Sew Sweet Quilt Shop

Sew Sweet moved to Typepad, Typepad Blogs, Sew Sweet Quilt shop

2011-04-09T19:57:00.001-07:00

We MOVED…

I am highly addicted to blogging.

I LOVE to share with you.

This is my journal.

This is my LIFE.

We started at blogger but have now made a move to typepad…

follow us here at www.sewsweetquiltshop.typepad.com

Stay with us… we are getting better… we are growing… Typepad is the place to be!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy cotton fabric in Missouri, Buy Fabric on the internet,

2011-04-06T19:02:00.001-07:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday, Week 9~

This week … I told myself that I was going to workout each morning, even on the weekends and Saturday came with sleeping in and not making it to the treadmill. I am sad to say that Sunday was the same… and as I feared, Monday turned into another day of skipping the treadmill. SIGH.

I prayed on Monday night and got back in routine on Tuesday morning… to the treadmill I went. The calm of the morning… and I remembered why I am doing this… it is about ME and my quiet time… a little feel good for ME.

I wonder how long it will take me to get to my goal of 140 pounds. I am on week 9 and it seems like such a slow process… I am at 155.8… I still have 15 pounds to go. SIGH.

I can do this… right? I can. I can.

So today I weighed and lost nothing… still the same as last week… SIGH.

I will keep moving forward… working towards my goal… just one day at a time. How was your week?

On a different note…

I am working on my Snowbound Quilt with Bunny Hill Designs… it is my next quilt finish goal.

Only a few more blocks to go. SMILE.

I think that the little wagon and snowman is my favorite block so far.

I took the kids to Kaitlynn’s Deli and Ice Cream Shop that just opened in Brunswick… YUMMY! YOU MUST GO! It was WONDERFUL. She has cheesecake that is to DIE FOR!

Go ahead and PLAN your Saturday… it is Saturday Sampler at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop… Have a DAY in Brunswick… We have plenty to keep you busy!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Buy Quilt Shop Fabric on the internet, FREE prizes, FREE prize at Quilt Shop,

2011-04-05T17:32:00.001-07:00

The winner to the Big GIVEWAY…

Robin was drawn and she said…

like to read the Pioneer Woman blog, and several dozen others! Thanks for an awesome giveaway!

Thanks for all the comments and stay posted this weekend for another Giveaway.

Robin, please email me at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com with your address so that I can mail your prize… Thanks, Jessica

FREE recipe, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Buy quilting fabric on the internet, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Recipe Review Blog, Quilt Shop Blog, Fabric Store on the internet,

2011-04-04T20:19:00.001-07:00

~Recipe Review~

STOP!!!! Go to the post below and leave a comment… the winner will be announced tomorrow… it could be YOU!!!!

Okay…. I like to cook… I will say that I LOVE to sew… I like to cook… there is a difference… you may totally get this difference.

I understand that my family must eat and I want to feed them healthy meals. I like to try new meals and I have a notebook that I put recipes in that we like. The meals that make the notebook cut are meals that I will make again.

This is a meal that I will make again… it was YUMMY.

This is a healthy cheesecake… I KNOW… you totally heard me right… HEALTHY CHEESECAKE. This cheesecake is only 2 points per serving… WOW!

I like to find recipes here at www.sparkpeople.com … they have a GREAT weight loss program with recipes, etc. and FREE!

Anyway… We made No Bake Graham Cracker Cheesycake

Ingredients

Low Fat

Graham Crackers
8 oz. fat free cream cheese (softened)
1 cup cold skim milk
2 Tblsp. lemon juice
1 small box instant vanilla pudding (sugar free)
8 oz. fat free Cool Whip
1 can lite cherry pie filling (or any

flavor

)

Directions

Line the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan with whole graham crackers. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add milk and lemon juice to the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Stir in pudding mix, then fold in Cool Whip. Spread 1/2 of cream cheese mixture over graham crackers. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and cream cheese mixture. Spread pie filling over top. Refrigerate overnight for graham crackers to soften. Enjoy :)
Makes approx. 20 servings

Go HERE to see the recipe and nutritional information.

My HELPERS…

YUMMY… Graham Crackers on the bottom!

YUMMY… Strawberries on top!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop Giveaway, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Giving away a book and pattern, FREE book and pattern, Free pattern, Brunswick, Missouri, Buy Moda FAbric in Missouri, Buy quilting fabric on-line,

2011-04-02T08:32:00.001-07:00

~Weekend Giveaway~

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop is giving away a book and pattern to blog readers… JUST BLOG READERS!

Leave a comment below and have the chance to WIN the book and pattern! The random pick will be done on Tuesday and the winner posted on Tuesday.

Tell me below… a blog that you like to read and your name. STAY TUNED for WINNER.

The book and pattern is written by Dawn Hesse and valued at $30.00.

You must comment below to WIN!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Ramblings of ME, Marriage and Family Blog, Quilt shop Family, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda fabric in Missouri, Buy Quilting Fabric on-line,

2011-03-31T18:32:00.001-07:00

~The Ramblings of ME~

This was my day at Sew Sweet…

Once a week I find myself in the comfort of Sew Sweet Quilt Shop while my babies are in the safety of their Me-me… this is my working girl day and I greatly enjoy this day.

The calm of this day comes at me in reflections. I find peace. I find joy. I find relax. I find myself in the Welcome of Sew Sweet and all that it breaths into me.

My husband eats lunch with me on my day at the store. We ordered out and ate together at the little cafe table in our store.

All was calm. I found us looking into each others eyes, softly touching hands in glimpses of romance of life gone by and days to come… this is LOVE. I enjoy the soft nature of him and in moments like this I remember the why in our marriage.

The reality is that we loved each other at lunch and now the distance of this crazy life seeps into us and we are just together in this house… that is enough… our love at lunch and our busy tonight… it is enough.

Marriage… no great answer.

If you really knew me… you would know that I find myself starving in the middle of the night and going through the kitchen on the hunt for cookies that can be dipped in milk… terrible… right? I know! It is crazy. I have had this problem since high school but never had a problem with weight until now… SIGH. If you really knew me… you would know that this is my most recent eating challenge.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Watcher Blog, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Blogging about Weight Watchers, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Buy fabric on-line,

2011-03-30T18:44:00.001-07:00

~ Weight Loss Wednesday, Week 8~

On our 2 day vacation… we decided to buy a treadmill… we have this really old elliptical thing that we got from a friend of a friend that was throwing it out… it works, sort of.

So anyway… we decided that buying a treadmill would be the answer.

I have gotten myself from bed each morning before the children wake up and gotten on that treadmill. I have started listening to audio books on my nook while I get moving and WOW it has made a huge difference in me.

I actually look forward to the time on the machine. The world is calm. The world is still. I can really listen to my book and find focus.

Through this quiet time in the morning I understand that it is our higher power that pulls me from the comfort of my bed to this machine… I knew this today as I woke up 5 minutes before my alarm with the softness of his mighty whisper on my ear… it’s time to get up my child. COMFORT. PEACE. CALM. Thank you.

I did better with eating but I would not say GREAT… we went on vacation for 2 days and I basically ate whatever I wanted for 2 days with no tracking. The rest of the week I tracked pretty good and stayed in my point range for the most part.

So… the good news comes with a smile… I am down 1.8 pounds this week… YIPPY! I say praise for this to our higher power. I say praise for pulling me from my bed and into the comfort of the world. I am smiling for the GOOD that I feel!

A good find… only 3 points per package and YUMMY!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

My Ramblings, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Bats in the attic, Machine Quilting,

2011-03-30T05:30:00.001-07:00

~The Ramblings of ME~

I am on to something else…

I have always wanted to know how to quilt on my home sewing machine. I have tried and just been overwhelmed by the task of keeping track of the huge quilt while quilting. Anyway, I decided that I would try again. The desire has come from me not wanting to pay a fortune to have all my quilts quilted but not wanting to spend the time to hand quilt them.

Sew Sweet took the plunge and has a huge quilt machine that is perfect… just perfect! However, my time is super busy with being a stay-at-home mom and working from home and wife… so I never get the chance to go in and use the quilt machine at Sew Sweet. SIGH.

Therefore my wanting to use my home machine to quilt is still a part of my desire. I came across this lady and I am totally in awe of her and her technique… http://www.battsintheattic.com/ . Check her OUT!

I decided to try with an all over cross hatch pattern on this quilt. I have learned a few things about buying big clips and holding the backing down tight as I pin the batting and quilt top onto the backing. I am learning and there is always room for growth.

Take a LOOK at what came into Sew Sweet yesterday from Teresa Taylor (one of our Sew Sweeters). The pattern can be found at Sew Sweet and I must say that our customers are amazing! TERRIFIC JOB!

Our LINDA made this bag… GREAT JOB! It is wonderful to see our Sew Sweeters sewing purses… my 1st LOVE! Pattern can be found at Sew Sweet.

LOOK who made it to Sew Sweet Quilt Shop… Flat Stanley…

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Blogging about Family Vacation, Quilt Shop Blog, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Quilting Fabric in Missouri,

2011-03-28T18:23:00.001-07:00

~Just LIFE~

Did I share… I can’t remember…

Jimmy had a Birthday, my younger brother… younger by only 14 months… he turned the big 29!

We had a GREAT time celebrating!

The family vacation was a big HIT… a NICE BREAK from this crazy life… the trip was all about the kids…

We went to a huge indoor park that had fun things for their ages and the next day we went to Disney on Ice – Toy Story 3. It was short and sweet and perfect… I LOVE my little family.

Today turned into making the zig-zag skirt that is on Moda Bakeshop. This was a fun skirt to make and I think Clara will look adorable in it. Go to www.modabakeshop.com and look for zig-zag skirt pattern (I can’t get the links to work for some reason… SIGH!). The pattern is FREE!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop Family and shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy quilting fabric in the united states, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Brunswick Missouri,

2011-03-27T07:58:00.001-07:00

I have been on a mini vacation with my hubby and children… have you MISSED me? I missed YOU… I didn’t take my computer with me for the 2 days and it was challenging to not blog. I have a lot to share but strapped for time at the moment… just wanted to tell you that I am back and I will get back to my daily blogging by the end of the day today.

Stay tuned for all the details of our mini vacation!

If you come to my Sunday Clubhouse today… See you in a few hours… YEAH!

This lamp was at our motel and I was in LOVE with it….

HERE we are making pattern snacks… The kids had a BLAST!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Loss Wednesday, A GREAT buy in Brunswick, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy cotton fabric on the internet,

2011-03-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday and a BEST BUY at our Plantation Antiques~

Is it really Wednesday already… what happened… where did the days go???

