Christmas Decorating Santa Style

     When I decorate I do every room in my house including the bathrooms.  My collection of Santas are in my powder room.  The centerpiece of the display is a Santa from my grandmother.  I remember it standing in her living room every year.  I have no idea how old it is.  Surrounding him are some inexpensive potted silk poinsettias and a small tree that I bought when I went away to college.  The tree is falling apart but with some poinsettia blossoms and bows tucked in it looks fine.

     On the shelf where watering cans and birdhouses normally reside I have placed some more Santas.  There are a couple of pairs of salt and pepper shakers in the mix.

     Even the window gets a few Santas.  The one sitting on the window is soft so if he falls when opening or closing the shade no harm will be done.

     Here is the sink all decked out with a Santa soap dispenser, towels, tissue box cover (that my husband's aunt made) and some door knob hangers on the drawer pulls.  I also am sure to include a nativity set in every room, this one is just a small plastic one that won't be harmed by soap and water.

   

     And last but not least is the toilet.  A fun lid cover and rug dress it up while another Santa perches on top.  My friend Ellen made him for me.  A few more Santas are perched around the room also.  Just a fun way to display my collection of Santas.  How do you display your holiday themed collections?

Holiday Decorating w/ Teddy Bears

    When decorating for the holidays, choose a theme.  It makes it easier to shop for decorations.  In our entry and foyer I have chosen the theme of teddy bears.  Since the entryway is the first thing people see, make it attractive by adding a few decorations without adding clutter.

    Here I removed the decorations that are there everyday and replaced them with a teddy bear runner and two bears dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus.  A miniature tree and some presents round out the scene.

     The next thing one sees as they continue into the house is this table with a teddy bear nativity set and some more festive bears.  I imagine our grandson will have fun with them this year.

     Completing the foyer decorating is the tree with teddy bear ornaments and even a teddy bear angel at the top.  Using a slim line tree allows it to not take up too much room in the foyer.  Having multiple Christmas trees around the house allows you to integrate a color scheme for that room.

     And heading up the stairs from the foyer are more teddy bears.  By having them all together they create a fun theme instead of just clutter.

"Thanksgiving" 2013

Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce

     We celebrated Thanksgiving this past Sunday with my husband's side of the family.  We started the day doing the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot.  My husband and I did the 10K along with our daughter while our son and daughter-in-law did the 5K.  Our other son came to cheer us on while our son-in-law stayed home with our grandson who had a croupy cough.

Green Beans Gremolata

     It was a cold morning, about 12-15 degrees but sunny and little wind.  My husband paced our daughter-in-law for the first half of her run while I paced our daughter who hasn't raced or even run much since a half-marathon in April 2012.  With pregnancy, bedrest and some postpartum surgery she hasn't been able to do much running.  We wound up doing it in 1:04:40 which wasn't bad all things considered.  My husband came in just over an hour.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

     

     Then it was on to I-Hop for breakfast.  They were all out of hot chocolate so afterwards we stopped at Starbucks for some hot chocolate.  How can you not have hot chocolate?

Cornbread Dressing

     The home for showers and getting ready for company.  I had cooked all day before so it was mostly final cooking and making biscuits.  I had put a couple of pork roasts in the crockpot with apple juice, onions, cinnamon and basil before heading out to the race.  They smelled so good when we walked in.

Buttermilk Biscuits

     My son and his wife picked up my mom from her new place in Palatine.  Our son-in-law came with our grandson.  My sisters-in-law came, one with her hubby and the other with her daughter (her hubby and son had to work).  My son's mother-in-law also came.  We had 14 for dinner.

Apple Crostata

     We had the pork roasts with roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, cornbread dressing, green beans gremolata, maple-orange cranberry salad, and buttermilk biscuits.  It was all delicious except the biscuits didn't raise and were not all that tasty.  Probably won't make them again.  The sisters-in-law provided the salad and wine.

Cinnamon Swirl Sweet Potato Cheesecake

     For dessert we had apple crostata and cinnamon swirl sweet potato cheesecake.  The cheesecake didn't quite turn out as swirled but it was delicious!

