Life and the whirling dervish

So yeah, still here.
In a kinda sorta way.

Things have been busy and so I don't bore you to tears, I'll keep the update short.

My girl turned 7! That in itself should be it's own post but since it happened about a month ago..... Miss Maisy is an official Big Girl with Pierced Ears. She's been so tickled pink with them that we even had to cut her hair short so that people could see them better.

I could talk for days about how I can't believe she's 7 and how terrifying it is that in just a short amount of time, she's going to be off and starting her own life. In so many ways I am so proud of her and the person she is becoming....I just hope that when she gets older she remembers that she "always wants me around. Everyday! and no trips!" (even though I haven't been on a trip in 2 plus years :)

And a week before the girl turned 7, the little dude turned 3 1/2! Jeeze louise, these kids are growing!

Other than the kids:

- I have a new job at work that is keeping me EXTRA busy with very little time for sewing or other things I enjoy.

- I discovered my sewing weakness....clothing patterns for me. Yes, I failed at my pattern a month plan because I really really really hate sewing clothes for myself. I am not a tiny petite flower and anytime I make something it requires a great deal of fabric. Sadly, I'm not confident enough in my skills to crap away all the time, money and fabric on something that only might turn out wearable.

-Going through a bunch of my Grandmother's things, I found a box of applique pieces already cut out. Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure how they go together and she passed away 17 years ago so I can't ask. That will probably be another post :)

- Things I want/ need to work on: Finish birthday present for my Sister in Law (it's going to be AWESOME), a scarf for one of my very best friend's soon to be wife, an apron for another sister in law, a sandwich holder for Amy, and Christmas quilts for the kids.

Geesh, I need to get working!!!

So what are you guys up to?

Are you still even there?

I'm probably too excited about this but...who cares!!

Because I made yarn hair!!!
Woo Hoo!
And it doesn't suck!
Double woo hoo!!

So if you are interested in dolls and yarn hair, go check out this tutorial. It was super easy and took the mystery out of it! yay!!!

Betcha' thought I forgot....

Nope! Didn't forget my February project, I was just out of town. Ha HA!

Okay, so February's Pattern was The Swing Bag by Amy Butler



Personal Review: Woo hoo

I like this bag. A lot. It's just about the perfect size and the handles fit just right. I do wish I had gone with my gut instinct and put in pockets. I hate having to dig for my cell phone every time and I really don't care about having a reversible purse.
Quickly finding cell phone... yes!
Turning my used bag inside out so people can see the cruddy inside...nooo.

Now if I could go back in time and put the pockets in I would also use the red polka dot fabric for the lining. Instead I was being cheap and only had a fat 1/8 of polka dot fabric so I used muslin. Normally that wouldn't matter so much but you can see inside the bag much more than a "regular" purse so it feels like it's really obvious.

What about the big bow? Well, I was also cheap when it came time to make that cute fabric bow. After I made the bag I was planning on buying more polka dot fabric for the bow but once I realized that it required 1 and 1/4 yards of fabric (!!!!) I decided that a little yo-yo was just as cute and significantly more economical.


Pattern Review: good
This was a fairly easy bag to sew. The directions weren't too difficult (or I've just learned to read AB's directions 4 to 5 times before I start to a project) and the end result is a very polished look.
What I could live with out are the gimmics. No need to be reversible- I'd prefer pockets. No giant bows - I'd rather spend $12 on something much more fun. And for the love of pete, just call the inside of the dang bag the lining and not the reversible side!! If it's truly reversible, THEY ARE BOTH THE REVERSABLE SIDE!!

All in all, I like it and will make this bag again. It really would lend itself to being patch worked and quilted quite nicely...which is probably what I'll do next. So hurrah! An Amy Butler Pattern I don't hate! Let's hope my luck holds out.....I've got a bunch more of them to sew.


The March Pattern is Simplicity 4111 by Built by Wendy

I'm really not so hot when it comes to clothes but I've had the fabric for this shirt for almost 2 years now. It's officially time to take the plunge. So cross your fingers that my pattern luck holds out!

So what are you working on??

lots of sewing all rolled into one

Man, oh man, there has been lots of sewing going on around here...

A Saturday spent bringing to life Maisy's creations - Totro and Heartgirl. A little sewing and liberal amounts of fabric glue = one happy girl.

