Winter Sewing and a giveaway

No giveaway here, but over at Grosgrain, Kathleen has an adorable green party dress. Click here: Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

I am going to trace out the round neck dress from the latest Ottobre for my little girl. I got two great fabrics from a local sewing lady, for super cheap. Did I mention they were super cheap.... like $4 for two yards. I just love the red ribbon fabric.
I'll add a pic shortly of the fabrics. (She has a loft for her sewing room, which is awesome, and a whole wall of fabric on shelves. I'd love to trade rooms.)

Good Mail

Yesterday's mail was great! New reading material. I should've ordered more winter, less spring.... but the goal was to have some new ones for spring.... so I'm really on track.
I can't wait to make something out of 03/07. Such cute stuff. I got 02/04 for the swim wear mainly, so I hope I can make that a go sometime next year.

I had my niece here for the latter part of Thanksgiving weekend. We went to Joann's for the fleece sale on Saturday and picked a few things. I made her a cute new scarf to go with her white puffy coat. This one here is a matching one for her younger sister. Mittens are next on the list, once I find a pattern. I was going to use Otto 04/04, but they aren't big enough.
Other than that, things here are a little dreary and I am tired. Tired of cleaning up spilled pop, spilled milk, pee accidents and dog vomit. Totally disgusting. Someone's either not paying attention, playing with their food and slinging things off the table, running around without a diaper because she knows where the potty is.... or at least I thought she did..... and lastly, the dog. He's just having a bad day I guess. I really wish I had a cleaning lady this week, or a magic wand. I really have to get moving on the office stuff, organizing, containerizing, and so on. The counter top is ready to pick up, and the rest should be ready within 1-2 weeks. Not much time to get through the paper jungle. LOL.

Why I should not virtually window shop

I was browsing Paper Source for bookmaking kits. I made one several years ago for one of my bridal showers and wouldn't mind making another one some day. They have a bunch of cute stuff on their website now, including beautiful, and hilarious file folders. The entertaining ones above, totally relate to my idea of filing. More Crap = Important things I should not throw away. =) But really, they have lovely stuff there and it is an all time favorite store for me, even though I don't get there too often.
I am not really on an organizing kick, but I am trying to be. We ordered new cabinets and bookshelves to make our kitchen office area official. Everything is on order and should be here mid December. I can't wait, but in the meantime, I am trying to make time for the things that are piled all over my current desk. I'd take a photo, but it's kind of embarrassing... maybe after I get a little bit put away I will. A before, and then I can post an after. Here's a layout.
I am on the look out for things to keep my new space tidy and interesting. I thought about using some Amy Butler or other scrapbook paper to embellish the fronts of my 3-drawer ikea paper holder, and some magazine holders. My aunt offered some metal paper trays, so I may paint those white. There was an article in the June issue of Home magazine, that had a cute set up, several things appealed to me. It's very similar to my future setup, except I have more counter space. That'll be about the only time ever, that I have more space than the picture in the magazine. They used colored file boxes, and decorative file folders, and tucked in some extras to fill the space. Anyhow, I hope to get a good start, as making messes seems to happen overnight.
I guess my big ugly printer is going to be hidden away in the base cabinet. I will try to fit all my paper printing supplies and computer extras in there.
So my organizing for the day, has led me to get out the winter box, put out all the recyclables, and make a pile of laundry. So, I'm off to continue the process before I start window shopping at the container store's website.

Camera style

Grosgrain giveway for photographers. I'd really like something for my camera. I haven't even put the long strap on it, which always makes me extra careful holding it. I would be so happy to win, but if I don't I'm going to have to get my strap out and make my own cover. I want to make a wristlet too. More for my own to make list. It would make a nice Christmas present, too, for some budding photo happy person.
Custom Camera Strap GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Watercolor portrait

Another great give away from Kathleen. This time it's a painting by Susannah Rodgers. I've always wanted to paint or draw a portrait of my kids, but I take forever, and I really haven't done any watercolors, other than a few still lifes in college. How fun, stop by and check it out and make a link for yourself.
Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Stepping into fall.

