Our Christmas Day!

So, about 7:00 pm Christmas Eve, Ruger came running into the living room completely paranoid that Santa was going to burn up when he came down our chimney. At first his concern was just with the presents and then the longer he thought about it, the more frightened he became. So we sat him down and explained that daddy would make sure the fireplace was a comfortable temperature for Santa. And that we did. We made our cookies, Santa ate a few and the dog ate the rest.

About 5:30 am we all woke up to make sure our presents were safe...this was the first picture Jason captured...Isn't it lovely?Sawyer was a little more awake...

To my dismay, there was not a single lump of coal. Instead there was a leapster 2, a tool bench, transformers, the list goes on...these little guys must have behaved pretty well this year! Though they certainly are a little goofy!

I think this was the most exciting year for us so far with our children. They both understood really well what was going on and who Santa was. Their happiness and expressions were priceless throughout the whole day.

I stepped outside for only a brief moment, you can see why I came back in.

And then this photo was snapped last weekend at Jason's little brother's Homecoming from South Korea. I know, another family photo!

I hope your Christmas was fantastic as well!

Hey There Blue Eyes!

This little guy...

is sick and tired of the camera. Can you tell?

She's Back!

This is a terrible picture because we took it with my phone, but who cares! Roni's back! It's been four long lonely months without my sidekick. We're talking solo trips to the grocery store, Grey's Anatomy by myself, boring sewing nights, too much soda, and 3,400 texts a month. Pathetic, I know. But for the next few weeks there will be lots of shopping, play dates with the kids, Christmas, and still too much soda! We went to Roni's little sister-in-law's reception tonight (as shown above) and guess who I met? Bonnie! Can you believe that? I know I'm so lame, but I was so nervous. It was good to get it out of my system before market though...now I can be calm and collected (yeah right)!

New Patterns!

Wahoo! I'm so excited to release these next two patterns. One of them you've seen before, but now you can have the pattern yourself and the other one is brand new and I am sooo excited to call it mine! If you're not a black and white fan, I'm very sorry, because I simply cannot resist these fabrics when I shop. This first bag is called Simply Legendary:

It's complete, with a cell pocket, keys pocket, double pocket (for sippy cups and such), and a larger pocket for planners or diapers, etc. Pattern also includes instructions for 43" handles or 53" handles, photos, and pattern pieces.

And THEN there's the Fabulous Bags Pattern, complete with instructions for two different bags. Options are endless: wide straps, skinny straps, two flaps, one flaps, bow tie, buttons, large bag, small bag, the choices are up to you and the patterns come with everything to guide you.Patterns can be found in My Etsy, located on my sidebar or in your local quilt shop!

Grateful

For the first time, we hosted Thanksgiving at our house with Jason's family. We had lots of fun, lots of food, and little black Friday shopping! What more could you ask for? We were even able to sneak in a quick family shot before the boys lost their patience. I'm so grateful for this little family of mine. They keep my super busy and a little crazy.

I'm a fan!

When Ruger was a baby he didn't really like car rides or going to sleep in his crib. I had purchased Carrie Underwood's first album and was listening to it in the car when I noticed that he had stopped screaming and shortly after that he'd fallen asleep. At first I was certain it was all about my timing, but then time after time he would just stop crying and listen to her. One time he was playing in the family room and she came on TV, he climbed into the laundry basket on the floor and just sat and watched until she was done singing. People never believed us when we said her music could calm him down--they'd be shocked to see that she was indeed our saving grace his first two years of life...now he doesn't really care who's on the radio he's going to do what he wants, but occassionally he'll sing along.
For this reason I will always be a Carrie fan. I was going to purchase her new album, but was given strict instruction via text to just be patient. On Saturday Play On arrived in the mail with some seriously good treats. We spent the rest of the day in the kitchen cooking and dancing to "Undo It!"

Thanks Roni!

