julies blog

Finger Puppets

2012-01-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Finger Puppets

I just finished a batch of

Star Trek

and

Star Wars

finger puppets

for my Etsy shop.

Complete with embroidered felt envelopes.

They turned out real real good.

AND

I even added a few new characters....

Deanna Troi

Chewbacca

and

Darth Vader

It's so so nice to finally get back into the swing of crafting again.

Even though Baby Link makes everything take 10x longer....

He is sure worth it...

Beach Day

2012-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Beach Day

A beach day with the Fields.

Half Moon Bay

70 degree sunny day

happy Gwen

happy baby Link

happy Gillries

Poor Gwen

2012-01-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Poor Gwen

Yesterday while I was trying to change Link,

Gwen was trying to get me to play Frisbee.

I left the room to grab a new diaper,

and came back to this...

So funny.

I guess Link didn't want to play either....

Baby Monitor

2012-01-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

Baby Monitor?

Who needs a baby monitor

when you have Skype and a tech savvy husband...

I just watch and listen to Link sleep on my computer.

It's really great.

Photo Shoot

2011-12-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

Photo Shoot

Baby Link had a photo shoot with my mom while we were in Tahoe.

We transformed the living room into the perfect overly heated, baby comfy, photo space.

AND

I am pretty sure these are the best baby pictures EVER.

I think this is my favorite picture.

I made this Lion Hat for Link last week, and he refused to wear it.

I am sooo glad he was cooperative during our photo shoot, cuz it's the cutest thing ever.

We got a few smiles...

Post photo shoot rage out

Christmas Favorites

2011-12-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas Favorites

My favorite things about this Christmas.

1-Having our own little 3 person + Gwen family Christmas

(We are leaving for Tahoe today!!!)

2- These photos at Mary's Christmas party, of papa (Matt) and baby Santa.

Sooo cute.

3- Christmas Eve smiles. Baby Lincolns first.

No photo yet....

4- Getting to wear my favorite Christmas sweater for 2 days in a row.

No L...

Get it.. lol

5- Steak and Eggs Breakfast

Crab Leg Dinner!

Best Christmas food/meals ever.

6- This Christmas video. I think we watched it a million times.

And these church videos

7- The best gift EVER!

My grandma had collected the entire original Wizard of Oz set for me when I was younger.

In a tragic accident, my sister unknowingly sold them at a garage sale a few years ago. I was devastated.

I woke up this morning to the entire set. 15 books.... They are exact replicas!!!! My husband is soooo thoughtful.

8- The best Husband Ever.

Every day off, he takes baby Link first thing in the morning so I can sleep in. He changes lots of diapers, and does everything he can to help with baby. He really is the best.

Felt Garland

2011-12-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Felt Garland

felt flowers

yarn

multi holiday use garland

I also think it would be cute in different colors.

How I made it....

A really long crochet chain stitch, and these felt flower tutorials...

I made 2 flowers, then hot glued them together with the yarn chain in between.

♥

I made this one up. Sorry no tutorial.

♥

Baby Hat

2011-12-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Baby Hat

With baby and holidays, I haven't had time to do much crafting lately.

But I did manage to whip up this cute little pom pom hat for him.

The photo shoot started going down hill..

but his little cry face is so cute I couldn't stop taking pictures....

I just love him.

An Outing With Baby

2011-12-11T17:29:00.001-08:00

An Outing With Baby

A trip to Fort Funston

with the beans (aka Gwen)

Baby Link

and Emily

Squirrel hunting...

Chevron Baby Blanket

2011-12-07T15:41:00.001-08:00

Chevron Baby Blanket

After making 3 baby girl blankets for my sister in-laws,

one

two

three

(4 cousins born this year!)

I finally got around to finishing Link's baby blanket.

Teal

Cream

Chevron

Cute Cute Baby

Perfect

A Baby Story

2011-11-29T10:01:00.001-08:00

A Baby Story

Baby Link is a little over 2 weeks old, and life is finally becoming normal again.

We are falling into a good routine.

Nurse

Burp

Throw up

Sleep

I am finally enjoying some free time,

and can't wait to get started on all the projects I have stacking up.

I wanted to share my baby story,

for those who were interested,

for family,

and for baby.

So baby was due nov 15th,

but I was determined to have him on 11-11-11 = coolest birthday ever.

I started doing research on inducing pregnancy.

The only thing that seemed to work was acupuncture/acupressure.

I found this great little e-book on pregnancy inducing massage.

It said that the process usually takes 2-3 days to induce labor.

Great.

We started on the 8th, just to make sure.

I went into Labor on the 9th.

I think it worked a little too well...

My contractions started that morning, but were very light and sporadic.

Around noon they were 10-15 min apart.

When Matt came home from work, they were about 8-9 min apart, and I was feeling pretty uncomfortable.

The hospital did not want us to come in until my contractions were 3-5 min apart for at least 2 hours.

