A Royal Mom's Blog

Do I still have time to Blog?

2011-03-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try to!

I have mostly been making jewelry since August of 2010.

I spent a lot of time last spring quilting and sewing. But have not sewed since then. My sewing machine has been whispering my name the last week or so....

The craft/sewing room is a total mess with having moved a big piece of furniture in there (wall unit to store all the menfolk DVD's). But I am working on some storage solutions. The options are endless and overwhelming. Those of you who know me, know I want nice but inexpensive!

Meanwhile, I have ordered fabric swatches to make drapes for the living room and master bedroom. Did I mention both these rooms need to be painted?

I am off to teach a jewelry class!

To be continued.......

New Jewelry Class

2010-07-11T05:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I woke up at three AM. UHG! I finally got out of bed and decided to be productive. Well it worked! I spend the day making jewelry and organizing all my jewelry supplies. By 7 PM I had created the necklace pictured, another necklace, a woven pearl bracelet, repaired a necklace, and reworked an existing necklace of mine. I also have a pile of projects lined up for the future.

The necklace pictured will be for my next class. I hope to schedule my classes soon and let all my students know about them.

I also had a big pile of magazines that I took notes from, and refiled.

Things are more organized and I am feeling more creative!

The men folk did a mens night out last night. I was able to knock off about 7 PM, then watched a few hours of the Hallmark Channel. And it was off to bed at 11:30 where I got a great nights sleep!

I ordered my milk paint and it should arrive this week. I am looking forward to painting the unfinished book self we picked up in Amish country over 10 years ago. If it is successful, I will move on to a few other painting projects. I plan to recruit the Little One to help me. He is good with his hands and it is a break from Xbox and the computer.

Right now I just have too many projects in my head. The bed room rehab is not even started yet!

It finally rained yesterday. It had been awhile. Hopefully it brought in some cooler weather. Cool enough so I can be outside. My poor lawn fried and died!

I have so many gifts to wrap it feels like Christmas. Two of my best life long friends have birthdays this month and I made them each a bracelet and I have lots of gifts for a baby shower, mostly things I sewed, and there must be more.... Off to the post office this week!

Embroidery

2010-05-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

I had my surgery on May 6th. I am still recovering, I will be on light duty for five or six weeks.

I was getting a bit ansy so I took up embroidery again. I made this piece last week. It is for a special somebody who cooked and cleaned for my family the first week I got home from the hospital. It needs a frame. Can I say how much I love doing embroidery on cotton and a layer of warm and natural! I had never used warm and natural as an embroidery layer. Love it! I also stained this fabric with coffee to make it look old. I like coffee better than tea as tea creates a dirty or gray effect.

Another one is in the works, and almost done. I am thinking of making a pillow with it.

I have a doctor appointment today, going to drive myself. I am ready. Stopping for DMC and some felt. I have a few ideas.

Tomorrow night is the Art show and Book Fair at the Little One's School. Thursday is the musical concert at the Royal Boy's school. Busy week ahead!

Unfocused

2010-04-22T03:50:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. Just all over the place. Very unfocused. I've been doing some hand embroidery. I completed a set of pillow cases. I found them in the basement, and started and finished them. They washed up nicely. I think I will give them to a special person a a gift, as I have king size pillows on my bed.

I'e been working on the scrap quilt borders, finding that a bit tedious but I know I will be happy when this quilt is done.

I also sewed some wine bags, and little purse items: ipod/phone cases, coupon holders, and tissue holders. The apron I made for our Easter hostess was a hit. I did not get a picture of her wearing it, but she did put it on the minute she opened the package.

I've taken a break on baby items, even got the snaps on all the bibs! Sewed bindings on a few quilts too.

I want to make a cocktail apron for our girls weekend hostess. I am not having any luck finding the fabric that is in my head!

So maybe not unfocused after all?

I did go down to try to clean my basement and that overwhelmed me. I think I even made a bigger mess but I did cart things out of the house! Right now the basement is on hold until after my surgery.

Ten days until my girls weekend!

Class Part II

2010-03-02T03:36:00.000-08:00

I have the second half of the class of the class tonight. I need to complete 19 of these today! Each block consists of eight pairs. I have all 160 pairs sewn, and 80 of them pressed. This was a lot of homework for this class. I also need to complete 320 more half square triangles. The scraps are cut, but I still need to cut the background strips for those. I hope to complete everything today.

Right now, I am not working. I don't know how the working ladies are going to complete this! It would have been better if their had been too weeks between classes.

Oh, well, it's doing nothing for my stress level. Still seeing doctors. I even had to find a new one to assist in my surgery. I will feel more relaxed once this whole surgery ordeal is over and I am on the mend.

Going to class tonight

2010-02-23T03:42:00.000-08:00

I have cut up all my scraps! I have six clear plastic shoe boxes full. I am going to a local quilt shop tonight to make the above pictured quilt. Any ideas as to how to transport all those shoe boxes?

I am looking forward to this evening.

Things I Like

2010-02-11T04:10:00.001-08:00

I like these ric rac flowers. Vintage ric rac (cotton) is much nicer than the polyester stuff they are making today.

I just adore this kati cupcake pattern! I may just have to buy it, I have a van load of little nieces to sew for.

Day two of being house bound/blizzard. I planned for this, made a trip to the quilt shop and the grocery store before the storm. Plenty of sewing and plenty of food!

