A Little Hut - Patricia Zapata

making progress

2008-07-18T01:08:00.016-04:00

This afternoon you'll probably find me by the pool and enjoying some Pandora tunes and a magazine or a good book - after I'm done making my poor abandoned house look decent. At least that's the plan for now. I just know that I need to get away from my work for a bit because I just finished my manuscript (woohoo!) and the tremendous weight that has been lifted off my shoulders is huge. Huge! It's not the last I'll see of it for sure (more editing to come) but at least I've made it over this hurdle. My presence will still be a bit scarce because now I have to tackle the photography of the projects but I find that less stressful to manage. I can't believe the whole thing is finally coming together. Sometimes it still doesn't seem real.

So now that you're caught up with that here are some friday tidbits and thank yous...

- Thank you to the very talented Stephanie for inviting me to be a part of her series of interviews of artists that blog. It was fun to answer her questions and I was so honored to be included. Check out my interview here. I can't wait to get the piece I just bought from her shop to add to a little reading corner in our home.

- I just found out about this yesterday and I love it! I made an icon for my website so that iPhone users can add it to their home screens if they'd like. Even if no one uses it, I'm thoroughly enjoying it myself. Isn't it cute? The logo I uploaded is the one you see in the upper right hand corner. The iPhone automatically added the rounded corners and the 'shiny' effect to the top half of the image. You can find all the instructions on how to make your own icon here. It's very easy and quick to do! (via The Small Object)

- The Austin MakerFaire preparations are underway and here I am (oct 2007) in the post where they've made the announcement. Thanks Natalie! I hope to go again because we all had a great time last year.

- Belated thank yous to Cookie Magazine and Heather for posting my alphabet mat boards!

While I'm at it, thank you so much for all your kind comments about my bootie. How unexpected! The funny thing is that I look at it now and I wish I had made something like that when our little C was a baby. I have plans to make something else for her though. I've decided that sewing is definitely something I want to get better at.

And if I forgot anyone or anything else please forgive me. My brain is on 'pause' right now. Have a great weekend!

I just love linen

2008-07-07T20:04:00.019-04:00

I just finished this a few minutes ago. I made it for fun - for this. The design popped into my head as soon as I read about the contest several weeks ago. I'm happy because it came out exactly as I imagined it. Unfortunately, I doubt one bootie will get me very far in the contest but that's ok. I also made it to get away from what I'm really supposed to be working on. This is one of those side projects I jump into to give my mind a mental cartwheel. After this little break I'm hoping it will be easier to concentrate on the real task at hand.

And yes, I'm still on my internet hiatus - ha! As you can tell, I'm not being as good as I could be but I'm working on it.

See you next week!

Edit :: If you also like working with linen I just created a made with linen flickr group. Come join us here.

I'm this week's Craft Sanity sponsor. Of course, I plan this when my wall art, which is what I receive the most requests for, is at an all time low (one piece left). I guess that'll have to do for now. I love Jennifer's podcast because of her laid back interview style and because of everything we learn about her guests. I rarely listen to her show without some project or other in my hands. If you're curious check it out here.

crafty tuesday

2008-07-01T12:43:00.013-04:00

The crafting department on this blog is picking up some dust isn't it? All my 'creative' time has been focused on the how-tos for the book. Trust me, by the time I'm done I'll be able to convert any measurement from inches to centimeters. Why oh why are there two systems? To be perfectly honest, I've lived with both and I have to say that I do prefer the metric system. It just makes more sense. But you didn't hear that from me!

If you're in need of a crafty project and are a planner I did manage to squeak out the new 2009 Calendar. I've had several customers ask me for the new template so they can start on Christmas gifts. I admire their ability to plan that far ahead. I can't even fathom doing that at this point. I don't even know what we're going to eat for dinner tonight (not kidding). In any case, without further ado here is the new template in my shop.

Remember that this project is meant to be a semi-recycling idea. The card stock to print the months on may not be on hand but most of us certainly have scraps of fabric or colorful paper to use for each of the letters of the months. Have fun with it!

The summer does have it's good things doesn't it? Among them is having the perfect weather to leave everything behind, even if it's just for one day, to get recharged at the beach. Here is where we were on Saturday (only an hour and a half away). I'm still suffering the consequences of burned shoulders. I'm the mom that goes around checking everyone for sunscreen and even applying double doses but forgets about her own susceptible body parts. Yeah, (trying to raise hand) that's me!

