The Sewing Friend

2010-11-25T01:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We planned to host Jonathan's family, but due to inclement weather (and the fact we live on top of a mountain that gets hit hardest by said weather), the venue changed. However, in anticipation of having people here, I was motivated to get some some projects done.

All, of course, fabric related.

Project #1:

I backed bookshelves with unbleached muslin. It really lightened up a space that was very dark. I could have gone crazy with a pattern, but decided that I just needed lightness-and

muslin is cheap!

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

(The fabric is the same color as the wall, but trust me, there's fabric on the back of the bookshelves!)

Project #2:

I created art. I purchased two 22 X 28 canvases. I found an image I liked online,

enlarged it and modified it, traced it and cut it out,

used Wonder Under and ironed it and ended up with these:

(Notice the bike? That's a nod to Jonnie.)

Have a great Thanksgiving and eat a lot of these:

2010-10-05T12:59:00.001-07:00

Wow! It's been awhile!

Well, my email doesn't support large files (like videos), so you all get to enjoy this, although it's really for my baby brother:

I'll post some more stuff....maybe!

2009-12-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been up to:

Watching the third grade perform A Christmas Carol (yes, I made the skirt and headband):

Building forts:

Helping Mr. Baby with his candy cane Santa photo shoot:

Making a piano music book bag for Sher's friend's birthday:

Watching the two cutest dancers (Syd performed later):

Helping my husband grow a totally awesome mustache in November:

Making cute applique baby blankets for my friends:

Wrestling my sewing machine to make two feather pillows out of one (not a recommended activity-you know those sitcoms where people get into a pillow fight and feathers fly everywhere? Yeah, not so far off from the truth!):

Not to mention that we've shoveled or snowblowed the driveway 4 times today!
There may not be many winter posts with the season ski passes we've already purchased, the little snowbunnies we're developing, and the awesome conditions!
Happy New Year!

2009-10-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to James!

Hope you have a great one!

2009-08-17T22:27:00.001-07:00

Silent Auction Items

I've made the following purses for silent auction for the elementary school. Buy them at the Open House or Back to School night for the Raccoons!

This is filled with goodies for a Mom on the Go.

This is filled with goodies for a Girl on the Go.

This is just a bag for you to fill!

2009-08-02T10:26:00.001-07:00

CLARKS DAY 4

Story Day

See how things are back to normal because I'm not blogging anymore? However, need to report on our activities.

Day 4 was mostly spend watching TV and putting away sleeping bags. I let the kids sleep in from their non-sleepover in the basement. So morning was pretty lazy.

In the afternoon, while babies were napping, we held a writing workshop. After several writing activities (i.e. If I were the teacher....., If I was an animal, I would be....) we wrote a story. Here it is (after I told them no mentions of farting or poop):

Adventure of the Children of the Water Dinosaurs

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a group of children named The Children of the Water Dinosaurs. They decided to go on a trip to Kansas Chili Land. To get there they had to take a magical unicorn named Bob, but because there were 9 children, they also had to find a magical poem to transform some of them into magical unicorns. They were able to find the poem, so off they went. When they got to Kansas Chili Land, they went to see the famous mayor. The mayor was kind, and invited them to go to standing computer estrella, which is a magic mat to get to the Australia. After the mayor’s house, they went in the rainforest. They fell into a deep hole which was a dinosaur’s footprint. They got out and looked at the tracks to see which way the dinosaur went. The dinosaur was actually a water buffalo. When they met up with the water buffalo, they freaked out him and he knocked over one of the children. They decided to head back to the mayor’s house and ate dinner. By this time it was very late and they overstayed their welcome. So, they went all the way into Weird Buffalo Land and slept underneath a buffalo. They had to get back to school soon, so they knew they had to head home. This time, they took a turtle. He went one foot an hour. It took 5 hundred days to get home. And then they had to call Dora to help them find the way home. But Dora was taped to a dinosaur. When they got home they were in trouble so they had to paint in their room for the rest of the day!

The End

by Miles, Owen, Phoebe, Hugh, Sloane, Sheridan, and Sydney

Yeah, it's pretty awesome.

I did take some pictures: And just to prove that the Clark children are more awesome than the James children:
Sorry, Lisa, but I think you owe them some money (although I didn't tell them HOW MUCH each star was worth, I told them it was up to you.)

Overall, a great time with all the kiddies!

2009-07-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

CLARKS DAY 3

Exploring Day/Sewing Day continued

The kids weren't quite done sewing, so we got everyone set up. Phoebe made a purse.

Sheridan made a "twinner" one (no picture.)

Margaret wanted to get in on the action, although all she could do is look cute.

Miles made a bag for Hugh.

We went on a hike in the neighborhood (hence "Exploring Day").

We measured the height of the grass and named all the bugs we saw.

The kids got "so hot," and a couple of blisters-toughen up! Don't worry- I whipped those kids into shape! (We went through a box of popsicles today.)

After dinner we went to the pool with Jonathan, Gma and Gpa Valentine, and Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Chris, and cousins.

Pool snacks-Laffy Taffy and Ring Pops of course!

The party continued at home with a huge-everyone-in-the-basement-sleepover. Let's just say it was a late night....

2009-07-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

CLARKS DAY 2

Sewing Day

We started sewing....but it takes forever! So only Miles Miles denim tote says, "No I will not fix your computer."

and
Owen made "potions bags" and then proceeded to find small things around my house to put in them (he made 4).

Owen got stuff done.

Sloane, Miles, and Owen also learned hand sewing which Miles then questioned, "Why should I do this when I know how to use the machine?"

There was also major fort building in the basement. Only a fear tears shed here.

Much to Margaret's pleasure there were Snickerdoodles left over.

Gma Valentine came up at night bringing watermelon, wooden cars to color, and bubbles. She was a huge help at bedtime! I even got a run in after the kids were in bed, thanks Mom!!!!

The previous night I felt a burst of creativity after the kids went to bed and made these earrings.
Aside from the fact that Porter has a fever (teething) and cried most of the day, overall a good day. However, maybe I just want 6 kids now....

2009-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

CLARKS DAY 1

I'm watching my sister Lisa's (and here) 5 children while she and
husband, Chris, are having adventures here.

Baking Day

We made 8 loaves of banana bread, 3 dozen Snickerdoodles, pizzas for dinner, and a whole lot of fun!
Hugh entertained Porter by making weird noises.

Owen built a cabin with Lincoln Logs....

when he and Miles weren't on the DS (sorry, Lisa!)

Thanks to Gma Valentine for coming and helping with a walk

baths, and bedtime routines.

Overall no biggie, I should have 9 of my own (just kidding, Jonnie!)

2009-07-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

Lycra!

When Amanda was here for the 4th of July, we hit some fabric stores and found cheap lycra. Sew.....

dance tops for the girls!

Still working on finishing the other stuff...but Lisa's 5 are coming for the week....we'll see what gets done.

So, after working with so much stretchy stuff, and after reading Built By Wendy's Sew U Stretch book, I've decided I need a coverstitch machine for professional results. Anyone want to give me one?

2009-06-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Summer so far has been busy! We've had three birthdays in the family, two parties, dance festival, baby blessings, end of school party, zoo trip, baptism, and the regular day to day stuffola!

However, have no fear, the Sewing Friend has been busy, check it out:

Dishtowels (basically hemmed rectangles)Baby blankets

for baby Maci

for baby Amelia

for baby Oakley

Pioneer Trek clothing

Baptism dress
Sloane wore the same dress I was baptized in for the baptism (my mom made it), then changed in the new one I made. Sloane designed the dress, picking out the sleeve and bodice style, length, and trims. She was thrilled!

Knitting complete!!

Now that it's summer, Porter's hat is ready to go! Unfortunately his head also grew, but the hat turned out cute anyway. I added a little pompom on top and tied all my holes together, so it actually did turn out. However, I have bagged up my needles and left over thread for another day....Rachelle, need more knitting supplies?

Next on my to do list:

Tops and skirts for me
Summer dresses for the girls (skirt or pj shorts for me) out of stretch tie-dyed brown/pink jersey
Family room pillows (they're already cut out) and valance
Placemats (black and white)
Quilt for Amelia (have everything except time)-but she only just turned 1!
Sew something for YOU to feed my fabric habit (I do have a little time, my rates are pretty reasonable, and my work is excellent!)

2009-05-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Birthday Presents

Sewing Errors

I bless the tired garment worker who erroneously put this tag in a skirt that fits me. No, seriously, they forgot a 1 in the tens place. No really, I've been running, but I'm NEVER a 2, EVER! (Plus, the icing on the cake is that I got this for $4 at the Deseret Industries-I love a deal!)

My GenesIf this is what I have to look forward to, bring it on!

My Flowers This is in my front yard right now.

My People

I love my girls.
I love my boys.I love my man.
What was this post about? Oh yeah, it's my birthday (May 13th)! No need for presents (I've already got some, thanks!) but please send me a note and tell me how all of you are doing!

