emily makes a quilt - part 1

When I was a young girl, my Mom used to make me and my sisters dresses. These were actual clothes that we could wear (in public) and not be ridiculed. At the time this seemed completely normal -- moms make clothes for their kids. Sure, not all of their clothes, but a few special items, no problem.

Then I grew up and realized just how impressive this is.

Sewing (especially sized clothing) is hard! For me, at least.

My mom has a craft gene that she graciously passed along to my sisters. They all makes lots of beautiful things.

Crocheted blankets, handmade greeting cards/birth announcements/invitations, handbags, pajama pants, wreaths, dolls...just to name a few.

When I was in middle school we had a section of sewing as part of our home economics class. During that class we made (really basic) shorts, which involved sewing a couple pieces of fabric together, then threading an elastic band through the top to keep them up.

It took me so long to get the elastic threaded that the teacher actually gave me a hug when I was done.

I think she channeled a little Annie Sullivan that day.

Which makes me the Helen Keller of sewing.

I didn't get the craft gene.

*sigh*

Unfortunately for me, I was raised in a generation of children who were told that they can do anything, if they try hard enough.

Although I now believe this isn't completely true, it's ingrained too deeply and I can't let crafts win. I keep trying while thinking, believing, in vain, that 1 day I'll gain the upper hand and create something beautiful.

To date, my craft attempts (and failures) include:

knitting
cross-stitch
scrapbooking
sewing a bag

I did successfully make a wreath last fall, but it involved no glue or fasteners of any kind. I basically wound fake foliage onto a wreath base.

But hey, success is success and I'll take it.

Bolstered by this achievement, I decided to up the ante and re-entered the world of sewing.

I'm a realist and knew I should start small, so the other week I replaced all of the buttons on my winter jacket.

Sure, this is more repair than crafts, but who's getting technical.

Another success and the little girl who could (craft) in me is getting fired up.

I decided to take the plunge and ... make a quilt!



My mom made me a beautiful quilt years ago that Drew and I use all of the time. It's definitely our "go to" couch quilt.



I knew that the Log Cabin pattern was fairly simple -- just strips of fabric sewn together -- I can sew in a straight line! So I asked Mom about it and she offered me some advice and sent me a book that turned out to be my newest favorite.



Thanks, Eleanor, for leaving the "Dummies" out of the title. Although it is that simple.



I know the title says "Quilt in a Day," but really, let's pick our battles.

After 2 days of steady work, I've made some great progress!







So far I have all of the blocks made




and sewn together


and have 2 of 3 borders attached.


I don't want to speak up too soon, but I think this thing might really happen!

Maybe all of that "work hard to achieve any goal" talk wasn't just propaganda. Maybe the anti-craft curse has been lifted.

But then again, let's not count our chickens -- I'll let you know.

favorite thing friday

Sometimes a girl just needs to have fun.

And sometimes that fun involves the computer, well-known works of art, and kissing.

I love all 3 of those things!

I read about this new 'favorite thing' in a magazine the other day and just knew that I had to check it out. It's as great as I hoped it would be!

Do yourself a favor and wander on over to Masterpiece Yourself when you need a laugh.

It's this awesome website that lets you put your face into famous works of art.

Too funny!

Check out my first kiss.

I look excited!

However, someone along the way really should have told me not to kiss with my mouth open so much.

If you think throwing yourself into art is fun, wait until you masterpiece someone else!

Whoa now, who's that philosopher??

Nice, Drew, nice.

Like I said -- this site is tons of fun.

Especially when you "masterpiece" someone else.

idol chatter

It's been a few weeks since I last gave my 2 cents on American Idol and I decided that I couldn't hold it in any longer.

First, I would like to say that overall I am very disappointed this year.

I've been watching American Idol for several years now and have noticed a trend. The show definitely has ON years and they have OFF years.

Don't get me wrong, there are talented singers on the show this year. It's just lacking that -- I don't know -- how would Uncle Simon say it, "X-factor" that makes stars pop.

To quote Randy, "It was just alright for me." "Dawg."

Anyway, there are a few people who jump out at me as potential winners.

I love Allison!



She's got a lot of confidence (without being cocky) and can really belt it out!

Plus, she's only 16, which I find kind of hard to believe and amazing.

I'm also rooting for Kris



He did a great job last night and, I hope, will sneak along for awhile longer.

Who do I think will be voted off tonight...hmm.

I'm going to have to go with Scott. His song was not so great. In fact, I like Scott, but I don't really think his type of music (soft rock/elevator style) is right for this show. He's a good singer, but not a great singer.



American Idol demands great singers.

If not Scott, then Michael. Again, good but not great.



We'll see. Alexis was a complete shock to me last week, so I'm not beyond being surprised.

Mostly, though, I just miss Jason and Brooke.

Oh yeah, and David.

Musical, wonderful David.

