New Ventures, New Adventures!

I have always been a thinker and often-times, an over-thinker. Many people are guilty of this (especially women.) Since losing my job, I have had PLENTY of time to think. Sometimes, I think about my worth or lack thereof. It is truly amazing how much of our self-worth is linked to our jobs. It defines us and I felt as though I lacked definition. That is until last night...

After a fabulous anniversary dinner date/trip to the library with my sweetie, it struck me: I AM AN ARTIST. Therefore, I have a job. I have been given a gift: time. I get to experiment in the kitchen, garden, walk, take photos, sing and dance, enjoy the sun, see my friends, and CREATE. Sitting behind a desk would limit these experiences, so why am I moaning. I should be reveling in it.

I have decided to spend the rest of the time I have been given doing just that. I will be focusing more on creating embroidery patterns to share and to sell. I will complete that blasted set model. I will embellish. I will make. JOY!

Slowly But Very Surely

Being crafty is kind of a birthright in my family. My mother has been painting ceramics and sewing my entire life. My maternal grandmother crocheted and quilted, among other things. My dad also paints and is incredibly handy...even scarily so. I have cousins who work with yarn and make clothes. We are a crafty bunch. It occurred to me that even at my busiest times, I am truly the most happy when I am creating. Making time to make has become a huge priority for me. Some days, knowing that I get to spend a few minutes creating something are what keeps me plugging away.

This afghan is the cornerstone of my crafting at the moment. I have 3 colors of squares left to make, about 77 squares total. My sweetie and I have been doing some work on creating a new bedroom space and this afghan will be a big feature there.

When I get discouraged about my progress though, I just have to look at the end of my bed. I have had this chevron afghan as long as I can remember. I am not even sure who made it for me.

 It is a crib size, but it is 40 years old and still going strong. 

All work is worth it to create something that will be here long after I am gone.

While try to stay positive and focused, I am attempting to be more mindful as I work, love, create, and make choices. How is that working out for you this year?

Starting to make teeny progress on other projects. Yay for moving forward!

New Year Reboot

Hello world! I am definitely still here and still making. That is actual l part if the reason that I have not been blogging--I have been super duper busy making things! All but two of my holiday gifts were handmade--many embroidered, several crocheted, some artwork, some needle felted--and they all took lots of time.

I have been making in the new year too. Several friends and even some strangers and I have embarked on a project: Granny 365. We have all committed to making at least 1 granny square a day all year. We will all be making different things with them, but it is great to have a tiny creative goal everyday. Please join us!

I have also recommitted to a healthy lifestyle. My running injury really had me down on myself and I let things slip. But in the new year, I have begun tracking my food, I have gone to the gym several days in a row, and even went for a teeny run. I know that zillions of people make this resolution, but I am looking forward to a lifelong lifestyle and attitude change. I have found tons of healthy and tasty recipes at Cooking Light and Skinny Taste and of course, my most favorite food bog, The Cozy Herivore. Her absolutely amazing quinoa porridge recipe may be my new favorite food.

I have been working on my creative spaces, doing a little sprucing up and 

making things even more my style.

Above is one of the projects that took me away from the blog for so long. I am really happy to have taken the time to make this for my 4-year old "niece" who is just learning the alphabet.

 It is a wonderful pattern from Sublime Stitching. 

Jenny's patterns are great to work with and most are available as PDFs.

As we roll further into 2013, please stay with me as I grow (yet shrink), create, cook, and take joy in the little things!

Thankful Thursday: You Can Do Anything Embroidery Pattern

Fall is the season that many people focus on what they are thankful for.

 I am trying to do that everyday, all year long. 

This has been a huge year for growth and learning for me. I have learned tons of new crafty things which makes me incredibly happy. I was made to make things. I truly believe that that is my purpose.

In the spirit of making things, it is also play season for me. I am the only full-time adult with a large group of students. It can become overwhelming at times. I am also a bit of a control freak, so I have never been comfortable asking for help. This year though I am breaking that habit. I designed this embroidery pattern to remind myself that you can be a super woman without being a superwoman.

 Asking for help does not mean that you are weak. It means that you know your limitations.

You can download the pattern to remind you as you face your challenges.