I must say… with head held high… I did get up from the comfortable sleep of my bed at 5:30 am to workout in the calm of before the kids get up. This has happened for the last 3 days and I am actually sort of looking forward to tomorrow. I think that Saturday and Sunday will be the hardest days to get up but I am putting forth every ounce of my prayer to doing this.

I will also say… with head held high… I did wear a pair of jeans today that I have not been able to button for the last year… oh YEAH! They fit, they buttoned, they actually looked pretty good on me… this makes me SMILE!

However… with a huge SIGH… I will say that I gained weight this week. I gained an entire 1.2 pounds! This makes me want to SCREAM! This makes me want to QUIT! This makes me want to not workout tomorrow morning at 5:30 am… defeat is a feeling that pulls at the foundation of hope… I am SAD.

Maybe… I am building muscle and that is the change in my body tone and the jeans fitting… it must be something… because I totally wore those jeans today and SMILED about it!

My goal for this week is to keep up with the 5:30 am workout… and learn to like the help of Jesus raising me from the dead of sleep at that time… I would not be being doing it without him… PRAISE for that.

My other goal is to TRACK, TRACK, TRACK all my food intake! I have sort of relaxed on that and it showed with a weight GAIN.

Happy Thoughts… I bought some new furniture at Plantation Antiques in our Brunswick, Missouri … this store is a DREAM come TRUE! I am still working on Wyatt’s room… a little at a time… I am doing sort of an antique look with old pictures of dogs, etc. I purchased pictures from the Plantation that inspired me several months ago and hung them in his room.

Yesterday, I saw this dresser, old trunk and picture and knew that these items would be a perfect addition to his room.

I am always surprised at what a couple hundred bucks can do in that store… I LOVE our little Brunswick!

My BEST buy was the old trunk… only $35.00 and perfect for this spot in his room… also a GREAT storage… I put all the quilts and keepsakes that I have been saving of Wyatt’s inside. ONLY $35.00!

This is the TRUNK and only $35.00!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in MIssouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt shop, Buy quilting fabric on the internet, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Buy fabric on-line, Quilt Shop fabric on the internet,

2011-03-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

~Just PICTURES~

This picture came to us through email from an internet customer. This lovely lady is from Colorado and wanted to share what she did with the fabric from Sew Sweet… I am impressed! Good Work!

I made these wall hangings. You can find them hanging at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop. The pattern is from this Quarters Book Focus Book… Buy your book today at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop…

The Book!

My Projects!

Saturday was the Paula Party at Sew Sweet.. We made the cutest little wallets! Take a LOOK! Stay tuned for the Paula Party that is next month! You won’t want to miss the Appliqué with Attitude Party with my lovely Ma-Ma. Stay Tuned and SIGN UP TODAY by calling (660) 548-3056 or email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com . The upcoming class is on Saturday, April 16 from 10:00 – 2:00.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Family and Quilt Shops, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric store in Missouri, Buy Fabric on-line, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Buy fabric in the United States,

2011-03-21T05:38:00.001-07:00

~ Fun Filled Family Day ~

It was a perfect day… a fun filled family day is what we call Sunday at my house. It usually involves a lot of relaxing, a lot of playing and a trip to town.

The breeze was perfect and Welcomed the idea of flying kites… during our regular trip for groceries we also purchased kites… we had 2 very excited children that just couldn’t hardly wait to fly kites.

We went to Me-me and Pa-pa’s (my parents) house to fly kites… they live on a hill and the soft breeze was an all out wind storm… but we still flew kites and all was very exciting.

Luke and Pa-pa got in on all the kite flying while Mom and I watched and laughed from the sidelines. Clara spent the entire time in a high pitch girly squeal of delight with dancing and spinning and sort of being the all out cheerleader that I can be from time to time.

It was all very serious business for Wyatt… until he let go of the kite and had to run for it with an explosion of laughter and jumps as the kite tackled Luke from behind and kept blowing across the field.

A GREAT day!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sewing Clothes Tutoring, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Quilting Cottong Fabric on the internet, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Buy Fabric, Brunswick Missouri,

2011-03-19T20:12:00.001-07:00

~ Weekend Wearable ~

I wanted to share with you this little tidbit about this dress that I made…

This is my Weekend Wearable post that will come to you on the weekends with helpful hints, tutorials, etc on making clothes or just anything that is Wearable.

This pattern is the schoolhouse tunic by Sew Liberated and we are having a Learn to Sew Clothes class following this pattern.

I wanted to share with you the step by step instructions of adding the sleeve to this tunic… it is the most challenging part of the pattern because when laying it out you think that does not make since.

Tip #1 … I trace all my patterns onto copying paper. I glue or tape the paper together in the shape of the pattern to be traced and than use a light box and trace the pattern onto my paper. I do this… so that I still have the original pattern in order to make different sizes if needed.

Step 1… this is the vest part of the tunic… you are going to sew the sleeves on to this vest part.

Step 2… this is the above vest opened up with the wrong side facing up so that you can see what it looks like.

Step 3… this is the above vest laying down in the same manner as above with right side facing up and the sleeve piece laying on top of the vest part with right sides touching. The curve of your sleeve is going to sew onto the vest curve shown below. (you wonder how on earth you will pin this together).

Step 4… Find the middle of the sleeve and start pinning out towards one edge of the vest. Pinning and turning your sleeve to fit the vest arm hole. Pin the other side of the sleeve, starting towards the middle and pinning to the edge of the other side of the vest.

Step 5… Start sewing the sleeve onto the vest… THIS IS IMPORTANT… start sewing at the middle with a backstitch and sew out towards the end of the vest, backstitch and than go back to the middle and sew the other side of the sleeve to the vest.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

The ramblings of mom on a blog, Quilt Shop blog, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on-line, Buy quilting cotton fabric on the internet, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Fabric Store in Missouri

2011-03-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

~The Ramblings of ME~

Thursday is my cleaning house day…

I LOVE the feeling of a nice clean house each week. I have waited for someone else to step from the woodwork and do the cleaning for me… but they never come, so the task is all mine each week.

I find myself dragging towards the weekly job but really enjoying the thoughtless going through the motions of cleaning each week. It is a nice time to reflect.

The kids have come to appreciate the cleaning day and they say little things like… today is clean house day! or A clean house is so nice! Which are exact repeats of the things that I tell them and that makes me SMILE.

I got as far as dusting and than was called to another duty for the remainder of the day… that is what I find about this life… you just never know what will happen each day.

Upon coming home in the late afternoon… I found a not clean house and spent much of the night cleaning… but like I said I LOVE a clean house each week and nobody is coming over to do it for me.

Maybe I should pay someone to clean for me… a thought?

Anyway… one thing that I always want to do… SEW!

This is the learning to sew class that we will offer each quarter… the plan is to give you enough sewing skills that you fall in LOVE with making clothes in the same way that I have. This is a dress that is adorable with a little tank underneath and a pair of leggings… CUTE. We will walk through the basics with this project on Saturday, May 7 from 10:00 to 2:00. SIGN UP TODAY! Call the store at (660) 548-3056 or email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com and HOLD your spot!

The dog bed is complete… find it at Sew Sweet with a stuffed dog inside or maybe the real Quilt Shop dog that is my Lovely Ma-ma’s baby. This is a Paula Party and you don’t want to miss the chance to have a one-of-a-kind dog bed for your little one… Class is Saturday, May 21 from 10:00 – 2:00 … you will be served a wonderful Paula Dean Meal on decorative dinnerware, table linins and FRESH flowers… you are our royalty and enjoy being treated like it. Call the store at (660) 548-3056 or email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com and HOLD your spot!

LOVE is being QUEEN of the rock pile … if for only a few minutes.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt shop, Quilt shop in Missouri, FAbric Store in Missouri, Weight Loss Blog, Brunswick Missouri, Weight Loss Wednesday

2011-03-17T07:20:00.001-07:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday, Week 7~

Do you find yourself thinking about the journey of life? Do you look at the world that you are in and think about the life choices that you made? I find myself in that place from time to time.

Like… I never thought that I would be a person that struggled with weight and reaching a goal. I have always been a great planner, a fantastic saver, and an individual that aspires to reaching goals… but 2 children later and I find myself on the roller coaster of living day to day.. SIGH.

I do enjoy the moments put in front of me and maybe this change is not a fault… I am living today instead of living for the future. Right or Wrong… I don’t know. Reality… yes.

Anyway… after my Weight Watcher meeting and the weigh in… I planned to do my blogging, as usual, in the quiet space of the children tucked in their beds.

However, that all changed when my darling Clara put money in her mouth and couldn’t breath. I saw a terrified 3 year old and quickly jumped into action… doing the Heimlich on her precious body and out came the days worth of food. BREATHING. Yes BREATHING.

It took her most of the next 4 hours to get over the scare… a lot of me rocking her and telling her that it is going to be okay. My girl is a little dramatic… SIGH. Needless to say it was a long night and I think she will never put money in her mouth again.

The scare did make me think about the precious moments of life and how it could all turn for the worse in just a few minutes… what if I had been further away from her? what if the Heimlich wouldn’t have worked? All questions that can’t be answered and think goodness they are not answered on this day.

So… here I am. A tired day. I had big plans of Thursday cleaning and a long walk and a little sewing… but all that changes with motherhood. Taking in the moments of one day at a time is my reality.

Anyway… the weight loss… I did pretty good, a few days of going over points, a few days of walking outside (the joy of warm Missouri weather), a few days of a perfect balance between fullness and hunger, a few days of eating to much junk food…

all this turned into a weigh in of a loss of .2 pounds… not a lot but a loss and I will be happy with that.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

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2011-03-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

~What I Wear~

The warm weather has brought that wonderful feel of spring approaching…

I loaded up the children and off to town we went for a walk with the stroller… we enjoy a stroll through our Brunswick on a warm day… it is such a glorious town and shines with potential. It is HOME.

You simply must come and see us… all our positive growth is breathtaking.

I wanted to share What I Wore today…. these are my stroll through town clothes…

What do you think of my NEW bangs!

Shirt – Gap

Jeans – Old Navy

Shoes – New Balance (not sure where I bought them)

Jewelry – The Bracelet and ear rings are from Plantation Antiques in Brunswick and the yellow ring was a gift from Megan (go here to see her blog)

Scarf – Made by ME with fabric from Sew Sweet

My sweet little Clara wanted to have her picture taken also…

my doll, my angel, my darling girl….

SewSweetLove, Jessica

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2011-03-14T18:58:00.001-07:00

Our Saturday Sampler Day was Saturday and it was a BLAST… LOOK at all the GALS and the Show and Tell items! See the Quilt hanging on the wall on the right side… that is the traditional quilt Sampler that we are doing… FINISHED!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

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2011-03-12T14:44:00.001-08:00

~My Moment with the Higher Power~

I had an older lady come in the store and say that she just adored my blog and reading about this life that I have with my children and husband.

