metro sampler quilt.

I've never been a huge "Block of the Month" Fan.

 I just didn't get what all the hype was about??

This was my FIRST real sampler quilt and I am HOOKED/Totally IN LOVE!!!

Full Size Quilt 50" x 60"

12" Blocks

BONUS!! Project

Mini Quilt 18" x 24"

6" Blocks

Not completely sure what changed, but here's why I LOVED this project:

1. It was really enjoyable to look at the fabrics together and pick and choose what I wanted to use where.

2. It was Manageable and Kept my Interest. It was easy to set a small goal for a block and feel the satisfaction when completing it. I'd pull the fabrics in the morning, cut blocks during naptime and sew when everyone was in bed:) When you actually take 10 MINUTES here and there, things get done in a jiffy:)

3. There were a lot of spots where scraps or charm squares worked. SO, if I just had a little bit, it could still be included. I enjoyed fussy cutting.

4. The small blocks were challenging. It was fulfilling to know that I could make something that small and make it well. I "practiced" on the larger blocks so my piecing would be more accurate on the small blocks...lots of tips and tricks along the way!!

5. The book I chose blocks from has 501 designs, so I can make sampler blocks until the cows come home;)

WANNA JOIN ME???

I'll be hosting a MONTHLY Class at the shop starting in March. Don't live in Minnesota? That's okay!! It's also available online!!! Here's all the info...

IN STORE Participants will :

**Make TWO Blocks per month in class. I will help you with fabric selection and placement, piecing tips & tricks and MORE!! You will also receive detailed cutting instructions for 12" AND 6" blocks along with some special fabric treats each month:)

ONLINE Participants will:

**Receive HAPPY MAIL the last week of every month!! Included will be detailed cutting and assembly instructions for 12" AND 6" blocks (two per month) along with some fabric treats:)

REGISTRATION is $54.99

This includes THE BOOK (501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks) and a Fat Eighth (20!) Bundle of your choice...

      

There will also be a Flickr Group and E-Mail Support:)

Think about it...should be FUN!!!

For Dates, Pricing and Further Information visit our Block of the Month Page

OR if you know you wanna play along...Register HERE!!

Have a GREAT weekend:)

Kristina

 

 

a dorm quilt.

Pretty pumped about the classes I'll be teaching at the shop this spring!!

The first is a DORM QUILT. It seems like a lot of people make graduation quilts for seniors that celebrate their previous 4-18 years. I say, why not give them something for their future!! Let them show you what colors + styles they like.

Make them something you know they will love and USE on a regular basis.

The design is SIMPLE, but allows for a bunch of prints (scrappy!) in any color combo. This is a smaller quilt I made a couple of years ago FOR FUN. We enhanced the design so it will fit a XL Twin Bed (dorm).

It would be a PERFECT class for someone who has never quilted. AND a really fast project for the advanced quilter:) The idea is that ANYONE can make it with little or no sewing/quilting experience.

The FIRST DAY is for fabric selection and cutting. I will help you pick a color palette (unless you already have one in mind), help you select your fabric and show you how to cut your fabric using a rotary cutter, ruler and self healing mat. 

The SECOND DAY will be spent deciding on a quilt layout and assembling your quilt. You will learn piecing and ironing techniques. The beauty of this design is that there are no points to match up:) A BONUS for beginners!! You just have to sew a straight line;)

Then, you'll have 3 weeks to have your quilt quilted. We'll be offering an awesome deal for machine quilting services at the shop, so you don't have to worry about finding a quilter or doing it yourself....unless you want to of course!

The LAST DAY, I will show you how to add a binding to your quilt by machine and how to attach your binding to the back of your quilt by hand sewing. We will also have a QUILT LABEL workshop, so you can add something to the back that says something special or has a picture on it, fun!!

If you already know how to do all of this, THAT'S OK!!! Maybe you just need the push/motivation to finish a graduation quilt more than the day before the party;) Whatever the reason, it's gonna be fun and I'll look forward to seeing you there!!

