Navy blue dress with polka dot shoes

It started with the shoes. Navy blue with baby pink polka dots. Sigh...

Eager to wear them, I scanned my closet only to realize that I do not own a single item of navy blue clothing.

However, a quick glance at my fabric stash revealed a beautiful piece of navy blue knit with a nice hand and weight.

Perfect for a knit dress.

Or maybe a tunic and a slim skirt.
Or maybe a short flippy skirt.
Or maybe a dress.
But that flippy skirt sure would be cute.
But I wouldn't have anything to wear with the skirt.

I finally put a stop to this internal debate with a "Stop! Pick a pattern already and get sewing!"

With a scant 1-3/8 yards (60" wide) to work with, my choices were very limited. Vogue 7055 was chosen. It's an out of print (OOP) Sandra Betzina design from 1999 that I had never taken the time to sew.

The dress appeared to be a fairly classic tee-shirt dress so, before I could change my mind, I laid out the pattern pieces, cut and began sewing.


The dress, with it's slightly scooped neckline, high armholes, short faced sleeves, multiple waist tucks, darts, and side button trim, went together quickly. As usual with Sandra Betzina's patterns, the instructions were wonderful, filled with her usual tips and tricks.

I must say, I was quite pleased with the end result. As I tried it on to show my husband I thought "it's the perfect little knit dress. Not too tight, but one that could be dressed up with those great polka dot pumps or paired with flats to run errands on the weekend."

Wearing my new creation, I located my husband and eagerly awaited his compliment.

"Well?" I asked spinning around so he could get the full effect.

Seeing the panicked look in his eyes, I quickly realized he was frantically trying to locate something tactful to say.

"You don't like it?" I asked with disbelief in my voice.

"Um. Well....um...it's not cute. It makes you look straight up and down", he said.

"But I AM straight up and down", I replied.

"You do want me to be honest right?" he asked.

"Of course. But I really really like it", I said, while thinking "how can you not see how cute it is?"

"Um. Well, you know, now that you mention it", he said "it would be great for church or a funeral."

To which I had to laugh. Because I find attending most funerals a somber experience while I find attending church services a joyful experience.

"Well, maybe if you added a belt it would be cuter", he hesitantly added.

And you know what? He's right. By not having enough waist definition the dress does indeed look dated.

So problem solved. I'll wear the dress with a belt when I want to dress it up (meaning when I want to wear my polka dot shoes) and I'll wear it loose when I'm running to the grocery store in flat sandals.

By the way, the shoes are from Payless. I kid you not. Pin It

Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

While I found I didn't have time for sewing while the remodel was underway, I did find plenty of time for another one of my favorite pastimes - reading.

After plowing through a number of books borrowed from the library, I turned my attention to a book I'd recently received - The Noticer, by Andy Andrews.

I had not heard of the author, but according to the book jacket he is a best-selling novelist as well as a popular corporate speaker. I made it to page nine before stopping to place a sticky note - the first of many - on the page to help me remember a bit of wisdom written there.

"...everybody wants to be on the mountaintop, but if you'll remember, mountaintops are rocky and cold. There is no growth on the top of a mountain. Sure, the view is great, but what's a view for? A view just gives us a glimpse of our next destination - our next target. But to hit that target, we must come off the mountain, go through the valley, and begin to climb the next slope."

This, spoken by Jones to Andrews, spoke to me also for a situation I have found myself struggling with recently. So simple, yet enough for me to look at the situation from a different perspective.

The story, on the surface, is a simple one. One about a mysterious man named Jones whose gift is that he notices things others overlook. Jones, with his white hair and his blue eyes that gently draw people in, has a way of disappearing for years and then mysteriously showing up at just the right time to help people look at their situations from another perspective. He's the noticer.

The book begins with how Andrews, who at the time was homeless, alone and without hope, met an old man named Jones who helped him look at his situation another way.

