest pain looking at it. But you know what? He loves it. LOVES. And I love that he loves it. Because I love him. I guess that's what it all boils down to, right?

He insisted on putting it on his pillow immediately. And I have to admit, it's much cuter with his head on it. Although I might have to read bedtime stories with my eyes closed sometimes. Which may be difficult. ;) Maybe it will grow on me.

In the meantime, let's get to the giveaway! Rebecca and I have been planning a tandem giveaway in honor of our Drama Free 2012 pact that we made at the start of the year.

SO, on each of our blogs today, you can enter to win a Little Apples layer cake by Aneela Hoey.

You can do so many things with a layer cake. There are lots of ideas at the Moda Bake Shop.

And as an added little prize in honor of our drama free year, you can also win a peace, love, quilt coaster from Cafepress.com :o)

The giveaway will be open until Feb. 25. To enter, just leave your comments on this post, and you can have more chances than one to enter.

1. The giveaway is open to our fun fantastic followers. Leave a commment saying you are a follower.

2. You can have an extra entry for linking up to this Thursday Think Tank post.

3. If you wish to share the giveaway with your friends and blog about it leave a comment stating you did for an extra entry.

4. And for a fourth chance at winning, let's try and make Rebecca laugh and/or cheer her up, since she is attending to some stressful business right now. Leave a comment with something funny that has happened to you recently or a reason that you love her blog. :o)

Good luck! When you're through, head over to my place @ Seriously..I think it needs stitches. and enter over there. We are each giving away the same prize so you'll have double the chances of winning!! :o) May you all have a peaceful, happy and healthy, drama free year!

(Don't forget to link up your Thursday Think Tank post!)

In Memoriam - Olinda Maria Felgueroso Davison

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:57:00 +0000

In Memoriam

Olinda Maria Felgueroso Davison

We will miss you.

Rebecca Lynne, J, E & V

Testing some ideas out...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:59:00 +0000

New Girl Baby Quilt Tentative Design!

- rebecca lynne

I could NOT make this $?!& up. [Thursday Think Tank February 2, 2012]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:08:00 +0000

Well...ready for the latest and greatest MRL drama?

It all started when Miss V woke up Sunday morning unable to breathe. She was wheezing and had a blue tinge to her face. Great start for any parent's morning right? So after speaking with her Pediatrician (Who didn't response to our emergency call at first, I had to call the answering service 2x before I got a call back from a Doctor an hour after I originally called. Roll eyes.) we wrapped her up and were off to the emergency room. This is where we found out she had pneumonia. Awesome.

Fast forward to Discharge from ER. Followed by the most horrific night of my life as she barely breathed her way through the night. To the next day where she was admitted to the Pediatric Ward of the Hospital.

Pretty awful right?

Just wait.

As Miss V slowly recuperated in the pediatric wing, with all sorts of awful tubes sticking out of her and the most awful pallor to her face that it made my eyes tear each time I looked at her, Miss E began showing the same symptoms as her sister. Yes, seriously. Didn't you read the title of this post? Yet again I found myself at the ER. By this time I was a natural and I was answering their admission questions before they were asked.

Luckily Miss E does not have pneumonia and is a victim of possibly the same virus that may have led to Miss V's pneumonia. Miss V was discharged yesterday and is back home. So now both girls are home, highly medicated, slightly whiny, periodically feverish but wreaking havoc as always.

It has been a long week. But, amidst all this drama I have to thank my amazing in-laws for their patience and help as they extended their stay from last weekend to help us out with all of this sick nonsense. And, to my mother, who is a diligent telecommuting employee by day in my sewing room and an all hands on deck grandmother during those early morning hours and bedtime.

On that note I would like to share a preview with you of the Girl Baby Quilt Design I am contemplating... Hopefully I will have a final version of this oversized Log Cabin soon!

And I'd like you to all visit Lucy's Blog to support her Fugly Fabric Party starting February 7th!

AND I wanted to give you the heads up that in celebration of Drama Free 2012 Miss Kelli and I are going to be hosting a giveaway of Anna Hooey's Little Apples Layer Cake!!! I don't know about your lives but it has been hard keeping the drama out of mine, I think a giveaway is in order. So stay tuned...

Alright, that's all I've got for this TTT. Honestly I am just trying to catch up on my sleep after the last few days. So why don't you tell me what you've been up to? Don't forget to link up below...

