1.17.2010

Sewing Bee





I've had a sewing machine for years and have used it sporadically, mostly for hemming other people's pants. I have had the occaisional spurt of domestic want-to. My know-how is based on a few sewing lessons given to me in middle school by my friend Amanda's mom, who is a world-class seamstress.




Since getting hooked on the world of blogging, the blogs that I enjoy the most are the crafty moms who make things for their kids and other people's kids. Since I don't have any of my own, I've been itching to make homemade gifts for the forty million people I know that are having babies.


I went on a sewing shopping expedition yesterday and came home with enough fabric, notions, and ideas to last a good long while. The key find was a book that I'd looked at on Amazon. One-Yard Wonders is an amazing collection of projects that require only one yard of fabric. Leafing through it, the projects mostly seemed like things I could do so I bought it. I also bought several different kinds of fabric, including some yummy flannels that I thought would make good baby gifts.


So far, I've made two sets of teal and brown monkey burp cloths for the two baby boys who will be born this year into jungle-themed nurseries. Levi is due soon and is the son of one of my work friends. Bashlin is due in May and is the second child of my cousin Jason and his wife Kristy. I also made two wine-bag-holder-things. Mostly I made those because the pattern seemed simple enough for me and they are the perfect gift for my friend Ginny. Black and white polka dots and hot pink ribbon ties. I love it!
I also love feeling like I can create something with some fabric (which was on SALE!) and some thread. I would love to be making baby treats for my own baby, but maybe all these gifts are practice for the real thing. One can dream...

1.03.2010

my favorite things

I love fresh starts, lists, and making resolutions. This comes to a head in January of each year when I try valiantly to remake myself into something new. Not because I dislike my former self, I just like the effort. This year's amended-once-already resolution is to be 'classier.' I haven't decided just yet what that really means, but I like the ring of it. I'm not un-classy, I just think the world would be a better place if we were all a little more so. In an effort to define for myself what I mean, I'm going to compile a list of my favorite "classy things."


1. Painted Nails--I've already started by buffing and clear-coating my fingernails. My toes are a delightful OPI shade called "My Private Jet," which sounds classy. It's the exact same shade of gray as my puppy's feet plus a little sparkle.






2. White Kitchens--This probably isn't going to happen for me in 2010 unless we win the lottery or one of us gets an unexpected raise/promotion. However, it still makes the list of classy things because I can picture guests gathered around creative meals prepared for a spur of the moment party in this kitchen.


3. Dogeared Jewelry--They make lovely necklaces and other jewelry items for special occasions, gifts, or just because. I wear this infinite love one, a gift from DH for my last birthday. Check them out.









4. Thoughtfully Designed Rooms--This picture from Spearmint Baby makes me want to have a baby just so I can start collecting letters for a display just like this one. There are a few other reasons I'd like to have a baby, but decorating a nursery sounds like nine months worth of fun.


There are more favorite things, but getting the pictures and text to cooperate has hijacked too much of my Last Day of Christmas Break, so I'll pick back up later. One of these days, I'll be a master blogger. Until then, no one's reading anyway.



Elsie Louise Mroch

Elsie Louise Mroch
the puppy who changed my mind