Fresh Starts

Remember this? Well, my "That's a Wrap" skirt is a wrap (and not in the good way).

Friday found me sprawled on the floor, surrounded by material and shaking my head as I tried to figure out how I managed to get my reversible skirt - well - reversed. Eight panels and they are ass-backwards. Literally. The back is matched up with the front and the front with the back. And unfortunately, having serged the seams together, I've lost any wiggle room I might have once had to try deconstructing it.

And then a sweet, innocent, self-interested voice spoke from a nearby chair. "Mama. You should make something for me soon."

And that sounds like a stellar solution.

Burda 9703

The wrap skirt and I will meet again - eventually. But in the meantime, I'm making this my week for Fresh Starts.

A Space to Stitch (Part V)

Now that feels better. Minimal and organized for now - flavour to follow with time.

So much better that I couldn't resist the urge to sew something quick and fun. These Fabric Easter Eggs are insanely addictive once you get started.


A few more left to stuff and I'm going to hang them on branches along with a few pussy willows. If only all of the rest of my 'to-do' list for the week was as fun or as close to completion.

A Space to Stitch (Part IV)

Bright colours and soft fabrics are the perfect companion to a rainy Friday in April.

As big pieces are moved into plain view for ready inspiration.


Remnants are collected for unexpected needs and wonderful little who knows whats.

And a little basket of little bits keeps little hands occupied.
Favourites: pieces of ribbon and the snaps cut off of worn-out onesies.

The wonderful discovery that 'dress-up' in Mama's room lets counts as play time and me time.

Temptation vs. Tidying

This week was supposed to be all about clean-up and reclaimed space. I was off to a good start, but mid-week temptation sucked me in yesterday.

I did say I wanted this skirt something silly.


On the plus side, it has forced me to get the serger our of the closet and back onto the table. That has to count towards the end-goal afterall, right?

A Space to Stitch (Part II)

How much do I love that shirt. Cupcakes!
Note to self - save those when she outgrows the shirt.

There are two vital elements in the accomplishment of anything these days: delegate an equally helpful and entertaining task to a four year old, and get it all finished and wrapped up before the one year old wakes up from nap time.

Oh...and be prepared to finish the delegated task when the four year old bails out at the half-way point.

Organizing embroidery thread - now that definitely fits the bill.

Reversible Wrap Skirt

This picture came into my day and has instantly topped the list of things to make for myself (admittedly a short list to begin with - but I do believe it would have made top billing regardless).

I had a skirt just like this (minus the scoop pocket) as a kid. It came from England (yes, it was the late 70's/very early 80's as identified in the pattern description) with a matching blouse that coordinated with the bias tape and one side of the skirt.

I want this skirt something silly! In fact, I can see myself making a few for Spring.

Picture courtesy of Craft: (Craftzine.com)

http://www.craftzine-digital.com/craft/vol06/?pg=70&pm=2&u1=friend

Hot - Not Bothered

Yesterday afternoon found me with an all-over body ache and a sensation in my throat that I associate with swallowing a fist full of glass (yeah...neither of those is ever a good sign). I only mention this so that you can appreciate where I was at when first realizing (with very little surprise) that the pyjamas I just bought for Julia's pyjama-required 'Dancethon' fund-raiser were too long (yeah...that's just another layer to the onion we call Kindergarten life nowadays).

That would be the pyjamas she needed to wear today. The Princess Ariel pyjamas made of 100% polyester. The pyjamas sporting a mermaid-integral frill at the bottom of each pant leg. The pyjamas that I had no energy, interest or motivation to fight with on my sewing machine (even in the best of health, since I basically despise hemming and would likely botch up beyond belief).

That's when I came across a long-forgotten little something-something in my mess of a sewing bag.

One roll of Heat n Bond Super Hem and I turned into MacGyver.

When did those baby-girl toes get so big?

Then I single-handedly changed a diaper, finished making a card, broke up a temper tantrum, deciphered a complex analysis of Fifi and the Flower Tots latest moral dilemma and prepared a home-made dinner for four within the span of an hour. Top that Richard Dean Anderson!