- rebecca lynne

Neutral? Pssht. [Thursday Think Tank January 26, 2012]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Here is a quick update on things in the MRL household...

I am loving my new job. Totally different from the legal work I did before but I am really enjoying it! Unfortunately, I work quite a few hours and then have a commute each day so it can be taxing. I am hoping I'll get into a routine and still be able to sew each night before the baby is born.
Miss E turned 3 this week...and I'm still feeling the guilt of not creating a post dedicated to her! But, making cupcakes for her daycare class was a much higher priority than Mommy's blog. Perhaps I will create a post after her birthday party this weekend.
I had a short bout with food poisoning last weekend which prompted by Dr. to order an ultrasound.
Ultrasound was all well and good...but baby wouldn't cooperate! He/She insisted on sitting cross-legged and we couldn't find out the sex. But...He/She is healthy and really that is the most important thing.

Well, now that we are all caught up let's get down to brass tacks. The whole not knowing the baby's sex situation has really thrown a wrench in my plans. I know most people have very strong opinions on whether to find out the sex early or to wait. With each pregnancy I have had debates with people who insist we are doing the "wrong thing" by finding out early. I insist that it is a surprise either way - early or not - and it is my choice. This time people's reactions to our inability to find out have been wildly varied. One person told me "Good. That's how it should be" with smug satisfaction that I'd been shown what's what. At the other extreme a cousin exclaimed "What are you going to do? Aren't you nervous?" I assured her that the world wasn't going to end just because we didn't know. My sister, on the other hand, was thrilled by this wrench in my plans and claimed it would be "good for me" not to be able to exercise control over something in my life.

Regardless of people's feelings one way or the other I am a planner, I like to plan ahead, I was waiting to find out the sex before buying fabric for a baby quilt...obviously this changes things quite a bit. And yes, it is driving me mad.

The solution?

Make two.

That's right folks. I am going to make one of each. A quilt for each sex. After all, who says I can't?

Boy's Quilt

I've always wanted to do one large Log Cabin Baby quilt. I think that such a simple design really needs stunning fabric so here are some of my ideas... Oh, and I think I should mention, the Mr. has a thing for sheep (I know that sounds bad but there it is).

Kayo Horaguchi for Kokka Woodland Border Daylight

This is a bit muted for what I am thinking...but I think I'll have to get this someday. I just love how majestic the Stag looks with those out of place lamp posts behind him.

Laurie Wisbrun Modern Whimsy Sheep Park

I am strongly leaning towards this. How cool would this fabric be with other blues and greens to create the log cabin design? I am digging how bright and fun it is for a bouncing baby boy.

Monaluna Organic, Taali, Bah Bah Black Sheep

This is so cute! It is a bit more traditional baby fabric so it might be less original but I can't help but smile whenever I look at it.

Girl's Quilt

This is a bit harder. I'm really drawing a blank on this one. Is it because I've made two female baby quilts and now I'm out of ideas? Maybe... So I'm asking for a bit of inspiration on this one. Anyone have any interesting patterns they'd suggest? I'm all ears!

Here are some fabrics I'm totally drooling over... One requirement is that the quilt include some fabric with a bird as both my girls's quilts incorporate a bird theme.

Kokka Push Pin Thumbelina Pink

I am loving this fabric! That sparrow with the little girl on it is so adorable. I love all the girly details. And I think it could be really beautiful paired with some yellows and reds to complement the flowers. But, I think it will probably come down to whatever pattern I pick.

Anne-Marie Murphy for Cloud 9 Fabric

Remember this? Oh yeah, this Mama hasn't forgotten about the Maman, Les Petites Filles. I still adore this whole collection and if I hadn't seen the Thumbelina fabric above there would be no doubt that this is it. But...now I'm not sure!

Thoughts? Opinions? Advice? As always all ideas are greatly appreciated as I keep Making Baby!

Now what about you. Tell me, What are you up to these days... You know the drill! With pictures!

- rebecca lynne

Laminate Me [Thursday Think Tank Jan 19, 2012]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:23:00 +0000

I have wanted to use laminated fabric for awhile now. Like badly. What makes me attracted to cotton fabric that has been made shiny by a polyurethane coating? Well, I am not exactly sure but I've resisted so far because it can be a tad pricey. Luckily I now have the perfect reason(s) to acquire some!

