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Lovely

Lovely quilt, lovely blog, lovely girl, lovely cause.  Lovely Nie.  

Go here to learn more.  

Up to something

An unexpected surprise came while I was on my way out the door, just after writing that last post.  The UPS man brought the only thing more exciting than fabric:  strike offs!  As in, strike offs of our next fabric line, Simple Abundance.... hooray!!  

So I'm up to my neck in swatches, and getting closer and closer....  here's the tiniest of tiny sneak peeks.  Are you as excited as I am?  Can't wait to show it to you for real... counting down the days.

Wish me luck!  And sleep, that too...  

Oh, and one more thing. You know how I love Shangri-la?  Well, I really want to win this bag of Judi's!  Really.  Head on over for a chance to win.  I must really like you guys...  ;-)

Numbers

adorable felt birthday cake from lookmamamadeit

730- the number of days I've officially been blogging as of today.  Thats also 2 years, in case you don't want to do the math.  A big thanks to all of you for making blogging so wonderful!

65- the number of times (in a row, mind you) Canon asked to have a peanut butter sandwich before giving up and eating his dinner night before last.  We counted.  Now that is persistence.

2- the number of bears sitting on my couch watching TV, wearing I Spy backpacks.  My kids LOVE these.  Check them out here.  I had been planning on making something like this for my boys for the last... 4 years and never quite got around to it.  Thank goodness for Angela!

51- the number of emails in my inbox that are waiting for a response. Today, I promise!

18- the number of degrees below zero it was at home in Idaho yesterday.  Yikes!

40- the percent off my new pair of tall chocolate Uggs were.  I heart them, and so do my warm, toasty feet.  

27- (On a scale of 1-10) how badly I want to get back in my studio and start sewing something fun.  Especially after reading LaVieEnRosie this morning.  I'm blushing... times 10!  Thanks Carrie!  

75- the number of first cousins I have.  Bet you didn't know that!  

49- the number of the winner of my Moda Bake Shop giveaway.  It is Melissa Baldwin, by the way.  Congrats Melissa!  Email me and we'll talk.

100- the number of hugs (at least) I'll get from this little guy if I get off this computer and take him to the park.  That one's a no brainer.  See you later!

1000- the number of photos I'll probably take while we are there.... 

Running behind

You know how sometimes you are feeling good about things, accomplishing a lot, the to do list is getting shorter... and then you get sick?  And then you pass it on to everyone else in your household?  That's me.  ALWAYS me.  I'm not sure what is up with this shoddy immune system of mine this past year or so, but if its going around, it finds me every time!  So anyway, I'm behind.  Behind on emails, posts, FAQ answers, comments, you name it.  Not to mention dishes, cleaning, laundry....  yikes!  So really, my apologies on the late post I promised, I'll get it up soon!

On the bright side, I am feeling better today.  And on the even brighter side, my little brother Dallin was here last week and we had so much fun having him around.  

We even got to go shopping for tiny clothes for my newest nephew, who should be making his world debut in a few weeks. (Hooray!) Come back soon Dal!  

I'm so glad you guys are as excited about the Moda Bake Shop as I am!  Isn't it fantastic?  My mom posted a really fun, simple hot pad tutorial over there today, and as soon as I am back in the full swing of things, you better believe I'll be making me some Cotton Blossoms ones.  

And some red polka dot ones, and maybe a few with 1974 and some applique?

Oh, and one more thing.  I know there are a lot of Miss Rosie fans out there, and I am definitely one of them!  Well, in case you didn't know yet, Carrie started a blog called LaVieEnRosie so head on over, say hello and be inspired.  She's amazing!  I posted about this quilt long ago, but it is still one of my very very favorites.  One of Carrie's designs, called Summer Wind (and the fabric is an old Moda 3 Sisters line, Wuthering Heights).  Love it, love it.  These photos are for you Carrie!

Now if only I could find the time to work on any one of the other... oh...20 quilts I want to make of hers, I'd be good to go.  *sigh*

So much to do, so little time... 

Scrumptious

Whenever Aiden eats a treat that he finds especially tasty, two things happen.  Number one, he manages to get it all over his sweet little face, and number two, he always says "Mommy, this is scrumptious!" I love it.  In fact, sometimes I feed him treats just so I can hear him say it.  It's true.  Did you know that scrumptious means "delightful, excellent, delicious?"  That's true too.  

Have you been thinking about giving sewing/quilting a shot but haven't quite known where to start?  Or are you a fabric-a-holic (like me) and you are always on the lookout for great projects? Either way, Moda's got a brand new blog, called Moda Bake Shop and you are going to L-O-V-E it.  An ever growing blog filled with clever ideas and amazing little projects using all your favorite Jelly Rolls, Charm Packs, Layer Cakes, Sweet Rolls....  you name it.  Now that is scrumptious.

Scroll down and you'll find my tutorial to make a simple little table topper out of a charm pack and a yard or so of fabric.  Fun, quick and easy!  I hope you enjoy it!

And also, I'm giving mine away.  Yup, just to celebrate!  Moda Bake Shop AND the fact that it just happens to be my 2 year blogiversary on Wednesday.  Can you believe it?  2 years?  