And today I will be laying on the couch while baby boy toddles around me. Must get healthy. Must gain strength. March break begins at 3:00pm today - there isn't enought Heat n Bond in the world to help with that (ha ha).

Halloween

Candy - Check

Costumes - Check
Pumpkin - Check
Kids - Check
Predictions for an evening of good weather - A Big Resounding CHECK

Snow White. Jules is very happy with her costume. I really enjoyed making it and am thrilled with my new serger. I can't help thinking that she looks a little like a Cardinal direct from the Vatican though. Hmmm - could be all the ads I've been seeing for Angels and Demons recently.




And of course, Snow's favourite pal 'Doofy' (that's what you get when you cross Dopey and Goofy in a 4 year olds mind). No pattern, only about 2 hours to make and very warm. Now if I can just get him to leave those darn buttons along (don't worry they are VERY well attached-gulp).

Happy Halloween Everyone!

rest

That was a Sunday well spent.

An early morning run. Crisp, cool, windy, but absolute perfection after five minutes of a quick pace and a few abandoned layers. Sunlight, leaves, the sound of bells, wind, waves and the gravel beneath my feet.



A rainy afternoon with work caught up, cleaning already done, and guilt free lounging indoors with a good book, a family movie that we haven't already see a hundred time, and some Halloween fun.

Relaxing with a few rows of knitting and adding some final bits and bobs to costumes.



A 15 minute nap.

Eating leftover birthday cake. Feeling the burn from my run (which justifies more cake) and the drowsy, heavy comfort of a day spent relaxing.

Feeling The Pinch

I'm still in love with October, but definitely feeling the weight of all the things that have to get done in this beautiful month.

First priority is Halloween Costumes x2 kids (plus a couple of adults if Snow White has her way - questionable). I know there are still a few weeks to go but this long weekend ahead is going to be the last chance I get before the rest of this month's to-do list completely takes over.

Jules' Snow White costume is almost done minus a hem, a collar and a cloak (or is it a cape? - I'm really not fully up on my happily-ever-after-wear terminology). And I'm already shifting over to a Dopey costume for Matthew. I have the materials and today I'm going to be playing with some tracing paper and a hoody to come up with a makeshift pattern.

And with a Monkey Sock, my Aleita and a mystery knit on the go at the same time, I seem to be doing lots of stop and go knitting and getting nowhere fast. You see, this is why I really can't handle more than one project at once - I'm slow enough attacking them individually, but add them up and it's full-scale chaos.

But we're still finding time to enjoy the changing colours and the golden sunlight. More about that tomorrow.

Full of Beans

Say hello to my little friend...


I recently jumped at a terrific deal on a serger. After doing lots of research, saving my pennies and keeping my eyes open for just the right addition to my sewing corner in the bedroom (I can't just let anybody in!) she has arrived.

Now, before I go any further let me say that I'm not in the ballpark of some of the amazing sewing bloggers I love to follow. But interested-sewer, daydreaming-sewer, sewer-in-training ... those I am. And in that spirit I am going to follow the "Build it and they will come" philosophy (otherwise known as the "I spent good money on it so I'm damn well gonna get good at this sewing thing." theory).

I was mildly intimidated after hearing about the frustration of threading these beasts. And hey, the thing is equiped with knives; that gives any mom a moment of pause. But armed with a quiet hour, a manual and some scrap material (and a glass of wine - very small - there are knives involved after all) I was actually pretty impressed with my efforts.

And without further ado, I bring you project #1. Wait for it...

...it's gonna be big...

...you're gonna be astounded...

...ok...it's bean bags (hey, I never claimed expertise!).




But stay tuned, because I'm going to a workshop next month (and hey, I've already figured out how to thread it on my own - that almost makes me a sewing jedi master - ugh, did I just reference Star Wars - seriously?). Between the rows of knitting (first loves have to be respected) and with the support of a full school schedule by next week, let the practice serging begin.

Oh, and will someone please explain to Julia that Snow White costumes don't magically appear simply because I have the machine. "It's coming my darling. The costume is coming."

