Live Simply!

Fancy - a Fanciful Friend

2008-06-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

So June 13th was the last day of school. Our elementary school has the 5th graders walk through the halls one last time with all of the other kids saying good bye. It is a sort of commencement walk. We pick up Hannah from school, so we had the non-option of watching the tearful commencement walk while we were waiting. It was an especially bittersweet walk as the Principal and vice principal were moving on to new destinations and the school will be receiving their a new principal in the first time in 12 years.

Finally, Iwas able to get the girls in the car and a dash for home to pick up the dog before we went to friends for swimming. All of a sudden my oldest bursts into tears and is so sad that she has finished school and will be getting a new teacher. She will miss Mrs. Kernodle, her kindergarten teacher so much.

In a moment's flash, my younger daughter who is four, starts crying as well. So I ask why she is crying. She says "Fancy has graduated and is moving away for ever!" (Fancy is her imaginary best friend who attends all important life events.) To be honest, I was laughing so hard, I could hardly drive. When the crying didn't calm after we were headed toward our friends house for swimming, I tried to talk emma out of her tears. She was absolutely convinced that Fancy would never come back. I drop Hannah off and ask Emma if she is going to go swimming and she tells me she can't swim without Fancy. So off we drive for 3 miles or so to grab a pizza for the kids for lunch. She is still crying about Fancy and how she is never coming back. She tells me that she has moved to California to play with California kids.

So I ask her if I can call her and ask her if she will come back. She tells me no she can't come back because she has to work in California. So I ask if I call her and ask her to live with us so she can take care of Emma as a job. Emma decides that might be okay.

Emma tells me through her tears that I can only call on the pink princess phone; which happens to be at home. So then I ask if I can call on the Magic purple Dino phone (stuffed dino that sits in the front dash.) She tells me it won't work. But after about 20 minutes of these tears, I am really desparate. So I start doing a beep, beep and ask if it is the right phone number. Emma tells me no through her sniffles. She tells me the correct numbers and magically Dino phone works and I have Fancy on the phone. I ask her very nicely to come back and be with Emma. I tell her we are going swimming and would like her to join us and live with us. Of course, Fancy agrees.

I tell Emma, Fancy will be back and to let me know when she arrives. (she knows I can't see her). Miraculously the tears are stopped and Emma is talking to Fancy about swimming

Golly Gee Where does time go?

2008-06-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I admit, I thought it had been a few weeks since I last posted; not almost 2 month sheesh! In that time we have had a busy life!

We finally found a dog named her Goldie Fancie Pants. We have had her for about two months. She is about 17 lbs and the perfect lap dog.

Emma had a birthday and turn 4. I did it all the old fashioned way; including the Jewelry box cake.

We had 10 kids in our back yard. Hubby and I tagged teamed face painting. We grilled and had a few games. I felt so successful in that, I decided to throw Hannah a pirate party with 19 kids down at the park. I think that took up most of May.

I believe the remainder of the time has been recovering from it all! WHew! Now we have started our summer vacation and it has already been fun!

It's a Dog's Life!

2008-03-23T04:41:00.000-07:00

There was a dog who was too big in VENUS was her Name-O - V E NU S!
Well, you know the rest of the song!

So I spent the week going to the pound and looking at dogs who have been picked up. I found a sheltie and a mutt that showed prospect. On Friday, fell in love with a little poodle but didn't sign my name on it as DH said no poodles. On Saturday, he went to the poodles cage and said, this is the dog! Of course, other people felt it was the dog for them as well! Oh Well! The Shelties is a bit of a barker, and I don't want to have to retrain for that and the mutt is an escape artist. So neither of those will work.

I told Hubby last night, if Venus was about 20 lbs less, she really would have been the perfect dog! She was so awesome with the girls and showed such interest! Oh Well!

Jeff things it should be just "that easy" to pick a dog. "yep! That's the one!" I agree, but I have such an affinity for dogs, I get caught up in the potential of it all! I think what makes it all so difficult is that going to the pound is like buying a lottery ticket. If you don't go everyday and buy a ticket your chances of getting the right numbers, or dog in this case, are close to nil.

So we will continue our journey in search for a dog in a week or so as spring break has arrived and we will be busy entertaining kids all week!

The Deed is Done

2008-03-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

I took Venus back to her no kill shelter yesterday. Emma cried that she missed her snuggle-bug doggy and that she was a perfect dog for her.

For me it was finding the missing peices to a puzzle. The wonderful gal that runs Diamonds in the Ruff. Kennel 12-16 dogs in her house. Her heart is big for these big and mostly unwanted dogs. She desparately needs a true kennel where each individual dog has it its own running space and they can learn some training.

As it is now, the dogs all clammor at the back door and race into the house--Well no wonder Venus had no door manners and would jump and clamor and push her "pack" aside to gallop into the house!

It also explained why she had not clue on the leash! Lynda just doesn't have the time or space to work with this dogs to help them become more suitable for a family.

So with all the dogs running around, it really becomes a no-brainer as to why we saw such poor behavior from Venus.

Had she been about 6 inches smaller and 20 lbs less, we could have all figured it out.

So here is the $150.00 lessons that I learned.

Never sign a contract until you know you are keeping the dog...ask for "foster" status. If they say no, then don't get the dog.

Don't trust people when they tell you, it is best they bring the dog to you. Always insist on seeing the animal in their current living conditions; especially if they have been there for a long time.

Take the dog on a walk with a leash!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you husband or S.O. says "It's up to you." It really means, I do not like the dog. Do not get the dog. Read between the lines....I don't want to be the bad guy, here."

We we live, we learn and tomorrow we start looking for the right dog!

If you live in Hamptons roads and have a big heart for big dogs, with lots of time and patience for retraining. There is a dog just waiting for you at www.diamondsintheruff.com.

