It’s fairly late on Monday night but I’ve learned lately if I don’t post now {at night} I won’t do it in the morning…. so here I am! 🙂
We had a great night tonight, as I’ve mentioned before, we’re in a small group with other couples that meets every Monday in our home. Tonight, like most every Monday night, I feel so encouraged and filled. It truly is such an encouragement to me. I love those people deeply and I love to spend time working through tough questions & Scripture. Our latest book is A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God. This is not what I would consider “easy reading” but rather challenging and enriching. Tonight’s chapter  challenged me to live by and follow the Spirit of God; to lay my pride aside. While I feel very encouraged tonight, I also have tinge of what I’d like to think is righteous anger towards the fallenness & sinfulness of humanity. I got a reality check tonight that people who call on Christ as their Savior do not escape sin; powerful sin that can ensnare men and rip families and lives apart. Sin is grotesque, deceptive, & destructive and tonight I grieve for families who’s lives have been forever scarred by it. I’m also thankful that our God is bigger than any sin and there is power in His blood to redeem and restore!!
You probably weren’t expecting to hear all of that… but it’s fresh on my mind and heart. The rest of this post is fresh on my mind too but much lighter in subject matter and I’m slightly challenged on how to transition from the fallen state of man to what I did this weekend… but here goes…
This weekend… We had a great weekend and enjoyed time with good friends and good music. I went to two concerts. Indelible Grace one night and Lincoln Brewster the next. They were very different but both wonderful & worshipful. I absolutely love music. I can’t sing worth a durn but sure enjoy listening to others. They also both made me feel old because I thought they were very loud. 🙂
I also cussed a little this weekend. That’s what quilting makes me do. If you’ve been around a while you may remember that I attempted my first quilt back in December and what an ordeal that little thing was. I didn’t even bind it and it nearly made me nutty. Well this weekend I started a little project for my ktichen then decided it was too cute for my kitchen that something cute needed to belong to someone cute so I ended up making a very small quilt for my new baby, Sloane. 🙂 Erika close your eyes!
I watched a YouTube video on ‘how to attach quilt binding by machine’ {by the way, it’s really amazing what you can learn on YouTube, it also taught me how to ‘stitch in the ditch’}. Anyway, she failed to mention, or maybe she did and I didn’t pay attention, that if you are attaching the binding by machine you are blinded to see where the stitches are going on the underside of the quilt. A few lightweight cuss words later and I resigned the fact that the quilt would ever be perfect. The back of the quilt binding is full of flaws… I got over it fairly quickly because I know Sloane loves her MommaSis’ so much that she won’t care if the stitches look like poo. I combined some sweet fabrics on the front with a soft flannel on the back, I can’t wait to wrap her in it and kiss her face. I’ll be sure to take a picture when I do.
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The quilt started as a dish mat, which is why there is terrycloth underneath it on the table. Somehow it quickly morphed into a quilt. But when I was all done I still wanted a dish mat. So I then proceeded to make a dish mat.
What the heck is a dish mat? It’s kinda like a bath mat for your dishes, you know the dishes that come out of the dishwasher still soaking wet after they’re apparently “DRY”.Â
I was inspired by SouleMama’s Handmade Home projects. I don’t have the book but apparently she has a tutorial for a bath mat made from old towels. Mine is not made from old towels, nor is it a bath mat… but I was inspired by an application for dishes that I saw on her blog!
I preshrunk my fabric & terrycloth. I also wanted my dots to look like they were inset in the flowers. So I used a triple stitch on the outside of each dot seam so they would appear to be inset. Both of these fabrics are from Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern collection.
Here’s a close up of a ‘triple stitch’. Check your sewing machine’s owner’s manual to see if you have it. I love it… it’s decorative while not being too decorative. It basically stitches three times… forward, backward, forward to give you a nice substantial looking stitch.
 
I think you each need a dish mat and I think everyone on your Christmas list needs one too.
 
IÂ know you lay a towel on top of your dishwasher every time you unload it. Wouldn’t this be so much more fun?
And last but not least, I’m leaving on a jet plane to see this man, my father {aka DaddyBoy– who recently asked me to be his friend on Facebook}.
