Life's Journey

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!

Just for Fun!

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?

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

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

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!

Felted Wool Notebook holders

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!

Change in Venue

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!

Outfit!

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!

Insanity and Stress and getting arrested

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?

Bins and the sewing zone

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

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.