Yesterday I finished cutting scraps, and worked on my crochet scarf. Organized (somewhat) my sewing/craft closet. I also marked my Valentine table runner and decided to hand quilt it. It will not be done for this year. I cooked and cleaned up the kitchen more times than I care to remember.

I'd love to post more pictures but, the Royal Boy borrowed my card reader and now I must ask him to return it, 10 times.

Today I need to get my work done in the morning, so I can play later!

Progress

2010-02-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

The blue bag of scraps are all ironed and cut up.

On to the cream/white bag. They are all ironed but enough for today. I am wondering how I am going to tote all these bins to a class (I need to get another one too)?

This is such a mindless project but my mind wanders all over the place when I cut fabric. Sometimes this is not a good thing!

I'm going to settle in with a cup of tea, a movie, and a scarf I am crocheting, for the rest of the evening.

Scraps

2010-01-30T15:02:00.001-08:00

It is very cold here in New York, like 10 degrees. A stay in kind of day. I've been cutting and sorting scraps again. Even though I must go out again.

Here is a photo of the last of the pink scraps. I took the grocery bag full of scraps, made these squares (8 inches, foundation piecing) and then THREW what was left out. Yes! It was just all too small to cut up.

Today I am working on the blue bag of scraps. Dreaming of all the scrap quilts I will whip up once I have all these grocery bags of scraps organized. I have tackled, the following bags: red, orange, yellow, green, pink, and black. I think I have the blues, white/cream, and the novelty prints left.

I purchase "One Yard Wonders"

2010-01-27T11:57:00.001-08:00

Last night. I went to Borders and got it. I brought it to bed with me last night (I love to read in bed). Before I fell asleep Iwas inspired by lots of projects!

The last week I've been addicted to my genealogy project. Stop!, I told myself enough of this giant puzzle! Time for a break.

I have an itch to sew. I never did get my five days of relaxation when the family went skiing over New Years. I landed in the emergency room, and ended up in the hospital for a week. Then took two weeks to feel normal again.

The doctor still has me up in the air. My last appointment got rescheduled to February 1st. It will be nice to know if I will have surgery or not so I can plan my month of February.

All jewelry classes are on hold until I find out what is going on.

I can't lift anything over 10 pounds. All my sewing bins weigh much more than that! How much does a sewing machine weigh? How to get at my fabric stash? Hmm? Buy more fabric? see the problems?

A girl can dream...

To Do List

2009-12-28T04:48:00.001-08:00

I was sitting on the couch yesterday, crocheting and periodically picking up my new iphone. The iphone has my to do list on it. It consisted of my basic "To Do's" and some FUN things.

You see, the Big Child is taking The Royal Boys skiing for four days!!! Yeah! Four days of creative time for me. I'm going to check out some unexplored yarn shops, finish some UFO's, and make some of those tutorials I've book marked. Did I mention sleep late, drink wine, watch chick flicks, and only cook when I FEEL like it?

It's the best Christmas present ever!

Things I need to accomplish today

2009-12-22T03:34:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm feeling stressed. I wouldn't be stressed if all that snow wasn't outside. I need to get out and shovel AGAIN today. Ralph's car is still snowed in and we cleared hardly any of the driveway.

Here's the problem: I have an oven to clean. I need to clean at least two of the four bathrooms. I need to grocery shop (Ralph needs my van). I have a bracelet to make. Vacuum the house. Oreo cheesecake and citrus cranberries need to be made (need to shop for ingredients).

My body is killing me from shoveling!! No chance of much melting today as the high is only supposed to be 32 degrees.

I'm stressed...

Home

2009-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

We arrived home around 8 PM last night. We went to a wedding in the Blizzard of 2009. A wedding the weekend before Christmas can be hectic. Try it in a blizzard!

I spent the morning tackling the mountain of laundry and the mountain of snow outside. It is not even 2 PM and I am tired.

I had to put my sewing machine away this morning. All I want to do is sew but there is no time. I am hosting 16 people Christmas day. There is cooking and cleaning to do!

Okay, maybe I will curl up with some yarn and start to crochet myself a new scarf this afternoon. It is useless to clean with the Royal Boys and the big Child Home. And I need to shop before I can do some cooking. Did I mention I am not leaving the homestead today?

The picture is a green market bag I made. I also made another one, and some shoe bags. I had purchased the fabric, years ago, to make a shower curtain but never made it, and have since purchased something entirely different!

Yarn? Catnap? Hmmm?

Sunday?

2009-11-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of the baby boy quilt, completed and washed and dry. Not bad for my first attempt at machine quilting. I ended up incorporating the blue flannel in the binding since it was four inches too short (the yellow). I looked in all my scraps and not one piece left!

I started quilting "Snow Houses", last night. It is another project from my ufo box. I had intended to do free motion, but I didn't. I am almost done quilting it. I hope to finish today. I will post a photo when I am done.

Not sure what I am doing today. I do want to finish the snow houses quilt. I need to take my children shopping for birthday gifts for the dad. I also need the boys to try on dress clothes as we have a wedding, to attend, next month.

No big cooking plans today. some sort of chicken dish for dinner.

Enjoy your Sunday!

I did free motion on a baby quilt

2009-11-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

I had a scrap quilt in my UFO bin, all scraps with blue flannel. Kind of a boy "Eye Spy" Quilt. The quilt is 40 inches square. I decided to do a free motion loop on the quilt. It is a lot harder to work on a quilt than on a 12 inch practice square! I'm not happy with the results. I keep saying to myself: it is your first try....

