First Things First!

We need dresses! Lots and lots of dresses!

And maybe one of these...

Team Tiny

Team Tiny: n., a small team made up of important people that makes TS Designs possible.

(Picture from last year's market experience)

It's 3 am and I CAN'T SLEEP! This pregnancy has been easy in the sense that I haven't had much sickness, but for the first time in my life I'm experiencing pure exhaustion. So tired that I break into tears over lunch at Red Robin or so tired that I take naps at 9am. And now here I am blogging because I've been up for hours just laying in my bed. The bonus to all of this chaos is the quiet time that has come to me, allowing me to plan my Sunday lessons, my meal plans for the kids, and better yet....MARKET! Oh, how I miss market! And now the countdown is on. 80 DAYS left until I get to load up my minivan (yeah, we bought one of those) and head on down to Salt Lake City for 5 days of craziness and fun! And so the checklist begins:

• My patterns are in the testing process as we speak.
• My booth plans are sketched out (we'll see how much of it falls into place).
• Roni found her babysitter. Wahoo!
• Reservations are being made with Priceline.com (did you see the new commercial? My brother had my parents come out to watch it being made...I was a little jealous).
• Fabric is being ordered daily! hehe.
• Team Tiny is so ready (and so not ready) to go! :)

We find out tomorrow if we're having a litte boy or girl! So until then, I will keep my mind stirring with market to dos, because otherwise I'll go crazy waiting and um, not sleeping.
Happy Monday!

Tags...& more tags.

Sometimes I get emails asking about my tags...sometimes. It's not a huge topic of conversation, but it's a little detail that people notice and tend to ask about occassionally. So I thought I'd explain it a little bit more. So here's the truth, a long time ago (like 3 years ago) when my husband and I were poor college students I was sewing bags just to learn. I was cutting corners everywhere I could, including my tags. My grandma (who has passed away since) taught me to do, what I think is called a backstitch when I was about 8. She was sewing a very special apron for me and was showing me the fine details of how to do it.
So one day I pulled out some muslin and thread and starting stitching. I had read online to print out your letters on the computer and then trace them onto your muslin. So I tried it and it worked! I made about 100 that way and soon enough I was able to just free hand the tags. None of them are the same. In fact, they probably look different from my tags 3 years ago, but they are made by me...every single part of the bag is made by me. I like that!

It's a process though. They begin in a large strip and then I cut them down and store them in this jar (the same jar I showed you last year). It just sits on my shelf.

And then eventually that tag finds a home inside one of my bags. Now, isn't that just an exciting process? I knew you'd enjoy it! Lol! OK, so really, I love this process and I don't think I'll ever just order tags because it's so enjoyable. It forces me to slow down and enjoy what I'm doing and I remember a little piece of my Grandma Keller at the same time. :)

BTW, I'm inviting you all to come follow me on Twitter! It's lots of fun and I make a fool of myself all the time because I'm not always understanding what I'm doing. But it's fun...so come play along!

Hugs!

Happy V Day!

I'm still not sure (at the ripe old of 28) how I feel about Valentine's Day. I kinda think it's silly and I kinda think it's sweet. Maybe by 50 I'll have made my decision. I do know that there are many things I love though:

1. I love my little boys and my older boy.

2. I love sewing (as I learned after a whole week without my machine).

3. I love to throw things away (random I know, but it feels so good).

4. I love making hearts out of playdough with my kids.

5. I love getting packages in the mail!

6. I love having my husband home on his days off.

7. I love my family and friends.

8. I love chocolate and diet coke.

9. I love to shop.

10. I love to love and be loved. :)

Tell me, what do you love?

Sale!

This bag is my newest top selling bag for a reason...it's absolutely Darling! ;)

So...I'm on vacation! Have you noticed? Sheesh. It was that time when I needed to get out of town and spend a little time with my Mom, being that it's her birthday and all! Wahoo! We love to celebrate around here and with all this excitement I felt it'd be appropriate to have a sale this week! Hop on over to my Etsy shop where you can purchase 2 patterns and get 1 FREE!!!!! Just leave your freebie request in the comments section after your purchase of 2 patterns. Easy as that! Patterns will ship early next week.

xoxo,

Happy Monday!

