project life

Major confession. I don't have a system at all for my family's memory keeping. (Don't worry I have loads of pictures and other memorabilia, it is all just stuck on my computer or in files.) This is something I think about too often and it is getting to the point of stress. I've been eying Project Life and reading Becky's blog for quite a few months and have decided to use Project Life. I love that it is simple enough that I won't be starting a huge new hobby.

 

After thinking how I would use Project Life, I've come to these decisions: I won't be doing a 365 style project. (That really would stress me out!) Rather each child will have their own book and I will also compile a family book. (With highlight from the month, major events, etc.) Each child will then have a book to take with them when they 'leave' home but my husband and I will always have the family books. (I am a total think-with-the-end-in-mind person.)

So here comes the question(s). Do I go the digital or traditional Project Life route? I love things about both. Also, the decision is not a matter of software or knowing Photoshop. (I have Photoshop and use it regularly.)  So I am hoping this is where you all will come in helpful. :) Do any of you use Project Life and what route have you gone? What do you love about your method?  I'd love to hear anything you might have to offer. For those digital Project Lifers, where do you print? That is my big hang up with going digital, I've seen prices from $1.99 to $2.99 per page. Just to note, I probably won't be getting a core kit. I already have quite a number of digital kits that I would rather use digitally or print out on paper.

I know lots of questions! Thanks is advance!

p.s. - I've started a Project Life board on Pinterest to collect ideas. It really is getting me excited to begin!

Happy Tuesday,

LeAnne

little man quilt

Hopefully you all aren't sick of quilts. :) I finished one more and sent it off to my sister-in-law who just had a baby last week.  One cuddly quilt + one sweet new babe = too too cute!

This quilt was made with Peak Hour from Riley Blake Designs. Let me tell you, it is one darling boy line. The pattern is 'little man' from Camille Roskelley's Simplify book. (I LOVE her book.) If you want to learn how to quit this book is for you. Great instructions for quilt construction and lots of great projects. (9 quilts and 4 pillows)  This quilt is great because it only uses four fat quarters and minimal yardage. It also is a very fast quilt.

I ended up fussy cutting this print so the cars would fit perfectly or be just slightly off-center. (While I was sewing, I thought the cars on would also be the perfect size to applique onto some onesies. Another project for another day!)

 

I free motion quilted love how it turned out. I decided on horizontal loops as the pattern and used the white strips in the quilt as my guide.  This helped keep the loops somewhat straight. The backing is solid gray cotton and left over fabrics from the borders and binding. I love how the white quilting pops out on the gray backing.

One cute finished quilt! Done and done.

Happy Monday,

LeAnne

on being mom

I know I don't post about personal things much or at all on this little blog. That is intentional mainly because I have little kiddos and I don't want pictures of them floating around online. Plus my blog is definitely crafty and about my lil' shop so...you catch the drift. However, yesterday I read an article and it really struck a chord with me. And figuring that most of my audience are moms thought that it might be of worth to many of you.

I know as mothers we all have our various struggles but a common one is the trap of comparison. (I think we all just nodded in agreement.) This article over at the Power of Moms, amazing site by the way, reminded me what truly is important in being a mother. Our little ones want us and what we are as their mother. Our kisses, our hugs, and most importantly our time. If you are having a hard day as a mom, head on over there and feel better about your efforts as a mom. I know when I read it I felt relieved that 'Okay, I am not the only one who feels like that!'.  The article is wonderful and I guess has gone viral, having over a million hits in just a few days. (In big thanks to Pinterest, that is how I found out about it.) They also posted a podcast this morning and it has been wonderful listening to it while I have been working around the house today.

Since I read this late last night, I really have thought more about the little things I do with my girls that make me their mother.  Singing songs in bed, telling secrets...mainly just whispering 'I love you!' in their ears and watching them smile, making chocolate chip cookies for no reason (and mom holding back while flour ends up all over my clean kitchen), falling kisses, and saying prayers together in the morning. All those little things are what my girls will remember. They won't remember if I could do their hair perfectly or if they had all the cutest coordinated outfits but they will remember the hugs, the kisses, and all the time I put into teaching and loving them.

So do yourself a favor. Go and feel GOOD about all the efforts you are making in your home to make it a wonderful place for YOUR children. Don't think about what your neighbor is doing or what that blogger is doing for their children. Your children love YOU for who YOU are.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

LeAnne

easter outfits 2012

How in the world is it April? How? Is it just me but is 2012 FLYING by? 

Since Easter was almost a week ago, it is high time I shared the Easter outfits I made for my girls this year.  I couldn't resist so I made my first 'matchy-matchy' sister outfits. I opted for skirts this year and with Riley Blake's new Chevron prints...the skirts were just darling.

I used the Starboard Skirt tutorial for Big Sister's Skirt. (Such an EASY and fun skirt.) Tip: If you plan to tuck in the shirt like I did, measure their waist with a shirt on. Otherwise it will be a little tight around the waist like mine.

I kept it nice and simple for my sweet little babe with just a simple gathered skirt.

I paired the skirts with white shirts already in their wardrobes and Easter Outfits were done and done.

With outfits being so easy this year,  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make some cute hair accessories.

 Love.

Simple and sweet.

In other projects, I finally finished all the pillows for my couches. Yay! (I also finished all the floor length drapes for my family room - 9 panels to be exact - I did victory laps around my house when I finished that joy of a project.)

I am finishing up another quilt and I LOVE it! Finished quilting it last night and couldn't be happier with the outcome. (I am starting to love this whole free motion quilting thing.)

So there you go! Projects. See I am up to something when I don't post! :)

Happy Thursday,

LeAnne