HANDMADE by jess.

Getting My Life Back

2009-09-29T12:23:00.002-05:00

So I've been back to work for a few months now, guess I should find a routine now right? I've felt so antsy and just crazy that I thought I would just get rid of my machine because I can't stand to look at it. And then there's this whole blog thing.... It was going great and I could post regularly. First my camera stopped uploading abilities, I started working nights so my blogging days turned into cleaning and sleeping days.

How shall I fix this???

oliver + s Love

2009-09-05T09:17:00.002-05:00

When these patterns are for sale, I promise I will buy them! Oh thank you oliver + s for your amazing designs!

I bought a dress like this for Leigha, but Eve's size was too short so I have to make this for her. Besides it is way cute in this gingham!

This is perfect for Wisconsin, and it has the option to add quilted liners etc. I do need to say I am a bit intimidated though, but I believe I can.

Note to Self

2009-07-12T20:17:00.008-05:00

Dear Self,

Until further notice you ARE NOT allowed to purchase more fabric for projects. That is until you finish 85% (it sounded like a good %, you know about B level) of the projects that you already have cut/planned/or bought. Yes, we know your love for fabric is great, but just think of the satisfaction you'll get when you see your finished creations in everyday life and not just your dreams. And of course there are the "oohs and ahhhs" that are sure to follow, which you can never get enough of!

Remember this,

Simplicity 2711

and this,

or how about the one you picked up today,

Yes these want your attention!!!!
Also on my plate is attempting shirring. I picked up the elastic thread today, and of course fabric for the project. Which I think is going to be a skirt. I saw one here , and a million other places I can't remember, so I'm thinking of giving it ago. Plus I think I might like a skirt with this kind of waist because it wouldn't create "the roll" like regular elastic waists tend to do on me.

I'd also like to try to make something like this, minus the $34.50 price tag LL Bean has on it.

I've seen so many reconstructions of clothes lately, it's making me feel confident that I could try something like this. Especially after I master elastic thread!

And then there's this,

I saw this pattern and fell in love with it! I wish I lived when clothes were beautiful. The women wore dresses that were flattering and full, and sometimes had a hat to match. And gloves, gloves would be amazing! So to pay tribute to my love of beautiful things, I waited for this to go on sale and bought it for $4. When my list of projects is done, this will be the first one on the new to do list. Does that even make sense? A new list for when the old list is done? Well anyway this is the reward for making it through what I've gotten started already.

Ok time to get sewing!

2009-07-10T13:55:00.003-05:00

In my head I want to sew, and I can even speak it. But when it comes to actually doing it, I can't find myself there. Looking for some reason for this odd behavior, I've decided it's going back to work full time after 4 years of not really working. I still can't find a routine that works and that it's summer isn't helping the matter. Sew or go play in the sun at the pool? pool. Sew or visit blogs I never get to read anymore? Read blogs. Sew or do the 2 days worth of dishes? Dishes. See what I mean?

And it's like I want to, but I don't. Ever feel like that?

I did buy the Jane Market Bag pattern, and spent to much money on fabric for the bags, so maybe I should tackle that project so I don't feel like it was money wasted. I mean I love fabric stash, but I should love using it more right?

Oh why me and A fun Craft- Forward for You!

2009-06-29T14:07:00.002-05:00

I have projects done, not oodles, but done and pictures ready to load. Why me and why my camera and all things included with this hate me is unknown. I just want to take pictures, load them, and blog about my craft adventures. And my camera wants me to create, take pictures, and hog them all to itself. Not fair! Not fair I say, you must share. So while I work on figuring out a way to get this to work a bring you this....

CRAFT IT FORWARD

Craft it Forward is sort of like the movie "Pay It Forward." The object is to do something nice "just because."

Here is the fine print: The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

* I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but I will do my best.
* it will be done in the next couple of weeks or maybe months (hey it's summer)
* you have no clue what it’s going to be - that’s the fun part! But it will be handmade.

It could be a handsewn item, stationary personalized for you, baked goods from my kitchen. So basically it's something you won't find on the shelf at your local big chain store. What will it be? You’ll have to wait and see! I reserve the right to do/make whatever seems fun but sane at the time.

In return, all you need to do is post this text into your own blog and make 5 things for 5 others. (If you don't blog you could send a mass e-mail to friends and craft for the first 5 respondents.) What could be more fun! Some ideas you could do for others: artwork, CD’s, burn a DVD, write a poem, crochet a scarf, make a mini book, send a photograph (a printed one, not e-mailed. etc…).

If you are interested, leave a comment below with your email address (if you don’t have a blog-based email address and are not comfortable leaving your personal email address, you can also email me at jrae_228 (at) yahoo (dot) com). Craft on and craft it forward!

