Sewing, my other love.

The last couple years I have really gotten into sewing - sewing for myself too.

Yes,  I proudly wear homemade things all the time. There is never enough time

for me to make all the things that I want, but I wanted to share a few things I've 

made that I actually wear. That's the other problem, the wearability. I have made

so many things that just didn't quite turn out how I expected, or the fit was a bit 

off or it just made me look fat. ( that happens alot) 

So here we have cream tank with lace front . I made this probably 3 years ago and 

still wear it often, it is by far my favorite homemade piece. The skirt is a simple border

print that I got in Philly years ago and the waistband is some cool brown striped elastic

I got at Zinc's in Berlin, Oh when i was home last year. Elastic waist skirts are so easy!

The skirt is actually a really pretty shade of peach/pink - I know the photo looks kinda orangey. Hmmm, 

you'd think a photographer could figure out how to get around that. Well, the house was a wreck and 

the only place i could find to take the pics was in front of the window which made the color wacky. That's

my excuse.

I also made this dress for Stasia out of a dress I found at the GW bins. The top of the original dress

was the black knit which I made into the color and cuffs. The pattern was vintage - got it at a auction, 

I think. Very easy dress.

More sewing posts coming later...

Ben and Melissa

My little cousin all grown up.

Most adorable couple ever.

And super funny.

Pillow time

It's no secret that sewing/crafting/repurposing is something that makes me happy. Really happy.

That and Beach Boys.  Repurposing especially gets me going - maybe it's just the thriftiness in 

me, but I just feel so accomplished when I can take some old thing that i found at GW and make 

something cool out of it.  Soooooo, here are my pillow projects - 

The yellow round and the square swirly needlepoint pillow were GW scores for $.50. The floral embroidered

pillow was Rich's grandma's. The back was stained and the stuffing was shot. I just got a new pillow insert 

and made a new back for it out of cream linen. The map pillow was a placemat?? or linen of some kind that I

found at GW. Maps and traveling are #1 with me, plus the colors are so awesome, I thought it would make a

really cool pillow. I had to special order the pillow insert since it was a custom size, but it was worth it to me.

I made the back out of the same linen fabric and made the piping out of some fabric I had on hand. The backs

of both pillows are made in the envelope style, so I can take the covers off to wash them. (must in my house)

Here's Martha's instructions on this 

For once my project turned out just as good or better than  I expected! That is a rare circumstance. 

Hope you all like! 

Garrett and Rachel

Totally rockin couple.

Wedding protraits taken around town (yes, please!)

Most relaxed reception ever. (with to die for pork bbq!)

January

Trying to live and do normal things with this child is an adventure.

My kids are totally into the Beach Boys just like me - I am proud.

Trying to start the habit of putting everything away as soon as I'm done with it.

(as I type that, Gabriel is beside me saying Heh, heh, good one mom.)

Started only allowing myself to eat breakfast in the morning if I read my Bible at the same time. I figure if I have 5

minutes to put food in my mouth I can read a Bible verse too.

There is dryall dust all over the hallway stairs and I am thrilled about it - Every night when 

they go home I go downstairs and just look around and smile. It is so fun to have someone

else working on our house too.

Lucian LOVES his big brother, he attacks him (literally) as soon as he gets home from school. I love it.

The kids are also REALLY into Tintin books. Their dad loves it.