Made by Momma

A+ dresses

2010-04-22T20:03:00.001-05:00

I’ve decided to take Penelope’s advice and take on a project that would force me to learn something new. I have always wanted to sew clothes for my children but have only dabbled here and there. Since I have four (count them!) daughters, a friend at church chastised me for not using my skills machine to save money on clothing. With those two pushes, I’ve decided to take on this lovely book:

13 years in the making

2010-02-28T09:01:00.000-06:00

I have finished my first quilt of the year (and for a few years, actually). Since I'm participating in the UFO Challenge at Stashbuster, I had to get going on some quilts that I've started and not finished. This one, I'm sad to say, was started almost 13 years ago for my baby (who obviously isn't a baby anymore). Now that I'm at baby number four, who is already two years old, my oldest has been

Pickles!

2010-02-21T17:40:00.001-06:00

I have to work on my "blog balance". I've been posting away over on my book blog, but I've been neglecting this blog. It could be because I haven't had a moment to do anything crafty. I'm currently the UFO Challenge Queen over at Stashbuster, so I'm trying to finish the binding on a quilt. Hopefully I'll be able to post about that in the next day or so. I also like cooking, so I tried to find

Let's have a happy 2010!

2010-01-02T11:38:00.000-06:00

Let's make up our minds to make this year productive and full of hope. Along those lines, I've decided to make an effort to pull out my sewing machine more this year. Quilts To force motivate me to sew, I signed up for stashbuster's 2010 UFO (unfinished object) quilt challenge. I have twelve unfinished quilts on my list. I've written before about my habit of starting quilts that I don't finish

Kwanza Day 7: Imani

2010-01-01T19:00:00.001-06:00

Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. "Imani (Faith) offers a shield against despair, cynicism and paralyzing disap-pointment. Faith calls us to believe

Kwanza Day 6:Kuumba

2009-12-31T19:00:00.002-06:00

Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. "the principle and practice of Kuumba (Creativity) puts forth the ethical ancestral teaching of the moral obligation to do all we can in the way we can to heal, repair, rebuild, and renew the world, leaving it more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. From

Kwanza Day 5: Nia

2009-12-31T09:59:00.001-06:00

Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. "the principle and practice of Nia (Purpose) teaches us the collective vocation of bringing, increasing and sustaining good in the world, and insuring the well-being, health and wholeness of the world. From Founder's Annual Message at http://

Kwanza Day 3: Ujima

2009-12-29T10:19:00.003-06:00

Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. "the principle of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) teaches us the necessary and compelling commitment to work together to conceive and build the good community, society and world we want and

Kwanza Day 4: Ujamaa

2009-12-29T10:19:00.002-06:00

Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. "the principle and practice of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) or shared work and wealth reaffirms the right to control and benefit from the resources of one’s own lands and to an equitable and just share of the goods of the world. From

Kwanza Day 2: Kujichagulia

2009-12-27T19:58:00.001-06:00

Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community. "the principle of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) reaffirms the right of persons and peoples to determine their own destiny and daily lives; to live in peace and security; and to flourish in freedom

Kwanza Day 1: Umoja

2009-12-26T21:15:00.001-06:00

Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community "the principle of Umoja (Unity) invites an alternative sense of solidarity, a peaceful togetherness as families, communities and fellow human beings. It teaches us the oneness of our people, everywhere, the common ground of our humanity with others and our shared status as possessors of

DECEMBER 25: Merry Christmas!! God bless.

2009-12-25T22:43:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:1-20 The Birth of Jesus 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the

December 24: Cook! Cook! Cook!

2009-12-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

Philippians 2:5-11 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God

December 23: Nutcracker

2009-12-24T08:57:00.000-06:00

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. My beautiful nieces are in this production, and we are very proud.

December 22: Make desserts

2009-12-22T14:57:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 7:14-15 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.