     Very thankful for a wonderful family.  Happy Thanksgiving!

November Kids Sewing

Nonie and her notions bag

     The kids have been busy this month. In Monday's class, Nonie finished a notions bag and started on some polka dot pajama pants.  Kate finished her blue floral peasant blouse while her sister Christine finished her plaid pajama pants.  Christine took the time to lay out the pattern to match the plaid and then spent lots of time pinning.  They turned out great.

Kate and her peasant blouse

Christine and her beautifully matched plaid pajama pants

     In Tuesday's class, Julia is working on a sparkly gray tank top.  Hayley almost finished her round neck blouse, just needs the ribbon and label.  Najiyah finished her first two sewing projects, a sewing bag and a belt, and started cutting out some plaid pajama pants.  I helped her with the layout so she also can match her plaid.  Greta is nearly done with her white ribbed tank top.

Najiyah and her sewing bag and belt

     In Wednesday's class Lindsey finished her first two sewing projects, the bag and belt while Natalie is almost done with her bag.  Ellen finished her brown sparkly sport shirt while Cara is working on the same shirt but with long sleeves in a beautiful turquoise knit.

Lyndsey and her dewing bag and belt

Ellen and her sport shirt

     In Thursday's class Nick finished a pair of sweatpants and Bella is working on her musical notes peasant blouse.  Aviva is working on a pair of polka dot pajama pants while Maddie is starting on some fun penguin pajama pants.

Nick and his sweatpants

     We have a few more classes before we take a break in December.  I am going to be traveling to Charlotte NC to take a week of classes myself.  I love teaching and learning.

Maddie so excited with her bag and belt

Race Season

     Our race season is finally over.  Our last big race was the Miami Man Half Iron Duathlon.  The race consisted of a 1 mile run followed by a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.  We spent many weekends biking and running including doing our first century bike ride.

     We chose to fly to Miami so that meant we had to ship our bikes.  Our local bike shop M&M Cyclery where we bought our bikes packed them up and shipped them to a shop in Florida for us.  A few days before the race there was only one bike confirmed as delivered to the shop. After several phone calls with the shop and FedEx it was found that the bike was delivered but the driver forgot to get a signature.

     Two days before the race we headed to the bike shop and test drove our reassembled bikes.  Only one minor adjustment needed to be done to my bike.  On the day before the race we headed to the expo and retrieved our bikes from the dealer there.  We got them set up in transition and covered the chains because rain was expected.

     The morning of the race we had hard rain several times during our drive to the race start.  Fortunately it let up by the time we got there.  We got everything set up in transition and then did our warm-up.  Then it was finally race time.  We watched a few waves of the swimmers start and then it was our turn.  The first mile went well, my husband and I ran together.  Took me a bit of time in transition, I was nervous to go out on the bike.  It was drizzling off and on at this time and the roads were still wet.

     I started a little slow just to get a feel for how the bike was going to handle the wet conditions.  I was glad we had driven the course the day before so I had some idea as what to expect.  The road was pretty smooth and very little elevation change.  The rain stopped but then the wind started to pick up and we had a head wind for the last leg back to transition.  That was a challenge.

     By the time the run started it was hot and sunny.  I started running the first loop but by 4 miles I was run/walking.  The second loop I just fast walked the whole way even passing some people that were running.

     My husband beat me and took first in his age group.  I took second in my age group.  Except for some sunburn and raw spots I am feeling pretty good.  I really have to thank everyone at TFP, The Fitness Pursuit, for all their support but especially Lauri Robinson out trainer.

     It was a long training season but all in all I think it went well and we are both thinking of doing more.  Just have to figure out how it will work out with the family.  I don't want to spend too much time away for the kids and grandson.

Sewing October 2013

Nick and his nightshirt

     After getting back from Hawaii sewing classes are back in full swing.  The newer students are finishing up their sewing bags and belts while the others are finishing up some projects also.

Nonie and her notions bag

     On Monday, Nonie finished her notions bag and started work on some polka dot pajama pants.  Kate is almost done with her peasant blouse while Christine is nearly finished with her plaid pajama pants.  She has done a great job matching the plaid.

