Almost a New Year

Hooray for almost a new year! I have been very busy lately, but not with what I want to be busy with. I have been shopping with my mom. I got some great pink fabric from Craigslist and some great Christmas fabric from Wal-mart. I got some new workout clothes, to accommodate the fact that it is cold and shorts and tank tops don't work well in the winter. I have started my January to do list. It isn't quite finished, so when it is I will post it. I also did a little sewing.

I made Sanders, the head wrestling coach some coats for his dog. It was a special request for his Christmas gift, so I went and got some fabric that I thought would work, but when I got home hated it. I made them anyway and I have a really great idea for him that I know he will like. I just need to get the fabric for it and I will be set.

I have started my very own swap on Craftster. It is a Deck out your Kitchen Swap. If it goes in a kitchen or dinning room it is a go. Placemats, aprons, oven mitts, art, decor, containers, tablecloths are all ideas. I have been wanting to do my own swap since I started co-organizing the Fill a box of holiday wishes swap. This idea popped into my head when I decided I want placemat for any holiday and season. I love to make aprons and placemats, so I'm sure others do as well. Right now the swap is still in the sign-up phase, so I have a little while before I get to craft for it.

Another swap that I am in is the Pink, girly Swap. All about being a girl and loving girl things. I am very patiently (read impatiently) waiting for my partner at this point. Everyone in the group but 4 of us has partners. The organizer is waiting for an answer from one of the participants and then she will assign the rest of us.

The funny part of this story is that one of the other people waiting is Kaymadben, who I met in the Christmas in July swap. She was my partner for that swap, then my next swap, Fill a box swap, she was my partner again. Then her and I decided to co-organize together in the Holiday wishes swap. Now she and I might be partners again in this swap, and then she went and signed up for my Kitchen swap. I don't mind at all though, she is an awesome person and I love to craft for her.

I am off to clean up all the Christmas decor, a yearly tradition. I sadly have to do most of it by myself, but that is ok. I really don't mind. It gets put away the way I want it to be put away now. Then off to the craft room to work on Amy's birthday present. So, I sew.

Weekly To Do December 28-January 3:

1. Sew 2 placemats
2. Sew 2 singlet grocery bags
3. Sew 2 lunch totes
4. Sew a workout bag
5. Sew a work portfolio
6. Sew a picnic tote
7. Sew 2 doggie coats
8. Fix our backyard fence, so Nibbles can go back outside and get out of our garage

I've been busy

I have worked very diligently on a few crafts that I have been wanting to do.

First up a crochet blanket that I have been wanting to make for about 5 years now. When I first learned how to crochet I started with blanket. That was the first mistake. I couldn't read patterns very well at the time and failed to really try. Needless to say, I used the wrong yarn, the wrong hook, the wrong gauge and the wrong finish size. The only thing I did get right was the actual stitch. Well I didn't realize that I hadn't done what the pattern said until about a year later when I actually learned how to read patterns. I love the twin size blanket even if it is all wrong, it sits on my couch and I cuddle in it all the time. Anyway I decided on Christmas night to make the one that I wanted to start with, the right way. I told Nick to pop in a movie and I would crochet. I used Homespun yarn in two different colors (waterfall and modern) held together with a Q hook, with single crochet in back loop. I finished it last night, they are so fast with such a large hook. It took a total of about 6 hours to make. The finished size is 45"x45" (supposed to be 60"x45"). The only thing wrong with this one is the finished size, but I didn't want to go buy more yarn, I only wanted to use what I had. It is just the right size to snuggle up and read.

Last night when I finished the blanket I decided to make a Scoodie using Vegbee's tutorial. I went and found some black fleece, and some cotton that I liked, but didn't really know what to do with. It sewed together really quick, but I remembered how much I hate sewing fleece. I made the scarf part about 8.5 feet long and it wraps around my neck a couple times. Nick doesn't think it looks good on me, so naturally I wore it all night (even to bed), just to be a butt to him.

Today I was nosing around on Craftster and found a board that I have never seen before. It is the craft along board, where everyone crafts things and posts them for motivation and communication, but nobody sends anything (like swaps). I signed up for the de-stash along and through that I found a thread for a Rapunzel Scarf. Basically all your yarn and ribbon scraps that you hoard braided up into a long rope. I went into my closet and found all sorts of partial skeins of pink, gray and black that I could use. I ended up with a 7.5 foot scarf that is light weight, but still very warm. And Nick likes this one better.

I feel very accomplished, and it was all no pressure. I am so excited to be crafting for fun again. I keep dreaming about what I am going to make next. I have this bad habit of finding new more interesting things (Rapunzel Scarf) rather then crafting the things on my list. I will be working on that and hopefully getting better.

Holy Moly

I went through my computer and compiled my list of patterns and tutorials that I have saved on Craftster and in my bookmarks. I can't believe how many there are. I thought I was never going to finish. I made the list so that I can easily find everything, and if anybody wants to make me anything from the list they can. I think with this list all made up, it will be easier for me to complete my crafting goals for the new year.