December 21: Look at Photos of Christmas past

2009-12-22T14:57:00.001-06:00

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

December 20: Family Game Night

2009-12-22T14:57:00.000-06:00

Matthew 2:10-12 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

December 19: Church Program

2009-12-19T15:01:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:26-38 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in

December 18: Movie Night

2009-12-19T15:00:00.001-06:00

Luke 2:25-35 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the

December 17: Treats to Neighbors

2009-12-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

Matthew 2: 1-8 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of

December 16: Gift to Charity

2009-12-17T06:23:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:16-20 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for

December 15: Teacher Gifts

2009-12-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:13-15 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

December 14: Shopping Day

2009-12-16T09:59:00.001-06:00

Luke 2:8-12 The Shepherds and the Angels And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a

December 13: Bake Cookies

2009-12-16T09:59:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 9:2-6 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death [a] a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them,

December 12: Christmas Parade

2009-12-16T09:58:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

December 11: Read Christmas books

2009-12-13T10:06:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:1-5 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

December 10: Christmas music dance party

2009-12-11T14:48:00.000-06:00

John 1:6-9 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

December 9: Plan Christmas dinner

2009-12-09T20:15:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:65-79 The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come

December 8: Make candy

2009-12-08T23:05:00.001-06:00

Luke 1:57-66 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John." They said to her, "There is no

December 7:View Christmas lights

2009-12-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord

December 6: Hot chocolate and carols

2009-12-06T19:28:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:39-55 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that

December 5: Mail Christmas cards

2009-12-06T18:06:00.002-06:00

Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel

December 4: Make ornaments

2009-12-06T18:06:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:5-22 (King James Version) THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both

December 3: Make wish list

2009-12-03T15:26:00.001-06:00

Micah 5:2 (King James Version) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

December 2: Picture for cards

2009-12-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah 31:31-33 (King James Version) Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But

December 1: Decorate the tree

2009-12-01T22:22:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 62:10-12 (King James Version) Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them,

Advent Calendar?

2009-11-22T07:10:00.000-06:00

For years, I have planned to have an advent calendar. As a quilter, I have looked at several patterns for a quilt. I have a list that I intend to try. But I always manage to look up mid-November and realize that I forgot again this year. I really want to give it a try, so I'm giving up the quilt obsession this year and going for something (hopefully) simpler. I've been inspired by ideas here,

Another fabric book

2009-11-19T10:42:00.001-06:00

My schedule has been so hectic, that my sewing machine and I are becoming strangers again. But I've been trying to steal a few moments here and there to relieve stress. I started on another fabric quiet book. I wish I had thought to take pictures along the way so that I could make a tutorial. Maybe next time. I used a fat quarter to create the pages. I fold it like it's paper to that I don't

Freezer Cooking

2009-11-10T10:22:00.001-06:00

I was inspired by Money Saving Mom's days of freezer cooking, so I checked out this book from the library. I intend to buy it, but I went ahead and tried some recipes to see how it worked. One great feature of this book is that some recipes involve cooking everything and then freezing and others, perhaps the majority?, are about putting the ingredients together and freezing. I chose six of the

Review: Fix, Freeze, Feast

2009-11-08T19:27:00.000-06:00

I'm probably late to the party, but I just found Fix, Freeze, Feast. I've tried freezer cooking before, but I found myself tired of the same old thing, and I lost interest. This book is full of recipes that sound interesting, and it contains tips for easing your way into the process. I don't currently have a membership in a warehouse club because I tended to allow things to go to waste. But

Handmade Holidays

2009-10-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy with other things,t hat I have barely touched my machine. How sad! But Sew Momma Sew is hosting Handmade Holidays again this year. Hopefully I will find the time to participate. Perhaps you should too.

I made a hand puppet

2009-10-06T05:47:00.005-05:00

For some reason, our little Z has taken to removing her shoes and sock, and placing said sock on her hand while saying something that sounds like "Elmo!" We think she's trying to use her sock as a puppet, but we aren't sure. So I had to make her one. I used a simple pattern that I found here. I decided to upcycle a pair of jeans from another daughter. I really liked those butterflies, so I'm

I made pants!

