Sew Sarah

Spiral Scarf and a pattern

2012-02-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

I knitted my sister Jill some spiral fingerless mitts from the book Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson for her birthday. I had 2 skeins left, so I made her a scarf to match. With a little help from Janine, I figured out how to keep the pattern while knitting flat. Some may think this is a no-brainer, but it was a growth step for me.

Now that my first knitted project is finished, I wanted to share the pattern. For an experienced knitter, it's a simple rib pattern, that twist slightly as you go. All it takes is 2 skeins of sock yarn held together. I used Plymouth Happy Feet, and size 6 needles.

Spiral Rib Scarf

CO 24 stitches.

Row 1/3: K2P2 to the end.
Row 2/4: follow pattern as set up, knitting the knits and purling the purls.

Row 5/7: p1, *K2P2 to the last 3 sts, K2P1
Row 6/8: follow pattern as set up, knitting the knits and purling the purls.

Row 9/11: P2K2 to the end
Row 10/12: follow pattern as set up, knitting the knits and purling the purls

Row 13/15: K1, *P2K2, repeat from * to the last 3 stitches, P2, K1

Row 14/16: follow pattern as set up, knitting the knits and purling the purls

Repeat until you run our of yarn or your scarf is long enough. If you make this, please link up on Ravelry - I'd love to see your project!

Birthday Girl, modeling her scarf

Yarn Resolution 2012 (And a Giveaway)

2012-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

I have a confession: I love yarn and fabric. A few people I know have a room designated to hold their stash (think an ENTIRE wall of yarn!). My stash is confined to Ava's bedroom closet. It has occured to me that she may want her closet in the near future, so I've decided to decrease the stash a bit in 2012.

My resolution is to knit through at least 6 skeins of my sock yarn. Currently, I have 10 skeins, so I think this is a reasonable goal. My plan is to utilize Judith Durant's One Skein books. I have 3 and each book has patterns to choose from.

While straightening the stash, I came across this lovely little skein from Cherry Tree Hill. It's 420 yards of sock weight yarn that needs a new home. And, I have a small project bag I printed this weekend. Wanna win both?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have You Heard of My Memories? (And a GIVEAWAY!)

2011-10-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I started scrapbooking when Richard and I began dating about 15 years ago. This was when Creative Memories was just beginning hit the national market for paper-based scrapbooks. I have about 10 different albums since then. I love them, but I admit, taking out ALL of the supplies to start work on an album is so time-consuming. I don't really have the time to complete large-scale albums right now.

Since then, I have dabbled in a little digital scrapbooking. I've made several albums from different photo-printing sites. The ease of "point and click" is so much better than traditional books. I can stop and start much easier AND take my work with me on my computer.

My Memories is a digital scrapbooking company that allows users complete freedom to personalize their scrapbooks. The software only takes a few minutes and includes access to simply patterned papers to get started on your scrap-booking journey.

When you begin an album on My Memories, you have the option to create pages as you go or to create an album. It works very much like a MS Word document. You can rearrange photos or delete. You can change font size and color. The trick for MAC users is to make sure that your photos are out of iPhoto and saved in a folder on your desktop as jpeg's.

Wanna see what I started tonight?

Cool huh? My Memories has given me this code to help you get started. Here's what you do:

Go to www.mymemories.com
Purchase the My Memories software and enter this code: STMMMS5430

for your $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store ($20 value)

Wanna win a FREE copy of the My Memories Software?

Here's what you do:

Inspiration and a Giveaway

2011-09-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

So, have you found the awesomeness that is Pinterest? It is a place for you to categorize, or "pin" all of the great ideas you find online. Instead of a million bookmarks saved to your computer, you create visual bulletin boards of pictures. What's great is that you can categorize into several bulletin boards. Well, I was looking at Pinterest when I found this:

Source: saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com via Marlene on Pinterest

I thought, where have I seen this before? THIS is where I saw a similar idea, from Stitch magazine:

I love the idea of buttons making a comeback. I've seen them on bracelets, purses, and necklaces. So, inspired by those ideas, I came up with this:

It's a hybrid of my love for small purses. Made from linen and lined with cotton, this zippered bag is essentially an over-sized wallet. Of course, it's been embellished with navy, burgundy and golden brown buttons. It will hold a little more than your keys, iPhone, lipstick. Has a sturdy handle to stay on your wrist.

Want it?

Here's what you do:

Repurposed Earrings to Bold Rings

2011-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

These rings are so fun to make! To me it's an instant gratification project because you just glue and go. I find my vintage earrings and buttons from estate sales and garage sales. Look for those button earrings from the 60's and 70's. Fancy brooches work well also.

To make these rings, you'll need:

a vintage earring
ring blank
jewelry glue
pliers

First, use your pliers to remove the earring back or pin. It's ok if you have a little residue left over. If you are little worried, just use a lightweight sandpaper to scrub that off.

Then, apply glue to the middle of the wrong side of the earring. Add ring blank and press. Let it dry overnight so that the glue has time to adhere.

Admire your new creation!

Here are some more that I have made:

Turning Clothes into Quilts?

2011-09-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been working on memory quilts. Memory quilts are handmade quilts made a special someone's clothes. My most favorite, of course, use baby clothes. I've made simply designed quilts with a border around all the 5" clothes squares.

Bethany from Vermillion Rules posted another idea for these kinds of quilts. You follow the baby clothes squares with a border of solid flannel squares, like this:

I've also heard of moms taking bibs or burp clothes and adding that to the fabric mix. Either way, you are cutting some of the clutter in your house, but still keeping some of those favorite outfits from your sweet one.

The same idea can be applied to special t-shirts. Maybe you know someone who is in sports who has accumulated TONS of shirts that he can't get rid of. Turn them into a awesome quilt:

I can help you turn those upcycle those shirts into something useful! Email me for more details!

Sew Crafty Summer

2011-08-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

So summer has come and gone in Oklahoma. We start school WAY before Labor Day, so gone are the carefree days of pools and endless sewing. I look forward to Fall - cooler temperatures bring many opportunities to layer and accessorize.

Here are some things I'm making to get ready for Autumn....

Chunky Rings - tutorial coming soon....These are SO easy to make. All you need are buttons, vintage clip earrings, anything that's flat, glue, and a ring blank...

Big, fat, squishy scarves: large knit or crochet scarves are going to be awesome this year....

Knitted cuffs: I found this pattern on Knitty. What a great way to use up extra sock yarn!

T-shirt infinity scarves: This is SO, SO easy. No sewing involved. If you can cut, and tie knots, you can make this!

Baby Blankets: These are also very simple to create. Just cut strips, sew together and add a back. Tutorial coming very soon because everyone needs a quick baby shower gift!

What have you been creating this summer? Please share below -

Are You Hooking?

2011-07-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with crochet. My sister Jill taught me a couple of years ago. After a million tries to just single crochet, I figured it out. Her words?

"Don't quit your day job, Sarah. I think knitting is your thing."

Flash forward and I think I have the basics - single crochet, double crochet, yarn over. But give me a pattern? Puhleeze. I'm ripping back at least 5 times. I think that crocheters, or hookers as they like to be called, have an crazy ability to "see" their pattern. As a knitter, I really rely on the pattern directions to the letter. When you crochet you have to "see" where you are going as you are going there.

So here is my latest crochet obsession: Queen Anne's Lace. It's a free pattern on K2togonline. The yarn is a silk/cotton blend Debbie Bliss Stella in this really awesome orange, only 2 skeins.

Hmm, i thought, what else do I have in my stash that would make an excellent scarf? What about a webby black Rowan cotton?

Very dramatic, don't you think?

Crafty Mondays

2011-07-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not the only crafty one in my circle of friends. Many of my teacher friends have a hobby they enjoy: digital scrap-booking, beading, knitting, or crochet. This summer my friends and I started gathering for Crafty Mondays.

What do we do? Well, we all work on our latest project together and discuss new ones over light snacks.

What's cool is that each one of us is working on something different, but we are all artists: making something from raw materials with our hands. We "ooh" and "ahh" over each other's projects. And laugh over silly stories.

I'm so thankful I have a group of people I work with that I enjoy hanging with outside of my profession.

Slubby Scarf - a Recipe

2011-07-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Three words: It is HOT!

But that's not preventing me from doing a little knitting with my handspun. Teal gave me the batting 2 years ago after she went to the amazing Southeastern Animal and Fiber Fair. Drop-spindle spinning takes a long time. A very long time, but it's so worth it.

This pattern is a recipe, which means that it's a simple idea, but can be easily adapted based on yarn yardage, personal tastes, etc.

You will need:

1 skein of Spud & Chloe Outer

approximately 6 oz handspun.

Size 15 needles

My scarf measured about 5.5" X 72"

Recipe:

1. Cast on 14 stitches with handspun. Knit 6 rows.

2. . *K1, YO to end.

