Needles and Pens

This week I finished my February GED (Get 'er Done) Challenge project, the Papa Bear & Baby Bear panel: That's one less fabric panel taking space up in my closet, but what to do with these little bears? It just so happened that I had the perfect place to send them... In January, I heard about the latest Craft Hope charity project, making "safe delivery kits" for Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership , a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the healthcare system in Haiti. (Konbit is Haitian Creole for "working together" and Sante means "health.") The safe delivery kits contain the basic necessities for a safe and sanitary childbirth (plastic sheeting, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, etc.), plus a receiving blanket and stuffed toy, all packaged up in a hand-crafted tote bag. I thought it sounded like a wonderful use for some of my excess stash. My first real attempt at making a tote bag, I made a very simple one out of pre-q...

Several years ago, I started a craft business, making and selling items for babies and children. One of my favorite patterns was for a baby bunting, quilted, lined in soft flannel and decorated with various types of ribbons and trim. When the business came to an end, only one bunting remained, and being one of my most favorites, I decided to keep it for a future grandchild -- or granddaughter, rather, as it was the pinkest, most frilly bunting of all. Now that my grandbaby-to-be has been confirmed a grand son , I thought it was time to pull out the pattern, dig through the stash, and make something a bit more boyish. Granted, it does have a few pink teddy bears on it, but I was really proud of myself for fighting the urge to go fabric shopping and just use what I had on hand. I only purchased the ribbon, ric-rac and buttons for trim, and I think they added just enough of a boyish touch. Coincidentally, the quilted teddy bear fabric was given to me by my mom, who once made a cute littl...

Got the borders on my quilt top yesterday, pieced the backing, AND got the whole thing layered, pinned and marked for quilting. So far, so good: Meanwhile, my house was transformed today into "baby central." On a hot garage sale tip, my daughter and I were out bright and early this morning and scored a really nice Medela breast pump, complete with leatherette carrying case -- very professional -- for only twenty bucks. Perfect for when she goes back to work. This inspired us to start pulling out all the great baby things that people have been passing along to her lately, and get everything washed and ready for baby. I can't believe there are only six weeks to go! I adore the bassinet (here, with the vibrating infant seat, car seat bases, a Boppy pillow and Diaper Genie): Baby swing, stroller and two car seats (one attaches to the stroller): And there's more in the basement yet. She still needs a highchair, though there's plenty of time for that, and is determined ...