2009-09-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy that I haven't had a moment for myself. I stole a free moment and allowed myself to be creative. I made these pants for my little Z. I decided to repurpose some pants that I wasn't going to wear anymore. I would attempt to create a a tutorial, but I followed instructions from here and here. In general, I just took a pair of her pajamas and traced out a pattern. I placed

I'm a winner

2009-09-09T20:00:00.002-05:00

This post is cross-posted here and on my book blog. Please visit!I created this blog hoping to exercise my craftiness. Somehow my true favorite took over, and it's starting to morph into a book blog! I can't complain because I've been rewarded for what I love.Thanks to Color Online, I received this great book. I can't begin to express how much I LOVE this book.And I neglected to mention that

Review: Sport of the Gods

2009-08-26T07:30:00.005-05:00

by Paul Lawrence Dunbar1409963004 Paperback: 132 pagesThis post has been moved to my book blog. Please visit!

I'm back (I think)

2009-08-21T16:13:00.001-05:00

I have been in transition from working full time to returning to graduate school full time. I'm excited about the change, but a bit nervous about making it all work. I hope to get back to blogging, but I'll have to figure out what that schedule will look like.Let's get this academic year started!

Review: Hell-Heaven

2009-08-21T06:24:00.006-05:00

FromUnaccustomed Earth: Stories (2009)by Jhumpa Lahiri0307278255 Paperback: 352 pagesThis post has been moved to my book blog. Please visit!

Color Me Brown book challenge

2009-07-26T22:06:00.005-05:00

I never intended for this to be a book blog, but I love books - I almost wish that I had become a librarian. The books I've reviewed so far have been how to books because I intended this to be a book about things I make. I just stumbled upon the Color Me Brown book challenge, and it called my name. As a mother of four beautiful daughters, I want them to develop a love of reading. I also want to

BIP Blog Post Bingo

2009-07-23T11:00:00.002-05:00

I've spent the last few days participating in the blog improvement project at Sophisticated Dorkiness.I created a couple of review posts, a short list post, a resource and opinion post with poll, and a personal post with links (I had hoped that this would cover the long post too, but I couldn't find anything else to talk about on the subject).

Playhouse Heaven

2009-07-22T13:33:00.005-05:00

1. the playhouse, 2. playhouse-sleepover, 3. playhouse, 4. Dreaming Spires Willow Playhouse from Judith Needham www.willowplayhouses.co.uk, 5. This is my playhouse, 6. Unique, 7. Crooked Man's House, 8. Dream Playhouse, 9. DSC01076.JPG I have dreamed of building a playhouse since the birth of my first child many years ago. At the time it was to be a tree house, but the tree has since fallen.

Let's try a poll

2009-07-21T22:54:00.009-05:00

Since I'm on a quest to experiment with improving my blog, I'm going to experiment with polls tonight. I found tutorials on creating them here, here, and here. These all involved manipulating the gadget provided by blogspot. Have you ever used a poll on your blog? This was relatively easy to do. But I wanted experiment with polls form other sources. So a search led me to Vizu.com where I

More blog improvement

2009-07-21T17:08:00.003-05:00

After participating in recent challenges, I find myself constantly asking how I can make this blog look better. I know that I really should be focusing on adding more content that people care about. But since I'm still in infancy phase, I use this more as a diversion and motivator than as a traffic builder.So I've been nagging myself to go back and finish the things that I didn't get to in the

Review: Hammocks, Hassocks and Hideaways

2009-07-17T18:00:00.001-05:00

Hammocks, Hassocks and Hideaways: Furniture Kids Can Build For Themselves (1980)by Timothy Fisher 0201029367 170 pagesSummary: As the title states, this is a book of furniture projects described at a level intended to encourage kids to DIY.Review: The first section of this book out lines tools and materials that will be used to complete the projects. The next section explains projects that sit

Review: Creating and Crafting Dolls

2009-07-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Creating & Crafting Dolls (1994)by Eloise Piper 0801985242128 pagesSummary: This book gives a pattern and steps for making a doll with suggestions for varying the appearance.Review: This well written book gives a relatively simple pattern for a doll. Each chapter gives information on how to add to the details of the doll. For each detail, instructions are given on how to stay simple or how to

