Essie Sews

Hi

2012-02-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

January was a pretty good month...I organized well, I made all of the blogging goals that I set, and I was surprisingly doing everything I should have been doing. Then February came...like a deluge. The deluge had me running for cover, a cover of rest, crying, support from close friends and a lot of prayer.

Thankfully the Craft Marathon has kept me going with at least one project a week. This week is Miles 5 and 6. The theme: Eggplant Purple. One of my goals with this marathon was not to buy anything to make the projects...just find what I have in my storehouse of fabric and paper. I looked through my scraps and pulled together this card. Just a little note that I can give away at the right time.

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Leslie

Pillows...Sigh

2012-02-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

Is there something that is just your nemesis? In college (the first time) it was Calculus...I just could not figure it out. After a few classes, a failed attempt, harder classes, I finally understood Calculus. In recent years it was dried beans. For the longest time I could never cook them properly...then I finally figured them out. Now, it is pillows. A friend suggested maybe it is not the pillow but the color of my couch (which can be changed because it is a slip cover). Maybe...but I still think it is the pillow.

I made this pillow for the Craft Marathon Miles 3 and 4. The theme...yellow. (And, I apologize for the really bad pictures.)

Let me know what you think. I think they look like stained glass windows and that is not the look I am going for. Maybe if I grouped it with other pillow it might work. Emphasis on the might.

I hope you all have had a good weekend.

~Leslie

Covered Button Earrings

2012-02-11T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Sorry for the recent absence. Crazy, hectic emotional, and tiring explains my past week. But, now I am on the other side and feeling better about the things that are going on.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to participate in Craft Marathon, a 10 week craft challenge...or a craft marathon of sorts. The craft can be anything: painting, sewing, gluing, cutting, scrapbooking...basically anything craft related...as long as it adheres to the color of the week. This week was Miles 1 and 2 and the color was Apple Green.

I chose to make a pair of covered button earrings using an Apple Green fabric. These earrings probably took less than 5 minutes to make considering I had to cut, wrap, snap, cut again, and glue. I will post a tutorial on how to make these earrings, so look for that to come in the next week or two.

I hope you are having a great weekend.

~Leslie

Things I Like

2012-02-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Please excuse my absence on Wednesday. The absence was due to computer issues. I work on this blog on three different computers. One contracted a virus that was not horrible, but annoying. The laptop contracted a similar virus, but the virus ended up munching on system files rendering the laptop inoperable. I have been afraid to touch the third computer until better protection was installed. Computers...love them, hate them...but mostly I want to throw them out into the street and let a semi run over them.

So, to end the week on a better note, lets look at some Things I Like:

Cozy Wool Insoles by Maya*Made.

I want this blanket! Martha Stewart can show you how to make it.

I like these cute Tiny Paintings by Ohchalet.

Cross-stitch on wire mesh by Stitch-Cook-Grow-Love. I am thinking living or bedroom art.

Lately I have been kind of obsessed with wanting pom-pom...something. I like these curtains.

By Anthropologie

Geometric Photo Art by A Beautiful Mess. I have an old quilt that I have been meaning to frame. Maybe I could use some of the fabric in lieu of paint chips? Hmmm...

Have A Fantastic Weekend!!!

~Leslie

Sick

2012-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Hey All! Sorry I missed a post today. My computers (yes that is plural) have viruses and are being fixed. I will be back on Friday with a new post.

~Leslie

Lace Circle Scarf

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

I sewed a lace circle scarf on Sunday to redeem myself after my mishaps on Saturday. If you are interested in sewing your own, then check out the tutorials by Krista of Lazy Saturdays and Katy of Sweet Verbena.

What did you do this weekend?

~Leslie

Just Say No!

2012-01-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is not a post about drugs, but you probably should say no drugs...just thinking out loud. I am going to throw a pity party for myself on my blog today.

Have you had those days where the one thing that needs to be finished just isn't working out right? (Or that what you need to finish is corresponding with pms and your amazing ability to procrastinate? If you are a guy reading this...sorry...just being honest here.) You know the days...when you need a haircut and the person just isn't in the mood and your haircut turns out like crap, or when you are driving behind the slowest people in town and you are completely mad when you get to work (and your commute is only 5 minutes), or when you really need to finish a baby blanket for the baby shower the next day and this is happens:

NOT GOOD!!!! This was not an isolated incident...it happened to every single granny square I crocheted. Crap, Crap, Crap. I went to sleep thinking about the blanket and woke up thinking about the blanket. And after looking at it one more time while performing reconstructive surgery, I gave up. Big Fat Bummer because this was my new niece's baby shower gift. I spent a lot of time crocheting this blanket...the granny squares were started in September. And now I have to fix it and put it away because I don't want to give the blanket away now. I proceeded with Plan B, and that failed. I tried a cute card...that kind of failed. I was so mad that I threw a crumbled up piece of cardstock at my window for some satisfaction. (I might be little pathetic :). On to Plan C...buy Hubby's gift for our niece, make another card, wrap the present and tell my sister-in-law that my gift will come later. I am glad she is a cool lady.

So, there are days that you should just say no to sewing, crocheting, gluing, or whatever it is that you like to do because nothing will go right. Just tell yourself it will be okay...and it will definitely be okay if you get cake and a glass of wine (fingers-crossed) at the baby shower.

I really hope your weekend has started much better than mine.

~Leslie

Kitchen Sponges Are Disgusting!!!

2012-01-27T04:00:00.001-08:00

Kitchen sponges are sick. A sponge will often sit in the sink wet and then spontaneously (not really, I am being a bit dramatic) becomes a breeding ground for bacteria...that smells rank. The sponge is then used to wipe off the counter, or mixer, or stove, or anything else that is dirty. Nasty...

To help curb the problem of nastiness in my kitchen, I crocheted some dishcloths. When they are dirty, I throw them in the laundry.

Bright, fun dishcloths to make doing the dishes fun...

...yeah right, I don't think anything can make doing the dishes fun.

Do you do anything that makes cleaning fun? Is that a stupid question?

~Leslie

Organization: Notions

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sewing notions are small items such as pins, needles, snaps, seam ripper, and various tools. The organization of my sewing area led me to separate Notions and Tools. I have separated the two because I keep the Tools close to my sewing machine and Notions in containers on my fabric-case.

On the top shelf of the fabric-case are four jars that I use to collect buttons, small patterns, and other miscellaneous goodies. On the bottom shelf I have a box that I use to store elastic, velcro, ric-rac, bias trim, fray block, extra needles...all of the items that I don't use all that often.

This box is awesome because it stores all of this...

...And this...

...And it fits on the fabric-case nicely. Win Win.

My tips for you...because everyone is so different...is to collect like items in one container and keep your most used items close to your sewing machine.

You can use any container to store notions...a photo box, a tool box, jars, baskets, buckets, plastic drawers, etc... And I bet you can find something around your house until you can upgrade to containers that are a bit more decorative (if you are into that sort of thing). You could even take a shoe box, wrap the body of the box and the lid of the box in paper or fabric and put a label on it. Or, if you shove your supplies in the closet, you don't have to decorate them at all...I have those type of containers too...a cardboard box to hold my paper and a plastic bin to hold my paints and paint brushes.

And, if you need some help getting started, here are some ideas:

By A Creative Mint

Via Pick Up Some Creativity

Via Pinterest

Good Housekeeping

BHG

How is your organizing coming?

~Leslie

A New Sewing Project

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

In my editorial calender (yep, I am trying to keep one), I had planned to write a post on a little bag today. But, plans changed when I decided not to make the bag and that act of editorial calendar defiance left me with a hole in my scheduled posts. I thought about making a project from Red Velvet's DIY Dress Up E-course, but because of life, a 3-year old's birthday party, visiting my Grandma in the hospital (she is doing well), and hanging out with family, that left me with sewing on Sunday. But...sorry, there are a lot of buts in this post...with other priorities, like going to church and cleaning my laundry room (which will take a couple of hours because it is disgusting) that left me with a couple of hours to sew. I decided to spare you with any quick, crappily (yes, I am making up a word) sewn projects today and focus on a future project.

When I arrived home on Saturday night, I noticed a pattern sitting on the bottom shelf of my fabric-case. A couple of weeks ago, I pulled a bunch of printed patterns out of a binder and stuck them on the bottom shelf. I forgot that I had three patterns that I have not thought of since I bought them (this is where I will state...buy with a purpose and not on an impulse because chances are one of those patterns will not be used).

I bought this pattern after seeing Tasia of Sewaholic in several versions of this skirt, here, here and here. And, I am pretty sure that I have had this pattern since the end of 2010...judging by the date of the comments on this post.

The fabric I am going to use for this skirt is a small floral, lightweight cotton. It is not really my style of fabric, but it was free, I have enough of it, and it can always be my muslin for a future skirt. After I finish the skirt I will write about the experience...the good, the bad and the ugly.

Do you sew your own clothes? If so what do you like to sew?

~Leslie

Things I Like

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some things that...um...I don't know...I want or want to make. (I had something else written back there, but is was super cheesy. I spared you being embarrassed for me.) Enjoy!

Ombre Wreath by Burlap and Blue. I am not normally a wreath person, but I really like this one.

The back wall of this nursery. No, this is not a hint. I just really like the wall paper by Minakani Walls.

I want this couch. The Dragon Slayer sofa by Spruce Your Home.

A pretty Dry Erase Board by Going Home to Roost.

This Geometric Necklace by Delighted Momma.

Spray Painted Lampshades from Decor Chick. I have never thought to do this. Love the yellow.

Have A Great Weekend!!!

~Leslie

Organization: Thread and Bobbins

2012-01-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

When I originally set up my sewing area, I put my spools of thread in a basket and my bobbins in a little wood tray.

In the photo above and on the right side of the photo, you can see the basket and the tray next to the basket.

As I started accruing more bobbins, the tray was starting to become a little messy. The thread would hang over the side of the tray and when I would pick a bobbin out of the tray I would unwind another bobbin. It was a little frustrating.

I bought a plastic bobbin case to contain all of the bobbins...I know it is a bit generic and not stylish at all...but it works, and I figured that I could hide it in a basket. When I bought my fabric baskets, I purchased a smaller basket for the thread. I set up my area and it looked like this:

Not bad, but it still seemed a little messy to me. Unfortunately and fortunately I inherited the "Everything has to be symmetrical and neatly organized" genes from both of my parents...Thank you Mom and Dad. Sewing Area Translation: spools of unlike shape and sizes = messy. I know...a little Type A...but that is the extent of me being Type A...I think.

Then I thought a basket with a lid would be better. Fortunately I only had to search one store and I found a great basket with a hinged lid. The unfortunate part was that I had to drop off a very cranky Hubby at the endodontist to have a root canal...poor guy. He actually told the endodontist the he was stoked for him to drill into the tooth and he was excited to pay him alot of money to get it done. I guess pain leads to desperation. Back to the basket. When I dropped off Hubby, I decided to go to Home Goods to look around. That is where I found a great basket that would hold all of the thread, the bobbin case and any tools that usually sit on the table.

And here is what it looks like inside:

I would have added a picture away from the table, but the surrounding area is messy and I don't want to show that to you yet.

How do you organize your thread and bobbins?

~Leslie

Little Linens

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Little Missy's birthday is today. She is 3 years old, and growing up way too quickly. Little Missy is a high spirited little girl who prances instead of walks, never has met a stranger (but probably should) and loves life to the nth degree. I love her like she is my own...but I get to give her back when she screams. The benefit of being an Aunt.

For Little Missy's birthday, I made her a few linens for her new kitchen so that she can be the hostess with the mostess.

Every little cook needs an apron. I used the Basic Child's Pattern from Sew Liberated.

A hotpad is necessary so that she does not burn her hands while she is cooking, baking and preparing tea. This side shows the hand pocket. All she has to do is put her hand in and grab the hot plate.

She cannot serve tea and cookies without tea towels.

Or wash dishes without a dishcloth.

And the whole shebang wrapped. I know this is a Christmas bucket, but the red matches the gift and Little Missy is so full of joy that I think it is appropriate...and justified. :)

This was such a fun gift to make. I love having nieces.

Happy Birthday Little Missy. I Love You!!!

~Essie

Things I Like

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Things I Like all having to do with Art. I think I am trying to tell myself something.

Wood Grain Art. I love this. You can find the instructions at Lowe's.

Bird Art. Love the colors, love that it is off center, love the wierd bird. And it is a free download by evie s.

Buttons. This is not exactly art, but I think you could frame a bunch of these and use them as art. You can find the printed jars at Papertrey Ink.

Photo by Dawn Mcvey at Raspberry Suite

Make your own paint by number. The Ambitious Procrastinator can show you how.

This is amazing. Quilled paper as art by Yulia Brodskaya.

Photo found at All Things Paper

Vintage Squirrel Art. Who doesn't need this in their house? This is for my sister.

Butterfly Art. I want this for my living room. You can download it at Just Something Made.

Have a Great Weekend!!!

~Leslie

Button Earrings: A Tutorial

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001-08:00

On my birthday, I took the day off from work and a friend of mine and I went shopping...so much better than working. At one point during the day we ended up at Joann's looking for buttons for the bracelets that I made for Christmas. As we were looking around we started picking up buttons for earrings. I can't remember if my friend left with any buttons, but three pairs came home with me that day.