Classes will be held WEDNESDAY evenings from 5pm-9pm

April 4th, 11th and May 9th

Cost is $59 plus fabric and supplies (pattern included in price)

Call Quilted Treasures to Register #763.428.1952

dreaming of springtime.

I have Spring on the brain. Not that we have had a harsh winter, but it's almost worse to have no snow and brown, dirty stuff and branches everywhere. I am very much looking forward to green grass, opening the windows, running outside, baseball season, Alaina's 5th birthday (crazy!) and sunshine.

Started this quilt last night and am almost half way done:)

Can't wait to show you the whole thing!!

These are my Living Room colors for Springtime this year, more on that soon.

Tomorrow's Friday!! Should be a fun weekend:)

Kristina

back to normal.

It's just so great to see this girl smiling again....

to see the girls playing like normal....yep, that's what the toy room usually looks like!

Miss Alaina is making SOUP in case you couldn't tell....found the recipe on Pinterest;)

Sometimes it's good just to be normal.

a no good very bad day, from bad comes good.

 

Note: I am not a negative person, but yesterday STUNK.

 

That's Baby B in the ER sporting a purple gown and a cute diaper tush.

She was such a sad girl yesterday and I was a very sad mommy.

After two days of flu symptoms she just wasn't eating/drinking much.

She woke up yesterday with a dry diaper and I got scared.

Called the pediatrician and they said, "Take her In"

I felt stupid. Like I had let her down.

I am her mommy, I am supposed to protect her from bad things.

I knew something was funky, but I ignored my instincts thinking I was being overprotective or worrisome.

BUT, I should have listed to my gut.

Luckily...she is just fine.

We spent an hour and a half in the waiting room

Watching person after person go in before us (that obviously did not take care of themselves)

I knew we weren't "high priority" but couldn't they see my sweet baby laying still in my arms...She's never still.

For an hour and a half.

All I could do was hold her and kiss her and tell her how sorry I was.

We finally got in and she was evaluated. They put "numbing cream & stickers" on her arms and hands in case they had to start IV fluids.

That's when I lost it. Needles + Tubes in my baby? Oh dear...

Alaina didn't even get sick until she way 2 1/2...I had NO experience with sick babies.

I started thinking about all of the parents who go through A LOT worse than this. Those whose children come into the world and have tubes and such attached to them for survival. Those who sit by their kids bedside as they battle sickness and disease and I LOST IT.

I was scared. I knew that she'd be fine, but I was still scared by the what ifs.

Then, my father-in-law walked in.

He helped me feed her, hold her, entertain her, entertain me.

He stayed. I was grateful.

Baby B laughed...I cried...she was OK.

Then she fell asleep from all that went on.

There were FOUR major things I learned from today:

1. Trust your instincts, always.

2. Take care of your health. If your struggles are something that you DO realistically have control over...take control. Do it for you and those who love you. Ask for help. There is a lot of life to live, make it count.

3. Say Thank You and say it often.

4. I want to DO something. I have been thinking about this for a few days. I cleaned my sewing room the other day and I have LOTS of quilt blocks done + quilt tops almost done that would make AWESOME kids/tween quilts.

My goal for the year is to finish FIVE quilts and deliver them personally with my kids to the children's hospital downtown. It's the least I can do, really.

I have set my goal at FIVE so that it's attainable. If I surpass it, great.

Even thinking about having a group sewing day at the shop just to finish some stuff up and get others involved. Email me if you'd be willing to donate an afternoon to make a kid smile.

kristinawilberg@gmail.com

Off to spend the day with my ladies..hopefully no one pukes;)

All the Best, Kristina

 

this girl.

Right now, THIS GIRL:

is 2 months shy of being FIVE years old

Will ONLY wear dresses and skirts and nightGOWNS

loves princesses

is WAY too smart for her own good

Makes me laugh hysterically EVERY. DAY.

I love me some Lainey.

the creative groove.