It continues with stories of Jones befriending others in difficult situations and dispensing simple words of wisdom to help them change their point of view. The characters, while fictional, all have problems that most of us can relate to. There's the couple with a failing marriage, teens debating who to date, an lonely elderly woman, and a career-driven young man who's focused more on money than people.

For each person and situation Jones provides wisdom and advice while helping them to notice the situation differently. Wisdom and advise that most of us can easily apply to our own day-to-day lives, as well as a simple reminder to stop and look at the situation from a different point of view.

I must admit that I was a bit confused if it was supposed to be fact or fiction, but came to the conclusion that everything after the introductory chapter was fictional.

The book is only 167 pages, yet I found myself lingering over the stories, re-reading parts, highlighting others, and placing sticky notes for the places I wanted to find quickly.

The book ends with a reader's guide. I typically ignore those when I find them in the back of a book, but this time I'm going to spend some time reflecting on my answers to the questions.

Curious to learn more about the author I did a quick Internet search which led me to The Noticer Project. "The Noticer Project is a worldwide movement to 'notice' the five most influential people in your life!" You don't even have to read the book to participate.

Disclaimer: This book was a given to me at no cost by Thompson Nelson in exchange for a review. (And whew, I'm glad I liked it)
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Operation: Remodel = back to blogging

Operation: Remodel is complete.

Actually, it was completed a week ago.

This particular remodel wasn't in our home. It was in my parent's home. My brother and sister-in-law treated them to a much needed one-week vacation and my hubby wanted to bless them with a bathroom remodel. A surprise bathroom remodel. Not just paint-the-wall-and-put-down-some-new-tiles remodel. A gut-everything-and-begin-fresh-remodel.

Oh, by the way, did I mention that he only had one week to complete this task?

Now here, dear readers, is where I just gotta take a minute to brag on my husband. My man is not only an incredibly generous soul, but does he ever have talent.

My parents reside in a 1950s rambler. One of those older homes that only has one bathroom.

When hubby learned they would be gone for one week the first thing out of his mouth was "let's redo their bathroom. I'll see if I can get that week off from work." Once he confirmed he could take the week off we began purchasing all the items needed to complete the job.

While shopping for the bathroom items, we were blessed with some incredibly great deals. Like super cheap ceramic tile in the perfect neutral color. And a bathroom vanity for $14. Yes, that is correct - only $14 - and in perfect condition. It was a discontinued model and the exact size we needed.

While we would have liked for it to be a complete surprise - in case one of us got so excited we accidentally spilled the beans (which I almost did myself - sheesh, don't tell me anything you don't want shared because sometimes I open my mouth and who-knows-what might come tumbling out) - a few siblings were in on the secret as we needed their assistance during the remodel.

Day one was demolition. Oddly enough, we had more than enough volunteers for the demolition portion of the job. Guess everyone else thinks swinging a mallet into a wall looks like as much fun as I think it must be.

At the end of day two - which was boring repair and prep work - hubby came home saying "what in the world have I gotten myself into? I'm never going to get this done on time."

Bless his heart, as overwhelmed as he felt, he just kept plugging away. A brother-in-law showed up a few evenings (after working no less) to help and before you knew it they were done. And a sister either treated them to fast-food (which in my hubby's world is a treat as I do not particularly enjoy eating fast food) or home-cooked dinners.

After one-week of hard work, it was time to add the finishing touches. And let me tell you, it was quite the transformation. See for yourself:

While we were unable to be there for the big reveal, one of my nieces captured the moment on tape. Priceless. Just like watching one of those surprise home remodel shows on television.

(Warning! Another brag on my man moment.) My hubby could TOTALLY be a handyman on one of those home improvement shows.

Of course my parents jokingly say they're going to take another vacation so their kitchen can be remodeled.

At least we hope they're joking... Pin It

Operation: Remodel = Blog Break

Hey there!

I'm sure you've all been waiting with bated breath to see my latest sewing project - and of course the tute I promised ya on the corded pillow cover with the zip.

Both updates will have to wait just a bit longer.

Hubby and I (and a few other family members) are in the midst of a secret project.

Codename, Operation: Remodel.