So Sad Venus Bow-ie Snuggle Bugs

2008-03-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got up determined to help this poor dog be a better dog in our home. I walked her outside in the backevery 30 minutes for almost 3 hours and never saw her pee. I did let her off her leash to let her run, so she may have gone then. I never saw it. At errand time, she refused to go in in her kennel. And when you have two kids you are trying to move in one direction in a reasonable amount of time, the last think you need is one more unreasonable thing. In kennel, now with nice sheet over it for a good den, here comes the barks and howls. During errands, we found lovely treats for her and I purchased some Sherpa Wool for a bed in the loft.

UPon arriving at home, I brought Emma in (4). I had the reasonable expectation that she would follow directions and not open the Kennel. I was wrong. Hands full of bags, turning to go into the house and out of my house shoots a 50 lb canon doggy with an agenda all of her own. I can honestly say thank goodness my neighbors all have fences or she would have been gone. Well, her nose did distract her. So here I was tracking down doggie. Once I get her collar, the battle of who is boss begins as she starts her passive aggressive lay down telling me she isn't going anywhere.
Sigh.

Well I got her home and had to put her back in the kennel as it was time to get Hannah now and again, she really didn't want it even with the great treats offered her. At this point, I was practicising "My Patience." My back hurts part from lugging the dog, part for other reasons. And I am exhausted from being up the night before so things are not looking good for me emotionally.

I set Venus up for a rest with the girls. Since I still haven't seen her pee, she leashed to a door, near the girls. But I have got to have a break to maintain what sanity I have left in this world. As everyone knows, Mommies need there breaks to stay good mommies!!!! In about 20 minutes my daughter comes running in and says the dog is on the lose and has broken (chewed) through the leash! Yep she did.

I round up the troops, grab a dog training book and send everyone outside. Girls are playing. Venus who hasn't had any excersize just lays down and sleeps. When just hanging outside, you would think she is the best dog. I work with her on her new harness and she seems to have better behavior on the leash! HOPE! I take her out front and she turns into this 50 lb drag. Sigh!

I am beginning to get a clue that she may take a lot more time and effort that I have, but I hate to give up hope! So with a heavy heart, I take back to the back yard along with two disappointed kids who really want to play outfront.

Don't forget in the background lurking is Dad. No my nearly perfect husband doesn't like to play what he perceives as the bad guy. He wants me to decode his behavior and come to the determination in what he is thinking. I knew Venus didn't fit his image of a dog. He thought she was ugly and too big. But he was trying to be supportive. However, he just breathes stressed out when he really, really, really doesn't like something. I feel his stress! ACK!KKKK!!!!

I started with dinner and have this dog jumping and barking to get in the back door. Hubby ismaking stinky faces and sighing. I am trying to be sane and patient. So I am grilling and going in and out. Trying to keep the dog out because she has to have some one with her on the leash because we don't trust her and I have two girls trying to come in and out and in and out. Everytime, I have to stop and let them in because now Almost Perfect Husband has left be to my own devices. Dinner is ready. Venus is off sniffing something and I am able to the the fish in without incident. I call the girls. Get Venus to sit at the door and as Hannah is walking in, Venus jumps and lunges, both paws pushing her forward.

Thank goodnees I am there in reach to grab the dog to keep the kid from falling either to her knees or face first into the table. The dog fully meant to go in before everyone with out regard. We know it wasn't her fault. She was following her want. She has never had a family and doesn't realize that there are rules and when it comes to the door. She really, really, really wants her way. This is the demise of Venus. I can tell by the look on Jeff's face as he walks away. That I now have to be the one to make the stinky decision that Venus isn't the dog for us.

Of course later in the discussion, I am told I should have read the signals that He didn't want her in the first place. And yes this is true. I should have. He fully admitted that had he been more clear we would have turned her down. My heart gets in the way of my judgment because I so like animals.

The rest of the night was uneventful. Venus, slept until 10:00 refused to get up. I think it took me a good 5 minutes to convince her to move. Some fancy, but gently lifting as well. She didn't want to go out, so I just put her in her kennel. Amazing she slept almost 13 hours with out having to go .

She went out this morning as good as can be! She ate breakfast and came up stairs and for the most part has showed potential to be a good dog for someone else who has two adults to give her love and perhaps a kid or two. I think she would be the perfect dog for an older child who wants to practice training. LOL! At least she would be a challenge.

If anyone out there in Virginia beach is looking for a big, sweet, lovable, stubborn dog with tons of potentional write to dogandcatrescue@yahoo.com, Venus just needs a family that has LOTS of time to work with her and be patient with her. She needs to have a home with lots of patience and she will come around. Unfortuantely, my girls are too small and too young and Venus is just TOO big.

So later today, I will make the call that tells the shelter that she has to go back. Ohhh Sad, sad day!

Oh Dear! Venus!

2008-03-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

Late last night I wrote this on one of my group sites.................

ohh tonight my heart is so heavy. The honey moon is over and reality has set in!

Venus peed twice in the house today, knocked over the garbage, climbed and layed on the furniture and only pushing her hiney to shover her off was the only way to get her down. She jumped on Hannah to get a treat and scratched her neck, and knocked her over. Then, Hubby tells me she is too big and her only saving grace is that she is such a lug and so mellow; except when in training and steals a treat from Hannah. Other than that he doesn't really like her. Hannah told me she wants a "tawny" dog. ( My mom's golden retreiver.) I am stressed because I am now getting a bigger picture of what I may have gotten myself into and have no idea how to handle it.

On one point I am commited to having a dog and working with her to train her into a good dog.

On the other hand, I am wondering if I should cut my losses before the girls get too attached.