     On Tuesday, Julia was back after being sick last week.  She is working on a tank top that is a sparkle knit.  Hayley is working on a blouse and Greta is making a tank top out of a rib knit.  Najiyah finished her sewing bag and belt and started to lay out the pattern for some pajama pants.

Najiyah and her bag and belt

     Nick is working on some sweat pants with a knit cuff at the bottom While Ellen and Cara are working knit sport tops.  Lyndsey and Natalie are almost ready to start on their first clothing projects as well as Aviva and Maddie.

Hawaii Trip

     A few weeks ago my husband and I went to Hawaii for the first time.  Our trainer had qualified to run the Kona Ironman and we decided that it was a good excuse to visit Hawaii.

     We flew into Honolulu where his cousin met us at the airport.  We spent 4 days there.  His cousin took us many places on the island including the Dole plantation and Pearl Harbor.  Because of the government shutdown the USS Arizona was closed but we had a wonderful talk on the pier next to the USS Missouri.

     John and I walked to Diamond Head and then hiked up to the top.  Some spectacular views from up there.

     Then we flew to Kona for 6 days.  We visited a winery, saw the black beach and the white beach.  Never made it to the green beach, started out too late in the day.  Went to the southernmost bakery in the US and also the southernmost point in the US.

    On race day we went to the start of the swim, then back to where we were staying and walked to the top of the resort where we cheered on the bikers and our coach.  Then we spent some time by the pool before heading into town for lunch and the first of the runners.  We then headed to an aid station where we worked for about 4 hours and also cheered on our coach.  After our shift was finished we headed to the finish line to watch her cross.  We stayed there until midnight where the course was officially closed.  How inspiring to cheer on those last athletes.

     We took a helicopter tour of the volcanoes because the park was closed.  Disappointed that there wasn't any flowing lava to see.  All in all we had a great time and would love to go back.

October is Here

     I put in a lot of overtime last week but I finally got these done.  I had 6 long panels and 2 short panels to make with goblet pleats.  They were just a single width of material but the challenge was the 27 inch repeat and the request that the flowers mirror each other.  Once I figured out my cuts the sewing was actually quite easy.  The fabric was easy to work with though it tended to fray.  They are lined with a flannel backed lining to give them some extra fullness.  These are going to definitely amp up the style in the client's kitchen and eating area.

     Next on the plate were some quilt blocks.  The client had gotten frustrated with the half square triangles in the corners.  Nothing seemed to go together right for her.  It turns out that it appeared that she traced her pieces, added seam allowances and then sewed them together, sort of on the line.  None of the pieces were the same size.  She had the center columns sewn and the rectangle blocks for the outer columns.

     I wound up taking everything apart.  First I cut the center squares to size.  Then I joined the medium and light blue rectangles together and cut them to size.  I sewed up the center columns and then started on the end columns.  I sewed together the triangles and carefully pressed them so as not to stretch the bias.  Then I cut them to size.  After that things went together easily.

     The client just picked them up and she is thrilled with them.  I gave her a few pointers on putting on the sashing and also some tips to make things easier next time.

     After school classes are going well.  Nonie finished her blouse and is now working on a notions bag.  Kate is working on her peasant blouse.  Poor Christine was out with strep.  Julia found some cool gray knit fabric with sparkles for her tank top,  Hayley had to miss because of a doctor's appointment.  Najiyah is starting on her sewing bag.  Greta finished her water bottle kosy and cut out her tank top.  Lyndsey and Natalie are also working on their sewing bags.  Cara is working on a pair of microfleece pants that are going to be so cosy for the cooler temps.  Ellen was sick last week.  I taught Nick how to shorten a pair of dress pants that he needed for a special event last weekend while Bella worked on her peasant blouse.  Aviva and Maddie are also working on sewing bags.  Lots of sewing going on here.

     This past weekend my husband and I had long runs on Saturday and then a brick workout of a 40 mile bike followed by a 8 mile run.  Starting to build up the miles here.  Friday we have a 1 mile run followed by a 50 mile bike and a 10 mile run.  Getting ready for Miami-Man half iron duathlon.

