Merry Made Quilts

Bad Bad Blogger!

2011-08-18T09:24:00.001-05:00

I've been a bad, bad blogger.

I know I've been MIA for longer than I care to admit.

Honestly, I'd hit a wall. I had a to-the-death struggle with the fabric from this post:

Remember this stuff?

Well, I dug it back out, pinned the ever-loving crap out of it.

And got a not-to-ugly baby quilt out of it. Actually, I think that it'll be really fun for a baby to play with. My sister-in-law is expecting their first and they're not finding out what they're having.

I couldn't ever do that. I'd for sure go completely insane.

They're doing red, white, and black for the nursery to match those eye development toys that you can find.

Let me tell you, baby fabric doesn't come in red, white, or black!!

So, while I actually did do some sewing I couldn't share it until after the shower. So, here is my quilt of death.

I just hope the baby doesn't smother on it. This thing is sooo hairy!! I ended up just putting the fabric right-sides together and sewing it like a pillow, flipping it right-side out at the end, and putting a finishing edge on it. Instead of quilting it (yeah right, like that was going to happen with this hairy thing) I just tacked it at every corner. It was so heavy I felt like batting would be over kill and only needed if they someday moved to the Arctic.

With several attempts at this monstrosity I ended up with several extra squares that I didn't need. (read: I had to cut off TONS of mistakes and this left scraps out the wazoo)

So I found this really cute fabric basket pattern: here

Of course, I have no CLUE what-so-ever when it comes to visualizing things from measurements. I need photos that have objects in them so I can see things to scale!

Any way, I made this little bugger as a little toy box or maybe hamper.

Nope.

It's a wipe holder.

Way smaller than I planned.

But it's still pretty cute.

But this little book is the thing I'm most excited by.

It's made out of two 13x13" quilt squares, folded in half with cereal box bags inside for the crinkle sound!

And miraculously it actually works!

(did I mention this would be a really long, rambling post?! Serves me right for being gone so long!)

This little lady had her very first day of Kindergarten today.

She was more than a little nervous about that bus. She looks so small with that huge backpack on!

But when the bus came she got on like a trooper. Never looked back! Good thing because this Mommy was crying like a baby.

Good luck baby girl! That school won't know what hit them!

And now, in other news...(said with my most impressive news caster voice)

All of you prayer warriors out there. Keep my little man Jackson in your thoughts. We just found out that his little kidney is failing. No clue yet as to why but we meet with the awesome Drs. at Children's Mercy in KC next week to find out what's next. Not good news when they call and tell you that urology is going to refer you over to nephrology. His new dr. deals mostly with transplants and pediatric dialysis.

Not the words every mom dreams of hearing.

But he's such a brave little guy. We're just thankful that they've caught whatever it is at such an early age. He wasn't having any problems that we knew of and was actually having a sono for a follow up of something completely unrelated and a REALLY AWESOME dr. saw something he thought was a little off at the very edge of the picture...

I woke up this morning to see this by the back door.

Maybe God reads my Blog

2011-07-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

So, maybe God reads my blog?

OK, no I'm not delusional but maybe just maybe he got tired of my whining.

He's answered my call for inspiration.

In the form of email.

Yes, I know, God doesn't have email.

(I think...well...the Bible doesn't address such things)

But I know he works through the hands of our adoption agency.

And they definitely have email.

And they sent me this:

This is Charles Oliver. He's 10 mos in this photo. We have to edit out dear Foster Mom for her privacy. It seems cruel to edit out the woman who's loving your son while your so far away, but rules are rules!

Now, if that's not inspiration (and a lot of happy crying) I don't know what is!!!

It seems that I will have to adjust my sewing to accommodating a WALKING toddler instead of the baby we were expecting.

Maybe some big boy bedding instead of the crib bumper I just finished...

In DESPERATE need of inspiration!

2011-07-18T07:38:00.000-05:00

So, we've had depressing news followed by more depressing news on the adoption front.

Blah Blah Blah Longer Wait Blah Blah

So, I've been away, licking my wounds and self medicating with chocolate.