I delivered my Christmas gifts to their recipients and now I can post what I made.

I made Becky some crazy quilted placemats and an Emmeline Apron:

She really liked the apron, and was ok with the placemats. These placemats were my tedious task of the last couple months. I am so glad they are done. I will never make 8 placemats of this difficulty again. I really like the pattern, but only for four placemats.

I made Kelahna some little aprons to go with her kitchen she is getting from Santa:

Amy loved the aprons, as did Kelahna. She wouldn't go to bed without one of the aprons on.

There is other stuff that I made, but those people have not gotten their gifts yet. When they do I will post the pictures.

Patterns and Tutorials:

Here is a list of pattern and tutorials I have found online. I know this list is long and daunting. Most of these I have wanted to try, but don't have the time. I could use tons of any of these. Most items here make great gifts to family and friends. If I have completed the project I will put an asterisk by it and a note on how the tutorial went. Please let me know if a link is dead, I will fix it if I can.

Bags, Purses and Wallets:

• Pleated Purse
• Oilcloth Lunch bag
• Hobo Bag
• Diaper Bag
• Quilted Wallet
• Bagsket *For my craft room, bold, bright blues, pinks, purples and white
• Zippered Pouch
• Lunchbox *I love these, I have made 4 of them.
• Messenger Bag
• Picnic Bag
• Gratitude Wrap (note card holder)
• Pleated Bag
• Funky Travel Bag
• Snap Wallets
• Messenger Bag
• Knock-off Coach Purses
• Reversible Tote Bag
• Credit Card Wallet
• D-ring Bag
• Duffle Bags
• Singlet Shopping Bags *I've made tons of these, but never have enough
• Sling Bag

Clothing:

• Pleated Skirt (I would want an adult version)
• Lounge Pants
• Drawstring Jumper Dress
• Wrap around Shirt
• Christmas Tree Scarf
• Candy cane Scarf
• Cheeky Panties
• Tiered Skirt
• Mod Outfit *I really love the bag, and cape, but it wouldn't be complete without the dress.
• Empire waist tunic/dress
• Tank Top
• Tie halter top
• Cloth Ballet Flats *I wear women's size 7
• Reversible Fleece Jacket
• T-shirt Hoodie *I wear size medium t-shirts
• Zippered Hoodie
• Flapper Dress
• Pull over Hoodie
• Kimono Hoodie
• Wrap Lounge Pants
• Tank Top
• Hooded/Cowl Dress
• Jersey Dress
• Tube Dress
• Nightgown
• Scoodie
• Belt

Kids:

• Nursing Cover
• Apron Top 
• Peasant Top *I have made tons of these, very easy. Would love more!
• Mei Tai Child Carrier
• Baby shoes
• Corset Dress
• Men's Shirt to Dress
• Tiered Skirt/Dress *super easy to make
• Halter Dress
• Reversible wrap dress

Home Decor:

• Fabric Boxes *For my craft room, bold, bright blues, pinks, purples and white
• Clothespin Apron
• Hangable Hamper
• Oven Mitts
• Patchwork Placemats
• Fabric Basket * Makes a small basket
• Boxy Bag
• Criss-Cross Coasters
• Fabric leaves
• Puzzle Quilt * I want a queen Size in blues and greens, or reds and creams
• Woven Bathmat
• Covered Crate *For my craft room, bold, bright blues, pinks, purples and white
• Sewing Machine Thread Catcher *For my craft room, bold, bright blues, pinks, purples and white
• Felt Strawberries *Any felted fruit to put on my table would be cool!
• Work baskets
• Car Litter bags
• Starry Night Light Box
• Button Flower Bouquet
• Wall Letters *my name spelled out (DEANNA LYNN) or (CRAFTS)
• Chalkboard Garden Pots
• Book Light
• Flower Lights *I would use LED lights instead
• Square Bottom Basket *For my craft room, bold, bright blues, pinks, purples and white
• Charging Basket *with or without the hole
• Paintbox Quilt * I want a queen Size in blues and greens, or reds and creams
• Fabric Cupcakes
• To Do list Holder
• Post Office Bag
• Cushions
• Reversible Journal Cover
• Oven Mitts

Paper Crafts:

• Sewn Bound Journal
• Mini Origami Star
• Small Photo Journal
• Pocket Advent Calendar
• Post-it note Matchbooks

Other:

• Pet Clothing
• Notebook Cover
• Hair Curlers
• Lavender Eye Pillow
• Business Card Holder
• Cloth pads
• Camera Bag
• Travel Tissue Cozy
• Lip Balm Cozy
• Shower Cap
• Key Fobs
• Tea Wallet
• Camping Chair
• Quilted Camera Bag

Weekly To Do December 21-27 2008,

1. Sew 2 placemats
2. Sew 2 singlet grocery bags
3. Sew 2 lunch totes
4. Sew a workout bag
5. Sew a work portfolio
6. Sew a picnic tote
7. Sew 2 doggie coats
8. Sew 2 oven mitts
9. Sew 2 potholders
10. Sew 4 coasters
11. Fix our backyard fence, so Nibbles can go back outside and get out of our garage

SNOW!!!!!!