Just leave a comment before Wednesday and let me know your name, where you are from, and and which scrumptious little project you've got your eye on over there at Moda Bake Shop and you are good to go.  

Example (as always):  My name is Camille Roskelley, and I live in Nevada, although I'll always be an Idahoan.  I want to make everything on the Bake Shop blog, but the top of my list?  Definitely the Sultry Jelly Roll Quilt.  Love it!  In fact, I think I'm going to start it right now... anybody want to join me?  :-)  

Good luck!  Have fun over at the Bake Shop!

How's that for a treat?  

PS- Happy b-day blog!  

Chameleon

Get it?  No?  Camil...  Nevermind... 

Blogging from my iPhone today.  (Sorry about the lousy photo,  I just looked down and thought it was kinda funny) Anyway, just a few tidbits:

*Just a reminder, for all those paint color/camera/polka dot chair askin' people...  If you are needing some instant gratification, check out my FAQ page, on the top of the left sidebar.  I'm all about instant gratification.

*THANK YOU for all of your sweet comments on the Homespun feature.  I can't believe how great you guys are!  Hmph- who needs kids to be excited for you??  ;-)  If you missed the comment from Catherine (Editor at Homespun) here it is:

Hi all

If you are interested in picking up a copy of Homespun (yes, you'll need to buy a copy of the magazine to make the quilt as the pattern is featured inside), you can obtain it either at your local quilt shop/newsagency or via the methods below:

Australia: Universal Shop 
USA: Craftmags Volume 10 (the top link without a picture)
UK:  The Cotton Patch
NZ: Needlecraft
Singapore: Magazines1source

Hope this helps.

Camille - thank you for your lovely review of the mag on your blog. I'm thrilled to bits that you are so happy with Homespun and glad the magazine turned up safe and sound. It was an absolute delight working with you and I wish you all the best with the promotion.

Cheers

Catherine Sanchez
Consulting Editor
Homespun

(How great is she?!)  Thanks Catherine! 

*Later this week- a photography post.  I've been working on it, just need to get it posted.  Oh, and figure out all the answers to your questions...  ;-)  Any last requests?

*Check out Sew Mama Sew today.  Don't ask questions, just do it!  

*I better get moving.  Probably should change out of the pjs before its time for Chinese take-out with the in-laws.  Sweet and sour chicken and a Dr. Pepper?  Count me in...

Homespun

I'm blushing, and I'm not quite sure what to say... except a huge thank you to Australian Homespun Magazine for asking me to be a part of their wonderful publication, and an equally large thank you to all of you who have taken the time to email me about it.  How sweet are you??  

When it came yesterday, my boys were pretty impressed.  I mean, I wasn't expecting all the excitement.  It went a little something like this...

Me:  Hey boys, look at this!  Pretty neat huh?

A: That's you mommy?  Hmm... what are we eating for dinner?

C:  Wow!  Now can I watch Star Wars the Clone Wars?

See what I mean?  It was hard to contain all the excitement.  ;-)

Regardless, I am thrilled.  Thrilled to be a part of a great magazine, thrilled that anyone would find me interesting enough to write an article about (it boggles my mind a little) and thrilled to pieces that this is the first of many exciting things to come.  I can't wait to share the rest with you...

Thank you Australian Homespun! 

Treat

n:  1. A source of a special delight or pleasure

Example:  Spending an afternoon sewing while enjoying the company of a four year old turned comedian.

 

A:  Mommy, where do pirates like to eat?  

Me:  I don't know. Where? (I knew. I swear my dad tells this joke. Dad?)

A:  At Wendys!  Errr... I mean ARRRBYS!!  he he he...

n:  2.  Something completely delicious

Example:

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

makes 2 dozen

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (plus a tablespoon)

1/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

2 cups all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt.  In another bowl, combine softened butter with shortening, sugar, and brown sugar and vanilla.  Beat until creamy.  Beat in egg.  Gradually add flour mixture and mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips.  

3.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 8-10 min or until they are BARELY starting to brown on top.  

4.  Enjoy. 

5.  Repeat.  Make them at least 8 times a month.  I do.  Seriously.  I'm a very exclusive chef (baker?), it turns out.  As in, I only make cookies.  These cookies!  

You're welcome, or I'm sorry.  Either one.  ;-)

A case of the "wish I's"

Once in a while, I get a case of the wish I's. You know, when you look at other blogs and see what everyone else is doing, or just IS, and you think, Gee I wish I....

could take pictures like Shelly and Ashley

was an amazing mom like Cori

could cook AND take beautiful SMILING pics of my kids like Sherelle

was as all around amazing as Sandi

was as talented as Lissa at what I do

could decorate like V

was as cute and fun as Lacey and while I'm at it, I wish I had her coat too...

could respond to comments and be as sweet as Thimbleanna

heck, just BE Heather! She's amazing!

...you get the idea. And seriously, that is just scratching the surface... pretty much every blog visit, I wish I could do something as well as that person can do it. Kinda like how every time I pull my no longer white whites out of the dryer and I think of my aunt Anne and her always WHITE whites. I mean, how does she do that??