Stitchy Saturday-Infinity Scarves

I will be the first to admit that I may not be the most fashion-forward lass out there, but I try. 

Luckily this year something that I love a wear all the time is a big trend. Scarves are everywhere this autumn and these infinity scarves are super simple to make.

I decided to do the prep work for two scarves at on time. For each scarf, cut a piece of fabric 18 inches wide and 60 inches long. I folded each in half along the long side with right sides together. I pinned the open side and stitched them into two long tubes.

Once they were stitched, I pulled them right side out and pinned the open edges of the tubes

together as much as possible. I stitched along the edge as far as I could with machine.

 Once I had a 3 inch gap, I pulled the fabric from the bottom of the loop. 

I hand stitched the opening shut with a quick whipstitch.

I ADORE these scarves and have since made several more. 

They only take about 10 minutes and jazz up any outfit!

Sunday Funday: Doing What I Love

This was one of those weekend that a crafter dreams of: research, projects, new skills, progress. It was a balm for my busy week and cluttered mind.

 I had an absolutely stellar trip to my local library!

 I am so excited to dive into these books as I plan projects, posts and gifts :)

  We also had a great stop at our local reclaimed sewing supplies store. 

I was able to score this awesome horde for only $16.74!

 Weekends were made for this kind of dinner with my sweetie. 

Cheeses, rice crisps, apples, olives, almonds...LOVE!

 Followed by pumpkin carving...so much fun!

 I indulged in some awesome treats for myself. Yay for 50% off coupons and inspiration!

Spent some time redoing my double crochet/lemon peel project. 

It will make a great holiday gift!

Stay tuned for some great roasted pumpkin seed recipes. As you can see, it was an absolutely wonderful weekend full of many blessing, quality crafting and bonding time, yummy dinners and much project progress. I am one lucky girl!

Stitchy Saturday: Steering Wheel Cover

I live in the heart of Central New York. That means hot summers and frigid winters. All summer long, I have been burning my hands when I hop in the car after work.                           

I know that before long, my fingers will fell as though they are freezing to the wheel. It was time to add a little more me into my ride while helping myself out at the same time. The steering wheel cover coordinates with the seat belt cover that I made earlier this week.                     

Nigel, my Beefeater co-pilot approves.

Thankful Thursday: Seat Belt Cover

Some days, I have a tougher time identifying what I am thankful for than others.

Today though, I do not have to struggle. 

I am thankful for this blog and the ability to share. I am thankful that with prior planning, I can make life simpler down the road. 

I am thankful that my sweetie always has my back.

I am thankful for many little things. I am not thankful for my seat belt digging into my neck while I drive just because I am petite. I AM thankful that in just a few minutes I could make something that solves that problem and shows a little bit of my personality!

How Tuesday: Wristband Pin "Cushion"

So, if you are anything like me, there are pins ALL over your studio. Granted, I have a magnetic pin block on my cutting table, a plushie tomato pin cushion next to machine, even the top of my sewing box is a pin cushion. And yet, as I sew, pins come out of my piece an onto the sewing machine table...and onto the floor...and into my sock. Sigh. When I saw a photo of a wristband pin holder on Pinterest, I knew that it was meant for me.

Stitchy Saturday: Fat Quarter Apron

Who says that a) you can't be adorable while you toil away in the kitchen or b) that a fat quarter that you love has to be relegated to a quilt? I say, embrace the fabrics that you love and make yourself the envy of every other kitchen guru at the same time...

This apron takes one fat quarter, a half-yard of coordinating fabric, trim (if you desire), and about an hour!

Stitchy Saturday: Embroidered Shirt

I have long loved embroidered Mexican blouses and skirts, but I am a small gal. That much pattern can overwhelm a small frame. I have also always wanted to try stitching on a knit. This project allowed me to control the amount of embroidery and experiment with a new technique.

For this project, I used a cotton v-neck shirt from

Old Navy, T-Shirt Stabilizer from Sublime Stitching

and was inspired by a pattern from So September.

Because I was free-embroidering, I wasn't sure how big the

stitching would become. I decided to iron stabilizer to the

entire collar area.

I began with vines stitched with split stitch.

I used two different shades of green.

