I need a Job

So being unemployed is boring. I thought it would be ok, but I am going stir crazy. I am sewing and that is ok, but I feel like I will get bored of that soon. I am going to spend next week really trying to get a job. I am not sure how that is going to happen, but I will make it happen.

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately. I finished the birthday present for Kelahna. It is a small quilt for her when she is in her wheelchair. I am so proud of her, she is such a beautiful, smart girl. I am now working on Maribell's birthday present. I am making her some felt paper dolls to play with. I wanted to make them out of magnets, but with Persephone around, Amy and I didn't think that would be a good idea. So felt it is. I still need to make Ariel's birthday present as well as my mom's. Then I will be done with birthday presents for a little while. Then I can sew fun stuff that I have been wanting to do.

I am 50% finished with the personal swap stuff for Peppermom. I am really liking how everything is turning out. It dawned me yesterday after I had everything cut and ready to go, that I am sending all the same types of things that she just received in two different swaps. I am making some placemats, an apron, some kitchen towels and two market totes. Everything is coordinated and themed. I love doing that! I can't wait to finish it all up so I can post pics of everything. I need to go work on sewing all of it up now. So, I Sew.

Some new fabric, a new bag

I got my fabric from one of my partners in the 2009 Fat Quarter Swap. She sent me 1/2 yard of Bright owls and flowers on black, 2 Fat Quarters (fq) of pink with black polka dots, 1 fq of cream with pink and green dots, and 1 panel of vintage toy fabric. She also sent a little iron-on applique Russian doll. I wanted to make a large tote, but I have been wanting to make a purse that Sew, Mama, Sew posted the tutorial for earlier in the week. Within 30 minutes of opening the package of fabric I was off on a crafting frenzy.

I found all the tutorials for all things I wanted this purse to have. It ended up being a total of 4 different tutorials I was trying to shuffle. Out of those tutorials I learned 2 new skills, putting a zippered pocket in, and using magnetic clasps. This purse took me 1.5 hours to make from start to finish, which is a long time for a purse for me. I also accomplished the task of not making any mistakes while sewing it together. When I was finished I couldn't stop grinning. I am so proud of it.

 

I plan on making a wallet and a zippered pouch to go in it. I want to work on that tonight. So, I sew.

I won!!!

So I read a large variety of blogs during my week. I particularly like ones that are crafty related and I found one called Bolsa Chic, that I really like. She has great ideas and inspirations. Well about two weeks ago she was offering up some of her fabric stash to some lucky commenters to her blog. Guess what? I won one of the three fabric packages! I hardly win anything and when she posted a comment on my blog saying I won, it made my day. Thank you so much Bolsa Chic, I can't wait to see what you have packaged up for me.

I have doing a lot of sewing in the past couple days, due to no jobs. I really need to find a permanent job, but that is another post. So, anyway I have gotten a lot done:

• 6 pairs of lounge pants made
• a picnic tote and 2 placemats (late Christmas present)
• an oven mitt
• a pot holder
• some sample coasters
• a crocheted scarf
• crocheted wrist warmers

I also have cut out my next 10 projects, which include:

• Emmeline apron
• 2 lunch totes
• 3 grocery bags
• 3 large tote bags
• Fabric strips for quilt

I still have 4 more projects to cut out that I already have fabric for. I also need to find some fabric from my stash to make a tote bag, and a fabric basket, some placemats and coasters, and various pink goodies.

I agreed to do a personal swap with Peppermom from Craftster. She really wanted to make a purse for me, which was something that she wanted to make for me in the pink swap. I have some great ideas for her, but need to get some of the birthday present sewing done first. I might squeeze a project or two in, while working on the other stuff. I have to send my March 6, 2009, so I have lots of time to get it all done. So, I sew!

Redone

I reorganized my craft room. I made it easier to use the floor area for cutting and fabric layout. I also got rid of the two dressers that were holding all my fabric. I put the fabric in the mesh cubes I have had stored in the garage. Now I can see all of my fabric and how much of it I have. I wrapped all the fabric onto Comic Book Boards and calculated the approximate yardage of each. After totaling the fabric I have about 320 yards in 196 different cuts. There are only 3 fabrics that I have multiple cuts in. I am going to focus on using as much yardage as possible over the next 6 months.

