More On English Paper Piecing

I'm still amazingly addicted to the idea of English Paper Piecing and I'm still spending time researching what I can find.  I have a few projects in the works.  I joined an English paper piecing quilt a long, with the goal to make a sampler quilt.

This is for block number one

I guess I haven't taken a picture of my tumbling blocks for quilt block number two, but it is in the same colors just the tumbling block pattern.  I made the six point diamonds a little bigger than I was supposed to, so I think I am just going to make three instead of six tumbling blocks.  The current month is eighty-one half inch hexagons in a diamond shape.  Not looking forward to sewing them all together (or even cutting out eighty-one hexagons), but I am looking forward to seeing these all come together.

It's amazing.  Just when I think I've seen all that you can do with regards to shapes and english paper piecing, I find something new.  I now have two more blogs that I am following because of english paper piecing projects.  I looked at getting the book "Pieced Hexies" by Mickey Dupre, but decided against it.  I'm rethinking that decision, since I think it may be helpful to have for creative ideas with hexagons and english paper piecing.   I think I tend to be to concrete when it comes to shapes for english paper piecing.  I'm thinking that if I can just think outside the box, I may be able to come up with my own shapes and designs.  Love the internet, social media, and having the ability to learn all about things like this.  

I also want to keep learning about handcrafting history, especially quilting including hand piecing and hand quilting.  Along with that, I want to learn more about the creative arts and how they affect both your mental and physical health.  I have read about and talked with people who are able to do some amazing projects, but you would never expect it, looking at their physical condition (severe arthritis for example).  I also plan to continue with my goal of creating forty things for others (handcrafted) before I turn forty-one.  I am  also hoping that I can get the courage to teach a class at my local art/craft studio that will be opening this summer.

Lots of goals and projects in the works.  I really love sewing.  I wish I had more time to spend making things, learning how to make things, teaching others how to make things, teaching others how being creative can benefit them physically, mentally, and even spiritually.

Have a fabulous day.  Until next time!

Amy

BTW-going gluten free has been easier than I thought it would be.It hasn't been easy, but I am doing it and actually following through with not eating gluten.  I had a little trouble a a graduation party I was at, but I was better than I would have been if I hadn't been doing this challenge!

My Latest Obsession

Or should the title be, "Continuing With My Obsession".  Another quilting, twin mom friend blogged about her hexagon sewing experience and I became obsessed.  Not only do I love hexagons, but I love, maybe even more than hexagons, english paper piecing other shapes.  I have a huge pinterest board for hexagon quilting and english paper piecing.  I love finding new shapes to add.

I keep looking up blogs and finding new ways to english paper piece.  I love crafty blogs, but lately I am really interested in  EPP.  Since I am cheap and I can't stand to wait (I have a little trouble with needing almost instant gratification with my crafting.  I don't like projects that take to long to complete.  Often those projects become UFO's and WIP'S in my crafting bin), I have been making my own templates.  One thing I love about EPP is how forgiving it is.  Even though my pieces aren't perfect, the outcome is really good.

Recently, I made these:

pre-sewing together

pre-sewing together

sewn together

without the green diamonds

I decided that I needed to make a new hanging for the door.  With spring here and the snowstorm we had the day before the first day of spring, I decided I needed something springy.  I decided to create this:

This door quilt combines both english paper piecing and machine sewing.  It's a little wonky, but I'm pretty happy with it.  I can't wait to look for more EPP blogs and maybe even a hex-along.

Happy Spring!!!

Amy

Meet My Machine

I thought I'd join in with the Meet My Machine bloggy link up.

• Please tell us about your current machine - make, model, etc. (and if there's any story behind you obtaining it, etc.)
• What's your favorite machine accessory/doo-dad? 



Does your machine have a name? What is it? Have you tatted your machine up with fancy stickers, decals, etc? let's see 'um!



My first sewing machine was a White that I bought from JoAnn's Fabric.  It was a really basic machine and I did really basic projects with it.  I stupidly gave it to my sister (who subsequently got rid of it) after I had bought a new machine and thought that I would never use it again.
• I own 4 machines.  I have my great grandmother's machine that, I guess used to be a treadle machine (have never sewn with it), but was made into an electric machine, I have my grandmother's White Serger, I have a Babylock Ellageo (that I bought after my grandmother died and she left me some money), and I recently bought a Babylock Sofia2 to use as a travel machine since my Ellageo was too heavy.
I love the different things that I can do with my machine.  I love that I can use basic stitches and also do some embroidering.  I love how portable my sofia2 is as well as how good of a machine it is.  I love my Ellageo, but with a 5 year old and 2 four year olds, I need to be able to have a sewing machine that can be portable.
I love that I don't need to have a foot peddle to sew with my Babylock machines.  I also love that it has a cutter as well as self threading ability.
• For now, I have everything that I could want in my machine.  I'm not sure that there are any features, other than more stitch options (and that is really just to play).
• I would love a higher end Babylock quilting/embroidery machine.  I have heard really good things about Janome Machines too so I would be really happy to try a high end Janome too.
• I don't really have a sewing space right now.  I have everything in my basement and I just make do with what I have right now.  I really would love to get it a little more organized and have a space where I can go and get away and have a creative space.
• Right now I am using plastic drawers for my yardage, a plastic bin for my fat quarters and a fabric bin that I just throw my scraps into.  Nothing special, but it is somewhat organized (more organized that what it was).  I can now go into a draw and know where to look for what.  I still have more work to do, but I am really happy with where I came from.
• I love anything sewing/craft related!  I love my crafting and quilting magazines and books.  I love youtube and crafting and sewing blogs!