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Daddy Boy caught wind of my recent date with Morgan and asked if he could take me on a date. My date is not out for a cookie at Barnes & Noble… although I’d be up for that too. My date is a long 5-day weekend in Chicago. Mom will be leaving Erika and Sloane and joining me. I’m really excited about going but not excited about leaving 3 little scallywags and Justin behind. Justin will be Mr. Mom while I’m away… you can pray for him! 🙂 I’m not sure if I’ve ever shared that I’ve lived in Chicago {well, a suburb outside called St. Charles} twice and DaddyBoy currently has an apartment there. I’m excited to see old friends, a new baby, my precious cousin, and enjoy a real taste of fall weather! We’ll likely hit the Kane County flea market and I’m hoping to a run through Ikea because I’ve never been to one…. anything else I need not miss?! Besides a drive up to Elgin for a malted milkshake from Al’s Ice Creamery!!
House before & after post coming SOON!!!
Nicole
September 29, 2009 at 12:37 amI love the quilt and dish mat! I seriously thought I was the only one I knew who threw a dish towel on top of the dishwasher to continue drying all the little sippy cups and pieces that didn’t dry the first time. Glad to know I’m not the only one, and now…even better (thanks to you) I have a cuter idea for putting my dishes out for their air dry. I love your blog and love your heart for the Lord! The quilt you made is absolutely adorable. I have a feeling beautiful Sloane is going to be one blessed niece 🙂
your cool friend Cheryl
September 29, 2009 at 12:50 amYou’re right…your dishmat is much prettier than my towel folded on the counter!
I live in Chicago. You can visit me! Just kidding. But while you’re at IKEA, go shopping at Woodfield (if you go to the IKEA in Schaumburg–we’ve got 2!!) There are a million stores there. Well, maybe not a million…but it’s a lot of fun.
lauren
September 29, 2009 at 12:52 amso i know we only know each other through blog land, however I am thinking that we need to make a deal. i will come to your house and take care of rover and the girls and in return you can teach me how to sew, how to take pictures, how to be a mom and still keep it all together. maybe you could throw in a few cooking lessons and some of your creative juices too?!? for real though, you are such an inspiration and i love all of your ideas and tutorials! keep up the hard work and thanks for sharing with us all!
-lauren
Sara
September 29, 2009 at 12:57 amDarby! I have to say I love this post! I don’t think I have ever said HELLO, but I have to now! I am not a twin, but my sister and I are only 20 months apart and we are about to live 20 hrs away starting this week, so my heart hurts, and your quilt is great. I also love that the picture of your dishes includes wine glasses, and the picture of Daddy Boy warmed by heart, we call mine dad Big Dex, and I feel your love, there is nothing like them! Just wanted to say hi, and how much I love your posts… they make me smile!
Thanks,
Sara
dvd-rw
September 29, 2009 at 1:00 amI really love this quilt and dish mat! but according to me Cushions for wooden rocking chairs can be quite expensive, even in discount department stores. If you want a cushion that is like no other, and made to your specific taste and decor, make your own. It’s not difficult but does take some time and effort so thanks for sharing.
eringianni
September 29, 2009 at 2:03 amhi darby! wow, what a multi-subject post! love it:-) so firstly, i am confident that baby sloane and anyone else who sees her new quilt will have nothing but admiration and love for all your hard work and compassion put into quilting via youtube! you never cease to amaze me with what you are capable of. moreover, in a way i guess we are all capable but you take life one step beyond and actually make things happen! that is a fabulous trait and one that i admire in you on a daily basis! have fun in chicago… can’t wait to see all the fun you have with family and friends.
Courtney
September 29, 2009 at 3:14 amHave a wonderful time on your 5 day date and can’t wait to hear all about it. Loveeee Sloane’s new quilt! You sisters are just so talented.
CC
September 29, 2009 at 5:30 amYou’re such a sweetie! I love that dish mat and the fact that you’re getting time away with your parents….alone! Soak up every single minute of your time together!!! 🙂
CC
September 29, 2009 at 5:31 amPS….LOVE Sloane’s new quilt and the love of our Lord that you shared too! 🙂
Lori H
September 29, 2009 at 5:44 amHave fun on your date! I loove your dish mat. I don’t sew…would you be making any for sale? Let us know if you do! And my brother-in-law-to-be could use one in “manly” fabrics! Just sayin…
julia
September 29, 2009 at 6:04 amI love that dish mat – what a great idea – I do the towel thing constantly.
