Bumper Pads and Bindings

Here are some photos of the bumper pads I made. It's really very easy, as I am sure many of you know. I have a hard time finding just what I want, and of course, I am cheap. Uh, I mean frugal, yeah, that's it. At any rate, making them myself, I get just what I want.

Bumper Pads

1. You can buy bumper pad batting. It is at least an inch thick, which I don't really like. But it is layered when you buy it, so I just separate it to the thickness I like. (You could also just layer quilt batting as well.) The one bag was enough to make two sets, and I could probably make one more if I really wanted, which I don't.

Anyway, pick out the fabric you like and measure the piece 2x the height of the batting, then sew your pieces lengthwise to the desired length. ( you're going to put the fabric on like a giant taco, with the batting the guts and the fabric the shell) Wrap the fabric around the batting and pin, then sew the top closed all along the top edge. I like to then sew, "quilt," on the pad itself. I did stripes on another one, and I stippled on this one using contrasting thread. (stippling is this random sewing design, if you didn't know

This is a picture of Ruby's bumper pads and bedskirt I made for her. Same technique.

2. Then you bind the edges. Basic binding instructions are listed below. I am sure you all have your own way to bind, this is the best way for me. Use whatever you know or works best for you.

3. Finished binding.

4. I LOVE ribbon! So I used alternating brown and blue ribbon for my ties. Pick the length of tie you want, double it and fold it in half on the pads in the right spot. (take it to the crib and measure just to be sure - learned that the hard way.) Fold the ribbon down the front and back and sew across the top, go over it a couple of times to secure it.

5. TAH-DAH!!

Binding

1. I used three inch strips of fabric for this binding. Cut a sample of fabric and try what you think would look good. You have to fold the fabric in half, twice. (width wise) So basically with a three inch strip, I got a 3/4 inch binding. Measure the length of the pad and the ends, and double that. (so you have measured enough for the top, bottom, and both sides) You'll have to sew your three inch strips together because most likely they'll only be 45 inches long, and you will need more. (a lot more!) I think mine took 6 strips of 45 inch fabric sewn together.


2. This is how long your strip should now be.


3. Fold the sides of the binding into the middle, and iron. (so your edges are now touching each other, meeting down the center of the fabric) USE a water bottle to spray it! This will make your life SO much easier. The water stiffens the crease and it will hold better.

4. After you do the entire length once, then actually fold it in half and spray and iron again.

5. Finishing. For quilts I do some hand work here, but for this I would just use my machine. Unfold the piece, just so it is now in half. (width wise) Line up the center crease with the closing seam on the batting, this is now your center point. Sew the binding on the batting, with a very minimal seam allowance. (I use like 1/8 of an inch) So you are keeping the crease and the edge of the batting lined up, but are sewing almost 3/4 of an inch away as you are sewing on one side of the binding. Leave about 2 inches at the end, once you come full circle.

6. Corners are a little tricky, they may take some practice. But you can do it. Just do your best. I find it almost easier to get the general shape of the corner, then go in after and finish these by hand. A few minutes of hand work could save you a TON of grief on the machine.

7. After you have flipped the pad over and sewn almost all the way around on the other side, giving you a very clean, finished look, you now have to close off the end. With that 2 inches of extra fabric at the end, you now need to fold it under 2 or 3 times. Fold it back to where the binding starts. Then pull it snuggly around both sides and sew it closed.

Tip: Pay attention to your thread showing onto lighter fabric on the opposite side you are working on. This happens easily, just keep an eye on it.

More Crazy Opinions

This weekend Peter was reading the obituaries, a charming habit of his. In the midst of his complaining about wanting more “cause of death” information, he read me some very interesting facts. For some reason, listed in the paper, were famous people buried in Provo. The three most interesting, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you, the inventor of television, the inventor of “false diamonds,” and the inventor of disposable diapers. Is this amazing or what?! All of these men, here, in Utah County.

I thought it quite ironic that the major influences of TV, diapers and fake diamonds all culminate here, where they are still all so VERY prevalent today. Lots of TV watching, big hair making, reality show following, around here. Lots of babies, of course. And lots and lots of fake diamonds. (I know, I know…”They’re safer for the environment and the health safety of Africans.” Say what you must.)