Realistically, hubby is right. She's a sweetheart. But other than that things are not good in her favor. She doesn't play ball. She half drags me on the leash, so we can't take her for walks. She has started to refuse her kennel; even with treats in it. She howls in her kennel. Now I am learning that she probably wasn't house trained and I will have to treat her like a puppy and train her. I am so afraid that Hubby may be right in the fact that she has never really been around people or learned manners. A 50 lb dog jumping on kids 1/2 her size scares me to death. She hasn't responded at all the the "sit" command. I have treat for her and half the time she just lays down. I know if it was me and me alone. I would be fine in training her. She is good when she is with only me. The problems start to surface with the distractions of the girls and I just don't have a clue in how train the three of them; especially when I see her manners in some ways get worse.

So I have been sitting here reading about problems dogs and find that the best thing is to keep her with me on a leash. Take her out walk her til she pees and praise her. To train her in house manners, she needs to stay with me on the leash or be in her kennel.
I just feel so bad, because, I gave what I thought was a clear description of what our family could deal with behavior wise and feel a bit bamboozled over it. I haven't gotten a straight answer from the gal about any previous training which really makes me wary.

I just don't know what to do. I have a house to run and kids to raise. I didn't get a puppy because I needed to have something that was less needy. Come to find out, I may have gotten a puppy, just in giant propotions.

So today.............Now she is on a leash in the house and hasn't been potty yet today! argh!

My Life with Venus Bowie Snugglebugs - the Hound

2008-03-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

I think getting a dog is a lot like getting a child. They both need lots of attention and we all have to get to know each other. Initially, you might have 2nd thoughts, but you know it is a forever deal!

I admit I have had 2nd thoughts. at 18 inches to the withers (shoulders) she is bigger than I wanted and solid. She has had a couple of run ins with the girls and we have had tears. I have to remind herself if we had gotten any dog, this would be the case. These run ins have shown the girls how important it is that we teach Venus Bowie Snugglebugs good manners, so we can always love her! At first they weren't so sure that this real.

I am sure there will be lots of I never realized in this case as this is a new breed for me. I never realized what a pack really meant until Venus arrived. She has completely bonded with Hannah.

This is a photo I took when I went to check in on her at nap time. I am not a dog on the bed kind of gal. However, I am a realist and think that this is a losing battle. Hannah told me she told Venus she could snuggle with her....good think she is kennel trained! I don't know if I could handle a dog in the bed all night......just waiting to visit mine!

In a secondary manner, Venus has also bonded with the rest of us. I noticed this when she seemed very reluctant to go outside with out any of her mates. Of course, for me the answer is another dog. With Hubby that would be as easy to do as to get him to move to a new place.....not going to happen unless utterly forced! I would secretly love to adopt Venus' brother who is also at http://diamondsintheruffpetrescue.com/dogs.htm. I know this is an unrealistic wish for me! Beside training two dogs at once would completey insane and disaster would occur.

Then last night, at bedtime, she refused to go to her kennel until the entire family went with her. I got the girls in the room and she went right to Jeff, sat down and looked at him until he got up and had Venus follow him to her kennel. Right in she went. You could see in her eyes that she secretly wanted to sleep with Hannah.

This big lovable pack hound, woke up, just like a kid, whined in her kennel. From the night before, I had learned it wasn't that she needed to go out, but rather, she needed to be reassured that the rest of her pack was near her. Since my pack was in bed with me, I left it and went in and stuck my finger in her kennel. She gave it a lick and went back to sleep!

Today we will try some more leash training. I guess a trait of a hound is if it benefits them, they will train. If it doesn't, they won't. This seems to be true for Venus. We have a lot of work ahead of us to show Venus that it is imperative that she get a good handle on the leash.

Losing my mind and other such things

2008-03-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

I have gone and lost my mind! AGAIN! Those darned ingrained beliefs and such! Here I was living a nice life with two kids and a great husband. Was there anything wrong with this life? NO. But in my mind for the last two years something has been missing and I have have dilly-dallied, wish-washed over the issue as there are always pros and cons to such things. I had a discussion with Hubby and finally got him to agree to this new adventure. Then I made the plunge!

Yep! We got a dog. I am sane enough to know that a puppy would be true insanity, and found a lovable, stinky dog! Her name is Venus Bow-ie Snuggle Bugs. She is a hound mix. We found her living in a no-kill shelter. She had been waiting for a home for two years!

She is so sweet and loving and just thinks the girls are her pack mates. As she has been living in a kennel environment for so long and probably ran free for a while before that, she has a lot of manners to learn. She is smart but hard-headed. In hopes that she will be the perfect dog for us eventually. My free time is now all focused on helping her find some manners and give her some loving consistency in her life!

So the first night we sent her up into her kennel and went to bed. and her this howling sound. As a mommy who needs her sleep, I knew listening to the howl all night would not work, just to get her in the habit of being by herself. So I let her out of her kennel and she zoomed upstairs right in to Hannah's bed. She is about 40 Lbs....no small dog. So I revised my plan again and put the kennel in the girls room and the dog and the girls are thrilled to be with eachother! Next challenge: good sit-stay.....harder than I thought! LOL

Jodi

Life's Journey

2008-02-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

I read so many blogs and it always appears that each person is traveling down their road with sure-footed steps. Many have spent lots of time to make their blogs pretty and divided into the different sections that affect their lives. I am happy if the chaos in my life settles enough for me to whip up some kind of comment.

This week my focus has been on re-inventing what I sew and sell. I don't know if it will be a good or bad adventure. It will be an adventure for sure. From a personal need for organization and a joy of reading, I have created notebooks that have everything I need when I sit to read. It has pens, and post its and a book mark. They joy will be going to it everynight and hopefully finding it in tact. Emma has already told me how "kool" it is and she wants one! She has even pointed out that she wants it done in jewel fabric. My Husband has confiscated one and given it to a friend and wants one for himself. So perhaps others will find they would like this in their lives as well! If not, all my friends and family will be receiving great birthday gifts this year.hahahaha

I am also going to take leap with some fabric bookmarks. I really like sewing fabric and peltex together to make things. I love the rough fiber edge of a satin stitch. Perhaps these too will find appreciative homes. If not, then I may build a house with all of them!