3. Knit, dropping all YO as you go.

4. Knit one row.

**Repeat from * twice more. You should have 3 dropped stitch sections.

Then knit 4 rows garter stitch with your Spud & Chloe Outer. Cut your ends, pick up the handspun and repeat.

I ended mine with 6 rows of Spud and Chloe Outer, largely because I was running out of yarn. Also, I chose not to weave in my ends too much. I think it adds to the charm.

Now, if it would just get a little cooler.....

Summer Craftiness

2011-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's well into summer here in Oklahoma; it's so hot Ava said this to me when we went to get Vincent from camp:

"Momma, it's so hot my brain hurts! Pick me up!"

Summer gives a me a chance to MAKE all the fun accessories I think of during the school year AND find on twitter and facebook. Here are some things I've made:

kindle cover out of up-cycled jeans

FAVORITE ballband dishcloths

princess-size purse

handspinning with Dawning Dreams batting

market Bag in dishcloth cotton

zig-zaggy wristlet
Bustle Backpack
Ruffly Tote from up-cycled jeans

Vincent's Americana Quilt

All of this, plus some more coming! Come back Monday for a Crafty Monday post!

Join the Hat Brigade!

2011-03-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting hats again. Recently, someone shared with me that a dear family member had been recently diagnosed with cancer. I can only imagine what they are going through. I observed from afar my mother's diagnosis and treatment of stage 3 breast cancer. It is a horrible disease and there is so much suffering from it. I firmly believe that we are here on this earth to help ease pain and suffering in all people.

So join me.

Join the hat brigade. If you sew or knit, make someone a hat. If you are lucky and you don't know someone with cancer, make a hat for someone and take it to the hospital. I'm sure that the volunteer league could find a recipient.

Here is the hat I recently made for a special someone:

It's called Felicity. It's a slouchy, stretchy hat made with Berrocco Comfort. The yarn is an acrylic blend that is super soft.

HeadHuggers is an organization that helps provide hats for women recently diagnosed with cancer. There are groups from all over the U.S. and internationally.

If you know someone who has cancer or has been recently diagnosed, please find out how you can help them. I've found out that some people just need someone to listen. Or help with dinner. Or just be there.

Valentine's Day Card-making 2011

2011-02-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

While at home for yet another snow day, Vincent, Ava and I made owl valentines this morning. We found the idea from FamilyFun, a great website for parents and teachers.

First use the template to cut out a teardrop shape and then fold at the top, making a triangle.

Then cut out 2 eyes. Vincent was tired of cutting teardrops, so we opted for the paper punch.

You're ready to glue! Print out your saying, get your eyes ready and glue all of your owl's details.

Finally, use up all of that glitter glue (that you have in the depths of your craft closet) and add colorful eyes to your owl!

When we finally thaw out, we'll cut little holes in the bottom for some twizzlers, lollipops or smarties.

This project was a little labor intensive. It took about 2 hours to make 30 valentines. It gave both kiddos some more experience with making art. I asked Vincent if he gets to cut anymore at school and he said, "only on occasion, in art class." Hmm, I see more art projects in his future....

I enjoyed the time AWAY from the chatter of the television and video games. Seriously, if we don't go to school soon, I'm going to start homeschooling....

Snowpocalypse 2011: What I Sewed

2011-02-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

Last week, I taught school for 1 day. Yes, 1 day. Then we had a record-shattering snowfall here Tulsa.

14 inches of snow.

That is enough snow to shut a Tulsa down for a while. So, with the 4 snow days that followed (and there is still question as to IF school will resume Monday) I sewed. And sewed and sewed.

So first, I made 3 baby quilt tops. Using Aimee Ray's pattern, I made 2 blue and 1 pink quilt top.

My plan is to embroider them with the nursery theme. I'm planning presents for 4 babies this spring.

Also, I embroidered the onesies that have been sitting in my craft closet with more art inspired by Aimee Ray.

I have both of her books. I love how she has simple projects and simple motifs that are so pretty when stitched. Also, you can combine several designs to make a picture for a quilt, blanket, etc. Here's the link to her stitch along that just finished up last week.

Next up is a zippered wristlet. Last year, I learned how to sew a simple zippered pouch. The wristlet is just a handle attached - I found several tutorials and then took some of the design elements from them to create my own. Here's the tutorials:

2 little hooligans

Pink Penguin

Skip to My Lou

They have 2 little pockets on the inside for cards, keys or a phone.

I made progress on another baby blanket for one of those spring babies:

The pattern is Open Work Baby Blanket by Trudi Brown. It is an easy, 3 row pattern repeat. Of course, I'll be working on this tonight while watching the Super Bowl.

And guess what? School just called and there's no school tomorrow!

Do you YUDU?

2011-01-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

Wow - I have an amazing, 9 year old boy now. Every year, I enjoy planning my kiddos' party. We've done Blues Clues, Shrek, Music/Drumming, Indiana Jones...So, what kind of birthday party does a 9 year old have?

A gaming party, of course!

And, what kind of party favors are appropriate for a bunch of 9 year olds?

Their very own PARTY SHIRT!

For Christmas, I received a YUDU - a home screen-printing machine. I'm thinking that I could use it to screen fabric for embroidery or to print some scroll-y doodles that I make. Auntie Teal created the invitation and the design for the shirt:

Here is the my first try at home screen-printing:

There is a little bit of a learning curve, but once I figured out how the emulsifying sheets worked, this really is a great little machine!

The shirts were a hit with the boys! The party was awesome - five 9 year olds running around, playing video games and then discovering that it was fun to play outside too.

And there was a little surprise bbgun gift from Aunt Jill:

Aunt Jill, you know I had to razz you a little bit. Still hearing "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"

Finished Object: Rosey Little Bee Quilt

2011-01-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I signed up for my first online quilting bee: Rosey Little Bee. I've read books about women getting together (long ago) and working on a quilt. Well, quilting has changed a little since then. Now, with internet, women from all over the world can share their quilting hobby by way of a virtual bee. It works like this:

12-ish people agree to create blocks for one another. Each quilter is assigned a month for the year. For example, I was assigned September, so I sent out my fabric and block pattern to the 11 other girls in August.

After much sewing and cutting and thinking and thinking some more, I decided on this block:

The idea is by the end of your month, your fellow bees have made your block for you and when you get everyone's blocks sewn together, you have this:

I got a little excited about the blocks, and so I made one quilt with the blocks that were sent to me so far. I'm going to make another quilt with the other blocks.

What I liked about joining this group is that I learned to use different colors and to sew different blocks. I enjoyed this so much that I've joined another bee through flickr: 3 X 6 Bee. In this bee, you are joined with 6 other people, but this time, you make the same block 6 times, but in different colors. So at the end of the quarter, you receive 6 different blocks, but in coordinating colors. If you participate all year (optional), you will have 24 blocks to make a large quilt.

First Finished Object: A Cowl

2011-01-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

I show you the first finished object of 2011: The Ribbed Cowl. I hope I don't sound all "so last year" but cowls are still pretty neat. I really have to dress in layers with my job and cowls are perfect. You can dress them up or down, especially by choosing a fancier yarn.

It's from Knit Simple's Winter 2010/11 issue. I really can't believe that this pattern is so simple. It is increasing ribs from 2 knits, 2 purls all the way up to like 13 knits, 2 purls. Basically, you cast on a bunch of stitches and start an increasing rib pattern. It's not even knitted in the round, just back and forth for 34". I made it in a basic brown, so i could wear it to school with just about anything...

I know that Loops carries the magazine, not to enable anyone or anything....

Ruffly Scarf: My Genius Knitting Friend Janine

2010-12-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

I consider my sewing skills to be quite adequate. It has taken me a long time to get where I can "see" how to make something without a pattern.

However, my knitting skills are not there yet. I am a slave to the pattern. I meticulously keep track of where i am on my project. Usually, i pick something that I can easily keep track of or memorize.

Not Janine. She is a knitting genius. She can look at a sweater and say, "I can make that. It's just short rows here...cable there..." Janine noticed that ruffly scarves are everywhere. She came across one in a knitting book and "dreamed" up a recipe to make the scarf. Over Thanksgiving, I asked about her pattern for this lovely scarf. And she just said, "oh, it's just a recipe, I haven't written it down yet." She showed me how, and it is easy! Here's my scarf:

It does require "short rows," but, it is so awesome! Just 2 skeins of a nice worsted weight. Want to know more, you must message her on Ravelry. She's janineknits. If you can find her, find me: sewsarah.

Buy Local: The Vintage Pearl

2010-12-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

The Vintage Pearl is my new favorite place for hand-stamped jewelry. Rich and I ordered two necklaces for our 10 year anniversary and they are really special. Here's mine, taken shortly after I picked it up at the store:

It's called "The Family Nest." The artists design your little tree with a bird for each member of your family. Then they hand-stamp your names along the bottom. It comes with a sterling silver chain and a little pearl charm. It's my new favorite, everyday necklace. Here's a picture from their website:

Rich bought a dog-tag with all of our names on it. I think it's neat that he wears it everyday, under his work clothes. I love that boy, but I digress. Here's an example, also from their website.

