42 x 42 x 42

I set myself a sewing challenge.

I call it the 42 x 42 x 42 challenge - let me explain.

The Madison, Wisconsin branch of Project Linus collects blankets and donates them to children in the hospital. A lot of the blankets are quilts and that’s what most people like to make. But they also need flannel NICU blankets. These blankets are so easy to make (more about that later) and are very cute and cuddly. Maybe they don’t get made because most quilters want to work with cotton quilting fabric?

Well, I’m not most quilters; I have boxes of flannel.

My collection grew because one of the first things I learned to make were flannel pajama pants and I was going to make many pairs for each of my three kids. I was also going to make tons of adorable stuffed animals out of flannel so they’d be extra soft and cuddly. And every time I went to the box store it had completely adorable flannel that seemed like it was always on sale for $2 a yard. How could I resist? Seriously?

So the challenge is to dive into that stash and make 42” x 42” NICU blankets. The other 42 has to do with my deadline. On December 29th, I turn 43. So my goal is to make 42 42” by 42” flannel NICU blankets while I am still 42 years old. (So maybe it’s the 42 x 42 x 42 x 42 challenge?) That makes my deadline to finish all of these blankets 11:59 p.m. on December 28th.

I have 12 weeks to complete my blankets.

This averages to 3.5 blankets per week.

I feel like this is realistic, even if it’s not easy. But running a half marathon wasn’t easy and I did that so...

But why did I challenge myself?

In addition to wanting to use a large chunk of my fabric stash:

• I want to do something worthwhile.
• I want to teach my children to give to and do for others.
• I want to teach my children some basic sewing skills (especially the boy).
• And most of all, I usually rise to a challenge (so this might actually happen).

I’ve told people about my goal (Facebook and Instagram announcement) and I‘m choosing to write about it (here) to keep myself accountable.

Now you know. And now it’s time for me to do this.

And if anyone wants to sew along or join me (in person or virtually) to make a blanket (fabric supplied by me) you are welcome. The more the merrier!

Wish me luck!

Swimming Telephone with a Point

Swimming Telephone reached the end of its day literally and figuratively as Christian and Pat knock our final episode out of the park.  This has been a series created with blogger friends to write a fun, extended blog post.  All of my friends took my story and ran with it old school telephone game style.  To read all the additions, click on the telephone above.

This week Christian and Pat show us how to properly woo the ladies

at

Point Counter-Point Point Point

Does your man have a 6-pack of beer waiting on the bedside tale for you?  It's better than scattered rose petals.  Find out what happens when the hilarious Christian and Pat rescue poor mom.  Click above to catch up on the latest addition.

Previous swimmer: Tara at You Know It Happens At Your House Too

Soap Operas are more fun blogger style so please click on the banner below to keep us going.

Swimming Telephone At Your House

Swimming Telephone is nearing the end of a very difficult imaginary day for our mom.  This has been a series created by blogger friends to write a fun, extended blog post.  All of my friends took my story and ran with it old school telephone game style.  To read the additions, click on the telephone above.

This week we Tara shows us how wrong simple gender confusion can go

at

You Know It Happens At Your House Too

Do you call police out on their notorious donut eating habits?  Find out what happens when you do from the spunky and hilarious Tara.  Click above to catch up on the latest addition.

Previous swimmer: Bethany at Bad Parenting Moments

Next swimmer: Pat & Christian at Point Counterpoint Point Point

Soap Operas are more fun blogger style so please click on the banner below to keep us going.

Bad Parenting; Swimming Telephone Style

     It's time for another installment of "Swimming Telephone."  Participants will take part of our story and run with it, old school telephone game style.  Click on the telephone above for further details and then dive right into the story.

This week we learn why every mom needs stock in Depends from

Bethany at

Bad Parenting Moments

     Would a bad parent have a coffee maker in the bathroom?  No, that's just one of the most basic and wonderfully brilliant survival skills presented by the hysterical Bethany.  It's time to see where this wonderful woman took our insane imaginary family.  Click above to read her latest addition.

Previous swimmer: Andrea at Underachiever's Guide to Being a Domestic Goddess

Next swimmer: Tara at You Know It Happens At Your House Too

Soap Operas are more fun blogger style so please click on the banner below to keep us going.

For People Born Before 1982 (When Did I Get Oldish?)

     If you're looking for me today, you'll find me over at Studio 30+ where all the cool kids hang out.

     I was invited to write about writing.  Writing?  What do I know about writing?  I don't feel like a writer, but here I am writing a blog.  I feel more like a storyteller and I tell my stories for a specific reason.  If you're curious, head over to Studio 30+ where you'll get to spend a little bit of time with my serious side.  Go ahead, pull up a chair, grab your favorite hot beverage and let me tell you how "just keep swimming" began.

Twin Powers Activate!

     Today my twin sister and I joined our Wonder Twin powers in the shape of... a blog post.  When my friend, Farrah, over at the three under invited me to share her space for a day, I immediately thought of Maggie.  So I contacted her and we took a trip down memory lane reflecting on some of the awesome and not so awesome parts of being a twin.  Please join us over at Farrah's place this morning.  See you there!

Underachieving at Swimming

     It's time for another installment of "Swimming Telephone."  Participants will take part of our story and run with it, old school telephone game style.  Click on the telephone above for further details and then dive right into the story.

This week a monkey was rescued and a plan was almost devised by

Andrea at

Underachiever's Guide to Being a Domestic Goddess

     Although Andrea claims to be an Underachiever, she tackled these problem kids like an overachiever on our newest episode of "Swimming Telephone".  It's time to see where this lovely sweet lady took our crazy kids.  Click above to read her latest addition.

Previous swimmer: JD at Honest Mom

Next swimmer: Bethany at Bad Parenting Moments

Soap Operas are more fun blogger style so please click on the banner below to keep us going.