I'm actually cheating by being here. I'm supposed to be on a self-imposed internet one-week (maybe two) blackout. No news, no blogs, no Flickr, no anything. Nada. Zero. Zilch. I've cheated a little here and there but in general I've been good. There's too much to do and the exodus is actually helping me. We'll see how long I can keep it up. Wish me luck!

I hope that you're all doing well!

just using what we have

2008-06-27T20:03:00.004-04:00

I'm back sooner than planned. My little C wanted to see her artwork posted. We worked on these this afternoon. I've named them wwh.1 and wwh.2. (wwh = what we have). I have a lot of paper, paints, and other crafty materials around and we're going to start using them before we get anything else. So these are the results of our WWH afternoon session:

Mine - Remember this one? This is version two and all the pieces came straight from my scrap pile which is getting bigger and bigger. Little C's contribution was the placement of the two orange strips on the left. I think she did good.

Little C's - She used a small canvas that was already painted purple (no idea why). She picked the brushes and paints she wanted to use and made this with no direction at all. We were next to each other but in our own little worlds.

And D you ask? This is how it went:

Me: D would you like to join us and work on a project?
D: Nah. (as he plays with his little action figures)
The end.

Now I'm really out of here for the weekend. Have fun!

white

2008-06-27T11:37:00.011-04:00

I hope everyone has a fun weekend!

Friday tidbits
- In a perfect world I would own everything here and here. Gorgeous, gorgeous! (via Olivelse - another great blog on my list)

- Bowie of Print & Pattern has just posted a call for entries for her book. Exciting opportunity!

tagged

2008-06-26T06:25:00.021-04:00

I've been tagged twice! So here I go.

Maria tagged me for this one:

1 - What was I doing 10 years ago?
I had just graduated from a second college. I was in college for seven years straight. I got my first degree in graphic design and the second in biology (was going to go to med school - didn't - obviously). I was about to celebrate my first wedding anniversary.

2 - What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
Continue to write how-tos; take the kids to swimming lessons; catch up on laundry; figure out what to make for dinner; go to the bank

3 - Snacks I enjoy
Anything baked is the death of me (bread w/some coffee, chocolate chip cookies, etc); sliced almonds - but even better... chocolate covered almonds!

4 - Things I would do if I were a billionaire
- Travel, travel, travel
- If it happened overnight I'd first pay off the debt of everyone in our immediate families and give them extra for fun.
- It would also be great to throw a big party for our closest friends where the party favors are checks to cover all college costs for the kids of the families in attendance and second honeymoon trips for the couples.
- I'd fund a business that I've always had in mind. A combination coffee house/childcare place where the everyday mom/dad could have a place to hang out with some friends, read and maybe do a craft or two, while their kids are in the next room taking an art class or just playing and having fun. There would be a great big double sided mirror between the two rooms. Parents would see their kids but kids wouldn't see them. Everything would be designed in a super clean lined way (danish style?) and eco-friendly from top to bottom. Oh and it would be super affordable. I wouldn't run this place. I would just fund it and go there myself (maybe with a craft group I'd finally gotten around to organizing). I think parents need time to relax in order to be better parents. If there are better parents, kids will grow up healthier and eventually society could be affected as a whole. It all starts from the ground up.
- And travel, travel, travel. Oh did I already say that?
- I've always said that if we won the lottery I'd be happy with winning just enough to cover debts (ours, our parents and siblings) and continue the same life that we have now. That would be the ideal. I've always wondered what billionaires dream about...

5 - Places I have lived
New Jersey, Colombia, Houston, San Antonio, Kingwood (technically part of Houston)

6 - Jobs I have had
Retail clerk at a department store, makeup sales person at a different department store (only 30 days and hated every minute of it - worst job EVER!), teller at several banks, production manager, graphic designer

As long as I'm sharing... This is not a current photo. It's all a mess right now.

The second tag was by Amy. I'm supposed to write about 6 random, unspectacular quirks that I possess. I don't think I'm that quirky but let's see...
- I think I've mentioned this one before. If using a pen it must be black. I just can't use any other color of ink. Can't.
- I always delete photos that show my profile.
- I love the smell of eucalyptus. A quirk in the sense that I really really like it a lot.
- This isn't necessarily a quirk but everyone in my family probably thinks it is - I don't like avocados in any shape or form.
- I must fold towels with the edges on the inside.
- Can't stand colored nail polish on my hands. I hardly ever have any on but if I do it has to be clear. I can be a little more adventurous with my toes but not my hands.

Ok so how'd I do? I know I'm supposed to tag some people but I'm terrible at that so I'll leave this as is. Thanks Maria and Amy!

