Baptism Quilt

Posted in Oh Baby, She's Crafty by

I originally had grand plans of making a christening gown with some fabric I had from my wedding gown, but I realized that I didn’t have enough fabric nor enough talent to take on that kind of project. So, I made up my mind to make a quilt instead.

The fabric was really awkward pieces because 1. some were cut on the bias 2. some were from the dress being shortened 3. it is silk-satin, so difficult to cut & sew. Because of this, I decided to do a simple patchwork top, alternating the two different colors of silk. I made rails using a white-on-white pattern of quilters cotton that I had on hand and back it in Kona white cotton. I was crunched on time, so I decided to go with a no-binding quilt and hand-tie it versus machine quilting. This was my first time doing either, so there was a bit of a learning curve (read much seam ripping) however I am really happy with how it turned out. It’s much fluffier and has a softer look to it than machine quilting.

I also embroidered a patch for the back of the quilt using some of the silk-satin with Joseph’s name and the date of his baptism. The plan is to make additional patches for the back for any future babies. Hopefully, this is something that I can hand down in the family. I imagine someone in the future saying “Your great grandmother made this quilt out of her wedding gown, and now it’s your turn to have your name added on this special day.”

 

 

**Apologies for the wrinkly photos, I didn’t have time to re-press the quilt before I shot these.

BROTHERS store launch today!

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Today is a big day for the Colley family. All of Shawn’s hard work is finally coming to fruition  with the opening of the BROTHERS stores. For those who aren’t familiar, Shawn works for Tween Brands, the company that owns the tween girls clothing brand Justice, and was brought in to create and launch a tween boys clothing line: BROTHERS. They’ve been selling clothes online for over a year now, but they are opening stores today. They will be annexed in the Justice stores. I’m a bit biased, but I think that they have some great clothing for tween boys. My nephew is 10 and he loves the cool graphic tees and my sister says that everything fits great and is very durable.

Anyways, I just wanted to say how proud I am of Shawn. He’s worked so hard to make this happen and I think that it is going to be great success. Congratulations, honey!

Let’s catch up.

Posted in General Life by

Sorry for the break in posting, but I needed to take a little bit of time off since things were pretty hectic. A little blog vacation as it were.

So, what has been going on around here? Well, quite a lot. We had family in town most of the week prior to the holiday. Shawn and my dad were in a golf tournament together, so while they were frying in the heat on the links, my mom, sister, and I got ready for Joseph’s baptism on the 1st. (I’ll be following up with posts on this later in the week.) Thank goodness we didn’t lose power, so many around us did, I would have done lost my mind. After everyone left on Monday, time was spent putting the house back together and hiding from the heat. We didn’t do much of anything on The Fourth, it was ridiculously hot and Shawn only had that day off, so it was great to just relax and get putter around the house a bit. This weekend was errand running, attending a free carnival (Shawn’s company puts it on for the families each year. So fun!) having a lovely brunch and hitting the pool with friends. I’m trying to get us back in a normal routine this week, but the craziness will be upon us soon – Shawn has to go out of town again for work next week, but thank goodness Mom is going to come out to stay and help me with Joe.

So, that pretty much sums up what’s been going on around here. How has your summer been treating you?

WIP

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Sneak peak of a WIP I’m making for Joseph’s baptism on Sunday. I’ve been using every spare moment to work on it, hence the light posting lately. Things will be crazy with family coming in town for the baptism and also for the Fourth, but I’ll try to post some photos when it’s done.

Try and say cool, everyone. It’s supposed to be a real scorcher for the rest of the week.

What am I thinking?

I’ve decided that I’m going to sign myself up to run in the March of Dimes’ Night Moves 5K in September. . . . . I am insane. I HATE running, I’ve never run in a race before and I have no idea how I’m going to get ready for this with a three month old to take care of all day. But, I’m still going to do it. I need the fear motivation of an actual goal/deadline to get myself in gear. Plus, it is for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I’ve been trying to do yoga and various work out routines at home and it’s a real struggle. Running is going to be the easiest thing to do because 1. no special equipment needed 2. I can do it anywhere 3. I can do it at any time 4. It is going to give me the fastest results in relation to getting in shape and weight loss.

My sister recommended that I use the “Couch to 5K” program in order to train. I just completed Day 1. I’ll let you know how things go. I’m also going to invest in an actual jogging stroller so I can take Joseph with me. I’m hoping to find a secondhand one on Craig’s List or at a resale shop. I’m also going to try to talk Shawn into running it with me, that way we can support one another in the process.

The main thing is that I am putting this out there for the world to see to keep me from backing out of it. Guys, I really need some support here. I am terrified. Wish me luck.

Happy Father’s Day

Posted in General Life by

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Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful Dad. Ever the character and always ready with a quotable phrase, you’ve taught me about kindness, hard work, and a sense of family. I love you.

Happy Father’s Day as well to my amazing husband. As your first Father’s Day with Joseph, I feel this one is extra special. I love being able to watch you grow into your new role and nothing more makes me happier than seeing you with our son. I love you.

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iTunes Shuffle 6/14/2012

Posted in Lists, Pop by
  1. The Hives Introduce the Metric Stystem In Time -The Hives
  2.  Broken Drum – Beck
  3. Ordinary World -Above and Beyond Remix -Aurora Feat. Naimee Coleman
  4. No Me Vayas A Enganar – Ormara Portuondo
  5. Howlin’ for You – The Black Keys
  6. Bonita Applebum – A Tribe Called Quest
  7. Black Betty – Ram Jam
  8. The Engine Driver (Live) – Colin Meloy
  9. Bohemiath – Steven Wright
  10. Lounge Act – Nirvana
  11. Open Book – Cake
  12. Not My Idea – Garbage
  13. Blame It On The Tetons – Modest Mouse
  14. Geek U.S.A – Smashing Pumpkins
  15. Que’Onda Guero (Remixed by Islands) – Beck
  16. I Saw Her Standing There – The Beatles
  17. Shake Your Rump – Beastie Boys
  18. Emily Kane (Original) Art Brut
  19. If I Only Could Stay Asleep – Patsy Kline
  20. The Circus – Erasure
  21. Back In My Arms Again – The Supremes
  22. It’s Bad You Know – R.L. Burnside
  23. Skin and Bones – The Naysayers
  24. Gimme Some Lovin’ – The Blues Brothers
  25. Marry Young – Tony Bennett

Joseph: Three Months

Posted in Oh Baby by

Can you believe that another month has gone by? My little guy is getting so big. I have to say that each month is more fun than the last as he continues to grow and develop. This month I’ve seen a lot of physical and developmental changes.

I’ve done a lot this month. I’ve been rolling over and squirming about. It’s always a surprise which way I am facing when Mommy gets me out of my crib in the morning. I have been sleeping through the night most nights, but I still occasionally like a midnight snack.  I am MUCH more vocal now, talking to my toys and squealing with delight. I have been going swimming and love it a lot! My favorite toys are my Octopus and of course Mertle the Turtle and Spot. I am also partial to ceiling fans. I also love to sit up and I’m doing really well on my balance. I bet I will be able to do it without any help really soon.