It took me a few hours to quilt it. I used lots of thread. I was surprised at how much I used. I also had sore wrists and hands this morning.

There was binding in the bag and I decided to sew it on. Well it was FOUR INCHES TOO SHORT! Note to self: next time measure binding.

Seam ripper.

Fast forward to this morning. I came up with a creative scrappy binding for the quilt. I just finished sewing it on. Now I need to stitch it down by hand. I much prefer this to machine sewn binding. I do not have good results with machine sewn binding.

I will post a picture when I am done. I know just who is going to get this quilt for their baby boy!

Practice makes perfect?

2009-11-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

I have decided to try my hand at free motion quilting. I'm tired of stitching in the ditch, doing the diagonal and the diamond. KWIM?

I dragged down my "Pfaff Quilters Tool Box" last night, set it up and am determined to practice.

OK, problems!!! Got them ironed out. Now practice, practice, practice! I do wish I had an adjustable chair. Batting scraps, fabric scraps, and all that weird colored thread. I'm trying to go for the simple loop, seems easier than stippling.

I hope to get good enough to do the little Christmas quilt I have all pinned and basted. Then move on to baby quilts.

I mailed out the three matching outfits yesterday. I was so happy to wrap them up and get them in the mail!

Now back to practicing...

My Next Project?

2009-11-12T03:37:00.001-08:00

I saw this skirt on the Boden website last night. I like it! I may have to make something like this for myself. I enjoy applique. I will think about this one.

Yesterday there was no school. The little one and I were able to fit a trip in to the fabric store. He wanted some felt to make nerf gun shields. I picked up some backing and binding fabric for my snow flake table runner.

With the felt, some foam board, elastic, and the sewing machine plus our two crafty brains, we sat down to make nerf gun shields. Who new that would be on my motherhood/crafty list. The little one was quite satisfied with our two finished nerf gun shields.

The Matching Outfits Are finished

2009-11-10T13:59:00.001-08:00

I finished everything this afternoon. I sewed the last zipper in the dress, made the suede belt for the tunic, used sued cloth and gross grain ribbon. Finished hand sewing the sashes and sewed thread carriers on the dresses.

It was a fun but I am glad they are finished. I need to get everything boxed up and wrapped (they are early Christmas gifts) and in the mail. I so hope everything fits!

Big Sister Tunic

2009-11-08T04:50:00.000-08:00

The big sister matching tunic is done. I used Simplicty pattern 2686 . It didn't take long at all. I purchased some suede cloth yesterday, to make a belt. But I'm having trouble finding lacing for the belt.

I am probably half done with the size one party dress. I had to do a lot of the basting by hand on the sleeves, since it is so small to work with.

I hope to finish the belt and dress by Tuesday and get them in the mail.

One Down!

2009-11-04T12:58:00.001-08:00

I finished one of the party dresses today. I have one more to make. Probably won't get to it until Saturday.

I added the chocolate brown piping to the neck and cap sleeves, and I'm glad I did. I am not loving the poly taffeta I used to make the sash. It is too light weight and looks cheap, I hope it looks a little heavier once we get a toddler in the dress. I really don't want to spend any more money, but I'm not happy with the sash. It was the first time I put a crinoline in and it was not hard at all. Also, I am not crazy about the blind hem on my Pfaff. I think the stitches are too big. I may spend some time playing around with that feature on my machine but I think I prefer a hand sewn hem.

I am now going to make a matching top for the big sister, probably a tunic or peasant top type blouse. I'm looking at two Simplicity patterns.

I went shopping

2009-11-02T17:08:00.001-08:00

Last night I went shopping for the fabric for the two matching toddler party dresses.

The mom is wearing a mocha colored dress, big sis is wearing an ivory dress with a mocha sash. Mom likes everyone to coordinate.

This is for a December 19th wedding. I had pink and brown on my brain. I actually was thinking polka dots (very festive).

I narrowed the choice down to brown with lime, fuschia, and coral polka dots, with lime sash. Choice two: a white, pink, green and brown floral, with mocha sash. I eliminated this choice right away as it was too summery.

I really liked the brown polka dot, but I knew the mom would prefer the pink and green floral so I went with my third choice. I also thought it might be too much brown.

I am waiting to hear on what sizes to make.

It is early here in NY. A day I could have slept late, no school here today. But, I woke around 6 AM, very cold! No heat in the master bedroom, toasty in the rest of the house. Hmmm? The heat finally came on 20 minutes later but it it was too late, I was wide awake.

Boys home all day. One boy wants a haircut. I don't even want to think what else is on his agenda. I have a feeling no sewing will happen today.

Two Toddler Party Dresses Coming Up!

2009-11-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

I spent two days doing some yard work with my Dad. I hate yard work! Enough said.

I'm gearing up to make two matching toddler party dresses for a wedding in December. I've been looking at patterns and fabric. Nothing final yet yet but I am ready to start. Size 12 most and 2T here I come! I just love to get a girly fix once in awhile.

It really is time to get cracking on some Christmas gifts I have in my head. A few handbags, two or three doll quilts, jewelry. I really need to start using my evenings more effectively until Christmas.

Gotta get going on something!

Stripping Wallpaper

2009-10-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today I stripped wallpaper in the boys bathroom. 20 year old peach stripe wallpaper. The walls are messy and require some work.