2009-05-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Where are you Sewing Friend?

(Lost among the piles of projects that is my sewing room/loft that I have to look at every time I go upstairs.)

My father sent me a not-so-subtle email telling me to update my blog. I haven't posted for awhile as The Sewing Friend because I thought about trying to be The Knitting Friend.

I was told "knitting is fun and easy" and "you can totally do it anywhere."

There is not supposed to be a hole there! And I knit in my marking hoop in by accident! At least the yarn is cute!

Not so much.

I really appreciate my friend, Rachelle, who knits amazing sweaters, for taking the time to teach me. Anyone need some size 3 circular and double point needles?

As for the mess above, I do have a lot in the works:

mending/hemming/reworking clothes (my "going green effort")
new valance/pillows for family room
summer shirts
summer dresses for the girls
quilt for Amelia (she's 10 months old)
quilt for Porter (he's 9 months old)
making cut offs for the girls (reusing jeans, I'm totally green!)
mending some of Lisa's pillows (see, I am a Sewing Friend)

But, when I asked my dad what to post he just replied, "Put up some pictures of your kids." So, here are some of our Easter dress (no, I didn't make them) photo shoot photos and some various other ones!

But don't let the "dressed up" exterior fool you, these girls can get dirty with the best of them as we did in Zion National Park over spring break.

But, most of our days are spent seeing how many My Little Ponies we can get into a Barbie car...

and how many smiles we can get out of this guy.

Now, who has time for sewing after all that?

2009-02-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Some "sewing friend" I am.

Sorry Bek about not getting back with you about fabric and patterns for quilts. Here's what you need to do:

1) CHOOSE PATTERN. For first-time quilters or time-stressed mothers, I would do as many straight strips as possible. An uncomplicated pattern still looks great with cute fabric. So you don't have to figure out amounts, buy a pattern or a book, then all you have to do is plug in your fabric choices. Check out free patterns here. Heather Bailey also has a cute quilt pattern and info on binding.

2) CHOOSE FABRIC. Go to a local quilting store. Go on a weekday afternoon without any children (tough, I know) so you can take your time. The easiest thing to do is look for fabric that you love (or the person the gift is for will love). Most fabrics are built in a collection, so pick three or four (or more) fabrics for the project. Get ALL the supplies now-don't forget fabric for backing, binding, thread, and batting!!!!! (Cotton batting is flatter, warm or polyester for more bounce/loft). Getting it all then will enable you to keep going once you're on a roll. (I get thread and batting at large fabric stores-Joann's or Hancock's because it's usually cheaper.)

Here are a few collections I love:
Anna's Drawing Room Collection
Amy Butler Midwest Modern
Sis Boom Mod Girls

(Sorry, I'm not good at posting photos that aren't mine-they always disappear!)

3) PREPARE FABRIC. I wash (with detergent) and dry all my fabric. Sometimes I wet and dry the cotton batting. This is to prevent shrinking and color bleeding. If you have dark colors (red, purple, brown, black) you must prewash so the colors don't bleed. If you want your quilt to pucker up either don't wash the lighter fabrics or don't wash the batting. I've had some neat results just not washing/drying the batting. I like to prewash everything and wash it again when it's all done if I'm making a baby gift because then it's ready for immediate use!

4) SEW. No shortcuts, you just have to sit down and do it.

5) FINISH. You do have to finish it. Check out this video from Simply Quilts Alex Anderson. Or, instructions here about mitering the binding.

Good luck!

2009-01-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

New Year's Resolutions Part 2

Okay, so I'm not posting in a timely manner (#1) because I signed up on Facebook (#5). I'm not much lighter (#2), but I have until May 16th! I have been able to sleep more (#4 and #6), but not as consistently as I would like.

I still have to post a cool sewing project (#3) which I will before the end of the month.

Here's what I have been doing:

Skiing with the family.

Uno tournaments with the girls and Jonathan.

Making cinnamon rolls with some helpers (hey, at least the apron is being used!)

Is anyone inspired (#7) yet?

2009-01-06T15:22:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year!

New Year Resolutions:
1. Post in a more timely manner. Like, all the stuff I made for Christmas.

Aprons for the girls (this was the big surprise with a Cupcake Maker):

So, it's apparently genetic because my mom made aprons for me and my sisters.

Covered notebooks for teachers:

Wallets for my girlfriends (some snapped, some had snappy buttons!):
I made about 1 billion, but didn't take pics before I gave them away.

I also made some doll clothes for Madame Alexander 18" dolls my girls have and a super sweet purse for my sister, Amanda, but I don't have pictures. Amanda, post a picture so everyone can see how cute it is!

2. Lose 20lbs. by May 16th. (Yes, I know it's hard to believe! there is 20 there to lose-I hide it well!)
I'm running a half marathon then and although my baby is ONLY 5 1/2 months old, I really don't want to buy a new wardrobe, so I'll just have to stop eating cookies (and brownies and coconut cake and shortening-laden banana bread and....) and start running again. Unfortunately, I'm in the beginning stages and it makes me tired and sore.

3. Post one cool sewing project a month.
I'd really like to have something original and creative and quick available once a month, but I may just have to link to something once a month. I'd like to learn how to make a PDF and have it pop-up to be a printed pattern. Anyone know how to do this quickly? Or, maybe I'll sketch something and scan it-any ideas on how best to share?

4. Sleep more than 4 hours in a row. 'Nuff said!

5. Get on Facebook. It may take until May to have this happen, but I want to be hip with the kids (plus, my entire family and high school is on it!)

6. Get more than 4 hours of sleep in a row. Uh, did I say that already?

7. Inspire you all to SEW MORE in '09!

2008-12-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Hopefully, you have found my blog with our Christmas letter. If I didn't send you one, you just didn't get it yet as some won't be mailed until tomorrow! Check on it through the year for more family updates and fun sewing projects!

Jonathan works as a sales executive selling software. (This is open to the public, so I don't want to get too specific!) His true love (other than his family) are biking and skiing. He rides mountain and road bikes and skis in resort and in the backcountry. Jonathan teaches Sunday School for adults and works on the Activity Committee at church. He loves having so many "daddy's girls" and is thrilled to have a little boy.

Gina (I can't write in the third person) is happy to be a homemaker. I enjoy sewing (duh!), reading, and food/exercise in that order. I also enjoy a good nap but don't get that very often. I love watching the children grow and have new experiences. I hope to get skiing again this year and do at least one half marathon (yes, I am one of those people who mentions the running races they do!) I teach Relief Society and work on the Activity Committee at church.

Sloane (7) is in 2nd Grade. She still loves dressing up and comes up with the greatest outfits. She is very imaginative and loves to do crafts. She keeps asking me when I'll teach her how to sew. We have to tell her to go to bed every night because she is a sneaky reader in bed!

Sheridan (5) is in Kindergarten. She loves being able to sound out words and begin to read. She is a special helper with Porter and loves to make him laugh. Sheridan learned how to ride a bike this summer and she and Sloane take off around the neighborhood on little rides. She still giggles uncontrollably which is very contagious.

Sydney (3) is in a neighborhood co-op preschool. I teach the 6 little girls every 6th week. Sydney loves being a "big girl" and going to school. She cracks us up on daily basis with her facial expressions and quotable quotes, "I don't love that!" "What you say?" "You're nice mommy." She thinks she can read and earnestly looks at words and does her best. She just wants to keep up with her sisters.

Our most exciting news this year is the birth of our fourth child, and first boy, Porter Robert (5 months). Porter was born July 20, 2008 at 9 lbs. 3 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. He is a happy, sweet baby. He has an infectious giggle. Porty Port Port loves his sisters and they love him. The difference between boys and girls is so distinct and a fun thing to witness.

Enjoy some images from the last year:

Thanks for all your cards and letters. We really feel blessed by such great friends and fabulous family. Even amid difficult times, we have hope through our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are truly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father. We hope you have a great Christmas and a New Year full of joy. We love you (even those I don't know!)

2008-12-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

I did it!So, from this....

(did you notice my Mexican embroidered shirt that I modified on a previous post?)

12 1/2 inches later.....(I also changed clothes for a Christmas party that night and I had an eye infection so my eyes are red.)

Patti with the pile of hair that she razored off my head after cutting off 12 1/2 inches!

I grew my hair for two years in support of my good friend, Niki, who is living with a brain tumor. My hair is packed and ready to be sent to Locks of Love.

I am such a trendsetter that even Posh Spice is considering my new cut!

Now to the sewing machine....

I whipped up a custom biking sweater (it's a bike w/an orange "dna" on it) for our DNA (Dirt 'n Asphalt) Cycling Club Christmas party. Justin was the lucky recipient--it fits him perfectly. I particularly like the snowflake buttons.