Process or product? Which are you?

I was so excited to get my copies of SewU and SewU Home Stretch this week. Bloggers have been raving about Wendy Mullin and her books (and I can quickly see why!).

I can't wait to get stitchin' towards my goal of actually using my sewing machine as much as I begged for it (until I got it, and then got pregnant, and then had kids, and then ran out of time altogether). I've been off to a good start with a few straight forward projects this year, and now with some Built by Wendy inspiration, I'm ready to crank up the volume and try making some clothing for myself. And if I get good, then I think I totally deserve a serger next...right? (There will need to be a lot of sewing before that shows up on my table...and on my Visa).

My favourite part of the books so far, are the organizing tips. Wendy has some of the coolest ideas for spaces that are big, small, or even portable (like, ironing fusable interfacing onto patterns that you want to use time and time again or making a 'scrap fabric chain' so you can easily remember what you have hidden away). But more on that in the weeks ahead as I get moved into action.

The books, thoughts about organizing, the tips on getting a project in motion - all of this has got me thinking about what I like in crafting (or anything, really). I'm discovering that I'm about process more than product. It's really the thought of starting something new, and the act of creating, that charges my batteries (in between the moments when it frustrates me to the point of pulling my hair out). And of course I do love 'the product' when I'm done, but really, that's just a huge bonus. The fun to be had in seeking out inspiration, the rush that comes when you find it, and the absolute pleasure that comes when you are doing what you enjoy and what you choose - those really are the best parts. The product is just this amazing (or sometimes, the not-so-amazing) object that takes you back to all those great moments and feelins along the way. And in the case of my new sweater, it also keeps me warm and comfy.

So, process or product? Which are you? (click here to unlock your own mystery)

26 Post Challenge (W)

W is for the wonderful weather we had on the weekend. Two great days filled with...

Walks along the waterfront.

A web abandoned by a very busy spider (the latest topic at the pre-school and Julia was fascinated).
Wildflowers (although I'm using the term a little loosely since these are more likely a case of wandering flowers that have wound their way beyond someone's garden and into the most unexpected little patches along the Waterfront Trail).
Ways to battle the waste that litters communities.
It's funny how letters just seem to appear when you start looking for them!

And finally, W is for Wrapping-up projects. The placemats are finished and ready to find their way to a new home on my sister's table. *smile*

26 Post Challenge (I)

The past weekend, I was all about IKEA.

Let me start by saying that IKEA is actually an oasis for moms!

1. You never walk away empty handed. Sometimes the trip costs several hundreds of dollars (although that doesn't happen often) and sometimes it's as little as $4.98 (but we rarely stop at that point either).

2. It counts as a field trip for the kids, right? Julia thinks the entire store is just a huge playland waiting to be discovered (and she is absolutely correct!). Bonus prize: With all that walking/running/climbing around she is guaranteed to have a nap on the way home (which thankfully continued into a nap on the couch).

3. FAMILY WASHROOMS complete with stepping stools, oversized stalls and changing stations (and I'm talking about a real honest to goodness change table accompanied by actual covers, wipes, and even diapers at times).

4. $1.99 kids meal. Meatballs, French Fries and Chocolate Milk. Three of princess' favourite foods in a completely kid friendly environment and without any ridiculous plastic toys which I'll find underfoot for one week and then be randomly required to find for months to come (not to mention the renewed concerns about choking hazards and I won't even get into the whole 'where it's made' thing). And for feeding the prince...

5. The best nursing areas you'll find away from home! Not only do they have locking, fully furnished, diaper station equipped and lighting sensitive nursing rooms, but this weekend we discovered the Nursing Oasis. Right there in the cafeteria (because why shouldn't the babies get to eat where everyone else does?) we found three privacy partitioned areas complete with armchairs (just as nice as the ones you find in the showroom), IKEA art and even a cafe table and chair in case your partner is joining you. Awesome! We got to enjoy lunch together as a family, and when Matthew wanted his turn I had privacy and comfort without having to roam half-way through the store and arrange a meeting spot while maintaining cell-phone contact in case something changed along the way (because that's what happens when you become a family with more than one child).