I found out about this wonderful from from Becky at Sew in Stitches. Check her out!

Promised Pictures

2009-06-12T10:46:00.005-05:00

Here are the skirts I made using this pattern.

This was fabric I bought one late night online from Fat Quarter Shop. This is the Treetop Fancy for Free Spirit. Online it looked like it would be such a cute skirt and in reality...so-so.

Abe thinks the aqua band at the bottom doesn't match. I told him it does, it's the same line, and really it's staying that way!

Leigha got to pick from Treetop Fancy or this Moda Sultry, and her pick was the more pink of the 2! From the directions I added an extra row and only went 6 wide. Leigha's only 5, and with the band it's mid-calf, so I suggest measuring your child first (which I did NOT do with Eve and ended up reworking her skirt, which still needs a little adjustment) and go from there.

She mentioned her ties seemed short and wished she cut them longer. I cut mine the same length as the directions and added a leftover square to the end of each tie.. that way it had that pieced look like the skirt and was a bit longer.

And now because I'm terrible at getting the girls in for pictures... when it was one child no problem, but as we kept adding it seemed more and more forgotten! I need to get a 5 year picture of Leigha for in the living room. These were taken at the park at her school picnic. Which one is your favorite?

It's kinda blurry and off center..wish it would have turned out better!

Loved the clouds, but is the hair in the wind to crazy? And I'm not sure how much it looks like a smile.

Thought this one was good, aside from her ear.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

2009-06-09T14:42:00.002-05:00

It also makes my house get clean and some sewing done!

School is done for Leigha, just a picnic tomorrow, and Eve goes until Thursday and she's done for the year. And then I'll have to reshuffle the daily to-dos, the want-tos, and the not-really-going-to-happens around to try to keep chaos at a minimal.

I have the top done on the quilt and it's pinned. Now I need to learn how to quilt....

Pictures tomorrow as I need to get Eve and get ready for work!

The Winner Is.....

2009-06-01T08:25:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone that stopped and shared their summer plans. Summer is my most favorite season so it's nice to hear how others are going to be spending their time. I finally have most of my flowers planted so for the rest of the summer it's going to be weeding and watching them bloom!! Oh yeah and there will be some boating too because I can't have a summer without going out on the lake. Oh how I love summer.

And now to pick the winner (by the process of everyone picking a number from the number of comments and dividing by 5, yeah math is my hubby's favorite we couldn't just pick 57 or something).
The winner of my give-away is:

Z Family said...
SO cute!! We are having a baby... I know, not like planning a trip or anything, but thats what we are up to. Im loving the second to last pic

And having a baby, and a summer to enjoy them, sounds perfect to me...well not so perfect because I'm pretty sure I''m past the need for another baby...and maybe not...

And if I am unable to contact her, I will pick another winner (obviously).

If you didn't win and you can't live without one of these lovelies you can contact me and we can arrange something I'm sure.

Give-Away Day!!

2009-05-26T11:07:00.004-05:00

How fun are Give-Aways? Well they are the best, and even better if you can win! I will apologize in advance for these somewhat crazy pictures I've not been getting along with my camera (see previous posts). I know you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see what you can win so here it is:

Yay a fabric rectangle!!
But it's so much more....
It's a checkbook cover!!! And it will come with a matching coin purse similiar to this one. And possibly some bonus fun that finds it's way in your package before it leaves my house.
Your fabric choices are any of the following or you can let me pick from the mysteriously growing stash that is taking over my closet. It's all up to you, and you being THE WINNER.

Leave a comment telling me one thing you hope to do this summer. Please include which of the above 6 pictures is your choice or if you want it from my stash-o-mystery. I will pick a winner(which means family will pick a random number from the number of comments left) at the end of the give away on May 31st. Make sure you leave email info either in your comment or with a link back to your blog containing it.

Finding Different Ways

2009-05-26T10:44:00.002-05:00

I had so much I wanted to share, and it's kinda getting stock piled. My camera still isn't cooperating with me so I figured I'd use my card and daughter's camera. And guess what..it worked so now the problem lies somewhere within my camera/cord system...errr technology!!

Any way I finally compiled enough polka dots for my quilt
(the bottom one was eliminated because the dots weren't definite enough, yeah my husband didn't understand)

Problem solving isn't really a strong point of mine. Here is attempt number 2 on trying to lay out my quilt.

I'm on piece number 9 with this. I really wish I had done it different, but I'm pretty sure ripping it all apart and attempting it a different way isn't really an option. Plus I might not have enough of some of the material and the polka dot quest is done for this project. Although I am afraid that I might be disappointed in the end and be wishing I had done it with 3 inch strips instead of irregular width pieces.

