I "Heart" 4-H

When I was a kid my BFF's mom started a 4-H group. Lucky me! I LOVED 4-H. Well, this month I got the chance to help out the next generation of 4-Hr's.

R made a skirt. She picked out the pattern, fabric, and notions all by herself (with a little help from her mom, I'm sure). Since she had just been introduced to a sewing machine, I did a lot of "sideways" sewing helping her stitch this skirt. The little skirt she's holding we made for her bear. Too cute.

S made a purse out of an old pair of jeans. What a cute idea! She cut off the legs, stitched the openings shut, cut straps and attached them, then bedazzled it!

These projects gave me a whole new appreciation for my 4-H leader. She sparked a love of sewing, crafting, and baking and made me feel like I could make anything. Thanks Mrs. Budge!

The "Scrap-ghan"

One more down and at least one more to go....

So, I've had miles and miles of this Chunky, Ivory Yarn. I love the stuff, but, I'm ready to see it used up, out of my yarn box, and in a good home.

My Grandma Jennie (pictured to the right) used to make afghans out of her leftover or scrap yarn. I'm guessing the one she made for me as a little girl is made from scraps since no two rows are the same color. (I'd post pics of it, but like all my college books, my barbies, a few antiques, and some other random "stuff"- it's stored in a shed at my parents 1500 miles away.) None of her yarn or fabric ever went to waste.

In that spirit, since this is made from "scraps" - I think I'm going to call these afghans "Scrap-ghans" - good name, eh? I think so :)

I love the lacy pattern. It's so simple and so feminine. This one is off to Texas to join the others. Hopefully the little girl who gets this one will love it!

Tutu in Action

My sister and her little family were here visiting from Memphis, TN a few weeks ago. Her 14 month old munchkin wasn't quite walking on her own yet (she was cruising all over the furniture), but that didn't deter her busy little fingers from making their way to the piano keys! I'm surprised I was able to get a few pictures that aren't a total blur. (Notice how everything has been cleared off the top of the piano? This is to keep "damages" at a minimum!) Too cute!

Oh, Baby - They're Finished....

And they turned out adorable (at least I think so)! Remember these from a few months ago? Well, After a creative slump, I finally figured out how I wanted to finish these burp cloths. They turned out almost too pretty for a baby to barf on!

The graphic quilting fabric is so soft and the cloth diaper is nice and heavy duty with a folded center, so it will be super absorbent.

I'm a little partial to Brown and Blue - big surprise - the brown fabric with the little white dots turned out so much cuter than I imagined. I still have the Black and White fabric left to make another. I'll post pics of that also if I can find the motivation to fight with the Toddler over the sewing machine (he thinks it belongs to him...come to think of it, he thinks my crochet hooks belong to him, my scissors, my paint brushes, you name it...he claims it!)

Garden Fairy Tutu

I made these specifically for the local Arts Festival that was featuring a Craft Fair this year. My fear of commitment kept me from signing up for the entire 10 days (whew...10 days is a loooong time!) Kim from Kim's Kandy Kreations let me use some of her space.

The Fair was the WRONG venue for Crafters. It was an interesting crowd that showed up - definitely great people watching! I can honestly say, I saw a lot of "firsts." For example I saw, for the first time ever, a "mullet tan line" - a guy showed up without a shirt on (classy, I know) with his long luxurious mullet sweeping across his back. If the wind blew, or if he flipped his hair, there was a big square white spot, outlined by tan skin! Awesome...

I think I'll pass on that Fair next year.

In the mean time, I had so much fun making these Tutu's I may just have to make more!

For all those little Garden Fairies who love to dance in the flowers under the sun's sparkling rays!

Made from Orange Organza and filled with White Daisy's and Green Leaves. It has a White Satin Ribbon Drawstring for little Fairy Princesses with tiny waists.

One More Down...

Two more to go...

This lacy afghan is on its way to Texas, I hope the baby girl that receives this blanket enjoys it!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day gifts were so fun and EASY to make this year. I didn't want this gift to end up in that pile of never used or "re-gifted" stuff.

I've discovered that my mother-in-law LOVES crocheted stuff and natural soaps. Easy! A crocheted cotton washcloth and a bar of Walnut Apothecary Soap tied with Jute.

My mom, on the other hand, isn't as easy when it comes to gift giving. However, a few months ago my mom said she'd ordered me a subscription to Better Homes & Gardens, and wouldn't you know, the FIRST issue I received was the Mother's Day issue with some great ideas.

Their cardbox and calendar idea is PERFECT for my mom. She's got so many birthdays, anniversaries, events, and holiday's to remember this will help keep everything in one place.

A photobox, some labels, cards for every occasion, and a calendar printed on craft paper later....

I had some trouble getting the calendar to print from the BH&G website, so I made my own. If you'd like a blank copy of it, email me at aGirlandherNeedle(at)gmail(dot)com.