By 2 am, They were becoming unbearable.

Still only 5-7 min apart.

I was in tons of pain, and throwing up at each contraction.

Matt called the hospital. They didn't really want us to come in yet,

but Matt insisted.

Good thing.

I was 7 centimeters dilated.

(you have a baby at 10)

Got some pain meds.

Got an epidural.

Felt great.

Went to sleep.

Best sleep in weeks.

My parents live in Tahoe (4 hrs away),

and Matt called my mom on our way to the hospital so she could drive down.

I'm so so glad my mom was there.

She was sooo much help,

and took all the pictures.

By 11:00 I was dilated to a 10.

They turned down the epidural so I could feel the contractions, and be able to push effectively.

It hurt real real bad.

Pushing lasted 3 hours

lots and lots of pain.

big big props to natural birthing mothers.

Because baby came so slowly,

I didn't tear at all

no stitching

great recovery.

I was up and walking around a few hours after,

and running errands in few days.

Baby came at 2:45

11-10-11

7.26lbs 19.25in

Having a baby is so surreal.

It is amazing the things our bodies do,

and the way they make you forget pain.

Seeing our baby for the first time was sooo amazing.

He was so small, and perfect.

I couldn't believe he came out of my body.

The whole experience was wonderful.

Our Dr, and nurses were great,

the hospital was great.

Everyone was soo helpful.

I didn't change one diaper while I was there. lol

Taking him home has been wonderful as well.

He fits right into our little family like he has always been there.

Gwen is doing good too.

She is real interested in the baby, and just wants to look at him all the time.

No doggy jealousy yet.

Just one little happy family.

Baby Link

2011-11-19T12:26:00.001-08:00

Baby Link

Baby is 9 days old.

We have a baby.

It is still surreal.

He is for reals the cutest baby EVER.

AND

Real healthy.

He had a mild case of jaundice when we took him home,

but he is more then fine now.

My mom took some great photos of him while she was here.

Did I mention he's the cutest baby EVER?

Baby Time

2011-11-12T16:05:00.001-08:00

Baby Time

Paul Lincoln Gillrie

7.23 lbs 19.25 inches

11-10-11 1348

Baby Crib

2011-11-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

Baby Crib

Still counting down the days to baby.

I have just over a week left...

The baby room is just about done.

My dad found me this AMAZING antique crib.

I'm am sooo in love with it.

It is in perfect condition.

AND

the side bars come off so it turns into a little toddler bed!!

Sooo cute!

and yes, the bars are too far apart

so I have another crib that we will be using until baby is old enough for this one.

38 Weeks

2011-11-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

38 Weeks

Almost there..

Had a little scare at the Dr. this week.

She had me do a precautionary ultra sound.

because...

1- My belly was measuring small

2- My belly is looking small

3-I lost a few pounds since my last visit.

(who knows why, after all those Halloween parties and candy I thought I gained 5 lbs...)

So ultra sound it was,

and everything is GREAT!

*I am measuring exactly my due date.

*Baby is 7 lbs and real healthy

(I think he is just good at hiding in there...)

*And I got an extra ultra sound look at him. It was real cool.

Blogher

2011-11-02T13:50:00.001-07:00

Blogher

My Star Trek Quiet Book is up on Blogher today!!!!

Check it out

Plus....
LeVar Burton AKA Geordi La Forge just tweeted it.....
SOOOOO COOL!!!

Baby Shower

2011-11-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Baby Shower

Robot Style

My sister-in-law Mary threw me an amazing baby shower this weekend.

My mom/sisters came down, and my new CA friends stopped by

for a brunch and get together.

It was perfect.

Crochet Baby Costumes

2011-10-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

Crochet Baby Costumes

I just found this shop on Etsy,

and I'm kinda obsessed with it.

How cute are these little outfits?

Such a great idea.

A little late for Halloween,

but there is always next year...

Girl Jumpers

2011-10-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Girl Jumpers

I finally got around to making some baby jumpers in girly fabric.

AND

I'm kinda obsessed with the blue strawberry one....

Available on Etsy

36 Weeks

2011-10-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

36 Weeks

back pain

Only a few more weeks.

Baby room is coming together.

Bags are packed.

We're getting ready.

Chenille Baby Blanket

2011-10-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Chenille Baby Blanket

My first attempt at non-crochet baby blankets...

I think it turned out pretty good.

I used lots of different vintage chenille squares,

and a cozy white minky for the back.

Next project..

Finishing the baby room.

Only 4 more weeks.....

Back To School

2011-10-12T03:48:00.000-07:00

Back To School

3 Week

8-5

POST dispatch academy

(police officer standard training)

I got a new job.

Palo Alto 911 Dispatcher

I know...

I'm having a baby in a month....

BUT,

this one has been in the works since July.

GOOD NEWS

*I get to be a dispatcher again!

