corinnea's chaos

Exciting Announcement

2011-11-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

Jess and I have been talking a LOT. Yes we always talk a LOT but over the last few weeks our conversations have been specifically about teaming up and we've finally decided to blog together- so beginning today we will cease to be Chaotic and Insane, and instead just be Blissful. We do most of our creating together, I always have to do all of the sewing (it's a sweat shop I tell ya!), Jess of course thinks she has all the best ideas, so we just thought it would be easier to stop fighting over who gets to take credit!
We really hope you will follow us over to our new blog - we've even decided to bribe you, so click on over to see what's up.

Napkins

2011-11-14T08:32:00.002-05:00

Years ago when I was lots younger, with young kids, and not a lot of cash, I still wanted to give everyone Christmas gifts. I decided to make napkins! I used the most lovely calico fabrics, enclosing each square with a mitered corner frame. As ugly as we'd all think they are now, I worked very hard on making them perfect, and I used mine untill they died. I think my Mom is the only one maybe still hanging on to a couple. (Love you mom!)

A few weeks ago I went to the Jacksonville quilt show. I had a great time wandering through seeing some amazing quilts, trying out long arms (oh how I miss you Millenium) and looking through shops. Jacksonville very few fabric shops for such a large city, so it was fun to see such variety in one place.

At one shop I spotted this piece of Farmers Market by Sandi Henderson and not far from that I saw a fabric I'd not seen before. I found out it's by Hoodie, whom I've also never heard of, though she has been designing fabric for years. This line is called Vegie Patch. The eggplant fabric was all I could find at the show. There on the spot I decided to revisit my napkin making. We go through a lot of napkins but I also do a lot of laundry so why not combine the two.... After looking at the line, the eggplant is my favorite, but I want to get the others to make more napkins, four is not enough.

They finished out at about 22 inches. I love the mitered corners. I made these by just wrapping the fabric from the back and framing my focus fabric. The solid green is Kona Grass. Is there anything you made years ago that you've decided to make again? I wonder if in twenty more years I'll think this fabric was a "lovely" choice?

Shirts For the Boy

2011-11-05T08:41:00.002-04:00

I love, love, love dress shirts on men, even/or especially on little guys. I purchased an extra large dress shirt while back in Germany because the fabric was a yummy Italian cotton. I thought I'd re-purpose it for myself but when Jess asked me to make Micah a shirt I knew that this was a better option. I used the Sketchbook Shirt pattern by Oliver & S again. It goes together so simply. Even though I like to use a real stand up collar on bigger shirts, this one is easy to make in a short time, and really, spending a lot of time making small clothes that will usually be outgrown before they are worn out is kind of silly. Now, ask me how long it took me to finish these...... no don't, because I don't want to tell.

Meet Mac, my size 2 kids mannequin that I got for $25.00 at a very cute shop that went out of business. I was very sad to see the shop close but since I didn't know it was happening, I was very glad that I went in time to rescue him. Don't make fun of him please, if I ever decide to dress him as a girl.

Oh how I love stripes.

I got very tired of trying to remember what sizes I've made for Micah and on these shirts with a yoke facing the solution was simple. Pooh to my machine for messing up the number 8.

I also had some gingham that I'd been gifted ( I cannot remember who gave it to me! It had been used for table clothes?) anyway, as some of you have already seen, it was put to good use for Micah's first birthday.

It's so fun to see this little guy running around in things I've made!

Emptying the Cupboard II

2011-10-31T08:31:00.001-04:00

Back when I worked at the most amazing shop on earth, I ordered this fabric. Avignon by American Jane for Moda. I started this sample, the whole bolt of red focus fabric sold, and I lost momentum. I was using a pattern from this book and had even sewn most of the left over odd shaped triangles together for the edging.

It went into the cupboard and never came out again

Fast forward two years.....Out comes the project. I realize there is not enough of anything to finish this project, and I'm determined to finish it without spending any more money. After ~~a panic, a cup of~~ ~~coffee and messing a bit~~ carefully planning, I found some blue kona in my stash, unpicked all those triangles and set them on their sides, then used the kona for the corner blocks and backing. What looks like a wide binding is actually the backing wrapped to the front and the corners mitered.

Since it will be used as a tablecloth, I didn't use batting. After sewing it together I hand quilted some of the hexagons with a size 5 variegated pearl thread.

Whew! Done, just in time for a picnic before the weather changes!

Emptying the Cupboard I

2011-10-29T08:15:00.002-04:00

This will be the first of a few posts on finishing projects. I have this cupboard that Jess gathered all of my unfinished projects into and I couldn't get the door shut. It made me sad. She basically told me to either throw it away or get the silly things done. She can be tough but she did finish a rug for me to get me started. I whined a bit more and then I got started. This is my first finish, now I just need to remember how to go to the post office.

I could also have titled this, "Sorry I Didn't Answer the Phone Mom, I Was Working On Your Quilt" or maybe..... "Yes Mom, Your Quilt IS Done But No, It's Not In The Mail".

Please, please ignore the lint.

When my mom was out for a visit last year she asked if I would make her a quilt for her guest room. I told her yes, but only if she'd help. So she decided she wanted a Turning Twenty, picked out her fabrics, helped me cut them up, and before she left we almost had the top done. I finished the borders fairly quickly and started quilting it, and then ~~I started working and my life went kinda topsy-turvy~~ stopped. About two months ago with Jess, Micah and You Know Who keeping me company, I finished the simple (really?) straight line quilting. I used a blue variegated thread which made a nice grid pattern on the back. It finished out queen size with a bit of overhang, I hope..
I should have taken pictures of Micah and Grandpa "helping" me mark the lines... I hollered a lot, they thought it was funny. Sorry mom, even after a washing it'a a bit used (and still full of lint).
Oh, and Mom, it is in a box... I need to set it in front of the door so I won't forget to take it to the post office...

For those that are still reading, and asked where I work and what I do now, this is for you. Through a series of strange timing and weirdly connected events I am now working as an office manager for a small company that specializes in an area of building, both commercial and upper end residential. I really like it and if I can learn everything they need me to do in a timely manner, I think they'll really like me. No, it's not in the crafty creative vein that I love so much but it is a position where I take care of things and people, so now I concentrate on the part of me that likes organization. Judging from the first part of my post I've neglected that side a bit too long eh? It is funny though, I did manage to meld a bit of what I learned about display to make the books that hold the jobs legible. Such a little thing and it made me happy.

Oops

2011-10-24T20:46:00.001-04:00

Apparently sometime in August I stopped blogging.
Sorry I forgot to say anything, I never really informed myself.
I looked at the blog one day and realized it's been three months.

Things are good and I've missed you.
I'm mostly sorry because I've not looked in on your posts as often as I used to.

I've been.....

having fun

working lots

sewing some

searching for that elusive thing called balance

watching a boy grow

I've had.....

old friends visit

new friends visit

a wonderful job opportunity come along

There are....

new walls in my house

less weeds in my garden

more laugh lines on my face

I am......

watching a boy grow

enjoying my family

learning a new job

slowly but surely, emptying my unfinished projects cupboard

I'll try and be back soon.

More Chairs?

2011-08-16T07:30:00.003-04:00

I was in a second hand store a couple of months ago with Jessica. I spotted these folding chairs and really liked them. They weren't too old but they had some personality.

I didn't get them.

I couldn't stop thinking that I'd made a mistake.

I needed a small chair for You Know Who's office. One that a I could sit in but wouldn't take up too much space.

I thought the folding chair would work even though the seat was ugly.

They were supposed to be marked down at one month. I decided that if they were still there, then it was meant to be.

They were there, I got them a bit cheaper, and I still had some yummy leather left from my dining chairs makeover.

I got them just in time. The chair I had been using in my sewing room had to be thrown out.

These are very versatile. I love the way they look in our work spaces and in our living spaces when we have company. So far we haven't needed to store them but if we do, the folding option is nice!