Hopefully, I will get a few finished in the next couple of days. Unfortunately or Fortunately, the weather isn't cooperating for sewing. It has been too nice to be inside and I have spent most of my days outside! That is a whole different joy!

This week has brought a sadness to the neighborhood. We had to say a very sad goodbye to a young Navy Seal who was killed in Iraq on Monday on a special mission. His wife and infant son live a couple of houses down the street. Her loss has swept the community and we all mourn with her!

OLIVIA! We love YOU!!!!!!!

2008-02-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, Ian Falconer wrote a book. It was titled "OLIVIA". It became a hit among all girls big and small. With such a fun story, fabric makers couldn't resist and made a few designs. As a huge Olivia fan, I couldn't resist! I bought the fabric, but it sat in my stash. Bound and determined to bring it to live, I first made an apron for my dear sister....Oh sis! Where is your apron? Then I pondered and thought and thought and pondered and finally found another use for some more! I have a little left that I will let take a rest for a while, I have some ideas for it...I just will let those ideas simmer!

Emma age 4 found her self wearing a cute peasent top and ruffle skirt. The skirt, I made using my own pattern.

Hannah received a twirl skirt with lots of ruffle power, a shirt, denim jacket and matching capris.

Just for Fun!

2008-01-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

My oldest is experiencing her first big illness. At 5 1/2, we took her to the doctor yesterday and found she had strep throat, poor baby! She hasn't been "sick" since she was two, so we are counting our blessings.

To help cheer her up, I decided it was a good day to make life size dolls. I traced the girls out on muslin, then cut and sewed and stuffed. I added some yarn for hair and then let the girls add their own creative design! I love the faces. My oldest is a little conservative and dressed her doll in her own clothes. MY youngest went to her "stash" and created her own clothes for her doll! She even added a bracelet and necklace for true diva style! One could use old sheets or sheets found at thrift store for this type of indoor fun!

mid-life crisis?

2008-01-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I seem to be hitting a mid-life crisis.Although, but genetice, I should have at least another 3 -5 years before I hit mid-life. I have no idea what direction my blogs are going! They seem to be floating in the wind. I think perhaps it is because I have so many interests and responsibilities as a stay at home mom, I just can't focus on one thing right now. SO instead, I will declutter.

I tore apart my craft closet yesterday and started pulling fabrics to either give away or sell. I realized, I have at least one large bins of scraps, I need to go through and down size. I think there are just so many scraps a girl can keep for "FUTURE" projects.

Once that room is finished, I will be moving to my closet. It is filled with unknown clutter. Since becoming a stay at home mom, my "professional" wardrobe" has been replaced with jeans and t's and most of it has been purged over the last 3 years during reality checks! Now, it keeps things we just don't know what to do with but still have use. I will find a place for it all!

Much of this limbo angst is also coming from the need for me to return to the work-force in August! My husband is retiring from the Navy and the unknown financial future weighs on his mind. My returning to work will ease that some. Although, it brings me sadness as I love being a stay at home mom! Okay, I love not working as well! I don't miss teaching, lessons, administrators, parents and all of that.

I hate to think I have collected all of this fabric and won't have time to do much with it once I am back at work. LOL! I am only going to teach part time, but between that and the girls, I think my poor sewing machine will start to collect dust as teaching is not an "at work" only job. For a 40 hour week, I usually worked another 20-30 hours at home. Of course, that was teaching high school students English and grading papers. I am going to move down to kindergarten so the reading essays won't be a huge issue. Nonetheless, the transition weighs heavily.

So I am cleaning and purging and starting a huge project to do list to sew myself out of a huge fabric collection. Today, one of my favorite quilt shops is having 40% all of the 100% quilt quality fabric and I really want to shop. Unfortunately, one look in the stores of fabric I have, I don't think I would buy much at all! Ohhhh that is just so sad! I could bury myself in quilt fabric! Do you shop anyway or do you just hope that you will dig yourself out of a huge sewing hole and maybe by next year, you will be able to buy new fabric???? Such a dilemma! --

random blathering

2007-12-30T05:26:00.000-08:00

After taking 2 blissful days away from life, I am back to reality! Hubby and I used our CC miles to stay in a hotel for two days. I read a book and swam in the hotel pool! LOL! I kept saying to him..."You don't under stand how nice doing nothing is!"

It was nice to return home to the girls as well! Good to know one has been missed!

Of course, I couldn't keep away from the sewing machine and started working on a fabric bowl, needle keeper, notepad and pin cushion for my aunt's Christmas present....late but that's okay. I realized, I can cut a double sided bowl (conservative, yes!) and the rest from a quarter yard piece of fabric.

I then think. "Wow! Great tutorial! What you can get from a 1/4 of a yard."

Somehow I never get to the tutorials. I think it is because I would have to stop and write them and that is time consuming and takes away from the million sewing projects I would like to do! Perhaps I can start a list of sewing and crafts one can do with 1/4 yard or less! Hmmm! Something to ponder as I move to the next project: a robe for my oldest daughter! LOL! I think she only wants one because sister got one from Santa. It will be fun to learn to sew a robe anyway! Hopefully she will use it! Unfortunately, it doesn't fit the 1/4 yard list.

Fancy Dress

2007-12-06T16:17:00.001-08:00

I have always been a little daunted by "fancy bodices". But my little sweetheart asked so nicely for a fancy dress and I have my new sewing machine, so I figured the worse that could happen is I could swear a lot while doing it.