Review: Housebuilding for Children

2009-07-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

Housebuilding for Children (1977)by Les Walker 0879513322175 pagesSummary This book gives details that guide children through the process of building small-scale structures using large-scale techniques and principles.Review I bought this book several years ago with the intention of saving money and building my own playhouse for my daughter. I chose this particular book because it is aimed at

Review: Fleecie Dolls

2009-06-27T23:00:00.003-05:00

Fleecie Dolls (2008)by Fiona Gamble 0896897346, 112 pagesSummary: This book gives detailed descriptions and patterns for making dolls from fleece.Review: I happened upon this book at a fabric store during a time when I was just becoming interested in doll making. I was just learning about how to do hair, and I was fascinated that hair could be done so easily with fleece. This book has patterns

Kombucha Kraze

2009-06-26T06:30:00.011-05:00

I've read about it, wondered about it, and have now started it. I'm on the bandwagon and, thanks to a good friend, started my first batch. I had never tried it, and had no idea what it tasted like. Kind of silly in retrospect! But I was looking forward to testing the rumored health benefits. Well, it ended up being really sour to my taste. I tried to improve it by adding juice. I'm not sure that

Thrifting

2009-06-24T18:27:00.012-05:00

As seems to be the trend in many places on the blogosphere, I have discovered the joy of thrifting.What I’ve learned about myself is that I like vintage. I have to admit that I have secretly loved visiting Goodwill for a while. But I thought I was just cheap, and I would hide my rare tags and bags from my husband. But after discovering the Thrifty Chicks and the Frugal Fashionista, I’ve started

Bloggiesta completion list

2009-06-19T21:38:00.014-05:00

Here is my initial to do list along with what I actually accomplished.Write some book reviews. There are some kids fiction books with quilting as a theme that my kids and I have enjoyed. I didn't get around to getting this done. I did set up some template posts that are ready for me to fill in with the reviews.Write backup posts for a rainy day. I only got one of these done.Write that great post

Bloggiesta to do list

2009-06-19T17:14:00.006-05:00

I've decided to participate in Maw Books Bloggiesta, "a blogging marathon with a fiesta flair.” Based on her suggestions, here is my initial to do list for this weekend.Write some book reviews. There are some kids fiction books with quilting as a theme that my kids and I have enjoyed. Write backup posts for a rainy day. Write that great post idea from three months back. It was great to me. We'll

Fabric Quiet Book Lessons Learned - Part 2

2009-06-17T06:30:00.002-05:00

In my previous post, I shared the things I learned from making my first fabric book. This post continues those observations.My biggest issue is with the pages themselves. I found lots of sources for creating this type of book (like here and here). Since I wasn't in the mood to bind multiple pages, I treated my fat quarter like a single sheet of paper and created a foldable book, an idea I got

Fabric Quiet book Lessons Learned - Part 1

2009-06-16T06:30:00.002-05:00

I finally completed my first fabric book. I did my best to keep it simple, so there are no moving or detachable parts this time. My eye sees all sorts of things I could have done better, but it turned out OK for my first effort. I'd like to share what I learned, and perhaps what I will do differently next time to make it better. Some of my pictures are a litlle fuzzy. Sorry! First, I should have

Read with Kids challenge

2009-06-09T15:22:00.004-05:00

Reading for the 48 hour book challenge has me on a roll. I'm now particpating in the 2009 Read With Kids Challange. I didn't intend for this to be a book blog, but I am a sucker for a book. The challenge dosen't end until June 30. You ought to do it too!From their site:"Read and Win a Disney Vacation!For a second year, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and US Airways are working together to help

I'm done: 48 hour book challenge

2009-06-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

I completed something! Here is my summation.Number of books (re-) read: 8Number of pages read: 847Hours spent reading/reviewing: 16My comments: This was cool to do. It gave me a reason to add posts to a new blog. It refreshed my memory of what resources I have at hand. I wish I could have done more, but life got in the way this time. Next time, I might focus more on fiction books. And next time,