I love the smell of fall. The leaves of the wild cherry tree, and it's berries are dropping all over the front yard, and the large (ash, elder?) is about half yellow. I was thinking about where to put some pumpkins so the kids can see them from their rooms before bedtime.
I have one plant flowering right now, a purple aster. The phlox have mostly set seed, but there are a few stragglers with a bloom or two dangling. Time to get out there and divide things for next year, and pass along some things to my nice new neighbors.
Little girl has been exhibiting her independence lately. She told me she had to potty about two weeks ago, and really went. She just turned 23 months. So, we have been adjusting day to day routines to promote this new found skill. Although, I have a hard time telling when it's just a game sometimes. She is so proud of herself, and daddy and brother must come acknowledge her business and clap and applaud. =) It's cute. (She also wants a potty for her bunny.) I saw one at target with a baby doll, but the price tag was staggering.
The kids and I went to the park last thursday for lunch and that did not turn out as expected. There were instantly bees. Note to self: no picnicking in september. One stung me on the leg, and it is now Sunday and my leg is still sore, but not as red. I am glad though that it was me, and not the kids.
I finished up a pair of pants from the last kids Ottobre for A, and they fit her great. However, we went to lunch and she sat on a mandarin orange.... It's a stubborn stain, but much of it has come out. Oh well. I definitely want to make more of that pattern.

Back to school and on with the sewing...

and serging! I got my serger back from the shop. I reviewed my manual, and am starting out with the 3 thread overlock. I have no idea what I am doing, but I'll learn what I need to, as I go. I practiced on some scraps, and then I did the edges of a shirt I'm working on for dd. Then I decided it would be useful to do the edges of all the fabric I need to get washed. It was fun, if you can imagine, and I can't believe how fast it moves. That is an adjustment since I tend to take my time at the sm.

Anyhoo, ds went back to school this week. He didn't even give the goodbye hug when it was time to go in. He was too excited to deliver his "mail" to his teachers. So I am glad he is happy to go back, and has a few old familiar friends too.

I am nearly to the end of making the kukkerus kimono from Ottobre 04/08. It has turned into a little bit of a bear project. I wish I was done already so I could move on to something else. It's a combination of things that is making it slow, but mostly I think it's just me. I have been worried over the flannel back satin. So far, it's going ok. After I stitch the other underarm and side, I'll be moving on to putting it together with the outer shell. I hope I will eventually get better and faster.

Kathleen at Grosgrain is having a playful giveaway. Make Believe Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
I hope I win it for my dd. Of course, in the meantime it will be great for dress up when we have playgroup friends over. I think I might use my handy dandy serger to make some scarves and playthings. The projects on the want to do pile are growing ever higher. =)

Mixed thoughts

I can't wait for September! August has been a mixed bag, but mostly not nice. Near the top of the naughty list, someone stole the portable dvd's from our truck right after we got back from vacation. The day after that my hubby got rust stuck in his left eyeball. It took two trips to get pieces removed, and more discomfort, and now I think he is feeling better. No more red eyeball. At least he wore his safety goggles the next time he went out into the garage.

Vacation was the highlight of the month, and hearing baby girl say her name for the first time, and then repeating every word I gave her to try. So exciting! And our little guy heads back to preschool after this week is over. So glad he will have his buddy in his class again this year & another friend from our playgroup who will be new to the class.

I am on fabric overload. I really have to quit shopping and get to sewing. Our little, independent fabric shop just got in some of Sandi Henderson's Farmer's Market and a few of Michael Miller's first sight fabrics... and they reorganized to fit better all the stuff they are getting in. I love it when I see new stuff there, especially when it's one of my favorites. The owner just turned 90 yesterday, I guess they had a big party for her. I hope she had a great day.

I posted a pic of a birdie that was out on the feeder a few weeks ago. I'm not sure what he is, but I'm sure my aunt will know. I'll guess a red headed cowbird or something, I'm sure I'm way off base, I don't even know if that is a real bird but it sounds familiar. =) I don't have much for pics right now as I've been spending all my time reading everyone else's blogs, and learning about Stephanie, and printing out HB's pincushion tute and catching up on the photos in the Otto flickr pool. Not much time for sewing when I keep distracting myself.

Back Home

We are back from vacation. This was the annual family trip with my husband's family. A whole week of walking down to the lake to play and fish, and watch the hummingbirds. Nice sunsets, nasty little mosquitos. The kids had a wonderful time swimming in the warm waters of Kentucky. Normally we go to northern Minnesota, so there is a big difference in how the water feels. They had a neat pirate ship playhouse for the kids. I wondered if it was Amish made since there are communities not far from there. Went to Dairy Queen, too... =)
While they were resting, I made a little pillowcase for A. (I couldn't take my machine, so I took some supplies and my Ottobres.) She loves bunnies, and I just got this cute yellow fabric before we left. I thought maybe I'd use it for the Misty skirt, but it was a perfect choice for this project. I'd like to make a bed sheet to go with it, so that's on my list.
I spent last night getting laundry sorted and oiling my sewing machine. I cleaned out a small amount of dust, a button, and a piece of construction paper that a certain little boy put in there a long time ago. Then I moved on to the serger. I oiled it about two weeks ago and let it sit, but last night I could still barely move the wheel by hand. It was slightly better, but I don't feel ready to tear it apart and oil the entire inside. I have never sewn with it, so I'd like to know how it's suppose to feel. So, I'll be sure to oil it on a regular schedule in the future. For now, I'll be waiting a few weeks to get it back. I'm sure I have plenty of other things to finish up. Ta ta.

