Felt Flowers

Kylene and I had a night in while Jonathan ran Team Trivia at the shop. What could have been better than The Devil Wears Prada, rum and coke, and crafts that cost about $.30 cents to make?

I was looking for something fun to put on my winter jacket, and found the felt flower tutorial here.


These were Kylene's finals.
And mine...

And a lovely bouquet!

My First Dress

Well, I finally went for it and decided to try and make some clothes. I bought some plain, cheap fabric so I could mess up and not waste too much, but it actually turned out well. I was inspired to make a dress like this, but it ended up quite different. Actually, I think I made 3 dresses altogether considering how many times I took it apart and started over again. (Seam ripper is my bff in sewing!)

Here's the final product. Not bad for my first item of clothing and no pattern, eh?

I added a broach and leggings to spice up the boring color a bit. I like that it can be simple, but I could probably dress it up a bit too. Yea!!!

Photo Contest

United Airlines is having a travel photo contest. The winner gets a vacation for two to Hawaii. I figured I don't have anything to lose, though I doubt I'll win. It was hard to pick just three, but here are the final postings.

The Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria, Egypt


The Nile, Cairo, Egypt


The Red Sea, Dahab, Egypt

Original Aprons

This weekend turned into the weekend of cherries, daisies, and polka dots. I spent both Saturday and Sunday working on two new aprons. They were both original designs (or at least a combination of many different aprons). The first was a bit too small (though it fits our model-neighbor perfectly), so I tried something else with the second.


The moment Ali hears me turn on my camera, he runs over. Apparently he likes posing for photos.


All in all, I think I like the second the best. I got to try a few new things with making it more fitted, though the first is a bit more "June Cleaver" as Kylene puts it.

Weekend Project

Actually, it turned out to take me a few weeks to accomplish. And, it wasn't very much fun because there was very little sewing machine involved as well as a lot of repetitive cutting and sewing.

I found this great bird mobile project, and although it's designed for babies, I made it to remind me of the way the Lord cares for His beloved. One of my favorite verses is from Deuteronomy 33:12: "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders."

Now, I realize that this verse doesn't technically have much to do with birds, but it seems to fit the project as a reminder of God's goodness, faithfulness, and provision.

Jonathan even got to use his mad problem solving skills in balancing the branches and attaching the screws.


All I did was use scraps to cut out the bird parts, sew them together, and stuff them. Ali helped me find some sticks which I sewed them to, and Jonathan balanced and attached them all to one another. Easy process, but lots of mundane work. It was worth it though!

Down Time

Last week was busy! Altogether, we had 5 people staying the night, and the guests changed every day. I also had someone start the 3:45am shift at work this week, which means I was out the door at 3:15am on Wed and Thursday. On Friday night, Jonathan asked me what I would do if I had free time this weekend and I told him I wanted to spend hours at Starbucks with a grande non-fat chai, my ipod, journal, and Bible. I also said I wanted to sew.

I'll comment later about Starbucks, but here is what I did the very moment I got my free time!

"Say aloha (the goodbye version) to summer" cupcakes (thanks Martha Stewart for the idea):




A little purse with my new favorite fabric. I didn't follow any patterns or tutorials and even added some pleats, so I feel pretty good about it.



A new duvet cover. I know it doesn't really match the walls, but I liked the pattern too much to pass up. I was afraid Jonathan would think it was too girly, but he actually really liked it.

I just bought two bedsheets and sewed them together, leaving a small opening on one end.
I also attached two little ties in the corner so the comforter doesn't fall into the corner. Bonus!!!


Also, when Amanda came to visit, she brought all of her mad decoration skills and we got Kylene's room ready for her. (Did I mention we're getting a roommate in a few days???) Here's the final.


Next on my list is a new apron and perhaps some homemade clothes!