*sigh*

Listen and remember. I think this was his best performance last year.

wordless wednesday

This week's Wordless Wednesday comes via request by my hubby.

Drew loves this photo from Venice -- it was our favorite stop when we traveled through Italy.

But, I personally love this photo of Drew in Florence.

going to the chapel

Last Saturday, Drew and I were in Philadelphia to celebrate the wedding of my dear friends Jessica and Felix.



Congratulations Jessica and Felix!


Nothing beats the joy of a glowing bride as she walks down the aisle with her father.


Jess and Felix had a truly beautiful ceremony. I'm not sure about you, but I've been to a lot of weddings and after awhile most of them start to blur together.

But not this one.

It was so special and customized to their personalities. You could tell that they both put themselves into selecting the songs, readings, and vows to reflect the tone they desire for their marriage.



I feel so blessed to have another wonderful, Christian couple to count as my friends.

Thanks, Jessica and Felix, for letting us be a part of your beginning!

The reception was held at the Society Hill Dance Academy.

I've actually been to 1 other wedding reception at a dance academy and, let me tell you, it's a great idea! There's lots of dance floor and it's pre-wired for great sound.

What more could you want!

The best part, for me, of going to any wedding is getting to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Drew and I met up with some of our friends from Bucknell that we haven't seen in years.

me, Liz, Katy, and Christopher

Jess and Chris

yea, Becky D!

The cake was really beautiful (and delicous)

Jessica and Felix were kind to each other while eating. I didn't expect anything less, but you never know. :o)

They had -- hands down -- the best 1st dance I've ever seen. Who knew my friends were such good dancers!

Jess and her dad

I love that Felix was taking pictures with his own camera all day. He asked Drew and I if he could get a photo with us! How great is that!

Felix sent Jess on a scavenger hunt for these tiles when he asked her to marry him. So sweet!

It was a lovely day and I wish them all the best!

hotel harris

We're back from our weekend in Pennsylvania!

It was a lot of driving in just 3 days, but Drew and I are so glad that we got the chance to see my sister and our friends from Bucknell.



Plus, with fountain Diet Coke and Middleswarth chips, what trip isn't worth it?



Really.

On Friday, Drew and I drove to Harrisburg to stay with my sister and brother-in-law, Erin and Ryan.



It was our first time seeing their house since Erin moved in with Ryan (almost a year ago!). It's amazing the difference that some paint and decorations can make!



Their home is gorgeous!

Ryan is doing some amazing work on finishing the basement, but Erin has really added some asethetic beauty throughout the upstairs. She has a great eye for what looks good together. This is kind of strange, but I'm also very affected by scent and I have say, their place smells great! :o)


I'm sad that we didn't get to spend more time with them. We had a whirlwind weekend from Harrisburg to Philadelphia and back again! It felt like we saw them for about 3 hours total over 2 days -- sorry to sleep and run, you guys!

Erin made us some delicious pancakes before our trip home on Sunday. Thanks Erin!



There's definitely a plan in the works for visiting with them again this summer!



King Kone will be on the schedule again -- that place is awesome.

*Photos from the wedding coming tomorrow!

favorite thing friday

This weekend my dear friend Jessica is getting married!



Drew and I are heading to Philadelphia to celebrate with her and Felix. It's a pretty long trip, but I love weekends away. It breaks up the monotony of being home day after day and gives me something to look forward to all week.

But, if there's one thing I dislike as much as I like weekend roadtrips, it's overpacking for those trips.

I hate having a huge suitcase for just 2 days, but a lot of times I really need 3 pairs of shoes and 2 sweaters and 5 shirts.

Which simply means that I need to save space elsewhere.

The best item I've ever found to help me to this goal are my Vera Bradley cosmetics bags.

These bags are awesome!


Not only does the medium one easily hold a weekend's worth of toiletries, but they all have fab plastic liners in case my lotion gets a little rowdy.

Keep your shampoo in line and invest in some of these beauties -- it's worth it!

Drew and I are stopping in to visit with Erin and Ryan along the way to Philly, so there should be some good stories from that visit!

Stay tuned for charming antecdotes and photos from the wedding weekend!

happy birthday, Owen!

Happy 5th birthday, Owen!

I can't believe my fantastic little nephew has been with us for 5 years already!

It seems like just yesterday my sister was helping me move into my Senior year apartment at Bucknell and sharing the news that she was pregnant. A blink later and that little bean was crawling, then running, and now he's in preschool.

I love you Owen! You're an awesome kid and I can't wait to see the boy and man you'll become.

A few (dozen) photos from through the years with our guy!

Still cookin'


1 day old!


Hanging with his ladies

8 months old with Aunt Emily


Our little dinosaur

Into everything (literally)

Celebrating his 1st birthday with Aunt Erin!

Christmas 2005, almost 2

All smiles at 3

4th birthday!


Ringbearer for Aunt Erin and Uncle Ryan

I can't wait to add some of the newest 5 year old!