Weekend excursion

Weekend finds, originally uploaded by twolilacs.

This past weekend I went with my mom & grandma to a new (to us) quilt shop. I found some Erin McMorris fabric there. They didn't have much, but I was happy to find some just for me. I *love* the blue/green flower one, it is lighter in the center and gets darker towards the edges. It reminds me of some of the border prints that I have.
Then I found a fat quarter of the cutest bunny print. It has bears too, but I like the bunny. My dd loves bunnies, and I thought that I could work this into something for her. First I thought clothing, then I thought I could learn to make a quilt, or a doll quilt.
...... then I went to a quilt shop near me today and they have a whole room of thimbleberries fabrics. I bought a pattern & kit that includes the bunny & bear panel. So now I have committed myself to making her a quilt. Committed myself being the operative words. =)
Now, the only thing is, that the kit doesn't incorporate the fat quarter I like so much. So, maybe it will be a matching pillow case or dolly quilt.
I don't know how to make a quilt, so this will be an adventure.
So the weekend excursion led me to a find today, but I keep telling myself, I don't feel too guilty as long as I keep sewing. I don't want to accumulate fabric that doesn't get used. Whew.

Too young to drive

My little guy decided that he needed his own driver's license.
He said he needs it before vacation... "Remember, mom, last year I helped Daddy drive the boat, so I need my own license, so I can drive." BTW, his driving consisted of mind spinning donuts with the occasional loop out... fun for all.
A while back I had made him some simple cards to color and glue on for Valentine's day, (giveouts for class). So, I thought I'd take the same approach. I think some form of simple stationery that he can personalize is what appeals to him.
So, if you have a budding driver, visit my flicker and download a sheet with 6 licenses and print it out on some cardstock. Your child can draw in their own face, and maybe you can get them to practice their name and address.... ;)

So 80s

Somehow I came across a vintage toy website today, and I saw Fashion Plates. With all the sewing and patterns, and looking at what people are making on Flickr... I couldn't help to think what fashion plates would look like with Ginger Blossom, or Ava Rose, or Amy Butler, or Park Slope. I loved that toy, and I'm sure my sisters inherited it at some point, and now has disappeared.
So, I think I will put it on my Christmas list. My sister likes to get me oddball or crafty gifts, so maybe I can talk her into this one. She was kind enough to get me my first Ottobre for my birthday.
I have been taking a break from sewing, but there lies fabric for an Ottobre kimono on my cutting board. Patiently.
I received an Elna serger from a friend of my Aunt, so I have also been reading up on that. It's a bit overwhelming, but I made it through the bulk of the book mostly understanding what I read. I'd like to pick up a red or deep pink thread so I can give it a go testing out the stitches and tensions by using the colors of the tension dials. I'm thinking that I could probably make some hand towels for the house, or just practice on some scrap. Theoretically, it would be more "fun" to make something, botched stitches or not. And, if I go make something now, I may be less tempted to order more fabric for my stash. =)

Summer, summer, summer

It's a good time in the garden now, there is so much in bloom. The kids love to go out and pick daisies and coreopsis. There are far more weeds than I care to look at, but I am just trying to enjoy the highlights of the yard, and get to cleaning up when I have time.
I love the blooms on this daylily. They are pretty big, and I just love the ruffled edges. By far, a favorite of the varieties in my yard. I think I have 8 to 10 different kinds, don't ask me to name them though. It's the same with the hostas, lots of varieties, but I need to keep track of the names better before I forget.
These are out back, but I love looking at them from the house. These hydrangeas have been so hardy and reliable. I got them at a plant sale fundraiser a few years ago, from the Soil and Water district. I was able to get plants from their sale for two or three years until they decided to quit doing it.
Check my flickr for a few other delights in my garden this year.

Early Evening Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

Early Evening Gown GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!
Another great giveaway from Kathleen @ Grosgrain.
She looks like a little fairy, love the fireflies.