And here's a skirt I made for myself. I used a pattern because well see above.

No Abduction Here

2009-05-19T12:34:00.004-05:00

See it seems like forever since I've been here. It almost seems like it would be easier to turn my back on this than to try to fit this back into my life. But then what's the sense of having everything easy?

If technology was cooperating with me today, I'd show pictures of pajamas I've made, a new project, and the bestest of all my new stash of polka dots for my quilt and other fun fabrics for the above mentioned new project. But alas, either my camera, cord, or card is not liking me today.....

The weather is finally sunny and warm! This is making me want to make a bunch of light cotton skirts for those warm sticky summer days that are soon to be on there way.

I finally broke down and ordered fabric off the internet. I know you are thinking - What!! You are sooo behind the times!- but really there's something about going to the quilt shop and slowly strolling around while you take in bolt after bolt on the shelf. And I think you use a little for level headed thinking when you are actually out in public shopping instead of in your p.j.'s sitting in front of the computer spending your children's college funds on fabric while they are sleeping.

I also bought this pattern, and can't decide which to make first and for who! With 3 girls this is going to get a lot of use. I picked this up while I was buying fabric from SewMamaSew.

I saw this skirt here, and already have the fabric ordered for it. Ok actually for 2 skirts like this...seriously I couldn't stop myself and there weren't kids distracting me so I was all to focused on clicking "add to cart."

And for a very exciting finale, SewMamaSew is sponsoring another give-away! Go here and check it out!

We are NOT Getting Along

2009-04-23T09:42:00.002-05:00

So the above, aka Ruby, and I are supposed to be tight, you know like BFFs. We are supposed to compliment each other and work hand in hand making the other one happy. Well one of us is NOT living up to their end of the deal, and it's not me just so you know.

Last night I wanted to start a project with Eve. She was going to sew all the straight edges and I was going to put the zipper in. No prob! I've put zippers in a ton of times with no 4 letter words crossing my lips and images of the sewing machine flying out the window. But yesterday after breaking 3 needles within seconds of each other, I had to just walk away before the mental image of the flying machine became reality. Abe suggested I needed to have someone show me how to put a zipper in. Yes this is the way I learn- monkey see, monkey do. The whole monkey read directions with accompanied illustrations doesn't really work for me.

So today I may try it again, although my needle supply is down to 3 extra. And aside from the needles breaking, I can't seem to get very close to the zipper. I'm just not getting any love from Ruby and her zipper foot. Hopefully my next attempt goes better. And I'm definitely going to try it when I don't have an 8 year old audience, just in case I have to get creative.

Tollipop Give-Away

2009-04-16T11:02:00.003-05:00

I think give-aways are the best! Although I have yet to actually win one, each one does have a winner, at least that's what we are led to believe. But you want to make sure you get in on this one. It starts out 3 paintings in frames all ready for your wall and then she just kept adding and adding. So yes go quickly, enter here, and good luck.

Easter Outfits Completed and Other things Completed in a Week

2009-04-14T09:01:00.018-05:00

Although I finished the last skirt 30 minutes before we left for church, I finished it. The day before we were in Joann's, Sara saw that same pink that I used for her jacket, grabbed the bolt, and said, "My jacket." I was amazed that she could put it all together. Leigha was already asking me when she could wear hers to school (no surprise there), and we decided next week for star of the day. Eve informed me that she doesn't like to dress up anymore so this may never see the light of day on her body again.

Sara in pink and not having anything to do with picture taking, Eve in green wanting to change so she can ride bike, Leigha in purple just waiting to spin

This week I also made my niece her birthday present. Although I didn't actually see her open it, Chuckie Cheese is quite overwhelming, I did hear she wanted to try it on right away so that must mean she liked it. I appliqued a "H" for Hope on the shirt (thanks Wal-mart), made a simple skirt with an elastic waist, and matching hair clip.

Although I wanted to give my sewing machine a break, I just got this cool patchwork material for a skirt for myself so I may be a little busy with that for awhile. I also picked up some gray jersey to try to make a skirt from the Alabama Stitch Book. I also got this red minky on sale for my first ever quilt. Which is going to be this one once I collect enough polka dot material. I knew there was a reason I waited to make myself a blanket, and this is it!

This was in the spring issue of Quilts and more, which I would have never bought if I hadn't seen it at the hockey coach's house. I'm going to have to rework the pattern a bit so I can make it bigger, but that's easy right?

