by Bethe

Scrappy 9-Patch Quilt for my Mother-in-Law

One of my biggest goals for 2013 was to finally make a quilt for my mom and my mother-in-law. And I’m proud to say that I was able to accomplish both – one while horribly sick with morning sickness (love you mama) and the other while I was nine months pregnant and big as a house (love you, mother-in-law).

MIL quilt 5

I chose the scrappy 9-patch pattern for two reasons: (1) I’ve never tried it before and had been hankering to give this pattern a whirl – I just love the look of scrappy quilts; and (2) this pattern really has no pattern, which meant almost no getting up and down off the floor with this giant belly of mine. Quilting is a lot of work physically, and I just wasn’t as mobile as normal, so this quilt allowed me to do almost everything on my sewing table.

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I almost named this my Steve Jobs quilt, simply because I listened to his biography on audio books while I sewed. That book is amazing (and 25 hours). With every quilt I make, I can tell you what book I “read” or TV series I watched while doing the work.
MIL quilt 2

For the front fabric, I used a Moda jelly roll (again, it saved me time on cutting), and because it was so traditional, I wanted to do something absolutely nutty on the back. I found this fabric at Joann’s and immediately fell in love. It’s one of my new favorites in my stash, and I have enough left over to use it again sometime.

I bound it with this adorable polka dot fabric that I’ve had in my stash for years and never used. It matches perfectly and reminds me of a tie I bought my dad as a child.

MIL quilt 1 I am so thankful to have such an amazing, godly, FUN mother-in-law, who welcomed me into her family and treats me like her own daughter. Thanks Ann (MoMo to the grandkids) for being so wonderful, and happy birthday!

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(PS – It takes every ounce of my being to take pics at this point… 39.5 weeks pregnant. But, I want to be able to look back at this year and remember the good times… even if I was carrying around a TON of water weight. And baby weight.) Plus, my mother-in-law looks fabulous.

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Interested in seeing my other quilts? Click here. Interested in seeing what’s offered in my online shop? Go visit me on Etsy!

by Bethe

New prints & a bedrest update

I’ve spent the past few days hanging out on the couch and in bed, watching TV and, well, designing new prints. The longer we wait for Wrenn to arrive, the more action this blog and my Etsy shop is going to see. If only I could sit down at my sewing machine and quilt… I’m going through some serious withdrawals.

We got good news from the doctor. They ran some more tests and things seem to be less worrisome than originally thought, so I’m off the “only get up to use the restroom” bedrest and instead on the “spend most of your time lying down but at least you’re allowed to walk around your house” version of bedrest. Which is good because I would have lost my mind on the other one.

I’ve had braxton hicks contractions since Sunday, and Thursday night they got really intense and 5-6 minutes apart. I really thought it was time, but they never got to that magic 5-minute mark required to go to the hospital. I slept a little that night, but spent much of the night up with pain. Friday… nothing. And so we continue to wait for that precious baby girl to arrive.

So, back to the prints – I designed two new prints for the shop this week. Both are available for instant download for just $10 each. This means as soon as you purchase it online, you’ll get a link to download the file so you can print it yourself – I’m hoping this adds some convenience (and speed) to my shoppers.

This print was inspired by a quote Mr. Right sent me a few months ago. I’m a bit of a reformed feminist, and it’s very important to me that I teach Wrenn that she can do anything she sets her mind to, but that she should also always conduct herself as a lady, and a humble one at that. It’s an important balance.

Lady

(Available here)

And this print is inspired by the scripture I’ve been meditating on all week. We’ve been studying David Platt’s new book in our Sunday School class, and he talks about duty vs. delight when it comes to our faith. I’ve been praying all week that God would help me to take a new delight in his Word… and thus this print came to be.

Her-delight

(Available here)

And one more thing… Texas Lovely now has a Facebook page! Do me a favor and go “like” it – I’ll be posting discount codes and links to new products.

by Bethe

My very own quilt: this time it’s my turn

I’ve made dozens and dozens of quilts, but I have never once made one that I could keep for myself. I’ve been too busy giving them away as gifts or selling them to pay for more quilting supplies.

