Foster Kitten Friday - Summer in Alaska

It was exactly four years ago this week when we stayed outside Talkeetna, Alaska in this cabin.

As I wrote about on the blog that day, we decided to mosey into town to grab some breakfast and ran into this beauty.

That would be Denali. Formally know as Mt. McKinley. Most people who travel to Alaska never get to see the mountain as it is usually shrouded in clouds. But somehow we lucked out.

And this year I've lucked out as well. Although I'm not in Alaska, I still get to see my own Denali and McKinley. 

I get to bottle feed them.

McKinley thinks it's yummy.

I get to teach them how to use the litter box. Denali wants to figure it out, except the boy thinks he's supposed to eat the litter instead.

I get to watch them learn how to wrestle.

And show off their bellies.

And learn how to become mountain climbers.

Yep, lucky me. Clouds or no clouds I get to see McKinley and Denali. Every. Single. Day.

Make Your Own Americana Bunting - DIY Patriotic Garland Sewing Project

For today's tutorial we're learning how to make a handmade red, white, and blue Americana heart and star fabric bunting. The American hanging garland is a great way to decorate for the Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any patriotic event. 

For this project you will need:

• Red and white fabric

• Blue fabric

• Fabric for hanging loops

• Cotton batting 

• Clothesline cord

• Pins 

• Pinking shears or blade

• Scissors and rotary cutter, cutting ruler, and cutting mat

• Iron and ironing board

• Sewing machine and matching thread

• Printable templates from pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Get the downloadable PDF pattern with written step-by-step directions, photos, printable templates, and link to the video tutorial.

Now available in my Etsy shop right here! 

Looking for other bunting and garlands? Check out some of my other tutorials!

And join us to learn how to make your own homemade patriotic stars and hearts garland!

Foster Kitten Friday - Fast Learners

It was just last week when these little newborn foster kitties with no mama still had their umbilical cords attached and eyes sealed shut. But no more. I think these two little babes might be on their way to becoming valedictorians.

It took them only one week for them to open their eyes and find their voices. And begin to grow teeth.

Denali has some itty bitty teeth in there.

McKinley has got herself a voice. With a capital V.

They also learned about milk mustaches.

Denali likes to flop on his back so I can help him
go to the bathroom before he lets me clean his face.

Look into my eyes and tell me I'm pretty.

They continue to snuggle up day and night,

but when awake have started practicing for their future careers with WWE.

It has been a whirlwind week of growth. Can't wait to see what next week holds!

Learn to Make a Denim Flower Coaster Set - A DIY Sewing Tutorial

Today we're learning how to make our own handmade set of denim fabric flower coasters. Upcycle your blue jeans or use purchased denim to make this round drink coaster set with pinked raw edges. They are an easy homemade way to protect your furniture while decorating your spring or summer home, parties, and get togethers.

For this project you will need:

• Denim 

• Cotton batting 

• Fabric scraps

• Pins 

• Pinking shears or blade

• Paper-backed fusible web like HeatnBond Lite

• Scissors and rotary cutter, cutting ruler, and cutting mat

• Iron and ironing board

• Sewing machine and matching thread

• Printable templates from pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Get the downloadable PDF pattern with written step-by-step directions, photos, printable templates, and link to the video tutorial.

Now available in my Etsy shop right here! 

Looking for other coaster sets you can make at home? Check out some of our other tutorials!

And join us as we make the round denim flower coasters...

Foster Kitten Friday - The Only Day That Matters

Being that I've been working from home these last couple years and am my own boss, I have some flexibility in the hours I work each day. But since I work seven days a week, I lose track of which day is which. A Saturday can feel like a Wednesday and a Friday can feel like a Monday. 

But no more. Because today we are back to celebrating the best day of the week, Foster Kitten Friday. Yep, I have new foster kitties!

Three little ones came to me at just one day old, with umbilical cords still attached. Unfortunately, just like the newborn kittens who joined me back in November, one of my new kittens didn't survive. She quickly fell ill on Mother's Day and there wasn't much to do but keep her warm and love on her and talk to her until she passed. Thankfully her brother - and another kitty from another litter - are both still with us.

So say hello to my little girl, McKinley...

and to my little boy, Denali.

Their eyes are still sealed shut, and at just a week old today they'll continue to be bottle fed for quite some time. Right now we're at every two hours around the clock. Having to wake up so much not only has me confused about what day it is, but I'm starting to get my days and nights confused, too. Come on, three hour feedings!

No matter how little sleep I get, it's going to be worth it. They've put Fridays back on the map and have brought a love fest to our home - and to each other. 

A start of a beautiful friendship.

Happy the-first-of-many Foster Kitten Fridays!

Digital PDF Sewing Patterns You Can Print at Home

Looking for sewing patterns you can buy and download in minutes? How about patterns you can print at home with:

*step-by-step written directions

*color photos
*printable templates
*and links to video tutorials? 

If so, check out the collection of digital PDF sewing patterns I have available. Click to get started on your next project today!

Learn How to Make Your Own Watermelon Fabric Bunting - A Cute Summertime Tutorial

Today we're making our very own handmade watermelon fabric garland. It's a cute project to decorate for your summertime picnics, parties, BBQs and get togethers. The hanging bunting project is a quick and easy one and a great project for beginners, too.

For this project you will need:

• Cotton fabrics for the watermelons
• Cotton batting for the filling
• Iron and ironing board
• Scissors and pinking shears
• Fabric clips or pins
• Clothesline cord or jute
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting ruler
• Cutting mat
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Printable template from the pattern

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

Now available in my Etsy shop as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos, printable template, and link to the tutorial video. Click to get it now!

Looking for a different fabric bunting or garland? Check out some of the others we've made!

And be sure to join us as we make our fun watermelon project!