I am not a sweat shop, or atleast that's what I keep telling myself.....

I'm in that rut again. The one where I don't want to sew because it feels like work. Now this isn't anyones fault but my own. I'm the one who feels like she has to make homemade gifts for EVERYONE and not just one simple gift but many, many gifts. I'm the one who looks at a very nice baby blanket and goes "Well, it's not very much. I should make a softee and some burp rags and a bib to go with it". And low and behold, that is when I burn myself out.

BUT I have decided to change my ways.

This lovely blanket is all my cousin and his wife are going to get for their new baby. It's a perfectly nice gift especially since I haven't seen or talked to my cousin in god knows how long. Really, I'm sitting here and I can't remember the last time I even saw him. Yet this blanket will be able to convey my well wishes for their new little one and I'm pretty darn sure that when they open it no one is going to say "Well, it's nice and all but she really should have made some burp rags and a bib to go with it". And if they do, I don't want to know about it!

Construction wise I used 100% cotton fabric with some fake "minkee" that I bought for $9 a yard. I think it's just as good as the real stuff but then again I haven't ever gathered up enough courage to pay $17 a yard. This is the second blanket I've made with the fake stuff and this time I used my walking foot. OH MY GOODNESS, it made a heck of a difference. Nothing shifted or came out wonky and my top stitching turned out so pretty I wanted to cry. Rachel was right, having the right tools makes all the difference. (And thanks to Lori for having the guts to ask what was the difference between a Quilting Foot and a Walking Foot because when you're dumb like me you'll buy the Quilting foot thinking it's the former and be completely confused about why everyone is recommending it. )


This is just an extraneous picture of my porch with it's new railing. It's sooo pretty. I can't wait until it's painted.

Oh, last but not least, check out my sister-in-laws brand new blog...With Vanilla and Honey.
It's fun to read and will definitely make you hungry!
Can you tell she's a Culinary Student at the Culinary Institute of America?

I'm supposed to be working on costumes???

Because I've been way too busy working on Halloween themed clothes for the kids.

And due to my crappy photo taking, you can't really tell but the fabric for her skirt is an awesome 30's/ 40's reproduction of witches, cauldrons and black cats. She's been wearing it every chance she gets. It was originally supposed to be a jumper but low and behold, you need to buy a lot of fabric when the pattern is directional. Gee, who knew.

For the little man, I made some bat pants from some fabric I bought on super sale last year. For my first try at pants I think they turned out pretty well even if they look a little MC Hammerish. Next time I'll just trace off a current pair of pants rather than following the pattern.
Okay, so I am working on Maisy's costume. If you can't tell, she is going to be a witch. Luckily my mom spotted this jumper/ shirt combo that works perfectly as little witch costume.
I just find it really funny that it's actually supposed to be "high" fashion.

A message from the Crafty Gods....

Dear Michelle,

We just wanted to remind you of a few simple rules that we truly believe you should follow.

1. Read the directions first! We know that making you cut out 6 left pant legs may be a little excessive but really, if you had just looked at the directions on the pattern then you wouldn't have had to learn this important lesson.

2. Don't begin your projects after 10pm. It's just a bad idea. You're tired and not paying attention. We made you run out of white thread for a reason. So no more late night sewing!

3. Um, we're not sure how to say this but goodness sakes girl, it really is time to clean your craft room. You can't find anything, there's no room and it's all painfully unorganized. We promise that projects will be easier and go much more smoothly once you de-clutter your space.

4. Also, come on, you know you have to iron your fabric before you sew. I mean, we're really happy you finally started washing things first but now just take it that extra step and iron it. Seriously, crafting is not the time to be lazy.

5. Lastly, and it's sort of a moot point but quit sewing when you're hot. Dang girl, nobody wants a gift that you sweated all over (literally). You know, if you cleaned then you could fit a fan in your room, just saying.



Now don't get us wrong, we are awful proud of how far you've come over this past year. Why it seems like just yesterday that you dusted off the sewing machine and got to work for the first time. Just keep it up, follow our simple rules and we'll try to keep our lessons to a minimum.



Sincerely,

The Crafty Gods - Kansas Division





Ps. We really liked this cloth grocery sack you made for your lovely friend Deborah.

Good job following the tutorial.

It's official, I'm 31.

You know, I was going to bitch and complain a little about getting older and all that hoo ha. But after celebrating my birthday with lots of my favorite people this past week (and Lori tomorrow) and having a wonderful dinner with my family all I can really say is that I'm blessed. I'm really lucky to have good friends who care enough to celebrate my birthday in real life and virtually. I'm lucky that they call from across the country to sing to me and send me good wishes. I'm lucky that they get me gift certificates to the local fabric store because they know I'll love it. Or give me one of their favorite books that helped to shape their own life. I'm lucky that my daughter made me cupcakes all by herself (they were delicious by the way) and that my son sang me his version of Happy Birthday (it was beautiful). I'm lucky to have a husband who buys me cool chickens and in-laws who are so generous. I'm also lucky to have parents who live close, are waaaaay too nice to me and somehow managed to forgive me for my teenage years.

And reading this, I realize it sounds like bragging or gloating over the material possessions I received which is not what I want to do. I just want to say whole heartedly to all my loved ones Thank You! Not for all the kind and thoughtful gifts but for being a part of my life. I really am the lucky one because I have all of you in my world.


But next time I swear, there'll be lots of bitching about gray hairs, ankle fat and being too tired to craft.