Here are some other favorites that I would like to order next:

Right now, they are having a $50 gift certificate giveaway. Please go check out their blog and join in the fun.

Fast Holiday Ornaments

2010-12-06T19:39:00.001-08:00

When Vincent was about 2 or 3, I made ornaments out of Model Magic and with some encouragement, he painted them. They turned out really cute and we still have one on our fridge. His little sister, Ava, is a little more interested in coloring, so I found this ornament tutorial and changed it slightly. Thanks Kristi, from OCD: obsessive crafting disorder!

Step 1: Use a large coffee cup to trace large circles. Draw a holiday picture for your favorite 2 year old to color.

2. Scan your artwork and print using printer-friendly fabric sheets. I found some at Joann's. They are super cheap with that 40% coupon.

3. Cut out sheets and iron to a coordinating felt. I thought the pink goes great with that light green felt.

4. Create a border by cutting out a slightly larger piece of felt. I used some glittery white felt from Joann's in the remnant section. You should check that section each time you go in!

5. Sew a zig-zag or running stitch around the edge of the green. Cut a small hole in the corner, thread your ribbon and you are done!

These can be gift-tags also!

Quick Gift Idea: T-Shirt Scarf

2010-12-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

This is such a quick gift. I learned this from Disney at Ruffles and Stuff. Couldn't find the tutorial, but if you can sew a straight line, you can make this scarf.

1. Cut 4" squares from your old t-shirts. It helps to have the same color family.

2. Overlapping the squares, sew a zig-zag down the middle of the squares. Your are sewing the squares on a diagonal.

3. Keep going until the scarf is the length you need. Three medium sized t-shirts will make almost 2 scarves.

Now, go get started!

My Holiday Wish List: A Meme

2010-12-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme
TodaysMama (link to: http://bit.ly/tmwishlist) and GameStop (link to:http://bit.ly/gamestop10) are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? For everyone to stay healthy through the winter season.

2. What is your Christmas morning / Hanukkah Nightly tradition? Christmas morning, after we have looked at all the awesomeness Santa brought us, someone finds the "Christmas Pickle" ornament and they get to open the first gift. Then we take turns wearing a Suess-style Santa hat and passing out presents from our family.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? I would ask for a spinning wheel so I can spin all of my wool fiber faster!

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? I do LOTS and LOTS of baking for my family and friends.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? We played Pac-Man and Space Invaders for video games, but our favorites were board games: Connect 4, monopoly, LIFE

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? Keeping the tree up through the new year.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas/Hanukkah-away-from-home trip? I would go to any warm and sunny place!

8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year? A new DSi for me and Vincent, XBox Kinect and that Scribblenaut game for DS!

Christmas Card 2010

2010-11-30T04:57:00.001-08:00

Snowflake Wishes Christmas Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Shutterfly Offer: Free Cards to Bloggers

2010-11-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

Hey there, did you know that Shutterfly is offering 50 free holiday cards, just for bloggers? You can find more details here.

I'm very partial to Shutterfly. I began using this photo printing/sharing site when Vincent was in preschool. I like the way that you can organize your precious photos in many different ways. You can even create a photo sharing site for family. My sister-in-law did that so that all of her wedding pictures could be shared at a single site.

In the past, I have ordered Shutterfly's photos, magnets, and cards. Two years ago I worked with my other sister-in-law Katie to create a special "Grammy" book for a Christmas present. It is a special gift that our kids like to look at when they visit.

I have been thrilled with every order. The delivery time is quick and you have many options for shipping if you need it sooner. Here are some links to help you get started:

Christmas Cards

Photo Holiday Cards

Personalized Photo Mugs

I think my favorite is the Top 10 Moments Christmas Card. We've had a busy year (who hasn't, right?) and this would be cute. Or, I also like the Naughty or Nice? card.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on those holiday cards today!

Rosey Little Bee Quilt Block

2010-09-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

About 9 months ago, I joined a virtual quilting bee organized by Jennifer Smith of Rosey Little Things. Naturally, we are called Rosey Little Bee. We have been super busy making all kinds of blocks: wonky houses, pinwheels, crosses to name just a few.

I have known all year which fabric I wanted to use. It's call "Eyes Wide Shut" and I bought it about 5 years ago when I worked at a quilt shop. It reminds me of everything that is an Oklahoma summer: HEAT. There's a lovely combination of teal, plum, gold, lime, forest green, and of course, a reddish-orange.

At first, I wanted to make a spider web block. But I found the perfect block: Little Miss Shabby's scrapbusting block! It uses all these tiny 1.5" squares that you sew borders around and around. I chose it because I'm still looking for that "perfect" 1/4" seam allowance quilters use. The directions ask for a "scant" 1/4" seam: not sure exactly what that is, but I tried to make my seams as tiny as possible.

I'm planning to sew a border around all the squares so hopefully, I'll have a lap-size quilt. The virtual quilting bee world is so inspiring! It's AMAZING what these women can do. I'm glad that quilting has become an acceptable form of self expression. Right now, there appears to be a resurgence in traditional blocks with updated color.

Time for me to pull out my vintage quilting books!

Baby Clothes Quilt Along

2010-08-29T08:23:00.001-07:00

Bethany at Vermillion Rules is hosting a new kind of quilt-along: quilts from baby clothes. I've made several basic ones before and am going to participate to possibly learn a new pattern. Here are the ones I've made for friends:

Join me - time to get some quilts made from those sweet baby clothes!

WHOOO are You?

2010-08-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

My classroom theme this year is owls. Every year my class t-shirt uses a very studious owl with the phrase "Caution: Curious Minds at Work." Of course, my class had to have their own owl to be our mascot. I think my students have named him "Hooty" which suits me fine. We pass Hooty each morning as we answer our "question of the day." It helps us stay on track and listen to the person who is sharing.

Inspired by PotteryBarn owls in their catalog, I researched free patterns and one night, late at night, I made almost 8 of them - assembly-line style in my dining room. Here are some of my free patterns:

Modern Mind, Vintage Heart

One Red Robin

My Tiny Star

Toad's Treasures

Each owl definitely has their own personality. I made one for a teacher friend for her class and then a few other teachers just HAD to have one for their class. I even sent some to Kate's little kiddos.

I admit, after making 8 of them, I'm a little done with owls for a while. But message me if you simply MUST have them. Each one is different, so you'll have to trust the process.....

Sew-Liberated Jersey Skirt

2010-08-21T18:49:00.001-07:00

Jersey skirt
Originally uploaded by sdchimblo

One of my goals this summer was to update my work wardrobe into wearable, but stylish pieces. I teach first grade, which means that my students can be icky at times and in other times, come at me with markers.

This came from Meg McElwee's Sew Liberated book. When this book came in the mail, I immediately chose this project. Knit skirts, or yoga skirts, are super easy to make. Measure your waist, cut the skirt out at a diagonal, sew and you're done.

What makes this skirt go from "drab to fab" is the reverse applique. That takes a bit of a leap of faith for me. i've appliqued, but not like this. In fact, I messed up. Below is what happens when you get in a hurry and don't make sure that your fabric is in the right place BEFORE you sew:

See the holes? Ewww!

So what can you do when there's 2 holes in your skirt? You cover it up with another type of applique! I used heat n'bond lite and then sewed around it to give it a more finished look.

I think it's wearable-to-work..

I won! And Someone You Should Know

2010-06-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I won my first giveaway - just by following her blog! Marcia of "Oh, Cock!" is a new blogger, like myself. She sews these cool wristlets as well as creates beautiful mixed media pieces and t-shirts. She's a mommy, negotiating the ever chaotic world of babies and finding balance in her work as artist, wife and mommy. I look forward to reading about her adventures from all the way in New Hampshire, and you should too!

Hats for Beth

2010-06-18T07:25:00.001-07:00

Beth and I have been friends for about 4 years. When you meet her, you are immediately at ease and know that she is someone who cares deeply about her family and friends. The plans she makes for her kids' birthdays are absolutely amazing. I am so lucky that she lives just around the corner from me. Last summer, we walked with our youngest kiddos in the evening and her sense of humor is contagious.

She also is an amazing photographer and the scrapbook queen! She has all the latest tools and I can sit at her house and scrapbook for hours....

Why am I telling you this?? Well, in January, Beth had a massive brain hemorrhage at age 36 and had several surgeries to repair the damage. She has been in a rehabilitation facility since and is coming home today. I am so proud of her. Throughout this journey, she has been surrounded with thoughts and prayers and I think because of that and her strong will to work through this, she is coming home today.

Since her surgery to put a plate in her head, she is somewhat bald again and is requesting that me and my friend Janine make hats for her in pink. I've always thought that it is important to "think global, act local" and this one service project we can do together. I am opening up the opportunity to you. If you sew, crochet, knit, whatever. Please make a pink hat for our dear friend. Because "Pink is Cool."

