Four Outta Four

I have been following American Idol since the beginning. I think I've only really missed parts of one season because it just got to the point it was boring. Well, that season was anyway. 

I torture myself with audition week. I ask myself why each time. However, sometimes you just get a good laugh and wonder what the hell people are thinking when they go up there.  Why on earth they would want to get up in front of millions of people and make an arse of themselves!!  I'll never know. 

I like to try and pick out some of the ones that make it to top 10. Sometimes I'm right, most of the time I am wrong. This time I had four picked that I really enjoyed. Guess what?! All four of them are in the top 10!!! I picked these from auditions week!!!  Am I good or am I good? Just kidding... :)

In no particular order....these are my top picks. As long as one of these peeps wins, I'll be a happy camper!

 

 Lee Dewyze - Sexy voice. He is my top male choice! I think the only thing holding him back right now is his own confidence in himself. He doesn't know how good he really is. Sometimes you just have to put modesty aside and show them what you got! :)

Michael Lynche (Big Mike) - He is a big boy and has one helluva voice and a brand new baby daughter to boot! Congrats Mike! 

Didi Benami - This girl had my heart the moment she told her story in her audition. Her best friend had passed away so she was doing this for her. She has an amazing voice that is very unique!

Crystal Bowersox - This girl can holler! Wow! Bowersox knocks your socks off...lol! She is very unique and knows exactly where she is and what she can do. Her confidence shines and it's a toss up between her and Lee as to who I want to win!

Who are you cheering on this season? 

Much Love!!!

To List Or Not To List

List's. 

I don't know why, but I don't really make them. It's not because I don't like to. I just don't make them. 

I know I should make lists, especially when I go to the grocery store. When I don't make them I probably spend twice as much. I also forget things. I think I have super power memory, apparently, that I can remember what I HAVE to get. Never fails. I always forget something. Like toilet paper. Um...that's important stuff to have around. :)

It's not always about forgetting things. Sometimes it's about buying more of what you don't need. Like 6 pounds of hamburger when you already have 5 in the freezer. Did I do that? Uh huh. 

I'm going to try harder to make lists when I need to go to the store to stock up. My freezer can't handle much more overage... and I really need toilet paper! Lol!

On a completely different note...my daughter has this obsession with her iPod touch and the application called AwesmFacts. She likes it so much that every night she will sit there and fill my brain with needless facts. Facts like..... Did you know that the tune of the ABC's is the same as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? I wasn't convinced so together she sang the ABC's and I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Yep. They were right! I bet you are singing them now aren't you? =P

Ok. I liked this one. "A recent study at Harvard has shown that eating chocolate can actually help you live longer." Bring on the chocolate baby!!!

I will spare you the other 50 she rattled off.... :)

Much Love!!!

Scapegoat

It's all Julie's fault. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. This pillow is what really started it all. Did you see who made it? Yep. Julie. That's why it's her fault.  (Mind you, this is totally not a bad thing!) I had originally commented asking her if she was going to post the pattern in her Etsy shop and being so busy, she said that she would, eventually. Of course I didn't expect her to stop everything to write up a pattern and post it so the more I examined the pillow, the more I adored it, picked it apart and realized I could probably figure it out on my own. Or at least something similar. 

It started a little like this...well, exactly like this actually. I got out my compass to create a hexagon so I could make my own template. (This was before I realized they made rulers for this. Doh!) 

Once I had the triangle drawn, I traced it, added quarter inch to each side for seam allowances and I was all set. I wanted three fabrics in my hex but I did NOT want to paper piece. I say bad words when I have to do that...lol. So I cut 1 1/2 inch strips and sewed them together. From there, I cut my triangles. In doing it this way, I was able to make two hexagons that were reverse of each other because you had to turn your template/ruler to make each cut. Clear as mud, right? Check out the finished product below and you will see what I mean. :)

When I was making these, I had no idea what I was going to do with them. I knew I wanted to make more but then found out that Julie was actually going to host a hexagon quilt a long (I literally jumped up and down at the mention of this. Yes. Yes I did...lol) so I didn't want to make a quilt with them. Then it hit me to put them in a pillow. 

Now mind you, there was NO planning for this thing. It was totally off the cuff and design as I went along. This was good and bad but I learned from it. I learned that there were much easier ways to join the hexes. Like leaving them in halves to sew them in rows. But I got around that. I can say the size changed about 3 times because towards the end, apparently I got dumb in the math department. We got through it though.

