In His Grip

Living In His Shadow

Why do I always look for affirmation from those around me?  I do this all the time. I want people to like me, we all do.  By looking for the approval of those around me, gives them the power of telling me whether I am accepted or not.  Why would I ever give this control over to people?  And sometimes it’s people I don't even like myself, but I want them to like me. Through my quite time I am reminded that if I am affirmed, rejected, or celebrated, so be it.  I need to do what I know He has created me to do. I need to pursue a walk with Christ so close that the spotlight of this world -- be it for me or against me -- is eclipsed by His enormous shadow cast upon my path.  I will find my significance and satisfaction in the shelter of the Most High.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalms 91: 1-2

My Knit Heart

If you think my hands are full you should see my heart. #joyinthejourney #knithearts

My love for all things creative has found its way to knitting.  Over that last several years I have knit anything from Santa stockings, socks, and now these fun little hearts.  I found the pattern here. They knit up so quickly and in no time you will have a handful of hearts just in time to give away for Valentines Day.

Three Word Thursday

Zinnias are blooming!

Three Word Thursday

Oh, happy Summer!

National Sewing Machine Day

Here at Stitches by Sturman we celebrate June 13th as National Sewing Machine Day (yes, it's a thing) honoring the English inventor of the sewing machine,Thomas Saint, in 1790. This invention makes the work we do here possible.  I started sewing as a small child, around 7 years old.  My first project was a pair of pajamas and from there I designed and made many doll clothes along with most of my own back in the day.  

In high school, I began taking in sewing for friends and family and continued this into adulthood.  In 1989, was the official beginning of Stitches by Sturman.  Leaving the corporate world in 1991, I made my new business a full-time job. Starting out with dressmaking, I took a risk and agreed to make window treatments for one model home and I knew this was the kind of sewing I was made for. The first designer that took a chance on me was Brenda Freebern, owner of Picture Perfect Interiors, and I have been doing her drapery fabrication ever since.

Since then, my business has provided towards our family budget, helping finance numerous cars, mission trips, three college educations, two weddings and much more. I have always felt Stitches By Sturman was a gift from God, allowing me to have a career and be at home with my family.  There have been ups and downs but if I had a chance to do it all over again the answer would be, "Oh my heck, yes!"

So today, let's celebrate National Sewing Machine Day!

What's In The Workroom

Although I work with designers everyday, I am always amazed at how creative they can be.  To take all of these different patterns and textures and place them in the same room is amazing.  Me? I would have never chosen this combination, but absolutely love them together.  This is why we all need designers in our lives. It's days like this I love my job!

What's In The Workroom

There are times when I work on projects that I really like myself.  This simple box pleat with trim is one of those projects.

 

Three Word Thursday

Zinnias are planted!

Hand Knit Bonbon Bunnies

These little knit bunnies were my first attempt to knit a soft toy for our little babes. I had been trying to come up with something special for their Easter baskets.  When I saw the Bonbon pattern over on Susan Claudino instagram I knew this would be the perfect addition to their Easter baskets. They were much easier than I anticipated. As I say, "If you take it one row at a time you can knit anything."  I purchased the yarn from one of my favorite yarn dyers, Knitted Wit.  The little guy on the left is out of colorway, "FeliciaCakes" and the one on the right is from, "You're Doing a Really Great Job".  I am so happy with the way they turn out and the babes love them too.  Bonbon bunnies for the WIN!

 

Happy Easter

Three Word Thursday

Easter is coming!

Because Every Day Is New

There is something comforting to me that every morning is a fresh start.  The day is clear of yesterday and just waiting for me to make it something more exciting, beautiful, and productive than the day before.   Every day is a new  day:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

 

Adventure

Beginning a new adventure is always a step of faith. But without adventure in our lives can you really live life to it’s fullest? May you find adventure in your life today.

Hello Autumn!

I love this time of year when the season begins to change. Autumn is my favorite. The colors, the approaching holidays, what’s not to love.

Be Brave

What’s In The Workroom

After a week away working on 3 Sisters Retreat, I am back in the workroom.

Wisdom Study in Proverbs

I started a new online study today from She Reads Truth.  Right now, they are offering a free study in Proverbs for the next 28 days.  These gals have a great way to offer Bible study along with beautiful books and other helps.  You don’t have to purchase the books to participate and there is always a helpful online discussion in the She Reads Truth community.  This was the little nugget that jumped off my tablet.