It was much easier to make than I thought and it took a lot more concentration than I am used to. The skirt I made from my own design. It is 5" squares linked together in 3 rows then gathered and sewn together.. I added a coordinating petty skirt for lift and twirl. Then I went out and bought a pattern for the top. Did I mention I am pattern stupid. My mantra is "hate patterns, hate patterns." The problem is I like to look the pictures and they never tell me what I need to know. SO I have learned that I have to read out loud over and over and hold the fabric and ready out loud over and over, then I finally get it! Well maybe as soon as 3 or 4 times of repeating myself.

I learned that if I make my button hole go slow and steady it makes pretty button holes and I get to watch.

I learned that having a lot of patience with myself makes a task more enjoyable.

And as always, it is not a sewing project unless one swear word comes out of my mouth, immediately followed by the ripper and me telling myself...it wouldn't be good if I didn't have to rip at least once!

The Creative Process

2007-12-05T04:20:00.000-08:00

I guess I am pretty wishy washy. Originally, I thought I would write tutuorials LOL! I have found a lot of time for that so I will start with the Creative Process

I don't think of myself as super creative. I visit all these sites that have ideas I would never come up with in a million years. Up until about 5 years again, I didn't even think that I was even artistic in any way. I found out I was talking to the art teacher at my school (I used to teach English). And told her that I wasn't artisitc. She looked at me crossed eyed and said...."Yes you are" Look at all of the craft projects to do when you teach and you have the best eye for using colors when you dress." That really blew me away and started me on my creative track. Isn't it amazing how one person's words can change the way you think about yourself?

For me crafting is all about process and patterns. It is like all other arts. Writers have a process, scientists follow methods, even artists break things down to get to the larger picture. When I started thinking about how to break down the process, I found that I asked certain questions: What can I use this fabric for? Can I get Ideas from others (No reason to re-invent the wheel; I just need to make it my own). How can I mix colors? (I'd like to keep my sister in my pocket! Her color combinations are always stunning!) When looking at inspiration, I think I can do that. Then, How can I do that. I think the most difficult part of the process for me is taking the risk of having a project not turning out and then letting it go. I try to assess the value and think, this would cost as much as a new top. I will get more joy out of figuring it out than a new top. This way I don't freak if sometime doesn't work! I have learned to accept failure is as great a learning experience as success. Somethings in my head don't work! Oh well, either someone else will like it or I can give it to a good cause!

Felted Wool Notebook holders

2007-11-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

Felted Wool Notebook holders

This is a fun project for just about anyone. It is a perfect starting project for someone just beginning. I love this one for the little ones who want to make something special for friends or family. With a little adult supervision, styles are limitless.

Materials needed

Notepad with cardboard backing - any size
Felted wool or new or felted from a recycled wool scarf --approximately a fat quarter. (See instructions to determine what you will need.)
Cutting board and rotary scissors or scissors
Sewing machine

Optional
Embroidery thread and needle
Felt cut outs
Ribbon
Rickrack
Decorative sewing machine
Pinking Shears.

Fabric Glue

Please note, for instructional purposes, I am going to use three different felt colors. This project is so versatile, you can use 1-3 colors.

Step 1

To determine material you will need, take the measurements of your notebook and add 1 1/4 inches to width and 1 inch to length.

If your notebook is 4 x 6. You will need two pieces of felted wool that are 5 1/4 x 7 and one additional piece of felt that is 5 1/4 x 5 for the pocket.

Step 2

I place my note pad over my ruler to measure. You can mark you lines with a pen and cut your wool with sharp scissors or fabric cutter. You will cut two long and one short. For example, I will need to cut 2 5 ¼ x 7 pieces and one 5 ¼ x 5 piece.

Step 3

Take the two longer pieces and over lap them lengthwise ½ inch. So the two 7 inch stripes are over lapping.. This is the top of the notebook. To assure you are correct. Place your notebook on one side to make sure the fit is correct. Pin. I use my ruler to keep my fibers straight .

. Sew 1/8 inch square around the overlapping fabrics. (If you don’t have a sewing machine, fabric glue can be used.)

Step 4

Determine which is the back side and add the 3rd piece of felt to the back inside. Pin around and sew ½ inch around.

Step 5 - Decorate

Options"

1. Use Pinking shears around the edges for a more decorative look.

2.Use die-cuts, outlines of coloring pages, or free hand drawings from left over felt and glue pictures to the front.

3. Glue or sew on ribbon or rickrack, scraps or buttons.

4. use decorative stitches on your sewing machine.

5. What's in your imagination?

*** You can also add a 2nd pocket to top for a steno pad holder. My husband prefers the "stiffer" holder. He claims it is a man thing!

Side Notation: Fabric can be used to make these as well. you will need 6 pieces of fabric, four long for the top and bottom and two short. Cut according to original directions. Then with right sides together of top panel sew all around leaving small opening. Trim corners, turn inside out and iron. Do the same for the bottom panel. Sew 1/8 around leaving top on sewn. Pin top sides and sew top. Follow the same method for smaller pocket. Only sew on side top stitch. Then pin with top stitch as the opening part of pocket. Pin and sew rest of pockets.

I would love comment and please share if you make any of these! I would love to see them!

Tutu Fairy Princess Story Time Apron

2007-11-07T04:28:00.000-08:00

My sister is such a kick! She is the best story teller librarian in the whole world! If you ever are near Tualiton, Oregon take your kids to story time. You won't be disappointed. I am not say things because she is my sister either! I have been to a lot of story times, and she always surprises me with her wonderful imagination. I recently made her an Olivia Pig apron, but forgot to take pictures. It may be awhile before she gets to sending me a photo.

A couple of weeks ago, she asked me if I could put together a tutu apron for her. She was inspired by aprons seen on The Angry Chicken blog....this gal is a personal heroine of mine. She is just so incredibly talented and crafty!

