Bubble Life

I like to know what is going on. Wether it be with my friend's lives, new policies at work or the fact that my neighbor has spent 3 hours spreading his lawn clippings on the driveway. True story by the way. He explained to me that if the clippings dry out first then they don't make his garage smell like cut grass until trash day. The only explanation for this behavior is that he is retired.

Regardless, I'm kind of nosey. The much anticipated house painting started this week. The first thing the painters did was cover all, yes every single one, of my windows with this translucent plastic. I could tell you if it was day or night, but that was about it. Torturous for me.

Here's what it looked like outside on Day 1.

The painters were nice enough guys, but the rap music and their need to smoke like chimneys instead of whistle while they work won't be missed.

Pluffy Blanket

My friends, family and co-workers are reproducing at an alarming rate. A few years ago it was weddings so I suppose it is to be expected. I've always loved going to showers and seeing the personal and handmade gifts over the store bought mainstream things. I got this is idea from my quilting mentor, as she has already been mentioned in this blog. I've made the pluffy balnket for numerous kiddos and it always seems to come off as a hit. If people secretly hate this bundle of handmade love, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Here's what you need:

Sewing machine
Thread - neutral or coordinating color
Ty Pluffy animal
Scissors, Cutting Mat, Ruler
2 Minky fabrics - yardage really depends on how big you want

1. Be prepared. This step is disturbing no matter how many time you do this. Cut the Pluffy animal in two pieces across the midsection. Scissors work best despite my gruesome posing.

2. Remove the bean bag in the body and some of the stuffing so you can pin the edges together. Leave the bean bags in the arms and legs though. Sew up both end pieces. No need to be fancy because it's going to be sewn into the blanket.

3. Cut the two Minky fabrics to whatever dimension you want the final blanket to be. This project really doesn't require exactness. This example is 20x20 inches, but I've gotten creative with rectangle and circle blankets. Let your inhibitions run free!

4. Trim off two opposite corners into a straight edge. I did a 7 inch cut.

5. Place the Minky fabrics right sides together. Pin all around the edges, but DON'T sew closed the short ends. That's where the animal will go. Sew the two piece together. Use whatever seam allowance tickles your fancy (keep it under 1/2 inch for practical reason, just my opinion). Don't be embarrassed if some profanities escape from pin pokes. Maybe that's just a problem for me. Have I mentioned I like margaritas while I craft?

6. Remove those darn pins. Flip that baby right side out and cuddle with it for a moment. Yeah it's soft.

7. Back to work. Turn it inside out again. Place whichever animal half you want inside the little opening you didn't sew around. For those of you who weren't listening, go get your seam ripper. At this point you want to decide which fabric will be the 'belly' and which will be the 'back'. Pin the edges and sew closed completely.

8. When you turn it right side out, it should look like this.

9. Repeat with the other animal half, but only sew one side. Be cautious about making sure the animal belly/back are facing the same ways. Turn it right side out.

10. Hand sew it closed. If so desired, you can trim the outside edge for a more finished look or add buttons to the opposite ends that don't have animal parts. Use your imagination.

You're done! Hand it over to the closest rugrat for enjoyment.

New Hobby

I decided that I just didn't have enough things to fill my time with. Quilting caught my attention and lets not kid ourselves, I can be slightly impulsive. Within the week, I had my first quilt pattern along with an armload of supplies and marched over to my mom's to borrow her sewing machine. I had a friend to show me the ropes and answer a few panic filled phone calls, but after a few short months this was my result.

I've picked up a few other sewing projects since the quilt completion and look forward to sharing them on here with some tutorial - type things for those of you that are interested in tackling them yourselves.

I'll share some knowledge that I've acquired...

Crafting, in any form, is better done with a friend and margaritas.

Redirection

This little fella was cowering in the corner of our garden.

So naturally, I lured him out with a carrot tied to a string.

This guy doesn't like it when I feed the wildlife.

It takes a lot to impress him. Hard crowd.

It is no secret that I love babies. It is my career after all. I will admit though that two posts about baby wild animals is a little ridiculous, but I had entertain you with something. Tomorrow is a new day.

Oh Baby

This little guy was nestled into the tree like only a baby squirrel can do. So cute.