In Awe

 Has anyone else seen this blog? Seriously, I am so impressed with Melissa has done! She has a super inspiring summer quest. 21 dresses in 21 days.   It is so fun to see her sketch and create her amazing designs.  You can read her confessions and inspirations here.  Some great ideas from using pillowcases, sheets, and those tops that are sitting in the closet.  Or you can just purchase them from her shop.




For a little inspiration of your own, check out some of her designs (her pics) below...

Summer Sewing Has Begun!

   It may only be the end of May, but if feels like summer around here! Highs are in the 90's and the boys are running in the sprinkler to cool off.  Salads, lemonade, and cool treats are in hand.  Crafting has taken a back seat to things like yard work, planting, birthday parties, and end of the school year activities.

   However, I have finally finished a tunic shirt for summer! Love the fabric. It is a cotton lawn. Although it can show wrinkles (see picture), the comfort factor wins. This fabric is sooooo light weight,  it calls, no screams to made into something light and a bit boho. The pattern was Simplicity 2586 ( Cynthia Rowley ).  It was pretty easy, the only modification I made was on the arm hole.  I used FOE (fold over elastic) rather than a finished sleeve.  I love that idea and it very comfortable (and forgiving!).  I think I will that method again on my next top.  I can another one of these making its way into the summer wardrobe. Yes indeed.

I am a Fool for dessert!

  I have found summer in a bowl.  Yesterday there was a quick trip to the farmers market for some rhubarb. The market was small as it is early here in Michigan, but the rhubarb looked great.  Then home to make the rhubarb dessert from the book Rustic Fruit Desserts.

Can I just tell you that it is my new favorite thing for warm weather.  How can one NOT want fresh fruits (I know that rhubarb is technically a veggie, but go with me here) mixed with real homemade cream??!! I added some left over strawberries as well.  It is super easy to make.  It would also be easy to substitute whatever fresh fruit is in season. You can enjoy this all summer long!!

To Journal

 Found on Summersville

I am not sure what has sparked the need to journal. Maybe it is being surrounded by such creative moms, both in life and in cyber world.  Maybe it is watching the boys grow so fast, I want to capture every moment. Maybe I wish I could remember all those "ideas" I had about crafts to do with the kids.  Something to put paper scraps, material scraps in and remember those projects. I am wondering if I want a small one to carry with me for "on the go" moments and then something larger for at home.  While I ponder this idea, I am enjoying a little time on Etsy looking at the wonderful journals out there!! So many beautiful ones to choose from!

Found on  Paper & Twine

I think this one is cute for obvious reasons!

 Found on Vintage Scraps

At It Again!

  In September I will at it again.  I am racing for the cure, but this year is different.  My sisters best friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She (friend not sister) is 31 yrs. old, a wife, and mother of 4 beautiful kids. Lynette is an amazing person who has been part of my sister's world since they were kids. Our whole family has been effected.  Right now we are in limbo waiting for results, but the news so far has been a little alarming.  11 of her 17 lymph nodes they took had cancer. We are still waiting for results from more tests and continue to be hopeful and positive.  She is strong, surrounded by strong family, friends, and  her community. 

For the race I am part of Team Bell.  Being part of a team is new for me.  It feels good to be part of something and share this with others.  My sister won't be able to take part in the race this year.  She is due in August with her 4th baby boy (can't wait)! Also she lives in Vermont, so I am going to race for her as well as myself.  Last year the race was such a positive and moving experience.  I think this next race will be more so.   Off to get ready........

This year it is getting very personal.

A little time away

  No, we did not go out on a vacation or holiday.  We stayed put, however our little home was invaded by family and some fun.  So, any crafting was put on hold for a bit.  Now that everyone is gone back to their homes, we are slowly returning back to the daily routine of things.  The only crafty news I have is that the picnic blanket top is finished.  I am waiting for the back to come in the mail. 

Mother's Day was a good day.  The boys were very sweet with breakfast, lots of hugs and kisses, a day to shop, and dinner at my moms.  One of my favorite splurges was on some Liberty Of London flips.  If you sew, then you know how great it was to have Liberty at Target for a bit!! 

These are very comfy and I think the print is pretty fun for summer.  Hope to be back to more regular posting schedule!

The Freezer Paper Experiement

 Over at Cheri's blog, she has lots of fun and crafty ideas.  One of her most popular crafts is to use freezer paper and stencil on a cool design to a kids shirt or pants.  Her projects always look so cool and modern.  I thought why not give it a whirl with my own boys and see how it goes.....

 The actual project is pretty easy!  (tutorial here)  I think I might need to use a different brush to get a more solid look, but overall I think the shirt turned out pretty cute.

Of course getting your 3 yr. old to stay still for a picture is something else of a challenge!  The shirt was pretty simple, maybe next time we could add some embellishments or words.  If you want to be inspired check out the flickr group!!  Seriously puts mine to shame, but hoping with more practice they start to look better and better!