I did all this because I am going to Sew Expo in Puyallup at the end of February and I want to buy some fabric. I have decided that I can only buy the amount of yardage that I use up this month. That way I don't end up with more then I currently have. I have quite a few projects that I want to complete in the next couple of weeks, so I think I may use up a significant amount of fabric.

My partner for the Kitchen Swap received so I can post pictures of what I made now. I made her an apron with some pink and lime green polka dot fabric. I also made some pot holders and oven mitts. I made a set of Betti Page magnets for her as well. I bought some rubber gloves and towels that matched the theme I was going for. I like how everything turned out. I think she liked it all as well.

I signed up for a fabric swap.

Getting new fabric is so much fun! This is a fun way to increase your stash and help someone else increase theirs, too. Participants will be sending out 1 half yard and 4 fat quarters to their partner.  In return, you will receive 1 half yard and 4 fat quarters. Participants have the option of sending (and receiving) 1 or 2 packages.

I asked to send and receive 2 packages, so I will be getting a great variety of fabric. I like this type of swap because I get fabric that I wouldn't normally buy or just haven't spent the money on yet. The organizer said that if we wanted we could send from our stash as long as our partner was ok with it. I hope my partner is, because this would be a great way to get rid of some of the fabric that I don't know what I want to do with. We should be getting partners later today. I can't wait. So, I Sew.

I got my Wonderful Pink Stuff

I received yesterday and I love everything Peppermom sent me. I have to preface that when we were first partnered she said she was going to make a purse and all the fun goodies that go into a purse, but then her neck and arm started to hurt really bad so she took a slightly different route. When I got partnered with Kaymadben as the person I was sending to I just knew that I had to make something special. She has been in a rough place for the past couple months, and her and I have coincidentally been paired with each other for almost every swap we have been in together. That is why I spent the time to make the quilt. I never expected Peppermom to send me a package of that caliber, but she did.

Here is a picture of all of it together:

This is also the best picture of the large fleece blanket. It is reversed applique with little hearts on it. As soon as I got home I cuddled in it. My husband tried to take it, because it is one of the largest heavy blankets we have in the house. He said, "I'm bigger, I get it, I don't care if it is girly" I took it back and told him it was mine.

The main picture of all the smaller goodies:

This is sadly the best picture of the Clip board she made. It is a clear clip board with vinyls decals all over. It is super cute and will sit in my craft room with my current project on.

A close up of the key fob, the card, the heart playing cards, the striped Kleenex holder and the supper cute hedgehog. She thinks it looks like a mouse, but with my pins in it, it looks more like a hedgehog.

A close up of the Check book cover, the debit card holder, the book mark and some push pins. I really love the check book cover and debit card cover. I never want to carry my huge wallet around with me on the weekends, so these will be great to just throw in my bag.

A Crafty Day

I did a ton of crafting today and I am quite proud of myself.

First I finished up the Kitchen Swap and sent that today. I can't wait for Classybroad to receive. I hope she likes everything I sent. Even after 10 swaps I still have swap anxiety. The thought of are they really going to love what I spent so much time on, or are they just going to put it to the side and say 'it's ok'. There has been so much stuff that I really love when I receive it, but I'm sure that the part I love the most is not always what the sender meant for me to love the most. Anyway she should be getting it within 2-3 days, so I will find out then.

I also finished my red crocheted blanket that I have been working on. It was another yarn stash busting project. I did have to buy 4 skeins of yarn to make sure that the blanket was a decent size, but I used it all right away, so it never sat in my closet. I really like how it turned out and I am going to put on our bed which I am trying to make more red. The blanket ended up being 45"x60" which is what I was aiming for, but I never measure when making blankets. I just crochet my little heart until the yarn is gone. It is Homespun: Red Covered Bridge for anyone who cares.