Diaper Clutch
I mentioned this diaper clutch from Cluck Cluck Sew in this post. While I know Baby No. 3 is likely to be a little less challenging to diaper after the practice of two other babies...I also remember how easily accidents happen when you are lacking sleep and get caught off guard! So I'd love to use some laminate to make the clutch waterproof and easy to clean. Now the question, and feel free to answer, is whether to use laminate on BOTH sides or just ONE? Hmmmm...thoughts?

Zipper Pouches

Ever since Miss E was a work in progress (haha) I have wanted these Sugarbooger Organizer Pouches to keep our dirties and clean clothes separated in our diaper bag. Unfortunately, they were never purchased as a gift and I never got around to buying them myself. But...there is no reason why I can't make some pouches for organization on my own...using laminate for easy cleanup. Heh heh!

I'm thinking of throwing together a few extra zip pouches and having a giveaway. Anyone interested? Who couldn't use some easy to clean pouches? I know you moms out there are down...

So now that I've established a purpose for buying laminate all I have to do is figure out what design I like best! Oooh shopping... Here are some of my top choices:

Anna Maria Horner's Totem Pole from the LouLouThi Collection

Something bright and jewel toned from Joel Dewberry's Heirloom Collection

Or maybe something uber intricate from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms Collection

Obviously all these choices are great and I don't think I could possibly go wrong! These are all available via Fabric.com as are many others in each collection. While I am sure I will come up with my own tips once I get my hands and Bernina wrapped around the Laminated Fabric if you'd like to learn a bit more about sewing with it check out Amy Butler's Tips on Using Laminated Fabric.

Now of course once I am done using laminated fabric I'm going to need to figure out an excuse to use Velveteen!!! Yum!!!

In the meantime please don't forget to link up for this week's Thursday Think Tank! I'm actually upgrading our TTT Fun by adding a linkup for Thumbnails. Whew hew! I am really excited and cannot wait to SEE what you guys link up this week... ;)

- rebecca lynne

Crayon Suitcase Done! A {Sew} Modern Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Whew hew crayon suitcase is done! Using DS Quilts Fabric it is cute, functional, and cheery. Perfect for any creative child.

Outside of Suitcase

Loving these handles with the opposing fabric lining inside. What a cute detail!

Inside of Crayon Suitcase

Crayons waiting to be used...

I'm thinking of posting my step my step process for suitcase #2 as a sort of suitcase tutorial. Hopefully I'll have it up by next Tuesday! My new job keeps me from completing much sewing during the week. But, thanks for your well wishes, the new job is going well so far!

If you haven't already check out Canoe Ridge Creations' {Sew} Modern Monday Linky Party!

- rebecca lynne

Drama Free 2012 [Thursday Think Tank Jan 12, 2012]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

So...I'm sick...again. It seems that Baby No. 3 is really kicking my immune system's, ahem, bum. As the Mr. put it, if there is any shred of sickness anywhere near me I catch it and then it mutates into the worst possible version of itself! What it is probably just a runny nose in any average adult has morphed into a sore throat, migraine, throbbing sinus and cold chills for me. It isn't just pregnancy though...illness is also brought on by stress and a new environment so it isn't totally surprising that I keep falling prey to every little bug that comes my way.

Which brings me to this week's Think Tank. I alluded to the idea in my Resolutions Post in 2011. It took me long enough but I am finally expanding on the notion and introducing my pledge with Kelli, from Seriously...I think it needs Stitches, to have a Drama Free 2012.

Here is the awesome button Kelli made just for the occasion! Feel free to grab the HTML on the right and post on your blog... Isn't it optimistic looking?

And here is Kelli's blingy version... You can grab it on her blog here!Kelli and I hope to introduce ways to keep the drama OUT of 2012. Pamper yourself, spoil yourself, share your good vibes with others, spread the love, ignore those energy vampires in your life, focus on the people that put a smile on your face! Obviously I need to start on a boosting your health post for myself...hahahahaaa...
I'm curious how you all try to keep drama from taking over your lives. Let me know in a message below!
In the meantime I'd love to know what you are all think tanking these days. Still on target with your 2012 Resolutions and Projects? Link up to Thursday Think Tank so we can all read up on it!
- rebecca lynne
p.s. Today is my official First Day of Work at my New Job. If you have time send me a good wish!!!
Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads. It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank. Have a blog? Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.