Long Overdue

2011-08-14T23:19:00.001-04:00

I bought this chair a long, long, long, long time ago. Ugly gold fabric a broken spring but the "bones" were good. I asked Jessica to send me a couple of things, among the things was some beautiful silk dupioni she bought in the LA fabric district, then I realized I needed a couple more things, then I lost momentum.

Do not look at the wonky springs and strapping, It's all wrong but it's what I had.

Fast forward six years to last week..... Jessica un-buried the chair and demanded I finish it. She got me started again and after she left, I managed to finish! I even remembered that I love doing stuff like this. I made some mistakes and learned some new things. I will use this at my desk, a desk that I should show you one day.

I kinda love it a lot.

Next on the agenda, Jess has researched how to eight-way hand tie and I have this couch....

Whether She Wanted It Or Not

2011-08-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

One of my co-workers had a birthday last week. With only two days to come up with something, I decided on a bag. We don't know each other well, but you know me..... I'd rather make a gift than purchase something. I made it up as I went along because that's the way I roll these days. I may have gone a bit out of her comfort zone color-wise. It's kind of a lunch bag, carry-all type of thing.

I took these pictures with my phone the morning I finished it.

I should have been on my way to work.

The color is brighter than I remember it being. Poor woman, I think she prefers black.....

It's the thought that counts.... right??

Jelly Roll 1600

2011-08-07T21:14:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of this? It's one of those things you can easily do instead of doing a million other things you should be doing. I twisted Jessica's arm the other night and made her sew the majority of the top. I first saw it here and also here. Some quilters race to see who can finish sewing first. I have a ~~lot~~ few jelly roll type fabrics sitting around ~~collecting dust~~ as decoration. We chose the Charisma line and within a couple of hours (way over the fastest race time) had a fun lap size top. It's now in the pile of unfinished projects until I get to the next step.

Do you have 40 strips of fabric lying around doing nothing? You might want to try this for fun!

So Very Behind

2011-08-05T08:00:00.003-04:00

On things I want to share......

Been mostly just living in the moment and barely remembering to take pictures. When I do, things can get a bit silly. The results are not pretty.

You've been warned.

I made another Butterick 4789 from fabric I bought on my last trip to Hilco with Kelly. (Miss you!) I'd been meaning to make it and when I realized how well it went with my skirt, I finally took the time. I love it.

Not sure what I was doing with my face.

This was the only decent close-up. I was trying to make a point to Jess about relaxing and having fun with photos. She thought I wouldn't be ~~crazy~~ brave enough to post them.

Just before this silly photo shoot, a friend arrived to do a live blood analysis. She had to poke my finger to get the a fore mentioned live blood. That face?? What can I say, I don't like pain and Jess you're mean!

Poor Charlotte didn't know whether to laugh at me or slap me but she is a kind gentile lady and chose to smile through the the three second ordeal.

This was very interesting. My blood is fairly healthy for my age...... She did have some suggestions for changes I can make that could make it even better and possibly help me to feel more energetic. I'm working on those now.

I've been told time and time again that the only reason you all keep coming back is to see the boy. I know it's true so I've decided to leave you with these cute boy shots. Last week we were fortunate enough to wake up with he and his mom in the house. I decided to torment him with the triangle bag again. He's beginning to see it has some advantages.

He's so fun and so funny!

Jessica's Skirt

2011-08-01T08:00:00.004-04:00

You may remember (or not) the this skirt. It was Jessica's desire that I make her a copy of one of her favorite skirts from Ann Taylor. Silly me, I still haven't photographed her in the original inspiration. Nor have I finished my first attempt.... Finally though, I have made her skirt. I used some cotton lawn by Alexander Henry. It feels lovely and she looks so cute in it!

I love the pocket detail.

Triangle Pillow

2011-07-25T00:18:00.001-04:00

Does it ever feel like things are just flying by faster than you care for?

It's how I'm feeling right now.

I never mean to let so much time go by before sharing what I am up to but I do.

Then it seems hard to share it all.

So I was ~~wasting time~~ doing research one day out in blog land and came across this and this. I thought it was so cute and decided to try and see if it was as easy as it looked.

It was.

I decided to make a bigger one..... someday.

Jess had given me this gorgeous fabric and I made two pillows. I was thinking about making two more when she suggested that it would be great for the larger triangle pillow project.

So I did.

It was fun!

It's funky!

It's for him!

He's only smiling because he didn't want to hurt my feelings. He doesn't quite get it.

Grampa tried tempting him with the "fishing" pole.

It didn't really work.

Mom tossed him on top.

He rolled off.

I realize that I stuffed it too much and so I will have to take some of those silly pellets out. Jess helped me the first time around and it wasn't so bad, maybe I'll wait for her help again.

A Bunch of Bags

2011-07-11T22:32:00.001-04:00

This was a fun special order.

A friend wanted 9 bags for her daughters and grand daughters.

The only thing she asked for was a variety.

Getting to choose the fabrics was fun but I'm still wondering if I made the right choices.....

Silly me I took these pictures before I put the crystals on the zippers. I love sparkly things. You'll have to take my word for it, they were cuter than they look here.

Sketchbook Shorts

2011-07-09T21:38:00.001-04:00

Busy much? Yeah, me too. I made these a couple of weeks ago..... Actually Jess did most of the sewing.

This is such a cute pattern, thank you Oliver + S. I used Kona cotton in stone (clay? whatever) and some of Amy Schimler's fun fabric for the waistband and pocket linings.

Jess did a really good job sewing and learning more about clothing construction.

I apparently need to go back to cutting out stuff 101...... I thought I used the same peices I traced for the last pair I made, which fit the Little Mister perfectly.

I didn't.

They are too small.

I think I have just enough for another pair.

Ice Cream Dress

2011-06-27T22:37:00.001-04:00

I wanted a gift for a young friend and decided on the Ice Cream Dress. It's the first time I've used this pattern. I love Oliver + S patterns and this one is no exception.

The fabric is Fleur d'Paris for Henry Glass.

I hope she likes it!

A Remake

2011-06-24T07:47:00.001-04:00

A few years back while traveling in Italy I saw this dress in a window. It was cheap and I thought it was a perfect summer dress.

I didn't try it on.

My bad, because it didn't work for me. Guess I was channeling my 20 something self.....

I showed it to Jessica and she loved it, which is funny because it is much more color than she ever wears at once. Some days I cause her to cringe with my colorful clothing.

Poor baby.

Before the little guy came along she wore it a couple of times but after little guy, some changes needed to be made. It happens when you are blessed with children, things change.

Before.

Sorry for the mediocre photos, I think we were supposed to be making dinner?? Poor guys.

After.

Mom friendly but gorgeous!

Even better than the original, don't you think?

A Nice, Quiet Weekend

2011-06-22T07:00:00.004-04:00

Not only was this last Sunday Father's Day, it was You Know Who's and my thirtieth anniversary. That's right, thirty, three zero, three decades. I'm not sure where all that time has gone. I look at our kids and grandson and know I am getting older but apart from the days where my body doesn't cooperate, I don't feel older. I look at this man whom I love more than when we first decided to spend the rest of our lives together and he just hasn't changed that much. (He loves being told that.)

Anyway, I am blessed.

We are blessed, to have the life we do.

Together.

It's appropriate then that we spent our weekend with people we love, doing things we enjoy.

It was a gorgeous day out on the water Saturday. He and I went out into the ocean for the first time. Not very far, but far enough for me....

One section of the beach was covered in birds. Their noise was so loud, you could hear it over the crashing surf.

Pelicans in flight are kind of amazing.

Heading into open water.

I made him turn back for the inner coastal before we went too far for my comfort.

Beach baby.

Look at that tongue!

A picnic would not be complete without iced coffee.

This stuff has changed my life.

Seriously.

I broke up with a well known coffee house now that I make my own.

I can have it anytime I want.

I've gained weight.

I am happy.

Join me?

Bias Skirt

2011-06-17T21:44:00.003-04:00

If you don't follow Crafterhours, (you should really check them out, they are nice people who say nice things about me....) then you don't know about this skirt. Jess and I made this tutorial for their skirt week. It is an easy bias skirt we made from linen and jersey knit.

