Chevron Maxi Skirt

 

I made this skirt several weeks ago, but never could find the time to photograph it.  Well, I had a nice post planned for today so that you guys wouldn't think that I had given up on blogging.  Then at the last minute it fell through.  I am still hoping to have it up in the next few weeks, but we will see.   I decided to wear the skirt this morning and have some quick photos snapped, so that I would have something to share here.  Miller took these photos for me and I didn't realize I looked so mad until I uploaded them onto the computer. 

 

Anyways, back to the skirt.  I have had this fabric in my stash for at least 2 years maybe even longer.  I finally decided it was time to use it.  I followed this tutorial and had the skirt finished in an evening.  I didn't have quite enough fabric to make an extra wide waistband.  I might end up adding some elastic to the waistband because it is starts getting droopy by the end of the day. 
 

We have been working on the former TV room.  We decided to make it into a playroom for the kids.  We painted the walls, trim, and ceiling last weekend.  So now we just need to get a rug and some window treatments.  Then decide which furniture is staying and what is going.  The plan is to have a garage sale this weekend.  If we can get rid of some of the stuff cluttering up my house maybe I can FINALLY have my house looking half way put together. 

Surviving

I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that we are still alive.  We have had a rough start to 2012 so far.  Nothing major or life altering just battling one thing after another, which has left little time for much of anything.  I will have a kitchen update next week.  Maybe I will even dig my sewing machine out.  We will see.

Here are a few random photos from the last couple of weeks. 

One morning Harper and Miller decided to dress up in each other's clothes.  They are even wearing each others shoes.  Harper is trying to attempt one of Miller's side smiles.  These two are quite the pair!!

Harper and I made it out of the house last week for some fresh air.  I even remembered to bring my camera.  She was home sick from school, but you can tell from the photo that she was feeling much better. 

 

I am so thankful that we have had some really nice weather for January.  Being able to get outside for awhile has saved my sanity on more than one occasion.

Happy 2012

Since I have made a collage of some of my favorite photos the last several years, I decided I would continue the tradition.  I really can't believe that this is the my 4th New Year's post on this blog.  My other New Year's Post are linked below.

2011

2010

2009

Overall 2011 was a really great year.   Miller started playing baseball.  I ran (and walked) the half marathon despite my pesky hip injury.  We took a family trip to Louisville for Spring Break.  We visited family in Minnesota this summer.  Miller started kindergarten, so both kids are in school this year.  Wahoo!! Harper started Taekwondo.  We went camping and made a trip to Atlanta to celebrate my niece's birthday.  We started a major kitchen remodel and much, much more.  I really could not ask for more to be packed into one year.

I do have some things that I would like to accomplish in 2012.  I want to get back into running.  I really want to run the half marathon again this year, but train for it properly.  I haven't signed up yet because I want to make sure my hip isn't going to flare up again. So we will see. 

Last year was a very busy year and I am sure 2012 is going to be the same.  I need to figure out a better way to get healthy, quick dinners on the table when we are running in all different directions.  I think meal planning is key for this to actually happen.

I sure hope our kitchen remodel is finished this year along with refinishing the floors and drywalling the living room.  I know we have a long way to go, but hopefully we can get it all done this year.

Happy New Year's everyone!!

 

Today is a Big Day

Today is Harper's first day of second grade. She was so excited for the first day of school after finding out she got the teacher that she wanted and one of her good friends was in her class. Then they decided to add another teacher and she was moved to a new class yesterday, the day before the first day of school. To say she was devastated is an understatement. My heart broke for her. I know it will be fine, but it is so hard seeing your children so upset.



Harper is so resilient. She meets friends easily and is so easy going. I sure do love that girl with all of my heart.



It is also our anniversary. I can't believe we have been married 11 years. Crazy. I love this guy with all my heart too.




Last but not least, Miller is graduating from Pre-K today. Miller will have his first full day in exactly 2 weeks, not that I am counting down or anything. : ) It is really bittersweet. We have been attending the same daycare for 7 years now, so it is sad leaving. However, we will not have a huge chunk of change deducted from our account each week, which will be very nice. I won't lie. I am VERY worried about how he is going to do with this transition, but I will save those thoughts for another post. I sure do love this guy with all my heart too.



I sure am one lucky gal.

Guess What?

I got a new camera, a Nikon D7000. Woohoo. My husband gave it to me for my birthday and it finally came in the mail yesterday. I have only had a little bit of time to play around with it, but I can already tell I am going to love it.

Here are the first shots taken with my new baby.

I need to sit down and read the manual because it is very different from my old camera, but I am excited to see what it can do.

Have a great 4th of July weekend.

