Living and Loving at Paula's House

Really… June?

2011-06-29T19:14:00.001-07:00

Seriously, this can not be June… I mean this is horrible, rain, rain and when you think it couldn’t possibly rain any more… it does. Well don’t quite feel so bad about not tackling my crab grass patch, nothing would grow out there anyways. Oh well bet the ducks are real happy.
I haven’t been on at all getting all that stuff done, that is the slight problem with mobile internet sticks, 5Gigs go REALLY fast !!!!! and going over well …REALLY expensive so…..later. That is if I am not floating down the river, but it is a MOBILE internet so I could really post from anywhere… even floating down the river.

June

2011-06-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

June has been quite cool and rainy up here. Oh well more time to spend on other things. Well you would think anyways…
I have recently started doing surveys, why not earn a couple bucks?? I have also recently started using Google Chrome too, found this amazing extension called cortex, you can send to any of your social networks with your mouse, very cool.
Really been enjoying my laptop.. love being able to sit in a comfy chair and surf. I just love this Windows 7 too, much better than Vista.
Anyone out there a fan of Doctor Who, just loved the middle of season ender… love that show.
My third daughters birthday tomorrow, 21..seriously I now am banning all birthdays!! Happy Birthday Kimberly.

Its already the end of May?

2011-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

How time is flying this year. Thankfully we have had a cool spring because I am so behind on the gardening. It would help if the garden wasn't such a weed patch! The kids are getting so big, I have to update this blog and get posting now that I can access the internet. I am going to try to get some stuff on my blog that I have had stuffed away for years, recipes for perfume, lotions, gardening stuff, home stuff and of course updates on the kids. I love this new page feature, makes organizing everything much easier.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

It has been almost a year since we have moved. Things didn't go the way I had wished but what does? The garden was in pretty rough shape and most of it the soil is just dead. The fruit trees where in pretty bad shape, but I managed to get one pruned pretty well. The backyard had quite the hole in it, from where they had repaired the septic system,we managed to fill that in. I am not sure what will be happening as far as living here this year, personally I would kill for high speed again !!!! We did have a pretty nice X-mas, the kids made out like little bandits. I am going to try to start writing again, I may be getting a laptop in January so...... there is always Tim Horton's. (Hot spot). Bye for now.

We have Moved

2010-02-03T16:35:00.001-08:00

We moved to the country and now zippy internet is now just a memory. Dial-up only out here. I am so saving for Satellite. May be flakey but anything is better than Dial-up

Hope everyone had a Great Holiday

2010-01-03T20:50:00.001-08:00

Hope that everyone had a great time this holiday season. I know that we did. The kids made out like little bandits with Grandma and Grandpa. My daughter Veronique is off the the University of PG to start her new adventure, she is taking a Bachelors in Pharmacology.

Christmas is coming OH NO!!

2009-12-01T18:42:00.001-08:00

Well it's December 1, Happy Birthday Mom, and Christmas is 24 days away. I have so much to do and I am so behind. I have on gift done, that is it!!! and I am working on one more. Then well there is 4 other kiddo's to do.
Oh well, HOHOHO !!

My Little Sister Evelyn Smock GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

My Little Sister Evelyn Smock GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Catching up

2009-11-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Hi been awhile since I have REALLY posted anything. I have been on a giveaway binge, addictive aren't they?
The kids are great, I'll post up some pics soon. They are at there Grandma's House right now. I have managed to get one of my Christmas projects done, only 4 to go!!! It is going to take a miracle to get all this done.
Today is quite nice, most of the leaves are gone, but the sun is finally out. It has done nothing but rain and rain some more. Fall in Northern BC.

Wonderful Fabric Giveaway

2009-11-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hawthorne Fabrics, a wonderful new fabric store is hosting a giveaway by Art Gallery Fabics. Just head on over to Hawthorn Fabrics to enter.