I want to wear mine all the time.

Seriously.

Go to Crafterhours for the tutorial.

If you happen to make a shirt, the skirt waistband and the skirt in the same color fabric, you can have something that looks like a dress but is far more versatile.

Outtakes.........

We're so lucky he puts up with us.

Hammock vs Uber

Guess who won?

Full Skirt Attempt Two

2011-06-15T07:46:00.001-04:00

I finished this a couple of weeks ago..... Where oh where does time go?

Jessica has a favorite skirt she bought from ATL a few years ago that she wants more of. This was my second try and I think I got it. Now I just need to make hers. When I do I'll show more detail and my first attempt. We took these photos last night, the tired, goofy factor was pretty high. I could blame it on the smoke in the air... There are a lot of fires here right now and this is not a cloud haze it is a smoke haze.

Back to the skirt, it has a 4 inch drop waist and a side zip, which I like because it makes a smooth waistline.

It's made with a cotton lawn and lined with a white batiste.

It has pockets, you could leave out the pockets but I love pockets.

It has just enough gathering to make it comfy and flirty. You can dress it up with a blouse or go more casual with a T or tanks.

Found the perfect pair of sandals at Target to go with it.

Jess, I promise I will get yours done soon!!

Skirt Week!! Wrap Skirt Attempt 1

2011-06-12T22:56:00.001-04:00

It seemed like a good time to do this since it's Skirt Week over at Crafterhours. Go on over to their Flickr pages, with five categories, there are already a bunch of lovely skirts in the pools that will inspire you to

sew something.

Last week or so (were does the time go?) Jess and I were talking about wrap skirts. It's kind of a love hate thing. The comfort factor isn't quite were I want it. The ties tend to shift. Sometimes they take a lot of fabric. I'd been contemplating it since then and Friday night around 7pm (cause that's the way I do things these days) I decided to experiment.

I started with this much lovely jersey knit,

and a scant thirty one inches of yummy Art Gallery fabric.

I ended up with this.

I never felt like it was going to gape or fall off or strangle my waist.

I won't wear it with my shirt tucked in, this is just to show you how it looks at the top.

You can also see I haven't managed to hem it yet. I am going to hem it (I am Jessica, promise.) I have decided to round off the angle at the bottom.

This is how I wore it out on Saturday. Yes I did, un-hemmed and all. It was that comfortable.

Should I try it again, work out the kinks and tell you how?

Would you be interested?

This is just because he's so cute and I know that there are those of you who only come here for the chance of seeing this face.

Hand Towels

2011-05-30T23:23:00.001-04:00

What have I been doing you ask? (Or maybe you didn't.... )

I've been busy with this and that.

Messing around with some other stuff...

It's just that blogging about it has seemed a bit beyond my capabilities lately.

Sorry.

In an effort to kick-start myself back into gear, I am sharing a couple of hand towels I made from a

Denyse Schmidt fabric (DS03pineywoods) that I stole from Jessica.

I embellished them with mini pom-pom trim and rick-rack.

Shown hanging from my new hooks courtesy of the clearance bin at our local Anthro store. There were three, none exactly the same color. I guess that's why no one wanted them?

Made me happy.

More Mindless Sewing.

2011-05-10T17:51:00.001-04:00

Since the deadline for Spring Top Week 2011 was extended through 8 pm tonight, I decided to sew a second top after work last night. I used the left over fabric from my first top and cut a simple tank shape on the bias. For the back I cut it just slightly higher than the front. I got it a bit too wide so had to fuss with it for longer than I cared. There wasn't quite enough fabric for the length I wanted but seeing quite a few tops in the pool with bands on the bottom that I liked, I decided to do the same thing. I cut the band twice the width I needed, also on the bias. Folded it in half and sewed it to the bottom.... No hemming...Made tape for the neck and arm holes from the bodice fabric.

Silly flower made from left over band fabric cut on the bias, in one inch strips, folded in half, gathered and randomly sewn into a wonky shape. I just pinned it on the shirt for now.

I wore it all day and it was very comfortable, almost as good as having a knit shirt on.

Spring Top Sew Along 2011

2011-05-08T19:42:00.001-04:00

I really didn't think I'd get anything done in time. Life has just been busy that way....

Long story short, inexpensive seersucker-like fabric from Joann's, Simplicity 2936, and an idea.

Not sure it was a good idea, but it's wearable and that's what counts.

Right?

You know who thinks Brink should be in every picture.

I wanted to make sleeves that overlapped at the shoulders so re-cut two pieces on the bias. I decided to see what will happen to the raw hem of the sleeves. I also cut a not too ruffly ruffle for the neckline on the bias planning to leave that unfinished too.

Not sure I'll use the pattern again. It's basic but boxy. Too wide for me everywhere except the hip area.

It's not the pattern, it's me. I'm a pear.

I reversed the ruffle fabric to the "wrong" side because it made it pop a bit more with the backside having a more pronounced slightly shiny line.

I wore it all day. It felt comfortable and I think was adequately cute.

Now to see what happens when I wash it....

Not a Crafty Post

2011-04-26T07:24:00.001-04:00

My house blog is gasping for breath. So, for those of you that don't like gardens I am sparing you the trouble. For those that do......

Click on the mushroom!

A Little Charm Quilt

2011-04-25T08:58:00.002-04:00

The other day Jess said, "We should make some stroller quilts."

Then she made three.

With appliqué.

I managed to eek out one in twice the time!

My challenge was to use fabric I had, and I did. Even down to the batting. Of course it's tiny, 35 x 35, so I'm not sure it should really count as fabric out...

Michael Miller Pod Pozy charm pack.

Kaufman Kona chocolate border.

Michael Miller Ta-Dot for the binding and back.

Sorry about the not so artistic sun spots. I wasn't in the mood for a do over.

Next up is my gratuitous baby shot. Avert your eyes if you are tired of these........

Trying to capture golden baby lashes on a wiggly boy.

Heaven.

And The Winner Is!

2011-04-16T15:57:00.001-04:00

Oops! Is it Saturday already?

Thanks so much for all of the lovely comments!! I truly appreciate the time you take to leave them for me. I love knowing what all of you think, and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one that is jazzed about seeing my name in print.

So without further ado.................

the random number generator chose,

In between working and trying to have some fun, I've managed to restock my shop. Take a look and tell me what you think!

Reversible Bucket Hat

2011-04-11T23:30:00.001-04:00

After seeing Jen's version for her daughter, I thought I needed this book.... When Jess commented that this was the hat she wanted for the little guy, I bought it. It was delivered two days later and I made the first version that night. That night, three (or four?) weeks ago.... I'm a bit slow with my show and tell....

I'm so silly, I photographed it on him sideways. Part of the problem is, he's not really enjoying the wearing of the hat. He didn't mind it so much at first. Then he decided it was a great chew toy. I'm not sure he is aware that the hat will keep the sun out of his eyes. We'll have to have another conversation about it.

The pattern is quick and fairly easy. I did not hand sew the crown as suggested in the pattern. I so do not have enough time right now. I just top stitched them together and it works fine. My machine needs to be cleaned desperately and I obviously need to adjust my tension....

Brinkley loves to hang out for a bit, letting our chunky monkey practice his petting technique. Thankfully he is a gentle, patient dog and doesn't mind the baby kung-fu grip too much.

Thanks so much for all of the really nice comments on my last post! It is really nice to have people out there thinking good thoughts about the little things I like to do. I realized that I may have been clear about the giveaway....... I am giving away one of my copies of the magazine. There is still time to go and make a comment.
See ya in a couple of days!

Well, This Was A Fun Surprise....

2011-04-08T07:25:00.002-04:00

I got a box in the mail this evening, after coming home from work. I couldn't figure out for the life of me what it was. Jess was here and I was cooking so I told her to open it. When she pulled out three magazines wrapped in plastic I was all, huh?? See, I'd forgotten all about it. I was asked, but not chosen after all. I thought oh well, it was nice to be asked...... Moo. (she said with sadness) Then tonight happened, three magazines arrived, I jumped up and down and hugged Jess. My eyes got teary but I wasn't crying, I have a cold or sinusitis or something going on.