Speaking of diapers, you’ll love this. While looking for a diaper picture for this blog, I came across Pet Diapers. What? I mean, really; what? I hear so much blah-dibby-blah about kids and diapers and clogging the landfills. So…pet diapers?! (I'm pretty sure the inventor of these is rolling over in his grave) I’m sorry, this is ridiculous. If your pet needs a diaper, you need to find your pet a yard. (No, I’m not very opinionated. I know.) I really think that it’s funny how pets are people’s new children, and I don’t hear anyone yapping about their cats diapers hoggin’ up the landfills.

So there you have it. Utah County: lots of “famous” people buried here. Pet diapers: ridiculous. You heard it here first, folks.

"Meow, I need to meow meow have my meow diaper changed meow."

Yes, I did learn to speak "cat" from Daniel the Cat on Mr. Rogers, can you tell?

Meet my dad: Birthday Blog!

Meet my dad. He was born September 28, 1936 – but for some reason he's turning 29, again! My dad is wonderful and I love him the most. He has given me everything I could have ever wanted and is always a great example to me. Now remember, “birthday blogs” are for fun, not tears. So laugh a little when you see this, dad.

Captain of the basketball team and student body president. Are you surprised?

"Big as life, and twice as handsome."

Elder Gregson, Stockholm, Sweden. Early 1960's.

"You hired out for a tough guy, now make good."

This pose is engrained in each of our memories. Years of you at the pulpit in church, mom giving you the "cut off" swipe across her throat to hurry up and sit down. I think of you saying something about Tony Compalla and "they'll throw dirt in your face and go back to the church to eat potato salad."

"Oh, you handsome brute you, don't you ever die."

I thought his was a birthday blog for my dad, not Santa. Hey,...wait a minute...

"It only goes around once."

President Gregson, Utah Provo Mission, Late 1990's.

Happy Birthday, Big Guy, I love you!

Meet Nanette: Birthday Blog!

Nanette and I met at a Sonics game in fourth grade, Mormon Night. (or Bothell Stake, or something) Over the years we have had our ups and downs, as all friends do, but I still view her as a dear friend.

If you really want to read this, you'll have to click on it and enlarge it.

She was born in the same ward as Peter, and in fact still lives there. This is a copy (a “ditto copy”, that is – didn’t you love the smell of these things? Remember in elementary school the teacher saying, “I have to go make some more dittos?” Boy, that’s been a while.) of the “Bothell Ward Relief Society Newsletter.” It lists the birth of Peter and Nanette.

Nanette and I had many a Friday night with Domino’s and her VHS machine. (Purchased with her own money from her newspaper route.) “Shag” had to be our all time favorite. You can see her with her “bubble flip” hair-do. “Bubble flips are much better for shagin’, now lets go, go, go!” Luckily she could drive way before I could. I think she drove a red 4-door geo metro if I’m not mistaken. (Again, lots of laughs here.) Nanette is funny, and kind. She has grown into a wonderful wife and mother who loves the Lord. And I am happy to still, after so very many years, call her friend.

Happy Birthday Nanetta!

Week in Review

Lots of Crying. As I already mentioned.

Finished bumper pads! TaDa!! He's only eight months old, good job! (basic instructions soon to come, I know you're all dying to make your own)

Ruby found a box of her old baby shoes and dumped it out 1,658 times. She oohed and ahhed over every pair and tried to put each one on - everytime! I finally got smart after picking them up SOOO many times, I put them away. I'm so smart.

Canned peaches and pickles today. This is not my finest homemaking skill, but it's a work in progress. It was fun, kind of. We also picked 50 lbs of apples for applesauce this week. (yes, my wormy apples, you know the ones) Cross your fingers for me, I have high hopes of getting more canning done.

Also, parent teacher conferences, more food storage shopping, (because the end of the world is coming - or haven't you heard?) and a great LDS General Relief Society Meeting I attended with my mom tonight.

I know you're all wondering why there is a foggy spot in all of the pictures above. Why you ask? Because I have a two and half year old, that's why. She has had an obsession with the camera this week, and it seems as though I need to clean it. Oops, sorry.

