“Life is tough; and if you have the ability to laugh at it, you have the ability to enjoy it.”-Salma Hayek
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”-Frederick Douglass
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”-Corrie Ten Boom
“Building mental strength is about regulating your emotions, managing your thoughts, and behaving in a positive manner, despite your circumstances.”-Amy Morin
“Star Trek’ is about acceptance, and the strength of the Starship Enterprise is that it embraces diversity in all its forms.”-George Takei
My dresser drawers are getting full of clothing I’ve made and I’m finding myself being in me made outfits from head to toe more often than not. Today it was about half and half for work. I still have nice store bought pants and sweaters that are in the rotation, but I wear so many me made things now that everyone at work just assumes I made whatever I have on. 🙂
Speaking of work, one of the biggest things I’ve sewn lately has been this quilt that I essentially finished in a weekend for my director, who got married! She’s always elegant, so I thought this color palette would be nice and not overly girly for her husband and family. I’ve been told that everyone loves it, even the dogs! 🙂
It’s a little wrinkly from being wrapped up. This is the second Jellyroll Serger Quilt I’ve made, after taking the class in the winter at Decorative Stitch with my MIL. This time, I remembered to add the sashing! I think it turned out super cool. I have enough leftover fabric to make a baby quilt to gift when needed. The featured picture is a close up of one of the unicorn squares. Had to have a little whimsy, after all. Isn’t it so vibrant? The quilt was actually inspired by the fleece blanket that I used for the back. I had bought one of those no sew fleece blanket kits, but hate how the fleeces feel when you tie them and they are the perfect size for quilt backs.
I’ve been batch sewing a bunch of Lago tanks lately, as they are my absolute favorite tank so far. I have pictures of three of them, but have made two more too, a purple one and a long one for a night gown. The night gown used the rest of the black skull and hearts fabric from my purple skort. Here’s the ones I do have pictures of in a handy collage.
The pink one is a little, very soft and cool feeling, rayon spandex night shirt. The bicycle one is also mostly for sleep, as it can be a little more sheer than I’d like, but could be worn for every day too. The mint one was for my friend with the little boys. I’ve had this fabric since last year for her, but couldn’t figure out what I wanted to make for her with it. She liked this one a lot, so I think I made the right choice. It’s tunic length, so could also be a sleep shirt.
The Husband was traveling for work near where our friends live, so he was able to drop off a little box for them and get us two pints of the best (and pretty much only) maple syrup I will eat. There may have been some nerdy LOTR references made when she told me we could get it in pints. 😉 Yum!
I made a Patterns for Pirates Sweet Tee for her as well.
I was pleased with how this one turned out. I have a couple of Sweet Tees myself, so was pretty sure she’d like it.
The boys got shark themed outfits for Shark Week, which is coming up August 9-16th. I mean, we all know what I’ll be doing that week, but now the boys and I can match!
I hope the boys like their outfits! I made sure to send pants this time, as the older boy last time was slightly perturbed that he had only a shirt. 🙂
I made some more doll clothes for the office, but have pictures of just a few of them. The rest are at work and have been used already by the littles.
The button shirts have been seen before, but the snaps all came out, so I used velcro or snap tape the second time around.
Masks are not freaking me out as much to make currently, although they do hurt my hand, no matter which tool I use to cut them out. I have a bunch of pet themed ones started to do a fundraiser for Fancy and Piggy’s rescue. I found the most ridiculous cat dating site fabric for some of them and it cracks me right up. I’ll be sure to take a close up picture of that one. In the meantime, here are some of them.
The flamingo with the camper mask is staying with me, of course.
A few of these are going to work with me too, for anyone who wants to take them. The papery masks make me itchy and are super uncomfortable, so I wanted to offer them if other people were having the same issues. I figure if I get a set number of them ready, I won’t be inundated by requests and will be able to calmly get them out. I’m not taking custom requests or selling more than I have made up.
I used the camper/flamingo fabric to make Linen Lounger shorts, but need to go back and add a taller waistband, as I forgot to increase the back rise. I added pretty pink lace though and think they are super cute. I added pockets too.
Another victim of not enough rise, are these pants. At least I think that’s what’s happening? They’re also a weird length, hence the sad face.
I need new capri’s and pants though, so I’ll keep trying things out. I did make knit shorts from this cool zipper pattern cotton lycra. They’re very comfy and have pockets. I used the Solar Flares pattern by RAD patterns. The theme last week for the sewing challenge was Pants or Shorts.