She looked at me with sadness and said that my blog makes her think of all the mistakes she made and can’t change.

This came like a blow to me, a shock, a deep breath, a frozen moment in time… I didn’t ask but wandered about the mistakes she made and couldn’t take back.

Are the words I write really that profound… I think not.

Are they offering you a look at life in a different way… I hope.

What I wanted to say but didn’t… as in many moments of life the words are there but won’t pour from your lips when you need them the most. I wanted to give this women the touch that would move her into a land of forgiveness… have you ever been touched that way? A soft grace across the shoulder or a story from a stranger that moves you to the brink of tears, and you understand the higher power being present in the everyday softness of life. I wanted to offer that feeling of being forgiven for the sins of the past… that feeling that has come to me through prayer. I wanted to tell her that those mistakes can be undone… just ask.

Just ask and you are forgiven… the power of Jesus.

Love is … 2 little girls picking weeds, and pretending they are flowers, while a mother stands close by with the look of excitement that comes with receiving a beautiful bouquet of fresh tulips on a spring morning.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

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2011-03-10T19:43:00.001-08:00

I am working on the Saturday Sampler Traditional Quilt… I will have this hanging in the classroom on 2nd Saturday Sampler… in a few days… YES I WILL.

This is the version of the sampler that my lovely Ma-ma picked out… I am the sewing slave for the project. HeHe. Sewing is Sewing… right? or maybe I am dreaming of the next project that I pick out.

I decided to put the 12 blocks together like the picture shown below.. on point… not hard but you need to stop and think about the triangles going together.

This is what happens when you don’t pay attention… see the triangle piece that is sticking out of the side of the quilt… oops… wrong way.

So.. that thing that I do best… the seam ripper…

Do you see how the ends should overlap when sewing… it seams a little strange while sewing but this is the look you should get….

See you on Saturday! Just a FEW days away.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Loss Wednesday, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Moda Pre-cut fabric in Missouri,

2011-03-09T18:46:00.001-08:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday, Week 6~

Okay I have been reading more and sewing more and living stronger and turning over this powerful woman new leaf…. on and on and on.

All these uplifting things also turned into….

An adventure into a night of Chinese takeout overload on Saturday Night… oh and the night before that (Friday Night) was a FANTASTIC Pampered Chef party and I had way to many desserts and these fantastic little cheese squares with pepperoni… YUMMY. Oh yeah, and than Monday came with me HATING that I am a person that has to live with Weight Watchers.. SIGH. I think all the bad food turned me into a sobbing, feeling sorry for myself gal.

With some encouraging words from my loving Mother… I jumped back on board and did Zumba on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and stayed within all my point values for those 3 days… YIPPY.

Is it always such a roller coaster?

I am on the ride and feeling good today… I lost .4 pounds… YIPPY! I am okay with a .4 pound loss.

Did I tell you that my LOVELY Ma-ma had a BIRTHDAY this week… we got her flowers and balloons.

My Mom is a shining star and I adore all that is her.

Happy Birthday to YOU!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric on-line, Buy Moda Pre-cuts on-line, Quilting fAbric on the internet, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri,

2011-03-08T07:42:00.001-08:00

Sewing. Sewing. Sewing with my lovely mother on a Monday is the best way to spend the day.

The kids and I loaded up and headed to her house.

We enjoyed the fun of just sewing and relaxing and being together… this is the treat of life. SMILE.

I LOVE a good Manwich… YUMMY.. and only 4 points for a sandwich with lean hamburger and light bread… YUMMY!

Have you seen my Nuwave? A Christmas gift from my hubby… it is wonderful! It sure makes cooking easy and FAST!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Family time and Quilt Shops, Fabric Store in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on-line, Buy Quilting Fabric on the internet, Buy Moda pre-cuts on the internet, Sew Sweet Quilt shop, Brunswick, Missouri

2011-03-07T06:26:00.001-08:00

A relaxing day. A day of moments shared with the love of our little family. A day that carries on the rest of just being together. A day. A day. A day.

We spent much of the day… reading books, watching movies, and I spent a good amount of time sewing on binding.

A family walk about. Down the road we went, holding hands and enjoying the freshness of being outdoors. Hub, our lab, went with us and enjoyed playing fetch with Luke during the walk about.

A few hours outside sent the children to bed early and Luke and I enjoyed a few movies while I spent the rest of the evening snuggled under a quilt… sewing on binding.

This is HOME. This is the perfect image of HOME and I love that this is what Luke and I created for our gorgeous children… I am blessed. We are blessed.

Tell me about your blessing?

SewSweetLove, Jessica

What are your blessings?

Quilt shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on-line,

2011-03-06T06:38:00.001-08:00

This is ME reading my book to a classroom of very excited students… they were super thrilled to have a real author (oh yeah, that is me… the real author) in their school to see them and let me tell you, I shared the same child like excitement. It was a BLAST… I was a little nervous at first but they laughed at the humor in the book and shared thoughts and I LOVED reading my book to children.

This is a wonderful treat and only 1 WW point per serving (YIPPY). I am sandwich addicted… I LOVE a sandwich with just mayo, meat, and bread… so this is perfect for me.

I worked at Sew Sweet on Saturday… and my Clara went to the store with me. She was a perfect little 3 year old.. you hardly noticed her in the store…. playing on her own and any child that came in the door was an instant friend. The upstairs bed that is fully decorated turned into a bed for her and her baby… CUTE.

I taught a class at Sew Sweet… the Sizzlin Selvage bag and it was FUN… this is one of the bags that the ladies made… CUTE!

Have a GREAT Sunday! I plan to do a lot of nothing and that is a perfect Sunday for me and my family!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

My Day, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Buy Moda Fabric on-line, Buy Moda Layer Cakes on-line, Buy fabric on-line, Quilt shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Quilt Shop in Brunswick Missouri,

2011-03-03T20:39:00.001-08:00

~My DAY~

The sound of a little boy pleading for his goo-goo is the sound that made my eyes pop open at 5:30 this morning. For those of you that don’t know, at my house a goo-goo is that dreadful pacifier that makes life seem better for a little while and than suddenly you can’t get it away from your child.

2 nights ago… he didn’t ask for it when he went to bed… so I thought… finally… the goo-goo is gone. He started asking for it the next day and the next day and I he started sucking on his fingers… SIGH. Anyway I will get back to the goo-goo.

So just like that… I had plans with God to do 5:30 Zumba and reading but plans change and I found myself rocking my 2 yr old son who was wide awake and wanting a goo-goo.

7:00 came with a motivated me and Zumba… YIPPY… 45 minutes later I am sweating and feeling GREAT.

House cleaning begins… mopping, dusting, sweeping… and about 4 hours later… a CLEAN house!

Oh yeah, I did feed the children, read books, play tea party, flew like buzz, pretended to be a Mommy tiger all while cleaning house… Motherhood at its best.

A trip to the store turned into quilting… Oh I wonder if I will ever figure this out… SIGH. It is challenging to say the very least. I am constantly trying to decide why… why… why is it not working. I am learning. I am learning. I am learning. I will get better. I HOPE.

My Ma-Ma took my darling babies to the park for about 2 hours of playing… they came back tired and SMILING.

We went home… played outside for a little while longer… supper, baths, books… off to bed for the kiddos. They were both overly tired and super cranky… Finally asleep and you will never guess what showed up in my little Wyatt’s sleeping mouth… that’s right a goo-goo. I know. I know. My ma-ma tells me that I had one until I was three and my teeth are perfect… sometimes if all you need is a goo-goo to make the crying stop… it is totally worth it.

Here I am.. at the quilt shop… running the quilt machine while all is sleeping at my house… SIGH.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Loss Wednesday Week 5, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric On-line, Buy Fabric on-line,

2011-03-02T19:01:00.001-08:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday~ Week 5

This is Weight Loss Wednesday and I am excited to share my news.

The healthy eating is starting to come easier.

I am finding calm in the peace of the everyday of making good choices.

and the best news of all is that I feel GREAT.

I would be lying if I said that when I attended our local trivia night and saw all the delicious carry in food that I did not quit the diet.. that would be a bold face lie to you.

I became like a different person when faced with all the wonderful desserts and dips and cookies and cake and bread and chips… oh my, oh my… I forgot about my Weight Watchers for the moment and ATE and ATE a lot!

However, I paid for it the next day with an upset stomach and found myself going back to the WW routine with head held high.

So anyway, my loss for this week 1 pound… and I am okay with that… I am smiling with the loss and thinking about my choices for the next week. I am focused. I am focused.

I also wanted to share a picture of my #1 man… He is super supportive of the Weight Watcher plan and has sort of jumped on board… we are going to be a healthy house and loving marriage… a TEAM.

How are you doing?

SewSweetLove, Jessica

the Rush of the Day, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Fabric on-line, Buy fabric on the internet,

2011-03-01T19:41:00.001-08:00

~The Rush of the Day~

The day started with a get up and go kind of rush.

My Ma-Ma called and we had a meeting planned that I had forgot about… SIGH.

Rush. Rush. Rush.

Out the door we went.

Dropped the kids off with my Dad and Mom and I went to the meeting… it was a Quilt guild meeting and we enjoyed the positive energy of ladies just getting together to sew. Thanks for having us.

Upon returning to Sew Sweet… We found our Megan and she had decorated the entrance with the fabric that mom picked out… WOW. I LOVE IT! Megan… You Rock!

Thanks to Megan… You are of GREAT talent…

go HERE and read the Blog of Megan.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sunday Clubhouse at Sew Sweet, Michael Miller Clubhouse, Quilt shop in MIssouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Buy Moda fabric on-line, Moda Fabric in Missouri, Quilt Shop bus trip,

2011-02-28T05:50:00.001-08:00

~The Sunday Clubhouse at Sew Sweet~

I have the best J-O-B in the world… it is a BLAST!

One Sunday a month I get to go to our Sunday Clubhouse and join the ladies in laughing, visiting, sewing and just plain having a GREAT time. I can’t believe that I call this work.

Here a are a few pictures from the Clubhouse.

One of our gals… Sue Hook brought this super cute organizer bag that she made… LOVE IT! I totally need this bag.

The Bus Trip is filling up… SIGN UP TODAY!

On a different note…. I just finished the book These Things Hidden that you see on my nook list. It was a good book. The book has some twist and turns that keep you reading forward. I am looking for a new great read… any suggestions?

SewSweetLove, Jessica

A day of Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri,

2011-02-24T17:59:00.001-08:00

~A day at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop~

A day at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop is always a GREAT way to spend the day…. I just LOVE that this is the place that I call job. SMILE.

New boxes came in and this causes all of us to JUMP for joy… New Fabric, New Patterns, New Rulers, New Inspiration… NEW, NEW, NEW… all I can say is SEW!