Oh, and my secret projects are still coming....(teachers, friends, girls)

2008-12-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

No, Tracy, I Will Not Be Making Chocolates on Friday

(Unable to control myself) I made these instead:

Apricots dipped in semi-sweet chocolate rolled in pistachios. I got the recipe from Fitness magazine-crazy! But of course they couldn't all be nutty!

Speaking of food:

Thanksgiving was fun. Thanks to the Spackman's (Jonathan's sister) and their cabin we had some good times.

The kids were fed first.

Everyone really just wanted to eat Porter.

Chelsea did my hair for me (notice my awesome nursing cover).

Are these two brothers?

And of course, Uncle James meets Porter.

Then last Sunday at Grandma's-more food! The kids decorated (and then ate) gingerbread houses.
Some really great photos of secret Christmas sewing projects are coming soon, so check in next week!

2008-11-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for long naptimes that allow me to get really simple, moderately stupid projects done.

Hanging Head Mobile So, I made this for Porty because he stares into space all the time (well, he is 4 months old). Here is how:

1. Paint an embroidery hoop white.
2. Glue the hoop together at two points.
3. Tie various types of ribbon (not too thick or it's too hard to tie) around animal finger puppets (I got mine from IKEA.)
4. Tie the ribbon-choked animals to the embroidery hoop. Cover the hardware of the embroidery hoop with a ribbon.
5. Attach fishing line and a thumbtack and hang it off the ceiling.
6. Place baby beneath and watch them stare.

View from the side:

Sheridan was my little helper.

View from below:The faces hang down so there is someone to look at.

View of my cute kiddies:

2008-11-18T13:12:00.001-08:00

Party, Party!

Food, friends, and sewing-is it Christmas already? No, just a get together to get together costumes for a Christmas Nativity. We put together clothing for Mary, Joseph, three wisemen, two shepards, an angel, a cow, a sheep, and a donkey in about 5 hours (plus eating and packing up time!)

Our leaders: Heidi and Holly. Thanks for doing all the shopping and pattern-making and figuring and teaching and directing and hosting and.....

Cassie cutting out angels-isn't she one?

Me and first-time seamstress Jane Ann (did I spell your name right?)

Whitney is having some serious fun-or did she just eat a brownie?

Speaking of food-here's the table. By the way if you enjoyed the Cookie Dough Truffles find the recipe here. DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for the weight you will gain making these every week because they are sooooo good. I am not the Devil, Holly!

I LOVE to sew!

And just because you need a super cute baby fix. Tee Hee!

2008-11-12T14:43:00.001-08:00

Busy, Busy!

I made six purses for Julie.

Which is your favorite?

2008-11-07T15:45:00.001-08:00

Halloween!
A week has gone by. Syd's candy is long gone, and the older girls only have the gross stuff left (those Butterfingers lasted a day!) so I'm not scavenging in there anymore. I made the costumes because I'm INSANE!
The beautiful princess (with friends). The dress had to touch the floor (it has already been washed twice.) Thanks for the crown Grandma Shauna.
The sweet fairy in the school parade. Thanks for the wings Grandma Shauna.
The sparkly butterfly and her butterfly friend. The wings are iridescent blue!
The sweet pea and Elvis with bad teeth. The baby stayed warm and cozy.
Trick or treating in the spitting rain (at least it wasn't snowing!)
The snow came a few days later! This is about 8" of heavy, wet snow. Snowbird Ski Resort opened today. Come and ski-they got 3 feet!

CURRENT PROJECTS:

Drapes, purses, and iPhone holders. More to come....

2008-10-30T20:36:00.001-07:00

Autumn Hike

We took the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to see the changing leaves and do a little hiking.

The girls could have gone on for hours!

I made the sling the Porter is in.

Aren't aspens beautiful? (I sound like Fancy Nancy!)

All of this was 20 minutes away from where we live-don't you want to visit now?

Sewing News:
I (finally) finished Margaret's quilt. Give me a break, she's only 6 months old. Lisa's last one had to wait until he was almost 2 years old!

Margaret looks happy to get it-she's really be on my case about finishing it!

Oh, wait, it's my sister Lisa who has been on my case to finish it! Just kidding, Lee!

The fabrics are all 30s fabrics, which I love. I like the black, it has a small print, because it makes the colors stand out and also adds a little refinement to prints that may look too babyish. I want this quilt to be the one they drag around with them when they're "big" kids too. See my March 8, 2008 post for more info.

2008-10-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Porter Blessed

We blessed Porter on Sunday, September 27th. Jonathan blessed him joined by brothers, brothers-in-law, fathers, grandfathers, and friends. We had a great testimony meeting with testimonies from many family members (of course, Porter started crying and needed a diaper change and to eat--thank goodness for sound being piped into the "mother's room.")

We then came to our home for food and photos!

4 Generations of James Men

Mom, Dad, and Porter

Dad and Porter

Cousins walking home from church

Time to eat-we had a houseful

Thanks for coming everyone!

2008-09-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Have Baby, Will Travel

The husband, babe, and I traveled to Logan, UT to participate in the LOTOJA bike race (Logan to Jackson, WY-Lo to Ja-get it?). Thanks to Aunt Elizabeth for watching the girlies.

We spent the night with relatives in Logan. The bassinet that Porter slept in once held Jonathan's father!
Jonathan rode the 4th out of 5 legs of the relay, thank goodness. With a new baby I don't think I could handle all the training time it would take for him to do the entire thing-206 miles in one day!

He did a great job!
All our friends at the race. We had enough for two relay teams.
Kind of what I did the entire day.
We had waffles the next day. (We were all too busy getting a plate ready to look at the camera!)
We hiked around Jackson.
We wore our little baby out!Porter enjoyed a little sling time.

Sewing Part: I made the sling. I knocked off a Hotsling because I'm too cheap to buy one and I didn't know if Porter would like it. He liked it okay (glad I didn't invest the $$$). The design is basically a tube made with cotton sateen (97% cotton, 3% spandex). I didn't have a cute print (Joann's just had some solids), but the teal is nice.

2008-08-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

So, haven't posted in awhile because I'm constantly nursing this cutie:

I love him! Check out my cute pics.

When he was 2 weeks old, Jonathan and the girls went to Yellowstone and did this:

The babe and I did nothing.

I haven't finished one sewing project since his birth.

2008-07-30T20:38:00.001-07:00

He's home!

The first week has been great. Porter has such a good disposition. His sisters have been so gentle and loving with him. Porter got the hang of nursing and I remember how newborn poo smells like buttered popcorn (I'm not kidding!) Thanks for all of your well wishes. We love him!

Getting a little bath.
Getting a little nap.Getting a little bonding time with dad.

We were blessed with so many great gifts from friends and family. I did do a few projects for the babe. Jonathan asked me how many blankets I've made.

Only four.

Monkeys (fabric on the back) were the inspiration for this rag quilt. The other fabrics are polka dots, mini stripe, and solid white.

This seersucker quilt is made with leftover material from the girls' Easter dresses and a couple of worn out shirts of Jonathan's. It's a perfect lightweight summer blanket.

This is his crib quilt. I embroidered the circles, then machine quilted the grid.

A simple fun cotton and flannel quilt. There is decorative stitching around the edge to hold it together.

I am still the sewing friend, after all!

2008-07-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Police and Babies

Guest post by your neighborhood Cycling Friend

Fear not my Bernina obsessed sewing friends. Put down your thimbles and rickrack and lets talk some rock-n-roll and newborns!

So after a hard night of Rocking at the Police concert last night (Thanks for the tickets James. The show was amazing). Those old farts can still rock pretty hard!

We got a call at 7:15 am this morning. I heard the phone ring, rolled over and wondered who in the hell would be calling my house at that hour on a Sunday Morning? Didn't the SF get released from the Primary Presidencey a couple of weeks ago? Oh its the American Fork Hospital. They wondered if we could be there by 8:30 and they said they would get the party started for us. So we pulled the kids out of bed, got them dressed, called Grandma Valentine to see if they could take the kids to church for the day and we were out the door.

We made it to the hospital and got settled in pretty quickly. The Sewing Friend and I are kind of old pros at this birthing thing now. Its our fourth time and we have had all of them at this hospital. We feel like we practically own the place. So the Doc made his way in, broke out his darning needle and broke the Bag O' Waters. We hung around for a while talking, watching T.V. , and reading our books. The SF finished reading a biography about Porter Rockwell while I was working on a book about David Breshears (Everest Mountain Climber). The contractions were coming and going but nothing too serious.

So about 1:30 we talked to the nurse about putting the SF on a small dosage of Pitosin (sp?). Oh I should probably mention here that the SF was planning on doing this birthing thing sans medicina and was a little apprehensive about making the situation any more painful than it needed to be. Nevertheless we decided to get the PIT line going and sure enough the contractions started coming in consistent and hard.