Review: Miss Patch's Learn to Sew Book

2009-06-07T23:32:00.005-05:00

Miss Patch's Learn-To-Sew Book (1969)by Carolyn Meyer, 0152549331 96 pages Summary: This book is written for young readers. It contains instructions for basic skills and simple projects.Review: Using the premise that Miss Patch is learning to sew, the reader walks alongside her learning what he learns. There are instructions for making a pillow, a bag, a skirt, and doll clothes. The reader learns

Review: The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids

2009-06-07T23:15:00.004-05:00

The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kidsby Nancy Smith & Lynda Milligan 1571202544, 128 pages Summary: This book is designed to create a course for teaching young children to sew.Review: This book is geared towards making using the sewing machine more like a game than a chore. There are activities like word searches and puzzles as well as projects.Recommendation: I was excited to get my hands

Review: Simply Sewing

2009-06-07T23:00:00.005-05:00

Simply Sewing (Kids Can Do It) (2004)by Judy Ann Sadler 1553376609, 48 pagesSummary: This book walks a teen sewer through basic sewing techniques and a few projects.Review: This book contains information on hand sewing techniques, sewing machine stitches and age appropriate projects. Though there are few pages, it contains a lot of information for a beginner.Recommendation: I bought this book in

Review: Fabric Art Journals

2009-06-07T22:15:00.001-05:00

Fabric Art Journals: Making, Sewing, and Embellishing Journals from Cloth and Fibers (2005)by Pam Sussman 1592531962, 128 pagesSummary: This book focuses on creating fabric journals.Review: Aimed at altered art artists, this book teaches techniques for creating and embellishing fabric journals. There is instruction on stitching techniques, dyeing fabric, applique, photo transfer and embellishment

Review: How to Make Cloth Books for Children

2009-06-07T21:00:00.001-05:00

How to Make Cloth Books for Children: A Guide to Making Personalized Books (1993)by Anne Pellowski 0801983983, 104 pagesSummary: This book gives detailed instructions for making fabric books.Review: This book goes into great detail on putting books together. There is a section on customizing, a section on materials, a section on planning layout and format, a section on applique and applying color

Review: A-B-C 1-2-3 Craft Book

2009-06-07T19:45:00.002-05:00

A-B-C 1-2-3 Craft Book (1994)by Phyllis Fiarotta and Noel Fiarotta 0806906715, 128 pagesSummary: This book explains how to make a fabric book with pages based on the alphabet. It also gives directions for making stuffed letters instead of a book.Review: This books offers a lot of details on options for materials and techniques. While I doubt that I would ever use these options to make the

Review: Busy Christians

2009-06-07T19:37:00.003-05:00

Busy Christians: Patterns for cloth books (1978) by Janet Sage 0570079284, 119 pagesSummary: This book is primarily composed of patterns for pages in a quiet book based on biblical themes. Sage has written three other books in this series.Review: This book is a bare bones minimum on directions. Guidance is offered on materials to use and steps to bind the book. However, the pages that give

Review: 26 Lively letters

2009-06-07T07:30:00.001-05:00

26 Lively Letters: Making and ABC Quiet Book (1977)by Barbara Williams and Carol Grundmann , 96 pagesSummary: This book gives detailed explanation for creating a fabric book using felt applique with buttons, snaps, and other attachments. It has various activities. If directions are followed, the crafter will create a 28-page ABC quiet book.Review: This was the first book I purchased for making

I'm in: 48 Hour Book challenge

2009-06-06T09:30:00.001-05:00

I’ve decided to participate in the 48 hour book challenge. So I think that I will reread and write reviews on some of those craft books I purchased.I also hope to get my daughters to each read at least one book and write a review. I know that school just let out, but they’ll thank me for it later.I'm starting Saturday morning. Why don’t you join in?