This morning we made homemade playdough! And then we played with it and we made a mess and built squishy snowmen and laughed and shared and had lots of fun! THEN 45 minutes later we were done and ran off to watch Toy Story 3, leaving Mom to clean up the mess, but she didn't mind because we had a great time!

Happy Monday!

Feels like home

I wish that I could express the amount of emotions I've been feeling lately. But I'm not sure that I can. I hesitated to write about this experience I had last week, but since it's been a week and I'm still thinking about it, I guess I'll write about it.
My boys and I have one major outing a week which consists of a little shopping, lunch out somewhere they love (typically the Target cafe...I know right?), followed by Sawyer's physical therapy in one town, and Ruger's speech therapy in another town. At first I dreaded these days, oh I hated every minute of it and complained via text to my mother the whole stinkin' day. But then something happened last week, it was such a little thing, but it was magnificent.
Ruger and I were playing in the ball pit while Sawyer was working hard in the other room and a girl about 7 came running in. She ran up to Ruger and said, "You wanna play with me?" He jumped at the chance and suddenly they were swinging from the rings in the ceiling and flying into the ball pit. They had conversation and they laughed and the best part is, they didn't care about each other's issues. They both have them, it's apparent (if only everyone's issues were physical for the world to see?) but no one cared. She didn't ask about his hearing aids and he didn't ask about her.
As I watched them I was caught off guard by the feeling I was having...I was homesick...for the hospital. What? Seriously? Isn't that strange? I had so many feelings come back and memories of children I would play with and watch late night movies with and no one cared about the other's issues. These hospitals for children bring such a comfort to their patients and for some reason, these obstacles that we deal with every day in the real world don't matter inside those walls. There's no pitty, no teasing, no pointing or laughing, we just are who we are.
So the longer I thought about this the more I remembered how much of my time I spent in those walls thinking about how I could some day come back and be a part of that world again. I had no idea that I would being going back there for my children though.
As we prepare for our first extravaganza to Shriners this summer for Sawyer's surgery, I will enter that world/home again, where I spent so much of my childhood. I will see familiar faces and feel those pains he has all over again and I will have complete comfort in knowing that he's getting the best care possible. Don't get me wrong I'm scared out of my mind! But maybe just the comfort of those walls will help us all make it through the summer a little easier.
I've been reading this blog and this blog a lot lately about words and dreams and while it's difficult to look in the future right now with all that lies ahead for us and think of those things, I think for now I'll just settle on seeing all the dreams and blessings that have unfolded infront of me...right now. I can't believe the support I've received through my shops and orders lately...but thank you so much! You're all helping to support this little family of mine and I am so grateful for that! You're making my dreams come true and all of your sweet emails with questions about the boys or thank you's for your orders really make my day! Please know that! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'll be here setting goals, making dreams, finding words, and trying not to forget all thats been given to me thus far!

And if you're feeling lucky, Camille is hosting a fantastic giveaway over on her blog...it's a good one!

A work in progress.

Well, we're getting there. This room may not look like much, but compared to where we started it's a complete transformation. We still have the base boards, doors and outlets to finish up before I can decorate the room anymore, but I thought I'd show you how it's coming (I also wanted a record of it for myself).

The boys quilts were finished on Christmas Eve, but I'm so glad they're done. Roni and I were able to sneak over to our friend Carma's house and use her quilt machine (thank you so much Carma! the boys really miss you).
Ruger begged and begged Jason to let him pull the train table back out of storage and Jason finally caved...I forgot what a wonderful toy it is! :) I'm in love with this carpet, prior to this we had green checkers and green walls (it was a sight to see). I've never felt so grateful for flooring...I love it!
And a shot with the window. I had just enough backing from Sawyer's quilt to make some little curtains. And Ruger has discovered that if he hangs the monster pillow on his bed post that he can hide his leapster and many other goodies at bedtime...sneaky guy! Hopefully I'll have more to show you soon, however, if I have to make the top bunk again, I may go into labor. Have a good one!