The 80's buttons. They kind of remind of me of acid wash.

A pair of green buttons. I always want to wear green earrings, but I don't have any. Problem solved. The right one came out a little awkward, but I don't think anyone will
see that when they are on my ears. If it really bugs me I will redo that earring.

And a pair of wood buttons. I am not sure, but these might match the color of my ears.
If they do, then I will probably give them away. That sounds weird...but I don't like flesh colored earrings.

Now it is time for you to make your own.

Supplies:
Buttons
Embroidery thread (Optional)
Earring posts and backs
Crazy glue, hot glue or similiar

Instructions:
1.    Optional step. Skip this step if you don't want to use embroidery thread. Thread
         the embroidery thread through the holes. Start start from the front of the button
         and loop through the holes twice with the thread coming out the back.

         Instead of knotting the embroidery thread at the back of the button, Crazy glue
         the ends down. (On another pair of button earrings I knotted the embroidery
         thread, hot glued the post to the back and because of the uneven surface the
         post popped off repeatedly.) Cross the threads over each other and then glue
         them down. After you glue the"cross-over" then cut of the ends. On the messy
         thread button I cut theends to close to the button and then glued them down.
         While gluing my fingers to the thread and button, the thread loosened a bit
         creating the messed-up look. I was not going for the messed-up look.

2.    Use two different glues depending on the type of button.

2a. Crazy Glue. (Sorry, I don't have a picture of this step.) Put the glue on the post
         instead of on the button...you are probably asking why, and I don't have an
         answer...I honestly don't know if one way is better than the other. For larger
         buttons, make sure that you glue the post to the edge of the button or the
         button will sit high on your ear lobe.

2b. Hot Glue. If you are working with a surface that is not smooth, then use the hot
         glue because you can work it into the molded portions of the plastic.

3.   Let the earrings sit for a while so that the glue can cure (if glue actually cures)
        just to be on the safe side.

4.   You are finished! Wear your new earrings proudly.

I really like wearing button earrings. There are so many styles and colors to make them your own. Make a few pairs for yourself or make a bunch to give away as gifts. Have fun!

Thanks to Beverly at Flamingo Toes for the Link Up.

~Leslie

Organization: Containing The Fabric

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Fabric...you love it, you hate it...but mostly you love it. So, how do you store fabric? There are so many options, so many ideas and I am sure you can look up so many articles on how to organize fabric. I chose a couple of ways to store fabric, and I will only show you one way because the other way is not that exciting (like plastic bins under the bed not exciting).

When I first set up this particular sewing area, all of the fabric was folded nice and neatly on this bookcase. (This book case use to house our DVD's, but then I decided that it would work well for fabric storage. I When Hubs got home, I said "Oh by the way I moved the bookcase out of the media room and I am now using it to store all of my fabric. And, can you build me some shelves so that I don't have to look at stacks of DVD's on the floor?...thanks." Yeah right, that never happened. I asked, but I still don't have shelves. Honey Do Lists simply do not work in my world.)

Everything was nice and neat and in its place. I would lay in bed and night and just stare at all of the colors on the shelves, and then dream about all of the colors while I slept...just kidding...about the dreaming part, I am not that weird. Surprisingly it never really seemed cluttered to me. But then eight months flew by and I ended up with this:

I managed to keep most of the fabric folded, but whenever I took a piece out the others would shift and then then topple over. Then with the approaching holidays I started piling everything on the table. Confession: I actually used my sewing machine with everything on that table...pathetic.

I didn't want a completely cohesive look with the same type of baskets on each shelf. So I bought different types of baskets and different colors of baskets...which means I still get to see bright colors on the shelves everyday. All of the fabric that was folded on the shelves actually fit inside the baskets. The only exceptions were the fabrics I donated and the eye blinding safety orange fabric (I hid that piece). I like that there is now space between the baskets and the overhead shelves...the look is clean and airy. The top and bottom shelves are still a little messy, but I will take care of those shelves in the next few weeks.

How do you like to store your fabric? Are you the type of person that buys fabric only when you need fabric for a project? Are you a hoarder? Or do you like to keep a bit of fabric on hand? No matter what type of fabric personality you are, it always helps to be organized.

PS - I found the baskets at World Market.

~Leslie

Linen Clutch...Grrr

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I found a fun linen fabric at a discount fabric store last year. You know the type of trip...go for specifics and come out with a great looking fabric with absolutely no plan in mind for the fabric. Shortly after that trip I saw that ECAB posted a tutorial for a linen clutch. Perfect.

I used what I had on hand...purple linen fabric for the outside and inside, orange polka dot fabric for an inner pocket and a zipper I bought from a thrift store.

Have you ever heard the expression, "Instructions are just one man's opinion," or something similiar? That is how I normally start projects...But, this was not one of those times. I thought I was reading the directions correctly, but I could only see so much on my phone as I sewed. As soon as I attached the exteriors and linings to the zipper I realized that I did something wrong. So I switched directions and used Noodlehead's gathered clutch tutorial to finish the clutch. I could have made the clutch into a folded clutch if I add a snap, but since I sewed a pocket on the to far down on the inside, I now have a pocket that is useless when the clutch is folded. Why add a snap to make it a folded clutch when I have a part of the clutch that is useless?

Hence the Grrr...

It is a nice idea...a little clutch for times when you don't want to haul your ginormous purse around...but only if you make the clutch correctly.

You win some, you lose some...I guess I will have to try this one again.

What is your preference? Purse or clutch? Or does it depend on the moment?

~Leslie

Gifts For The Guys

2012-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in this post, Hubby took over the gift creating for the men of the family. His idea: Share his new hobby...gold panning. The present was wrapped in a Trader Joe's grocery bag (classy redneck) and included a gold pan, "pay" dirt, a snuffer, a vial (to hold the gold if any was found), and a video. The video was the best part of the present. If you have some time and want to watch a funny video, please click on the video below (or go to http://youtu.be/Uzw7gccoLeY). It is over 21 minutes long, and it is rated PG. Enjoy!

My First Afghan

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was a little ambitious this Christmas season about the gifts we planned, and I managed to give all of the gifts except for one. An afghan for my Mom. I started the afghan three weeks before Christmas. It took longer than I thought. But, now it is almost finished and Mom will have her Christmas gift very soon.

It turned out so much better than I thought. I used the Crochet Today ZigZag 'ghan pattern which turned out to be pretty simple as long as I counted correctly. When I picked out the colors in the store, they looked really great together sitting in the basket. But after I had crocheted each of the colors, I started hating it...really hating it. The pattern was so busy and the colors did not look as good together as I thought. I kept crocheting and it eventually started to look decent. I finally had to have someone tell me it looked good so that I could convince myself. Luckily I had a few friends tell me that it looked good and one other friend even said it looked beautiful. Thank goodness. I showed it to my Mom before Christmas...she said it was beautiful and almost started crying. Mission Accomplished. Just Kidding.

My Mom deserves a big gift like this. I cannot even attempt to repay her what she has done for our family. She wouldn't let me repay her if I tried. Hopefully every time she uses the afghan she will know that I love her very much and appreciate every thing she has ever done for me.

I wish I could give my Mom the very best because she deserves the very best. Love you Mom. Maybe you will read this one day...I won't hold my breath :)

~Leslie

Organization: Clearing Out

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Out with the Old and In with the New. I think it is a natural progression...receiving gifts, not having any room to put what you are given, then having to purge to make room for what you are given. For me this happens every year right after the Christmas tree and decorations come down. I get a little energized and giddy about the prospect of an organized home.

This post is the start of an Organization series that will help me organize my sewing area and supplies. Hopefully the series will even help you with organizing your own area...whether it is now or in a couple of months.

(Disclaimer: This series will be a couple of months long so if you are organizing sometime in the future then you can always look back for a little help. Also, this is organization for small spaces which I love and intend to use in the future when we move into a smaller home. If you live in a larger home, then you can use these same steps but adapt them for a larger scale. Every person has their own way, and this works for me. Think of them as guidelines. Organization is Organization.)

Here is what I had to work with...and I did not dress up the area like hoarder type television shows.

Step 1: My first step to organizing is to pull everything out and make a HUGE mess.

Step 2: Make piles of like items.

Step 3: Go through the like items make more piles: Keep, Toss, Donate. I have a rule: If I have not used an item or even looked at the item in a year (or six months - however often you purge), then I donate the item. I start strict, then I loosen up by the end. Frankly there are some things that you want to hold on to for a while longer and that is okay.

Step 4: Bag up the Toss and Donate piles.

Step 5: Put away the Keep pile. As you put away everything you might find more items that you want Donate...which makes room for new items...Just Kidding (maybe).

Here are the items that I found to Donate. Some items have been pilfered by friends already, but since you have seen where I sew and store, then you know I don't have a lot of space and this is quite a bit of stuff.

The pile consists of extra fabric that I am not crazy about anyways, 2 plastic bags of fabric scraps, blog projects that I don't like, extra embroidery hoop (I hate the plastic hoops), a t-shirt kit, clothes that have been hacked to make other things, Christmas fabric, and clothes that I was keeping because I was hoping I would fit into them or I could some how use them for other projects.

Proof that I actually bagged everything.

Are you as excited as me to make a clean start to the New Year? I feel like a motivational speaker right now, and I am calming down a bit. Don't be scared.

~Leslie

Handmade Goodness

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you a handful of handmade presents given to me for my birthday (in November) and Christmas. Being the type of individual that normally gives handmade gifts, I don't often receive them. Please don't get me wrong, I love all gifts...especially my new enamel cast iron dutch oven, my new cookbook Mad Hungry, a new rooster ornament, and everything Hubby gave me in my stocking...but I know the handmade ones took time, effort and love.

My sister has not been interested in sewing, crocheting or making anything. But, for my birthday she made me a set of knit bracelets. I love that my sister made me a birthday present.

My friend made me a really cute purse for my birthday. I love that she shared her awesome fabric with me.

The same friend made me a super cute apron for Christmas. I am excited to wear it while I cook from my new cookbook.

My Sister-in-Law crocheted me a beanie a for Christmas. She told me that my niece and nephews picked out the color just for me. So sweet.

My very last handmade Christmas gift was a jersey scarf made by another friend of mine. I think the colors look great together.

Thank You to all who made my birthday and Christmas extra special. I love you all!

~Leslie

Resolve

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

(Disclaimer: this should be New Year, not New Years...Go with it.)

This year I have decided to make some New Year's Resolutions. I don't really like New Year's Resolutions...I don't like to commit to something that I know I will not accomplish. Why set myself up for failure? The synonyms for resolution are the following: resolve, determination, perseverance, tenacity, strength, fortitude. Those are some hefty words that could scare anyone, but I think they are amazing words to live by. So, for 2012 I made a list of tasks that I would like to either further develop or completely conquer.

1. Exercise - Yeah, I know this is soooo cliche. But, I am 35 years old and parts of my body are not the

same as they were even 5 years ago. And, it is true that it is easier to put on the weight, lose muscle strength and lung capacity in a very short period of inactivity.

2. Pass my Professional Engineer's Exam - I took the exam in October and unfortunately I get to take another run at it. I went into the exam feeling prepared and confident for one whole exam and part of another exam. And the results I received so far (I will find out about 2 of the exams next week) reflected how I felt going into the exam. Studying resumes in two weeks for the exam in April.

3. Develop this blog more - Last year was an experiment to test the waters with blogging. I want to develop this blog in a way that I have several ideas ready to go...by making weekly lists and journal entries with my ideas...so that there is a set schedule to posts for different days of the week. I am not yet ready to ask what you want to see on this blog, but you are more than welcome to throw out any ideas. The photography on the blog is sorely lacking. I received a new camera for Christmas so I am going to learn how to use that with different lighting techniques to produce better photographs.

4. Journal - I don't know why it is so hard to write down my thoughts, but it is. This year I want to journal. Alli from One Pearl Button has been keeping a One Line A Day journal. I think it is a great idea. In addition to keeping a daily journal, I need to journal blog ideas...the good, the bad and the ugly. It's a learning process.

Four whole resolutions for the year...I think I can handle them.

What do you think about Resolutions? Like them, hate them, over-rated?

~Leslie

Gifts for Big Girls

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

The problem with making so many Christmas gifts in a short period of time is that A) It does not leave me with much time to blog, and B) I forget to take pictures so I don't have much to blog about. The only gifts that I took pictures of this year were the gifts for the Little Girls and the Big Girls.

This year for Christmas my Sisters-in-law received Rope Bracelets. They were simple and fun to make, and I think they turned out pretty cute. So cute, that I wanted to keep one of them...I guess I have to make one now. I used various fabrics from my stash and sewed the bracelets with contrasting thread. I chose fabrics in which the wrong side of the fabric was a slightly lighter version than the right side. And, as you can tell, I used the same button for each of the bracelets.

I like how they turned out. I made them more like a cuff than a bracelet so that they fit a bit snug.

Now it is your turn. Here is a fun and easy gift to make. You could even make a few at a time to give out at different times.