Here it is: The fairy Princess Story Time Apron. Next will be the same in a smaller version!

This apron is super easy to make:

Gather 3 tp 6 layers of Tulle together. I do 3 layers at a time on my machine. It can be hand-scrunched and sewn down. Take 1 peice of fabric that is at least 1.5 times the front width of the wearer. My daughter's front is 10 inches. I want at least 18 inches. ( like even numbers.) Cut into three separate peieces, finish 3 sides. Gather and Pin unfinished side to the gathered tulle and so 1/3 inch. To make the waistband Take a 4 inch strip of fabric and cut to length plus 1 inch. So in this case, I would make a 4 x 19 inch strip. Iron in half, then open and iron on each side 1/2 inch folds. It will look like gian bias tape. Pin right side of fabric to bac of tutu and sew 1/3 inch. Fold over, pin and sew as close as possible to the front. Cut 2 3 inch ties at least 12 inches each. Again, create bias strips at least 1/4 inch, fold on eachother and sew close to the edge all the way around. You can also use pull through message. Insert the ties in the unfinished ends of the apron and sew down. That's all!

No Sew Fru Fru tutu

2007-10-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

Tutu's are super easy to make. You don't even need a sewing machine!

Time 1.5 to 2 hours

Materials
Measuring tape
Cutting board and ruler - not a must have, sure makes life easy
Rotary cutter or good scissors
about 4 years of tulle
1/2 to 3/4 inche elastic
rubberbands

1. Measure the waist you want the tutu to fit. Cut elastic to size and tie a hard not. Don't worry about it being too small elastic stretches. If your wiggle worm can stand still you can measure and tie the waist at the same time.

2. Measure the length you like. Start with the belly button and mark the length you like. You could also tie the strips first then cut for a more jagged looke.

Using your cutting board or scissors cut tulle to the length you like5 inch strips. To keep your strips neat and orderly add a rubber band around the strips or toss them in a small bag. You will have lots of strips!

Find a comfortable place where you can sit and pull tulle from the bag. This will take about 45 minutes to an hours. STart with a strip of tulle fold it in half. The center will be where you start to wrap the tulle at the band. You can do the hang man's loop (folded in half the tulle is pulled through itself) or just a simple tie. Make sure it is nice and tight. Take you next strip and tie. Do this until your tutu is to the fullness you like.

I would love to know how this works. Please leave a comment!

Change in Venue

2007-10-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided to shift gears yet again. I seem to be so busy that my brain doesn't remember what occurs in my daily life and I don't have time to stop and type as things move on. This site will now be instructional for the most part. I reserve the right to show off every once in a while! I am blow off steam every now and again, but for the most part, I want to help other with their projects. So for today, this is the direction, I'll be moving in!

Sewing Mania

2007-10-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing my little fingers off for the last month. I never seem to catch up with my projects! After making my sister's purse and aprons, I made knitting tote for a very special cousin! I have made at least 8 different overalls and twirl skirts. It's already time to start sewing for the Christmas season! Whew! I haven't even finished all of the fall outfits! It makes me tired of thinking of it.

Now I just need to figure out how add all the pictures to my blog!

Insanity

2007-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

So here I was exercising and I noticed every time my right arm went up there was an acrid odor. When my left arm went up, nothing. A mystery. So I here I am kicking and boxing into mindlessness out while my brain muddles over this oddity. Suddenly, it dawns on me. I put deodorant on one side only. What? Yep! That had to be it. Now, one must ask how this happens. Well, the only answer I have is somehow in the middle of my routine, I was interrupted with a big enough 3 year old emergency that I stopped in the middle put the deodorant down and then instantly forgot side two. Yes, this is what motherhood reduced you to: A mindless workout queen who suddenly realizes, deodorant works best when applied to two sides.

On the other hand. Sewing is my currently both my love and hate in life. I made a super fun purse for my sister! It is awesome! Yet, my cute halloween outfits aren't selling...so it has me in a pout.....

Oh well, it will all work itself out. Especially the deodorant issue!

Outfit!

2007-09-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

Yes! I made the outfit for her first day of school! The matching jeans totally rock! I'll get a picture up of those when it get's cooler!

2007-09-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

I think I have finally recovered from my vacation! Whew! Now we are adjusting to somebody's elses time. For 3 years, I have been able to avoid schedules if I wanted it to. And you know, I liked it. The one thing I don't miss in being a teacher is being on a bell schedule. Little did I realize that there would come a time when I would be a slave to school time. My oldest has started kindergarten. We are lucky to still have 1/2 days. Unfortunately, we got the after noon shift from 11:@0 to 2:20. So now I have 3 hours in the morning; stop everything take Hannah to school; run errands or whatever for 3 hours; stop everything, go pick her up again. SO after all this time, I have to have a clock around so I can stay on schedule. Now I just have to figure out how to deal with this new schedule! Argghhh!

Whew!

2007-08-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

So my last post was on August 12th. At first it was because I was being exposed to slow internet connections. Dial-up should be banned. On the 15th we arrived In Portland ro visit my sister and we got busy! SHe is such a fun Aunty!!!!

Plus, Frankly my brain was vacation fried and my girls were always on my lap when I sat aat the computer and I just didn't get anything done! We arrived back in Va. Beach on Thursday and it has taken me 4 days to recover from the adventure of it all. All I can say is 3 weeks with two kids as a single mom is insane and I bow to all single moms who do it everyday!!!!!! I completely understand why single moms don't date! There is nothing left at the end of the day!!!!

It was nice to come home to a clean house! My hubby is the best! He always makes sure everything is picked up and laundry is done. Of course, it is because during this time, he lives his fantasy of having a perfectly picked up home where everything is always put away. Of course, up on arrival, we assured him we were home and the perfect, putwayeverything, disappeared!heheh. Ohh well, it helps him be more tolerant...that's my stance anyway. Besides I only pick up and vacuum once a day. If a tornado hits after that.....Oh well!!!! I really would have been fired as a50's wife!