What to do in there now? My fixtures are "bisque", so I'm somewhat limited. I was thinking a java or chocolate brown. The men folk are entirely against the brown family. They are saying: Blue! Why not they have blue bedrooms. I will never hear the end if it if I don't pick a color from the blue family. Smokey blue? Pale blue? Hmmm....

More Monday

2009-10-19T03:55:00.001-07:00

My bedroom floor is littered with all the UFO's I pulled out of the closet.

Last night I sewed the red snowflakes together. They were a project from last Year. All scraps, there were four other snowflakes, one I accidently cut, and three that didn't quite go (are they destined for door knob pillows?). I envision this with a red and white bias stripe binding, I have candy canes on the brain. I may hang this on my front door this year for the holidays.

The snowmen are probably from 1999, that year I was pregnant, in my first Trimester and exhausted with a four year old! I need to find some border fabric for this project this week. Nothing in my stash.

I did find something I can actually quilt. I am going to try my hand at machine quilt stippling. Never quite got it down. But I'm going to try it standing up. We will see what happens.

Tree skirt finished

2009-10-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

I started this tree skirt somewhere around eight or 10 years ago. Probably 1999, I was pregnant with William, early pregnancy. Had big hopes of finishing this for Christmas but never did.

Last night I played around with it and finally got it all pinned flat. That was a big issue and I almost gave up.

Today, I ended up sewing right sides together and turning it right side out and doing some top stitching on it. I am happy with the results. It will be nice to have a real skirt for the tree and not just a piece of fabric wrapped around the bottom. I won 't be making this one again.

Christmas UFO's

2009-10-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I went through my UFO box and specifically pulled my Christmas quilting/ sewing UFO's. Ahh, a trend! Quite a few projects that just need quilt backs and batting to be finished.

I picked the tree skirt. How many years ago did I make this? Don't know. Does it really require all the intricate quilting depicted in the pattern photo? No. Do I have a tree skirt? No. So, it is time to finish it!!! I am off to get a 46" square of batting today. I am going to machine quit it, but nothing fancy. Who is going to see all that stitching under my tree anyway?

The Little One is feeling chilly. He requested a few flannel pj tops to go with his fleece pants. The ones he had on last night were pathetically too small. Red and blue, ok, will do.

Table Topper Finished

2009-10-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

I finished the Dining Room Table Topper this afternoon. I am pleased with it. It doesn't really work with the

green table cloth but I can fix that. I decided against making a wall hanging.

I worked quite a bit on my paper crafting class this week. All done! I even made a snazzy looking flyer for the class. Hopefully there will be a lot of interest in this class. If I get a following I am going to to a Valentine's Day class in January.

I also finished two jewelry samples this week for my November classes. I have to finish another sample for December and make a sample for December.

But, on a different note: I think it is really time to get serious about Christmas. What gifts am I making? Hmmm?

Some Home Dec

2009-10-11T05:09:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I worked on some home dec projects. I finished adjusting the curtain rods in the living room. hung the mirror over the buffet in the dining room. Hung the two pair of drapes in the dining room. I was really happy to get them up! And the newly matted stitchery. It is a bit small for the wall, but it will do until I get something bigger.

The next project will be to strip the wall paper in the boys bathroom. I want to paint in there but am clueless as to what color to use?

Not sure what I am doing today. I think I may check out the Westhampton Beach Fine Arts Show.

Carpet Cleaning

2009-10-08T03:44:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I am cleaning the carpet in my sewing/scrapbooking/craft/beading/computer room.

That means I am taking EVERYTHING out of this room to clean the carpets. I am using my Bissell machine that I used LAST YEAR to clean the dining room and the "man cave". I got it with my American Express Rewards Points.

I hope to get my room done and the upstairs hallway. I checked last night, and I have enough chemicals. I just need to find the machine manual and I think I know where that is...

Some of the things I am working on: I need to make three more samples for my November Holiday paper crafting Class. I also need to make two jewelry samples for November jewelry classes.

I have been on antibiotics for two days now for my sinus infection and feel much better. i don't know why I waited so long to go see my doctor.

I hope to get the Big Child to help me around the house this weekend with a few home dec things. He has been promising me for a month that he would help me. We are having company the end of the month and I'd REALLY like to get them done.

If all goes well, we are headed to NYC for the day Sunday. Enjoy!

Paper Crafting

2009-10-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am working on a paper crafting class for November. Some of these items will be used. I've decided on doing: the Treat Box, the Triangle Box and the Nugget Box. I am also going to do a popcorn slider and a pop up gift card holder. Do you think it is too many things (five) for a two hour class? Note: Since it is November it will be a HOLIDAY paper crafting class, all Christmas like. I need to work on the samples this week!

Yesterday I went to the bead show. I stayed longer than I usually do and did a lot of window shopping. It wasn't as crowded as it usually is. I only purchased some supplies for some of my class ideas. I did get two #8 tubes of seed beads to make myself a dutch spiral necklace but I accidently picked up one tube in hex shape. Oh, well ...

Plenty to do

2009-10-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

I've been mostly working on jewelry projects. I have two classes planned at AC moore for October. The Freshcut Necklace and the Goddess Choker. We did silk knotting Wednesday night and everyone's project was lovely.

The purple pearl bangle is something I made last weekend with 14g and 28 g wire. I would like to experiment a little more with bangles.

The green boxed bracelet is a class I am going to teach in November. I am going to make another sample up in purple glass beads. Lots of different beads can be used in this project.

The dining room drapes have been finished for almost a month. They are not up yet. It is a two person job and I have yet to get the "other person" to cooperate. KWIM?

