Once Upon A Thread

A mommy named Adrienne who loved to sew was making something for herself (gasp). A Sophia bag to be exact. Everything was going smoothly until she realized that her cream thread was slightly off ... it was the wrong shade! (cue scary music) What to do? Her children were tucked into their beds for naps and she couldn't leave the house. Then (cue light bulb moment music) she remembered the sewing box that her dear Grammy had passed on .... lo and behold ... the perfect shade of red. Thanks Grammy.

That's all for today my sewing friends ... more of Sophia's story to come.

Pressure Drop

From sun

To sleet

Arggg. Talk about sinus headache. This Pressure Drop is killing me. That's spring in Virginia for ya.

Fix-er Up Friday

I was inspired by The Stitching Surgeon's studio make-over some time ago. I've been slowly but surely puttering in my 'den of chaos' and trying to figure out how to freshen up and organize my space. We're getting ready to have our foyer painted and I convinced DH to let me throw in the office/studio. Some of you may remember what we went through with our living room and dinning room. Several layers of wall paper painted over. Well, as far as we know (ha!) our foyer is just papered with no paint job ... we'll see. The office is a straight paint job - Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow to be exact (it looks more brown on the computer than it actually is -it's such soothing yellow). So, until the painters can get here to do their thing, I figured I would begin the process of organizing. I plan to make curtains from this as soon as I finish my Sophia Bag and my Bend the Rules Sewing Swap Bag.

One of the major pains in this process is getting all our CD's uploaded to our computer and getting them out of the office. They just have been taking up space and gathering dust. We've gotten most of them uploaded but we couldn't decide what to do with the nice wrought iron and wicker storage shelves. They are an odd size and we really didn't' have anywhere else to put them. LIGHT BULB moment ...

I re-purposed them for my fabric. We have 5 of these beauties. 3 are full already ... I'm sure I'll have them all maxed out in no time! Remember Bill? Love 'em.

And just in case you thought I was exaggerating my little graffiti problem from childhood ...

That is the drawer from my desk as a kid which now holds my sewing machine. I {heart} recycling.

It's A Wrap

For Diego that is ...

I finally gave up on trying the purl stitch for this little number and practiced binding off. I'm so clumsy and feel like all thumbs but I know *I hope* with time that I will get better - and maybe even figure out that purl stitch. I just can't seem to hold it all together when trying to purl (sounds like the rest of my life - ha!). For those of you who knit / crochet you might remember that little bit of satisfaction when you finally finished something (no matter how small) for the first time ... missed stitches and all!


I thought I was ready to step it up a row or two and tried a dish cloth. hmphf. I had to rip the blasted thing out 3 times ... and I promise ... I only had had 1 glass of wine with dinner. So what gives? I just couldn't seem to get my tension right. Any tips would be appreciated (maybe I need more booze with dinner).

High Five

Our should I say high mitt. I finished this little ditty on Friday of last week. I know there are tons of patterns out there for this kind of stuff but I used the one from Simply Sewing. This was not lost in translation. I was only able to make one mitt because (true to form) I didn't have enough of the batting. I still have enough fabric left over from my Emmeline apron to make another once I get more stuffing ;-) This was fast and easy. Nice.

I desperately need to replace the oven mitts that are in currently in use. I'm too embarrassed to show you what they look like. You might call the health department on me!

It's Happening

Spring that is ... new life.

Our apple tree is beginning to bud and our rhododendrons survived the winter after being transplanted from our front yard.

We've never made apple pie from our apples. I think this will be the year. MmmMmm. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Now if we can only get to the apples before our furry 4 legged friends do ...

Turning Japanese

Not me, just my bag. My Japanese Knot Bag that is. This was another one of those fast and easy projects.

Alexander Henry '"mocca"

Alexander Henry "esprit stripe"

I wanted something a little bit 'springy' but not pastel. Yellow and red are my favorite colors -thank ya Mr. Henry.