K, maybe I cried a little.

Tell me you would too. Even over something so very small and so very silly.

Yes, that's me! The sweet and simple key fobs...... Something I made out of necessity, to make it easier to carry my house key while walking my dog. Then I found that it worked wonderfully to clasp my keys to a ring on my purse so I never loose them in the abyss. I sent a selection of eight and these are the three they used. (Recognize some fabric Katelyn?)

Jess and I looked through the issue and found several very cute ideas that had me wishing I didn't have desperately hungry people waiting to be fed. A lot of the projects are quick like mine, most are far more clever than mine... seriously.... I could have squeezed in a quick key fob, my MIL needs one... but hungry people are nothin to mess with. The food did take a bit longer,it's hard to cook while happy dancing.

Would you like one? I'm giving one away. So comment if you'd like a chance. Anyone commenting on this post, before next Thursday, Midnight, EST will be entered. I'll announce the winner Friday.

Now happy dance with the dorky girl!

When Work is Fun

2011-04-07T06:45:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago a friend asked if I would make her a purse. She wanted a duplicate of a purse she'd worn out. I told her to bring me her fabrics and I'd get started. For the outside she found a light canvas in colors she loves and for the inside she had an old dress of her grandmother's. As close as she could figure, it was about 75 years old and well worn. She couldn't wear it and wanted to have this tangible piece of her grandmother with her daily. She remembers her grandmother wearing it being told it was made from flour sack fabric. It was interesting working with something that had been made by another seamstress so long ago.

I really enjoyed making this set. I hope she enjoys using it!

First Vegie

2011-04-05T15:40:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't shared much lately....

Thought you might like to see the first ~~fruit~~ vegie of my labor.

It was everything a radish should be. Smooth, crisp, a bit spicy with a lovely pepper finish.

Back a few weeks ago while some of this work was being done, Micah was over it and napped. When I checked on him I almost laughed out loud.

This boy is so funny.

I'll be sharing my radish post over on sidewalk shoes's Garden Tuesday.

Sketchbook Shirt

2011-03-27T00:10:00.001-04:00

Sorry I've been gone for awhile. It's been a bit busy. I've done this and that but haven't managed to blog about it. I've also done some stuff. What stuff? Hmmm I'll have to think.

I did manage to make the Little Mister a Sketchbook Shirt from the pattern by Oliver & S. Jess had just barely enough of this fabric to get it done. Matching the plaid wasn't completely possible, but the overall look was exactly what we wanted.

Then we took about a hundred pictures.

You get to see four.

Still Catching Up

2011-03-01T18:33:00.003-05:00

I made some things for my grandson a couple of weeks ago. Those necessary, everyday things that babes go through like they're on fire.

Especially when one such babe drools.

A lot.

So much so, that mom asked if I could make some that liquid wouldn't soak through.

I found this coated elephant fabric here. I love it! It washes well. Jess had some Cuddle fabric left over from the blanket and they made a great pair. I used a narrow packaged binding to finish out the edges. Boy do I need practice doing that! Can we say wonky?? Thank goodness the point is function, and they do. I did two with snaps and two with Velcro to see which worked better.

Jess took a lot more photos of him in his bib. I could only narrow it down to this many.

Something else the little man does well is, burp.

I think it's kind of a game, at least that's how I choose to look at it.

Jess had a few receiving blankets that ended up being used as burp rags. They were a bit big. She had some in the traditional style and they were a bit small. I ended up buying a yard of inexpensive but cute flannel, cutting them into fat quarters, doing a wide hem with mitered corners and they seem to be perfect for this job.

Jess liked them enough to go buy flannel for me to make more.

Mister also sleeps in some cute sleep bags which are getting too small. Jess has had a hard time finding replacements. I got the bright idea that I could make one. I took a pattern I'd been given (thanks Jennifer!) for a onesie type suit and modified it for a bag with a zippered front. I made it in the size I thought would fit but...... there is some growing that needs to happen... Jess called it his Chewbaca outfit. Hilarious no?

More later!

This Made Me Smile

2011-02-28T08:31:00.001-05:00

You may not know this about me, but I went into this blogging thing with a bit of a fussy attitude. At one time I may have even tried to say I was forced into starting a blog... I'm so glad I succumbed to the pressure because now it's something I enjoy. I have met nice people. One of those nominated me for an award. I've never met Jan over at Isisjem but I feel like she's a friend. I absolutely love one of the things she said about me..... Her blog is a mix of all the different things she makes with other stuff thrown in. Including some very gorgeous pictures of her grandson .... Someone I've never met gets me! ha ha Anyway, Jan, thanks for being out there and liking my crazy. I love how you are always going outside your comfort zone and doing things I'm not brave enough to do!

There are a few rules to accepting an award and one of those is that I have to nominate 3 -5 blogs that I think should get an award. All of them have under 100 followers. These are all people that look forward to reading when they post. Thanks for being out there!

Parrishplatz - Jennifer is extraordinary. She makes me want to be more creative. When she decides the time is right, you will want her to be your photographer.
Insanely Crafty - Jessica is one of the most clever people I know. She's also my daughter but I'd say that anyway.
Kelly's Korner - Kelly is perfect mixture of brains and creativity. One of the most busy people I know, when she gets to post, you want to see it.
theblackforrist - Kara is energy. She makes cute things. Then she makes the patterns.
H'sCreations - Heather is full of love. A mom of three, she still makes time to do nice things for others. Being as I've been there and tried to do that, I admire her.

If any of you feel the urge to tell someone else that you enjoy what they do, follow the rules below. If you don't, then by all means don't!!! You can still tell the world that I think you're amazing!

Rules:

1) If you are tagged, and you want to accept, then create a post on your blog and add the Liebster blog pic.2) Link back to the person who gave you the award and say if you accept. 3) Choose 3-5 of your favourite blogs to tag, link these in your post too and tell the lucky people they have been tagged.The aim of this award is to bring unknown good blogs to light, (less than 50 Followers is ideal), therefore, please don't tag somebody with 3000 followers!

Simplicity 2866

2011-02-26T22:41:00.001-05:00

I made this a couple of weeks ago and yes, I am just now getting around to showing you. It's finally warm enough to take pictures outside comfortably. For me. I'm a wimp.

I got the fabric at Joann's back in October. Kinda forgot about it until one Saturday morning when I woke up and decided I needed a new dress.

I really like the embroidered flowers.

The pattern was super simple. I did change the front to have tucks instead of pleats...

I'm not sure it's the best style for me but it's easy to wear and I just needed something new.

Winner!

2011-02-22T09:03:00.001-05:00

Something For You!

2011-02-18T17:10:00.003-05:00

Well, only if you want it.....

I am over due for a giveaway. I'm sorry for neglecting you. Especially since you have always been so encouraging and kind. Really kind. Like all of your encouragement for me and my Etsy endeavor. Did I tell you it all sold? So thank you for everything.

Way back when I started indulging in my love for hexagons and before I decided that I was going to make a quilt and make it a charm quilt to boot, I made a lot of them. The other day I decided to make a pillow. I liked it and thought maybe you would too. You won't be hurting my feelings if you don't, but if you would like a chance to have this lovely, just leave me a comment.

The insert is included because it's an odd size so I had to make one. Comment up until Monday midnight EST. This is open to anyone, anywhere. Now I'm off to try and restock my Etsy shop.

Thank You!

2011-02-16T22:47:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for the well wishes on this newest adventure.

Most of all, thank you Joan, Katelyn and Amy for being my first customers!

I hope you enjoy your new bags.

I've Finally Did It!

2011-02-15T22:47:00.001-05:00

With some help from a sweet girl......

I've opened an Etsy shop.

Tell me what you think!

Let's see if I can keep this up!

