One for me...oh and another for me!

Hi Everyone!

Well Thanksgiving is behind us now, but we had a wonderful time and the turkey was a success! Here is the table set for 14 1/2 minus the chairs that got added later! It was a tight squeeze but totally worth it! Everyone had a great time and Cody was on his bestest behavior! As the week preparations took place prior to Thanksgiving I thought it would be cute to make myself a new apron. Who was I kidding...it totally didn't get done in time, but I guess it's in time for Christmas dinner now...so it's a one for me, and another for me type apron! The pattern is by Sew Liberated it's the Emmeline apron and it's totally reversible! So you get 2 snazzy aprons in one!I felt like I was in my own sweat shop this weekend, cutting fabric and sewing away...Christmas is how many days away? EEEK! Ok totally got caught up again this year and working on gifts for Christmas last minute...Eliot and I left the house bright and early on Saturday to do our Christmas shopping...6 stores...3 hours...we still have to tie a couple loose ends but we are pretty close to done. Phewww. We got our very first snowfall for the winter...and Cody's very first time experiencing snow. Let me tell you...HE LOVES SNOW! We couldn't' get him in last night, all he wanted to do was run around and eat it...hilarious! Here is a snap shot (my fav) from today.
I am finally feeling the Christmas spirit...I caved in and was listening to some holiday music while sewing! Sugarland's Holiday album is on my wishlist...might have to cave in also an grab it on itunes!

Have a great week all...I'll try and capture a few sneak peaks from "Nicole's sewing workshop"!

xo
N

Where has the time gone?

November 24th? Seriously? I can't believe in just a few short days everyone will be celebrating Thanksgiving with us! Where on earth has the time gone? Things have been chaotic here...I have been working at night doing freelance along with trying to finish home and sewing projects. I haven't even begun Christmas presents!...omg...Christmas! EEEK! Cody too has been keeping us very busy! He is my snuggle bear, I just love him to pieces! I am curious to see how he will handle all the commotion this coming week. Here is a recent snapshot.We also recently went to Long Island a few weeks ago for my cousin Andrew's wedding. It was a fun night! His wife Alex and him are just the cutest little couple! That meant it was Cody's very first road trip. He did so well on the ferry ride and was the center of attention. We stayed with Kate and Dave and the girls. Addison was a riot with Cody...this picture captured the perfect moment...kisses! kisses!
We've been getting ready for Thanksgiving because we are hosting this year! 14 adults, 1 toddler, a puppy and a little kitty cat! Should make for a fun weekend! We have been decorating and finally getting some pictures hung on the wall. It's all starting to come together! Oh nesting...I enjoy every moment of it! (I know Eliot...I can see your eyes from here) I finally got to finish a bunch of stuff (don't ask me how I did it...) I finished the Nautical themed quilt that was made for our living room. Here is a pic of it folded up. This thing took me forever...I guess it didnt' help putting it on the constant back burner.I also completed the commissioned quilt I did for my friend Jeanine (who recently got hitched, see my blog below). Her very best friend is having a baby and her husband apparently is a huge Steelers fan, so she came up with the color scheme and I got some Steelers fabric to put on the back. This way mommy and daddy will both be happy! I tell you though, having that Steelers fabric in this Patriots household was like committing a sin! I think it turned out wonderful I absolutely LOVED working with these colors! Here is a picture of the front, you can see the back if you link to my flickr account.And last but not least I had been wanting to order a pattern from Cynthia over at Meringue Designs for the longest time. The celebration banners she has made are simply ADORABLE and I totally had to have some of my own, so what perfect timing then to make one for Thanksgiving! The majority of the fabric is Nature-ology by Studio E. I bought it at Fat Quarter Shop with intentions of making a runner for my dining room. I still have a bunch left, so that might be the next thing I do with it.
I am grateful for so many things this year...first and foremost, My wonderful husband, Eliot, our health, our family, friends, and lastly, being an American. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the troops and their families during these upcoming holidays. It is a difficult time for them and I am forever grateful for their humble acts of bravery. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are risking and have risked their lives to help protect this country. Thank you to each and every one of you. You are true patriots.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone! What are you Thankful for this year?

nighty, night.
Nicole

A Wedding Weekend!

Hi All!