Speaking of fabric - I'm such a lush - look what came in the mail yesterday from Kris:

I have big plans for the Amy Butler fabric - my Sophia Bag. It's been washed and pressed and is ready to be cut. Very exciting. The chair was mine when I was just a wee one. You probably cannot see the little 'A' carved into the arm rest on the left. I was known to make my mark ... books, my brass bed, coffee table ... ahhh, my poor parents.

I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so ...

Have a quick listen here to really get it in your head for the rest of the day ;-)

Sugar High

Friends had an Easter egg hunt on Saturday for the little guys and gals. Lots of fun was had by all.

The Easter bunny brought some great books, Can God See Me in the Dark?, Policeman's Safety Hints, & Street Safety Hints. There were a few other goodies but the Easter bunny hid them so well she forgot where she put them...there's always next year!

I had a productive weekend finishing a few things on my to-sew and to-do lists. I'll post about them this week. I hope your Easter was filled to the brim with lots of sugar (you know, lots of love from family and friends).

*update - because I know you care*

The Easter Bunny miraculously saved the day and found the additional goodies hidden in the most logical spot - as far way as possible from the other Easter treats stashed in the basement for safe keeping ... over the microwave. Makes perfectly good sense, I know.

Emmeline Apron Love

Ahhhh...I finished it yesterday. I love it. I did cheat and did not hand stitch the bias strip on. That part definitely doesn't look so great but lucky enough it ends up under my arms so you can't really tell. When I make this for someone I'll do it properly though. Ack - I might pull some stitches and do it over. After wearing it I don't particularly care for the tie and the neck. I think I am going to make it into one continuous strap ... what would a project be without some seam ripping!

I had a little help taking pictures. I had to use the boys play set because the light was off by my tree and had too many shadows - like the hand stitching, I was just to impatient to wait until the AM. Who knows what might be on my apron by then ... tacos from dinner, fruit from breakfast ...

On another note - check out What Kris and Stacey are up to - a sew along with prizes! They've set up a flicker group so you can play along. I'm excited but nervous. This bag is a bit more than what I've made before. The deadline for completion is April 30th so get moving (or sewing!). I'm steppin' out ladies!

The Grass Is Always Greener ...

Just realizing that today is the first day of spring. I'm a little slow to the draw.

Our neighbors yard ....

Our yard ...

Hmmm ... I guess you know what we will be up to this weekend!

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

"Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

That's what little boys are made of !"

Throw in some rocks and a little mulch too

So they can have fun all the day thru!

Piecemeal

Emmeline is on her way ... I decided to add pockets. I usually didn't add pockets to the aprons I made until I actually used one with them ... oh my ... how did I survive with out them. Here's the info on all the fabric. Maybe I can get this one done during nap time today. Wishful thinking, I know.

The Wonder Of It All

Wonder what we will read in 'the castle'...

Wonder what this was for...

Wonder if the other trees will catch up...

Wonder what's on the other side...

And since I was tagged by Kris and I know you're just wondering ...

Why I started my blog ....

I realized that I was reading so many other's blogs and really enjoying their adventures in sewing, crafting, (not) housekeeping, parenting, etc. that I just wanted to join in. The majority of my friends do not sew and although they appreciate something handmade, get a little burnt out on my seam ripping stories and fabric stash drama.

How I came up with the name of my blog ...

When I started sewing again (after a 10 year hiatus) and making gifts for people, I felt a little uncomfortable saying "I made that". I wanted to have a tag / label that would tell them for me. So, the quest began. Since most of my inspiration for sewing and decorating comes from what I've seen of others creations and the majority of my sewing is generated from patterns and tutorials I feel what I make is some of a kind. It has my personal touch made with lots of love based on the ingenuity of others and some seam ripping of my own. (I'm lazy, I just cut and paste what was at the bottom of my blog)

Do my friends and family know about my blog? What do they think of it?

Yes. And they affectionately call me a blogging dork. I have discovered that I have a 'real life' friend who is a sewing blogger too - we stalk each others blogs ;-)

How do I write my posts ...

