Sweet Limes

Just in Case

2010-02-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Just in case anyone still gets updates from here.....

I can be found OVER HERE now and I have comments up and running! Come check me out and update your info on where to find me!

Up and Running

2010-01-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Well, it's up and running. It's not fancy. It's not completely smooth. But it is completely me. It is going to be a work in progress for some time to come, but www.sweetlimes.com is where you'll find me from here on in.

Alive and Well

2009-12-29T07:37:00.000-08:00

I am alive, the holidays didn't eat me alive. I haven't been on the computer much though.

I'm hoping that in a few days I'll be announcing my new site is up and running. I've sort of not been wanting to blog too much because I really want to be blogging over there. My husband thinks I should be up and running on the first, so we'll see how smoothly that goes.

Toodles for now!

{heart}

2009-12-15T07:57:00.001-08:00

On the average day I am not much of a heart fan but yesterday I came across something that was too cute, even if it was a heart, I couldn't not make it.

A little heart-button pin.

Blast if I can find it again! I'll keep looking, and when I find it I'll come back and link to it.

**UPDATE**
FOUND IT! The tutorial can be found here.

Christmas Devotional

2009-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

I was asked to make up a simple invitation for a rebroadcast of a Christmas Devotional.

Taking a couple hours I was able to come up with this:

I like how it turned out. I drew everything myself except the words devotional and the written information at the bottom. I love doing things like this on the computer, I just wish I had more time on my hands to play around with things and learn more.

9 Years

2009-12-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was nine years since my husband and I got hitched.
He's the best thing that has happened to me.

Case and point, my anniversary gift.

We hadn't talked about it but with recently moving, doing the basement, and heaps of other things I figured we'd sort of lay low this year.  Next year is a given that we're going all out, but nine, low key isn't a bad thing.  So I did nothing for my husband.  Before anyone gets all freaky about this, he really is alright with this, you'd have to know him to understand.

But, instead of laying low he went all out.  Spoiled me.  His words actually, and I won't say he's wrong.  He really did spoil me.

First off, he got me two books I have wanted for a bit.

Those alone would have been beyond what I could have asked for and I was thrilled with them, but still, there's was more.  It's wasn't sparkly.  It wasn't a romantic night out.  It was perfect.

My husband went out and got me my own domain name! www.sweetlimes.com is now all mine. This man is beyond wonderful. How long has he known I've wanted my own web page? Years. At first it was just to play with but more recently I have wanted one for very specific things. He has listened to me talk and dream and he took it all to heart and got me a well thought out gift. Besides this it shows me that he believes in me, that he wants me to go for my dreams, and that he's beside me through it all. Now that alone is the best gift I could ask for, his belief in me and my dreams. So, we are going to work on it a bit over the holidays. My goal is to have the blog portion of it up and running for January 1, 2010! When it is up and running I will be making an announcement here so those of you who are interested can follow me over there. That will be my home from here on in.

In time more will be happening there, but that you will have to wait to find out about.

Oh, and for those of you who are interested in seeing my sewing room, see, I can take a hint when you drop them in comments ;). I'm not leaving you in the dark to torture you. We are out one light in there, and though I can make it work when I am sewing, it does not work at all when it comes to taking pictures. A light will be put in while my husband is off work, so pictures will be coming, I promise!

Rag Stocking ~ Tutorial

2009-12-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Last year it just so happened I posted my first ever tutorial. It happened to be a stocking I made, one for each of my kids. Of course that was on my other blog, which now does not exist. One of the rare people who followed me over here asked about it the other day. Just so happens that I haven't deleted my other blog yet, so I decided I'd bring over the two tutorials I did over there so they can still be used by anyone who is interested.

I was looking for a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and this is it. My Christmas gift from me to you. My very first tutorial (and who knows, maybe my only). You're laughing aren't you? Because really, what it it that I can teach you? How about a sweet little stocking?

While I was making this basic rag quilt for my little man's Christmas present I had a little flash of an idea. It was only the best stocking ever! I'm not even kidding when I say I thought this bad boy up all on my own. I may not be the first or only person in the world to think this up, but I promise I didn't see this anywhere else before I made it up.

So as I made it I took some pictures in hopes that if and when it turned out I'd be able to show you how to make some for your own family. What? No time? What are you talking about? Santa comes in 17 days and that's plenty of time to whip up one or two of these. I've made two, now I just have to make one for my angel baby and we're set. Besides, if you are anything like me you've got TONS of scraps sitting around just begging to be made into something adorable. This is it.

What you'll need:
-fabric that frays easily. For this I used scrap denim and flannel I had laying about.
-matching thread (matched to the outside fabric - in my case the denim)
-sewing machine
-scissors
-fabric pen or pencil

First, make a template of your stocking and lay it out. I just cut mine out of newspaper.

Cut your fabric into squares. I chose 5x5 for mine, but you can do which ever size you want. Match up the squares WRONG sides together, I put one denim and one flannel together. Take these squares and lay them out so your stocking pattern is well covered.

Next, choose one of those lovely squares you've made. This one we will be putting an initial on. Keep in mind we will want it far enough from the sides that when the sock is trimmed it won't be cut.

On the computer print a large letter that will be 1inch x 1inch smaller than your squares. Mine was 4x4 since my squares were 5x5. Cut your letter out. If you so dare (read: if your handwriting or artistic skills are better than mine) you could free hand this step.

Now take this square and separate it from it's backing square. Leaving the backing square on the table with the rest of the stocking squares choose a scrap of fabric that you want to show through your letter when it is cut out. With these two layers of fabric ONLY sew around the letter with a basic stitch so it looks like this.

Now ever so carefully cut a little snip through the TOP LAYER only. Continue to cut out the basic shape of the letter, leaving a small bit left. Don't worry about how perfect, or imperfect it looks.

Now flip it over and trim the back fabric to remove some of the bulk.

Put this square back with the lonely partner it left behind at the table.

You will now start sewing your squares together. I did mine in small groups of squares that looked like they fit together and worked from there. Try to do it in strips or blocks to make your life a little easier and to avoid ripping out seams.

And when you are doing this you don't have to worry too much about back stitching as things sort of just secure themselves together as we work along.

You will want your squares to look like this on the back when they are sewn:

And like this on the front:

I used the edge of my pressure foot as a marker for the seam, which is about 1/4 inch. We want the raw edges to be on the front of the stocking. I promise.

When it is all together the front of our stocking should look like this:

Now just follow the same steps (minus the letter) for the back portion of your stocking, keeping in mind that you'll want the toe to point the opposite way so the two sides can be sew together later with the inside pieces facing together.

Now that we have a front and a back we'll want to bring out our trusty tracing pencil again. Using the original shape you used as a pattern to lay the squares on, trace around it straight on the fabric and cut them out.

Do a straight stitch across the tops of both the stocking pieces (about a 1/4 inch once again). You'll want to back stitch this time.

When done pin the two halves of the stocking together and sew 1/4 inch from one side of the stocking to the other, leaving the top open where you stitched in the previous step.

This is what your basic stocking will look like. Hideous isn't it? It get's better, I promise.

Now sit down with your favorite movie or TV show and start to snip one all the seams you just created keeping a close eye on the stitch because you don't want to actually cut through the stitches.

When you are done toss it in the washer and dryer (sometimes it needs it more than once), this will cause the raw edges you created on the outside of the stocking to fray. You now have the most adorable stocking out there for you or your little ones.

And don't forget to wipe down the sides of your washing machine after. Linties everywhere!

Hope someone gets a little use out of this now that I've reposted it.

Details Details

2009-12-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay on announcing the winner of the giveaway.  It seems there are about a trillion people who have kids my age out there wanting a sweet shirt for their girl.  Awesome.  Only  one can win though, and now that I am back from the dentist and not smiling because my mouth feels insanely strange I will share with you that BRENDA of "I don't have a blog" is the winner here folks.  I'll be emailing her and sending it out promptly.  The rest of you can hope she doesn't respond so I'll have to pick a runner up.

But since the announcement of a winner doesn't really tickle MY fancy I thought I'd share something else with you.

The first Christmas present to exit the NEW SEWING ROOM.

I'm so excited to show you because I think I nailed it!

My favorite BIL is going to find this under the tree for him.  Remember me telling you about how I wanted to make this for him here?  Yah, well, it turned out better than I had even hoped!

It's a 18"x18" pillow for resting his sleepy noggin on, or tossing at the big screen if the players are stinking, or whatever it is bachelors do with pillows.  I say that because I've never been in a house owned by a single man that HAD throw pillows.  Maybe I'll need to tell him what it is.  Hmmm.