I worked on some applique for the dining room. The pattern comes from allpeoplequilt.com. Instructions called for felt but that was just too expensive for me. It was supposed to be a table topper but now I am thinking wall hanging. Any thoughts?

Sewing

2009-08-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

I found some time to sew yesterday. I had pulled some fabric to work with, only I needed some coordinating prints.

This is what I finally choose. I wanted a different fabric for the yoke, but I had no time all week to go to the fabric store. I was in Wal Mart on Wednesday, but I did not see anything I liked.

The pattern is a free down load from Oliver + s called the "popover sundress". I had seen it in the import mag "Sew Hip", but did not want to pay $16 for a magazine (I'm trying to use what I have if you KWIM).

I was delighted to find the free download on the internet this week.

It worked up quick (minus all the interruptions)

for a girly fix. I'm going to make a few more and tuck them away for gifts for next spring and summer.

I hope I can get to the fabric store today for a few things.

I am really enjoying my time off. i do have a job interview Tuesday morning. I am being very open minded.

Jewelry classes start again September. I am already working on my ideas for October and November. I will also be repeating some of my classes as there is new interest.

Found Time

2009-08-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday I found some time to sew. I took the paper bag of left over coins and sewed them all together. I came up with 10, 48 inch strips, enough for a good sized quilt. I'm thinking yellow sashing.

Monday night I got out the "In the Meadow Quilt", only to realize I do not have enough red fabric, so I put it away.

Yesterday, I worked on my "Scrap Therapy". I am already filling my third bin. I was working on all my green fabric scraps. I had to stop as my wrist was hurting me while I was cutting. So, I decided to clean up the dining room, all the tag sale clutter was in there. It is clean now, so maybe I can work on the dining room drapes now that the big dining room table is clear.

I also fooled around with my new Cricut cartridge Saturday. Unfortunately I didn't have the paper I needed to work on the wall art project. I did do a jewelry demo at AC Mooore Saturday but I forgot to get paper before I left!

I have three jewelry classes planned for September and am trying to dream up some new classes in my spare time. I do have more time now that I am not working (but where is it?).

It will be hot again today! Options: 1.) Work on coin quilt or Meadow Quilt, 2.) work on Wall Art, 3.) or make a bracelet to see if it is good for a class idea. Options 1&2 require a trip to the store. What shall I decide?

Serendipity Bag

2009-06-29T06:31:00.001-07:00

My first project using a jelly roll. I had fun making this bag. It is a little big (approx 18 x 21) but great for hauling stuff to work. It came in handy at the flea market yesterday. I did purchase an extra fat quarter so I could makes pockets for my keys, cell phone, business card holder, etc. I did not want to have to search in a "black hole for all those necessary items.

Teacher Gifts

2009-06-09T12:13:00.001-07:00

Off today from work. Working on sewing some teacher gifts. I made this journal cover. Took three rip outs to get the size right. There is a a big spiral coil in this book that fights against all math skills so I had to use trial and error.

I like how it came out. I may actually give this one as a gift. I want to do some others with applique and patchwork. maybe some fabric book markers too.

I started to drag out scraps and look in my stash but not for long. I need to go pick up the Little One from Band practice and take the Royal Boy to his guitar lesson.

Then I am working the rest off the week. No time off until Sunday.

I thought Fathers Day was this Sunday and was very happy to find I have another week!!!

Hopefully I will not crash and burn and get some things sewn tonight.

Off to the school now!

Clean Sweep?

2009-06-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't been doing much jewelry making or sewing. I've been busy the last week pulling things out for a tag sale we will have the end of July. I am filling the dining room up with all this trash/treasure until the sale. So far I have tackled both kitchens, and I am currently working on the master bedroom closet. There is so much in the basement! But I want to clean up our living area first. This is going to be a major challenge to do the Big Child's things. He can't part with anything.

I did go on my mystery interview this week. They still have someone else to interview next week. I am looking forward to hearing from them. Hopefully the end of next week.

I am going to try to hit the local quilt show tomorrow. Mandatory meeting at work from 7 to 9 AM in the morning. i figure I can go after the meeting. The Little One has a play date at noon. And I want to make a nice dinner tomorrow and do some more tag sale cleaning.

A good weekend to all!

Not feeling so good today.

2009-06-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 6 AM with a splitting headache and nausea. The big child got the Royal Boys off to school and I went back to bed. I slept until 10 AM. Late for me. I got up and had a bagel and some OJ and felt a lot better. I'm still not feeling 100 percent.

I managed to write the jig necklace tutorial and put together a few supply lists for future projects. I have a future project on the work table. It needs a clasp and maybe some more embellishment. We will see...

I have the sewing machine and the rag quilt out from Sunday still. Maybe I will feel like working on it later.

I need to go get the Little One from Band practice then make some dinner for my family. I don't cook as much as I used to so I really need to cook on my days off. I did make cupcakes this afternoon (between the laundry and tutorial writing). But at this point, I am tired!

I'm having a beading birthday party!

2009-05-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

No it's not my birthday. I am having a beading birthday party for a friends child. Officially my first birthday party for my new little business. I've been busy with brochures and samples. I have beads. Pink beads, purple beads, red, orange, yellow, blue .... I have little velvet gift bags. i am ready to go. Saturday, 2:30, 12 six year olds, here I come! (Wish me luck).