Benson and Claire

I remember when I was 10 years old and my parents and I were still debating my future with ELL surgeries. I was sitting by my mom in the bathroom while she was fixing her hair and I asked, "How will you pay for it?"
She responded by saying, "We'll sell the house if we have to."
For some families, selling their home just won't cut it. When I read this story I couldn't stop myself from tearing up and I've watched this auction go for the past few days and have been blown away by people's generosity. Just as I was when we raised money for Shriners...those little $5 donations added up quickly! These children need help and the strength of a community to get them through, so stop by and donate if you can or bid if you're looking for a super cute quilt--its the same one I'm working on right now...I love it! I don't know this family personally and I don't know Camille either (I just stalk her ;), but I think they could really use our help.

Team Work!

Around here the only way to get stuff done, is by doing it together. We finished the living room, the boys bedroom, and now we're on to our bedroom! The boys are helping with the texturing here. They love helping daddy!

And then a couple of Halloween shots for the Grandmas!

Fine, cookies were easier!

Sooo...I was so proud of myself for having the preschool treats done early! Days in advance, those little sacks were packed and tied and then...a note comes home that says every child needs to bring candy to share with their classmates...meaning my little candy bags weren't going to cut it for the class treat! Grrrr.... Now I have to make another treat. Can you imagine the cavaties? After a quick google search, I settled on spider cookies. I didn't actually read their recipe, I just made the chocolate cake cookies and added m&ms and licorice. So there's a treat and Ruger will have his little candy bags to hand out to all of the kids. And FOR the record, my cookies took 35 minutes and the candy totes took 1 hour...I guess Ashlee was right!

Halloween? Already?

I keep waiting to catch a breath, hoping my days will slow down just for a little while so I can catch up on everything, but it's not happening. I feel like everything is moving so quickly and my boys are just growing up so fast. Last week was filled with pumpkin patches and costume hunting...we've finally settled on Batman and Spiderman...they are sooo excited! Sawyer said, "I love you mum!" for the first time and Ruger, I think is starting to read (either he's learning or memorizing...I'll keep you posted). Between pre-school and play school, friends and the remodel, we're getting into the swing of things and we can finally count down the days to Roni's arrival for Christmas break....super excited! BTW, received this incredible package from her the other day--packed with chocolate and my favorite Amy Butler bag!We are in charge of treats for Ruger's class and this is what we came up with, it's not incredible, but it's done! That's all I can ask for anymore. I used the scraps from the Hallween totes, it worked out quite nice. Each bag is a 7" by 14" piece of fabric, sewn up each edge, with the corners squared off and then we filled them with candy and tied them with ribbon. Easier than baking cookies!

Cute faces.

It's so hard to catch a good picture of my boys. I always have to chase them down. They like to gang up on me and tease me, silly boys!
I love how completely opposite they are in both their personalities and their looks.

Housewarming Recipe!

I have to start by saying thank you so much Ashley for hosting me on your blog and sharing all of your wonderful readers with me! I just can't believe the response...we've had over 1,000 enteries in my giveaway and I'm just thrilled. Very anxious to find out who the winner will be...BTW, I read all of your responses and read all of those blog posts you wrote...you are all too sweet! Thank you! And more than anything welcome to my blog. If you were all here in my home I would make you some incredibly delicious cinnamon rolls, but since you're not I will share the recipe with you.

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Betsy and it's simply delightful and simple. It's a 30 minute recipe (or if you're slow like me it will take you an hour). Still not bad for rolls though, right?

30 Minute Rolls:

Mix together and let rise for 5 minutes until bubbly:

• 3 1/2 cups warm water
• 6 TBSP instant yeast
• 1 cup oil
• 3/4 cups sugar

ADD:

• 1 TBSP salt
• 3 eggs, beaten
• approx. 8-10 cups flour

Mix well and roll out. Form into crescent rolls and let rise for 15 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until the inside is cooked.

You can also use this dough as pizza dough, bread dough, cinnamon rolls, or orange rolls. So many options and so easy to do! It makes a lot...we did 3 dozen large cinnamon rolls!

Thanks for stopping by and come again!

Buy 2, Get 1 Free

Buy 2 patterns, Get 1 FREE!

So here's the deal, go to my Etsy shop, purchase 2 patterns

and then send me an email with your choice for a 3rd pattern

and I'll throw it in your package for FREE!

Way to Easy!