One thing that I love about this pillow is the cording on this bad boy.  It's all about details (that will most likely escape the beloved BIL).  At first I wasn't going to put it on, but I just wanted to try it out, so I did.  I made the bias, which sounds mentally exhausting, but isn't quite as hard as I thought it would be, and made the cording so it would match perfectly.  I'm glad I did as I think it takes it from looking homemade to looking FANTASTIC!

Of course I had to nail the flaming C on it too.  Mediocre just won't do when I know he has heaps of friends around all the time.  If it was ugly it would be embarrassing for me because he's the type to tell everyone I made it (out of sheer pride on his part, he thinks I'm pretty awesome).  I showed it to a girlfriend today who thought I cut it from a Flames t-shirt to make it, so I take it as a compliment that it looks that good.  I did make the C though, it was probably the most difficult part of the entire pillow, and even that wasn't too bad.

Interesting though.  While I was in the fabric store getting the material for this a woman in line asked me what I was making.  Turns out she wanted to do something for a son or someone like that similar to what I was doing but because she couldn't not find material with his favorite hockey team logo on it she decided not to.  What's with my head?  Never in a millisecond did it cross my mind to even look for material with this logo on it.

Either way, I've got one present down, and I do think he'll love it.  My husband was raving about it when he saw it so I think that is a sign of things to come.

On a totally different note I have to say I got a past issue of Burda which I ordered a little while ago.  In Swedish.  I don't know about you, but I know that I don't speak a SINGLE word in Swedish.  This means a phone call is needing to take place because  it's just not going to happen (me sewing from Swedish instructions).  I'm so bummed.  I was looking forward to the magazine soooo much and was thinking of locking myself in my sewing room with it this weekend.  Obviously that isn't going to happen.  Divine intervention perhaps?

Meant to Be

2009-12-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here for the Giveaway?
You'll want to click over here.

Dragging a girlfriend out to THE local Christmas craft market around here was absolute heaven.  Not sure that she and her wallet are on talking terms because of how much she picked up.  Me, I hmmm'ed and haaa'ed over some little trees for the longest time and ended up talking myself out of them.

If there is a hidden talent I do have it's taking myself out of buying just about anything.  Most of the time it's a grand talent to behold.  I don't know about you, but I sure don't own anything I don't really want.  BUT, once in a very blue moon I regret having it.

For the upcoming week I thought and thought and thought of those lovely trees I had left behind.  I even kicked myself in the rear for not picking them up.  It was a sad, sad week.  How I wanted those little trees.

The following weekend we went out for more crafty goodness (to the market where I sold my poppy) and guess what I saw there?

My sweet little trees!
There they were.
They were waiting for me.

I bought them.  It was meant to be.  Now they sit on my mantel where I can gaze upon their greatness at any time during the day.  I'm so glad I was given a second chance to snag these beauties.

Up For Grabs

2009-12-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

I thought long and hard about this.
A giveaway.
What should it be?

I'm in the middle of moving into a new sewing room, and Christmas sewing, and the list goes on and on (as it does with the rest of you I'm sure), so it had to be simple.  But I didn't want simple to mean boring or dull.

So I made up a little top.

And wrangled up a extremely cooperative model.  I am telling you, this girl can strike a pose!

This shirt is made with 100% cotton.
I'd say it's about a size 3 or 4.

Soft buttery yellow background with red flowers, salmon coloured centers, and brown stemming.

Measures roughly 11.5 inches from armpit to armpit.
Just over 14 inches in length.
Because of the elastic gathering across the chest and shoulders it has TONS of give and it meant to be worn loose.

To show how this shirt would look great on any rug-rat in your life I found model number two to do a little demonstration as well. Considering this fellow usually wears a neck tie, I'd say he gets dolled up pretty good. No?

That being said, I am not encouraging you in any way to throw this on your son and send him off to the park to play.

I have learned a very important lesson. Models of the non-moving variety are more cooperative than those that run by themselves.

Leave a comment about which rug-rat in your life you'd like to see wearing this and which part of the globe you come from, I will ship internationally. I'll be choosing a winner at the end of the week.
**sorry, stuffed animal not included, my kids would kill me if I shipped these guys off.**

And for those of you who hang around these parts frequently, I will be posting pictures of my sewing room soon. It will be a work in progress for a little while, but I'll be in there sewing TONIGHT for the first time. I'm beyond thrilled.

I {heart} Scarves

2009-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

There are few things that are a MUST in my wardrobe, and scarves are one of them.

I {heart} scarves.

With the assistance of what I affectionately call my "giraffe neck" (aka. long, slender, graceful *snort*) I can easily pull it off too. I've made a couple new ones lately to add to my collection. The colour of this one called my name. I am NOT a pink person, but I don't mind a little "salmon" in the wardrobe. The fact that it's bamboo jersey, that it was sooooo lovely to touch, and the additional 50% off helped this one become possible.
(What is with the face I'm making? Maybe I shouldn't ask.)

And from the local stash of fabric housed in drawers and on shelves came this blue and green one. There are few times I am pleased to live in a cooler climate, but I can't complain that I can wear scarves for the better part of the year.

Goodies

2009-11-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

My mind is obviously elsewhere because I forgot to tell you that along with the great digs for my blog the sweet Debilyn made me a button. Isn't it grand?

Feel free to snag it and throw it up on your blog.

Besides that I thought I'd share something sizzling with you.

This is my newest love. Picked it up (or should I say it picked me up?) at one of the craft markets I went to a couple of weekends ago. I was walking down the isle and it all but jumped on me, begging me to take it home. I didn't want to make a scene, so I obliged and even wore it about the rest of our excursion. So glad I did. I love wearing this.

Have I mentioned that I have fallen head over heals with these markets? Wish there were more quality ones around.

Easy Sale

2009-11-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

Okay. So. Remember how I said (way back when) that I had some great stuff to tell you? Yah. Well. Let the show begin.

First up I am excited to tell you that I sold my first thing to someone who isn't a friend. That's a big thing in my books. Bigger yet is the fact that I wasn't trying to sell anything. You see, I went to a local craft fair with a girlfriend to scout out fabulous things we had to buy, and add to the list of inspiration. I'm bending over one table, looking at something when the lady selling her goods says, "that's a cute flower." So I look around her table, looking for the flower things. She's not selling any. I look up. She points to my poppy. Yes indeed! A stranger likes my poppy. Of course I thank her, explaining that I had to make something with a bit more POW to wear because those plastic ones don't cut it. "You made that?" she asks. She than wants to know why I'm not there selling my poppies. Good question. Should I be? Call me nieve, but I never thought of making them to sell. I'm still not great at thinking my things are good enough to sell. Kind stranger lady soon becomes my best friend and tells me I should be going here and there and getting my stuff out there. So I offer to make her one. It was a test really. Why? If she really liked it she'd buy one right, and that means she's not blowing hot air out her ears. She bites. I made a poppy and sold it to a complete stranger. You have no idea how thrilled that made me.

While we are on the note of my poppies, I got so many compliments about them. Mostly through the friend I made one for because she supplied me with the fabric, but one big one wasn't from her, it was from a man, and not the one I'm married too. The mans-man that did our mudding in the basement noticed me wearing it when he came over the first day and told me how cool he thought my poppy was. Now that means something when a man who wears mud to work daily notices these things and says something about them.

And that folks, is how you get on cloud nine with no effort.

Christmas Decorating

2009-11-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

I've warded off decorating for the holidays so far because of the pleading look I got from my husband followed by a, "can't we finish the basement first?" Not sure why he wants to put work on hold for an evening to haul boxes in from the garage.

Because of this the only thing I have out that says any amount of "Merry Christmas" is green

and sparkly.

And I actually made it.

A friend came over with all the needed items and a great "crafting for dummies" idea and so we sat down for an evening of good company and creativity.

This is the most "crafty" I have ever been I think.
Best part is, it turned out pretty well because I like it well enough to display it in my home.

Birthday

2009-11-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

Does it get any easier to let your kids grow up?

(let's ignore the great shot of the BBQ shall we)

This last weekend I turned into a mama with a two-year old.

They seem to get too big too fast.

Isn't the banner gorgeous?  No I didn't make it myself, it was a gift from a friend a little while back.  She did a smashing job on it though, I couldn't wait to put it up.

Sour Mood

2009-11-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

This is just a "get out of jail free card" sort of post. 

I've been in such a sour mood lately I figured it was safer to stay hidden under my rock until the nice gal came out to play again. 

