By the way, my niece is name after Giada De Laurentiis the famous chef that my brother looovvves.

I’m going to post a tutorial shortly on the construction of this bag. I bought some fabric today. While I really like the fabric I cannot understand why I did not go to a quilting store instead. But Fabricland happened to be closer. By the way, I hate the land of Fabric because they sell garbage. They do sell nice fabric for special occasions but other than that it is slim pickings as far as regular fashion. When it comes to fabric, I wish I lived in New York City.

I am patiently waiting for a window treatment pattern I order from Pate-Meadows out of Birmingham, Alabama. When they shipped my order they probably thought, “where the hell is Edmonton, Alberta???” “Anyways, they have show home quality window treatment patterns. Expensive but worth it in my opinion. I can’t wait. When that pattern arrives I’m heading to Chintz and Company for fabric. They have a beautiful selection of textiles.

GOING BUGGY

I’ve been scrapping for 9 years and I’m up for a real challenge with this project. Each child in my family (my brothers and I) will receive a book. For my parents, we’ll probably work on a more detailed version of my parent’s childhood which will depend more on my mom’s participation. I want to give my brothers their book next Christmas.

So, to get my creative juices flowing again I have been doing some searches for some scrapbooking blogs. There are a lot out there. This blog by Candice Carpenter looks good. If you look under my blog roll you will see I added more scrapbooking blogs.

I got lucky this year and I’m invited to a cookie swap this week. I’ve tried two cookie recipes and have another one to try. The third one has good reviews on it so I’m crossing my fingers as I don’t like to bake a lot (hate the mess).

I have made a good dent in my Xmas shopping already. Still more to go. I never stress myself out too much over gift buying. I just have fun with it.

I stopped at my all time favorite scrapbook stores and picked up supplies for some gifts I plan to make for my parents and my in-laws. I’m going to make them a framed layout of our kids for this past year. They’ll like it.. I hope.

I have the following to get down before December 25:

Crocheted baby blanket
Corn bags for warming sore muscles
Framed Layouts

Get busy!!!

In the new year I am going to start on a huge scrapbooking project. My mom and I are going to make heritage books for both of my brothers and I. My parents will also get their own. I’ll have to ride my mom’s ass as she is a slow poke at the best of times. She is in charge of journaling and organizing the photos. I’ll do the scrapbooking. I’ve informed her that I’m starting in January. She is retired so she better get in gear.

A while ago we bought Guinea pigs in hopes that would be easier than a dog. Mistake. They are called pigs for a reason. One word. Messy. They are sooooo messy and skittish. We have had them for a month now and they still are scared stiff of us. I read that they are quite social and will warm up to you. When?! Nothing worse than having a pet that you can play with or cuddle with.

I am working on a skirt by Burda. Fabric? Amy Butler of course. Her fabric is soooo delicious! I’ll post pics when I’m done.

I think I need extra income to supplement these hobbies of mine. My good friend told me that I should sell my quilts. I don’t think anyone would pay what I would be asking. With the crazy cost of fabric and all the time that I put into it, not many people would pay for that. Maybe I should sell Tupperware? Not. I have thought about getting a job in a quilting store on Saturdays but with young kids that makes it difficult.

This week the plan is to practice some quilting techniques including a cat pattern that I picked up this weekend. Cute.

I also want to make some labels for the two quilts I’m making. Saturday night I cut out one pattern for a top that I’m going to make. Oy, I have so much on my plate and not enough time to do it. I have to do a little everyday just to get to it.

I also picked up some paper and stickers for some scrapbooking I plan to do very shortly. It’s for my dd’s Grade three pages. I have already completed one page but her book needs more.

My crochet is coming along. I’m now working on a sample for the half double crochet stitch. Slow but it’s coming. I picked up my third book on crocheting from the library. It’s called Learn visually to crochet. Large colorful photos and very easy to follow. I think this book is the one I am going to buy. The library has saved me a lot of money. I always check a book out thoroughly before spending a dime. Books are so pricey that one has to be choosey.