It sent me on a super-ambitious homemaking streak which was then hindered by a little virus infecting our home. So, many things are started here and there, but these are a few sneak peeks:
This year, instead of lugging a big tote in with all of the mittens, scarves, and hats we own, whether they currently fit someone or not, and having them dug out and scattered all over in front of the door, we have a box for each child who is able to suit up on their own. Appropriately numbered...
The brown paper packages and warm woolen mittens have me humming "My Favorite Things" (that song stuck in your head now, too? you're welcome.) This project cost next to nothing since I just wrapped diaper boxes in brown shipping paper.
The brown paper packages and warm woolen mittens have me humming "My Favorite Things" (that song stuck in your head now, too? you're welcome.) This project cost next to nothing since I just wrapped diaper boxes in brown shipping paper.I used a Sharpie to freehand the numbers-that technique is both daring and dumb sometimes, but I like a good challenge and a little pressure!
AND I followed her rule of 3's: Each kid got to pick out (up to) 3 hats, 3 scarves, 3 pairs of gloves/mittens. A few extras snuck in there, but it is limited and when they lose them, I will grab the tote from the storage shed and replace.
AND I followed her rule of 3's: Each kid got to pick out (up to) 3 hats, 3 scarves, 3 pairs of gloves/mittens. A few extras snuck in there, but it is limited and when they lose them, I will grab the tote from the storage shed and replace.Some other places I organized...
I limited my 3yo's PJs and folded the sets together. I love the bin for undies idea- I grabbed some empty wipes tubs that were laying on the floor, ripped the lids off, and used one for tights and one for socks, too.
I also cleared off my dryer and set up a changing area since baby Grace outgrew the one on the Pack-n-Play.
I rearranged in some other areas, too, to neaten things up. Then I rolled up the rug in my older daughters' room (where it still remains-in a roll, blocking one closet door), ripped seashell wallpaper out of my kitchen (I thought it couldn't get uglier, but I was wrong), and generally bit off more than I could chew. Plus, I am cleaning and preparing for 50 people coming here tomorrow... if it doesn't snow. That meant I had to put all of my craft stuff away. :( BUT, it is nice to have a fresh, clean place to work again before I start going ornament crazy. :)
I rearranged in some other areas, too, to neaten things up. Then I rolled up the rug in my older daughters' room (where it still remains-in a roll, blocking one closet door), ripped seashell wallpaper out of my kitchen (I thought it couldn't get uglier, but I was wrong), and generally bit off more than I could chew. Plus, I am cleaning and preparing for 50 people coming here tomorrow... if it doesn't snow. That meant I had to put all of my craft stuff away. :( BUT, it is nice to have a fresh, clean place to work again before I start going ornament crazy. :)I am linking up at the following:
(can't get the button to work- Sorry!)
Keep in mind I have done VERY LITTLE machine applique. I think I tried it maybe once... years ago. I was feeling ambitious. I even used brown thread to zig-zag stich the edges down on the leaves, too. A very bold move since it shows off my novice skills, but it was already threaded in the machine so I went with it. 
The extra leaves are piled up on the bottom (I had just randomly made a bunch of them and didn't plan so much). 
And when I was done my daughter found a leaf I had dropped, so I stuck it on the backside for fun.
I am linking it up 
My sweet friend, 
I haven't sewn clothing in awhile so I was rusty. It turned out OK, but I should have made it flare out a little more towards the bottom instead of using a straight piece. Here it is against the back side of the quilt so you can see better.
Still- it is so cute and matchy! I had to do a little photo shoot with her then. LOVE those smiles!
Thank you, Anita! :) 
We had a nice little pumpkin patch this year! The yield was OK and they make me especially proud cause I was a bajillion months pregnant with a sliced fingertip and still waddled up the hill to help plant these guys (cause it got me a few minutes away from rambunctious kiddos!) But the pumpkins and gourds are all awfully pretty, bright fall colors!
We set up a little sale in the front yard, but I 
In my attempt to be the coolest aunt ever (I have 22 nieces and nephews so far!), I made this cute little car roll. It is made from some fabric I had on hand (it’s hard to find non-girly stuff in this family!) and some size 4T jeans that were headed for the garbage. 
I was inspired by 
Look at that- a title photo just for this post! I am going all fancy here (OK, so I just got a cool close up and wanted to use it). I took the best pictures that I could get since PA is seeming more like Seattle these days. Of course, the sun came out when I was done, but I am not complaining ‘cause I missed it sooooo much! So forgive all of the poor quality pics. I tried.
Sew them all short ends together, alternating yellow and black.
Then sew this row between the strips and press towards the "lanes" and you are all done with the road! EASY!
Fold the sides toward the center...
...and press it half.
Then topstich around three sides, leaving the non-velcro side alone.
See? No box on the other side.
Topstitch the folded edge of the cotton just to keep it in place better.
Then sew lines for pockets - mine were at about the the following intervals: 2 5/8", 4 7/8", 7", 9 1/8", and 11 1/4"
Sew the fuzzy piece of velcro on at 6" from the left end of the bottom piece and about 2 1/2" from the bottom edge.
Sew the raw-edge end of the velcro strip to the bottom, velcro up, lined up with the edge of the pocket. Go over it a bajillion times.
Fold the opening edges in and topstitch the whole way around and down the middle, too.
I used white thread cause I didn't feel like changing it, but I like it! It's kind of like road edges.
Fold. 
And roll. Secure with velcro. 
Perfect to tuck away in Mom's purse or a backpack!