~Leslie

Gifts For Little Girls

2011-12-27T12:53:00.001-08:00

My goal for Christmas presents this year was to give out 29 presents. Yep, 29 presents. And I did it. Don't know how, but I did. I also started early...early to me is Thanksgiving. The tally came to 15 handmade gifts (2 yet to finish) and 14 store bought gifts (6 were semi hand made and creative and 2 were yarn gifts to make handmade items). Not bad. The 2 gifts that I need to finish are an afghan and a to be announced gift. I gifted a half yard of fabric and my time to make something for a one year old girl.

The little girls in our family received crocheted purses. For each purse, I crocheted two granny squares for the front and back, attached a button, a loop and a strap, lined the inside, and filled it with goodies.

I made two of these purses for the younger girls.

It is hard to see, but this is a Granny Square.

I don't know how to keep the squares from turning. Any tips? Let me know.

I had all of the yarn, the fabric for the lining and 2 of the buttons on hand. All I needed was 2 more buttons. From what I heard, all of the girls liked the purses.

What did you get for Christmas? Anything handmade, anything not...it doesn't matter either way...it really is the thought that counts.

~Leslie

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas is 6 sleeps away! (phrasing c/o my niece). So much for continual communication in the last two months. This time of year is always, always, always busy for us. And of top of birthdays, anniversary, holidays, parties, I have made a lot of Christmas presents, one birthday present and two Christmas stockings...and I am still not done. The To-Do list includes: ~~buy two presents~~, finish one ginormous present (by Saturday at lunch), make three other presents, and make fudge and package the fudge for everyone. Why do I do this to myself? Strangely enough I am not entirely stressed out about all of this. Work has been so hard and emotionally trying that making things seems to be my one outlet (running would be too if I was running...that 2 month recap is not going to be that great).

To share a little of our Christmas with you all...I present our new stockings. These are the first stockings that Hubby and I have ever had in 14 years of marriage. I think they are pretty good for my first stocking attempt.

Hubby's stocking is made out of wool that I found at a thrift store. I quilted the cuff for a little detail. It is hard to tell in this photo, but I quilted the cuff in orange thread.

I attempted a chevron pattern on my stocking. The points did not line up so well...but again...first stockings (I have to give myself little little pep talks every once and a while). It is unique and somecolor coordinates somewhat with Hubby's.

I used the free McCall's pattern that I found on Megan Nielson's blog to make the stockings. I cut my stockings a bit bigger (to fill it with more stuff of course). Not really, I like a fuller stocking.

I can't wait to fill Hubby's this Saturday night! And of course I can't wait to see mine filled this Sunday!

Merry Christmas!

~Leslie

What Are You Giving For Christmas?

2011-12-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

This year I wrote a list of everyone to whom I want to give presents (mainly family). I made a spread sheet...because I am a nerd...to track what I am spending on supplies and gifts. Most everyone will be receiving a handmade gift with the exception of the nephews who will receive store bought goods. Hubby is even getting in on the helping me out with Christmas because I have noooo idea what to buy or make for men.

Every year I have a budget for each person...it is not much...$10-$15 per person on a store bought or handmade gift. Yep, you read that right. This year I had to tighten the strings a lot. Basically, I have raided my stash of supplies to make gifts, and I purchased the supplies I don't have stashed in my closet.

I decided to do all of this before I watched the Advent Conspiracy 2011 video. I am not patting myself on the back at all. I like that I am already doing half of what the video suggests, but now I would like to do the other half of what the video is suggesting...help people obtain clean drinking water. For the past 7 years I have been working towards being in a position to help people with the basic need of clean drinking water. This has been in the form of schooling, testing, gaining experience and more testing. I did not need to do all of this to help, but I want my future work to benefit those who need everyday practical help, instead of just working to pay my bills. Honestly, I don't know how this will play out, but I am going to actively seek the answers.

For now, all of us can help. Please join me in giving to a water organization of your choice...whether it is a large donation or even a couple of bucks. If we all put in a couple of bucks, significant changes can be made.

~Leslie

A New Running Headband Part 1

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Winter hit our little town over the weekend. And exercising in winter is brutal. I am a fair weather runner, I will be honest. When winter hits I usually quit running. But, since I am getting older and the extra pounds like to hang out longer than I prefer, and I feel like a psychopath unless I can get some of my aggression out...I have to exercise. I am determined to run throughout the winter...and I will let you know how that is going in a couple of months.

I am so awkward taking pictures of myself. This is a little embarrassing.

Where I live it is windy, not breezy...Windy. Wind and cold means combined means cold, hurting body parts while running. Yesterday morning, the temp was 34° with a real feel of 28°. So, I wore 10 articles of clothing (not including my running shoes) for my run...1 pair of underwear (I do not use the P word - it makes me cringe), 1 sports bra, 1 pair of socks, 2 pairs of running pants, 1 short sleeve shirt, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair of gloves and 1 new headband. I normally wear a beanie, but my head ends up feeling like it is baking in an oven. My solution: wear a headband that covers my ears but allows the top of my head to feel the crisp morning air. Problem: I am cheap and I don't want to spend a ton of cash on a headband. Answer: make a headband out of a fleece sweatshirt.

I tested my new headband this morning. The verdict: It works, but it needs some improvement.

The pros: A) Lightweight, B) Fits my head well, C) Wicks away sweat (I was not expecting this to happen), D) Kept my head warm, and by the end of the run my ears were warm too.

The cons: A) Lightweight - I need to beef it up a bit, B) Not tight enough under the ears - I could feel cold air on my ears.

I had originally posted a tutorial for this headband, but I think it needs some work. Off to work on a better headband and then I will get back to you.

Anyone else out there cheap like me and make your running gear? Do you have any nifty ideas or tutorials you want to share?

~Leslie

Patch It

2011-11-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

In August, on our vacation, I found this purple vest at a thrift store.

The color is what drew me in...pretty, right? I inspected the vest to see if there were any holes. No holes...good. But, when I put it on the first time, I found a hole on the right side (my right). Bummer.

Then I realized that I could patch the hole. Problem solved. I took out a few fabric scraps and went to work. I thought about making heart patches but that was not working for me. Then I thought about some sort of chevron patch. I cut out the chevrons, trimmed here, trimmed there and settled on what you see below. This was such an easy fix.

Here is the breakdown:

1. Find a pattern you like (or freehand...that is what I did) and use it to cut the fabric.
2. Pull out the Heat'n Bond. Lay the material over and iron on (you have to be a little tricky here so
that you don't get the Heat'n Bond on your iron).
3. Cut out your fabric that has been adhered to the Heat'n Bond.
4. Peel off the paper on the back (you will probably have to heat it up with your iron).
5. Lay the piece or pieces on and iron them down.

The process was pretty simple. However, next time I will do it a little differently. I used the Ultra Hold Heat'n Bond and in the directions I read that you should not to sew through this type of Heat'n Bond. Reading the directions is helpful because the last time I used the stuff it gummed up my sewing machine needle and kept breaking my thread. In order to sew the edges down I should have used the Lite Heat'n Bond to sew. I have not yet tacked down the edges, but I will get to that. I was excited to wear the vest to work and didn't care if the edges started coming up (and, yes one of the edges is coming up). Sew and Learn.

Have you creatively patched your clothes? If so, let me know so that I can steal your ideas. :)

~Leslie

Handmade Holidays at Sew, Mama, Sew

2011-11-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out the Fifth Annual Handmade Holidays at Sew, Mama, Sew? You should. Everyday there are a handful of tutorials for a specific theme, a free Bag a Day pattern, a recipe, and giveaways. So much inspiration for holiday gifts. Click on the button below to head to the site.

Things I Like For Christmas

2011-11-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY done with exams. Now I get to play the waiting game...10 to 12 weeks until the results are sent. Thankfully November and December tend to be extremely busy months, so it should go by quickly.

One of my best Christmas memories is the Christmas morning I found out that Santa was not real. I was six or seven and I had a hunch about Santa. That year I made sure that Santa could not get into our house. I went around to all of the doors and double checked the locks. Also, we had a fireplace insert so there was no way his fat butt was coming down the chimney...plus the fire was still lit. Early Christmas morning I heard something down the hall from my bedroom...and of course I was scared to death...I thought someone was in our house. I look down the hall and staring back at me next to the Christmas tree was this white butt...otherwise known as my Dad in his tighty whities bent over putting presents under the tree. No more Santa...I am pretty sure I ruined it for my sister that morning too.

The last couple of years I have not decorated much for Christmas. We have either been out of town or I was being a Grinch. The Grinch attitude happens every other year or so, and judging by my want to decorate, I think this may be my non-Grinch year. Here is how I would like to decorate:

1. A white Christmas tree with lots of color.

Source Not Found

2. Stockings. In almost 14 years of marriage I still have not made Hubby and I stockings. Gotta get on this. Denyse Schmidts Quilts stocking Pattern could really help me.

3. If I don't put our names on the stockings, I think these little embroidery hoops by Lilac Saloon would be fun to make as stocking tags.

4. Bottle Brush Trees. I like how Nest Pretty Things styled the different colored trees.

5. Yarn ball ornaments in the Holiday Guide by Emily Henderson and map ornaments by Mary Janes & Galoshes.

6. This easy Tree Skirt by Design Sponge.

Are you thinking about Christmas yet? What do you want to make?

~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-10-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have been extremely absent from blogging (cue the "thank you Mr. Obvious) and I still have about 3 weeks left of this absence. The absence is due to a lot of my time being dedicated to studying for my engineering exams at the end of this month. After I am finished I will have time to get back to blogging, sewing and making things...which I would much rather be doing than studying. My unfortunate absence has left me without time to comment on anyone's blog and has caused a major delay in birthday gifts for my family...Family, if you are reading, I am very sorry. Please forgive me. In the meantime, I have collected some ideas for easy projects that I would love to tackle.

1. I love these suitcases. Rachel posted this fun project at A Beautiful Mess. A suitcase like this would be perfect for weekend trips.

2. I would like to make a few of Rachel's Patchwork Frames so that each frame is one color family with different fabrics.

3. Tinted Mason Jars by Momtastic. These would be great as vases.

4. Hair Combs for those days when the hair does not get washed.

5. These Colorblock Handwarmers by the Purl Bee are just awesome. I want several in different colors.

That is all for today. I hope you all have a lovely day. And, you can find all of these objects on my Pinterest page because I might be slightly obsessed. So much for moderation.

~Leslie

I Gave In

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I told myself "No, I will not join Pinterest. It looks like fun, but No...Just say No." I don't have a facebook account any longer because it was a time sucker and I just couldn't take it any more. So, I have been holding off on signing up for Pinterest because of the same thing. But...I gave in. And it was because of this:

A present from a friend.

A little inspiration posted on one wall really helps me pick through different options. I normally collect inspiration in my email, but that is getting a bit tedious and unorganized. I know the chair needs a little help, but it will be a fun piece in my house.

Here are a few ideas:

Love The Color Combination.

Again, Love The Color Combo.

I Can't Say That I Love The Color Combo Enough.

Just a warning, Pinterest can be addicting. I look in moderation because otherwise I would not be able to control myself. Here is my Pinterest if you want to look. And, if you want an invite to ~~feed your own addiction~~ collect your own inpiration, then just let me know.

~Leslie

Dear Granny...

2011-09-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

As in...Granny Squares.

I learned how to crochet, and it is so much faster and easier than knitting. Well, it would be faster if I had not decided to crochet a blanket out of Granny Squares.

10 down, 39 more to go. I am glad I have two months to finish.

Every time I think Granny Square, I say it like Jellyfish:

Enjoy! (If you can...). Have a Great Weekend.

~Leslie

Cowboys, Rednecks and Carneys

2011-08-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was our town's annual Cowboy, Redneck and Carney (CRC) fest. Every August the cowboys come to town to compete in a rodeo, the pets parade their stuff on the main drag, the arts and crafts vendors (after being a part of the arts and crafts world, a teeny bit, this is not an arts and crafts festival) set up their booths, the carneys set up the rides, the local "watering hole" sets up the mechanical bull, the bikers come for a visit, the car buffs show their rides, and almost every merchant in town wears plaid. My Sister, Bro-in-law, Little Missy and Little Mister came up to hang out for the day so we went to the festival. We stayed for a few hours and then headed back to our place to take a nap and eat pizza for dinner. At one point my sister was in the bathroom with me and said "What is the matter with your hair?" with a mixture of surprise and disgust in her voice. My first thought was that a bird defecated in my hair, and then the next thought was that I had something sticky in my hair (from Little Missy sitting on my shoulders). I said "What is wrong with my hair?" Sister said, "What is all of the gray in it?" Hello Master of the Obvious, it is gray hair. My sister is sooo loving and compassionate (if you remember this post).

Even though she pointed out that I am getting old and that I was not blessed the family genes that prolong gray hair until you are at least 50 years old, I still made her a skirt. I am a loving and compassionate sister...at least I inherited those genes. I made this little plaid number and I wish I had the skirt ready so she could have wort it to the annual CRC fest. And, I wish I had a picture of her in the skirt...Maybe she will grace us with her presence one of these days.

