May(d) For Me ... Continues On!

Ok. So May is practically over. I made 2 things for myself. I had intended more. How about you? Sew what to do? (I couldn't resist)

Keep sewing! Continue getting your 'tion' - motivation, inspiration, and celebration and share your progress on flicker.

I've updated the button.

Thanks to all who participated. I had so much fun seeing what you made.

Happy sewing ... for you!

LaaayyDeees And Geen-Tell-Men

It's Showtime!

This lovely came with the marriage ... just set it and forget it!

Little Birdies

For a friends new hatchling ...

Bend the Rules scalloped baby blanket - I enlarged the scallops more than suggested - makes it much easier to whip up (at least for me!). Fabric is Joel Dewberry's Aviary. LOVE this stuff. I have it in yellow too ...

Angel Arpon

You can't really tell in this picture, but ... this baby blanket turned out terribly! I hated to waste the fabric so I set it aside for some other day. You know, when I actually had time to rip out all the stitches. Well, that other day came. Not because I had time, but because I had a purpose.



Lucy, who coordinates The Sassy Apron Swap, put out a request for some Apron Angels. Her little neck of the woods was hit hard by tornadoes. Lucy wrote "I would love to be able to send an apron to as many of these women as possible to send them a message of hope and love. "

I knew immediately that I wanted to help so I started looking at my stash. Nothing was jumping out at me ... except that darn blanket that needed to be ripped apart. hmph. The green seemed to say 'new life' and the pink so feminine and soft. So I did what had to be done ... spent some quality time with my seam ripper. Henry was so funny, "Did you mess this one up too?" He's no stranger to the seam ripper in my hand. Once the scallops were cut off I had the perfect size piece of material for the skirt! I used Bend The Rules vintage apron pattern and added a pocket.

She's off to Missouri to give some very deserving woman a great big hug from Virginia.

Bottoms Up

His

Hers Ours Nothing like a long weekend ... hope yours was a good one.

It's Getting Crowded In Here

In my brain that is. I've got to unload some stuff or I think it's going to explode. Thoughts (and lists) of projects to be finished - started - deadlines (going away presents to be made and given ... before they move), and so much more. So what am I doing ... blogging .. what else to make really good use of your childrens nap time.

I can check one thing off my list ... actually two if you count the fact that one Emmeline Apron fulfilled two obligations - The Sassy Apron Swap and MFD & SS Sew Along.

The Sew Along theme was one side naughty and one side nice.

Naughty

(Sorry for the bad picture. I wasn't lugging Bernadette back out for another photo shoot)

You know these girls are up to no good ;-)

Nice

Sweet like apple pie. Mmmm Mmmm.

For the apron swap you are to include a dish towel as well.

Lucy, who coordinates the Apron Swap, is doing something really nice. She is looking for apron angels. Check it out. I'm sending one her way.

And since I started this post discussing overcrowding ... while making this apron I kept getting the feeling like someone was standing behind me ... like Henry maybe had woken up early and I didn't hear him come in the room ... nope. Every time I turned around I discovered that it's just Berdie and me. I'm still getting used to having her around.

Introducing ...

Bernadette

AKA Berdie

I finally ordered a dress form. JoAnn's had a sale I couldn't refuse - more than half off! I know ... sucker! Berdie is wearing a wrap skirt I made last summer from the Sew What! Skirts book. Ignore the wrinkles - it's been under the bed all winter ;-) As best as I can remember it was an easy skirt to make. The waist is a little off so I'll use this as a pool cover-up instead of an actual skirt.

Henry was so funny when he saw the skirt on Berdie. Our conversation went like this:

H: Why do you have an apron on her?

Me: On who?

H: On her ... what do you call her?

Me: Bernadette?

H: Yea. On Bert.

Me: It's a skirt actually.

H: Oh. It looks like an apron.

Nothing like a four year old to put you in your place.

From Head to Toe

Henry: "Mamma, at some point you are going to have to paint your toes."

John at the mention of toes: "eeet - eeet - eeet" while pointing to his feet.

Me: "John, can you go say ped-i-cure to dada? Go say ped-i-cure to dada."

