Fall Foliage

I took these photos last Monday.

This is what the tree looked like on Friday. Crazy, huh?

The kids had fun playing in the newly fallen leaves.

Miller tried to make a leaf angel.

Happy fall ya'll!!!

Weekly Kitchen Update

We spent most of the day Saturday doing much needed yard work, but we did find time to make the kitchen look even more chaotic. We decided to try to make a decision regarding the color scheme of the kitchen.  I don't think I am really liking any of our choices so far.

The kids enjoyed testing out some of the colors.

Here is a glimpse of the wallpaper that was in the kitchen when we moved in.  Nice, huh?  

We also removed all the popcorn from the ceiling.  There were some remnants of the popcorn ceiling hiding behind the molding.

We decided that moving the pantry was going to be more complicated then we had originally thought, so we are holding off for now.

Mitch did finish the mudding and sanding of the recess.  He also put a coat of primer on it.  

Here's Harper's vote for paint color.

Miller liked the blue too.

Mitch decided to spend some time in the mudroom, since we are still waiting on our contractor.  He took down the cabinets that were above the washer and dryer.  Then he patched the wall and mudded the other side of the recess.  We are planning on putting a shelf over the washer and dryer with some baskets to keep us organized.

I put a coat of paint on the riser.  

I am not making any predictions regarding what we are going to be doing this weekend.  I really have no idea. 

PJ Pants

I ordered some flannel for pajamas for the kids a couple of weeks ago.  Then I actually used it to sew the kids pj pants.  It's a miracle.  I am trying really hard to keep my projects simple and to finish one before I start another.  These pants are so gratifying to make.  They come together so fast and are really easy.  Since I made them, the kids have been wearing them every night.  I love being able to make them so that they fit them perfectly too.



I did buy plain shirts to match the pants, but the kids like to grab the first shirt they find.  At least they are wearing the pj pants, so I am not going to complain.  Harper already has several different sets of pajamas she can wear, but Miller could use one more pair of pants.

 

 

Weekly Kitchen Update

Last week we finally met with our contractor, who did not make it out the week before to do the work like he had planned.  We did decide to let him go ahead and build the cabinets on the fridge side.  He is also going to do all the electrical work for us too. Hopefully we will be able to move the pantry, which would save us quite a bit if money.  As of Monday he had not started the cabinets yet though.  He is super busy and working us in.  It is a little frustrating that progress has been so slow, but we are trying to stay optimistic.  

So this is what has happened since my last post. The electrical was moved along with the water line for the fridge.  Then Mitch and his dad drywalled the opening.   It still needs a final sanding, but it is pretty much finished.

WARNING: Graphic photo of construction related injury below

Mitch had a run in with a drill bit.  The drill bit was sticking out of a board and he somehow managed to slice his finger all the way from bottom to top.  He had to have 16 stitches.   He should get the stitches out in the next few days, but he is still not able to bend his finger very well.  I convinced him to take last weekend off to give his finger some time to heal. He's already planning what we will try to tackle next weekend, so it obviously hasn't slowed him down too much.  Since our contractor is so busy, we are going to attempt to move the pantry next weekend.   Wish us luck.

I have been tweaking the blog a bit so if you read this in a reader or e-mail click on through to the website to check it out.  I would love feedback.

Messenger Bag with iPad Pocket

 I really needed a new bag.  So I decided to follow my Messenger Bag tutorial and make a few modifications to meet my current needs.  I have been toting my iPad around with me more and more, so I really wanted to have a pocket to store it in.  I knew I wanted a flap with some sort of closure so that it would be protected and not fall out.  

Here are the modifications that I made:

back pocket pieces are 14"x 9"

back pocket top flap pieces are 14" x 5"
round the edges the same way you do the flap pieces
you will assemble the pocket flap piece the same way as the main flap pieces

interface the lining pieces with fusible fleece high loft, also interface one side of the back pocket pieces

interface one side of the flap piece with lightweight interfacing

I did not interface the strap or inside pocket

This is what my back main body piece looked like with the pocket and flap all assembled.  I decided to use a velcro closure to make sure everything was secure.  I added the velcro to the flap piece and the pocket piece before basting them to the main body piece.

I decided to do a little hand embroidery on the front flap piece to bring in some of the yellow from the lining. 

Here's some photos of the finished product.

The iPad all nice and snug.

I like that you can't even tell it's in there.

I also added a loop of fabric to clip my keys to so that they don't get lost in the bottom of my purse.  I have been sticking my phone in the pocket.

I am so in love with my new purse.  I would highly recommend interfacing your bag if you decide to make one.  It adds so much more structure to the bag.  

This version of the bag isn't made to be reversible.

Find the Reversible Messenger Bag tutorial here.

Don't forget to add a photo to my flickr pool if you decide to make one.