1st Quilt

Is there a project that you are just terrified to start? That is my quilt for me. I'm so afraid I will get all of this beautiful fabric cut and the time to sew will come but I will ruin it. My fear has always got the better of me and so, for my first quilt I am only doing whole pieces. I am hoping it will help me learn the process and give me a bit more courage. 

In case anyone has a similar fear, I thought I would document the process here! Please, if you have any advice or questions send them my way!

Briar Rose Cricket Clover in Pink from Pink Castle Fabrics / Pink & Green Flannel Dots from JoAnns

I pre-ordered the Briar Rose fabric from Pink Castle Fabrics back in the spring knowing it would make something perfect for my little princess and suddenly a quilt seemed perfect. 

I ordered 1 yard since she is very small and purchased 1 yard of the flannel.

I also purchased Warm & Natural Needled Cotton Batting from JoAnn's.

I will be using some variegated green thread.

To start I ironed all of the fabric. I wanted to put Amelia's name on the quilt somehow and while I tossed around the idea of applique I felt some hand embroidery might be a better fit.

First I found the font I wanted to use. I ended up downloading a new one by Nymphont called Xiomara. I printed out Amelia's name in the selected font laid the fabric over the paper. 

Using a Mark-B-Gone pen I traced the outline of the text.

You can see the start and blue markings. I tried to stay in the middle.

When I started sewing again a few months ago I needed to brush up on my embroidery skills and picked up a little book at Hobby Lobby called Emma Broidery's Embroidery Stitch Tool. It helped me brush up my skills quite a bit. I think it was $9.99.

Name finished w/ the mark-b-gone still there.

Embroidery Finished

And that's where I have to stop for today. My house will be full of children needing my attention very soon and perhaps a cup of coffee will help me mentally prepare. 

Amelia & I hope you have a wonderful day!

All for this little girl :)

Tough Mudder

Sore thighs and bruises for days...that I volunteered and paid for!
What a great time! We spent the weekend in Charlotte and enjoyed the race, Ikea, Trader Joe's and a trip to Waffle House that has possible changed my life. It was exactly what we needed. To rely on each other and enjoy each other. 

Perfect!

Before the event started. Clean! With our little cheerleaders.

Getting through the obstacles together.

Sweet Amelia

Muddy Kisses

So Happy at the end!

If you haven't done an event like this, let me be the first to encourage you to do so! There were people from every walk of life helping out every other muddy person and it was such an experience! If you can't participate volunteer but get out there!

Enjoy today! Lauren