While Eve was at Grandma's house for a few days over break I also got her room painted and her bed set up for her. I hauled the desk up to her room too. When we got home from the game Thursday night I sent her up for p.j.s, she didn't stop smiling for over an hour. I found out yesterday that she was so excited she almost peed her pants!! I'll post some pics of her room after the crib's out of there and curtains are made/up.

2009-04-01T10:01:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post with a picture but not sure I could find one that really portrays the chaos that is going on inside my head. Sewing and craftiness is at a stand still. I realized something was wrong when I was trying to cut 8 curved petals into the fabric and was somehow getting 6 cubes. Time to put the scissors down and breath.... and speaking of breathing there is less than 2 weeks to finish 2 outfits!!!!!

Whirly Twirly 80's

2009-03-23T10:05:00.004-05:00

Once I started cutting, I just couldn't stop. And what was supposed to be a simple twirly skirt turned into pleats, tucks, and a zipper. Yeah wish I could take that part back now that I think the zipper is broke! But she's in love with it and is all smiles over it. Yes all smiles as she leaves a trail of glitter all over the house, again what was I thinking!?!

I think all it needs now is a side pony tail all ratted up and some of those short high heeled boots and maybe fishnet fingerless gloves and she's ready for an 80's Madonna video.

She went for clips, curls, and clomp shoes instead!

Scissors Please

2009-03-18T11:07:00.002-05:00

So this is one of Leigha's gifts for her big day coming up. Doesn't it look like a beautiful sparkly princess skirt? Yeah I know. Not so much. I'm just not sure where to start and with the remaining budget of $0 there is no room for error, which actually seems to creep it's way into every one of my projects. Will keep you posted on the progress, that is if I get brave enough to pick up the scissors!

Easter Outfits

2009-03-10T12:44:00.004-05:00

This is what has been keeping me busy...

Sara's outfit got to be the trial one only because it would use the least amount of material in case I had a major mishap and had to start over. Sara is so different in shape from my other two, that alas, I think this will look better on Leigha and Eve. Stay tuned for #2 and #3.

The jacket was McCall's 5697 and the skirt was a combination of the lazy day skirt, Erin's skirt, and an idea of my own.

Of course with just my vision the skirt was slightly trying, pinning the glittery top layer on backwards didn't help either. After seeing it together, it really needed a straighter fitting skirt. But maybe on someone with a little height and a little less belly it will look different.

A Great Give-Away and What's Accomplished

2009-02-23T07:38:00.011-06:00

I'm not sure there is anything better than waking up on a Monday morning and seeing that there's a lady (or 2!) having a great give-away. Not only can you win a pattern, but also $25 towards fabric!!!! And she has a wide variety to choose from, trust me I have an "I want" list started. This could be an awesome give-away to win, and for my birthday too!!! Check it out here.

And now if that wasn't exciting enough check out my latest accomplishments:

A wrist cuff using this pattern. It's not as wide as her pattern, but when I made my patch work pieces it was to small to use the whole pattern, yet another kink to work out next time.

I picked up a magazine last summer while on vacation, and it had this pattern in there. After I made my fronts, I could see how people can love making quilts! These squares turned out sooo cute! And because I'm currently having a love affair with polka dots it makes me love them more.

Backs of the super cute pot holders!!

Sara's Cute Shirt

2009-02-20T15:21:00.002-06:00

Try all I could to just get her to stand and smile at me!!! I'm so in love with this pattern. I think it's really a p.j. top pattern, but when you make it, you make it what YOU want it to be. There is definitely more of these in the future....

It only Took one Day...

2009-02-19T09:35:00.005-06:00

..to finish and now my 2 year old insists this is hers, boy is she wrong!

All the pieces finally cut out (and figuring this out was sooo fun)

We interrupt this sewing for --handles-- Apparently I overlooked this somewhat important part of my bag

And look there's the pin cushion I made from this pattern. I'm so excited that I finally get to describe something I made as "wonky"!! I now understand the definition of this word, sort of unfortunate yes, but here is my wonky pin cushion and yeah my handles for my bag

Ready to be turned, or as I like to say, birthed

Yeah for me! This isn't the shape I pictured and the polka dots section isn't they way I imagined. I'm not surprised that it's not my exact vision, but no one else knows this isn't what I was dreaming of

A recessed zipper

I put more pockets in this one to try to keep track of the small stuff (and keys!!)

I've seen so many cool quilts with just random pieces wherever so I put some random placed and sized polka dots on my straps.

i WILL accomplish this

2009-02-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

Today is the day I master (ok let's be honest- attempt) the recessed zipper purse I want to make. Hopefully I don't make the simple things to mind boggle-ing for myself.
Keep you posted!

