Do you know the Quilted Cow, the Quilted Cow, the Quilted Cow?

Ok - first off raise your hand if you're glad fall is here. *Raises hand enthusiastically*. Didn't it seem like it was going to take forever? Aren't you glad to dig out your cute flats, have a pumpkin latte, and wonder again where all those leaves in your car came from? Thank goodness!

Good, now that we've got that clear I need to tell you exciting news. I've been consigned! Wait - that didn't come out right...what I mean to say is that I've taken several finished items to The Quilted Cow to be sold on a consignment basis. Have I told you about The Quilted Cow? It's adorable new fabric/quilt/little bit of everything store in Cape Fair, Missouri. Not only do they have wonderful and unique things, but the beautiful drive makes the trip totally worth while. And now I officially have items there too! Very excited and grateful for the opportunity.

I got busy last week and made two bags, which I took out to the QC. First we have the dark green one, which has a gold print lining.




And second is the purple-ish flowered one, which has a cream lining. I got the fabric for this at Claude's Country Threads in Stover, Missouri.

I can't believe I finally got the gumption to put something out there and see how it sells. It really shows me just how far I've come in the year since I decided to try my hand at sewing again. I also took two aprons, one half and one full, but you'll have to drive out to Cape Fair to see them!

So that's all my newsy news - but tell me, do think these pieces are good examples of what I do? Any suggestions for what I could do different next time I finish a batch of consignment pieces?

One for you...and one for you...

Well hello there! Have we met? I'm Jen...

Oh wait, that's right - it just feels like we're strangers. Well, I'm working hard to get us all caught up. Let's see...what is important for me to tell you???

First, I've moved from the St. Louis area to THE 'tourist destination' of SW Missouri. And it's interesting to say the very least. BUT I find my new little house has a perfect place to display those which are my Pyrex Loves!


Can't you just see them smiling at you? Aren't they pretty? It makes me happy that I have a really nice place to show them off to the world. Or at least y'all :).

Since I've had a break from work, I've been working hard on little projects for all. If you remember, I bragged about the purse I made myself here and about the one I would do for my favorite Auntie! Well, I whipped it out one afternoon and it turned out fabulous if I do say so myself.



And finally, my bestie is having a little buddy in November (well, maybe I just consider him my little buddy!) so I've been busy making baby presents. For her shower I made two bibs, two burp clothes, and two onesies. But I really think this one is the best of the lot. I mean - does it get any cuter than this little guy?

So that's what I've been keeping myself busy with during this brief respite from travel. And you know - I've had a few changes in my life recently, so I decided to splurge and do something for myself as well! So I'm working on some pillowcases for me, stay tuned for pictures of the finished project! Other exciting news - I was asked to put together some pieces for consignment at a quilt store in Cape Fair! What do you think - should I jump in to this?

I was lost, but now I'm found!

Hello all my friends! I know, you thought I'd given up on this crazy blog notion or that I was laying dead in a ditch somewhere. But alas, I am alive and well. After working a lot of hours for two months in Wyoming (which was a visual feast!) I find I have plenty of money saved up for fabric. And although I'm on to another project for work, I'll have more downtime and there are birthday/Christmas projects to be planned and made. I promise I'll blog more regularly - I'm getting all my technology in order :).

Cheers to all - tell me what YOU'VE been up to! PS - Em, here's a shout-out on your precious bibs! She's putting gnomes on them people! How cute is that!

The Great Huntress!

And a restful Sunday to all! I've actually managed to talk myself into relaxing today - ask my Fella, this can be a task. I've had two wonderful weekends in a row (without a blog-opps!). Crafty Momma came down to visit her favorite daughter in Louisiana last week and we had an amazing time! Did lots of exploring and 'vintage hunting' and Frosty eating and laughing... *sigh* Just a good time overall. And I discovered a new love!

I read an article in Uppercase (read about it here) about vintage Pyrex. The Pyrex from the 60's and 70's had such fun colors and patterns that I don't see how you can not love it and feel motivated to cook and bake. Additionally - and this is the kicker for me - it's a collection that you can USE! Some pieces need to have TLC and hand-washing is suggested, but most are totally great to whip out to impress company. I already have a couple vintage mixing bowls that belonged to my Grandma Neva (the most amazing woman ever!). So, I decided they needed a new friend...or two!


Meet my new Pyrex mixing bowl! This print is called Golden Butterfly and this is the baby bowl, it's bigger sister has the opposite color scheme. Isn't she pretty? Doesn't she make you want to whip up some soft cookies or yummy scones? Ahh, to have a kitchen again! I think an addiction is forming :).

I also did some 'vintage hunting' this weekend in Beaux Bridge, LA which is a delightful town just about ten minutes from Lafayette. I picked up several new treasures, but just had to share my new friend with you.