Clearly my hints were way to easy! I should have known that the backyard kitchen would have given it away. I think it's safe to declare Kathy our winner out of the whopping three that participated (thanks girls). Kathy, just email me to claim your prize! She guessed it right away with Paula Deen! Can you believe that? I was so excited, I even told the lady at the post office! Classy, I know. Can you blame me though...it's Paula Deen! She's incredible! I suppose I also haven't been very secretive about my Food Network passion...I can't cook very well, but I do love that channel.
I also wanted to address two questions that I've been receiving a lot of lately.
1.) Where do you buy your fabric?
I buy it everywhere! I've been lucky to have so many quilt shops in my area with high
quality fabrics, but I also love to shop online. Quilt Expressions is a great online store and Etsy is always a winner. If you know your designer just type in the name and the options are endless. I prefer Etsy over Ebay by a long shot! Etsy owners seem to take a little more pride in their shops and the care of their product. The black and white fabric that I made Paula Deen's bag out of is by Free Spirit and then I just found some reds that I loved to go with it.
2.) What's your best piece of advice for someone just getting started?
Never, never, never give up! Be patient and take care of your family...the rest will fall into place.

Play Along!

I've been a little excited these past few weeks and trying to keep my composure and not get too crazy. Recently I had the wonderful opportunity of making this glam bag for someone super fantastic! I just got word back that she received it and I'm as excited as can be! Yippee! I thought it would be fun if we played a little game to see if you can guess who might possible own this bag. I'll start with a couple of subtle hints and if no one guess I'll add more as time goes on. There may be a little prize for the lucky winner in the end so play along and tell your friends too...Also watch for us on the Make and Love It website this week!
Hints:

1.) This person has appeared on Oprah a few times!

2.) She also has a kitchen in her backyard! :)

Trick or Treat Bags

FTM (Forgot to Mention): I didn't know these little totes would be so popular! Oh my! I've received several questions as to whether or not you can buy the bags and the answer is YES! Of course you can! If you'd like one sewn up for you they are $14 each. Email me to get on the list! Hurry, though fabric may be limited.

I just love Halloween, don't you? I made these little bags for my kids and they just love them. Ruger calls it his "cat bag". The patterns will list in my Etsy store next week, but if you'd like to pre-order you can and you'll be the first to receive them! They're $5 individually or you can buy them together for $9. Just send me an email and I'll add you to my list!

My Favorite Pasta Salad.

I was treating myself to this pasta salad tonight because my husband won't be home for dinner (he likes it a little, but really he's more of a meat and potatoe kind of guy) and I thought I'd share. I lived on this all four years of college. My once BFF, now sister-in-law (being sisters rocks) gave me the recipe and I still can't get enough of it. It's even better the day after. It's great as a side dish, or if you're like me, just eat it for dinner with a diet coke!

Bow Tie Chicken Pasta

• 1 package of bow tie pasta
• 1-2 chicken breasts
• 1 jar of sundried tomatoes
• parmesean cheese
• garlic salt

Cook your pasta and chicken. Shred chicken and stir together the first three ingredients. Add cheese and garlic salt to taste. Makes a lot.

I don't fish...

But my mom does! Every year my parents go on a fishing trip to Alaska, and this year they started allowing the kids to come in clusters (lol). My mom was texting me this morning, when suddenly this photo popped up with the phrase, "Check out the fish I just landed"! She had caught this fish (while texting me) all on her own! That's my adorable brother Brett with her!

My Etsy Shop

Go check out my Etsy shop for more fun products like this one...bags and patterns!

This Weekend...

$10 off all Fabulous bags!

$10 off all Jumbo Glam bags!

$5 off everything else.

(This offer does not apply to TS patterns, wallets, diaper packs, or accessory pouches)

Meet Katie!

We're quickly approaching Sawyer's 2nd Birthday and it's amazing to me to look at just how far we've come. Since Sawyer's diagnosis we've had the craziest ride of our lives, but things really seem to be settling down. Even though I have Achondroplasia myself, it was still such a shock when Sawyer was born and I new quickly that I needed support. I remember getting online and googling "Achondroplasia moms" and suddenly I was introduced into a whole new world of mothers...well, friends now. One of which that I stumbled across is Katie. When I was doing the fundraiser for Shriners Katie offered her support by designing an entire blog for me. And since then, she's created my TS blog design, which I looove!
My goal on this blog isn't just to sell patterns and bags, but it's also to help mothers see that everyone has something that they're going through and with that we all have talents to share.