I could go on for hours about the wonder of IKEA, but instead I'll move onto sharing our weekend's favourite finds (not in the hundreds of dollars category).

A pack of dishtowels which are going to be transformed into aprons thanks to Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. If you haven't already, check her out at Angry Chicken.

Napkins for Spring Dining (outdoor dining in the not so distant future I hope)

And an IKEA mystery purchase which I am saving for a different letter of the alphabet. Ha ha...now you'll have to come back regularly! (unless you can translate the Dansk, Norsk, Suomi, Polski, Cesky, Slovensky or Magyar descriptions).

26 Post Challenge (G)

G is for gifts being sewn.

Gifts for a goodie-making girl who has gone away to do a great thing. She has lots of gumption, that goodie-making girl. She didn't go as far as Goderich, but far none-the-less. We miss her lots and lots. And now I have to get to going onto sewing because by now, the goodie-making girl will have gathered that a set of four is in the works. She'll be expecting them by general mail in no time flat.

Gee. I hope she'll be grateful when her gift if finished!?!

And if this post makes very little sense to you...then clearly you are not the goodie-making girl I've been going on about. But that doesn't mean that there aren't gifts in your future too.

Grin.

Have a great weekend and I'll be back with H before too long.

26 Post Challenge (F)

F is for Finished Projects!

Julia's dress is finally finished thanks to Erin's Sunny Day Dress tutorial over at House on Hill Road. Overall this was an easy sew with the exception of the shirring (several rows sewn with elastic thread and then gathered) that I had to pull out and resew three times before getting the tension right (grrr).

Hopefully there will be a lot more finishing to share over the next few weeks. I've actually started setting a few alphabet deadlines to keep myself on track. It worked for F (although I'd originally been hoping the dress would be my D)!

26 Post Challenge (E)

Wow, this A-Z is really doing the trick; while thinking about the letter E one word popped into my head and has quickly transformed into a new project that I'm super excited about.

E is for Embroidery.

Before the knitting bug hit, I was seriously into cross-stitching and still love using embroidery thread for a fine, detailed effect with really vibrant colour and sheen.

For the longest time I've been working on a series of Oriental rug miniatures. I have a couple already completed and patiently waiting to be framed.

Each of these took about a year to finish and since the pictures don't really give you an appreciation for the number of stitches, here is a peak at the backside. I'm talking thousands and thousands and teeny tiny little x's.


And here is one more in the early stages waiting for some one-on-one time when the weather warms up and I set the knitting aside (occasionally).



But now back to the new project that E has inspired. When my daughter was born someone very special passed along an amazing set of framed, vintage Alice in Wonderland illustrations.
*Sorry about the size. If you double click the image you'll see them in better detail.*



But you'll notice that the oh-so-important White Rabbit is missing. That simply won't do! So I grabbed my copy of this classic and found the perfect black and white illustration right at the beginning. And down the rabbit hole we go.


I remembered some muslin that I had buried in my stash (Oh my gosh - I have stash! How did that happen considering how little I was sewing before this year?) This project seems meant to be!

I'm going to trace a simplified version of the illustration and start split-stitching away. And since I'm working from a black and white line drawing I'm feeling really inspired to let that rainbow of colours lead the way with complete freedom.

Summer Dress in the Making

Today - Cutting and hemming
Tomorrow - Shirring
To Come - Sunshine

* I've never finished a dress let alone shirred one. I am optimistic though. *

Mixed Bag

We've had busy days lately which should mean Spring will be here in no time. In spare moments though (and somehow they suddenly seem very limited due to that wonderful rolling thing and suspicion that a first tooth is in the works) some slow progress is being made.

Some preparations for Julia's Flower Tote (to match the daycare pillow which she loves). I seriously need to sit down and review Purl Bee's handy cutting tutorial. I managed to do a good job of squaring things up but I know there is a more surefire and efficient method.













And thanks to some driving time last weekend, the first front for the Minimalist Cardigan is done. I'm onto the second now and yes, two months in and I'm still in love with Moss Stitch.