I have a plan...and it involves cloth diapers!!! Plus giveaway links!

It's been decided!!! We plan to cloth diaper our babe!!!

That's right: I AM GOING TO USE CLOTH DIAPERS!
(I'm shouting it in announcement so that I can't go back on our decision and we'll definitely have to follow through...lol)


It was actually DH suggestion several weeks ago. At first I thought he was crazy, but then I began researching, and I must say - they are just too CUTE!

That's what first caught my eye - all the lovely colours and patterns - and sweet little bottoms tucked away in such pretty cloth!

Of course, there are many more reasons to cloth diaper:
1. Economical - the cost savings can be very significant when using cloth vs disposables - disposables can cost upwards of $2800 for a baby's life in diapers - cloth can cost anywhere from $200-$1300 per child. As you can see there's a vast difference!

2. Safer for Baby - disposables can contain dangerous and harsh chemicals - stuff that you wouldn't want next to baby's skin. Cloth diapers come in a variety of materials - many containing all organic and natural fibers.

3. Environmental - obviously reusable cloth diapers don't end up in the landfill - not like the 49 million of disposables that land there EVERY day!

4. More reliable - disposables have a bad habit of allowing blow outs - cloth diapers are made and designed to better prevent such accidents. Now I haven't had the joy of experiencing such an event, but I know I want the best secure diaper there is to prevent them!

5. And many many more advantages! Read up on them here, here, or just do a Google search - there is loads of materials out there to help you make your decision to switch to cloth!

Oh yes, and one more personal bonus for myself and other thrifty mama's (mama's to be) - I can make my own! Stay tuned for posts and updates on my diaper sewing fun!

So of course being the thrifty individual I am, I'm always on the lookout for deals and great giveaways. Interested in some awesome cloth diapers and accessories? Check out these two links here for some current giveaways:

Dirty Diaper Laundry - Baby Behinds Magic All Multi-Fit

Baby Dickey's Giveaways - Sweet Bottom Baby Boutique Giveaway

Oh and this one here for an awesome addition to any baby's nursery:

Dirty Diaper Laundry - Oeko Eco Friendly Glider & Ottoman

Wanna learn more about your cloth diapering options? Check out the Diaper Pin for loads of useful information!

I'M A WINNER!!!

Title says it all! I WON!

Miracle Blanket put on a wide spread giveaway with 50 bloggers hosting 50 giveaways! Winners were announced on their facebook page today, and of course I had to know right away, so I checked while at work. When I saw my name I jumped up in the middle of our nursing station and screamed "I WON!" startling co-nurses and patients alike...lol. Thanks goes to the lovely mama Kristen over at The Cliffords, I'll be receiving this beauty:

Any new moms dream - an effective tool to keep babe safe, secure and warm while having a LONG nice sleep!

And I get to choose a colour! I think I'll go with sky blue...or perhaps white with blue trim...what do you think??? Go here and help me decide! Remember: My little bundle is a boy!!

Want more info??? Check out this video here and all the testimonials here - people swear by this blanket to help their little ones sleep! Wanna get one??? Go to Miracle Blanket and purchase one for $29.99 USD.

:) Kerry

It's been a long, long time...

Well it's been a LONG time since I've posted, or even thought about my blog. This past summer has been a whirlwind with more big exciting adventures on the way.

Biggest news of all: I'M PREGNANT!

Finally, after a year of trying (and I'm talking trying REAL hard) we conceived our first babe! Me and DH couldn't be more thrilled. So of course comes an overwhelming flood of emotions, and abruptly life changes directions. All of a sudden I'm not thinking about the newest fabric collection I can't bear to live without - I'm thinking about being a new mom! And all the terrifying thoughts that come with it! I'm sure many of you experienced mothers can more than relate to that initial shock and realization that life is never gonna be quite the same.

So for the first few months - life was a little rough...constant nausea and fatigue that pretty much drained my will to do anything exciting. But now things are picking up - I'm feeling better, have more energy, and am ready to get my life (and home) ready for this new little bundle. Hopefully more crafty items will be in the works, but I will admit, my minds on other projects - nothing like learning and planning for the arrival of a special little someone.