I'm such a daydreamer. Something will strike my fancy and I must write it down or it's gone. (I'm more like ADD) I like to post each weekday so sometimes I will write more than one post at a time. That way when I'm short on time or sick (which seems to be our M.O. these days) I have some thoughts jotted down already.

Ever had a troll or had to delete unkind comments ...

Haven't had a troll while blogging yet ... now back in the day before DH - good grief - I never thought I'd meet my prince ;-)

Do I check my stats? Do I care who/how many read my blog? Do I try to increase traffic?

I don't track. I don't think I have enough sense to install one of those tracking things. I have no clue if I'm talking to myself or not .... wouldn't be much different than at home - ha! I do love comments. I hardly left comments before I started my blog, but now if something tickles my fancy, I let them know. I think we all would like a little bit of validation from our fellow sewing/crafting/bloggers. Increase traffic...again...I'm a little clueless here.

What I like and dislike about blogging...

I like the fact that I am a part of a larger community of very smart talented (mostly) women who in their own way want to make the world a little better. I do feel a part of a larger group (even if I've never met any of you!) and like the connection to others who like similar things as I.

I dislike the fact that there are less desirables out there lurking in the shadows. It's a shame.

Many of the blogs that get a daily read from me have already been tagged! Oh! The wonder of it all ... Looks like Gill and the Stitching Surgeon it is!

Lost In Translation

Have you ever worked on a project and you just keep scratching your head and re-reading the instructions? Clearing your throat, scratching some more, adjusting your reading glasses (humor me ... you wear them too right...). Well, this gardening tote from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing was one of them. There are actually instructions missing. Really! I found a flicker group for her book and was relieved to find that someone else out there did some scratching, clearing, and readjusting as well. In the end I will make another one of these now that I've figured it out. This definitely is not a project for a newbie. I was able to find my way through thanks to having made a few project from Bend the Rules. Those principles applied here and having muddled through those I was able to finish the tote. This one is for my sister in law for her birthday. I'm saving the apron idea for Christmas. I want to put some more thought into those. I don't have enough brain power right now to do something without a pattern.

The exterior fabric is blue/green peapod from the Modern Flora Collection. Recognize the interior fabric? I love it when I can use leftovers from another project. By the way...I did pick up my knitting the other night. I wanted to see if I even remembered how to hold the needles. Yup. I finished a row to nowhere...I'm ready to make something. Dishcloths here I come!



Kris has tagged me for a sort of blogging questionnaire ... stay tuned for my riveting interview ...

FREE...just sign here

Old Red Barn Co. is giving away a gorgeous quilt. Check it out (if you haven't already). All you have to do is comment on the above link post (there's a way to earn bonus entries as well). She also has some really cool make ya feel (and smell) good stuff like soap that's all nat-ur-al in her shop (link at her site). Her only request, if you win, just don't give it to the dog. Don't worry, if I win, It's all mine - DH, the boys, and cat will have to work really really really hard to earn some snuggling with that beauty.

I Know Where Everything Is

Really.

Check out this cool free photo editing site. Picnik. I found it via Lola...again. She's funny. Check out her blog and her cute Jenny Bag tutorial. On my to-sew list of course.

Update - Just checking blogs and saw that Lola and her family have suffered a great loss. I know she would appreciate lots of prayers and hugs.

Who's Got Your Butter's Back

When there's a moose on the loose you can never be too careful...

Take Me Back Tuesday

Do you remember these? Some of my recent downloads from iTunes. I still had them on cassette from back in the day.

Wood Beeze

House We Used To Live In

Don't Go

Have a great day!

I Wish

I had actually cleaned my upstairs bathroom on Friday instead of cutting the fabric for my gardening tote. Why you may ask? I'll spare you the gory details ... let's just say I had the 'stomach bug' which is brutal enough, then throw in a dirty 'facility'. Enough said. Now John has a touch of it and I'm confident DH and Henry are next on the list. I'm buying stock in Lysol.

The Wheels Are A Turnin'

As if I don't have enough on my to-sew list ... here are a few antique linens and hankies courtesy of DH's sweet grandmother that I plan to re-purpose. I think G would like that.