BAH!!!

My creative space has been a little neglected lately....

YIKES!! This is what happens when I NEED to get some work done and I let the 4 year old "work" with me. Been moving stuff around for a bunch of reasons and now it's completely unusable, see...Too much old stuff clogging my brain.

But, Lainey did design a pretty cool quilt during work time:

She used all of the Scraps from the Metro Sampler Quilt

Registration available for In Shop Class or as an Online Student:)

Who's In??

Welp, I am gonna go and take EVERYTHING out of my craft room and put it all back together in a new way that'll encourage my creative flow. I have been on a roll lately and I wanna keep it going, I need my space to reflect that!!

More on that soon, have a great day:)

Kristina

 

metro sampler, it's coming soon.

Last week, THIS:

Became THESE: 

Metro Sampler Quilt (12" blocks)

Metro Sampler BONUS!! (6" blocks)

SUPER excited to launch this NEW Block of the Month at The Shop

You'll actually SEW two blocks per month:)

There will be FOUR colorway options!!!

I'll be teaching it...fun huh?? More info soon!!

Would anyone be interested in an online program too??

Happy Monday:)

Kristina

our new favorite side dish.

Tangy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

3 Sweet Potatoes

1 Sweet Yellow Onion

2T. Olive Oil (infused with garlic)

2 tsp. Cumin

1/8 -1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1/4 C. Light Brown Sugar

Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper to Taste

Chop Onion and Cut Potatoes into 1 inch cubes 

Put all ingredients into a Ziploc and give it a good shake

Line a baking sheet with Foil and spray lightly with Cooking Spray

Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes

Turn Potatoes and bake an additional 10 minutes

Serve with BBQ Bleu Turkey Burgers--YUM!!!

Let me know if you give 'em a try:)

Happy Monday!!

Kristina

why I blog and who inspires me.

If we're being honest, then let me just say, I was terrible at blogging in 2011.

Not sure what clicked, but I am feeling better about this year. Hopefully it's not just that "first week of January, motivated and ready for the world" thing.

I think it's because I took a long look at the people who inspire me and it made it very clear what I want this blog to be...heartwarming, real, honest, true life, good variety, feel good, inspiring, innovative, forward thinking.

I think I am pretty much the only person left on earth that reads blogs the "old school" way.

When I find someone I "like," I bookmark their Blog into one of my interest categories:

Daily Reads, Designer Blogs, Quilt Blogs, Scrap Blogs, Photography Blogs, Food Blogs

Then, I usually follow them on facebook and twitter and pinterest--yikes!!

Too much information?? Sorry, I go into organization mode:)

My husband was a little shocked to see how many blogs I "follow." So, in his words, I started to "trim the fat." I always look at my DAILY READS, but not always the other categories on a regular basis, so they tend to pile up. Last night I went through and kept the ones that made me feel good...PLAIN & SIMPLE.

Are there ever blogs you read that make you feel bad? Feel bad about yourself? Not cause they are mean, but because they are do or say things that make you feel inadequate?? Well, I decided I didn't need those in my life anymore. Why was I using up precious time reading something that made me feel bad?? Dumb.

There are still a lot of Blogs I follow, don't get me wrong, but it's a good list of wonderful people who entertain me, are honest, offer inspiration and are REAL. Some I have read for 5+ years, others just a couple of weeks, but it's all about right now...

A few people WHO INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW: In no particuplar order. Well, except Kal. I read lovelife every.day. and have for a very long time. She's good stuff.

Kal Barteski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Kartchner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casey Wiegand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camille Roskelley

 

Amy Friend

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Maria Horner

Ali Edwards

 

Elsie Larson

So, who inspires you?? Who do you read every day?? Do you have a blog??

All, I can say is that I hope this blog is a place that makes you feel GOOD. Thank you so much for visiting, no matter how often. I appreciate that you take the time to read what I have to say. 