Why the sour mood?  I have had TOO MANY PEOPLE in my space, and I am a HUGE space girl.  I don't like people in it, invading it, or making themselves too comfy.  Not that I don't like having friends over, or entertaining, or opening my home to those I love most.  BUT, what I don't like is my home being filled each and every day for nearly THREE WEEKS and feeling like I have to hide while they are here. 

I have declared to my husband that if the basement wasn't attached to the rest of the house I'd burn it down right about now.

So I've been hiding.  Thinking and hoping it would get better.

And it was suppose to, but the carpet guy is taking two days, and warranty guys are coming, and a plumber, and and and.  Get the picture?  The freedom and peace I saw in this upcoming week are clouded by appointments I must be here for and more grown men I must baby sit.

Being clever I thought I'd follow the great advice of,
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
But it just ain't working.

So a new strategy has formed in this wee head of mine.

Talk about great stuff I've been blind to lately.
And boy do I have lots of that.

Weekend? Where Did You Go?

2009-11-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

Need to ask one simple question just to clear things up.

Didn't we just have a weekend?

Here I am sitting down to a Monday, but I can't recall a weekend.  Was it those couple of insane days where I basically didn't see my husband or kids?  Ahead I see a mile long list of things I must get done (no other options here people!) for the upcoming birthday yehaw that is taking place on Saturday.

And my basement is still not done.
Nor will it be in time for the party.

I'm a big girl though, and I've pulled on my big girl panties and decided not to weep and frown about this teeny tiny detail.  Besides, there are just too many other things I need to worry about between now and than.

I've got things to tell you too.
Stuff to show you.

But that will have to wait for now.

Lest We Forget

2009-11-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

Remembrance Day.

The one day a year we dedicate to those who have fought generation after generation for the things we take for granted the most.  Our freedom.  Our rights.  Our simple daily privileges.  Men and women who lost their lives.  Soldiers who came home different people than those loved and sent out.

I recently listened to part of a radio show, the question being asked, "Do YOU honor Remembrance Day?"  And it made me think, do I?

Around me I have snippits of things constantly reminding me of the wars fought, those still raging.  A girlfriend who lived close by for nearly a year because her husband was deployed and she had a newborn.  Hearing of the hardships of another friend who's husband came back a stranger.  One who's husband has never seen the front lines, but lives daily with the possibility that next week it could be his turn now that's he's done school.

Even as a child I had things that told me a tale.  A Grandfather who played the bagpipes in parades with the marching veterans.  And the faded blue colouring book-like lines I would trace over and over on the forearms of my great grandfather.  At the time I didn't know they were anchors and told of a young man who lied about his age to join the English Navy.

During this radio show I listened to someone voiced a concern, "What will we do when all the veterans die?  Who will remind us to remember than?"  Somewhere in our minds we see veterans as the old men in wheelchairs and walkers, somber as they place the wreath in front of us during ceremonies, and though they are a part of this distinct group in our countries they aren't the only ones who bear the title.

There is a war going on right now.  Right now we have brave soldiers in so many branches of the armed forces continuing a legacy those before them created.  They are our newest veterans; not old, not silver haired, not wrinkled, yet still veterans.

For a long time I wore a poppy all year round because of the meaning I found in the little red plastic flower but let's face it, they aren't very pretty.  To remedy this I decided this year that the only thing I could do was to make one that wasn't an eye sore.  My husband's red t-shirt just about got slashed in support of this whim but was saved at the last second by a friend's donation of red fabric.

 This picture does it no justice whatsoever, but you get the idea.  This pin won't be thrown to side when Remembrance Day fades from our memories until next year, and the bearer of the red fabric has one for herself as well, it was the least I could do.

I've been wearing it for days now and I am glad for this reminder that someone gave much for what I have.  I am grateful to these individuals and their selflessness, their sense of a greater good.  Someone has to step up and look the battle right in the eyes while risking their lives for people they may never meet, and we've got great people doing it.

This Remembrance Day don't be one of those who forgets.

To Market, to Market

2009-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

To market, to market, to look at the goods.

That was this Saturday for me. I went with complete intentions to purchase something fabio and didn't. You see, I have this huge problem with spending money, I just don't like to do it. Because of this I am actually kicking myself because there are two things I wish I had snagged while I was there. One I'm going to see if I can sew it, but we'll see.

What I did walk away from was this sweet little brooch pictured above. Darling isn't it? It caught my eye and I drooled. My girlfriend picked through a basket of dandy little pins and found one she liked as well. While I was fishing through my bag for my wallet she bought this sweet thing for me, so it's not like I walked away empty handed! The bead in the center of this beauty is a hand made glass bead. It's fantastic!

This coming weekend there is another market in a neighboring city I think I'll try to get to. I hear there is a lady there who sells things I'd love to get my hands on. I hope she's there and that she doesn't disappoint.

Because I had nothing better to do Sunday morning I made one of these exact pins to match my outfit for church.  I'd show you a picture of it, but it didn't last on my person too long.  A friend of mine had a birthday earlier in the week and eyeballed it, so I told her if she didn't look too closely at the imperfections of it she could call it hers.

ooooh, ahhhhh

2009-11-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

How you digging the new look? I can't even tell you how in love I am with it. Unless you take into my grovelling at the feet of Debilyn I had absolutely nothing to do with it.

You need to go and hit her up for a consult and a new do for your own place. She's a doll to work with. I gave her some ideas of what I liked for this and that and BAM this is what she came up with.

Go grovel at the feet of the ever talented Debilyn. You won't be sorry.

Projects

2009-11-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

How about a post? It's been long enough right? Can't say I've been so busy that I couldn't post, I just couldn't think of something to post about. *sigh* Oh the trials surrounding blogs.

Many of the projects I am working on for Christmas are in the works, but not ready to look at yet, so it's dull on the project front around here. EXCEPT, I forgot about this weekend. You know, the one where all the ghosts and ghouls roam around seeking for yummy treats. Mine joined in the ranks of the dressed up adorable and roamed as a lion and elephant. Though we don't do the candy thing with our kids (to the point where they don't even know what it is), I had to make up a couple little sacks so they could carry something around. At our friends homes they collected treats they could eat in these sweet little bags.

This is where I have to praise my husband for making dinner for not just our family that night but for the Elders who came for dinner, leaving me to do what needed to be done because I HAD to do this last minute project.

They turned out pretty good in the long run but this project is 100% proof that I am not a crafter AT ALL. I tried to glue the little pumpkins on to save myself some time, but that kicked me in the rump something serious. In the end I pulled out the trusty needle and thread called a sewing machine and stitched them on, even though they were all gunky.

Let this be a lesson to me. Just stick to sewing! This crafty business is not my cup of tea.

In the end these little sacks have been carried around by the wild animals in my life non-stop. They are perfect to hold all sorts of small treasures and don't get too heavy. I might have to make up more of these in the future.

Perfect Gifts

2009-10-26T18:10:00.001-07:00

You know when you find the perfect gift for someone?  Yah, I was just lucky enough to find that for one of my friends today.  She invited me over to watch a movie with the kiddos.  Having no kids of her own she played with them while I watched The Scarlet Pimpernel.  It's old school.  It's her favorite movie.  It's only on VHS.  Or so she thought.  I enjoyed the movie so much I thought a copy of it for myself would be great, IF it was on DVD.  So I went looking for it with all fingers crossed and FOUND IT!  It is now on it's way and I have the perfect gift for my friend.  She can now watch her favorite movie as often as she likes without fear of wearing out the tape and I have one less gift to make.

Now, if only I could so easily knock off the rest of the people off my list.

Quick Invite

2009-10-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to throw together a quick invite for a movie night the ladies at my church are doing this Thursday. I think it turned out alright. I've cut them out so they actually have that little circle on the end missing so they look more like actual tickets. I hope they are liked, it's the best I could do on such short notice on the given information.

I haven't had the time I would like to spend more time on the computer drawing and playing around. Part of the problem is the lack of projects. For me it's hard to just sit down and draw, I need a project to get myself playing around. It's time like this morning I am glad I can do basic things though. Being as non-crafty as I am this invite would have been a nasty typed thing just printed off the computer and photo copied if I couldn't spend 15 minutes working it out on the computer.

Six Simple Words

2009-10-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

More snow. This seriously sucks pickles.

Just What?

2009-10-23T12:29:00.001-07:00

Swaps.
Just in time for the upcoming Christmas season.
That has F-U-N written all over it.
And
S-T-R-E-S-S
why?

Because the trash heap is probably about 20x more creative than me.
And her skills with a sewing machine and set of knitting or crocheting needles is awesome.

What am I going to send?