This is my very first wall quilt. It's a simple, deconstructed version of the Color Wheel quilt by the gal at the Purl bee. It's simple but I like it and it does the job it was created for... covering a stupid hole in the wall.

These last two were a little bit of an obsession. I saw this link on Whip up and then HAD to make the tea pots that night!! I was so proud of myself for successfully piecing these and that they turned out cute. Also I managed to figure out (with my own brain!) how to make a pattern that worked for the matching tea cup and saucer.

Now... what do I do with them??

Thank goodness for deadlines

I did it!
I actually used my January Pattern.
Woo Hoo!

Okay here goes, first you should know that I'm one of those gals that clearly needs a plan or I'll just ramble on and on and on (gee, bet you had never noticed that). So from here on out whenever I'm talking about the monthly pattern project I'm going to put it into two categories - 1) Reviewing my own work and 2) Reviewing the pattern.

Alright, January 2009's pattern was Vintage Potluck by Favorite Things


Personal Review: I give it a Cute.

First things first, out of all the options, I only made the pot holder and a matching tea towel. This was because I was under a time constraint but also because I didn't want to make the apron (we'll talk about why later). For the fabrics I used, I chose to make it with an actual tea towel cut down to size and some vintage reproduction fabric. I also used the left over tea towel fabric as the inside of the pot holder because I didn't want to waste it.

The one thing that I wish I had done is use the yellow bias tape on the towel too. The matching bias tape would have made is look much nicer and a little less "home made". All in all, I think it turned out cute (my friend liked it) and I'll probably make this again. It's a nice quick gift that does look sweet when finished.

Pattern Review: I give it a Meh.

Basically this was one of those patterns that you get and then realize you didn't actually need the pattern. I mean, the wavy-ness of it is super cool and I probably couldn't have created as nice of results on my own. But the whole construction stuff was pretty simple. The one big outright complaint that I have is that there were not enough pictures. I need lots and lots of pictures in my patterns (and tutorials). Right when you think you may have crossed the line and become insulting with your use of pictures/ diagrams...well, that's were I'm happiest. I need the pictures for the "ah ha!" moment where it all falls together in my mind and I see how it all works. Otherwise I will simply curse your good name, get frustrated and possibly quit.

The other thing I didn't like was that there were no pattern pieces for the apron except for the bottom scalloped edge. They just gave the measurements of the fabrics to cut. I know, I know, it's not cost effective to create patterns for large rectangles but... and this is simply a personal issue but if I just paid $12 for your pattern, I should get all the pattern pieces.

I feel like this is a very simple beginner type pattern but since the directions weren't really easy to understand, I wouldn't recommend this to a first time sewer. But anyone with any experience sewing wouldn't really need the pattern so I wouldn't recommend it for them either.

Okay, this pattern reviewing thing is hard! I'm totally the kind of person who prefers to only say really, really nice things especially about small companies that are making a business for themselves. But I've also got to be honest so here it is.

February 2009's pattern is going to be The Swing Bag by Amy Butler.

Now it's your turn to dish! What have you been working on??

Christmas Re-Cap - take 2.

Okay, all previous bitching about the husband who screwed up my plans is now null & void. Especially since he was nice enough to help me! So here we go, round two of attempting to show of stuff I gave people for Christmas:

The first is a tree skirt I made for my mother-in-law. About a year ago, she gave me a whole bunch of her old fabric & patterns (argahhh!). In the boxes, we found some fabric that had been her mother's. Some of it had all ready been cut out in the shape of a tree skirt. So I just finished up that project.

I used that nifty printable fabric & made "gifts" with every one's names on them. Then I stitched them & a ribbon on using a zig zag stitch. I wanted to line & quilt it but then I realized it would be really hard to make any additions or changes to the family so I just trimmed the whole thing with bias tape & voila!
Another project that I'm pretty happy with is Arlo's Robot backpack!! This was made without a pattern, people!!!! Seriously, just stuff in my brain came up with this and it actually turned out cute!!
I also lined it & put in a magnetic snap!

Miss Bitty Baby got a last minute, Christmas Eve made present of a mattress, pillow & blanket. All I can say is thankgoodness I had some vintage reproduction hankies laying around that were the perfect size! And yes, Mrs. Claus actually got all the credit because she's the one who does all the sewing for Santa -- "not you, momma".