So what are some of your quirks?

in and out

2008-06-25T11:53:00.007-04:00

After four days without internet access over the weekend (four days!) I have been trying to catch up with everything. I have so many unread blogs (we all love to write don't we?) but I got so much done. I was nearing a meltdown last week. It was an "almost in tears" kind of meltdown, compounded by the mom-guilt, but my husband came to the rescue with his ever present "it will all be ok" assurances. Needless to say having no internet was a blessing in disguise. I just wanted to check in to mention a few things.

- If you haven't been to Crafty Synergy since last Thursday I've posted two interviews since then with the very talented Michelle of Cicadia Studio and Lotta of Inleaf Design. Beautiful work!

- I got my Spoonflower fabric swatches! I promised I'd show them and tell you more about the results so I will write about this in my next post.

- Thank you so much to Knack Studios for featuring me on their blog!

- I just discovered Periwinklebloom because Tyler was kind enough to leave a comment on my last post. It's a gorgeous blog and I look forward to seeing her shop when it opens this year.

And this is a just a little sneak peek at a project I finished recently. It's not for my book but it will hopefully be featured in another one. I'll fill in the details at a later time.

Speaking of my book, you should see my desk!! It's completely surrounded by 30 projects of all types and sizes. It seems unreal to be paid for doing something so fun! I'm in the middle of manuscript writing frenzy so I'll have to check out for now. Have a great day!

translation

2008-06-19T12:11:00.017-04:00

I've been taking photos of plants that are around the neighborhood to catalog for future use. The shapes of leaves, branches and flowers are all so inspiring and eventually find their way into my work. I like to take natural shapes to their most minimal expression while still keeping them interesting. Here's a tiny example of how leaves turned into petals.

I've been meaning to take some shots at our local nursery and I haven't gotten around to it. Now that's a place full of nature eye candy!

The kids are starting to notice how I take these photos and take some of their own. I like the fact that they're more spontaneous than I am and they get the coolest shots without trying too hard. I try to keep my mouth shut as much as possible. They just point and shoot. The wonders of digital cameras never cease. They're really easy for the kids to use and the really bad shots simply get the delete button - with child's approval of course. If I forget to ask of it's ok to delete a photo you can't even imagine the sadness and/or fits (mostly from little C). But can I really blame the artists for protecting their work? ;)

Thank you to...
- Carrie at Apartment Therapy for featuring my alphabet mat boards!
- Scribbit for making A Little Hut the blog of the week!

I won't be around tomorrow so I'll post my Friday Tidbit today... that's ok right?
- Party Perfect - This is a new blog but it looks like it will be a fun one to watch for party ideas. It is written by Sara Hicks Malone, founder and designer of Hicks, who also is a graphic designer and a former art director of Martha Stewart Baby and Kids magazines.

Have a wonderful weekend! And to those of you on our side of the world - stay cool!

the sun is shining and a new week begins

2008-06-16T11:33:00.012-04:00

There are many things to do but the good news is I got plenty of rest over the weekend. For the most part I've been all about write, write, write (yes - you know the book!). I've been getting up at 4:30 every single morning (not the weekend!) since last week to work on it. I used to be a devoted night owl but my body can't take it anymore (age catching up with me?). I'd rather concentrate in the early morning with a cup of coffee next to me and be wide awake when the kids are ready to start the day.

I only have one simple side project to speak of. Here's a wallpaper image I made for the kids' computer. Recognize the animals? The monitor has a particular licensed character duplicated over and over on it right now and I just can't look at it one more minute! I'm already thinking that safari type animals would be cute for the next one.

A couple of things worth checking out:
- In case you haven't seen it, I posted a new interview on Crafty Synergy a couple of days ago. Here it is.
- Marisa, recent guest of Crafty Synergy, has just announced the completion of her first children's book. So adorable!!

Happy Monday!

still

2008-06-13T08:05:00.001-04:00

I love Martha's new idea for a Flickr 's t i l l ' group. I think we could all use some stillness in our lives, or at least appreciate what is already there. I think my favorite still moments are the kind I have with the kids. They happen either in the very early morning, when they're still a little sleepy, or late at night when they're too tired and just give in to the fact that the day is over. They just want a quiet hug or to be read a story. The best moments.

The photos for this group were supposed to be taken during this week - one a day. I didn't have time to add mine until today and I only have a couple. Here they are.