Most of my day was spent playing with the Gammill Quilt Machine… We are such a long way from getting it. It is an exhausting experience as I feel like I am just going in circles… around and around the quilting machine and this causes me to be dizzy with stress. SIGH. I take a deep breath and plan to work on the machine again tomorrow… just another day in Quilt Shop Paradise. With every new learning step came a dance for joy next to the quilt machine… SMILE.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Loss Wednesday, Sew Sweet Quilt shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, 2011 Quilt Shop Bus Trip in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet, Moda Fabric in Missouri,

2011-02-23T18:19:00.001-08:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday~ Week 4

Okay… I will tell you that this was a week of up and down. I walked away from my Weight Watcher meeting last week with a new look on life and eating and relaxing and reading and sewing and all things under the sun.

Friday came with a trip to Columbia and the idea of what I was going to eat when we went out to eat… last minute I changed my mind and went with a not so healthy choice… a sandwich and fries turned into a 29 point sandwich and 11 point fries which than turned into a 29 point day with the use of all my daily points and than my 49 flex points… all before Saturday I had none of my 49 flex points. SIGH.

I had several days of following the 29 points value for the day and that made me smile. Some days would turn into falling off the good health wagon and into a binge of food. I realize that I find comfort in food… it is an emotional eating, a rewarding myself eating that turns me to the pantry searching for more.

I did eat a lot of fruit this week… fruit is FREE and I found joy.

As for exercise… I didn’t do a single day of Zumba… this coming week will be Zumba week… Zumba dance week in my living room. I did do 3 days of a yoga video and that felt really nice.

I went to the weigh in tonight with my head hung low… a little sad that I thought for sure a no weight loss week… and taking off my shoes and stepping on the scale carried with it a flood of excuses for why I didn’t lose weight and relief came with a weight loss. YEAH.

I lost 1.4 pounds… not a huge loss but enough to make me smile.

Check out my new hat… The pattern and fabric can be found at Sew Sweet… I love that I can just slip it on and it just looks great. Okay, Okay… I see the string hanging down in the front.. I am wondering if it was hanging down through all my running around and I just didn’t notice but everyone else did. Oh well, this is me… a little string in the way of a sometimes ordinary day… SMILE.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

My Day, My Monday, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric sTore in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on-line, Buy Moda Fabric in Missouri,

2011-02-22T07:57:00.001-08:00

~My DAY~

Some days are a blur… a passing through… a moment of memories thrown together.

This day was that day.. busy… fast… unfocused… running errands.

A day of laundry… Monday is Laundry day… all washed and put away.

It is a thing that I drag myself to and a thing that feels great to have accomplished.

Off to Wal-mart for groceries… healthy groceries… Weight Watcher groceries… the sort of shopping that carries on for the rest of my life… a lifetime choice. Two kids in the cart and my lovely Ma-ma by my side… a family trip to the store… I love shopping with my Ma-ma. It brings back memories of growing up and how much fun it was to make that trip to the store once a week. I am glad I carry on that tradition with my children… my Ma-ma makes the shopping go from mundane to enjoyable.

And… my NEW love… my statement of jewelry that I get to wear on my arm… this is me… this is my motto and I get to showcase it as a reminder of how I want to live my life… This goes along with my year of focus, my year of health, my year of patience, my year of time management, my year of rolling with the flow…

This wonderful bracelet came from Plantation Antiques in our little Brunswick… just right down the road from us and sharing the same store hours… they have WONDERFUL jewelry that carries a statement, a motto, a feeling, a release, a moment… this is for YOU.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Take a LOOK, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri,

2011-02-20T17:58:00.001-08:00

~Take a LOOK~

Take a LOOK at me… I am wearing the dress that I made… oh yeah, that is right… I totally made it and it was FUN.

The fabric and pattern can be found at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop… LOOK for it this week… it was a very beginner pattern and a super fast sew. I am thinking about making another one for ME.

My Ma-ma made a little something… she spent hours doing the hand embroidery blocks… she says about 6 hours for each block. The blocks are birds and the pattern is by Crabapple Hill Designs… LOOK for the pattern at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop. Good Work to my Ma-Ma.

LOOK at the latest purse that Bev made… Bev is one of our FANTASTIC employees and LOVES to sew.

LOOK at the gals from our Saturday class… they just sewed away on the Cut, Sew, Quilt as you go class… it was FUN. Stay Tuned for the class to be offered again on the next newsletter.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

My Friday…, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Shop online for Moda Fabric,

2011-02-19T06:47:00.001-08:00

~My FRIDAY~

My Friday turned into a day full of traveling to Columbia… a fun filled family day… we went out to eat together and a little shopping and a Dr visit for me (just routine yearly check up and all is GREAT).

After getting home, I let the kids out of the car and in the 2 minutes that it took me to carry my purse into the house and go back outside… Wyatt was stuck in the mud. He was so stuck that after removing him I than had to fish in the mud for his boots… his good boots… SIGH. BOYS. Notice how clean Clara’s pants are. SMILE. I LOVE the energy of little boys and the CALM of little girls… a nice mix for our family.

Oh, we got the cutest 2011 piggy banks at Old Navy… the kids LOVE them and I thought a good time to start teaching them to save money.

After getting back in the house and changing all the muddy clothes… I worked on my dress. and FINISHED. It was a BLAST to make and I am thinking about the next one.

Find the pattern at Sew Sweet… and I will be wearing my dress at work today… so COME and SEE me.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

This day, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Moda Fabric in Missouri,

2011-02-17T18:26:00.001-08:00

~This Day~

The smell of a roast cooking… potatoes, carrots, onions… lingers through the house as the crockpot boils the meat to perfect tenderness. YUMMY.

A day of house cleaning turns into rearranging furniture and moving pictures… tomorrow will bring out the touch up paint for all the new nail holes. SIGH.

Snow is melting with 72 degrees today in Missouri… causing massive mud. I decided that Clara is just fine in little water boots… she tiptoes through the mud and complains about her pretty boots getting muddy. On the flip side… Wyatt really needs an entire suit and that may still not keep him clean. SMILE.

I want to share the cutest little outfit that I made for Clara… the pattern is a Modkid pattern and I LOVE all her work… Thank You Patty Young for all your hard work. Find the pattern at Sew Sweet… notice my children, they wanted to hold her hands. FUNNY.

I also wanted to say… I am finding inspiration from all the emails I have gotten from our blog readers that can relate to my Weight Loss Wednesday journey. Thank you for sharing.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Watchers Wednesday, Weight Loss Wednesday, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri,

2011-02-16T20:04:00.001-08:00

Weight Loss Wednesday ~Week 3~

Let me start with some really great choices that I made…

Salad for lunch when everyone at my table ordered cheeseburgers and fries. The choice felt GREAT.. I was happy with my salad. Sort of. I do LOVE fries.

Some of my other GREAT choices… Carrot Sticks. Tangerines. Apples.

I made that step into officially joining the Weight Watcher Community by attending my first meeting… I came home with a ton of reading supplies. YIPPY. I came home with a NEW focus of the world and hunger. YEAH.

I am not going to bore you with all the food tracking… but I am going to jump for joy with the tracking that I took very seriously on this week on some days and the hard fact that I didn’t track a thing for 3 days straight. SIGH.

I went over points on a few days with a trip to our wonderful local steakhouse on 2 occasions… LOVE The Railyard in our Brunswick… YUMMY. They have healthy food choices but I didn’t adventure in that direction and my weigh in proves it… SIGH. I will say FRIED FOOD is my weakness.

I have a NEW focus on eating and I am happy with it.

This day has been my best eating day, so let me tell you…

I had cereal for breakfast (4 points). Lunch was Progresso soup and 5 crackers (4 points). The afternoon turned into salad with carrot sticks and the best light ranch dressing (2 points) and a pudding cup (2 points). Supper turned into Subway Turkey Breast Sandwich and Baked Lays Chips (10 points). I have ended my day with the thought of what else can I eat… I have 5 points remaining. WOW and I am not starving. A good day… A good day indeed.

My NEW favorite salad dressing is only 2 points for 2 Tablespoons, I LOVE dressing and can’t eat a salad without a ton of dressing. I also have never had a light dressing that I like but this is really GOOD. Purchased it at Wal-mart… it is located with the fresh vegetables. CHECK IT OUT!

And the honesty of my week… the scales at the Weight Watchers Meeting held a different number than my scales at home… this was a slap in the face. My reality… 158.8 pounds.. YIKES! I am 5’5” and 158.8 pounds… WOW. I am working towards 145 pounds.

Stay tuned until next week.

Go ahead… Share your struggle with me on the comments below or email me at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com

I would LOVE to hear from you. SewSweetLove, Jessica

The day captured, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Family, Motherhood, Blogs in Missouri,

2011-02-15T06:39:00.001-08:00

~The day Captured~

The snow melting.

The weather warm.

The itch for spring is upon us.

The moment of Mother and Daughter captured through the comfort of a shadow.

Little jackets and throwing rocks is the perfect way to spend a few afternoon hours.

Notice the tall socks of Luke’s on Clara’s legs… her idea.

After washing hands and feet and taking off muddy boots, Megan came with Valentine presents… YEAH! Thank you to Megan… We LOVE you! Go HERE to see the blog of Megan.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Saturday Sampler Quilt, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri

2011-02-14T10:17:00.001-08:00

I have completed the Saturday Sampler Modern Quilt… YIPPY! This is reason for celebration and I am dancing with JOY. This quilt is going into our quilt machine soon and I am working on the Traditional Quilt next… I am also thinking about the next Sampler Quilt… YEAH. Stay Tuned for the upcoming information… you dont want to miss the Sign Up for the Next Quilt.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Quilt Shop bus Trip in Missouri,

2011-02-13T19:50:00.001-08:00

~A weekend that is well spent~

A day spent with friends is a good day.

A night with a valentine date that calls himself my husband is a night well spent.

A few extra minutes in the tub is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.

A weekend of getting dressed each morning into a clean pair of pajamas is a wonderful blessing for a little boy of 2.

The capture of little children with little backpacks that are headed to pretend school is a moment with laughter for the mom behind the lens.

The constant hummm from my sewing machine is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

The snuggle from a little dog that has the stink of melting snow offers the gift of patience and candles and febreeze and a smile to her owner.

A few minutes of Valentine gifts offers much excitement in the land of only 2 and 3 years of age… and smiles from the parents that take in all the moments of ages 2 and 3.

A little girl with my tall boots and a hat gives rolls of laughter to the watching eyes of the rest of the family… FUNNY.

