alittlesweetness

yes, i'm still here....

I think I win the lamest blogger award, but I assure you, I'm keeping busy. ;)

This week my fabrics are arriving at shops so this is very exciting to me!  Especially with it being my first line.  It's also very strange, but I feel very blessed to be a part of such an exciting industry.  And although it's strange, it also feels very 'normal' for me to be doing this.  I've been drawing my whole life and have always had a love of creating.  I've sewn for many years, even back into my childhood.

My fabrics are a natural reflection of who I am and what I love.  I've always enjoyed drawing 'little girls' as my mom would attest to as they were always on the walls she says.  :)  My parents both are not surprised at all that my drawings consist largely of more 'little girls'.  Me and my sisters very often drew together with my dad's special markers.  We drew houses and families and yes, lots of little girls.  In pretty dresses of course.  :)  I loved children at a young age and loved babysitting, then worked at Kinder Care after high school with the toddlers and also was a nanny before I had my own children.  I've always been young at heart, (definitly don't feel my age), played with dolls way too old I'm sure (shhhh...), and I just love all things super cute.

If you want to find out a little bit more about me, I did a little interview with the Jolly Jabber about my new line The Simple Life, that you can read here!  It was really fun, thanks Jolly Jabber!  :)

In other news, I finally got my first real quilting sewing machine!  It's a Pfaff Expression 150 and so far I'm loving it.  I'm really excited about this one since I know it will last for many many years and give me the results and ease of quilting that I've been wanting.

Here I am testing it out....

Yep, it works!    

Which is a good thing with fall market just around the corner and I've been starting on some projects.  (If you're going to fall market, let me know!) 

Here's all my trimmings... kinda pretty huh?

I rearranged my sewing area so that Ava can hang out with me more comfortably while I sew, so here's a little table with my stuff and her stuff.  :) 

And see how I'm molding and shaping her correctly?

Happy Wednesday!

Tasha

first stitches...

Ever since Ava was born, I couldn't wait until she would be old enough to learn to sew and make things with me.  She's still not quite ready for a little machine, but I did finally buy her a little pink embroidery hoop and some tapestry needles.  They are large, have a blunt tip and perfect for little ones to use safely and easily. 

This was a really fun thing to do with her.  At the age of 3 and a half, she's plenty capable and can listen to instructions like....point down, pull, be careful, go slowly.  Things like that.  With just her and I at home, there aren't any other distractions either so I can focus on her.

She needed alot of help, but at the same time was getting the hang of it.  It's more tackling the fine motor skills here, like holding the hoop with one hand and pulling the needle with the other.

The more she did it, the better she got at it.

And she really loved it!

I thought it was so cute that she was licking the floss to try to rethread at one point. 

When we were all finished, she grabbed the supplies and said she wanted to sew again.

She also decided she wanted to hang her embroidery on the wall.  :)

And of course, she needed some tape for that....

Don't know where she could have gotten that idea.....??

Happy Stitching!

Tasha

WIP + a winner!

 Yep, I'm super late, but.....

THANK YOU so much for all of your wonderful comments!!!  I soooooooo needed to hear it all!!!  SO, today I'm choosing 2 winners instead of just 1.  I really want to send all of you some fabric!!  I DO, I DO!  :)  You are all so super sweet to me and I sincerely appreciate every little speck of it!!!

Okay...

First pick by the Random Generator was....#142 

Stina who said ...

Ahhh... Just coming home from pain rehab... And learnt...:0) you have to take time for just YOURSELF... Book in time for just you.. No others allowed...listen to a relaxing CD or some nice music... Make it cosy and just RELAX... Every day!!!! Remember to be NICE to yourself..you are the most important person in your life...:0) good luck and start relaxing..it's what I need to do!!! :0)) and sew in between..lol... And I have to say... You have the prettiest fabric ever!!!! :0)

The second pick by the Random Generator is #36...

c.teasley who said....

I can't wait to get my hands on your sweet little fabric. To make my life simple, which just came to me the last couple of years, I decided not to take things so seriously. My mother in law, a wonderful lady, told me over 30 years ago, "it won't matter in a year from now." How I wished I had taken that advice then.