And here is Arlo's scrap quilt. A simple nine -patch that I just adore. It's sashed with flannel so it's extra cozy. The boy seemed pretty happy with it, his exact words were "alright! A blanket!".

All in all, I think Christmas went pretty darn well. I like making both of the kids quilts and probably will for the rest of their lives.To the naysayers that say "yeah, that's just what a 16 yr old wants for Christmas"...well, that just inspires me to make some freakin' awesome quilts that 16 yr olds WILL like! Ha!

So...what would be a freaking awesome quilt?
Personally, I'm trying to figure out how to re-create the Millennium Falcon.
What about you?

Project 2009 - Patterns, Patterns, Patterns!!!

Okay, so here's my dirty little secret... I like to buy patterns. I buy them on sale, with gift certificates and occasionally, if I just have to have it, full price. As dirty little secrets go, you're thinking "oh, that's not too bad", well, here's the bad part- I've never actually used any of these patterns. I collect them like trading cards. Things to simply look at and admire but not to really use and that's just darn wasteful.



For 2009 I have decided to end my wasteful ways! Each month I am going to make something from one of my 12 patterns (and yes, i have waaay more than 12 unused patterns but I'm just going to give myself a break and only tackle 12). I'm also, in the spirit of ending wasteful ways, going to attempt to use most of my fabric stash in this endeavor. Wish me luck! Here are the patterns in no particular order....

1. Vintage Potluck by Favorite Things 2. Simplicity 4111 by Built by Wendy

3. Simplicity 2921 by Funky Friends Factory 4. Midwest Mod Pillows by Amy Butler

5. The Swing Bag by Amy Butler 6. Madison Bag by Amy Butler

(um, yeah, can you tell someone went a little nutty over the Amy Butler Patterns?)

7. Nappy Bag by Amy Butler (ahem) 8. Granny Squares Quilt Pattern by Barbara Brandebury

9. Little Smarty Pants by Favorite Little Things 10. Dolly Dress- Up by Indygo Junction

11. Spot and Barney by Cotton Ginnys 12. Sister Smocks by Indygo Junction

13. Little Hip Skirts by Favorite Little Things

And yes, I know that I have 13 patterns listed but that's because The Dolly Dress - Up and Sister Smocks kind of go together & I'll probably make them for Maisy's birthday or Christmas depending on how smoothly things go.

January 2009's Pattern is:

Vintage Potluck by Favorite Things

So anyone else have some patterns they need to work on??

Any one else have this pattern & want to make it?

You can tell me, I promise not to laugh.

Or look at you in shock & disbelief like, um, someone I might know.

2008 in pictures or just call me unoriginal

So last night was a total bust. I attempted to upload pictures of christmas projects and Arlo's quilt to no avail. Actually, I'm quiet calm about it now but dang, if you had talked to me last night...you would have gotten an ear full without a child safe word in the bunch. But today is a new day and I'm not going to let the trials of blogging get me down. Today you will get some of my favorite pictures taken by Matt in 2008. Somedays it's good to be married to a photographer and well, when it's late at night & you're trying to figure out the new photo editing software because somebody got rid of the one you actually knew how to use, it's not so hot.


But today I am grateful because I have these:

I call this one "Life with a Photographer"

Too much sass for one child.

This is her "nice" pose.

A perplexing gift.

Watching Santa be rescued from the top of Weavers.

Yay, that gross carpet is no longer in my house!

For all of this and more, I am eternally and completely grateful.

Yep, this is pretty much how I feel.

So I've been meaning to write something here for...well, for a really long time. But you know, stuff happens and you fall asleep at 8pm.

But there will be new and exciting posts about all the stuff I made for christmas, my adventures in writing for a magazine and my very LARGE goal for next year (it's big. I got a "oooh" out of Lori when I told her).

Here's to a creative 2009.

I should be sewing and other titles...

Why yes, I have been working on something(s) while I've been neglecting this blog.
One was Arlo's birthday blanket/ quilt made from different colored bandannas and some train fabric that he chose all by himself. It made his crafty momma proud when he opened his gift and said "It's my train fabric that I picked out at the fabric store". yep, I start 'em young. Pictures of that quilt will come later because he's currently sleeping under it.

