Precision cutting
The first square - a disappearing 9 patch pattern
Voila! 72 seams later - she completed 9 squares. Just have to sew sashing material, back & bind. She loved the process and I think she's hooked! 
A few years back, I hesitantly allowed Maren to pack her own bag for a 3 day get away. She proudly brought her things to the door and I unzipped it to find 10 pairs of underwear and THAT'S ALL! To be on the safe side, I began printing off a checklist of items that they need to take. The girls LOVE checking off the boxes, and preparing their suitcases. And, I breathe easier knowing they'll have something to wear - besides clean underwear.
Today was crazy hair day. Milah was Pippi Longstocking and was in too big of a hurry to get a picture. Maren's extreme UP DO was achieved by gathering her hair around a plastic cup and spraying with copious amounts of hairspray.
I have been itching (or should I say scratching?) to make one of these feed sack bags AND, I just happened to spy an empty one on a burn pile recently. As previously mentioned - I am a quick and dirty seamstress, so this was a perfect project for me. I trimmed the bag at both ends and turned down the top once. I gathered a printed fabric and sewed it to the top and made bias tape out of burlap and overlapped the top edge. Made big handles in the print fabric and embellished with a burlap rosette. Then folded in the sides and threw a stitch in the bottom. I think it's stink'n cute - tho I may get some odd looks at the checkout stand.
In June 2009, Sten caught this big dude in Alaska. We are still enjoying the halibut. I say that loosely as I am not too crazy about halibut. I love halibut fish -n-chips, but that's about it.
It all started when their oven went out . . .
They removed the island in favor of a peninsula. The existing base cabinets were used, with new drawers/fronts. New uppers were made and the cabinets were extended to the ceiling. They used a mix of stained and painted woods. The finish is a "conversion varnish" and is glazed for highlight.
Granite countertops, an apron front sink and stainless steel appliances were installed (yes, a new oven). It is extremely posh and feels like an upscale restaurant. We still need to choose a small chandelier for above the sink - but I am in awe - it is amazing.
Poor Luke has been tortured by Maren all day. This is the girl that needs absolutely NO personal space - looks like Luke is protesting here. 
At 11:11:11 on 11-11-11, we had a quick celebration. Luke was in on the fun, guess we have another chance to do it tonight as well.
The most difficult part of this project is locating the blasted Citra Solv. I finally found this at an art store and it is not cheap - I payed $24.00 for this 32oz container.
Print an image from your computer - if it includes type, print a mirror image. If you are not familiar with the Graphics Fairy, you are missing out. Click on the sidebar to check out her site - her images are free and fun.
Place image face-down on fabric and secure with a clip to keep image from slipping. Spray citra-solv on the backside of image and "burnish" with a spoon. Too much liquid will cause the image to "run" on the fabric, also will waste the expensive potion. The possibilities are endless - tear fabric around image and sew on other fabric to make pillows, curtains, table runners . . . 
I always enter the Dollar Tree with great expectation. I peruse the aisles, my index finger tapping the corner of my nose, wondering what $1.00 item I could transform with little effort and sell for 15 times the price (hey just being honest). 5 of these foamy pumpkins landed in my cart, but I didn't like the orange color nor did I like the line in the middle. Hmmmm . . .
For starters, I spraypainted them a creamy color - not enough - still had to get rid of that ugly line.
Enter some French typography . . . There's some benefit to having a sister that lives in the French speaking part of Switzerland. It gives you cheap digs when you travel to Europe and it sounds fairly impressive and sophisticated, don't you think? (I say with my head high in the air, and an obligatory nod in your direction - "Yes", a slight flick of my wrist to free the embers off my long cigarette - "She lives abroad"). Forgive me. 
I tore pages out of the French books and ripped them in small pieces to "Modge Podge" them onto the pumpkin. Have no idea what they say?! Elmers Glue (slightly watered down) works just as good as modge podge and is a fraction of the cost (especially when you find a supersize container at the Goodwill). It dries with a completely flat sheen which I prefer.
Wrapped twine around stem and frayed the ends - added some wire for more texture.
Discovered a slim candlestick and mounted the pumpkin - making it a pumpkin pedestal. 
Water Polo Awards
Don't let that bigger girl scare you #2!
The girls competed in a soccer tournament this past weekend and they both walked away with 1st place trophies! 