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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Rope Scarf

This scarf was inspired by a necklace I saw in a boutique during my trip to New York last weekend. I used strips of red jersey I had left over from another project. It's so easy and requires only a pair of scissors. My strips were 2" wide by 110" long and I used 8 strips. It is wrapped twice around the neck to give it some thickness.
More or less, wider or thinner, it's up to you.
Once the strips are cut give them a good pull. This lengthens them a bit and curls the edges giving them a tubular look.
Gather the ends together from both sides. Secure them with a 1" wide by 12" long piece of Jersey knit. Tightly wrap the strips around the bundle. Tuck the end into the wrap.
You can also play with the how you want to wrap the bundle. You can hide all the ends or pull them through at different lengths adjusting the ropes. The possibilities are endless. Have fun.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

T-Shirt Transformation #1

I purchased two of the same t-shirts on clearance last week to make this beauty. I have a good portion of the second t-shirt left and I have lots ideas so check back in to see what I come up with next.
1: Start with two t-shirts. You could easily use a different color or something you already have on hand. 2: Cut off the finished edge of one of the t-shirts. 3: Measure and cut a 6" strip. Then cut one side of the shirt so you have one long piece. 4: Make a running stitch down the center.
5: Now the fun part. Pull the thread to make your ruffle. 6: Adjust your gather to about 9" in length and pin on the uncut t-shirt right down the center. 7: Cut another strip about 2 1/2" wide by 12" long. Fold edges under and pin over center of ruffle. 8: Stitch ruffle on to t-shirt with a straight stitch.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Make Me New-Dress to Skirt #2

When I saw this dress I was crazy for the print, but when I put it on it was like most dresses, just a bit too short for my g-line and my comfort level. I bought it anyway and decided to make it into a skirt.
Dresses like this are easy to transform into a skirt. Think about where you want your new waist band to be and make the necessary adjustments.
Don't take out the zipper completely. Just take it out enough to make your first cut.
Try is on at this point to check the fit. Most likely you will have to manipulate the "new" waist band for a better fit. I liked how it fit at the skirt seam but it flared at the top.
So I took out the side and middle seams and adjusted them to fit snugly.

I had to taper my seam line to get the perfect fit.
Once your fit is good you can finish it off by folding the edge over and top stitching the right side.
The final step is to re attach the zipper. I like to do it by hand.

I love Mother's Day

I used to think that I deserved something really great for mother's day, you know like a diamond pendant or a weekend at the spa. I did after all give birth to 3 practically perfect children not to mention the fact that I care for these little twerps everyday. Not an easy job.
But luckily for me as the years have passed I love mother's day because it means I can reflect on the fact that I am blessed woman. God has somehow trusted me enough with 3 of his most beautiful and amazing little beings. Everyday I'm learning to love the role I willing choose but did not immediately appreciate. I mess up daily but I ask for forgiveness and try a little harder the next day. I hug them and kiss them daily.
Just being there mom is good enough for me....well, and the perfectly cleaned house.
Kate's write up on me. I love that I'm 2 years younger and I love the plaid background.
Thomas made pancakes for dinner. He also wrote me a letter at school.
Mom, the thing I couldn't live without. She can get mad, but I'm not sad because a mom is a mom is a mom, and that is that. She is the most grateful, helpful, delightful, and sweet mom you could ever imagine. She helps me live and grow, so I can be here right now.
She sacrifices her time to let me do what I love. She uses most of her money to buy us food and water to keep our family alive.
In the morning she helps us make our lunches, so we can go to school to learn and play. I the afternoon she helps me do my math homework. Then we go upstairs to do what we need to do. My mom and I go read in my bed. Then after that we go to bed and snuggle. She tucks me in bed. Then she says, "Good night," very calmly. She closes the door as soft as she can.
She tries to tell me to be kind and honest. She tries to teach me not to lie. She always tells me to treat others like you would want to be treated. Mom I will always remember you.
Jack Jack left me a surprise he's been working on for a couple of days. He said it was our family.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Made me Cry

I have followed Stephanie Nielson's story like so many. You can find her at NieNieDialogues. She is an inspiration and living such a beautiful and blessed life. Here is clip of her current life. It made me cry and it made me think about a quote I once heard.

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which has."

Thursday, May 6, 2010

England '10

Where to being.
In March Chris and I went to England for a couple of weeks to visit his parents who are serving a mission in London. We toured all over. England was everything I expected it to be and more. I really feel in love. Several times my heart literally fluttered. The sights, the architecture, the markets, the food, the shows; it was all perfect. Part of my heart belongs in a big city. It was a trip that left me so full and I'm not just talking about my tummy.
Chris can you look for a new job in GB?
Carlsbad is great, but it's lacks in the charm department. Besides I don't mind wearing a coat.
I took 740 pictures. Not easy to narrow down but this post is my biggest and fullest post yet. I will spare you all the wheres and whens and the details. There's just too many.
I'll save that for the scrapbook.