Anyway, I think sometimes it is easy to get caught up in what others do so well and we forget who we are and what makes us US. (Or am I the only one crazy enough to suffer from the wish I's??) Let me reprhase that. I think sometimes it is easy to get caught up in what others do so well that I forget who I am and what makes me ME.

Those of you who are new, or relatively new to my blog may have missed some of the snippets about who I am. So, let me introduce myself, if you don't mind.

Hi everybody, I'm Camille. I love my family, I have two darling little boys, a sweet husband, and I love to sew and just create in general. I started my own business last year and have really enjoyed it so far, even though it has been a ton of work. I stay up until about 3 am most nights (sorry, no changes there...yet...maybe ever), and I love to sleep in in the morning. Luckily, my kids aren't in school yet, and they love to sleep in too. They are really good kids, I couldn't ask for better. That doesn't mean that we don't have fights, tantrums or lightsaber battles gone bad, but all in all they are amazing little guys.

My house is almost always clean, but mostly because I drive my family crazy trying to keep it that way, also I make my bed the second I roll of it in the morning. I get tired frequently, so I drink a lot of Dr. Pepper. Too much! I love it though, and blame my dad. He quit drinking it when I left home. I guess he didn't need it anymore. I don't cook. Most of you know that. I'm not good at it. I've started more than one oven mitt fire. (???) We eat out a lot (can you say In-N-Out Mondays?), or my husband Jarom cooks. However, I make a mean PB&J for the boys pretty much every day for lunch. I eat a bowl of Cheerios with bananas every morning for breakfast. I'm really boring like that. I'm always freezing, and I hate the snow. I am a crazy multi-tasker. I clean my bathroom while I'm waiting for the shower to heat up, I pay my bills while I'm eating dinner, and I am incapable of just sitting down and watching a movie.

I love taking pictures, even though a lot of them come out blurry. I really don't have a clue what I'm doing, but I'm learning a lot. I hate pictures of myself. I think that is pretty normal though. I stay in my PJ's most days until the absolute last moment (aka 4:50 when I have to go to the Post Office). My hair is always pulled back in a messy bun, and I have more jeans than I know what to do with. I love jeans. And short sleeve hoodies. And polka dot anything. Oh, and fabric. I love fabric. And the gospel. And my family. I really, really love my family. I hope they know that.

I do have a good life, and I am grateful for it everyday. I do not have a perfect life, and I have had some pretty tough struggles to get through. I have good days, and bad, but I choose to focus on the good in my life on my blog, because it is what I try to focus on too.

That being said, Isn't blogging great? I LOVE blogs, and reading what other people choose to write about their lives. It is such a great outlet to share your creative abilities, your families, and your thoughts on life. Not to mention it is such a great place to make friends and be inspired to try new things. I don't know what I would do without it, without all of you! Even if that means I get the occasional case of the wish I's.

Handmade holidays

Each year, somewhere around August or September, I decide that I'm going to make all my Christmas gifts. When December rolls around and I haven't started yet, I tend to slack off and head to Target. This year I managed to make a few, but the gifts I made pale in comparison to the thoughtful gifts I was given. After opening them, I am more sure of it than ever- Handmade gifts definitely are the best.

You might remember a few weeks back when Sheri was doing a giveaway on her blog for a darling little sewing bag? Well, I didn't win, but she was sweet enough to send me one anyway. And just in time for Christmas. Not only is it adorable, but it is filled to the brim with sewing goodies (and chocolates!). See?

Thank you Sheri!

So remember this post where I wrote a letter to Santa? Well, apparently he reads my blog. Because this:

showed up on my doorstep on Christmas Eve! And this is what was inside:

An Urban Chiks fat quarter bundle! You know how I love me some 1974! Don't worry, it'll have plenty of Urban company. Hooray!

Thank you Santa! And by Santa, I am pretty darn sure I mean SANTA. ;-) But I could be wrong...

I even got a surprise (when I got back from Disneyland) from the oh so wonderful Angela over at Moda Home Mom. What? You haven't heard me mention her the other 500 times? Well, you should check her out. She's beyond great! Not to mention, we share the same physician.

Thank you Angela! I love my new mug and the hot chocolate might already be gone...

See these little stocking ornaments all decked out in Cotton Blossoms?

These were a gift from Stefanie who won a giveaway a while back, how sweet is that?? Aren't they adorable? Thanks Stefanie!

And last, but not least, my sweet mom and dad. Have I mentioned that my dad is a cowboy? Well, he is. A cool one. ;-) Here's proof:

I've always wanted to grow up to be like my dad. Anyway, my dad made me a belt for Christmas with his own two hands. Thanks dad, I love it and you!

My mom made me a frame filled from top to bottom with Cotton Blossoms selvedges:

And even signed it at the bottom (well, stitched it, signed it... same thing). Not only that, she gave me an absolutely beautiful quilt- my favorite of her Cotton Blossoms quilts. I took about 50 pictures of the quilt, trying to capture how beautiful it is, but none of the pictures did it justice. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU mom. I love them both, and you even more.

Handmade. Definitely the way to go.
I better get started on next years gifts now...