1st Place:
First place winner will receive a Firenze Bag Kit. This kit includes a pattern with instructions, fabrics, muslin, cording, color coordinated thread and zipper - all necessary materials except interfacing!


2nd and 3rd Place
Second and Third Place winners will receive a Fat Quarter set of Girly Girl in Sweet by Patricia bravo.

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

2009-11-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

TeamCAC Cyber Monday Giveaway

2009-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

All you need to do to win is support TeamCAC’s participating shops. There are many prizes up for grabs.

Etsy It Up! Palooza Giveaway

2009-11-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Marie- Madeline Studio Apron + Fabric Giveaway

2009-11-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Marie-Madeline Studio is having a giveaway of an Apron Pattern and the Fabric to make it with.

Sears Granting Wishes Contest

2009-11-07T19:13:00.001-08:00

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

Grograin is having a fantastic Giveaway from Aunty Ollie stylish children clothing.

Check out this Blog: My Organized Chaos.

2009-10-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

Check out this amazing Blog she has tonnes of giveaways every month, every week. The latest from a great Etsy seller Kikkos Soapworks. Check it out!!!

Handmade Holidays III

2009-10-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Sew Mama Sew for the Month long Handmade for the Holidays III. A month of tutorials, prizes and giveaways for the holidays.

Giveaway!!

2009-10-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Brown Paper Packages is having a giveaway of all of her Urban Flannel scraps !!! LOTS OF THEM !! Check it out.

Noah and Lilah GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Noah and Lilah GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Its Friday!!!!!

2009-10-16T11:30:00.001-07:00

McLinky

2009-10-14T22:49:00.001-07:00

The Sproutz Store fabric giveaway

2009-10-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Sproutz Store blog is having a giveaway of 3 Charm Packs--Eden by Lila Tueller, Spring Fever by Me and My Sister Designs, and Blush by Basic Grey.You can't buy these yet so visit their blog and win them today!!!

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happy Chickadee Giveaway

2009-10-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Chickadee and Lil Blue Boo are having a giveaway. Happy Chickadee is giving a $50.00 gift certificate away to a lucky reader.

Some Great Giveaways

2009-10-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

My Organized Chaos is having some FANTASIC giveaways. Check out her blog Organized Chaos

Happy Birthday Chance Micheal

2009-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

My youngest turned 18 yesterday, only yesterday......

Two year old Brian Doodle

2009-10-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Doodle by Lee. The code for this doodle and other doodles you can use on your blog can be found at Doodles.

I could not resist putting this on my blog, it is SO cute. Considering I have a two year old in the house,it is SO TRUE!!!

Nakita's Birthday

2009-10-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Some pics from Nakita's Birthday. She is wearing the Birthday Dress I made her and Kya is wearing hers.

Itty Bitty Design Giveaway

2009-10-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

One Everything Etsy reader will get a ring and earrings set stamped with the design of their choice! To enter just visit CatherineMarissa for contest details.

Rondo Room Giveaway

2009-10-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

Rondo Room has offered a prize of $50 of fun foam wall decor and letters plus free shipping to one reader of A Soft Place to Land !

Fabulous Friday Giveaway's

2009-10-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

Another Friday giveaway. Lisa Leonard Designs is giving away a 50$ gift certificate for one of her jewelry designs.

BluePrints Toddler Backpack Pattern

2009-10-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Toddler backpack pattern

My son is just reaching the age of imitation (or, as my daughter says, he's being a copy cat). During dinners I will look over at my son to find that his eyes are glued to my spoon and he is shadowing my every movement, from dip to slurp and everything in between. He repeats every word he hears, making this a bad time to live in close proximity to the skate park. And anything his sister does, well, Birdie Boy must do too. This includes what Smootch wears. Flowing pink dresses are demanded and declared, "Itty!" (Translation: pretty.) He carries her sparkly shoes around lovingly (they also are effective weapons for a stinging slap across the head, something he will find in handy if he carries on his cross dressing past toddlerhood). He's an accessory boy: bracelets, hairbands, and, of course, purses and bags. Smootch has nothing of her own anymore.