I had a lot of fun writing about this.  I love creating and sewing and I love sharing what I love.

Amy

My Latest Projects

I have been trying to make a point to create more often.  I had a period where I was just too tired to complete anything.  I know how much better I feel better I feel when I make a point to create.

My recent projects have included a mug rug swap, embroidery for my daughter's room, some English paper piecing, some Valentine's day projects, and most recently a Japanese stab binding book.  I am really trying to do something create every day!

Fairy Embroidery for my daughter's room

2nd Fairy (not yet complete)

English paper pieced flower hexagon

English paper pieced flower

Valentine's Day fabric card

Inside of Valentine's day fabric card

Valentine's Day post card

Glued English paper pieced shaped

English paper pieced solar system star

All the Valentine's day projects I worked on

Japanese stab binding book (I've been wanting to learn more about book binding.  I already have a tool case with book binding supplies!)

Some quilt history reading

Some fabric painting reading

Some fabric dyeing reading

Mug rug I made for my swap

Not only have I been actually making things, I have been reading about how to color my own fabric and learning about the history of quilt making.  I am hoping to buy some fabric dyes and paints and start creating my own fabric.  

I have been having a great time being creative and can't wait to continue!

Happy Creating,

Amy

Handmade Valentines

I decided to make handmade Valentines this year!  I still need to make ones for Michael's specialists and I just got more classmates for Michael.  I also have to make another one for my husband.  Our budget isn't going to afford us to be able to get each other expensive gifts, but I can certainly make something from the heart and hopes that he likes it (I'm sure that he will).

For Michael's classmates, I just cut out 2 paper hearts and sewed them together and added pencils.

This happens to be for my daughter's teacher, but Michael's Valentines are the same

For his teachers, I made a fabric book that I will have Michael help me decorate and add things to the pockets.

Outside covers

Inside pages with pockets that I think we will add bookmarks to(there are 2 other blank pages to decorate)

For the specialists and my daughter's speech teacher, I am going to make fabric postcards like these.  I need to make 3 more.

Front side

Back side with Eva Rose tracing her name and rubber stamping decorations

I have really enjoyed making these different projects the last couple of days.  I just wish it didn't hurt my sciatica so much/.  I can't wait to feel better so I can handle creating more things!

I love my new sewing machine.  It's amazing how good a good quality sewing machine is.  Too bad I had to spend the money on it, but I have really enjoyed having it!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!  What are you crafting?

Amy

At My Sewing Machine Again

Finally, I took the plunge at attempted to sit at my sewing machine after a couple of months of sciatica.  I was able to get a couple of small projects sewn, but it was tough.

I get e-mails every time Crafty Gemini has a new post.  This was was a giveaway for a slice cutting machine.  I would love a cutting machine and if I won this, I would be ecstatic!  The project that she showed in the video for the slice cutter was for a fabric Valentine's Day Card.  I thought this would be a nice easy way for me to get back at my sewing machine and it was, except I did get a little sore.  I made 2 fabric cards and would love to make 1 maybe 2 more.  you can check out the project and the giveaway at http://craftygemini.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentines-day-fabric-gift-book.html.

Here are my attempts at the project.  I still need to embellish them and am hoping to have the kids help me.

Here are the outside covers of the 2 that I made today.  One is planned for My daughter's speech teacher, and one is planned for one of my oldest son's teachers.  I still need to make one more for his other teacher. 

Outside again

Inside of card

Close up of the outside of the first card

Inside of the first card (close up)

This project was a lot of fun and I will definitely be making again for many other holidays, not just Valentine's Day!

Hope you all check out Crafty Gemini as she has a bunch of fun tutorials,

Amy

Trying To Be Productive

It's amazing how little time you have when your kids get to be preschool age.  When they were babies, I had the luxury of naps.  Now, naps are few and far between and I never have all 3 kids occupied where I can spend time and create.  Of course, as usual, there are also good points to the kids getting older.  Now that they no longer nap, life is a little easier to plan or not plan and just go and do.  We can do so much more with them now.  We may have less free time on our hands, but I wouldn't change a thing.

That being said, I still try to find time to be creative and maybe even blog about my creative projects.  It may not be as often as I want or as complex as I want.  My blog posts may not be as intellectually stimulating as I would like.  But, I am finding time to create and some how, some way, journal about it; and that is what is really important to me.

