Cleveland, Part 2

While we were visiting the Postons, we had the chance to go to the biggest park my children have ever seen, Preston's Hope. My children were in heaven! I lost Ruger at one point as he was just wondering and enjoying himself. A few of Roni's friends were able to come with their families and it was so great getting to know them all.

Gabbi found the sand to be quite tasty! Yummy!

Gunnar

You know who my hooligans are above and below.

Emma

The Gomer and his wife

Princess Hannah

And well, what can we say...it was a long day. No wait, this pic was before we left. Ha! I just remembered that! Sorry, too lazy to put these in chronological order. :)

Preschool and Cleveland Part 1

Oh wow, I still can't believe this guy is 5! Because of our shocking turn of events last year with the hearing aids, we decided to keep Ruger in pre-school for one more year. So again, we have his "first day of preshool pics. " Isn't he a little stud?

Did I say little? I meant BIG stud! Look how tall he is? I mean, yes, I'm short, but he's still so tall! Dad had to work this day, but we had Grandma W. in town to snap pics for us. Ruger is looooving his new preschool. So much, that I can get him to make his bed, brush his teeth, and do his chores without even a whimper before school. Which makes me love his preschool too!

Ruger attended exactly 3 days of preschool before we headed off to Ronis. We had a blast with the Postons and will do it again in a heart beat (notice I said will)! We woke up every morning, showered, sent the kids off to school, and then sewed or shopped the day away. We spent little time primping, because we felt it was a waste of valuable time...and what's the point in a west-coast girl even trying to fix her hair while visiting the east coast (not to mention the fact that I'm attempting to grow out my hair so I can be Velma for Halloween)?

Between the 2 of us we made 6 pairs of pj bottoms, 4 bags, a camera strap, a diaper savvy, 10 halloween totes, an apron, some flowers, a halloween wreath, 2 wallets, a Thomas costume, and patched a pair of jeans in the two weeks I was there. Sewww worth it! I remember taking about 20 pics while I was there, but when I came home I had 240...some were of leaves and some of feet....I'm assuming that someone was comparing our new cameras (she got a Nikon and I got a Canon...mine's better). haha! Oh yes, this photo is real...sadly! We made this mess over and over again, but what fun it was!

And because you kind of sort of got to see the bag I've carried for three weeks, I am going to do FREE U.S. SHIPPING on everything in my shop for one whole week! So hurry, hurry! Happy Monday!

The wife is BACK!

I have determined that when someone doesn't blog for three whole weeks, that means they're having lots and lots of fun! I have pictures to share and new designs that we hashed out and we even planned out the booth for Spring Market 2011, but all of that has to wait because I haven't seen my hubbie in three looong weeks, I'm still catching up on sleep and jet lag, I owe hours of conversation to my mama, a primary program to finish writing by Sunday, many errands to run, calls to make, OH and mile high packages to mail because my poor shops have been so patient waiting for me! :) But once I'm done with that I will hop right back into the blogging scene.

And I'm sorry about my lack of email responses, but to answer a few questions:

1. I will be posting my halloween tote patterns soon.

2. I will go back to my bag of the week soon (I didn't realize that would be missed).

3. And yes, I am THRILLED with my husband at all for the magnificent work he did on our basement! He is amazing and I'm loving him more than ever for his hard work! I've been living in 2 bedrooms and 1 bath of our house for the past year and I'm so excited to almost be converted back to our 5 bedroom, 2 bath space...I'll keep you posted with pictures!

I came home to a detailed car (thank you nieces and nephews), a stinkin' clean house (thank's Ranee), an advance on the remodel (love ya Jason), and a super cluttered sewing table (thank you self)! I consider myself to be the happiest and luckiest woman in the whole wide world! Now I'm off to finish my to do list, so I can have my Friday night date with Jason! Thanks for putting up with me! I love you all and please let me know what you're up to! I will also be reading blogs again soon....sorry friends!

While the wife is away the husband will play

So as you you might be able to tell, this is not Tiffany. This is her husband having a little fun while she is away. I thought it might be fun to post my activities during this weekend (seeing how it has been the only time I have had off since she has been gone). Tiff, I hope you enjoy.

This is going to be the doorway to the future master closet.

This is the new doorway.

What's next?

I cut open another new door.