My Sister Made Me Do It

2011-02-14T02:00:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago while talking to my sis on the phone she mentioned some bracelets she liked on sundance. They are funky leather bracelets at a precious price and she wanted one. Bad. My sis is has style. There are things she can do/wear that I can only wish I could pull off. The fun part about this conversation was, I had leather......

I have some butter soft leather left over from a project I have yet to show you. It's one for the all but defunct house blog. You know, the one I haven't posted on in two months. I'm busy, don't judge. Jess and I got together and made a few to try things out and maybe send a couple off to "someone"...

I'll be making more unless someone tells me to stop.

Half Square Triangle Pillow

2011-02-11T23:39:00.001-05:00

Pillows seem to be the big thing right now. They are kind of irresistible. About a month ago (? time flies) I decided I needed a pillow for my guest room. I actually could use a couple of pillows because one looks kinda sad, like an incomplete thought, but you must start somewhere.

My finished HSTs are 2 inches. It's a bit crazy that there are, I think, 85 of them in this one small pillow.I used Kona cottons. I wish I had a color card because I cannot for the life of me remember what these fabrics are called and I really need some of the yellow! So who would like to come see me next? The room is ready!

I Decided to Give Up My Hair

2011-02-07T17:02:00.002-05:00

The last time I had my hair cut was back in June. It was an interesting cut, I had these sort of dog ears in the front and chopped layers in the back. I was not pleased. So I let it grow. Then I stopped paying attention to it. When I realized how long it was, I thought, for about the tenth time, that I should donate it to Locks of Love. Apparently about the same time Jess was thinking of the same thing. Soooo I continued to let mine grow.

Strange thing about me and my hair, the longer it gets, the more I fear letting it go. Even when I realize that I am not looking my best.

Today was the day. Jess and I went together and did it.

I know that my hair was beyond shaggy buuuuuuutttttt, I was not quite ready for this short. I haven't even looked at the back, it is really short. Really. I can't bring myself to look. In spite of never, ever, wanting to do this again, I'm really glad I did it this once.

P.S. If anyone one of you tells me I look perky you'll be dead to me. Really. Not. Kidding.

The Boy and His Blanket

2011-02-01T23:40:00.001-05:00

Just in case you're wondering, quilts and blankets are not the same thing and anyway, his mom bought the fabric and said make it. So I had to. Poor me.

Made with Urban Circus by Laurie Wisbrun, Shannon Cuddle in brown with blue dots, and kona cotton in a color I would know if I could ever get my hands on a color card. I "quilted" it with straight lines about every third row of elephants.

He loves it and I love him. Perfect.

Wow I'm a Slacker

2011-01-29T20:05:00.001-05:00

I have a friend. She had a grandchild. He was born before my grandson. I made her grandson a gift. I never sent the gift. I am a bad friend.

I figure if I admit this and post it, I will be so ashamed that I will finally get to the post office and send it. There is no excuse for not getting it sent, other than I am being forgetful lately. I think I need people, or at least an assistant. If this does not arrive on your doorstep by the end of the week please call and yell at me.

Oh and Joan, when you get it, you can see how far from perfect my sewing is! This blanket is wonky, but since it's meant to be drug around and loved I hope that won't matter! P.S. I'll put something in the box for you too!

Sewing For A Cause

2011-01-23T22:14:00.001-05:00

It's so much fun having a small child to sew for. I'm not sure why it is so fun to sew for wee ones, they grow up and out so quickly! I guess it's just that tiny things seem cuter.
I am so lucky to have had three children of my own and now this amazing grandson. There are others for whom this has not happened. Fortunately, there are opportunities out there for adoption. Unfortunately, adoption is very expensive. Fortunately, there are people out there who see a need and do something about it. One of these groups is called Sacred Selections. Several times a year they have fundraisers to help families pay for adoptions. They help people find ways to raise money for themselves, and they also counsel these couples, who want to be parents so very much, through the process.
When my mom and sister told me they were donating items for an auction, I asked if I could take part and donate too. These bags are a couple of the things I sent. Hopefully they will be a little helpful in someone reaching their goal. I had fun making them. I thought of when I was expecting my children and the lovely anticipation that went along with that time in my life, hoping that soon those waiting for children will realize their dream.

Each bag holds two shopping bags and has a detachable wrist strap for carrying or keys or both!

A Very Yummy Give Away!

2011-01-21T14:52:00.001-05:00

If you have not seen my daughter's blog yet, now is the time! Jessica made this garland to give away just in time for Valentine's Day. If she hadn't already promised to ~~make me one~~ get me started making one I'd be pouting right now.

A Quilt For My Grandson

2011-01-19T09:32:00.001-05:00

I started this way back when I found out he was to be. Thank goodness I finished before he grew up.

It's my version of an eye spy quilt. Hand quilted with size 5 pearl cotton.

Simple quilting.

Jess told me not to get all uptight about the quilting. It's wonkier in some places than in others. I tried.

There are fabrics in here from several lines, some of which were donated by Jennifer and Katelyn. Thanks you two.

I was having so much fun making the blocks that I ended up with enough for a twin size quilt. Pay attention much? Do math much? Jess asked me to make it with blocks on the front and back. Double the fun.....

The individual blue blocks on either side were a happy mistake.

I've said it before, I'll say it a million times. I love this boy!

A Little Bag

2011-01-13T10:28:00.001-05:00

We got our grandson blocks for Christmas. I know he can't play with them now but he can't play with much yet. I asked Jess if she would like a bag for them to live in. She said yes and she even had the perfect fabric. Anne Kelle's Urban Zoology whales in Bermuda. I love this print. I wanted the seams nice and finished so I ironed them open, turned them under and sewed through all the layers. I like seeing the finishing seam on the outside. In this case I think it makes it a bit more interesting. A simple casing with grosgrain ribbon finished it off.

Two hundred tiny blocks waiting for their boy.

Bad Photos But A Very Cute Subject

2011-01-11T12:08:00.001-05:00

This is from a month ago. Sorry, I have been doing, but not taking the time to take good photos. Or any photos. These are from my phone. Please, use your imagination and edit them anyway you would like.

When it got cold in Florida, I decided MAC needed a hat. I crocheted one. It was too small. It was kinda ugly too. I decided to try knitting again and I made four more hats. None. Of. Them. Fit. My only excuse is that I was not in the same state as the baby. The lovely photo of hats on my knees was what I took to text to Jess to show her how clever I was being. ...... At least I got a lot of practice and his momma let me torment him by making him wear the closet to fitting hat.

Man I love this boy!

My Ode To Felt....

2011-01-09T22:03:00.001-05:00

Or, what I didn't show you at Christmas......

When it seemed as if everyone here, here, here, here , here and here, but me was making lovely felt things..... I actually was. Trying. I came up with an idea for a garland. I wanted to add some other things but life kept happening. There are spaces to add them next year. Or the year after.

Anyway, behold, my felt tree garland. It's pretty long. I think I made about forty trees. It was simple but a bit time consuming. I used a nice wool blend felt bought at Joann. There are four pieces for each tree. Sew two together down the middle. Finger press those open and sew two two-piece units together down the middle.

Done.

Mostly.

So, My Sister Broke Herself......

2011-01-05T10:03:00.001-05:00

There's nothing worse than being far away when someone you love gets hurt. Though I am closer, it's still too far. Since I didn't ask Sherie's permission, all I will say is, day before Christmas, ski, fall, new knee. Needless to say, she is bummed. We are bummed for her.

We were talking one day right after, and on that day the thing which made her most angry was not being able to carry her coffee and use her crutches. Yes, my sister and I rival for who drinks more coffee. Our mom is right up there with us. I really win because I can drink it at night.

I was wracking my brain about what to do for her from so far away.

I was in the process of making some bags for a really great charity, a quilt for my mom, a quilt for baby MAC, and other stuff. So...... a lot of sewing which I will try to show shortly but nothing for Sherie.

I wracked my brain some more about how I could make it easy and cute for her with the crutches. Then I came up with a cute name..... Crutch Clutch........ too cute?... um, yeah..... but no product.