Now for the Sewing Friends out there who don't know the SF's cycling friend (me). Rest assured that the cycling friend and his buddy's know all about suffering through pain as we race our bikes up the high altitude climbs of the Wasatch mountain range. But the SF can put us all to shame. This chick is tough. She doesn't complain and does whatever it takes to get the job done. All of the nurses and doctors were amazed (and so was I) at how well she was dealing with the pain and how much control she had over her body in keeping it relaxed and focused on the task at hand. In fact she didn't even swear! Which we were all greatful for because she spent 15 minutes apologizing profusely to the entire hospital staff after baby #3. She said there was just this one word that really helped alleviate the pain.....Sh*t I said it again!

Anyway about 3:00 o'clock the pain was getting to be unbearable and the SF was questioning her resolve and commitment to this whole "all natural" approach. But after the nurse checked her and we realized she was almost completely dilated and ready to start pushing she doubled her efforts and decided to stay the course. Holy smokes ...... a couple of good hard pushes and we got's us a baby boy!

Porter Robert James was born just a couple of minutes after 4:00 and tipped the scales at 9lbs 3 ozs and was 20.5 inches long. That's a lot of baby boy. He looks just like a little James baby with big lips and a healthy nose. He was super quiet and mellow the first couple of hours. In fact he was so mellow the nurses were trying to rough him up a bit to get him to scream out a little fluid that was in his lungs. They were all laughing because no one could get him upset....even when they broke the needles out and starting sticking him.

We feel so luck to have this little guy in our family and rest assured there will be no lack of attention paid to this baby. Ya think?

2008-07-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Nesting

After a lot of planning, shopping, painting, and sewing the bedrooms are done! This is the before for the little girls' room (that used to be the big girls' room):

The after:The yellow room was painted apple green. I sewed the duvets (split one in half and used a cheap sheet for the back side to save money), decorative pillows, bedskirts (added trim to a premade bedskirt), and drapes (added trim to premade sheers). The girls helped decorate the "S"es.

Do you like how I decorated mine backwards? Yeah, a 5 and 7 year old put their "s" the correct way. I quickly did the other side so it could hang correctly!

I recovered some bulletin boards. The lamp is from IKEA, with a little trim added.

This is the nursery before:Now, transformed into a big girl/little boy room by some batten board, paint, and a lot of furniture!

Jonathan working hard-isn't he great?

The after:

I sewed the slipcover for the headboard, decorative pillow, bedskirt, cribskirt, bumper pads, crib quilt, and valance. The lamp is from IKEA with a little trim added.

I have a lot of photos of some of the projects: making the duvets and crib quilt. Let me know if you'd like to learn more!

Tours are available at the minimal cost of a plate of goodies!

P.S.
I had to make one for myself!

So, can I go into labor now? Please!

2008-07-08T21:14:00.001-07:00

I was recently released as the Primary President in our ward after serving for two years. I had great ladies who served with me. While we are a church of lay clergy, (we don't get paid) I wanted to give something to these women to show them how much their dedication and support meant to me.

So, I sewed them purses to thank them for "carrying their load." I know, I'm such a cheese. Oh, it gets better.

Each have unique personalities and strengths. I captured this by embroidering an appropriate phrase inside each bag.

I can figure it out.

The ladies seemed to like them, and I was pleased with how well they turned out.

TECHNICAL INFO: I found the pattern online at Artsy-Crafty Babe . Click on Free Patterns for a PDF pattern. It is a great pattern and very easy to follow. (The blog and author is also what I aspire to do and be.) It makes a good size purse--very mom friendly. I used cotton quilting fabric, home decor weight cotton fabric, and a looser weave home decor fabric for the bags and handles. I used plain muslin for the lining.

I used an iron-on midweight stabilizer for all parts. I fused the stabilizer before embroidering the sayings. I also embroidered the sayings and attached the ribbon before assembling the bags. The inside pockets are the same fabric as the outside fabric.

I added interest to the handles by sewing ribs with 1/4 inch spacing. I found decorative buttons for the simple closure, although I think a snap or magnetic closure could be adapted easily.

You should probably make some. Call me before I go into labor, and I'll help you!

2008-07-08T20:50:00.001-07:00

Saturday

It's taken me awhile to recover from my AWESOME Saturday, so I couldn't write. First of all, remember I'm fully 8 1/2 months pregnant (and measuring a week early). Second, my husband was out of town for the day. Third, the forecast was 100 degrees.

The older girls had a dance performance outside on a hot stage, at noon. I got them up, dressed, curled hair, and red lipstick on. I called for Syd to get dressed and she was mysteriously quiet. So for Syd that means either she's wet her pants or she's stuck something up her nose. It was the second.

This is not the first time something (other than a finger) has been shoved up Syd's nose. She has put a piece of batting and a thick chenille string up her nose. (See the sewing tie-in?) I was able to get them out, however, a green foam butterfly sticker proved more of a challenge. A 45 minute unsuccessful challenge.

Well, we were barely on time for the dance performance. Luckily, the girls were 3rd and 7th in the lineup, so we dance and got out of there. Sher dancing second from left. Isn't she cute?

As she did for the trip to Arctic Circle (mom deserved a big hamburger!) and the grocery store afterwards. She even fell asleep in the car.

When we returned home, I carried in (remember, super pregnant) a hot, sweaty two year old. Then, dear Sloane, wanting to help, opened the back of the car to bring in groceries. Yeah, milk, a whole gallon.

I took the rest of the groceries in, put them away, backed the car out of the garage, and hosed the now hot, partially curdled milk out of my garage.

A little while later, we headed to Uncle Chris and Aunt Marilyn's for a little professional medical intervention (he's a family practice physician and she's a pediatrician who gave birth a week ago). Jonathan joined us there while pulling into town. The doctors didn't have the correct nose-object pulling tools, but I brought along my handy serger tweezers (for threading the serger). Uncle Chris, using carefully honed nose-prying skills, was able to remove the green foam butterfly sticker.

Serger tweezers, penny (for size comparison), folded butterly sticker, nose flashlight.

What a day!

2008-06-26T08:41:00.001-07:00

Ribbon Magic

So, here's a tease of the nursery makeover extrodinaire! I am using brown/blue/pink to satisfy a newborn boy and a 7 year old girl (we only have 3 bedrooms).

This is the crib bedskirt.
The plain stripes didn't seem peppy enough (bottom of photo), so I added polka dot ribbon on top. Plus, I'm mostly using chocolate brown, so the regular brown didn't totally fit. Doesn't the top one look better?

I fuse the ribbon with a Wunder Under product (iron on), then I sew the edges.So, what do you do with the remaining few inches of cute ribbon? Make a headband!

I tapered the edges and sewed....

I added two strips of 1/4 inch elastic, crossing them because it looks cuter (and hopefully won't cause that weird hair bump thing you get when the fabric is too thick at the nape of your neck).Is is strange that I'm matching my crib skirt? Have I gone too far?

TIP: It's good to have your children occupied while you're sewing. Invite the neighborhood over for some pillow sliding.

But watch out when one of the girls brings over the Barbie make-up kit with the green eye shadow!
Note to Revlon ColorStay: You got nothing on Barbie!

2008-06-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

Cravings
I can't get enough of these:

I got these for my birthday:They're honey roasted chipotle peanuts, yeah, perfect mix of sweet and spicy.

I have eaten a whole bag of these:

NOTE: I did find Syd snitching on these one day, so I know I didn't eat the whole 64 oz. Costco bag myself! I did make some cookies with them, but pretty much kept the zip-top open for my convenience! I think I'll stick to buying the 12 oz. packages instead.

Between feedings, I managed to make some doll furnishings for my sister-in-law. This is a doll bed mattress made with real ticking, stuffed with commercial batting, and tacked in 10 places so it won't shift.I also made a little quilt and pillow out of cotton and star minkee with pink rick rack edging. Then, not to waste fabric, I put together another simple blanket.
I think they're cute. I love quick, easy projects. You feel accomplished, but didn't have to put in too much work or worry about perfection (too much). This only took about 1 1/2 hours including cutting, pressing, and sewing time.

2008-06-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

I like blogging, I like to read other's blogs. So, just to share a little with you, check out some of my family's and friends' blogs:

Oh, Judy (my older sister)
Light Refreshments Served-Lisa (my older sister too-she has 5 kids, she's an overachiever!)
The Jolly Porter (her husband)
Robert & Shauna Valentine Family (my folks)
Maroon 5 Blog (comprehensive citings/interviews/pics of the band, my brother is James)
Design Mom (their friend, who I once sewed some really bad drapes for-before I was the "Sewing Friend")
C Jane Run (my sister's sister-in-law, she's a wordsmith who just had her 1st baby)
The Despain Gang (my friend w/a cute baby)
Ignore the Crazy (my sister's-and mine-friend Bek, who has a lot of life to share!)

I have other friends who have blogs, but I hesitate to list them because of privacy concerns--but if you want a link to your blog, let me know and I'll add you to the list--cause I'm always checking yours out!

I'll have to list a favorite craft blogs someday--my list is very long and I should make dinner! Check in soon because I've been sewing up a storm for the room-shifting of the children to accommodate the new baby due the end of July!