Hello there

I am just checking in since I have been a very bad blogger lately. I have not done any crafting or sewing since last week. Instead I cleaned out the kids closets, which gobbled up my sewing time. So there has been no progress on Harper's quilt. I did order a walking foot for my sewing machine to help with the quilting. Now I just need to do some practicing.

The half marathon is this weekend. Although I have not really trained at all, I am still going to do the race. There is no way I can run the whole thing, so I am just going to go out there and do my best. I am trying to let go of any time goals I had and just enjoy the race.

Since I can't have a post without photos, here are a few from this weekend. I only took a few. I think my camera might be lonely because she has not seen a whole lot of action lately.

The kids easter egg huntin' with their cousins.

More easter egg huntin' with more cousins.

Our new friend that is living in our yard. He actually let the kids get so close to him that they were able to touch him.

Lesson Learned

{This photo has nothing to do with the post. Just can't post without a photo.}

I was sick all last week. I did not go to work all week. I did not do much of anything except eat, sleep and watch lots of TV. I had a fever for 4 days along with aches, chills, and chest congestion. I can't ever remember being this sick for this long. It was nasty and I only have myself to blame. I am going to go ahead and admit it. I did not get a flu shot. My kids and husband got flu shots, but not me. I don't really have a good excuse. I think deep down I thought I was invincible. I take my vitamin D every day along with my other vitamins. I drink my green smoothie every day. I am healthy. Nothing can bring me down, right? Well, I sure was humbled.

I don't know for sure that I had the flu because I did not go to the doctor and get tested, but I feel pretty confident that I did. It's 9 days later and I am finally feeling back to normal. Yuck.

Lesson Learned: I am obviously not invincible. I will get a flu shot next year.

Sidelined

After dealing with my hip pain for several weeks, I finally decided to go to the doctor last week. They ordered a MRI to rule out a stress fracture or labral tear. It was a whirlwind of a day. My thoughts were all over the place with fear of surgery or weeks of crutches. Fortunately, the MRI showed no fractures or tears. My bursa sac was swollen and inflamed so he put me on steroids and ordered physical therapy. He also said no running for 2 weeks. It was probably the best case scenerio really, but I am not sure how this is all going to impact my half marathon training. I am still planning on running, but I guess I will just see how things pan out.

I know in the whole scheme of things my minor injury is not a big deal, but it really has thrown me for a loop. I feel like I have worked so hard to get to a certain point with my running. I am afraid I am going to have to start all over again. Running has become such a stress reliever for me. Without it I have been a little (or a lot if you ask my husband) cranky.

I have my first physical therapy session today so hopefully I will be back in action soon.

Changing Gears

I have had this blog for almost 3 years now. I think the best thing about having a blog is being able to look back over the months and years and reflect on how much has changed. It is also enlightening to see the natural rhythm of our life from season to season and year to year. I love being able to look back at last year(2010) and in 2009 to see what I was thinking starting the New Year.

2010 proved to be a great year, so I have high hopes for 2011. I have been running regularly since June, which is a pretty major accomplishment for me. I have always despised running, but I am slowing learning to really enjoy it. I have signed up to run a half marathon in April. Mitch is running the full marathon. We both ran the half marathon in 2001 so it seems fitting to run it again 10 years later. Eventhough, I swore I would never do it again. I am excited to see what my 35 year old body can do.

I feel like I am officially ready to put the sewing side business on hold for awhile or forever. Although I did have some orders and the charity shop this Christmas, it wasn't too stressful. It was nice to have time to sew some presents. I am looking forward to just sewing for family and friends when I feel like it.

The schedule change that I made last year has worked out really well for everyone. As I predicted it meant I was not able to sew as much, which in the whole scheme of things is not that big of a deal. It's nice to have that extra hour in the afternoon to unwind, get homework done, and dinner started.

Besides my fitness goals, I want to continue to focus on healthy eating and being green. I think gettting back on track with meal planning will help. I want to continue blogging. Since a good portion of my free time will be consumed with running, expect to hear more about that.

Here's to another great year!!!!

Happy New Year everyone.

Exciting News

Just wanted to pop in and share a few bits of news.

There was a little segment on the local mid-day news, Talk of the Town, yesterday and they talk about some of my goodies that were being sold at the charity shop.

Here's the video. If you don't want to watch the whole thing, she mentions my stuff around the 2:00 minute mark. Very cool!!!

I also created a Flickr group for projects made from my tutorials. I have been meaning to do this for awhile and finally got around to it. Please, please, please add photos if you make anything from one of my tutorials. I would love to see it.

Stacy and Carrie if you could add the photos of all of those wonderful art purses you have made, I would be ever so grateful. You guys are the best!!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Team-Up Thursday- End of the Day

This week Cara and I chose end of the day as our theme. Originally I planned on photographing a steaming cup of tea. Now that it is cold outside I like to enjoy a hot cup of tea after the kids have gone to bed. I could not get the vision of one of my grandma's wine glasses sparkling in the christmas lights. So I took one for the team and had a glass of wine last night. I was really happy how my photo turned out. For once it came out exactly how I envisioned it.