The final project of the day were some magnets. I found a blog today that said to use the thumbnails from the back of your old calendars to make buttons. I need magnets, so that is what I decided to do. I used my 2008 Kim Anderson Calendar and the large clear craft rocks. I cut out the pictures and then glued them on with Diamond Glaze. Once the glue was dry I used E6000 to attach the magnets. I love how they turned out. I dug out my 2007 Christian Riese Lassen Calendar and cut all the pictures out for those too. On these I used my Xyron Sticker Maker to attach the pictures to the rocks. It was less messy, but we will see if they can handle the weight or not. I think next time I won't use as thick of magnets. I am not too fond of how far out they stick.

Hopefully I have a job tomorrow, but if I don't I have a lot of stuff that I want to do. I want to take photos of all my fabric so I have a digital copy of everything to take with me to the fabric store to match notions and such. So, I Sew.

Pink Swap Received

My partner for the Pink Swap received today. She loved everything so much, here is her actually post. She did such a fine job displaying everything.

Okay here it is, from my best-Craftster-friend:
(I love you so much Deanna!)
A super cute pj set with log cabin applique on the shirt and wide legged pants (which I love).

closeup

2 awesome 12X12 log cabin style pillow covers. I love log cabin blocks. They are backed with white minky dot chenille, so soft and feminine.

And................ ......a SUPER AWESOME log cabin quilt backed with super soft and warm pink fleece to go on my bed! I have made tons of quilts for people in swaps (cause I'm a super overachiever) but have never received one so when I saw it in the box I ripped it out and started jumping around with joy and ran straight to my bedroom (actually I danced and pranced to my bedroom) to put it on my bed screaming for joy like I just won the showcase on the price is right. It is so gorgeous and beautiful and I love it so very much.
Look at how pretty my bed looks now!!!!!!!



You are so awesome Deanna. Thank you so much for being the BEST!!! And thank you Malisha for partnering me with her and hosting this swap. I will definitely cherish this quilt forever.

I am so happy that she likes everything. I cried with joy from her reaction. I have never gotten such wonderful feedback from a craft project I have made, from anyone. You made my day.

I need to craft up a storm

I have so much sewing to do in the next month. March is so full of birthdays, it feels like Christmas sewing. I have 6 people to give gifts to, and I want to try and make everything. I have some ideas, but I am still lost for some of the other people. After I finish my Kitchen Swap stuff I will focus on what I can make everyone, and start with that stuff.

I finished all my Pink swap stuff and I am quite pleased with how it all turned out. I loved everything so much, I am making it all for myself as well. When Kaymadben receives this week I will post pictures of the goodies.

I have received two of my Sweat Shoppe Swap goodies. The 'Scrabble Tile Pendants' and the 'Cris Cross Coasters'. The pendants are very cute and will make cute charms. The coasters match what Kaymadben made for me in the Christmas in July Swap (an apron and placemats). I can't wait to see what else I get. The other three things are sort of surprises. I know what they are, but not what colors I am getting.

  

I sent out cloth lunch sacks to my five swappers. I really like how they turned out, but there are some things I might change if I make more. I made them all interfaced and lined for extra stability. They are all cotton, except for the flannel Mickey. I want to make some more for quick and easy gifts. They were great for using up smaller pieces of fabric. Each used up less then 1/2 a yard of each color. I will probably do these for quick gratification projects.

 

 

I also made a really cute 'Market Tote' this week. I found this great gray corduroy fabric with light pink polka dots at Joanns when I was looking for Pink Swap stuff. I couldn't resist buying it. I also bought some pink and gray ribbon to go with it. I knew when I bought it I wanted to make this bag, but I didn't know when I would get around to it. I went roller skating with the 6th graders on Thursday and needed a new cute bag to take my stuff in. It was a very quick project, as it only took me 45 minutes from cutting to finish. I lined it with some super cute bright pink polka dot fabric I have had for awhile, which made the lining super fun. The ribbon on the front and back are only sewn partially so that I can adjust the size of the bag. the ribbon can be tied in the front or around the sides. This bag is huge, measuring 18"x18". I love how it turned out and have lots more planned for the future. I think I want to add pockets to the next one. Or maybe some pouches to match. All the choices.