Time for Birdie to get his own bag.

This backpack pattern was one that I created a few years ago for a craft swap partner's young daughter who was two years old at the time. The opening is just an overlap on the near the top of the front. Velcro could be added to help keep it closed but isn't necessary. Not having any zippers or snaps, it's very simple for a toddler to open and fill up. Good for play and great for a daycare bag, where the child can get their own toys, cup and diapers from their bag. Plus it's quick enough to make in a naptime (if you don't check your email first :D)

My backpack is made from a cotton print of an old style flour bag, which I found in a thrift store. I'm not sure who made the fabric since it had been cut into fat quarters and finished along two sides. It looked like someone wanted to use it as a table runner or something decorative. If anyone knows something about the fabric or the design, please share, I'd love to know more.

I am going to do a couple things different for this tutorial. First off, I'm actually going to provide you with the pattern pieces, which I am able to do now that I am subscribing to a zingy file transfer site. Second, I'm going to try this tutorial out as a sewing pattern internet busking type of thing. You'll see what I mean at the bottom :)

On with the show!

Toddler Backpack

Click Here to download pattern pieces
(3 page pdf - print at 1:1 scale or 'no scaling')

This backpack uses about 1/4 meter or yard of woven fabric and 1/4 meter or yard of medium weight fusible interfacing.

To cut fabric and interfacing, follow instructions printed on the three pattern pieces (Back, Front Bottom, and Front Top). Don't forget to also cut additional strips of fabric for the Side and the Straps, as indicated on the pattern sheets.

Following manufacturers instructions, fuse interfacing to the wrongsides of the corresponding pieces. All pieces except the Straps require interfacing.

Once interfacing is applied, you now have:

Back piece

Front Top piece

Front Bottom piece

Side piece

2 Straps

This pattern uses a 1/4" seam allowance.

To begin,

Using the dashed/dotted line from the pattern as a reference, fold Top Bottom piece in, wrong sides together.

(Note: because fusible interfacing was used, there should be no need to finish the raw edges with a serger or zig zag stitch to prevent fraying. However, you may feel the need to anyway, or just like the serged edges. If this is you, before you go any further, finish the long straight edges of the Front Top and Front Bottom pieces.)

Top stitch at 1/4" along fold.

Repeat fold and top-stitch for Front Bottom piece.

To overlap the Front Top and Front Bottom, use the Back piece as a guide by laying the Top Bottom piece on the Back and then placing the Front Top piece down in proper alignment.

Pin the Front Top to the Front Bottom on the sides (don't pin the Back piece, but set it aside for now). Machine baste the Top and Bottom together where they overlap on the sides. If desired, add small velcro tabs to keep overlapped pieces closed when backpack is in use.

Form the Side piece into a loop by stitching the short ends, right sides together. Pin the Side piece to the Front piece, right sides together, with the seam on the bottom. Stitch Side to Front.

(Just an aside here. Stitching fusible interfacing curves is not so easy because there is no stretch to the material. Give yourself some extra time here and don't worry while sewing, it will work out. Forgive small tucks, they are really no big deal.)

Clip curves. Press the seam allowance towards the side and top stitch around, catching the seam allowance (stitch while still turned wrong sides out. It looks a bit weird, but, trust me, it's much easier.)

Put aside the Front piece.

To make the straps, take one 3" by 15" strip of fabric and fold it right sides together lengthwise. Stitch closed along the raw edges, forming a tube. Turn tube right side out (use a safety pin to turn). Press flat and top stitch along length-wise edges. Repeat for other strap.

Position and pin the ends of the straps to the right side of the Back piece at the top and bottom sides, as indicated in the below photo:

Machine baste straps to Back piece.

To complete the backpack, stitch the the Back to the Side piece, right sides together. Clip curves (do not top stitch). Turn backpack right side out and apply to child.

