Square Deal

Some of you may remember this pattern from last summer.  I wrote up the directions for one of Better Homes & Gardens' magazines.  Well, today I have it all formatted for you as a free pattern download.  If you downloaded it from BHG's site before, please replace your copy with this new one as their pdf was sizing the pattern pieces all funky from what I heard. 

Come to think of it, I reformatted a couple of the other free patterns in my sidebar long about last January.  I don't believe I mentioned it back then.  Many of you already have the new versions, but if you downloaded the headband pattern or the Freshcut quilt pattern when they were first posted, you might want to download them again for a spruced up version.

...just a fun lil' somefin'.

Every sewer should have a cute pincushion -- or several cute pincushions if you ask me.  Follow this link to download the Square Deal pincushion pattern, or click on the photo below.

Been having sweet times with the kids lately.  With summer break just about over here, Elijah & I are trying to wrap up Inkheart, which we've been reading off & on since summer began.  It's well-written & interesting, but slow-to-action.  True, that could be somewhat due to our intermittent reading schedule. We've also purchased The Deathly Hallows on cd.  Isaac's mid-way through loading the cds into iTunes, but we've caught up to him and are content with the immediacy of listening by cd for now. - - - Wow, that JK Rowling.  What can I say?   She really gets it, every nuance.  Friendship, temptation, imperfection, heroism, humor, struggle, tragedy, triumph, loyalty, love, purpose, and human nature.  She is truly inspired.

On the book front, I also had the pleasure of meeting J.S. Lewis a couple of months back at a writer's conference I attended with my mother (my mom's a talented writer -- I'll have to sneak one her poems or stories onto my blog sometime so you can see).  He is a quippy, sarcastic, funny guy (best presentation there).  Elijah whipped right through Revenge of the Shadow King and is hoping to get the other volumes soon.  J.S. sketched out a gargoyle for Elijah on the inside cover. Now how cool is that.

Charlotte's still in princess mode and she has become a champion knot-tyer.  Every day she re-decorates the banisters with interlaced ribbon in preparation for The Royal Birthday Party.  I've lost track of just how old I am now that I've celebrated several birthdays a day for weeks.  Presents wrapped in fabric, party hats, cake (the ribbon loop is the candle we must blow out & each ring is a slice we must pretend to eat).  It's very involved. 

We're having a good time.

I always dread the start of the school year though, when our family schedule tightens up and our son is gone all day.  We love Elijah's school, but why can't the school day be 4 or 5 hours long, max? Someone should start a charter school with more sane hours, so kids can spend more time with their families during the week.  Has anyone heard of such a thing?  Home-schooling isn't the best match for Elijah.  He thrives on daily interaction with other kids (and teachers) and we haven't ended up with enough kids in our family to satisfy that social thing.  Where's the happy medium?   Volunteering at school has always helped.

You know, that's it -- I'm doing more of that this year.  Before Charlotte was born, I was helping at the school every week.  Elijah just loved it & I miss it.  So there we are.

Comments

[Christy/MommaOnTheMountain]

Heather, your boy sounds to be on the same page with authors as my second boy. We all are huge H. Potter fans (our champion knot tying daughter, who is a darling princess even has an imaginary friend named Harry, no joke!), and have read the books several times through. I can't wait to try my hand at your pin cushion, thanks for sharing so much! Have a blessed week!

oh, cornelia funke, has a second book in the Inkheart series, InkSpell I believe. D said that it was really good as well...just in case you didn't know.

[Sarah]

I knew there was something wonky with that pattern. I tried doing it two weeks ago and it seemed to come out really small. Looks like I have my project for tonight's Project Wednesday!

http://prettybirdpress.blogspot.com/2008/07/project-wednesday-report.html

Thank you so much for this pattern and all of your lovely, inspirational work!