Well, with a codename like that you can probably figure out what we're up to.

This latest project, combined with a number of other prior commitments, finds me being pulled in many directions, and unfortunately the sewing studio is not one of them.

Until Operation: Remodel is completed I can't say anything more about it. Nor will there be anytime to work on or post about sewing projects (she said sadly).

Check back in a week for the big reveal! Pin It

Flashback Friday - Easter 1976

Easter

April 18, 1976.

My darling first born, at 3-1/2 months, had only been released from the hospital days before. If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you know that she was born premature and wasn't expected to live. However, she proved them doctors wrong.

I didn't sew her dress (K-Mart purchase most likely), nor did I knit her booties (a hand-knit gift from the nurses at Children's Hospital) however, I am indeed wearing a top that I had sewn.

But the real reason I posted this Easter photo? That fabulous oh-so-craftylicious paper flower Easter bonnet. This one's for you D! Pin It

Dogs on Thursday - Bunnies? Did someone say bunnies?

Bunnies?

Did someone say bunnies?

I L-O-V-E bunnies!!!

Happy Easter from Abby and Sophia!

(Sophia refused to be so undignified as to allow us to place bunny ears on her head).

More Dogs on Thursday blog posts can be found here.

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Caribbean blue dreams jacket

Once upon a time, oh ... say 10 months ago , a Caribbean blue jacket was begun.

It was quite excited to be created because the summer months had just begun and it knew it was the perfect coordinating piece for many items that were already hanging in the large walk-in closet. It dreamed of quickly becoming the favorite among the summer jackets and eagerly awaited the day the buttonhole and button would be added so it could be worn.

Sadly, the beautiful Caribbean blue jacket spent the summer months hidden in the tiny sewing closet, along with all the other outfits that were anxiously awaiting completion. Soon summer gave way to autumn, and before long the cold winds were blowing and the snow was falling. Summer, along with it's bright, cheerful colors, was a distant memory.

Until the other day, when I was wondering what I could wear on a day that finally held the promise of spring.

That's when I spied it. My lovely blue jacket that had set aside because I'd been having trouble making buttonholes on my sewing machine. (By the way, it was indeed the machine and not operator error...)

One buttonhole and one vintage button later - well, here she is! Isn't she lovely? A bit too large as I've dropped a few pounds since she was sewn last June, but I like her so much that I don't care.


Then there is the inside secret. Silk lining. Now that I've used silk to line a few of my jackets I just don't know if I'll be able to go back to using anything else. It feels absolutely divine when you wear it!


Finally, a closeup of the vintage button. One of the first that I've actually used from the gorgeous batch of vintage buttons I found at a thrift store.


In case you're wondering, the jacket is from McCall's 5527. Pin It

Sewing for Tiny Tots book review

I'd like to say that the title of this post reflects what I am currently sewing. However that is not the case. I actually don't have too many tiny tots around to sew for. Come to think of it, I don't even have one. (This would be a great time to toss in a "hint, hint" to my kids if I thought they were reading ... hee! hee!) It's actually the name of a book I purchased the other day at Joann Fabrics (with my 4o% off coupon of course).

Knowing that I don't have tiny tots to sew for you may be wondering why in the world am I reviewing a book about sewing for little ones? Because you might have little ones to sew for and if you haven't yet discovered this book you'll want to check it out.

This past weekend I stopped by Joann's to see if they had the new Vogue patterns in stock (they didn't). While in the store, I decided to browse through the book selection to see if they had any interesting altered art or mixed-media books that I could add to my collection.

I'm not sure how the books are organized at the Joann's you frequent, but in the store I frequent the books are semi-organized by topic, although they are not neatly displayed as they would be in a bookstore. While they all face out, they are stacked three, four and even five deep. Which means you have to flip through the stack to see the covers of the books near the back of the pile. (Kind of like the old record stores when you flipped through album covers... oh c'mon. I know some of you remember doing that!)