*I don't have to start work til i'm good and ready

*It's reserve, so I can make my own schedule,

and work as much/ as little as I want.

BAD NEWS

*California doesn't recognize my Utah POST certification

*I have to re-take this real real long boring class for beginner dispatchers

*I have lots of dispatch experience....

6 years...

3 weeks of having to sit through this class is going to be the

longest

most boring

most pregnant

3 weeks EVER

Hopefully I will survive.

34 Weeks

2011-10-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

34 Weeks

Pregnancy

One of the only appropriate times to wear a mumu.

Especially a really cute vintage mumu gifted from my sister.

I secretly love it.

My husband openly hates it.

Wonderful Surprise!

2011-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Surprise!

I just had a wonderful surprise....

I came home after a long day,

and found an amazing package from my friend Susan.

#1- It is always great to get mail

#2- It's even better to get packages

#3- It's the best to get packages from someone like Susan,

cuz she one amazing crafter/creater/sewer.

Just look at my loot....

A pair of her amazing Freshly Picked baby moccasins!

(which I have been coveting for quite a while!)

The cutest chunky crochet baby hat EVER

from created by emma

AND...

A Star Wars baby blanket...

made with vintage fabric...

Which will go perfectly with our quiet book!

I am one happy girl.

Thank you

Thank you!

Sewing Patterns

2011-10-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sewing Patterns

There's some real cute new sewing patterns out for fall,

and I've been browsing all afternoon.

I;m real excited to get this baby out and start sewing again!

(One more month!!!)

Maternity sewing just isn't cutting it...

Here are some of my fav patterns that I can't wait to try...

I'm pretty sure anthro had a dress just like this over the summer.

Sadly I can't find a pic,

but I remember loving it...

Vogue v1253

Mccalls m6279

Real real cute skirt.

I would make it a little longer, but I really love it.

Mccalls m6439

Such a great silhouette

Vogue v8685

AND..

I'm pretty sure I made this one this summer...

Lol...

Vogue v8766

I secretly miss my pixie hair...

And my real long hair....

This growing out in-between stuff is the worst....

And...

What is up with this dress????

Vogue v1272

Star Trek Instructions

2011-10-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Star Trek Instructions

I finally got the instruction PDF to my Star Trek Quiet Book up on etsy.

I finished a lot faster then I though.

Thanks to a relaxing General Conference weekend.

Nothing is better the crafting while listening to inspired church leaders.

AND

Thank you!

Everyone for your wonderful comments and encouragement on these Quiet Books.

And,

for all you hard core Trekkies,

I fixed all my mistakes.

Star Trek Instructions Available Here

My Star Trek Quiet Book

2011-09-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

My Star Trek Quiet Book

I've had this project in my head for a while now,

and finally finished it.

I just loved how my Star Wars Quiet Book turned out,

and wanted to make another one.

I'm working on the pattern now,

and thinking about doing a

**Harry Potter Quiet Book

**Lord of The Rings Quiet Book

(maybe... if I can actually get through the movies...)

and

**The Beatles Quiet Book

(to go with The Beatles room obviously...)

in the future.

Cover/Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Finger Puppets!!!

***disclaimer***

Matt pointed out that Picard has 4 dots, not 3...

He's the Captain.
AND maybe some other ranks are wrong too.
I know I know...

I didn't feel like remaking them....

Page 4

A glove big enough for little hands to try on

Page 5

Warfs weapon rotates

Page 6

snap the visor back in place

Page 7

the saucer section snaps off

NCC-1701-D

Page 8

destroy the enemy probes by unbuttoning them from the page

they will EXPLODE!

Page 9

follow the right course to get back home

Page 10

my fav page...

little red undies...

Captain Picard VS. Borg Picard

Page 11

The End

Star Trek Quiet Book Instruction PDF Available Here

32 Weeks

2011-09-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

32 Weeks

So I'm technically almost 33 weeks, but have been a little behind on pictures.

My pregnancy is still going great.

All I have to complain about is

*Heartburn,

*and sciatica leg pains...

Not bad. I feel pretty lucky.

I was getting a little worried though cuz I don't think my belly is as big as it should be..

But according to Dr. I have a long torso that is hiding the baby really well.

Who knew...

I'm only 5'4 and never thought I had a long torso...

But baby is healthy,

i'm healthy,

and the due date is coming up real real fast!

Lots to be excited about.

Pretty In Pink Blanket - Tutorial

2011-09-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Pretty In Pink Blanket

Tutorial

So remember how 3 of my sister-in-laws had baby girls this year?....

Here is the last of the blankets that I made.

(want to see the first 2?)

1-Vintage Crochet Baby Blanket

2-Flower Garden Baby Blanket

For this last blanket,

I used the pattern I made from this black white and red blanket,

I think it turned out pretty cute and girly.

Perfect for a little girl.