[Kasie@~The Art of Life~]

~~~Happy Sigh~~~
Thanks for giving me my "Heather Bailey fix" for the day, lol. You're always so inspiring. I'll have to share the pincushions with my Mom. She's a wonderful seamstress.
I like to volunteer at my daughter's school also. It always makes her so happy to see me there.

[Kristin]

thanks for the sweet pattern. I don't have any cute pincushions...I really need to get on that!

[janapl]

Oh, I do wish someone would start that charter school here! I home schooled my second grader last year and am dreading sending her back to a full day at school- but like your son she needs the social interaction!

[Jackie]

Thanks for the cute pincushion pattern. These will make great gifts for Quilt guild members.

[Joanne (The Simple Wife)]

I'm with you on the whole school thing. I am NOT ready for summer to be over. And though I typically love shopping for school supplies, there's no way I'm doing it until we come back from the lake. And I think we'll even wait until the 11th hour--like the day before.

[Lori H.]

Thank you for reformatting it. I took the pattern off of the BHG site and *tried* it out. As a beginner, I thought it was my sewing skills that threw everything off kilter. Now I realize it wasn't me, it was the pattern. I'll have to try this pincushion again. Thanks!

[Lisa]

I remember this pattern when you first mentioned and thought it was so cute.

Thanks for the new download. I'll have to try my hand at this cute project.

[Melissa (Missy)]

I think this is the first time I have posted to your blog. Thanks for the pin cushion download! It is really cute! I love the headband as well, and.... I lust after your sewing studio!!! All it needs is two additional bays with a photo studio and a weight/workout room next to it. :-) Oh, does it have a coffee pot? LOL! Thanks so much for the inspiration and creativity!

[Marie]

Thanks for re-doing the pattern. The one I made from the BHG download was ridiculously tiny-almost doll sized! I guess I should have saved it for my daughter? I'm excited to try it out again now, thanks for taking the time to do a free pattern!

I completely agree with you on a 4-5 hour school day...I definitely want more time with my daughter now that she's gone all day and she does better in a social environment too.

Oh-I tried your yummy strawberry dessert and it was amazing-I even blogged about it! I'll have to make some more soon! Have a great summer!

[Linn]

So many great things today...patterns, book recommendations, and the comments about schooling hit home. Our little guy has one more year of preschool, but I'm already dreading the whole days away from each other. I'm with you on the idea for a charter school with shorter hours! (From what I've heard, that's how they do it in Japan?) Sigh. Too bad our kids would have a major commute to go to our imaginary charter school together! Thanks for the post.

[danielle]

Wow...this pattern is perfect timing. I downloaded the other one last night from the BHG website, and made it...it is TINY! but cute. But I think the full size one may be more functional. Funny.

[JLC]

Ahh school Is it me or does summer seem to fly by? We start on Monday & I am reeling at the thought!!! my oldest is not yet 10(9/3) and already in 5th grade and middle school even! How did that happen? Thanks for the reading recommendations. We are always looking for some books. My son is not really into reading but we try to get books that are fantasy based like LOTR and of course Star Wars and comics Thanks again for the lovely patterns you are awesome...

[Cindy Keery]

Thanks for the download, Heather! It's beautiful.

[ellen Crimi-Trent]

actually I am looking forward to school since we need to get more on a routine here. We have been traveling a great deal this summer and there are a couple of more trips on the way.

I know my clients would like it if I could do more designs. This summer has just flown, and mommy camp starts next week which should be fun.

You are lucky your son likes to read, mine prefers to build Legos all day long so we have to force him to keep up his reading and work.

I love the download hopefully I will get a chance to do it soon.

[Cary]

I know here in AZ they have a school 2 days/week and then you homeschool the rest of the days. That's not bad. My kids are homeschooled and we are overwhelmed with social stuff! From sports, to church, to music classes, co-op, etc. they get plenty of friend interaction! If they cut out all the "junk" in public schools it would be more like 3-4 hour days. I know in some other countries they have 4-5 hour days and they are smarter!

Anyway! Thanks for all your free downloads! Great art projects for us!

[rohanknitter]

There are some private schools (none around me but they are out there) where the child is in school 2 days a week and at home 3 days a week. The long hours kids put into being at school at such a young age is one of the big reasons I started homeschooling. There's plenty of opportunities for social interaction for anyone wanting to try that route.

[Rachel]

These are fantastic! Thanks so much for doing this! I'll be linking to this in today's Daily DIY.

[AJ]

Thanks for the free download. :)

[Rebecca]