Cara's shot is so sweet. He looks so snuggly and ready for bed. My kids don't wear those footed PJs anymore, which makes me a little sad.

Join in on the fun over at Mental Inventory.

Decision, Decisions, Decisions

Yes, this is really what my workspace looks like when I am working on an order.

After months and months of mulling it over I finally decided to stop taking wholesale and custom orders. It was a very hard decision to make, but one that just couldn't be avoided any longer. I notified my biggest customer last week about my decision, so it's official.

My plan is to use up my supply of materials for personal projects, gifts or my etsy shop, which I have not updated in a very long time. I want the freedom to make what I want to make when I want to make it. I am really excited about letting my creative juices flow (or not).

I still have one large order to finish (see photo above). Then I am free. Oh, the possibilities!!

Team-Up Thursday-Faceless Portrait

This week Cara and I chose Faceless Portrait as our theme for Team-Up Thursday. Cara always comes up with the best ideas for themes. I knew this theme would be a little more challenging, but fun. I waited to the absolute last minute to take my picture. I thought about a dozen different ideas, but since I waited until the last minute I had to be subject. I propped the camera on the deck railing, set up the self timer and ran to my spot. I only took a few shots and this was the best one. Not exactly what I had in mind, but it works.

I love the perspective in Cara's shot. She looks like she is on the go. The shot leaves me wondering where she is going, especially since she is wearing running shoes. I think it is pretty cool that we both ended up with shots of ourseleves.

Check out more Team-Up Thursday over at Megan's blog.

Team-Up Thursday-Mirror

This week Cara and I chose mirror as our theme. We were definitely on the same wavelength. Apparently we spent way too much time in our cars this week.

Cara's photo is so well composed and so interesting. I love how the road curves in the mirror and you can see the line of cars. I also love how the reflection is so clear.

My shot was taken right before I got out of my car to walk into work. You can see the door to my office in the reflection. It has been raining like crazy the last few days so I focused in on the raindrops.

Join in on the fun over at Megan's.

Pre-Vacation Craftiness

I am not sure why I feel like I need to complete a gazillion projects before I leave on vacation, but it happens every single time. The week before we left my mind was whirling with ideas and projects I needed to finish right then. Unfortunately, there are also things you have to do to prepare for a trip like laundry and pack.

I did finish a couple of things for myself before we left. I had to have a new purse of course. I saw this bag over at Noodlehead and decided it looked perfect. It took me about 2 hours over the course of two evenings to finish. I used flannel between the two layers instead of interfacing.

Since my mind was reeling the week before vacation, I was doing a lot of doodling in my notebook I carry around with me. I find it is the easiest way to keep track of my ideas. The notebook has been pretty abused in my purse, so I decided to get a larger notebook and make a cover for it. I wanted it to be a larger, simplified version of my Zippy Art Purse. I made it large enough to fit a composition notebook. I put pockets on each side instead of including a zipper pocket. I also used twill tape to tie it shut and omitted the straps. Instead of using interfacing, I used a piece of flannel between the layers. With these changes, I had the cover made in about 30 minutes. I plan on making another one for a birthday gift, so I will write down the measurements in case anyone wants to make one.

Here's the inside.

I have a couple of wholesale orders to work on this week. I am really struggling with these. I am getting to the point where I want to sew what I want to sew when I want to sew it. I don't want to sound ungrateful for the business that I have because I am not. It's just that my sewing time is so limited. When I get a chance to sew, I want it to be a creative outlet not just another chore that has to be completed. I had a lot of time to think about things during our vacation. When you spend that much quality time with your family, it really puts it all in perspective. You know? I am feeling like I need to reprioritize some things in my life. I am not completely ready to call it quits, but I am seriously considering it. I might keep the Etsy shop up for random things, but end the wholesale and custom orders. I do have a ton of materials that I have collected so I still have some decisions to make.

On a completely unrelated note, today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom. I love you and hope you have the best birthday ever.

Dress to Skirt Refashion

I am really trying to make my way through the pile of clothes I have set aside to refashion. This one took me ALL week to finish. Once I decided what I wanted to do with the skirt (which took the longest amount of time), it went pretty fast. I had to take out a couple of seams and redo them, but I am beginning to accept this as part of the process.

I loved the fabric, but it was too big and not very flattering at all. I thought about keeping the gathered waist and just taking it in some on the sides. Then I looked at the skirts in my closet that I actually wear and realized I need to make it more fitted. I used a skirt from my closet to make the pattern and even put in an invisible zipper. I also used the existing lining for the lining of the skirt.