I'm still teaching the jewelry classes. I enjoy it so much. but I am cutting back for the summer. it's been very slow on Tuesday morning and Thursday nights. I'm just keeping the Wednesday nights for July and August.

I've been snatching design time here and there to come up with some new class ideas. Working alot with my jig. I am doing this funky 8 link type necklace is June and a bracelet class in July.

Tired Tuesday

2009-04-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like a bakery. I made two dozen cupcakes today and a chocolate layer cake for the Little One's birthday. Went out to the Little One's school TWICE today (they were paving the road so I had to deal with detours.

I'm off to pick up the Royal Boy from his guitar lesson in a few minutes. He was worried about there being no cake when he got home.

I managed to complete the brochure for my new Beading Birthday Party business. I had hoped to complete three samples today. Instead, I think I spent way too much time on Face Book!

Last night I worked on the Rag Quilt. I will post some pictures soon.

Kitchen clean, laundry done. Can I crash after I pick the guitar boy up???

Saturday

2009-04-25T05:00:00.001-07:00

Last week I taught this wire wrapped necklace to two classes. Most of the students used copper wire for the first time and were very happy with the results. It is a class I will be teaching again.

I will be giving this necklace as a gift, after I make it a little bit longer.

I used copper wire, black crystal bicones, and some 8mm ceramic coated beads.

I have a busy weekend. This morning I have a hair appointment, later a party. Tomorrow is the Long Island Bead Fest and we are celebrating the Little One's Birthday also. He will be nine years old on Tuesday.

I am also in the process of launching a beaded birthday bracelet party business. I spent three hours, last night working on my brochure and it is not done yet!

Another Month flew by

2009-04-23T04:23:00.001-07:00

I can't believe April is almost over! Very busy month. I finally cleaned my work table Sunday, after weeks of jewelry and sewing "build up".

This is the class I taught last night. I was hoping to get to the necklace, but we didn't. Ladies arrived late, and some had to still get supplies, so we started the class a half hour late. I am teaching the same class again tonight.

This is the necklace I sent a cousin, for the birth of her baby in February. I LOVE these name charms. I wish I had gotten a few for myself. Someday....

I finally sent baby Noah his turtle quilt. I have been loving all the pieced backs I have been seeing. It's also a lot more interesting and economical. I sent Sue the quilt on Monday and she got it in the mail on Wednesday and took these pictures , and posted them on her my space, with Noah. I love when I get pictures of babies with my quilts. It warms my heart! Sue says she really likes the quilt. It is one of my favorites. Ralph didn't seem to care for it much. I wonder why?

Today I have to get the Little One a Birthday present (birthday next week). and come up with a few new jewelry class ideas for my June classes. There is interest in a jig class. I also started a girly rag quilt, I hope to complete it for a May gift.

Scrap Therapy

2009-04-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

You really need to be a quilter to appreciate this. Yes, really. I went to "scrap Therapy" for two hours last Thursday. I learned how to make those 14 plus bags of wadded up scraps productive. Really. This bin accounts for less than one bag that I brought with me. I worked on the bag off and on. I finally finished the bag and I have enough scraps to fill half another bin!

I am very excited about all the quilts I can make with this new found yardage. I've always loved making scrap quilts but found it such a process to drag out all the scraps.

I'm going to work through them, bag by bag, color by color. I already need a new rotary cutter blade.

I thought the seven inch ruler was silly at first. It's perfect!! So glad I got it.

I finished the girly scrap coin quilt top. Now to find some time to practice my machine quilting before I tackle the actual quilt top.

This and that

2009-04-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

Haven't blogged in a while... Too much going on. A slew of doctors appts, etc. Allergies dragging me down, etc. I spent five hours today getting together the information for the taxes (nothing like the last minute). I have frizzy hair that I can't do anything with.

We have the honor society induction tonight for the Royal Boy. We also had the Royal Boy's birthday on Sunday.

I am thinking of attending "Scrap Therapy" next week on Thursday. I have been ironing my scraps. Scrap therapy seems like a novel idea (and on one has signed up for my Thursday Tween' jewelry classes yet either.) I emptied a bunch of plastic bags and got them pressed. I am now able to close the top on my scrap bin, I still have 10 plus bags of scraps left!

I started my coin quilt for Coin Quilt 2009 The little one was very helpful in getting all my scraps mixed up. I hope to make some quilts with all the scraps so I can donate some to charity.

I pieced a back and machine quilted the turtle quilt. It is a gift. All I have to do is hand stitch the binding down. I did straight line quilting. After I finished, I dragged out my Pfaff machine quilting kit. Time to learn how to stipple so I can finish up all these little quilts myself.

Jewlery classes have picked up this week. March was a pretty dead month on the whole. I had five ladies at my class last night. They all plan on coming back next week plus a few more so I will have a full house.

The Royal Boys are annoying each other. There is no peace in the kingdom right now. The queen had a lousy night sleep last night and is starting to get cranky. I would love a glass of wine but it is sure to make me very sleepy.

This is the beginning of Spring Break.....

I hope I make it.

Finished!

2009-03-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

I finally sat down last night and sewed the binding on this baby quilt I made with the amy Butler Freshcut squares I got from ebay. I am happy with it. I can't wait to get it off to one of my favorite babies. I have some other photos but for some reason, Having trouble getting them to load on to blogger. May have to link them from photo bucket when I get a chance.

Monica, from Awesome Artisan Quilts did a beautiful job of machine quilting. I just love this paisley.

The Little One is home sick today. I called into work. Having a productive sick day!