2008-05-27T15:19:00.001-07:00

Generosity on a deck:

Some of my friends threw me a surprise baby shower. I even walked by the balloons tied to a huge box of diapers, thinking it was for something else! I got set-up in two ways. The first is the shock of a baby shower. I hadn't wanted one because it's embarrassing to have a shower for your 4th baby, even if it is your first boy. The second is by all the great gifts I received. I got outfits (onesies, shorts, t-shirts, rompers, gowns), blankets, diapers, burp cloths, shoes, socks, baby wash and lotion. All of it boy-themed and darling.

I thought I was just going to the BBQ planned for the DNA Cycling Team (Jonathan and friends) at the Pogue's house. Apparently, my husband was in on it and had to delete a couple of errantly-sent emails. The BBQ in itself would have been enough. The food was fantastic, the weather ideal, and the kids fully occupied.

Heading down the waterslide. Jonathan getting some boy time. Sloane being tickle-attacked by her father. Sydney (in borrowed swimshirt and shorts) enjoying the bounce house, but got a little cold.It was a great evening. No one wanted to leave. We all stood in the street talking, avoiding collecting our children, and dodging neighbors backing out of their driveways.

2008-05-12T11:01:00.001-07:00

So, it's my birthday tomorrow, May 13th. I'm 32 years old now and you really should call me or send a card or buy me some thread.

Me, 4 1/2 months old

Being born in 1976, I am a "bicentennial baby" which must be why I am so involved in politics. I was a Young Republican in high school and have handed out more pamphlets in small Nebraska towns than I care to recall. I've even been mistaken for a candidate while driving a car in a parade--it must have been the professional wave. I attended our local caucus meeting, but only for the cookies! I have only missed voting in one election since I was 18. Still, I'm probably not as knowledgeable as I should be. So, I've taken to listening to talk radio for a little help.

Are you aware of Operation Chaos? It's hugely entertaining. Basically, Rush Limbaugh told his listeners to cross over parties (from Rep. to Demo.) and vote for Hilary Clinton to keep her in the Democrat primary even though Barack Obama has pretty much cinched up the delegate count. It's reeking havoc because Hilary thinks she's getting all these votes and has a chance, and won't drop out. This is amusing because it shows the true nature of national-level politics--pure arrogant self-promotion. (I like to think that most local politicians run to make the community better.) Now, I'm all for self-promotion, I mean, I listen to Rush Limbaugh, but I also believe in knowing your limits.

So, back to me and my birthday. As I've become older, I've realized my limits. Here's what I've discovered:
1) I can't lie well. Don't ask me something you really don't want to know. Right, Lisa?
2) I need sleep. I don't respond well to babies crying in the middle of the night. Yeah, not good for a soon-to-be mother of 4!
3) I'm not a perfectionist. I don't mind if there are crumbs on the floor, stacks of paper on the computer desk, or seams that don't line up completely. I selectively see mess.
4) I'm not as good a friend as you. I don't remember birthdays, to return phone calls, or even all your kids' names and ages. I like to think I do, but most of the time I don't even try.
5) I'm a procrastinator. I should be sewing some pillows for a friend (sorry, Kelly!), sweeping my kitchen floor, or reading to my 4 year old, but instead I'm writing this and reading other blogs.

Wow, that really sounded like a downer. I am a realist/optimist--I can only get better from here--lemons=lemonade.
Please still be my friend, I'm a good person, and hey, you have to be nice to someone on her birthday!

2008-04-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

More Girly Skirts

My good friend, Calli, asked me to make some reversible skirts (of her design) for her girls. Simple enough, I thought. Well, a few MONTHS later I completed them. I think I need to take a pattern-making class!

Here is Abby's:

I forgot to take photos of Emmy's, but it's like Sloane's below except different fabric on both sides and a big yellow tie.

Here is a prototype for Sheridan (not reversible):

Here is a prototype for Sloane:
They're cute, but it's too bad my girls don't want to wear them! They want to wear outfits of their own design:

"Fashion Girls"

"Construction Office Secretary"

"Superhero"
Genetics? Altitude? Cooped up in the house all winter?

2008-04-17T14:35:00.001-07:00

Fit Issues!

Because I am pregnant and NOT fat, I don't have a lot of pants that fit. In my desperation I made some only-around-the-house lounge pants and matching top. My husband refused to take a picture of me wearing them. The shirt does admittedly look very home-sewn, but the pants are great.

I haven't experimented much with knits, so that's why I took on the project. Here are the patterns I used:

For the top:
For the pants:It really was "very easy."

I added a few inches to the roll waistband to accommodate my growing girth. I also added the band of color to extend the originally ankle-length pants because the thing I hate worse than pants that don't fit are pants that don't fit AND are too short!

The reason for needing lounging clothes:

2008-04-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Easter Dresses

Yes, Easter is long past, but I thought I'd share the dresses I made for the girls.

I used a linen and white seersucker for the big girls' dresses and a printed linen and eyelet for Syd. I then made ties for the big girls out of the printed linen and roses out of the eyelet. I have three girls-we have to coordinate.

I almost made a skirt for myself, but thought that may be going a little too far (although since I have the fabric...)

The patterns used are the following:

This one was sized perfectly for Syd and she loved the built-in apron.

This one was huge (but my girls are small). I used size 3 for Sheridan (who will be 5 soon) and size 4 for Sloane (who will be 7 soon). They loved how "swirly" it was and spun around all day.

NOTE: I circle the size cut out on the package (patterns contain several sizes). If I plan to make 2 dresses out of a pattern, I cut the bigger size first, then the smaller OR buy two patterns (you can get them on sale for $1 or $2 most of the time.)

The dresses got some grass stains later at Grandma's for an Easter egg hunt, but the fabric washed up nicely and no more stains!

I made these in about 2 days of on/off sewing. They were simple-try one!

2008-03-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

I made a reversible skirt for Sloane. It's been in the works for literally months (in my head!) I've been working on a pattern for a friend who had the idea (thanks, Calli!), and this is what I came up with: The top and bottom are black and red gingham, respectively and the center has embroidered ladybugs. It's very full and very girly. Now, there are only a few minor adjustments and I'll make some for her girls!

Speaking of girly, here's the girls with their new haircuts. They all loved to sit and be pampered. I really should take them more often than twice a year!

This is her first "professional" haircut. Syd before:
We had to spring up those curls! I should take a picture of the back. Syd after:
Sher before:
So demure. Sher after:
Shot at Princesses on Ice-yes, we're very girly! Sloane before:
You didn't know that I had a twenty year old? Sloane after:
Patti (our stylist) with the girls.Sloane woke up early the next day, dressed before I was out of bed, because she was so excited about her new haircut.

2008-03-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

FINE! Back to sewing (read the comment from topher clark on my last entry):

So, now the rush is on to finish unfinished baby quilts. My sister has given birth to her fifth baby (and the last quilt she's getting!) My sister-in-law is due a month before me. And I've got to do something really spectacular for the boy!

At least Margaret's quilt is close to completion. This is the layout for the quilt top.

I chose thirties prints because, well, her name is Margaret, after my maternal grandmother. I wanted something bright and cheery. The nine patch looks a little more sophisticated with the black center squares. The binding will also be black and look sharp (I hope). I'll post pics when done.

I have sewed it together, but have to mark and quilt it still. I think I"ll quilt this one myself by machine. I have handquilted 4 out of the 9 baby quilts I've made, but I just don't have time now. Also, and I hate to admit it, if you want the children to use the quilt, machine quilting holds up much better than hand quilting! There have been times when I've snuggled with my oldest, whose quilt I hand quilted, and I've heard a few stitches "pop" as we've shifted beneath the covers. Ouch!

Some things I've learned from making baby quilts:
1. If you commit to make one for the first baby in your family, plan on keeping up the tradition, even if you siblings KEEP HAVING BABIES!
2. Use quality materials-quilt shop quality fabric won't fade over the years, Walmart and most Joann's fabric will.
3. Use traditional patterns-too trendy will look dated after a few years.
4. Keep it simple-try a complicated pattern for your own kids-you won't want to give it away if you've spend a zillion hours on it!
5. Take a picture with the baby and the quilt-'cause it's cute! Addendum: Try to make it while they're still a baby-2 yrs old and under counts!
6. Make a quilt label. I write the baby's birthday, my name, and the title of the quilt (I name them).

OR, just buy one of those really cute minkie dot blankets with a satin backing and binding because that's all the kid will sleep with anyway, even if you spend a ton of time trying to make a memorable quilt for them (but I'm not bitter!)

Happy Sewing!

2008-03-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

The older I get the less I believe in "good luck." I have had "good luck" in my life. I've always been healthy, learning has come easy to me, my family is stable and I had a great childhood, my husband is really THE BEST, and my children have come into this world trouble-free. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

I don't believe in "good luck" anymore because I don't think so many good things could happen to one person out of happenstance. I believe in grace from God.