If you like what you see, be a pal...

twitter | google friend connect (right sidebar) | subscribe via email (right sidebar) | flickr | Pinterest

All the best!!

kristina

2011 finished quilts.

 

1. Authentic Mug Rug Front, 2. Coming Soon Quilt, 3. DQS11: finished quilt FRONT, 4. barcode quilt, 5. DQS10-Quilt Front, 6. Kristina's Runner (front), 7. Scrappy Mug Rug Swap, 8. SUTK Table Runner, 9. fall2011runner, 10. little leaves., 11. Barcode Quilt, 12. Rain or shine, 13. Batik Super Star, 14. SUGAR POP Mug Rug Front, 15. chevron, 16. DQS10-back of quilt

the best day ever.

5:30am    Matt's alarm goes off.

6:00am    Bridget wakes up, I get her bottle.

6:02am    Matt leaves for work

6:15am    Put Bridget back to bed.

6:16am    I snuggle back into bed with hopes of a few more hours minutes of sleep.

6:17am    Alaina's door opens and she crawls into our bed. She is SO sneaky. I was awake, but pretended I was sleeping to see how she does it. VERY slowly, she feels around for where everyone is, climbs in, one leg at a time, lays down and covers herself up. She has never been so quiet, slow or intentional.

6:21am    Alaina starts coughing so she's BUSTED!! I roll over and we snuggle and chat for awhile.

6:47am    I hear footsteps. Half asleep I think "That's weird! Bridget is walking, but she can't climb out of her crib and open her door." In walks Matt, " I don't work today, Got it mixed up."

 

Now comes the part where I re-evaluate what today is gonna look like.

ORIGINAL PLAN: Take girls to daycare, put away Christmas stuff, clean the house, catch up on laundry, SEW!!! Man, do I have a lot to catch up on. Go to the YMCA and get a good workout in. Do meal plans for the week, etc, etc, etc....

NEW PLAN: Take the girls to daycare and SPEND THE DAY WITH MATT. What???? Honestly cannot remember the last time we spent the whole day together...what.a.blessing.

7:45am    We are packed and ready to go.

8:15am    Drop girls off at Daycare

9:00am    Have the BEST Breakfast at a really neat spot in Rogers called Minne's Diner--SO,SO good!!

10am-2pm    We were all over the place. Doing some returns, looking for deals, just enjoying the day with no plan in mind.

3pm          Went to the YMCA together and got a good workout in.

4:30pm     Pick the girls up from daycare TOGETHER.

5pm         Dropped Alaina at Dance Class TOGETHER and ran some errands with Bridget TOGETHER.

6pm         We head home, all of us, at the same time.

6:45pm    Bridget goes to bed

7pm         Skype with Grammy and Papa (they are in Vegas)

7:15pm    I make a super fast, super yummy spur of the moment kind of dinner (recipe coming soon!)

8:00pm    Matt does dishes while I snuggle and read with Lainey.

8:20pm    Alaina goes to bed

8:30pm    Matt and I watch some of our favorite shows and chat on the couch in our comfy clothes and cozy blankets.

10pm       Lights off!! We are both trying to get more sleep at night. No more late night TV.

 

I feel so much better. My heart and Soul are Happy. We needed that. I needed that.

TODAY REMINDED ME: How much I LOVE my husband. How much I miss my husband. How important it is to take time for US and not feel guity about it. How important it is to nurture our marriage. I could not do what we do without him. Matt is an amazing girl dad. He is hilarious, he makes me laugh, so hard. 

The End.

 

should be.

The Girls on Christmas Morning

I should be setting goals.

I should be planning ahead.

I should be catching up.

But I am not.

Still spinning in circles from what was 2011. Pretty sure it was the fastest, craziest year yet.

And, I have no idea why.

Is it because we have two kids? Is it because we traveled a lot?  Not totally sure, but it came and went and I seriously CANNOT believe 2012 is here.

Today I am feeling overwhelmed, blessed, grateful, happy, content, anxious, hopeful.

Really? All of that?