:) Kerry

(P.S. To all those who I may have forgotten over these past few months, I sincerely apologize. I try not to make excuses and work extra hard to keep my word, but sometimes life takes a different direction that just throws you off balance. I feel awful that I might have let some of you down, and hope you will accept this apology)

Ravelry Obsession

So it's been a while since I've picked up a set of knitting needles or a crochet hook for that matter...but stumbling upon Ravelry put an end to that!
I LOVE THIS SITE!

I spent all day yesterday organizing my stash and current projects (which haven't been touched for probably over a year!!!).

(Isn't my cashmere lovely??? A pressie from my sister!)

(I forgot I had this lovely softie!!!)

It felt so good to get everything together. Since I'm trying to destash this year (on everything...fabric, yarn, whatever), what a great way to see everything you have in one spot. As well, I can look at what others have done with that particular yarn and find inspirational projects. It will make it much easier to use up what I have...(hopefully...or I could fall in love with a multitude of yarns and patterns and justify purchasing pretty things). If you are a knitter or hooker...I highly recommend you join this site. You can even organize your needles/hooks, projects, stash, books, patterns...lots of stuff!!!!!

For instance...I completly forgot about my Brea Bag...and it's so close to being finished! Now to figure out where I'm at in the pattern....

And I found a simple quick pattern for a scrubbie! Made with 100% cotton, a great addition to any kitchen!!!

I know I'm going to have lots of fun with this site...and it's gotten me back into knitting!!!!

Some overdue updates

First off: LOOK AT THIS!!!!!!!!!

I received this beauty from Amy of Badskirt!!! Isn't it stunning! She used these Japanese prints and totally ran with what I love: birds and trees! I'm pleased as punch...I truly am! This was all apart of The Pillow Talk Swap - the best swap I have been in yet! Heather and Kerrie are superb organizers and I'm thrilled to be know and be involved with such a talented group. Next up will be the Urban Home Goods Swap - all partnered up...but still in the process of planning...

Update of Bee Blocks: This lovely is for Viv for March. I was a little tardy in getting it done because I have to admit, I was a little nervous to do this design. But overall it turned out awesome! I don't know if I would make a whole quilt out of these, because they are time consuming. You can find the tutorial here.

Just wanted to add a picture of my "Bubby"! He just had his first hair cut...doesn't he look handsome! It turns One Year this week...my baby's getting so big!

Pillow Swap Completed!

All ready to be wrapped and sent out West for the Pillow Swap Round 2! To who??? Just have to wait and see!

:) Kerry

Distractions & Another Swap Opportunity

Well it's been a few weeks since I've entered my sewing room....too many distractions....

One being this energetic fellow:



We (me and hubby) have fortunately had some days off together, and were able to go on a few hikes with the enthusiastic pup.

See the black dot in the center of his tongue?? I'm assuming it's a birth mark of some sort....

He was leading us on the snowshoe trail.

Other distractions: Getting my wisdom teeth pulled! I know I'm a little old for it...but that's cause I just kept putting it off...
I'm all puffed up like a chipmunk and am not able to open my jaw very much...

But as I'm whining about my teeth, my cousin had his little boy! A big 8lb 13oz bouncing baby! And we all know what that means:
GET THAT BABY QUILT FINISHED ASAP!

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CALLING ALL PURPLE/CHARM LOVERS

My sister roped me into joining this purple charm chain swap.
Basically, it's like a chain letter...
No money involved only fabric...2 - 6" squares of purple fabric sent to 5 people (total of 10 squares)!
If the chain works...you will receive 72 6" squares to make a charm quilt...or whatever you would like to make.
I need 4 more participants...
Basically...I send squares to the person on the top of my list..cross her off the list...add my name to the bottom...and send fabric along with the list to 4 others...with instructions on how to continue!
If you would like to participate, I need you to email me your mailing address (which will be seen by all the members of the chain that the letter gets sent to) to kerrycase [at] gmail [dot] com...
Again, only if you want to, and I understand if you don't.

New addiction perhaps?

Well, I'm beginning to love embroidery!!! Just another craft that I'm sure I will overindulge in.
Here's my progress so far on the bird pattern found here:

I've been using these two books as references for the stitches: Doodle Stitching, and Sublime Stitching. Both are very well informed and have pretty designs -Sublime Stitching has iron transfer patterns, so when you're ready to thread your needle, all you do is press and you're set to go. Doodle stitching has more intricate, involved patterns, that tell you which stitch to use where - but you do have to photocopy to the suggested size, so it requires a trip to the copy shop.