But my husband won’t let me steal his quilt and I want one of my own, so I finally decided it was my turn. I found some great fabric – a jelly roll – on clearance at Joann’s that I just love, and I used leftover polka dot fabric from Wrenn’s baby quilt for the middle squares (I wanted a piece of her quilt inside of mine – oh the sappiness of pregnancy hormones). I’m almost finished whipping up the top.

my quilt1

I was inspired by this log cabin quilt from one of my favorite quilting bloggers and simply studied the picture, and got to cutting. This is another great pattern for when you’re 9 months pregnant and completely whale-ish, because there is no real pattern or need to get up and down off the floor – you just add layer after layer as you go. I finally stopped when I ran out of strips of fabric. (however, this is a LOT of ironing involved)

my quilt 2

I’m going to sew these into a white background and will probably add a border to add some width/length. My hope was to finish this before Baby Girl arrived, but with this bed rest thing, there is no quilting allowed, so I guess I’ll wait and finish her after Wrenn gets here. It’ll be my first naptime quilt.

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Interested in seeing my other quilts? Click here. Interested in seeing what’s offered in my online shop? Go visit me on Etsy!

by Bethe

That time I went on bedrest… and an induction date

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Tuesday I woke up feeling crummy and swollen. I weighed myself and realized I’d gained about 5 pounds in just a few days – probably water weight. My face, my feet, and my ankles were swollen, and as the day went on I felt worse and worse. No day is especially easy when you’re 38 weeks pregnant, but something was just off and I wasn’t sure what.

I finished the work day and started to drive home, then started thinking that maybe my blood pressure might be high. Since I work at a hospital, I circled back to work and asked someone to take my blood pressure – it was 169/79. I typically run really low (normal is 120/80 for most people, but I run lower than that).

I called up to the Labor & Delivery Department to see what they thought, and they told me I should come in to get monitored. So, Mr. Right and I grabbed my overnight bag (just in case) and went up for about four hours of tests and monitoring. Turns out I was also having contractions 2-4 minutes apart (I could barely feel them), and Mr. Right climbed in bed with me and we watched our favorite show while we waited to see if we were going to have a baby that night.

We didn’t. Turns out the contractions were just braxton hicks, and my blood pressure finally went back down, and my lab tests came back good, so we got discharged and headed back home.

I went back to the doctor this morning, and she decided to put me on strict bed rest (aka – only get up to go to the bathroom, must be lying down at all times) until Baby Girl arrives. Which, we found out, will be no later than July 11. So, we’ll be holding our little girl within a week! I can’t believe it.

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In the meantime, I’m hanging out on the couch watching TV and movies. Expect a lot of blogging, some new prints in the shop (including this one I designed today), and at least one give-away. Feel free to leave a comment – or a hundred – to give me some much-needed human interaction.

In the meantime, we wait for that precious Baby Girl’s arrival!

by Bethe

My Summer Bucket List – 2013

This year I had a big internal debate over whether or not to tackle a Summer Bucket List. I started doing it in 2011, and then last year Mr. Right and I brainstormed for weeks to come up with our 2012 list. (for a full list of our blog adventures on this topic, go here) It has been our way to make sure we continue to have fun as a couple and not get stuck in a rut of doing the same old thing every night.

The List has become our thing, and I hated to give it up for 2013, but this year our summer is split in half by one giant event – HAVING A BABY. Which has made it hard to plan much of anything else – I didn’t want to over-plan/over-commit while we were waiting, instead I just wanted to enjoy being spontaneous and keep our schedules open and relaxed. Not to mention that the first half of the summer I’ve been 8-9 months pregnant and not feeling especially mobile.

And, well, the second half of the summer is a complete unknown to me – I expect those first few weeks after Wrenn arrives to be a bit of a blur. Since I’m a rule follower, I just knew that if I made a list and then didn’t accomplish most of the items on it, I’d feel like a failure. And I don’t need that pressure right now – so there is only one thing on my List this year:

summer bucket list

If I were to make a list, it would mostly include things like swimming, eating sno cones (and frozen yogurt, and gelato, and ice cream, and Sonic drinks… you get the picture), and later this summer, I hope to take Wrenn to the new Bush Presidential Library and the Perot Museum in Dallas.