There is nothing I could have done, consciously or unconsciously, that would warrant my good life. It is solely through a loving Creator that things work out. Now, as I say all of this I have to point out my latest grace:

We're having a boy! (But I'm not going to show you his stuff, just trust me, it's a boy!)

We did all the things you're "supposed" to do to have a boy-want details? give me a call-but I don't think it is ever really up to us. The Good Lord shared this blessing of one of his sons to be part of our family and we couldn't be happier.

He even crosses his feet like his dad does when he's asleep on his stomach!

How do you show gratitude for that?

Acknowledge the Power that allowed it.

Thank you God.

2008-02-03T22:23:00.001-08:00

I haven't written because I've been digging my children out of the snow.

We've also been playing at the park across the street. This is the top of a tree.

The baby wasn't too happy about being placed inside the monkey bars, but I figured since I could reach the top easily, she should be placed inside!

My oldest (and most snow-loving daughter) explored the "forest" which was a little more difficult to navigate since the trails are cut about 4 feet below.

Eventually, we got cold, so we came home.

If you come to my house, you have to pass through this to get to the front door. I'm about 5'7" (and we had to knock the snow down a little so the snowblower could make it over the top of the heap!)

We can get mail now, since my mountain man has dug out the

snow around the mailbox.

Sorry, there's no where to sit in the backyard--the lawn furniture is covered!
That doesn't stop my adverturer from exploring. I asked her to check on the playhouse (underneath the snow somewhere!) I also asked her not to climb drifts to jump over the fence, but it's so tempting!

Oh, yeah, it snowed 2 1/2 feet today, and these pictures were taken two days ago.

Come on over (with snow gear and a 4 wheel drive vehicle!) You can cuddle under a quilt I made in December out of old ski pants (purple and teal) and ski socks (up the sides). The backing is fleece (of course!)

I can't rotate this photo for the life of me, so someone please explain how to save it in iPhoto so that when I upload it, it will be turned the right way!!! Most of the time this Mac drives me nutty!

2008-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

New Year!

I got some great "sewer" stuff for Christmas. I sewed a bunch of stuff in December. I've got some other things planned for the coming month, but I am soooooooo tired I just don't know how I'll get to it.

The reason for my lack of motivation?

I'm pregnant!

Now, I don't "win" the prize because my dear sistah, Oh, Judy! and The Jolly Porter just had their fifth and this is ONLY my fourth baby. (But in the words of judy, "So, what's the prize?") But I'm not in this for competition.

I'm in it because I love to make baby blankets, burp cloths, and little girls clothing (because how can this baby NOT be a girl-that's all we do!)

So, forgive my lack of blogging and let me share my New Year's Resolutions:

1. Have a baby at the end of July.

This is going to be a great year!

2007-12-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

What does a sewer want for Christmas? Anything to do with sewing. Here are some ideas:

Vintage sewing books or patterns

I got this in Lincoln, NE at an antique store for $8. I love the illustrations.
These aren't old books, but talk about old fabrics.

Antique sewing implements

This is a sad iron, heated on the stove. I'll use it for a bookend. Other ideas include antique buttons, thimbles, needle books. Search on eBay under "vintage sewing lot" and you'll get a lot of hits for buttons, lace, patterns, etc. Wrap it in a basket with neat ribbon and it's an instant hit.

Gift Certificates at sewing stores (Joann's, Hancock, local quilt stores)

Boring for you, but if you your sewing friend can spend hours in one of these stores, this will go over huge!

Fabric/Projects

If you know what they like to make (baby blankets, apparel, quilts) then you can pick a pattern, fabric, and notions (zippers, thread, and stuff) that they'll need to finish. Also, many quilt stores offer kits to make quilts and blankets.

Time

This is the best gift! Give sewing time-take the kids, preferrably over lunch-so your sewing friend can sew! Tell her she MUST sew during this time and not do laundry or clean bathrooms.

Merry Christmas!

2007-11-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

My girls are obsessed with High School Musical. They've only seen it twice, but after the first viewing they knew they HAD to be Wildcat (hence the WC) cheerleaders. I was never a cheerleader (I know, hard to believe!) so I'm living through them. Here's my three little cheerleaders for Halloween.

Showing off the moves:

I made the costumes out of garbadine and used a costume pattern. The letters were iron on and everything bought, of course, on discount from Joann's. They were pretty simple, although I made four skirts, uh, one apparently just for practice. The skirts were pleated with white insets, so the topstitching was a little tricky.

Grandma came to visit-and my Halloween costume-red hair!
I should be off the hook until after Christmas, right?

2007-11-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

So, I really try not to brag but this blog is NOT trying today.

JJ and I went to Las Vegas for the Maroon5 show in the Pearl Theater in The Palms Casino and Resort. The show was awesome (as is my face in this photo!)

Me and James Valentine (guitar)

Us and Adam Levine (vocals and guitar)

Us and Mickey Madden (bass)

Me and Matt Flynn (drums)

Jesse Carmichael (keyboard) disappeared so I didn't get a pic.

We also spotted other celebs, but didn't get photos. We saw Huey Lewis and David Spade. But the most exciting personally was meeting the main actors from Chuck.

Here we are with Joshua Gomez (Morgan) and Zachary Levi (Chuck). I think I freaked them out when I said, "Uh, my brother is in Maroon5 so I'm not, like, a psycho" which my sister assured me is a way to make people think that you really ARE a psycho. So, my point in telling them that was 1) to brag 2) to give myself some non-psycho credibility and 3) to give them something to tell the boys in M5 if they meet (see, not psycho, nice!) I was pretty excited because husband and I really like the show.

We got to spend some time with James and hang out as a family in his suite. We had a late dinner and checked out the view.

So, how was your weekend?
(I couldn't resist, but I'll return now to my "humble" self!)

2007-10-30T21:16:00.001-07:00

I made a cute purse.

I love the prequilted, doublesided fabric available today. I used a Sewing For Dummies pattern, but adapted it without a lining for use with the doublesided fabric.

I cut a strip of the brown fabric and inserted it on the turquoise fabric.
The wooden rings were bought at Joann's as was the fabric-when on sale of course!

I need pockets, but now it's just one big open space, but was fast and I like it.
I used a magnetic snap . Those things are pretty easy to install, but seem floppy to me. I put a piece of cardboard in it to prevent the fabric from ripping when pulled open. I saw on another blog that if you treat the opening like a buttonhole and use stabilizer, then the opening won't tear with repeated use. Good idea-I just read it AFTER I made the purse!

I'd be happy to make one for you for ONE MILLION DOLLARS! You can have mine when I get sick of it!

TEASER: Check back for the Halloween costumes I've made for the girls. Go, team!

2007-10-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

I've finished! I took too much time doing this project, but it was for the children! These pillows are in my daughter's elementary school media center. The librarian and I picked out the fabric (Calico Corners) and types of pillows to sew. I designed the embroidery and sewed everything.
This is how it all looks together:

Just in case you want to know:
The polka dot cushions are 24" square. The mitered pillows are 16" square. The striped pillows are about 12" X 16" (if I remember correctly). The embroidered pillows are about 12" square. I fused, then sewed, black grosgrain ribbon to add black to the stripes. The black piping was also made out of black grosgrain. The polka dot cushions have self piping. Comment if you want to know how to make any of these, otherwise I won't bore you with the details.

2007-10-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Denim Skirt

Okay, you asked for it! Here's how to change a pair of jeans into a cute skirt.

Find some jeans (sneak them when your child isn't looking or she'll throw a hissy fit because you're "ruining" her stuff). These have some cute embroidery on the bottom.

Cut off the legs.

Cut apart the legs at the seams. Cut out the seams completely.

Cut apart the upper inside seam of the jeans. Cut so the bulky seam is in the front.
Pin the leg part in the V formed by cutting apart the legs.

Pin in the back too.

Sew. I did a topstitch. (Basically, just a double stitch about 3/8 inch apart.)

Trim underneath about 1/4 inch from the seam.

Cut along bottom evenly. Stitch along edge. I did a decorative little sunburst in maroon thread that coordinated with the existing embroidery.

Easy! You really should try this (your six year old will warm up to her destroyed jeans and will eventually wear it!)

I'd love to see your results!

2007-09-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

My crazies. This is what keeps me busy when I'm not sewing!
When the baby is too quiet:

Stickers from Uncle James:
Take a close look-those are bubbles!

Don't let the cute smile fool you!But I wouldn't change it for anything!

2007-09-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

So I got a call from my friend, Jill. Check out her blog. She asked about iron-on clothing labels, and since I'm the Sewing Friend, I found out where you can get some custom labels for a great price.

The first site I visited has your basic

printed name on white background. But it does give pointers on where to use your labels:
I love this picture! The website is irononmdlabels.com.