Just excuse the wrinkles, these babies haven't seen the light of day for a few years.

My sister-in-law and mother-in-law have b-days coming up soon so I plan to make aprons and/or these sweet scented bird pillows, or this rice heat therapy bag. Suggestions, preferences?

On another note ... we now have a moose living with us. Well, not really, just a mouse; an uninvited mouse. DH has seen him and said he is so tiny. I figure we have enough crumbs on our kitchen floor to remedy his size. We tried to trap him 4 nights now. He has snapped the trap but gotten away. After day 3 we called our exterminator who brought sticky pads. The little fella pulled the pad under our stove ... and still got away. DH came down this AM and said "Did we get him?" to which I replied, "No, he got us." I'm convinced it's a moose and not a mouse. Maybe it's this...

Bento Bill

I've seen Bento mentioned on quite a few blogs and after Kris shared her adorable 'new happy thing', I had to check it out for myself. I could have really gotten carried away on eBay. It's unbelievable how much Japanese cuteness there is out there. Those are little soy sauce containers - what I will do with those who knows, but since red is one of my favorite colors and Bill is such a respectable name for a bird ... it just had to be done.

Feet In The Day

Feet in the night...In the house and on the street, how many different feet you meet. (Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book)

I was taken away by this photo by Elsewhere Living. It's just amazing. So, being the monkey see monkey do person that I am ...

Hope you get to meet some nice feet.

Getting The Message

“Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.” Malcome Muggeridge

Chelsea Bag - Check

Yipee! I'm so excited to have finished this. Check one more project off the to-sew list. This bag was the first time I've used one of Amy Butler's patterns. She gives great directions; even I, the non-direction-following-person that I am, could understand.



So, here's what I learned whilst making Amy Butler's Chelsea Bag (I've wanted to use the word 'whilst' for some time ... you know we say whyull down here in Virginia ... not so polished sounding!).

1. Make sure you totally pay attention when cutting out fabric if you are trying to center a print (my yellow side is a little off ... like me)



2. Timetex is pretty darn stiff (aarrrg)
3. I'm not so hot at itty-bitty detailed stuff (the handles - although maybe not truely itty-bitty to others - were tough for me to get the corners tucked in properly - hmpf)
4. I love Amy Butler even more than before (ok - her patterns - psycho)
5. Timetex just might be what the sewing MD prescribes for my fledgling iPod cover (yipee)
6. I need longer stronger pins. I bent quite a few ... any suggestions? (%*&$#)
7. Blood rises quickly to the point of puncture (**$#&$#+#^@!!!)



I plan to use this bag to hold my knitting ... you know, the knitting I haven't picked up in a month now. But who's keeping track? I've been spending my evenings reading instead of trying to master the pain purl stitch. Only so much time in the day ... maybe if I got off the computer ...

Special Post Brought To You ...

... in honor of the Sassy Apron Swap. My apron arrived on Saturday from Lisa wrapped in a vintage dishcloth. WOW. It is amazing ... as you can see!

She used vintage napkins for the bottom pockets and a vintage hankie for the top pocket trim.

The dishcloth is trimmed to match the apron and has the monogram MPK. I think I'll name the previous owner Marguerite Karr Peters. If we had a girl, she would have been named Marguerite, Karr was my mom's nickname (betcha didn't think I remembered that mom!), and Peter (if we went for numero tres and shim was a him).

Lisa is a polymer clay artist - indeed she is an artist - look at the lovely worry stone/good luck charm she made me. It was in the top pocket of the apron - how charming! (pun intended) I can tell you, this is going to get a lot of use!

And the goodies don't stop there! She also included an amazing recipe for home made chicken stock. Lisa wrote, "This stuff is the nectar of the gods. Drink it like coffee when you don't feel well ... a cup a day will keep the colds and flu away." Lisa, you must have read all of our woes - I'm holding you to this ;-) Wellness here we come!

From the depths of my apron pocket - Thank you Lisa!