Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tax Pillows

My good friend, Ann, does my taxes each year (bless her). But she refuses to let me pay her...she is awesome, I know. I think it all started when she did my taxes in college and my gross income was somewhere around $2,500. In any case, I have taken up the tradition of repaying her with handmade (usually) goods. This year, quilted patchwork pillows.

Red fabrics from Peapod, and some leftover white linen from an Anthropologie tablecloth I turned into bedskirt.



And little coordinating covered buttons - ay, que cute-a!


I know what you're thinking...yes, my taxes were done in March. It is now almost December. I am indeed an ungrateful wretch. If it's any consolation, I started these in March. I just took an accidental hiatus.

Friday, November 21, 2008

I Heart Challah

This is sort of a recycled post, but I do love this bread. Made from the bread book. It's best hot out of the oven, but challah french toast is rockin' as well.

Before

After
The poppy seed loaf turned out a little mutant and underbaked, but was delicious and perfect to me.

Challah back, y'all!

I am so wrong sometimes.

Another Dangerous Medium

This week, we had a craft/bake sale to raise money for our PICU Holiday Party. I donated coffee cozies, a couple aprons, some ginger biscotti, and some apple gallettes. It was quite lucrative for the unit, as it was for me. I managed to make off with this fabulous needlepoint kit for a steal of a price. Yes, I feel a little guilty, but if I didn't snatch it, someone else would have, and apparently I'm just selfish like that.



I started working on it immediately upon arriving home (bee in bonnet). It was donated by the same Ramona who made my fingerless sleeves. And, she told me that whoever gave her the kit also prepaid to have it made into a pillow cushion. SCORE!

One of the girls at work saw me working on it and asked, "Why would you want a pillow with a beet on it?" And I asked, "Why wouldn't I??" It's just so fabulous.

Fingerless Hand Cozies

Nevermind this heatwave we just had, but I live in a pretty foggy neighborhood. It's usually cold, right above our house, when the rest of the world is sunny.


Good thing I traded some coffee cozies for these gorgies (as in gorgeous). My friend, Ramona, and I had a little exchange of goods. They're so yummy and cozy and they're made of cashmere and merino. Ooh la la - I love it, I love it, I love it.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Science Meets Desperation

I can't believe we did this....


Actually, I can.

When you need a roasted marshmallow, you make due with what you've got.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Saving the World, One Cozy at a Time

The big quilt has been sent away (fingers crossed!) for quilting. It should be back early this week! I can hardly stand it.


So I've been making coffee cozies to keep my hands busy. What I love most about the cozies is that they're all made of fabric I've used for other projects (so stash-bustery and green, right?)...Malia's dress, Maile's kimono, Emily's skirt, a dress, quilt pieces and quilt backs, etc.

This one is my favorite. This is the kind of thing I do in bed after I get home from work. Just a little tiny, quiet project to wind down with (inspired by these).

I freehanded it. Just started stitching. It's a little roundy-moundy, but I forgive myself because the flower is just so cute.


I have elminated this PSA...it was more of a soapbox anyhow. Sorry if I offended.

Ok, now go save the planet.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Coming Around

Man, have 10 days really passed since my last post? I guess I've been so busy (doing a whole lot of nothing) that I've neglected my blog. Sorry. I'm sick of looking at that monkey too... Don't worry, I have some things up my sleeve for the upcoming weeks.


I had an extra couple of minutes before work, so I made some roasted pumpkin mashed potatoes and started assembling about 30 coffee cozies... Just kidding (sort of). Amanda, that was for you.

See you around.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

No I Did Not Just Make a Sock Monkey

Oh yes I did.

(no, he does not have a tracheostomy - aka "hole in his neck")

I have always wanted to make one, and had a weak moment at Beverly's and bought the kit. It's not world's greatest quality, but I like that the sock is cotton and not itchy wool.

Remember my last post, when I whined about all the projects I had going? Yeah, well, this was not one of them, and I used this poor monkey as a procrastination tactic. I used to do that in nursing school...things like blanching peaches instead of studying...typical Sara stuff. I guess it's a way to accomplish something accomplish-able while the rest of your pile seems so unaccomplishable (as of this moment, these are officially real words).

And, I'm happy to announce that I've made a decision for the back of the quilt. I just have to run to the store one. last. time.