I’m hosting a sewing group on Monday for some of my friends who want to start sewing.  They all have machines they either purchased or inherited from their moms or grandmothers that have been collecting dust.  Unfortunately, sewing is a visual art.  It’s very hard to figure out what to do from a book or written instruction.  It’s so much easier to have someone sitting next to you and guiding you along.  I remember when I first got my original machine.  I couldn’t even make a single stitch.  Every time I tried I ended up with a giant snarl and I finally threw up my hands in disgust and walked away.  Luckily, I had a very kind and crafty co-worker who was gracious enough to come by my little apartment and show me the secrets of tension and explain the mystery of threading my machine.  After that, I never looked back.  But if it wasn’t for her, I’m quite confident my machine would have ended up at Goodwill long ago.  So, I’m trying to pay back that favor.  I’ve already hosted a simple, get-to-know-your-machine event and the girls feel pretty confident about bobbin winding, threading and tension.  Good enough to take on a project!  Keeping in mind I have a group of newbies and only one hour, I thought we’d go with a very simple tooth fairy pillow.  Easy, cute and totally do-able.  Right?  So today while my children fought and bickered at each other, I ignored them to put together a few pillow kits.  I think they are not only cute, but actually quite simple and perfect!

Ready for A Tooth!

I just hope we can put them together in an hour!  But if not, no sweat.  It’s all about having fun, right?

I also got a little present in the mail yesterday.  I had ordered an address stamp from Lettergirl and it finally came.  Yipee!  It’s absolutely adorable and I cannot wait to address my Christmas cards.  And bill writing?  Totally more enjoyable now that I get to stamp away in whatever color I choose.    It’s all about the little thing people.  Trust me.  Focus on the tiny good bits and life is grand!

My Own Personal Stamper

Bits and Bobs Put to Good Use

A heap of scraps?  Squares for a quilt?  A pile of loose fabric?  Nope.  These are my latest attempt to go green – table napkins!  I raided my scrap bin and pulled anything that I could cut into a 7 inch square, sewed, flipped, and top-stitched for a quick and easy pile of napkins.  Now when the girls spill their soup or cover their fingers with Cheeto dust, they can grab one of these instead of destroying forests of trees in the hopeless attempt to keep themselves clean.  Because, seriously?  My children plow throw napkins like you wouldn’t believe.  I’m hoping to kill two birds with one stone here.  Bust the scrap heap of fabric and go green.  It’s a great plan in theory, I will let you know who it works in reality.  But I must say, it was fun to make these napkins because they are so simple, quick, and pretty.  Here’s hoping they work!

We had a very nice visit with all of Kevin’s relatives out in Spokane this weekend.  The kids did great and we survived the very very long drive rather well.  Their favorite part was the indoor swimming pool at the hotel.   My favorite was the buffet breakfast every morning.  I think, if I could, I would have someone prepare a warm breakfast for me every morning.  And then do all the dishes too.  What a great way to start the day!

I meant to post a picture of the bag I made Leina’s preschool teacher as an end of the year gift but somehow time got away from me.  I found the fabrics way back when Ms. Erica came out to visit and then dug out the pattern from my horde.  All went well until the very last step when I managed, somehow, to snip right through the front of the bag five time.  Sigh.  It was too late to make  a new bag so I did my best to patch it up before I handed it off.  But honestly?  I was just sick.  Sick!  I do love the fabric and have more than enough to make another so….. you might just see me sporting my very own mushroom bag in the near future.  Hopefully, without the horrid snip marks.  Grrrr.

I got a call from Liza requesting use of The Bonnet.  Her daughter, Hannah, had a pioneer day coming up at school and The Bonnet would totally make her outfit.  Of course, I as more than willing to lend it to such a worthy cause.  However, nothing is free in this life so I asked for a picture of Hannah modeling The Bonnet.  In this, Liza kindly complied.

But because Liza is just one of those people who goes above and beyond, she also included a picture of her lovely self modeling The Bonnet and I knew I would be remiss if I did not included it here as well.

Isn’t it amazing how flattering it is?  Wearable by men and women both young and old.  Anyone else want to give it a try?  I have my camera right here and ready……