Number 21

Admittedly I've become a sucker for the game of baseball.  Watching Thomas play for the last couple of years has been nothing short of what I had imagined and looked forward to,  partly due to his pure love of the game.  His dedication and self confidence, which at times can be a bit much, is also admirable .  This is a kid who lives for sports and if I let him play everything he would. He is the kind of boy that lies in bed at night and dreams of being a professional sports star; tennis being his first pick.
Recently I asked him what he was going to do if his plans of playing a professional sport didn't pan out.

He said, "Mom, do you really think I'm not going to play a professional sport?"

My response, "Thomas you can be what ever you want to be."
(No need to deflate any dreams now.....unfortunately time, age and experience will do that.)


Thomas doesn't lack for self-confidence, but in a world where you're put down pretty quickly that's not such a bad thing.

Jack and I sat in the car waiting for one of Thomas' games to start.  I read my book while Jack play in the back. When it was time to go I opened up the door and found not Jack but a a space alien.
Let's just say Jack's a little goofy.

Uniform Project

I came across this clip on Pattern Review and thought it was one of the coolest most inspiring projects I've seen.
Sheena Matheiken wore a little black dress for 365 days as an exercise in sustainable fashion, but, with the help of accessories and her creativity, she never looked the same way twice! So amazing. The other cool thing is the project supports the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots non-profit founded in 1990 to bring improved education to children living in the slums of India.
Tara launched her first solo collection, Study NY, at New York Fashion week in September 2009, entitled The Square Project.

Uniform Project Picture Book from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

Note to Self - Remember That Everyone Is Struggling

susannah conway

I don't know what is that makes us feel unique in our pain or struggles of this earthly life? My rational side knows that everyone has what I like to call "their Shiz", but my irrational side feels like while my world is strained those around me are living all as well.

While I may ask why me, I realize that to struggle is human and we must all experience pain to overcome it. I meet an amazing women years ago that had more than her fair share of "shiz". I'm pretty sure if I were her I would have packed my bags, ran away and changed my name, but I watched her endure her trials with a smile on her face no less. She taught me that we are all for the most part doing our best with our resourcses and circumstances. When we realize this we can't help but be sympathic, compassionate and loving.

We all struggle but we must keep moving. Often times this is the more difficult part. Forgiveness is not about forgetting but it's about moving forward, not dwelling on the negative and focusing on a solution and healing.

Be kind and patient with yourself and with others. Everyone is in one way or another fighting a battle.

Triple Layer Apron

A few years ago I saw an apron similar to this one in a shop that I've since forgotten the name. I went home and made my own version while the inspiration was fresh on my mind. Over the last couple of years I've made them for friends, teachers and have even sold a few along the way. I've seen many variations to this pattern, but this is my version.

I'd like to call her the Triple Layer Apron.

Material List:

Fabric A (waist band and ties) - 1/2 yard

Fabric B (layer 1) - 1/4 yard

Fabric C (layer 2 and top) - 3/4 yard

Fabric D (layer 3)- 1/4 yard

Fabric E (letter) - 8"x 8" square

Fabric F (under layer) - 1/2 yard

Multi Purpose Sewing Thread

Embroidery Thread

Pins

Tape Measure

Fabric Marking Tool

Scissors

1 Sheet of Heat and Bond

Sharpie

Image of a letter approximately 6" x 6"

Step 1: Cut out the fabric

Fabric A (waist band and ties): Cut 2 34" x 4 1/2" and 2 17" x 3" strips for the ties and cut 1 18" x 6" piece for the waist band.

Fabric B (layer 1): Cut 1 36" x 9".

Fabric C (layer 2 and top): Cut 1 piece 36" x 9" and 1 piece 14" x 14". To create the taper fold in piece in half and measure 1" inch in from the cut side. Mark with the fabric marking tool. With a straight edge line up the mark to the bottom edge of the fabric. Draw a line then cut along line. The top should measure 12" and the bottom should measure 14". (see photo #3)

Fabric D (layer 3): Cut 1 36" x 9".

Fabric E (letter) :Cut 1 8"x 8" square.

Fabric F (under-layer for top and bottom): Cut 1 piece 14" x 14". To create the taper fold in half and measure 1" inch in from the cut side. Mark with the fabric marking tool. With a straight edge line up the mark to the bottom edge of the fabric. Draw a line then cut along line. The top should measure 12" and the bottom should measure 14". Cut 1 piece 20" x 20". To create the taper fold in half and measure 2" inch in from the cut side. Mark with the fabric marking tool. With a straight edge line up the mark to the bottom edge of the fabric. Draw a line then cut along line. The top should measure 16" and the bottom should measure 20".