I also made another skort! This book fabric was a custom fabric from Peekaboo Fabrics and they don’t have any more. I had just a half yard of it and it worked out perfectly. The shorts underneath are a blue anti-microbial athletic fabric that apparently runs easily. I may switch it out for a plain cotton lycra at some point. It is very comfy though and looks tidy enough that I do wear it to work on days when I have mostly kids.
Well, that’s all the sewing I have pictures of, so I guess I’ll sign off for the night! I’m definitely relaxing in my zipper shorts tonight. The house got pretty warm when we were all out of it. I’ll leave you with this picture of Piggy, because if it doesn’t make you smile, I’m not sure what will.
I think most of you all know, but just in case, Fancy passed away after a seizure on Saturday. We are heartbroken, but happy that she isn’t sick any longer. ❤️ She was the best dog! Sweet and sassy, the most demanding of belly rubs, pets, and cuddles. So loving, especially with people who were hurting and kids. Oh the kids! Our neighbors are almost as devastated as we are. They had just bought a new bag of carrots just for her.
Eventually, we will get a new dog. Fancy successfully convinced the Husband that we need to always have a puppers in our lives.
Here are some pictures of Fancy to remember her by. If you have a pet, please give him or her some extra snuggles! 🥰
It’s late now, but a couple of weeks ago, I submitted the following collage for the Quarterly Giveaway in the 52 Week Sewing Challenge and ended up winning a gift certificate to Salmon Valley Knits, out of British Columbia! The featured picture this post is the fabric that I chose. It is a gorgeous, stretchy and smooth french terry. I never win anything, so was super excited!
Of course, it’s only a fraction of the things I have actually sewn. Sometimes the only thing I sew is for the challenge, but more often than not, I end up sewing at least a few things because once I get the sewing bug, all bets are off. This morning, my bribe was to sew up a sweater from my winning fabric, but a certain adorable dog snuggled closer every time I tried to get up and I couldn’t make myself leave. I mean, could you resist this face?
You may notice the patch of shaved hair on her leg. My poor dog gave us quite the scare and had a seizure almost two weeks ago now on a Friday morning. She’s getting better and hasn’t had another one that we have seen, but is still not quite herself. She gets stuck sometimes and circles the house and occasionally, can’t quite make it up on the couch or the bed.
Yesterday she woofed at the Husband when he came back from work and it was the first we had heard her really bark since she came home from the hospital. She’s on a couple of different meds to prevent any future seizures and we’re hoping will be feeling all the way herself soon. She’s still a little clumsy and uncoordinated and is a lot pushier when trying to get food. We’re working on retraining her and she is listening. It was terrifying though and definitely put us both out of sync. We could all use some good thoughts though, if you have any to spare!
I have still been sewing, although my hand is acting up and I’m attempting to be nice to it. I have made some masks for the Husband, myself, and my immediate family, but found that making them was so stressful and panic inducing that I wasn’t able to make more than that. I have gotten better at managing that, but am not making them to sell or donate anywhere. I have pictures of most of them.
My house at the guitar one for my brother, which bummed me out because I liked that and the shark ones the best. I have a few more waiting to be finished for the Husband and myself. We’re both going into our offices on alternating days, so will need some more than just one or two. My director is considering having us wear them when we are eventually back to face to face sessions. The Husband’s work is reopening at half staff, so he will need to be wearing them for his half days there too. I do not like making them, nor want to get really good at making them, but I wanted to help my family as much as I could. It gave me a little peace of mind at least.
In order to help calm myself down in between mask sewing, I have been adding to my collection of Harry Potter themed items. I’m showing the fabric because I am currently wearing the pants and you don’t really need to see my undergarment set… I did make a new pants pattern with them, the Solar Flares by RAD patterns and I must say, they are my new favorite lounge pant pattern.
I made a tank top with the bigger scrap. Also pictured is a tank from DBP featuring sewing notions. These are the free Lago tank from Itch to Stitch. They are both super comfy and fun!
I decided one night that I would just cut out a bunch of things and use up what fabric I could, rather than packing up and unpacking, or forgetting what I had. I have matching undergarments started in the notions print too. It’s been fun to make my own! Helps me feel all superior when I have someone being obnoxious at me. 😉 The doll clothes pictured next are from that night too. I’m trying to cut down on my scraps and doll clothes are perfect. Plus, eventually when I can be in the office again, I know the little girls will adore this sparkly dress.