     Sunday afternoon we made freezer meals.  By daughter, her hubby and baby came as well as my son and his wife and my son-in-law's brother and his wife.  Our son from Iowa also came in.  So while the guys watched football in the basement us ladies put together 13 meals for the freezer.  We had split up the vegetable prep so things went together pretty well.  It was still after 3 by the time we finished but lots of good meals to look forward to.

September Fun

     Just a quick post today.  The after school classes are going well.  Finally heard from my missing Monday girl's mom.  It turns out she now has another commitment that day.  I offered the spot to another girl but she has guitar lessons that day.  I now have one opening in my classes.

     The kids are all working hard on their projects.  Unfortunately Julia didn't come yesterday, she didn't have the proper fabric for her project.  I'm not sure she will have enough time before the fashion show to get the top made now.

      My husband and I did our first century bike ride.   It was actually 104 miles.  The day was cool but sunny with just a bit of a breeze.  We did the first 57 miles at a fairly steady clip without any rest stops.  The last part we took advantage of the rest stops enjoying home baked goodies, fruit and refilling the water bottles.

     We were however quite disappointed with the food at the end.  Just some old bagels with either peanut butter or cream cheese and some fruit.  Oh well.  Next up is all the training for our half-iron duathlon in Miami.

First Week of After School Classes

Bella and her coin purse

     The first week of after school sewing got off to a rough start like I wrote last week.  However Wednesday and Thursday went much better.  All the children showed up.

     On Mondays I have Nonie, Kate, Christine and Elise.  Kate and Christine are sisters.  Christine has been with me for over a year and Kate took beginning sewing over the summer.  Nonie took beginning sewing the previous summer and now joined us for after school sewing.  It turns out Nonie and Kate know each other from school so that is fun for them.  Elise has not shown up and I have emailed and called.  If she doesn't show again I will open her spot for another child.

     On Tuesdays I have Julia, Hayley, Najiyah and Greta.  Julia has been with me for a couple of years now.  She loves to sew with unusual fabrics and keeps me on my toes trying to help her.  Hayley and Greta have been with me for a little over a year while Najiyah just started yesterday.  She took Izzy's spot when Izzy had to drop out because of a scheduling conflict.  Najiyah had some sewing experience over the summer so she is quickly picking up the machine here.  She will be ready to start on her sewing bag next week.

Greta and her coin purse

     Wednesday I have Lindsey, Natalie, Ellen and Cara.  Lindsey and Natalie are new to sewing and are just getting used to using a sewing machine.  Ellen and Cara, who are good friends, have been with me for a little over a year.  Ellen is working on a blouse for herself after sewing a knit top at the end of last year for her sister.  It was a quite complicated top but she did a great job.  Now another sister wants her to make one for her.

     Thursday I have Nick, Bella, Aviva and Maddie.  Nick took lessons over the summer and is working on a top, Bella finished her coin purse from summer camp.  Aviva took lessons with her mom over a year ago so she is just getting back into sewing.  Her mom wanted her to make another sewing bag for practice before starting on some garments.  Maddie is friends with Aviva and Bella and is just starting to sew.

     Four days of classes makes for a very full week but I love sharing my love of sewing with the kids.  They bring so much enthusiasm to class.

After School Classes Starting Back Up

Julia and her layered skirt

    My after school classes started back up on Monday.  It has been a bit of a rough start.  I have four classes and all are full, at least I thought they were.

     First I get an email from Julia's mom that she won't be able to come on her scheduled day, Tuesday, because of a track meet.  She asked if she could drop in another day.  I had to tell her that was impossible since all my days are full.  A few hours later I get a phone call from one of my other mms that one of her daughters is sick and won't be able to make it that afternoon, Monday.

     I shot off a quick email to Julia's mom to tell her I now have an opening and Julia is welcome to come.  That worked out well and Julia finally finished her layered skirt that she had been working on for most of the spring.  She was really happy to have finished it.