Cupid's Messenger Bags

One of my favorite holidays is Valentine's Day! I love it because it doesn't matter if I make it a big deal or not. If I want to buy my kids a balloon and call it good then I can or I can make them something super cute and fill it with goodies that they don't need. :) This year I thought I could help you make your children's V's Day

a little more enjoyable too!

Hop on over to my shop to purchase these little messenger bags!

There's no pattern (not yet anyway), just the bags and if you order more than one

your shipping is still only $2! Yay!

I have three listed right now and I will be working on more soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh to be organized!

Are you organized?

Is everything in your house in perfect order?
Are your toilets always scrubbed and is your sink always empty?

Or do people always trip on puzzle pieces and transformers when they walk in the door?

I'm the last one on that list. Oh how I try. I really do but I just get so distracted with the wonderful things in life like hide-and-seek, and texting, or even the mail. It's true! I can hear that metal box slam shut everytime the mailman leaves our porch and I run like mad, because a lot of the time there's something wonderful there waiting for me to rip open! :)

I try so hard to get things in perfect order, but what am I suppose to do with all of my receipts? And when I just finish cleaning my bathroom and my husband brings home 120 rolls of toilet paper...where the crap am I suppose to put it? I know, I know there are answers and books for me to read, but I don't want to.

People used to make fun of me when they'd come over because I kept my peanut butter in the Tupperware drawer...it was convenient and low! I could reach it and it was right by the fridge. However, I've moved it back to the cupboard this last year because I was made fun of so much.

I've been working on my sewing room all morning. I know what I need and how to make my folded fabrics look pretty, but as for the chapstick, and the spray adhesive, and cute little buckets I'm saving for market...I have no stinkin' clue! None! I guess I'll figure it out or shove it in the closet, but really these things are so hard for an indecisive, happy person like me. :( So stay tuned...maybe I'll get this crazy mess figured out and if I do, I'll post some pics for you!

Promise. Maybe.

Hugs,

It's in the shop!

I know, I know I took forever! But at last, it's here! Hop on over to the shop and pick up a pattern for yourself! :)

Happy Monday!

Thanks so much!

I couldn't believe all of your sweet comments about the baby! It's always a little scary (and exciting) when you find out about another baby, so your support is much needed and I'm grateful for every. single. one. of. you.

I went to the doctor yesterday and she said everything was looking good. Our little clan is super excited! However, the boys have no clue what's coming. Sawyer asked me yesterday if the elf that Ruger brought home from preschool was the baby from my tummy. That was a fun conversation.

I haven't been sick at all, which is amazing compared to the last two (maybe it is a girl?). However my appetite is somewhat disturbing. Hehe.

It's strange to look at my little guys now and watch as little preparations are being made with both of them. They are maturing a little faster than usual and they're acting out a little more. I felt this way before Sawyer was born too. The children can always sense that things are changing but they just aren't sure how. I'm grateful for those changes. I don't think I could feel at ease with another baby if I didn't see that happening. They play well together, better than most siblings, and I think that will be a great blessing in my favor. ;)

We're excited for our new journey and can't wait to share it with you all!

xoxo-

Welcoming 2011 + One!

Coming this July!

And so the story goes...

We had a fun Christmas this year! The boys are at that perfect age of grasping everything and actually being able to enjoy it all. We started our Christmas Eve off with a little Nativity recap and then the boys (& Grandma Wall who made a surprise visit) made cookies for Santa.

Followed with a letter to Santa of course!
And some Thomas and Scooby pj's from Grandma Wall.

And let's not forget the reindeer!

The boys sprinkled all sorts of glitter and reindeer food on the lawn

so our house wouldn't be missed.

AND THEN it was Christmas morning!

Some were excited and woke up at 5am sharp!
Others were tired and wanted to sleep a little longer.
The boys wanted exactly two things from Santa this year:

1. Knapford Station

2. Woody and Buzz race track

I think that my grand total of $34 is a record.

I know I will never get an inexpensive Christmas like that again!