It was a WONDERFUL season with Family and Friends, we are VERY lucky for the support and love we receive from all corners of our lives.

I LOVE fresh starts, I LOVE the idea of clean and new.

Taking our Christmas Stuff down tomorrow, hoping that'll help me get rollin!!

Happy New Year!!

Kristina

talk about MIA.

Apparently I am on the BLOG ONCE A MONTH PLAN recently.

Still here, still alive, just staying afloat through the holidays:)

So far this month....

I turned 30

Finished the Fireplace, yay!!

Learned how to use the NEW! Long-Arm at the SHOP

Baked some goodies

Attended a Christmas Concert at Alaina's Church/School (she's the one with the purple dress and headband:)

So sad, this is blurry:( She insisted on standing by the Nativity scene, was so confused as to where Baby Jesus was??

Visited SANTA at the Gymnsatics Gym!!

Started putting in a bathroom in our basement. Patiently waiting for some lovely gentlemen to finish it up in time for Christmas:)

My parents moved from my childhood home to the cabin PERMANENTLY, so I've helped as much as I could (not enough!) and we went there this past weekend for STOCKING STUFFERS!!!:)

Miss Bridget turned 15 months and is ALMOST walking. She is having surgery next week (ear tubes) so we are hoping that'll seal the deal...a healthy baby and a walker:)

December is always busy (for everyone) BUT this year has been a little ridiculous. SO excited to get through the week and have a nice quiet Christmas Weekend with Family and Friends.

SO, SO grateful that Matt will be home ALL DAY Friday, Saturday AND Sunday.....NO work, NO wrestling, just US..toegther, for Christmas. It doesn't get better than that!!

Hope you all have an amazing holiday with the ones you LOVE. Thank you for visiting and your continued support:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!

See you on the Flip Side;) 

Kristina

 

 

playroom remodel in 36 hours.

November has been kind of a blur!!

The girls have been trading illnesses for weeks and its now gotten me too, no fun!!

BUT, it's that time of year and I have already come to terms with the fact that someone is probably always gonna be sick throughout these lovely winter months:) Spring can't come soon enough for me!!

It is also one of my favorite times of the year (weird huh?). Before we could put out the Christmas stuff, I was bound and determined to finish some projects that have been weighing on my mind--so glad they're done!!

Remember in January, I REORGANIZED THE MAIN LEVEL?? Well, it took 10 months (of being irritated by RED), I finally made a move and painted!!!

Time to share...

As most of you know, I am ALL ABOUT functional space. AND our space just wasn't functioning for us, so I made some changes.

It's just SO EXCITING when a vision comes to life, especially when it didn't cost much:) The walls are an off white/grayish color and I repainted the Big Ole bookshelfy thing a taupey gray, mmmm, love it.

Everything you see was already in the room/house except the EXPEDIT from IKEA, metal baskets (on floor) from Homegoods and metal shelf basket storage which was down in my sewing room. The playtable in the middle gets moved all around the house (based on need and function + has three sizes of adjustable legs for your growing child!) and has storage below, from Land of Nod.

MAIN GOAL of the playroom re-do= minimize the appearance of plastic/blinky/pink toys + parts...I just couldn't take it anymore!! I honestly don't feel that just because you have kiddos, your house has to be filled with ugly crap-ola. There, I said it.

 Found some awesome Black and White organizing trays and boxes at the DOLLAR SPOT inside Target.

Do you like our child safety lock?? It's an old dog collar. Matt was being resourceful:) The paint was still drying so stuff still needs to be put back. Fun little workbench from the cutest online shop Tushies and Tails, went to HS with the owner, a total sweetheart.

Also, I painted the fireplace:) More on that once I finish moving furniture around, get the drapes up and decorate for Christmas!! First things first though, stop coughing.

Hope you have all been well and are enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend!!

kristina

OH!!

1. my landing page is now a domain! www.sewdomestic.com, woohoo!!

2. I am gonna be 30 next week, NOT woohoo!!