Ad-dressing the Issue

I haven't blogged recently.  I've had a lot of un-fun, none-creative stuff on my plate that had to be done.  I've had mixed results on what I like to call 'real-life stuff'.  The list includes:

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) Test - taken, passed!
• Buying a house - looked, can't find, fail
• Minor issues w/ vehicle - fixed!
• Find my Prince Charming - been looking, varied results, still taking applicants :)

However, once I passed my ASP (actually a really big deal people-I'm thrilled about it) I got back to sewing and had immediate success with my next project. Maybe this is God trying to tell me something...

I had a conversation with the Bestie awhile back about the fact that although I sew a lot, I had not yet ventured back into the arena of making clothes for myself.  Because when you have a *cough* figure like I do, it can be difficult to fit clothes to oneself.  I decided last Friday it was time to try my hand at clothes for myself and my attempt was a great success.

I know - you're thinking, "That dress has a tag - you didn't make that!  LIAR!".  Well, yes...and no.  I took a tank of mine that shrank in the dryer (too short) and added a skirt.  The skirt was about a yard of fabric, which made a fairly gathered skirt.  You could use more or less depending on the look you're going for.  I also added elastic into the waistband to give the dress more shape and keep the skirt from dragging the top down.  So, I must admit - it doesn't look that great on the hanger.  I don't put a lot of pictures of myself up here, but I really think this dress has to be seen on to be appreciated...

So, I apologize because this picture is definitely grainy and blurry.  This is what happens when one lives alone and has an older iPhone.  But as you can see, the waist of the dress hits at/just above my natural waist (yes, I'm short waisted!) and just above my knee.  I love the shape and fullness of skirt and the length is just about perfect for me.  I have to be honest and say that this project was totally a crap-shoot and I'm pretty pleased at how it turned out.  I even wore it that night and my 'date' was very complimentary.  I wore it w/ a little cardigan and flats, but I think flip-flops and a long necklace would also be cute.  The Bestie suggested chunky jewelry and I think that's a great idea too.  It turned out being very versatile - more so than I even planned!


There you go - I've ventured into making clothes for myself at long last.  The success of this project has been a huge confidence boost.  I'm looking forward to trying my hand at making something else for myself.

What I'm Reading:  Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Something to Blog About...

So, I must admit that I've been a bit lost recently for what to blog about.  I'm currently in the midst of studying for a professional certification test so I can get some fancy letters behind my name.  My head has been swimming with trigonometry, statistics, chemistry, federal regulations etc. and nothing very fun or creative of note.  But today I awoke to find the sun shining, the birds singing, and a Saturday with no plans!  

That's right, a Saturday with NO PLANS.  I'm sure some of your are aghast at this elusive creature; frankly, I was shocked myself.  So after leisurely drinking my coffee and writing in my journal, I decided today was the perfect opportunity to be busy around the house.  

And so I was... TA-DA! (As my little buddy would say).

I've been planning this grouping for awhile, centered around an old school embroidery piece I completed at the end of 2011.  I've had a few of the pieces for months, but finally got around to arranging them and putting holes in the wall.  Or, at least that's what Handy Dad calls it.  The women in my family call it 'hanging pictures, but not so that you'd notice they're crooked'.  Hence, the asymmetrical nature of the arrangement.  Oh - and I just like things that way too!  Slightly flighty, you know...  I still want to add a couple items, maybe something next to the lemons (a vintage find) and a small something next to the blue birds.  Overall, I'm very pleased with how it turned out and am happy to have it up on the wall.  And - I have something to blog about...


PS - If you look closely, one of the pictures on my mantel is a baby picture of me.  Lord, I had hair!


What I'm Reading:  The Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum (2nd book in Oz Series)

Another One Bites the Dust...

Alright, so remember those resolutions of which I spoke?  The good news is that I seem to be making headway on them.  All of them actually.  *insert fist pump here*

My Crafty Momma has a February birthday which entitles her to, amongst other things, a kick-ass birth stone (Amethyst!) and a present pre-Valentine's which will come whether my Handy Dad decides to recognize Valentine's or not.  Also, she does not share her birthday month with anything else that takes precedence (re: December birthday) and every four years she gets an extra day in her birthday month.  All in all, it's a pretty rocking time of year besides the fact that she's my very awesome Momma.  So, consequently, birthday gifts should try to measure up to the awesomeness that is my Momma and her birthday.

This year seemed like the perfect opportunity to rise to the challenge and satisfy one of my resolutions, complete a sewing project every 2-3 months.  But what to make?  In to my fabric stash I went, hoping for inspiration.  Do you know what I found?  A beautiful yellow floral flannel that I bought approximately two years ago to make....wait for it...pj pants for my Momma!!!  So, I'm either an ingenious fabric hoarder or a total slacker.  Either way, I had a project all picked out and had all the accoutrements (that's notions for you sewing people) ready to go.  And go I went.  I think all told I managed to finish the pj pants in under four hours.  That's some kind of record, people!

The best part?  She really loved them.  Actually, she gushed.  I love seeing people I love gush over things I give them - even more so over things I make them.  So, there we go.  One project down for the year, 4-6 more to go.  I can do this!

On another note, my very first cousin Abby (born three months after me) had her very first baby - a girl - a week ago last Saturday.  I made this for her little Katelyn the minute I found out it was a girl, so it doesn't count as a 2012 project - but I think it's still worth showing off.  Anyone watch Big Bang?  "Soft kitty, nice kitty...".

What I'm Reading: Catharine The Great by Robert Massie

A New Addition...

The new addition to my Pyrex Family. I picked this little pretty up in Branson last Friday. Read about my other Pyrex and collection here.  Highlights: unusual (ie hard to find) pattern in my favorite color, original lid (also rare), and small size. It was Pyrex Love at first site...

If you're as enamored by vintage Pyrex as I am, you must check out Pyrex Love.  These people are serious about their Pyrex.

PS - Always a good gift idea for me - as my Bestie proved a few weeks ago.  She found me a little solid blue mixing bowl that matched a set I have as a 'Pick-Me-Up' gift - and it worked!

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

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!