Memory in Fabric

My kiddo's birthday is coming up soon (she'll be FOUR already!) so I've been trying to get a little head start on some gift making.

I first saw this idea here months ago, via the Craft Magazine blog I believe. They have been on my mental to do list ever since and it feels good to cross them off. I get a little sick of all the commercial toys out there...can you even buy Memory without some sort of TV show or Disney character on it? Regardless, what could be better than fabric?

They were very easy to make [cut cardstock 3"x 6", cut circle, create fold line, coat with rubber cement, place fabric, fold and press firmly. Repeat many many times.] I used a fiskars circle cutter set at 2 inches. Also would be a great reason to invest in a large circle punch which would have many other uses. I think these will be one of the standby kid gifts that I make ahead of time and have on hand. Wouldn't it be fun to do themed versions with Christmas fabric?

I'm not sure how long these will last. They are just cardstock after all, but I'm hoping the little pouch will help increase their lifespan a bit.

P.S. I just got back from the thrift store with the table I've been searching for. Check back soon, I'm going to need your help to transform it into a kitchen! I am really excited about this project!!

My return to the thrift shop!

It's not that I've been avoiding the thrift stores lately. Just haven't been in the mood lately I guess. But I decided yesterday I was on a mission this week to find a piece of furniture that could serve as the beginning of a kitchen for Sydney. So off we went. Of course I didn't find what I was looking for...

Instead I found this fun chair for only $4. Its in good shape and pretty comfortable. I just need to find it a home before my husband comes home! For some reason he thinks we have too many chairs.

And the ultimate in thrift store finds...Japanese fabric!! I think its adorable. I especially love the odd little sayings.Hmm, burning hot fried eggs don't sound that great to me, but whatever! I paid more than I normally would for it, so I'm considering selling a couple yards of it just so it doesn't hurt so bad! If anybody is interested in a little Japanese cotton fabric just let me know.

Summer Tent

This morning Sydney and I decided to try out the tent pattern from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. Mine isn't exactly like the pattern, but a similar theory. I used a thrifted sheet instead of 42" wide fabric, so I skipped all the dimensions listed and just used the whole sheet. No hemming & no cutting, we were done in about 15 minutes. Basically its just loops sewn at all four corners for the stakes and one at each end for the rope to hold it up.

Honestly its projects like these that make me so thankful for my stash. We had everything we needed to make this as soon as I brought up the idea. An important point when your crafting partner has the attention span of a 3 year old!

If we can manage to keep the mosquitoes away I think we will be having a lot of fun out there this summer!

Jam

Last week I made my first batch of freezer jam (strawberry rhubarb.) It was so simple. I know people always say it's simple and you think really? Could it be that easy - it's jam? But honestly, it is. (I followed the recipe on the back of the box of fruit pectin.)

In honor of the occasion I also fired up the bread machine. Warm bread and fresh jam on a beautiful summer day. Life is good.