It is snowing and that means no school, which means no work. I love it. Winter break has pretty much started for me today. Even if Yelm is in school tomorrow I won't be there. North Thurston School District, the district I live in, is already canceled for tomorrow, which means the roads are too bad to drive. I hate the snow until it closes school, then it is wonderful.

Because of the day off I was able finish my extra large Christmas present. I still have some of the other stuff that I want to make for this person to do, but the tedious part is done. With no school tomorrow I will be able to finish most of the rest of the stuff that I want make. Then I will have more of my real winter break to work on fun sewing projects.

I have decided to start making Christmas presents in January. I don't want to do anything too specific, but I am going to make a whole bunch of generic type gifts for birthdays and other holidays throughout the year including Christmas gifts. I also am going to be doing more swaps, when I finish with making all this years Christmas stuff. I love doing swaps, so I think I am going to try for maybe 1 per month. We will see how that goes, Nick hates me doing the swaps, because he thinks it costs too much. If I keep to my no buying goal it won't cost me anything, but the shipping.

I took a nap today so I have lots of energy and time to go work on some projects. So, I sew.

Something new

I have started something new today. I decided to post my weekly to do list. I need some accountability and my friends and family can help me with this. I sort of did this once over the summer, and that worked a little bit. It was a little too overwhelming for me. I have limited myself to 10 things for the week, and they can be anything from sewing to other chores. Once wrestling season is over I may be able to up the list, but I don't want to wear myself out, considering I only spend 4 evenings at home these days (some weeks even less). I hope this works out for me!

Weekly To Do December 14-20, 2008:

1. Sew 10 placemats
2. Sew 2 Emmeline aprons
3. Sew 2 singlet grocery bags
4. Sew 2 lunch totes
5. Sew a picnic tote
6. Sew 2 doggie coats
7. Sew 2 oven mitts
8. Sew 2 potholders
9. Sew 4 coasters
10. Fix our backyard fence, so Nibbles can go back outside and get out of our garage

It's gone

What is gone? you ask. Well my hair is. I got it chopped off today. It has been one whole year since I last got my hair cut and I thought it was about time, (and I got permission from Nick).

Here are my before and after pictures. It is not quite the haircut I was going for, but I still really like it, I think I will like it more then what I wanted because there are more options. I wanted a really short bob, and the lady said she would do this first and then let me decide. I decided this was ok, and in a couple weeks I can always go back and get it cut more if I want.

I am off to work on Christmas stuff. I know I am always saying that, but there is a lot of stuff to work on. So, I sew.

The weekend is here and gone...

Yesterday was the first wrestling tournament of the season. It went pretty well, and was nice and short. I was able to really teach the new managers how to keep score and participate in a tournament, which was great.

Today was my cookie swap, a huge success. Not everyone showed up that was supposed to, so there were extra cookies, but that is ok. Everyone made very delicious cookies, and Nick and I have been snack all afternoon. I am going to give some cookies to the other wrestling coaches, but I think I will still have a ton left over.

I am not ready to go to work this week, I will have to go the whole week, I am not sick anymore. But I will have wrestling on Thursday to look forward to. I will also have the fact that there is only 2 weeks left before winter break.

I really have to finish my Christmas presents for everyone. None of them really take a very long time, it is just the sitting down and getting them done. I hope I finish them before they are due. So, I sew.

I got all my Swap stuff

I received my Swap package yesterday. I love everything so much. Christy got so much stuff packaged up in the box, it made what I sent seem miniscule.

She sent me three each of check book covers, and tissue cozies. I have been needing the tissue cozy for awhile, especially now with me being sick, and now I have three to choose from and the rest will be Christmas presents.

She made this great lunch tote with placemat and napkin. I love the decorator fabric she used. The fabric is so heavy duty that it will make it through the toughest of lunches.

 

I got this stenciled shirt. This is the back, the front is blank. I really love the pattern, it is perfect for my personality. She also made 4 wire wrapped pendants that are really cool looking. I currently have them hanging from my inspiration board. There are a ton of hair pretties, which I took one and will have in my hair a lot. I have had it in my hair two days now. Three very scented candles, lilac, holiday berry, and lemon, my favorite smell. And a quilter's pouch. I know the perfect person for this.

 

A tote bag to carry all sorts of stuff. I saw this fabric on one of her posts on Craftster and thougth the fabric was cool, but in person the fabric is amazing. I love the very retro print. She made a notebook portfolio that I think I am going to use at work until winter break. Then after that I am going to use it for my swap journal.