Message me if you want to participate. I want to overwhelm my dear friend with lots and lots of pink hats. Because, she is, well, full of awesome-sauce.

Summer Crafting

2010-06-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted since March? Well, it goes to show that time flies when you are having fun! The end of school is always so stressful to me. Not the beginning of school, that energizes me. I can't stop thinking about all the possibilities of a new start with new kids and this year, I'll be in a different building. So the end of school was spent packing on top of all the other things like grades, projects, etc. WHEW!

So this summer, between soccer camp and professional development activities, I have been crafting. And lots of it: spinning, sewing, quilting, embroidery and (gasp) jewelry making. The next few entries will show pictures of what I've been doing with all this free time. So let's start with ring making, shall we?

I'm making rings. Lots of chunky rings from vintage earrings. These are also called statement rings or cocktail rings. Basically, a large stone, button or vintage earring adhered to a ring blank. Where did I get this idea? From my dad....

Rich and I moved my dad to a "mature adults only" apartment complex a few weeks ago. Let's just say that my dad is anything but "mature" except for his age. He lives under the philosophy that someone will always take care of him and basically lives by the seat of his pants. No money for electricity because he blew it on "other" important entertainment is the life he chooses to live. But I digress...

So while I'm unpacking his randomly packed boxes, I come what's left of my Mamaw's jewelry. I pilfered some of that jewelry and turned it into rings.

After I figured out how to clip the wires and take the earring back off, I went a little obsessive about this little project, stalked an estate sale and made some more that are available in my little shop. I got lots of compliments about the one above. It's neat to take something and update it into something new! Have you tried that?

Wonder Pets, Wonder Pets, We're On Our Way!

2010-03-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

For Ava's 2nd birthday, I decided to go with Wonder Pets, since, she loves singing the theme song so much and LOVES Ming-Ming, the girl duckling. Apparently we missed the Wonder Pets flyboat, because I couldn't find Wonder Pets gear anywhere. I had to order some fromBirthdayExpress: the usual napkins, plates, cupcake rings and treats.

I am a an over-the-top homemade birthday kind of mom. Vincent's first 4 birthday parties were AWEsome. We did Blue's Clues, Jack's Big Music Show, Shrek. I really enjoy the theme planning, invitations, games, snacks. It's ALL fun for me. But, with the economy being well, crummy, right now, we had to tone it down a bit. So my daughter got a little less bling, but it was just right.

For the snacks, I made devil's food cake cupcakes with white icing. That's a big deal at our house. You must have WHITE icing with chocolate cake. We also had ants on a log - because everyone knows that after they save the animals, they celebrate with celery.

This week, she knew there was something special going called her birthday. She kept saying, "happy" and we would answer with "birthday" and she would grin from ear to ear. At her party today, when she saw her presents, she wanted right away to start opening them.

For her outfit, I made an applique for her shirt and I found this birthday party for my inspiration on her cape and other things. It was just a wonder-filled day! There were so many little moments where she would look at Rich or me and just give us a special smile.

I love that kid.

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-03-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

2 weeks have gone by since I've weighed, and I've gained the 2 pounds back. Problem is, it is that time of the month for me and I know I retain water. I'm continuing the habit of fruits/veggies, walking or running 6X per week and I can tell that my belleh is flatter and my legs are firmer. I'm getting my runner legs back! Yay!

So, I'm continuing the same with the understanding that I may not lose 15 pounds, but I'll definitely be a size smaller.

Weight Loss Wednesday, uh Thursday

2010-03-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

I lost another pound, down to 133! But as I write this, I am hungry. Still working on increasing fruits and veggies and I am exercising 6/7 days a week. My cyst came back on my right foot and it's bugging me when I run, so I'm calling my doctor to see what I can do about it.

Does anybody know what triggers ganglion cysts?

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-03-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

Weight: 135 and holding.

You know hormones can wreck havoc on weight loss and last week was not pretty due to all things associated with monthly cycles. But, I am at 5.5-5.7 running on the treadmill comfortably. My friends are noticing that clothes are getting loose, so I'll take the unchanged weight for this week.

Maybe I'm losing fat and making muscle.

Inches Left

2010-02-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

Inspired by YarnHarlot's recent post on her Knitting Olympics, here is my progress so far:

I'm rounding the last part of my 2nd baby kimono for my Knitting Olympics. I'm thinking I have this in the bag, only the right front left and now I have this problem:

I ran out of yarn.

This the second time I've had this problem. And, it was with the FIRST baby kimono. My knitting friends say it is not stash enhancing if you are finishing a project, but I feel like I'm failing in some aspect of stash-busting. I'm committing to working through my stash, but it is getting slightly bigger with every project by a skein or 2.

Poor planning? Maybe I need help with planning out the project. Conspiracy to keep yarn addicts buying? Probably.

So you can find me at LOOPS this afternoon, buying more Be Sweet Bamboo in sea green. And my friends better not sabotage me by getting the 3 skeins. I know who you are.

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-02-24T04:18:00.001-08:00

WOW! I just checked last Wednesday (137) and with today's weigh in I'm 135. So 2 pounds gone.

Out of here.

Last night I was seriously contemplating what I was going to do if the scale did not move, but I'm happy with 2 pounds. That's a healthy amount to lose in a week. Here's how I did it:

I exercised 6 out of 7 days. I mixed it up with walking and running, but did a minimal of 30 minutes per day.
I drastically cut down on the junk food. If I ate something sugary sweet, it was a bite and that was all.
I made one of my meals a fruit/veggie smoothie in some way. You can google "raw food" and will find lots of information out there. Right now with the weather being so wintry, I can only do one meal as a smoothie.
I logged what I ate daily using SparkPeople on my phone.

So here's to continuing making progress instead of planning my sabotage.

Movies That are Fun, even on Cable TV

2010-02-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about the movies I will watch on cable.

1. Steel Magnolias - there are so many lines in that movie that remind me of my grandmother, great aunt and yes, my mom. She IS Sally Field's character. I cry every time at Shelby's funeral.

2. The Green Mile - Although the plot revolves around a gruesome murder and the most of the movie takes place in the death row of a penitentiary, I really enjoy the watching the interactions between the guards and inmates. Even bad guys can still care about each other.

3. Fried Green Tomatoes - Another film with powerful female characters and about the nature of human beings.

4. The Breakfast Club - Reminds me tragically of high school. Everyone of us is a nerd, a prep, a jock, a psycho, whatever. It's true and sad that high school can feel like that sometimes.

5. Mean Girls - It's an updated version of Heathers to me. I think I enjoy the movie because it reminds me of my job at times and how ridiculous keeping female friendships can be. I want to read the book it's based on "Queen Bees and Wanna-be's." I love Tina Fey's interpretation of the book...

6. The Notebook - a hopelessly romantic film, about a girl and a boy and their love story. The first time I watched it was around the death of my great-aunt, Mimi. She had Alzheimer's, dementia, whatever-you-want-to-call-it and it was so sad to see her die that way. I bawled and bawled and bawled - I still miss her.

7. Chocolat - I think it would be fun to own a chocolatier in France (during Lent, of course) and wear amazing clothes and red shoes. It would be fun to be the mom that is not like any others. Especially if Johnny Depp was my love interest. Wow.

8. Along Came Polly - Sometimes I think I'm Polly and Rich is Reuben at times. We have different ways of thinking about things at times, but it works for us!

9. Parenthood - Another movie set in the 80's about parenting. This movie gets me all nostalgic about the circle of life and how we are just really trying to do what's best with the people we love and sometimes that gets messy.

10. Walk the Line - I'm a closet Johnny Cash fan and I think Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon did a fanastic job in their portrayal. Another love story about two people finding each other...

What's your favorite movies you'll watch when flipping channels???

Olympic Knitting

2010-02-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yarn Harlot started the Knitting Olympics a few years ago to challenge knitters to complete a project within the 2 weeks Olympic Games. The idea is for you to do something "Citius, Altius, Fortius" or "Faster, Higher, Stronger." If you finish your goal, whatever that is, you get a gold medal banner to put on your blog, etc as a reminder of that feat. If you belong to Ravelry, then there are teams and everything. Yarn Harlot keeps her Olympics separate. Ravelry is a whole other ball game. It's a little overwhelming....

This month has proven to be a hectic one, especially in the work area of my life, so I decided to work on the "faster" aspect of my knitting. My goal is to complete 2 "heart-breakingly cute" baby kimonos out of some cotton that's been hanging around my stash. The pattern is done is one piece, with minimal stitching to complete. It's like you are going along in your stockinette stitch or garter and voila! it's done! Here is my progress so far:

This is just after one weekend of the Olympics. But all Olympics have some disappointment and mine is not immune. I. ran. out. of. yarn. Seriously. And not only that, but I have 3/4 of one kimono done, so I have to go to the store to get something that might work. I'm thinking blue, white or tan - keeping it simple. If I can't find a coordinating color, I know, I can find white somewhere.