I had some hired help and took down another wall and

then I started to put it back together. Pictured above is new wiring for outlets and lights.

Holes in the ceiling for recessed lighting with wires run.

A light (not finished), but you get the idea.

Insulation in the walls to improve energy efficiency.

Then comes the Sheetrock.

And more sheetrock.

Well that was fun. How was your weekend? This is the first time I've ever written on a blog before. Thanks for taking the time to enjoy.

Aren't they adorable?

My Mom, my Dad, and their 95 lb. halibut in Alaska.

How do you do Fabulous?

OK, yes lame title for a post, but I'm dusting off my creative writing skills...not as creative as they used to be. :) So how do you do fabulous? My fabulous looks like this...

I love, love, love these Amy Butler fabrics below! They were discontinued once and then they had to bring them back because people love them so much! I think I have made every single one of my bags out of these fabrics, but none of the bags look as good in this fabric as this one:

I designed this bag for Roni specifically. She requested that I make her a bag with a hidden pocket so she could hide her gum from Gunnar. I thought about it for weeks and weeks, and then when I was visiting my mom, she had on this really funky shirt with some crazy cuffs that I just loved. That's where the idea for the flap came...in fact, I sewed it up that night.

So there you have it...my Fabulous! I will be toting this little number around this week and you can too! Just visit my shop for a fabulous discount. And I will just use my creativity on bags for now.

Happy Monday!

I could use some help on this.

I'm going to fill you in on a little secret...I don't know how to decorate. I don't know maybe I do, but it's more like I'm affraid I'll screw up so I just don't do it. Take for example my Living Room...

This is the view from the front door. It's not too bad right? Aside from the kitchen...we haven't remodeled that yet, so don't look. But the living room, it's not too bad, but maybe I could do a little more? Pretty pillows or something more with the mantle?

Then this is the back of the room...there's nothing behind the couch except a whole lot of floor space and then the top of the cabinets is really bare. Aside from Halloween, it doesn't get much attention. I've stared at it for four years (ever since we finished re-doing this room) and now I don't know what to put there. I thought about maybe some antique bird cages or garland, but I'm not certain I'm that kind of girl. Then I thought about getting a really pretty frame for our family picture and just putting it in the center? I don't know. Tell me what you think. If this were your home what would you use to decorate the cabinets? Oh, and should I have a pretty little entry table for behind the couch or would that be silly? Fill me in, tell me your thoughts...I'm desperate! :)

A Little Less Seamstressed

Because it's Seamstressed week, I decided to offer this bag in my shop at a special 10% discount, ending soon. So hop on over and pick it up for yourself! The patterns and kits are still listed at a special rate as well.

Happy Shopping!

Birthday Wrap-Up!

This year I felt like the birthdays just went on and on and on! I had a little party planned for both of the boys, but it couldn't be done until after their birthdays. So on their birthdays we did things as a family, which now I think we just did too much! Oh well. :)I had planned for a little birthday party in the backyard where the kids could play on the swing set and trampoline. I even made banners...but then it poured rain. Within two minutes the food was being rushed inside and we had to do our little BBQ in the kitchen. Again, oh well. The kids had a great time with their friends. I wasn't able to catch very many pictures amongst all of the excitement, so you'll have to settle with these shots of the boys and their sticky faces. Next year...one party, that's it! I think. We'll see. I'm really indecisive.P.S. Remember that "vacation" I mentioned? It's a go! I purchased the tickets last week for a luxurious two week getaway to Cleveland, Ohio for me and the munchkins...we will be staying at Hotel Roni, where the food is amazing, entertainment is unreal, and the chocolate stash is just fantastic. :) Can't wait!

The Seamstressed Bag

The Seamstressed Bag was quite the adventure for me to take in sewing and I'm certain that I don't even have to tell you why. I had this vision and I was set on bringing it to life. I made a mini-version first to get feedback from my go-to girls and after their approval I went for it and this is what happened. Isn't it pretty?

(Fabrics by Riley Blake Designs)
I truly do love this bag because it expresses my personality more than anything else I've ever made. It says, "Here I am!" when it's carried into a room and if you know me, then you know that's totally who I am. :) This bag was designed for seamstresses to carry all of their seamstress stuff in. Hence the name, Seamstressed. It was made for cutting supplies and fabrics and notions and such. But if you'd like to use it for heavier items, you could just sew the straps in place and attach the buttons on top for extra security.

