One Big Adventure

My Last Purse... for a while

2007-09-05T17:44:00.001-07:00

i now have so many purses that i don't know what to do with them all. but i suppose they are like shoes... you can never have too many. I have decided that this one will be my last one, at least for a while. i love the fabric. I bought the outer fabric at bolt, in Portland. (they have a lot of really cute stuff). the pattern is one by amy butler, with a few deviations.

A New Past Time

2007-09-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

The past four months my husband and I were in Georgia we didn't have a lot to do. We didn't really know anyone and didn't have a lot of spending money. Drawing seemed like a fun idea, and I'm so glad I've taken it up. It's been really good for my patience, Lord knows I need to work on that :) But it truly has been fun. And I enjoying being able to do it with my husband. I also love the fact that you can draw anywhere, especially outside. It's a bit more portable than sewing. Plus I found some really great instruction books that are great- so many things I wouldn't have thought about. Anyhow, there you have it, my new hobby.

Heavenly Hobo

2007-08-14T23:17:00.001-07:00

I saw this pattern in the cotton ball, and I had to have it. That’s just all there was to it. I had been wanting to make a purse for months, and I just couldn’t find a pattern. Anyway it just so happened that my mother-in-law (seems like a lot of hyphens) was visiting, and suggested we visit Bolt Fabric… a super cute and fairly reasonable store in Portland. Needless to say, I found the cutest fabric which is now my Heavenly Hobo. The pattern was a good learning experience being that it was my first zipper project. And even thought there were a few bumps along the way, I am very happy with the finished product.

Mosaics

2007-07-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

My husband’s grandmother showed me a beautiful mosaic tray that she made, and well… let’s just say I was inspired. They are really fun to make. And the best part is each one is truly unique. You really only need a few simple things to make one: a tray (which you can pick up at almost any thrift store, glue, plates or glass, grout, and paint. Eventually I would like to sell these, I don’t know when or how, but it seemed like a nice thought. Anyhow, here are some pictures of the finished products.

sorry about the cut off pictures, i'm not used to windows formatting.

Vacation

2007-07-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

My husband and I just spent three weeks visiting our families after spending four months in Georgia. And let me tell you… was it ever nice to be back to the central coast, oh how I missed you California! It was amazing to spend days at the beach, hang out with old friends, and eat my mommy’s cooking J We also celebrated a few birthday’s, went to beautiful wedding, and slept in until noon. Now that we have arrived at our final destination (Vancouver), I must admit that it is somewhat of a relief. However, I’m eagerly awaiting Christmas so we can go home for another visit! Here are a few fun photos that I took on the trip.

back in business

2007-06-30T12:09:00.001-07:00

About last month my computer broke. And i don't mean its running slowly, I mean it won't even turn on! Needless to say it will be a while before I have the funds to get it working properly, or rather, buy a new one. I've missed reading everyone's blogs and seeing what projects everyone's up to. Right now my husband and I are visiting family so I will have computer access for a short while. Hope you are all doing well.

Getting Organzied

2007-05-06T18:13:00.001-07:00

After reading so many posts about organizing fabrics, and setting up sewing stations I was inspired. So instead of keeping my notions in a box and pulling them out every time I sew, I made a wall organizer. I am pleased with how it turned out. Also, I used the buttonhole setting on my machine for the first time, so that was fun.

Quilts

2007-05-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Remember those embroidered animals I posted a while ago, well… here is the finished project, and I am so happy! My first Quilt! And they best part is, I found it a happy home. It just so happens that my neighbor is having a baby, a baby boy! And the best part is that we have become really good friends. She is so sweet, and I’m so happy to have a friend here in the apartments. And, I can’t wait for her to have here baby. Here are some pictures of the finished project.

Speaking of quilts, I decided that I am going to make a quilt for our bed. My husband loves Asian décor, and I found the best fabrics (which are pictured below). Since I was so pleased with my last quilt I am eager to start this one, but somewhat intimidated by the size. I don’t really know anything about quilting, eighty squares seems so overwhelming! If anyone has some advice I would love it!

The South

2007-05-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been in Georgia now for about two months. I truly have been enjoying it. It’s a bit warm for my likings, but other than that it’s great. I have noticed a few amusing differences between living here and in California, so I thought I would share them with you.