You two, if you see this, please contact me!  :)

So, I've been a bit busy-er these last couple days than I thought I would be, especially since the kids went back to school yesterday!  A few loose ends I guess with new schools and figuring out daily schedules.  Now I've got a lot on my plate right now with work in additon to family.  It's perfect timing for me to be reading all of your wonderful thoughts, words of wisdom and ideas for simplifying life!  It sure gets crazy sometimes and it's great to be reassured to take time out to breathe and enjoy, and not feel bad when some things don't get done as quickly or at all!! 

I've been really trying lately to not compare myself to all of the amazing talent I see online.  So many darling projects, beautiful homes, amazing designers,  yummy food to make!....  which I LOVE seeing and it helps motivate and inspire me in my own life.  I think alot of it is so great, but I've had to not let it get me down if I don't accomplish the same things as quickly or at all.  I'm kinda slow sometimes.  (oh ya, you already knew that!)  With 5 kids, ages 3 - 15, it gets tricky (and sticky!) around here.  Attending to what the teens want and need and then making sure the little ones get the attention they deserve and need and want, it's a balancing act in itself.  Let alone the managing of the home and family life and everything under the sun that goes along with that.  Jeepers!  A girl can only cook, clean, play with kids, work and do errands so fast!!  I love sewing and crafting, decorating, shopping and doing absolutley nothing productive sometimes, but it's hard to get around to that!  Isn't it?  I literally loved reading every single comment about taking time out, keeping things simple.  Not just where and when we are able, but also making it a point to stop ourselves and do that thing that helps us be better!  Again, thank you so much for the great advice and wonderful ideas.  Keeps it all in perspective! :)

Okay, enough of that!

Now for my WIP!!! 

Speaking of slooow and not worrying and fretting over not getting alot done with my sewing lately....I've managed to make one lonely hexie flower and am brainstorming ideas for a project. 

(Little hands are always nearby...)

I'm hoping it'll turn into something cute!

Happy Weekend!

Tasha

the real deal + a giveaway

It seems it's been ages for me to wait, but I've finally recieved my first real deal batch of The Simple Life!  I have 2 yards of each print and the panels to start sewing things for fall market.

And I can't waaaiit!!!! 

It's so very soft and lovely!  I couldn't be happier with the end result.  Everything looks perfect!

This line is going to be just darling for fall time, with it's vintage style and little country images.

Red colorway

Pink colorway

Aqua colorway

If you would like to have some of The Simple Life, leave me a comment telling me what you do to keep things simple in your life (when things get too crazy!) or if you have a tradition or words of wisdom passed down from someone that helps you get through the busy times...something that helps you relax and enjoy the simple things in life!  Please share, I want to know! 

When I get my bolts here this month, I'll send you either a fat quarter bundle or a couple yards of your choice. 

If you've ever purchased from my my little shop before, you are welcome to a 2nd entry!! 

Giveaway will go through Wednesday, September 5th...that's my kids first day of school. 

(quiet cheer!!...yaaaay!!)  ;)

I'll be so excited to start sewing!!!

I hope you will be too!

Tasha 

road tripping hexie stitching

Our family enjoyed an end of summer road trip to Montana, where my parents were raised and I was born.  I wanted to see my Grandparents, who I haven't seen for many years and are at the end of their life here on earth.  I was so happy to visit with them and also let my kids see them too.  My grandpa (their great grandpa) told the kids stories about his cowboy days, showed them his chaps and spurs and branding tools, and they loved it.  Definitly worth the trip.

All along the way, everywhere we went (that I could) I took my little suitcase of hexies. 

It really helped with the car time and it was the perfect thing to have when we were in the outdoors and the kids were playing.

For example...While they did this....

and this....

I was able to do this!

My parents came with us everywhere we went during the week, which was so great to have the extra company.  I loved having all the attention on me and my family!  :)  Plus, my mom ooh's and aahh's at all the little sewing projects I show her.  The best confidence booster!  :) Thanks Mom!

One thing my mom gave me while in Montana, was this gorgeous vintage quilt that my other grandma had.  She passed away about a year and a half ago.  My mom almost gave it away, but couldn't ever do it.  Then, finally she knew why...that it should go to me. Thanks again Mom. ;) 

I love it so much!  Isn't is so cute!?!?!  It's in really good condition and hand stitched with pink thread!  SEW CUTE!