But what about you? Have any of my blog friends created a fun list of ideas? It’s not too late – you’ve got plenty of time to brainstorm some fun activities for July and August. I’d love to hear what you come up with – let me live vicariously through you!

And just in case you need some ideas, I created a Pinterest board of summer activities in Dallas/Fort Worth for my work blog – the board includes a free printable I designed. Feel free to use it for your own family!

by Bethe

The big reveal! Wrenn’s Baby Quilt!

I’ve made a lot of baby quilts in the five years that I’ve had this little hobby of mine. But I must say that this one was the most special by far, because this time it was for MY baby girl and not someone else’s. Squeal!

quilt5

Mr. Right helped me pick out the fabrics, because we used them as a jumping off point for the rest of our nursery. The bright colors are a tribute to my man and his love of color. I probably have the only husband who has been to a quilting store… multiple times! Such a trooper, that man.

quilt3

I realize I’ve maxed out on my use of chevron, but it’s still my favorite pattern, and I wanted it for my baby girl, so she got it. Plus, I tried a few different patterns and this fabric just begged for chevron. (Yes, sometimes fabric begs to be sewn a certain way – it’s the truth.)

Speaking of chevron – I’ve had several people ask me for a tutorial on chevron quilts. Someday I will do some tutorials, but right now life is a bit nutty, so I thought I’d point you toward other people’s tutorials. I learned a lot of my sewing through blogs and YouTube, so never be afraid to just google something. Two ways to do chevron – or any triangle quilt –  are this way (my way is the first way they listed) and that way (I don’t do it this way, but it looks efficient so I may give it a try someday). Also, typically I cut my squares to 6 inches, simply because I like the finished look – not too big, not too small. They’re closer to 5 inches once sewn with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

quilt2

I quilted everything with white thread (I almost always use white – that way I can just stock up on it in advance) and I loosely followed a chevron pattern. I’ve found that quilts are a lot softer and more snuggly if you quilt them more loosely – the more stitches, the stiffer it will be.

I love this crazy zebra backing and bright turquoise binding. I wanted this quilt to scream fabulous and fun and not necessarily just baby.

quilt

I hope this is one of those things she keeps the rest of her life. I still have the quilt my grandmother made for me when I was a baby. As I did my sewing I imagined my little blonde-haired girl dragging this all over our house, snuggling with it at night, and having it as a forever reminder that her mama loves her dearly.

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Interested in seeing my other quilts? Click here. Interested in seeing what’s offered in my online shop? Go visit me on Etsy!

by Bethe

Our backyard becomes the victim of more nesting

As I mentioned in a previous post, Mr. Right has been nesting even more than me. I was really concerned with getting the nursery put together, which he so wonderfully helped me with (since I can’t paint, move heavy things, etc.), and once he finished that, he moved on to the backyard.

yard1

I came home from work one night to a surprise – he had finished building the pergola that we started last summer when we expanded our patio. Check out his handiwork – he did everything in one afternoon! My man is so talented when it comes to dreaming things up and then turning them into reality. While you’re at it, check out our monster urban garden he built last summer – we’re eating the best home-grown tomatoes in the whole world right now.

yard3

You’ll notice he also put twinkle lights above our table because, well, I have a weird obsession with twinkle lights. If I could, I’d leave Christmas lights on our house year-round, but then we’d be those neighbors (actually, sometimes I wonder if we already ARE those neighbors). The twinkle lights make a bit of a chandelier right over our table – It’s my favorite part!

yard2

Can you tell we don’t like to mow? We’ve slowly but surely filled our tiny backyard with flowers, patios, and vegetable gardens. One or two more summers and there won’t be a blade of grass anywhere to be seen!

And, while we’re at it, I thought I’d show you some other new additions, including our succulents (um, hello – succulent is code for cactus which is code for “okay if you forget to water for weeks at at time” – this is my new favorite plant!):

yard5

Another easy plant to keep alive is moss rose – and it blooms the most beautiful, colorful blooms. The only drawback is that it wilts every night, so if you’re hosting a lot of evening parties, it will look like you’ve got a dead plant. But during the day, it’s breathtaking. I’m also partial to hibiscus, which reminds me of Hawaii.

flowers

And then there’s our potted jalapenos, which I plan to wrap in bacon and cream cheese any day now. Yum.