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-02-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

137. I indulged in a lot of sweets over the weekend. But here is my saving grace: a brand new treadmill. Yes, I have found my running mojo in the form of a new treadmill. If you know my husband, it will do the basics, plus more so now there are no excuses.

This morning I cranked it up to 12mph and thought "this feels ok - I'm waking up." I remember in the not so distant past when 5.0 on the treadmill was a talking pace for me and let's just say that is not the case now.

I have faith it will soon. I'm running a 1/2 marathon with my baby sister in May, it better. She's telling me she's running a 9 minute mile.

I may have to tell her to meet me at the finish line.

Valentine's Day Crafting 2010

2010-02-15T10:30:00.001-08:00

I'm now into month 2 of my sock de-stashing. Janine mentioned making a X's and O's cable pattern for February socks? To which I whined, err replied, "I don't know how to cable." So as any enabling and helpful friend would do, she sent me several patterns that explained the mystery of that cable. And of course, I obliged and thought, "Why haven't I ever done this before? Easy!" So 2, yes 2, of these hats were made in a bright Valentine-y red:
One for Miss Ava and one for her cousin Bella, who at this moment, is snowed in New Jersey. They probably have dug out of it by now, being that the east coast is used to that kind of weather.Valentine's Day also brought, if early and FIRST, some wonderful blush roses brought by my partner in crime, Rich. Work has been albeit interesting lately, and he is so thoughtful. We celebrated Valentine's Day with some excellent steak (and butter sauce) Thursday.

Later that weekend, we went shopping for a treadmill and since then have been rearranging the office/game room to make room. I think there will be less steak in our future. I told him that we should both be totally ready for summer if we buy one. No excuses.

Pass the pizza and the Dr. Pepper! (just joking, of course)

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-02-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

136 again. I'm still cheating. Yesterday was a little rough around the edges and involved pizza and chocolate.

Good news: Rich is considering getting a treadmill for the office. I'm slightly concerned about how it will fit with the drum kit, small couch and video games. If we buy one, there will be no more excuses about the weather and that would be a good thing.

Anybody else have a treadmill? Is it like a boat? The best day is when you get rid of it?

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-02-03T04:51:00.000-08:00

So in a week I've lost 3 pounds. Down from 139 to 136 again. During our latest ice/snow storm, Rich and I did a little (ok, maybe more than that) cheating in the form of dark chocolate and junk food. We are back on track again.

I've been reading a lot from Michael Pollan lately. He's a journalist turned food activist who has done extensive research on where our American food comes from. His latest book is a compilation of his other 3: Food Rules - An Eater's Manual. One of the tips encourages you to eat a meal that is no bigger than 2 fists put together. Go ahead. Take a look at your two fists. If you are petite like me, that's not a lot of food. So I'm implementing that this month.

Did you know that it takes burning 3500 calories to lose 1 pound? I heard that today on NPR as I was driving to the gym. Kind of puts it in perspective that you really have to eat less and exercise more to create that deficit in order to lose weight. You have to feel a little hungry. Not ravenous - I - will - eat - my - first- born, just slightly hungry.

Speaking of, I burned 451 calories on the elliptical in 45 minutes. I'm working toward that 3500 calorie goal this week.

The Plan 2010: How's It Going?

2010-01-31T11:41:00.001-08:00

Hi from snowy Tulsa. My 8 year old is wishing for another snow day and at the moment, I'm about 50/50 at the possibility. The roads outside the neighborhood are clear, but the neighborhoods are pretty icy. This has given me plenty opportunity to think about how THE PLAN is taking shape for 2010.

Health: Lose the last 15 pregnancy pounds. So far, that is not happening for me. In fact, I've gained 2 pounds. For February, I'm going to increase the intensity of my workouts and really focus on my fruit/vegetable intake for the day. I'm also going to cut out unnecessarycarbs/sweets and see if that helps the number on the scale. By workouts, I'm going to work my way up to running a 10 minute mile non-stop and continue with interval sets of abs and arm work.

Personal:

A co-worker returns February 4th and I'm going to focus this month on remaining positive and secure in my other relationships that I've built while she was gone.
Money-wise, my goal was to keep my credit card statement under $1000. Although that did not happen (read: snow/ice storm and poor planning) I'm going to work on that for the month of February.
Knitting-wise, my goal is to knit a pair of socks per month, which I did thank you very much. I'm already planning some February socks and here are January's:
On the marriage side, I'm going to find a place to wear those sexy-mama shoes I bought at Ross a few weeks ago. Aren't these full of the AWESOME?

My knitting friends say I need to just wear the shoes and that's all...something to consider...

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-01-27T04:18:00.001-08:00

136.5 still.

This is after exercising 6x in 10 days (400 calories each time) and eating a 1300 calories/day diet.

But there was one mess up: Saturday night I had a few drinks before and after my employee banquet. I think that is why my weight-loss is unchanged. I spent a few days recovering from that.

So I guess it's true that you can have your wine and be skinny too.

Where's Your Skinny Pictures?

2010-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

me and Vincent in 2006

Can't find your skinny pictures? You have 2 choices:

1. Give up and continue eating in your same pattern, hoping for different results.

2. Get going and start eating/exercising for living and make some more skinny pictures!

So, I was looking for some inspiration pictures for my fridge and phone and could not find them anywhere. I think they were taken pre-digital camera. I know that I was my fittest when I ran a 1/2 marathon with my sis-in-law Teal.

So I have recommitted to eating better even more. Here's what i've been doing this week:

1. Eating raw or juicing for at least one meal and snacks.

2. Drinking my weight in ounces of water minimally daily.

People who are involved with the whole raw food movement are so very helpful in getting newbies started. I found Penni Shelton of Real Food Tulsa last summer and signed up to be one of her guinea pigs for this book that she was writing. So for 10 weeks I focused on eating mostly raw fruit/veggies and dairy. At the end of the 10 weeks, I lost about 6 pounds, even with not going completely raw for the 10 weeks. In those weeks, I tried raw milk and cheese, a little drink called Kombucha, ate many fruits and veggies and had a much tighter, flatter stomach. Going through the 10 weeks helped me get back to eating real food again and helped me tame the sugar beast again.

Her book, Raw Food Cleanse: Restore Health and Lose Weight by Eating Delicious, All-Natural Foods - Instead of Starving Yourself, is a great introduction and testimony to how changing your eating habits, even a little bit, can help you become a healthier you. It's available per Amazon. She also has a network devoted to the raw food lifestyle, if you are interested.

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-01-20T04:05:00.000-08:00

Yay! I lost 1 pound despite drinking a scotch and/or wine for a week with my in-laws this week. I know many of you are thinking, yeah, that's water weight, but I'll take it. While they were here, I managed to sometimes limit portions and eat vegetarian when I could. And I walked with Rianne. I wish Rianne could be my personal trainer. She has so much willpower and she walks so fast my shins hurt afterward.

We celebrated Vincent's 8th birthday? It's crazy how he just keeps getting older and more mature. I still remember him as my baby.

I did manage to eat a piece of his birthday cake and then take 8 2nd graders to a place called Incredible Pizza.

Weight Loss Wednesday

2010-01-13T04:02:00.001-08:00

Back in the saddle again with Jen from Rosey Little Things for Weight Loss Wednesday. I would like to say that I lost 2 pounds, but i haven't and here's why: schedule problems. Since Ava almost 2 years ago, I have been unable (or unwilling) to get up at 5am to go run. It's like something has switched off in my brain. Maybe it's the cold temperatures, school looming, I don't know. Pre-Ava I could get up at 4:30, wake up sufficiently and then go workout, no problems. I've been getting up about 5:30 and have not made it past my cup o'tea. So, because that's not working, I'm going to have to suck it up and go from school to the Y for my runs. That also means that my kids are going to have spend another hour somewhere else so that their momma can get a workout in. OR I'll get everyone fed, bathed and put to bed and THEN I'll go.

Diet wise, I've cut back on all the overindulgences of the holiday season, but I haven't cut it out entirely. I'm still eating a little bite of chocolate chip cookies here, and a little of the kids' dinner here.

Goals next week are to actually run 3x and to cut the food impeding my goals. Maybe then I'll be a little lighter next week.

Progress on My Sock Goal

2010-01-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have started the pair of socks for January 4 TIMES! Yes, I started one pair twice on size 1's, frogged, and started another pair on size 3's twice. I'm trying this Duckies pattern and needed to change the pattern because, alas dear reader, I am not a size 9 but a size 7. The yarn isYarnPirate BFL in crocus or something like that. Not my usual colors of bright and brighter, but it's turning out nice.

On to the second one. I've heard of sock knitters not making the same sock twice, choosing a different pattern and then calling the socks fraternal or something like that. I think I'll have to do that for a pair I started like a year ago and can't remember the pattern or the how many I cast on. Is that bad?