I listed a bunch of things on ebay this morning. We took a lot of pictures.

I also sewed the binding on the other baby quilt. somehow I came up short. I ran upstairs and ripped the scrap bin apart. The Little One came up with a few pieces I was able to piece together. I sewed the binding on, pinned it down, cleaned up. I am now ready to hand stitch down the binding.

Later this evening I am supposed to go to the Bead store and have dinner with some friends. I made a list and I have limited cash. I am focusing on finishing a few projects and getting some things to try out a few new ideas for classes.

Jewelry Classes for "Tweens"

2009-03-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Something I've been working on. a jewelry class for "tweens". I will have the class April 9th at A C moore in Hauppauge. Two sessons: one from 10 AM to 12. and One from 1 Pm to 3 PM. This should be a great project for girls ages 8-12.

My day off

2009-02-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Finally! A day off from my retail job. Four days in a row of retail is rough on the feet!

I got up this morning and got the Royal Boys off to school. The Royal Boy did not feel well, the Little One was cranky....

I was glad when they were gone. I got the washer going, then settled in with my coffee to make this acrylic album. It was fun and a nice morning project. I was in no hurry to get out in the snow! It is for a demo for the scrapbook festival at work on Saturday. I wasn't crazy how the "L" turned out. Other than that, I am happy with this project.

Between loads of laundry and vacuuming, I did some beading. I am working on a netted cuff style bracelet. This is something I started last Friday night. I ended up ripping it out after a glass and a half of wine! I made a lot of progress on it today.

I finally had to go out at 4 PM and pick up the Little One from Art Club. My only outing for the day!

The Royal Boy is still not feeling well. I bet we will be making a visit to the doctor tomorrow. The Little One keeps telling me he is "cold". I hope he is not coming down with anything either.

Choker for March class

2009-01-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

This is the choker I will be teaching at A C Moore on March 25th. I finished it this afternoon. I own one in purple. I also gave one as a gift, in peacock blue colors to a friend. She has the perfect dress to wear it with.

I am working on an eye glass chain on my work table. Hope to finish it tonight!

Silence (At least for a little while)

2009-01-30T04:18:00.000-08:00

The Little One just got on the school bus! I have a little while until the Royal Boy gets up and demands to be driven to school for a final test. That is how it has been with him all week! Last night he barged into my bedroom at 10:16 (I was sound asleep) and woke me up and TOLD me I have to bring him to school today at 8:50 (no earlier or later). Same scenario yesterday. I'm quite tired of it!

I between the mom stuff and the work stuff I managed to make a necklace for an April class and I'm working on an eyeglass chain for an April class. I ran out of gold filled crimps and just found out that the batteries are dead in my camera. So, no pictures right now.

My quilts, from Monica at Awesome Artisan Quilts, arrived yesterday. If only I had time to bind them... She actually quilted little frogs on the pink frog quilt and it is just adorable!

Those of you who know me, know it is my 48th birthday Saturday. I am spending the entire weekend working. Next weekend, I hope to go out for brunch with my family.

I went for a haircut yesterday, felt the upcoming occasion called for a new "do". I think I like it better!!! My stylist talked me out of going short, and I am grateful for that. I am letting all the layers grow out into an updated bob with side swept bangs. Something I can wear curly or straight depending on my mood and time.

I am still crocheting. I finished another scarf as a gift. Unravelled one scarf to make a shawl instead. I'm on the second front of the little green cardigan.

I saw some new chocolate boxes I want to try for valentines day. I used the Cricut at work the other day, to make a sign, and I am itching to paper craft. There is some really pretty v day paper products out there right now.

Next week I hope to make the drapes for the dining room. I think I have everything I need. I snagged a mirror for over the buffet also. After the drapes, I want to find a piece of art for the wall between the two windows. Lighting is still an issue. But, it will be until we get a ceiling fixture wired, which is low on the priority list right now. Lots of candles right now!

Happy weekend to all!

Hey it's Thursday!

2009-01-22T14:25:00.001-08:00

We came back from Northern NY on Monday. I did five loads of wash Tuesday and watched the inauguration.

I worked on a crochet scarf, on the trip on the way upstate. Started another scarf while up there. I haven't touched them since Sunday. I hope to work on the cardigan tonight.

Yesterday I worked and taught a jewelry class last night to six ladies. I had two new ladies come to my class. They seemed to enjoy themselves and I hope they come again.

I am currently working on some ideas for some March classes. I finished up a few pieces of jewelry today. I had a few small orders to finish. I need to firm up my March calendar.

I also need to clear up some time to make the dining room drapes now that I have the fabric. I am so looking forward to having them up. Still looking for a mirror for over the buffet.

My baby quilts are done! I received invoices for them today, via pay pal. Hopefully they will be back soon and I get the binding on them. I will take photos of them when they are completed.

I wish it would warm up a little bit!

2009-01-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

Why? I want to go for a pedicure but my feet have just been too cold! Maybe next week...

Monica from Awesome Quilts called last night. She received my quilts and has some nice ideas for quilting them. I can't wait to get them back.

I finished my pink scarf last night. The first thing I've ever crocheted!!! I like it! I'm still working on the baby cardigan. I purchased more yarn for a scarf for a relative. I decided I don't like "Bling Bling " yarn I may return it or use it with another yarn.

We are off to upstate NY tomorrow to visit some family. I can finally unload the rest of the Christmas gifts! The Big Child and the Royal Boy hope to get in a few days of skiing.