With being away 3 weeks from my sewing machine, my projects piled up. I have about 8 that I need to finish in the next couple of weeks. After searching high and low, I was able to pick up fabric in Montana of all places that I needed to finish an outfit! Boy is it cute!!! This week I will be finishing twirl skirts and tops for the girls and working on Birthday Presents for my sister. Here birth month is August 15th to September 15th. Thank goodness she give a window b/c I would be in big trouble for Thursday is her birthday! YIKES! I haven't even bought the card! Granted it's her fault we were busy in Portland! hahahaha okay it was mine!

Final thoughts! Portland is a great city to take kids and fun for parents too! Tualitan, which is just out of Portland, has some really fun toddler/preschool parks. Stop by a library and pick up a local mag that has all the fun stuff to do with kids for the month!!!! The next town over, has a Hanna Andersson outlet!!!!!!!!! Fun!

Day of rest and relaxation

2007-08-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Okay so much for a day of rest and relaxation. My day started out lazy enough with an extra 5 minute stay in bed and a leisurely making of yummy huckleberry pancakes. My mom has just moved into my Grandmothers house which has not been cared for very well in the last 15 years. So I thought, gee, I had better help her with some clearing of overgrown bushes today to help the place look more loved. Of course my brain is asking me if this is what I really want to do on my day of relaxation. Of course the term is loosely used when you are on vacation with a 3 and 5 year old who really have no notion of what letting mommy relax means! Yikes. Since we are in farm country we started with the tools of farmers. Take a look at the photos of our high quality rake and wheelbarrow! Whew! It was a long hot day. Well, at least I can relax with a small glass of wine before we are off to a well deserved home cooked meal in the country.

Vacationing!

2007-08-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

15 hours 5 of which were in layors; the girls and I finally landed in a very smoky Western Montana at just about midnight. We headed off to the hotel and tried to sleep. The next day we swam then went to play at a park and went to Children's festival. On Day three, we had Huckelberry pancakes then headed up to my brother's house for 4 days. This is always Whew! We are now 10 days into our vacation and I still haven't had any "vacation" time. We have been so busy keeping the girls entertained, I haven't had time to relax. Next year I go alone! We have been boating, horseback riding, fairs, festivals, a wedding, fishing and lots of driving in a car! Whew! I did find a few moments to shop for fabric! Woohoo! I found some great stuff! Hopefully tomorrow will be a day of rest and relaxation!

Insanity and Stress and getting arrested

2007-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

The girls and I leave for a 3 week vacation tomorrow. I have been completely stressed about the whole thing and a total procrastinator. As a travelor I have learned that procrasitnating is bad. I usually have everything on a list and am packed days ahead of time so I don't stress. This year, I have a "what's the point?" attitude. With the hurricanes, they will just unpack and re-pack and I will have no clue as to what is in the suitcase. So this year, t's shorts, and the undies and that's all I am worried about.

I always try to clean the house before I leave. I have been really stressed with the tornados who follow closely behind leaving destruction where ever they go. Yesterday, I was reminded, that this is something I don't have to worry about. I live with a self proclaimed Man "B". He will do the cleaning and there will be no tornadoes to mess it up! I have them! I just need to do my areas and whoosh it is all done.

My sewing project list is a sure sign of my insanity and procrastination over this trip. I had two custom outfits on auction...both sold ..to sew... I had a repeat client request two overalls .....and I still had a new purse on my list. I have been a sewing fool. Of course, now that I don't have to clean I may get the sewing all done!

I started the purse yesterday. Now, I promised myself, I would only be using my stash, which has been growing and growing for the last year. Here in lies the problem: Most of my stash peices are less than a yard and most purse patterns take at least a yard. Hmmm now how do I make this work. I resized the pattern. Now I like to guestimate rather than do real math. The purse is smaller than I expected and I have had to do some sewing management to make everything work. Now I have to put it together. At least I will have a new purse. I think it is going to be one funky purse!

When I sew, the girls usually play. I listen to their antics and monitor what they are doing. I hear my oldest talking about finding all of these dead animals and that she has to find the killer. (Yes, I would say too much Animal Planet.) She went to the point of lining up the animals. The next thing I know I am getting arrest for the crime. Here is what I was arrested for killing two dogs, a horse, a turtle, and a Care Bear. A Care Bear????? Who could kill a Care Bear????? I pled innocent and although, i wasn't believed I was released and left to sew again. I keep thinking...a Care Bear?????/ ohhh that would be a horrible crime..heheh now there are some toys I am absolutely guilty for removing from the premises, the barbies, the load croaking frog, and the annoying Wiggles guitar. I just blame it on the gnomes. Shhhh Don't tell!

I am about 3/4 way through the Jodi Piccoult novel. I haven't read much further. I am anticipating the tragedy that will befall; while my heart prepares for the joy of a reunion. I don't know if I can handle it. Maybe I will just leave it until I get back from vacation and take something foo foo with me. Oh dear, that leaves 2 books I have pending. Hmmmmm what will I do?

Quirky

2007-07-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

My Three year old always makes me laugh. She has a small lisp and exchanges her "G" sounds with "D" sounds and She also gets bigger words all mixed up. She kept tell me her daddy was going to give her a patakiller and a dog. So I was thinking that she was going to get a catapillar and a dog. So when I went on an errands last night, she crawls up on daddy's lap says can we have a patakiller. Her daddy told her yes when she was done with her bath. Huh? So we I came home, she says look at me and says, "I have a patakiller" and shows me her tows all painted pink! So then I reallize Patakiller is a pedacure! What a hoot!