We had a wedding to attend this past Saturday in beautiful Rye, NH. Our good friends, Andy & Jeanine got married at the beautiful Wentworth By The Sea Country Club. Cody got to spend the day with one of his Grandmas watching him. I think they were both in their glory! :) The wedding was wonderful, Jeanine looked so pretty in her dress and they had a beautiful day, but quite chilly for New England this time of year! Here is a pic of the happy couple right after they shared their first kiss!Here is a pic of Jeanine and I after a great night of good food, great friends and of course dancing! They are currently in Hawaii on their honeymoon...Eliot and I are beyond jealous. We want to go back so badly!! I was trying to figure out a way to hide in their suitcases!!
Cody has been keeping us very busy so unfortunately I haven't been able to sew much. I have had the chance to be working on one project...here is a little peek at the squares...I am hoping to get some projects at least started this weekend, but it's not looking too promising!Have a Happy Friday all and a great weekend!!

xo
Nicole

Cody!

Hi Everyone!

Please help us welcome the newest member to our family...Cody! Cody came to us from wonderful breeders here in NH. Elly and Brian Hawkins, they have been breading and showing labs for quite some time now and are the sweetest people you could meet. You can learn about Cody's original family at their site here. When we moved into the new house back in January, I was on the hunt for a dog. I searched all different breeds and we decided a Labrador best suited us and our lifestyle. We have all the space in the world now, so Cody has plenty of space to run around and be a part of our little family. We brought him home with us this past Friday and he has been adjusting without his brothers and sisters really well. He loves his stuffed toys, running around in the backyard, chasing leaves and snuggling in his bed I made him. Here are a few pics to share with you our little Cody. He's been keeping us busy, so my little Bernie has been a bit neglected. I know he understands. I did however have time to make a little something for Elly & Brian to show our thanks for helping bring this little guy to us! Here is a pic of the little pillow I made them!
I do have some projects in the works, but things are moving slower then normal due to all the attention Cody is getting from us! Stay tuned!

xo
Nicole

Been Busy?

Me too!

I haven't blog in a few weeks due to some freelance work keeping me busy, a few sewing projects and puppy proofing our house because tomorrow is the big day that our little guy comes home with us! We can't wait! I think I've been the 5 year old in this situation, filled with energy and excitement! I have been wanting a dog for so long. I can't believe he is actually coming home with us tomorrow! A post will certainly be coming!

Anywho...here are some of Amy Butler's gum drop pillows that I finally finished a week or two ago. Now when we have little visitors over they have big comfy pillows to roll around with! They were super easy to make, but it was the hand sewing of stuffed pillow that drove me crazy! Overall I think they turned out nice. I used the same navy linen that I made the pillows for my couch out of. The red print is an Alexander Henry for Home fabric.Then this past weekend, I felt like playing and sewing something I've been wanting to try...A Wonky Star! After reading Kathy's Blog I was inspired and followed her link to this great tutorial that she blogged about. I even got a little wonky for the inside square...kinda fun, eyh? It was a great way to use up some scraps and play!
Ok, well I hope to post some pictures of our little guy tomorrow...but I might be too busy playing puppy games! Stay tuned!
Happy Thursday!

xo
N

A Tiny Addition...

Hello!

We've been busy bees! This weekend was spent with our friends on Long Island, Kate & Dave. They just had their second baby girl a week and a half ago. It was Addison's (my godchild) 2nd Birthday this weekend so it was the best excuse to visit and meet baby Avery! I had been working on a quilt for Avery as well as a little kimono outfit from Amy Butler's little stitches book. I can finally share pictures! There are also more on my flickr page. I used a rail square with fabric designed by Tanya Whelan. The prints are from her Ava Rose Collection. I used green flannel for the back. I quilted it by cross hatching. This was my first attempt at it, and I learned somethings along the way after reading Red Pepper Quilt's blog here. Time to go out now and get a Hera marker.Here is a pic of the little angel sleeping! Eliot and I couldn't get over how incredibly dark her hair is! Addison is so good with her. We bought her an easel for her birthday and I think this was the best shot of her unwrapping...
Have a great week everyone! Keep posted, I'm finishing up some gum drop pillows for our living room and starting a doggie bed for our future pup!

xo
Nicole

A year ago today...

I married my best friend. This year has been flow by, but has been the very best yet. I can't wait to make more everlasting memories with you. I love you El!