 

She also managed to stuff in a complete kitchen accessory set. The set includes 4 placemats, napkins, coasters, and 2 potholders. This is very cool fabric, and I think my grandma will really love these. They are just her style.

Christy was such a great swapper. I love everything that was packaged up. I even have most of it wrapped up already for Christmas. She reduced a huge chunk of my 'to make' list.

I made all of my cookies for my cookie swap today. I even tested a couple (you know to make sure I didn't poison them)! They are so delicious. I can't wait for Sunday to try all the other great cookies that all my friends and family are going to make.

Tomorrow I have my first wrestling tournament. I am kind of glad the season has started, but I am also dreading how long it is going to be. The season takes a large chunk of my weeknights and Saturdays. Oh well, I get to spend time with Nick and the other coaches are cool, and the kids are very entertaining. I need to go get some rest this weekend is going to be a busy one. So, I sew.

It's Christmas time now

Nick and I took today off to get better. I feel better today, but really tired. I woke up at 4 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep until 7:15 a.m. Then I slept until 10 a.m. I am still tired, but I don't want to take a nap and ruin any chance at sleeping well tonight.

With our free time today, Nick and I put up our Christmas tree. All the rest of the decorations have been up since the day after Thanksgiving, but we have be procrastinating on the tree. I wanted it up before Sunday, so the house is festive for my cookie swap. 

I am so excited for my cookie swap this year. I invited people from work this year, so it will be more then just family. I have the most delicious sounding cookie planned too. I am going to make peanut butter with a Reese's Peanut Butter cup in the center. They better turn out, or I will probably cry.

I should be getting my swap package from Christy today. I know I have said that already, but my post office is dumb. They scan packages as delivered and notice left, but put the notice in the box 1-2 days later. I tried once to just go to the counter and get the package without the notice and they said no. So I just have to wait for the stupid notice. I think I should find a way to complain. Depending on the date on the notice I might be able to complain today. I am off to the post office right now. So, I Sew.

In a daze

So despite my best judgement I went to work today. I was in a haze all day and hardly remember anything I didn't today. I don't think I will make that mistake again. I don't have any sick leave for work, but I will sacrifice pay to avoid the humiliation I endured today. I am supposed to be the one in charge of a 6th grader and he was the one in charge most of the day, making sure I was doing what I was supposed to do. I felt fine this morning when I got up, so I got ready and went to work. By the time I got there I had no clue where I was. I think I am going to stay home tomorrow to make sure I am for sure better. I will rest in the morning and maybe work on some low stress sewing. I might as well use my resting time usefully. Then my mom wants me to go to her house for dinner and if I am feeling up to it I might go. I don't think I could pass up turkey enchiladas. I am drooling just thinking about it. YUM!!!

I have got lots of sewing done in the past 24 hours, but nothing I can show yet. It is a really big project that if I show pics now, it just won't be done any justice for how cool it is turning out.

I got my crop-a-dile today, and I already put it to use. I made another coffee cozy with eyelets. I was hoping it would be reversible, but the eyelets I used are not pretty looking on one of the sides. Oh well I prefer the look of the cozies with eyelets and ribbon over the Velcro. This is one I made over the weekend. I didn't have the crop-a-dile yet and the eyelets were a pain. I swore I wouldn't make another. Then Siobhan showed me the one she just got and I bought one that day. I will probably put eyelets in more things now. It is way too easy not to use it for nearly every project.

I need to motivate myself to work on my large project, but I am so tired I feel I should just go to bed. Decisions....So, I sew.

Being Sick Sucks

So I have had this stupid cough for about 3 weeks and that is all that it was. Well if finally went away on Saturday. Last night out of the blue my nose is stuffy and my sinus' are full. Where did this cold come from. I have to be better by Saturday. I stayed home from work today to make sure I got lots of rest to get better faster.

Christy got my swap package and she was thrilled. Now I can post pictures.

I made two coffee cozies. I have been wanting to make these for awhile and got around to it for this swap.

I made another Emmeline apron. I love this pattern. It is fairly easy and it is reversible. I have had this butterfly fabric for years. My mom bought 8 yards, about 10 years ago to make dresses for Rainbow Girls. She made my dress, but never got around to making hers. She gave me the fabric when I took up sewing. I never knew what to do with it, so I thought this might work out. I wanted to do the dark blue as the second main color, but didn't have enough. I think it looks great the way it is now that it is all done.

This was a quick and easy notebook holder. You can put your pens/pencils on one side and a medium notebook on the other.

 

I made 10 fire coasters. They truly are a firefighters family. I got this fabric over the summer in a fabric swap. I didn't think I would ever use it, but then Christy came along.

 

These are about half of the cards that I have made in the past year. I love making cards, but never give them out to people. I decided to clean out my stash and give them to Christy. After they were all packed away in the box, I realized that she too makes and sells cards. I gave them to here anyway. I am glad that I did because she just loved them. The fabric basket was made from fabric that I bought on my very first fabric shopping trip, when I first taught myself to sew. I always wanted to make a tote, I just never got around to it. I think it looks great.