I actually bought the fabric with all of the plaids sewn together. The skirt is lined with a light cotton for modesty. The two layers were zigzagged together at the top, and then I folded the raw edges under a 1/4". Then I zigzagged the fabric to the elastic in two rows. At the end I hemmed both layers. Lucky for me you cannot see the mistakes I made.

I tried the skirt on and I am actually kind of sad that I promised it to my Sister. One of these days when someone asks me "Did you make that?" I will finally be able to say "Yessss!!!" But for now, skirts for those I love.

I hope you all are doing well. Especially to everyone on the east coast affected by the hurricane. I am praying for you all. Sorry for the sporadic posts and crappy pictures. I will be able to post regularly after I take my gargantuan exam at the end of October.

Have a Great Week!!

~Leslie

A Fishing Tale

2011-08-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago, Hubby and I went on our first fishing trip. We had been dating for six months and already knew that we were going to get married. We loaded up his tiny Honda CVCC and headed three hours northeast to a creek that Boyfriend was super excited to fish. I had not really fished before but I thought anything would be fun if I was with Boyfriend. Immediately after we arrived I headed off into the woods to do some business, and then immediately after I dropped my pants mosquitoes started attacking me. I ran out of the woods and said "I can't do this. I will be in the car." About five minutes later Boyfriend came up and we talked. I told him that "I will not be eaten alive by mosquitoes. But I am fine to stay here while you fish." He got into the car and we headed north to a fish hatchery to eat lunch. He hardly talked to me the remainder of the trip. Later I found out that my little stunt was almost a deal breaker. On the way home, Boyfriend gave me a lecture of sorts. He said "the next time we go on a trip like this, you will do what I do, you will eat when I eat, you will go to the bathroom when I go and you will go home when I say so. Either you agree to this or you can stay home and do what you want." Needless to say, I did not go on another fishing trip for aloooooong time. I learned some hobbies and found out that I enjoyed my alone time.

Back to the present day. Hubby and I went on a little vacay last week. Half of the time we were in the city and the other half was spent on the Grand Mesa in Colorado. It was beautiful, and I wish we lived near there so we could camp all summer or snowmobile in the winter. We camped on the edge of a lake and relaxed. Hubby asked if I wanted to hike up to another lake to go fish. Sure, whatever you want to do. I took a book and some light sewing (I had already caught two fish the day before and I was already bored fishing). As I was sitting on the edge of a little trail overlooking the lake watching Hubby trying to reel in the big one I thought about our first fishing expedition. We have certainly come a long way. Now when we go on a trip together I sit next to the lake or river and do what I want while he fishes. I go to the bathroom by myself (after applying several layers of bug spray), and when I ask him if we can go so that we can eat lunch, he says "Do you think you can go back by yourself?" I say "um..." and he says nicely "Probably not. Okay, let's go." Amazing what 15 years of being together can do. Lots of grace and mercy for the other person. Maybe I am learning something after all. And, I tried to take a picture of the "big one" but he/she broke the line as Hubby was reeling it to shore...sad.

Here are a few shots of our trip:

The first night outside the city we spent at a campground. We are not really campground people, but we stayed at the one spot overlooking a little lake.

We traded the campground (at $18/night with its bossy little girl who glared at me every time we met at the restrooms, the smelly vault toilets and bajillions of mosquitoes) in for a spot on the edge of a lake (for free which included the option of peeing in the woods or pants, lazy mosquitoes and complete silence). Sold.

To prove that I was sewing while Hubby was fishing.

Hubby watching, waiting and hoping.

I usually take pictures of flowers.

And I included my camera shy self into the mix.

Hope you all are well. I have some projects in the works, so I will share those soon.

~Leslie

You know what...

2011-07-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

You know what is frustrating? Having so many things you want to work on, but not having the time to work on them because they are not priorities...they are hobbies.

You know what is sad? Being excited that Hubby is leaving for three days so that I can be a hermit and hopefully work on the things that I don't have time to do. Sorry Hubby, I will miss you tons.

You know what is awesome? I get to go on a vacay in a couple of weeks. Just Hubby and me in the forest and camping by a lake. I cannot wait. I have been smelling pine trees (because we have a massive pile of pine mulch sitting in our yard) and I have realized just how much I miss being in the forest.

You know what makes me happy and sad? That I get to be an aunt for the seventh time around. Happy. But I don't live close to our soon to be born nephew. Sad.

You know what I have been working on? Probably not, so here is a list.

Studying

Reading the series

Light Knitting

A sewing project with these fabrics.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-07-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted something I have made. But after working most of the day, studying a couple hours, my evenings have been lazy, wind down times. Some weeks it is hard for me to switch my brain from very analytical engineering to creative hobbies. I have a slew of items I want to make and a number of articles of clothing I want to refashion...but seriously, who doesn't have a lot on their plates. In an attempt to appease my readers here are some Things I Like.

Clipart Cards. I saw this post on Martha Stewart about taking pictures of bottles, crustaceans, dead fish, etc... and using them as cards. I actually really like the idea with the exception of the dead fish and humanely killed crabs for the picture. Hunt for interesting items in your yard, neighborhood, backseat of your car. Then take pictures, transfer to your computer and create your own cards.

A Beautiful Mess posted a tutorial on how to rag roll your hair. I used to put sponge curlers in my hair when I was a girl and my hair would turn out super curly. I might have to try this technique.

So, you can call me a nerd. I am. I am an engineer who uses calculators, likes numbers, and loves solutions. See how that can be hard to switch to creative mode. I will admit that on occasion I have put a lanyard strung usb around my neck to go from the office to home. Maybe if I wore one of the lockets by Emily Rothschild I could be a little cool.

The Compassionate Kristen Cutout Top from Ruche, but in coral instead of turquoise. I bought a dress from the thrift store that is green with white polka dots, and I want to turn it into a skirt. A coral top would pair nicely with the green.

I want to make a Pin Hole Camera for a trip Hubby and I are taking.

More Bracelets.

A new purse of course. I like this Fringed Suede Purse from Orange Juice Etc. And I am diggin' her skirt too.

I hope everyone had a great week, and if you didn't, I hope your weekend looks promising.

~Leslie

Family Day

2011-07-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is not a post about crafting, sewing, beading, or making anything. It is strictly a human interest piece where we had a day of resting (that is debatable), relaxing (that is debatable too), and fun (no debate on that one).

On Sunday we had a family day at the lake. Now, family to us is just more than our immediate family...Our friends are like our family too. And, the plan was to hang out with the roomies sans the house...you know just to have fun, and not worry about life or what the kids may or may not be doing to the house. A light, airy day so to speak. I decided to invite my sister and her family because we have not had a fun day with them in a while. And, we also invited our new friends (who live by the lake where we hung out) because we just wanted to hang out with them and have fun. The daily head count: 8 adults, 3 kids, 2 toddlers, 2 babies and 4 dogs.

The day started out a little rocky...we did not have a final plan, we could not get a hold of our friends, Hubby left his phone, and we had a flat tire. Awesome. But, we found the perfect spot (all in the eye of the beholder) to hang out, get into the water, eat and have fun.

Boys posing for the camera. The little guy was so cute trying to make a hang ten sign.

This is Little Mister almost 4 months old. I am so in love with this little guy.

I found these rad flowers. Even in the driest of areas, you can find flowers.

Yours truely in the cutest little hat in the world. More like the best hat to try and keep the sun off. It only kind of worked.

I wore a cute little skirt to the lake.

Our camp.

Little Cutie enjoying a chocolate chip cookie.

Mama and Little Missy playing in the sand.

Kids swimming. Look at the little guy in the middle. Ha Ha. And the other little guy at the bottom of the picture was saying "Cheese" while I was taking the picture. These kids made me laugh.

Hubby took Little Missy out for a swim. Boo met them out a ways and he pulled Little Missy back to shore.

Fishing with the kids.

The Lady in charge of the fishing. Within 10 minutes of arriving she had their stuff out of the car, swim suit on and poles set up. What a gal.

Before heading home we stopped by the local brewery for a bite to eat and to squeeze in the last bit of hanging out time together. Hubby and I had a fantastic day and we cannot wait to do it again.

Hope your weekend was great! And, have a fantastic week!

~Leslie

A Charming Lady

2011-07-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine, Melissa, celebrated her birthday last Sunday. (Melissa, I can't remember how old you are...but since you never remember that I am in my mid-thirties, I don't feel bad...and, Thank You). Melissa is creative, fun, and likes to hang out with me...always a plus. She has a great style that is unique and bold. One Sunday I noticed a necklace she had on...it was a charm necklace with funky charms. I have seen charm necklaces around, thinking they were not cool and reminiscent of the plastic ones I had back in the 80's, but she totally made the charm necklace cool and unique. Melissa always finds such fun things to wear. For her birthday, I made her a charm for her necklace.

The flower bead is made of bone and the striped bead is lampwork (I don't know what that is, but it was in the lampwork drawer at the bead store). I strung each charm with a head pin, attached a jump ring, wrapped the headpins, and attached a clasp. Simple, cute, and ready to be attached to a necklace.

Happy Birthday Melissa! Love you!

~Leslie

Leaves Me With A Smile

2011-07-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok. So here is the end result of what I teased you about here.

Do you like it? I do.

The fabric is knit and the thickness is between a t-shirt knit and a sweatshirt knit. I found it at the thrift store so that is all I know about the material.

I used a shirt that I already have as the pattern...taking a cue from this fun gal. I attached the leaves as appliques after I made reverse appliques. Does that make sense? I didn't think so. I cut leaves out of the knit fabric and a lace curtain. I sewed the two pieces together and then cut the middle of the knit out so the lace shows through. Then for some color I embroidered around each of the leaves. I started sewing the leaves on, but they were puckering. So I used Heat N Bond so that I could iron them on nice an flat, and then I finished them by sewing them in place. There is one small problem...I am not sure how to wash this shirt. I think I will hand wash it so that the leaves don't ruin (that would be sad. Maybe there are instructions on the Heat N Bond package, but of course I have taken the time to read them. After I finished the leaves I sewed the front and back of the shirts together. Since the fabric is knit, and I am a little lazy, I did not hem the ends.

The shirt is comfortable and thick enough not to have to wear a tank underneath.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Beverly at Flamingo Toes, thanks for the link up.

~Leslie

Grandpa Jordan

2011-07-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

I mentioned at the end of my last post that the Fourth of July weekend would be bittersweet. This past weekend my husband and his family said their last goodbyes to the patriarch of the family, Grandpa Jordan.

Grandpa and Grandma on their wedding night

The Grandpa Jordan I knew was loving, kind, light-hearted, enjoyed life, had an electric smile, and had a major talent for bulls**t. The pictures I saw of him showed an extremely handsome man with a charming smile, the great time he was having at the moment, and love for those around him. At his memorial I heard stories of those he touched with a wise word, a kind note, or an instruction on how to make a double decker sandwich. I listened to a grandson honor his Grandpa as only a fellow soldier could. I weeped when my husband shared about his Grandpa and read letters from his siblings. I laughed at the stories from friends who were treated to the Jordan charm...like finding out all of those years of Grandpa driving them to the airport were done without a drivers license. Grandpa loved his wife, his children were his absolute joy, his grandsons were his heroes, and his granddaughters made his eyes sparkle. Even for those of us who married into the family, he made us feel like we were one of his.

Grandpa with his boys last Thanksgiving

As a fallen comrade, the US Naval Honor Guard played taps and presented the flag to his wife at the memorial. I am tearing up right now remembering that beautiful summer day overlooking the ocean listening to the trumpet play while the flag was being presented. The sound of the trumpet made me cry uncontrollably because Grandpa Jordan was a true patriot of his country. Having his memorial on the Fourth of July weekend was fitting and perfect, and for the rest of my days the Fourth of July will remind me of Grandpa Jordan and that he lived his life and loved people.

Grandpa loved the ocean and loved to go for a cruise in his son-in-law's boat. So, the family took one final boat ride in Grandpa Jordan's honor. The day was amazing, warm and sunny. A baby freckled gray whale swam around the boats as were were heading out...almost like it was saying goodbye to Grandpa. A couple of miles out a pod of otters were floating on a kelp bed watching us motor through the waves like they were saying goodbye too. It was such a special time for the family and the perfect way for all of us to be together and remember Grandpa.

I would never classify a funeral as fun, but this was a fantastic celebration of Grandpa Jordan's life. We celebrated because he is with God right now and we will see him again.

One thing I want to take away from this weekend is to show the ones I love how much they mean to me. This is what Grandpa Jordan did his entire life. He invested in other people's lives...whether his family or strangers. This type of investment is different for everyone. Some people write, some people show love physically, some people call on the phone, some people travel many miles just to sit and have a cup of coffee with another person, and some people give gifts and send notes. I want everything I make, imperfections and all, to show those I love how much the recipient means to me. This is hard for me. I am not one to show what people mean to me...I am introverted, introspective, and I am not a hugger. It will take a piece of me to send little letters to my grandparents, to call my family regularly, and to take the time to have a cup of coffee with my close friends. Thank you Grandpa Jordan for teaching me about loving others and finding the most in a single moment.