But, I'm done.

I'll do what every red blooded American mom has done since June Cleaver and suck it up like a good Stepford Wife and drink alone in the bathroom.

OK. So, maybe I can't hold my liquor and the last time I drunk sewed (is that even a phrase?) it was very scary and I almost committed a little more of myself to my quilt than I planned.

So, I'll just get really really fat while I stuff myself with chocolate until it all feels better.

Yes, that's a much better plan.

I'm good at removing chocolate stains. Much better than blood stains.

But ANYWHOOOO

Back from that long winding train of thought.

I needed something to connect me to my baby waiting half way around the world. Something to break the funk.

So Enter the original "Mommy Craft" :

Korean Pojagi

by: Cathy McMurray

You may remember when I posted about another Korean sewing project here. I think this style would be BEAUTIFUL with this carrier!

My most recent inspiration came from this lovely woman:

This translates into patchwork to wear like a scarf, or decorate with like a curtain, or even skirts and because there are no raw edges nothing needs lined!

And of course because I speak the language of quilts, here is some eye candy in the "style" of Korean Pojagi.

by 2.hippos

by: boodilly

by: Movinghands

I think this style can translate beautifully with other more "western" modern quilting ideas!

I can definitely say I'm feeling less "funky!"

It also might have something to do with bathing.

Just sayin'...

Carnies and fire!

2011-07-05T08:47:00.002-05:00

For all of my USA followers, I hope you all had a very lovely 4th of July!

Here's what the 4th looks like in our hometown!

Not bad for a town of 5,000! We take our 4th of July seriously around here!

And of course there was pool time at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Here's my little guy!

"I'm not feared of water no more"

And my little mermaid.

And you can't have the 4th of July without the carnival!

What's a good sweaty holiday without a few carnies?

So, how was your 4th?

2011-07-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

For all of my USA followers, I hope you all had a very lovely 4th of July!

Here's what the 4th looks like in our hometown!

Not bad for a town of 5,000! We take our 4th of July seriously around here!

And of course there was pool time at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Here's my little guy!

"I'm not feared of water no more"

And my little mermaid.

And you can't have the 4th of July without the carnival!

What's a good sweaty holiday without a few carnies?

So, how was your 4th?

101 Tutorials from Everything Etsy

2011-06-28T08:18:00.001-05:00

I'm really in love with this blog and now they've compiled a little list.

Ok. So it's not little AT ALL.

It's their 101 tutorials for Summer list.

Some serious cuteness happening here!

Just click above on the picture to go straight to their list!

This list has got everything from clothing, to bags, to kitchen goodies, and yes even a table runner or two.

This one has to be one of my faves and yes, it's a watermelon table runner. yummy.

And then there's this ADORABLE skirt that is based on one of my most fave mini-quilts (remember when I blogged about it here)

That one is definitely going on my list!

Both projects are found on Everything Etsy's list.

So, for Tutorial Tuesday head on over to get 101 tutorials!!

Can't beat it!

I can still sew...really, I can!!

2011-06-27T09:15:00.001-05:00

It's been WAY to long since I've posted a Ta-Da moment on here.

I'm really quite embarrassed at how long it took to finish such a simple baby quilt.

I may have had the quilting equivalent to writers block.

We've received some disheartening news in regards to getting dear Charlie out of Korea. It's technical, involves a lot of acronyms and is all together way to vague to actually be construed as news.

Maybe a more accurate description is anti-news.

We know that while we are completely done with things on the US side the Korean government isn't being so accommodating. Long story short is that they only issue so many EPs or Emigration Permits for babies to leave the country for adoption each year. They're not processing ANY at all for this month (no explanation for this) and the general thought is that they'll more than likely be out very soon.

So, Charlie will more than likely not make it home this year. We'll miss his 1st birthday and so much more.

Ok. Done with that pity party.

On with the show.

Grace had her final Tball game. Is it just me or are the medals they give out at those things bigger than Olympic medals? I mean, sure I'm proud that she didn't make any dust angels this time or break down in hysterics because she didn't get the ball first.