Sewing For Twins

First sewing project, for my special little gals. ‪#‎grandmaprep ‬‪#‎stitchesbysturman‬ ‪#‎twinsare2timestheblessing‬

I received these little onesies from a friend who had twins at Christmas time a couple of years ago and she knew that I would want them.  And, yes, of course they are perfect for our up coming little cuties coming this December.  I could not find a pattern for leggings that was small enough for newborns so I purchased a pair 0 to 3 months and made my own.  I even made them smaller so they would fit our girlies a soon as possible.

What’s In The Workroom

What's in the workroom. ‪#‎itsmyjob‬ ‪#‎stitchesbysturman‬

Go In Peace

“Go in peace for the Lord is watching over your journey.” ~ Judges 18:6

What’s In The Workroom

What’s in the workroom. #itsmyjob #stitchesbysturman

 

Pray For Those You Love

What’s In The Workroom

What's in the workroom. ‪#‎itsmyjob‬ ‪#‎stitchesbysturman‬

Grandma Prep

Happy mail today. Two “jelly rolls” of quilt fabric to make fun quilts for Grandma’s house.  #grandmaprep #sewingitswhatIdo #pobletepartyof4 #stitchesbysturman

What’s It The Workroom

What’s in the workroom. #itsmyjob #stitchesbysturman 

Sometimes what’s in the workroom stays right here. This is the fabric I have chosen for our family room draperies.

I have decided to go with a more monochromatic look with the color in the accessories.

Lemon Zucchini Bread

When you have an abundance of zucchini, you make a lot of bread. This batch is lemon zucchini bread.  I am amazed when my recipe actually turns out to look like the picture I was working from. 

This is the Lemon Zucchini Bread recipe I used.  I am always looking for new ways to used zucchini rather than the traditional bread because of the abundance that two small zucchini vines provide. Here is one my favorites.

What’s In The Workroom

Working on a master bedroom.  These are euro shams with the Greek key tape trim.

Back Porch Knitting

Because some evenings are perfect for knitting on the patio. #ittybittyporch #lovetoknit #crazysocklady #wearaheartonyourheel

What’s In The Workroom

These are super fun pillow covers with zippers for closure.  The ribbon trim with the tiny fringe along each side is the first time that I had used it and love the way it turned out.

You make me BRAVE

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love.

– I Corinthians 16:13-14

Repost -- Upcycled Sweater Pillows

Because of all of the interest in this post recently, I decided to repost this for your inspiration in the the upcoming holiday season.  Yay, I know I have not been around my blog lately.  Life has just been happening and my blog has taken a backseat.  But that does not mean I have not been creating.  The holiday season always seems to inspire me more than any other time of year.  I just don’t seem to have enough hours in the day to do all that I would like. So, I have learned to prioritize (okay, so it has taken me over 40 years to learn, but I am teachable) those things that I most want done.  These upcycled sweater pillows were on the of top the list.  I have made pillows from upcycled sweaters before.  You can see them here.  The cool thing about using sweaters that have been worn is that they have all of those little slubby balls and imperfections about them, making them perfect for a more vintage look.

I began my search for the deer pattern on Pinterest of course.  I searched deer pillows and found this pattern at Sew Homegrown in Japan. 

I downloaded and cut out her pattern in paper.  Before cutting out the pattern on the sweater, I applied a fusible web to the back side of the sweater to help with stability as well as adhering it to the main pillow piece making it easier to top stitch around the design. 

Here is one more tip I will give you free of charge.  When I am doing an applique, especially when working with a knit fabric, I place a piece of tissue paper under the fabric and stitch right through it.  This helps the feed dogs move more smoothly across the fabric and gives additional stability keeping the fabric from stretching out of proportion. Once you are finished stitching, you can pull the tissue paper off. 

Once I completed the deer pillow I knew that I needed a complementary pillow to accompany my new deer pillow.  Yes, of course a snowflake would be perfect.  I found the snowflake design here.

The white sweater for the deer was a much looser knit so it is a bit fuzzy, but I kind of like the look.

The sweater used for the snowflake was a tight cotton knit and ended up with a much cleaner cut.

The puff ball trim I found at Michaels.  It was a chain of the balls with edge, so I had to hand sew the trim.  I am not one to do a lot of hand sewing but the pillow really did call for this ball trim and I super happy to have taken the extra time.

