FNSI January 2011

I took part in my first Friday Night Sew-In last night and I had a ball. When B got home from work I told him my plan and he immediately banished me to the cave! He and Jacie made dinner while I got an early start on the evening. My pieces were already cut out; I had done that last week. B took Jacie out after dinner and left me alone. I worked until almost midnight--- usually I get too tired to sew by 9:00 PM but I guess I was stoked! I chose this project just to get it done! I've had the boucle for years and I really wanted a jacket from it. The lining is a piece of unknown content I found in the stash, too-- actually, I didn't buy anything new for these. I'm ushering at my theatre tonight and I plan to wear this; I'll get a picture of me in it then!
Looking forward to the next one!

"Italian Tablecloth" tote

Let's just say that if there is something for sale that is rolled like a fabric; I'm gonna use it like a fabric. At one of our local malls there is a store called "Italian Tablecloths". And that's pretty much what they have. They carry roll after roll of laminated, uh, stuff that you buy by the foot, most likely to use as a table cover. I say 'stuff' because I'm not real sure what it's made from. It's not a woven or knit fabric, per se-- it feels more like laminated paper with a non-woven, soft backing. I had to try it. I bought two feet (actually 23") of a rather bright Gerbera daisy print and promptly ignored everything else that's waiting to be done to work up this little bag. I had no trouble sewing it with a size 9 needle and all-purpose poly/cotton thread. The only problem I did have was turning it to the right side after sewing in the lining (which is a remnant of cotton from my stash). It tore. :( I patched it though and I do like my little bag. Right now it's holding the DVDs I need to return to the library. It may become my carrier for stuff I need on costuming jobs. I like it but I don't think I'll be getting more Italian tablecloth for anything but, maybe, a tablecloth?

Tryin' a FNSI!

One goal for this year (notice that's 'goal'; not 'resolution'. I don't do resolutions.) was to try to do more blogging stuff online. One reason was to learn new skills and techniques, another was to connect with more people. I read lots of blogs on an irregular basis, several on a regular basis and I really love seeing people share what they've made. I "follow" almost 50 blogs-- someone posts something cute and I just want to be able to find it again! Two blogs I follow, "Handmade by Heidi" & "Crafty Vegas Mom" offer the FNSI--Friday Night Sew In. The idea being to set aside a night of non-distracted sewing, sharing what you made and basically touching base with others who share the joy of creating. Oh, and a give-a-way! Heidi and Bobbi also choose a winner selected randomly from the participants to receive goodies from their own craft realm. Icing on the cake! I'm looking forward to my first FNSI this coming Friday-- wanna join me?

http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-friday-night-sew-in-signups.html

Help for Queensland

When a natural disaster hits the USA, we are inundated for days or weeks with the horrifying images. Even some tragedies outside the US, such as the Haitian earthquake only a year ago, stay with us through media for months. One thing not getting too much press around here is the awful flooding now plaguing Queensland, Australia. Whether it is geographical or just because we've had a horrible national event except for a mere mention here; picture there, Queensland just isn't getting the press. I'm urging all Americans to not forget those down under and look for some way to help. I have two suggestions:
1. First and foremost--pray. For all concerned, for those who have lost and those who are trying to help.

2. Donate-- http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html
You'll find information on safely donating to flood relief-- watch out for scammers! It hurts my heart to know people will try to make a buck off the kindness of givers!

3. Another way to donate: Auctions! Crafters are some of the most generous people on earth and here you'll find some fabulous, sweet souls who are offering goods and supplies to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to disaster relief. You can spend a nice chunk of the day browsing the wonderful offerings of these talented people and help them raise money for their brethren. Go here to learn more:
http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2011/01/qld-flood-auctions-master-list.html

That's where I'm heading today-

Needle cases!

Well, the needle cases I intended to list before Christmas are finally in the shop! I also made a Facebook page for the shop, though I'm not sure why! All I can say is, all this technology which is supposed to save us time sure does suck a lot of it away from my sewing time!

There's quite a bit of chat going on in sewing circles about sewing space organizing these days. That makes sense--- new year; fresh starts and all that. But as anyone who reads my ramblings knows, I re-organize after most every big project so for me it's not a once a year thing! Last year I took out most of my 'UFO's' and put them with' projects that have been waiting for a long time' and put each one in a pocket of an over-the-door shoe bag. My reasoning was 'out of sight, out of mind; in plain site will get 'er done!'. Right? Riiiiiiggght! Turns out I mostly just kept re-arranging what went into the pockets! Well, I make it a point NOT to make resolutions for the new year but I decide to really and truly make a dent in all those UFO's! One pocket has two blouses I cut out about 3-4 years ago. They're going to be first!

The 'UFO/please use me' door:
Of course the door can't hold everything that's been waiting... that's another day!

Home. Sort of.

"You know how when you've been away and then you come home but you don't feel like you're home yet because you don't know how to pick up where you left off... yeah. Like that."

Trying to write a Facebook status--that was the best I could come up with. I was with Mom & Dad for about a week and a half. I wasn't home for Kal-El's first birthday or Christmas. I was loved and spoiled and cared for at my parents home but I felt a little torn; like I was letting my own children down while trying to be a "good" child of my parents. Weirdness. I've been home for a few days but I'm still trying to find a rhythm. I still need to finish a couple of sleep pants that were supposed to be for Christmas and oh, yeah-- school. We need to do some schooling 'round here! Happy New Year to you all!

Kal-El is walking and one year old!