A weekend is captured through the land of children and motherhood…

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Moda Fabric in Missouri, 2nd Saturday Sampler in Missouri, Quilt Classes,

2011-02-12T14:13:00.001-08:00

~2nd Saturday Sampler~

And just like that… the Saturday Sampler class was a BIG HIT! We are super excited to see you next month! Keep up the Show and Tell!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Selling fabric on the internet, Buy Cotton Quilting Fabric

2011-02-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Balance

And the day started a little off balance… slept to late, soaked in the bath to long, read a good book for a few to many minutes, snuggled the children with to much calm, and suddenly BOOM… LATE for my day at Sew Sweet.

Noticed that I was a little behind… dressed 2 super excited children that couldn’t wait to get to Me-me’s house for a day of play, packed the travel bag, gave a few kisses to little faces, picked up donuts on our way (not for me but for the kids), and traveling..

A day of greatness to get to work at Sew Sweet… I LOVE being in the store.

We had many lovely ladies come through our doors with thoughts of CREATE on the brain and I got to help them comfort the itch for NEW projects or the completion of OLD projects… that is a DAY to CELEBRATE. A good day of balance and balance takes time and patience… SMILE.

All good things are in shoes… these are My shoes…

Me captured in a mirror at Sew Sweet…

The day turned into an overflow of internet orders, an overflow of cutting fabric, an overflow of smiles, an overflow of laughter… a GOOD day.

I will see you tomorrow for Saturday Sampler… come to class at 10:30 or 11:30… bring your show and tell item.

Here is a sneak peek at my show and tell item…

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Loss Wednesday Week 2

2011-02-09T18:17:00.001-08:00

Weight Loss Wednesday ~Week 2~

Day 1 Thursday

I sort of climbed off the scale today with defeat on my breath… sigh. The scales are screaming a weight that I have never been before. This is going to be hard. I will take each day at a time.

Why not make this a daily prayer, first thing in the morning, before we’ve eaten a thing that day: “God, I recognize I am made for more than the vicious cycle of being ruled by food. I need to eat to live, not live to eat. So, I keep asking for your wisdom to know what to eat and your indwelling power to walk away from things that are not beneficial for me.” by Lysa Terkeurst in Made to Crave

Breakfast – Oatmeal (3 points)

Diet Sierra Mist Soda, Water

Lunch – Nachos with cheese dip (5 points)

Snack – Pudding (2 points)

Cereal – Cinnamon toast crunch with skim milk (5 points)

Diet Sierra Mist Soda, Water

Supper – Fried Hot Dog Sandwich with mayo, Chips (10 points)

WOW – I had 25 points today! YIPPY! YIPPY! It is hard to stay focused. My husband wants me to make white cake with chocolate icing tomorrow. I am not sure that I should do it. I have very little control with cake… SIGH.

Day 2 Friday

Breakfast – Cinnamon toast cereal with skim milk (5 points)

Lunch – Progresso soup (2 points)

Fried Hot dog Sandwich (7 points)

3 resses hearts (6 points)

Supper – 2 hot dog with chilli and bun (12 points)

(32 points)

40 leg lifts

40 butt crunches

40 sit ups

Day 3 Saturday

Breakfast – Oatmeal (3 points)

Lunch – Chicken Tenders and Fries (10 points)

Supper – Chicken Fajita (10 points)

23 points (YIPPY)

Day 4 Sunday

Breakfast – 2 eggs, 1 toast (6 points)

Lunch – 2 Chili Dogs (12 points)

Supper – 2 pieces of cake (12 points)

(31 points)

This was a hard day for me… we spent the day with my family… eating, eating, and eating. My lovely Ma-Ma had leftover cake from the Paula Party and WOW I had a hard time staying away… the cake turned into my supper. SIGH.

Day 5 Monday

Breakfast – pancakes and syrup (6 points)

Lunch – Quarter Pounder and Fries (20 points)

Supper – chicken wrap (7 points)

(30 points)

Zumba Dance (20 minutes)

40 leg crunches

40 butt crunches

40 sit ups

Day 6 Tuesday

Breakfast – Oatmeal (3 points)

Lunch – Chinese Food with a friend (15 points)

Supper – Soup with Corn Bread (6 points)

Snack- Cereal (4 points)

(28 points)

Zumba Dance (30 minutes)

40 leg crunches

40 butt crunches

40 sit ups

Day 7 Wednesday

This day started with stepping on the scale and showing a weight gain… 157 pounds. SIGH. Looking at my week… the mistakes scream at me, chinese food, hot dogs, etc… sigh. With the pain of a weight gain I started my day in a slump.

I know my mistakes. I know my failures with food. I can and will change this.

Breakfast – Twix Candy Bar (8 points)

Lunch – Big Mac with Fries at McDonalds (20 points)

Supper – pudding (2 points)

(30 points)

Zumba Dance (45 minutes)

40 leg crunches

40 butt crunches

40 sit ups

I did a ton more exercise this week than I have done in the past and that felt good. Maybe, the weight gain is due to muscle tone build up… maybe?

I will hold my head up and keep moving towards my goal.

I hope that my truth is offering you some sort of inspiration.

Reflecting is the most important part of making changes… I see that I ate out 6 meals this week… that is a lot of food that has been cooked by someone else. Goal for the next 7 days is only 3 meals out to eat.

Leave a comment or send me an email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com (tell me about your week). I have had many emails from you sharing your weight loss journey… I LOVE hearing from all of YOU.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Just a few moments captured, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Buy cotton fabric on the internet, Moda Fabric in Missouri

2011-02-07T18:38:00.001-08:00

~Just a few Moments Captured~

My little ball of fluff needed another bath…. oh my the snow makes her muddy and stinky but I do LOVE her after a bath and before a bath… I just love her always. She has become like my third child… So Sweet… My baby.

Luke and I manage to cut his hair every few weeks. We also have started cutting Wyatt’s hair… this cut is a lot of crying from Wyatt… I have no idea why this puts fear in him but it does. He will out grow the crying over the hair cut… I guess… I hope.

Anyway, Clara has gotten into the hair cutting also. She took this job very seriously and Luke was patient with her skills.

When finished, Luke asked her if he could cut her hair… she laughed and said, “Daddy I am a girl.” It was like a DUH answer… Girls don’t get their hair cut. HaHa.

She hasn’t went to the beauty shop with me just yet… but soon. I just LOVE her long hair and can’t bring myself to get it cut.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Paula Dean Party, Sewing classes, Quilt shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Missouri Quilt Shop bus Trip, Brunswick Missouri, Paula Dean and Sewing,

2011-02-06T20:40:00.001-08:00

~The Paula Party and More…~

This was the Paula Party at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop. My lovely Ma-ma, Jeanette helped a group of sewing gals make a super cute pincushion.

I stayed home with my sick babies (we are on the road to good health with meds from the Doc)…. I drove to the store for a quick errand and left the darlings at home with the hubby. My quick errand turned into helping serve the Paula Dean Meal because Sew Sweet was SUPER busy! I LOVE seeing all the ladies that come in with thought of creative in their every step… It was a FUN few hours at the store.

than back home I went to the land of motherhood and wife.

Take a look at the 2 pincushion/trash bag treasures that my Ma-ma made….

and the lovely Paula Party…

LOOK… I finished the next block for the Dawn Heese, Folk Art Tribute BOM program that is offered FREE on her Blog… Find her blog HERE!

My weekend came and went to fast… with a breath, a blink it is over… my hubby will go off to work and my time as stay-at-home mom will continue for another week.

I am happy to be moving into the next few days with my wonderful family… take praise with the days ahead of you and make some sewing plans. SMILE.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Free Recipe from Quilt Shop, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Fabric Store in Missouri, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri

2011-02-03T19:47:00.001-08:00

~Another Snow Day in Missouri~

Another day stuck at home… SIGH… still piles of snow and we are trapped in the comfort of home… I am making the best of it.

The kids snuggled on the couch and played footsie…. CUTE.

They moved into Clara’s bed later in the day and read books together… CUTE.

The afternoon turned into cookies… NO BAKE COOKIES. Yummy.

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

4 T. dry cocoa mix

1/2 tsp salt

1 stick butter (1/2 cup)

1/2 cup peanut butter (I use extra crunchy)

2 tsp. vanilla

3 cups uncooked (quick oats) oatmeal

Mix sugar, milk, cocoa, salt, and butter in sauce pan. Bring to high boil. Boil 2 minutes and remove from heat. Add peanut butter, vanilla, and dry oats. Mix well. Drop on wax paper and let cool (should harden upon standing).

By the time bedtime came… the feeling of cooped up to long showed itself full force as bedtime stories turned into a family jumping and tickling on the bed… maybe tomorrow we can make a grand escape.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Weight Loss Wednesday ~Week 1~, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri,

2011-02-02T18:13:00.001-08:00

~Weight Loss Wednesday – Week 1~

This is my journey through Weight Watchers… I have decided that this program is the rest of my life. I have made the decision to be happy in my body. I will let you in on this journey for the next 3 months. I want to find space in my life for good health. This is my journey….

I am allowed 29 points a day.

My inspiration came through this book that I have been reading…

Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst

I will tell you the number on the scale every Wednesday… This is my honesty… This is me sharing the depth of my journey… My goal is 140 pounds… I can get to this weight. It is hard for me to share that number with you… the number I want to be is a distance from the weight that I am. I am in the depth of 154 pounds. I encourage you to share your honesty with me through email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com or on the comments below… lets become renewed together.

Day 1…

Breakfast – Banana (1 point)

With Breakfast I feel GREAT …. Positive, I can do this!

Lunch – Hardee’s Crispy Curls Fries (10 points), Hardee’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich (7 points)

Kids are sick and out to eat fast food after a visit to the Doctor…. Hardee’s is my husbands weakness and I just can’t resist the temptation … sigh.

Dinner – Chicken Lunch meat Sandwich (3 points), Tortilla Chips (1 point) , Bowl of Spaghetti (6 points)

Night time is the hardest time for me … I eat and eat and eat!

Snack – One Twix(4 points, One Butterfinger (4 points)

This is what my husband brought home for me… sigh. Thanks for the extra weight.

Okay, Okay … I am ashamed to say that today was 36 points…. oh crap… tomorrow will be better.

Day 2…

Breakfast – Cereal (3 points)

Feeling a little sick… maybe the sugar, chocolate cheerios (I should probably give them up)… they are suppose to be healthy and fiber filled but I am not so sure.

Diet Coke

Lunch – Turkey Sandwich (3 points), Progressive Soup WW (2 points), Pudding Cup (2 points)

Diet Coke

Snack – Cheese dip with Nachos (5 points)

Supper - Egg Sandwich (5 points), Egg Sandwich (5 points), Pudding (2 points)

YIPPY! I am happy to say that my day is 25 points… oh yeah, oh yeah!

Day 3…

Breakfast – Oatmeal (3 points)

Diet Cote

Lunch – 3 slices of tony’s pizza (15 points)

Diet Coke

Snack – 7 No Bake Cookies (15 points)

Why are some days like this… I made a decision to devour junk food for the day… this left me hungry and unable to eat by the time 6:00 pm came. SIGH.