I want to challenge you all as well. Tell those around you how much they mean to you either in person, through written word, or by something you made for them...you may be the one person they need to hear from that day.

~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-07-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I know that I promised you a post about this, but I have been sick this week and my spare time was spent laying on the couch after work. So, here are some things that I like:

1. I really like these lace earrings made by Branchbound. They are light, airy and great for the summer.

2. Eighteenth Century Agrarian Business posted a tutorial on how to make a linen clutch. I just bought purple linen fabric that would look so cute as a little clutch.

3. Lizzie of Cotton and Curls has a fun style. I like how she added an applique to the back of a cardigan.

4. I want to include crocheting into my rotation of projects. Just to have something to do when I wind down at night or when people are talking to me (I have done this. It might be rude, unless you know me.). These placemats by Purl Bee look like an easy wind down project. I would like to make a larger one and use it as a rug for my bathroom.

5. Katie from Skunkboy Creatures put butterflies in her hair.

That is all for today. Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend. Mine will be bittersweet. Love you and miss you Grandpa Jordan.

~Leslie

Absentee

2011-06-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! Sorry for the absence. I started studying for my engineering exams last Monday (the exams are in October - soooo much fun) so the extra time I do have has been spent sewing, but not blogging. I have finished the project that I teased you with a while and back and that will be the next post (as soon as I take pictures). So I will leave you with a Scene From My House.

This is what I saw in my kitchen when I went home for lunch today. Did the frog give up? Is the frog going on a vacation to the dump? Who knows. But I bet the little boy who put the frog in the trash had a very logical thought about why the frog should go in the trash. I don't have kids, but the family who lives with us has three. I am learning all kinds of things about kids and from kids.

Happy Monday!

~Leslie

Lets Here It For The Boys

2011-06-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a post about boy things. Now, I would not mind wearing one of these if I was camping, or if it had different colors, or if it had beads on it. I did see these little cuties so maybe I will have to make myself one...with brighter and cuter rope of course. But today is for the boys, specifically Dads and Grads.

Shortly after I made the Wrap Bracelets, Hubby asked me if I could make him a bracelet.

Me: Um...what? A bracelet?
(This guy does not wear bling, unless you count my diamond earrings which he has been know to do. But, bracelets...no way.)
Him: A survival bracelet.
(He showed me, and I said yes.)
Him: I want to give one each to the guys, the Fearsome Foursome, for graduation.
Me: What colors?
Him: Camo.
Me: Seriously? What about green or black?
Him: I want camo, not black and camo, just camo.
Me: Fine. But, Zippy will not wear camo with his new red watch.
(You will not get this, but that's okay.
Him: Whatever, do what you want. I don't care.

I was right, but he didn't want to admit that I was right (even after 13 years of marriage I am still wrong...love you honey). However, knowing it would make him happy, I made him the camo bracelet. And after I made the bracelets, he said he liked the black better. Freak.

The Fearsome Foursome at their graduation.

Aaaahhhh...Aren't they cute?

The survival bracelets are made with 550 Type III Paracord. The cord has 7 inner strands and a tensile strength of 550lbs. Each bracelet was made with approximately 10 feet of cord.

Since Father's Day is today and since the Dads are especially difficult to shop for, we are giving them bracelets too.

Congrats to our Grads and Happy Father's Day to our Dads!

~Leslie

Hi!

2011-06-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a little peak at what I have been working on:

I just want to say hi and to tell you all to have a wonderful weekend. I will be spending the weekend hanging out with the family.

~Leslie

It Was A Nice Night

2011-06-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

Last night Hubby and I hung out with our roommates at their latest house-sitting gig. They move in for three weeks and then move out for three weeks...how rude. We had a bar-b-que, drove into town to get coffee, and watched the sunset from the porch. The evening was relaxing and beautiful. During the evening I asked my roomie to take pictures of my new skirt so that I could show you all.

This skirt started out like this:

I bought this dress at the thrift store shortly after reading this post. I was drawn to the colors, the pattern, the knit fabric, and that it is not see through. Knit fabric for the warm summer days and not being see through for obvious reasons. I cut off the bottom of the dress just below the ruching, and then left it on my sewing table for three weeks. That was a necessary step to let fabric breath (I kid, I kid). I then ran a couple of basting stitches around the top of the skirt to gather the fabric. After gathering it to my liking, I sewed on a 1.5" wide black elastic waistband. The result, an easy skirt to wear during summer (or a cold spring day with boots, like I did last week).

I hope you all had a great weekend. Welcome to Monday

~Leslie

Credits: T, for taking my pictures. I owe you cookies and a bracelet.

Thanks to Beverly at Flamingo Toes for the link up!

That's A Wrap Bracelet

2011-06-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

I think I may have ventured in geeky title realm. And, I think it could qualify for a Wheel of Fortune category. Any idea which one? Because I don't know.

A couple of weeks ago I watched this video on how to make wrap bracelets. That same day I stopped by a craft store and picked up a couple of supplies. The next night I sat down and made this wrap bracelet. I could not wait. It was fun and easy to make.

The next weekend, I showed my Mom and she said "I want one." Here you go Mom.

And I made another one for me.

The turquoise beads in my bracelet remind me of small world (as in I am looking at earth from space). It is a little funky, but I like how it turned out.

I have been wearing these bracelets (not my Mom's) almost everyday since I made them.

A couple of tips if you decide to make this bracelet: 1) Use round beads that are the same size. 2) I used a different type of cement than what was recommended in the video. Either I did not let the cement dry long enough or it peels off easily. Try the recommended cement. 3) I made the bracelets to wrap around twice. My wrist is 6.5", so I only had to use one yard of leather. If your wrist is larger, then you will have to use more leather. My bracelet fits just snug, but move just a little (was that vague enough?).

I am spending the weekend working on a few To-Do-List projects (not the list on the blog...I always have a few lists running simultaneously). What do you all have planned for the weekend?

Have A Good One! ~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here are collection of things that I like. Hope you do too.

1. Sunglasses Bag. I always scratch my cheapo sunglasses...always. And since I am way to cheap to buy good, expensive sunglasses (which I would no doubt keep in a bag), then I probably should make myself a bag like this for my sunglasses.

By Say Yes To Hoboken

2. Braided Leather Bracelet. This looks fun.

By ISLY

3. Pillows. Love these pillows from Erin Flett.

4. Leather Necklace. Love the geometry, love the color, love the randomness.

By Boo and Boo Factory Via Beautiful Mess

5. Clogs. I WANT these clogs from Westcounty Clogs.

What do Like today?

Happy Half Week! ~Leslie

Babies, Babies and More Babies

2011-06-06T05:00:00.001-07:00

Every year there are a slew of women in our lives who have babies. Last year there were at least six women at our church who had babies within four months of each other. Right now there are six pregnant women that I know about. Three of those women are my sisters. My sister had her little boy in March, my SIL will be having her little boy in August, and my new SIL of seven months is due in December. So exciting for our family!

Last Saturday I went to a baby shower for a friend who is having a little girl. I made a cute little appliqued onesie and a pair of red booties.

I used this tutorial for the applique, but I changed the ruffle a bit. The shiny red yarn was a gift from my sister's MIL. I was not sure how the booties would turn out since this is not the type of yard I would normally use. But I think they turned out pretty cute...and they kind of remind me of red patent shoes.

I have been promising my sister that I would make a tie onesie for Little Mister. Here it is:

Little Mister will look so handsome in his onesie.

What do you think?

Have a great week! ~Leslie

Oh, To Get Snail Mail Again...

2011-06-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

Do remember when you used to get letters in the mail? Those were the good ole days. I pulled out my baby book recently and found postcards from Yellowstone. I was only 9 months old and my Grandmother and Great Grandmother both wrote to me, and it was really special to see those cards. I remember when my husband and I wrote letters to each other when we were apart for weeks at a time. Or when my sister and I were living in different states for the first time in our lives...we wrote letters to one another. The computer had come of age, but it was fun to write...email was not that big of a deal for me. I used to write little encouraging notes to people, just to brighten their day. It has been along time since I wrote a letter, let alone a note.

These notecards were easy to make. 1.) Cut 8.5 x 11 cardstock into 4 cards (or if you want a folded card, just cut the cardstock in half). 2.) Cut fabric into desired shapes. 3.) Put glue on the back of the fabric (I used Tacky Glue, dotted it on, and then used a brush to smooth it out). 4.) Place the fabric on the cardstock. And Wa La, you have a card ready to go. You can use pre-made envelopes, or make your own. Make a stack and give them as a gift, start writing your honey love letters again, or write a note to a friend. Any way you give the cards, someone will enjoy them.

Have a Great Weekend! ~Leslie

Pretties For My Ears

2011-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the bead store on Monday to pick up round beads and silver feathers for earrings like this. Instead of the silver feathers I bought teal glass leaves. I will take color any day over silver and gold. It has been a while since I made a pair of earrings and it only took me a five minutes to put this pair together.

At the bead store there were three drawers full of vintage and contemporary buttons. I picked up this pair to make another pair of button earrings.

Two pairs of earrings in 10 minutes. In the words of Hubby...Sweet!

What do you think? And, have you worked on any quick projects lately?
~Leslie

Thanks to Cindy of Skip To My Lou for the link up.

Things I Like

2011-05-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day everyone! God Bless our troops, vets, anyone who has sacrificially served our country. I wish we could give you more for the time and effort you put into protecting our country.

Since I get a paid day off, I am going to work on a few projects, and I am going to clean my bedroom (aka sewing room) and the laundry room (aka smelly dog room). As I write this I am wearing my running clothes hoping that I will be inspired to run later...maybe.

In the meantime, here are a few goodies that I like.

1. Feather Earrings. This is easy if you have the beading supplies. I am making a trip to the bead store today for another project and I will have to find something similar.

By LDC designs

2. Pillowcase Dress for adults. I have seen pillowcase dresses for girls, but not for women. Melissa, this is for you.

By xojane

3. Modern Friendship Bracelets. I made friendship bracelets back in the day. These are a lot more fun.

Via Beautiful Mess

4. Easy Potholders. I like this tutorial. I have tried to make potholders - only once - but they did not turn out as well as I had planned. I probably could have tried again and figured it out, but I like doing things correct the first time. Anyone with me? I know this is lazy, but most of the time it is easier to stick the unfinished project in a basket, forget about it and move on. That is until you see a really easy tutorial.

By My Girl Thursday

5. Cozy Cross Couch Throw. I love blankets. Even when it is hot outside, and the air conditioning is on inside, I like to be under a blanket. I even have two blankets from when I was young - I am talking about 25 years ago. Since I have a plethora of blankets, it would be nice to have one that actually "goes" with my bedroom.

Via Grosgrain

Have a fantastic day! ~Leslie

My Flowers

2011-05-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I kill flowers. That is just how it is. I wish it was different, but it isn't. Since I don't have any flowers in my yard, I made my own. Well...they are really just leaves on sticks, but they are colorful and they will not die. Perfect.

I am considering this a Restyle project because I found sticks in my yard and used scraps of fabric for the leaves. It is probably a stretch, but since this is my blog I guess I make the rules.

What do you think?

Have A Great Monday! ~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-05-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Do you just collect ideas without doing them? I kind of feel like that is my life right now...I am all sew/craft talk and no sew/craft action. Well, here are more ideas that I would like to try. Hopefully soon I will be back on track. Thanks for all of your patience.

1. Flower Pillows. These are so cute.

By ekofabric Via Cafe Cartolina

2. Felt Cameos. Recently I have developed an interest in cameos. I don't own any, but I think they would be a fun addition to any outfit. When I saw these cameos, I was blown away. The detail, the colors, the time to make them. I think they are amazing. Courtesy of Yalipaz on Etsy Via Cafe Cartolina.

3. Heart Cutout Map. I love maps and I could probably stare at them all day long. I am thankful that my day job requires that I know a thing or two about mapping.

Bespoke Nine Heart Map Art Via Curbly

This would be an easy little project. Instead of colored maps (which would be fun), I would make cut outs out of a Quad Sheet because for me that would be purposeful meaningful art.

Portion of a quad sheet - sorry it is blurry, but I think you get the point

4. Continuing with the map craze. Love these pillows.

By My Bearded Pigeon

5. Button and Bead Necklaces. I like the simplicity of the necklaces.

By Studio MHL Via Creature Comforts

7. Floppy Hat Tutorial featured on Delia Creates.

8. Quilting with Hexagons. Last weekend Hubby and I went to the coast to visit his parents, and his sister and her family who were visiting from out of state. My mother-in-law pulled out a box to show my sister-in-law and me. The box contained vintage fabric (I know that word is used ALOT, but this fabric was the real deal) and various sewn objects from the 30's and 40's. In the box was the most amazing pillow cover. It was a collection of 1" hexagons all sewn my hand. I wish I had a photo on hand to show you the amazing craftsmanship. But, here is an idea.

By Nichole in Real Life

9. This Madras Tote featured on A Month of Free Patterns at Grosgrain.

By Noodlehead Via Grosgrain

10. A Wrapped Bracelet shown in this video.

By Maggie Makes

Well...that is all. I am itching to get some things done...like unfinished projects.

