Robert's T-shirt quilt

I have been working with my sister-in-law to make a t-shirt quilt for my brother. Luckily my mom was willing to help me or I don't think I would have gotten it done. Quilting with t-shirts is different because jersey stretches (even with the interfacing on the back) so it made sewing on the cotton strips and actually quilting it interesting. We loosely used these directions to figure out how big to make the t-shirt blocks and how to do the interfacing. Overall, I think it turned out pretty well though it's probably the last one I'll do for awhile! At least until I get a real table to quilt on, my 4 ft folding plastic one was no match for this heavy thing (sliding sewing machine, anyone?).

Recycling clothes: adult tank to child's top

I'm sure you know that making new things with old clothes is big right now. Well, I hang onto clothes way too long and for once it was a good thing! Mom and I had a lot of fun making some things for Reagan together:

Here's an old tank top of mine from college. I have no idea why I kept it and honestly forgot how short some tops used to be!

We decided to make it into a top for Reagan, so it needed to be downsized a lot, but we didn't want to loose the embroidery on the bottom so we decided to do a ruffle. We cut off the bottom, took in the sides (measured another top of hers and added a seam allowance), and made some ruffle tank sleeves with the leftovers. Add a little green ribbon to gather the top and I think it turned out pretty well!

And here is Miss Priss herself modeling for us! No, the pants don't match, they are pattern made (New look 6689 I think) and go with another recycled top we worked on. I think she was pretty happy with it. So, if you run out of fabric and want to sew, look in your closet ;)

Ethan's Birthday

Ethan's first birthday was bittersweet, but it was wonderful to remember. Brian and I discussed how we wanted to remember and decided to make it a day we spent together. My one request was that I get to make a card for his birthday (the one I posted on that day) and it was nice to have something to focus on.  On the 28th, we went and bought flowers for the cemetery and a little cross. My aunt made us a few arrangements we are going to switch out later on in the year so he will always have flowers.

 

The rest of the day was quiet. We watched his NILMDTS slide show for the first time. It was beautiful and  I'm glad we have it in addition to the pictures. I think Bri and I needed the day to just love on each other and remember, and I'm happy that we were able to spend the time together in Georgia.

Miscellaneous Update

We haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I promise! 

• Ethan's birthday was a nice, quiet time. I hope to post about it later, but wanted you to know we are okay. Thank you for all your thoughts, emails, and prayers!
• This is an excellent post by Molly Piper that I just had to share. All about brokenhearted love. Many people exhibit this and don't even realize it.
• Mom and I have been sewing like crazy! We have re-purposed a few things for Reagan (a nice way to let your creative juices flow without lots of expense). We've also been trying to get ready for the upcoming festival season getting dresses and bows ready. I'm excited to share them with you.

That's it, I lead an exciting life ;). What have you been up to lately?