Who knew?

Who would have guessed being cooped up in a hotel would inspire me to sew. Well it's true I sewed up the cutest Halloween skirt for Brooke. The picture is not the best but I am hoping the details show. There are 3 ruffled layers. The 3 layers makes the skirt a little heavy. I am really glad I made the elastic a little tighter.

Brooke absolutely loves the skirt and still wants to wear it. I keep telling her Halloween is over but being the diva she is, she doesn't care. She wore this outfit to school the Friday before Halloween. The orange and black striped tights added cute flair. We topped off the outfit with custom made candy corn hair bows from April. She was a doll and made these up for Brooke.

So all in all I think the skirt was a success. I hope to get the sewing room unpacked. Maybe once I see it all set up I will get bit by the sewing bug once again.

Moving and the realizations it brought to me

I am a creature of habit and hate change so you can imagine what a shock to my system moving is. I lived in the same house in the same little town for nearly 21 years. I rarely changed around my bedroom furniture. Once I get things the way I like I don't see a reason to move it around. Why fix it if it ain't broke right? I thought our first move in 2006 was going to be the death of me. Not only was I leaving my family and friends behind, I was leaving the country all together. It took me almost a year to adjust there and just barely. We moved again two years later. After settling into our 2nd house in England and getting comfortable I found out we were moving again. HOLY COW that's 3 moves in 4 years!

Packing our life into brown boxes was not my idea of a good time. I don't think it is pleasant for anyone. How military families do this every 3 to 4 years is beyond me. I give them credit for doing it. Not only are you trying to get ready for the pack you also have utilities to cancel, schools to deal with and the list goes on and on.

Arranging my house by room and into categories was good. It gave me a reason to put things back where they should be. Let me tell you that there is nothing like a move to put you straight on just how much you have. I didn't realize how much small clothes and shoes my kids were holding onto until I got into their drawers and closets. It was crazy! The toys, books and pillows had just accumulated so it was time for big donation pile!

The real shock came of course when I went to organize the sewing room. Now I knew I had a lot of fabric but I had no idea I had that much! On top of the fabric I have managed to accumulate quite the collection of patterns, buttons, brads, beads, trims and gadgets. I could have spent days "shopping" in my own sewing room. It is amazing how over time I forgot just how much I really have. There were duplicate patterns and gadgets buried here and there and everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere! I don't think there was a room in the house I didn't have something in. So when I finally find a house that sewing room is going to need some serious planning. I have been told there should be a destash in my future. Let's see if I can do it :)

Let's hope we find a house in time for the holidays and that nothing is broken. I am trying to look at each move as a way to declutter and reorganize. With each move I learn a little something and grow a little as a person. I guess what they say is true, that which does not kill us makes us stronger!

Sometimes I Wonder...

Sometimes I wonder how so many women find the time to do it all. I read about all these talented women who are great moms, volunteers, sewers/crafters, and career women. I can't help but wonder how they manage. I have 3 great kids who aren't too active in their after school activities but still keep me pretty busy. I have not found the right balance so I can take care of my kids, keep up with my house, and find time for me. There is so much I want to do but I always put it to the back burner and never actually get to it.


So I ask you my friends how do you do it? How do you find the time?

Photo Shoot

I finally got the pictures back from our day in Ickworth Gardens. It was so pretty there. We were fortunate enough to have a cool sunny day. There were 2 shots that instantly stood out. This picture in particular is so sweet and classic to me. It makes the dress I made for Brooke look flowly. I love the way her hair and dress are billowing in the wind as she looks over at the field. I just love it!!!

As much as I the first picture appealed to me this one here by far my favorite. I think it is my favorite picture Brooke has ever taken. She was so into those flowers. They were growing in a field as we entered the gardens. She stopped to pick a few (not sure she was supposed to do that) and would not part with them after that. As they wilted from being squeezed in her little hand she tried to revive them. After 2 days I finally convinced her to throw them out.