Jason got an ipod nano that he had to purchase for himself last minute,

because his lovely wife forgot to hit the "pay now" button online.

I waited for two weeks for it to show up and it never did. :(

And I got a stupendous video camera that's so tiny it fits in my purse...I looove it!

We topped off our morning with some yummy cereal in the

cool new personalized bowls that Grandma K sent to us!

The boys went nuts over them, but I was so busy eating I didn't get a picture. :(

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas!

Seeing Double?

It's the holidays and I haven't looked at a blog or written a post in forever! That's the way it goes right? Life takes over. Holidays also means family and friends coming to visit. Our house has been non-stop visitors for the past little while and we've loved every minute of it! Currently, my twin was visiting...

You know I don't really have a twin? I'm just talking about Roni! We're sewing our hearts out, eating terrible, terrible food, destroying the house, and even doing a little bit of prep for Spring Market (soooo excited!)

Our husbands have come to grips with letting us hang out 24/7. But I they're definetly having to do a few double takes.

And as for the kiddos, they're having a ball! Who knew boxes could be so fun! :)

-----------------------------------------------

Our basement is almost completely finished, I'm back into my sewing quarters, and the tree is up. Hopefully I'll have pictures for the parents soon!

Happy Holidays!

Fall Patterns...finally!

I have been dying to release these patterns for so long and now I'm jumping the gun a little, but I can't wait any longer! You first saw the Darling Bag here, but now let me give it a proper introduction. This bag is my favorite bag. period. the end. I have carried this bag for five months now and I'm not sick of it. It's quite large, 12" tall by 20" wide by 5" deep and it has 10 pockets! That's right, 10 pockets! And honestly those pockets have been incredible for hiding treats from my kids. The straps are slim and fit perfect on any shoulder! One lady tried to steal this one out of my cart at the store because she thought I got it off the rack! Seriously, I had to show her it was filled with my stuff! No joke!

You can purchase this pattern in my shop right now, but the printing won't be done until after the holiday, so I will ship them out next week!

And then, we have the Owl Pack! I've discovered a new found obsession for owls, since designing with my friend Shari's Hooty Hoot fabric. I made this pack and shipped it off to market so quickly that I only have one photo of it. :( So hopefully you can tell how stinkin' cute it is. It has one strap that velcros across the chest (like the Diego pack) and it's perfect for little boys or girls (with the switch of some fabrics). We are still wrapping up the testing process with this one, when it's complete I will list it in the shop and let you know! I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! I will see you next week!

And to all a goodnight!

Things that make you go...

Ooooooo...

I bought a stamp. I'm so excited! Can you tell? I discovered Kelly's Etsy Shop during a giveaway one day and as I was browsing through her products, I knew right away that she was the exact source I was looking for. I've been wanting a stamp for a long time now, but just couldn't find the right place. So I emailed her and within a short time she had created a stamp out of the logo that Katie had created awhile back.

It arrived just in time too! I had a stack of brochures for my shops and a stack of invites for an event I'm doing in Nampa to mail out and I was able to stamp every single one! I love it! It adds the perfect touch to all of my product.

The Tiny Clutch!

This tiny clutch is full of personality and is so simple to make. It's the perfect Christmas gift for anyone on your list. It works for all ages and is so simple and quick to sew! Seriously...maybe an hour...maybe.

This bag is perfect for the tiny things: wallet, keys, notepad, pen, sunglasses, etc. Or as one store owner said, they're packing their lunch in this clutch! Great idea right? I could even see my 12 year old niece, Kate, using this to pack her lunch inside her Darling Bag.

And yes, it's true, I didn't carry the Tiny Clutch this week. However, I know someone who did! :)

My sister Lesli, is very particular about the decisions she makes...she's much more organized than I am. She decided that she wanted a Tiny Clutch to go inside her matching Fabulous Bag. She keeps the clutch filled with diapers and wipes on a typical day, but then when she goes out with the ladies, she ditches the diapers for the necessities. Clever, right?

So hop on over to my shop for a tiny discount a pick up your very own Tiny Clutch pattern!