Most likely you have heard it said “Bloom and grow where you are planted”, right? Well, this pumpkin volunteer plant has certainly taken that verse to heart. 🙂 Look at it: Squeezed in from all sides, it continues to put on a beautiful show. How many times have we been squeezed from all sorts of sides and angles. With God’s help we can “bloom and grow” even under the most adverse circumstances.

Only problem now? How am I going to get this pumpkin out of this fence??? LOL.

God bless and give you strength for today.

You might know that we have two autistic grandchildren. Our grandson, Sid (almost 14) and granddaughter, Eliana (almost 9).

Eliana stayed with us yesterday afternoon and night. It’s always a special time with her. Last night was no exception.

She saw a new in the hoop birth sampler I had made. I used her name because we just don’t have babies in our family right now. She saw the pillow and fell in love with it. I referred to it as a “baby” pillow and she said “Hmmm…. excuse me! It says “Eliana Grace” on the pillow. How could it be a “baby” pillow??? And then I looked at the words and thought, well, she is absolutely right, it could be used for her and girls her age as well.

I had intended to pose the pillow with one of our larger bears, but that bear went off to school with Eliana.

After I said good night prayers with Eliana last night, I suddenly heard her talk in my sewing room – which is NOT where she sleeps. 🙂 I found her tucking all my little teddy bears into a small baby doll bed and covering them up with a soft blankie, because “they might get cold at night”. Oh, and of course, we had to make sure the night light was left on because she didn’t want the bears to wake up and be afraid and not know where they were.

And, lest you think those little bears were in that doll bed without a mattress, oh, no!! She had torn up several paper tissues and placed them on the bottom so they would sleep on something soft. She absolutely loves the softness of these little teddy bears. She took care of those little bears with so much thought and care. And it reminded me of the love that the Lord has for His children. In this worrysome world, I tend to forget that God IS in control and that He tenderly watches over us, even in the darkest of times. He IS that reassuring nightlight in today’s darkness.

May your day be blessed and thank you for taking the time to read this little story and stopping by to visit us at Oma’s Place.

It’s Spring break at Eliana’s school for autistic children and she has been with me during the day. We have had fun. Yesterday she wanted to learn how to sew a little dress for her American girl doll. I still wanted to get my daily 2 mile walk in and suggested that she look at links to AG doll free sewing patterns on Pinterest while I would do my quick walk. (Grandpa was home watching her, don’t worry!! 🙂 ) Did you know just HOW many free AG doll patterns are available online???? Oh, my goodness. There must be a LOT of girls with AG dolls and an even greater number of Moms and Grandmas eager to sew for them.

Here are just a couple of links, in case you are interested:

http://www.pinterest.com/forever18inches/free-18-doll-patterns/

http://www.pinterest.com/shamrocknanna/american-girl-doll-patterns-access-free-tut/

Well, back to my story about Eliana. So, I sat her in front of the computer (she is extremely computer savvy), put in the first link and told her that once she had chosen the pattern, she could start selecting fabrics. What was I thinking??? When I came back 30 min later, there she was in a total state of panic. Too many patterns, too many fabrics to choose from. She was actually experiencing an anxiety attack. I helped her narrow down her choices, then left it between two outfits and she picked one. What relief – a pattern had been decided on. She did so well cutting out the pattern. I was surprised to see how much her fine motor muscle coordination had improved even from last year. Then it came to selecting trims.Granted, this grandma has a messy few drawers full of them – she finally asked me to just choose the trims and I did. I showed her what seams needed to be serged/finished and she did all of that beautifully. She did a couple of seams, but then her attention span was gone and off she went into her own little world, playing with My Little Ponies.

I finished the dress and she was so pleased but concerned that dolly didn’t have “Unmentionables”. There is a link on Pinterest just dedicated to that!! Here it is in case you have a similar “problem”. 🙂

http://www.pinterest.com/james2/18-doll-undergarments/

So, this morning, hubby goes to get a piece of bread from the bread box and guess what he found?

Eliana has a great sense of humor and likes to leave little reminders of herself all over our house. But this one topped it. She probably thought that the breadbox was the perfect size for her doll? Too funny.

I never know what I will find after Eliana has gone home. All reminders of her sense of humor and need to remind us that she loves us.

Hope you are having a great day and that it includes some stitching today!