To add flowers, I used lazy daisy stitch, 

french knots, and satin stitch.

I am really excited to layer this over

a coordinating cami and rockin' it

with a pair of jeans. Love it!

Thankful Thursday: Bowl Covers

I really know what I am thankful for today. I am thankful that I am not responsible for making the clothes that I wear! I am not a super seamstress, to be sure. I used a zigzag stitch for the first time on this project. I was so overwhelmed with that that I forgot to take in-process photos. To top it all off, the project didn't turn out exactly as I'd hope. But, hey...it's a growth opportunity, right?

These fabric bowl covers from The Farm Chicks are 
essential for summer picnics. No bugs invited!

I chose a fun food-themed fat quarter for these covers.

I traced a circle larger than the bowl and used

pinking shears to finish the edges. I used a piece

of 1/4 inch elastic around the edge to make the cover.

Using a zigzag stitch, pull the elastic as you stitch

over it. I was not very good at it though. 

My stitching is a little wonky and the cover isn't as

tight as I would like, but it beats ants in the potato salad!

Sunday Funday: Getting back in the swing

Trying to become a regular blogger again has been a bit of a challenge. Given the absolutely gorgeous weather this weekend, we have spent the entire time outdoors, getting things done. Which means that I have done nothing to prepare for the coming week's blog.I also have made those pesky quilt blocks yet. Nothing has been made, much less photographed. 


Luckily, I did today's project just before the hiatus.


It is forecast call for rain tomorrow night, so I can buckle down and get things cranking again!

Bought these awesome bird patterns from So September.
LOVe Corrine's work!! Also, kind of in love with the colors that I chose.
And, yes, I am stitching on a fabric napkin that I picked up at Goodwill
for $.25. 

The finished trio on my inspiration wall. 

It's a lil bit fuzzy, but you get the idea!

Stitchy Saturday: Lace Headbands

Wearing lace can be a little tricky. A gal can end up either looking like a baby or a granny. That's why these headbands, designed by the super-talented ladies at A Beautiful Mess are perfect. Their design was for a head band using three types of lace, but I decided to experiment with some single pieces of wide lace too.

I only planned on making one. But, I ended up with four
and plans to make more.

The original design called for lace to tie under your hair, but
thought that ribbon would work better and be a
little more fun.

Measure across the crown of your head, from just under your ear.
Cut one-three pieces of lace and 2 pieces of ribbon.
I used 12 inches of ribbon per side.
I stitched the ribbon to the lace with embroidery floss.

Perfect for a busy day in the studio.

Six hours later, and my hair is still in place :)

Sunday Funday: And this is where the magic happens...

I have been very blessed. I was able to take 3 days off this week and just create. I made some many things that I am more certain that ever that that is what I am meant to do. Some were challenging,  some bizarre, some really fun, and some really satisfying. 


I have added a few more techniques to my jewelry design, but more on that soon...


I am also blessed that I don't have to shuttle my creations to and from the dining room table or carve out a teeny tiny corner for myself. Since becoming a solo house occupant again, I have been able to dedicate not one, but two rooms to the things I love.


Wanna see?

My jewelry work bench. Behind me is the drill press/flexible shaft.
The vice is on the right and the bench pin on the left.

The shipping area. Also where I keep catalogs and magazines.

For painting, general crafts, drawing, and gift wrapping.

I used to work in beads and still have a ton on hand. This is also where
I keep chemicals, patina agents, and safety equipment.

I love this space too. I use it for cutting both fabric and paper,
doing decoupage, and other things that need more space.
It is right next to a window and makes me smile.

My trusty Singer Featherweight. I love it. It sits parallel to me credenza which
houses office supplies and my printer. And my crazy aloe plant...
I reupholstered a drum throne as my sewing stool (watch for an upcoming
tutorial!). 

Next to my machine, I have fabric storage. Scraps are sorted by color
in the shoe boxes and larger pieces are sorted by fabric type.

Admittedly, this is a wretched photo. Out of focus for sure. But I HAD
to include a photo my my organization center (which includes my dress form,
Matilda) and the famous "Wall of Cute." It makes me smile.

There it is, my work space. I hope it inspires you to carve out your own little creative space.

 It inspires me everyday!