January Sewing Is Done!

I finally finished the dress.  In plenty of time to wear to grandma's 90th birthday party!!  I promise to have MUCH better pics of the dress at a later date.  In the meantime, you will have to settle on what I could do, while two little rug rats took turns playing fashion photographer.

Now, onto the deatails.  I used simplicity pattern 2925 view A.  It was a pretty easy pattern to follow.  I did leave out the ties but may add them on later. I also changed up the neckline just a little.  I made bias tape out of the material I was using and decided to use that on the neckline instead.  Otherwise everything went as written. The material was a drapy blend of rayon with 2% spandex for some stretch. Love a little give in a dress.  So nice when sitting. I have stated before and I will say it again.  A mom must have pockets! They come in handy when you least expect it.

Overall I like how it came out.  It would make a VERY comfortable dress if done in a more casual fabric.  Could see another one of these or a little different version being made in the future.  Will try and  post pics from the party and of the entire outfit put together.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can.....

  I am so close to finishing my dress!!  The neckline is giving me a bit of fits.  Hope to remedy that today.  Then it is just a hem and away we go.  So far the fit is good and I love the material.  The goal is finish this up and get pics taken before the big paint project begins.  Sewing room is being transformed this weekend!! Fresh paint and a cleaned up room is going to make a world of difference. In the meantime, first things are first....the dress.

Simple Yet Effective

If you have not checked out the fantastic SwissMiss blog, then you really must!  Her site is full of things to make you smile and enjoy.  While hanging out on her site, she led me to Matt Brown and his fun ideas.  His simple idea for kids and parents is fantastic.  I know that the lower pocket would have come in handy for all those rocks, acorns, and other treasures that are found and NEED to be taken home.  Sometimes the most simple ideas seem to be the most brillant.

A Small Step

In January one gets the itch to spruce things up around the home. The holiday decorations are coming down anyway, so why not change things around. The hope next weekend to start a painting project in the upstairs. In the meantime, I had the urge for something small, quick, and super simple. How about a new runner for the kitchen hutch?? Yes, a good start! I had a little Joel Dewberry fabric that was begging to be made into something. The colors go well with the hutch, I think.
I think I really like how it turned out. It is keeping me motivated to keep working on things around here. Of course I will have to remind myself of that next week as we prep to have the upstairs painted. I can't wait. It is going to be my own sewing space!! How exciting!

Taking The Challenge

This year I am all about a good challenge. I am feeling a little stuck in rut with sewing the same things over and over again. I am need of some direction and a little accountability. I have decided to take the sewing challenge that is happening over on Carolyn's blog, Each month brings about a new challenge. You can participate as often or as little as you like. January is a nice start to the year. You must sew something for yourself!! So what to sew??

My grandmother is turning 90 early in February!!! How awesome is that! She still swims and volunteers AND is a sewer! We are having a family celebration and I think a little something to wear to the party would be a great project. I have a couple of ideas, but a trip to the local fabric shop is in order as my stash has been reduced some. Stay tuned to see what ideas and creations come about this year!

For The Family

Yesterday a friend of mine introduced me a wonderful children's book. The book is Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. The illustrations are BEAUTIFULLY by Bryan Collier. I quickly placed an order to have this little gem in our hands and reading soon. What I love about this book are the vibrant images and the text varies in size. It gives some Dr. Kings famous quotes or "biggest words" a larger font. Such as "You Are As Good As Anyone". Although I did not have the book for MLK day, is never to late to teach our kids about those in history who we admire and were a force for change.

Light Looking

Today the sun was shining on a bright January day. Sun in January, nothing puts a smile on a Michiganders face more! While the temps were still chilly (hovering around 30), I looked up in the car and smiled at the warm sun on my face. So a quick snap of a picture and now my moment is here for me to enjoy. In a week were news has been grave with Haiti, hubby's grandma in and out of the hospital, friends father's sudden death, this one day was so much appreciated and enjoyed. Giving thanks for the little things today!

(of course I could not help but have some editing fun!)

Fun Find

While trolling around blogs looking for some creative ideas, I came across this free tutorial from Anna's blog Noodlehead.

How cute is this idea?!!! What a great way to reuse those old cargos. I am pretty sure in a house full of boys I can find a pair somewhere that has been hiding in the back of the closet. What a great book bag. The idea of a nice long strap is so appealing and kid friendly. Ya gotta have those hands free! I am going to give this project some serious thought!!!

Knit Socks Do Indeed Rock

Knit Socks Do Indeed Rock
Originally uploaded by doodlesprouts

New year and a new knit. I have had these socks on the needles for a long time. The problem with knitting socks is that as soon as you finish one, the satisfaction is short lived. As you realize that there is another sock you must knit, in order to have a PAIR. Needless to say, it takes me a bit to actually complete a pair of socks. The yarn used was Regia Design Line Kaffe Fassett in the colorway, Jungle. The colors are fantastically bright. The perfect contrast for January weather. Due to the colors and the striping of the yarn, I just kept the knitting simple.

Of course there is LOTS of sock yarn in the stash, so what pattern is next??

Letter To A Vice

Dear Ms. Negativity,

I know that sometimes a need to question things is good, but lately it seems like to you have started to take over. You are questioning everybody and what they are doing. I feel like you are crowding out Ms. Positive. I am to young for frown lines, and would be able to take aging much better with smile lines. So lets work together to find a happy balance. Let Ms. Positive be happy for those around who are succeeding in life, to think positive about life and what is happening around me. Let's support and love one another and be open to the world around us. Who knows what amazing things will happen if we can just be open and positive.

We can still hang out from time to time. When we get that feeling in our stomach that something is not right and questioning is needed. That seems like a healthy thing to do sometimes. After all, we don't want to be doormat.

So what do you say???? Let's rock some happiness and love to all those around us!

New Music Discovery....

Listening to and LOVING the video for Low Vs. Diamond. Check out the video for Don't Forget Sister. Making for a happy Tuesday.