But a medal nearly as big as her face? What's to strive for next? She's already won a ginormous medal in a sport they don't keep score for!

Life's been happening here as it usually tends to do.

I embarked on a baking journey.

My dad is gaga for lemon meringue pie.

I'm pretty proud of this bad boy. Done completely from scratch and by HAND. Yup. I now have a ginormous right arm from whipping that bad boy. And for those inquiring minds who are asking themselves "why on earth wouldn't she just use a mixer?" I'll let you know my mixer is a turn-coat. It took one look at actually being dusted off and being asked to work for a change and completely caught fire. Not joking. There was smoke.

And what's a good quilt blog post without a random picture of a snake?

This little (big) guy was found in our flower garden steps from our front door. I'm sure God knew what he was doing when he came up with the whole snake thing but I'll be honest and tell you that the only reason he's been allowed to live is that Lee informed me that this guy is probably the reason we've never seen any mice around our place. The only thing I hate worse than snakes are mice.

And because apparently I'm such an animal lover, we also hit the zoo. I know. We've crammed a lot of living into this past week.

We hit the Omaha Zoo with my sis who's currently living in exile in Nebraska. If you've never been to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha you should really make the trip. It's HUGE. We are officially stocking them. I'd move in if I could.

We even dragged Grandpa along. Can't you tell he's being tortured here?

I think my sister's youngest was a bit overstimulated by it all.

And my Jackson found long lost family members.

Seriously. If that kid could have figured out a way to climb in I'm sure he'd have been happy to finally be with his own kind.

The gorilla didn't seem as impressed with my Dad and niece.

You know he's just making snarky comments under his breath here.

Cousin time is the best time!

You'd never know that the one on the right (my daughter) is 5 and the one on the left (my niece) is just barely 4. Her mom is over 6 foot so we'll see how tall she ends up!

And just because I can!

Don't you think those colors would be fabulous in a quilt?

Batiks anyone?

Rally Round the Quilter

2011-06-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

I've been missing for awhile from the bloggy world. Business to attend to and a trip out of state to visit my sister and her kiddos are to blame. (at least that's what I'll blame for now)

I'll be back up and running real soon. Promise!

In the meantime, there's a quilter out there who needs some prayers.

Kaaren of The Painted Quilt blog has announced a bad finding on a biopsy.

So, let's join her in her fight!! Let her feel the quilting world's warmth and love as she prepares for her fight!!

Hop on over and shower her with wishes!

I just know she'll be back to creating beauty with her fabric and thread in no time!

A Quilt to Say Thanks!

2011-06-17T18:41:00.001-05:00

This one is a tear jerker.

Don't say I didn't warn ya!

Sometimes we forget the purpose of a quilt in our mad rush to create.

When it comes down to it a quilt should comfort. A quilt should warm.

Artist Julie Feingold created a quilt that provides that warmth and comfort without ever touching the skin.

Her quilt "Lost Heroes Art Quilt" honors 82 services members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. She consulted with the moms of these soldiers to find out what they remember about their children.

Each square is surrounded by a description of the soldier and a childhood picture creates the center of each.

They say you can trace history through our quilts. I think that this one goes without saying.

5 Years with Grace

2011-06-15T09:51:00.000-05:00

It's amazing to me how 5 years with this girl has so completely changed my life.

5 years has changed a 10 lb (yes, she was GIGANTIC) baby girl into a tiny (smallest by a head in her class) little lady.

Grace, you've turned our world upside down with your sense of humor, your style, your competitive nature, your love of play and dance, your kind heart.

Don't ever stop using your wishing flowers!!

Quilt Blog Bling

2011-06-14T14:44:00.002-05:00

Since I've started blogging I'll admit, I've become a bit addicted to blogger backgrounds and templates. Sometimes it feels like my blog is having an identity crisis.

But the quilt-y backgrounds have seriously been lacking in the world of blogging.

However, I just found this one that I have to say is adorable! The antique quilt feel just makes me want to snuggle up!

I found this lovely at http://shabbyblogs.com

Is it just me or are quilts becoming "hip" these days?