I welcome all questions and comments, and, of course, let me know if anything is screwy with the pattern download (it's all new to me :)
Now, here is my big pattern busking experiment: I had originally planned on placing this pattern on etsy for sale, but thought better of it and decided to offer it up here. This way you don't have to wait for me to notice an order and send it to you but you can instantly download it whenever you like. And because I like y'all and want to share as much as I can. However, not wanting to also miss out on an economic opportunity, veggies for the babies and bills to pay and all that, I thought that I would stick a paypal donate button down here also. Like so:

Whimsy Couture Sewing Patterns and More Giveaway

2009-10-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Enter this Halloween giveaway to win a Spooky strappy dress, sizes 0-3 months through 12 girls.
In addition to this giveaway she is offering every reader a Buy 2 and get one free deal. At checkout in etsy put in code B1G1. Offer expires October 12.

Ugg Boots Giveaway

2009-10-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ugg Boot has a giveaway for a pair of their boots every month.

Marie Madeline Studio Giveaway

2009-10-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

The blog Abounding in Hope has this giveaway for a 35.00 gift certificate for Maire Madeline Studio's fabric, patterns and clothes. When you enter put my name (Paula) as who referred you.

Happy Birthday Nakita

2009-10-01T12:08:00.001-07:00

Its Nakita's 2nd Birthday today. Tomorrows the Party, I got her a Baby doll with an accessory kit and am making her a dress, pray it turns out it's been awhile since I made dresses.

Win the Marathon CS by Britax!

2009-10-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Win this Wonderful Marathon CS Car seat from Britax, Go to Go Graham Go for details of the contest.

Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful

2009-09-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful

Etsy Giveaway

2009-09-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

Go check out Viettiview for a great Etsy Giveaway. I LOVE ETSY, one of my favorite places to shop.

Today's Creative Blog

2009-09-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

There are some great ideas at this blog.

Lila Tueller Designs Fabric Giveaway

2009-09-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Her fabric is delicious. I went looking for a skirt pattern and found this fabric. I have to have some.

It's All About Me Party

2009-09-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Go check out the Artistic Creations Blog she having It's All About Me Party, swap, giveaway, sounds like fun. Check it out at :
http://natashaburns.blogspot.com/2009/09/announcing-its-all-about-me-youre.html

A giveaway

2009-09-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Words and Wisdom Custom Vinyl Lettering for a Chance to win $30.00 of FREE vinyl.
http://wordsandwisdomvinyl.blogspot.com

Where is the Heart ot your Home?

2009-09-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Heart of my home would be my Kitchen. I love my kitchen, the open cupboards showcase my collection of Victoriana Rose china and my collection of old Soda Fountain Glasses. My 1940's bureau sitting under the window covered in my Great Aunts dresser cloth, with African Violets and Scented Geraniums creating a carpet of green.The aroma of home made soup on a cold day with fresh baked bread brings the whole family into the kitchen. Yes I love my kitchen, but the Laundry room, not so much. I could really use a new Samsung washer and dryer as I have two children in diapers and I use cloth diapers. (Yes, they actually still exist)
(http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/group/group.do?group=homeappliances)

Beautiful Pillow

2009-09-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

I found this picture of this pillow on http://www.patchworkharmony.uk

Sweeties

2009-09-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

Miss Kya

and

Miss Nakita

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

These are such adorable back packs.

I love Ugg boots

2009-09-17T22:18:00.000-07:00

I found this blog on Google Reader the other day for a free Ugg boot giveaway. They are really great boots and boy I would love a pair of those.
Link to Whooga Ugg boots free giveaway

Crochet Projects galore!!

2009-09-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

I had a very good idea, get started on Christmas in August, well.... A flare up of RA ruined that, so now I have one jacket, two pair of socks and a fancy scarf and hat to do in 3 plus months. Can she do it? LOL.
Plus I found this lovely jacket pattern that I want to do in oilcloth for the girls, plus a backpack for Nakita and each a hat. Oh boy I am getting in deep. We will see.....