I'm working a half day today. Then picking the Little One up from Art Club, then I am teaching a jewelry class this evening. So it is a full day! I need to find some time to pack up for the trip.

I spent the day yesterday cooking and doing laundry (I also allowed myself the luxury of going back to bed after the boys got on the bus, something I don't do very often). Why then did I wake up to a full load of laundry??

Another day in paradise!

Friday

2009-01-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Well I'm still working on the little green cardigan. I've ripped out the back two times. I'm sticking with what I have right now. I'm having trouble getting it to measure correctly in the width.

I'm off to run a few errands. Then lunch at the diner to catch up with two friends.

Working Saturday.

The Big Child and I have a "date" to go out and look at dishwashers on Sunday.

Nothing else really going on.

I've learned two crochet stitches

2009-01-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

I started this little cardigan Friday night. I ripped it out many times. By the time I went to bed at midnight I had one row complete! They are going to offer free crochet classes at work on Saturday mornings. I'll be there since I am going to need help with this.

Here are some pictures of the two baby quilts I sent off to Apache Junction Arizona to have quilted. I am trying a new service and I can't wait to have them back. The first quilt has little frogs and pink camo on it. The second quilt is made with the Amy Butler Fresh Cut squares I purchased on Ebay this summer.

My weekly jewelry classes resume on Wednesday night. I am adding a Tuesday morning class starting in February.

The Royal Boys returned home last night. I was able to get off work early so I made a nice impromptu dinner of penne a la vodka and opened a bottle of Italian Chardonnay. I lit all the candles in the dining room which is still decorated from the holidays, and we had a festive family dinner.

I am only working 15 hours this week, so I will get caught up on house cleaning and take down all the Christmas decorations.

I'd like to take some time to figure out this blog thing. I do miss my .MAC account. So much more user friendly!

This morning I got up at put a pot roast in the crockpot and baked a pumpkin pie. And started to work on all that laundry! I hear the dryer now....

I resolve...

2008-12-31T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hmm....

I hate resolutions. I usually don't make any. But lets see:

A. Keep going to Weight Watchers (note: no weight goal set. Works better that way, but I am down 15 pounds).

B. Learn something new. Right now I am determined to learn to crochet. I tried to sign up for a class at my library, but it was filled up. I bought myself a book yesterday.

C. Keep up with my blog and add lots of pictures.

D. Take more Pictures!

There. Now that that is done I feel much better!

On to the better stuff! The Plan: Wine chillin', snacks, triple feature lined up (Sex & The City, The Duchess, and Mama Mia!). Crochet supplies. NO MEAL TO COOK! It's a holiday miracle!

OK, I'm starting to miss those Royal Boys. They keep me updated daily on their activities and they are having the time of their life. The big child left me some errands to run and some suggestions as to how to occupy my time in case I couldn't think of anything myself. HA! I won't even get through half my list...

I worked today and since it snowed it took a very long time to get home (1 and a half hours). Working tomorrow too. The retail crush is over, back to only 15 hours next week. Time to relax.

Happy New Year!

Saturday

2008-12-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

I'm off to work in a little while. Not sure it will take with all the snow we got since yesterday.

Major accomplishment!!! Every one was home last night to decorate the tree. It is done and looks great!

We also had the holiday fair at the Little One's school yesterday. I donated five crayon rolls and nine pair of baby shoes. I think they all sold!

So I work today until about 11 PM. Did I mention I HATE working on Saturdays? Nine plus hours is just too long a day in retail.

Next week I HOPE to get some down time. The Big Child is taking the Royal Boy and the Little One skiing December 28 - January 3. I hope to do some jewelry making, sewing, cleaning, and paper crafting. Once I figure out how to post pics to this blog, I'll post some. Even though I haven't had much time to make anything lately. Oh, and work too! I am really looking forward to some alone time after the holiday!

Monday is the day to power wrap. Then deal with holiday food. I'm thinking Oreo cheesecake and a strawberry trifle.

Off to clean the snow off the car!

Anyone NOT busy raise your hand!

2008-12-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

No decorations up YET. But I did get out the Christmas dishes. I do like to use them thru February as are "Winterberry".

I took the Big Child out for lunch today as a belated birthday gift. We've tried to do this lunch a few times. I was ready to give up! I was able to PAY cash for the lunch with some money I had made selling some jewelry. I felt like such a grown up lady!

Tonight we have the Royal Boy's winter concert. Last night I hemmed his dress pants and right now I am washing his new white shirt and T shirts so they won't be scratchy.

The Little One is due home any minute, then it's dinner and homework!

I got all my Christmas cards ready for the post office today. Did some online shopping/surfing.

I have a whole bunch of projects in my head to make but no time. A girl can dream....

Tomorrow is "Operation deck the halls".

Saturday I am working again. I hate Saturdays. I usually work from 1 to 11 PM. Sometimes I start at 12. I hope things change after the holiday as it is a waay too long day for me. And I don't like a few of my job duties. I'm missing a few parties and "get togethers" too. This is like the only time of the year I have any kind of a social life!

I have a few new jewelry classes in January. My class night will be Wednesday. I will post pictures of samples when they are finished. I have a few left to do (I should be doing them right now).

Trying to get it together

2008-11-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

I hope to update my blog this Sunday. with working and hosting Thanksgiving, I've been very busy!

I've Moved!

2008-08-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

My blog that is. Letting go of my pricey .Mac account. Here's my new blog home