As we all know, I have a thing for birds and decided that I couldn't leave Louisiana without a new little friend. The best part is that the little store where I picked him up was run by the sweetest friendliest woman who gave me advice about where to eat and admonished 'a pretty thing like me' to be careful when I was out at night :).

Ok - that's all the treasures for now! More later I promise-and probably more Pyrex as well...oh check out this for more Pyrex gushing!

And I'm Back!

Hello All! I must apologize for the long delay in blogging delightful-ness; but I arrive with all sorts of a goodies to share!

First off - The Renegade Craft Fair in Austin was amazing! For anyone that lives near one (or even near enough to take a weekend trip) I would highly suggest it. I managed to hit it right after opening on Saturday and spent four hours wandering the highly creative (and inspiring) rows of paper goods, ceramics, wood goods, hand-sewn delights, jewelry, etc... I will post pictures later of some of my amazing finds!

One of the great things about Renegade was the wealth of free stuff! Upon entrance (which was free!) I received two hip, arty magazines. And I'm in loo-ove with one of them. Uppercase. It's a magazine that even FEELS awesome and has an eclectic mix of art, craft, creativity, and vintage. With some sass and style thrown in to boot. There are two sad things though: 1) It only comes out quarterly and 2) Because it's published in Canada and is of such high quality a yearly subscription is $80(Canadian). BUT I think it's worth looking at the website and would make an amazing gift for any forward-thinking Crafty Diva (hint hint to my Fella :) ).

While I haven't had a lot of time to sew while working Louisiana, I have been doing a lot of vintage shopping/flea marketing/antiquing for inspiration. And birdies, of course. So I want to leave you with this picture that I took at a flea market in Washington, LA. Not the best quality, but I was so taken with the birch tree and the birds that I couldn't leave without snapping a shot.

They inspire me to sketch...and stitch...and create! Hope they do something for you as well!

PS Still taking blogging suggestions if anyone has any thoughts - or even something down here they'd like me to check out!

A Different Frame of Mind

Greetings from beautiful Louisiana! Haven't been here for quite one week yet, but I'm already enjoying the new sites and sounds it offers. I mean - where else can you hear Zydeco music on Cinco de Mayo? :)

I've been busy at work and haven't much time to sew yet, but part of the excitement of being someplace new is the new opportunities it brings. Including this:


I've always wanted to go to a Renegade Craft Fair and was excited to see one in Austin, but didn't expect to go. Suddenly, I find myself less than 7 hours away from one of the indie craft events of year! Or at least for me :). Can't wait to go in a couple weekends and tell you all about it.

Oh - and I got a request to write about cows sssooo...we were working on Tuesday and I swore I heard a cow and asked everyone if they heard it too. Nope - of course not - nobody heard it. And frankly, I think the guys I'm working with thought I was a bit looney (well, they think that anyway). But, as I rode back to the hotel with the Project Manage - bam! - a field of cows not far from our site. I think that might be a "You know you're from the country when..." joke. Everybody take care and I'll write more again soon!

PS - Still waiting for suggestions! What would you like to see me blog about?

The Collective

As many of you know, I'm moving. Well, actually, I'm not moving - my wonderful parents, fabulous aunt, and probably some helping hands are moving my stuff. I am packing the stuff however, and I'm amazed by what I've 'collected' in such a short amount of time. We all collect stuff, it's almost a 'human survival instinct' to collect and hoard. A few of my collections:


I am a voracious reader. I consider it a hobby, although admit that I've gotten peculiar looks when asked my hobbies in an interview and I blurt out "Reading!". I have a 'relationship' with my books and often antagonize over whether it's time to let one go or not. A good proverb would be that "A full bookshelf equals a happy home". Hmm - maybe that would be good in embroidery :).



A recent collection I started at this house was collecting the wine bottles that were finished off by myself, my Fella, Mama, Aunt Lisa, my friends, etc...


These bottles have lead to a few cringe-worthy moments including my landlord casually noting, "I see you like to drink wine". But the bottles all have a special memory and that's why I keep them around for the time being.


My most recent collection that I've started on is birds. Of all kinds - fabric prints, ceramic, art, pictures, etc... You may have guessed this is where my blog name came from - and you would be correct, your prize is in the mail :). These are just a few of my little friends.

It's more than liking birds though. I love watching birds and the beauty they can give to even the most ugly circumstances. If you watch birds you'll find that they often have keen, inquisitive personalities, almost inviting you to get to know them better. I feel like those are qualities I share with birds; I love to spread beauty with sewing and learn more by reaching out to new experiences and people. And let's face it, I can be all over the map with my thoughts and ideas. So, I'm slightly flighty - and that doesn't seem like such a bad thing to be!

PS Still looking for blogging ideas - what do YOU want to hear about?