Have a great weekend! ~Leslie

A Trek To The Thrift Store

2011-05-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I broke my thrifting fast. You might remember my self imposed spending hiatus from thrift stores, craft stores and fabric stores. It lasted a lot longer than two weeks...I made it two 2 months and 6 days. Luckily for me, the day I decided to head over to the closest thrift store to my office, I found some interesting things for a whole $10. Here is what I found:

This rad dress. It is completely see through, but that can be remedied with a slip. Store bought or homemade...I still have not decided. It is polyester with pearl-like buttons and a sash. I will have to hem it because it is a little too long. The color is what drew me to it...I love this color.

This belt. I am fairly certain that the knotted portion should fit around your entire waist...but not mine. I will make it work.

Here is a picture of the rest of my loot and the right toe of my slipper as I was standing on the table taking the not so staged blurry picture. Only the best for you guys.

The wooden platter will look great on my ship hatch coffee table. Yes a ship hatch. Hubby's grandfather had several made for his wife and his daughters at least 35 years ago. We inherited Hubby's mom's table. It is a great table.

Two different types of lace. The top lace is a pair of curtains that I want to use to make a shirt like Alli did in this tutorial - she is so creative. The bottom lace is really thick. When I unrolled it I noticed that someone tried to make a shirt or vest out of the lace...maybe I can finish it...or maybe not. I want to use it for applique.

A Make-Shirt-Kit. This purchase only cost me $0.50. It is funny. If it does not work out...not much lost.

And lastly a trivet. My mom used have a few of these when I was growing up. I only found one, but I will keep a look out for others.

What have you found at the thrift stores lately?

~Leslie

A Present For Me

2011-05-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

A note to self and advice for any bloggers reading who don't already do this: Save a copy of your posts to a word document...because at some point Blogger will swallow them whole. This announcement is sponsored by an irritated blogger who is irritated at Blogger.

The other day I stopped by my house to pick up lunch (I only live 1.5 miles from work which makes it an easy and convenient break in the day)and I saw a pair of hand knit pot holders with a note from my new roomie. She picked them up for me thinking I would like them.

I do like them. And I used them last night when I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Have you received a handmade gift recently? And, what are your plans for the weekend.

Whatever you are doing I hope you have a great weekend. I am headed to the coast with Hubby to his family. ~Leslie

Things I Like For Mother's Day

2011-05-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

How did Mother's Day arrive so early this year? It is Wednesday before Mother's Day and who does not have gifts ready? Me. So, if you are like me and need some ideas of what to give Mom, here are a few little goodies that would be easy to make.

1. I love this beaded necklace from Anthropologie. Instead of the clasp you could just tie the ribbon in a bow.

By Anthropologie

2. Projects that require no glue, no sewing, no ironing are pretty awesome. What about a cute little stationary set? All you need is a cutting tool. (Oh wait...you will need a little glue...not much though.)

Via Design Sponge

3. Burlap Rosette Bracelet. You could make this with a cotton or linen fabric if you cannot find burlap.

By Brassy Apple

4. A quick grocery or tote bag.

By verypurpleperson

5. Rosette Necklace. So Cute.

By Hello, Friend

6. How about an easy pin cushion? I think I could have 10 pin cushions on hand and manage to leave them everywhere.

By The Purl Bee

7. Mom might like a bright colored mug rug while she is drinking her morning coffee. I love the colors of this rug.

Via In Color Order

8. An easy project to use up some of those mason jars (that is if you collect them like I do). Plant some pretty flowers in the jars so Mom can put them outside on a table, or inside on her windowsill.

By The CSI Project

There you go. You still have time to make a great gift (or con someone else into making it for you).

What did you get your Mom, Grandma, Sister, Friend, Stranger for Mother's Day?

~Leslie

New Sewing Area...Yay!

2011-04-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

In my last couple posts I alluded to a crazy time in my life right now. One part of the craziness going on here at Hubby's and my house is the addition of a new family. Not an addition "to" the family, the addition of a new family. Just thought I would clarify.

Some family friends are moving in with us...a family of five. Crazy huh? The new living sitch has forced me to consolidate all sewing, embroidery, paper, and bead related supplies into a very small area. You might remember the post where I confessed my sometimes "piggish" tendencies with this picture:

My Old Sewing Area

After I posted this picture I cleaned up the area...mainly because there were ants in the room. I really am not a disgusting person, it just seems like it. And, in my defense it is the time of year for ants...but it did not help that I had a huge pile of thrift store goods including a toaster that still had crumbs in it. (Smiling sheepishly). I rearranged the furniture for a better layout and organized my supplies. It was pretty clean and organized until I piled more junk on the table.

Thankfully, I was able to restart the organization process by moving my sewing area into a corner of our bedroom and store my other supplies in our closet. All I need to do now is find a lamp, hang my inspiration board and hang either a piece of art or fabric covered embroidery hoops above the table.

Drum roll please...Without further ado here is my new sewing area:

My New Sewing Area

Ta Da! I know this is super exciting for you. Don't hold back the applause or the standing ovation, I can take it :).

I love a tidy area even though I sometimes live like a pig.

I am pretty proud of myself for consolidating most of my sewing supplies and sewing area into this 26 square foot corner of our room. I hid the remainder of my fabric stash and my much needed (and hoarded) crafting supplies in our closet. You can see the box, tote and drawers picking out from underneath the clothes. (Disclaimer: at some point you could see the box and tote, but I somehow deleted the picture).

There you go, my new and improved sewing and storage areas. And if you are wondering about my sewing cabinet in the top picture...I am letting my new roomie use it for her sewing machine. It only makes sense since the cabinet is living in the room her and her husband will take. A built in sewing buddy. How awesome is that?

Any spring cleaning going on out there? It feels so good to get rid of clutter.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! ~Leslie

Free Month of Patterns!

2011-04-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

For all of you tutorial junkies, go visit Grosgrain for a full month of free patterns. The button below will take you directly there.

P.S. You will not be seeing me for a little while. Life is crazy right now and a little upside down, so I don't have a lot of time to sew. If I can post something other than sewing, then I will try to do that. I am sorry for another extended break, but I thought I would let you all know.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Love you guys ~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-04-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Good Day! I have been missing lately, and I am kind of bummed about that. My sewing machine is not getting any love because I am in a major purging mode. As in I need to decrease my stash of all crafting and sewing supplies by half. I will tell you why later.

So, just so you know that I am around, here are some Things I Like:

1. Wrist Pincushion: I have two pincushions that float from table to ironing board to sewing machine to where ever in my house. A wrist pincushion would be efficient and tidy. Check out these cute little wrist pincushions.

By A Fashionable Stitch Etsy Shop

2. My friend has a cute little Etsy shop where she sells custom handmade party paper goods.


By Mary Grace Designs Etsy Shop

3. Art Blocks: I have been wanting to make something like this for my house.

Via Re-Nest By Redtile Studio

4. Pretty Sewing Room Art.

Via Design*Sponge

5. These tags would be fun and easy necklaces.


Via Do It Yourself

6. This floor is AWESOME.

Via Re-Nest

7. Burlap that will not be scratchy on your wrist. Check out the tutorial on how to make Burlap Rose Bracelets.

By Brassy Apple

8. My Mom bought some wood bangles to make cute bracelets. Here you go Mom.


By Rubies and Pearls

9. Love this bedroom. It may be a little cold in the winter, but it looks awesome.

Via Apartment Therapy

10. These leather pouches. So cute.

By Poketo

I hope everyone is having a great week. Friday is almost here. ~Leslie

By the way: He Is Risen! If you don't know what that means, take some time to figure it out. It is worth the effort :)

Who Doesn't Love A New Bag?

2011-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do you remember The Pretty Things Happen In My Head Skirt? Well, I decided to put the seam ripper to use and destroy all evidence of the skirt. I know, it sounds a bit dramatic and drastic, but I was not going to ever wear the skirt (especially since Hubby gave it the thumbs-down with his eyes). The material was perfectly good to waste and it didn't help that the material was begging me to turn it into a cute bag. I guess I am a pushover, or a purse-a-holic like my mother who always tells me "You can never have enough bags," when I see her pick up yet another bag.

This skirt turned bag is my first official Project ReStyle. Yay!

Here is the BEFORE:

BEFORE

And here is the AFTER:

AFTER

Handle Detail

Pocket Detail

And here is the reverse side:

Reverse Side

Pocket Detail

To sew the bag, I used the Charlie Bag pattern from BurdaStyle and then I added darts in the corners to round the bottom a bit. As you can see the bag is reversible. Both sides of the bag have pockets and a little embroidery.

The Verdict: The color combination of the rust and yellow is just okay. I can live with the colors together, but when I glance at my bag from across the room (yes, I am weird like that), the colors are not that pleasing to me. I like each side individually, but not necessarily together. The pockets are a little small, but usuable. And, the corners are not as rounded as I intended. I was trying to make them look more like Novita's Reverible Bag. Yes, I am my own worst critic. So, I guess that means I will be making another bag (hehe).

What clothing items or accessories do you like to ~~hoard~~ collect (and hopefully use)?

I hope you have a great weekend! ~Leslie

Things I Like

2011-04-12T16:05:00.001-07:00

Hello All! Here are some things that I like.

1. Someone worked hard on these little guys. They just made me laugh.

Bunny Sculptures via Craftzine

2. This is an easy way to use those fabric scraps. Say yes to hoarding fabric scraps!

By ellzabelle

3. I have a couple of lampshades that I need to recover and I like this tutorial at Design Sponge.

By Design Sponge

4. I am really enjoying braids right now. Hopefully I will be able to braid my hair after today's haircut. I love the fishtail and the colors through her hair...beautiful.

Via Oh The Lovely Things

5. Very creative use of a gold chain. Hello thrift store, I am coming.

By Honestly...WTF

6. Aaamaaziiing. I want to move here.

Via Creature Comforts Via Tristan

7. Rolled Fabric Necklace. No chain required.

Via The Pursuit Of Craft

8. My sister does the best impression of "Sean Connery" in the SNL Jeopardy skits. This is for her.

By Backless Shirt

9. I want this wall.

Via Apartment Therapy

10. Yellow for inspiration.

Via Wise Craft

Have a great day! ~Leslie

I Wear Short Shorts...Not Really

2011-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

In my previous post I mentioned that I joined Project ReStyle. My first restyled project is a new pair of shorts. I took a pair of cords that have seen better days and that had a hole in a very undesirable location and rehabbed them so that I can wear them this summer. My before picture turned out too blurry, so all I have for you are the after pictures.

I used the discarded legs of the cords to make patches; one regular patch and two embroidered patches. I put the patch that covered the hole near the zipper (the one that showed everyone my undies) on the inside and zig-zagged the patch on. It turned out a little messy, but I don't think anyone will notice. Then I embroidered a couple of patches and sewed them onto the pants to make them less boring. I left the edges raw and washed them to make them fray a bit.

Frontside Patch and Other Patch

Backside Patch

Year after year I never think of cutting off my pants to make shorts. But when I can spend $0 on a new pair of shorts, I will cut off my pants.

Have you started altering clothes for the summer, or are you going to just buy new clothes?

Happy Monday! I hope you have a great day! ~Leslie

Have You Heard of Project Restyle?

2011-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I joined the Project Restyle challenge. The challenge actually started at the beginning of the year, but I decided to jump in now since I still have plenty of time to go this year.

Project ReStyle was started by Rachel Denbow and Elsie Flannigan. According to Rachel and Elsie, "Project Restyle is a just-for-fun creative group focused on ReStyling damaged, unwanted or unusable goods into fresh, beautiful pieces." I kind of do this already (especially since I still have not spent any money on sewing, crafting or thrifting), but I thought it would encourage me to rehab a bunch of clothing. Check it out for yourself. Click on the link above or on the sidebar.

~Leslie

Um ... For the Birds ... Sure, That Will Work :)

2011-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

The title is a little lame. My brain is not functioning even with the coffee I drank a couple of hours ago.

Friday came early this week and I am not sure what I accomplished. Ever have weeks like that? I did finish this little project. I saw a post on taking felt scraps and making a mobile or a window hanging. Since it is spring and the birds are chirping away I decided that birds were a better option.

The most time consuming part of this project was cutting everything out. I made a bird template and a circle template, and then cut each shape out of different colors of felt. Then I sewed the birds and circles into a string using a cream thread on the needle and a green thread in the bobbin. Next I threaded three strands of embroidery thread into the top bird and then I braided the strands together. I made six strings of birds each with a different amount of birds so there was not that much symmetry. There is always symmetry in my projects, but I tried to mix it up a bit. Hopefully my sister will let me hang them up in my nephew's room in front of the window or in front of the closet doors. You might remember the butterflies in the previous post...well, those will be for my niece's new big girl bedroom. Post to come later.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. What are you doing this weekend? Something fun I hope. ~Leslie

Birds, Butterflies And A Cat

2011-04-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I have had cats since before we got married, with the exception of a couple of breaks. Our first two cats lived with us until they were thirteen and sadly the last one past away last May. In July someone gave us a couple of kittens. Two weeks later the first kitten went missing and then three months later the other kitten ran out in front of my truck while I was pulling up to the house. It was horrible. We were really attached to that cat, and losing him was a little depressing. So I decided that I was done with cats. I wanted to wait until we lived on our ranch (a dream of mine) until we get any more cats.