Kya's Birthday dress done at last

2009-09-09T21:24:00.001-07:00

I made this dress for Kya's First Birthday. Make of Taihki yarn from a pattern from Interweave Magazine. It looks so cute on her.

Kya's Dress

2009-08-09T14:36:00.001-07:00

Making Kya a birthday dress. I traced the pattern from an older dress. Hopefully it turns out. I am almost finished her crocheted dress, it is looking good.

Today

2009-08-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

Summer is going along soon it will be Fall. Its been so very hot. Kya's Birthday is coming up on the 21st. I am making her a lovely blue crocheted dress. Hopefully I'll have time to get the Raggedy Anne done as well. One already, how time flies. Soon Nakita will be two on October 1. Time is flying..... I usually don't make a big deal about Birthdays until they are a bit older, 3 or 4. Then it gets fun.

My Grandaughters Nakita and Kya

2009-07-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

My Granddaughters Nakita and Kya

ADORABLE SWEET ONES

Starting over

2009-06-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids are getting so big. Nakita will be two on October 1 and Kya will be one on August 21.
It has been a long couple of years. With Chance, my son, graduated and probably going off to the Army,I would have been done with raising kids. I am now looking at another 18 years or so. They are adorable though, even if they are absolutely exhausting!! Now I know why people have kids in their 20's. Their other Grandma takes them a couple of days a week giving me time to get things done. It is amazing what you can not get done with two little ones around. Well back to house work they will be home soon.

My Garden

2007-12-22T17:45:00.001-08:00

I am going to start planning my garden for next year. I have gotten all my catalogs together and am going to start going though all my books to look for new ideas. My garden has been in place for 5 years and is getting very overgrown and the soil is depleted. I am going to dig up all the flower beds, redo the soil, testing to make sure the soil is at the proper range, fertilize and rearrange everything. Some things need to be divided and some very large plants moved to better location. It will be alot of work but the end result will put on a great show all summer long.

Well the Garden came out OK, it has gotten a bit weeded up but there is always next year. I am going to add some bulbs for Spring colour and rearrange a few more things and add some more...

Living and Loving at Paula's House

Really… June?

June

Its already the end of May?

Sponsored Giveaway!! Quilters Depot!! | Pigtales and Quilts

Happy Holidays

We have Moved

Hope everyone had a Great Holiday

Christmas is coming OH NO!!

My Little Sister Evelyn Smock GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Catching up

Wonderful Fabric Giveaway

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

TeamCAC Cyber Monday Giveaway

Etsy It Up! Palooza Giveaway

Marie- Madeline Studio Apron + Fabric Giveaway

Sears Granting Wishes Contest

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Check out this Blog: My Organized Chaos.

Handmade Holidays III

Giveaway!!

Noah and Lilah GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Its Friday!!!!!

McLinky

The Sproutz Store fabric giveaway

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happy Chickadee Giveaway

Some Great Giveaways

Happy Birthday Chance Micheal

Two year old Brian Doodle

Nakita's Birthday

Itty Bitty Design Giveaway

Rondo Room Giveaway

Fabulous Friday Giveaway's

BluePrints Toddler Backpack Pattern

Toddler backpack pattern

Whimsy Couture Sewing Patterns and More Giveaway

Ugg Boots Giveaway

Marie Madeline Studio Giveaway

Happy Birthday Nakita

Win the Marathon CS by Britax!

Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful

Etsy Giveaway

Today's Creative Blog

Lila Tueller Designs Fabric Giveaway

It's All About Me Party

A giveaway

Where is the Heart ot your Home?

Beautiful Pillow

Sweeties

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I love Ugg boots

Crochet Projects galore!!

Kya's Birthday dress done at last

Kya's Dress

Today

My Grandaughters Nakita and Kya

Starting over

My Garden