This past Sunday, our daughter Kristy, whom you may have read about in earlier post, ran her first full marathon. That may not mean much to many folks but to us, her parents, this is a HUGE accomplishment. Please allow me to share Kristy’s account of her Marathon in her own words. This is what she posted to her facebook page:

For those of you interested…
My first Marathon recap:
The morning started cold- 29 degrees- but it was clear and warmed up to about 55 by the time I was done. Sunshine- no humidity, an occasional wind on some stretches, but truly, you could not imagine more beautiful weather to run a marathon in. I lined up to start, and my parents made it just before the gun went off- so I was able to hug them on my way out. The first 5 miles were hilly, but I felt strong. I kept focusing on going easy, and not going out too fast. Really concentrated on keeping my effort conservative. Up to mile 12 I felt strong and steady. Met a 77 yr old who was running his 70th marathon- had on an awesome shirt with Philippians 4:13. He cheered me on as he passed me
At mile 11 I saw some Friends (Patti Esterline Larr Aimee Hill Wallis) and mile 12 my parents and oldest son (Monika Tocknell John Tocknell Siddiq Brock) were cheering me on. Took a beautiful 4 mile loop out in the country. I was following, then passed a man running in a superhero cape that said “Marathon Man” and a girl (who I late found out was Tiffany Griffis) I paced myself with them for a while, then passed them. The way back was a straight shot up the bike path. The sun was shining but it was mile 17 and I was getting tired. Then the One Run For Boston passed me, which spurred me on. Ended up behind another elderly gentleman with Isaiah 41:30 on his shirt. More inspiration! By mile 21 I had slowed considerably, having to resort to a run/walk. Then Marathon Man and Tiffany came into my life. Marathon Man is from Australia, he has the world record for most marathons run in a year (he has a Facebook page). He was interviewing and recording first time marathoners- so I told him my story. Because he was recording me and distracting me I ran for 2 miles straight when I was worn and had to take a walk break, I met Tiffany. We started to do a run/walk together. We pushed ourselves to the next tree, the next mile marker, and we made it the last 3 miles together. I swear I couldn’t have made it without her. It was her first marathon too. I only wish she didn’t live in West Virginia. but we are now Facebook friends at least! along those last 5 difficult miles my sister in law (Holly Muterspaw Tocknell) and niece and nephews met me in 3 separate places, and another friend (Stephanie Jopson) met me about a mile from the finish. Their support motivated and encouraged me to keep pushing.
As we neared the finish line I saw my family- my husband, kids, my parents, my sister in law. My kids ran with me across the finish and Tiffany and I hugged each other. We did it! We finished. I sobbed and was completely overwhelmed. To think where I once was only 3 yrs ago- 300 lbs and unable to run the distance between two mailboxes- to having lost 85 lbs and running 26.2 miles. God took me all the way and I’m so grateful. I can do all things through him- and so can you! Thank you Emily Cook and Jeff Cook for inspiring me 3 yrs ago to start running- I’m so grateful for you! ”

As a mother, I am not only so grateful for what our daughter accomplished with the help of the Lord, but it fills me with gratitude to see the rippling effects of her actions. Today, Sid, her autistic oldest son asked his grandfather to go running with him. They decided that they should start out with a brisk walk of 4 miles – but 4 miles they walked! And after the walk he said he wanted to keep doing that. So, tomorrow at 3 pm Grandpa and Sid will be walking again. Thank you, Kristy, for your determination, your faith, and the good example you have been to your kids.

Amazing, the rippling effects our actions have on those around us, isn’t it?

Have you ever wondered what goes into making an in the hoop design? I can’t talk for other digitizers, but I can tell you that it’s a lengthy process, even if the project looks easy to the purchaser. See this little tea pocket? Cute, isn’t it?

Looks simple enough, doesn’t it? Well, first of all, you have to find the right graphics. I was very fortunate – Laurie of doodlepantry.com had just the perfect ones. Actually, her graphics were the starting point for these little pockets. I found though that they did not work very well in their entirety, the way they were drawn. After a first stitchout, I had to change how much of her graphics I used. I loved Laurie’s scalloped edge in the back, but… alas it did not look good once stitched. What to do? How was I going to close this great little pocket? Velcro? No, that would involve too many extra steps; snaps? Well, not every sewer has a way of making them easily and I did not want folks to have to go and buy one just for this little pocket. So, here came the idea of the strap in the back. I think it turned out nicely, don’t you? After 5 stitchouts, I finally had what you see in the photos above.

Here is a progression photo of three of the 5 stitchouts:

Now that I am happy with the outcome – off it goes to at least 3, sometimes as many as 6 testers. When they all can produce a satisfactory result – as shown by photos of their stitchouts – then we finally put up the design for sale. So, you can be assured that when we put a design up for sale – it’s been tested multiple times, often by multiple people on different machines.

We want you to know that you can buy from us with confidence! Oh, the little tea pocket is part of a set I am working on: Tea for You. It will have a set of new tea mug rugs and a tea mug tote (mostly done in the hoop). Hoping this will make a great gift for Moms (Mums)! 🙂 Stay tuned for more.