Anne
September 29, 2009 at 6:19 amYour dish mat is much cuter than the folded Bounty paper towel that is on my counter.You make me think about buying a sewing machine and learning to sew (again)…but then I just know it probabaly wouldn’t end well…haha
Dianne
September 29, 2009 at 6:44 amI am so happy for you…getting away with your parents is a real gift. Soak it all in. It’s also good for your little ones to be alone with their Dad for a while. Enjoy!
Also thank you for the spiritual reality check…it’s so thought provoking…bless you!
Kelly
September 29, 2009 at 6:49 amYou’ll be in my neck of the woods this weekend! Be prepared it’s cool and windy here! Thanks for mentioning Al’s Creamery, I’ve been in Elgin 3 years now and have never heard of it. I’m on a mission to find it.
Enjoy your time away! I love your blog, it’s great inspiration.
Bon
September 29, 2009 at 7:09 amSweet job on the quilt! My mum kept every blanket that was made for me when I was a baby. I cherish them dearly, flaws and all.
I LOVE the dish mat! I use regular tea towels, and sprucing them up like this would be so fun! I really need to make more use of my sewing machine for projects other than curtains!!
Oooooh! I think it is fantastic that you are going on this date. Fantastic. And I can’t help but giggle thinking of Justin on his own with the scallywags. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ms. Bright
September 29, 2009 at 7:17 amOh my goodness! The quilt is adorable and what a great idea for the dish mat!! I honestly don’t think my sewing skills are up to par to delve into a project like that! I’m so impressed!! And also…I used to live in Chicago too!! I lived in Naperville and went to school in Wheaton (@ Wheaton Academy)!! Knew loads of kids from St. Charles. I’m so jealous! Have a wonderful time!!
Jennifer Morena
September 29, 2009 at 7:22 amI think I need those dish mats as well…fab idea! I’m so excited that you get to go on a big girl trip. 🙂 How fun to spend one-on-one time with your parents and other family members! I know all the preparation to leave is exhausting and leaving the kiddos behind can seem overwhelming, but relax and enjoy this.
It’s getting a bit chilly up this way, so you really will get to enjoy fall – definitely my favorite time of year here in the midwest!
Alice
September 29, 2009 at 7:34 amGreat post!
Enjoy your alone time with your parents. I recently had alone time and enjoyed it (but still felt odd that my sister wasn’t with us!).
Also, I love the dish towel! I have just now decided that this will be the perfect present for my friends for Christmas!!! I can’t wait to go fabric hunting!
Kelli
September 29, 2009 at 7:36 amI love the beginning of your post. I wrote the name of the book down and I will have to pick it up soon. Aren’t Small Groups great. I also love how your dad wants to take you on a date…so sweet. Enjoy!
Lindsay
September 29, 2009 at 7:36 amWhat an awesome “date!” I am headed to see family in IN/OH this weekend and I can’t wait to see the fall, considering there is none down here! Beautiful job on the quilt and dishmat, I am sure Sloane will love it!
Lindsey
September 29, 2009 at 7:36 amnote to self: must learn to sew, it can’t be the difficult can it? I NEED one of those dish mats as well. and what great christmas gifts! (crazy to think its right around the corner!) good for you, we all need to get away at some point or another, Justin and the kiddos will do just fine. relax and have fun…and you HAVE to go to IKEA, it will blow your mine! And YES fall up here has finally around, Minnesota has been sunny and warm until…yesterday!
Teresa
September 29, 2009 at 7:59 amI SO need one of those cute dish mats. I really want to learn to sew…maybe this will be my motivation. I grew up in a western suburb of Chicago and went to Kane County Flea Market many, many times. I am certain that that is why I enjoy antiques so much. I am very jealous. Are you going to Geneva as well? I love that town. Have a great time!
Jen
September 29, 2009 at 8:06 am1. i’ve been learning a lot about having a true seriousness about sin too. it is easy to become a little bit jaded on the reality of what sin is when you live saved from it. but just like you said, we are all flawed & fallible & no one is immune {to sin or its earthly consequences}. it takes having a serious view of sin to have a serious view of fighting it {dependance on the lord, hiding scripture in your heart, etc}.
2. wow – baby quilt. i love it. i am such a novice at sewing so i know that a quilt would be far beyond my abilities for now but i am going to try & work up to it! and the dish mat – awesome! since it’s so closely related to a quilt i’m still not sure that i could do it but i’m sure my dishes won’t mind if they have to sit on a mis-stitched mess. it may be a good launching point for me!