Love Your Stash in 2010

2010-01-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

Well for the first half of today I have cleaned/straightened the kids' bathroom, my bathroom, the kitchen drawers and cabinets and while I was doing that I thought about my plan for 2010. So here are my crafting goals for 2010:

1. Finish quilts. I have 4 quilts on my shelf in one stage of "almost finished" or another.

2. Knit a pair of socks a month, either for myself or someone. I can't believe I have enough yarn for 12 pairs of socks. I have some great sock patterns too, and a book I haven't even tried on knitting 2 socks at one time.

3. Work on my first embroidery project designed by myself. My great aunt, Mimi, had an embroidered cross-stitch sampler in her kitchen that read, "No matter where I serve my guests, they always like my kitchen best." It was so true of her! Whenever we visited, we would sit for hours in her kitchen just talking about family stories. Sometimes, this happened at 5 o'clock in the morning too, as she and Pop got up for breakfast (an a cigarette, lots of them) at that time. i have so many great memories of her and want to preserve them by hanging the same saying in my own kitchen.

4. Catch up on scrapbooking. I need to make some decisions about whether 2010 will be my last year of traditional scrapbooking or not. Although I love to scrapbook, the digital versions are so much easier and they cost less in time and money. And, that would clear off a large part of the craft closet.

All of these resolutions will help me really start to work on my craft stash. Eventually, I will need to make more decisions about the kind of fiber I want to work with as an artist because Ava will need her closet more and more as she grows up.

What are your crafting resolutions for 2010??

Hot Loops Party Plans and oh yeah, my stash

2009-09-17T11:12:00.001-07:00

The Hot Loops Party was awesome! I bought a couple of patterns to use with stash yarn. Both patterns are for short-waisted people. Many hand-knit sweaters/jackets/whatever are made for people who are long waisted. So more pictures as they come out. I also bought some amazing bamboo cotton, handpainted yarn and other yumminess.

The pink/red/green actually has REAL sterling silver flicks in it! Awesome! I'm thinking about making Miss Ava a Christmas shrug out of it. Or at least I can make 2 hats, 1 for Bella and 1 for Ava.

So I'm on a roll to finish up some projects to get started on the new yarny goodness.

Above is a basketweave blanket from Encore. So easy, the pattern states that it is an 8-hour project, but It's more like 12 hours. The blanket is knit on size 13 needles, which takes some wrangling when you are knitting with basically large sticks. I have plans to make another one from this creamy colored boucle':

Janine, Britt and I have decided to call all yarn from the yarn estate sale a few months ago "murder house" yarn. It may sound melodramatic, but the front of this lady's house looked like a very bad horror movie. Add that to the fact that inside, there was yarn from floor to ceiling. Of course this decision making came from a conversation at Loops over pomegranate martinis. Janine also wants to design her own yarn and call it "murder-house" yarn. Can you hear some of the colors: vampire red, boo black, Kreuger orange? (hey, I teach first grade here, I know these are mildly scary names for yarn)

I must take a picture of Janine's cardi she made from the, ahem, murder-house yarn. It's a lacy leaf sleeve and just open in the front. Turned out great! And she's going to teach me how to make one!

Memory Quilts 101

2009-09-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

First, you take some of these adorable baby clothes.

Cut and line with interfacing...

Carefully decide placement of the squares and then go shopping for fabric for the sashing, binding and back (my favorite part - I LOVE taking a quilt shopping!)

Quilt-in-the-ditch with hand-stitched binding and you have....

a memory quilt is born!

Weight Loss Wednesday

2009-09-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

I got on the scale today and surprisingly, i lost 1/2 pound. I'll take it. Labor Day weekend was an unhealthy food weekend for me. I'm working at eating more fruit/veggies and a lower-gluten diet.

I need suggestions for gluten-free that tastes good for my family. When I bake things with high fiber grains, they tend to turn up their nose. Suggestions?

Memory Quilts

2009-09-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

This memory quilt was made for Angie out of her oldest's baby clothes. Most of them were onesies. I cut 2 5" squares and then sewed them so that none of the matching squares were next to each other. Add a border, machine quilt and bind!

Baby Goodness!

2009-09-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

As I was cleaning the craft closet, I found some more unfinished objects. Here they are finished:

Baby things are another way to really work your stash. Babies don't require a lot of yardage and they look cute in any color! Mommies can never have too many burp clothes or blankets or onesies. I have some more onesies to embroider - I use many of Sublime Stiching's patterns or I use them for inspiration.

I LOVE Dishcloth Cotton!

2009-09-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

Dishcloth cotton comes is a staple of my stash. It's worsted weight and knits up on size 7 needles. When I want a project that I can see results fast (read: unlike socks), I head to the cotton shelf. It's blogged by other knitters also: Mason Dixon Knitting and The Purl Bee to name a few.

I give you a log cabin washcloth:

You can find the directions from Purl Bee. Just 4 skeins of cotton makes 4 different ones. I'm on my 2nd in about 3 days. Told ya it was fast!

Weight Loss Wednesday

2009-09-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

I'm joining a few other crafty moms in trying to lose those last preggy pounds. Rosey Things has started this Weight Loss Wednesday where we write about what weight we've lost, if any, and what we've done differently to lose that weight.

Well, this week I gained a 1/2 pound and I know why. I've strayed from my mostly fruit/veggies/whole grain lifestyle. I ate out this week and didn't watch what I was eating. So back to the healthier choices for me. I'll have some more green smoothies, and I love this smoothie with 1 banana, 1/2 c. pineapple, 1 orange and 1 c. almond milk. Yum!

On to more finished projects: I made this scarf from stash acquired at the famous yarn estate sale that was in Tulsa this summer. The cool thing about some of the yarn I bought is that some of it doesn't have a label. This means that you MUST knit a gauge swatch in order to make something look right. But, that said, when you are making scarves, most of the of the time, I say gauge, schmauge!

It's a plain, old, nubby garter stitch, back and forth for miles and miles (ok, only 65 inches - I'm a little on the short side). I finished it off to prepare for my class this Sunday. I'm going to "on-purpose" create a scarf with sock yarn that has holes in it! I figured, I have the sock yarn, let's give it a go. It's gorgeous and I'll keep you posted...

I think I need a digital camera, the indoor pictures from my iphone are not doing anything justice. Any suggestions for cheap, basic camera??

A red scarf and more

2009-08-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: The pictures in this post are a little fuzzy b/c my camera is broken and I'm trying to make due with my iphone.

In 3 days, I created this scarf from 101 Designer One Skein Wonders. It's called the Smock-a-Ruche. This is for the Liz Logelin Foundation silent auction. I think this comes from Matt's blog: Life. Death. All in one day and then what happened. Basically Matt and Liz had a baby about the same day I had Ava. I was walking around the next day feeling great. Except for when Liz stood up to go see her baby in the nursery, she collapsed and died. I can't even imagine all that Matt has gone through and to tell the truth, I haven't met him. But one thing's for sure, he is an outstanding human being to be able to start a foundation in his wife's honor. I can't imagine life without Rich.

My friends have been requesting purses, so this weekend I cranked out a few of them. I even cut out a diaper bag and started a baby layette.

On a healthier note,

Also I made some healthier cinnamon muffins and bought teff flour. Apparently, it is a great flour that can be used to make Ethiopian flatbreads. Rich and I are working on eating tons more fresh produce and whole grains. He is challenging himself to eating only produce, some dairy and some grains. I'm challenging myself to 2 green smoothies minimal this week and exercising 3 days minimal.

More pictures of baby stuff later this week.

Mitered Square Quilt

2009-07-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

This mitered square quilt comes from an idea in my head when I saw mitered square patterns in knitting and quilting. I'm super proud of it because it is my own idea all the way through. I collected the stripes for a year or so. I learned quickly that in order for the squares to work, you must have a reasonably repeated stripe fabric.

For the quilting I used a variegated perle cotton and just meandered around in curvy lines. The binding is going to be a orange dot print. For good measure, I intend on quilting around the squares in black if I get to it before school starts.

I did have a bit of trouble with the borders. The top and bottom are wavy and I'm not sure why. It may be that I pulled too much on the fabric as I was sewing. I've thought about ripping it back and I'm still thinking. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I have not patience for ripping back for knitting or ripping seams for sewing. It annoys me.

Yarny Goodness

2009-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I've been stash-enhancing a little bit. I went to this yarn estate sale and this is what I bought:

Now, some is for my little sister Jill and some for my big sister Teal. It was CRAZY going to this lady's house and finding it full of yarn, basically from top to bottom. Her home was about 900 square feet and it was full! All kind of textures, brands, content. I bought some thick/thin rayon/cotton and mostly green or purple silk. Some of it is silk blends. But silk yarn at $1.75/pound is amazing.

Working on an extra long garter stitch scarf for the fall. And then Janine recommended that I make a "whisper" sweater out of the green silk. It's a vine-stitch pattern and then you add ribbing. I need to ravelry it so I can see gauge, etc.