Sewing Machine Meme

2009-06-03T21:22:00.007-05:00

I'm participating in the Sew Mama Sew meme on machines I have two machines to tell about.What brand and model do you have? Singer 5838CHow long have you had it? 12+ yearsHow much does that machine cost (approximately)? It was a gift, so I don't know.What types of things do you sew? quilts, kids' clothesHow much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I only get to touch it every

Fabric Quiet book

2009-05-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

It’s been way too long since I posted. Anyway, for years I’ve wanted to make a fabric book for my daughter. You know, one of those educational quiet books with zippers and snaps. But in my true fashion, the daughter that I originally planned to make it for is now 13 (really?!!!), and it never happened. The fault, as usual, is mine because I just couldn’t go simple. I first obsessed and bought

Cool bike!

2009-05-12T15:10:00.002-05:00

With the weather warming up, I’m ready to get out and get the kids away from the television. I’m feeling guilty that I still haven’t taught them to ride bikes. Anyone in central Texas know of a class I can sign them up for?I know that I should teach them myself, but I haven’t ridden in my adult life, and I fuss too much when I’m trying to teach them new things.Speaking of bikes, I found this

2008 Photo Ornament

2008-12-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

I'm attempting to start a tradition of the annual photo ornament. I get really sentimental when I pull out the ornaments that my babies made when they were in preschool. They are by far my favorite. And now that only one child is left in preschool, I figure I need to be responsible for carrying on that tradition.Last year I was heavily pregnant, so we went with some store bought craft foam that

Baby Quilt

2008-12-03T10:01:00.001-06:00

This was originally posted on my old MommaQuilts blog.I can't do anything simple. I have a history of not finishing several quilts that I've started. In fact, none of my children have a quilt made by me. The problem is that my ideas for all that I want to do get out of hand.So I decided that this time around I'd go simple. I found a nice disappearing nine patch pattern and got a good portion of

Making Contact

2008-12-01T00:30:00.003-06:00

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Welcome readers

2008-12-01T00:01:00.004-06:00

My name is Erika. I'm a wife and mom living in central Texas. My career is in education, and I'm always looking for creative outlets. (Translated, this means that I have a habit of starting hobbies that I don't finish.) In an effort to motivate me to complete some projects, I started a couple of blogs. Made by Momma This is a blog about stuff I'm making. I honestly started it as a means

Round Robins

2007-12-13T12:58:00.001-06:00

This was originally posted on my old MommaQuilts blog.I was warned that I wouldn't enjoy this, but I wouldn't listen. I was enchanted by the idea of working with different people and seeing their quilting style. I loved the idea of having a quilt that resulted from a collaborative effort. I really wanted a quilt that had signatures and blocks from several ladies of whom I'd have fond memories for

I finished something!

2007-11-21T18:00:00.001-06:00

This was originally posted on my old MommaQuilts blog.OK, it's not a quilt. I've been pleased with the fact that I've kick started my sewing again. The down side it that I have too many things going at once. I put in my 15-30 minutes a day, so there is progress. But no completion.So I had to find a crafty project to complete to give me a boost. I made these fabric boxes for holding my works in

Christmas Quilt

2007-11-19T09:01:00.001-06:00

This was originally posted on my old MommaQuilts blog.I've probably put too much on my plate again, but I couldn't resist taking Tonya's class. I love her style, and I thought that if I did this, I might actually see a completed quilt in the near future.So here is my first stab at a free style block. It's probably hard to tell, but this is supposed to be a manger. I'm trying to stick with what's

My quilt history

2007-11-12T17:02:00.001-06:00

This was originally posted on my old MommaQuilts blog.I’ve been reflecting on my personal quilting history. Having never been educated on a quilt journal, it never occurred to me to keep a record of what quilts I’ve made. My initial thinking was that it hasn’t been a lot, but when I started to list them, I found that I’ve made more than I realized.I started quilting around 1996. I was pregnant

Welcome!

2007-10-26T09:18:00.001-05:00

This was originally posted on my old MommaQuilts blog.I've started this blog as an effort to keep myself sewing. I finally carved out a space for myself to sew in. So now I can sew early in the morning or late at night without disturbing anyone.I found the Stashbuster group at Yahoo and I've really been motivated to sew at least 15 minutes a day. It may not seem like much, but it starts my day on