Anyway, as I was flipping through the books looking for altered art or mixed-media books, I spy an adorable little girl with an animal print scarf trimmed with pink feathers wrapped around her neck, holding a matching bag, on the cover of a book. I simply had to pull the book out to get a closer look.

A quick flip through the pages and that book ended up in my shopping basket.

Sewing for Tiny Tots: Sweet & Simple Clothes, Toys & Room Accents, by Susan Cousineau, published by Lark/Chapelle, c. 2007.

The book, at 9" x 8", is smaller than your typical book but the 136 pages are packed full of fun ideas for tiny tots.

The book begins with the usual section on basics, including choosing and preparing fabrics, making templates, marking and cutting fabric, basting, piecing a quilt, fusible web applique, basic embroidery techniques, and photo transfers.

It then moves onto basic materials, tools and equipment needed to complete the projects. Nothing special, just the basic tools any sewer would have on hand.

Then comes the fun part. The 40 projects, divided into sections.

Sweet Dreams, covering nursery and bedroom decor, includes projects such as a sweet dreams bunny pillow, a counting sheep wall quilt, bedtime buddies crib mobile, and a snuggle bug crib blanket.

Cutie Pie moves onto stylish clothing and accessories. This section is definitely my favorite with items such as cute as a button critter cap, designer denim bibs, see ya later alligator scarf and mittens and the aforementioned chic kitty purse and scarf.

Discover and Play bring you to toys for fun and active learning and includes an ocean friends activity mat, wiggly worm play pal, pocket bunny activity blanket, and sweet treats counting book.

Hugs & Heartstrings, the last section, is for precious keepsakes and memory crafts. Here you can learn how to make a keepsake birth pillow, a spring blossom diaper bag, or baby's first year soft keepsake book.

Not only are the instruction clearly written and organized, but there are plenty of full color photographs through out the book.

There are a few negatives with the book:

First of all, the templates provided for the projects need to be enlarged anywhere from 200 to 700 percent. I understand why publishers do that, and it does help keep the cost of the book low, but I still find it a bit annoying. I don't know about you, but I want to be able to copy the templates on my home printer not drag the book to a copy-center.

Secondly, I didn't find too many project ideas for the little guys. There are a few, but they are mostly for infants. Girls rule in this book.

I'll never make all of the projects that are included in this book. But realistically, how often do any of us make every single project provided in a book we purchase? There are enough cute ideas that I was willing to add this book to my sewing and craft library even without a tiny tot to sew for (at least in the foreseeable future.)

If you like to sew for little ones, at $12.95 I think the book is great value. At $12.95 less my 40% off coupon, the book was a steal.

And just in case you were wondering. I did indeed find a new mixed-media book that really got my mind racing with ideas. But that's another story for another day. Pin It

So how did I get into that magazine anyway?

First of all, let me say thanks to all of you for the kind words and congrats!

I admit it. It was fun to be in a national magazine.

So how in the world did they find me?

It was one of those "in the right place at the right time" moments.

I know, I know. It sounds so cliche.

But seriously folks that's what it was.

Last November I was browsing the Etsy forums and happened to read a posting about a reporter with First magazine looking to speak with someone who was using Etsy to clear clutter from their home.

Now, if you have ever browsed the Etsy forums you know how quickly the conversations happen and how quickly the information scrolls from the front page. I just happened to look at the forums at the exact moment this was posted.

I said to myself "shoot, your excess sewing patterns could certainly be considered clutter" and contacted the reporter via email. Gotta be honest here. It was purely selfish. I figured the publicity for my pattern shop could be good for business as well as drive more people to Etsy.

We emailed back and forth a few times and she asked me to send a photo of myself. A few weeks later she asked to schedule a phone interview with me.

That phone interview happened in December. At that point she had to pitch to story to her editor so I still had no idea if they were interested.

Almost a month went by and I heard nothing and thought "oh well, it would have been fun" and then forgot about it.

Until the the end of January when I received a call that they were going to use my story in the magazine.

Not only that, but they were sending a professional photographer as well as a hair and makeup artist!