Supper – Tangerine (0 points)

I ate 33 points worth of junk today… SIGH.

Oh Wonderful Snow Day, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Quilting cotton Fabric, Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Moda Fabric on the internet,

2011-02-01T18:08:00.001-08:00

~A Snow Day~

The day started with a look out the window and wondering… yeah right, I thought the weather man said snow… there is no snow. I FOR SURE thought that the snow/blizzard had passed us by… and than suddenly – snow started to fall. It started to come down in buckets… an all out Blizzard in Missouri. Take a LOOK out my front window…

The kids made a pirate paradise in the living room floor… I am not sure what made it a pirate boat but it kept them entertained all afternoon. FUN.

I moved all my sewing stuff into the breezeway… this happened for no other reason than I just love the LIGHT in this room. About every Tuesday…. I move into the breezeway with my sewing. It is a reminder to go and sew… as the kids play in the busy of the breezeway, I sneak a few minutes here and there and they hardly notice.

Little boy pajamas make me SMILE.

My Bella sleeping in Luke’s shoe… he doesn’t understand why she loves him so much. I don’t understand why she loves the smell of his feet. Funny.

I am working on the Saturday Sampler Quilt … the modern version. I can’t wait to get this finished.

LOOK at the snow through the door… WOW that is a ton of snow.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

If you really knew me on Monday, Sew sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Quilting Cotton Fabric, Moda Fabric in Missouri, Buy Fabric on the internet

2011-01-31T19:23:00.001-08:00

~If you really knew me on Monday~

If you really knew me you would know that I enjoy the look of well done nails. These nails are classy and clean and refreshing. A simple truth about me. Check them out…

Sunday brought with it the relax of Sunday Clubhouse… a BLAST! The gals were delighted to come and enjoy an afternoon of sewing. We played a few games, ate snacks and all the gals worked on their Michael Miller Clubhouse Month Kit 1… It was a ton of FUN.

This day brought with it the sickness of children… my little babies. After making Dr. appointments… I captured this… a moment on the couch with them all snuggled up to me. This is relax at its best… I just wish we were healthy and not fighting runny noses, watery eyes, sore throats and terrible coughs. Me and My babies…

If you really knew me you would know that I enjoy Arts and Craft time with my children. It is sometimes a struggle to get the time in but after the Doctor and after all of us had a little rest… we decorated the way COOL Valentine gifts that Aunt Megan brought over for the kids. Thank you to Megan. Visit her blog HERE.

I raise my glass (of orange juice) to good HEALTH…

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Cotton Quilting Fabric, Moda Fabric in Missouri, Moda Fabric, Flannel Fabric,

2011-01-28T17:41:00.001-08:00

~The world comes at us in moments~

These moments are watched and moved through without notice. without a glimpse. without enjoyment. We walk through them … in seconds. I want to learn to stop and enjoy… with practice I will take them in for what they really are… gifts.

On this morning… I found a spot at the table with my morning bowl of cereal. Wyatt in the chair beside me and Clara across from me. The kids ate their breakfast and moved on to coloring pictures while I wrote in my journal (a morning routine).

I looked up to see that Clara had drawn that perfect 1st step in drawing… do you see it on her paper… the little stick person with round body and eyes and arms and legs and feet and a smile and a nose… that 1st stepping stone into drawing, creating… my girl of 3 is growing up!

This picture made me jump from my chair with screams of delight and grab the camera… as any mother would… right? A little sad at the fact that she is growing older.

A moment of sitting on the couch with slippers on my feet… snuggly.

My blogger friend, Megan… enjoying a moment on my couch… snuggly. Do you see the glimpse of my friend, Chas… her face in the corner… a day with friends is a day well spent.

My darling children (Samantha is my niece and she fits right in… she could totally be mine but I will let my brother lay claim to her) enjoying books in the chair. My Kids… beautiful.

Enjoy your weekend. SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric store in Missouri, Quilting Cotton Fabric, Moda Fabric in Missouri, Moda Fabric in United States, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop,

2011-01-27T18:16:00.001-08:00

~The BIRTHDAY~

I have been the big 30 for over 24 hours and ya know… it is not to bad… I actually feel really GREAT. I am not like super tired, or super sick, or lost, or alone, or sad, or any of those things that I thought was 30 and beyond.

The day snuck up on me yesterday.

I stayed super busy at Sew Sweet as I got to spend my Birthday working in the store (my choice because I LOVE to be at SEW SWEET!) We had tons of NEW fabric to unload and patterns and books to hang up. I became full of NEW ideas and inspiration.

My Ma-Ma and Pa-Pa invited me over for Birthday supper… YUMMY!

My Ma-Ma made me my favorite cake… CARROT CAKE!

It was wonderful!

My hubby is taking the pictures.

We blew out the candles, ate cake by the tons and back to the diet today… or tomorrow (there is a little bit of cake still in the fridge.. so yes, for sure, tomorrow back to the diet).

Have a GREAT day and I am so HAPPY to be the big 30!

I realize that I have a lot of accomplishments… a lot to be thankful for…

a book, my Clara, my Wyatt, husband, parents, health, laughter, God, strength, confidence, creativity, balance, my home, sleep, writing, photography… what will the next 30 years bring.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Brunswick Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop, Fabric Store, Cotton Quilting Fabric

2011-01-25T20:51:00.001-08:00

~Sharing Some Music~

I will show you the song/video that I fell in love with first and sent me on a search for the artist.

The way this little girl looks at her Daddy just melts my heart.

Look for the part that she tries to whistle with him… CUTE.

So than the search began for the original artist and….

I am coming to you with this music.

This is that music that brings me back to a different time.

A time in my past when things were simpler and the dreams were different.

I enjoy this music to my soul. Maybe, you do to. Maybe, you don’t.

It takes me to a place of home in my bones.

The way they interact with each other during the song is the simplicity of love at its best. Beautiful. The essence of Marriage. Or maybe just the jumping wildness of life… what is your HOME? See More at www.youtube.com .

Take it for what it is… simple.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Brunswick Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilting Cotton Fabric, Quilt Shop in United States with international shipping,

2011-01-24T21:09:00.001-08:00

~A Birthday is Around the Corner~

The realization of age 30 has been lingering around me for a few weeks… it is almost here… the date is sneaking up on me.

I will have lived 30 years of my life in only a few days… the 26th to be exact.

I wonder about the things that I have accomplished.

I wonder about the dreams I had for myself about 10 years ago and the dreams I have for myself in the future.. I think about the life that I have created.

My husband asked me for the date and I almost cried when I thought that I had missed my own Birthday… and a huge breath to realize that I still have a few days. SIGH. A few days before I am a grown up.

30 was always the age that I thought… all of the questions would be answered, all the dreams realized, all figured out and laid before me…

30 was always so grown up…

I will spend a few days thinking of the positive things in my life… a few days thinking of my accomplishments… a few days before the drop from the top of the hill and into the forbidden land of 30…. I will get back to you on these thoughts.

On a lighter note… the kids made Valentine cards today… glue, crayons, markers, scissors, loads of FUN!

Bella watched the card making from the comfort of her pillow pet.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

What do you think of the NEW LOOK for the BLOG?

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2011-01-23T17:17:00.001-08:00

~My Weekend at a Glance~

I wanted to share this quilt that came in our door last week… WOW! Good Work! I LOVE the color choices and this is her 1st quilt… all I can say is WOW! As it goes with quilters… this lady was thinking and discussing with me her very next project. All I can say is quilting addiction… this is something that we understand, right?

This has been one of those weekends that takes awhile to come and goes by so fast.

On this weekend I got to visit with a bunch of lovely sewing gals at the Paula Dean party.

On this weekend I made snow ice cream with my children, Samantha and Aunt Megan. The kids really enjoyed the snack. They all stirred and laughed and ate and ate and ate some more.

On this weekend I watched Diary of a Wimpy Kid … I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars. I also watched Close and I only give this movie about 1 out of 5 stars… just not my kind of show.

On this weekend I worked on my 2010 shutterfly book… I would like to print this book in the next week. I am just adding the final journaling notes and a few photos and enjoying the process.

On this weekend I worked on my Folk Art Tribute by Dawn Heese needle-turn appliqué quilt block… coming along and this quilt is going to be gorgeous.

On this weekend I babied my husband… he is sick.

On this weekend I worked at Sew Sweet with my lovely Ma-ma and cherish each time I get to work side by side with her… I imagine the day that my children are older and I get to spend more time at the store with her. However, I do not wish them to grow older. I am enjoying them for the ages they are.

On this weekend I enjoyed the company of my little Bella as she sat with me on the couch.

On this weekend I played dress up with Clara… I was a princess and than a tickle monster.

On this weekend I was happy. I am greeting the start of a new week. I am in love with this life.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Brunswick, Missouri, Quilt Shop in United States with Great Shipping Cost,

2011-01-20T17:34:00.001-08:00

~My Video Diary #1~

I am new at this. A video diary came to me through the inspiration of other blogs and thought that maybe it would be fun. I enjoy watching other video blogging and decided… hey, why not.

The surprise is that is was difficult to say the least.

I practiced what I wanted to say in front of the kids and the dog. They thought that it sounded perfect. I kept the kids entertained in the other room with ice cream but the dog would not go away. Notice the little dog in the corner… she is playing with a toy the entire time and I decided that I am okay with her playing.

You should have seen the video take that had the kids running into the room… laughing… RE-DO.

Anyway, It was fun and I am glad to share this with you.

I am talking about my NEW book and sort of Rambling… SMILE. Go HERE and get your signed copy.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

What I wear, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Quilt Shop in United States, ~Ramblings of Life~

2011-01-18T06:45:00.001-08:00

A day at home.

Do you see the laundry on the floor and the bed.

A never ending job.

This is me… my what I wear… at random.

Shirt – old navy

Pants – old navy

Slippers - Target

~ A few Words to my Wyatt~

My journaling chair is a spot that I find comfort in each morning. The ottoman that sits in front of my chair is a place that you find comfort each morning. The things that come into your thoughts just spill from your mouth… “buzz light-year to the rescue, buzz has a hand, buzz is a boy, my like cereal”, a bunch of rambling is next. Nonsense. Toddler nonsense. I am journaling and you are babbling.

This is my most mornings. I find a few moments of writing and you find a few moments of constant conversation. I am doing both… journaling and visiting to you about nonsense. My little man of 2… you crack me up.

I will miss this time. RIGHT? These years go by to fast is what the world of mothers tell me. I listen to the rambling and wonder about missing this time. I imagine a world of sitting in my journaling chair without the interruption of nonsense toddler chatter. Did this day ever exist for me? It must have been my reality at one time… but the crazy that clutters my thoughts has caused me to forget that time. I look up from my journaling and you look into my eyes, with that little boy grin and I melt. My heart skips a beat for the love that I have for you. I suddenly can’t or don’t want to imagine a time without you sitting in front of me, rambling.