It is far from perfect, but at least it is wearable.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.

Ruffle Tank for Me

This week I finally finished a tank top I have been wanting to jazz up for months now. I used some lightweight knit that I got in the remnant bin at Joann's to add some random ruffles. I am lovin' that this is in style right now because it is so easy. I want to ruffle everything now. My husband snapped this photo really fast as we were rushing out the door to go to my brother's birthday party. I REALLY need to work on my modeling skills. Yikes. I tried cropping it so that my head was not in the photo, but decided that the unflattering expression was better than being headless.

Here is a close-up of the tank top all pinned up. I sewed these two rows on first.

Then decided it needed a couple of more rows.

I also finally got around to making this belt. Although I did not get around to photographing it.

I know I said I was taking the summer off, but it is hard to resist making these little guys. I have been brainstorming on a couple of new owl patterns. I will have to see if any ideas stick.

I was trying to find a good spot to photograph. Miller thought it would be funny to stick his head into the shot. Very funny little stinker.

I am still putting the garden toolbelt tutorial together. I hope to have it up tomorrow.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.

Gettin' Into a Crafty Groove

This week was all about sewing. I start having major withdrawal symptoms if I go too long without sewing. I am finding that what I really want to sew is stuff for me or the kids though. The week before last I did manage to finish a small wholesale order.

This is Tabitha. She is living with a family in New Hampshire now.

I also made some patches for her to put on items that she sews to sell in her shop. It was a nice change of pace.

Then last week I made these bibs and burp clothes for a baby shower we attended on Saturday. You can't tell by the photos, but they are backed with chenille. It is REALLY hard to find decent fabric for boys, but I was pleased with how they turned out. I ended up using stuff I already had on hand, which is always a good thing.

It was rainy on Saturday so I had the perfect excuse to sew a dress for myself so that I would have something to wear to the baby shower. I have had the material and idea for this dress for at least a month now. So I am glad that I had an excuse to finish it. I took photos so that I could do a tutorial, but the photos are horrible. Guess I will just have to make another one, right?

Here's a photo (see what I mean about horrible) before I made the belt. I used 2" wide elastic for the waist and it worked out perfectly.

Here's a photo that my husband took of me last night. Yes, I cropped my head out of the shot. I was all sweaty from working out and had the most awful expression on my face. I wore a sweater shrug with it on Saturday, which made me feel less self conscious of my flabby arms. Plus it dressed up the dress some.

This is what was happening on the other side of the camera, which would be why I had a crazy expression on my face.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.

No Longer Missing in Action

I have officially resurfaced after a much needed Spring Break. We headed 3.5 hours east to Sevierville and Gatlinburg for a little family vacation. We had a blast. It was so nice to be away and unplugged for a week. I am still going through photos so I will post some soon.

I have not found too much time for crafting, but have a couple of things to show today. We spent Saturday cleaning out the garage so my sewing area is all clean and somewhat organized. Now I just need to get busy and use up my overabundance of materials.

Here is a cell phone holder that I made for a custom order.

I made myself these yoga pants from an men's XL t-shirt. It was super simple. If I make another pair I think I will make them shorter though. I used this tutorial.

The last thing that I made was a crown for my niece's 4th birthday. I took tons of photos so I hope to have a tuorial up for next week.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone!!

Goodies Galore

It was not intentional, but I guess the theme for this week is pink and green. I made another t-shirt dress for Harper using a thrifted shirt that says " Some bunny loves you." The green t-shirt was one of mine.

The second dress or tunic I made was modeled after one of Harper's favorite tops from last year. I took a tank top from Old Navy, cut the bottom part off, and used one of my old t-shirts as the dress. I just cut it off under the arms. I cut a piece of elastic the size of Harper's waist. Then I put the pieces right sides together and pinned the elastic around both pieces. Then sewed over the elastic attaching the pieces together and gathering as I went. Makes sense, right?

I made these capri leggings out of another t-shirt, but they are way too small. I am not really sure what I was thinking. I might try to cut them off and make them shorts, but I think they may still be too short in the crotch. They would have been cute with the outfit if they had actually fit.




Not keeping with the pink and green theme, I finally made myself a lickety split bag. I have had this fabric since October. So it only took 6 months to get around to making it. I made the purse last night and it took me less than 2 hours. I really love these bags. I decided not to interface it and I was afraid it would be too flimsy, but it is actually the perfect weight . It also holds a ton of stuff.

The last thing I have today is a pdf of two Easter cards I made for the kids to color for their teachers. It is not anything special. I used free clipart. I printed them on recycled card stock that I have on hand. I thought they turned out cute and the kids especially Harper love coloring these cards. I definitely plan on making more of these to have on hand.

Easter Cards

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.