Finally I found this fireman fabric at GeeGee's in Yelm. I was just looking for inspiration and I couldn't pass this up. I continued to look around at the store and found the orange backing, which matches the flames on the front perfectly. It was a simple design, but I didn't really want to break apart the front fabric.

I am so glad that Christy liked everything. I should be getting my package in the mail tomorrow. I can't wait. So, I sew.

Almost December

Where has the time gone? If feels like it was just summertime, sitting outside trying to find things to do that involved sewing. Now I am crunched for time in finishing my Christmas gifts. I have a list of 16 things that need to be sewn and I can't seem to find a free minute to do any of it. I keep telling Nick I am starting my Christmas sewing in January. I really wanted to make everything this year, but I caved and went shopping.

I went out today, which wasn't too bad. I thought with all the Friday and Saturday sales it would have been busier, but the only busy part was the parking lots. I got all the shopping done, except for Nick, which I don't know what I really want to get him yet. I will probably know on Christmas Eve.

I know that Christy, my current swap partner has come up with some great ideas to make stuff for my family. I hope that I don't try and hoard everything for myself. If I am really lucky I will even be able to take some stuff back to the store and more people will get that handmade Christmas. I finished all my stuff for her yesterday and I am very proud of this package. I chose not to put anything store bought in it, so it took a lot more to fill the box. I didn't think I would like some of the stuff, but after all said and done, I wish I had more fabric to make some for me. As soon as she receives, I will post pictures. She should be getting it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I need to get to bed soon, I have a busy day tomorrow. I am going out with a bunch of ladies from work to watch Australia. Then to my mom's house for a late Thanksgiving with her. So, I Sew.

Only one more day

So Twilight the movie opens tomorrow. I am really excited to see how it is portrayed. I can't go in with great expectations, because I don't want to be disappointed. I wasn't going to go the movie this weekend, but Stephanie invited me, so it should be fun. I didn't want to go because I work with 40 6th grade girls who are thinking they are going to get married to Edward or Jacob. It is all I hear about all day long. I don't want to be in the theater with all these unrealistic fantasizers. We are going late so it shouldn't be too bad.

I have set aside the whole weekend for sewing. I won't be doing anything else. I have to finish the swap stuff this weekend, and I want to get at least two of my Christmas gifts done. I will update with pics later. So, I sew.

Likes and Dislikes

Things I Can Never Get Enough Of:

• Aprons - I prefer full size, but half are ok as well
• Grocery bags of all sizes
• Produce bags
• Pajamas - small-medium size
• Lunch bags
• Purses - messenger and designer knock offs
• Book covers
• Journals
• Notebook covers
• Portfolio - to hold a 9x12 note pad
• Embroidered Kitchen Towels

Various Things About Me:

• I'm a girly girl, but I don't have the budget to go full out
• I am a hiker/backpacker
• I would rather make it than buy it
• I try to be as green as possible
• I love to craft for my family - there are far too many people to buy for
• I love youth fiction (not too young, 5th grade and above)
• I work at an elementary school as a 1 on 1 shadow
• My husband is a part time assistant wrestling coach and I am the team manager
• I love to cook
• I am very organized - everything has its perfect place

Favorites:

• Color - pink, purple, blue, green, and cream
• Fabrics - flannel, printed cottons, novelties, and decor
• Big floral prints
• Retro prints
• Manatees

Dislikes:

• Goth inspired
• Neon - except if paired with black, but still no yellows or oranges

Never Have Enough Of:

• Quilting Cottons
• Buttons
• Thread
• Sewing Machine needles
• Ribbon
• Trims
• Lace
• Elastic
• Specialty Yarn - not novelty

Crafts I would like to Learn: 

• Stenciling - T-shirts, glass, fabric (I have dabbled, but I would like to learn more)
• Screen Printing (I would love to have my own kit)
• Embroidering
• Flower arranging

About My Family (the people I craft for):

• Nick - (age 24, husband) Environment Biologist. He loves Star Wars and Spiderman
• Debra - (Mom) Loves bags and purses. She is also very crafty, but doesn't have the time. She collects anything you give her. She loves vibrant prints, and natural colors.
• Persephone - (age 1, niece) A little princess, pink and dresses are a must. She needs easy to grow in clothes.
• Maribell - (age 2, niece)Our little all smiles, tomboy. She is always wearing a dress, but would rather be playing in  the dirt. Her nickname is ladybug, and we always give her things that relate.
• Kelahna - (age 3, niece) A girly princess. She is small for her age (2T). Loves art, drawing and cooking. Her favorite thing right now is Elmo.
• Billy - (age 4, nephew) Always on the move, watch out because he is sneaky. He loves cartoons and video games.
• Balin - (age 5, nephew) The tough little boy. Loves tie-dye anything. He loves to try and get away with everything (and so cute he usually does get away with it). Loves trucks and super heroes, and Star Wars.
• Timmy - (age 9, nephew) Loves comic books and everything that goes with that. He is a great wrestler. Enjoys being outside exploring.
• Ariel - (age 9, niece) Half girl, half tomboy. Always catch her with paper and pencil drawing something. She has quite the collection of purses too. She has to keep up with all the boy cousins and does a good job at it too.
• Tristram - (age 10, nephew) He is a very smart child. Always reading or playing the piano. He loves sports, especially soccer, but baseball and now wrestling are favorites too.
• Zachary - (age 11, nephew) The helper, even when you least expect it, he is there to help out. He is also a wrestler.
• I also craft for other family, but anything goes for them. Anything I might like, they might like.