Okay so yesterday, I had quite a few outfits ending on auction and I get two emails. One is from a lady who wants an outfit in a 6 month size and by Monday. Huh? Do people think I work in a sweat shop and just have things hanging around. Then the next one was from a person I spoke to about a week ago. I had told her sizes couldn't be less than 12m. She emails me that she wants 6-12 and 2 18m by Monday. Again, I am really curious as to where people think Custom overalls come from. Do they magically appear? Because they have decided too late that they want an outfit and wala! there it is....Wouldn't that be a wonderful place? Hmmmm...just one of those bizarre curiousity. The ones I like best are the ones who want an outfit quickly, can't make up their mind, and then want to add special things to it. Or, they want it, then they don't reply for 2-3 more days; leaving less time for sewing. Of course, to me it is they great challeng. Can I do it? let's try. Yes, I need a specail place........hahahah Perhaps I should start charging for quirkiness! If you ever wonder why many Ebayer list exclusionary text. It is to keep the rushers and all the others away.

One of our neighbors just had a baby and I just finished perusing a sewing book and found in it bibs and burp clothes. So instead of doing work sewing, I created bibs. They are so cute! I find myself wondering if they would sell and realize, I really like making overalls. Many other items would just drive me crazy in the monotony of it all!

Zimonines and T-dresses

2007-07-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

The best part of being a stay at home mom is the way kids include you in their play not matter what you are doing. When I sew, I be either Santa's Helper or the sewing lady. Sometimes, I am just the Miss who must give directions to a special place the girls are going with the suitcases packed or I get to be a taste tester from the cooking center! In the Kitchen, I am the Chefer with chefer assisats. When we go out on errands, I am usually the School Bus Driver taking them on a field trip. Yesterday, I became a zimonine driver (limosine) as my 5 year old dubbed the name. When we arrived at our first destination, my 3 year old out lemonade drive can you help me out! What a hoot! Kids and language amazing!

I am reading Jodi Piccoult's Tenth Circle. Piccoult is one of those author's where you know you don't really want to read the book because you are going to cry because the deep emotional place she takes you. But, for whatever reason, you still pick up the book and start reading. I am now halfway through the book and can't put it down, but don't want to pick it up because I know it is going to have an ending that I don't want to read about. Yet, I think maybe this one will be different. Argghhhh! I can't stop!

I Love t-shirt dresses. They are so incredible cute. I love the simpleness, the durability, the fact that my girls can dress themselves. Yet, one mystery remains, why aren't they a big seller? Are they too simple? Do I price them too high? Whatever the reason, I find they are awesome for my girls. They are unique and fun! Maybe someday other will catch onto the greatness of the T-shirt dress.

Bins and the sewing zone

2007-07-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

I suppose as a stay at home mom having random adult thoughts throughout the day is pretty normal. Right? Since my days aren't flat and there are lots of different to do's, my thoughts usually have no like to one another. On the mom side, I was folding laundry yesterday and noted that I had an awful lot of bins. Then I started thinking about ALL the bins I had. Oh Dear, it might be a problem.

I think it must be understood first that I am not a person that spends a lot of time worrying that everything must have a place; That would be insane for a stay at home mom! However, with two small hurricanes that move through the house as mach speed, I have had to adjust my ways because I just can't handle that much mess! My Solution is bins. I love them. You put dirty laundry in and then the clean laundry. They are great for sorting clothes! One bin for each member of the family. The girls can sort their own laundry. The clothes stay contain, until we get back to them.

We have bins in virtually everyroom for toys and we have the empty toy bin that gets hauled out for really messy days! Bins are a lifesaver! Everyonce in awhile I go through the bins and re-organzie, but until I get around to it the bins hold stuff happily.

I also have bins for my sewing stash. They merrily keep my colors and seasons sorted, so I can get what I want, when I want. Although, I must admit, the my fabric likes to just hang out and be looked in plan making for future projects. THen there get to be too many plans, and l I can't handle the overflowing stash anymore and have to choose a few peices to go back into the bins.

I think the best part of bins are the bins used to store stuff. You put the bins away for a season or a holiday. When it comes around again, it's like opening a present with the joy of already having warm memories of vents or even the renewal of an old love, like your favorite sweater! I even rotate the toy bins and the girls get all excited to rediscover new toys!

Bins are Divine!

As I sat down to try to squeeze in 10 minutes of sewing yesterday, I realized that when one is in the sew zone, one should stay in the sew zone. On Sunday, I started a headband project! I ran out of time and left my remains on my sewing table. Now the problem lies in the fact that I have red thread on top and black on the bottom so my reversible head bands will be uniform with their thread. When I was in the sewing zone, it was easy to remember. When I sat back down a day later, I discovered that I was no longer in the zone. It was lost and it was very frustrating to remember red on top and black on the bottom. Of course, my three year old was in the mood for attention as well so she was crawling all over me like a monkey. I suppose sometimes, if you can't be in the zone, just leave it alone! I went back later and was able to finish several headbands. Take a look at the pictures. To see them all, check out my home page in a couple of days and they will all be there!

Monday Mornings

2007-07-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

I love Mondays. I know strange, huh. It is the start of a new week of fun and activities. It's the day I plan everything we are going to do for the week and ensure that I will get enough time to sew my creations. I never seem to have enough time to sew. Next week, the girls and I are going on vacation and I have so many projects. ALas, I just can't lock myself away, there is too much to do. So I start with Monday and work from there. Today is a field trip and errands and and afternoon of sewing. Tuesday will be the waterpark, since it appears it will be warm enough and no chance of rain. Wednesday is Library day!!!! I love the library. Thursday and Friday will be sewing and packing days. I hate to leave packing to the last minute; so instead of putting away laundry I will toss some in the suitcases. This week on the sewing list is to finish my double sided bandanas, a shirt and two overalls sets for clients.