Our family loved being in the outdoors and doing some fun things around town as well.  Montana is so pretty...we loved every minute!

We also loved our first taste of Cafe Rio and went back a 2nd and 3rd time!  All of my family has lived around a Cafe Rio except us, so we've only heard about it and my family has made it for us before but this was our first real restaraunt experience.  YUM-O!!  I want more. :)

So...Back to hexies. 

By the end of our trip, I actually got a lot of hexie stitching done....at least for me.  Kerri had made me a cute little stack of hexies on our beach retreat so that really helped me have a good collection to work with.  Thanks Kerri! ;)

And I still adore my little needlebook from Amy.  Thanks Amy!  I always get compliments on it.  :)  Go to Amy's needlebook tutorial if you want to make one.  The hexie flower above is made with 3/4" hexies.  

These are tiny 1/2" hexies.

Lastly, I'm so proud of myself for figuring out (sort of!) instagram.  Finally!  On the way home I did my first little photos and it's so fun!

See my traveling in the car photo?

Now how cute is that?  And it was certainly entertaining enough for a road trip.

Come back next week and I'll have some fun news to share!  ;)

Tasha

the beach..

I just got back from a fabulous and relaxing beach retreat with all the adult girlies (and one sweet little baby!) on my husband's side.  And it was SOOOOOOOO FUN!!!!!!!

It was so amazing to sit and relax and stitch while enjoying the beautiful ocean right in front of me!

My spot

Cute 3/4 inch hexies.....love this size!

Kerri and I in our stitching spots as the sun was going down....

We did a little photo shoot together and decided red, aqua and white should be the colors to wear.  Shocking, I know!  ;)

Here's all of us!

Here's me.  (I know, a little cheesy, but we were having so much fun!)

Me and Kerri

We also loved being silly and dancing on the beach!

Basically, we did whatever we wanted!  We shopped at cute little antique stores, watched chick-flicks, had a campfire, watched shooting stars at 1 am!, stitched and sewed, stayed up late, slept in, painted our nails, relaxed, played, took pictures and giggled and laughed all weekend....it was wonderful!  It's amazing what a little 'girl time' can do!  Such rejuvenation and memories created.  I loved it!!  (Can you tell?!?!?)

I'm ready for next year!

*sigh...*

Tasha  ;)

p.s.  i'll be out of town again all next week, so the shop will be closed!!

Grannies and Annie

Today I finished up my Granny squares and I'm super excited!  I'm so glad I didn't let this one go on and on and on.  Yes, it's been known to happen. 

All 20 Grannies done!

The Grannies were so fun to put together and with needing only 20 blocks, it went pretty quick.

Now, time to get cutting the sashing!

I can't believe summer is going so quickly.  I think because of our move and a couple work related things for my hubby and I, we got a late start.  One little thing that Ava and I did a couple weeks ago was going to the Children's Theatre nearby to see the musical Annie. 

Annie was (okay...and still is!) one of my all time favorite movies.  I have no problem enjoying it anytime any of the kids want to (or agree to) watch it while I sew or make cookies.  I love it.  When I was young, my siblings and I would have contests to see who could sing "Dumb Dog" the best.  My parents owned a Dairy Queen for a little while, and we would sing in the microphone after closing when it was time to help clean up.  We always did our helping.  (I think). But we sang too.  Not that ANY of had/have decent singing voices, but we managed pretty well when it came to singing Annie songs.  

We had a wonderful night.  It was the first real mommy-daughter date we've had, just her and I going to a specific event that only the two of us could truly enjoy...and she was completly captivated the whole time!....it was perfect. 

Grannies and Annie. 

The End. 

Now, time to clean up and eat real food. 

C-ya!

Tasha

16 down...

I've been making some good Granny progress and I can finally see that this could be finished this summer.  I'm hoping...I mean VOWING...to get all my blocks done so I can sew them together during an upcoming beach retreat.  (I can't waaaaiiit!!!)