Undergarments are the other scrap buster thing that I have been making later. I’m pretty sure you can’t actually have too many of them after all. I also finally figured out the mods needed to make the bra I like fit pretty much perfectly and have made at least three more of them. Sadly, none of them match the stars below, but I did end up with three matching sets so far. The ladies reading here will back me up, I’m sure, on the fact that matching sets just seem to make things so much better!
Of course, Harry Potter isn’t my only fandom, or the only theme for fall parties. I made this LOTR themed cardigan as well. I tried to put the rings in the pockets, but the fabric wasn’t arranged in a way that I could do that. It has the Tree of Gondor in the pockets instead. It is Cotton Lycra and green sweater knit. It’s very cozy!
Fancy decided to help me show off my most fun Solar Flares by lying on them.
These are so comfy and look like work pants, but are secretly pjs. They are french terry. I like them a lot, but have no pictures. I also made a pink athletic knit pair and a floral french terry pair. I will probably make a pair in a black fabric for work pants as well. They are a very comfy and well designed pattern. The only thing I would change would be to make the pockets just slightly longer.
One of the super easy things I made for the challenge was this travel pillow for the Husband’s car. Since I took over his car and his new one is water themed, via his license plate, I thought a wave theme would be appropriate. His shark mask stays in his car too, so he’s all set. I was able to use up this tiny pillow form that I bought by accident, thinking my pillow cover was smaller than it was, which was nice. Since I’m the one who naps in the car all the time, I’ll be sure to let you know if it’s comfy or not. 🙂
I haven’t only been sewing, by the way. We’ve had a couple of movie nights and I started working on my Lego Mini Cooper. The Husband is waiting somewhat impatiently for the table, so that he can start the carousel and the Disney castle. We may not be able to use the table after those sets are done, as they are huge, but we’ll figure out somewhere to put them I suppose. Maybe we’ll get the Husband’s other Lego table set up. Here’s a sneak peek of the Mini. I may have squealed loudly with glee after setting up the tiny picnic. 🙂
I should probably go build some more actually. I started the second of two books, so am working on the front half now. Have a pieceful night! (Get it, lego pieces? Bwhahaha!)
Jet Tila is one of my favorite tv chefs, so when I found out he had a cookbook, I knew I would want to get it for our collection. Jet is a popular judge on cooking shows and is the on the floor reporter for Iron Chef. He always seems pretty down to Earth and I appreciate that. His cookbook is very approachable and has helpful tips and introductions to the recipes. Everything is broken down into clear, manageable steps, which makes the recipes easy to use.
So far, everything we have tried, we have liked. One of the first recipes we have tried was Kung Pao Shrimp. I wanted to make shrimp stir fry one night and realized that there might be a recipe in this cookbook. This was good. I added more veggies, the broccoli and carrots, and it was delicious. We used angel hair instead of rice for a change of pace. I also left out the cashews, as the Husband isn’t fond of them.
It was good! Super easy and quick to make as well. We would definitly have it again.
Szechuan Beef was another quick and delicious recipe. We actually had Szechuan peppercorns, which we had not tried before. They were spicy and made our mouths tingle a little. That’s what they are supposed to do though, so it wasn’t a bad sensation. The recipe calls for either flank or filet and since we had filet, I used that instead. It was extremely tender!
I roasted some zucchini on the side with some olive oil and herbs. I did add more sauce ingredients and left out the celery. We also used sweet chili sauce as it was the closest thing to chili garlic sauce I had on hand. We would definitely make this again.
Lo mein was another dish we tried and enjoyed.
This one didn’t impress me as much as the other dishes, but I think it was because I had a bad reaction to raw chicken and was slightly grossed out by the time it was actually done. It tasted good though and we would probably make it again.
One of our favorite recipes was also in the book. We used turkey for these lettuce wraps instead of chicken, but they were tasty! I left the water chestnuts out, as the Husband doesn’t really like them and I didn’t feel like messing with it.
A surprise hit was these donuts. They’re actually store bought biscuit dough deep fried, glazed, and dusted in a 5 spice sugar blend. They were a fun and easy breakfast to make over a weekend.
We had a berry salad with them. We did use store bought biscuits, the ones in the paper tube! I have some of the 5 spice sugar leftover, since I spooned it on the donuts instead of dipping. The sugar blend was yummy and I think I want to use it in a crumble or a coffee cake.