Once I was happy with it, It was time to quilt it. This is not my strong point in quilting but I am getting better, stretching beyond my comfort zone. I decided to straight line quilt this.  (ok ok, I know not all my lines are straight. Shhh..don't tell anyone!) The lines are spaced about 1/2 inch apart  (sort of..lol) and I decided on this mostly so I could practice and to see if I would like it. Oh man, do I ever love it!! It does take longer, but the results are so worth it. I will definitely try this on a larger quilt! 

Oh, I suppose you want to see it? Well, ok... :)

Here it is, pieced and quilted and ready to trim to add the backing envelope. 

Here it is completed. It ended up being 18" square. 

Here she is with the pinwheel pillow. Don't they look cute together? :)

What do you think? I love my new pillow. I have a feeling my house will be overflowing with pillows this year. They are so fun to make. Plus they are fairly quick so you get that "completed project satisfaction" feeling! I urge you to try one yourself!! :)

Much Love!!!

I've Learned

Just stopping by with a few things to think about. What have you learned?

*"I've learned that no matter what  happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

*"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a  person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights."

*"I've learned that  regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

*"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'"

*"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

*"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need  to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right  decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to  be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

*"I've learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them  feel."

*"I've learned that I still have a lot to  learn."

Much Love!!!

From Start To Finish

There is nothing like that spark of joy you get when you finish something you have been excited about. It doesn't matter what it is you've finished, but you know that feeling? I've got that feeling today! 

It all started with me finding a Pillow Talk Swap on Flickr. This swap was well into their second round already but I requested to join the group so I can hopefully get in on round 3! I wanted to practice, if you will, before actually going in head first to the swap so I pulled out my graph paper and started drawing. I had mentioned before that I changed my design many times. In fact, while I was sewing this together, I changed my mind again. LOL!

I definitely learned a lot along the way. Especially working in this small scale, your accuracy is even more important as there is less room for error. My pinwheels ended up being 2.5" square which is pretty small for a pinwheel, but I did cheat a bit. I made the pinwheels about a 1/2" larger and then trimmed them to size. This was much easier and less hair was pulled out in result! Another thing I learned, is do NOT use the blue line chalk on cream fabric with cream thread. They say it comes right out. Um...no it does not. It isn't terribly noticeable, unless you are really critiquing it, but I know it's there and that bothers me. I'm glad I learned this on my own pillow versus having to send it as a gift or a swap! Lesson learned!

This was my very first design. The one I was doodling. It looks great and I love it to pieces but when I sat down to figure out how to piece it, I think it would have looked choppy because there really were no rows to sew together. Too complicated for me just yet.

After about 7 design changes, I finally came up with the top design below. 

As I was sewing it together, I wanted blank spacing between the rows of pinwheels and "dots" so I had to make it bigger. Hence the bottom drawing, which was the final design! Pshew! 

Today I was able to quilt the front, put the envelope back on it and then make my own pillow insert. I had to do this because this baby is 20" x 20". So from start to finish, this is all made by me. I love everything about it. The Hope Valley fabric, the pinwheels, the "dots". When the front was nearly done, I was worried it was going to be too big, but I love the size of it! I definitely think I've earned the right to toot my own horn on this project. TOOT TOOT! Hee hee! :D

What do you think? :)

Much Love!!!

Happy Birthday

My mother would have been 52 today. Fifty two. So young and so much life left in her. She is not here in the physical sense to celebrate her life, but she will always be in my heart. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

Let's Begin Again

I was poking around in my car today looking for something and I came across this book again. I had started reading this back in September of 08, but a quarter of the way through or so I needed to put it away. I won't go into why but I stashed it. Apparently I stashed it pretty good because I had forgotten about it until today. 

It was good timing though, as I just finished the book I was reading. Which was kind of boring. So I need something good. Something really good, so it's time to pick this back up and begin again.  Gaiman has yet to disappoint me. I am sure he won't this time either. I mean, I even loved his book that had spiders in it. ;)

Thanks be to the one who originally turned me on to this book. 

Sneak Peeks

Today was another gorgeous day! Apparently it is supposed to snow on Sunday. I refuse to believe that it will get cold again and I will do everything in my power to make it stay warm. **waves wand....and wiggles nose**. :)

Ok, enough evil thoughts of snow and on to much better things....