I've got to give the folks of Shabbyblog.com credit because they've really made some cute (did I mention the entire site is free) quilt backgrounds!

So, is anyone else addicted to blog layouts?

This is the Worst Part...Where We Cook and Don't Just Get Drunk

2011-06-09T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have to share this one.
It's way too much like my kitchen skills not to.
However, before you proceed know this:
The language is HORRIBLE.
Seriously, the kids need to be gone!
However, with this said, it's way hilarious and has NOTHING to do with sewing.

People assume that because I love to sew and quilt that I must be all domesticated.
This is a huge misconception.
Just because I can sew does not mean I live to dust, vacuum, or cook. I will not meet you at the door with an apron and martini.
Even if you ask pretty please.

So, without further ado:
My Drunk Kitchen!

True story: make sure it's sugar and not salt!
Now, back to the kitchen!

Father's Day Inspiration

2011-06-07T07:26:00.000-05:00

For those of us who may have hubby's or father's who are all
"quilted out", here's a lovely idea.

Each morning Dad can take out a new reason why he's loved! So simple and sweet!

Not to mention all ages can help.

I might even suggest for those quilt-y in nature, the top doesn't have to be plain fabric...

I could see a mini quilt for the top, or even just some raw-edged applique with Dad's monogram...

For the complete tutorial visit:

The Princes and the Tot

Thrifty Thursday for the girls!

2011-06-02T18:02:00.000-05:00

I just might have a little lady turning the big FIVE this month...

Who might just love her American doll...

(ok, it's a knock-off but geesh, she's four and those things are expensive!)

So when I saw this:

I jumped!

Did I mention those things are expensive? Well, their clothes are too! I mean, really?! Some of those outfits cost what MY clothes do and I can guarantee it takes WAY more fabric to cover my hiney than it does hers!

So, Thrifty Thursday today is a Free American Girl (or just as good knock-off) doll dress pattern!

Click Here to hop to the free download!

Back behind the Machine

2011-05-30T07:35:00.002-05:00

I'm hoping that the pneumonia is in the review mirror for good. I've been slowly building my stamina back up and I've even gotten some sewing time in.

I threw together a simple scrappy baby quilt for our little guy. It's a cloudy day but I wanted to get a shot anyway. You'll have to pretend that you can tell it's actually a dusky lavender, light chartreuse green, and grey. The colors really don't translate well I'm afraid. I'll have to wish for some sunshine for the final reveal.

Here's a shot at my first ever attempt at appliqué. Don't enlarge the photo whatever you do. It appears as though those drunken squirrels have taken over the sewing machine again...

All in all, I'm not too horribly disappointed about how it turned out. Of course, in my head I was driving that machine around the curves of those letters like a finely tuned race-car... However, in reality, I could barely keep my trike on the road. It's something that will definitely take practice.

And in between tornadoes and severe thunderstorms we've started our first season of tee-ball. It's completely hilarious. Grace has spent about 45 minutes of each hour practice spinning, dancing, picking flowers, building sandcastles at second base, or completely removing her shoes.

During the other 15 minutes her coach is able to persuade her to hit or catch the ball. (which she's surprisingly good at)

Cartwheel time.

Sandcastles

Look! She's going to catch a ball!

Oh, nope...butterfly!

But she's having the time of her life.

Even if she's a head shorter than everyone else on her team.

Also, on a completely random note. Don't you just love this collage?

I made it on picnic using their new collage maker. I'm hooked!

Drama in the Merry House

2011-05-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

We got the call.

The. Call.

You know, the one we've been waiting for.

The "we've got your baby boy call "

The crying so hard to social worker offers to call back latter at a "better time" call.

Nope. Now is a good time.

If you hang up that phone I'm going to have to show up at your house.

You don't want that, so let me wipe my ugly cry snot off my face and pull it together.

So, here he is.

Charles YunSu

At the Hospital

At about 5 months

9 months

We're already in love.

We've had a vary drama filled week at the Merry house.

It's been a whirlwind.

The next morning all craziness broke lose.