Also finished Kandra's block for MMSB. The tutorial can be found here.

I still have quite a to-do list with the pillow swap approaching, and other bee blocks, but unfortunately my life to-do list is overpowering my urge to quilt. So off to the mechanic I go, to try and resusitate my poor old Golf - I think the time is approaching to put it to rest - but don't tell it I said that....

Growth

Another attempt at embroidery!

I used to be terrified of embroidery - so initimated by those lovely, intricate designs. Well it's time to put the needle to the cloth and give it a go. I have completed two other projects using embroidery for quilt labels, but nothing too advanced. Lets see how complex I can get with this design...fingers crossed it works out well!

More growing happening on the string block quilt - thanks to all the lovely ladies in my Live Piecefully group for contributing these vibrant blocks!. I'm trialing different patterns...

Large endless diamond....

OR

A multitude of diamonds...

And more growth happening with my aerogarden. Unfortunately my basil never sprouted, but the thyme and oregano are growing like crazy! Almost time for harvesting! YUM!

Mail Goodness!!!

I LOVE MAIL!!!! Like I really do! And what a way to cheer me up, than to received these beautiful pieces!

Daria in BC sent me these lovely potholders for our Potholder Pass swap. How cute eh? (from a Canadian to a Canadian..hehe)

I think spring when I see this one...totally something to look forward to after this long snowy winter. Did I also mention I love birds...how fitting!

And a lovely Dresden plate. I haven't tried one of these yet, but it's on my to do list!

And I also wanted to show off the backing she choose. Love both these prints!

THANK-YOU DARIA from BC!!!

She was also so kind to send me a soft flannel wintry FQ, a soothing mocha candle, and an Olympic Vancouver 2010 lanyard (I'm so stoked for these upcoming Olympics!! They start in a week don't ya know?). I think I'll use it for my name badge at work while the Olympics are on - then use them for my scissors maybe.

Highs and Lows

Potholder Pass swap project: quilted...check! Awesome!

Potholder Pass swap project: Binding and complete....check! Sweet!

Saying goodbye to my Jackson...not so sweet! Our poor little "fatty" wasn't so fat anymore. Losing almost a third of this body weight, and constantly struggling with his digestive system, me and hubby decided to not let him suffer anymore. He joined our little family almost 10 years ago, as our first pet together, in our very first apartment. He was with us through many ups and downs, always as snuggly as ever, even up until the end. We're going to miss him dearly.

Love you Buddy!

Something Sweet...

Look at how sweet this is:

Go check out Cathe's blog Just Something I Made, and see her free printable towel calender design...with a link to a tutorial to create! So sweet - I love it!

Progress...

Some progress on my Potholder Pass Swap - two fronts complete!!!

I haven't done alot of paper piecing and was thrilled to realize, it's really not that hard (for some reason though, I feel like I should bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut...I'm a little superstitous that way). You can find the pattern for this string/spiderweb block here. So now to quilt and bind them. I think I will follow this tutorial here...

On a second note, my choices for the pinwheel sampler quilt-a-long: Arcadia!

I have over 30 FQ's to choose from!!! This collection has been sitting in my stash for well over 6 months...so it's time...oh yes, it's time!

Some New Quilting Adventures

As I was catching up on over

1000 posts on my Google Reader (yes...I've been very neglectful...but I'm slowly browsing through them all), I came across a few very interesting things:

New quilt-a-long!!

Rachael over at p.s. i quilt, is hosting a quilt-a-long featuring her beautiful pinwheel sampler!

(photo courtesy of p.s. i quilt)

Isn't it beautiful??!!!

So now I just have to find the fabrics...and all stash...no new purchases (one of my new years resolutions). To sign up go to the flickr group page or check out Rachael's post here.

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Secondly, I stumbled upon this lovely little swap:

Potholder Pass

I've been wanting to make some potholders and placemats for my kitchen for a long time...so this was the perfect opportunity to not only get some much needed kitchen accessories, but also have a little fun swap in the meantime. Check out our group's flickr page to see all our lovely creations.

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Lastly, I stumbled upon this challenge:

I was too late to sign up officially for this challenge, but I figured I'd participate anyways. For my Live Piecefully Quilting Bee, I am queen bee for January. I had requested string blocks for my quilt, and so far, they are all looking beautiful! All fabric is from stash...no new purchases! So I figured that was completely fitting for this challenge.