The Chronicles of Ardia: Vol. 1

In our church, we usually refer to each other as “Brother” or “Sister” and then use their last name (Like, “Hello Sister Jones, how are you today?”). I tell you this because I am about to introduce you to Sister Ard. She has a full name, but I’ll just call her by what I called her while working for her – Sister Ard. You may read some things here that you won't believe, but be asured, this is all true.

On a cool, September Saturday morning in my sophomore year of college, just before heading out the door for the day, I was saying a prayer. I was praying that I could find a job. As I finished up and ran out the door, a very long, large, and brown Buick pulled into my apartment parking lot. The kind of car, that when you were twelve, you and your friends yelled, “Land Yacht!” when it drives past. A woman was driving, (dog by her side) wearing a neck brace and looking around intently. I would later find out that Sister Ard wore a neck brace, “just in case.” You will find, that she did many things, “just in case.”

She pulled up in front of me and asked if I needed a job. A job? “Why, this is what I was just praying for”, I thought to myself. “Yes!”, I said, and with that, she gave me directions to her house: “Just out of town, by the airport.” The airport? Does Rexburg have an airport? You have to understand just how small this little town is, or was. I haven’t been back for ten years, or so. But at any rate, if you blink, you miss it.

I wish you could have seen her. She always wore mauve, pink, lavender or baby blue. Those were her colors. All made out of polyester, and I still had to iron each and every item, using a “sleeve” ironing board on her shirts. (more on this contraption later) Isn’t this why polyester was invented, so we don’t have to iron? And she had the kind of glasses that the lenses came down onto her cheeks. Her lips kind of curled up as she would scrunch her nose to look at you through her glasses, and keep them on her nose. And she would NEVER leave the house without her hair done, eyebrows painted on, (they are the “picture frame of the face” after all) and Buddy in the car with her. (you can guess, Buddy is her dog; The kind that’s in family portraits.)

I would start after classes the following Monday. As I arrived, I drove into a circular neighborhood full of once very nice, 1970’s homes. They we’re kept up, and in “the day”, I’m sure this was “the place” to live. As I reached the front doors, I read a little hand written note, taped to the front door: (this would be the first of many little notes I would find taped around her house) “If we don’t answer, we’re around back in the garden.” Really? Every time you don’t answer? The note was well worn, obviously not put there just for me. There were layers of tape on it and the paper was yellowing. This little piece of paper was my first clue into the humorous, loving, and a little crazy life of Sister Ard.

I must tell you, before I go on and reveal all the secrets of Sister Ard, that I truly love her. She taught me SO very much. Yes, I did have to roll my eyes A LOT! And I always had great stories to tell my roommates, who waited anxiously to hear what kind of crazy thing happened that day in the life of a Helper Girl. (this was my job title) But over all, Sister Ard was a great lady who loved me, and I really did love her.

Note: This, like many of my posts, will be an ongoing affair. Please stay tuned weekly to The Chronicles of Ardia, as well as weekly crafts, wedding tips, and everyday life around the Big Blue House.

Crying-itis

Today we have crying-itis. This is when you just can't quit crying...those darn teeth!

This is a somewhat contagious illness. It is usually very hard on a mothers nerves, and by the end of the day, she has often contracted the condition. Remedies include tylenol, ear plugs, and daddy coming home; as soon as possible!

Hopscotch

"Can you?...Can you?...Can you, can you, can you, horse?

Can you play hopscotch with me horse?"

To whom Ruby was speaking.

Cake Class and Icing Recipe

Earlier this summer I taught a cake class at my house. We had a pretty good show, and I think the ladies had a lot of fun. It was just the basics of fondant, but I think they all learned something new nonetheless. I am posting a couple pictures from the class and the icing recipe I promised so very long ago.

BEFORE

I have had quite a few requests for more lessons. If you are interested leave me a comment or email me at teresa_tennis@hotmail.com. I am more than happy to teach specific requests. So if there is something you have always wanted to learn, let me know. I totally loved seeing all of the fun ideas each of you came up with. Each one was so creative and unique. Thanks for the fun time!

DURING

Icing
1 cube softened butter
½ cup Crisco (no substitutions here or on the butter, quality makes it the best)
Between 2 Tbsp. and ¼ cup water
Dash of Salt
1 tsp. vanilla
3 drops of almond oil (if you must, use almond extract)
Start with half a bag of powdered sugar, and go from there.

