Skirt and Purse..

My two most recent sewing projects were a purse (as I haven't purchased a new one in years!) and a skirt. I found instructions for the purse on a blog called Made by Rae, and the skirt was from a blog called Amazing Mae. I have found so many free tutorials and patterns through other people's blogs :) I really like the purse, but I wish it had more structure to it. And the skirt took me longer to make than I thought it would...but I plan to make another one! Up next are a skirt and knot dress for Ally, and some other projects. Also, check out my shop for new Christmas card designs coming up!

My brother is married!

Yay! Chet got married Friday, one day before our anniversary (5 years!). We are so excited for him and Dana. We had a great time in Colorado with my family- Odin still says, "Come on Andre!" or "Come on Madi!" and is talking about his grandparents. :) Here are some pictures from the weekend.

I love to sew!

And why didn't I learn how to earlier? That class I took in middle school where we had to make pillows does not count. I basically just startes sewing at the beginning of this year, took a hiatus when Ally was born, and got back into it after a trip to Hobby Lobby in Iowa. They have really cute fabrics there, but it's a small selection. We are, thankfully, getting a Hobby Lobby here in Phoenix soon. Mesa and Avondale already have one, but Phoenix would be more convenient and then Janelle and I can take a trip together!

Anyway, I have posted here a few photos...of the fabric I just recieved as well as the pattern I am SO excited about. There are 4 patterns in one, and I am going to start with the knot dress because I've always wanted to make one. The fabric is Timeless Treasures and the pattern is from Sandi Henderson. And I must confess that after opening it up, with its gorgeous photos, I went and ordered some of her fabric on etsy. And I still need to buy some fabric for a few projects for me (yes, me!).

So what have I been working on? A dress for Ally, a few gifts for a nameless friend :D, and a taggie blanket. What's next? A skirt for me, purse for me, Halloween costumes for the kids, skirt for Ally, the knot dress for Ally, with maybe some matching pants...and there will be more! When did this become a sewing blog? I am still working on my writing, and there are a few new designs in my shop, including another one going up today. It's fun, and tiring, being busy. Especially with two kids demanding my attention. At least they take naps!

Today was the first day of women's Bible study. The kids were great for the babysitters, and the study should be amazing! We are doing Beth Moore's study on Esther...I love Beth Moore!

New Creations

Ally attacking her big brother...but he doesn't mind!

Our family

Yes I know this is gross and I hate messy face baby/kid pictures, but it was her first cereal feeding.

So, probably with this post there should be a picture of the things I've created recently. But I can't, because they are surprises for someone! And if she is reading this blog, I don't want her to SEE what they look like. I really enjoyed creating them, though, and they were partially my own design. As in, I did more than just choose fabric! I got the fabric at Hobby Lobby and I am very disappointed that we don't have one here. But guess what? One is coming in October! Yay!!!! And I think it'll be decently close to my house. Too bad I don't have a lot of money to spend on fabric.

Anyway, I am planning on making more card designs for Christmas, and putting them in my shop soon. I should also be working on getting my book out to some new agents. I really need to get myself an agent, if that's possible. In addition to these things, I am keeping myself busy with a new playgroup, and soon MOPS and Bible study. As well as making sure Odin gets his needed cousin time. He is constantly asking for "BryceAshton?" as if they are one person. So tomorrow we will swim with them. And today we went to JoAnn's with Jen and Gwen (two older girls were at school) and Odin loved seeing Gwennie. "Gwennie come back!" he yelled as I attempted to veer off into the fabric section. I didn't buy fabric, just some elastic and ribbon. Ally laid there stoically during the entire time. Well, that's all for now. Enjoy the random pictures.

sometimes busy, sometimes not!

So last week was a busy one. We had a lot of plans to keep us busy...including a new playgroup which I hope to hear from soon. This week...I guess I've been busy at home. Working on some writing and sewing and a few new card designs. While it is great to get things done, I'd rather have reasons to get out of the house! My kids, and I, get bored.

Yesterday I was cleaning the bathroom and talking to my mom. I told her how the other night Odin asked if we could go to Target with Daddy (he wasn't going, but Odin saw him getting ready to go somewhere and thought he was). So while I was on the phone, I heard Odin still awake in his room. I told him to go to sleep, and all of a sudden he kept saying, "Target? Target?" Two things I learned here. One, our walls are thin and Odin hears everything. Two, I go to Target waaay too often :)