Printing

Reading (the quickest paper project ever, using some scraps from projects for the book)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

side projects

2008-06-12T21:18:00.014-04:00

Even when my plate is full, side projects keep me happy.

Side project 1 - Today I got the SFG Blankbook! It's my turn now. I've been flipping through the whole book and the artists that have illustrated spreads so far are amazingly talented. I think I was a bit (more like - very!) delusional when I signed up for this. Where did I come up with the idea that I could measure up to the likes of all the illustrators here? Too late. I've got to come through with something.

Side project 2 - Remember I mentioned fabric designing a few days ago? It seems like things are lining up for me to give it a try. First off, I learned about Spoonflower a few weeks ago. I signed up and got my invitation yesterday. At Spoonflower, you can upload your own patterns and a few days later you get your custom designed fabric in the mail. Then, today, Jessica blogged about her start with fabric designing and she provided a wonderful link to tiling in Illustrator which I really needed. Thanks for sharing Jessica and thank you for sharing my to do list with your readers.

So here are the two swatches (8" x 8") of fabric that I ordered. No, these aren't part of my tiny stash of patterns. I decided that before I invest any serious money on fabric (for things like cushions - nothing too adventurous) I want to verify the quality of the printing that Spoonflower offers. One swatch is to see a sampling of some colors and how they may or may not change from file to printing. The second swatch is to verify coverage on a larger area and the crispness of lines. I guess I should've included some thinner lines here too. Too late. When I get my swatches I'll let you know what the results are.

Side project 3 - I put a mood board together for Holly's mood board contest. I've never done anything like this so it was a fun exercise. Here's what I put together.

Tiny side project 4 - I gave my freebies page a small face lift. It was looking really sad.

put it all in one place

2008-06-10T11:14:00.009-04:00

I just realized that I never posted another idea I had for the pattern I used in my note card project. So here it is: a to-do list sheet. Click on the last link here for the download.

Thank you to Amanda for including in her article about 50 interesting Blogger design layouts. Link.

Now I'm off to work on the things on my list!

now we have farm animals

2008-06-09T15:18:00.010-04:00

So who doesn't have fun on a farm - or at least pretending you're in one? These little boxes (pig, cow, hen, duck) came about because I was putting away some of the kids' toys and saw the Fisher Price barn set that Little C plays with on occasion (flashbacks anyone?) . Pop! - new boxes came to mind. My favorite animal was always the horse and opening and shutting the barn door so it would 'moo' was something I remember doing a lot. For those of you that are curious to know how my ideas come about, now you know one more little detail. Toys and games inspire me a lot. Anyhow... this new set is now available on my site here.

If you happen to notice, my wall art is quite depleted. It will probably remain that way for quite a few more days. My plate is so full at the moment, that making new pieces is not an option right now. I'll keep you posted about when I do a more substantial update of my shop. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

catching up + thinking ahead

2008-06-09T09:09:00.011-04:00

I put this stationery together early this morning for some thank you messages I owe. The design is the same one I used for my latest banner and it's just a small part of a growing collection of patterns that I haven't done anything with. I have several ideas of what I want to do with them. One in particular is designing fabric. Maybe that's a little presumptuous of me. But can you imagine?! That would be such an interesting project to work on.

There's nothing interesting to tell regarding last week's disappearance. I was sick the whole time so not much got done in the crafty department. I only worked on client work and my book projects of course. The next few days will be for catching up on everything else (laundry!).

Happy Monday!

new visitor on crafty synergy

2008-06-03T00:52:00.005-04:00

I'm a busy little bee so there isn't anything terribly exciting to report around here. But please visit Crafty Synergy for a new interview I just posted. This time around we're lucky enough to learn more about the very talented Marisa Haedike of Creative Thursday. Enjoy!

we have a winner

2008-05-30T09:55:00.018-04:00

I know what you're all here for today! Here's what I did. I punched out pieces of paper and numbered them 1-99 (I didn't expect that many!), put them in a bowl and my little C pulled out one. So... Drum-roll please. The winner of the giveaway is: number 89. The 89th person to post a comment was Cheeky from All Over the Map (Australia). Congratulations! I'll be in touch so that I can get your mailing address.

To everyone else a big hug for all the lovely comments you posted on my giveaway post. I wish I had the time to answer each and every one of them. I'm touched by all your kind words. Thank you!