Heather Thank YOU so much for the "Square Deal Pincushion" pattern, I am excited to finally make one! (I could never quite figure out the other pattern, I am glad to know it wasn't just me).

*~~SiGh~~*
My heart goes out to you with summer coming to an end and the school year starting... (I start school again in the fall also).
And even though I don't have little ones I still find it hard to let go of the summer days, -don't get me wrong- I am ever SO GrEaTfUL and consider myself VERY LucKY to be able to go to college!

As a youngster my mom was always volunteering at the school, she was always the room mother of my class, and she would come into the classroom at least once a week to help out with reading groups with. As I think back to those experiences I now recognize how lucky I was to have a mother who could and was so willing to be such an active part of my education.
(I look forward & HoPe one
day to able to do the same!)

Being able to spend most of my days with little ones, (*I am a part-time nanny*), has really reinforced the importance of FaMiLY for me. I often WoNdeR if activities outside of school are really worth it. Children are little for such a short time I believe we need to let kids be kids and enjoy their childhood with them!

[P.S. Thank you for writing about your children and feelings on school today... It really made me think about the kind of mother I hope to be someday!]

[Maricopa Fabrics]

Thanks so much for the pin cushion download, Heather! Between this one, the pear and strawberry patterns I'm expecting and a couple others I've seen latey in the shapes of flowers and desserts, I'm addicted! I certainly don't NEED too many pincushions, but I'm so excited to make them all!

Our kiddos are on a year-round calendar and started school on 7/14. It works well as my husband and I both work outside the home during the day, but I felt like this summer really flew by, unlike prior summers. As they say - the days are long, but the years go by fast. So true.

[Linda]

I love reading your blog -- thanks for writing about the important things -- and for inspiring us with your talent!

[Sylvia]

Back-to-school...ah.......I too never looked forward to it and always wondered why some mothers were absolutely ecstatic to get the "brats" out of the house. The hours ARE way too long for what is accomplished there. We are homeschoolers now and have been for 20 years. It works for us. Stay involved in your son's school. I bet you will never be truly content unless you are. You already know that. =-)

[Teresa Victor]

Thank you SO much for the new pattern! :) This was my very first solo sewing project a few weekends ago and it was giving me fits...thought it was just me. LOL I'll definitely give this updated pattern a shot- thanks!!

[Vanessa]

Hey, just wanted to say that I am thrilled that I have recently found your blog! I am just starting to sew and was just dying to find some fabric was that completely me. Thank you Heather!! :)

-a HUGE fan,
Vanessa

[heather hales DESIGNS]

heather- we LOVE our school in tempe 8:40-3:30 and all parents MUST complete 20 hours of service a school year to attend. it is small and feels a bit like a family, we know nearly all the other parents in our sons grade level and we have tried to get the kids together over summer.

I'm with you though about the tighter schedules- I'm gearing up, hoping I'm ready!

[herblady]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog..Check almost daily to see what's new.I have ordered the pear pattern and can't wait, but till I get it will do the nifty one
in your download.. Thanks and we also are sad about school, we don't get to spend nearly enough time with the grandkids. They grow up way too fast...........
Thanks for a beautiful blog.........
Magy

[momawake]

I love your fabrics and your blog.

One thing about homeschooling (we love it) is that you can pretty much make your own environment. There are so many ways to get that social aspect your son needs. Sports, 4-H, church, co-ops.

[Spare Ribbon]

I just love that pin cushion. Those red tomato pin cushions get so boring.

[chronicler]

Thank you Heather! I love this little pin cushion. The BHG site and me had issues and I thought I would simply lose out on having this pattern.

[Eva Taylor/freshandvintage]

Great pattern Heather--thanks hon! And, I have to agree--volunteering in the classroom makes being away from the kids every school day much more bearable. We parents and kiddos need each other. Thanks for being you :)

Hugs,
Eva

[Gaile]

Heather, thanks so much for the pincushion pattern. I remember seeing it last year. Now I know what to do with all the fat quarters and scraps I've been collecting.

I homeschooled my youngest from Grade 3 upwards. Even with me volunteering for virtually everything, she wasn't comfortable with the public school system. We made a point of keeping her in touch with the kids she met before leaving public school, and she took riding lessons and did other things that kept her with kids her own age.

That being said, homeschooling would never have worked for my oldest, she loved (and still loves) being surrounded by people. My two girls are different as night and day, and it gave me a lot of variety over the years.

In the end you do what works for you and yours. Best of luck to your family as you sort this out!

[Karen]

Thank you so much for this pattern!