Then she demanded something, anything that would make it easier for her. My sister never demands so I knew then and there the depth of her despair. Then I panicked. Then it clicked and I had it.

This is really just a prototype. It could have been better but my mom leaves today and that's how I'm delivering it.

The taller bucket like bag is for a travel mug, but she can use it for whatever. Yarn and needles for instance? I used clips for sturdy, but easy on and off. Have something with a bit more weight? No problem.

I quilted it for insulation, body, and fun. Somethings should be fun. Especially when the reason for them is not.

How do you make a small bag for someone who normally uses a big purse? I have the same purse. I am not sure how I would do without it. I tried to think of the things I might want and where they'd fit. I realized I would need a pouch within the pouch, so that's what I gave her.

On one side there is a strap for carrying around the wrist or to use for keys, or both. On the other side is an easy clip for it to be attached to the crutches. I put the zippers in so when she is hanging onto the bag attached to the crutch, she can easily unzip and zip each pouch without much trouble....... hopefully.

Sherie let me know how they work. In the mean time remember there is love and thoughts for a quick recovery in every stitch!

I'm So Very Behind

2010-12-19T21:56:00.001-05:00

I really don't know where the time goes, but it does. I've done lots. Really.

I've also received lovely gifts. These gifts came last week and I have yet to say thank you to the givers.

So to these two wonderful women I hope the adage better late than never stands.....

Dee made this mini as a part of pay it forward. I. Love. It! Thanks Dee, it brightened my day!

My Sister sent these slippers. She knitted and felted them. I cannot express how comfy they are.

I've hardly taken them off since they got here.

THANKS SO VERY MUCH!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful day! Just wanted to show you the one fun decoration I was able to finish in time to use this fall....

Please excuse the two holes in my wall. This is the part about my house being a work in progress and me going ahead and showing you. There was an intercom. There was a ventilation hood. They were beyond non functional and U.G.L.Y. The electrical thingys need help so until we get to that point in our reno, they remain open.

Back to my pretty garland. This is from a tutorial over at ParrishPlatz. I've wanted to make one for awhile and decided now was the time. Thanks for the idea and doing the cool leaf templates Jennifer! These were made with some wonderful 100% wool felt I bought when I was in Germany. I machine sewed my layers together.

I think this one is my favorite.

Yes, it's still warm enough for the beach.

I Knitted My Bit

2010-11-19T20:47:00.001-05:00

Knitting has always intrigued and yet eluded me. I've tried hard to understand it but until my sister came and showed me I just wasn't getting it. Poor Sherie, I don't know how many times she asked if I was really sure I wanted to knit. I got to between round 9 - 13 six times and tore it out. I know I will never be a knitter but at least I know can say I have knitted.

This yarn is gorgeous. Thank you Mary for giving me such loveliness. I've been saving it for something special. The pattern is called Candle Flame Cowl from here.

My real goal is to be able to make wash cloths. This pattern is from Purl Bee . Sherie has made a couple of these for me and I want more. I keep thinking I should be able to make them myself instead of bugging her. The knitting needles below were made by a friend. Yes Joan, I still love purple!

Gratuitous grandchild shot. I love this boy.

I Actually Sewed Something

2010-11-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

My sister asked for this bag back when I was at the shop and made it for display. She decided it was the perfect knitting bag. I decided that she also needed a pattern holder and made one the night before she left. It's not great but I think it will do until she is tired of it.

Jessica wanted more shopping bags. She uses one that I sent her for a beach bag. We collect shells and other beach treasures in it. These will be for shopping. Or beach treasures or whatever she wants.

Who says you can't have fall color in FL? I have two beautiful trees in my front yard that are trying their hardest. I looked up and saw this while I was painting my front door. My blue front door. My indigo blue front door. Oh yeah, I'll post that over here when it is dry......

My Little Cardinal

2010-11-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

If you want to see something cute.... go see my grandson in his Halloween costume here.

My Sister, My Friend

2010-11-12T22:08:00.001-05:00

It's been over two years since I've seen my sister. It's so good to know that time and distance are not relevant in our relationship.

She's gorgeous and kind.

She makes me laugh like no one else.

We can be all kinds of special and we don't care.

We are so much alike and so much different.

We have fun hanging out and doing nothing.

She taught us to knit.

She can hold a baby and knit.

She loves her Great Nephew very much.

And I think he feels the same.

Sorry For My Absence......

2010-10-25T19:10:00.001-04:00

I've been a little bit preoccupied.

Jessica + Voile + Summertime Top = Cute

2010-09-22T02:15:00.001-04:00

It’s been fun getting back into the groove of sewing. There were a few things I brought with me when we moved so I could have projects to do while waiting for my household stuff. One of the items was the Summer Time top pattern from Favorite Things. Another was AMH voile diamond mine in ink. I was hoping Jessica would like the combination and she did.

Of course, we had to put our own twist on things. She’s not a big fan of ties. I knew this, so I wasn’t surprised. We decided on buttons. I added a placket down the front on both sides because it was too small across the front. This is not her fault. The girl is tiny. I should have checked to make sure the pattern fit. I just started cutting to her normal size without compensating for some new attributes that she has acquired. I made the cap sleeves a bit shorter too.

I love the way it turned out. Voile is the perfect fabric for a top like this.

A Day in My New Life

2010-09-20T17:17:00.001-04:00

Today I went on my first adventure by myself since coming to my new city. I was called up for jury duty. Crazy right? I mean I am almost 50 and this is the first time ever that I've been selected and I'm brand spanking new to the city. I know how it happened. I got my driver’s license here two years ago so as far as they know this is where I've been living.

I was seriously dreading this, for no other reason than I was going to have to be a big girl and drive myself someplace new. But it wasn’t bad. If you have nothing important to do, and don’t mind sitting around waiting it would be interesting to be called every now and then. I was fully prepared with entertainment (love my e reader and iphone!) so did not have the impatience for the situation that some people did.

When the day ended without me getting the chance to be chosen I was kind of relieved and kind of disappointed. I found it interesting that everyone in the court building treated the 500 or so of us there kindly, humorously and respectfully. We were told multiple times how much our time and cooperation was valued. Though I am sure they say that all the time, I really felt it was meant. My first encounter with the judicial system up close and personal was fairly positive.

After being dismissed I took the opportunity to walk along the river for a bit. I love looking at the bridges crossing the river between the downtown areas. I am not as keen about driving over them but this view is lovely to me. My new city has some very pretty areas that I can’t wait to explore.

Lovely Pillowcases

2010-09-18T23:10:00.001-04:00

Another step in getting Jess ready for the hospital was to make her pillowcases. She was told to bring a couple of her own comfy pillows, but to be sure that the cases were distinctly hers. Do you think these will work??

She had just a yard of her most favorite Mendocino fabric and a white cotton pillowcase. It was destiny. It was magic. It was fun. I did the planning and cutting, she did the sewing.

For Jessica

2010-09-18T00:38:00.001-04:00

One of the things I’ve been trying to do is help Jessica get ready to go to the hospital when Baby MAC decides to make his entrance. A couple of weeks ago we were looking high and low for an appropriate nightgown for the hospital. There were specific criteria to be for it to be deemed appropriate. It had to be comfortable, easy for nursing and visitor friendly. Oh and not ugly. We came to the conclusion that there was nothing that fit our standards. No thing. Nada. Then I had a moment. Ya’ll know the one. The one where I am brilliant. I said, “Jess, I know how to sew, it’s something I do. What if I made you a gown?” She told me I was brilliant and said yes please. Actually I think she rolled her eyes and said took you long enough. Anyway, I would of showed you this last week but I decided to go and get sick and make my very pregnant daughter wait on me hand and foot for two whole days. I’m better but only because I got tired of all of the attention.

More later!