Friday Tidbits (I haven't posted these in a while)
- A personal one first. Thank you to Bryn, How Magazine editor, for making me part of her Paper Market article.
- I've been avidly reading all the coverage that the National Stationery Show received on so many blogs and the one designer that stood out for me was Elissa from Loop. Her work is so unique. If you'd like to see a more behind the scenes check out her blog here.
- To end the week on a positive note, here's a little inspiration I got from a forum friend. Look for the positive angle in your failures. Super short - watch here.

Today is the last day of school (half-day) so I must get a few things done around here before the summer break officially starts in this household.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

some yin for my yang

2008-05-29T00:58:00.010-04:00

I was just going through my archives to add some work to my portfolio on Logo Lounge (an amazing online logo library - worth every penny of membership!) and this is some of what I added. You may recognize at least a couple of these logos. It's rare that I get to see a group of them like this and I find it to be such a visual treat. It makes me feel like I'm really getting somewhere. I don't know where the finish line is but I'm in forward motion regardless.

This got me thinking about the two worlds I work in: the digital and the handmade. I love them both for different reasons and I don't think I could do without either one of them. My logo work starts with a lot of communication and interaction with my client and then a type of hands on approach in the form of sketches. However, the majority of the time involves the steady click of a mouse and lots of back and forth emails.

My handmade work is so different. I typically start working on a piece with no outside direction other than my own gut feelings, ideas and whims. I work entirely by hand and the end result is purchased (hopefully) by someone that I will never speak to, let alone meet or given away as a gift. The latter occurs less frequently because I have this silly thing about feeling self-centered when I give someone something I've made. I know. I need to get over that.

So where am I going with all this? Not sure. I guess I'm just thinking that finding the right balance with what we do and how we live is really important. I'm only mentioning the balance in my work life but it obviously applies to all else. I don't consciously check my 'life scales'. They just seem to gently rock back and forth on their own. Thank goodness.

Speaking of giving something away... I couldn't leave well enough alone and instead of giving our cards and 'thank you' drawings to our kids' teachers in a plain envelope I made the small folder type pockets below. They match the cards I made the other day. I know I called them gift tags in that post but we used them as note cards this time. You can't go wrong with versatility.

My little C decided that the little graphic in the corner of each card just wasn't enough (even though she did stake her claim really quickly on the school house and apple). She added hearts and a portrait of herself, standing next to each of her teachers, on the back of each card. Someone seems to be taking after her Mom. Nah! I'm not beaming that's just the glare of your monitor.

Good news for the day:
- My little C graduated from Pre K today. What is it with me and the mommy tears? I just couldn't help myself. She looked so cute in her cap and gown.
- My blog made it to a very unexpected place. Neat!

Don't forget there's still time to participate in my anniversary giveaway. Just leave a comment here! I'll let you know who wins at noon tomorrow.

mother & daughter collaboration

2008-05-28T00:07:00.010-04:00

It seems like I need to celebrate more anniversaries to meet more of you. I'm so glad so many of you have delurked to say hello and I'm so happy that you like the mat boards (they've been a hit - thank you!). Keep the comments coming here and I'll announce the winner on Friday as promised.

I was taking a photo of some roses when little C decided to play the part of 'stylist'. She added the bunny ("take a picture Mommy") and then added a blanket ("take another picture Mommy"). I was very obedient.

We used another of bunny's blankets to cover up the new twins. ;)

a is for anniversary and alphabet

2008-05-26T02:45:00.006-04:00

Today, May 26th, is my 3rd blogging anniversary. 3rd! I don't really remember the real reason why I started blogging but I'm so glad that I did. I've received so much in return. My work has definitely benefitted and I don't think - no, I know - I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for this blog and for the wonderful people I've met because of it.

I've never really done anything particular to celebrate my anniversary because I always forget the date. I did remember it this year and decided that a giveaway would be a great way to thank you all for visiting my little corner of the blogsphere. Your comments and feedback have always been so generous and encouraging. Thank you so much!

Leave a comment here, just to say hi, and I'll include you in the drawing for two books seen below, a one-of-a-kind piece that I made (above) and my new set of Alphabet Mat Boards Templates. I'll be taking comments until Thursday and I'll announce the winner on Friday morning (May 30th). Sound good?

About the books:
- Tiny Yarn Animals (Paperback) by Tamie Snow
These little crochet animals are so adorable and they're on the list of things I'd love to make this summer. Maybe during the kids' swimming lessons? Could be.

- I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
Judging by the publisher's description of this book it sounds like a great summer read. I wish I had time for it!

