Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Cats and dogs...but still no water

Not to belabor the issue, but I am so sick of melting snow for water! We have a new water pump in the well now, and new wiring, but the pressure valve on the holding tank needed replacing, too, and the repairman didn't have the right size on his truck. First thing in the morning, he promised me. Keep your fingers crossed that I can shower tomorrow.

I spent my day alternately chipping ice off the driveway and sewing while periodically checking out the progress with the well project. I can cross a few more presents off my list, and none too soon - Santa will be cruising by in just over 24 hours, I believe.

For my 3 year old niece, a patchwork puppy.
I saw a photo online last spring and thought this would be fun and easy to make. Unfortunately, the link to the actual pattern was broken - it was a pattern from Hancock Fabrics, I believe. Perhaps it is easy for someone with more experience sewing set-in seams than me. I muddled through without a pattern, and I love it, but I did about as much un-sewing as sewing. I made it with 2" squares, so he is approximately 10.5" tall and 9" wide.

Then, inspired by the bags that Steph at A Ditchin' Time Quilts made, I made a bag for my 9-year-old niece along with a keyring cardholder.

I was sure to make the bag big enough to fit a standard youth paperback book - I'm going to pick one out tomorrow (hmmm. what did I like when I was nine?), and I'm putting a Barnes and Noble Gift Card in the card holder. Her favorite color is green, and I think (I hope) she likes cats. I hope she is as whimsical as I am, and not at that "I'm too cool" stage. Aren't these kitties adorable?





Again, no pattern. My brain is pretty taxed right now, as are my hands/arms/shoulders from those hours of shoveling and chipping. Off to bed with a book...

11 comments:

Angela said...

My mom has a well, so I can relate to all the problems with the water! Especially, in the winter!
I *love* the doggy! I may have to try my hand at that, for Jimmy! His birthday is in January!
And I think that purse is perfect for a 9-year-old! I have a 12-year-old that would think it was great!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!

The Cozy Quilter said...

My fingers are crossed for you! At least you are getting lots of sewing time! Merry Christmas to you and yours. I am still not done all of my sewing and I have to go to work today until 3:30pm...

Cheryl Willis said...

Merry Christmas- enjoy your shower. cw

Nancy-Rose said...

I hope Santa brings you water!

Anonymous said...

Cute gifts and a day to spare! Christmas hugs!

Rachel said...

Merry Christmas Erin! You may not have water, but you still have your beautiful family and friends out in blogland who wish you all the best!

Have a wonderful day.

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

Merry Christmas Erin, hope that water problem is all fixed now.

Kim said...

Water yet?

Happy Sewing

Shirley said...

Love the doggy.. that's so cute. And the tote and key chain are perfect for a 9 year old. The gift certificate was a good idea. Even my daughter is way away from 9 now so I have no idea what kids that age read.

That cat fabric is super adoreable. Hope you get your water problems fixed soon.

Nancy said...

How would you have gotten all these projects done if you had not been home alone all this time?? Love the puppy - you are so creative to do these things from scratch!

Aunt Spicy said...

youre scotty dog is adorable! it turned out so cute! Try this pattern, she explains corners better than I can, http://www.dsquilts.com/fabric_and_patterns.asp?PageID=187