Happy Stitching!

As I was cutting my grass this morning, I noticed how the sunlight highlighted a little hidden corner in my garden.

I thought it was so precious and wanted to share it with you.

Have you been wondering what I do when I am not digitizing or watching grandchildren? Well, another favorite pas ttime of mine is flower gardening. Although I must admit that with advancing age, it seems to become more difficult to manage all those plants and – WEEDS!! I am finding that Preen has been a great help in the weed department, but there are still quite a few areas that have not been willing to submit to weed control! 🙂 With the unusual amount of rain fall this year, it seems that both flowers and weeds have benefited!! I also tried my hand at some great side planters/containers from https://www.kinsmangarden.com/index.php and I am so very pleased with them. Usually, I have found that these cocomat/moss planters dry out so fast. But the ones from Kinsman’s have just been wonderful. I water about every other day, sometimes can even wait til three days are up. And they have just been a joy to watch grow. Saarah (one of my granddaughters) and I planted those together and she, too, enjoys looking at how well her pots and plants are doing. I highly recommend these.

Well, I thought I would share some photos and hope you enjoy a stroll through my garden. It is in my garden where I do a lot of praying and praising God for His many blessings and where I find new inspiration for my designs.

My husband found this garden saying by an unknown author:

When the world wearies,

And the world ceases to satisfy,

There is always

THE GARDEN

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

God bless. Monika

I look at my autistic grandson – he is so ruggedly handsome – his hair tossled, a piece of flowery silk fabric wrapped around his neck, his beautiful big blue eyes with long eye lashes looking sad and semi pleading. On the one hand he hates parties, big gatherings of people, loud places; on the other hand, he longs to have connection with others, feel loved and appreciated – yet he doesn’t know how to relate to others, how to enter into their world. It brings tears and pain not only to him but to those who do love him – his family. He asks often “Why did God make me like this?” And I don’t know the answer. Awkward as he appears socially, he has a heart of gold. When his grandfather suddenly had to be taken to the hospital with a very rapid heart beat, it was Sid who went to his room to pray for Grandpa, it was Sid who lovingly offered to help Grandpa the next day. He is full of extremes: so beautiful, yet so uncaring about his appearance; so verbal, yet so unable to establish rapport with others; so intelligent, yet so unpolished in his behaviors. He is loved deeply by his family and I pray that some day God will show him a very special place in life where he can shine and rejoice in the fellowship he can have with others and God.

A customer recently sent me a slide show about an Autism Cruise that he organizes. He sent it to me because the video shows the use of one of our Autism designs. But I want to show it to you because I think it is very well done and depicts the great joy that so many of these children and adults seemed to have experienced on this cruise. Thank you, Alan Fowler, for giving me permission to place this on my blog and for organizing joy and happiness for individuals with autism.

Just quickly wanted to share with you something I have been working on: A set of labels for twins. These are sooo cute. There are 10 designs in this set and I made them with burp pads, bibs, and blankets in mind. What do you think? I have also made a tutorial on how to make burp pads out of little guest towels. These are fun to make and really come together quickly, especially if you use my designs. You knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?!! 🙂 I am posting the tutorial right here on this blog. Okay, here it is:

These burp pads are so fun and quick to make.

You use a small guest towel (I used a 6 pack from WalMart), apply a colored fabric backing, place your favorite burp design on it and add trim to your liking. The terry cloth from the towel absorbs spills and burps very nicely and is soft to baby’s skin. The fringes at the top and bottom add a playful touch to the burp pad.

You Need:

1 guest towel (mine was 10.5″x16.0″ — if yours is a different size, be sure to adjust the backing

fabric size.)

1 piece of fabric 12×16″ (for backing)

Trims, if desired

Instructions:

1. Take your towel, mark the center, and place your choice of baby design on one side of the towel, about

4-5″ up from the bottom edge (depending on how much trim you want to add under the design).

2. After you placed your design, add trim of your choice under design.

3. Take your backing fabric, press a top and bottom edge seam of ¾”.

4. Place the right side of the backing over the right side of the towel, and sew ¼” seam along the long edge.

5. When you have sewn one side, do the same to the other. You will notice that the backing appears wider

than the towel. That’s what we want.

6. Turn everything inside out.

7. Even out the backing fabric so that you will have an equal amount of fabric “overhang” on both sides of the

burp pad, creating a little decorative edge.

8. Stitch in the ditch along the burp pad long edges.

9. Stitch the backing to the burp pad front by topstitching along the top and bottom edges, close to the start of the fringe. You could also just use Steam a Seam 2 and iron the backing in place.