My little girl is growing up. I had not noticed how she had changed until I put these pictures into my photo screen saver. Her images as a new born, a baby and then a toddler moved across my laptop screen. The changes were subtle but it is official, she is growing up. *sigh*

Any who.... I can't wait for our next picture session in July with our friends the Raponi's. Brooke loves Mr. Tim and her new found friendship in Ms. Andi is sure to bring out great pictures that day. Brooke and I are already picking out fabrics for her next outfit. We have hair bows being made to go with it. It is going to be GREAT!!!

Happy Easter!

Easter is here! My daughter could not wait for Easter to come. She wants her easter basket in the worse way. I thought I should make her a special outfit for Easter day so here it is.

I am so happy with the way it turned out. This has to be one of the quickest outfits I have made to date.

Brooke couldn't wait to get outside and have her picture taken. Luckily it was a sunny day in England.

Brooke is getting to be such a ham. I think she likes when I make her something new because she knows a photo is not far behind. As soon as I show her the completed outfit she asks if it is picture time. She is a Diva in the making. Not only do I need to dress her, I also need to fix her hair with matching bows, clippies or ribbons.

I love that she wants to wear what I have made for her!

Valentine's Patchwork

I had a single charm pack of Valentine's fabric staring at me. She was lonely laying among the yards and yards of fabric in my sewing room. It was calling out to me so I broke down and made her into the cutest patchwork skirt for Brooke.

I think it turned out really cute! Brooke wore it out to lunch today and received tons of compliments. She was loving it! She proudly told people that her mommy made the skirt just for her. It did my heart and my ego good to see her posing so proudly in the skirt her mommy made her.

Now to figure out what to make her for that special birthday outfit. I want it to adorable!!!!

Stuck in a Rut

Sewing, crafting, what is that? I haven't touched my sewing machine in weeks. My sewing room looks like a dumping ground for fabric, patterns, trims, and now scrapbooking stuff. I mean it literally looks like a storage closet in there. Piles of fabric and patterns all over the place. There are unopened boxes in there too. I have created a small walk way so I can get to the computer but that is about it. You can't even see the sewing machine from the door any more. sigh

I have been stuck in this rut since the holidays. I have absolutely no motivation to do anything.
I made a resolution to be more organized this year and to follow through with what I start. So far it has not gone too well. I cleaned up Brooke's room and the play area then lost my drive. I started an outfit for her 2 weeks ago and still have not finished it.

I don't know how to get out of this funk. All I know is that I have become a fabric collector with great iedeas but no follow through. My daughter will be full grown and unwilling to wear anything I could make her if I keep on this path.

I NEED to do something to jump start my creative juices again.

Fun with Friends

Last night was movie night with a few close friends. It was the first time I had gotten together with a small group of friends to watch a movie in a long, long time. We ate, we drank, and laughed! It was the most fun I've had in awhile.

I am looking forward to another day of fun with the girls. It should be interesting. I am going to learn to scrapbook. This should be interesting considering I am just not crafty that way. i look forward to more fun times with this great group of ladies!!!

Just found.....

I was introduced to Facebook tonight. I thought oh boy just what I need another thing to keep me tied to the computer. Let me tell you, it was like reconnecting with home. I found a group from my high school and friends I haven't talked to you in years. It was great to see how everyone has changed.

I found my best friend from high school that I lost touch with over the years. It was so good to hear from him. I am hoping to catch up and get to know each other again. I posted pics of our vacation and pictures of the kids. This may be a good thing. If you don't have one, you should consider it. You just may find people you've been searching for.

Just had to babble a bit. I am excited!

Sewing again!

Wooo Hoooo! I just finished a new outfit for Brooke. I used the City Girl fabrics I had ordered for her months ago along with some Michael Miller checks for the pants. She loved this one! She couldn't wait to go outside and take her picture.

This one went together pretty easily. I am so pleased with the way it turned out! YAY! Now I need to get back to it cause she wants more. Let's hope the sunny weather holds up long enough for her to get use of the new clothes I will be making her.

Fall is right around the corner. I have a few great fall prints and corduoroy fabrics to go with them. I just need to find leggings and shoes to go with them. Hopefully she will be starting school soon. It will be exciting to send her off in original outfits I made for her. No more worries about her looking like the other little girls who got their clothes from the exchange.