Coin Purse Number 2

2009-02-12T13:36:00.008-06:00

After much experimentation with the first one, this one was made on the first go around. And I recently stumbled upon this tutorial which would have been a blessing 2 weeks ago!! Although I still think my zipper has issues (the ends) it's functional and that's about all that matters right?

I'm going to make a bag to match this little lovely coin purse too. I have it planned in my head (uh-ohhh). I know I want a zipper closure because to many times I bend over to pick up Sara and somehow my bag flips upside down and half the house falls out. How this happens, I don't know, but if you knew me you wouldn't question it, most clumsy and awkward things do happen to me and usually in front of crowds. Back to the zipper- so how am I going to do this? Well on that same blog she has a tutorial for a recessed zipper that I want to try. This woman may just be a genius!

On the Mend

2009-02-11T14:59:00.003-06:00

I finally got around to mending some of the things just waiting for my attention. I was dreading pulling this out to work on because it was a bunch of seams that needed fixing or holes that needed some patches. And not to mention that I had to change thread/bobbins a million times to match the colors with what was there. This has been piling up for so long- the Barbie dresses needed straps fixed (3+yr), I think Eve wore that pink skirt when she was 4, she's 8 now, the cow pajamas were a more recent incident were Leigha was the dog and they ripped the straps trying to hold her back. I fixed some issues with denim skirts, a hem on the blue and white dress. and then finally turned those green plaid shorts into a skirt for Eve (bought those when she was in first grade for her, aka 2 years ago). Feeling pretty good because this was about 1/2 the things I needed to fix. I think I'm ready to tackle a project for myself now. And I'm going to attempt to figure out Etsy, and put some of my stuff for sale there. This, an Etsy shop, is another thing on my to-do list this year. Any pointers for this?

Back to Where it All Began

2009-02-03T11:51:00.004-06:00

I can't remember how old I was the first time I used this machine, maybe sixth grade. Because of the absence of mine (yearly cleaning), and the irresistible urge to make a lined coin purse, I found myself in front of my grandma's sewing machine. I would like to say that I was successful at making it, but that is not the case. I started over 3 times and still couldn't figure it out. It was only after my husband helped me that I saw what needed to be done, (I knew there was a reason I married him!). So Sunday while America was watching the Super Bowl, I was on round 4 with this thing. And, unfortunately before I mailed it to Elizabeth, I forgot to take a picture of the completed purse. :( But, since I do plan on making more I'm sure I'll get a picture of one of them.

Now I Can't Wait

2009-01-29T11:47:00.004-06:00

I had used my machine so much in December, that I thought I would want a break from it. I took it in last week for it's yearly maintenance, and now I can't wait to get it back! I already have this project cut out, and fabric bought for a new bag and change purse. And next week I'm picking up this pattern and this one (which would be a very cute jacket pattern but now I can't remember where I found it so insert your imagination here) for the girls. Now to find the perfect fabric for those.....

Her First Project

2009-01-24T10:52:00.003-06:00

Eve has a birthday party to go to this afternoon, and insisted on helping with making the present. I was slightly hesitant with this, because I wasn't ready to share my baby with her. Only one other person, who had never touched a sewing machine before, has used mine, and even then I was nervous. But what could she really do?

First we cut it out, which she got to use my rotary cutter, and she thought it was cool. Then she picked out the font for her "B". I made sure that she got to help with each step, except the ironing because she fell asleep! I couldn't even sew it together while she was at school! I let her sew two of the seams and I did the zipper. I think her own machine is right around the corner. And here is her design for her friend Bridget:

We put some hair clips and a hair stay with the same butterfly print inside her little zipper pouch. What a lucky friend!

When we Had Christmas..There was Warmth

2009-01-16T15:06:00.006-06:00

So a week after getting back we finally got around to the girls opening their gifts. Of course, Abe being himself, fell asleep before his turn to open his present. So yes he is about 20% awake in his picture...

(Obviously this is 0% awake)

And yes I have a project to put together and share with you, but I'm lacking motavation to actually do it, besides check out my closet project.

My Road Trip Project

2008-12-27T10:41:00.005-06:00

So if you ever visit my other blog you'll know that I wanted to make mittens, but ended up knitting booties instead. Well, I'm not sure if you can call this a bootie, and I thought it all started so well. Needless to say, I will not be making the other one!

It was a sad day...

2008-12-22T21:43:00.002-06:00

I had to return my Denyse Schmidt Quilt book to the library. I almost jumped into the book return to fish it back out. But since I figured I wouldn't fit, and that there may be someone waiting for it as much as I had, I left it there. Plus we leave in two days (better get busy here!!!) so I'd rack up quite the fine if I high-jacked it!