Please leave a link to your T.T.T. on your blog in the linky party below or leave a comment with your Thursday Think Tank ideas!

Lots of Little Projects [WIP Wednesday Jan 11, 2012]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:38:00 +0000

I never had a chance to post my pretty little pouch swap goodies! I received this very cool log cabin pouch and little zip pouch from Jen at The Messy Nest! If you haven't yet you should check out The Messy Nest. I respect that Jen's blogging style is so real and down to earth...she doesn't mind sharing her perspective with the rest of us and I love that she doesn't make excuses for living life on her own terms. It is really such a fresh blog and I am glad she was my partner so that I can now learn a bit more about her.

You can see in the picture above that the larger pouch is very generous in size, which I love btw, but the zipper opening at top (see below) is rather small in comparison. I was wondering how to maximize this design element when it hit me that a small opening in a large pouch is the perfect travel container for makeup/bathroom accessories...preventing small fingers from reaching inside and easily dumping everything out if you know what I mean! I cannot count the number of times Miss V has been found in possession of items from my bathroom case - reinforced zippers notwithstanding.

The best part of my swap from Jen is the fact that she sent me the extra fabric from the pouch! Isn't that so amazingly generous? As I decided to use the pouch as a travel bathroom pouch I thought what better than to use the extra fabric to make a makeup brush roll to go along with it? So I did...

Here is the makeup brush roll front using the extra fabric Jen sent with the pouch:

Here is the inside of the roll. I used a plain black fabric for the lining because it will be easier to see the brushes against it:

And here is the roll with the brushes inside. I took my mother's advice and arranged the brushes in the order that I use them in the morning...starting with foundation brushes moving all the way through the eyes to the blenders. What organized thinking isn't it?

Here is the whole family. I've already taken the smaller zip pouch and thrown some lipgloss and mascara in it for my everyday needs. How matchy matchy and cute!

I realize I haven't posted for WIP Wednesday in months. I guess it is became my biggest WIP, Baby No. 3, was such a big secret that I just couldn't get behind writing a post! Luckily, the news it out so I feel happy to be back in the thick of sewing again...

I am still working on the crayon carriers for my niece and nephew. I don't know why but I have been dragging my feet on these. Luckily the easy makeup roll got me motivated again.

I decided that at their Pre-K and Kindergarten ages a crayon suitcase would be better utilized than a crayon roll. This way they can use it in the car and anywhere else they travel. It will be about a 7hr drive for them to visit us...so what better way to thank them for enduring such a long car trip than with a gift they can use during their travels? I searched high and low for an appropriate blank journal so that their creativity can run wild.

I just need to add handles and the front fabric and it should be all set. Then onto crayon suitcase No. 2.

What is on your worktable this week? Link up to Work in Progress Wednesday at Freshly Pieced so we can check it out...

- rebecca lynne

Making Baby [Week 1]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:35:00 +0000

I really loved Janine's Making Christmas every Monday. Even when I wasn't diligent about posting it was the perfect weekly reminder to get my act together on my Christmas Makes. So, I am going to adapt this idea for my Baby Make countdown. This will be especially important as I start my new job this week...a schedule will be that much more important. And of course what do you need before creating a Schedule? A To Do List!

Making Baby To Do List

(the optimistic catchall version)

Personalized Baby Quilt (need to learn gender first)
Diaper Clutch a la Cluck Cluck Sew
Aboriginal Quilt (a piece of home in the hospital quilt)
Tote

Spinning Stars Quilts [anyone remember these? they were put on hold for the holidays...]

Circular Playmat a la Tickle and Hide

Now I need to work on a reasonable schedule to actually accomplish some of this. But at least my sewing machine is upstairs and ready to go...I've even sewn quite a bit this week already! Miracle of Miracles I know! Just have to keep the momentum going.

What is on your To Do Lists these days...

- rebecca lynne

Circle of Life [First 2012 TTT!]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000

I had LOTS of blogging plans for this week...so much to share and so many ideas to post about! I hope 2012 is going to be a big year for MRL. I'm planning on joining forces with Kelli to promote a Drama Free 2012 and some stash upcoming giveaways. Plus, Erin and Lucy and I have been throwing around a few ideas for a QAL...hee hee...