So on a dreary gray day in February my sewing studio was transformed in a photo studio. While the hair and makeup artist did her magic, the photographer's assistant had to string lights from outside up to my second floor windows so it would be nice and bright.

They were incredibly nice to work with but when they leave you realize you have no idea at all which photo they will decide is the best.

On a lark, I happened to pick up the latest issue of the magazine while doing my weekly Sunday night grocery shopping. I had been told that the issue would be an early summer edition so I was certainly surprised to see myself while I was flipping through the pages.

So the moral of the story?

Well, there really isn't one. If you're looking to promote yourself or your business, just keep your eyes and ears open. When an opportunity presents itself don't be afraid to jump up and down and holler "pick me! pick me!" because you just never know. You could be the next one featured in print. Pin It

May I have some more time please?

May I have some more time please?

You see, the weekend has almost come to an end. And I have yet to spend a little quality one-on-one time with my sewing machine.

Any why not you ask? Because last week, every night after work was booked, which meant no time to sew. And this weekend was just a continuation of more of the same:

• Saturday afternoon I was a volunteer face painter at Cheerful Giver's birthday bash at MOA. Which meant Saturday morning was spent preparing for the event. Lots of little ones stopped by and soon there were happy faces transformed into blue cats, pink butterflies, green snakes and even super heroes.
• Returning home of the event, I had just enough time to put away my supplies and grab a bite to eat before heading off to church. And of course we like to spend time socializing after church.
  
• Saturday night was date night. We kept it low key this weekend with pizza and a movie - at home.
• Sunday morning I was up bright and early putting on my clown face to volunteer with my dad at an annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event. I filled the balloons and tied them, he made the balloon animals. I tied over 300 balloons. My fingers still ache.
• After the clowning event, hubby and I stopped at my parents to wish them well before they head off on a well-deserved and long -over vacation. Turns out the last time my mother flew was when she and my father spent a week house-hunting in Houston. In 1968. She's in for a surprise isn't she?
• Of course after we returned home there was the laundry and the grocery shopping and the cleaning...*sigh*
  

And now I find that it is Sunday evening. One last load of laundry is waiting to be put away.

Too late to reacquaint myself with my sewing machine tonight.

Let's hope when I am able to spend time with her she remembers how much she enjoys the feel of fabric running beneath her feet and our time together will be productive.

'Till then. Happy sewing all! Pin It

I'm a "Sellsumer" or extending my 15 minutes of fame

"A recession-induced need for cash, and an ever-growing infrastructure enabling individuals to act as (part-time) entrepreneurs, are fueling concepts that help ordinary consumers make money instead of just spending it. "Sellsumers" If saving is the new spending, then selling is the new saving.

At least that's what the latest trendwatching.com report says.

In a nutshell, the report talks about how the various and often ingenious ways people have found to generate secondary income. This is the sellsumer trend, not to be confused with the spiking ongoing trend of "starting a business as a primary source of income."

According to the report, Etsy is the "sellsumer-posterchild".

I am an Etsy seller. Therefore I am a sellsumer. And I can prove it.

Are you ready? Here comes my shameless attempt at extending my 15 minutes of fame.

First Magazine mentioned me in the article "Transform your clutter into $3,000"!

Now before you go any further, let me set the record straight. I personally did not transform my clutter into $3,000. I wish I had, but I didn't.

Three woman were profiled in the article:

• One - the collector - sells on eBay.
• Another - the mover - sells on Craigslist.
• And moi - the crafter - sells on Etsy.

See? There I am, all smiles as I tell the readers "I turned my old sewing patterns into cash!"


It certainly was a fun experience, especially having my hair and make up done by a professional make up artist just for a magazine photo shoot. It's also really weird to see yourself while you're flipping through a national magazine.

I still have a sewing patterns for sale in my Etsy shop with many more to be listed so stop by anytime.

And if you're curious about transforming your clutter into $3,000 - well, you'll just have to pick up the April 20, 2009 issue of First magazine and read about it for yourself. Pin It