Earthtones Girl

Happy To Help

December 23, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

A former knitting student of mine called me the other day and asked if I would help her with something. She’d knitted 6, with one more to go, Christmas stockings and wanted help lining them. She said they were all stranded and thought a fabric lining would ensure longevity since she intended these to be family heirlooms. Before I could think about the amount on my plate I said yes, of course. Then the next day flipped out at how much I have to do. But then I saw them…WOW!

Look at all the work she put in! I was so impressed and honored in a way that I had been a somewhat efficient enough teacher to inspire someone to reach these heights.

So here’s the prototype….it fits perfectly!!

Six more sewed, ribbons all attached and she picked them up on Saturday.

I’m sure they are hanging perfectly by her fireplace. It’s good to stop and step away from yourself for a little while.

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Thank You

December 23, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

Dear Michelle and Lisa,

Thank you so very much for your kind & love-filled words of understanding and support on my last post. Readers like you are why I enjoy blogging so much.

Happy Holidays to you both. I really think this one is going to be super special for my family and I. I hope it is for you and yours as well.

Hugs,

Denise

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An Hour…

December 18, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

…with my grandmother is all I want for Christmas.

33 years ago today, my Granny King passed away. I was 8 years old and had no idea what I had lost.

I do now and I would give almost anything to just sit with her, smell her, hear her voice, ask how she did it. How she lived, loved, raised 10 children (when I struggle some days with 1), how she bite her tongue, how she saw but choose to ignore. That may be too much for an hour…

This sewing machine belonged to her mother, my great grand mother, granny Folwer…

To have these women back just for a little while, to hold them and ask for guidance.

How is it possible to miss, to the point of pain, someone you hardly knew?

Dear Santa,

An hour…please….

Sincerely,

Posted in Christmas 2011, Family, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Progress Report

December 16, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

…Quilt top is done!!! 114 pieces of fabric!

Backing fabric has been cut and sewn….Sandwiching to commence…Will keep ya posted.

PS. I’ve calmed down ALOT since my last post…thank you all for your concern.

Posted in Christmas 2011, Quilting | 1 Comment »

No Pressure

December 14, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

So what do you do when you have a list a mile long and a quilt to finish by Dec. 25th? Start another project of course…..

Remember this? A while back I had an obesssion with knitting pink,variegated, stripped knee hi socks. Well as you can see that is just awful. At least to my earthy eyes it is. I have a new appreciation for color but come on!

So as I was ripping this out I spied some Anzula Squishy in ”Wine” in my stash and had to cast on. I’m not feeling overwhelmed or anything…no I’m fine…I’m sure I can get everything done…there’s plenty of time. I’m being totally realistic with my goals….

I sound ok right? I just needed something to take the edge off. Windschief (cowl) by Stephen West looked perfect. Completely interesting, functional and not too much concentration required.

Then that happened. I can’t even remember that last time I dropped a circular needle.

Think it’s a sign? I’m a little scared to imagine of what?

Maybe I’ll go bake….I’m feeling a bit crazy over here.

Posted in Christmas 2011 | 1 Comment »

There’s Time

December 13, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

…to finish this quilt by Christmas. I’ll just keep telling myself that and maybe it will be true. The backing fabric is on the way from the Fat Quarter Shop. I can do this….

I wish I could post more of it but the recipient is also one of my biggest readers, my best friend May. But she’s going on vacation next week so maybe I’ll be able to show you a bit more.

Posted in Christmas 2011, Quilting | 1 Comment »

Haven’t Forgotten

December 12, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

I just wanted to put it out there that I haven’t forgotten about my BLT posts on Friday. I’m just taking a wee break from them during the holiday season. There are so many other fun things to talk about, show and share. But here’s a little something to hold you over.

2 Minute Chocolate and Salted Caramel Mug Cake

I know…try not to hurt yourself as you rush to the kitchen to make one of these…

Happy Holidays my friends.

Posted in BLT Friday, Christmas 2011, Food | 2 Comments »

On The 7th Day…

December 8, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

…we made crazy crayons. And my girl had a blast!!!!

Can you see the concentration?

“How long it take mummy?” “About 20 minutes sweetie.” So guess what, we stood in front of the oven, with me holding her for 20 mins. I try to be dedicated and say to myself there will be a day when I want, desperately to hold her and she’ll be gone…So hold her while I can, back pain be damned. Oh and did I mention that I had to answer the above question over and over for 20 mins. Then the cooling off time… I’m dedicated. I know I will want this time again.

These were not the best quality crayons to begin with and a lot of oil pooled on the top.

But they worked…

And my girl went to work….

Happiness is…

Do you ever have days you want to live over and over again. Today was a day like that for me.

I love you…

Posted in Christmas 2011, Family | 3 Comments »

Where’s Poppin?

December 3, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

This is the most fun I’ve had in ages….

As you can tell, our elf is female (skirt purchased at Target, separate from the kit, which is also purchase-able at Target). Her name is Poppin and Kira is madly in love with her…

The placement of that sign is purely coincidental…

May, I know this is scaring the hell out of you…..just look away honey!!

Posted in Christmas 2011, Elf On A Shelf | 1 Comment »

On The First Day…

December 1, 2011 by earthtonesgirl

Kira’s advent Calendar was complete…

Before I type another word. Sorry for the absence yall, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Sometimes life takes you down other paths. But I’m back and Christmas 2011 has officially begun!

Here’s one of the paths I’ve been running on in time to finish for today, December 1st.

Now that Kira is old enough to begin to understand that Santa is coming, I thought it was time to count down properly. I looked at about 1 million advent calendars on Pinterest but then just made up my own.

Now I know Teri would kick me for saying these things but I feel like I have to. Is this project perfect…no! Did I totally wing it and it’s just a bit off…yes! Did I totally screw up the decorative stitching on the left side at the bottom…OH YEAH!!! (I almost scraped the whole thing because of that. I was in tears but kept going. I tried to rip it out but it was so densely stitched I said forget it).

But was I also so excited to get this done and see my daughter’s face….OH YES!!! Were all the mistakes worth it? YEP!!

I hand stitched each stocking. And thanks to this video was able to perfect the blanket stitch….Thank God for YouTube!!

Each stocking “hem” was hot glued on (front and back) and then self-stick felt numbers were applied. Then “velcroed” in place for easy removal each day.

The mistake with the stitching is just to hideous to show you. We’ll just focus on the pretty part. One more reason I just love my Bernina.

Now we’re taking a slightly different approach with this calendar. Instead of just counting down to Christmas or opening a gift each day…Each day Kira will peak inside the stocking pull out a little note with a message.

1. Go with Mummy and Daddy to get ice cream and buy a topper for our tree.

2. Buy/donate a present for a homeless child

3. Make toffee (to thank all the ladies at Hartsdale Fabrics for all their help and support)

3. Find Poppin (I’ll explain that one later)

4. Make crazy crayons

You get the idea. Yes there will a present or two to open before the big day but I want her to get that it’s about more than gifts. If I start now I may have a chance to raise my daughter to be just a bit thoughtful and kind.

So how are you kicking off your holiday season?

I don’t know who’s more excited about all this me or Kira?

Posted in Christmas 2011, End of Year, Inspiration | 2 Comments »

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