The absolute best part about this bag are the straps! You can keep them in standard purse position or you can convert them as shown below. Allowing you easy access to everything inside your tote and also easy to carry over your arm when you're lugging that 100 lbs of sewing machine.

(Fabrics by Amy Butler Design)

This bag has four surrounding jumbo pockets and secures with a magnetic closure. The pattern is once again, fairly simple with it's mounds of template pieces. Basically, you cut, sew, iron, and sew...basically. And the end result is priceless!

(Fabrics by Michael Miller and Riley Blake)

And just to show you that other people have actually made this bag...without shedding tears...or pulling out their hair...I swiped this picture from my sister-in-law's blog of the bag she made. She was my tester on the pattern and in one clean swoop this is what came about...

She did great, right? And conveniently there are kits for this bag listed in my shop and of course, I'm offering the pattern for a discounted price right now...so hurry, hurry, you don't want to be without...I promise!

The Backpack!

It's official! My very first project has been posted over at the Moda Bake Shop! So hop on over and check it out! I'm a little nervous about this one because it's not my typical "handbag" so to speak, but I like it. I've definetly found a small passion for backpacks because I get to make them for my boys. You'll have to let me know what ya think?

And if you're visiting from the MBS you can find the colored pencil pouch tutorial here. Happy Saturday everyone!

Cuteness: according to me.

Tonight we sat around watching as my husband set up the new swing set for the boys. We had a yard sale awhile back and sold some pretty large items (like the treadmill that I begged my husband for and only used three times) and decided that we'd put all of our summer earnings towards a new swingset for the boys. They did help earn the money and being that it's also their birthday time, we donated a little to make up the difference and called it one great BIG happy birthday present!

I am highly out-numbered in my little family and therefore all activities seem to consist of tools and trucks of some sort. The boys love it when Jason has a project to work on because they get to play with all of his stuff. :)

And the dog? Well, he's getting a little old and requires a lot of rest these days.

Be back soon!

Today...

1. My hubbie took a boy with him to buy wood for winter. One child feels so easy.
2. I am meeting with a contractor to finish our basement. :)
3. I am making a mad dash to the post office! Hello P.O. ladies!
4. We have an appointment with the pediatrician for two handsome little guys.
5. I will be stepping into a quilt shop for the first time in months! Crazy right?
6. We are going to Ruger's preschool orientation...so excited!
7. I will return phone calls...and more phone calls.
8. I'm planning a vacation...keep you posted!
9. I'm cleaning because my mother-in-law is coming tomorrow!
10. I'm gearing up for the boy's little bday party this weekend.

What are you doing today? I hope it's exciting!

My Jumbo Glam Bag

This week I will dust off (or perhaps I tossed it in the wash and hung it out to dry) the old Glam Bag! I will not show you a current picture because this poor bag has been abused and mostly, because it hasn't been ironed yet...but I assure you that it will be ironed and drug around town this week and there will be smashed crackers in the bottom of it by the end of the day. If we're lucky we will avoid all spilled beverages this week. ;)

I am so grateful for this bag and I know that sounds crazy because it's a bag, but if I could only tell you the relationship I've made with this bag. It has literally taken me the distance business wise and has given me every ounce of accomplishment that I dare to dream.

This bag was the second bag design that came to my mind and after a few rough drafts we were able to bring a simple sketch to life. This bag has two inner pockets, one large outer pocket and magnetic snap closure. The removable bow allows you to dress it up or dress it down and the comfy straps make it perfect for every occasion. I've learned that the bag can be made in any color, but black & white are most definetly it's most attractive combo. :)

I've broken many hearts by refusing to sell my one and only Tiffany Glam Bag. But how could I let it go? It has so much meaning to me.

This pattern teaches you to work with elastic, fusible fleece and snaps as well. And I've been told that the best part about this pattern is that their mistakes are easily hidden within the scrunching of the bag. ;) I've listed ONE pre-made bag (below) in my shop at a tiny discount:
There are still kits available and for a short time the pattern is listed at a discounted price! So hurry on over and pick up a glam bag of your very own or make one for yourself! Happy Monday!

***One more thing...I forgot to mention that my custom slots are all filled up. However, I have started a waiting list. If you'd like to get on that list just send me an email. :)