This is Katie's story:

I've always been a craft person growing up! I loved to scrapbook since high school. After having my son Cole and finding out he has achondroplasia I was sort of thrown into a whole new world. I was introduced to the blogging community through another mom with an achondroplasia child. I decided to give it [blogging] a try and the rest is history. I'm completely self taught and have spent many hours learning about blog design. I still have so much to learn, but I completely love it! As I said before my husband and I have one son named Cole. He was born with a skeletal dysplasia called Achondroplasia, which is the most common form of dwarfism. We were completely shocked to find out half way through my pregnancy that there was a big possibility that our child would be a little person. Does it run in our family? No. 80% of all cases of Achondroplasia are babies born to average height adults. There was a gene mutated at conception which caused Cole to have this condition. We love him so much and he has opened the door to a whole new world to us. I have countless numbers of friends with people I would have never known. It's a great community and we call ourselves family.
So go check out her blog, the Polka Dot Pig, shop around, and while you're there grab her button!

Quilting? Seriously?

Dear Readers,
Let me explain something...Quilting and sewing a bag are two entirely different things. As most of you know, I purchased my first quilt pattern the other day and decided to give it a go. While I sit in my sewing room and stare at these tiny little squares that I just spent hours cutting out, I wonder if I will ever finish this. It's slowly becoming adorable. And I love the fact that I have only used scraps so far. But it's a lot like doing a puzzle, whereas sewing a bag is more like fixing something. Roni is texting me, "haha's" every 5 minutes, but I know that I will push through this. I will get this done! And it will be look amazing hanging in my living room...I hope...maybe...please?
Also, I whipped this up the other day. This bag has been a hit with the moms out there. The size-versatility seems to really work in our favor! Watch for the pattern this fall!

Looking Up

Let's start by saying that I can't even remember what's happened this week. I've had telephone conversations and email discussions that I simply didn't even know I had. If you know me then you know that every year about this time, something totally crazy and expensive happens in our home...surgery or operations of some sort. EVERY YEAR!
2005 I had Ruger c-section,
2006 I had my gallbladder removed,
2007 I had Sawyer c-section,
2008 Ruger had his tonsils removed,
2009 I had knee surgery (something with my knee cap and tendons and such). I don't even ask anymore, I just say, "Fix it, so I can move on with life!" Granted, the babies are much more than operations and such, but it's just how everything falls right into place. I think Jason and I are just being reminded that we need to slow down and appreciate what we have. Anyway, my knee is well on its way to recovery, my children are taking complete advantage of having Grandma and Grandpa K. in town, and I'm anxious to get in the sewing groove again. I just bought my first quilt pattern (Pint-Sized by Thimble Blossoms) and I am so excited to start! My living room is in desperate need of coziness and I thought a quilt would be the perfect solution. Wish me luck on my new adventure!

A Glimpse...

This is my sewing space. I haven't had this room for more than just a few months. It started out as a nursery for Ruger, but since then we've had to rearrange our sleeping arrangements. There's another room in our house that was planned to be my room, but it's still under construction and I simply couldn't wait any longer. I've been sewing in a tiny little corner in our basement and things were just getting out of control, so I took our spare bedroom and made it my own. It's not done yet, there's a lot that I'd like to add to it, but I'm not complaining it's really been the greatest thing for me and my family.
This is the spot where I keep all of my important things, like patterns, ribbons, fabrics for bag orders and such. The flowers were made by Ruger. He gave them to me for Mother's Day and the wrought-iron purse was given to me for my birthday from Roni.

My kids like to always be close to me. So we put a love seat and small TV in there so they would feel welcome to hang out with me while I sewed.

I love this table! We found it at a yard sale for $25. It's Crate and Barrell...can't beat that!

This is the closet that hides everything else. Like bags and fabrics and such. Our home was built in 1928 and it still has many of the original doorknobs on it. You can't find them like this in stores, trust me I've looked. They have similar ones, but they're not like these. So that's my room. It's not much, but it's mine and that's what I love. There's enough room for my friends to hang out a sew all night long...we really do that! We stack the table with chocolate and soda, line up our machines, spread out, and talk the night away. I highly recommend doing this regularly, it's a great stress reliever.