Iron it — and there you are. Isn’t this cute? And so very functional.

I haven’t written in a while – life gets so busy, doesn’t it? Today I want to share with you about a very special family. Krista and Josh Carson have 4 children of their own, one of which was born with Down Syndrome. The Carsons have felt lead by the Lord to adopt another child with Down syndrome and they need help financially to bring this baby (to be born in June) home to them. To help out the Carsons I am going to make available a Down Syndrome butterfly for sale. All proceeds from this sale will go towards the Carsons’ expenses for baby Elana.

Would you like to find out more about Krista and Josh and their 4 precious children? Please visit their blog:

www.mygoddoesntmakemistakes.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading this and letting me share.

God bless.

Monika

When I grew up in Germany, the 4 weeks before Christmas, Advent were special. For those 4 weeks we gathered on Sundays to work on Christmas projects, listen to Christmas music, eat Christmas cookies, and hear my Dad read Christmas stories to us. There was something magical about that time. I have from time to time tried to renew this tradition here in Ohio but haven’t been too successful. This year, I thought of having the grandkids over and that maybe we could make some Santa Clauses German style on St. Nicholas day. See, in Germany, in the old days, St. Nicholas and Christmas were not identical. St. Nick’s day was December 6th (I suppose it still is) and we had a yeast bread, made in the shape of St. Nick. St. Nick would also come around on December 6th with a big sack on his back full of toys for “good” kids. He was usually accompanied by St. Ruprecht. St. Ruprecht had an empty sack for “bad” kids. Boy, did we all try to be good and recite our poems for St. Nick so we wouldn’t end up in Ruprecht’s sack!! 🙂

I decided that maybe I could do a little teaching about St. Nick and bake a German style yeast bread. It was fun – though there were moments of tension. See, while the kids were waiting for the Nicholas’ to cool off so they could put icing on them, Grandma thought she needed to try one. Problem is, Grandma got confused and ate Eliana’s Santa Claus. Oh, the horror when I realized what I had done. Now you need to know Eliana is one our little Aspies and meltdowns are frequent. I just wanted to go and hide. How could I have eaten HER St. Nick???!!! Oh, Grandma spent many remorseful moments before ‘fessing up. And Eliana was so gracious. She was just fine with taking Grandma’s Santa Claus instead. And Grandma sighed a deep sigh of relief! LOL.

The other moment of tension came when the children somehow thought they had made “cookies” not bread. You know bread is just not the same as a chocolate chip cookie!!

Other than that, it was a fun filled evening and I am posting some photos of it.

Thanks for letting me share.

I wanted to let you know that I recently purchased a sweet security blanket from http://www.elegantbaby.com and it is the sweetest softest blankie you will ever touch. I am truly impressed. I bought it to coordinate it as a present with our new little lamb blanket label. So precious. It looks like Elegantbaby also has some other unique baby gift giving ideas that you might want to check out. The font used is our Classic Bold 3/4″. Because it’s a little thicker, it always stitches out well on blankets.

Hope this info will help somebody.

We are back to homeschooling. This time, though, Kristy and I share the teaching. Kristy does Mon, Wed, and Fridays. I do Tues and Thursdays.

Here is a picture that shows one of the advantages of homeschooling: Saarah surrounded by her beloved stuffed toys. She is a joy to teach. Like a sponge that wants to absorb all there is to learn.

It seems I have been working on Effie’s wallhaging for a loooooooong time and it feels so good to have it hanging in his room. He rewarded me with a hug and his beautiful smile. Makes it worth it all. For sure I could have done more with this wallhanging in terms of actually quilting it, but I just don’t have the patience nor the time to do that right now. I think he will still get enjoyment out of it the way it is.

Now to “iron out” some minor things in the files and then they should go up for sale, hopefully, within a week or so. So, be on the lookout. The designs should be available for sale soon. I hope you will like them as much as I do.

On to sewing a dress for Rileigh for school start and digitizing more fall designs.

If you have been following my progress on Effie’s wallhanging, you may have been wondering what happened to me. I have been working on it, but progress has been slow. I finally finished digitizing all of the cowboys and then redid the color scheme of the wallhanging and I have to say I like it a lot. Those cowboys are stitch intensive – not high stitch count, just require quite a bit of color changes, but it’s well worth it, don’t you think? I just love this smiley little fellow. This is exclusive art from www.sugarbeargraphics and I think Denise Pederson did a great job on it. I absolutely love her art. Our little grandson, Effie, has that same kind of happy smile.

I am posting more photos of the work in progress. I hope to be adding a label today and hopefully finish the quilt within a day or two.