Cream the butter, Crisco and water. (start with just a bit of water, you can always add, but you can’t take out) Add the salt, vanilla, and almond oil. (You can get almond oil where most cake items are sold. The flavor is so much better with this. I think you could use a teaspoon of almond extract, but it may be a bit more.) Add the powdered sugar now. From here you will keep adding powdered sugar and water until you get the consistency you want. Double this recipe for a whole 9 inch round cake, double layer, including the icing being used as the filling.

AFTER

Love those cakes!

Let's have more cake fun soon!!

I swear, it doesn’t matter how often I sweep my kitchen floor. I am continuously picking things off of my feet. Lately, it’s cheerios. I love ‘em, but really? All the time, …on my feet? And that’s just bare feet, let’s not mention with shoes on. The inevitable “crunch.” Ahh, dang it! With Dr. Chubby teething, there are little bits of everything all over the floor. I’d like to blame only him, but Roo is a big help with this as well. She can’t stay in her seat to finish one bite, let alone a whole meal.

I know that one day I will miss cheerios on my floor. I’ll miss the ever cursed hand prints on every window and wall. I’ll miss “mom” being called at all hours of the day from all locations in the yard and house. I’ll miss goop on EVERY shirt I own. I’ll miss rushing the kids out the door each morning, shoving their lunches and homework in their backpacks as they run. I’ll miss their stinky morning breath and hot jammies clamoring all over me each morning. I’ll miss the arguing amongst each other, and all their laughing. But most of all, I’ll miss them. I’ll miss peaking in their rooms at night and seeing their chubby faces sound asleep after a busy day. And their sweet “I love you.” And being hugged all day long, by people that really do love me. I think most of all I will miss being with loved ones that I brought into the world, but that have to grow up and have their own babies. Oh, I can’t even imagine how I’ll miss them. But I know I will.

Wedding Tip of the Week

A few weeks ago I did a wedding for an adorable bride and groom. As I frequently encounter, there were family members who felt it their job to “take over” the wedding. From what the colors should be, to the types of flowers, and even the cake. The poor, sweet bride gave in to almost all of these because she just didn’t want the fight. I felt sad for her. It’s her day, her wedding day. This should be the most perfect day of her life. Fortunately, in the end, I think it was. She was easy going and really didn’t mind letting things go. But from one who is around weddings a lot, let me remind you, “This is not your day, it's hers.”

This is a once in a life time event. Let the bride have her day. Rejoice in her decisions, be there when she needs advice and a shoulder to cry on. Lift her up and encourage her when she is “done” with the whole thing. Each bride reaches the point of “I really don’t care!! Just do what YOU want.” Help her focus and see what SHE wants. Try to help her work through this. Be patient, loving and understanding.


More often than not, mothers are the biggest problem for the bride. They feel like their own opinion is most important. Again, the BRIDES opinion is most important. Many of these mothers would never even think of themselves as doing this. So be aware of your comments and opinions. Brides look to their mothers for support, don’t abuse this by pushing your agenda on them. This is her day, not yours. Even if you are footing the bill, she’s better off paying for it herself than having to “pay” for it every step of the way. Set a budget, that the bride is aware of, and let her spend it the way she wishes. Both the mother and the bride will be much happier in the end.



On a happier note, I went to the floral wholesaler today. I LOVE going there. I love the smell, everything there is to look at, and most of all – the flowers. I took a couple of quick pictures so you could see “behind the scenes.” In most wholesale instances, flowers are flown in fresh, almost everyday, from all over the world. Last month I did a bridal bouquet of just Calla Lillie’s, flown in from Argentina. (see above photo) Wax flower is mainly grown in Australia. This summer, their winter, they had some severe cold spells. This made one of the most common flowers around, nearly impossible to get for a couple of weeks. I enjoy knowing a little bit about where the flowers are coming from and what is “in season.” If you live in an area that grows a lot of fresh flowers locally, buy in season! This is fun and adds a personal touch to any wedding.



Oh, I wish these were scratch and sniff!

The Birds

Love my birds! I saw these hanging in the storefront of the Yoga studio. They were in a mobile and very cute. The pattern is available at http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/2008/05/16/bird-mobile.