But, life tends to throw a wrench in our best laid plans, and unfortunately my grandmother has been admitted to Comfort Care (like hospice) this week so the fam and I have been a bit scattered to say the least. Instead of dwelling on that though I'd like to share some good news with you all. News that I've been so excited to share for awhile now! Especially because it is news that greatly influences my Sewing Plans for the 2012 Year!

Please meet Baby No. 3! It has been a bit of a difficult pregnancy with a few minor complications so far not to mention a total surprise. Hahahahaa...but we are very excited. I am about 17 weeks now and if all goes well we will meet the newest family addition in June. He/She will either be a Miss O or a Master L...time will tell.

Anyway - this is why I've been so exhausted, migraine-prone, repeatedly sick, and non-sewing as of late. I am so happy to share the news and now that I'm solidly into my 2nd Trimester I am starting to get the itch to sew some baby items!

So...any ideas on what I need to start creating??? I know I definitely need to make a...

Baby Quilt
I've made a quilt for each of my girls so it is an obvious requirement for No. 3. I'd love to use this collection of Cloud 9 fabric...but I am not sure if it is too girly. I am kind of waiting to find out the sex of the baby to know what to use. But, I just LOVE this specific pattern with the two girls over the stroller...it reminds me of my girls!

source

I am so excited I finally got to tell you all and I can't wait to hear your ideas of what Baby No. 3 might need. In the meantime, if you have any brainstorming going on in your hood do share your Think Tank ideas and link up below!

- rebecca lynne

Please leave a link to your T.T.T. on your blog in the linky party below or leave a comment with your Thursday Think Tank ideas!

Resolutions: Thursday Think Tank

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:08:00 +0000

Oh the shame...I am finally posting my TTT for the week after reading my good friend Erin's TTT post. I am glad she motivated me and I am unhappy to report that I was absent because once again I was sick. I KNOW!!!! I feel like all I do these days is report illness from the MRL Household. This time it was a full blown 48 hr all the fluids leave your body one way or another virus. Was that an over-share? I'm sorry...I wasn't even able to read my emails via smart phone I was feeling so dizzy. Luckily, the virus has passed and I am on the mend. Still sticking to a BRAT diet though (bananas, rice, apples and toast) and checking the girls' temperatures regularly for signs of ickiness.

Anyway, to more important things. I loved Erin's idea of brainstorming some New Year's Resolutions...so I'm going to jump on her bandwagon and Think Tank a few of my own!

Makeup
I am pretty anti-makeup. Anyone who knows me in real life will tell you that when it comes to make I just Don't. Sure, I wear it for special occasions, girls night out, dates with the Mr., and when I need extra confidence for an important trial at work. But for the most part I go without. That's right, no foundation, no mascara, not even gloss. AND when I do wear makeup I wear mascara and chap stick...basic basic basic. I abhor foundation and coverup...bleh. I just don't see the point of painting a whole bunch of nonsense I am just going to have to wash off later and quite frankly, I'd rather spend the extra time in bed sleeping than in front of the mirror each morning. Hahahaha!

But, I have always been blessed with clear skin, what is known as peaches and cream complexion. Sigh, and recent hormonal shifts have changed all that. For the first time in my life I - Have - Acne. Ugh. Now each time I go to the bathroom I look in the mirror and cringe as I wash my hands. I felt embarrassed looking like a teenager going through puberty! I finally understand what inspires some women to refuse to leave the house without what I call "the works" on their face.

source

Now don't get me wrong. I still don't think all women need to paint it on each and everyday (Mommy...) ...but I am going to be more open minded and start wearing makeup more regularly myself. I will be wearing some primer, foundation, blush, eyeliner and mascara to work until the acne clears up. It makes me feel so adult!

Fabric Buying
Well I've been pretty good about cutting back on my fabric purchases. But, I need to make a strong commitment to continue this trend. Why? Hahhahahaa, I have So Much Fabric and So Many Projects that I need to finish! Agh! I need to Make More and Buy Less. That said, here are some favs that I think will find their way into my stash in the year 2012...hey, a girl's gotta live a little right?

Maman Organic Fabric by Cloud 9

Melody Miller for Kokka - Ruby Star Shining

How about you? Any must have fabric collections in 2012? Oooh...maybe you shouldn't tell me...

Clean House
Lately it seems the Mr. and I keep sniping at each other about the state of our household. There is always something to be cleaned and always something that can be cleaner. I will never be a neat freak, I just can't spend my time that way...