Out of the three,

this one was by far the easiest to make.

Soooo

I put together an easy tutorial so you can make your own.

Pretty In Pink Blanket

Supply List

* j6.00 crochet hook

*1 skein "red yarn" baby pink

*1 skein extra large "red yarn" soft white

*scissors

*crochet size sewing needle

Abbreviations

SC: single crochet

DC: double crochet

TC: triple crochet

CN: chain

SP: space

SL ST: slip stitch

RND: round

Squares

Make 48

Rnd 1: cn 5. sl st to form a circle. cn 3 3 dc cn 2 * 4 dc cn 2*.

repeat from * arount 2 more times. sl st and tie off. (it should be looking like a square)

Rnd 2: cn 3 * dc in each dc. stop at cn 2 sp. working in cn 2 sp, 2 dc cn 2 2 dc*.

repeat from * around. sl st in top of cn 3.

Rnd 3: same as Rnd 2

Rnd 4: tie on pink. * sc in each dc. stop at cn 2 sp. working in cn 2 sp, 2 sc cn 2 2 sc*.

repeat from * around. tie off

Flowers

Make 48

***For each flower, use a long tail.

Do Not crochet the tail in.

You will need it later to attatch the flower to the square.***

Rnd 1: cn 4. sl st to form a circle. * sc dc tc dc sc*.

repeat from * 2 more times. (you will have 3 petals total)

Rnd 2: *cn 4 (working behind the petals) sl st into 1st sc*.

repeat from * 2 more times. (you should only be able to see the cn's when you look at the back of the flower.)

Rnd 3: working on the cn. sc dc tc tc dc sc 2 times in each cn sp. (this will give you 6 more petals. they should be set behind the first petals)

Rnd 4: *cn 3 (working behind the petals) sl st into 1st sc (1st petal)

repeat from * 5 times.

Rnd 5: working on the cn. sc dc tc tc tc dc sc in each cn sp. tie off. (this should give you 6 more petals)

Joining Flowers To Squares

There really isn't a set way to do this.

I think I did it differently with each blanket.

I did use the tails from both the flower, and square, and using a large crochet needle,

sewed them both to each other,

making sure to sew the whole tail through and attach them tightly so they wouldn't fall off.

Joining Squares

There are a bunch of different ways you can join your granny squares.

You can decide how you want to do it.

I used the continuous join method.

There is a pretty good you tube tutorial on it here.

The dimensions will be 6 sq x 8 sq

Edging

Using pink, start in any corner sp. dc 5 times. skip over the next 2 dc. sc 1 time. skip over the next 2 dc. dc 5 times*. repeat from * around.

Pictures

Squares Rnd 1

Squares Rnd 2

Flowers Rnd 1

Flowers Rnd 2

Flowers Rnd 3

Flowers Rnd 4

Flowers Rnd 5

This Pattern will make a small sized baby blanket.

If you wanted to make a bigger one,

like my red/black and white blanket,

Make lots more squares, and add 1-2 extra rows on the square and the flower.

The size of the blanket, flower, and squares is up to you.

Good Luck!

Sneak Peak

2011-09-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak

My latest project...

A Star Trek Quiet Book.

I'm about half way done,

and it might be cooler then the Star Wars one.

Might...

Peter Pan Collar Maternity Dress

2011-09-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Peter Pan Collar Maternity Dress

Sheet

Dye

this top pattern

circle skirt

really cute maternity dress.

It looks great with a belt too,

and my fav part is the collar, it was eyelet lace that I put in the dye with the sheet.

Tresa

2011-09-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Tresa

How pretty is my sister Tresa?

My Mom took these pics of her and her daughter Kes, and I'm obsessed with them.

And soooo jealous of her long curly hair.

She definitely got the majority of the Italian/Portuguese features in the family...

Shes my youngest sister

personal trainer

great advice giver

expert crochet-er

and got all the musical talent in the family.

she started playing guitar/singing/writing her own music at 12,

and she is good.

REALLY GOOD.

and soooo Hot.

and I just hope our kids are as cute as hers.

28 Weeks

2011-09-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

28 weeks

These photos were taken at my 28 week mark in Tahoe by my mom.

I have had this vintage bathing suit for a while, and it has always been too big to actually wear.

But... it makes a great maternity suit....

So far I have still been feeling great.

I was having some night time back pains, and Mary lent me her maternity pillow.

It's a life saver.

For reals.

Best thing EVER!

Robot Family

2011-09-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Robot Family

Robot Time....

I made the cutest little robot family last week.

The larger 2 robots are reversible,

and probably the coolest robots EVER.

I'm especially proud of the long lengthy limbs.

Soooo cute..

Now I just need to get a shelve to put them up in baby's room.

Fancy boy robot

Hidden heart under his pocket...

Destroyed robot boy

Cute little band aids and stitching

Little girl robot

Eyelashes and red lips..