Oh...and for the record she's the trash heap because she knows all. (Fraggle Rock here people)

Got to love having a trash heap as a friend.

Aside from that I've decided to really get going on my gifts. It's actually freaking me out because I've been slackerific this year and haven't really done much in the way of gifts yet. Typically I am done by about summer. I know, lame right? Who does that?! But here we are in the tail end of October and I've done little to prep.

Tick-toc!
Time's a ticking.
Especially for those I have to send packages out to.

Turn the Key

2009-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Some days I feel like the clock dude off of Return to Oz.  Like I need to have someone stand behind me and give that key in my back a good turn to get me going.  Any volunteers?  It would mean a trip to the land of cold and snow.

Change of Plans

2009-10-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

I might have mentioned here and there that I wanted to make my kids wardrobes for the size two period we are hitting in our lives.  My wonderfully adventurous intentions were totally given a flat tire yesterday.  I was busy sewing up a storm, and have three shirts to prove it, pictures will come, I promise, when my husband desires to haul in the mother load of clothes from a friend.

Hand me downs.  Got to love them.  Going through the bins and bins and bins of clothes I come to one serious conclusion. 

I no longer have the need to sew anything for my kids.

It would be spoiling them to no extent if I did too, because as it sits I swear I have clothing for a month without doing laundry for both of them.  My husband had to mountain climb search and rescue style to get me free when I was done.

Now I have one problem.  WHAT AM I GOING TO SEW?  It's not like I can just stop.

I'm trying to wrap my head around the idea of making myself new clothes.  As with many mother's out there I suffer from, I-don't-need-it-because-I'm-the-mama syndrome.  My clothes, though not bad, sure have no real zing to them, and besides the odd thing here and there I haven't ever really tackled making myself much of anything I could actually wear.

So my newest adventure, if I can manage to figure it out, is to recreate my wardrobe.  It's all about me now people.

Of course, I may have to throw in the odd thing for my kids here and there, because let's face it, I love sewing for them.

Thankfully a friend who has no idea of my need to find more projects to sew (because my list has shrunk to three digits now rather than four) sends me this little image:

As I'm loving the fabulousness of the material and the apron in general I see the request.

Can you make a matching set of these for me and my daughter?

Not that I have a problem making things for other people, but I like to work a certain way.  When inspiration hits.  You know, you have the right fabric, or a pattern is calling to you.  I was liking the idea of getting to something like this for my friend eventually, how could I not? the aprons are darling, so I said yes.  Now here's the catch.  And it's a doozy.  She wants them for Christmas.

As in Christmas 2-0-0-9.

That would be this December.

Hmmmmm.

Even without my kids wardrobes to figure out I have tons on my brain that I'd like to spit out of the sewing machine between now and than.

I'm going to throw this on my list anyhow.  I like a good challenge, what's two more items right?

Now, let's see if I can motivate myself to get some stuff taken off this sewing-to-do list of mine, starting with Christmas things.

Tid Bits

2009-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

The title "Tid Bits" makes me think of Tim Bits. Now I'm wanting some donuts. To get my mind off that let's just get going with the thought process behind today's post.

This is what happens when a baby girl with a determined, I-will-do-it-myself personality, sits down to put on her socks when mama can't get to it because she's changing brother's diaper.

I love that about her.

Isn't this dress grand?

Over the winter I may have to collect a ton of scraps and see if I can make something like that for myself.  Of course I may have to change the bodice of it.

And lastly.  I am going to take this:

And make this for Christmas:

For a BIL of mine who is a fan.  It was that or I make it from his football teams logo, but that wasn't likely to happen with this being the image I'd have to work with:

Can we say, "I don't think so!"?  Yah that's what I thought.  Sometimes simple is better.

This House

2009-10-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Have I shown you this house yet? If I have just squint so it looks new.

See how the tree has leaves on it? Aren't they very autumish and bright?
Notice the brown hill of grass?

Now here's a big one.

Notice how there isn't snow in this picture?

I'm wondering where autumn went. We went straight from terribly yucky summer to snow flying down from the sky winter.

*sigh*

I do love crunchy leaves and crisp air.

I feel like I got a massive shaft with missing it this year.

The first day of autumn I knew I wanted to make a little thing to show the season, so this was in my head. I finished it and the snow came and I stashed this away not knowing what to do with it. It's just small. What would you do with it? Any ideas?

*and no, I don't have a pink house, I was working with the only felt I hand on hand*

Man Pants

2009-10-16T11:06:00.001-07:00

With all the frills and skirts going on you probably think I never sew for my son but I DO!  This is the first pair of jeans I made him just last week.  I call them his man pants since he's getting so big.

This first shot isn't the best, but gives you an idea.

And a back view.

The pattern I used had nothing on it details wise, it was plain and simply two tubes for legs.  I decided I needed to pull out a pair of his old jeans and make them look a little more legit.  Nothing screams, "My mom made my jeans!" than no pockets or anything.

I added pockets, and had to do the little stitching on them too.  Next time I want to make longer pockets that go down his leg further.  I also added one of those little carpenter loops that goes from the side leg seam and meets up at the bottom corner of one back pocket.  Besides that I did the typical top stitching to make them look less mama made.  Even put a snap on the front though it's just for looks.

When I was first done these I thought they were just about the most hideous thing I have sewn in ages but I put them on my son just to see and fell in love.  They look so cute on him that I can't not be pleased with how they turn out.

Oh...and the fabric for these came from the garage sale stash, and so did the snap. 

There are more of these in store for my little man, especially since he quickly growing out of everything he currently owns.

Finished

2009-10-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

It's done.  The skirt itself took me no time at all, but I couldn't have stopped there, no no, I had to jazz it up.

Not bad for my second attempt at embroidery.  I love the simplicity of the plain skirt with the pop of the vibrant blue ribbon around the edge.  The flowers are able to stand right out and steal the show.

I even ventured out in the snow to spend the afternoon at teacher's place and showed her the skirt, she loved it.  What was not loved were the boots we had to wear.  A 50/50 split with the kids.  A certain daughter screamed and cried when I put these foreign objects on her feet while a particular son decided laying on the ground let him get a better look at them.  As far as I was concerned, I could have joined someone in a fit of crying for the boots on my feet.

On the to do shelf, all cut out and ready for me to spend some good quality time with it is another project for me.  First off I have to fix a couple shirts for a friend.  I don't know about you, but that mending pile just adds up on me.  It's so BORING to do those little tasks sometimes, but they need to get done I suppose.  Oh, and I haven't mentioned the jeans I made my son last week.  Let me see if I can wash them so I can show you those suckers, they turned out way better than I thought they would, and let me tell you, they are way cuter on, but isn't that how it works with just about anything you sew?

Little Skirts

2009-10-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I came across Melissa from Day to Day and saw she was hosting a little sew-along with skirts being the focus. Brilliant! I need to make up some serious clothes for the ever growing kids who aren't fitting into many of their current clothes. This little push was just what I needed!

I've been sewing like a mad mama thanks to the kids most amazing nap yesterday. Thank goodness, it was just what we all needed. Over the weekend I got this little dandy done and I only just got pictures taken because it had to be worn all weekend long. In other words, it was an instant favorite.

One of the best parts of this skirt was it's price. The fabric was a gift from a friend, the ribbon was something left over from another project, as was the elastic. I can handle that sort of price tag.

Originally it was just plain and straight and I didn't like it too much so I threw a touch of girly flair in with the ruffle at the bottom. I like it much better now.

Yesterday I got TWO skirts done. Yes you read that right TWO. With that tease I'll tell you I can only show you one right now because I'm adding some great things to the second and it's not quite finished.

This one was also a great price. Left over material from another project, etc. etc. It won't be much longer that I can get away with using left over material to make things for my kids. They are getting too big WAY to fast.

This one needed to be dolled up a bit, so I added a couple yo-yo's and buttons,

and a terrific fabric butterfly.

This one has yet to be shown to the wearer-to-be, but I'm thinking she'll love it too.

Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to show you the last skirt. I think three will do it for my little lady. After this I need to do some pants and shirts for both the kids and maybe a dress or two. I've got my work cut out for myself don't I?

Intentions

2009-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

I had great intentions of posting all weekend.
That means it didn't happen.
What can I say, it was an insane weekend.

And I wake to snow drifts surrounding my house this morning and all happy plans of going for a walk to the post office are not happening. And this lady isn't smiling and gleeful because of the change of plans. Who wants to warm the car up just to drive a few blocks to beg the post office ladies for some good mail?

