For Charity - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training

If you asked me 7 months ago my thoughts on running, I would say that I despised the thought of it! Ask me today, and I’ll say I enjoy it for my health, to build friendships and most importantly I’m raising money for a great cause, so it’s vital. What has changed my tune? Living in Monterey! The weather here is gorgeous. It beacons you to come outside and be active. The sun is shining, but there is always a slight breeze, so it’s never too hot. Each day is perfect for running. I’ve also found that it is an activity that we can do as a family, which is always fun when we can spend time together outdoors and away from distractions.

Monterey has made me a runner.

So what does any of this have to do with my usual craftiness that I post here? My fundraising campaign, of course! I have signed up for my first ½ Marathon for this October. I will be running the San Francisco Women’s Half Marathon as a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training.

October may sound like it is far away, but I want to raise a minimum of $2,500, so I need to get to work! To help me reach my goal, I have decided to put all the proceeds from my craft-makings towards my fundraising campaign. Or if you would like to just donate, that is awesome too!

Here is my link: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/nikesf13/erika

To get started, maybe you would like a super cute adjustable non-slip head band? They are awesome for keeping your hair out of your face and sweat out of your eyes. I’m making them for $7 each, or 2 for $13. If you would like them personalized, they are $11 each or 2 for $20. Please help this great cause!

The Fish are Done

I'm so excited that I'm DONE with all the fish for my son's first birthday party. I used a variation Ashley's fishy purse tutorial from Make it Love it to create the goodie bags. His birthday is at the END of May, so I'm way ahead of schedule! Go me! I love how I got to use a ton of my scraps for this project too. Now, I can fill them with some take home goodies, and that part of the planning will be done.

Birthday parties are just so exciting, but now I need a new sewing project...hmm?

Kids' Birthdays

One of the greatest things in life is to see excitement on a child's face on their birthday. I remember many of my birthdays from my childhood and always loved being involved in the planning and fun activities of the day. Now that I have my own child, I'm excited to celebrate his special day too! This past week we had 2 birthdays. The first was for a little boy turning 3 and the second for a little girl turning 1. Since I love creating - especially for other people and kids, I put together some homemade gifts. This first gift is a two sided superhero cape. One side is batman and the other side is "Super G" for the child's name.

As you can see from the picture, the recipient was super excited. I made a minky blanket with the little girl's initial on it. I hope she has many night or naps snuggled up with it.

The blanket measures 31"x42".

These projects have inspired me to make some things for my 'lil guy too...they are in the works now! I look forward to sharing them soon.

Easter Basket

I was quite proud of myself - I finished my son's Easter basket a whole 2 weeks BEFORE Easter! Granted he is only 10 months and didn't really notice, but I am happy. I used my Easter Basket tutorial, but I've changed how I've done the handle a little bit. I guess I should probably update the tutorial (maybe next year, ha!). I also added boning to the handle, so it is quite sturdy. Here is the cute basket:

I used some of the same materials in Clark's Easter basket that were also used in his quilt. I certainly do love Riley Blake fabrics!

In Clark's basket you can see a little crabby bib I made for him and a cross stitch ornament made by my mom.

I'm currently working on some gifts for family and a whole school of fish for Clark's birthday. I can't wait to be able to share these! Have a great day and please support World Autism Awareness Day.

Finishing Touches...errr 2 years delayed.

My mom was out to visit last week, so we spent some great time exploring the Monterey Bay area. It was so nice to be outside and along the beach wherever we went. While she was here, it gave us a great opportunity to finish up some quilts that needed labeling and binding. I loathe hand sewing, and she loves it...so it makes for a good pairing! She finished the binding on my little one's quilt (it has been waiting since October), but with the around the world move, I guess a few months delay isn't too bad. Let's see how long it takes me to make a label for it!

My little guy's baby quilt also got a label, courtesy of my mom. I made this quilt, but I was a member of the Yongsan Guild, so I used one of their labels for the quilt.

My mom also put labels on two quilts that I finished in the summer of 2011! You see, I really just don't like hand sewing.

Lastly, we worked on fish scales! I have taken on the crazy idea of making fish goodie bags for my son's first birthday. It's been a great way to use my scraps, but I see scales everywhere. The little bags are so cute and I can't wait until the party to see how the kids will like them.

Moved Around the World

I am starting to finally feel settled after our move around the world, and then driving across the US. It's been crazy for the last 6 months! Yes, six months to 1. Pack up everything in Korea. 2. Spend about a month of TLC time with family. 3. Drive 3,500 miles across the US (literally - New York to California). 4. Find a new place to live. 5. Celebrate our first holiday season with our little boy. 6. Unpack everything we own, including things we haven't seen in 3 years because they were in storage. 6. Figure out how it's all going to fit into our new place... 7. Make new friends. 8. Link up with old friends. 9. Process that you will move again in about 18 months. 10. PHEW! In the movement of everything, I have been able to sew a little here and there. I am lucky enough to have a little sewing closet in our new place. I have been pretty spoiled with sewing spaces to this point. I guess I am willing to share space with others in the house (if I have to). My husband is very understanding with all the sewing. He knows that a happy wife, means happy life. So what's in the works right now? Finishing up projects. Making my little boy an Easter basket and prepping for my little guy's first birthday. I know it's a little early to get ready for it, (it's in May), but I'm excited for his first birthday. I'm using this idea for his birthday. I love marine life and my little guy seems to love it also. I'm loving all the views and nature that is offered in California. Okay, nap time is over, back to quality time with my little guy!

Little Chevron Zig Zag Quilt

My little guy turned 3 months old yesterday and I finished his little quilt the day prior, so I'll have to pat myself on the back and say "Not too bad!" We have been pretty busy getting into a routine and figuring out the whole first baby thing, so I'm just happy to have it done before his first birthday! Here is the little quilt:

I have a big quilt in the works too that I need to finish and have quilted before we move. All the blocks are done. I just need to sew them together and add some borders! I WILL get it done. Today has been a bit boring because we are locked in due to Typhoon Bolaven. I took the opportunity to make myself a cross body bag.

I haven't made myself a bag in awhile and I wanted to try this one out, so yippee for me, I have a new bag. I even put 5 pockets slip on the inside and a zipper closure! I like the cross body bag because it allows me to have my hands free, which I'm finding is important for keeping up with my Little Guy. Well, that's all for today. I'm slightly inspired to make some more bags. Hmmm...how long do you think baby will sleep?