Maybe too close and too real...

This is my little guy's first official photograph, of who else? Me.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I hate. I mean HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE all pictures of myself. I really hate having my picture taken. (I sometimes even run from the camera.) My eyes are usually closed. I can always find a flaw. I think my head is extra large and round. And, don't get me started on the wrinkles. The sun damage. The realness of it all.

Well, Nicholas got very close to me and said..."Smile Mommy!" I think he captured me looking very everyday, very regular, very real. I, as usual, don't like the picture of myself, but I do like how he captured how I looked at him. I can see past some of the things I hate about my looks and see love in my eyes. That I like.

.

I guess imperfections are a part of life, right? It's kind of like how I always want every seam to match and be perfect on my quilt tops. And, I usually have at least one seam that is off a little bit. It's a good reminder for me that life isn't perfect.

I'm lucky, my family loves my imperfect quilts and the imperfect me. How perfectly wonderful.

Ms. Butler if you're crafty...

Speaking of Amy Butler, Amy has released a new fabric range called LOVE! Here is what Amy has to say about Love...

"I couldn't be more excited about LOVE! My newest fabric collection for Rowan has me reeling. I've gone over-the-top with prints and color to make a luscious and yet "bite-sized" collection of 26 quilting/fashion weight fabrics and 12 Home Dec weight fabrics. A marriage by design coming from a love affair of rich, soulful, organic florals and architectural prints passionately inspired by my recent trips to Indonesia and England. Rich tropical colors with ethnic imprints, and elegance found in over the top florals like full roses and exploding peony blossoms join together in an optimistic celebration of print and color."

So pretty!

Wordless Wednesday

OttLite® Review...it's a shining star!!!

I just love this little gem of a light! The OttLite® is amazing!

I have had a love affair with this light when I am binding a quilt late a night! I really don't know what I did without it. (Other than pull the table lamp close to me and tilt the lamp shade for more light to see what I am sewing.) I read some other reviews on this lamp, but I haven't experienced any problems with my lamp. Other reviews mentioned that the lamp doesn't stay in position once it's been adjusted. Some reviewers mentioned that it wasn't "sturdy". I wouldn't recommend lugging it all over the place, but I don't think of it as fragile by any means. I'm thrilled with my lamp!

Not only is this a great lamp, but it's affordable too. Wouldn't this be the perfect gift for the quilter, artist, jewelry maker, seamstress, or crafter in your family or circle of friends?

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp;jsessionid=ZUGYN4VITHOLEP4SY5DVAFJ50LD3OUPU?CATID=cat3247&PRODID=xprd326491

Details~

Match paper colors, fabrics, trims and embellishments accurately and easily with the OttLite® Folding Craft Lamp. The multi-position head, with rotating shade and articulating shaft adjusts to direct the low heat, low glare, natural OttLite® illumination. See details with ease and enjoy reduced eyestrain under this cool, soothing light.

Space saving design fits anywhere and folds down when not in use

Includes energy efficient 13wHD tube and rated to last up to 10,000 hours

Won't distort the actual color of trim and embellishments

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday Jenni!

You deserve the very best on your birthday! Live it up, girl!

Did you make a birthday wish???

It would seam to be....ADORABLE!

Isn't this pin cushion just so cute, cute, cute?

I'm fascinated with pin cushions lately. No reason why...I just like them. A lot.

Le Creuset Heritage Oval Cocotte, 4-Qt. | Williams-Sonoma ~ I MUST HAVE ONE!

Le Creuset Heritage Oval Cocotte, 4-Qt. Williams-Sonoma

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Another SALE shout-out! No... not fabric, a pattern, or anything related to sewing or quilting. But, I must have one!

It seems like a great price! (My husband wouldn't notice this little charge on the Discover Card, would he?)

Sale Shout-Out!

I love Hancock's of Paducah's web sales! Love, love, love the bargains!

Head on over and check out the great deals on pre-cuts...Moda Honey Buns, Charm Packs, and more! (I've got my eye on the Glace Charm Packs...so pretty! I can't resist the 3 Sisters collections.)

http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/ItemList--Pre-Cut-Web-Sale--m-748

Sewing Spaces

I'm so longing for my *own space* to sew and create. For now, it's my kitchen table.

Someday, I hope to have my own room devoted to all of my sewing and quilting!

For now, the kitchen table seems to work great for me. I can be a part of the family's activities while I sew. I can keep an eye on dinner in the oven, and watch the snow falling from my kitchen window. (Yes, we've had a little snow already!!!)

Now, if I just had Jenni's awesome sewing space...THAT would be heaven!

I'm in LOVE!

Look at this new collection... Rouenneries Prints by French General for Moda!

It is LOVE at first sight!

I can't wait to get my hands on a bundle of this fabric!