Close-up of owl and squirrel

I was asked for a close up of the owl and squirrel – so here they are!

The coloring is correct in the top photo – not the bottom. huh.  Well, I started this day with good intentions to get a lot done – the kids are done with school as of tomorrow at 1 PM, then will be home for the entire summer. (I’m actually excited about that – but the projects just don’t get done as fast when they’re home.) Turns out I didn’t get anything done! How does that happen?!!! I just might start a cleaning routine that I saw posted on another blog – it’s easy – a monthly checklist. Anyone with me? (I know you don’t like to comment – it would be nice – but if you just can’t give me a call and I’ll tell me ya or nay!)

Squirrel added -

Well, I added the squirrel – I tried to add some acorns but they looked ridiculous. So, no acorns. By the way mom do you recognize the squirrel and owl bodies? They were used using Carol’s scraps! And the border I picked out (at the top of the tree – not sewn on yet) is from the same stash – ahhhhh. Now how do I quilt this? Or do I quilt this?  I think I need to make some potholders and practice free-motion quilting. I sure wouldn’t want to start on this one – even though it didn’t take too much time – I think it’s too cute. Soooo, I’m going to be bringing this one up to you mom – you can help – I’ll bring it just as it is.

And I got the squirrel appliqué from here – what did I ever do before the internet? There are just so many good resources! Thank you!

New appliqué

I got this kit at a garage sale – what can’t you find at a good yard sale? The pattern came with the fabric and templates. Anyways, it looked a little bare so I got out the embroidery floss and added the outlining in a stem stitch around the leaves and a blanket stitch around the tree, and then added the owl. I think it needs something else – my son, Gabe, suggested a squirrel and nut at the base of the tree so if I get time today that is what I’m going to do.  Can you think of anything else???? I’m having fun!! It will be a wall hanging when it’s all done, so won’t get much wear at all.  I think when I’m all done I’ll do it again in summer colors with butterflies and birds – sew much to do – so little time!!  PS: I got the owl pattern via here – Thank you!!

Wall pocket

Do your kids leave little bits and pieces of their life all over the house like mine do? Well, I needed a way to corral the bits. In the past we've tried baskets on the steps - didn't work. Someone ALWAYS stepped on a basket and the contents would spill down the steps. When confronted - it was always that darn "not me" who did it too! I would try to have the kids bring their stuff to their rooms as I found it. That wasn't too practical - they were be running up and down the steps all day!

I came across this tutorial and thought this could be the answer. It will hang on the wall on the way upstairs. I have since made the first of what will be MANY wall pockets. They are awesome! This one is for my daughter. It is now holding her collection of bangle bracelets, a necklace, and any other things I've found around the kitchen. When the pocket gets too heavy I'll ask her to put the stuff away. Think it will work?

I did do things a bit differently from the tutorial. I didn't add the gussets. I figured we didn't need them. I added a dowel on the top and on the bottom in a casing so the wall pocket wouldn't bow out when full. Next time I think I'll add another in the middle.

I want to make them for each kid. . . and several for me!! Don't you just love getting things up off the floor? Do we ever have enough counter space? This would work for curling irons, brushes, school papers, anything! I think this project won't be hard to do over and over.

PS: Are we ever going to get some sun? I'll take another picture when we do!!