My kids are clingy today too, meaning it is an absolute miracle I am even getting this lame post out there. And the laundry that is eyeball high is needing attention too, so I feel like I have three clingy kids wanting all my attention. I'd ignore the laundry, but I've done that enough the past few days and I'm not sure any of us would enjoy running around in the buck with the snow flying.

All of this adds up to one simple fact:
I am counting down until the kids are silently snoozing, so I can throw in a load of laundry (it's pretty good at entertaining itself for a bit at this point) and dive into something sewing. I've got some projects I'd love to do. Some skirts to make. Oh, and a dress for myself. The list goes on and on.

Not For Me

2009-10-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Procrastination.
It isn't something anyone who has ever known me would ever think could be combined with my name.  Ever.  It's just not me.
I've tried it out the last couple of weeks with a couple projects I had to get finished on a deadline.  Hours before I was suppose to deliver I was sitting down to do the needed things to finish them off.
Procrastination.
One word for you:
STRESSFUL!
I have learned from experience that it really isn't me.
I'll go back to being 10-15 minutes early for everything, having projects done weeks in advance, and never getting close to a deadline ever again.  I can't handle it people!  My nerves would up and quit on me and I'd be no more, or at least more, but more nutty, and that just isn't needed.
So lesson learned.
For me that is.
Those of you who function this way each and every day of your life, I just have to you,
"YOU'RE COMPLETELY NUTS!"
But that's your choice, and I still love ya if it seems to be working for you.

Birds of a Feather

2009-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's been about a year since I saw the inspiration for a pillow I HAD to make.  A year.  I don't know what held me back because I went out just about as pronto as a girl could and got everything I needed to make it.  I finally got around to it though.  All it took was an afternoon nap (for the babes) and a push in the form of a super dull living room.

The final product didn't turn out to be something I'm 100% in love with, but I still like it.

What I do like is the back to this pillow.  Simple.  Crisp.  Easy.

And the action shot.  It wouldn't do any good unless you saw the pillow doing what it was made to do now would it?  Even though I am not in love with it, it does add something and I like it.

Now the master plan is to get to work making some more pillows.  I need more to add some punch to this boring room.

The Finds

2009-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ah, so the garage sale thing I mentioned here turned out to be AWESOME.  I got heaps and heaps, and I'm talking heaps, of great things I can't wait to use.  Wanna see?

Maybe a little something for dresses and shirts?  The red one has the best texture ever that doesn't show up in pictures.

Shirting.  This means I'll be sewing BOY CLOTHES!  Yah!

And more shirting.  Besides little boy shirts I have plans for something for the two ladies in the house once the male shirt quota has been met.  You'll have to hold onto your horses (and maybe for  a long long time, to find out what).

Denim.  Because what kids doesn't need another pair of pants, or 20?

Mmmmhmmmm.  Just because we skipped autumn and went straight to winter here doesn't mean we can't still have tons of colour happening.

Some vintage scraps that I have no idea why I needed them, but I just new I did.

Soft and subdued is alright too. 

Could not pass up the chance to make some pants out of the camo for my boy.  Don't ask what the African print will become.

And some vintage bedding.  One has seen better days for sure, but I can work with that.  I'm certain if I think hard enough I'll find tons of things to do with these.

And I'm telling you people, THAT WAS JUST THE FABRIC!
I got some other trinkets and gadgets, but I'll tell you about those another day.
Oh.  Want to know how much I paid for all these pieces of fabric?

NOT ONE CENT!

Not even kidding.  Even I can admit that's a pretty smoking deal.

I'm Thinking Yes

2009-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

When I first moved here my only friend gave me a little gift that blew me over, partly because of the thoughtfulness of it, and partly because of her skill. It was a simple flower sack dish towel, the same kind my grandmother used to use, and that I loved, embroidered with a daisy. I demanded she teach me her skill, in the sweetest tone I could muster, and she laughed. Apparently this is easy.

I'd say differently. Because I'm not a "crafty" person. I can sew just about anything, but when it comes to anything else I fall off the wagon. People who think I craft are seriously mistaken and should be put into the nearest nuthouse until they come to their senses.

So I went over to spend a night with Teacher and have her show me how to weild a needle and make beautiful things. She showed me a couple stitches and sent me on my way. Not wanting to do something dull, like never ending line after line, I decided I needed something fun to practice my new skills (word used oh so very loosely there). This is what I did:

Don't look too close because it's totally beginner, full of mistakes and non-fab type oops (like that lamo lazy daisy which I obviously slept through the lesson on, don't tell teacher okay?) but people...
I LOVE IT.
I have a new hobby.
I need to do more of this!

There are now 10 flour sack dish towels sitting there waiting for me to decide what to put on them. I think one will have to be a pie since I love how the trial run of it went when only on a scrap of muslin. Too fun!

Old Books, New Friends

2009-10-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Funny how things happen sometimes.

Last weekend, before the snow started to fly and it was nice and warm, we had a ton of things to do on the Saturday.  Waiting for daddy to get ready to go the youngsters and I decided to fold the remaining laundry and we came across this dress.  Not my favorite as you may recall, but it is someone else's favorite and so the second her sweet little blue eyes spotted it my daughter started to tug at the clothes she was wearing and grunted in demand to remove them.  The dress, as it turns out, was the only thing worth wearing at that very moment.  Finally dressed to her requirements we headed off for our morning adventures.

As we walked past one of the local churches signs notifying us of a wonderful event (book sale) I jumped with joy.  My husband didn't.  He didn't want to pull the kids out of the stroller just for that.  As you might be able to tell he isn't a huge lover of books.

So we went on our way, me just a touch sulkily perhaps, and saw the antique fire engines on display.  I could count myself lucky I talked him into going to that!  The kids oggled at the man filling a small pool of water with the fire hose for a future display, bet he didn't know he was that fascinating.  They stared with open mouths at the ladder that went up, up, up from the top of the fire engine with the man in the box.  They chewed on the cord key things the cops gave them.  It was a grand time.

On the way home we went the way we came, but this time the kids were on foot.  Count my lucky stars!  That means *gasp* I got to go check out the books on sale.  And did I get some treasures?  You bettcha I did!

Three old books to sit upon my fireplace mantel.

I know, the pitchers aren't the most fab, but they are only up there until I find what I'm really looking for (which I won't tell you until I find them!

Which books did I snag?  The three shown are all printed roughly 50-80 years ago.  Not a long long time ago, but still.  What caught my eye and made me want to do a happy dance like none other was the green one in the picture.  A Thousand and One Nights.  I've been wanting to read this book since I first heard about it forever ago and I nearly danced my socks off when I found it for dirt cheap!  The other two are ones I'm going to read too.  Once I told myself I'd never have a book on my mantel I either hadn't read and loved already, or was in the process of reading.  It's just not my style to have something I don't like or haven't read sitting around.  Sounds like the best part right?  Well, it's not.

As I'm sitting there blowing dust off the cover of A Thousand and One Nights a lady I don't know comes up to me and asks if I sewed my daughters dress. Uh, yah! Thrilled to bits the woman introduces herself as the reverend of the church, and she's an addict to sewing as well! Well people, I can officially say I have a new friend, and man did I need it! Being new to the area (that I love, don't get me wrong) where the people are as open to new people as they would be crocodiles in their bath tubs I was feeling lonely. Immediately I'm invited to a mom and tots thing, which is great because the kids and I all voted and it was unanimous that we needed a better social life. Not expecting more I was shocked when she was there and asked for me to bring my kids to "coffee" with her group of girlfriends the following Friday. It doesn't stop there. No, no. Now I've been invited to go to an unofficial garage sale. In searching for books to sell for the used book sale I met her at a group of women came across a grandma with a stash of fabric in her garage that would put Fabricland to shame. We're going there Tuesday. I've been invited! The list goes on and on. This woman was very much what I needed, and I am shocked at how easily and openly she's included me into her circle of friends.

Funny. Had my daughter not worn her dress, had my husband continued to dig his heels in about not going to the book sale, things still would have been pretty lonely around here.

Bad Word Here

2009-10-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

**SNOW**

I couldn't put a word like that up in the title because it would certainly chase people who don't like potty words right out the door before they could get their boots off.  The fact that they are wearing boots because of the s#*w wouldn't even cross their minds.

It's not like I have mountains of snow surrounding my house, but the skiff that is blanketing the entire ground, and the fat flakes that are tumbling from the sky are hinting the heaps will make themselves known soon enough.

Right about now is when I start singing my sad songs.
Why ME?!
Why do I live in a winter wonderland?
Why can't I move somewhere warmer?
Why don't I migrate south for the winter?
How can I endure another winter of this?

And than I pull up my big girl panties and pretend like I'll suck it up and be strong, but in truth I will whine about it until the thaw of spring.

