Weekend Update: Life Behind the Crafts

Last week I was too busy talking about ice cream to get into the other details of the weekend. 

To recap, John and I did a LOT of kayaking.  {1} On Saturday we kayaked to a deserted island called Rattlesnake Key.  {2} I found a baby crab. {3} We bought snorkels, fins, and a dive flag and did some snorkeling! {4} Saturday was glorious.  Sunday... not so much!  The tide changed and we found ourselves paddling in really shallow water with a super fast current.

Last week John's parents visited over their spring break.  We had a great time! {5} John's mom brought me a box of Thin Mints, which were scarfed down in about 20 hours.  No shame--I could easily finish box in an hour but I was pacing myself this year. {6} Garrett was a gracious host to a large family of fleas.  He was not excited for his flea bath and I wasn't too excited to pay the exterminator. {7} Every year I curl my hair because I forget that my hair WILL NEVER CURL.  I spent at least an hour curling my hair and it was so gorgeous... Until I took a step and my luscious curls bounced like a Pantene commercial and drooped into nothing.  {8} My jalapeños are growing!

{9 & 10} I went to the forest preserve with my friend Jackie.  Isn't she so cute!  I love watching the bugs and the lizards in the lily pond.  {11} Speaking of lizards, how adorable is this baby lizard in my mail box?!  {12} I visited the "Best US Beach" this weekend.  It's in Siesta Key and the sand felt like flour!  Sugar white sand!!!  I can't wait to go back!

We went on a roadie this weekend.  {13 & 14} Garrett was really into exploring at the hotel and loved sleeping in bed with us.

{17} I worked on my embroidery swap project and I can't wait to share it with you this week :)  {18} Garrett was barking at night this week- and I thought it was because his skin was still irritated from the fleas.  Turns out he had an ear infection! Poor baby.  He was so good at the vet.  {20} G was super cozy on the ride home from Siesta Key.  He was yawning and snuggling with me.  Nothing better than a cuddly dog... except maybe a baby :)  How was your weekend?  xoxo, Ashley

Quilt Update: A Surprise Ending

Remember when I said I was going to make a quilt?  Yeah... That didn't go great.  

I had wanted to make a quilt to keep in my car for picnics, beach outings, etc.  The goal was to use the fabric in my stash and not spend any money on new fabric.  After I cut squares from my stash fabric, I  realized I needed way more squares than originally thought.  I went through my closet and picked out clothes that didn't look great on me.  I really love to wear "comfortable" clothing that sometimes makes you look awful in pictures.  And in my case, sometimes means always.  I cut up my clothes-- and some of John's too.  I didn't have enough of each fabric to make a pattern-- and definitely not enough variety for a patchwork quilt.  

To add some variety to my fabrics, I tried my hand with the Clorox pen on solid colored t-shirts.  I taped plastic grocery bags to my counter and drew designs on the shirts with the bleach pen.  It's kind of messy-- and the pen doesn't go very far.  I found the higher quality fabric has the nicest results.  (I didn't make the tiny polka-dot print above with the bleach pen.  I threw my red polka-dot sundress into the wash with the bleach shirts and it came out a pretty pink!)

This is my first attempt at "quilting" and it shows!  I was so frustrated with the sloppy "squares".  I folded up my homely piece, buried it in my fabric stash, and ignored it for months.  The other day I noticed it and felt the twinge of guilt that comes from hoarding craft projects that, let's not kid ourselves, I have no intention of finishing.

And then inspiration struck!  As Mister G gets older, he likes to walk in circles in his crate and find what I like to think is his preferred sleeping position.  Every night when I put G in his crate and I crawl into bed, his nails click-clack on the crate floor and I lay awake listening to him.  *lightbulb moment!*  Aha!  Sew the quilted material into a pillow for Mister G's crate!!! 

Mister G has had a few pillows before-- but he's mistaken every one for a restroom.  Have I mentioned it took 4 years to potty train him?  Let's hope for the best!  I'm happy to report that Mister G loves his new pillow!

If you want to make a pillow for your pups crate-- just measure your crate tray and add an inch to both the length and width for seam allowance.  Place right sides together and stitch 3 sides up.  Turn the fabric right side out and stuff it with a bag of loosely fluffed stuffing.  Tuck the edges inside of the pillow, pin the edge, and then stitch it closed.  Hope your pooch loves his new pillow as much as G loves his!  xo, Ashley and Mister G

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