Finally

I finally got the Scrabble pics uploaded to my computer so I can post them now.

I know it has been a little while so here is a refresher about them. I made them for a friend who saw them online at some European boutique for $30+ each. He saw my crafting ability and asked me to make them for him. I gladly did it for half the cost. They are slipcovers over some 16x16 pillows that I freezer paper stenciled. I really like how they turned out. If I knew that Amy would like them I would make one for her, but she wouldn't have a place in her house to put it.

On to current events. This weekend I made some more freezer meals with my mom. We ended up make close to 50 meals, for the mere cost of $250. If we went to the Dinners Done Right place it would have cost $200 for 12 meals. It took us about 5 hours to make all that food, which isn't that bad considering it takes about 30 minutes per meal if we were to make them on each day. Nick and I are very prepared for the next couple months of wrestling season, which starts today. So, I sew.

All Settled

We moved last weekend and now we are all settled in. The new house is in Lacey, which is where Nick has wanted to move for quite some time. When we found the house we fell in love instantly. It took a little negotiating with the landlords, they said no pets because of the hardwood floor throughout, but we had to inform them that our dog doesn't come inside, and if it is too cold she can sleep in the garage. They said yes and we moved in the next day. It took us about a week to unpack everything, mostly because I am incredibly lazy when it comes to stuff that isn't fun.

Now that everything is unpacked and situated I can really focus on my Swap. I just to focus and get it done, nothing is hard or too intensive, I have been so busy that all I want to do is sleep, not sew. Nick will be gone for most of the week next week so I will be able to get some stuff done then for sure.

My mom, sister in law and I are all going to get together to make some freezer meals from my all time favorite cookbook (Fix Freeze Feast) this weekend. I will be all stocked up on food for wrestling season. Nick has been craving a home cooked meal for quite some time. I made ribs and potatoes today, but he isn't even home to enjoy it.

I better get around to some of that sewing while Nick is still out. So, I sew.

Still Moving

Well an update about the house... we didn't get financed to buy the house; however we still moving. We decided to move to Lacey, so Nick wouldn't have to commute as far. I will have to commute until June, but then I can find a job in Lacey. Hopefully we will get to move in the next week still. Our house is already packed up and ready to go, we just need a place to move it to.

I finished the Scrabble pillows. They turned out great. I also got started on the sewing portion of the SWAP I'm in. I got a total of 12 points worth done. I would explain more, but as usual I don't want to give anything away to my partner if she is reading.

As soon as I find the pictures of the pillows I will post them...So, I Sew.

Only two weeks away...

I was told to be optimistic and not stress over anything, so it is only two weeks until we are in our new house. There have been a few hiccups, but we are working through them. Our house right now is almost all packed up. All that is left is what we need in the next two weeks and my kitchen. I refuse to pack up my kitchen right now, I sacrificed my craft room, but I will not succumb to the kitchen yet.

I have started on my Scrabble pillows, they are starting to look really nice. I found a really easy pattern to cover a pillow, I may have to cover the pillows in my living room :). I really want to work on my SWAP stuff, but all of my fabric is packed up so I am working on coming up with sketches and ideas based on what I remember I have. I figure if I get all the planning out of the way I can just sew it all together once we move. I decided that my craft room will be one of the first rooms to unpack so I can sew. I have lots of Christmas presents that are already cut out that I just have to sew up, then they will be done, that is what I plan on working on during the next two weeks.

Well I just thought I would check in, I have lots to do right now. So, I Sew.

We are buying a house!!!!

So we are finally buying a house. We are both very excited to be moving to a new place that is going to be all ours. We still have a long time to wait in respect to how impatient we are. We will have to occupy our time with packing and other activities.

I got my SWAP partner a couple weeks ago for the Holiday wish list SWAP I am in and co-organizing. I feel bad because I feel like I haven't done much to help with the organizing, but I don't really know what else there is to do until it gets closer to send-outs. My partner has a pretty good wish list, I am excited to start going with that. I have been so busy with the house stuff I haven't had a lot of time to really do much sewing, but I have until December 1st to send out, so I am not really worried yet. I got a request to make some Scrabble pillows for a friend and I will have to work on those as well. I am excited about these though because it is a skill I haven't really done a lot of. It will be stencil painting, which I used to do more of when I was in high school, but kind of stopped doing with all my other crafts. I have gotten to experiment with the new mediums in stencil painting on some t-shirts, to prep myself for the pillows. I really am having fun with it.