The Rollercoaster

Isn't today a beautiful day? I mean, even if it's stormy where you are - at least it's not snowing anymore! At least, in the US :). I have news that I want to share - and this seems like the ideal place to do it! On Thursday, I was released from my position at work which meant that although I have an employer, I have no job. I've been on an emotional rollercoaster since then, but in the end it is what it is. I felt like this was going to open up some wonderful opportunities for me and I was going to take advantage of that gift. My friends and family have been incredibly supportive; please remind me when I'm blue how much I am loved and cared about! I can't tell you how many have told me stories to commiserate (I'm not alone!) or just simply to laugh. I think it's summed up best by what an old work buddy told me; he said "It doesn't matter because you're better than this and smarter than this and you shouldn't let it define you". Wow - what an amazing compliment. I think we can all take that sentiment along with us. Our jobs, events in our life, even people we know don't define us. You are who you are no matter what life throws at you. That is part of why I started sewing again, find the things that bring joy so you can weather the storm.

But now for the exciting news - and lots of it! Out of my parents graciousness, I'm moving kit and caboodle to the little house in Branson (there is a small group people cheering about that :)). However, I just found out I won't be actually living there for a bit. Because I just got a new position through my work! I need to be in Louisiana on May 3rd and it's a 9 week project. So I'll be out of a pocket for a bit - but will continue to blog because it'll be a nice respite from work.

So - now I'd like to hear from everyone! Have you ever had a situation like mine where very bad turned into very good in an instant? What topics should I blog about while living in LA? Do you think I'll get mugged for wearing a Razorback hat in LSU land?? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Busy Little Bee

Hello All - hope your weekend has been as productive as mine. Isn't it the best feeling in the world to know that you've not only knocked several things off your to-do list, but managed to find time to create too? First of all, I finished another onesie with a happy little carrot on it and a burp cloth with a friendly squirrel. I really enjoy doing these little baby projects. One, because they're fast and give me an immense sense of accomplishment and two, because I know they are items that will be used. Making things for people gives me a great sense of joy and even more so if they're for people I love. But I gain even more joy to see my creations used!

I've been a bit stifled creatively recently; I luckily seem to be moving past that. However, I read a great tip today for when we crafty folk are feeling creatively stifled. When you just can't come up with a fresh idea, try a different activity or another hobby. For me, baking falls under that category. So this weekend, I tried a new blueberry muffin recipe because my fella was coming up. They turned out awesome - as you can see. My fella really enjoyed them and it was nice to 'create' something outside the realm of sewing. If they look like something your family/friends/co-workers would like, leave a comment and I'll post the recipe.



I mentioned in a previous post that I was working on some onesies for a co-worker and his wife expecting their first girl (already have a son). They wanted a ladybug because she'll be born in June (junebug :)). I didn't like any of the ladybug designs I found; nothing was whimsical enough. So I decided to summon all my creative powers and make my own design. After some sketching...and some more sketching...and some test transfers, this is the result. Sorry for the sideways picture, I'm new to this blogging thing and am experiencing a little operator error.

I'm so proud of it - this is my first original sketch to be used as an embroidery design. I can't wait to sew it all up and show y'all the finished product! And this opens up a whole new area of my sewing where I can try new ideas.

On a side note - Mother's Day is quickly approaching! Let me know if you're looking for a unique gift, I just might be able to help :).

Oh, the places you'll go!!

I don't know about y'all, but I had a busy and fun weekend. My Crafty Mama asked me to come down to go to a sewing expo with her and see her and Pop's little cabin. So I headed down south to the metropolis of Branson!

First - the sewing expo. Mama is a quilter, so it was no surprise that she saw a lot of a neato things within the realm of quilting. There weren't so many sewing things, but I did see some neat things that gave me all sorts of good ideas and started up my creative juices. Second, the cabin is simply adorable and Pops is going to make it into something really special. And the thought occurred to me that us crafty folk often credit our abilities to one particular family member, but the fact of the matter is that we usually pull it from many people that just have their own way of being 'crafty'. Never overlook your family's hidden talents - there just maybe a wonderful skill lurking there!

After the sewing expo Mama and I went to FM Stores (in Springfield-thanks SJ for introducing me!) and Quilts & Quilts in Branson. And I bought fabric for my stash!! I think everyone who sews should have a 'stash' of fabric in their sewing areas (I'll talk about my opinions on sewing areas on another day :)). You never know when a pattern or project will wind up in your hands that needs the perfect paisley print and - voila- it's hidden in your stash!!

Any ideas for projects for these lovely fabrics? I can see aprons and sundresses and bags - oh my! *Side note for any beginning/part-time sewers: a gal at a fabric store once told me to try to buy at least two yards of any 'stash' fabric because that is usually enough to make a skirt.

I saw my favorite Aunt while in Branson...and she saw my custom Birdie Bag that I made for myself. I'd like to think it was love at first site and she picked out fabric so I could make one of her very own.