Sleepy boy robot

Sooo tired

Tiny baby robot

The End

Muir Beach

2011-08-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Muir Beach

Matt and I have been having a hard time adjusting to busy/crowded Bay Area life.

After growing up in the mountains, and living right next to them in Utah for 6 years,

we have been really missing them,

and these little crowded California ones just aren't cutting it.

So this weekend we amped up for a California adventure,

and found the perfect spot.

Muir Beach

Cutest little uncrowded beach,

and perfect coastal hike were just the thing we needed.

We fought through amazing fog,

enjoyed a breath taking hike,

found hundreds of star fish,

hung out at a secluded beach,

and Gwen decided she loves the ocean.

My new FAVORITE picture of Gwen.

I always said I would never be one of "those" dog people...

but I'm pretty obsessed with her...

and maybe just made this my computer background pic...

Table Time

2011-08-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Table Time

Look what we brought back with us from Tahoe...

My dream table.

Isn't it wonderful?

Chrome

Vinyl

Teal and White

6 of the comfiest chairs ever (2 not pictured)

My dad found it for me 6 years ago,

and has been storing it waiting for us to have a big enough place.

And finally we do.

And I think it looks great in our little kitchen nook.

Tahoe In Pictures

2011-08-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Tahoe In Pictures

*Vikingsholm

*Photo shoots with my mom

*Garage sailing

*Gun shows

*Lake time

*Family time

*Birthday time

tired little bean

I think this is my fav picture of the trip.

This is what my mom looks like non stop.

Camera in hand. sooo funny.

cute louisa

27 Weeks

2011-08-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

27 Weeks

I'm definitely getting bigger,

my belly button is just about ready to pop out,

Baby kicks non stop at night,

and heart burn is ruining my life...

o.k... it's not that bad,

and has really been the only major complaint of my 2nd trimester.

So far it's been going great.

I also just had a Birthday, and am getting ready for my

B-day trip to Tahoe.

It's really my favorite place ever.

Tahoe

Family

Hiking

Lake

Garage Sailing

Sprouts

Dads BBQ

Can't wait!

Flower Garden Baby Blanket

2011-08-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Flower Garden Baby Blanket

So 3 of Matt's sister are having/had girls this year.

I've been having lots of fun making each one a different crochet blanket.

You can see the first one here..

This new one I made for Mary.

I think it just might be my fav

mainly for the colors.

That Vanna White sure knows how to pick the best colors for yarn.

Have you seen her line?

I have been obsessed with it for years, and come winter use it in all my hats...

Back to the blanket...

which I actually made quite a few months ago,

and just got around to finishing the pattern.

It's the second crochet pattern I've written, and I think I'm really getting the hang of it...

Front

Back

Pattern available here.

Etsy Update

2011-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Etsy Update

I just added a few Baby Jumpers to my ETSY shop.

New colors too...

I think the blue seersucker one is my new fav!!!

Houndstooth Maternity Dress

2011-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Houndstooth Maternity Dress

So I am almost 26 weeks,

and thought it was about time to make a maternity dress for my self.

I really like it,

and think I will like it even more when I start to get bigger and fill it out.

Vintage pattern

Simplicity 7558

24 weeks

2011-08-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

24 Weeks

Last week in Tahoe I did a little photo shoot with my mom.

This was the only photo she sent me before taking her computer to the Dr.

It was taken in the meadow across the street from our house.

The flowers were AMAZING!

plus..

That "skirt" just so happens to be my junior prom dress

yep, and I searched and searched for a picture of that dance,

and nothing was found.

sooo sad.

I didn't alter it or anything,

It is just a tube lacey dress that I still wear from time to time,

and perfect for a pregnancy skirt..

Home Sweet Home

2011-08-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home

We have been unpacked for about a week now,

and are just getting back into our schedules.

Matt started his job on Mon,

and Love Loves it!

I've been spending lots of time enjoying this wonderful weather,

spending time with family,

and missing the mountains, like A LOT!

BUT...

Tahoe is only 4 hrs away, and we will be going back soon....

So far, life in California is pretty great!!

Our apt is Wonderful!

Big big big,

pool,

ceilings big enough for our wonderful bed,

bathtub!,

(both of which we did not have in our little Utah basement)

and an extra craft room, soon to be baby room...

Baby Jumpers

2011-07-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

So I still haven't unpacked my sewing machine yet,

but I did just get around to taking photos

of these 2 baby jumpers I finished right before we left Utah...

Green Jumper

my new fav

Size 3 months

I used the same pattern as this yellow one.

I think I like them better as little shorts.

(I also made the same pair for Carolee's upcoming august boy..)

Plaid Jumper

Size 1 year

I used Simplicity vintage pattern 6693

I love the buttons!!

So that's 3 baby jumpers already...

Too many??

I don't think so.