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We have tried to spend every cool evening sitting on our patio, soaking up the new place. It makes me feel like I’m on vacation in my own backyard. Thanks to my Mr. Right for dreaming up such a wonderful escape for us!

bethe2

by Bethe

Looks like she’ll be staying awhile longer

At our 38 week doctor appointment yesterday, our doctor was just a little bit concerned that my belly hasn’t grown in several weeks now. After measuring ahead for so long, I was now measuring a bit behind, and the doctor was concerned that little Wrenn might not be growing anymore, or I might not have enough amniotic fluid. Or, there was a chance that maybe Baby Girl was just petite.

If findings weren’t ideal, they were going to induce early. Like, tomorrow.

Which means Will and I were half giddy, and a tiny bit concerned. But mostly giddy to get to meet Wrenn sooner rather than later.

So tonight we went in for a sonogram (our first in about 18 weeks), and turns out Wrenn is perfectly fine. We are SO thankful that she’s healthy, and we’re content to keep on waiting until she gets here. What’s another week… or two… or three, right?

PS–They think she’s approximately 7.2 pounds. I realize that’s just an estimate and could be off by a pound. But regardless, looks like she’s a very healthy size!

On to the important part… the pictures. Here is her little face, viewed straight on. You can see her eyes, nose, pouty lips and big cheeks.

face - front

Here is her profile – you can see her nose, and her hands are up next to her face.

face - profile

And here’s her foot.

foot

It was such a treat to see our Baby Girl… I can’t wait to hold her in my arms sometime in the next 2-3 weeks! Hurry Wrenn, we want to meet you!

by Bethe

Surefire ways to slow down time

Have you ever wanted to bottle time? Make a moment last forever? Find the fountain of youth? Stop rushing through life? Put off that deadline just a little bit longer?

I have discovered the secret to making a moment seem like an eternity.

  1. Run on a treadmill for an hour.
  2. Go to the DMV or Social Security Office. Make sure your phone is dead.
  3. Have the stomach flu.
  4. Watch a John Wayne movie.
  5. Go to a classical concert with the lights off on a night when you are very, very tired.
  6. Go on a strict diet where you can’t eat any of the things you love.
  7. Get stuck in a traffic jam while you have to go to the bathroom.
  8. Have the guy you’re crushing on ask for your number… and then not call you for a week. (Ahem, Mr. Right did this to me, and it was the longest week of my life!)
  9. Go to Wal-Mart on a Saturday to just pick up *one thing* and wait in line at the check-out.
  10. Prep for a colonoscopy.

And finally, the very best way to make time stand absolutely still – be nine months pregnant. Every week  No, every day… becomes an eternity.

What about you? What other ways have you found to make time stand still?

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PS–I’m 37 weeks and 4 days and it’s like I just woke up this morning suffering from TOBP (Tired of Being Pregnant). I totally get what other women mean. I’m thankful that I’m still sleeping pretty well, and most of the time I feel pretty good. Just ready to finally hold my baby girl in my arms… and honestly, to not be pregnant anymore. It’s like I can see the finish line, but it keeps moving. So… close…

by Bethe

A huge thank you and a virtual hug

I want to say a HUGE thank you to all of you mama friends of mine who left a comment on my last blog post, on my Facebook page, or sent me a private message with ENCOURAGEMENT and helpful advice. I just love it when women can encourage other women – that’s what we’re supposed to do! I think there’s so much judging that goes on amongst us, especially with motherhood (but heck, with life in general), and it’s so refreshing to have dozens of women send notes that say YOU CAN DO THIS.

You girls rock. We’re all on the same team.

So thank you. If you were here I’d give you a hug (which is saying a lot because I’m not a hugger). So instead, just trust that I appreciate you, and I know I will be referring back to some of your handy tips in a few weeks when Baby Girl is here and our little family is figuring this whole thing out for ourselves.

I have this verse posted next to my computer at work, and I think it’s perfect for this, as well as motherhood in general. I can’t tell you how excited I am, but I also feel like I’m standing on the edge of a high diving board, afraid to let go of the rails and just JUMP. I know I’ll be fine when I do, but I also don’t know what to expect on the way down.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” –John 14:27

Here goes nothing…