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!

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?