It started with bronchitics that morphed into pneumonia and knocked this Mommy on her behind.

Isolation. Strong antibiotics. Inhaler.

This means Mr. Merry has been Mr. Mom this weekend.

Poor guy. They're eating him alive.

But, if all goes well, I'll have avoided the dreaded hospital stay.

I can deal with the chaos that leaving Dad alone with kids will undoubtedly leave on our house as long as it means no needles or nurses.

So, since my last post on Wednesday we've been up, down, and inside out.

We'll need the next week to recover our breath!

But most importantly.

Did you hear?

We've got our referral!!

Now, to research fabric stores in Seoul....

Am I British Yet?

2011-05-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Lookie Lookie!!

Awhile back I won a drawing over at the marvelous "Flying Blind on a Rocket Cycle" blog in which Hadley was celebrating being British (and I think had a touch of Royal Wedding Fever).

And my goodies arrived today.

I love the look of British stamps. They make me want to say things like "post" instead of the more boring "mail." The measure tape there is even in inches. God I love imperialist countries!! I'll never be able to eyeball a "meter" of fabric!! Just doesn't work with my brain!

Here you can see the lovely "Bristishness" spread all over my kitchen counter. I'll have to admit...I knew those candies before they arrived. They're kind of a problem for me.

I went to Europe for the traditional post high school traipsing around and while in London, actually found these and filled several pouches of my suitcase with them. Other than a very random HardRock Cafe hat, and a Tower of London key chain that was the extent of my London souvenirs.

Which leads me to the point that you must wait until you are at least past 25 to travel to foreign countries. Really. Before that you are waisting everyone's time and probably annoying the natives.

But anyway, I digress. See what they look like? I'll be doling these things out like gold nuggets!

They're already in my bowl. See. It has my name on it. You can't touch it!

And because I'm trying to pretend I'm British, I've even got tea.

OK. I'm faking. I made tea. Tried to drink it and gagged. It's in the fridge now. Chilling like it should. It'll be served later with lots of sugar and lemon.

Someone touched the bowl!!

She also included a copy of what might be the best crafty publication I've read for awhile! Isn't this the cutest little change purse?

And of course, now I'll have to make owls for the baby room! These are just too adorable!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Am I British yet?

I mean, come on! My last name's Merry and I ate most of the candy while I typed this post! I must be part British by now!

Scrappy Block Tutorial Tuesday!

2011-05-17T08:24:00.000-05:00

Have you seen these blocks buzzing around the blogosphere?

Like these from the talented Hadley of Flying Blind on a Rocket Cycle blog fame.

Then she went and turned those gorgeous blocks into this gorgeous quilt!

Seriously? Scraps into something looking this awesome?!

OK, I had to find the tutorial for this one.

Which led me to Aneela Hoey of Comfort Stitching's Crazy Scrappy Block Tutorial.

Are you following me? Need a drink? I'm feeling a bit winded by all of this buzzing around!

It's really a crazy log cabin but her pictures really say it all. I love a good picture heavy tutorial!

I'm itching to try this one.

Do you think the hubby would go for the excuse that I need to buy more fabric for my "scrap" quilt?

Hmmm. Maybe I need to work on how I present that one...

Quilt Bloggers' Festival Time!

2011-05-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again and this time I actually caught on before the festival was over!

Yay!

I fought an inner war with myself over which quilt to show. Should I show one that stretched my talent to the extreme? One with sentimental value?

I've decided to go with one that covered both (at least for me)

It's a really simple piecing effort. But it will always be a favorite for me. It's the first quilt I ever made for my Mom (who taught me to quilt)

It was also a hand quilted number that really tried my patience!

And it was a free motion. (is that even possible for hand quilting?)

This quilt was VERY densely quilted. I almost gave it up several times but after a break, I always went back and eventually got the thing finished.

My fingers were ugly for months! I hate thimbles and have a weird way of hand stitching that just doesn't work with them. Instead I push the needle with my middle finger or the inside of my thumb nail. This means by the time I was done my thumb nail had a hole in it and my finger tips were calloused beyond anything I'd ever seen before.