When a girl's heart breaks...sew a skirt

2008-12-18T12:39:00.005-06:00

So last week Friday Eve had here concert at school. She called Grandma Helen to invite her, but she had to work and said she'd come to the one at church. As soon as Eve hung up the phone her face tightened up, her eyes squinted shut, and she started to cry. And it was the kind that comes from way down deep in your stomach. I couldn't take seeing her cry, but this apparently was heartbreaking to her, so I decided to surprise her with a new skirt to wear for the concert. I used this pattern for hers.

I added an additional inches to the skirt, and if I make it again, I'll add a bit more because this just touches her knee. And of course the other 2 couldn't be left out, but I opted for this simplier pattern with a bit of modification to the hem. On the next 2 I also added ric-rac to the hem band and skirt seam.

This one used a lot less material hence it's not was twirly (shhhhh). But I'm not sure this cut would look as good on an 8 year old as it does on someone younger. And Sara was unavailable for a solo pic. View following for reason why:

Tree Lighting Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-17T00:55:00.000-06:00

Tree Lighting Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

And when there is one good give-away there is another. Check out her work!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-17T00:54:00.000-06:00

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sometimes it's easier to try to win something than to actual make it yourself!

2008-12-09T14:07:00.003-06:00

After last week being taken over be sewing and then being on the computer for almost an entire day, my house blew up. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean...toys are parted to create paths to walk through the rooms, there's a slightly sticky spot on the kitchen floor because you just wiped up the spilt juice instead of washing it right away, and there's so much laundry the hamper is no where to be found. I also had my nephews here on Saturday for a sleep over and needless to say, the living room looked like a war zone when I woke up on Sunday.

So I spent Monday just straightening the house up, besides me sewing machine was buried under a mountain of fabric and projects to sew, and then today I cleaned it. Which now means...it's time to break out the projects....which also means this cycle is going to start all over again!

I did finish 2 more coloring wallets for my nieces last night, so their gifts are completely done now and just need to be wrapped. And here are 2 other projects I finished:

This is the reverse side of the keychain

And this is the scarf I made for Abe's mom

I went and bought the gray and pink corderoy, black shirting, and I splurged for the pink silk. (The rest was from projects never made, and I know I'm not the only one with those!)

Off to go shovel, again, so I can get out of the driveway...ugh

And the Winner Is....

2008-12-06T16:48:00.002-06:00

By total random number picking it was....

Meadow who said...
I love the ornaments my husband and I made when we were newlyweds (and poor). Good times...

If I can't make contact and get a shipping address, I'll randomly pick another winner...

Holiday Give-Away Day

2008-12-03T08:28:00.001-06:00

Give-Away Day

Set of 3 ornaments, including (1) 5 inch and (2) 2.5 inch balls

You can pick this set or the one pictured in my post from yesterday, so specify in your comment.

A zipper pouch which I'll fill with a few surprises including these hair goodies.

I'm so excited to participate in this years Give-Away Day. Thank you for checking in today, and I hope that you return again. I also want to mention that I will be selling my things on etsy very soon, so if you see anything you like check back or email me.
Now here's how to win: Leave a comment about your favorite Christmas ornament. You can include description, why it's your favorite, when you received it, whatever you think I need to know etc. I'll pick a winner Saturday morning. I will ship anywhere in the continental U.S. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

Here's one of my favorite ornaments. I can remember it on the tree when I was a kid, but I'm not sure exactly where it came from. Every year I can remember fighting with my sister to put this one and another one similar to it on the tree. It reminds me of the puppets from Mr. Rodger's when he went to the land of make believe. Just looking at it sparks a story of a girl and her daily adventures, and that my friend puts a big smile on my face.

A Very Productive Monday

2008-12-02T09:14:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was on fire!!! After getting the house picked back up and dishes done I entered craft mode. Major craft mode. Yesterday I finished up 5 gifts. I know I was quite shocked by my progress, and here it is.....

- A zipper pouch and hair goodies for Erin-

-A pencil case for Faith-

-Coloring wallet for one my nieces-

And now here are my fabric ornaments. These are going to gifts for Abe's brother and sister. And I'm also going to give a set away tomorrow for the Give-Away Day.

The set consists of (1) 4 inch and (2) 2 1/2 inch ornaments

My Scarf

2008-12-01T02:02:00.000-06:00

So after almost buying the book I needed 5 different times and checking daily to see if one had been returned, I finally got the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book I put on hold a month ago from the library. And if you think I'm kidding about the suspense I was in until I got the book I'm not!

So I get the call, pick the book up, and then don't even get to crack it open for a day because I had to work the night I got it. Of course the next day was spent looking through the book and planning out my scarf.