3. chicago! i’m jealous…i love adventures. i can’t believe you’ve never been to ikea. hope you have a lot of time on your hands {its huge}.
Nancy
September 29, 2009 at 8:26 amWhat a great trip, to be with your dad. I would adore that. I think the only time i had that type of time was when he drove me from CA to CO after college. I was 21 and not in the mood… leaving my college town/friends/good times and moving somewhere I didn’t know anybody, etc. I was probably a grouch and not too much fun. Maybe i can get a redo soon??? I have matured over the last 14 years!
Victoria
September 29, 2009 at 8:29 amWow, am jealous of your date with your Dad! Sounds like you will have a WONDERFUL time. Oh and enjoy fall while you are there. Here in ATL it actually was 51 degrees this morning but I know it will be HOT by mid-day!
Love the bath mat! I always have to spread a towel out for sippy cup lids and other things that are NEVER DRY from the dishwasher. Great idea!
The quilt is precious. Absolutely beautiful!
beki
September 29, 2009 at 8:30 amOkay, now I need a dish mat. Matt usually unloads the dishwasher and layers dishtowels to get a big enough drying spot. I’m so doing this!
Your quilt turned out great – good job!! All my quilts have flaws, that’s the beauty of them 😉
Elizabeth
September 29, 2009 at 8:36 amwhat a fun date! that will be a nice break for you. you will love ikea. I just went a couple of months ago for the first time. It’s amazing what all they have. They even have a cafeteria….so if you get hungry, drop in! Those Swedish have it going on; they thought of everything. When I went, I was there for almost three hours and that was quickly walking through. Enjoy yourself!
Mary Michael
September 29, 2009 at 8:43 amLove the dish mat!! I beleive that everyone on my Christmas WILL be getting one. Also, I recently had my first experience at Ikea, and I was not nearly prepared. It will not be something you can run through! 🙂 Set aside at least half a day for it, they have everything and the best part is you can afford everything you like…its so affordable and makes it that much more fun!!!
Melissa
September 29, 2009 at 8:44 amYour talent continues to inspire me! Love that quilt, but more especially the dish mat. What a neat idea! Any chance that you might take orders and sell them? Have a FABULOUS date weekend!
Meredith
September 29, 2009 at 8:49 amI love all this fabric! Where is your go-to place for fabric?
MC
September 29, 2009 at 9:06 amHave fun in Chicago, one of my favorite cities, except for in the Winter! I wish I had a 5-day weekend away from my 4 little darlings! Can’t wait to hear who makes your new doors (yeah, I’m totally stalking your doors). Sorry, but they’re too beautiful!
Susie
September 29, 2009 at 9:13 amOhhhhhhh, do you like Italian Beef? If so, have one (with cheese fries and a chocolate shake) at Portillo’s for me. Also, if you like to eat homemade salads, soups, pasta, etc., try Sweet Tomatoes (there may actually be one in St. Charles). Best salad bar ever! Bet you can’t guess what I do when I go home (Naperville)…
chesley
September 29, 2009 at 9:14 ami love that quilt!! i am also coveting your dishmat. it makes the ratty towel on my kitchen counter covered in sippy cups, lids, and valves look REALLY bad!!
melissa stover
September 29, 2009 at 9:18 amsewing makes me cuss! the quilt is beautiful.
Laura
September 29, 2009 at 9:33 amA.W. Tozer’s books are excellent, very challenging . . and most often convicting! Have a wonderful date with your dad! It’s so sweet of your husband to stay with 3 little ones and give you a much-deserved break.
Lindsay Lamphere
September 29, 2009 at 9:54 amDarby,
I love this post. The great thing about the Lord’s grace is that while you see all the sin in the world, specifically your own magnified through fellowship by your small group, you can enjoy such wonderful weekend experiences! Praise the Lord!
I love reading your blog. You are so honest about your family and the Lord’s work in your life. As a single person, I can only pray that I can juggle half of what you juggle, but I am thankful to see the good and the bad that encompasses being a wife and mother. (So many of my married friends only let me know the good.) As hard as it is to be single at this time in my life, I know that God is using people, even you!, to prepare for me for marriage and motherhood.
Just wanted to stop by and say thanks and hi!
LEL
mamacita
September 29, 2009 at 10:02 amWow, I feel like such a slacker. I just put the dishes up slightly wet. I figure they can dry in the cabinet as well as on the counter.