You know you’re not from the south when you…

- realize the word hi might actually have three syllables

- have no idea what grits are

- don’t know that the word buggy actually means shopping cart

- wonder why it’s ninety degrees in march and people are wearing sweatshirts

- didn’t realized that there is enough pollen to coat every single thing outside! (I’m not exaggerating).

-have never seen a cockroach before… there are flying ones by the way

- are amazed at how many sentences the word ya’ll can be used in

- think it’s odd people are calling you ma’am at nineteen

- can’t imagine eating catfish or grouper

I've been wanting to say

2007-04-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

so many of you have left such thoughtful comments, and i wanted to say thank you. but i also wanted to say that some of the links from your comments don't go to your blog, so basically i can't get to your blog. i am very frustrated. but mostly just wanted to sorry i can't make it to some of your blogs! :(

Big Sales in my shop

2007-04-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking about closing my etsy shop, but i figured i'd give it one more try. i marked down all my items 25%, so if you have a second take a look and see if anything floats your boat.

Yummy

2007-04-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

So the other day I decided that I was tired of burning myself while using a towel to take things out of the oven. I’m really happy with how these turned out. The only sad part was I didn’t have any batting for thickness, so I had to used fabric (I guess I thought it was kinda a waste). But it was worth it. I even decided to bake some cookies so I could use them… hehe… it was a win win situation.

Finally

2007-04-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that I finally finished these bags. My mom was so sweet, you see, she helped me pick out all of the fabrics for these bags. I was almost finished when she came out to visit. And to surprise me, she brought me the different purple fabrics to add to make another bag in this collection. I was really excited, except that I thought I was finally finished and could move onto other projects. Anyhow, I’m happy with how they turned out; I know this picture isn’t the best. I am debating about what to do with them. Originally I wanted to sell them, but I’m not too excited about putting them on etsy, since I have yet to sell anything. If you have any ideas what to do with them, let me know.

The Aquarium

2007-04-12T15:36:00.002-07:00

I recently visited the Atlanta Aquarium, (which happens to be the largest aquarium in the world) and I was actually really disappointed. I heard great things about it, and all their animals were absolutely beautiful, but I just felt that for the largest aquarium in the world, they didn’t give their animals enough space. It was so awesome to see the Beluga whales, but it really broke my heart. I mean, I’m not a crazy animal’s right’s person or anything, but these whales were so playful, and they had them in the smallest tank. It was great to get to see them, but something about it just doesn’t seem right. Anyhow, here are a few pics of some of the cool fishies.

Decorating

2007-04-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, we got some really fun artwork, and it makes our apartment look so much better. I love the espresso; it’s my new favorite! Believe it or not, we got the pictures from Bed Bath and beyond. They have a ton of cute stuff. Hanging about our table is actually some really awesome fabric my mom gave me for my birthday. I think I love it so much I’m going to frame and just leave it on the wall!

Vinyl (the spelling looks so weird)

2007-04-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

We sell a lot of vinyl at the fabric store where I work, and I’ve always wondered what you would use it for, besides covering seats. But we had the cutest vinyl. It’s sort of a western floral tone on tone. Anyways, I bought some (I really think my job is counter-productive to my paycheck), and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I ended up using it to make a cover for my sewing machine, and it’s great! Because it’s vinyl, it holds the shape really well. I love it. So if you are thinking of making a sewing machine cover, I would highly recommend some vinyl.

Laptop case

2007-04-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to make a laptop case forever, and I finally worked up the nerve. I wanted to use a zipper, but I decided that Velcro would work just as well. One of these days I’ll work of the courage to use a zipper. (I bought one at least.) I know you are suppose to take pictures in the natural light, but our apartment really doesn’t get any, so this is the best I could come up with.

another purse

2007-03-24T18:40:00.001-07:00

I am so excited that I finally made this bag. This was my first project using an actual pattern. The rest of my stuff I just made up. So, I have been reading the directions for this purse for about four months, and I am not over exaggerating! I am such a visual learner that reading directions is extremely hard for me. And how unfortunate since reading directions is such a major part of sewing. But, all in all, the bag turned out, and I am very pleased! (The pictures don’t do it justice).