I think I am going to go see what I can pack in my craft room... I don't want to pack anything, because I know once it is packed I will need it. So, I sew.

Not on the list....

Well I found this really great book on quilts from the library. It is Crazy Shortcut Quilts, and I absolutely love it. I decided that I love the idea so much that I might use inspiration from the book to make one or two of my Christmas list gifts. Before I dove into my expensive fabric that I bought just for those gifts I wanted to try one with the fabric that I had no use for. I found some great fat eighths that I was going to make a prairie skirt with, but I really don't like prairie skirts anymore, so I used them. Then I had to find fabric for the backing and realized I don't have that much pink fabric so I sacrificed with my pink and green camouflage.

 

It is 35" x 45" which is fairly small, but just the right size for a lap quilt and maybe a baby quilt. I love how it turned out! I can't wait to make more using the same style.

I know this was not on my list, but at least I didn't buy anything for it. I used up fabric that I really had no other use for.

I will be so excited when this week is over. Not that it has been a bad week, just a very busy one. Nick and I have yet to have a night just to sit and relax. Monday is our first night of that, so I think we are going to take advantage of it. Friday I am going on a hike at Mt. Rainier with the 6th graders I work with. It is the same hike I did when I was in 6th grade, but I haven't been since then, so it will be lots of fun. I know I will be very tired after this hike, but I think it will be fine. This weekend we are going to Wynoochie Lake in the Olympics with some friends for a end of the season camping trip. I am excited to go, but already tired, so that makes it frustrating.

The only stress reliever I have right now is my book. Since starting work I have lots of time to read, so I have been enjoying a variety of books. I finished The Giver by Lois Lowery and I started Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. This is the first book in the new love saga series for teenage girls. I love this book, it makes me feel like I did when I was in high school, in love for the first time with Nick. The constant need to be near him, and all the butterflies that come with it. I actually get the butterflies while I am reading. I love when a book draws you in so much you feel the same at the characters. I think I am going to go read some more, until Nick gets home at least. So, I sew.

It is my Anniversary!!!!!!!!!

I thought I would post a quick little note. I have done some crafting, but haven't gotten around to take pictures. I made a little portfolio for work. It isn't as big as I would like it, so I may try it again. I have been doing a lot of thinking of making some of the clothing on my list, but I have been so busy with Dustin and Stephanie's wedding, and now my anniversary. This weekend I want to go to the fair, then next weekend I am going camping with some of our friends. Then I think I will have some time; however I will be in the midst of a SWAP that I am co-organizing so I will have to focus some of my projects on that.

As soon as I get pictures I will post. For now I am off to work. So, I sew.

Last day of Summer

It is my last official weekday of my summer vacation and I have to work. I got roped into working at the District Office today. It really wasn't a big deal, until Nick took the day off. Now I have to work and he doesn't. Oh well I guess.

I made a couple things in the past week that I thought I should post. First a Chore chart. I made this for a SWAP I was in and loved it so much that I had to make one for myself. I probably won't use it much, but I love how it looks. I used 4 Fat Quarters of fabric, and paper that I had lying around, so it is fairly cheap. I don't like that it is a little crooked, but it gets the job done. Each card has a different chore on it (ie... dishes, fold clothes, wash clothes, bathrooms, sweep), when you finish the chore for the day you just flip the card over. At the end of the week you know exactly what you have left to do.

 

I also made a pot holder based on the tutorial I got in my SWAP package, the cupcake rug tutorial. I  used the fabric she sent me to make it. I didn't really like how it turned out after it was washed. I ended up ironing it so it would look better. There are some things I would change if I made another one, but not too much different. I really like the fabric though, too bad I don't have more of it. So, I sew.

I finally got my stuff

I got my stuff from my I <3 to sew SWAP!! I love everything she sent me. Well onto the photos.

I got a basket that is lined and covered (to hide my crochet stuff), a pattern to make a cupcake rug, a ton of ribbons, lace, trims, needles and thread. A book so I can sew things for my garden, and the best thing of all, a blue ribbon apron. It has super cute apples on it. I love how it is smock style, I think I might wear it as a dress over a t-shirt and jeans.

I am so glad the Post Office didn't lose this package, I would have been mad not to get all this great loot. Thank you so much eye_on_sparrow. So, I sew.

Oh how I love the rain...

So it is raining today and I feel like a drained dirty sink. All gross and groggy. It is only supposed to be like this for two days then sun again. It better get sunny at least a little bit before I have to go back to work. I go back on September 2 if there are some jobs.