     One of my new girls did not show up Monday and I have not heard from her mom at all.  I'm hoping that things are okay.

     On Tuesday I got an email from another mom that her daughter was sick and not going to be able to make it to class.  At the appointed time Greta shows up and starts to work on the project she didn't finish during summer camp.  We keep waiting for Izzy to show up but she never does.

     I send off another email inquiry regarding a missing student and then decide to send a reminder email to the rest of my students.  I'm sure with the start of school and the crazy hot weather we are having that the emails I sent out a week ago were lost in the shuffle.  Hoping to have my full sets of students the next two days.

     My husband and I are gearing up for our century bike ride in 11 days.  This past Sunday we did 90 miles with a break for a chocolate shake at around 50 miles.  I'm hoping the weather will cooperate for our 100 miler.

Sewing Disaster (Kind of)

     We had a challenge from our ASG (American Sewing Guild) neighborhood group to take a denim shirt and remake it.  I had provided the shirts, items I bought that I was going to embroider and sell.  We each paid $5 for a shirt with the money being used to buy fabric for our charity sewing projects.

     I saw this blouse remake on Pinterest.  The site is from Freshly Given.  I thought it was so neat looking and would make a fun summer top.

      Here is the denim shirt I started with.  I really liked the 'velvet' trim.

     The first thing I did was remove the sleeves.  Then I fitted the shirt at the side seams.  This was a bit of trial and error since I didn't have anyone to help pin it on me.  After a couple of tries I got the side seams fitting well.

    Next was the challenge of shaping the back and front cutouts.  I started by cutting away a bit at a time so I wouldn't go too deep in.  Finally I got what I thought was a pleasing shape front and back but then came the next challenge.

     The front was gaping too much at the arm hole.  With the pocket in place it was hard to do much more shaping.  I sewed a few tucks in and that helped the gape but I didn't like the look.  I waited a few days to see if I could come up with something better but nothing seemed to work.  By now I had cut off so much that there wasn't enough fabric left to make a blouse.  Plan B to the rescue.

     I pulled this pattern out from my stash.  I have made several of theses and really like them.  Of course I didn't have enough fusible fleece to make a full size one so I adjusted my measurements.

    I used the right and wrong sides of the fabric in the alternating strips and the 'velvet' from the cuff for the center strip.  A zipper and rickrack from my stash were all I needed to complete this cute bag.

     Certainly nothing like the blouse I had envisioned but perhaps another day and another blouse.

Circle Quilts

Book used for the quilts

     We had a challenge last month in our ASG neighborhood group to do something with circles.   I had two quilts that I had started as class samples that I never finished.  I decided now was the time to finish them.

Cherry wall hanging

     The first is a wallhanging (shown here sideways) made using a cherry batik fabric.  Besides the circles I also cut out strips.  This technique looks really difficult but it isn't that hard.  When the book calls for just eight pins to hold the circle in place they are right.

Detail of borders

     For the borders I used two different widths of the cherry fabric separated by a 1/4" strip of black fabric.  I used a technique I learned in a class several years ago that involves using a larger strip and sewing the 1/4" seam allowance from the previous seam allowance to get the even 1/4" piece.

Circle of cherries label

     And of course I always add a label.  This embroidery design is from Embroidery Library.  I do a much better job of getting labels on my quilts than I do with the journaling of them.

Baby quilt

     The second one I finished was a baby quilt with the traditional pink and blue but a little black and lime green for interest.  It is hard to see but those colors are in the background fabric.  This one I just used a series of circles.  Since I am not very good at the quilting part I just did stitch in the ditch quilting on both of them.

Detail of mixed fabric binding

     I didn't have enough of the more pastel fabrics left to do the binding in just one color so I decided to use the blue, pink and stripe in alternating strips.  It makes for a fun look.

Circles of fun baby quilt label

     For the label I used my software to digitize five circles and use different fills for them to mimic the placement of the fabric circles on the front.

     It was fun to finish a couple of projects.  Now I have to think about the window treatments for our bathroom.  They are getting closer to finishing the remodel and I need to do my work.