Oh yes... In the midst of everything going on, I managed to come up with another set of templates for alphabet mat boards. This summer I'll really have to help my little C keep her alphabet straight. She still gets confused with some letters and she's not too thrilled about dealing with flash cards or anything that looks like I'm teaching and/or 'testing' her. I've been trying to come up with a fun way to help her and all the brain storming and the alphabet wall pieces (that I've haven't gotten around to continuing but are still in my head) gave me this new idea.

I can see this new PDF template set being used for so many things: decoration for a child's room; as a gift with really nice black and white photos; several frames where the template letters spell something out... etc. I can also see these being used with photos fabric swatches, or colored paper. The possibilities are really endless. I'm thinking of using these with a couple of recent close up shots of the kids and hanging them on a lonely wall that we have.

By the way, thank you so much for all the birthday wishes (that keep coming!) and for the lovely things you all said about my little flower. :)

memorial day

2008-05-25T22:00:00.001-04:00

just a quick hello

2008-05-20T10:40:00.005-04:00

I have much to do and the kids will be out of school by the end of next week. So... my presence around here will be a little scarce. I leave you with a little flower made from a sheet from our recycle stash.

Be well!

weekend moments

2008-05-19T18:44:00.007-04:00

- We knew we were in trouble when little C asked "are we there yet?" and we were 20 minutes into a three and a half hour trip.
- It's always wonderful to see old friends again. We should see each other more often.
- Three month old babies are adorable. They almost make me want to have another one myself. Almost - not quite.
- I love giving something I made as a gift. Knowing it's genuinely appreciated is the icing on the cake.
- "Home sweet home" is never truer than when you get home from a road trip.
- Brunch tastes better under an umbrella by the river.
- It's always fun to throw rocks into the water.
- Revisiting old finds gets some new ideas stirring. Hmmm.

what I didn't say earlier

2008-05-15T17:19:00.015-04:00

Warning - Mushy moment up ahead.

I posted just after midnight last night and I guess I wasn't really in the mood of saying what I really have had on my mind all week. I've been making a mental inventory of what I've experienced over the last year and I have to say that I'm very grateful to be where I am at this time in my life. We're all healthy and happy, my career has taken unexpected turns (good ones - of which many of you have been a part of - thank you!) and I feel more fulfilled with my day-to-day living. There has been no magic formula involved. With some elbow grease things have been rolling along. The prize we earn as we age, of feeling more comfortable in our own skin, may have also played a part in all this. I think when you're more sure of yourself, you become more receptive to the opportunities that surround you and you're less afraid to dream, or even ask for, what you really want.

I know many people visit my blog for the projects and ideas that I post (not for my "profound" writing skills) but I just felt I needed to write this tiny interlude. I'm not taking anything for granted and I'm very thankful. This just needed to be said. It needed to be out there.

The roses in the photo are the first thing I saw today, as my husband and children sang Happy Birthday to wake me up in the morning. You can't beat waking up like that.

so lucky

2008-05-15T12:50:00.002-04:00

I've had a fun week so far.
- I finished a logo project and have a happy client because of it (my favorite to do as far as graphic design is concerned)
- I made some progress with my book manuscript and put together some of the projects (fun!)
- I shopped for paper and artsy stuff (drool)
- I sent out several orders for my shop (yeah!)
- I made a skirt for my goddaughter this afternoon (cool challenge while sweating bullets to meet the deadline)

About the skirt - It was a careful-what-you-wish-for kind of thing (read last sentence of this post). My goddaughter will be in a play on Friday ( The King and I). She didn't have a costume and one couldn't be found. The situation was so desperate that I offered to sew and her mom was crazy enough to accept my offer (she doesn't own a sewing machine). Knowing me, isn't that just hilarious? I was supposed to have a couple of days to make it, or at a minimum, a whole evening. Well, this afternoon we all found out it was needed for dress rehearsal tomorrow morning. Talk about panic attack! Fortunately I had already purchased the fabric and had a mini-mental plan as to how I was going to put the whole thing together.

When I was about to start, my little C was begging for some entertainment. My solution was to ask her if she wanted to help me sew. She pulled up a small stool and very enthusiastically took on the role of pedal pusher (her idea). After yelling 'stop' and 'go' for an endless amount of times we got the job done in about an hour. I'd have to say we did a decent job for the time we had and without the use of a pattern. D took the photo of me trying on the skirt and now it has been picked up and will be making its debut tomorrow. Phew!

As of a few minutes ago, I can add that a fun week also happens to include my birthday. Today I'm a year older but I still feel at least a decade younger than I really am. I hope that I'll always feel that way!

have a great day!

2008-05-11T11:07:00.004-04:00