The second project was Maisy's christmas quilt. It's a scrap quilt in a semi-log cabin design. The picture is terrible but I thought better terrible than nothing. Also I had a planned on editing it but we have a newish computer that doesn't have the photo software that I know how to use. Hence, the alternate title "It's too damn late to be messing with photoshop".

(it looks waaaay better in person)

The third project is Arlo's christmas quilt. It too is a scrap quilt but in a nine patchish pattern. Right now it's in the beginning stages but I do have all the blocks sewn together and two of the rows sorta done so I'm pretty happy.


In other news, Facebook is depressing the hell out of me (also another potential title) There's just something about seeing everyone else's freakin' awesome lives (or so they seem) to make a girl a little down. Some days I question whether or not I should have stayed in the same town for going on 14 years now. I haven't been a lot of places or done all that many exciting things but if I hadn't stayed here well... I wouldn't have Maisy and Arlo which is more than a fair trade anyday. I just have to start planning my adventures for later in life and with some extra people.

Here's to doing more in life, being grateful for what I do have and actually changing instead of just bitching.

ps. Yes, those are my new floors in my living & dining room. I'm a lot in love.

I Love this Kid.

Happy Birthday, little man! I can't believe that you're a whole 3 years old.
You keep me laughing and smiling daily with your crazy antics and observations of the world.
I'm so glad that I'm your momma.

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me...

So I'm 32 today.
I figured since I do all my resolutions on my birthdays instead of New Years, I'd take inspiration from Angelina's post about Lists and write up mine.

So here goes, 32 things to do before I turn 33.

1) Be a better mother (This is always first and foremost)
2) Attempt to post more often. Once every couple of months just isn't cutting it.
3) Finish Maisy's scrap quilt
4) Finish Arlo's scrap quilt
5) Start Arlo's bandanna blanket
6) Finally work on Amy's Ugly Elvis Quilt
7) De-clutter my house
8) Visit Tucson again
9) Not buy any new fabric until I use what I have
10) Lose more weight (yeah, yeah, I know I say that every year. There's a lot to lose)
11) Get another tattoo
12) Learn how to knit (though I'm not sure I need another hobby)
13) Make more of my own clothes
14) Find some new good books to read
15) Start using the library more
16) Make a project wall (or whatever it is you call the thing you hang your quilt squares on)
17) Make more stuff with the kids
18) Keep going to the gym 3 mornings a week
19) Tell my friends how much I love and appreciate them more often.
20) Be Thankful for what I do have everyday
21) Get a bike
22) Start riding said bike to work
23) Tell my kids how much I love and appreciate them more often
24) Buy more grown up shoes (flip flops probably aren't the best "professional shoe" choice)
25) Cook more
26) Learn how to make really good cinnamon rolls
27) Plan Arlo's Thomas Birthday party (totally his choice)
28) Talk Maisy down from her birthday party plans (seriously, the girl has the invitations already made and her birthday isn't for 7 months!)
29) Make our halloween costumes (and find a non-slutty queen of hearts costume. It's harder than you'd think!)
30) Go camping with the kids
31) Write more thank you notes
32) Laugh & smile more

Whew.
That's a lot of stuff.
Thank goodness I've got a whole year.

What are your goals?

Ack, I can't think of a good title that doesn't talk about being gone so long.

Well, even though I've been gone I have been making things...

Paper piecing is actually a new favorite of mine. I got this pattern out of the summer Better Homes and Garden Quilt Magazine. Eventually they will be made into coasters or hot pads. I just love how easy they are to make & to bring along on trips and such. I kept all the stuff I needed in a ziplock bag and just grabbed one out when I had a moment. It was awesome. I totally want to make a whole quilt some day with these hexagon flowers . Somehow the magnitude of the project isn't daunting but makes it more appealing. To work on something that would truly be an heirloom quilt sounds just about perfect right now.


I've also been sucked into the addictive world of doll clothes. This cute outfit was made for Lori's daughter's Kit doll. It was a quick project made with a fat quarter and scraps. The added bonus was that I now understand how sleeves go on shirts without having to make a grown up one & potentially waste all that fabric. So see why it's addictive? It's fast, easy and teachers you clothing construction and if you add in the fact that I have a TON of fat quarters...well, Maisy is totally getting a bunch of clothes for her doll this Christmas!

Okay, that's it for now.
I don't want to over do it.
Though now that some of my free time has opened up, I should be posting a lot more.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

A little of this and that

This is new music that I've been loving!
By She & Him







And that is my little dude wearing a shirt that I embroidered.
It's a sweet hedgehog from Sublime Stitiching.