Playing Catch Up

2010-09-08T11:38:00.001-04:00

Moving and all of the aftermath can be boring. There's just so much to be done that's not interesting. There are some very funny things that have happened and some very not funny things. Things like trying to get my car. Not funny. Things like a visit to the post office. Very funny in a not very funny, sort of way. Visits to the DMV where you grab a number, remember you forgot something, drive a 45 minute round trip to arrive back just as they are calling your number. Awesome! I am just beginning to craft again and we have some fun things coming up but in the mean time you get an impromptu photo shoot on the beach taken with my iphone.

I love these two!

Jess is a huge fan of people randomly grabbing her stomach and talking to the baby.

Hope you are all fine. I am trying to get back to normal, or find what is my new normal, or a facsimile thereof.

First Things First

2010-08-29T07:39:00.001-04:00

When we arrived this is one of the first things we did.

We need another tandem to have enough seats for the whole family that is present here at this time.

We were contemplating a peddle version but Jess and I decided, not so much….

This shop is fun because you get to try out the different models. Ask for Cody, he was awesome.

We think we know which one we're getting now. Are you going to come kayak with us??

On The Other Side

2010-08-28T08:42:00.002-04:00

Our pack out was exhausting but not bad as far as pack outs go. We were able to clean the apartment as space cleared which meant by Friday we were done. There were some last minute touch and go items that I wasn't sure we'd finish. There were some things I completely forgot. By Friday night we were ready to relax and try to enjoy our last two full days in Germany.

I decided we should try out the V8 motel in Boeblingen. It was hilarious. We I chose one of the novelty rooms. It was comfortable, quiet and fun.

The next day we hopped on the train and made our way down to the Bodensee. We took the ferry from Friedrickshafen to Meersburg only to find out we were there on the busiest weekend of the year. After three and a half hours of walking and one more ferry ride into Konstanz we finally found a place to sleep, quite possibly the last room available. It was 9:30pm, the kitchen was closed, and we were hungry. We asked the waiter if he could make us a sandwich he asked if we liked fish and said the chef would not mind making us a plate. In other words, excellent customer service beyond our expectations and the food was fantastic.

A fun garage over looking the water

My dream home

The next morning we walked to Mainau and saw some gorgeous scenes.

That night we were back in Stuttgart at the Movenpick, another absolutely wonderful hotel. It's right across from the airport so it's very convenient.
Kelly came the next morning to have breakfast with us, see us off and help us schlep our ridiculous amount of baggage (all essential, really) to the airport. So ends our time in Germany. When are you all coming to see me here?

The Next Chapter

2010-08-19T04:54:00.001-04:00

As I wander, watching the last of my things being packed away, I have way too much time to think. Am I ready for this? Just how different will things be? Will my kids still like me when I live right near them? How much fun will I have watching this new child grow? Oh yeah, lots of fun.

Intertwined in all of this looking forward, is a lot of looking back. Am I ready to leave? They'll go on without me. Will they still like me the next time we meet? How much fun will I be missing out on? Lots and lots.

The biggest thing I have realized with all of this wandering and thinking is…… I am blessed.

I am leaving behind some of the most wonderful, clever, kind, creative, and special people I will ever meet. My life the last few years has been made better by them.

I am going to some of the most wonderful, clever, kind, creative, and special people that I am lucky enough to call family.

I am making this journey with an amazing man who has put up with me for years and years, yet still manages to see the good parts of me.

What more could a person ask for?

Thanks everyone for the best going away birthday party ever.

See ya on the other side.

Another Farewell

2010-08-09T17:06:00.001-04:00

We drove to Garmisch Saturday. It was an exercise in patience and endurance. Car trouble, traffic and 7 hours got us there. Our main purpose was to say good bye to a dear friend. We feel like we've known her forever and it's so hard to say tschuss even for a short time. We hope to see her in our new home next year. This is the view from her home. Her balcony is to die for.

She makes us laugh and we try and return the favor. She and I are standing in front of an avalanche that happened some years ago on the Garmisch side of town.

We stopped in for a bit of festivities in Garmisch. Next week the same thing is going on in Partenkirchen. Apparently there is a bit of a competition between the two parts of town. I love that they built the tent around an existing house that the dancers went in and out of.

Our friend told us that some of these plumes go for as much as 10,000 euros. Some people take their traditional dress very seriously.

There are so many views of these mountains and they change all the time.

It didn't take us as long to get home but this is a storm we drove into. Let's just say for a little while it was a bit windy.

What's a little travel without a few hexies sewn?

Moving Is Hard

2010-08-05T16:26:00.002-04:00

I moved here 17.5 years ago. I have lived in three different places since arriving. Moving is hard. This one especially.

Bye Lil Baby Blue, see you in a ….. month or two…..

Random

2010-08-03T04:50:00.002-04:00

Sunday evening the universe forced me to start moving a bit slower. I am trying to turn this into a good thing because right now, I have a lot to do. I have twenty days left to wrap up a life. That's about as far as I can take that thought right now. Instead I'll show you our weekend.

We started a bit earlier in the week by having dinner out a couple of times with some friends from out of town…(out of the country) Did I get a photo of us with said friends?… no…. One of the evenings was at a restaurant in the Flugfeld area of Boeblingen. If you haven't been, it's a nice casual place to hang out for a bit. There are tables outside that have sun, if there's sun, throughout the day. Next door, there is an old timer car showroom.

Friday evening found us wandering Boeblingen in search of food. This was one of the scenes from that night. Oh and if you want a nice place to eat, try the Magellan.

Saturday was spent driving through the country side to the WMF Fischalle in Geislingen. Even you know who doesn't mind going. He found barbecue cages for fish. They've built up the area since we were there last. A small shopping area with the outlet mindset went in next to them.

The evening found us downtown where we sat for several hours in a couple of different places just watching the world go by. I love this spot.

Sunday we had to say goodbye to our adopted pet Tinkerbell. She is a cat that looks like a kitten, is a bit crazy and totally made me love her. She launched herself onto you know who's back and when he didn't behave as she would have liked, preceded to swat him in the face. What's not to love about a cat that stands her ground? She's back with her family now and I miss her.

To console ourselves, we went to this new place found by the visiting friends from earlier in the previous week. Beautiful drive, yummy spaetzle and time to sew up a few hexies.

Then I fell.

Now I sit here today, resting my injured foot (which is feeling much better), waiting for someone to come pick up my sweet Mini and ship her to our new home. Then I must hobble on, finishing what I can and leaving the rest.

If you'd like to see what I am about to start working on soon, head over here. Our kids have started this project with us and I hope they don't tire of helping too soon. I'll try to make it fun….

Just found out the mini will not be picked up until tomorrow..... moving is enough to drive you batty.

Button, Button

2010-07-27T12:19:00.001-04:00

Anyone else out there button crazy like me? When I found them I tried to act casual. I started poking them with my finger, looking through them which must have made the man selling think I wanted only a couple?? He broke it to me that they were sold by the jar full… Hmmmmm, well, ok, if you insist…..

I'll take both!

Sorting them is the hard part. Maybe they'll just have to sit on the shelf in their cute jars instead.

Sophia Trench Coat

2010-07-25T16:53:00.001-04:00

Have you ever made your husband turn the car around, park, cross a street and help you climb a fountain? No? Um, yeah, me neither……

The pattern is from Serindipity Studios. I used a black chambray by Kaufman Fabrics, with a bit of Basic Grey's Figgy Pudding for Moda as a fun surprise on the inside.

Next time there must be pockets.

My Girl

2010-07-23T02:37:00.001-04:00

I think this was one of my favorites that I have made for her so far.

So glad it worked since I was winging it....

Is it wrong to love two things that you've made so very much?

Jess + dress = perfect!

I am NOT a doting mom....... ha ha.

Where did the last six days go?

2010-07-19T17:34:00.001-04:00

I've been very busy, kinda sick, really tired and not great at keeping track of things, like days and where they go.

Thanks to a few really nice people, Jan, Kelly, Jennifer and Sara, I have 220 more hexagons sewn up.