It's going to be a long winter if it's starting already folks.

My one sewing project that is currently on the go could not have found better timing.  Blankets, warm and snuggly, for the kiddos.  They had tons of little ones for when they were tiny themselves, but with the blink of an eye and the warmth of the summer they have sprouted and they are in need of blankets that can cover their toddler bods in the chill of the night.  No pictures yet, but they are going to be fab.  You'll just have to stay tuned.

But it makes me sad that I am sewing winter woolies instead of more summery fabulousness.  I wasn't done yet!  I still had more I wanted to do!  That has me thinking though.  I could still sew them, and stash them in the closet until the thawing of 2010.  We'll see.

Self Portrait

2009-10-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

If I had taken this picture, which I didn't, I would have titled it, "Self Portrait".
See how it's a prickly plant?
See how it's covered in frost?
That about sums me up perfectly right now. Prickly and frozen.

We've had frost all-week-long here people. I've had to warm up our van before rocking it down the road to the public library. It takes longer to warm up than to drive there! I've pulled out my sweaters and mind mapped a time to drag my kids out so I can buy thermals. The problem with that is the stores seem to not have gotten the message, or they think we live in the Bahamas because there are no thermals in stock yet, or I'm the only person in this wilderness that thinks it's cold. How am I ever going to live to see the end of winter if I'm dying from cold already?

Fat Lips and More

2009-10-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

I am the worst mother in the world.
Now say it with me.
I am the worst mother in the world.
Not YOU. I mean ME!
*sigh*
The fat lips with THREE gouges in it are testimonials here people. I have two kitchen chairs that flank me when I am doing anything in the kitchen. Atop those chairs are two little people I adore to the edge of the earth and back, they are always wanting to be up and seeing what I'm up to, and let's face it, it is way easier to work with them there than hanging off me.

But yesterday the little lady was furious at the lack of deliciousness heading her way from the mixing bowl (mostly because it wasn't delicious yet) and decided to let me know about it with a little show and tell of fireworks.

She now has a fat lip and my wool sweater is stained with blood.

I am the worst mother in the world.

Alright, I know that isn't completely true, but I sure felt like it yesterday, and today it hasn't completely worn off yet.

Otherwise, I got a couple little projects done yesterday while the little people were napping. Pictures to come in a bit. I have to take them first.

I'd love to say I have projects flying off my machine left right and center, but I can't honestly say there are. I have the greatest desire and intentions to do my own thing and sew in what spare time I have, but things always come up. This week was more of the same. To add to it, someone I hold in high regard (though she doesn't even know it ~ and I can say anything I want because she doesn't read my blog) is really ill again. It's bothering me to no end. She's had a couple runs of cancer. This is looking like her third, in just a few years too. It's eating me knowing that her kids could be motherless, that she may not make it through this time around. She wasn't suppose to make it through the last one, but she's a fighter. This time, there's a different feel coming with it though and I'm scared, not that I can say these things out loud to the people in my "real world" life.

So today my plans consist of keeping busy, for fear if I don't I'll be busy crying all day.

2009-10-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Either sounds like a whole lot of honky-tonk fun (and I don't think these folks are hicks either) or a huge possible headache for my readers since I don't have a bazillion things to say. Hmmm. I'm playing anyways, aren't I always up for a good session of torture?

Mr. and Mrs.

2009-09-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

People. I am here to tell you that if you have a sewing machine and a kid in your life at all you have to go and snag this pattern from Jessica over at Happy Together. She was asking for some help on running through her pattern and getting feedback to her. I was oh so very late. Last in line sort of late and I sobbed because I didn't have a chance. I commented anyhow and dear Jessica took pity on me and asked me to join in the good times!

First I made a little Mrs. for the girl in my life. This little creature wouldn't be complete without her fabulous little hankie to cover her sweet bald head.

She also wouldn't be complete without the man who looks absolutely dashing in his bow tie and top hat. What a stud hey?

No wonder she went for him. They make the perfect pair!

You can't exactly quote me on this, because I have been wrong once or twice in my life, but I think this pattern is going to be up for grabs in Jessica's etsy shop starting this Monday night. If you don't sew she's even got a couple she's made you can buy.

These two have been stashed in my closet and will remain there until they get wrapped up and shoved under the Christmas tree. By stashed I mean they are randomly sitting there where anyone could ever see them, but my kids are just too little to make it matter. They haven't seen them yet but I just know that these are going to be loved big time when they finally get spotted.

In other news:
MY PATTERNS HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED!!
I figured I had to tell you since you were sitting on the edge of your seat just wondering if I had gotten them yet. Aren't you relieved? Knew you would be. Now I have to get planning. I still have that ridiculous idea of making the mass majority of my kids size 2 wardrobe. Thankfully they are still fitting in their 18-24 months, but not for long. I've got to light a fire under this rear end of mine if my kids aren't going to run around naked this winter.

Gratitude

2009-09-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Gratitude is a funny thing.
Take this week.
I have NOT been grateful to be up at 5 am because a certain young man in my life (who will remain nameless, pointing fingers isn't my style) has chosen to awake WAY TO EARLY.
But
During that morning time, being just the two of us
I have indeed been grateful for the snuggles, and the chance to catch some gorgeous sunrises.

2009-09-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just when I feel settled, whole, and trimmed of all loose threads it hits me and I start looking.

I stand on the shore, watching the horizon for hints of arrival.

Never knowing what I wait for, but have complete confidence I'll recognize it at first sight.

T-wit T-wit T-woo

2009-09-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Before I loose myself in a bed of owl feathers here I had to fill you in on the clothing drive I mentioned here.  This was done by a group of local women who are members of the church I attend.  It turned out to be HUGE.  And by that I mean HUGE.  First off, my van was packed from the floor to the roof of clothes that the people from my region contributed.  Friday afternoon I got to the drop off site and was floored with the mass amounts of bags that kept pouring in.  We had a gym completely full of clothes, and that was JUST THE WOMEN'S.  Separate rooms were holding stuff for kids, men, and teens.  People from the community came and got what they wanted Saturday afternoon and the remainder was stuffed back into garbage bags.  A group of three young men came with their small moving van to pick them up, throw them into huge shipping crates, and send them off to the men, women, and children in South Africa.  It was amazing to know that just a few women could gather together enough clothes to make an impact on so many lives.  It made the fact that my house still smells of other people's laundry soap totally worth while.  *and just so you know, I'm not just being rude about that, I am pretty sensitive to smells and the headaches I've been plagued with during this collection have been massive and plenty*

But onto something totally different.

It's a good thing I snapped a picture of these little dudes pronto because my kids ate them alive.  Proof?  I know there are four of them around here somewhere, but pictures tell a tale of one little owl MIA.  "Where are you Mr. Wide Striped Owl?"

I made these clever little cuties out of socks. Yah, you heard me right, SOCKS. Before you accuse me of something like being brilliant minded or the sort I have to say, "I take no credit." Because it took no brain power of my own but to read and follow directions from the fabulous Claire over at Craft Schmaft.

I was one of the lucky ones allowed to give Claire's owl mobile a run down and give her a little feedback. I was amazed how quickly these little guys came together and how squishy cute they are! Seeing that I am totally tempted to stop by her online shop or even her etsy store and grab some more patterns to spoil my kids with.

Even with all their imperfections (solid grey dude has been named Gimpy) they are pretty cute, at least until you put them side by side with some seriously adorable ones that other people have put together. I'm not even jealous that theirs are wicked awesome cute and mine would nearly give kids a nightmare.

Of course now I am hooked, with a capital OO. hOOked. I'm on the outlook for some more socks just calling out to be turned into owls. Have you ever noticed that when you are looking for cool socks they are never to be found? Yah...that's why there is a lack of serious colour and oompha in these ones.

Check out some of the sweeties she made:

Aside from the fact that I need some practice when it comes to birthing owls to get mine half as cute as hers, I could not be more in love with a sock creature. I just found out a friend is having a baby girl. Any guesses what she'll be getting at the shower?

Mini Muumuu

2009-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Had to share the latest of the sewing projects that hit my daughter's closet. This is the only picture I could get so as lame as it is you are just going to have to deal. I had to pull her baby from her arms and snap this image before she lunged for the doll. It was that or you got a picture of a doll and not the dress.

This little Hawaiian Muumuu is totally adorable, and she loves it. It's is comfy and casual that it makes it to the "everyday wear" department. This is a good thing since this little lady is a girly girl and loves anything she deems pretty. It's made from random stuff that was sitting around without purpose which is always nice because it didn't cost me a cent that way!