About a month ago Hubby said he was ready for a new cat. I told him I wasn't ready yet. On Sunday night Hubby came home with a box that had a lid and openings for handles. I asked him what was in the box and he said it was a surprise...he said "Here kitty kitty." I didn't believe him. He said "Here kitty kitty" again, and I still didn't believe him. Then I saw the white nose poking out of the handle. "What the..." was my response. Hubby told me that this cat is "special." Not as in "eat the paste" special, but that he has been neglected special. Poor kitty. He was locked up in an apartment for a couple weeks without food or water.

(Sorry, there was a picture here, but I have no idea where it is now. Picture a cute orange and white cat with felt butterflies posed next to him on the couch.)

Let me introduce you to Maxwell: He is afraid of the light and being out in open spaces, he knows how to open cabinet doors, he is loud, he is a rub-down mooch, and he can spend 10 minutes in his litter box scratching. As of this morning we are on the fast track to moving him outside to be a partially outside cat. The litter box is starting to irritate me and when I picked him up this morning he "dribbled" on my sweater. Gross. He is an odd ball, but I like wierdo type animals.

Sorry I could not get a picture of him with his eyes open, so you get to see him while he is sleeping...one of his favorite past times. Since this is a crafty type blog I included the felt butterflies and birds to show that I am working on something.

Have a great day! ~Leslie

The "Pretty Things Happen In My Head" Skirt

2011-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

This skirt is a perfect example of something that looked soooo much better in my head than outside of my head. I wish Hubby could sew because every time we work on something together he has this amazing super hero power that can extract what I want something to look like out of my head. Unfortunately, he does not sew so I have to figure this out myself. When I finished the skirt I put it on and showed Hubby and he gave me a "yuck" look. He said the color was horrible and the skirt looked like it was from the seventies trying to make a comeback. Great...this one goes in the trash. I know some of you would say "Who cares what he thinks?" I care what he thinks because he has to look at me everyday. That is just how it is.

I based this skirt after the Flirting The Issue Skirt. I changed it up a bit my decreasing the amount fabric and I only sewed two elastic channels into the waist instead of four channels. The result is this stunning thing. I am not going to be completely self deprecating about my modeling picture, but I know it is horrible. This skirt is wrong for so many reasons, but the main reason is because I should not wear this style of skirt. I have a very short torso with practically no waist and long legs. I am only 5'3" so a skirt with a high waist makes me look even shorter than I am. This project is a bust. So I am moving on with my dignity in tact (even after the very embarrassing modeling picture) and I am going to try a different type of skirt - one with a waist and a zipper.

If you remember, this skirt was on my To-Do list. I am now finished with everything on the list except the Pine Derby Car. Sorry, the car is not going to happen anytime soon.

Other than the finishing the skirt last week, I took a day off work just to clear my head. These were some of the things I saw in my yard that afternoon.

My Dog - He likes to roll in the grass.

The strawberry plant that survived winter.

A surprise flower in the flowerbed.

Our weekend was fun: we hung out with our friends who were visiting from back east, went to a redneck Scottish games (Yes, it is everything you can imagine it to be), ate some great Thai food, and hung out with my fam including our new little nephew.

What did you do this weekend? Do you have any exciting projects planned this week?

I have been scarred by April Fool's Day

2011-04-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

When my parents were first married they had chickens, and when I was growing up they would tell my sister and I stories about their chickens. One story in particular that always gave us a good laugh was about Larry. Larry was the meanest rooster alive and he really enjoyed sneaking up behind people and spurring them. My mom hated that rooster with every fiber in her being. One day my dad arrived home from work and saw rakes, shovels, hoes, (whatever was in a tool shed that was probably his) lying in the yard. He walked over to the shed and saw my mom inside. I guess Larry had chased her into the shed. (I don't know how long she was in the shed, but I think it was for a couple of hours.) Larry then proceeded to alternate between pacing back and forth in front of the shed door and walking on the roof of the shed just to torment my mom. Every time I would hear these type of stories I would want chickens. So for a time...I think I may have been 7, 8, 9, 10, somewhere around those ages...I kept asking for chickens. I thought it would be fun to add to our little group of animals. One morning my dad said, "Leslie come look, there are chickens out here." I was so excited. I looked out the back door and there was nothing..."April Fool's!" I was disgusted, pissed and embarrassed...and then I mostly likely punched my dad in the stomach for being mean. Thanks for the memories Pops...You know what paybacks are like :) As you can see from the picture below, I finally have chickens.

Chickens in our front yard.

I will be back next week with new posts including another "kind-of" failed object. Sewing can be frustrating at times, but I am learning to take the bad with the good (I think that sounds more positive).

In the meantime, here are some things that I like.

Runny Yoke Skirt

Coral Battenburg Shorts

The Runny Yoke Skirt and Coral Battenburg Shorts would be nice to sew for summer. As you can see the yoke dips down in the front. I like how it is simple with a little bit of different detail. I am really wanting shorts for the summer. I have one pair of shorts and I think it is time to expand the wardrobe to at least two pairs of shorts.

Fabric Rack

Covered Button Tutorial

An easy covered button tutorial and a great way to display fabric.

Headband Tutorial

Terra Scintilla Bracelets

I love the colors of this headband...and the tutorial too. Great for the days when your hair is greasy, unmanageable or you had no desire to do it...just make sure you wash it every now and then. My mom has been making bracelets so I have been more aware of them lately. I like how these bracelets are a dichotomy of materials.

Meet Your Patch Skirt

Eyes of Mars Sandals

Patchwork skirt...yes please. In the look book Modcloth has this skirt styled over a one piece bathing suit. If I was one of the lucky ladies that can go to the pool during the summer days, then this would be my outfit. These sandals can easily be duplicated with a little faux flower action. I think I may experiment with a pair of sandals I already own. I like the idea of big poofy flowers hiding my long skinny toes.

Tie Onesie

Personal Masterpiece Earrings

My sister has a white onesie that I am going to add a tie to for Little Mister. Easy earrings to make...all you need is wood, something to make a hole, paint (or fabric, or paper, or whatever you want) and earring hooks.

I will be hanging out with friends from back east and the fam this weekend so the crafty projects will be on hold until next week. What are your plans for the weekend?

Have a great weekend! ~Leslie

I Have To Take A Blogging Break...Sorry :{

2011-03-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I am sorry, but I will be taking a little blogging break for about a week. Life is a little crazy and I need to clear up some things before I can continue writing new posts. Everyone needs to reevaluate their schedules and priorities at some point, and right now seems the best time for me. I will be checking emails and any comments. Thanks so much for your support! I will "see" you all soon.

Leslie

Little Mister is Here!

2011-03-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

I received a text at 6:07 am yesterday morning that my sister was going to have her baby any time. I live an hour away from the hospital, so I got ready and left the house as fast as I could, and hubby followed a little later. On my way my mom text me with a picture of my new nephew. My sister had a little boy and he is just about the cutest thing, but I am completely biased. Mama and Little Mister are doing very well.

Little Missy, Little Mister and Me

Hubby and Little Mister

A few weeks ago my sister asked me to help her get her house ready for the new kid. Sure, why not. She is a very organized individual and to have her ask me I felt like it was a compliment...(you have seen this right?) As she was going through some of the things in the nursery closet she came across the memory box that she has for her daughter. In the box was a cute pair of booties that I knitted for my niece. The bottom part of the bootie was knit with black yarn and the straps where knit with a rainbow yarn. I know it does not sound very baby like, but I don't do the normal baby color thing. The booties turned out super cute. Anyways, I told my sister that I probably will not knit Little Mister any booties, but he could wear Little Missy's booties. She then gave me this sentimental look and said "But those are Little Missy's." As any fantastic older sister (who was totally manipulated by her younger sister) would do...I knit Little Mister his own pair booties. (This was the first time that I have knitted anything in over two years because of this thing.) I chose a simpler pattern for Little Mister's booties, and they are turned out pretty cute. (I also made him a bib for when he is a little bigger. I used a pattern from Bend-the-Rules-Sewing.)

Booties on Little Mister

I love Little Mister!

Who Wants To Think About Landfills?

2011-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I recently kicked our trash service to the curb (pun intended). We did this to save a little more money a month and to take care of our own trash removal. The problem with canceling our trash service is that we have to figure out where we can recycle all of our plastic beyond the crv plastic. Sending everything to the landfill is a unsettling for me. There is one place in our little town to recycle everything, but...we just kicked them to the curb, and we do not want to hire this particular company again. Great, now what?

One of the items that we use A LOT are paper towels. Hubby is a paper towel addict. He admits it, so it is okay that I write it. He uses paper towels, wads them up, and leaves them everywhere. When his brother lived with us, Hubby would blame him. But then his brother moved out and the wadded up paper towels were still hanging around the house. No, I take that back, they were not hanging out, they were loitering...very rudely. I would love to stop using paper towels all together, but I have to figure out how to make it Hubby's idea (Hubby if you are reading this...I didn't mean it...yes I did).

So now that I tattled on Hubby, I will admit that I have a small problem with paper towels too (I write small because at least I throw them away). I have napkins on hand, but I don't like them very much. They are too big...they are just standard sized napkins, but I don't like napkins that big. All I need is a small cloth to wipe my fingertips and dab my mouth...you know like a proper lady. Who am I kidding? I am anything but a lady...my mom tried to make me into a lady, but I was a little too much of a tomboy. I made napkins from a deconstructed tablecloth I found at the thrift store for a $1. The tablecloth had a border sewn around the edges. The border became my napkins. The size of the napkins is a little odd (6 1/2" wide x 11 3/8" long) but they will work perfect for me. Now, I have to put them in a convenient spot so that I remember to use them.

What do you all do to help reduce the waste in the landfills?

Update on my no spending: I made it and I think I might continue. I still have to finish my To-Do list so I should be able to make it at least another week...well, at least another two days ;).

Happy Saturday!

2011-03-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am always ready for Saturday even when I don't want to be. I like to savor Saturdays. I usually wake up earlier than I do on the weekdays...but, I don't want to wake up early on Saturdays...Sleep, why do you leave me so early?!?!

I just want to tell you that I am here and I apologize for the crickets this week. You would think having an extra hour of daylight would help motivate me to get more accomplished, but I think it did the opposite. So, for now I will show you the views from my house. You now how I was bragging about the beautiful weather last weekend? Well, not so much this weekend. Perfect for lots of hot coffee and more painting.

Here you go: Views from my windows (ignore the boats, equipment, trailers in the distance...i live in a rural area a half mile from one of the town centers - yes, our town has more than one center). I don't really enjoy living like a hillbilly (because I am not) but I like that we live in an area where people can do what they want. I think it makes life a little more colorful and interesting.

You can't tell from this picture, but there are thousands of windmills on those hills.

No windmills on these hills, but the clouds are pretty low.

The chickens don't seem to mind the cloudy weather.

This weekend I will continue working on my To-Do list, painting and organizing my sewing area (it's not looking so gross anymore - Yay!)

What are you plans for the weekend? Can someone please send some warmth my way? Thanks!

A Little Bit Of Inspiration

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just after I started this blog...I am talking hours...I had a mini panic attack. The panic attack consisted of these particular thoughts: Is this was the right thing to do? How can I keep this going? What am I going to write about? Do I have time? Etc...Just a bunch of nonsensical fear that was trying to take me down. I got over myself and decided,"Yes, this is what I want to do." After all, this is just a journal of what I have made and then sharing my creations with all of you.

I have quickly found that I need inspiration where ever I can get it. I have been caring a journal around with me to jot down ideas and to collect pictures. Since coming up with ideas to share is fairly new to me I have found that when I look for inspiration I can quickly find some...I just have to keep my eyes open when I look. Wait...does that make sense? Okay, good. This week while reading various blogs and websites I found quite a few things that made me think "Ooh, I like that!" So, here you go...my inspiration for the week.

1. I love this color (that blue peeking out on the right)...and my bedroom is begging me to paint it this color. I have a sweater that is almost that color and I may have to use it as inspiration for my bedroom. I like the corrugated metal headboard, but I would be afraid that I would cut my hand on it while cleaning it. Silly, right? Yes, but I would totally cut my hand on this headboard. Maybe an old metal headboard painted silver would work better for me. I like the contrast of materials and colors.

Courtesy of HGTV

2. Pillows...just to add to the pillow drama. These pillows are from sukanart. This is the perfect yellow pillow for my living room instead of the bright yellow creation. The birds! I love the little birds all over the pillow. It is a fun and happy pillow. The other night I walked outside and a covey of quail was flying into the tree in front of our house. I have missed the quail. This pillow makes me think of them.

Yellow Linen Pillow Cover

White Linen Pillow Cover

3. Flowered wall paper...Yes! I think this would be great in a little sewing room. This room is fantastic...light, airy, and covered in flowers.

Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

4. Thread Art. This is cool and it looks easy to do. I could be my nerdy self and make colorful geometric shapes to hang on the wall.