Here’s an interesting discussion about the best stuff at IKEA. You are going to love the fabric section, too.
Kerri H.
September 29, 2009 at 10:36 amDarby–
Hoping you and your mom do some “reverse blog-stalking” too! Enjoy the trip and travel safely! 🙂
Lauren
September 29, 2009 at 10:41 amLOVE the quilt and the dish mat! Wonderful job! I’ve been wanting to try quilting but am intimidated, and the dish mat looks like a great first project. I’ve never thought about drying the dishes off either…I usually just put them up wet, oops 😉 Thanks so much for sharing. I love your blog and your sweet family!
Kristin
September 29, 2009 at 10:42 amHey Darby,
This post is great. I also am involved in a small group in my own home on 2 Sunday evenings a month and really enjoy what I learn, and how much I grow along with close friends.
I live in Elmhurst, half way between St. Charles and Chicago. One of my best friends lives in Geneva so I must recommend if you don’t know about it, to go shopping on 3rd street in Geneva. Some of the best shopping around. Also there’s a great store in Wheaton called JB Winterberry that is on main street. And definitely go to the IKEA in Schaumburg, it is way better. Have Fun!
pam
September 29, 2009 at 10:51 amnow i need a dishmat. now i have to buy a sewing machine. and fabric. have fun in chicago. sounds like a fun long weekend. pam
Tara
September 29, 2009 at 11:01 amI cussed one word last week….I felt “Hori-ablah!” Thankfully my kids didn’t hear. But they would hear me praying for forgivness too. It’s the fastest way to sin, not usually premeditated.
**I absolutely LOVE your Olive/avacado Green table**that is my favorite color- any shade/tint of green. I love BP gas logo for its citron/green.
Have a good trip in the Windy City. It’s already down in the 40’s at night here in Missouri so take a scarf.
Melissa
September 29, 2009 at 12:03 pmLove that dish mat– so cute, and what a great use of old bits and pieces of fabric! If you get a minute please share how you did the joining of the front and back– I’m guessing just did it inside out and then top-stitched to make the edges look better, but I’d love to hear before I try one myself. Just found your blog and your sister’s– LOVE them, and WAR EAGLE!
Tonia
September 29, 2009 at 12:23 pmThank you for a wonderful post! Love the fabrics you chose for Sloan’s quilt and think these would be perfect for my daughter’s room with the necessity to match an already existing FLOR rug. Do you have any info available on your fabrics?
Ginger
September 29, 2009 at 12:33 pmPrecious quilt and dish towel and I appreciate your insightful words. That’s so neat that ya’ll do a couples’ bible study. You should eat at MK Restaurant (https://mkchicago.com) while in Chicago. We were just there and it was fabulous. Also, a core fushion class at Exhale Spa would be fun 🙂 have a blast!!
amanda
September 29, 2009 at 12:35 pmLove your love for the Lord and love your proects too! Its chilly here right now, downtown even cooler, 49 degrees to day, good ady to go apple picking w/ Charlotte’s class trip! Its a little rainy and the leaves are changing, you’ll have a great visit. Go see the new American Girl store too in Watertower…even if you don’t want to shop, its amazing!!! My friend Gindy and I are trying to get back to Kane County, gosh, I’d love to meet you! What a great gift from your Daddyboy! Enoy your vacay, all us Mommies need a break now and then to recharge!
amanda
September 29, 2009 at 12:36 pm“projects” and “day” – opps!
Joy
September 29, 2009 at 2:54 pmIkea- Pace yourself!!!
Wendy Roberts
September 29, 2009 at 3:19 pmHi Darby! Hope you are well. It’s been a while but I love “keeping up” with you and Erika through your wonderful blogs.
My sister Dana (another avid reader) and I were wondering if you were going to sell the dish mats (perhaps on Etsy)? We’d both buy them if you do!
Wendy
Amber B.
September 29, 2009 at 4:05 pmI love Pursuit of God, too. Great book! And I usually use an old dish towel for my still-wet dishes, but your creation is way cuter!!!
Kyle Lynn Koerner
September 29, 2009 at 4:39 pmDarby I love the dish towel idea! I have been pondering my Christmas gifts for this year. I may need to ask for permission to borrow your photo to go on my hangtag so my recipients know what it is…..