I got one project done so far this week, but I did get almost done with another. I just have a little sewing to do on the second and it will be finished enough to post. The first project however is a lunch tote that I made as a template for some that I want to make for Christmas. I followed a pattern found at ohfransson. This is the first time I have used this pattern and I didn't follow it all the way. I didn't want to do any hand sewing so I had to change the pattern a little to compensate that. I only used scraps from my stash, so I wouldn't have to buy anything. I really like this pattern because it is fairly large, but not too big, and it has an expandable drawstring top. Anyway on to the photos.

I definitely figured out what to do, so that the ones I make for Christmas are perfect. Needless to say, this may be the only one you get to see. I might post the others, but I don't know. Well I think I am off to finish the second project so I can start another. So, I sew.

Here are my projects:

So I have decided to post part of my project list, that way I will be held accountable for these projects. I am famous for just taking a project off my list because I don't want my list as long. Not anymore!

Project Type	Fabric Color	Fabric Type	Pattern Name	Company	Number	Design	Project #
Cushion	Pink Stripe	Cotton		Burda	8113	C	1
Pants	Brown	Corduroy		Burda	8119	C	2
Skirt	Blue	Denim		Burda	8179	C	3
Pants	Black	Canvas		McCalls	2586	B	4
Pants	Cream	Canvas		McCalls	2586	B	5
Skirt	Blue	Knit		McCalls	4261	F	6
Dress	Pink	Satin		McCalls	4440	B	7
Skirt	Black	Pleather		McCalls	4582	A	8
Skirt	Black Pinstripe	Poly/Wool		McCalls	4582	D	9
Tank	white	Knit		McCalls	4664	B	10
Jacket	Blue/Gray	Fleece		McCalls	4676	B	11
Jacket	Black	Fleece		McCalls	4707	B	12
Skirt	white	Knit		McCalls	4707	C	13
Pants	Blue Stripe	Knit		McCalls	4789	F	14
Pants	Black	Fleece		McCalls	4789	F	15
Totes	Black/White	Cotton		McCalls	4851	A/B	16
Tank	Pink	Knit		McCalls	4872	A	17
Tank	Blue	Knit		McCalls	4872	A	18
Top	Blue	Knit		McCalls	4872	B	19
Jacket	Purple	Fleece		McCalls	5714	A	20
Jacket	Pink/Cream	Fleece		McCalls	5714	D	21
Jacket	Black	Fleece		McCalls	5714	E	22
Night Shirt	Pink/white	Knit		New Look	6321	E	23
Dress	Navy	cotton		New Look	6559	C	24
Skirt	Pink/White	Cotton		New Look	6593	C	25
Robe	Blue	Cotton		New Look	6657	B	26
Skirt	Purple Plaid	Polyester	Skirt	Sew U			27
Top	Brown	Cotton	Sleeveless	Sew U			28
Top	Ivory	Cotton	Sleeveless	Sew U			29
Jacket	white	Knit		Simplicity	2883		30
Jacket	white	Cotton		Simplicity	3538		31
Sweatshirt	Blue Stripe	Knit		Simplicity	3694	C/B	32
Dress	Green	Knit		Simplicity	4561	B	33
Dress	Tan	Cotton		Simplicity	9503	A	34
Night Shirt	Pink	Flannel/Satin		Simplicity	9505	A	35
Tank	Cream Tee	Knit	Generation T			46	36
Swimsuit	Pink Tee/Brown	Knit	Generation T			49	37
Rug	Mixed	Knit	Generation T			97	38
Jacket	Cream Tee/Black Tee	Knit	Craftster Hoodie				39
Blanket	Blue	Homespun	Crochet				40
Cardigan	Pink	Homespun	Crochet				41
Hat	Black	Thick & Quick	Crochet				42
Hat	Pink/gray	Wool	Crochet				43
Hat	Blue/Gray	Wool	Crochet				44
Apron	Fruit/yellow/blue	Cotton	Emmeline				45
Apron	Apples/yellow/blue	Cotton	Emmeline				46
Baby Stuff	Jungle	Cotton	Get Baby Ready				47
Jacket	Black	Flannel/Satin	Kimono				48
Tank	Purple Polka dot	Cotton	Sew Teen				49
Blanket	Monkey/green	Flannel	So, I Sew				50
Blanket	Seahawks/Grey	Fleece	So, I Sew				51
Totes	Care Bear	Cotton/Quilted	So, I Sew				52
Totes	Blue w/Sunflowers	Cotton	So, I Sew				53
Totes	Birds of Paradise	Cotton	So, I Sew				54
Totes	Maple Leaves/Green	Cotton	So, I Sew				55
Totes	Purple w/flowers	Cotton	So, I Sew				56
Totes	Brown/Flowers	Cotton	So, I Sew				57
Shorts	Ducks	Flannel	So, I Sew				58

 

As I finish enough projects I will update this list. I feel so accomplished about doing this. So, I sew.