31 Hours

I am blessed enough to have a group of girlfriends that I've known since my freshman year in college - there are 9 of us to be exact. We lived together for 3 years, became sorority sisters and, friends for life. We call ourselves the girls. Not very original but it works. We have been with each other through many ups and downs ... and we still like each other. Correct that - we still love each other. Ever since graduation we have tried to get together at least once a year. The first few years were easy - bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, Baptisms ... now it's a little harder - cross country moves, babies, etc. Well, this year I get to see the girls twice! My 31 hours away from home was for my Delta Zeta sorority reunion.

Try getting 30+ women who haven't seen each other since graduation to get into formation, be still, stop talking, and smile at the same time ... we had a blast.

My date with Ronald was a quickie ... no need to panic - it was lunch at Ronald McDonald's alone (no infidelity ... unless you consider the fact that I actually love chicken nuggets) on the road ... so I could get home to see my boys. DH and I use 'Ronald' as our code word for McDonald's so that Henry won't know what we are talking about. I have a feeling if Henry hasn't already figured out our code word, he soon will. Those 4 year olds ...

It was so great to see the girls and catch up with my 'sisters' who I haven't seen in ages. Despite being able to listen to whatever music I wanted to (for 6 hours!), chit chatting, sleeping in, and having someone make me breakfast ... there's no place like home.

Here's another peek at my Emmeline Apron - she's coming along nicely. This one is going to be hard to give away.

What Would You Do ...

If you had 31 hours to yourself ... 6 of which were spent alone - in the car?

I had a date with Ronald.

Stay tuned ... more to follow. I'm in weekend recovery mode.

Today's Post Is Brought To You By The Letter F & The Letter A

It's Friday and I've finished my Favorite Things skirt:

Two things done for May(d) for Me ... I'm on a roll. I need to decide what to make next. Another skirt? Amy Butler's Lotus Tunic? I have the fabric for another skirt ... the tunic will take some fabric, brain power, and learning the button gizmo on my machine ... hmmm ... decisions.

I participated in a letter swap that Mindy organized. This was too much fun. I received my goodies from Rachel yesterday - oh my - it's just fabulous! The soap smells sooo good - yum. Thank you so much!

As you can see she used the letter A. The fabric has this really cool animal print. I can't wait to come up with something to make with that! Rachel made my angel - on the other side she has a heart - it's just perfect. As for Aesop - hanging by my computer ... Rachel, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.

Here's a sneak peak at ol' Emmy. This is for the Sassy Apron Swap and the Sew-along. She's all cut out and ready to be put together.

One side naughty. One side nice.

Fun.

A Little B & B

Breakfast

Busted

A Matter Of Words

Whoever wrote on the Simplicity pattern 2962 "It's so easy" needs a talking to on the definition of easy. If they meant not too many piece to cut out - easy. If they meant simple instructions - easy. If they meant no zippers - easy. If they think taking tiny little hems and getting them to fold over, pressed, line up, and stay even - well ... I have a few choice words for them but we'll just say - not so easy.


Sorry for the cheesy picture. I do like the shirt and the way it turned out. It really wasn't that hard to make - I hate that it took me so long though. I don't know if it was because I made it out of knit and I struggled with keeping it from stretching while cutting and pinning or because the yoke turned out to be a bit of a pain (little seams). I might make another one (different version) out of cotton ... later. Way later.

I did use my walking foot and that seemed to help a great deal. I'm glad I finally broke down and got one of those things! One down for May(d) For Me. Now to finish my skirt. I hope it turns out to actually be one of My Favorite Things and not just a matter of words ...

I've got some serious thanks to send out to my blogging friend Kris. Would you just take a look at this fabulous bag she made me ... just because she had some scraps left over from her Bend the Rules swap bag and it matched my Sophia. Gotta love friends like that.

And speaking of great blogging friends, another great big thank you to Lisa who generously answered my request for more Freddo. And more Freddo she did send ... along with a few other goodies. Yum. Can you smell it ... choc-co-late. mmmmm.