Okay now that part is over lets get on to the fun part; sewing the pieces together. Excited yet?

Step 2: Finish all the edges

The next set of photos shows me finishing all the edges. I have an overlock machine so I serge all the edges. You can finish off your edges by doing a zig zag stitch along the edge or by using the turned-under method. Finish the edges of all the of the pieces except the ties. Next you will hem the edges by folding over the edge about 1/4" and pressing with an iron to set the fold line. Then top stitch. (See photo # 3) Hem the sides and bottom of all three layers. You don't have to hem the top because it wont be seen. Hem the sides and the bottom of the skirt under layer. I like to double up the top of the apron and that is why I have you cut 1 piece of fun fabric and 1 piece of under-layer fabric. This is optional but I like to hide my embroidery stitches. It also gives the top some stability. If you are going to add a letter it's easier to do it at this point before the pieces are attached together. Once that's done hem the sides and the top.

Stay with me the best part is coming up, making the skirt!

Step 3: Constructing the Skirt

Line up right edge of the first layer to the skirt under-layer. Create pleats to fit all the way across. I don't mark or measure this part out. Just eye it. You may have to adjust it a couple of times until it fits perfectly. Don't worry if every pleat isn't exactly the same size. No one will ever know I promise. Next, stitch across the top to secure it to the under-layer. (see photo #2) Once you have the top layer sewn on flip it back an measure down 5". This will be your line for your next layer. (see photo #3) Begin pinning and pleating just like you did the first layer. (see photo # 4) Flip back the 2nd layer and mark 5" down. Mark and attach the 3rd layer.

Super cute right? Hold it up, stand in front of a mirror and admire your work thus far.

Step 4: Making The Ties

To make the ties fold the pieces in half and serge or stitch along edge and across one side. (2 for the waist and 2 for the neck)

I like to use a knitting needle to turn the strips inside out.

Step 5: Adding the Monogram Applique

To make the monogram, print out a letter approximately 6" x 6". Then you will trace onto your sheet of heat and bond. Make sure you trace the letter in reverse so when you iron it to your fabric it will read the right way. (see photo #1) Cut around you letter and iron it to fabric E. (see photo #2) Cut it out, peel off the paper and iron it the font of the top piece of the apron. (see photo #3 & #4)

You can use a sewing machine to stitch around the letter but I like to do a running stitch along the edges of the letter by hand.

Step 6: Attach The Waist Band, Top and Tie

To attach the waist band you first need to fold over the sides and the bottom about 1/4" an press into place. (see photo # 1) You may have to fold over the sides a little more to fit it to the dimension of the skirt. (see photo #2) Pin in place and sew along the top edge to secure waistband to the skirt. Next fold up the bottom edge to line up with the top edge. Give it a good press with the iron. (see photo #3)Fold the waistband down and pin the top and the ties into place. This is where you can make an adjustment depending of the length of torso.

Top stitch all the way around the waistband securing the ties and the top.

Finally attach the neck ties. Pin at the corner of the top and stitch securing all sides.

Yea, you are finished! Isn't she the cutest little layered apron you've ever seen? If you feel like jazzing her up a bit add some trim or a ruffle along the top. Believe me when you put this apron on you won't mind all that slaving away in the kitchen.

You can also wear the apron with the top down. Kinda' looks like a skirt...now there's an idea.

This is the first layered apron I made. It's a simplified version where I didn't add a top and I used a wide ribbon for the ties.

Make Me New-Sweater #1

I don't have a before and after of this project but it's pretty easy to see what I did.

I ruffled a piece of 2" knit and hand stitched it to the edge of a rather boring sweater. I added a clip to the flower, attached it to a red belt, put it over a stripped t-shit and and wallah...a cute little number.

Bubba-Loo

I wish I was a popular blogger to help spread the news about my friend and aspiring photography star Kelly Willardson.

So to my 10 readers let me tell you she rocks! If I was a betting girl I would have a lot on the table for this talent. She's new at this photography thing but already she has "it". It's fun to watch her be so passionate and have such desire to learn and be better. Check her out!

We were just fooling around and these are some of the shots she got of me. I'm a tricky one to photograph. Seriously I can take a really bad picture.