Ottobre Summer shorts

I finished the summer shorts for ds. I think construction wise, everything went fine. I got a little hung up on the pocket binding but I pushed my way through it. It wasn't that bad, just another new thing. I managed to match up the pockets, but didn't plan to match up the legs. Maybe next time, after I read how to do it. Normally, I would just guess, but I'm thinking that I would have to cut out 4 legs as opposed to cutting two on folded fabric.

M like them so that's good. Now to decide if they are an outfit or pj's... I'm sure he'll let me know.

Vintage buttons

My aunt and my grandma have been going through some of Grandma's old sewing supplies. She has oodles of buttons. These happen to be in their original state, card and all. There are some miscellaneous ones, like orange, teal, apples, some pearly ones. One more excuse to learn how to use the button hole device for my machine.
I also received some ric rac, bias trim and a nice tin full of embroidery floss. My great grandma use to sew quilts, so I have a small supply of some of her applique tracings. I am thinking they will look cute on some little shirts or dresses for my kiddos.
Well, we are headed outside to play.

Roosters-N-Rickrack Pinafore courtesy grosgrainfabulous

Roosters-N-Rickrack Pinafore GIVEAWAY!!!!

An adorable dress! I love the ball fringe... I need to sew faster so I can add projects like this to my sewing table. I like the little roosters. It reminds me that I have some rooster, chickens, cats, etc in a file from my great grandmother. I believe she appliqued them to her quilting projects. I think I will get them out and re-inspire them into my projects. Slow as they may be.

June berries

Went to my aunt's yesterday to check on her place. Her raspberry vines are loaded, which is unfair because mine is huge but probably has about a handful or two of berries. Note to self: prune them next year for more yield. In my defense though, we had some crazy wind and I lost two of the stalks.
So, I will enjoy her berries since she is not back from vacation until today. =)

wearing a dress

Well, let's say it's been a few years since I have worn a dress, and it was probably for a wedding or something. I did wear maternity dress, but that does not count, since it was a short term outfit. However, today I'm in love with a bunch of dresses, found here, and they are just cute. I like how she throws a contrasting slip under them, or a shirt. And, some of them are even for short people, like me. So, I may break the trend I have going and actually start wearing dresses again.
So, I will thank Kathleen... and at some point I will sew for myself, but I might have to supplement with the above. =)

Strawberry Quart Caplet with Simple Sailing Frock

In Blogland today:

Strawberry Quart Caplet with Simple Sailing Frock


I hope I win, then I don't have to figure out how to make one. ;)

I guess I am in inspiration mode today, and hopefully sewing mode will resume this weekend. Iron man junior's pj pants are ready to be stitched together. (DS has been wearing his winter boots in his effort to make his own Iron man costume.)

Fresh from the garden

We moved the garden back about 12 feet a few weeks ago. I decided I'd leave the strawberries and raspberries in their old place as long as possible. (Future patio). Last year they were pretty small, but this year there are tons of baby plants. I am surprised at the size of the berries. Of course I had to take a pic of the first ones. =)

Pinafores, weeds and things

I received issue 01/08 of Ottobre design for my birthday, from my sis. I made a little pinafore for A. It fits her pretty good. After I make myself the "swing" purse, then I will be on to making pants for A, to go with the pinafore.
I prewashed my fabric for the purse, but the canvas doesn't want to unwrinkle. So, I am armed with a new spritzer, and hope to get it flattened out. I also want to use up some of the Alexander henry scraps to make a little zip pouch to go with my sis' purse. I like the rounded bottom ones from Amy Butler, but maybe I can do it myself. I feel like experimenting.... maybe with muslin first though. The quilt shop by me is carrying more Amy Butler patterns and the new midwest modern line, some of it anyways.
Spent the weekend mortified... of all the dandelions in my garden beds. First thing on my list for monday morning is to call the mulch guy, and check my stock of newspaper/weed mat. I am very happy to say that after being here for several years now, that some more of my plants are ready to be divided. I have lots of Shasta daisies, and a crop of sedum coming up, and an aster plant that is a giant circle of a plant now. The deer came by and sampled some stuff a few weeks back. It looks like some of the tulips survived. Yay! So far, we have yellow.
And, I finally decided on a great place for wall vase. It's in a nice visible spot. The ribbon is a little delicate, but I plan to change that throughout the season. Dainty is good for spring.
Found a nice garden chair that somebody threw out in the trash during garbage week. It appears to be freshly primered, so I am putting a coat of exterior paint on it, to match my garden gate and house trim. I'm thinking I may paint the slats the clay color of the house.. haven't decided yet if I will like that or not.
Also, getting back to doing some house projects. Will have to get the list going again.

