I made a World Map Quilt for my parents using this color pallet for Christmas, and my sister and her husband hired me to make one for their family as well.

This quilt is gargantuan (king sized: 102″x88″).  I scouted out the tallest fence I could find, and still, it came up short.  But when it comes to quilts, bigger is better.  Almost always.

My bed is only a queen, but I couldn’t resist trying it on for size… so basically there’s a bunch of extra quilt on the far side just drooping onto the ground ;)  I kinda like how the map isn’t super noticeable at first glance when it’s on the bed.  What do you think?

As much as I hate to part ways, I’m very pleased to say that this beaut is on on it’s way to a wonderful home.

I have been so anxious to show you what I’ve been up to lately!  I’ve even hinted at this project a few times before (here|here).

I love world maps.  I had looked into buying a large roller map for above the couch, but couldn’t seem to find one that fit our home and budget.  When I decided to make one of my own, I went through several different design ideas.  Am I the only one who always has to draft my ideas over and over again before I feel ready to execute?  Anyway, originally I wanted to applique the continents onto the quilt, then I came up with this insane, headache-inducing, overly complicated design to piece together a map of the world.  I was ready to try it out when I saw this.  Change of plan, hold my horses, back to the drawing board.  This was going to be a pixelated quilt.  And I’m SO happy that it is!

I’m going to be selling these in wall hanging, queen, and king sizes.  For the time being, they’ll each be one-of-a-kind color schemes, because it’s more exciting that way. If you’re interested in details email me at yellowspool @ gmail.com

This year, rather than trying some complicated egg-dying trick, I decided to bring the meaning of Easter into it.  (This sort of reminds me of our nativity.)

All you need are hard boiled eggs and letter stamps.

TIP: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before stamping.  The cold/moisture from being in the refrigerator may make the ink spread.

John 11: 25-26 | D & C 76: 22

I linked up here >>

Simple enough, so let’s skip the jabber and get right to it!

MATERIALS NEEDED

pack of plan t-shirts
bias tape
matching thread

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Keep one t-shirt in tact, and use the other to cut up into pockets.  Mine are 5″ squares.
2. Sew bias tape around the edges of each pocket.
3. Mark pocket placement onto the t-shirt with a pencil and ruler.  It helps to keep something flat inside the shirt while you do this, like a cutting mat, cardboard, or a cutting board.
4. Use the pencil markings as your guide, and sew each pocket in place, leaving the top open (obviously) and back-stitching at the beginning and end for reinforcement.

You can never have too many pockets.  It’s FUNctional. Yes, I said it.

I linked up here >>

I know that snail mail is being replaced with online interactions, but who doesn’t LOVE getting something exciting in the mail?  I mean, really.  Plus, there’s just something charming about the cute mailbox out front, validating your little home.  With that in mind, I creepily leered outside of homes and apartment complexes to find mailboxes with personality.  If I could name the mailboxes I photographed above, I’d call them Stan, Lou, and Dot, respectively.

Have I lost your attention?  Your respect?  Ha.

Pockets seemed like the perfect interpretation of a mailbox.  I was inspired by the geometric shape, and the function of a box.  Maybe it’s totally weird to have four pockets consuming the side of a tee, but I’m so excited about it.

What would you keep in all of your pockets?

You know the drill: inspiration today, tutorial tomorrow.  Can’t wait to show you how simple this is!

I have distinct memories of sitting on the hood of my parent’s car as a kid.  I felt on top of the world… and a little reckless.  Silly really, since I’m sure they put me up there.

Yesterday Lenna came running inside with the energy of a puppy who’s seen it’s first squirrel, telling me all about the “cool trick” she just did.  She then proceeded to lead me outside and show me how her daddy could put her up on top of the car.

I’m pretty sure she felt on top of the world… and maybe even a little reckless.

I think my favorite parts are her colorful tail and bendy ears.

MATERIALS NEEDED

scrapped bunny PDF pattern
scrap fabrics in 2 or more color
matching thread
embroidery floss
fiberfill
thin wire (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Applique the heart to the bottom left corner of the body front using a zigzag stitch.

2. Prep the ears.  Start by lining the ear pieces with right sides together using a small seam allowance, and leaving the bottom edge open for turning.  Turn the ears right side out and press.

3. (OPTIONAL) Run wire around the edges of each ear using a running stitch.  Be sure to secure the ends of the wire very securely with multiple knots.

Line the bottom edges of the ears with the top edge of the body front, with the right side of the body front facing the front side of the ears.  Baste near the edge.

4. Make the tail by folding each tail circle into fourths, and running a needle through the inner corner.  After all of the circles have been threaded together, run the needle through all of the layers several more times and tie it off tightly.

Fluff the tail and secure it to the back body piece by hand or machine.

5. Hand stitch the face to the body front.

6. Sew the side piece ends together and then sew it to the front body piece with right sides together.  (see more detailed instructions for this step HERE)

7. Pin the body back to the raw edge of the side piece, and sew, leaving a 3″ opening to turn.

8. Turn, stuff, and stitch closed.

Simple and special, just like your little one.

MORE SCRAPPED ANIMALS

scrapped animal: bunny

scrapped animal: duckbill platypus

scrapped animal: snail

scrapped animal: fox

scrapped animal: bunny

scrapped animal: duckbill platypus

••

My girls are obsessed with forts.  Obsessed.  So this past Christmas, they got a sheet fort for our folding table (inspired by this one).

I used a thrifted sheet, and added a door and windows. The door scrunches up with rope and cord stops, which gives it a cute valance look when the door is “open”.  The windows are made from a lace material; Rauland says it looks like a confessional!

To that I say, psssh, there is nothing cuter than seeing Bev pop her head over to the lace and say, “hi mom… winnow, winnow!”

The best part about this little playhouse, is that we can easily pull it out of it’s folded place in the corner of their closet for some fun, indoor, girl time!

About three months ago Lenna lost most of the top joint of her finger.  Through guilt and tears I’ve learned a lot, and have come to realize that this traumatic little event of ours was incredibly minor in the big scheme of things. It’s just a finger, and it’s fully functional. She even has a new nailbed!

My brave little sweetie is perfect, and life has been good to us.