As always thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Kyle
kim
September 29, 2009 at 5:39 pmoh darby, what a sweet dad! sounds like fun. i love st. charles! so many of my favorite stores. i live in naperville which isn’t too far but since i had my boys i haven’t made the trip there in awhile. i do miss it. you should try and sell your dish towels there! I’d buy one.
safe travels!
Jenna
September 29, 2009 at 5:55 pmI LOVE Chicago, LOVE it! What a sweet daddy you have. Enjoy your time away!
I love the dish mat idea, too… So cute and clever.
Jennie
September 29, 2009 at 7:40 pmthose dish mats would look great in your etsy shop!! i would most certainly buy more than one!
Mag
September 29, 2009 at 8:22 pmAl’s vanilla malted is the best. But if your in St.Charles, try the Oberweis Dairy/ice cream store (Daddy boy will know where it is) it is maybe the best ice cream I have ever had. So bad for you, but soooo goood!!
Anna
September 29, 2009 at 8:46 pmI like the clever dish mat idea, it looks so nice. I’m a novice!! seamstress, but would like to give it a try. Was the dot fabric one piece, and the flowers sewn over it? Love your idea for Christmas gifts for neighbors, etc., perhaps w/a nicely sented dish soap!
Have a fun trip!
Erin H
September 29, 2009 at 9:02 pmYou’ll love IKEA!!! Wait til you see the prices…and the ideas, though modern, are unlike most anything you’ll find anywhere else (in this country!)… can’t wait to hear what you think! Anytime I move, I need a Trader Joe’s and an IKEA, and all is well in the world! 😉
jenn
September 29, 2009 at 9:22 pmShall I confess the depths of my depravity??? I am sooOO jealous! Of your time away…I mean, an entire week of doing everything BY YOURSELF!!!! That is wonderful and I am sure you’ll return super recharged! And… I am jealous of how very much Justin will APPRECIATE all you do! 🙂
Have fun!
nicole
September 29, 2009 at 9:23 pmWe made a trip to IKEA in Schaumburg today and we’re from Milwaukee. You’ll have so much fun. You can spend a lot of time there and you’ll be happy not having any kids around (we had 2 of our children with us).Yikes! Have a safe trip home and ENJOY.
Shannon
September 29, 2009 at 10:45 pmMake sure you bring a coat to Chicago! It started to get pretty chilly here. Also, if you need a food recommendation, my favorite restaurant is Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. on Clark in Lincoln Park. They make pizza pot pies that are so delicious! Have a fun trip with your dad!
Ashley
September 29, 2009 at 10:56 pmOkay…. now we need a tutorial on the dishmat!
kate
September 29, 2009 at 11:04 pmDarby! Enjoy Chi town with your parents! What a treat. You’ll go NUTS in Ikea. Such fun and overly stimulating all at the same time! Love the quilt Sloane will soon be wrapped up into. I too need one of those dish mats, but don’t think I would do so well making my own (one day perhaps)! I would definitely buy one of your creations! 🙂 Have a lovely long weekend.
b.a.
September 29, 2009 at 11:32 pmrockin: awesome. you share about your faith in a way that is passionate, yet never seems overbearing or…i don’t know…i just appreciate how you’re like, “this is me, this is Christ in me, oh, and this is my life. my REAL life.”
quiltin: i love. i neeeeed that quilt. okay, not THAT quilt (i would never take it from sweet sloaney-poo), but seriously, i adore it and i want one.
leavin: i used to live in batavia! sigh, love that area. remember al’s cafe? my mom used to make their soups & pies. yum. it’s not the same now. sniffle.
p.s. i love that picture of daddyboy. and that ya’ll call him daddyboy. he is cute. (i mean, in a not-weird-i’d-like-to-give-him-a-bearhug kinda way.)
Jessica
September 30, 2009 at 8:56 amI LOVE Tozer’s The Pursuit of God. Just finished rereading it. We serve a great God 🙂
michele
September 30, 2009 at 8:58 amOf course I use a dish mat! But mine are not as cute as yours is. And the quilt- lucky Sloane to have such a loving and talented aunt! Have a great time in Chicago!
Susan
September 30, 2009 at 9:30 amLoved this post! Hope you have a wonderful week-end with your dad. Justin will do just fine with those beautiful babes.
Elizabeth
September 30, 2009 at 11:24 amHere’s what I love about Ikea the most. Not only is it affordable, but I LOVE all the organizational things. Love it! Hope you find some good finds.