Whew! That was tough!

I've now discovered why it's called a throwdown. Remember last season on The Next Food Network Star how they made everyone make an original dish for the competition, using random ingredients? And then the winner got to have their recipe on the Red Lobster menu? Well, I think that Kelsey Nixon (BTW, I almost know her, she's my brother's sister-in-law) won because she knew just the right ingredients to select. That's what I think of my two throwdown winners. The first place winner of the Jumbo Glam Bag is AMY HAMBERLIN:

I loooove this bag, especially the Daisy Duke-ish pockets! They're so clever! She came over to sew the night that Roni and I made ours, and I had no idea what she was doing. I just kept gazing over my shoulder wondering what she was going to do with all those pieces and then this was what she finished with! Cute huh?

And the second place winner was Jennifer:

She designed a little backpack for her boy. I thought it was darling with the straps that have little bows on the end and the handprint. She even quilted part of it! Congratulations girls! You can email me to claim your prize. Also thanks to everyone else who participated. This was a tough challenge and I was thrilled that their were so many participants...we had 19 people sign up! WOW! There were also a lot of beginners that did exceptionally well...I hope that this has encouraged you to try some more bags!

I'll Be Seeing You...

So here's the truth. People make fun of us for being best friends, probably because we're no longer 13. But we didn't know each other back then, so that's just not fair, we have to be friends now! I've learned a lot about myself since I met Roni and she's taught me so many things, like:

• Never leaving Old Navy without purchasing several bouncy balls for my children's entertainment.
• Opening crackers in the grocery store before purchasing them (I know I'm going to pay for them, but the whole idea that I haven't purchased them yet is still a little foreign to me).
• Always trusting my advice, because I'm always right!
• Fraying my jeans and cuffing them (We know we look rediculous...people tell us that, but it's comfortable).
• Haggling at yard sales.
• Always looking for our initials or names on key chains or decor.
• Sneaking ziplock bags of popcorn and soda into the movie theater.
• Calling Roin's mom at all hours of the night for quilt measurements (we're not very good at that) and Kay, you work for me now, so there's no escaping me!
• Thinking we're hilarious, even though we're not.
• Standing up for myself and refusing to be pushed around.
• The MSG...Apparently that's just what we are! HA!
• Throwing stupid Halloween Parties (actually I may never do that again).
• Keeping up on HSM and Hannah Montana just so I can understand her conversations with Emma.
• Hershey's Cookies and Cream and Diet Soda!
• Huge sunglasses.
• Children's clearance sections.
• We're totally different, but completley the same. For example, I dream of being a Rock Star, whereas she dreams of being a Vampire. It's not the dream that brings us together, it's the fact that we dream!

Four years ago she taught me how to sew my very first bag, and clearly that was a great lesson for me to learn. She also gave me some rediculously amazing fabric for Christmas last year and I made that into the Glam Bag...imagine where I'd be without that bag? I think people are in our lives for a reason and clearly Roni's made a significant difference in mine. So even though I kicked her trash in the bag competition, let's not forget who brought me to where I am today! I love you Roni and this town is totally boring and lame without you! Come home soon!

BAG A: Roni BAG B: Tiffany

BTW, throwdown bags are due today and I must say we have some serious competition on our hands so far!

One More Day!

There's one more day for voting, so get your votes in! It's been a lot of fun seeing all of your new fun bag designs, keep sending me your pictures and posting them on your blogs. I will either link you or post your pictures for everyone to see the fun designs. Remember the deadline is August 3rd at midnight!

Vote Now!

Earlier this week, Roni and I had our final sewing night together for a long time. In the beginning we were keeping our designs from each other, but by the end we were aching for input. It was a lot of fun to see what someone else would design for you. We haven't labeled which bag is ours because we want the voting to be fair. So we'll start with BAG A:
This bag has crossing straps with saddlebag pockets...super cute!
And then there's BAG B:

This bag is complete with uniquely curved handles and a rounded top...adorable!

We each put a "legendary" tag on the back for sentimental purposes. You can start voting now in the comments section of which bag you like best!

