From K - Staple Dress in Seattle

When Amanda was visiting two weeks ago we took the opportunity to hit up a couple of local quilt shops. While we were out and about, I found some amazing super light weight cotton and decided it would be perfect for my first attempt at a Staple Dress.

After a couple hours of sewing with pattern in hand, I wound up a little gem of a dress. A week later the hubs and I ventured down to Seattle where we crossed paths with Amanda and her Mr. again (for the third weekend in a row - WHA?!).

The weather was stunning and I was thrilled to sport my new dress for the first time. Amanda helped me decide on the hem length and I think she had the right idea. I can see this piece transitioning into fall easily with dark tights and heals.

I'm also so happy that I made the pocket version of this dress. April's detail into making these pockets really impressed me. They lay to the front of the dress people, the front! This may not mean much to you if you haven't sewn many dresses, but my washi pockets often lay to the back and it's terribly frustrating. That in itself will guarantee more staple dresses in my future.

Amanda's hubby graciously took these pics for me down on Pier 57. We all sauntered back down to the waterfront one evening at dusk to ride the Seattle Great Wheel and the views were spectacular.

Between shopping and quilt shop stops, we also managed to hit up the classics like Pike Market and the Seattle Aquarium! It was a fantastic way to end our three weekend extravaganza.

I'm going to miss seeing that cousin of mine each weekend but lucky we get to catch up again in Sepetmeber, when Sewing Summit rolls around! Anyone else coming to SS2013?

Linking up to Needle and a Thread Thursday over at My Quilt Infatuation; as well as Finish it up Friday over at Crazy Mom Quilts and TGIFF over at Bedtime Quilting. Come join in on all these linky parties to see some of the other great projects!

From K - Polishing off Panda PJs

August is upon us and I am soooo thrilled. For me, August has always been a time for fresh starts, new beginnings and new shoes (I'm not in school anymore but I can't stop traditions... and who can say no to new shoes?). More than anything though, August brings on Fall, a season like no other. Crisp air, scarves, warm baking, turning leaves... and cozy PJs!

Two weeks ago Amanda was in town so I toured her around to a couple of my LQSs. At the first stop, she swooned over a double gauze panda print by Cosmo and I couldn't stop myself from picking up some yardage too. What can I say, my cousin has a good eye and great taste.

I started cutting while she was here but then lost steam. For fear that this may turn into another half completed garment project if I don't take drastic measure, I'm making this my August goal for A Lovely Year of Finishes. I can't wait to rock these little bears come September.

Also linking up to WiP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

From K - Road Tripping

The hubs and I are hitting the open road today, destination Seattle. He loves driving so I usually bring busy work to occupy my hands. On the WiP list for this trip are two knit projects and some hand quilting on my Black and White Kites Baby Quilt.

To top off the general fun and excitement that a road trip brings, I've been feeling nothing short of spoiled lately because that cousin/blog partner of mine, Amanda... the who lives so far away... well in a few days I will get to see her for the 3rd weekend in a row!

Two weeks ago we were both back in our hometown in Manitoba to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our amazing grandparents (yes you read that right, 60!). Coincidentally, while we were home the local museum hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the house they met in.

Here's a peak inside the 1920's house:

Then this past weekend Amanda, her husband, and their adorable yellow lab Bowser continued their trek to Calgary where they stayed with us for a few days - yay! Amanda diligently worked on 3 WiPs while I started 3 entirely new unplanned projects. Talk about a role reversal, go figure!

Our weekend looked quite a bit like this:

And now this upcoming weekend we will cross paths for the third time while simultaneously visiting Seattle. We used to see each other once every other year but somehow we've managed 8 visits in the past 12 months - craziness! You won't see us complaining though :)

Well I'm off to pack my duffle and get road trip ready. We'll be sure to share some pics of our Seattle adventures together soon.