Sadly, I have yet to find much for the little man.
Although I did purchase a pattern for him. You know those patterns I talked about yesterday? There should be one for him in there,
IF THEY EVER COME.
Yes. That means they still weren't waiting for me at the post office.
*sigh*

I have been totally slacking in the sewing department though. Mostly because we've had too many people in the house for different reasons and I can't have my stuff just laying about. AND my little helpers have been a touch more energetic as of late. Plus my evenings have been filled with watering the neighbors lawn (thank goodness she is home today) and getting ready for the clothing drive tomorrow (more about that in another post).

Once life settles though I am going to see if I can wear my machine out. Heavens, I have enough projects floating around in my little head I should be able to accomplish that in no time!

Patterns Ahead

2009-09-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

I think I have gone a little "hog wild"
with a little online shopping spree.
6 patterns!
Count them ~ 6

Of course, now that I'm thinking about it I'm wondering why the mail man hasn't given me any presents recently. Hmmmm. I went back and forth on the internal debate yesterday, walk with the kids to the post office or not, and not won out. That 5 minutes (40 when the midget legs walk themselves) just seemed like too much effort for me yesterday. There won't be much of a debate today on if we go or not.

While we are out we mat as well mosey down the street to the second hand crap store. The woman is convinced her junk is antique and worth about 500% more than what it really is. Like that beat up sewing machine, that came with no peddle, no cords, no bobbin cover. I'm here to tell you that thing is not worth $200. I'm convinced if she sees me in there enough she'll give it to me so I won't bring my kids back in. Heaven forbid they touch something held together with dust. But I must go, not only to annoy her into giving me the machine for next to nothing so I can display it in my sewing room when it's done, but to see if she has any ancient irons that won't cost me the price of my first born...not that she'd accept a child.

And what I'd give to get my hands on a couple of old wooden spools. I doubt I'll find them there, but the real antique store in town may, and she thinks my kids are the cutest things that step foot in her shop. That's a bonus if you want me to buy things from you.

Man Down!

2009-09-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Maybe not man down, but internet down for sure.

Thanks to our provider who decided that our internet should be attached to a phone number that is not ours.  I'm just wondering if they are going to be paying our bill for us?  ;)  No?  Well, it's worth asking.

Funny enough, I didn't miss the internet, but I sure missed email.  I was DYING to know if my friend got her cards in the mail, and if she loved them.  YES and YES.  Makes me soooo happy.

And today I am having a bit of a lazy day and haven't gotten much done.  Unless you count the two loaves of whole wheat bread cooling in the kitchen, and the two napping kids tuckered out by a good play session with mama.

I guess I haven't been lazy than.

One thing I did manage to do once I heard silence from the babes rooms is post this in the shop:

And no worries, you are not the only one who is shuddering at the *blah* pictures I take.  I really need to work on that don't I?

I've been working on some other projects, none of which happen to have hit the "ready to be revealed" portion yet.  Soon.  Promise.  And just be forewarned, they are going to be accompanied by some great sites that you will just HAVE to go check out.  You're just waiting with batted breath aren't you?

2009-09-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

There's a first time for everything.

Today the first in our lives is
A BABYSITTER
you know, so we can go out.
As in, a date.

In our greatest defense let me tell you how we are not lame even though we have not been out on a date for so long.

We aren't really "out" sort of people. We fall easily and comfortably into the category of "home trolls" and we are alright with that. The kids go down and if we are both home we do tons together. I am completely efficient at kicking his can on the physical games or embarrass him with his inability to show me who's boss at Tetris. Even if we don't do things together we are together because we do them in the same room so we can be together and so I can talk and completely disturb the silence and his concentration with my never ending gab.

So why the switch-er-roo? This week. All week long I have yet to see my husband, unless you consider our brief chat at 2 am one day.

"You think we should give her tylenol?"
"Yah"

Somehow that just didn't give me enough sustenance for the rest of the week. Interesting how that works.

So we are going on a date. And the plan is that this is going to become a habit of each week, or at least every two weeks until this semester of school is done for him.

Wednesday Already?!

2009-09-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday already?!
Where has this week gone?
I'm looking back, and the sad thing here is this:
I don't know what I've done beyond survive.
Not that it's been a bad week, it's just been filled with so many "obligations" that I haven't been able to really enjoy much.  Those days/weeks stink because there is so much to enjoy when you're outnumbered by one year olds.

Sadly I haven't had much time to sew.  I'm going wonky just reminding myself of that fact.  Doesn't help that my "sewing room" gets pilfered by little fingers and it's just easier to leave things packed up.  The other day my husband said he is going to do what needs to be done so my sewing room (which will be in the currently unfinished basement) is ready to be used ASAP, the rest of the basement can go slow if needs be.  What a great guy huh?  I'm trying to pick out a paint colour that will brighten my corner up since there are no windows, but not drive me mad from staring at the walls too much.  I'm sure there is a stunning colour out there just dying to be put on my walls.

I added another cuff to the shop today.

Mine, All Mine

2009-09-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

As promised, a picture of the creation I made for myself last week.  I'm a touch slow on the uploading and sharing of pictures, but a week isn't too bad, right?

Anyhow, this bolero is so cozy I could wear it all the time.  I've worn it with a pencil skirt and with jeans, so it goes with just about anything. I made it out of some super soft suiting I saw and fell in love with the last time I hit up the fabric store.  I knew I had to have it, and I knew it would be made into this.  Not bad since I don't always know what I'm going to do with what I take home.  It's hard to tell by this lack luster photo, but the suiting has some little stripes running through it that are two shades of blue, black, brown, and orange.

This is the first item of clothing I had made for myself in eons but no worries, there are plans for more clothes in the future (and possibly near future at that) for the one who makes them. 

Destination Known

2009-09-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Off, off to the local market.

Something New

2009-09-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

Something new, but still old.
Yes. It is possible to be both.

A cuff, made from an old shirt my husband once wore.
It's listed in my shop, and you have to go check it out
for more pictures,
I promise, you want to.

I'm totally scared you're going to get bored with too much
talk about etsy and sewing.
And I still have to take a picture of the something I made for myself
I alluded to here. Maybe I will twist my photographers arm when he gets home tonight so I have something to show you tomorrow.

Being that is it FRIDAY though,
I have one thing to say:

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!

What great things do you have planned?
I need some fun ideas, my brain is running low.

What we are doing tomorrow is going to the MARKET!
There is an outdoor market here.
I've heard great things about it.
I've also heard each and every little thing there will cost you your first born. So we are going to "stall shop" and not spend money. I can't wait to go check it out.
Maybe, just maybe, I will remember to bring my camera and take a couple pictures to show you. We can see what it's like together.
To make it even better, it's suppose to be nice and hot.
Just the weather you need when checking out the local outdoor market.

Sing With Me Now

2009-09-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've got a terrible singing voice, so if you all sing along I'm certain you can drown me out.

"Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for"

The cards above, they are going to a new home.
They were my FIRST SALE over at my Etsy shop.
I'd like to give a shout out to my friend Bobbi
for giving me the love and being my first purchaser.
Talk about going up and over the duty of a friend.

And...even though it was a friend who bought them,
I have to say,
I'm THRILLED to have had my first sale there.

The Time Has Come!

2009-09-09T14:24:00.001-07:00

A warlike debate took place in my head.

Title this post "One Small Step" (for mankind ~ it isn't huge that's for sure)
or, "The Time Has Come"

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

Lewis Carroll won out. I have always loved The Walrus and the Carpenter.

Back on track though, the time has come for me to let you in on a secret I hope doesn't remain a secret for long. I have started up an etsy shop. Before you excitedly run over to my new diggs I have to warn you, I only have one thing up (see below picture if you really don't want to click over), but that one thing is going to lead to more.

Go check it out HERE

Added to the List

2009-09-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I get an email from a loving friend:

"I know you’ll see this link….but holy cow. [Girly] for sure needs one of those for all her
“keep me busy and quiet in church’ stuff!!
And [Boy-man] needs one to hit his sister with…a win win. = )"

And you know what?
She's totally right.

So, even if I don't win this backpack,
I'll be winning the pattern
or if not,
I'll buy it
because guess what just got added to the
Christmas sewing list?

Go check out Grossgrain yourself.

National Sewing Month

2009-09-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Back in 1982, then-President Ronald Reagan signed proclamation 4976, declaring September as National Sewing Month.  I have zero idea about the proclamation, I just read about it so that's how I know.  Having zero input on this doesn't mean I'm not giving good ol' President Reagan a mental pat on the back for it.