Throwdown Update.

BTW, Please make sure that I am getting your email address with your posts. If you have not received a pattern for the bag, that's because I don't know where to send it. You don't not have to leave a comment, you can email it to me at: tinyseamstress(at)yahoo(dot)com.

I'm extending the date of the competition to August 3rd at midnight! But as soon as you're done with your bag, post it on your blog and email me!!! Roni and I will post our bags for voting on the 25th. Sew....let's get sewing!

Tiny Seamstress Throwdown!

My BFF (yes, I'm 27 and I have a BFF!) Roni is moving in 10 DAYS! And before she leaves I'm challenging her to a little competition and we are inviting all of you to join! This is the perfect way to learn how to sew a bag. I promise you WILL NOT REGRET THIS! While I was watching my good friend Bobby Flay last night, I came up with this "sew simple" pattern in 20 minutes flat! That's how eeeasy it is! The object of this challenge is to to take this pattern:

And turn it into something super clever and original! Double straps, single strap, no straps, lots of pockets, flowers, bows, flaps, the options are endless. You just have to keep the body measurements the same. Once you've completed your masterpiece, post it on your blog and/or email me a picture at tinyseamstress(at)yahoo(dot)com. Roni and I will choose TWO Grand Prize Winners on July 25, 2009 before she leaves! First place will win a Jumbo Glam Bag (Tiffany's favorite):

(Note: I have NEVER given a Jumbo Glam Bag away and this may be the last.)
AND

Second place will get a Classy Sophisticated Kit (Roni's favorite):

You can make your bag out of whatever you'd like, sheets, old shirts, fancy fabric, whatever! The object is to create an original and clever design! We will post the winner's bags, on the 26th! So get sewing!

To get your pattern leave a comment with your email or send me an email and I will get it right back to you! That way I know who's participating!

And...if you blog about this you will win my unconditional love OR maybe there will be a third prize drawing where everyone who blogs about it will be entered to win a little something special!

Also, Just for fun, Roni and I will be posting our bags shortly for our throwdown. Everyone will be invited to vote on your favorite...and you still have a chance of winning even if you vote for Roni!

Lately...

I've been spending my days with these handsome boys:
And together...

We have had a lot of fun! Every year on the fourth of July, we head on over to Salmon, ID for a serious celebration. My husband grew up in Salmon and some days I find myself claiming to be from there as well (a far stretch from Nampa). I never in a million years thought that I'd enjoy riding 4-wheelers, attending derby's, feeding horses, or even chopping wood, but somehow I transfer from the tiny seamstress that I am into a country girl that just can't get enough.

My boys have been such troopers traveling to the dozen quilt shops that we've been to. I've really been enjoying this experience of going to various shops and meeting the incredible ladies that keep them all together. Most recently I made a stop in Utah. We were on our way home from my nieces and nephew's baptism, when I asked my dad to stop at Quilter's Haven. We pulled into the parking lot just as Joni was getting into her car, talk about timing!

I ran over to her and began introducing myself, some quilt owners would consider this to have been a crazy person and sent me in the other direction, but not Joni! She unlocked her store and invited me in.

You know that scene on Shopaholic, where she walks into the department store and describes something about melting butter, that was TOTALLY me! Had I not been trying to make an impression, I would have thrown dozens of bolts on the table and instructed her to start cutting. The fabric did not end! I was trying so hard to stay focused and not get distracted with her selection (seriously I was making notes in my head of who designed what so I could google them at home).

So anyway, she took a look at my patterns and embraced them like I do with my three year old when he skins his knee. She said my Glam Bag was like the new Swing Bag (ya know, like green is the new pink?). I nearly fell on my knees. I mean seriously, when someone says something that sweet, you know you're destined to be friends. Right? I don't know what the future holds, but for here and now I am very content.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the patterns and more than anything I love getting your emails as you finish each bag. That makes me rest easy at night. I have some exciting endeavors coming up and I hope that all of my readers will keep reading and get your friends to participate because I think we can really have a lot of fun. I've gathered a few ideas from your posts and emails and collaborated them, so stay tuned. As for an official winner, I will be dropping by this week, Alicia, with a fun little prize for your sewing space idea. You are right, I do need to share my space!