Month: June 2009

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I got (and PLAYED) with my June Scarlet Lime kit today…

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I’m thinking about kits a lot lately. Probably because I just submitted a Big Picture proposal for an all new kits: round 2 type class. (don’t tell- I dunno if they’re going to pick it up or not yet!) I can tell you that I have a vacation Project Now class hitting Big Picture this month. Any day now, from what I hear… (and no, this page isn’t a part of it)

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note: stitching by Matilda, not Tex. He is not responsible for missed stitches, shoddy spacing, clumpy spots, and lack of pretty tie-up/finish.  He offered to stitch paper, but he’s so pretty and expensive… and Matilda needs to pay her rent. So she does my paper stitching now. (hey- at least she still has a job in this economy!)

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It’s fun to scrapbook just because, it’s good for the creative spirit I think. This was a FAST page. 30minutes tops.

Now, I have some BIG and fun projects to go work on…

practice brings good things

I have said it before, sewing is not easy. Ah but here’s the thing. Every time I do a project I get a little faster, a little less frustrated, and a little teeny bit better. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I’m bad because I’ve barely done anything! How many scrapbook layouts did I make before I started teaching classes? 100? 300? It was a lot, and I should expect no less from a different craft. (note to self: DUH!)

Just like mastering any art – gardening, cooking, baking, scrapbooking, or SEWING – to name a few – practice brings better skills and better skills brings good things.

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So, my goal is to sew at least five times a week. A partial project, simple project, repair, or just practicing with a scrap. I will practice.

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Today I made an 18″ pillow case, complete with a fold-over 3 button closure. I used 3 different stitches, layered on fabric and ribbon, and I love how it turned out. It was supposed to be a housewarming gift for my mom, but I don’t know… I do love it…

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Tomorrow will = paper craft day and yes, I will share results!)

Until then, whatever you’re creating I hope you have fun and enjoy the process.

meet tex.

I got a new machine. Well – I got a fantastic deal on a (barely) used machine at the local sew shop and upgrading to this from Matilda (aka old machine)? BEST THING I EVER DID!! Well, at least this month. We’re in the ‘howdy ma’am nice to meet you’ phase of the relationship. I took a 3hr beginner course on using him, so now we’re playing with me getting better at my (sorry lack of) sewing skills.

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I’m working on a wall hanging for Miss E. Mostly it’s to experiment with ideas and how-do-I? ‘s floating in my head.

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There is very little swearing or delay involved. Tex makes things easier for me. MUCH easier. He aims to please.

So, why the name Tex?

The machine is a brother (therefore boy)

This machine is being so kind to me and easy to use I’m thinking he’s a southern gentleman.

My sister and I used to have brother ponies (as in my little), and mine was named Tex.

Thus, Tex was named.

Have a great day – I’m going to try and play some more. I have a lot of ideas I’m working on and I WILL share them all!!

linkin’ Monday.

Let’s start this week off with a few good links.

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Susan Weinroth ROCKS some handmade gift wrap ideas here: http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/articles/t_creativetwistwrap.aspx 

I read this and loved it on Stacy Julian’s blog:

“Smart people spend time alone. They don’t fill their days with appointments from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., as many politicians and executives do. Great science does not emerge from hard logic and grinding hours. It comes from activities like chopping wood and raking leaves, preparing dinner and reading to the kids. These activities soften the rigid pace of the day’s pursuits and allow all our God-given intuition to work its unlogical magic. Only then can we reach our fullest potentials. Only then can we leap from thinking to understanding.”- Philip K. Howard

 

Want to see some amazing layouts that will make you smile and get choked up all at the same time? One of my favorite Army wives shares some very special pages – http://stephaniehowell.typepad.com