I didn't even know something as awesome as national sewing month even existed! Of course, it doesn't get much better than that does it? Nope, didn't think so myself. In celebration I think I'm going to do something wild. Maybe, just maybe, I'll sew something. I'm so full of great ideas like that, it's quite remarkable really.

Actually, I did sew something last night. It's delightful and it's for me! I needed a little something new for myself, so a couple of hours and a little brain work and I added to my wardrobe. I'm going to leave you hanging on pictures though, I need to take some, but soon I promise.

Another thing I've noticed all too well recently is the serious lack of clothing related to the little men on this world. You can find pattern after pattern, tutorial after tutorial, of the most adorable things to make for girls. Where are all the boys clothes? You can't tell me I'm going to be stuck making ugly pants out of t-shirts for my son. I've done one small search so far and if it was up to the lack I found in that one go he's wear nasty ugly pants, aprons, and a hat. I'm not sure that's going to cut it. I'm going to have to dig deeper.

Joining In

2009-09-05T12:29:00.001-07:00

The whole point on joining in on something seems to have been lost.  But apparently in the year 2009 it's to bitch at one another, be nasty, and quite simply drag one another down.  Quite nice.  Makes me feel warm and fuzzy because if I ever happen to not get the hog crap tossed on me by those who love me the most (aka family) I can always get it in the blogging world.

As a last result I've decided I don't give two horse nuts what people think who read my blog.  Don't like it?  Don't read it.  I am not joining any more bloody groups ruled by nasty, back-biting women who think the anomininity of their blog, or the fact that they are menstruating is a real excuse to be cold and mean.

I'll just stick to my own blog, where the rules here are
be nice
be civil
and if you don't like it bugger off.

Waste Not, Want Not

2009-09-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hello laundry, sadly we meet again.

Some things are too depressing to even think about, one being the piles of laundry that await for attention today. So for one short moment let's not go there shall we?

Ooooh-da-lalee!

When I saw this adorable dress recreated from a tank top I knew
I had to give it a try myself.

Except...we don't do tank tops around here.
So I used just a plain old onsie handed down from a friend going through her kids clothes.

Add to that the material from a flubbed project from a little while ago, and we got this:

It's not saying much about it, but my favorite part about the entire dress is the applique. Deciding that the saying, "Waste not, want not" had a good point I even used the bottom part of the onsie that I cut off to create a ruffled pair of diaper covers!

I may not be sold on it, but my daughter sure is. The second she saw it she HAD to put it on. To top it all off she ran about showing anyone that would pay attention her new dress. There is nothing like a one year old all up in your face, sticking out her belly and stroking her pretty ruffles. And though I am personally not happy with it,
that's good enough for me.

I'm going to have to try this again though.

Cheap Therapy

2009-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you totally get overlooked in the mass throng as you plod along?

That's how I'm feeling over at Wardrobe Refashion.
I really didn't know it was that huge when I signed up
(oh, and FYI, I finally got accepted).
There are sooooo many people, there is no way they are going to be interested in my little projects.

Not that I blame them.
I go over there to see what's up for myself and I get hit with a dozen new postings in the last hour or so. It's hard to keep up. This also means it's hard to stand out.
I'm thinking of dying my hair fuchsia.
Or not.
Good thing I sew for myself.
If people like...great.
If not...I do.

Moving right along.

Today was one of those days where the perfect ending would have been a quick little therapy session. Seeing as how I don't have a therapist I thought I would do the next best thing, sew. There has been a little project, a non-thinker really, I've wanted and needed to do for some time. A pencil case. One quick glance around my sewing area (you have no idea how sad it is for me not to say room there instead of area) and I know I need something to contain all the pens and pencils that gather around, multiply like rabbits, and host some sort of a family reunion or convention.

It's about as full as a man after Thanksgiving dinner, and I am way less uptight. It really doesn't take much to please me, thankfully, or I'd be out a whole lot more moola than I am!

Wedding Attire

2009-08-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Had a wedding to attend.
That means, we needed something absolutely SMASHING to wear.
And since the closest were empty as Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard when it came to that I got my thinking cap on.

Now, I'm sure everyone in one mile radius of
the planet Earth
and who happens to have a little girl
has seen the copious amounts of adorable skirts out there for sale this summer. Etsy is stock full of them!

There were only about a dozen I fell in love with
but I didn't like the price tag of
$40 +
So, I did the only reasonable thing I could think of.
I stared, and stared, and stared at them all.
Then picked up something summery and bright
and made my own.

Like that was enough alone.
A dreadfully dull and stained white shirt hung in the closest,
forgotten and ignored.
Alright, ignored yes
forgotten, NO.

So I spent an evening drooling over yet another item of clothing.
And made one to match the skirt.

Viola!
The little lady tuxedo shirt.
Do yourself a favor and don't look too close.
I was totally winging it and it is far from perfect.

The only bad outcome of this entire outfit was that my sweet girl
out shone the bride.

Oh, and her side kick
AKA: brother
Helped her steal the show with his manly matching bow-tie.

Lazy, or Not

2009-08-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't been ALL that lazy.

After all it's all a matter of perspective,
RIGHT?

Wasting the Night Away

2009-08-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I had plans.

Big plans.

~Trace out a pattern.

~Dig through the garage for my bin of fabric
(which the husband did NOT bring in yet
*hint hint*)

~And if the stars were aligned just right
the babies would sleep soundlessly
and I'd sew myself a little something.

Next time I have plans I should send out a memo.

My sweet, precious daughter howled for a time.
And when she was done I was too.
So I say on my derriere
and played on the computer instead.

In my defense it wasn't a complete waste of time.
I finally had the motivation to get myself a banner up.
It was looking a little
shall we say,
"BLAH"
around here with all that white glaring right at your eyeballs.
It was enough to send you for your shades and than promptly put you into a coma.

So I shook things up with a little green.
Lime green to be exact.

Of course I did have to dust off the cobwebs that had collected
"upstairs"
and hope the scent of burning dust wouldn't set off the smoke alarms
while I tried to draw a lime.

Mission accomplished.

One Good Reason

2009-08-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

picture from gymnasticscoaching.com

One good reason to pay to attend the local gym's yoga class:
Your kids can't push the button
and turn your instructor off,
leaving you sitting there in odd positions wondering,
"Is it worth trying to start over?"

Oh,
and incase that isn't enough...
another reason,
just to really tip you over the edge...
Your classmates (or are they called yogamates?)
won't use you as a jungle gym when your
busy trying to breath properly while in downward dog.

BUT
that being said,
your fellow yogis won't clap you on
cheer when you do brilliant
and copy you as your hands
are in prayer position.

Kicked Out?

2009-08-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to get kicked out of a club before you even get accepted?
Let's pretend it it.

You know how I told you about the whole sewing things
I was so excited to do?

Yah, well.

Apparently I don't fit the bill or something.

I betcha she thinks I'm going to go on a mass shopping trip or something wild and completely inappropriate when you sign your life away to this group.

I filled out the little form.
Waited for the said email to hit my inbox.
Nothing.

Emailed lady directly.
Nothing.

Filled out little form AGAIN.
Still nothing.

I get the hint.
Finally (I'm not that thick).
I'm not good enough to be included.

BUT
I'm going to do it anyways.
It just sounds like too much fun to NOT do.

Six Words

2009-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sleep erased it from my mind.

I'm Never Alone

2009-08-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days.
Not necessarily a bad day,
just one of those where you feel
so alone.

Alone, even though I'm surrounded by my kids
Loved and appreciated by my husband.
Yet somehow still alone.

And I found this:

And it was the perfect reminder
that I am NOT alone.

And for that I am grateful.

Pass the Oil Can

2009-08-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Intentions were that I'd post about this and that.
I have some great things to share.
But...
and that's a BIG FAT BUT if you're wondering,
I just haven't gotten around to posting.
ANYTHING.
Betcha noticed already,
but I had to say it anyways.

Pass the oil can,
I need to treat my thinking gears to a little
T.L.C.

Starting Over

2009-08-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

[Image curtosy of Shorpy.com December 1935।
"Resettled farm child From Taos Junction to Bosque Farms project, New Mexico"
Medium-format nitrate negative by Dorothea Lange for the Resettlement Administration]

My minds eye pictured something fresh, crisp, and rejuvinating filling the screen when I googled the term, "starting over" and yet the image that drew in my eye and caught my breath seemed sad and lonely, yet stunningly beautiful. It made me think of the flip side to starting over. Not always is it welcome, or expected, even wanted or desired. At times it is meerly a way of survival. Rebirth doesn't always come pain free, but it does offer hope to those willing to look for it.