I went to Fiber Christmas in July in Kellyville, OK. The same yarn lady was there and so were tons of batts and fibers of all sorts. For volunteering some of my little bags, the coordinator gave me some of her batts:

Since it was cash or check only, I had a bit of problem buying anything. But Janine to the rescue! In exchange for making her a project bag, she bought two of the things I was eyeing:

The batting on the right is a wool/mohair blend in hot pink/orange/yellow. The drop spindle basically is the same colorway and so light. My complaint about the homemade one is that it's sort of heavy.

Here's hoping that I'll get some laundry folded and then I can try out the new spindle. Going to go catch Ava!

Bibs and Bags and More!

2009-07-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

Even more sewing coming from the machine! I unearthed these bibs from my to-do pile and whipped them out. Well, whipped is not the word. It's hard wrangling bias tape around curves. And so no more baby shower bibs for me....I may even venture to say I'll stick with embellishing onesies. It's quick and painless and doesn't require the sewing maching.

Also, I'm still on a bag frenzy - I've cut out 2 more bags for my friends and recently gave this one to Beth.

My taxi tote is floppier b/c I didn't put interfacing in it. I like the stiffness of this one. What is it about purses?? I'm sort of a bag/purse/tote whore. I have made many for myself, experimenting with different colors/shapes/sizes. There is just something about bags...They are so easy to make and fun to embellish. And right now, I need a bigger purse instead of a purse and a diaper bag. I hate carrying a purse for me and a diaper bag. Add that and a baby and my body gets worn out fast. And there's also the octopus look.

Baby, Oh Baby Projects

2009-07-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

For Kate's baby girl Em, I made this sweet pink jacket and matching onesie. The jacket is a vintage reprint of a McCall's pattern. It called for ties, but I thought the frog closures would be cuter. I "fussy-cut" flowers to blanket stitch to the onesie.

So dragging out the sewing machine helped me rediscover my stash. I also made a tote bag from Anna Maria Horner's book "Seams to Me." I've cut out 2 more of them for friends who are like, "I want one!"

In the works is a baby quilt. I was a little rusty at binding. I cut the binding width too short and so I'm wrangling it to "make it work." So instead of entering it at the fair, I may just give it away to Catholic Charities. Also, my mom's has a friend who's daughter is pregnant and will need lots of stuff.

So it's chess camp this week in Owasso. Ava and I are going to window-shop or go have a snack somewhere. It's HOT here in Oklahoma and outside is not an option.

Sewing Mojo up and running

2009-06-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

I was seriously concerned about the lack of creative sewing I've done with my sewing machine. Little did I know, but all it took was the simple act of taking it out of Ava's closet. Now, it sits patiently side by side with Rich's Memoir '44 game. But I have plans, ha, ha, ha!

Last night, after a fun-filled day in 103 degree weather with 2 kiddos, I dragged it out and started to work. I made a fun jacket for Kate's little one - can't post it yet, I want it to be a surprise. Then BOOM, with that little project finished, the creative juices started to flow. Now, I have cut out a new bag, and 2 coat jacket bags.

Does that look like the sleeve of a jacket? Why yes, dear reader, it is! The lining of my new bag is made of an old early 90's GAP jacket and I used the sleeves to make little bags. The little bags are not for me though, maybe I can sell them or something. Maybe my knitting friends can use them to hold their notions. The purse is from Anna Maria Horner's book "Seams to Me". The coat sleeve bag is from Last Minute Fabric Gifts. I've had both books for a few years and just now have some time to work from them. There are some CUTE projects in both books!

And I'm OBSESSED with this mystery yarn lady who is trying to sell her friend's stash. Like 2500 POUNDS of it. I can only hope that her stash had it's own room or something. I can't imagine what it even looks like. And I thought a closet shelf full of yarn was a problem.....

Father's Day Crafting

2009-06-21T11:49:00.001-07:00

For Father's Day, Rich had a few simple requests: a new picture of the kiddos for work and no BBQ-ing (he's mowing 4 yards while his mom is in NY for a few weeks.). Of course, any holiday is an excuse for crafting something. After ruling out bookmarks, we made this:
Painting is not easy for me, but it works. If you look very closely, you can see Vincent and Ava's handprint. We did this at a playdate at Purple Glaze. But I learned that you can't put light on dark paint. Oh well, Rich is relaxing with the TV after mowing 2 lawns in 90 degree weather. He's a great dad and husband and deserves a little rest and relaxation.

This weekend we went to OKC to see my family which calls for knitting all the way up I-44. What is it that I'm working on?? Another mitered kitchen towel from the Mason-Dixon girls!

This one goes to my dad as a part of his Father's Day gift when it's finished. Well, it's time for Ava's nap, I can hear it from the bedroom....

Embroidery Storm

2009-06-19T12:19:00.001-07:00

After finishing the blooming cotton scarf, I cast on for another ravelry favorite: clapotis. But I got bored with it real fast. I mean, who needs a scarf when it is 95 degrees in the shade in Tulsa? So I moved on to other brighter things, like embroidering this tote from Jenny Hart. Which also prompted me to organize my thread stash by color.

My embroidery thread stash was, in a large part, given to me from friends and family who have given up on embroidery. Halfway through a tv "timeout"at my house and Ava's nap, Vincent informed me that Ava is awake. He said, "she must have heard my stomping." I have this mound of thread to wind on bobbins and continue sorting:

Yeah, right. I think we need to further discuss the importance of napping.

Frogged!

2009-05-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a break from socks. Granted, they are fun, portable and I'm getting pretty savvy at turning that heel. But the bulk of my stash is a DK weight yarn, Peaches and Creme. The ladies of Mason Dixon Knitting enabled me a year ago to buy 4 bags of "dishcloth cotton." In about a week, I whipped up 3 dish towels for my 3 classroom volunteers. Now, using the leftovers, I made one for my own kitchen.

Then I turned to some other DK weight yarn, Cotton Fleece. Ah, I was supposed to use

this yarn to make something for Ava's room. But, then I didn't like how it was looking, so I frogged it. Since then, it has been a coachella, and various hats, and also gifted to my sisters to further enable their knitting obsession. Now, I bring you the beginning of Blooming Cotton Scarf.

I was going along, with this 400 stitch wide scarf, until I noticed that my stitches were twisted. Twisted stitches are the bane of my existence in knitting in the round. I hate it. I hate doing the work to make sure you don't have to redo it again. But, I did and here it is now. It's about half finished. There are supposed to be 14 stripes of colorwork. But at this rate, I think it will be too wide. Being short, I don't want the scarf to take over my head. The jewel tones are pretty!

I have an idea for a purse that repurposes a seersucker suit from the 90's that I've kept for some reason. I'm thinking a bucket style, with some embroidery from jenny hart. Sublime Stitching is what started the whole crafting thing for me. It will probably end up being another knitting bag of sorts or a smaller diaper bag for the lady Ava.

Happy Spring Sewing!

2009-04-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Now that the birthday cake crumbs have settled, aquarium field trip finished, and most everyone is on the mend from a cold, here are some pictures of Ava's summer dresses.

The first dress is one those criss-cross smocks - she might be able to wear it this week, since the weather's supposed to be actually be spring-like and sunny. The middle is a "repurposed" dress shirt from Rich, aka Da...da! The right is a kimono shirt and shorts. I just need to put the buttons on it.

Now for a little heart to heart. Those with more than one child: how do you find time to exercise? Aside from getting up at 5am (crack o'dawn) to go run on the treadmill, when do you work out? I still have the last 15-ish pounds to lose and I tried dieting only. It doesn't work, because eventually, I eat a lot of ice cream. Or chips. Or (gasp!) the cafeteria lunch for the day. In my pre-Ava years, I would work out before I picked Vincent up from day care. Now I feel like there are always piles of something to do + working out. I guess i fell off the bandwagon when I was pregnant and i'm having trouble getting back on. I love my runner's high and miss it greatly. When i exercise i drink more water. My skin looks great, my body is strong. I'm not hungry for cookies or ice cream.

So, my goal this week is to get my rear-end up and just go. Cold or not. Sleepy or not. Hungry or not. Oh yeah and start another pair of socks.

Spring Break Craftiness

2009-03-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

Hospital visits aside, I did get to some sewing during Spring Break. To sum up, I made some gifts for a certain little girl who was born almost a year ago today. I'll be writing about these for a while...so let's get with the pictures!

This is the bunny hat from Susan B. Anderson's Itty Bitty Hats book. It's a basic hat patt

ern and then you divide for the ears. You sew little pleats in the ears to shape them. It's quite easy-peasy. I knit it in one day at the ER.

Here's another hat made the Miss Ava. It is the birthday hat from the same author and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites to make 1 year olds. We'll see how long she wears it, but it will go with her tutu...