I took some photos of the process if you have any desire to make your own. I am in love with them. I made 28! Yes, 28. I am not totally sure what I am going to do with them, but my kids and their friends love them and put in their special orders. I have a ton of extra fabrics. I make bags and always have lots of cute scraps, this is a great way to use them. (do you see your fabric here?) Dr. Chubby, (Baby, to you) loves chewing on his as well. As you know, I LOVE ribbon. How could I not use ribbon? So I did make wings on one. I thought it was pretty successful. If I ever have a few extra minutes I want to make a mobile for The Littles room. Very cute for a boy and a girl. I think they would be adorable at Christmas as well.

1. Fold fabric in half, trace and cut. (only a single layer for the tail.)

2. Separate, and pin at the tails, right sides together. (do not sew the tails shut)

3. Sew up each side, then the head, meeting at the converging point of the body.

4. No need to trim strings, they're all inside. Turn your bird right side out, I use the eraser end of a pencil.

5. Stuff your bird. Use a good filling, and stuff right into the beak and head first. Once the body is done, it's too late to work on the head area. I like them very full, but the other ones I've seen weren't as full. (then again, their kids weren't trying to eat them)

6. Hand stitch the tail shut. The others were machine done, but it only takes a second to hand do it and I think it looks much nicer.

Enjoy! But be careful or you'll have a whole flock, like me.

Fifty minutes in the torture chamber.

For thirteen years Peter has been asking me to take a yoga class with him. I always say sure, but we never get around to it. This year for his birthday, along with a new bike, Peter got his yoga wish. (oh yeah, and an official Boy Scout harmonica)

So at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, kids left behind with a sitter, we rushed out the door for our first class. I thought, beginning yoga, how hard could that be? A little stretch here, a little heavy breathing there. What’s the big deal?

About fifteen minutes into the class I heard myself groan, out loud, “oh, no.” I knew we were in trouble.

After some thrown glances at each other, and quite a few laughs in very awkward positions, our first yoga class came to an end. Let me share some of our favorite poses with all of you. Please read in a calm, soothing, no beef eating, non leg shaving voice:


“We’ll start with the downward dog and move into the that’s gonna hurt position.”

“Remember to breathe.”

“Now move your left leg into the 911 and change to the about to die.”

“And finally, we will end with the OH, mama, resting into, make it stop.”

“Good, now hold it.”


I left the class wondering if there’s such a thing as pre-beginning yoga…

Meet Peter. He’s my first “Birthday Blog,” lucky him. (and you) This is where I can introduce you to people I love, and wish them a happy birthday as well. So my first one is for my dearly beloved, Peter.

Peter was born in Seattle, September 12, 1973. I’ll spare you all the details of his terribly exciting life, I get a little pukey with all the “tributes” people blog about. (ie; “luv you tons, hun!” see http://seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/ for more fun on this.) These are for fun, not for tears!

The one thing you should know is that he is wonderful. He’s the absolute greatest father in the world, and a fantastic husband. Please enjoy a few pictures down memory lane. If nothing else, please enjoy the fashion over the years, I know I do. Please note that I have to beg Peter to read my blog, so there may be a few “roasts” in here. For future reference, if I know and love you (and have enough awesome pictures) you’ll be receiving a birthday blog as well. So you better be nice…

Insert many pictures of hockey, mullets, acid washed jeans and sweet dance photos here. I can't seem to find them right now, don't worry...there's always next year.

Don't panic, it's CIDER!! And yes, that is Jill Weaver. I love her, where is she now? And yes, that does say "I heart you" in soup crackers. (sorry honey, couldn't leave this one out)

Army Tennis

Elder Tennis

The first "Ruby" he ever loved. Oh how we all miss her.

Story time: While we were dating, Peter turned 22. That birthday we went to the Woodland Park Zoo, ate lunch at Dick’s (delish!), and then – we’re very smart – rolled down the longest hill in Seattle. Queen Anne. You know the lookout? There happens to be a grassy park type area below it, and we rolled down it. Peter was totally sick the whole rest of the day. Fun memories! Each year we laugh about it. Oh yeah, and I do really, really love him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!