I have to work on the Kitchen Swap today, so hopefully I will stay motivated enough to finish that up before evening. So, I sew.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

I have the day off of work to celebrate a great leader. I am going to spend the day getting our other computer back from the virus doctor and grocery shopping. I also really want to finish the Pink swap stuff so I can send that out. I don't really have very much to do with it, maybe 3 hours left. I also want to work on some of the Kitchen swap stuff. I finished one small item last week, now I have at least 6 points left to craft.

I have a long list of things I need to do and I never seem to have enough time to do it in. I probably would be able to finish some of those things if I didn't start new projects before the others were finished. Or if I didn't get angry with the project and just stop working on it for the day or week. Yesterday I was trying to sew a button hole into the doggie coats I was making and the fabric wouldn't feed, so I just stopped working on it. I refused to sew at all yesterday because of it, which means I didn't get anything done. Instead I decided to watch House Season 1 and crochet. I got another 1/4 of my blanket done and I am now up to 3/4 finished.

Yesterday I found a great pattern for a basket weave crocheted blanket. I was so excited, because I taught myself how to knit so I could make a basket weave blanket and that didn't work out well. Now I will be able to do the blanket in crochet, which I am much more  comfortable with. I think I know just the yarn I want to do it with too. I have this great pink baby soft yarn that I originally bought to make a baby blanket with. Now I have the stitch to do it with. I can't wait to get started with it. I am going to finish this other blanket first because I am so close. So, I sew.

Rain, Rain, Rain

So the rainy season has really begun. In my experience, here in Western Washington the really heavy rains happen in January and don't stop until February (when it freezes for the whole month, but that is a different topic). The rain has now threatened to close roads and flood lots of areas. Unfortunately, Yelm is being severely affected by this. One of the communities in Yelm, Clearwood, is at risk of being blocked off by flooded roads. They re-did the road that leads out there, but apparently didn't plan very well, because for the first time in years the road is about to flood. If the road does flood then about a 1/4 of the school district's students won't be able to make it to school, which in turn means they will probably cancel school. I have no problems with the no school, I just feel bad for all those stranded people.

Another note... I have been working on my swap stuff. I am nearly finished with the main piece and I am completed with the smaller portions of what I am sending for my pink swap. I have my ideas set for my kitchen swap, but I may have to change those just a bit...hmmm. I really like my ideas, but my partner has hinted to something else, but I don't know if I want to make that or not. I haven't decided for sure. I haven't made anything yet for it so I will have to see how I feel.

Wrestling starts back up for me starting tomorrow. I am excited to get to do some more wrestling stuff. It feels like months since I did anything. I can't wait. Until then I have some serious crafting to do. I still have some Christmas gifts to finish and lots of swap stuff to work on. So, I sew.

Weekly To Do January 4-10

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 (Already did 2, now I have more)
8. Fix our backyard fence, so Nibbles can go back outside and get out of our garage
9. Pink Swap Stuff - 80% done
10. Kitchen Swap Stuff

Swapping Fun

I have been working away on swap stuff. I am so excited for the Pink, girly swap I am in. I am crafting for Kaymadben, and Peppermom is crafting for me. I am more then half way done with the stuff I am making. I think she will just love what I am making her. I hate to keep everyone else in suspense, but I know she reads my blog.

We are still in sign-ups for the Deck out your kitchen swap, but I have asked Classy Broad to be my partner. I love the embroidery she does, and I think that we could easily craft for each other. I have lots of great stuff planned for her. She loves 50's theme stuff, like pin-up girls, boomerang, and sparkle vinyl. I don't where I am going to find sparkle vinyl, but I do have other stuff in mind that she might like. She collects aprons, which are my favorite thing to make right now, so she is in luck. I am off to work on more swap stuff, I want to get as much done as possible this weekend. I have to go back to work on Monday and wrestling will be full force the next couple of weeks. So, I sew.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.