Lindsey
September 30, 2009 at 12:41 pmI love reading your blog every chance I get. You are a true inspiration to myself who does not have children or a husband to make more of my life. Keep up the great work!! LOVE your blog!
Joy
September 30, 2009 at 2:17 pmLOVE the dishmat… and find it stunning you are able to complete such a project. I have been working on a roman shade for a year and a half. My new strategy is to leave it on my dining room table, so I can’t ignore it. Think I will go sew a few rings on now. Enjoy Chicago! An Ikea.. can you believe you can “check in” your kids while you shop there? I know you won’t have yours with you, but what a concept! My husband and I go the the cafe there for dates.. and free babysitting ( :
Lauren
September 30, 2009 at 3:11 pmPlease let us know if you decide to take orders and sell the precious dish mats! So cute and so practical. Love it! Thank you for always leaving a smile on my face. I’ll check your blog multiple times a day to see if there’s a new post just because reading a “Darby post” makes me so happy! You’re willingness to let us “fly through your window” is so very appreciated!
Stephanie
September 30, 2009 at 8:13 pmYour genuine heart for the Lord comes across so honestly in your posts. I agree with a previous commenter–you aren’t trying to bash us over the head with your faith; you just share its role in your life with us. Very few people can do that as well as you can.
I love dates with Dads. One of my fondest memories is the week Dad and I spent at Spring Training in Arizona! Baseball, hiking, yummy Mexican food–we had so many great experiences there. Justin will have to take Morgan and Paige on separate one-on-one trips when they are older!
brandy
October 1, 2009 at 6:56 amLove the quilt and the dish mat, I NEED a dish mat for sure!
Ashley
October 1, 2009 at 9:34 amOh so cute! Thanks for the idea! You may have already told above, and I missed it…but is that Amy Butler fabric? Hope you have a safe trip!
kasey
October 2, 2009 at 8:32 amaaaghh! I live in St. charles!!!
feel free to stop by…..
xo
heather morse
October 2, 2009 at 10:10 amI just subscribed to your blog via a friend who made your “Easy Asian Dish” and posted a link to your blog..I read your entry and loved it..and now I am hooked. Yesterday I made your “Easy Asian Dish” and it is so yummy! Thanks! It is a great way to get my hubby to eat his veggies. That stir fry sauce is a good new addition to my grocery list.
thanks! look forward to reading you.
heather morse
Brooke
October 3, 2009 at 9:24 pmhey girl- would you PALEASE do a quick tutorial on the dish mats for us beginner sewers… I’d love to do some for handmade chirstmas gifts this year! great idea!
katy
October 4, 2009 at 3:14 pmthe quilt is adorable! i always enjoy reading your blog and all of the wonderful ideas you come up with. my mom is from st. charles and my grandparents still live there… i love everything about it… the fall is perfect. we always have to take a stroll through geneva when we’re in town (especially in the fall!) enjoy your time:)
arre
October 4, 2009 at 5:38 pmDARBY! i’m sure if i read through the EIGHTY comments your lovely readers have left here, i could learn the answer to this, but i’m already not supposed to be on the computer at all, so i can’t swing that right now – but is your suggestion that we all need a dish mat (like i didn’t want one anyway) your way of telling me that you make those to sell? please, please be telling me that! i could start Christmas shopping in October – that would something!
Bon
October 5, 2009 at 2:54 pmDarby! What can I say, I miss you! and you have some strange comments posted above…
From you blog-stalking (I don’t really like that term!) friend
iman
October 5, 2009 at 5:52 pmLove the quilt!
Hope you are doing well.
Come back soon 🙂
Kim
October 6, 2009 at 8:12 amHi. I was wondering if you could tell me where you got your socks for the sock monkeys!
Rebecca
October 6, 2009 at 2:47 pmwhat a small small world..im in naperville! did you get to check out the kane county flea market? i went the weekend before for the all night one…and it was a huge bust!
Pancakes and French Fries » Reflections | One
October 16, 2009 at 9:41 pm[…] I want to make curtains, ottoman covers, and maybe a dish mat, similar in style to this one. […]
Our Old Southern House » Blog Archive » Miss Crafty Pants
February 7, 2010 at 5:34 pm[…] saw this dish mat on Darby’s blog, which I *love*.  She got the idea from SouleMama’s book, again someone’s blog who I […]