The next site I thought worthy of checking out is Stuck on You:

I can't figure out how to capture their website pics, so check it out. It is very child-specific and cutesy. They have round iron on labels in addition to other traditional rectangular ones. They also carry a ton of kid-related products including ID wristbands, party invitations and temp tatoos, and personalized stickers and pencils. Very cute icons.

The king of them all (featured in O Magazine and Martha Stewart Weddings) is Name Maker. They make very cool, relatively inexpensive labels. You can get WOVEN as opposed to PRINTED labels. Even the cool woven ones can be made iron-on.

These are some of my favorites:

The selection is great and the website is easy to use. So now all I need to do is figure out what I'd print on them?

I'm thinking I'd like to get some for gifts or when I begin my sewing empire. The Sewing Friend, MADE by Valentine, any suggestions?

2007-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

This all happened while I was driving by the Joann's in Draper.

A car, mauve Subaru Legacy wagon, had a vanity plate stating "4RDOGS" with a license plate cover that said, "Doin' it Doggy-Style." The woman driving was a plain-looking middle-aged woman who I now imagined "doin' it doggy style." Thanks, lady.

A sweaty, young man ran by with a chest strap heart rate monitor on. It looked like he was wearing a bra, but I could still see his boobies. Put a shirt on man!

For some reason, I was listening to a song about a worm on X96. The girls were singing along to the Twelve Dancing Princesses they were watching on DVD, and I was thinking about Owen Wilson's suicide attempt. Then the song Float On came on.
"Don't worry even if things end up a bit too heavy..."

There are apparently too many people in my head at the moment.

A study done by the American Home Sewing Association found that 95 percent of sewers (15 expert and 15 novice) experienced a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure after sewing.

I came home and sewed.

2007-08-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm first to admit this is a bit cheesey, but hey, that's me! My brother, famous brother, flew us to a party in LA in May. So, to thank him, I sewed some tea towels with different kinds of guitars. Really, what else do you get someone who has everything?
Well, sister, he didn't have this:

This is my favorite one-the double guitar:

Now, tell me that's not cute! I hope his housekeeper appreciates them!

Well, my daughter lost a tooth, her first. So, of course she needed a tooth pillow. She and I designed it together. She was very specific about the look of the fairy-black curly hair, big basket for the teeth, etc. She also wanted to include a note every time the fairy came to visit, so we did:

Seriously cute, don't you think?

Embroidery can be a fun, quick, and satisfying project. You can frame them, make a pillow, use as a quilt square, use on a card or for scrapbooking. I enjoy a little hand sewing now and then.

2007-08-12T21:03:00.001-07:00

So, Lisa, aka Oh, Judy, is having a baby girl. I thought some of these fabrics would be great for her baby quilt (since I started this da-- tradition of making pieced quilts for my nieces and nephews). Check them out:

So, perhaps some graphic black/white combo with one solid, either a green or pink because we're children of the 80s!

Or, I could take it very floral:

Of course, these are the starting points, and would be paired with other kinds of fabrics (not all these together, silly!)

But I do think some minkee and/or satin should be in this one.
Have you felt the stuff? It's like woven heaven!

Well, Lisa, get choosing because if it's anything like the other quilt I (just) made for you, this baby will be 2 years old by the time you get it!

2007-08-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

Do you know about Company C? I've been looking for a rug for my living room. I can't afford these, but SOMEONE, please buy one and I'll come to your house and oooohh and ahhhh! These are my favorites:

I'd like to show you more favorites, but I have this new iMac and I don't know how to copy photos from online without my right clicker-help me! Anyway, check out the website.

2007-08-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

Baby Blankets

I've been going gang-busters for baby blankets. Well, people keep having babies and for lack of a better baby gift, I keep sewing. Who doesn't love a cuddly blanket? This size 1 to 1 1/4 yds, so roughly 45" X 45", is even perfect for a toddler or in the car. So, a couple of options here, both simple: Rag edge and Decorative edge. Here are the directions:

Rag Edge

Get 1 or 1 1/4 yds each of two different kinds of FLANNEL fabric. DON'T prewash!!! (Two flannels work better than one simple cotton and one flannel although it does work, it's just not as fuzzy.) Iron if really wrinkled. Lay out on top of each other-WRONG sides facing- and trim. You want to cut it to a blanket size you want (see how easy this is? Only the cutting counter ladies have to measure!) Stitch a straight stitch 1/2 inch from the edge-all the way around the blanket. Clip perpendicular to this stitch approximately 1/8 inch apart all the way around the quilt. Wash and dry! Done! Takes about an hour (if no one is begging for carrots and Ranch dressing!)

Decorative Edge (photos from first posting)

Get 1 to 1 1/4 yds of fabric. I like one flannel and one cotton for summer babies and two different flannels for winter babies. I like to prewash so it's baby-ready when you give it as a gift. When washed and ironed (if needed), lay RIGHT sides together and trim to size desired. Stitch 1/2 inch from edge ALMOST all the way around. Leave an opening so you can turn it right side out. Then, turn it right side out (clip your corners first). Press the edges so everything lines up nicely. Then add a decorative edge by 1) rick rack 2) decorative stitch 3) ribbon 4) upholstery trim 5) puff paint-just seeing if anyone is actually reading this! Under no circumstances EVER use puff paint.

RICK RACK: Stitch in a straight line through the center. Don't try to follow all the squiggles. I put the edge of the rick rack about 1/8 inch from the edge of the blanket.
DECORATIVE STICH: Check out some of the stitches on your machine that you never use. Do it in a contrasting color. I stitch 1/2 inch from the edge of the blanket.
RIBBON: Haven't done this, but would be cute. Use a heavier ribbon, such as grosgrain. Don't use a sheer for obvious reasons.
UPHOLSTERY TRIM: I've seen pom pom fringe and heavier fringes. Just watch out that the baby can't pull them off and choke.

A few more notes:

The blanket can tend to shift after washing. You may want to stitch a shape in the center of the blanket to hold it together. I've followed the design in the fabric before and that works well and doesn't stand out too much.

You can add a light cotton batting if you want more of a quilt feel than a blanket, but you will need to quilt it-with the spacing recommended by the manufacturer.

BURP CLOTHS: I'll get 1 1/2 yds of fabric and use 1 1/4 for the blanket and the rest to make a burp cloth or cloths. Just make them the same way as the blanket. A friend gave me the perfect size-9" by 18". I cut that size, but if you have the fabric you may want to cut an inch larger.

Now, go make a baby happy!

2007-07-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

Momming It

So, I've been busy doing the following:
-painting a piano
-painting a piano bench
-painting a coffee table (two colors with crackle effect)
-baking banana bread
-sewing a baby blanket
-sewing a ottoman slipcover
-designing embroidery picture for pillows (4)
-running
-biking
-going to the library
-going to swimming lessons (mom and tot w/Syd)
-going to dance camp (for the girls, not me!)
-buying said coffee table and piano bench at antique store
-choosing wallpaper
-sewing drapes
-choosing and installing (husband did, I helped) new lighting for dining room
-making breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-cleaning bathrooms
-vacuuming
-reading to children
-watching DVRed shows (thank you little box!)
-going on walks
-otherwise "momming it"

See how "writing a new sewing blog" wasn't in there? Yeah, me too! Now, go do something. I think I'll sit down for a little while!

2007-07-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I'm a little late, but what's new? I try, but apparently don't care enough to do things on time. At least I'm honest with myself. So, here's the tie-in sewing advice for this week: Be honest with what you can accomplish and don't feel guilty otherwise. (I think that applies to EVERYTHING we want to take on.)

For example, I have some really cute fabric for little summer shirts for my girls. It is washed and tucked away neatly, probably never to be made into anything this summer-we'll see. I also have some cute fabric to make matching dresses for the girls last summer, oh no, the summer before I had another girl!

So now I don't have enough fabric for matching dresses. Yeah, it's that bad. On the upside, I always have the supplies when it's time for a project!

How can I stay inside and sew with sunsets like this? I took this a couple streets from my house-in my car! Someday I'll make a sunset quilt-all the colors of the sky.

Enjoy this next week and don't feel guilty for the things you're not doing because we're always collecting ideas! And just like Uncle Rico says, "You might as well be doing something while you're doing nothing!"

2007-06-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Fix Your Shirt!

Now it may seem like I buy a lot of clothes that don't fit, but it's just that my body is so unique! Not really--I tried on the pants and they fit in the store. And this super great shirt was a gift from my mom.

My dad was in Guadalajara, Mexico for 7 weeks as director of study abroad, mom visited and brought gifts. I did ask for a embroidered dress (yes, like to old Mexican ladies wear) and she delivered! (I wore it on the front porch and the neighbors laughed.) But this shirt was a surprise. I cannot overstate how much I love this shirt, however, it was a little boxy so I gave it some shape. Here's how it is done:

1. I pleated the sleeves. I folded the sleeve in half, measured down an inch from the point, and folded it open. I stitched it down with a coordinating thread.