I am participating in the following link ups:  Somewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans,Gluesticks, Beyond the Pikcet Fence, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Chic Cottage,Blooming Designs, Bubble Nature Creations, Liz Marie, Addicted 2 Decorating, Hof ouse of Hepworths, Stuff and Nonsense, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Truly Lovely,Simply Sweet Home, Bubbly Nature Creations, The Answer is Chocolate, Sassy Sites, I Gotta Create, The CSI Project, Sisters of the Wild West, Boogieboard Cottage, It So Very Cheri, DIY Showoff, Natasha In Oz, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Between Naps on the Porch, Skip to My Lou, Todays Creative Blog, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings,Domestically Speaking, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Fabric Bows and More,My Girlish Whimms, Seven Thirty Three, Sew Much Ado, Someday Crafts, Lil Luna,Mama Hens Coop, {Primp}, Vintage Gwen, Frugally Sustainable, Tidy Mom,Pinkapotmus, Between Naps on the Porch, Etcetorize, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Sew Can Do,My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Mod Vintage Life, My Romatic Home, Making The World Cuter, Knick of Time, Slice of Suburbia, At the Picket Fence, French Countrty Cottage, Shabby Art Boutique, Rooted in Thyme, The Charm of Home, 504 Main, A Little Knick Knack, Five Days...Five Ways, Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie dust, Freckled Laundry, Answer is Chocolate, Chic on a Shoestring, Knick of Time,The Ivy Cottage, Elizabeth & Co., The Winthrop Chronicles, The Dedicated House, The Lettered Cottage, Live Laugh Rowe, Seven Alive, 52 Mantels, Bloom, Adorned From Above, Hi Sugarplum, Savvy Southern Style, Yesterday on Tuesday, Clean and Sensible, Mom, On Timeout. One Project at a Time, Kathe With an E, Cozy Little House, Sugar Bee Crafts, Cozy Little House, Life With The Crust Cut Off, Jennifer Rizzo

Three Word Thursday

North woods autumn . . . .

White Chocolate Candy Corn Krispies

While here in the north woods, I often have time to explore Pinterest more than I do at home.  Today while browsing around I came across this great Fall recipe that not only looked Fallish, sounded tasty and was easy all in one.  You can find the original post here.  Lil’ Luna is one of my favorite blogs that I visit often, so it was very fun when a Pinterest pin took me somewhere familiar.  The recipe takes rice krispies, peanuts, candy corn, marshmallows, white chocolate chips and a bit of peanut butter. 

There is just something about corn candy that always gets me in the mood for Fall. And then you add the peanuts with that bit of salt, total heaven.  You have got to try this recipe.

 

 

 

White Chocolate Candy Corn Kripies

By Lil’ Luna

• 2 cups rice krispies 
• 2 cups Candy Corn and Peanuts Mix 
• 2 cups marshmallow
• 1/2 cup peanut butter 
• 12 oz package white chocolate chips

1. Combine cereal, candy corn & peanuts and marshmallows in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. In a pan melt white chocolate chips and peanut butter over low heat, stirring constantly.
3. Add white chocolate and PB mix to the cereal mixture and mix well.
4. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper and let set. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Store in airtight container.

I am participating in the following link ups:  Somewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans,Gluesticks, Beyond the Pikcet Fence, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Chic Cottage,Blooming Designs, Bubble Nature Creations, Liz Marie, Addicted 2 Decorating, Hof ouse of Hepworths, Stuff and Nonsense, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Truly Lovely,Simply Sweet Home, Bubbly Nature Creations, The Answer is Chocolate, Sassy Sites, I Gotta Create, The CSI Project, Sisters of the Wild West, Boogieboard Cottage, It So Very Cheri, DIY Showoff, Natasha In Oz, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Between Naps on the Porch, Skip to My Lou, Todays Creative Blog, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings,Domestically Speaking, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Fabric Bows and More,My Girlish Whimms, Seven Thirty Three, Sew Much Ado, Someday Crafts, Lil Luna,Mama Hens Coop, {Primp}, Vintage Gwen, Frugally Sustainable, Tidy Mom,Pinkapotmus, Between Naps on the Porch, Etcetorize, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Sew Can Do,My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Mod Vintage Life, My Romatic Home, Making The World Cuter, Knick of Time, Slice of Suburbia, At the Picket Fence, French Countrty Cottage, Shabby Art Boutique, Rooted in Thyme, The Charm of Home, 504 Main, A Little Knick Knack, Five Days...Five Ways, Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie dust, Freckled Laundry, Answer is Chocolate, Chic on a Shoestring, Knick of Time,The Ivy Cottage, Elizabeth & Co., The Winthrop Chronicles, The Dedicated House, The Lettered Cottage, Live Laugh Rowe, Seven Alive, 52 Mantels, Bloom, Adorned From Above, Hi Sugarplum, Savvy Southern Style, Yesterday on Tuesday, Clean and Sensible, Mom, On Timeout. One Project at a Time, Kathe With an E, Cozy Little House, Sugar Bee Crafts, Cozy Little House, Life With The Crust Cut Off

Three Word Thursday

Commanded to love . . .