Thread Art

5. The design of these prints from the Rifle Paper Co. I love the colors and the shapes. I really like the cowboy. Hubby's Grandma mentioned to him once that he should have been a cowboy. I would be fine with that...hat, wranglers, boots and a horse...Yes please.

Botanical Notes & Calling Cards

Citrus Print

Cowboy Print

Assorted Insects

What has inspired you? The beautiful sunrises? People taking care of one another? Funny birds that scare the poop out of you when you walk out the door?

Spring Time Flowers

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday All! I hope your weekend was great. Mine was filled with painting, touching up, painting, touching up...and I am still not done. A 400 square foot plus living room is a big room to paint, but it is looking really nice. As soon as I am done and the art is back on the walls, I will post some pictures. (I still owe you one about the curtains).

Yesterday was absolutely beautiful here in my little world. Sunny and 57°F. Normally I love winter...the snow, the cold, hot coffee, soup, jackets, wool socks...I love it all. I take that back...I absolutely loathe cold sheets. The rest is the best (in a Nacho voice). We have been teased with some nice spring time weather, and I think I am finally ready for warmth. I actually wore a skirt and flats sans tights to church. Just my blinding white legs that were soaking up as much sun as they could. I noticed the trees next door to us have started blooming which means springs is almost here and it will be a welcomed whole heartedly. This winter has been long. It feels like relief is on the way.

My SIL's birthday is this weekend so from my To-Do list I made her crochet flower bookmarks and a pair of button earrings.

My SIL has an English degree (with a focus in literature...I think), so she likes the books. All kinds of books. These bookmarks will be perfect for her. They were easy to make as soon as I figured out how to crochet them correctly. I took me about 3 hours figure out what I was doing, but then after I got the hang of it. You can find Julie's tutorial here. For a tiny bit of flare, I added beads to each of the petals. I knotted the ends of the strings so they will not slide out of books, and I made them at three different lengths for various sizes of books.

The button earrings (I should have put something in the picture to reference the button dimension, but they are about 1/2" in diameter) were super simple to make. You can find Alli's tutorial here. I threaded the button with embroidery thread and hot-glued the earring post to the back. I think they turned out pretty cute.

I stuck to my no spending on sewing and crafting this weekend. Yay me! All of the supplies I used to make these gifts I had on hand. The crochet flowers cost me pennies because the yarn was so cheap at the thrift store. The earrings actually cost me a ton more... a whole $0.60 (including the hot glue). A cute, easy gift for under a $1. You can do this too!

What did you do this weekend? Any fun adventures? Did you get to enjoy warm sunny weather?

Need BIG Creativity On A small Budget

2011-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I decided to take a little spending hiatus. Since hubby and I are on a budget we only allow ourselves $10 a week each for clothes and extra money. So I have to really budget for clothes, thrifting, craft and fabric shopping, and gifts. I am hoping that the hiatus will help me focus on using what I have and be creative with my sewing and crafting. I don't know how long this hiatus will last, but I am trying to get through at least another week and two days, with out spending anything on sewing and crafting. This sounds kind of lame and stupid...it is only two weeks of no craft spending...come on Leslie. But, it is a long time especially since I want to run out and buy stuff now (more elastic and more earring posts). After the hiatus, I am going to reevaluate how I spend money on sewing and crafting.

So I have compiled a To Do List for this next week.

1. Birthday present - Button Earrings, and either Crocheted Flower Bookmarks or a Contortionist Cuff (thanks to all of the ladies who posted tutorials on their sites for these little goodies).

Courtesy of one pearl button

Courtesy of the adventures of bluegirlxo

Courtesy of kootoyoo...

2. Birthday present - Similar Pine Derby Car

Courtesy of Derby Talk

3. Baby Present - Can't reveal that one yet since the mother reads this occasionally. Here are a couple of hints:

4. New napkins for me - Possible fabric:

5. Rust Colored Skirt - I woke up yesterday morning with a picture of this colored skirt. I would like to use the plaid as the elastic casing so it looks like it has a belt. I have no idea if this work, but it can't hurt to try.

Okay budgeters, what do you do to stretch your cash? Do you trade, barter, sell your goods to buy new supplies?

Hope Chest Pillow Case Designs of Grace and Charm

2011-03-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Vogart Transfer Patterns

Aunt Martha's Butterflies For Linens

The day I went to breakfast for my Grandma's birthday (this sounds familiar hugh?), my mom handed me a bag and said, "I thought you might like these." Ok, thanks. I did not have a chance to look at anything in the bag until a little later...a few hours later after a Target run and a fabric store run. I finally arrived home, let the chickens out (chickens don't like being cooped up until 11:15am...oops) and then went back into the house to look at my shopping goodies and what my mom had given me. She gave me eight embroidery patterns, crochet hooks and a book on how to make an afghan. Awesome. I have been wanting to try all of these. I can crochet some, but I normally prefer to knit. I inspected the embroidery packages a little more and noticed there were price tags of $0.15 and $0.19. I called my mom and asked about the patterns. I guess the patterns were my Grandma's (my mom's mom...the birthday breakfast was for my dad's mom) and she gave them to my mom a long time ago. I did a little bit of research and found that the Vogart patterns were produced in the 40's and 50's, but I could not find much about Aunt Martha's. I may have to ask my Grandma about them some day. I am excited about using the patterns...well, copying them and then using them. I will keep the main pattern in tact. Here are some of the patterns with their given titles (I did not make these up):

Beautiful Designs For Towels Or Pillow Cases

Graceful Motifs For Your Best Pillow Cases


A Handsome "Petit Point" Pattern

Vogart Hope Chest Designs

The titles of each package are very prim and proper. My favorite patterns out of the group are the cat and parrot and the butterflies. That cat and parrot pattern is a little quirky and would look fun on tea towels. Did you notice the title "Hope Chest Pillow Case Designs of Grace and Charm?" I think it is goofy and great at the same time.

This clock (well, not this exact clock) will be my first embroidery project. Have you seen the book Sew Liberated by Meg McElwee? I really have enjoyed looking through this book and there are quite a few projects in the book that I want to make. One in particular is the "Creatively Passing The Time Wall Clock." I love the details of the owl, the bird, the flowers, the tree, the leaves...all of it actually. The moment I saw the picture, I knew that I was going to make this clock. Now that I have my vintage embroidery patterns, I am definitely going to incorporate the butterflies or the cat and the parrot into the clock pattern.

What about you all? Do you embroider? Do you embroider from a pattern or freehand? Any advice on what I should or should not do?

My First Skirt...That Actually Turned Out...Woot!

2011-03-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

After my Grandma's birthday breakfast I stopped by a fabric store to grab a few items. I perused the sale table and found this paisley fabric for $2.38/yard and there were almost three yards in the piece. As I was looking at the piece I had a skirt in mind that I have been wanting to sew. When I was paying for everything the lady at the register asked if I was going to make pajama bottoms. I told her I was thinking about sewing a skirt, but maybe I will make a pair of shorts. That's a good idea lady at the register...Thanks!

Sidenote: my sister has left one comment on this blog, but she prefers to tell me her comments in person or text me. She told me that the tropical pillow case was gross. Dear sister, will this fabric be better for the shorts?

I decided to use Anna Maria Horner's pattern Flirting The Issue Skirt with this fabric. It is girly, it is fun and it is definitely flirty. The skirt turned out pretty well, but it is a little scandalous. It is a little short and a little full. I live in one of the windiest places in the nation (as evidenced by the thousands upon thousands of wind turbines that I can see from my living room window), and a full, short skirt in this region can create a humiliating moment for a modest person (maybe I should plan on wear cute undies the days I wear this skirt - just in case). So, even though it is cute and it fits, it will have to be a house skirt or a Saturday morning yard sale skirt.

Now, I am a little shy about posing for the camera, so when I can figure out what to wear with this skirt (my two white shirts have coffee stains on them) and I can get someone to take my picture without me feeling super self conscience, then I will post a picture. But until then, here is my Flirting The Issue Skirt.

Have you had any funny wardrobe malfunctions?

P.S. - I made some headway on my sewing area. Whenever I can get it looking spiffy, I will post another picture. On Friday night my sister texts me "U need me 2 organize your room. That's disgusting." Sister please come help organize my room somewhere between waddling around because your 9 months pregnant or when you have a little guy strapped to you 24/7. Anytime between then and then will work.

Do You Think I Need To Clean Up?

2011-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

It is finally Friday and I have painting to do and fabric shopping I want to do. This week was a little long and I am glad the weekend is here. I am going to leave you on this Friday with a picture of where the "Sewing Magic" happens in my house.

This is embarrassing. If you dropped by my house you would not see this room...Disaster with a capital D. You would only see the clean areas of the house. (But let me know if you are dropping by so that I have some clean areas for you to see...Thanks!) As you can see, the lighting sitch is quite fabulous...a bare bulb on the sewing table and a tiny lamp on the ironing board. My cutting table is obviously covered. The bulletin boards are sitting on the table instead of hanging on the wall. The baskets in the corner are holding scraps of fabric...I hoard scraps. Luckily you can't see to the left on the rug because there is a ginormous pile of stuff to take to the thrift store, a pile of clothes that need to be mended, and fabric from the thrift store. I hope the piles don't converge...that would be sad. Also, I don't think I have vacuumed the room in a while. You would not believe the amount of thread all over the floor. Mom if your reading this, I know you are shaking your head and thinking that you taught me better...You lost control of my messes a long time ago and I bet you are very thankful that I don't live with you any more. Maybe, oh maybe I will get this cleaned up this weekend. The chances are pretty slim.

Have a wonderful weekend! If it is cold where you are, then stay inside with a hot cup of coffee and sew. If it is warm (I would still stay in and sew), then get out and enjoy the sun.

Cousin Pillows

2011-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

My sofas need new pillows. My current pillows have drool rings on them. I will not tell on the person who drooled all over my pillows...(it might be me)...because that would be mean and embarrassing. Besides the drool, the colors of the pillows are no longer working in my living room. This past weekend I painted the living room and hung curtains. (Do you see those curtains in the background? I will save those for another post.) With the new changes, the pillows are lookin' a little sad. One night before Christmas, Hubby and I went to dinner at my BIL and my new SIL's place. They live in a studio apartment on a beautiful farm. They are newlyweds so this place is their first home, and my SIL has decorated it so cute and cozy for the two of them. I noticed that my SIL made a pillow out of a particular yellow fabric...the exact fabric that I bought at the thrift store about a month prior. Turns out that she bought a panel of the same fabric...from what we can tell they must have been a pair of curtains. I tried to fashion the panel into a shower curtain and a coverlet, but neither option worked. Guess what...the fabric became a pillow. You saw that coming, didn't you? And I have enough of the fabric to make a few more of these suckers. I am not sure how my SIL made her pillow, but I decided to make a simple envelope pillow cover for mine. I guess our pillows are cousins.

I made the pillow cover into an envelope so that ~~when I drool on the new pillow cover while I am taking a nap~~ when I want to change out the bright yellow it will be easy to switch covers.

The envelope was simple to make, but the fabric was not that simple to maneuver. It has a bit too much stretch, and the upper envelope flap is gaping open a little. But you of course cannot tell because I am not going to show you that picture. I probably should not have told on myself.

I thought about embellishing the pillow, but after seeing the pictures, I think it has enough razzle dazzle.

The jury is still out on the size of the pillow. It's a biggin' at 19 inches square. I personally think this size is a bit large for my sofa. Plus, the pillow is down...I am not a fan of down pillows. I have a few smaller pillows that might work better than the "Hello, pick me, pick me," pillow. Pillow drama...

To be continued...

What have you all done to embellish pillows? Yo yo's, applique, embroider around a drool ring?

You Say It's Your Birthday...

2011-03-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my Grandma's birthday. (I wonder if she would appreciate the Beatles singing this song to her. Probably not. I don't think she would like us to sing the regular Happy Birthday song her, let alone one by the Beatles.) On Sunday, my Parents, Sis, Niece, and Grandpa and I celebrated her birthday at breakfast. Hubby and BIL were in class so they missed out on the Breakfast Quesadilla. Sounds good right? It was. Hubby, the quesadilla connoisseur, recommended it and it was tasty.

My Grandma is a great gift giver, so good in fact, that even on her off years she is a thousand times better at picking out gifts than I ever will be. I never know what sort of gift to give her...but she always likes what we give. To her it is the thought that counts and a gift is a symbol of love. So, I made her some coasters. Nothing big, just a little token to say "We Love You Grandma and Happy Birthday from both of us."

I used Amy Karol's coaster tutorial from her book Bend-The-Rules Sewing. This book is great. If you don't own it, you should. It is fun, informative and easy to follow. The coasters were easy to make and only took me about 45 minutes (that might seem long, but it flew by) to cut 8 squares of fabric and 4 squares of interfacing, wind a new bobbin, sew, turn inside out, press, and top-stitch. I used a different fabric on the back of each of the coasters that coordinates with the top fabric.

These coasters would be great as a hostess gift, thank you gift, or a just because gift. Make a ton and have them on hand to use or give away.

I have not personally ever given a hostess gift, but I may have to change that. These coasters are way too easy and inexpensive. Does anyone else take a little gift to the hostess when you are invited to dinner? If you do, what sort of gift do you take?