I will continue to write with the crazy that fills my life… this is happiness. this is joy. this is calm. this is peace. this is motherhood.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

~The Toys~ Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri

2011-01-16T19:35:00.001-08:00

I am just like most of you. A mother. A mother that travels around the house in a lost trance. Toys are under everything. Toys under the chair, under the couch, under the dresser, under the rug… how long has that toy been under the rug? SIGH. A mother of toddlers… 2 little toddlers consume my world. They fill my heart with joy and in the same breath exhaustion.

I struggle with focus. My eyes bounce around the house… toys are everywhere. I did pick up today, right? Yes, I know that I already picked up toys today. The 2 little toddlers are playing with books, together. Giggles spill from there small round mouths… so cute that I want to plant a kiss on their little chubby cheeks.

In circles I go… picking up toys and always more toys to pick up. This could be an all day job… Yes, I am the women that works a full time job of picking up toys. Toys is my business… is this what I have become. Do I turn a cheek to crying toddlers and throw all the toys in the trash… hummm, that is an idea… Little giggles spill from them and I smile. No… I will not throw all the toys in the trash. Not today, anyway.

My word of the year is release. This word comes to me with a force that nearly knocks me off my feet, as I trip over another toy. SIGH. I release this cloud of constant picking up toys from over my head… I smile at the thought of releasing. I join the giggling children and look at books… funny books of donkeys and dogs and puddles and TOYS. We laugh together, I look into their happy eyes, I kiss their chubby cheeks, I think that they will not remember me as the mother who constantly picked up toys, but the mother that took time to laugh at funny books. This is happiness. Happiness in the world of toddlers.

I go to bed on this night… toys strewn about the house and the feeling of release causes me to sleep peacefully.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, ~Journaling, Selvage Tote, and Upcoming Classes~

2011-01-15T18:18:00.001-08:00

I am one of those people that is a forever journaler. That is what I call myself… I am forever writing some thought or note or sentence or word… I often see the world through words, through thoughts. My father says that I have a unique way of viewing the world and I hold those words of his close to my heart. I do see the world with emotion and feeling and words.

I tell you this to share that today I found my Clara laying in my bed with a notebook and pen. I asked her what she was doing and she said, "oh mom, i am just doing a little journaling.” This is the moment… it took me a second to get my camera and of course Wyatt wanted to get in the picture. For a minute… just her, laying in my bed… she has watched me write with compassion in this spot and I SMILE at my girl on this day.

This is what else my Saturday brought me… the completion of the selvage bag. This was a ton of fun. I have never worked with selvages. This is a class on Saturday, March 5 from 10:00 – 2:00. If you are not on the list… SIGN up today! Call the store at (660) 548-3056 or Email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com and HOLD your spot.

The bag will carry a 12”x18” inch mat, ruler and the supplies needed for a sewing get together. It has a tall selvaged pocket for a ruler,a small selvaged pocket and a large inside pocket. You can use fabric from home or from Sew Sweet. We will have a box of selvages for you to pick through and use for your pocket. The Class Fee is $15.00 and this includes the pattern and instruction and our assortment of selvages.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Free Pattern from the Anna Maria Horner Blog, ~this is me Celebrating our Megan~

2011-01-13T19:56:00.001-08:00

Take a look at this quilt that Megan made… See the quilt at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop.

It is a FREE pattern from the Anna Maria Horner blog. Go HERE and print the pattern.

We enjoy all that Anna Maria Horner has to offer on her blog… she is an incredible women.

Look at what else our Megan has been up to… a HAT, a HAT, a HAT!

I want this hat for my own.

I adore the flower on the side of the hat.

I tried to fit it on my head and run from the store… it didn’t fit. I decided that I will leave the hat at Sew Sweet. Go and SEE it for yourself and pick up your pattern today.

I am not sure that I would look as cute in the hat as the little girl on the pattern. SIGH… growing old is the pits.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in United States, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, ~Furniture, Sewing, Family, LOVE~

2011-01-12T19:53:00.001-08:00

LOOK at my newest piece of furniture… I LOVE this old desk. The paint is falling off, the legs are old and worn and the knob is a welcome part of the structure. A perfect addition to my home. I take much pride in my findings…. Thank you to Megan (you are sneaky).

I have spent a good part of the day sewing a little wallet. This wallet consumed me and I have learned a lot in the process. I think it turned out super cute. I am planning on making another tomorrow… I want to know what I am doing because this is the March Paula Party… and it is FULL! The class is FULL… YIPPY! Sign up EARLY to HOLD YOUR SPOT!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Quilt Shop in United States, Quilt Shop selling Fabric on-line, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop ~My Day~

2011-01-11T18:37:00.001-08:00

Little candy pieces on the floor.

Scattered.

Strewn about in a clumsy moment of you.

A breath. A long deep breath.

A just mopped floor.

A breath. A long deep breath.

Cute little hands. little peanut butter chips.

On this day I found myself taking in the breath of snow. cold snow. cold snow that fills the ground and the trees and the car and the rocks and the air and the smell and the warmth. all the warmth.

On this day I loaded up 2 kids, a dog, and a pile of store things… off to Sew Sweet Quilt Shop for a moment. The snow doesn’t slow me down. The drive was nice, slow but nice.

On this day I vacuumed the floors… twice. A day of everyday cleaning is what brings the heart closer to creativity. I rejoice in the tasks of the day… it lets me think about all the ideas that I have floating around in my head.

On this day I thought of a wonderful Sew Sweet Lady that is a regular at our store… I am so sorry for the loss that you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope to see you soon at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop… We are here for YOU. Sending you our Blessings, Shirley.

Take care of YOU. SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Brunswick, Missouri, Fabric Store in United States, ~The Ramblings of On this day~, Paula Party and MORE

2011-01-10T18:28:00.001-08:00

On this day I got an invitation to grocery shop with my lovely ma-ma. I hesitated for a moment…looking at the bubbling children and knowing the amount of work that it takes to bring them to town. After a few wild, loud children minutes, I decided that a day away would be welcomed. We loaded up and to town we went.

On this day I purchased Wyatt a new pair of converse, me a pair on new balance shoes, and Clara a pair of light up sketchers… a good day… NEW SHOES. Oh yeah, I also bought groceries. We ate at my favorite Chinese restaurant… YUMMY. The kids were wonderful in the restaurant. I say thank you to all the days that we spend breakfast, lunch, and dinner around the dining table… learning to eat together as a family. They are LEARNING!

On this day I took pictures of the cutest little sewing bag that my Ma-Ma made…it is the Paula Party that is coming up in February. CUTE! If you are not signed up… get signed up! Call the store at (660) 548-3056 or EMAIL at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com . I WANT this bag.. do you think that my Ma-Ma will give this bag to me… hmmm.

On this day I watched my little dog roll in the snow and become a giant snowball with ice balls stuck to her fur… it was FUNNY. The little icy ball of Bella was super adorable. The kids and I enjoyed watching from the warmth of the window. It was not as fun to clean her up before she could back into the house.

On this day I saw a ton of internet orders at Sew Sweet and like seeing them all wrapped with Sew Sweet Love and ready to be sent in the mail.

On this day I went to the store and picked up the pictures that our Megan took from the Saturday Sampler… I had the stomach flu and didn’t make it to class… SAD. Thanks to Megan for taking pictures. Thanks to the lovely ladies that bless us with great company on 2nd Saturday. We ENJOY you!

Have a GREAT day! SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop ~The ramblings of On this Day~

2011-01-08T18:51:00.001-08:00

On this day I enjoyed Chicken Noodle Soup to its greatest depth… recovering from the stomach flu is the pits.

On this day I spent the entire day in comfy pants and comfy shirt.

On this day I enjoyed a hot bath after a night of laying on the bathroom floor… sick. maybe, that is more than you wanted to hear. TRUTH.

On this day I bleached and scrubbed my house for fear of spreading the stomach flu to my children. I prayed for layers of protection to consume them and know that this protection comes from only one miracle worker… praise for my faith.

On this day I rejoiced as I started to feel better.

On this day I celebrated for my little dog going potty outside… YEAH… an accident or intent, i don’t know but reason for celebration!

On this day I laughed at Clara as she talked about her Daddy being a king and me being a princess in our wedding picture. She just noticed the picture that has hung in my room her entire life. It is a reminder of the love we shared on our wedding day and I want us to always be able to remember that time in our life's. The beginning of a joining that would lead us here… to where we stand as husband and wife, father and mother… this is us and I celebrate that journey.

This is my bedroom and sewing space… the wedding picture hangs above my sewing space… I don’t yet have a creative studio. My creative studio is this space and it is okay. okay for the moment. okay for today. okay for the busy that is my world. SMILE.

On this day I will go to sleep heavy… the house moves forward no matter if mom is sick or not… for all those mothers out there, i think of you… may you also get a good night sleep. REST. REST. REST.

On this day I prepared the Block 3 of the Folk Art Tribute BOM by Dawn Heese… I am starting the needle turn appliqué tonight. I think this is my favorite block so far…Shipping Block 1 on Tuesday. I love the big of the block.. it is 24” x 24”. This quilt is going to be spectacular.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Quilt Shop in United States, Fabric Store, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, ~Sew Sweet 2011 Calendar~

2011-01-06T06:47:00.001-08:00

Are you part of our Sew Sweet Society?

Take a Class, Join a Club, Bring in a Project… It’s easy to be part of the Society!

Find our 2011 calendar For Sale at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop.

We are donating all calendar proceeds to a local charity of our choice.

Saturday Sampler is this Saturday…. come to Class at 10:30 or 11:30… We have a NEW trunk show with quilt samples, a 2011 Calendar and MUCH MORE planned for YOU! It will be FUN! Come and PLAY with us at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop on Saturday Sampler Day.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, New Missouri Author, New Missouri Illustrator, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop

2011-01-05T08:30:00.001-08:00

I will let you in on a little something.

This has been a little something that has carried on for awhile (like almost 2 years).

I LOVE to write and LOVE to share my writing (that is why this blog comes as a necessity).

Writing is my therapy.

Words flow from my thoughts and form sentences on paper and I adore the time that I spend with words.

I wrote this children’s book and found an amazing illustrator in Megan Frock. Her pictures came easily with the flow of words and I must say that she is very talented.

Together, as a team, we finished this book…. it is complete and in my hands.