...but we could try a little harder. It seems that the source of our discontent is different priorities at conflicting moments. I tend to go nuts about cleaning in the morning whereas the Mr. is more of a night cleaner. I think we need to make a schedule and that will help us keep better track and snipe less. Hmmm if only the girls were big enough to take on chores...hahahahahaaa...

How about you? Any New Year's Resolutions? Do share...

- rebecca lynne

Merry Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:16:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to All!

- rebecca lynne

p.s. learn how to make your tree glow here...

Nobody touches fur once or cashmere once - Joshua Wesson [Thursday Think Tank]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

I have been very MIA...I'd like to blame it on Christmas but that would be totally unfair to my favorite holiday! To be completely honest I am under medical orders to "take it easy" so I've been doing just that. [More on why in a post-holiday post...but for those of you who care don't worry I'm fine!] Suffice it to say I took 3 days away from the computer. Can you believe it? That seems like a lifetime doesn't it? Hahahahahaa...I promise not to faint on you...at least not until after I'm done!

In fact, I am very excited to be back online and posting for Thursday Think Tank. I recently had a major lusting over a new idea of mine involving...

C-A-S-H-M-E-R-E

Hahahahhaaa blame it on the weather, the ridiculous snow/rain we've been having, or the fact that my favorite pair of cashmere sweatpants have a huge rent in them. Whatever the reason there it is. Yes, you read that right, cashmere sweatpants. Doesn't everyone have a pair??? Well you should.

Recycled Cashmere Blanket

Sun Moon Lake Recycled Cashmere Blanket via Apartment Therapy

I've drooled over the idea of a recycled cashmere blanket since 2008 when I first came across Sun Moon Lake Cashmere Quilts. At the time these gorgy quilts cost $900 for the largest size. Excuse me - WHAT? Unfortunately, now in 2011 in the hopes that these prices have grown more reasonable, I cannot find hide nor hair of Sun Moon Lake Goods. If you should find them please do let me know!

What I DID find is this article by none other than Moonching Wu, the creator of Sun Moon Lake Goods! Hollah! The article instructs you how to create a Cashmere Patchwork Quilt...um, is anyone else as excited as I am? So of course now I am in a mad frenzy to collect old cashmere sweaters from friends and loved ones. I'm also thinking of popping into the local thrift shops...who knows I might get lucky.

Taking Cashmere Trades/Donations!
Have an old cashmere sweater you'd like to donate to my cause? I'll happily trade you some fabric if you'd like!!!

Cashmere Hooded Scarf

Now come on...once I'm thinking of cashmere I couldn't just stop at one project. I've been in the middle of creating a few hooded scarves for friends and am close to finishing up a knitted Christmas gift. So it makes sense that knitting is the next connection when it comes to cashmere (said in sing songy voice).

What I want to use is THIS...

Jade Sapphire's Genghis Cashmere Yarn in La Nuit

To create another one of THESE...

MRL Hooded Scarf
Interested in the Pattern? Email me.

For me...not for him. I just couldn't help using this photo again! Hahahahhaaaa!

Any projects you can think of with cashmere? Do share...I'm in lust. If it is getting cold and snowy near you (no, I do not mean you Aussies obviously...) do wear something warm...cashmere perhaps?

- rebecca lynne

Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads. It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank. Have a blog? Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.
Please leave a link to your T.T.T. on your blog in the linky party below or leave a comment with your Thursday Think Tank ideas!

No, this kind of stocking isn't for your feet love... [TGIFF]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:16:00 +0000

Confession...I finished this stocking way earlier in the week. But, ya know, it is just not easy to take photos around here with two little ones running around! I do hope you'll enjoy these (I especially like the reflection of the tree's lights in the glass...snicker...then again you can see my reflection too...ha).

Miss E's Christmas Stocking: Finished!

Here is a lovely detail shot of the upholstery embellishment I used. I think next time I'll use contrasting trim to the color of the stocking but I just loved this red trim so much I couldn't pass it up!

Last, a shot of the family of stockings (minus 2). I think it fits in fairly well don't you?

And what did Miss E have to say about her New Stocking? "Ooooooh" and then without drawing breath "Mommy, where's Vina's?" she asked oh so innocently. Hmmph. Well, I am the one who insists that she look out for her sister! I suppose I should be tickled pink that she's actually doing it!