I finished my sister's belated birthday present this weekend. It is an Amy Butler pattern, using Alexander Henry on the main panel. I thought it came out pretty good. She liked the print, so that made me happy. If I have enough left in the scraps I want to make a little zipper pouch, key/cell strap, something....

Baby shoes

cloth_shoes_001.JPG
Originally uploaded by twolilacs

I finished the cloth shoes from Ohelene's pattern. I thought they were fairly easy to complete. I want to make a pinafore for my little monster, and thought a pair of matching shoes would be cute. I already got the fabric, it's sort of a large pattern, but it might still work.
Also, my friend bought ballet socks for her baby girl, I thought it would be cute to make a cloth shoe version, with flannel backed satin. I'm just not sure about lining up the heel with the toe... I thought I could possibly use ribbon to hide any mismatching.
I'm also wondering about making these for spring and summer. I guess I would have to use lightweight fabric on both sides. Food for thought.

Projects and Snow

I completed the simple tote from the Bend the rules book. It took me some time, spread out over the weekend. I wasn't sure I put it together in the right order, once it was time to put the lining piece into the main bag. Thankfully I did, just had to turn the lining's right side against the right side of the outer bag.
The hallway is on hold until I choose a paint color, and get some lights ordered from Home depot. Apparently black and white track is the most common... so of course the lights I like have a chrome attachment. HD had a chrome track online, so it's either that, or pick a different light with a white attachment. I'm so picky.
We got quite a bit of snow, probably about 9 inches the first time, and then another 3 inches or so last night. Now it is raining, and had been thundering. This weather.

The wallpaper is on it's last leg. I have two feet to go, after nap time is over... clean the walls, fix a spot and prepare for paint. Whoo! These are my paint selections. It's not a very bright hallway, but I am leaning towards the darker color on the top left. We did agree on track lighting to replace the single, dim light. Now, if I could find a glass lampshade with a white base to match the white track. Lots of chrome based ones, but I don't think that would look right on a white track...

Anyone have any favorite websites for inexpensive picture frames?

Zipper bag, yay!

I can tell it's been a while since I have sewn anything, it took me extra dawdling time. I made a zipper bag from the Bend the rules book last weekend. It came out pretty good, although I think the zipper could be done better. I'd like to make some different size ones. I also didn't have any matching ribbon, so I'll try that next time. I have some tiny heart grommets in my scrapbook stuff that would look really cute lined up on a ribbon. Next: tote, pleated purse.
I have an excel file now for the budget file, but have to figure out how to host it or post it.

Resolutions and thoughts

Beki had an inspiring resolutions list on her blog. I am working on my own, but I am not bold enough to make it all public. Although, I know there are many things in the house & garden that can be done this year. The top of my list, is to get the rest of the wallpaper off the hallway walls. It's half down, and the rest needs to go. I won't say how long it's been that way. My family is probably wondering about us. I finally got a rug this week for the living room, so I can knock that one off the list. Yay!
I also need to get flannel interfacing, so I can get going on some projects in the Bend the Rules book. I did find a cute pink cotton shirt on clearance at Targét for my daughter. I hope to experiment some embroidery on it. See Doodle Stitching.
I also ordered a couple gardening catalogs, since none have yet arrived. Bluestone perennials, Whiteflower farm, Prairie Nursery (sells native), and Jackson & Perkins. I really hope to order some things from the Bluestone catalog this year. I meant to last year, but ended up getting some great deals free, and at a annual plant sale, about an hour from here. I like the J&P catalogs for ideas for container plants and garden structures (which I need).
I also need to decide what needs dividing this spring, besides Shasta daisies. I need to find my divide and propagate guide to make this task easier on my brain. I have a variety of hostas, a handful are new from last summer. I can't wait to see how many Fire & Ice I have... they seemed to revert to a green leaf, vs. keeping the white/cream (center?). I doubt I'll get any more of those. I am also excited to see how the new addition of daffodils/jonquils come up out back this year.

Happy New Year

Doodle stitching is good, so far. I've gone through the stitch examples. So, next will be a little sample project. Somewhere in all the stuff I collect, is a seasonal pamphlet, maybe Easter, from Hancock fabrics with an introduction to embroidery. I still remember that, and this book is a fun reminder. I hope to work on a sample next, and see how that goes trying to follow along shapes, etc.
New Year's Day was full of snow and wind. The gigantic snowman out back, has gained a new snowsuit. Funny, the day before his facial features drooped off with the warmth. Gotta love the midwest.