LOOK for them at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, soon. Look for them to purchase on our Web Site, SOON. I am eager to share this adorable book with you!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri,

2011-01-04T08:01:00.001-08:00

This Saturday is 2nd Saturday… We have a NEW trunk show to share with you! Our Book Focus Book will be on SALE for Sampler Customers. DON’T MISS THE CHANCE to SHARE A SHOW AND TELL item and you may FIND A SPOT on our Saturday Sampler Web Page and/or a spot on the 2012 Calendar. LOOK for the 2011 Calendar at Sew Sweet… Are you part of the Sew Sweet Society? All money made from the 2011 Calendar will be donated to a local charity of our choice. Saturday Sampler TIMES… 10:30 or 11:30.

My Monday was a day of good times at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop.

I loaded up the kids along with our sweet Bella and off to the store we went.

Window decorating it what the day turned into.

We filled one window with our Book Focus Book and samples that were made by Me and Megan. Thanks to Megan for the cute peaches hanging from the tree and the Wool Picture in a Frame. GOOD WORK to Megan. And Thanks to Megan for the Book Focus Sign. We are Focusing on Books at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop. Stay Tuned, book authors…. you may be the next Sew Sweet NEXT book focus!

The other window is housing a line of Batiks. LOOK for 2 NEW Samples that are hanging at Sew Sweet and are made with Batik Fabric.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, ~Goodbye, Christmas~

2011-01-02T09:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas is officially over… the last family event was last night. Christmas at Luke’s parents house.

The family was healthy and over the hump of fevers and sore throats.

The kids opened presents with expertise… they totally had it all figured out.

I say farewell to Christmas… It was Fun and all that I imagined it to be… See you next year.

I will get back to my everyday CRAZY and not the Christmas CRAZY that has consumed for the last few weeks.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, ~Sharing a Recipe~

2011-01-01T10:31:00.001-08:00

Technorati Tags: Recipe

Happy New Year to YOU… This will be the best year yet… a year of healthy choices and of loving memories.

I say WELCOME to my life… 2011.

I am sharing a recipe on this day.

This is a recipe passed on to me by my lovely Ma-Ma.

It is a dish that is loved by all in the realm of family at my home.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

you NEED.

1 head Broccoli (FRESH)

1 head Cauliflower (FRESH)

1 Red Onion

1 cup mayo

1/2 cup sugar

2 Table Spoons of Vinegar

A little Salt and Pepper to taste

you DO.

Step 1. Chop the red onion, broccoli, cauliflower and mix together

Step 2. Mix the mayo, sugar, vinegar and salt and pepper together

Step 3. Add the mayo mixture to the vegetable mixture.

Step 4. Let set in fridge for a few hours and SERVE cold.

Step 5. ENJOY.

This is my Recipe…most done by memory but a few steps are written. Passed on to me over the phone with my Ma-Ma on our first Christmas at our new home (several years ago). Mom puts bacon in hers but I usually don’t add bacon… it is good either way. I used frozen vegetables a few years back and YUCK. Must be FRESH. Lesson Learned.

The process and a mess… I am a pretty messy cook… a lot of clean up time is required.

The close up…. I love the look of all the vegetables together… this is before I added the dressing.

Have a GREAT day!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop

2010-12-30T08:18:00.001-08:00

This is another day.

We have been sick.

Fever, fever, fever and super sore throat.

It is miserable to be sick and even more so to watch your babies be sick.

The doctor is calling our name and we are headed to see the land of doctor and meds.

It is not the way to ring in the new year, bundled on the couch with two sick kids under warm blankets.

On another note… I finished my Book Focus pillow… LOOK for it at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop… HERE is the Sneak Peek….

The beginner, beginner class for next Saturday… has a FEW spots left… SIGN UP TODAY!

Saturday, January 8 from 1:30 – 3:30

MAKING A COIN PURSE. Call the store at (660) 548-3056 or Email at jessica@sewsweetquiltshop.com and HOLD YOUR SPOT!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in United States, Fabric Store in Missouri, ~What I wear, at Random~

2010-12-28T07:40:00.001-08:00

What I wear…on this day… I share randomly… which is sort of how I do things… at random.

I got the grandest shirt from my sister-in-law, Megan. It is totally ME. I LOVE it. Here is the quote that is on the back of the shirt that I am wearing in the picture… http://www.lovethislife.net/ I spent a little time on the site and they have really neat clothes and jewelry that represents taking time with life and enjoying the moments… I am thinking about getting a ring… this ring http://www.myobsession.com/shop/love_63/love-this-life-collection_64/ I need to figure out my ring size.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, ~My Weekend~

2010-12-27T13:02:00.001-08:00

The weekend started with 102 fever for my little Clara… sleepless nights and Motrin to keep the fever down.

Just a fever… a fever that drained her energy and the color in her face.

She was a good little gal and still enjoyed all the excitement of Christmas.

The snowmen was before the fever started… about 20 minutes outside with Dad turned into a snowmen that looks at us from the living room window… cute… the kids had a BLAST. SMILE.

Aunt Megan made Wyatt the cutest cape that turned him into a running Batman the instant he put it on. FUNNY.

I saw the two most delighted children on Christmas morning… so CUTE and so EXCITED! It was a BLAST to see them… the idea of Santa coming into our home was almost overwhelming to Clara and brought tears to her little eyes… she said, “ma-ma… he even ate the COOKIES!” We had a JOYFUL Christmas.

Oh yeah, the fever is strip throat… SIGH. Resting, Eating, Drinking, Antibiotics and on the road to recovery.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sanctus Real - Lead Me (Slideshow With Lyrics)

2010-12-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

To my Dad... I LOVE you! Merry Christmas!

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in United States, ~Our Blessings~

2010-12-23T08:18:00.001-08:00

Our blessings both big and small.

Our blessings come in lots of packages.

Our blessings come in hard times and easy times.

Our blessings flow from the joy of family.

Our blessings pour from the smiles of friends.

Our blessings run through the house like angels with toddler feet and dancing bodies.

Our blessings shine through the windows of this house, each day with the rising sun.

I am thankful for this life and the blessings that make me whole.

Look at our newest blessing…. my basset hound, Rosco vanished during our hunting season and I am sad for the loss… my sweet puppy has filled the void of loss. Her name is Bella and she is a doll.

Wyatt also LOVES our Bella and wants her to sit in his lap all the time. FUNNY.

Clara also loves sweet Bella. However, I had to take a picture of her in her winter clothes (just clothes from her room that she put on), she is pretending that her room is the outside and it is snowing in her room. Clara and her dog are dressed for the cool temperature and snowy sky of her bedroom. FUNNY.

thank you to my husband for supporting me in my need for little Bella, the dog.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

-the duties of motherhood- , Quilt Shop in Missouri, Fabric Store in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop

2010-12-22T17:14:00.001-08:00

one step after another. the hall is narrow. the memories are behind me. the smell of hospital fills my veins. i.d. badge. sign in. date. time. so many duties to do. you are small and they are working so hard. your ma-ma has been in love with you from the moment the knowledge of you was reality. i see on her face the pain of motherhood. i see the expectance of suffrage. her eyes are sad. her smile is bleak. the conversation is only about one thing and i am at a loss for what to say. you are early. you are having a hard time figuring out the world that you now live in. you came to early and it is going to be okay. your ma-ma’s body was saying enough is enough and it is okay. she held onto the little boy of you inside her for as long as she could. you came a little early and it is okay. i think that your struggle is not far from the struggle that all of us feel from time to time. navigating a world that is not easy. i can see the stress of motherhood in her eyes and i see the fight for life in yours. you tell me through a look that you are going to be fine. you say to me with a squeeze of my finger that you are going to figure out this challenging world. i can see in your little body that you are a fighter and that coming a little to early is only going to slow you down for a few days. your ma-ma is holding onto the gifts of god to get through this time and i can feel her strength in the look she passes to you. you are a blessing and i want to say welcome to the world.

Love, Jessica

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Quilt Shop, Fabric Store is Missouri, Quilt Shop in Missouri, ~On this Day~

2010-12-19T19:32:00.001-08:00

On this day the morning greeted me at about 8:00 am… a sleep in day and that was nice.

On this day I made waffles and here is the recipe… It was GOOD… We LOVE Waffles so I always double the recipe.

Ingredients

-1 cup sugar

- 2 T sugar

- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1 egg

- 1 cup milk

- 2 T melted butter

Method

1. preheat waffle maker

2. mix the first 4 dry ingredients- flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

3. in another bowl, whisk the egg, then add in the milk and melted butter.

4. add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture all at once. stir until just combined. mixture should be lumpy.

5. use measuring cup to pour batter into the waffle maker.

6. enjoy

On this day we made sugar cookies. We baked and decorated and it was a BLAST. The kids had a great time. Wyatt did a lot of eating, Clara did a lot of singing random Christmas songs and Sam really got into the decorating. I love the uniqueness of their character… my babies.

On this day we delivered cookies door to door and sang Christmas Carols. The kids had a blast. I think that Me-Me had the most fun… she watched the kids and their excitement with each house and laughed at the nonsense that is motherhood. At the 2nd house … my Clara (who is a slow poke… we are in the car and she is playing with the cats, we are buckled in and she is finding a stick to play with) took in the world one little stride at a time while we were all waiting in the car for her… stepped in a big pile of dog poo! I didn’t even know she stepped in the dog poo until she finally got into the car and smeared the poo all over my floor and seat… SIGH! Notice Sam holding her nose… YUCK. The smell was terrible. A few sanitizing wipes, a little febreeze and we were off to delivering cookies again. The joys of motherhood.

On this day we enjoyed the calm of Sunday and the grace of family.

On this day I spent a good part of my evening doing a little stitching. I am making a wool project from our Book Focus… Buy your book today at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop.

Take a LOOK at the Book…

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Quilt Shop in Brunswick Missouri, Fabric Store, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop

2010-12-18T17:03:00.001-08:00

It is the small of life that brings such joy.

It is the minutes that come few.

It is the gifts that are of cheap.

It is the time with laughter and smiles.

It is the smallest things in life that bring the biggest joy.

My week at a quick glance.

It came in the form of a pots and pan box and a snow that brought joy all week.

The SIMPLE LIFE.

SewSweetLove, Jessica

Quilt Shop in Missouri, Sew Sweet Quilt Shop, Memory Quilt, ~the Ramblings of ME~

2010-12-15T12:30:00.001-08:00

Dancing around the room.

Hopping and Skipping.

Busy Playing.

Busy Singing.

One foot in front of the other.

Hopping, Hopping

To busy to stop.

If only potty breaks came on your terms… accidents would never happen.

I smile and remind you to go potty.

There you go… running towards the potty…with a HOP and a SKIP as you go. The joys of 3!

I just finished a memory quilt for my mother-in-law… heading to the quilter.. do you think I will get it back before Christmas? I would not be able to call myself a quilt top maker if I didn’t work on the last minute… It is what we do… RIGHT?

Take a LOOK…

SewSweetLove, Jessica