I'm tellin' you ... I've eaten enough chocolate to last me ... well, for a few days! My face is going to look like I'm 16 again if I keep it up. Do you think my body would follow ... and that's not a matter of words ... that's a matter of wishful thinking!

Missing The Mark

A week of no sewing and I'm falling apart. Who am I kidding, my mind is mush. So what am I babbling about you ask? I started to work on my shirt for May(d) For Me and completely flaked on the directions. Have you ever done that? Followed the directions for a different view than you are making. ugh. Here's how far I got before I had my 'you're kidding me' moment:

Now I have to take the yoke off and sew on the bias tape (which I haven't made yet). sigh.

I did score some great shoes today at Target while I fed my boys goldfish to keep them happy.

I plan to make a skirt out of this fabric:

and thought the yellow shoes would match great ... and then I got them home. Not even close. It's like yellow mustard vs gold. I'm keeping the shoes regardless. I think they're groovy.

Now if I could only get my groove back we'd be on to something ...

Always One In The Bunch ...

You know, one that is off a little.

... somehow my white azalea has a pink bloom.

And my little fella prefers the box over the actual toy ...

Must be genetic ...

Grandpa doing anything for a laugh from his little man.

DH said yesterday that we were are all suffering from P.B.D. - Post Birthday Disorder. he he. Hopefully I'll have some completed projects to share this week now that the excitement has died down a bit.

The Nest

I was sad to find this nest in my yard. It had fallen out the tree and I was worried that the feathered occupants would not have a home. I then realized that they would most likely be just fine and begin the process of 'rebuilding' quickly; quite happily actually. That is what birds do - build nests, lay their eggs, keep them warm, feed their babies, and teach them to fly on their own.

He who blinds himself to joy does the winged life destroy;

but he who kisses the joy as it flies lives an eternity's sunrise.

~ William Blake ~

To all who nurture and keep the nest - Happy Mother's Day.

Goody Goody Gum Drops

Or should I say "Goody Goody Beauty Bag"!

This is what the mailman brought today. I LOVE it! This was dear Wendy's first swap and first bag she'd every made. I'd say she did an outstanding job. The bag is a beauty for sure.

Look at the detail on that strap! The pockets on the inside are just the right size and the false bottom is made out of the blue fabric and removable. Very nice.

With your bag you were to send a desert recipe. Wendy out did herself again - inside the Chocolicious! box are notecards with recipes for Chocolate Tea Cake, Expresso Truffles, Cheesecake Brownies, and Chocolate Creme Cookies. I was relieved to see that there are several of each notecard recipe - otherwise these would have never gotten used! I was going to keep them all to myself ;-)

Wendy knows how to seal the deal. Send chocolates. And that's what she did.

bite this!

Done.

Thank you so much Wendy! Everything is just lovely!

One Happy Four Year Old

Thank you all so much for such lovely birthday wishes. It was quite comical trying to explain to Henry who you all are ...

"Well, Henry, they are mamma's friends."

"No. You've never met them. Neither have I actually."

"I know it's confusing."

"You are right, we should not talk to strangers. But mommy does know these ladies, sorta. We've just never met."

"Don't you need to go play outside now?"

I spent the day yesterday 'tidying up'. We have a half bath in the den of chaos so I needed to make it presentable since we have family and friends coming over to celebrate. There will be some traffic since bathrooms seem to be in high demand while entertaining. Don't want to lose a guest in there. I did find (during a cleaning break) find a random website that apparently won't be up much longer. It had a few neat projects - like the iPod cover that I've given up on. Oh well!

This will be Henry's first birthday party with friends. I've always followed the "invite how many children per age of the celebrant". He is so excited. When planning his party I had a little heart to heart about what giving means. In the end (after I completely confused him) he was happy to ask his friends to bring food for a local food bank instead of gifts for him. (I had to assure him he was still getting gifts from us though - ha!) Here's what his invitation said "Help Henry fill the bellies and tummies of little boys & girls instead of his toy box. In lieu of a gift please bring an item for the Food Pantry. Thank you!" He can't stop talking about this now - he has such a big heart.

And since I'm one of those bloggers who likes to post pictures with my babbling ...

Look what my lovely neighbor brought me because it was Henry's birthday. I almost cried. Seriously.