Scalloped Collar Blouse

2011-07-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Scalloped Collar Blouse

I just finished a new blouse.

Simplicity 2599

Casey's scalloped collar tutorial

I've been experimenting with maternity clothes,

and decided to make this a crop shirt.

(It's just a little longer then the waist of the skirt)

1- Because I didn't have enough fabric,

and

2- Because i'm not a big fan of those over the belly flowy

maternity shirts.

So I guess this will be a high waisted skirt only kinda blouse,

But I think it tuned out pretty great.

It's A.....

2011-07-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!!

And we're real excited.

Especially my family, cuz it's the first boy in 2 decades...

The Dr. said he's pretty much perfect.

And i'm hoping he looks like my cute little baby husband...

You Know It's A Long Day When...

2011-07-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry,

but we will not come and throw away

the used condom you came across at the park.

And we are definitely not going to do A

DNA test to issue the condom using litterer a ticket...

I'm Really Going To Miss My Job

2011-07-04T04:24:00.000-07:00

if your "asian" neighbors get a new dog,
and you heard that koreans eat dogs,

but arn't even sure if your neighbors are even korean,

you probably shouldn't bother to call the police 2x worrying about the fate of the dog...

oh elderly busy body neighbors... i hope i never never live by you....

Pattern Finished!!

2011-07-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

Vintage Crochet Baby Blanket

I finally finished the pattern....

whooo hooo.

I think it's pretty great.

I hate how confusing crochet patterns can be, so I made mine really simple,

and added lots of step by step pics...

Pattern found here..

Front..

Back..

20 Weeks

2011-06-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

20 Weeks

Still feeling great,

besides heart burn.

I loathe heart burn.

My bellys getting bigger,

I now have the dark belly line,

and i'm still waiting to feel the baby move.

And...

Counting down the days til next weeks ultra sound....

Going away BBQ

2011-06-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

How to have an awesome going away BBQ

Step 1: Invite all your favorite peeps.

Step 2: Purchsae a 10$ Star Wars pinata from the local Mexian Market.

Step 3: Break out your husbands Throwing Star Axe.

It was a big hit.

There was a long line of boys waiting for their turn to wield the axe.

Once the pinata was sufficiently demolished,

They broke out the un-cut watermellons...

Baby Jumper

2011-06-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Baby Jumper

So we still don't know what we're having...

But

Our ultra sound apt is on July 5th,

and we can't wait!

I've been collecting tons of vintage baby sewing patterns,

and just couldn't wait to make one.

Soooo yellow it is,

and i'm in love ♥♥.

The pattern is Mccalls 6930

and it's my new fav!

Diaper Bag

2011-06-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Diaper Bag

My 1st baby craft,

and i'm real real proud of it.

It turned out better then I thought.

This was my inspiration...

The Petunia Pickle Bottom Butter Cream Cake Diaper Bag.

349$... I know....

My version

50$

30$ in fabric

and 20$ in notions

I used this pattern...

The Mama Mia Diaper Bag

It's the WORST pattern ever.

For reals. I do not recomend it...

*The instructions were real real confusing.

*The pattern was printed right to left, Asian style.

*And there was extra pattern pieces that just didn't seem to go anywhere.

Worst pattern ever.

I was really dissapointed, and ended up winging the whole thing.

Which actually turned out great,

Because...

I added a bunch of decorative stitching,

used thick upholstery fabric,

and added some brass rings on the handles.

AND...

I love love how it turned out, and can't wait for baby, and baby stuff to carry around...

Monkey Tail

2011-06-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Monkey Tail

Heart Hair Clip Tutorial

2011-06-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

Heart Hair Clip Tutorial

Supplies needed....

♥Scissors

♥Glue gun

♥Hair clips

(These are my fav ones to use! You can get them at sally's or any beauty supply store)

♥Needle/thread

♥Felt

Step 1:

Cut out 3 Felt hearts.

2 larger ones for the main color,

and 1 smaller one for the center color.

(my completed clip is about 1 inch tall x 1.75 inch long)

Step 2:

Sew the pink heart onto the middle of 1 green heart

Step 3:

Sew the 2 green hearts together

Step 4:

Hot glue a hair clip on the back.

Done!

Soooo easy and cute!

Here's my other hair clip tutorial if your interested...

♥♥♥

17 Weeks

2011-06-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

17 Weeks

I'm counting down the days til we find out boy/girl.

My second trimester has been a breeze,

besides the emotional no good reason crying fits... sorry Matt.

No more sickness though!

and.. my belly is getting a lot bigger!
I feel like it's real bottom heavy,

but I still fit into my jumper skirt! ...barely...

Moving Time

2011-06-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

We have big news.

Really Happy/Sad news.

We are moving.

To here...

San Jose area.

Matt got a job at

It's a reall good job,

and we're really excited.

Especially to live close to family.