Also, it’s been so great getting to know so many of the people that read my mother in-law’s blog. Many of you have left such sweet comments. If I wasn’t able to get back to you I’m sorry. But I’ve been having a blast looking at all your blogs and you fun projects!

work in progress

2007-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Remeber those piles of fabrics? Well, now they are finally a work in progress, and soon they will be finding their way to a local boutique- at least that's what i have in mind. I'm hoping they turn out well enough.

My first quilt

2007-03-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

So, I am attempting to make a quilt. I figured, if I made a baby’s quilt it would be less overwhelming It’s been really fun. Here is a picture of my work in project. I’m so excited about finishing it, but I realized the other day, I don’t have a baby, and don’t really know anyone with a baby.

New Fabrics

2007-03-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

I bought my first fabrics from work today. It was so exciting. It took me three weeks to decided what I really wanted! I mean, with 3,000 bolts, it’s hard to decide! I bought these adorable fabrics, as well as some satin plus. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s absolutely amazing! It is lining and interlining in one. We sell it so fast, so I snatched up four yards today. Anyhow, here are some picks of my new fabrics that I’m itching to us!

Aprons

2007-03-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

I stared working at a fabric store this march. I love it; there aren’t words to describe how much fun it is. I cut fabric and help ladies pick out fabric all day long. As employees, we have to carry about four pairs of scissors, pens, tickets, and blah blah blah. My point being, I wanted to make an apron to carry all of my tools so I wouldn’t have to shove them into my pockets. So, after my second day of work, I came home and made the cutest apron. But my manager said I couldn’t wear it because they didn’t carry the fabric I used. The good news was, she let me choose two yards of fabric to make another one. And, a woman that works there love my apron so much, she asked if I would make her one. So if you are in need of an apron, and want me… just let me know ☺. Here are pictures of mine. I think I’m going to sell the blue one on eBay.

Some Suggestions

2007-03-13T10:51:00.001-07:00

During the past three months I have learned a tremendous amount about sewing. These are the basic principals that I have learned (some from my mother in-law, and some by personal experience: Always wash your fabric first thing, no matter how excited you are!  Before you wash, cut edges of fabric with a pinking shears (it will help cut back on fringe).  Iron, iron, iron, before, during, during, during, and after. Ironing helps sooooo much. Not only does it make it easier to sew, it helps to keep your project neat. Always have a seam ripper handy. In fact, I would suggest buying a seam ripper before a sewing machine. It is by far the most important tool you will ever own! If you come across a problem spot or get really frustrated, take a break. Get a snack or make a phone call, etc. I’ve found so many times that when I take a break, and come back; I’m not nearly as frustrated as I was.  Be confident in your project. I know it might sound corny, but it really makes a difference. I think for so long I’ve put myself in a box with certain expectations, and that box has really been a waste. The sky is the limit, really; so don’t put yourself in a box. Get inspired. Look at other people’s projects, in magazines, and books. There are so many cute ideas out there. Often times it helps to look at other people’s projects to get started. There's nothing wrong with a little inspiration. I Basically, that’s what I’ve learned, and I just wanted to share it with you.

2007-03-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Newest Additions

My husband and I just visited the furniture store Ikea, and if you are needing furniture and there happens to be an Ikea near by, I highly recommend it. They have fabulous prices, and I mean fabulous! I’m so excited that we finally have a table and chairs, and some other nice additions, and all for a great price. But the best part is, we got a bed! We know only one couple in the area (a really big area), and it just so happens that are friends had some friends who bought a new bed, and they needed to get rid of theirs… and now we have a perfectly amazing KING SIZED BED! I was just thinking the other day of Matthew 6, where it speaks of God taking care of the birds and the flowers, and how much more he will take care of his children. And does he ever. I mean, we would have been so stoked if they had offered us a full sized bed, but no, God goes full out blesses us with a king sized bed. God is so good. Anyhow, here are some pictures of our apartment that is moving right along to becoming a fully furnished and adorable!

His and Hers

2007-03-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

I love being married. Today, as I was sitting in the living room, it occurred to me that Seth and I will have been married seven months this march. It feels like just yesterday that we were on the beach saying our vows. But what really hit me this morning was that everyday stuff seems so normal (and there is no reason it shouldn’t). But as I was walking through the house it was so cute to see all of our stuff together. So, I took some his and her’s pictures.