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe that June has come and gone already! It feels like time is flying by so fast. July started out with a bang for us. I got hit with road tax and MOT for my car. It was so expensive to get this thing up to standard and then we left for a road trip.

I was fortunate enough to have a friend let us stay at her house while we did a little site seeing. The site were great to see even though it rained almost everyday. My kids can now say they have been to Stonehenge and to the Roman Bath's. Although, I think their favorite part of the trip was playing with Andi's puppies and Cadbury World. While the sites were great, the little time I had talking with Andi over a hot chocolate was the most memorable for me. She and I talked for a few hours there and then later talked about fabric and sewing. It was so calming for me. She leant me an ear when I needed it most. I really miss having her near by. Funny cause when she was here we hardly had time to hang out. Distance can make or break a friendship, I think it has strengthened ours.

There is so much to get done before the kids go back to school. I wonder where all the time has gone. It has all passed me by while I have been in a daze.

Moving right along

Another craft fair under my belt. It wasn't a great one, but I had lots of fun! I am getting better at not being disappointed when I don't sell out or even sell what I consider to be a decent amount. I am meeting nice people and learning about what they like. These craft fairs are great learning experiences for me. The exposure from these craft fairs are great!

There is one more that I am doing before summer arrives. I am not sure what to expect, but I am still excited/nervous. I wonder how people do this consistently and more importantly how they do it successfully. My goal is to be one of those busy vendors that people look for. I want to be "in demand". Silly but completely honest on my part.

I feel the need to change what I am offering but not sure what to do. I ask myself if my prices are right or if it is just my taste in fabric that is missing the boat. I need to find my niche and run with it. I have high hopes for the rest of the year.

Sew Inspired

Despite the disappointment from my last two craft fairs I am going to do two more. The first one is at the intermediate school on the base and the other will be at a British school. This will be my first encounter with the British market. I am excited to see how they take to my things. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

I am going to test a few new kids items and embroider some bibs with cute phrases I hope they will like. I don't know what appeals to them so I am unsure as what to take. The cost is fair so I am not going to loose too much if I bomb this one. As far as I can tell, this will be my last fair until after summer. Let's hope it goes off with a BANG! I need to pay for all my yummy fabric that is coming.

After all is said and done with the fairs I really want to get working on clothes for Brooke. The outfits I've gotten for her at the exchange have been awful. The tiered ruffle tank fell apart with the first wash. I was horrified, especially since it was $22 for this thing. Store bought clothes just aren't what they used to be. I should get it in gear and get sewing! That being said, I am off to make something for my little girl.

My First Summer Outfit for Brooke

With my craft fairs over and summer weather finally here, the urge to sew for my little girl has hit me hard. I made this outfit for her the other day. I was so proud of myself. Clothing has been the one thing that I have been struggling with. So for me to finish a complete outfit was a huge accomplishment for me.

Now the bug is hitting me hard. I want to make so many things for her. My fears of messing things up has been overcome by the joy I felt in seeing her wear the outfit I made her. She told everyone we saw that her mommy made her shirt. I was puffed up like a proud momma.

Lately I've been browsing the photo albums of fellow group members creations. They have inspired me to keep going. Their creations are beautiful! I hope to reach their skill level and make beautiful dresses and outfits for my little one. She is the apple of my eye and nothing makes me prouder than to see her wearing things I've made just for her.

I am off now to attempt another top and bottom set for her. My goal is to have a complete set of summer clothes for her. Dresses, twirl tops, shorts, skirts and a line jumpers all made by me. She will be wearing custom originals instead of cookie cutter outfits from the exchange. I can't wait!

What a month!

I joined the HSBS fabric group in March looking to save a bit on my fabric addiction. I found in this group great savings, beautiful fabric, and some creative, talented & funloving ladies. I belong to many groups but this one became one of favorites instantly! I was flattered when I was asked to become a moderator of this group.

I had my 3rd craft fair on Saturday. There were mostly lookers but it was all good. I had a blast hanging out with my friend Rochelle and seeing all the handmade items others had to offer. I made a little bit of money and received many compliments so all in all a success for me! These craft fairs are getting addicting for me. I have 2 more coming up in May. I hope to sell a little more at these and get more exposure. Whatever I don't sell I think I will put up in my new Etsy shop. I haven't listed anything there yet. Fear of not selling. Rochelle is right though, put it up to sell or let it sit in my house. If it doesn't sell on Etsy, it is still sitting in my house. If it does sell though that is money in my pocket and less clutter in my home. hmmmmm..........