I have been itching to design something of my own. It didn't necessarily matter what the item was, I just wanted to give it a go and see what I could do. There really is no right or wrong way to design. It's like art. It's unique to you and as long as you like it then it's all good. It's an extra special bonus if someone else likes it too. 

So the other day I pulled out my notebook of graph paper and started sketching. I drew out a few designs but kept going back to one in particular. The one that had pinwheels. Go figure. I played around with the design until I was pleased, changed it once more, then went back to the one before the last. Are you confused yet? LOL. It's ok. I know what I'm doing. Sort of.  I am so glad that math was my best and favourite subject. You really do use that stuff out of school..heh!

Here is a sneak peak. It's just one wee little piece of the project, and I really mean wee because the block measures only 2.5" square!! It's definitely a challenge working this small but I think it will turn out really cute. However, if it doesn't, will you lie to me and tell me you love it anyway? Haha...just kidding. Please don't lie to me. It's not very nice.... just politely tell me "Karrie, that really sux!". ;)

Another thing on my mind lately is Barenaked Ladies. No, do not let your minds wander there, I mean the band. :) They are releasing a new album at the end of this month but have been playing one of the songs from it called Run Away. Ever since a friend of mine introduced me to them, (Thanks CB!) I've loved their songs. Well, most of them. They are a very unique band and have a very silly side as well as a very serious side. I just like them and I like this song. The video is a bit strange, but pleasing just the same. 

Until later....

Much Love!!!

Beautiful Day

The temperatures today reached over 60 degrees. It was incredible. Driving home from the office with the windows down (singing at the top of my lungs...heehee) and the sun shining in never felt better! Don't worry. I was on the interstate so I was going too fast for anyone to hear me sing.  Lucky for their ears too! :)

When I got home I wanted to spend some time outdoors since it was so beautiful. I grabbed my camera and went hunting for things to shoot so I could fulfill my "photo a day" project. Some of the sprouting flowers had peeked up a bit more but no blooms yet. The leaves on the trees are still tucked tight in their buds so I took a photo of the grass just because it was starting to turn green. Yes. I'm cheesy. 

Grass is not the most interesting thing to take a photo of (so I won't share that masterpiece) but it still gives me practice with my camera. I've stepped completely out of the ease of just shooting in "auto" mode because what is the point of having a Digital SLR camera if you always have it on auto? I've also started shooting in RAW which allows for better editing (some will argue that point but it works for me and that is all that matters to me). 

My favourite mode to shoot in is in the aperture mode. This allows me to put the aperture where ever I want and the shutter speed is set for me. I love love love taking shallow depth of field shots but I practiced with some action shots today. Bug and his friend were my models...

**notice the showing off with the thumbs up?

**His friend looks like he's gonna spill but no worries, he just zoomed by! :)

**Gotta have a "ham it up" photo. :)

Then I tried, hopelessly, to get a shot of Bodie looking at the camera to show off his beauty. He has one blue eye and one brown. It's stunning and captivating but no go Charlie. He refuses to look at the camera, even if there is no flash. I think he does it on purpose just to get my goat. Get my goat? Where the heck did that come from? I know what it means but it makes no sense. I should just delete it. Now I'm just rambling.... moving on....

**He's still a beauty. Stubborn or not. 

When the sun was setting I couldn't help myself. I love me a sunset....

I've been thinking about my mom a lot this week. I know it's because her birthday is on Sunday and knowing that makes me miss her deeply again. It comes and goes in waves. When a pot luck was suggested at the office to celebrate St. Patty's day it was a no brainer as to what I would bring. My mom shared this recipe with me years ago and it is so simple and yummy and everyone loves it. Thanks mom....love ya!

I hope you had a beautiful day too!

Much Love!!!

I Love ... Part 3

I had to look back to see how long ago I had posted an "I love" entry. Um. It was back in May of '09. Oops. I guess I got a bit behind. I didn't intentionally leave it by the wayside, I just sort of forgot. Then again, who wants to read boring ole lists anyways? So let's do this a bit different....no more lists. 

I love this girl with all of my heart, and then some. She has such a big heart. She is kind and warm. Compassionate. Honest and respectful. She loves any and all animals. Unfortunately she gets her fear of spiders from me. She doesn't mind having someone smoosh those...lol. She is funny and playful and a total dork. She fits right in. I love her. 

