Friday, February 24, 2012

The Von Soosten girls at Easter - 1960's style (posted by Lorri)

Lorri, Sherry, Kay

I am not sure what year this picture was taken, but I am relatively sure it was at Easter time.  I say that, because we didn't often wear hats, white gloves and store bought dresses.  Can't imagine how long those gloves stayed white that day, but we sure looked spiffy.  You also have to understand that Kay and I have very straight hair.  So, I'm guessing there were some pink sponge rollers involved in the process. 
Having gotten three girls ready for Easter (no white gloves involved), I can remember how much work it took to get everyone ready.  And smiling.

We sure look happy.  Makes me wonder if there was some Easter candy involved. 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Moozilla and Aaron (posted by Kay)

This is my nephew Caedmon's baby quilt.  Even though he is almost l and 1/2, he is still a baby right? Some day I might get something done on time but I won't promise anything.  This quilt was made from a pattern in the book- Out of the Box with easy blocks by Mary Lou Weidman and Melanie Bautista McFarland.  It was fun to make.  Joan Westhoff of Walnut quilted it with stars and loops.   When we were in 4-H, we named all of our 4-H cows.  I had cows named Girlie, Lassie, Eileen, and Barbara plus some other names I can't remember.  (It has been a few years since I have been in 4-H!)  I named this cow Mozilla!  I hope Caedmon likes it!

Kay holding the quilt.  Note the three little chicks on the left (representing the three Crisler kiddos: Adelaide, Atticus and Caedmon)

The back side of the quilt



This is Aaron.  And yes, he is standing next to a diaper cake.  Kelli (the mom-to-be and his lovely wife) had spent the hours previous to the baby shower in the ER, getting IV fluid to combat the stomach flu.  Kelli and little Miss Huser (still in utero) are doing fine now.  Aaron was nice enough to make a guest appearance at the baby shower, as Kelli just wasn't up to it at that point.  Kay is already planning the baby quilt for this newest addition to our family.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Help! I can't stop!!! posted by Sherry

My latest obsession, my first four owls
I need help. I started making something and I can't stop.  Did you ever have this problem?  I saw these  stuffed woolen owls on line and just loved them. They are made with recycled wool from old sweaters, coats, etc.  I ordered the pattern and made one. My original plan was to make one for each of the grandchildren for Valentine's day with a tag saying "Owl love you forever"    Everyone I showed the owl to liked it so I decided to cut out some more. I have been stockpiling and felting wool for a while, picking up sweaters, skirts, blazers, jackets from the thrift store.  I also scored some wool yardage at a retired PSU home economic professor's auction.  I have used some here and there for small projects; wool pincushions, purses, stockings, etc. I do have quite a variety now.  So I drug it all out and started cutting.  It was so much fun, planning out all the  possibilities and different patterns.  Pretty soon I had cut out 10 owl bodies and multiple wings, faces, eyes, ears, etc. And now every night I am sewing together eyes, wings, and hoods on owl bodies.  I get one done and just have to make another one.  Right now I have 8 owls sitting in my living room looking very wise. I have two more bodies ready to be stuffed and one body almost full.  I ran out of stuffing again. I bought 3 bags last Saturday.  Did you know a bunch of owls is called a Parliament? They are so cute. My plan now is to sell them. Don't know whether the grandchildren will get one or not.  I'm not even sure I can part with them.  They are just too cute.   Oh my, I sound like a crazy person don't I?  I told you I needed help.  But if you come to help me, bring a bag of stuffing. 
Aren't they just the cutest things you've ever seen?