The sugar was delicious in Ali’s Coconut Rice Pudding too! It was so creamy and yummy. I’m definitely eating it for breakfast.
Overall, I have been very happy with this cookbook and will definitely be trying some more of the recipes.
“The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.” Albert Einstein
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’”- Eleanor Roosevelt
“Good planning is important. I’ve also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition. When you’re in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you’re depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make you laugh eases the tension.”- Edmund Hillary
“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”- Betty White
“Off with you! You’re a happy fellow, for you’ll give happiness and joy to many other people. There is nothing better or greater than that!”- Ludwig van Beethoven
Having an injury that prevents me from sewing is really showing me how much I actually need to sew to keep myself on an even keel. I have other hobbies, like reading, marathoning Star Trek episodes, dancing, or finding all the book sales, but sewing is still one of my top three stress relievers. And believe me, I needed the stress relief!
Also, look, the book sale wasn’t my fault. It was to support a Catholic School! Don’t you want those kids to have a good education?! The Husband graciously drove me and found some good books as well.
I found a couple of psychology books, including a Brene Brown book. She’s fantastic and I still haven’t read most of her books, so I was excited to find it.
This book jumped into my bag when I wasn’t looking! Sneaky book!
Amazingly, I have put the books away already! I know, it’s super weird for me too, but we had a game night and needed the table space. Pictures for proof!
Here are a couple of quilts from one of the books. It has only a few blocks, but gives you at least two options for putting them together. The basic block and then a secondary setting option. It’s pretty cool.
We also went to a quilt show and although I was too shy to ask to take pictures of the quilts, there were lots of fabulous ones. It was one of those weird situations where it was all much older ladies and they seemed very confused by why us young whippersnappers were interested. There was a really cool music quilt that someone had made in high school to take to band camp, a really detailed landscape type quilt, fairy houses, and an amazing sewing themed quilt. That one had tons of appliqué and the Husband pointed out that several of the machines pictured on the quilt were “plugged in” across the quilt! It was so cool! I hope that one won first place. I did see a couple of scraps of fabrics that I have in my stash too, so that was fun.
I found a cool book too and some fun fabrics. They had a scrap table where you could stuff a bag for $5! Here’s my scrap haul and the book.
While we were there, I finally found the weighted rotary cutter that I have been looking for. I thought it would be easier on my thumb and wrist for cutting. You barely have to push at all because of the weight of the blade. Now I just have to get better at cutting clothes patterns out with a rotary cutter and I should be all set.
Speaking of which, I have used it already. I made a comment to a friend about working through my mending pile, since most of those things need less cutting and she replied with something a long the lines of “mending your clothes while mending your body.” I really liked that image and am trying to remind myself of it when I get frustrated with the slow pace.
Today, I cut off the elastic waistbands of two pairs of leggings to cut them down a little, and to replace the elastic with a yoga style band instead. They both hit at a weird place and would gradually be up around my ribs throughout the day. Since they are navy blue and grey, I didn’t want to just replace them. I need plain leggings, as well as plain dresses and shirts. So I added navy blue dpb to both for the new waistbands. I didn’t have any grey and it should be covered anyway.
These tea wallets were in my “to be finished” pile, so I sewed and turned them at least, but will have to figure out how much I can hand sew before I can do the buttons. I think I can probably do them one at a time.
Aren’t they adorable? I think I might try to sell them as a teacher set or something. They look so cute together.
I have also made blanket! It’s a very special sewing blanket and it’s surprisingly heavy. The Husband said I accidentally made a weighted blanket after I dropped it folded up on his arm. The pieces were 2 yards each, so it ends up being about a 100 inch square?
It is made with blue background dpb for the sewing machines and a strawberry red french terry on the back. I serged the edges together and am very happy with it. I was originally going to make something to wear, but the pattern is really big comparatively and a couple of other people made blankets with it on the sewing boards. It’s a little too warm still to use it now, but I think I will love it in the winter, as I am always cold.
I made these dog themed pictures for the September celebration of Fancy’s “Gotcha Day” and still need to put paw prints on one and a picture of Fancy on the other. I think they look cute even without the finishing touches though too. The Husband likes them as well.
So there is my recent sewing update! I’m relearning how to work around things and have also been reorganizing the basement, so it’s been a process. A good process that I will be glad to be done with at some point! I have to get back to that part though. There’s fabric in the wash I just remembered that I forgot about!
