Ribbit!

I was walking through Wal-Mart a couple of months ago when I noticed some fleece jackets on clearance.  They didn't have any design on them.  Logan, my 18 month old grandson, loves to make the "Ribbit" sound of a frog and he has recently learned how to say frog.  It comes out a little more like "fog" but is pretty cute in his little toddler voice. 

I looked at those plain jackets and thought they would be the perfect place to embroider some frogs.  I was going to put them away until next fall but then realized that the kids were growing by leaps and bounds and I needed to get hoppin' !

I used a nice soft flannel that had little green frogs and bees on it.  In retrospect, I may have used a different material . The frog material would be great for a larger area. I still think they turned out cute and the kids LOVED them.

Do you have a child or grandchild who loves frogs? They would be cute on many different things. Pillows, blankets, shirts, bags, etc.  You can add words such as I did or you can add a name. 

Spring Shirts & Murder

Where has the time gone???  I have been very busy the past couple of weeks.  I served on the jury for our county for the month of April.  The first week was easy.  I didn't have to go in!  It was Easter Week and the judges weren't scheduling many trials.  The second week, I did have to report but at the last minute the defendant pled guilty so there was no need for a jury.  The third week in April my number wasn't one of the ones that had to report.  Then the fourth week rolled around.  And it rolled right over me.  My husband and I were watching 48 Hours Mystery.  If you've never watched the show, they always talk about someone who was murdered and describe how they caught the person who did it.  I turned to my husband and said " Well at least I don't have to worry about being on a jury for a murder trial here in our county.  The chances are low."

 I reported bright and early Monday morning along with many other potential jurors.  I wasn't sure why so many were needed.  Was it a BIG case?  As my number was called, I was told to follow the group and report to Courtroom number 1.  When the judge entered we were told that it was a murder case!!  I couldn't believe it.  As the jurors were selected, I started to relax.  They had chosen 11 jurors so I was beginning to think they would get all of them before they got  to me.  Wrong.  I was juror number 12.  Then the judge asked me to be forelady!

The trial lasted 2 days.  The evidence was overwhelming.  I prayed the whole way through the trial.  I wanted to hear what God wanted me to hear and make the right decision.  As we started to deliberate. one of the jurors asked if anyone would mind if he prayed for us over this decision.  No one minded.  I was grateful.  There was really no deliberation. Everyone was in total agreement right from the beginning.  We found the man guilty of 1st degree and 2nd degree assault, 1st degree and 2nd degree murder.  I had to stand up and read the decision.  The courtroom was crowded.  As the jurors walked out of the courtroom, I spoke to the young man who had prayed and thanked him.  I didn't know the names of any of the other jurors.  I introduced myself.  As he told me his name, I realized that I know his cousins, and his uncle and aunt.  We have several friends in common. The 5th Monday was April 30th and I didn't have to report. My jury duty is over until the next time I'm called.

Now onto much more pleasant things like spring and bunnies and grandchildren!

These cute little shirts are being modeled by two of my grandchildren.  The bunny designs are from

 Designs by JuJu Jumbo Bunny Hop Applique'.  

I bought the shirts at Hobby Lobby.  It can be difficult to find plain shirts to embroider without ordering them.  Since I run a small business, I don't want to keep a large inventory with many colors, styles and colors.  I am SO grateful that Hobby Lobby came to town.  The only thing that I've noticed about their shirts, at least for the little children, is that they seem to run small.  My 18 month old grandson is only in the 50th percentile for weight and yet the 24 month shirt is snug around his belly. I always pre-wash.  The shirts are 100% cotton so if you buy from Hobby Lobby, go with a bigger size than what you think you will need.

Jacobean Hummingbirds

So I am a little embarrassed to say that I had to look up the meaning of Jacobean.  Here is what I found on Wikipedia.

The Jacobean style is the second phase of Renaissance architecture in England, following the Elizabethan style. It is named after King James I of England, with whose reign it is associated.

The Avid Embroiderer Blog ,www.annthegran.com,  says Jacobean is generally associated with crewel workings and often characterized by the fauna, floral and the beauty of forests. 

Once I saw the pictures I immediately realized that I had seen a lot of Jacobean work and didn't know that was the name for it!

I found these Jacobean applique' hummingbirds on Designs by JuJu.  ( www.designsbyjuju.com) and fell in love.  I had to get the collection and try it out.  These designs are definitely more time consuming than other applique' but the results are well worth the effort.  I bought a plain purple t-shirt for my first attempt .  What do you think?

Designs by JuJu

I recently discovered a wonderful website called Designs by JuJu.  http://www.designsbyjuju.com/    They have adorable embroidery and applique' designs.  I used quite a few of them over Thanksgiving and Christmas and have plans to use many more!  Here are a few of the holiday designs I have made so far.

 The designs on the red towels are from a collection called Christmas Patchwork.

 These adorable little gingerbread men are from Holly Jolly Gingers.

  

Christmas Patchwork bib

Chtistmas Patchwork bib

 

Thanksgiving towels from Harvest Happenings.  I like to have special decorations for each holiday.  these are the first Thanksgiving towels I have seen!

I can't wait to make more next year!  These designs can be put on towels, bibs, burp cloths, table cloths, bags, pillows, blankets, etc.  If it can be embroidered, I can put these designs on "it".  The colors can be changed to match your decor.  I have Easter designs ready and waiting to be made:-)

Personalized Embroidered BaaBaa Sheep Burp Cloth

I received an order for two BaaBaa Sheep Burp Cloths this week.  The customer requested that the trim be in pink.  She then shared with me that the crib bedding was from Pottery Barn Kids Sweet Lambie collection. http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/sweet-lambie-nursery-bedding/?pkey=bunisex-nursery-bedding

The Sweet Lambie bedding is all browns, tan and off white.  The original BaaBaa Lamb pattern is black and white with the BaaBaa in blue.  She also ordered names on each burp cloth.  I sat down with my Bernina Editor Plus software and looked at the thread I have in stock ( around 75 colors) and designed some burp cloths with which I am really pleased.  I hope the customer likes them too.  They were just shipped yesterday so I hope she gives me some feedback.

  Here are pictures of them.  What do you think?