We have none in Utah,

which makes things hard when unexpected poop catastrophes occur,

and you have to rely on friends...

BUT...

I'm really going to miss Utah.

I love the mountains,

Love Love the mountains.

I'm a Tahoe mountain girl for life,

and will be sad to live so far away from them.

But Tahoe is just 4 hrs away, so weekend trips will be frequent.

I will also miss our wonderful friends, and

my wonderful job/co-workers.

I really Love Love my job and am soo sad to leave it.

We have been really blessed here in Utah,

and are looking forward to new California Adventures.

When we get there

Matt wants to start a new adventure club and name it FRAC

Fransisco Adventure Club...

lol.. I'm pretty sure we will love it there.

Red Butte Gardens

2011-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Red Butte Gardens

Brian was in town last week,

so we got our old adventure crew back together for a reunion trip.

Our adventure took us to the

Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake,

and I was blown away.

Coolest gardens EVER!

They have everything...

flowers, herbs, kid play area, waterfalls, river, ponds,

bridges, an amphitheater, old brick house,

and TONS of places to explore.

If you live in Utah, you NEED to go here,

Especially if you have kids, they will LOVE it!

Maternity Re-Fashion

2011-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Maternity Re-Fashion

So Carolee found this lovely little mumu dress at the thrift store.

Ok, let's admit it...

It's pretty ugly...

BUT

With some major sleeve alterations,

some styling,

and a pregnant belly.

It actually turned out pretty cute...

BEFORE

AFTER

Baby Art

2011-05-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Baby Art

We found the most amazing prints today,

and ordered one of each for the baby room.

"Dust off your browncoats and holster your Alliance-issued pistols, River Tam & The Fireflies are ready to come back from the black and right into your hearts with their new album "Serenity"! Join the crew of this firefly class transport ship as they aim to misbehave with hit songs such as "I Swallowed A Bug", "Nothin' Twixt My Nethers", and their new, hit single "Miranda". You can't stop the signal, and after your first listen, you'll never want to!"

"Humanity's Children have come back ... to rock the human race! Caprica 6 and her Cylon bandmates are coming to conquer your hearts and minds with their latest album "By Your Command". Armed with poppy hooks and shredding guitar solos, songs like "Are You Alive?" and "Skin Job" will have your spine glowing red faster than a squadron of viper pilots can say FRAK!"

Get it?

Firefly

and

Battle Star...

We love love sci-fi...

Baby Crafts

2011-05-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Baby Crafts

Now that I don't feel so sick all the time,

I'm ready to start some baby crafts.

Here are my crafts to-do's..

1- Baby Mobile

I have this awesome baby mobile in mind.

A mix between rod iron, and felt animals for a girl, or planets for a boy.

Maybe something in the middle of these..

♥

Good thing my dad has a welding buisness,

and I can probably convince him to help me with the mobile.

2- Embroidered Art Work

I saw this embroidered skirt turned wall piece

that Annie did, and I'm obsessed.

I'm hoping for a girl so I can get to work on something like this.

Maybe a set of 3 framed pieces...

3- Baby Toys

How cute is this idea.

There was an old lady.. themed Russian Dolls!

I love it! Boy or Girl appropriate.

4- Baby Blankets

I guess it's about time for me to start on my own baby blanket.

Girl blanket ideas..

I want to do some pink variation on this blanket,

Or make one of these for my self..

I havn't bloged about it yet,

but I made this, and the pattern for my sister in-law...

It's my favorite blanket yet.

Boy blanket ideas..

Something like these, but all white..

♥

Baby Time

2011-05-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Baby Time

We have good news,

really good news,

baby good news.

I'm about 14 weeks.

Our due date is Nov 15th,

but we're crossing our finger for

11-11-11

coolest b-day EVER!

Supposedly this is our baby,

It kinda just looks like a blob to me,

but we couldn't be happier!!!

A College Grad

2011-05-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

A College Grad

Mom

2011-05-09T04:31:00.000-07:00

My pretty Mom

I just love her,

and wish we lived closer.

Lots of Lace Dress

2011-04-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Lots of Lace Dress

I had lots and lots of pink lace stashed from a garage sale find,

and finally put it to good use.

I used Newlook pattern 6723

which I love, and also used on

my Velvet Hearts Dress...

How awesome is this belt??
It also happens to be vintage from my grandma..

I love love it..

Little Black Dress

2011-04-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

Little Black Dress

The other week,

during my Gold Dress photoshoot with Carolee,

We took some pics of this dress as well.

(she did some real cool photo tricks with sheer fabric that make the pics look all ethereal like.)

Isn't it amazing?

It's my Grandmas vintage little black dress with feathers and crystals,

AND I never get to wear it.

SO..

This was a good excuse.

I guess now I need to get Matt to take me to more formal events hu?

Heart Hair Clips

2011-04-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Heart Hair Clips

I made some new hair clips,

and I think they turned out really cute.

