Blog Archives - Joyful Junction

Seamstress in the Making

6/30/2011

We just wrapped up a mini-summer sewing class with our 5 & 6 year olds and a few friends. I'm amazed at hour these few hours of dedicated sewing time has triggered regular sewing pursuits for our girls. They've gotten so creative with the little projects for themselves as well as for their dolls.

This is a link to an old video we made to help encourage sewing creativity:
http://youtu.be/Ly8w-7N486M

Here's another link to a video where our oldest girls converted old pjs to make them a bit more modest:
http://youtu.be/rPkKiJavklw

This is an idea I had based on my daughters 4-H sewing class in Louisiana:

Set up your sewing machine
Take out the bobbin and the thread up top
Print this sewing practice page
Sew (threadless) along the lines on the page

NOTE: The curved lines are more challenging.

Also, when you practice the green lines,
1.Stop at each corner
2.Don't use the peddle, but turn the wheel so the needle is in the paper on the corner
3.Lift up your presser foot
4.Turn the page so you can continue sewing on the next line
5.Put the presser foot back down
6.Continue sewing
This is good practice for sewing things like exterior square pockets

sewing_practice_page.pdf
File Size:	80 kb
File Type:	pdf

Back in Time

6/30/2011

Last week, we attended a Community Renaissance Faire and enjoyed the array of events:

Sword Fighting Lessons

Maxwell in "The Stocks"

Crossing the Tightrope

Little Bowling Ball

6/30/2011

I recently had my follow-up visit with my midwife and found out that MaYah weighs an even 10lbs....or as her assistant mentioned, the weight of 'bowling ball.'

Here are a few recent pics for our distant family & friends....she's full of personality:

Super Saver

6/30/2011

Marlon got this handy electric bill saver for $4 at a yard sale. Our oldest daughter has really put it to use by making homemade biscuits and veggie quiche in it.....It's also a great alternative to a microwave :-)

Conquering Clutter

6/30/2011

In an effort to simplify and be more responsible with our current belongings, I'm doing some serious decluttering. I just wrapped up taking inventory of clothes for our daughters and the boys are next on the list. Then, I think I'll take it up a notch and take inventory of me and Marlon's wardrobe.

Here are 2 videos that may spark an idea if you're having a similar challenge:

Bye-Bye Curls

6/30/2011

Poppa Bear gives little "bear" a quick buzz:

A Cheaper Alternative

6/30/2011

I previously posted a link to ordering the 55gallon water barrels ( http://www.joyfuljunction.com/1/post/2011/06/think-ahead.html ). Although, the barrels on this site don't fit my budget, I did notice these at the Super Giant/Beast (Wal-Mart) for about 1/2 the price of that site.

Also, it's worth mentioning that a friend recently told me that she buys these barrels locally from some type of manufacturer for about $35. If this isn't an option, then perhaps the Wal-Mart version is an alternative worth considering (about $50).

Finally, I've been told not to store these directly on concrete floors due to some sort of reaction to the plastic that may contaminate the water supply....I haven't researched the specifics, but if you know the reason why, please post a comment.

In Pursuit of a Green Thumb

6/30/2011

I admit that I haven't properly attended my garden, but thanks to our automated irrigation system and a few diligent children....I think our garden has some potential:

Pretty in Pink

6/30/2011

My dear friend sent a care package with this precious pink outfit for our "sweetness":

Taking Initiative

6/30/2011

I've been teaching the children the meaning of "taking initiative" for many months. Here are a few pics of them heeding this instruction:

Shucking corn on the back porch

Big sister reading to "The Littles"