I am in desperate need of a new pincushion, my old tomato is falling apart and pitiful looking. :)

[Lori]

Try researching University Model schools, often paired with Classical Education. Those are the two days at school (three in the upper grades) and remaining days at home with curriculum provided by the school. Great match! Love it.

[psmullican]

Thank you kindly for the FREE pattern. I'm going to try and make one for my mom-an avid traditional quilter while she's out of town for a few days. A little suprise for when she returns. Love your fabrics and fun pattern designs.

[diana]

he'd love Tolkien as well...

[Kelly]

Hi Heather, check out Eduprize in Queen Creek and Gilbert. It's a charter school that has shorter days. There is a morning session and afternoon session. It's pretty cool! And it rates high academically too.

Thanks for the pattern. I made one with the old download, but had to redo it with correct sizes. It still turned out OK, but I can't wait to try it with your new pattern.

[Ginger]

Heather!

You read my mind. I've often wished regular school could be on a preschool schedule, 9 to 1. Not too early, not too late. Juuuuust right. Why do the school boards never call us with these questions?

[mathea]

Thank you so much for that pattern - it came at just the right time: I visited my sister today and we were all helping out with different tasks to get her home back in order after a big kitchen redo. One of my tasks was to sew a button back on a cushion, and oh my was her sewing basket a sorry sight! Wonky needles, brittle thread and a needlecushion in tatters - guess who's getting an all spruced up sewing basket with really useable stuff in it soon ;-)

[Barb]

If your son likes those books try "The Lightning Thieves" by Rick Riordan. My son went thru that series and LOVED it.

[Marian]

what a fantastic blog! Im so glad i found you! I couldnt agree more with that you say in your profile... creating is s something we should all try. I think it is the base of my happinness. I know, I sound as if Im no drugs or something, but ever since I decided to stop, step out of the "crazy career" world and give way to my creative juices; I have never been happier. And a week ago I received as a gift a very old sewing machine and I am learning how to sew. I work mostly with clay, porcelain, hand painted stuff, wet felting... but Ive always wanted to try sewing, so Im like a happy little girl now! :)

Anyway, bookmarked!!! :)

[Gina GIraud]

Heather, I too have a boy, well actually two and there the same age as yours and we just decided to work with a private school and do homeschool, so the kids go to school for two subjects, and have lunch and recess with the kids, and then come home and finish up school, so we can spend more time together as a family. Most private schools offer some form of homeschool/private mix, you should ask around.

Its nice to know that there are other people out there that feel its a long day too for such little guys! Hope you find something that works for you.

Gina

[Gina GIraud]

Heather, I too have a boy, well actually two and there the same age as yours and we just decided to work with a private school and do homeschool, so the kids go to school for two subjects, and have lunch and recess with the kids, and then come home and finish up school, so we can spend more time together as a family. Most private schools offer some form of homeschool/private mix, you should ask around.

Its nice to know that there are other people out there that feel its a long day too for such little guys! Hope you find something that works for you.

Gina

[Saige]

The part about not knowing how old you are cracked me up! I too have to celebrate my birthday numerous times a week (or a day) with my 4 year old. We actually got to change it up and "pretend like its Valentine's day" yesterday. That was fun!

[Andrea Larsen]

Hmm, I guess I'm going to have to give Harry Potter a second chance. I spent the weekend reading Breaking Dawn. SO good!

Today my daughter will start staying for a full day at school. This is her now 3rd week of school (year round). It is a huge adjustment. And I had considered homeschooling. But I think at this point her teacher is so great. I think she is doing a better job than I would do. So far under my tutelage she is an expert at imaginative play, she has great story telling skills, and can out craft any other kid I know. But she's not so great with the letters and numbers, although we love to read together. And now I get to spend more time with my own pursuits!

[My Sweet & Saucy]

I just found your site and love it! The design of the site itself is simply gorgeous...I love your style!

[Erin C.]

Thank you, Heather!

[~r~]

#1 love the cute pincushions...must try to make one!
#2 you must read "The Tale of Desperaux",with your elijah ( i have one 2!) I t hink i spelled the title right?!
#3 i hear ya sister on the school things...i also feel that emptiness during the school year...volunteer while you can though, cause' my oldest starts h.s. this year and her sense of independence (or sheer mortification) has informed mama that she is not needed in the classrooms anymore!

[Shelley (Lavender Ladybugs)]

I love this pincushion. I've seen a few like this on etsy, and wanted to make one myself. Thanks so much!