Where did October go??

I blinked and October was gone. Now we are heading full speed into November. Time really does fly, but before I move on to Quilting retreats, Birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, I wanted to show off a little October crafting.

Jelly roll skirts are becoming a bit of an obsession. I know I must look like a one trick pony, but really, how cute are these (the skirts........as previously mentioned, my children refuse to model clothing)

Did you notice the sock skeletons they are holding?? That was a major distraction this month. The tutorial, by Robert Mahar was on Martha Stewart (plus, Robert Marhar actually tweeted my skeleton family. Yup, I am THAT cool). They are so fun and easy, we made almost an entire family of them. A mommy is still on the request list, and there has been talk of Santa hats to keep them relevant for a few more months! :)

I also decided to tackle costumes this year. I always say I will, then run out of time, but this year I also promised to make one for my neice, so there was no opt out. I am glad. They really weren't hard to sew, and the girls looked so cute!

I like to think about dressing up for Halloween, but by the time I get things done for the girls I am over it. This year, the girls asked if I would dress up......I didn't go all out, up here is my "nod" to Halloween.

Jeremy on the other hand, prepares for months (oh yeah, that is a real mustache! LOL)

 And, despite my mother's encouragement for it to stay, the "stache" is now gone. 

How was that for picture overload??

Now on to Novemeber. I have a few swap assignments to get done, and I signed up for a PIF exchange too. (um, yeah, I know am a bit behind on the last one I did, but I swear, it is not forgotten, and you will get a package VERY soon! LOL) Add to that a trip to Ontario in 9 days (ONLY NINE DAYS!!!!!) Aurora's birthday and Thanksgiving, and I have a full month ahead of me. Let's see if we can go for a record and get 4 posts this month! ;)

Pillow of the Month- October

I like giving gifts. More than that I love making gifts. There is something so satisfying about creating something with someone in mind. My only problem is time. There is never enough time. My mom had a birthday in July. She was out of town, and I was out of time. Then I had a stroke of brilliance. Pillow of the Month Club! My mom is a retired school teacher. Since she no longer has a classroom to decorate for holidays and seasons she decorates her house. My kids ADORE this. There is always something new, fun, and relevant to the season to look at. So I thought, why not help out. I bought two 14 in pillow forms and decided to make a set of pillows each month. Now, I was going to do this early and start with patriotic pillows in July. That didn't happen. I had grand plans for some sunflower theme for August, and had some fun ideas for a apple or back to school theme September. Those have all been filed away for the coming year. I could jump on it early, but who are we kidding?? The first installment of the Pillow of the Month Club is October.

These pillows were so much fun. I used a Spook Takular charm pack and 4 strips from a jelly roll, but you could also just use a jelly roll. The back is an adorable spiderweb taffeta I bought for Aurora's costume. I had considered making this a tutorial.....and I could still do that, but really, it isn't rocket science. If anyone wants some direction let me know.

The remainder of the jelly roll is becoming skirts today......after I shower. I might show off the results (I will need a willing model or two). I also have another long term project I want to share. The hexagon bug bit me, and I have been neglecting all knitting in favor of english paper piecing. I am thinking if I work hard I should have a quilt in about 20 years. Stay tuned. ;)

Happy Birthday Natalie

That beautiful woman there is my "baby" sister Natalie, and her sweet little girl Juliana. Today is Natalie's 30th birthday. I thought of all the cool posts I could do (like the the one she did for my 30th bday) but I knew I would come up short....so I just copied her! (not the actual list, just the idea)

Here is my list of 30 things I love about Natalie:

1- She is my very best friend and has been since they brought her home 30 years ago
2- She is an amazing artist
3- Hands down the best person to play in the ocean with (hee hee hee I consider posting those pics, but um....no)
4- She talks to me pretty much EVERY day
5- Even though we talk every day, we never get tired of it
6- She works out 5 days a week. AWESOME!
7- She can make me laugh....even without trying
8- We love the same things...really, she has introduced me to some of my favorite things, and if I find something I love, I know that even if everyone else thinks I am crazy, Nat will like it too!
9- She is gorgeous
10- She was a really fun roomie
11- She has always been there to pick me up when I am down
12- We are so much alike. It is nice to have someone who understands all the crazy in this head of mine!
13- She is my biggest fan. If I am down, Natalie is right there to perk me up. Best personal cheerleader ever!
14- Dedicated mommy (Juliana is one lucky little girl)
15- If I haven't told Natalie about something it is like it hasn't happened. Sometimes I think we should have been twins :)
16- She is a very loyal friend.
17- My inspiration! Really, when I grow up, I'd like to be like Natalie
18- She will watch movie trailers, movies, etc, with me over the phone....Yes, we get our computers all synced up even if it takes a hilariously long time. I love it!
19- She loves my kids!
20- She is the best counselor I could ask for....and she is free!
21- She keeps my secrets. (and really, I have been confiding in her for 30 years so there are lots!)
22- She can finish my sentences.
23- She is easy to make laugh....really look at #22 and it applies to jokes too. If I am laughing she is too!
24- I joke that she stole my thunder since I was supposed to be the youngest....but really I would be lost without her!
25- She is a thoughtful friend and helps out whenever she can
26- She moved FAR away, but is still part of my everyday life
27- She is a very supportive wife
28- She is one of the few people I know I can always count on
29- She keeps me motivated (really this is a full time job seriously if last months cell phone bill is to be believed we talked for over 800 minutes last month!)
30- She is the best little sister a girl could ask for!

I love you so much Natalie!! I hope you have a really great day.

(and BTW I was just made aware of a very cool giveaway over at p.s. i quilt. It ends today though, so run on over now!)

Tomorrow.......or in a few days

I should never say I will show something tomorrow. Ignore me if I do. IT.NEVER.HAPPENS. Excuses?? Um....I have been busy the last few days.....I am not sure what I was busy with, I have very little to show for it, but I am tired and really swollen. (What is with that?) My bed is calling, but first I got another set of blocks from my swap so I thought I'd pop in and show them off today. Today is a promise that is easier to keep. I should write that down somewhere. Anyway, thank you so much Leisel and Jan (Thanks for setting me straight Jeanette! I look forward to getting yours, they look adorable!)

The Swap also needed to put together another group, so I volunteered. I had already wanted to make some additional ones for my Christmas quilt, and getting things in the mail is fun, so I started these today:

I am excited to put a quilt together. One question though, should I just piece them together as is or add sashing? Decisions, decisions......but first, I am behind on a few gifts for my sweet sis. Priorities! Natalie has a (BIG!) birthday tomorrow, and her gift(s) are still in progress. Love you Nat....and a package is coming (eventually) I swear! I would say that I will say a bit more about Natalie tomorrow, but you all know how that goes.......


Oh, and one last thing *eyes drooping* Heather over at Trends and Traditions is having a giveaway. You should check it out! Capri's quilt is a smaller version of one of her patterns (the Sunday Picnic quilt). She is giving away TWO (one mini and one regular size) of HER quilts and some charm packs with a pattern. I know! So go check it out!