Still here...

Just busy with important things like:

Eating donuts with juggles on (not a spelling error, that's what they call them),

Riding bikes while wearing a fancy dress,

and hanging out at the local bar while my man takes pictures.

Thank goodness Matt finally uploaded pictures to his website or I'd have nothing to write about.

Hope you're all having a wonderful summer.

What I've been up to lately....

Adding to my state plate collection. These were a steal at the local antique mall and will go wonderfully with my Kansas plate. I figure if I just start with the states that I've actually visited then it won't get too crazy.... for now. Sewing more bags from Fat Quarters. This one was for ME!!! I found the fabric a while ago and just knew that it would be my new summer bag.
I think that's why I like to make these so much, they're fairly inexpensive (well under $10) so I don't feel bad when I want a new one.

I've also been working on some paper piecing but lost my first flower in the pit that is my craft room. Arrgh. Someday I'll find it and show you all even if I have to clean the whole damn place to find it. (which probably isn't a bad idea...)

So what have you all been up to?

Who's got time for the internets with all this kung fu fighting??

So, uh, hi.
Yeah, life got away from me again.
Still sewing. Really, I am.
I'll have pictures soon. I swear.

We survived the little girl's 6 yr. birthday. Still can't believe she's 6. Is this what it will feel like every year??? Even when she's 30 and I'm 55? I know I'll still be as proud of her. She's grown up so much.

What have you all been up to?
Anyone feel like coming to Lawrence for a get together??
I'm still nervous about showing everyone my house ('cause it's not fancy, AT ALL) but I figure I'll just drink until I'm not so worried. Right?

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far.
Promise I'll be back in less than a month!

Fat Quarter Bag Tutorial

Okay, first time writing at tutorial so everyone bear with me...

You will need:
2 fat quarters
1 piece of canvas or cotton batting
matching thread

First, take the fat quarter that is going to be the outside of your bag. Fold it in half so that it is 18 inches wide and 11 inches tall. (Since not every fat quarter is the same, these are approximate measurements) Then cut off two - two inch strips for the handles.

Second, do the same for the fat quarter that will be the lining.

Third, sew the two inch pieces together with a 1/4 seam allowance making the two handles. Then turn and press.

Fourth, cut two strips- 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inches wide from your canvas or cotton batting( I prefer cotton batting. It feels like it gives it some more depth and strength.) and thread those through the handles with a safety pin. I don't sew everything together at once because I really hate turning bulky things. Then once the cotton batting pieces are in place, top stitch 1/2 inch in on each side to stabilize the batting.
Fourth, (sorry no picture) cut out a piece of cotton batting the same size as the outside piece of your bag. Lay the fabric that is the outside of your bag on top of the batting with the right side facing outwards. If you are a diligent sewer and want to baste the batting to the fabric first then go ahead. I never have and so far haven't had any problems with it.

Fifth, once you have your batting and fabric together, fold both pieces with right sides facing and sew a 1/2 seam down each side Once done, press open each seam. Once you've pressed open each seam, flatten the bottom of one side (photo below) to make a triangle. Measure 2 inches on each side of the seam, mark with a pencil and sew across that line, then repeat on the other side. After that is done, repeat the same process for the lining of the bag but remember to leave an opening on the side of bag for turning.

Sixth, turn the outside fabric right side, push out the corners and the bag should look like this.

Seventh, pin your handles to the top of your bag and baste in place.

Eighth, pin the lining with right sides facing together and sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance around the top.

Ninth, turn your bag through the opening in the side of the lining.

Tenth, tuck the lining inside the bag and press. Then topstitch 1/2 inch around the top of your bag.

Ta da! You're done!
Now put your stuff in it and go!!!


There are tons of ways you can adapt and make this bag even cooler.

You could:

• patchwork the outside and then quilt it
• appliqué cute things to it
• use some fabric scraps and make a pocket for the inside
• add a loop and a button for a closure
• make a fancy pin for the outside
  
• and if you're really careful with how you sew up the opening in the lining, it's actually reversible.
  

Thanks for sticking around. I'm sure I left out lots of important stuff so please feel free to leave a comment with any questions and I'll do my best to answer them. Have fun and enjoy your new bag!!