2. I gathered the back. I measured a piece of 1/4 inch wide elastic to fit across my back when stretched. I marked a few inches from the side of the shirt on the inside of the shirt, about bra strap height. I sewed in the elastic on one side, make sure to backstitch to tack it in. I then stretched the elastic across to the other mark while sewing. Voile! Gathered by the elastic. Be sure to backstitch so it doesn't snap back at you!

I should have taken the sides in even more and I may, but that would require unpicking all that stitching! So, maybe I'll just get fat-cause that's another way to make your clothes fit!

Talk about getting fat.... one of the BEST cookies I've ever had was a Snickerdoodle from Harmon's bakery.

I finished one part of my media center pillow adventure:

But I forgot to take pictures of the pillows-can anyone guess why? It has something to do with a 20 month old with a really good arm-ouch!

Here's the best photo I got:

See, cool pillows. I'll teach you how to make them, and how to stick the big white fluffy square inside!

I'll get photos of all of them-and share instructions for making pillows, eventually!

So, take away message this week: Buy clothes you like-fit doesn't matter because you can sew them or eat Snickerdoodles to make them fit!

2007-06-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Really Trying!

There are a couple of questions and projects that I want to get to. They are: 1) denim skirt from old jeans and 2) brightly colored quilt idea for Bek. However, this week I got a wild hair to go through my basement, which I haven't for about 5 years! and gather things for a garage sale. Crazy! I also have a lot of fabric and thought I'd get rid of some, but I didn't! I am getting rid of a microwave, futon chair (that is awesome!), and kitchen table among other crap. Come over and buy it!

I've also been holding off on other projects until I finish some pillows for my daughter's elementary school "media center, " but I prefer calling it the library. This is what part of the project looks like:

I bet you're intrigued and want to know what it will look like, well, sister, let me get through this weekend and I'll write something really exciting!

2007-06-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Fix your pants!

Summer! It's soooo hard to sew when it's nice outside. And since it's so nice all I want to wear are capris! Really, it's been gorgeous. So I bought some awesome designer (Gloria Vanderbilt) pants at Kohl's--I know, I'm such an old lady-it gets better! I wore them with the fam at Zion's National Park. Here is me and Baby #3 in the backpack carrier and midway through the hike I noticed my pants were FALLING OFF!!! I couldn't wear my awesome orange cargo capris the rest of the trip. And when you're in the wild, you want to wear orange.

You ask, What did you do Sewing Friend?

(First, I have to mention a belt wouldn't fix the problem because the belt loops in the front were not the same size as the belt loops in the back and nothing would fit through.)

I added elastic to the back casing to "grip" my back waist.

Step 1: Unpick the inside seam of your pants about 3 inches. Work from the side seams in the back and when you sew again, you won't see extra stitches.

Step 2: Sew in a length of elastic (I used 3/4 inch wide) on the side seam.

Step 3: Feed the elastic in the casing (space between the open seams.) I used this neat red plastic thing that allows you to pull elastic or ribbon or whatever through a casing.

Step 4: Pull through and adjust to just the right "grippiness" by trying on the pants. Pin elastic and stitch on other side seam. Trim excess elastic.

Step 5: Sew over where you unpicked the inside seam to close the casing.

Step 6: The finished product.

Now back elastic is a bit old-lady, but while you're wearing it, the elastic stretches out and you can't tell

-and your pants don't fall down (and you get to see a totally unflattering picture taken by myself while wearing the pants!)

Try this at home and have great fitting pants! Good luck and buy some orange pants-they rock!

2007-06-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I ran in the Draper Trails Day 6 mile run. I just wanted to run on trails with other people because 1) I'm afraid of wildlife (there has been a Rocky Mountain sheep attack on one of our friends-he's okay) 2) I would rather someone else break through the cobwebs (lots of trees= lots of spiders!) and 3) I like to run outside! The first three miles UP A MOUNTAIN was tough, but then I flew downhill-it was a blast. After the race, while I was eating my Costco muffin (I deserved those 600 calories!) and orange slice, I heard my name--I got 3rd place! I got this great white ribbon:

Hey, I just wanted to enjoy the out of doors and wow, 3rd place! Now, many of you may be saying, "But Gina, 2nd place got a ribbon AND a loaf of Great Harvest bread." I say to that, "I run because I eat too much bread and I love ribbons!"

But it got me thinking....I often work on a sewing project just because I like it. Any accolades are great. But let me tell you, when you get 3rd place or when someone sees something you made and "oooohs" over it--same great feeling! You can do something someone else can't do, you can! So you should do it and maybe get a little lift from it!

Now that's not to say everything will go smoothly.

The race wasn't really 6 miles. I wore my GPS and it was actually 7.05 miles. Sometimes a project will take longer than we think.

I started out with some high school track team doing a little summer training. What was I thinking? I really thought I could keep up with 15 year old boys? Yeah, they ran too fast for me! It's okay to evaluate your project and save it for another day. I slowed down.

I latched on to a couple of women going a realistic pace and made some new friends. Find people who can work with you through the project.

At the top of the mountain, my husband and girls were waiting for me to cheer me on. Share your project with others for encouragement. It's okay if you're not finished yet!

I lagged behind my new friends because I talked with my family, so I had to run really fast to catch up with them. I kept them in sight and set my goal to beat them to the finish (I can be a friend while running, but I'm a competitor!) Set specific goals to get your project done in a timely manner.

I sprinted up the finishing hill with another lady on my heels-she wasn't going to catch me after all my hard work the last half of the race. Finish your project!

Now, if you're not going to sew something--go run!

2007-05-31T20:27:00.001-07:00

These Wing Friend

I do love birds! Many of you have noticed my blog could also be read as These Wing Friend. Now that you've found me, you know its The Sewing Friend. But let's talk about birds, there's some pretty hip stuff out there. I found most of this here. Enjoy!

2007-05-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

I've often wondered why I like sewing so much. I have a lot of reasons (making something from "nothing," stress relief, sense of accomplishment, engaging the mind, skill building) but I think it boils down to connecting to the past and the future. My mom sewed and it reminds me of my happy childhood. I love the history of quilt-making. I enjoy working with my hands to make something, and not just something I'll eat! When you make something, it will remain behind long after we pass. That's why I make quilts for my nieces and nephews, although those early ones won't last because I had no idea what I was doing! However, there is a sense of connectedness and longevity from each project completed. Your "whatever" is out there.

I love vintage sewing stuff. I love rick rack and buttons and lace and ribbon. I inherited these old needle books from my husband's grandmother. I got some shadow boxes and included them with some of her rick rack and a thimble.

They hang on the wall above my sewing machine. I think of her when I sew. She gave me a set of Singer sewing books years before she died. The other day I found a note in one from the early 90s. It was from a girl thanking her for making a scarf to wear over a prom dress. A small thing, but important.

I think you need to have inspiration around you to choose projects that interest you. My love of rick rack has spilled over to baby blankets I make. Here are a few examples:

I also love reproduction prints. Check out the Repo Depot for some great prints. If you happen upon some fabric that you love, even if you don't have an immediate project in mind, buy as much as you can afford. For me, it's typically 2 yards--enough to make a skirt, shirt, or a majority part of a small quilt. I saw a Scandinavian print on a moderate quality fabric. I loved the colors and print and bought 5 yards (it was cheap!) I knew it wasn't heirloom quality, but I loved it. It inspired my sewing loft (pictures to come when it's clean!), but here are some pillows I made out of it:

The print was a striped fabric and I mitered it to make a square (a project for a later blog!) Even with all the choices out there, the primary colors are still my favorites.

Consider this week an object, picture, fabric swatch, or even music (anyone checked out the latest Maroon5?) that inspires you and set it in your field of vision. If you work with fabric that you love, you'll be more likely to work on it! Projects stuck in baskets don't finish themselves, trust me, I've tried! Let's start and finish something this week!

2007-05-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

We all have different kinds of friends. There's the one who gives great gifts. There's the one who has the best recipes. There's the friend who can find the greatest deals, or the one who is fun to shop with because she doesn't look at the prices. I have friends I run with, friends I eat with, friends I trade babysitting with, and friends I just like to listen to because they make sense.

I've discovered that I'm the "sewing friend." I've found myself mending simple things, making quilts and blankets, and sewing curtains and pillows for friends. I've taught some informal sewing classes to neighbors, but I mostly encourage friends to dust off their sewing machine and try something. I answer questions about sewing or fabric--and I love it.

I'd really like to start blogging on a consistent basis, but time evades me. So, keep checking and I'll get something going this summer 2007. I would like to share sewing projects, including simple gifts, home decor, and clothing.

But my real purpose here is to give you the confidence to try!! What's the worst that could happen? You throw something away and wasted a couple of hours, big deal! Next time you won't. (But a seam ripper is so great, and you can reuse your fabric in another project.)

You can, you can, you can--inspiration is all around us. Check out a couple of websites to whet your appetite for fabric and projecting.

Because seriously, you could make that.