I've been thinking a lot about my little girl and how amazing she is. Her birth story is just as amazing. Not to go into too many details, but I was truly empowered by my doctor as she came into the world with very little drugs - no epidural.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, she is the youngest of our family and I think she isn't crawling much because of that. We kept her busy with her toys surrounding her, why would she need to crawl? There goes without saying that the second child gets to hang out a lot more than the first. With Vincent, we were on top of everything, and working constantly with him to make sure he met those monthly guidelines. But with Ava, I slowed down and snuggled and held her more. Knowing she is the last (which is very good), I think I may have inadvertently made her stay a baby longer. But, she isn't much of a baby anymore. She's scooting all over the place and grabbing for everything. I think she wishes she had another arm, so she could carry something and scoot at the same time. Frustration incurs when she wants to carry something and move at the same time. We are working with her legs and encouraging her to put weight on them.

As an experienced mom, I know that she will not nurse until she's 35 (although it feels like it sometimes) and yes, she will walk when she is ready. But for now, I'm savoring the snuggle bunny moments and those coy little smiles:

Spinner-ette!

2009-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

My first handspun! I went to the Tulsa Handspinners Guild meeting and met a bunch of new fiber friends! In about an hour, I spun this little jewel using a low-whorl drop spindle. Don't ask what all of those words mean. I need to buy a spindle and practice more so I can learn the language of spinning.

Don't be alarmed: I'm not, repeat NOT going to buy a spinning wheel. It's a long process to make your own yarn and I am not sure I want to sit still for that long. But, that said, I am knitting socks on toothpicks, so who knows?? It's cool that the same people who spin usually dye their own yarn. Now THAT is interesting.....

I Love Sock Yarn

2009-02-21T05:05:00.000-08:00

So, this is my third pair of socks. HELLO?! Yes, I said socks. My friend Sara says that's going a bit too far, but I think that knitting socks is fun. I KNOW that you can buy 7 pairs of socks from walmart, blah..blah..blah...A little tedious, but fun. You take a ball of yarn that looks like this:
Let's just talk about the yarn: It is from Three Irish Girls. I bought it from someone on Ravelry who wanted to de-stash. I SO want to be a member of their sock yarn club.

Hold on there. I just said 3 terms that non-knitters will not understand. Ravelry is an online facebook of sorts for people whose creativity stems mostly from yarn fiber. If you are a member of a sock yarn club, ususally you will get a skein of yarn in the mail monthly as long as you pay the fee. Usually, it's about $80/3 months. To de-stash is to actually use the yarn you have or sell/trade your yarn with someone.

Ok, so back to the sort of boring story about sock yarn. I love sock yarn because it comes in so many beautiful colors and variations. I think this is true because it is easy to dye this kind of yarn. Also, more obviously, easy to sell. Usually 1 400 yard skein will get you 1 pair of socks. Well now, I have turned the heel and on to the home stretch. Maybe I'll give them to my baby sister in OKC - she appreciates my handknits.....but, i might keep them - i love the colorway! Look how it knits up!

I need to figure out how to take better pictures, but there is a lot of light pink and green in the sock. It is handpainted yarn - so loverly....would look great with my open sneakers....

Weekend Sewing

2009-02-16T03:43:00.000-08:00

Within the next 2 weeks, there are 3 baby showers at my school. Let's talk a minute about teachers: most of us are uber-planners. Spring is the time to have your babies b/c it maximizes your stay-at-home time. And you don't have to close the school year. Which, most times is a blessing. Well, this year at JEE, is the year for boys. So what to give a new little one but these:

Each mommy-to-be will get 3 blocks for fun playtime. I found the pattern and directions from this cute little blog londonmummy.They were tested by a certain curious 10 month old, who found them quite yummy. And, this fabric came from my stash. Wow. A whole yard gone.

Next are some socks I started recently. So far, I've made 2 pairs of just plain old, well..socks. Now I'm working on using a pattern that extends from the cuff to the toe. It is a baby cable pattern, but I don't have to use a cable needle. Since the picture, I've started the heel. Starting the heel makes me feel like I'm getting closer to the end. Each time I start a sock, the leg/cuff part is a drag. It feels like it takes FOREVER.

Stash Diet??? What Stash Diet??

2009-02-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

So here we are in February and I went to my mom's 60th birthday party. That was really fun! People come from out of the woodwork every time there is a party at my mom's. Of course, right before it started, I went to the Oklahoma Quiltworks. Just to see what they have (kind of like going to an ice cream store when you are watching what you eat). There was an awesome quilt store in Tulsa (I worked there), but now, no such awesomeness. So I'm browsing for small stripes and bought this:

Here are some of the blocks I was thinking about when I was buying the fabric.
I'm thinking about turning the squares so it's shaped more like a diamond (actually a rhombus, if you're technical). The goal is for it to look kaleidoscope-ish. So I'll cut out black squares, hopefully the same size as the other ones and then sew it together.

Later that night, after everyone went home - and let's just say it was LATE, my mom and her closest friends went to Jan's house to look at her quilts. Jan is old-school. She watched a documentary on Gee's Bend and saw a quilt that caught her eye. Then she paused the dvd, photographed it and then using many higher-math skills, made a pattern. That's not how I work. You can be sure that my process goes from "I have this idea" to "OH NO!" to "Now, I think I have it!" and then the quilt is done. Ask me about my coffee cup quilt.

As for the $63 spent on fabric, let's just say I'll make plans for it, but first you can guess that it will hang out on the shelf for me to pet for a while. Yeah. Crafters pet things like yarn and fabric. It's weird.

Resolutions continue in February

2009-02-03T18:03:00.001-08:00

mom's house socks
Originally uploaded by sdchimblo

The crafting diet continues! Here is some fingering weight yarn from my LYS called punk junkie. It is so cool - i have like 2 or 3 skeins of it. I made some quickie socks for my mom for her 60th birthday! I'm so glad that her cancer is behind her and not only that, but she will have some new tatas to show for it!

All diets are supposed to be a lifestyle change, not temporary until you get the results you want. AND that said, it is easy to fall of the bandwagon. Like, I bought some yarn recently for a cool sweater I have been dying to make. And then, I bought a skein of "three irish girls" sock yarn from a raveler that was trying to destash. Now, I want to join their sock club. The colorways are amazing. Hey, I'm doing my part to boost the economy right??

Crafty Resolutions

2009-01-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

This is just one shelf of the "craft closet" located in Ava's room. You could say that it needs a little remodeling, er reorganization. There are other areas to look at, but you get the picture. Even after I reorganized in preparation for Miss Ava, there is still tons of crafting to do in there. I didn't even mention the yarn. So, what am I going to do with this? I'm proposing a sort of craft diet, where everything I make, at least half has to come from my stash. In the yarn department, I'm on a spending freeze.

So let's just say, when I'm not being a wife/mom with all of those responsibilities or a teacher with all of THOSE responibilities, I hope that I will be able to create something wonderful out of nothing. Which is what refuels my energy to do the everyday things. Like dishes. And laundry, which multiplies with each new body.

I will post projects i'm working on and hopefully and completed project a month. Below is something I made during our snow days here in Tulsa. It's Bella's birthday cake hat for my niece in NJ:

I've made at least 3 of these hats. They are fun - quick and so cute. Of course Ava the Great will get one for her birthday, along with her tutu.

Allison's tutu

2009-01-02T09:51:00.001-08:00

Allison's tutu
Originally uploaded by sdchimblo

For some last minute crafting before I return to work, I created this tutu for my friend's daughter. She'll wear it for her first birthday!

Fall Knitting

2008-10-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and so is school, so knitting/crafting in general has been s...l...o...w. I have several projects on the needles and hope to share a few of those in the posts to come. First, an ode to my mom. As in Odessa. It is a really cool hat for a sweet and COURAGEOUS mom who is undergoing breast cancer treatments. I have yet to see her stylish new "do," but have heard that it takes only 30 minutes to get ready now. And she loves wearing hats - you have no idea what an opportunity this is for me. I have tons of patterns - I hope she likes knitted hats! This yarn is Debbie Bliss cashmerino - a really cool sea green.
My mom's attitude about this has been so awesome. Yes, she has some down days, but she is not letting her cancer get to her.

The other project is a sweater for the Miss Ava. Yes, it is OSU orange, and I hope I am going to finish before Thanksgiving. I have another sweater, but that is a different post. It is called Ribbed Baby Sweater.

Here is the picture so far - It has a cool ribbed band and I'm almost there! It looks huge - maybe washing it in hot water will shrink it down. The yarn is Cotton Fleece - perfect for Oklahoma cool weather - it has hardly any wool.

That's all for now - my goal is hat, then sweater. My head is swimming with ideas for cool weather knitting....

Flickr

2008-10-08T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

SEW! SEW! SEW!...with Sarah.

2008-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

So, I'm attempting to blog again after the birth of my second (and last) child, Miss A. Hopefully, this will be the place for me to post photos of darling children wearing some things I've sewn. Or at least, pictures of what I'm working on.... Finished a darling hat for my mom (she gets a post soon). Photos are coming.....