Commanded to Love

AlI I need to do is love my neighbor, right?  Loving those I know, folks in my family, people I have chosen as friends is easy. That kind of love comes naturally.  Anyone can love like that and we all do.  In fact, I often show this kind of love without even trying or being aware of it. But these are not the only people I have been asked to love. What if I was asked to love those who look different than me, who have made different choices than I have or I may not like?  What if I was asked to love in a radical way that shows no concern for my reputation, safety, or feelings, maybe even opening myself up to being hurt and disappointed? In fact, over the past couple of years that is exactly where I find myself.  God has given me a deep unfamiliar kind of radical love that I cannot explain.  I have found myself loving people do who not live like I do, have made very different choices than I have, and who think very differently than me.  I still find myself drawn to them, thinking about how their day is going, being concerned about the next choices I know that they are making in their lives.  Normally, this kind of concern or love for a group of people that I don’t really know is temporary.  For reasons I cannot explain, God has chosen to continue to place that radical unfamiliar love in me for these folks.  I am now choosing to pursue this new course of action into radical love no matter how apprehensive I may be or the caution that is regularly offered.  My experience has proven that if I follow the ways of the God that I know, he will not abandon me. Love Wins every time!

Three Word Thursday

You are valued . . .

It's Tough Being a Woman in a Mean World

Recently I started the Beth Moore bible study, Esther – It’s tough being a women. Although I had done this study several years ago, it amazes me how I glean something new each time I study any part of God’s word.  Esther and Beth Moore are really getting into my business.  In the first two weeks, the study has made me think about when I am feeling threatened by a situation or someone in my life, what is the history behind that threat.  Why am I reacting in such a negative way?  Why is it I feel the need to conform to the culture around me by never being beautiful enough, skinny enough, “healthy” enough, etc. (insert your “failure” here)?  As a women who is into the second half of life, you would think that I would no longer be concerned with such things.  But I often find myself feeling as though I will never measure up to the “enough” women in my mind.  Our world is mean in that we are constantly bombarded with the perfect illusion of what a women is supposed to be in the media.  Although I know that it is all smoke and mirrors, I can’t help but have that never “enough” feeling, apparently for my whole life.  Silly me, I thought I would grow out of this by now.  Thank goodness there is a God, if I listen to his words, I know that I will always be loved enough and beautiful enough.  It’s tough being a woman in a mean world.

Caramelized Onions and Chicken Griller Pizza

-- Re-post -- 

Because this is one of my favorite recipes and I am always searching for it, I thought I would re-post it again.  I have made it many times since the original post it is always a big hit.

For the first time, I tried  gilled pizza.  My friend Sheri, has been grilling pizza for a while and our family has had the pleasure of experiencing it.  Sheri is a grill expert so trying this grilled pizza thing was a little out of my league, but this recipe is so easy that I thought I could make it work. I figured the recipe called for a prebaked pizza crust how hard could this be.  Here is the recipe, but I think next time I will try making my own crust.  I love homemade pizza crust.  It turned out super great!

Grilled Chicken Pizza

2 tablespoons butter

3 cups thinly sliced sweet onions

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

2 oz cream cheese

1 package 12 inch prebaked pizza crust

1/3 cup Alfredo pasta sauce

1 cup shredded cook chicken breast

2 roma tomatoes, sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1.  In a 10 inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat.  Cook onions and sugar in butter 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown and caramelized; stir in thyme.

2.  Heat gas or charcoal grill.  Spread cream cheese evenly over pizza crust.  Top with Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, onions, basil leaves, and tomatoes.  Place on grill over medium-low heat.  Cover grill; cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

 

Three Word Thursday

Life is awesome . . . .

Door to Door Organics

Door to Door Organics delivers to my house every other week.  It just might be one of the highlights of my day when that door bell rings and I find a box like this on my step. 

To have fresh produce delivered right to my front porch is not only convenient, but makes me feel a bit special.  Now, my husband, would laugh at this, just because I am paying for this service/“special” feeling does not really make me special.  But I’m going with it.  Delivery of fresh produce to my front porch makes me special. 

Having fresh produce in our house, helps motivate me to create new, healthy, and creative meals.  I have found one of the benefits of being an empty nester, is that there is no pressure in making meals within a certain time frame and for a crowd.  This allows me to be a bit more creative and take more time to enjoy the process of cooking.  Door to Door Organics is like I have a famers market delivered right to my home.  If you have never tired this service, you should check them out.  We have started with the Bitty Mixed box every other week, but can change our deliver options at any time.  You too can be “special” and have fresh produce delivered to your door.