An Apple A Day

Thank you Susan from Between Naps On The Porch for hosting another Metamorphosis Monday.

I made one of those heating pads that you can heat up in the microwave. I cut a design from cotton fabric. Placed and pinned the right sides of the 2 pieces together. Sewed the two pieces together...leaving a small portioned unsewn. Next turn the pieces inside out. The small unsewn opening is where you pour rice, flax seed or spelt into it. I used spelt. Spelt is a grain found in Germany and when heated has an earthy smell to it. It also retains heat and moisture. It's great for an ear ache because of the hint of moisture it produces. Hand stitch or machine stitch the small unsewn opening and presto....you have a heating pad! Place this pad into the microwave for 1 minute and use it for a heating pad or place the pad into a Ziploc plastic bag and put it into the freezer and use it for a cold compress.

After using my new heating pad several times...I thought it would be nice to have a cover for it so I can launder it. I got a little creative and made this cover to go over it. I made it out of fleece and in the back I put a Velcro closure. I now use the original heating pad as an insert for this cover. I put the insert into this cover after heating it in the microwave or cooling it in the freezer.

An apple a day will keep the Doctor away! The great thing about this is that you can make this heating pad into any shape and size. Make it smaller as a 'boo boo buddy' for a child. Kiddies have also been known to cuddle up with this and take this warm pad to bed with them at bedtime. Easy Peasy. ~amy

I Heart My Coat

Thank you Susan from Between Naps On The Porch for hosting another wonderful Metamorphis Monday.

Last week I was just about to run out the door. When I went to grab my favorite fall coat that I had not worn since last year...I couldn' t believe what I saw before my eyes!

Moth holes!!!! I just about went into a tizzy! Without putting to much thought into scrapping my favorite coat. I decided instantly that I will salvage it some how. I went to the store and bought some fabric and double faced fusable webbing.

I made myself a patch. A heart symbolizing how much I love my coat. I think I love it even more now. No more ugly, hiddious moth holes.! ~amy

Shutters With Fabric Inserts

This is what Kurt and I have been working on. I wanted shutters with fabric inserts for my studio. I found out pricing them was not an easy task. I guess there is not a huge demand for shutters with fabric inserts these days, but I have always liked the look. I decided after getting several estimates...that they were way to expensive for someone else to make. I thought I bet I can design these. Actually...constructing them is a different matter though. I am not good with a hammer and nails. I mentioned to my husband what I was planning and he kind of looked at me confused...bewildered and certainly was wondering what I was getting him into. He eventually caved. He made the frames, did all the staining and hinged them together and hinged them on to the window frame...and I like. I also put a shelf above the window for my knick knacks.

Here are the finished shutters. I really liked how they came out. ~amy

Metamorphosis Monday & Giveaway Winner

Thank you Between Naps On The Porch for hosting this Metamorphosis Monday.

I can't believe what a difference a year makes. This was a photo taken of our yard last year.

Now look at the after photo! Thanks to Mother Nature and Jason the landscaper, a much needed private, functional and beautiful space was created. I have to thank my husband Kurt for thinking of taking the before photo. Something we always mean to do before we start a project but never get around to actually doing it. Not this time! Thanks Jason from Showalter's Landscaping for your vision and hard labor!! Click on to the picture for a larger view. ~amy

Kitten Mitten

Stitch by stitch....I embroiderd a kitten motif for a change.

Have a great day!

~amy

oliver + s Children's Clothes Patterns

I ordered this pattern and couldn't wait to show you! I was very excited when I saw these images on the cover of the oliver + s patterns from http://www.oliverands.com/ . I love anything nostalgic. Each pattern contains adorable garments to sew and a cut out paper doll with clothes to boot! The cut out dolls are illustrated by Dan Andreasen illustrator of the American Girl books. Each cut out doll is sure to provide a fun activity for your little one ....enabling you to sew your child's adorable outfit! I ordered this pattern so I can display the cover of the pattern and paper dolls in my studio.  ~amy

Ribbons And Bows

Here are a few things I've been working on. I'll be adding some more matching pieces. ~amy

I've Got Something New Up My Sleeve

I'll be working in the studio for the most part of the day. I've been waking up at night thinking about designs in my head. I need to go in the studio and finally work on them or I will not get a good nights sleep until I do. I hope I like what I've been mustering up in my head and I hope you have a creative and productive day! ~amy

Baby Reindeer Christmas Stocking

Here is the finished design I made from the inspiration piece I previously posted of the ceramic baby deer. I think the embroidery came out cute. ~amy

Bunny, Bunny, Bunny

Here's a blanket I have been working on. I was thinking of doing it in blue and green also. I just do not feel this design is a "done deal" yet. It needs a little bit more of this and a little less of that. I've got a few more ideas. I'll keep you posted. ~amy

Inspiration Piece

Here is the inspiration for a new design I am getting ready to start. I just picked her up at the antique mall yesterday. Is she not the cutest baby deer? Remember this is only an inspiration piece! The design of the finished product may not be what you are expecting. The photo reveals a few clues of what will be. I'll show you the finished product in a few days. ~amy