The Finale'

And again - I've been remiss at blogging.  It's amazing how one that enjoys writing manages to convince oneself NOT to write.  Maybe I'm afraid of censor by my peers?  Nope, just too busy and too lazy!  But this year I made a few 'creative' resolutions - including these:

• Complete a sewing (machine) project every 2-3 months
• Complete an embroidery project that I've been working on for two years
• Research avenues to market/sell my projects

But, more about those resolutions later.  As a part of those resolutions I promised to blog more.  About sewing.  And creating.  And my travels - and just life in general.  However, all of these lofty goals were inspired by one event alone....

I finished it.

What's that?  I finished it.  I completed a project that I've been working on for over a year.  It was a big one too - not only one that I made a custom pattern for, but also designed especially for a friend.  It was a big project, but also challenging and rewarding because I made unique.  And I finished it.  The best part?  She loved her apron!  The smile when she saw it was worth all the hard work and sweat.

Details you ask?!?  I made the apron from a light upholstery fabric for durability and sturdiness.  I extended the length of the apron at Linden's request and the length of the straps.  It also has a towel ring and pen holder, especially for Linden.  I also added a hidden 'cell phone pocket' because I always get flour on mine when I cook.  It was a hit, but more importantly gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivation that will hopefully carry me throughout the year.  I'm once again excited about sewing, creating, and sharing it with y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I'm Reading:  Catherine The Great by Robert K. Massie and The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan

Day in the Life...

"Given enough caffeine, I could rule the world."

Jenny Goes to New Orleans

This past weekend I took a looonngg road-trip down to NOLA for the first time. A friend of mine has been working down there and asking me to come, so I did! And the result you ask? Best.Weekend.Ever.

Things you should know about New Orleans: it's dirty, smell, raunchy, and bawdy. There's no way to change that - it is what it is and that's why millions love The Big Easy. AND - my friend's nickname is Satan! That being said, it would hard to make this a totally 'PG' blog post. So, I'll do my best but you've been warned (Mom, this means you1). I decided it would be too hard to tell you all the great stories, so I'm going to summarize the weekend with the list of things I learned in Nola:

1. Some people are just immediate friends. You know from the instant you meet them that you click. I was lucky enough to meet some of those people these weekend. Some of those immediate friend become very good, long-time friends. I was able to catch up with what I hope is one of those - even if we do call him Satan:).

2. If it's wet in the road, don't step in it. God invented heels to save your feet from the ick of Bourbon Street!

3. I even get carded in New Orleans. And after the bouncer's saw my age they thought it was the funniest thing ever. *sigh* One even apologized and called me ma'am. My friends' response? At least he called you ma'am!

4. Never ask your gay waiter for a quote because you'll get "I want to tongue punch your fart box,". No - I'm not kidding, true story. And we laughed so hard we cried. And if I could explain the situation any better I would, but I was drinking my first hand grenade. See #7.

5. How do you get a drunk LSU guy to not hug you? Tell him you're an Arkansas fan!

6. How do you get any annoying drunk guy to stop hitting on you? Tell him you're with Satan, smirk, and walk away.

7. One hand grenade makes you fun, two makes you entertainment! (A hand grenade is a hurricane-type drink).

8. People from Alabama can be some of the funniest, craziest people ever!

9. It doesn't matter where you come from, where you're going, who you are - everyone in New Orleans is family and you can feel that vibe everywhere you go!

10. I love New Orleans - even for all of it's dirty, raunchy nature. Much like Las Vegas, what happens there stays there and people feel free to fly their freak flags high. And I respect those people for that. I think because people are comfortable in Nola, they might actually the best and most fun versions of themselves.

Finally - would I go again? Yes, in a heartbeat! Would I suggest it if you have children or don't drink? No, not at all. I mean, there is a lot of history in New Orleans to see but the French Quarter should be limited to those that flock for particular reasons. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

The Year of the Slump

For anyone that follows sports, particularly baseball, you know what a slump means. As a devoted Cardinals fan (please don't hate those of you that prefer blue uniforms), I totally understand how a player can be up one game and down the next three with seemingly no explanation. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have been in a bit of slump. For almost a year. As I wrote in my blog last October, I'd had a lot of changes in my life. It seems I let them overwhelm my creativity, became focused on work and abandoned my blog.

Recently, though, I've been working my way out of my slump. I recently moved to Springfield to be closer to my friends and the airport (sadly, work never goes away). As I'm becoming more settled in my new place and spending quality time with my friends, I'm again finding my creativity. And finally, after many weeks of Coffee, Crafties, and Besties (read about it here), I finished a project.

It's not much, but it's finished and it's mine. Yes - that's right, this dainty little tea towel is an addition for the kitchen of the Prince Haus. And I feel so relieved to have jumped this hurdle and started creating again. So, I'm officially out of my slump and back to blogging. And anxious to share my thoughts with everyone again. Hopefully, I'll hit a home run in the next few games!

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!