It Makes Me Giggle

2010-07-13T15:10:00.001-04:00

Because. It's. Just. So. Cute. Jennifer made two for her girls and after squealing and looking at hers (sorry for being grabby Jenny) I knew I had to make one right away. I mean it's only, like, two years and baby m will need one!

When Katelyn mentioned the chameleon fabric I may have squealed again. (What can I say, I'm a bit emotional right now.) I knew I had enough to make the back pack.

I added a bit more of Ms. Schimler's fabric on the sides. Kona cotton in moss became the piping, straps and interior.

I lined it and put in Timtex like Jennifer suggested to give it a nice shape.

I even added a pocket. Everyone needs a pocket.

I love it. Hope you like it too baby.

My New Top

2010-07-12T15:37:00.001-04:00

This started out as something completely different. Have you ever picked the right project and the wrong fabric? Well that happened last week. Normally I may have called it quits but the wrong fabric was a pretty fabric, some of my Hilco fabric. It's a beautiful, light, crisp, soft, cotton.

So when the disater happened, I already had five rows of shirring done. Instead of taking them out, I added 20 more rows. Then I chopped off what was to have been the top of the blouse and that became one of the upper bodice peices. I had just enough fabric to make the other side of the bodice.

I've decided once and for all that I need a dress form. This would have been much easier with a dress form. It would have prevented some mistakes that I would like to fix but I'm not sure if I will.

So, anyway, tell me what you think. Would it be worth remaking. Should I just let it go?

A Bag For Jessica

2010-07-07T13:11:00.001-04:00

Jessica and I were discussing what type of bag she would like to have when baby M is born. She even sent sketches because that's fun for her. When she mentioned she liked the way the Multi Tasker tote by AMH looked I started thinking of combining the two. Not sure if this is exactly what she was looking for, but it's a start. I made this with our new organic canvas and one of the gorgeous chambrays from Kaufman.

I used the pattern and it was fun and simple. I just added more pockets. These two were not in the pattern. I figured everyone needs a zippered pocket and the other gets wider at the top for, well, odd wide at the top stuff.

I also put fleece between the layers to give it more body. Moms need to be able to use just one hand sometimes, right? I added a pocket that follows the fun outer pockets on the pattern.

In it I put a changing mat with a fun Amy Schimler surprise. I had to use the iron on vinyl. Not a fan but you do what you have to do. Dear Ms. Schimler, have you thought of coated cottons lately?

She might even be able to sling it across her body if she absolutely needs both hands.

What do you think Jess?

Out of My Comfort Zone

2010-07-06T03:40:00.001-04:00

I havn't sewn pants for myself in forever. I kept telling myself that it's because I don't like sewing pants. You tell yourself something enough, you believe it. Right? After joining Summer Essentials Sewing on flickr, I was re-evaluating what I sew for myself and thinking I need to be smarter about it. I made these shorts last week and everyone at work was really kind in saying they looked great. I had Jennifer try and photograph me in them on Saturday and when every photo showed me fidgety and uncomfortable that's when it really hit me, I don't like to focus on that part of me!!

So there you have it, more info than you ever wanted into how my mind works. Then I ~~tortured~~ said pretty please to you know who and made him take more pictures. This time I tried to relax.....

Anyway, these came into being after seeing them on another sew-along member Gelbean. They looked so cute and I thought maybe I'll have to get that pattern. After looking it up and realizing I have that pattern I knew I had to try.

I used quilter's tweed by Robert Kaufman. It sews very nicely.

They have a side zip but no pockets. When/if I make them again, that is something I will change. I like pockets. Don't I look relaxed in this next photo? Who wouldn't relax in this beatiful little rose garden by the lake, with lots of people walking by, while trying not to fuss at your husband, who actually finds joy in you fussing at him.

A favorite spot in downtown Stuttgart. I'm afraid I'm getting all nostalgic lately.

A bit more into my psyche, I loathe these street performers. I do not think painting yourself colors and standing still or moving robotically is fun or interesting. I'm sorry if this hurts anyone's feelings but this is one thing I won't miss about downtown Stuttgart.

I will miss this though.

Hope your day is great!

Easy Bias Skirt

2010-07-02T02:38:00.001-04:00

I made this using the Best Bias Skirt from Indygo Junction. We have it in the shop but I think people have trouble invisioning it. The cover is, let's say, less than flattering to the pattern. I decided to make one Wednesday night after work. The "best" means different things to different people... I can say this was quick and easy. I was tired and it only took me two hours from tracing to final ironing. It consists of two panel peices and bias binding. I made my own bias binding cause that's the way I roll.

I used Nicey Jane and Kona in grass. The pattern has you sew on the right side with a zig zag to complete the casing for the waistband and the hem. I really like it since the skirt is meant to be casual.

I wore it all day yesterday and I'm glad to say it was very comfortable. I was not just sitting looking pretty either, it was a receiving day for merchandize and I was bending and lifting a lot.

Did you get to sew today?

The Start of Something

2010-06-30T17:53:00.001-04:00

I've started an I Spy quilt for baby M. Thanks Katelyn for some very cool small peices. I have a few more to add and then I get to decide where I am going with it. I think I need a better design wall than the grass in front of my apartment.

Sunday night You Know Who and I finally left the house after home work and the world cup game were over. We walked down into Boeblingen and had dinner. This was our backdrop for the evening.

I do love it here when summer finally arrives.

Dress for Jessica

2010-06-27T11:10:00.001-04:00

I started with McCall's 6031 and more lovely jersey knit. I was not enjoying the way the pattern directed you to sew things together, so I went a bit more my own way. Sorry for the blah photos. One day I will have good light....

I added a bit of pleating in the front hoping to give the little one a bit more room. It has been interesting trying to accomodate a growing baby with patterns that don't. The collar detail in the pattern seemed too large when I started so I decided on some gathered, pleated and twisted peices.

I hope you like it Jessica.

Understanding Knits?

2010-06-26T06:53:00.001-04:00

Or, when things turn out but they don't or don't but do or gee I love this fabric.

This is for Jessica.

Jessica's going to be giving me a grandson in a few months.

OK, Mc Call's 6120 is not a maternity pattern but I thought (?) if I cut the lower bodice larger....

Jess, I know you thought this would be better as a dress. Don't let the length you see here mislead you, you might be able to wear it as a dress. You will be able to wear it now, this fabric super soft and super stretchy. Good news is, you can wear it afterwards too.

key necklace by Jenny aka pearlswirl and is sold in the shop.

I learned two important things while making this.

1. I could live in this fabric.

2. I know nothing about knits.

Butterick 4789

2010-06-24T16:42:00.001-04:00

Is is ok to love something you've made?

A lot?

I found this knit a few weeks ago at Hilco. I knew what I wanted it to be but I had to wait for the pattern to arrive.

It did, yesterday.

Thanks my dear Jessica.

I might make a hundred more of these.

Earrings by Adrienne at All Wound Up

Hexagon progress

2010-06-22T17:59:00.001-04:00

A lot are a gift from Kelly. Some are from projects recently completed.

This is what a hundred look like?

A swap from isisjem22. So I am + about 150 this week.

Newest reason not to do other things. Trying needlefelting again. Not sure what it will be.

More Oliver + S and A Nice Surprise

2010-06-21T15:46:00.001-04:00

Oliver + S Sketchbook Shirt and Shorts.

For my Grandson.

Size 6 - 12 months.

Kaufman organic cotton canvas for the shorts.

The shirt is in Recess by Sandy Klopp for Moda.

Ridiculously cute? I think so. Yes, it's another good pattern from Oliver + S.

Excuse the terrible photos. Adding to the no sun issue we have here in Germany right now, is the plastic wrap situation I find myself in. My windows are covered in plastic wrap. Our apartment building is being painted on the outside. World cup is in session. We have been wrapped up since Thursday. Coincidence? I think not. Yucky? Oh yeah!

In the nice surprise catagory, I came home to an e-mail telling me I'd won a $25 gift certificate in the 3rd week drawing on Sew Mama Sew's Make it Wear it Challenge month. How cool is that? Yes, I already shopped.