Yesterday was my birthday. I think it was one of the best I've every had. My husband arranged for a baby sitter and took me to Leaping Hare Cafe in Bury St. Edmunds. It was a beautiful drive. We passed a few farms with baby sheep and horses in the fields. It was really sweet. The vineyard was pretty and the gift shop offered nice items. I had a nice scallop salad with a brownie for dessert. It was the first time in awhile that Ed and I got to spend the day together. On top of this wonderful day he got me the Longaberger Large Storage basket I have been wanting. I am so excited to get this basket. I plan to put my sewing projects in it.

April was just a great month!

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, I have found my groove and I am ready to sew again. The fabrics have been chosen, a new design is ready to be tested, and I am feeling good. I am also torn. I have the strongest desire to sew some clothes for Brooke and make a few gifts for the ladies who volunteer for me. I have the sewing bug, he is just pulling me in the wrong direction.

I am in any case ready to do something. That is a step in the right direction. Of course with the sewing bug came the flu bug. I am sick, again. Oh well, I am pushing forward and ready to accomplish something, anything. My sewing machine and all the beautiful fabric in my sewing room are calling me. I plan to visit them today and make a little something. I see no harm in making something for Brooke and then working on a bag. Why can't I do both so I feel accomplished and satisfied at the same time? That is what I love about being my own boss. I get to do whatever I want!

What to do?

I am in a slump. I don't know what is wrong, but I can't get myself to make a thing. I don't even want to look at all the beautiful fabric I have. Usually all it takes is for me to go through one of my fabric bins and a hint of excitement surges through me but not lately. I just can't get motivated to start. The next craft fair is creeping up on me. I don't want to end up in a rushed panic. Even the count down on my MySpace page is not enough to set a fire under me to go. I had decided to do a new style of baby shoe, tote bag, diaper bag, and paci clip for this show. I have everything I need to get started, everything that is but motivation.


What to do, what to do.........

Blind Leading the Blind part 2

Well, I did it. I did my guest speaking for the girl scouts. I think they all enjoyed my time with them. They had lots of questions that I could actually answer. Not one of them looked bored and just about everyone of them looked impressed. I felt so great!!! I was worried I wouldn't be able to fill the hour but we actually went over. Honestly I had a blast with them. It was the best I had felt about my sewing in awhile.

The girls have invited me back to visit again. I don't know when or what I will talk about, but I will gladly go and be a guest of the girls scouts!

The Blind Leading the Blind

Ain't this a hoot? For those of you who know me, you know that I am a beginner to sewing. Well, yesterday I started teaching a dear friend to sew a bag. It was going really well until we decided the bag would look better with a zipper on the top. I hunted through my zippers and found a few large ones. Well I held the package up to the bag and said it is too small. Neither one of us thought to take the actual zipper out of the package to measure. Talk about DUH!

Then today I was asked to speak to a girl scout troop about bag construction. I am going to do it and hope they don't ask anything out of my range of knowledge.

Wish me luck!

Learning more every day

I have been learning from the people I meet here in England and from some of the great ladies I have met in Yahoo groups. You never know when or how you will meet someone who shares your interest. Just the other day I was refered to a woman for a cake for Brooke's birthday. It turns out that she too loves to sew. She is going to teach me some hand sewing techniques and we plan to make outfits for our daughters over the next few weeks. How great is that?

Sewing is becoming a dying craft. People now days would rather buy it at the store than take the time to make something for themselves or their loved ones. I can't blame them most of the time. It is just cheaper and easier to buy an outfit at the store. Being overseas has me thinking I need to make Brooke more clothes. It seems that every where I turn someone's child is wearing the exact same thing she is. There are so few options that you can't help it. I just need to get better at clothing construction so the outfits won't look too homemade if you know what I mean.

I can't wait to expand my knowledge and skills so I can create more for my children, friends, and family!