I'm pretty sure the fabric is all from the same collection in shades of red, cream, and black cotton. I lined the back with a cream flannel. I also did a black zig-zag stitch on the seams to add a little to the cream side.

Abe thought he wouldn't have to buy me the book now since I had gotten it from the library, but he is sadly mistaken because I'm in love with this book and need to have it for my very own. There are way to many things I want to make. Thank you Erin for the tip on this book. I may become a quilter after all!!!

P.S. Just in time for winter....scarf number 2 on the way!!

Christmas Gifts Round 2

2008-12-01T01:35:00.000-06:00

After much debate, and because I couldn't find the things for my original idea, here is what the nephews in my life are getting for Christmas this year....

Asa's getting an camo fabric covered journal/notebook

For Noah, a pirate inspired one

(his notebook has room for drawing pics too)

And, then there is my yearly battle of what to get for my cousin. I'm just not good with the whole boy thing so, yes, he too is getting a fabric journal just slightly more "grown-up" for his 18 year oldness.

The covers are reversible too. This is Erik's other cover choice. For the other 2 notebooks I used plain cotton for the reverse to save on cost. The best thing about this project is that once you work the kinks out (yeah I cut out and sewed the first one a couple of times), it's fast, easy, and fun. Of course the cut from the rotary cutter took the fun factor down a few notches, but none the less, it was a good time. I got the directions here.

What's Keeping me Busy

2008-11-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been trying to get the Christmas gift list dwindled down. The girls are getting blankets, very basic blankets, and pajamas. The blankets are yet to come, but here are 2 of the nightgowns I have done.

I made them from the same pattern, but of course no one wanted the same sleeves. Leigha's are a ruffle, Sara's are short, and Eve wants long sleeves. It's a black thermal material with hearts, roses, skulls, and a few small sayings on them. Obviously I had no say in this fabric!

I'm waiting for there to be gifts for grandparents here. There are so many fun and easy to make gift ideas here. I wish it was a book that I could own and flip through the pages and see all the photos up close. On a side note- I just checked and today is grandparents day!!! I am so happy I even let out a little shout of joy!!

Nov 10- 2nd Craft Night

2008-11-11T13:14:00.000-06:00

We had Grace join use in doing our one-hour bag. I feel that I need to add that I believe that the title given to it may be a farce.

It was Grace's first time using a sewing machine, and learning what things were- thread was tricky! For this project I just helped out since I had made my bag earlier, and I had brought a different project to work on.

Grace did an excellant job cutting, Elizabeth, well, she learned the right and wrongs of things as she went. Of course there were modificatons so after cutting we are at about 15 minutes.

After pinning, Grace gave it a go, a very slow go! Here's where Ms. Singer began to get spunky after being kept locked up for to long and Elizabeth's attention had to shift to other matters.

Grace did about half of her bag, and because we are at about 45 minutes now, I step in and help her with the rest of the bag. With her handle modificaton, and alloted breaks to help straighten out Ms. Singer I think the total time was maybe 2hr 15 minutes.

The completion of Grace's bag, was then the beginning of Elizabeth's. I think Ms. Singer was nervous around Miss Bernina. Elizabeth made it, ok a bit of hand cranking was involved, through getting the bag sewed together w/ the pocket by the time I left around 2, yeah that's a.m., and was left with the straps and sewing the hole closed in the lining.

Update: Elizabeth is taking Ms. Singer on an outing today for attitude adjustment. Hopefully they reconcile and pictures of these wonderous bags will follow.

Christmas Presents

2008-11-06T13:06:00.001-06:00

Here are my nieces gifts for this year:

For Faith

For Gracie who loves giraffes

For Hope

For Paige

My button excitement hasn't ended. So I'm looking for the metal clips to make money clips for my nephews. If you've spotted them somewhere let me know.

I've decided that I'm making my girls blankets for Christmas. Eve picked out some black/pink skull fleece. Yes, I know, I did a big sigh when she found it because skulls aren't high on my list of loves. Abe found a black/gray plaid with skulls he liked so I want to sneak back and get it for him. Leigha found some really soft/really $$ pink that she liked, but I have a 50% coupon so I'll probably get it for her. Don't know what to get for her backing though, the pink is that "minky" material. Any suggestions?

November Purse and Why I Love my Husband

2008-10-31T13:44:00.000-05:00

Here is my "one hour bag." I need to add that because of the changes I made to the bag, bigger with a longer adjustable strap, it was not really a one hour bag. I think I watched/listened to 3 movies while doing this bag.