And lastly ... I'll leave you with one very happy four year old.

Thankful

Have you ever felt like a hamster in a wheel? Spinning and spinning but not going anywhere. I started to become slightly overwhelmed yesterday when I began cleaning up my sewing area.

You can see why ... the task at hand is ... large.

Stuff - everywhere.

And then it hit me. I am so fortunate. So thankful. Not for the material things, but for the space I have to do what I love - sew (and blog - hehe). I began either throwing things away or putting it away. I didn't get too far but that's ok - baby steps as the FlyLady likes to say (you'll see my fly-duster in one of the pictures - ha!)


I am thankful that DH, despite having to step over-walk around-keep his eye open for falling objects every evening when he comes home doesn't complain.


I am thankful that I have a space that can accommodate me and my stuff.

I am thankful for my new el-cheapo bookcase that DH put together with minimal teasing (and willingness to assemble the second one). (He's no fool - anything to 'help' me get organized).

I am thankful for the blinds on the windows since I haven't finished the curtains for this room :) You will see one window undressed ... I took that curtain down to hang the one I made only to find it didn't fit.

I am thankful that the general population doesn't see this room when they come to our house!

I am thankful that I get to paint this room (if the painter ever calls me back).

I am thankful that I will be forced to clean up for the painter :)

I am thankful for you all who read and comment ... little did you know I was operating out of a den of chaos!

But most importantly and, completely unrelated - I am thankful because my sweet-loving-energetic-want-to-please-wears-his-heart-on-his sleeve-little-boy is turning 4 today.

Happy Birthday Henry.

Need A Fix

My Bernina headed back to my dealer this weekend ... We'll call him Jerry. That sounds so ... scandalous doesn't it ;-) Somehow my tension was off again. When I was rockin' in the disco, Jerry discovered that I had the bobbin thread wrong. Good grief. I know how to thread my bobbin. brain. is. mush. Well, on Saturday I headed back over, Bernina in hand with samples of my mishaps. It was the same thing. brain.still.is.mush. Double good grief.

So, since I couldn't sew until I got my fix (he he), I decided to try to put together some extremely cheap Pottery Barn copycat shelves I got for my sewing area. It is so cluttered right now I could easily loose a child in there. DH got this awesome drill for Christmas but it's a little heavy ... maybe awkward is the better description. I thought I would impress DH by having this put together and the office cleaned up when he got home. Sometimes the best laid plans go awry. Not only did I need to grow 2 more arms to hold the drill and the pieces together but I could not get those darn screws to go into the wood ... press board ... it's not even wood! UGH.

I have moved the assembled mess from the kitchen floor ... into the living room. sigh. DH was a saint and put it together quickly. I was perplexed because I thought I had ordered two of these (remember - they were really inexpensive) but only one arrived. Lo, and behold, on my doorstep yesterday was another box - the other bookcase. DH is just overjoyed.

Ready-Made To The Rescue

You can tell where this is going ... It all started with a pound of fresh spinach and 6 eggs that I got at our local co-op that began last week. I already had a dozen eggs in the fridge. What am I going to do with 1lb of spinach and 18 eggs. Quiche. I used to be pretty handy in the kitchen, baked bread, and could make a pretty decent meal (from a cookbook - he he) ... so I thought I could whip up my own crust, even if I was a little ... rusty.


Thank goodness I already had a pie crust in the fridge or dinner would have been doomed.


I also have lost my knack for preparedness ... The bacon took forever to cook. The cheese had to be shredded. I couldn't find my pie shield (who knows when I used it last). I fumbled with getting the spinach washed and torn for the quiche ... all the while John is babbling, talking, screaming to get out of his crib - he woke early from his nap. Drat!


When it was all said and done, it was delicious. It should have been considering it called for 8 eggs, half and half, sour cream, swiss & mozzarella cheese, and 6 pieces of bacon! We're living large here ... at least the eggs and spinach were organic. smile.

Needless to say, no sewing happened yesterday. I did get to knit 2 rows (whoohoo) after the boys were asleep. I do have a picture of something I finished over the weekend; another of my superheros ...