Lovely I tell ya!

But in the end I got this:

To see the rest of the Bloggers' Quilt Festival Entries hop on over using the link!! Have fun!

Can't Help Myself! Slice Fabrique

2011-05-11T11:45:00.001-05:00

I have to get a little giddy over this thing.

Have you seen it?

There's also a great write-up here:

http://slicefabrique.com/2011/05/slice-fabrique-easy-by-j-caroline/

And you can find it for sale here:

(can you tell I'm just a bit excited over this thing?!)

Betsy's Books Tutorial

2011-05-10T11:20:00.001-05:00

I'm a book addict.

This quilt is singing my song!!

Elizabeth of Don't Call Me Betsy blogging fame posted this tutorial for how to make her fabulous bookshelf mini quilt. I absolutely adore the titles on the spine! Selvage!!

What an awesome graduation quilt this would make!!

Click here for her tutorial!

Picnics and Booze

2011-05-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

My daughter has her end of school picnic this week.

I'm going to come right out and say it.

I hate picnics.

You can hate me now. I know, it's like hating babies, or kicking puppies.

But hear me out.

I don't like sitting awkwardly on the ground.

Eating food that will eventually blow all over me and get into my hair.

Drink from glasses that no matter how classy they may start out, end up with a dead bug floating before I ever finish drinking.

No one who can afford furniture should eat voluntarily on the ground.

But hey, that's just my opinion!

So, the only part about this picnic (besides getting to see my daughter all grown up and finishing preschool) is the picnic blanket part.

You know, the part where I get to show off to all of the other mom's what a quilting goddess I am.

So, that got me thinking about summer and picnic quilts which of course started me on a 2 hour flickr odyssey.

How about some Picnic Quilt action for Monday Muse:

Wait.

I waited too long to get past the hate.

I don't have time to make another quilt and apparently (I've just noticed) that I've given away every quilt I've made except our ginormous bed quilt. What kind of quilter doesn't have quilts?

hmmm.

Maybe at least there will be booze? There's always lovely wine and cheese at a picnic right?

Oh, yeah, it's for preschoolers.

Crap.

Happy Mom's Day Weekend

2011-05-06T10:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Mom's Day (early) to all the Mom's out there!

Thanks to my Mom especially for starting my on this crazy journey of sewing and motherhood.

Thanks to my Mom for letting me sit on her lap while she imparted the mysteries of sewing.

(Even if I was more interested in pretending the pedal was a phone)

And this Mother's Day weekend, I'll be spending time away from the computer with this face:

and this face:

And laughing over my Mother's Day gift.

How can you not love a kid who thinks you weigh 20lbs?!

And a personal favorite..."Of course my mom must love peas! She's always wanting me to eat them!!"

Happy Mom's Day!!

Thrifty Thursday Ty Style

2011-05-05T08:11:00.045-05:00

This week's thrifty Thursday comes with some eye candy of the non-fabric sort.

(Who doesn't love a guy that knows what chartreuse is?)

So, the fabric is really pretty too.

The Thrifty Thursday find is that this fabric is:

50% off at Fat Quarter Shop

but you have to use the code: IMPRESS

Expires Friday, May 6 @ midnight CST.

Remember, I'm not associated with Fat Quarter Shop in anyway, I just love a sale!

Bye Bye Clutter!!

2011-05-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

I'm spring cleaning at the Merry House. That means everything that isn't tied down is getting pitched. OK, maybe not everything. But seriously, do we really need all this junk?

Everyone in this house seems to respond with a resounding yes.

So, I'm extending my need for a little Zen to the blog.

I'm tired of clutter. And the blog backgrounds were closing in on me. They were really cute. Seriously, I wish I could do the graphic design with the skill of some of these blogging divas.

However, it was closing in.

I was getting tired of not being able to post large pictures because the post size of the blog was too narrow.

I want BIG pictures!!

So, I've stream lined.

Sorry to those who were only following because of the cute side bars. I'm going to give simple living a try.

And now, I can actually use the xlarge photo option instead of medium!

So, I'm off to find my inner Zen!