This bag was made possible with help from my lovely husband. Sometimes I make things that are supposed to be very easy very complicated, and then enter husband. He made me a pattern with the measurements, and I think that somewhere inside of him is a crafter! He seems to enjoy each trip to Joann's a little more each time, and helps me pick stuff out now instead of just leaning on the cart. He also commented on the women to men ratio there and added that if he needed to find a new wife he'd start looking there.

I opted to use only one of the fabrics I had bought, and lined it with my "cream of wheat" fabric. With winter on it's way, I made the strap longer for ease over a thicker jacket. I also made button holes, for the first time ever by the way, in the strap so I can have it be shorter to sling over one shoulder or longer and wear it across my body. In her tutorial the buttons were just decoration, but I decided to actually use them on mine so the bag could be more versatile. It will have a "tail" when I shorten it, but that's just more character. I did a little zig-zag around the contrasting material on the end of the straps too, (another step I added).

I really want to use it tonight for the game, but as it is my "November bag" it's debut shall be tomorrow. I am so very excited for tomorrow!

Side note: Because I am addicted to these, I couldn't throw out any of my scraps because you never know!

Look at this

2008-10-29T23:53:00.001-05:00

You need to stop over here and check out this awesome quilt that she made for a very lucky little girl! I am so in love with the fabric that is on the back. It reminds me of jacks!
She's also doing a give away for a custom quilt this same size in your choice of colors. What could be more perfect than that? My choice of colors would be greens and browns. I can only imagine the possibilities!

My November Purse

2008-10-28T07:44:00.000-05:00

These fabrics are in shades one of my favorite colors - orange! I bought this at least 2 years ago in the sale bins at Hancock Fabric. I got 2 yds each of this heavy fabric for a total of $3! And then on another sale shopping spree I found these buttons on clearance for $1.

My mom was here this past summer and we made this one-hour bag. It turned out so cute. I think this is the pattern I'm going to use, but I am going to make it bigger with a longer strap. With 3 girls, I need a big bag!

Last weekend

2008-10-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

Well, the craft fair didn't go as well as I would have liked, but it was exposure. One lady did take my name/number (thank you), so I'm hoping she contacts me for further items. Here are a few of my favorites, and yes they are still available.

Pink cotton giraffe with pink plaid flannel

Pink, yellow, and white striped cotton with white flannel

Yellow flannel monkeys with brown, blue, and golden yellow cotton stripe

Of course I still have many of my magnets, tack sets and hair stays available too. Christmas presents here they come!

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-10-27T12:52:00.000-05:00

So of course in my stumbling around on here, it's amazing what you can find when you start clicking, I came across this awesome give-away. These are the cutest outfits, and I think that Leigha would be in love with her endless possibilities of outfits. I looked at her costumes she did for a give a few weeks ago and think back to when I made Eve's Easter dress when she was 3. I would have such a hard time just letting it go, but she does it bi-weekly!! Gotta love her. Check her out here GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

Craft Fair

2008-10-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

Just a heads up- there is a craft fair this Saturday from 9 - 2 at St. Martin's in Clintonville. There's also one at the community center on the same day, but if you are looking for me and these cool hair ties they'll be at the church.

Our First Craft Night

2008-10-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

If these aren't the cutest things ever I'm not sure what are. These are some of the button hair ties and magnets we made at Elizabeth's last night. Of course nothing is ever written in stone, so after a late start, and me doubting if we were actually going to accomplish anything, we did. Alright, actually Janet and Elizabeth had a little higher completion rate than me, but I was very organized!

Of course some girls just want to make a kazillion of them beacuse they are very addictive.....

....which makes us go on a Wal-mart run for more buttons. Then, while we were out we had to partake in 4th meal because hunger was setting in at 12:30 a.m., and then it's back to work.

Some of our favorites..

And of course, not to be left out, Nate sporting a trendy way for men to wear them!

Craft Clique Begins

2008-10-06T15:31:00.000-05:00

Today was the planning meeting for what our little craft clique is going to do for the next couple of months. It was difficult to pick just a few crafts per night/month when there is a never ending list of things we want to create!

For October the crafts are:
*Fabric-Covered Buttons
Supplies: Cover Button Kit(s)
Fabric of your choice
Magnets and/or Hair Elastics

*Felt Food
Supplies: TBA

We will meet at Elizabeth's at 6:30. If you are interested in joining us and are in the Fox Valley area contact me for further info.

The dates will be: October 20- Fabric Buttons/ Felt Food
November 17- Pumpkins/ Thanksgiving Game
December 15- Table Runner/ Gift Tags

If location is an issue, but you'd like to do the craft, we will post directions etc. for each craft after our craft night.