Really really cute...

Gold Dress

2011-04-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

Gold Dress

So forever ago I decided to make a gold dress.

I had lots of inspiration.

I finally got around to finishing it a few weeks ago,

and just barely got around to taking some pictures.

Carolee actually took them.

We had a really fun photo shoot!

The dress turned out ok,

I don't love it.

But I do love love the pattern,

(it has pockets!...)

and I'm excited to use it again!

Vintage Crochet Baby Blanket

2011-03-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

Vintage Crochet Baby Blanket

So I have been dying to show this off...

I love love it...

and am soooo proud of it.

I finished it a month ago as a gift for my sister-in-law Annes new baby,

Hazel Rory Alme McDonald = sooooo cute!

I have been really into vintage crochet lately.

Really.

I had a specific blanket in mind that I wanted to make.

I internet searched for days,

and couldn't find a pattern even close to what I wanted.

sooo..

I made one up, which is a first for me,

and it turned out perfect,

and I'm almost done with a pattern,

and it will be up on etsy soon.

Front

Back

I think I love the back more then the front,

the flowers look like little cupcakes.

The Rest of Our Trip

2011-03-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Rest of Our Trip

Spent with the Gillrie's in San Jose/Alcatraz/Arnold

Tahoe

2011-03-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tahoe

We are in Tahoe for a few days visiting my parents.

Its been a wonderful blizzard snow filled trip.

Utah's got nothing on Tahoe.

While Utah has been raining for weeks straight,

Tahoe has been dumping,

like 4+ feet of beautiful snow.

I just love it!

The snow from one "little" storm.

That's our house hidden way back in there..

We took a little trip to the pier down the street.

It was real cold, and windy, and snowy, and beautiful.

Cold face.

Button Down Skirt

2011-03-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Button Down Skirt

I made a new skirt.

I like it,

lots.

Especially the lining, which is the same fabric as this blouse.

Which I also like,

lots.

Crochet ♥

2011-03-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Crochet ♥

I've been really into crochet lately.

Really.

Usually I get the bug around fall, and it tapers off mid winter

(after I crochet a billion hats for the Bazaar,

I don't want to see a crochet hook again til the next year.)

but...

I'm really into blankets right now,

and am working on the CUTEST one inspired by this...

Here are some other crochet projects I ♥

and are on my list of things to make...

I love love these 2 pot holder patterns..

♥

Pattern

I'm obsessed with this pattern.

Obsessed.

I got it in the mail last week, and can't wait to start on the blanket..

♥

I am fully determined to beef up my knitting skills

so I can whip out this amazing baby dress.

love.

♥

Back Home

2011-03-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

Back Home

Good News...

We are finally back home. We moved in last week.

Bad News...

We still have no kitchen counters or sink.

We have been using the bathroom for water.

They told us 2 more weeks. Ugh....

Good News...

My husband made us some temporary counters

out of cardboard and left over linoleum.

He's the best.

Dress Refashioned

2011-02-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

Dress Refashioned

Carolee had this old semi formal dress that she never wore.

The fabric was real real pretty,

but the dress was out dated, and too big.

(These pics arn't the greatest... it was too dark, but before pics are supposed to be bad right?)

Sooooo...

I turned it into a skirt.

A really cute skirt with a black waist band,

and double front bow.

It's definitely a huge improvement.

and so so cute,

especially with her growing baby belly!

Provo Ice Adventure

2011-02-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

Provo Ice Adventure

The Fire Guys from work told us about this awesome Provo adventure...

In winter,
Utah lake freezes,

gets real windy,

the wind breaks up the ice,

and pushes the chunks to the shore.

This year there was a MASSIVE ammount of ice.

MASSIVE.

My cute dog.

My cute husband.

My favorite gwen pose...

Ute Blouse

2011-02-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

Ute Blouse

I've been really into tie blouses lately..

Here is my version of the Ute Blouse from Burda.

Jewlery Inspiration

2011-02-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Jewlery Inspiration

Geodes as Jewlery = AMAZING

♥

Star Wars Finger Puppets

2011-02-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

Star Wars Finger Puppets

So my Quiet Book was quit a success.

The whole project took a real long time,

and a lot of work,

and when I was done,

I was real glad I didn't have to make any more.

BUT...

I had a lot of people ask me if they could buy completed books from me.

I made one for my self,

and had NO desire to make another one.

That's why I did the kits.

I wanted other people to be able to have the book,

with out me having to make them.

SOOOO...

I had another idea.

Here is my compromise.

Star Wars Finger Puppets.

They are the same ones from the book,

and come in a real cute felt envelopes,

and I actually like making them.

Date Night: Midway Ice Castles

2011-02-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Date Night

Midway Ice Castles

This was our second year going,

We LOVE Ice Castles,

really big giant Ice Castles,

that you can walk through,

and take friends.

It was a blast.