I've got 16 done and I'm loving it.  At first I was a little worried about my color choices, since lately I'm really also loving the addition of greens and yellows to my favorite combo of red, pink and aqua....(like I'm doing in my Farmer's Wife blocks, and some here, which I have ever so seriously neglected!).  I'm making this quilt for Ava, since I haven't done a baby quilt specifically for her from me, like I've done for all of my boys.  Her nursery colors were red, pink and aqua and even though now we are about to start decorating a toddler room for her and I may include the extra colors, I wanted to keep with the same nursery color scheme.  It just is so reminiscent of the colors I loved when Ava was born.

I have included gray, which I didn't do in her baby nursery, so I'm breaking the rules a little here....but shhh!  Anyway, aside from all that jibber-jabber, now that I have a bunch of these grannies done and I can see how it's turning out, I really love it!

I've really preferred putting a fussy-cut square in the very middle.  To me, it makes each block seem more complete and adds that extra cute touch I want for this quilt.

Now, just 4 to go!  Yesssss.

C-ya!

Tasha

enjoying...

Yesterday was a fun day for me.  Being a work-at-home-mom, I don't often enough venture out with just the kids and me.  Most the time our outings are on the weekend when my husband and I are both home.  Even then, like on a Saturday, sometimes I'll be finishing up orders or when Ava was littler and was napping and the boys would want to go to the skate park or something more geared to their liking, I would stay home while my husband took the boys to do something.  Now, here we are this summer and I'm so glad to be moved in to this house, (still lots of boxes and things to be organized, but we can function), 2nd fabric line complete (yay!) and the shop is on low key (no paper itmes right now)...so I get to enjoy!!  :)

Since we have a cousin staying with us for a couple days, just for fun, I decided to take the kids to Northwest Trek.  It's kind of like a zoo, but more like a nature and wildlife experience.  It's in the mountains, but just about 30 minutes from our house, so it was the perfect outing for me/us.

The cool thing about Northwest Trek is that you get to go on a tram ride for about 45 minutes and see the animals up close!  That bison was licking bugs off the tree.  ik!  But the kids thought it was funny. 

We saw elk, deer, bison, a couple fawns (so cute!) rams, a moose, caribou (baby's too!), racoons...lots of good ones and the kids loved it. 

After the tram, there are other animal exhibits to visit.  Not as many as a typical zoo, but it was really nice just to be outdoors enjoying nature and watching the kids excitement. 

We went into this little discovery center and the kids got pretty silly with the animal puppets. 

Afterwards, we got frozen yogurt at our favorite place, but I forgot the camera in the car.  shucks.  The kids loaded up their cups! 

Oh, and me too.  Heehehe. ;)

Have an ENJOY-able day!

Tasha

 

 

getting there

We've had a slightly busy last couple weeks and now we're finally on the downward slope.  We moved into our new house one week ago and also had lots of family in town for the 4th.  

On the 4th we went to the zoo together....22 grandkids/cousins worth.  That's not counting adults and grandparents and I don't feel like doing that math right now.  It was alot and we did get separated here and there, but we had a great day. 

That night we had everyone over for a BBQ and the boys played music on the front porch before we did fireworks.  They play really well, but decided we wouldn't disrupt the neighbors for too long.  Nobody complained so I think we were good. 

My oldest son, my nephew, one of my brothers and my dad all play guitars.  It's really fun to listen to them and I love that my sons think my dad is the coolest grandpa ever.

Did you know that teenagers still like to text and play on their ipods and phones, hide from the camera and give their mother attitude when everyone else is busy partying the night away? 

Well, let me just confirm that for ya.  They do.

Jeepers....Kids these days!!

So, I'm starting to feel a little organized in the new house and we're loving it so far.

Here's Ava playing in paper from unpacking the kitchen.

Here's the family room starting to take shape.  I know it's going to take a bit of trying things here and there to finally see what works.  That's ok though, I like experimenting. 

Finally, I got a quiet moment before my parents left town and got a picture of them with my kids.  One kid in particular always pushes the envelope when it's time to cooperate for photos, but this one was the best so I'll take it.   

P.S.

Thanks so much for all those who snatched up my fabrics I listed in my shop!  I'll be getting those off this week.  Thanks for waiting!!

Have a wonderful week!

Tasha