Linking up to TGIFF hosted by none other than the Lovely Lucy this week... Go check it out...

- rebecca lynne

Have yourself a little bit of pampering...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:53:00 +0000

I literally JUST finished all of my Christmas Gift shopping. Whew hew!!! Of course, I don't subject myself to the mobs. I buy everything from the sanctity of my computer.
Now that this is done I think it is time for some pampering. We could all use a little TLC for ourselves around this time of year too. As a few of you have mentioned recently...family drama, buying presents, decorating, the countdown to those big holiday parties...well it all adds up doesn't it? So what are you doing to take care of you?
EYE MASKI've been tossing and turning these days...unable to just relax peacefully into sleep. But I'm thinking an eye mask might help a little bit. Or at least make me feel glamorous! So this is definitely top on the list.

minkee eye mask pattern from Prudent Baby

HOME PEDICURE

Yes I'm sure we'd all love to leisurely pop out the door and head to our favorite salon for a nice mani & pedi. Hahahahaha...I'd love to figure out what to do with my two little ones while that happens! And imagining them waiting patiently while I get a pedicure done? Ha! Instead...I think I'll just have to lock myself into the bathroom and take matters into my own hands. For tips on how to prettily pamper your piggies head over to Real Simple.

Easy-at-home Pedicure

SMILE

When in doubt, and when feeling a bit blue, or challenged by some snippy comment from some not so well meaning family member... SMILE. Studies show that there are definite health benefits to smiling, and did you know that if you hold your smile long enough (a few minutes) it actually works towards making you feel happier? No joke jake.

Personally...I like the following saying about smiling and I smile just remembering it...

Perhaps when we all have time to do so we can start a Smile Pillow Crusade. I know we all have someone in our lives suffering from depression - perhaps even ourselves. It is time to acknowledge, embrace, and stand strong for those with depression and let them know they are not alone. Think about making a smile pillow for someone you love...hey, in the very least they can take their aggression out on it when they have the impetus to hit something! [I know I would. ;)]

Honey Pie Designs

My Point? Take care of you too.

- rebecca lynne

Feel free to rattle off anything that has been brewing in your creative heads. It can be anything, quilting, home improvement, fashion, crafting, DIY gifts, cooking...whatever you have recently thought "hmmm, you know what I should create" is perfectly appropriate for the Think Tank. Have a blog? Grab the Thursday Think Tank button displayed on the right.
Please leave a link to your T.T.T. on your blog in the linky party below or leave a comment with your Thursday Think Tank ideas!

Holly's Molly

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Holly's Molly

A simple pasta recipe that is all about the most basic of ingredients and amazing flavor! The key with this recipe is timing and the order of adding your ingredients. This is a dish served best Right As you sit down...so be sure to time it carefully.

Ingredients

- package of pasta (bow tie or penne work best)

- fresh mozzarella

- cherry tomatoes

- fresh basil

- virgin olive oil

Tools

- pot to boil pasta

- sharp knife for cutting

- cutting board

- spoon for tossing

- large serving bowl

Directions

While your pasta is cooking prepare you will prepare your other ingredients. Slice up your tomatoes into edible pieces - I prefer mine to be sliced narrowly. Chiffonade your basil which basically means stack some of the leaves on top of one another, roll them up, and slice up roll so that you are left with slender long slices of basil. Slice up the mozzarella and set aside (it will melt in pasta so don't worry about how it looks!).

When pasta is done cooking drain. Place the pasta in the bowl you would like to serve. You will want to add the next ingredients quickly because the pasta should be steaming to melt the cheese...follow the order carefully to get the best flavor and texture. 1) Add the tomatoes to pasta and mix, the tomatoes should lend some juice to the pasta. 2) Next add your basil...stir together. 3) Add a bit of olive oil (this is best done by sight...it should slicken the pasta but not drown it) you can always add more so start with a light hand... 4) Add your cheese. If you've got your timing down correctly the cheese will melt in the pasta and become a bit stringy. Be sure to serve soon otherwise cheese will congeal and clump. Best served hot and fresh! Feel free to add more olive oil by taste.

Serve with Bread, Fresh Parmesan, and Salad and your good to go!

Easy peasy comfort food that is so delicious. Let me know if you whip some up!!! For more deliciousness head over to A Quilter's Table to check out what other quilter's are eating...

- rebecca lynne