 

My little man. I love him so. He's my Bug. He's a total momma's boy and I let him be. Today I took him to a birthday party. He was going to get to play laser tag with all of his buddies. We arrived and he took off to play while I touched base with the parents and before I left, I wanted to say a quick goodbye. He is 8 (almost 9) and he was with all his friends so I was gonna be the "cool mom" and give him a high five and be on my way so he didn't get embarrassed. Before I could even get my hand in the air, he had his arms outstretched for a hug and wrapped around me. I bent down to tell him to have a good time and he kissed my cheek. He melts my heart.

I even still love him when he beats the pants off of me in a game and makes these kinds of faces at me! :D

Quilting. I've dabbled in it for years, but over the last year or so I've really found my place in it. There are a lot of things I don't know and there's always room for practice and improvement, but I'm loving it more and more. Especially with this pinwheel quilt a long I am in. A new block each Saturday until we have 16 blocks. We are half way there already.  I will actually be adding 9 more blocks of my own that will be different as well as the mini-pinwheels in the sashing. I just have to wait to see what other blocks she has up her sleeves. :)  Here is her original sampler.

This weeks blocks. :)

 

Lastly and also fitting... this movie. I adore it. Each and every time I watch it. I've probably seen it at least 30 times and I still laugh at the funny parts and cry at the sad ones. It just never gets old.

This is probably my favourite scene (well, besides the JDM backside shot..yah!).  I wish I could find a longer version of it that extends to their first kiss.  The entire scene is sweet, endearing and funny. I suggest you just go and watch the whole movie. I mean, I watched it again tonight. Twice. :)



P. S.... I love you ..... 

One Of Those Days

Today was a good day. Let me tell you why. 

For starters the sun was shining ALL day long! On top of that it was like 40 some degrees out! Oh man...Spring is finally coming!! That's enough to get me excited in itself! :)

Secondly, I had Pizza Huts taco pizza for lunch. Yum! Best taco pizza that I've ever had! :)

Third. With as much sewing as I did today, not once did I have to bring out Jack (the ripper). Not one mistake. Just carefree sewing! Sorry Jack. You know we have that love/hate relationship. I like you better when I don't have to use you. ♥


I was on a roll today so I finished all my blocks for this quilt along. I was supposed to have two weeks left...hee hee! Eighty blocks. Forty one different fabrics. This one is nearing completion :)


Block 5 in the Pinwheel Quilt Along. I am just loving these blocks. So happy and cheery! 


Block 6 in the Pinwheel Quilt Along! This is my favourite one so far! 

With that, I will leave you with a band that I've come to very much enjoy as of late.

Green River Ordinance - Come On

Are you smiling? I know I am! :D

Much Love!!!

I'm The Lucky One

I've never been one to carry the lucky card. At least not when it comes to winning a contest or something of the like. However, once in a while, a little bit of luck finds its way in my life.

Every so often a blogger will be so generous and post a give-a-way. My favourite ones are the ones that give fabric as the prize (or the cookware that PW gives away...lol).  I enter them almost always. Inside I'm like that little kid in class that wants to be called on so badly they are jumping around in their seat just begging to be named. Trying harder and harder to get that hand higher so they have a better chance. You know what I'm talking about. :)

I am incredibly pleased to announce that I won. I WON!!! Me!! I won on a blog that I just recently found, by happenstance, mind you. A blog that I only found by suggestion and the name was so unique I couldn't help but to click on it. Pickles & Bacon. I love bacon and well, pickles...pickles and I don't get along. They are only good for throwing at people. Yes, that's right. I still gave her blog a chance and I am so glad I did. Not because I won her give-a-way, but because I genuinely adore her blog. Thank you so much for the gift Audrey!! I {heart} it so much!!  I'm even using it in a quilt along found over at Moose On The Porch Quilts. :)

Here is what I won...

Here is what I'm making with it...

On another note, I haven't posted a video here in some time. Today I found a video that just made my day. Creative. Brilliant. "Spectaculus" and "re-donky-kong" as Damian would say. :)

Rube Goldberg would be blown away, hm? 

Be sure to double click the video to take you to the You Tube page and in the side bar you will see 4 "in the making" videos. Watch them too. Funny and great insight into the project! 

Much Love!!