Can I just say she has amazing taste? So the Writing Bag (b/c she's an author) is one of my current projects, along with sketches for a friend's apron, and onesies for a co-worker. Hey - maybe this sewing thing will work out after all!

PS On the bag - price wise it'll run b/w $20-$40, depending on fabric etc... When I have the price nailed down better I'll let you know in case anyone else wants a special bag all their own! Don't forget to give me ideas for my new fabrics!

How Fortunate!

So sorry for the delay in blogs. I've been busy busy being stitchy! (And yes, Mom, that is a word.) I have so many things to show you! But first, a story of 'fortunate' circumstances.

I ordered Chinese food a couple weeks ago, which is something I rarely do. And it came with two fortune cookies - apparently I ordered A LOT of Chinese food. Anyway, I decided to eat the extra fortune cookie I had in the kitchen last night. And the fortune said... "You should enhance your feminine side at this time." Now not to be sexist in any way, but I thought it was so fortuitous that I would get this fortune just as I'm branching into a new era with my 'feminine side'. Lesson learned - you can find motivation and support where you least expect it!

On to the sewing at large. I've been experimenting recently with my embroidery. That's what I love about doing embroidery - there are so many possibilities and options. I could probably use the same pattern twenty times and never have it exactly the same. Which is also the beauty of hand-crafts; when you purchase or are given one it's unique and one-of-a kind. Yours alone to cherish! My first "experiment" was a kitchen towel I did for myself with some new & different stitches and bright colors.


I admit - when my fella first saw it, he said "I think that's a flower. If it is, it's cute." But that's ok, because that's what trying new things is about. Having the funny but sunny flower keep your stove company.








Next - I experimented with using colored fabric (blue) and some more stitches I haven't done very often. This is a handkerchief for me to use at work. Here's a disclaimer for those of you that don't know; I work outside for my job and I've found that three seasons out of the year equals a perpetually runny nose. And tissues blow away in the wind. Enter "Super-Duper Hanky"! Maybe the colors could have been a bit different on this one, but that's OK because it's mine and I like it.


Finally - and this one is simply because many of my friends are expecting joyous events (that's kids for you bachelor-type people like me!) a cloth diaper burp cloth. I love this pretty little lady and thought it would be a nice gift for a baby girl.
P.S. Les - if it's a girl, she's yours!


So, let me know what you think about all my 'experimenting'. By the by, see a pattern you like? Need a handy hanky? Just let me know because I'm officially licensed to use Sublime Stitching embroidery patterns! Handkerchiefs are $3-$5 depending on design. Oh - and know someone that needs a burp cloth? Five dollars each too.

And a shout-out to Janie! Thank you for your sweet comments and I look forward to getting to 'know' you better :). TP - you're the bestest!

The Un-Stitched Life

Let's face it - any crafty type person will tell you that they've made mistakes in a project. More often multiple projects! And I'm not going to lie, since getting back into sewing there have been multiple snafus. Including phone calls to my Crafty Mama begging for help. But as Crafty Mama's quilter ladies say "It's not ripping out - it's simply un-stitching". This weekend I had an episode of un-stitch. I decided to take some fabric that I'd bought after my Best Friend pointed it out and make an apron a little bit different that anything I'd made before. I based it on a couple different patterns that I had and threw in some new ideas. That may be where the hitch came. I made a 'opps' and got stuck last night and could not for the life of me figure out how to fix it. I did some sketches, I un-stitched, I even looked through all my sewing books to try to figure it out. Side note: costuming books will not help with apron sewing and are too distracting and full of pretties, for the record.
So I left it and slept on it (not literally - not so flighty that I'm sleeping at the sewing machine yet). And when I finally went back this afternoon...I had it! I knew what to do, just like that.

So with some more un-stitching, behold my newest apron! I'm very proud of it, in part because I persevered and made it happen. That is what it's all about really - simply creating and exploring until you stumble across something that can change your perspective

Disclaimer: Several people have asked when I'm going to start selling things. Here's the first opportunity. If you'd like to buy this apron I'll sell it for $25 ($5 for postage - so if you're going to see me, I'll take $20). Mother's Day is coming up...I'm just sayin'!

Let's start at the very begining...

Who doesn't sometimes fantasize about quitting their job and 'living the dream', whatever that may be? I think we can all be honest and say that it's crossed our mind a time or two. I've recently picked up again on a couple hobbies that I had long ago: sewing and embroidery. Suddenly one day it dawned on me that I'd much rather be sewing for a living than shoveling dirt (by the way, I work at a construction site where we do excavation, so that's quite literal). And thus a new and exciting path in my life has begun. I can't do it alone though, so I'm looking for a little support and constructive criticism to help me along my journey. There are so many wonderful and interesting things I stumble along each day. Can't wait to share all - even if it is Slightly Flighty!