A Quilt for a Cause

So, a few months back (late November maybe?) I was asked to be my daughter's class auction project parent. Of course, I said Yes, but then I had to figure out what this class of 5-7yr olds would be up for. I thumbed through albums of projects past and saw all kinds of neat things, but it was the quilt idea that got me. I do enjoy quilting, but it is definitely one of those things I don't take much time to do...except stocking up on beautiful fabrics of course! I've got a few completed quilts (and a few more in progress) under my belt, and am surrounded by talented sewers/quilters in my family for support, so I sketched out a design/plan, and set to work. I cut out 6.5" squares of muslin and had the kids draw an assortment of sea creatures on them with fabric markers -the auction theme was "Under the Sea". The kids did great! As you can see they had freedom to create an individual environment for their creature...I didn't want them to have to work from a template, kids need to use their imaginations and creativity and it totally worked on this, every block has a story. :) Once those were done, I assembled the quilt with help from my friend KC, who also helped me find the fabulous background fabric (I just love this!). Then (this was the new and exciting part for me), I learned to use a long-arm quilting machine, and freehanded the quilting. It was awesome!! Thanks Liz!


Here is a close-up of my daughter's square. Her creature was a dolphin (the school mascot). I thought she did an amazing job, and look forward to seeing her illustrations progress in the future. The girl is an artist and crafter for sure, and has just about finished her first quilt!

So, when all was said and done, I did my very best to win the quilt back at the auction, none of us wanted to see it leave the house. However, I did not, but three wonderful things happened: the quilt went to a great home, raised a nice sum of money for the school, and made me realize how much I really enjoy quilting -a true treasure! I'm now working on a quilt for my son...Train themed. He's super excited and so am I. I'll attach pics of that as it progresses...

Chick flick anyone?

Okay, okay...so those of you who know me, know that once I get going it's hard to get me to stop yakking, so I'm gonna make another entry, because I'm not quite done for the day. :) My folks were kind and generous enough to take the kids for the weekend, and I got to do something I really enjoy, but really don't get to do very often. I went and saw a movie at the theater -woohoo! Don't get me wrong, I love my Netflix, but there is something about seeing a movie, especially a big budget action movie or an epic/historical drama at the theater. I am such a sucker for a good action flick -my nephew and I went and saw "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". Just what the doctor ordered...so the saying goes. It was great, but for anyone considering taking their kids...the rating PG-13 was spot-on. I would think twice about taking anyone younger. Anyways, I think I'll have to watch the dvd's of the other 3 X-Men movies to follow this one up. Anxious to see what else the summer movie line-up has to offer -pretty sure hubby and I will be seeing the new Harry Potter when it comes out in July, we've seen all the others in the theater.

I think a movie job I would love to do (if I could do it from where I live now) would be to work in Production Design/Art Direction (not totally sure what the differences between the 2 are -feel free to let me know!). A little over a year ago I was flying to Reno for an ACS Leadership Summit via LA, and was sharing an aisle with a family flying down for the Emmy's. Dad/Brother/Husband had been nominated in Production Design for Broken Trail. Of course, I had to Netflix it when I got back home. It was a really good movie, and it had a cool "bonus feature" on the movie production -how cool and creative could that be?!? You get to combine science, anthropology, and art...then watch it onscreen -Nice! All kinds of my favorite things!

Okay I'm done now -kids need to get to bed.

Thank you for indulging me in this "me moment"!

Already?

Wow...time sure can fly!
Well, the answer to my last post/question, is "Yes", he still thanks the cows. Thank goodness!
Although there is something kind of ironic when you thank cows for chocolate soy milk...
We have made it through a dairy-free week, and tomorrow we can start trying to add some things back in and see what happens. *crossing fingers*
I have learned a lot -milk hides in so many places! Thank you to everyone who helped us out with favorite non-dairy products, "secret" dairy words, and more -it is very much appreciated!
So, I know this blog title says "crafting", and I realize there haven't really been many craft projects on here yet, however, the word "craft" can mean to have skill in planning, making, or executing. So...my crafting today included: crafting time for myself to watch a movie while the kids were at school (this is something I NEVER do -Yay me!), crafted a batch each of dairy-free applesauce muffins AND chocolate chip cookies (Yummy!), and I was able to craft a trip to the post office with kids in tow -and everyone survived (thank you Jamba Juice!). :)
As a sidenote, Jamba Juice will make any of their menu items dairy-free, just ask!
So what does that leave me for tomorrow? Well, I should craft some crafts I suppose!
Happy May!
~Nancy