Shark!

I had really intended to use this shark-themed piece of fleece for two baby blankies, but then decided to keep it larger, to use as a soft throw when needed.  The intended recipients are such ocean-faring folk and have a true fascination and respect for the shark, it was the first piece I put in my basket when I was out shopping for fabrics.  This is the kind of fleece  they sell in a set, with a complimentary color for the backing, that you cut strips along the edges and tie the front to the back, but I didn't want knots in it.   If a baby might be rolling around on it one of these days soon, knots would not do, so I opted to sew the right sides together all around the edges, turn it, then a zig-zag top stitch all around the edges. NOT your typical baby blanket, but it is quite comfy and cozy, with, yes, a touch of adventure. 

You can see how soft this is!

A solid blue backing was included with this Shark print.

Very cushy indeed!

Until next time!
♥ Jan

Noah's Ark Baby Quilt

I have been having the best time sewing these simple little baby quilts -- this one especially!  I have a special little someone in mind who just happens to have been named Noah!  He will be here sometime around the middle of October.  This is a Debbie Mumm fabric.  I was on a mission to find a piece with the Noah's Ark theme, and just when I thought it was NOT to be found, there it was, tucked back into the shelf at the store.

As you can see in one of the pics, it is backed with a more solid yet swirly blue fabric, and of course, some soft batting in between layers, and edged with blue satin.  Can't wait to see him all snuggled in this one! 

A Bountiful Garden



Our garden is turning out to be a lot of work, but we are sure enjoying it.  It's our first somewhat organized garden in a number of years.  We've planted tomatoes and cilantro in pots before, but this year, if you've been reading the blog, you know we tore out half of our lawn and made a 10' x 10' space.  We are on the coast in central/southern California, so we don't get a lot of heat.

So far, we've been getting a lot of squash -- both zuchinni, yellow, and crook-neck, and also cucumbers! 

Next season, we'll plant fewer tomatoes, and more beans.  We'll forget about cilantro as it goes to seed too quickly for us to really benefit long term, and perhaps plant one more cucumber plant as we're really enjoying them.  Just made some refrigerator pickles and doubt we'll ever buy pickles again!  We hope to find a great "Pico de Gallo" recipe to help use up the tomatoes and chilies that we are hoping for. Now we need to figure out what to try and grow through the cooler seasons, and plan for it.

Lovin' this gardening, and being able to turn to our own resources for at least a few things we would typically buy at the store.  Thinking about chickens for eggs, but don't think we have enough room or even energy to take that on.  Well, little by little, if we can become a little more sustainable, even on a small scale, that's a good thing, right?



This yellow squash plant really took over the garden!






The squash and cucumber are abundant, and taste fabulous!

 


This is the most tomoatoes we've had yet.  I think we planted too many plants to close together.




Pretty and great tasting cilantro, but it goes to seed too quickly for us to use it.  Could use more beans!!





Really delicious recipe I found for Refrigerator Pickles!




Siamese Squash?  It was wonderful!



How does your garden grow?  Any good tips you'd like to share?  Next up for us in the gardening department is to start composting...reducing waste, and turning that "garbage" into super soil!