Baby Gifts

I was invited to a baby shower last week. Love to welcome these new little ones to the world!
I saw the idea for this over on Abby's blog here. I had this fabric from a swap in our neighborhood (didn't I say Free was my favorite word?). I have just one word of advice, if you make one of these, leave your stitch length a little longer. I had mine short and it perforated the wrapper, so when I turned the whole thing right side out, it ripped the crinkly part. I fixed it by sewing a couple times around the edge to catch it down better, and then I quilted a little flower in the center to keep it from shifting too much.

Then I threw three burp cloths together, and done, one perfectly coordinated shower gift. And since I already had the terry cloth (the white fabric on the back) as well as the ribbons- all it took was time. (there's that FREE word again ;P )

Welcome August

I am so looking forward to the slower softer days of autumn, but I am determined to relish the last few weeks of summer! August always makes me think of sunflowers and sunshine- so of course the color yellow takes center stage.

The fabric for this table topper came from a neighbor's curtains that she didn't want anymore.
Is there a nicer word than FREE?

I love how it turned out. For the outer border, I quilted with a loopy design, just pausing here and there to add a little flower. The center is a large sunflower-ish flower with just a little scalloped shape for the inner border. It is so much fun playing around with the free motion quilting option on my new sewing machine. (best Christmas gift I ever gave myself ;) )

Clipboard Ideas

People love my clipboards, but they look at them and think "What would I do with one?" One idea I have used is to keep a "gratitude" list. I loved the paper that said "When you know how to be happy, you know enough." So I ran with it.

I keep it in my kitchen and I add to it once in a while when I find myself smiling about something. It reminds me how blessed I am- and to choose to be happy. (Plus, I really love the paper- that alone makes me smile!)