Since my last post, I have done a decent amount of projects.  I have also treated myself to a new sewing machine.  I decided that my cheap $100 Joann Fabrics Singer, was just too frustrating for me to actually use.  I loved having a more portable machine than my Baby Lock Ellageo embroidery machine, but the Singer was just not a good quality machine.  At first I didn't understand the negative comments, but then After just a couple of uses, I realized how right all those reviews were.  I love my Ellageo, it's just not really portable.  I was looking at a Janome QDC3160 and a Baby Lock Grace.  I ended up at "Nashua Sewing and Vac" on Black Friday and ended up getting a Baby Lock Sofia2 for what I was quoted the Grace to be at another store.  I had heard really good things about Nashua Sewing and Vac and felt really good about trying out sewing machine and buying there.  There is nothing wrong with the Janome.  I know a few people who love the Janome and they all have different Janome machines.  One of them is not a Baby Lock fan.  I decided that it must be ike buying a Nikon vs a Canon.  I have always used a Canon, but I know that Nikon is just as good, just personal preference.  I wish I had more time to devote to my sewing!

What I've been up to:

English Paper Piecing Diamonds

Ballet Slipper Ornaments

Thanksgiving Skirt

Matching Thanksgiving Tie

My New Sofia2!

Embroidery On My Sofia2

Embroidery On My Sofia2

Embroidery On My Sofia2

Sewing On My Sofia2 With A Stitch Sampler

Cookie Plate for Santa

Cinnamon Ornaments

Now if I could just make sure that I continue to be creative both by myself and with the kids, I would be a very happyMommy!  I can't wait to sew more often.  We are in the process of decorating for Christmas and then cleaning up after that!  Right now, Creativity is going to be limited.  I am trying to make sure that I ambling creative with the kids so that they get to be creative as well as me.  Some days are better than others, but often as things are with kids, they don't go as planned, but we are still making memories and that is what is most important!

Happy Holidays to All!

Amy

Hexagon Maddness

With it being National Sewing Month, I am really trying to get some sewing projects completed.  My friend at http://www.goddessinprogressblog.com/quilts/ posted a hexagon project a while ago and I was intrigued.  More recently she posted a picture of her hexagon quilt and it got me thinking, this would be a great take along project for the part (maybe), and a great project to use up my scraps.  Of course now I want to branch out and maybe use things that aren't part of my scrap bin.I'm tempted to buy fabric, but I really want to try to use what I already have.  I can't afford to buy more and I don't have the room to buy more!  I'm trying really hard to be organized and right now I have my material pretty organized so I don't want to add more unless I have to!

My first hexie flower put together with a ladder stitch

Daddy and Thomas were watching the Patriots while I sewed and the other 2 kids were playing in their room

I am also working on a doll sized granny square afghan.  I was able to spend some time working on it while the kids played at the park!

4 flower hexies 1 completed with a whip stitch and 3 with the ladder stitch

I have been trying to organized my craft things and have been trying to get rid of some things.  I have free cycled some things, but there have been some stuff that no one seems interested in.  I have some yarn that no one has wanted and I have some stamps that I haven't posted yet.  I am hoping to get more stuff together so that I can get rid of rings and have a more organized place to work and know what supplies I have.  It's definitely a work in progress and really difficult to get rid of things.  I also just found out that I have some yarn that I totally forgot about.  I think once I finish some of the projects that I am working on, I need to go up in the attic and decide if this yarn is stuff I need/want. or if I should just get rid of it.  

It has been nice to have a more organized space.  I am not making a ton of things, but I really have been able to create more easily, know what I have for supplies, and not have to stress about cleaning up a project in the middle of working on it.  I like having a place for my dewing machine to be out all the time.  I like having small projects organized so that I can work on something while watching TV.  Of course all the new shows are starting up so it is really important to have things that I can work on while watching my favorite shows.  That way I can be productive as well as veg out in front of the TV and enjoy some good shows!  The funny thing is, I really like to be organized, but I am not one to get organized easily!

What are you making for National Sewing Month?

Amy

I think my next post will be about my Christmas list.  I need to get a plan in place if I want to make things for people for Christmas.  I need to have a plan in place so that I can get started.  I think I'll take the kids out in the back yard and work on my list!

First Sewing Pattern of the Month

So, it's national sewing month and my goal this month is to do some sewing everyday.  It's Labor Day weekend and my husband heads back to school tomorrow.  I didn't do any sewing today, but I did get my hexagon project case started.  I made a few templates and put them along with some material into a case.  Unfortunately I didn't get much else done.  I really need to get that finished so that I can have a travel case with a project to take with me if I go anywhere, where I can get some sewing done.  I am using this blog post to help me: http://mythreesonsknit.blogspot.com/2010/05/hexagons-beginning.html#.

My next project, I think, is going to be something for my son's preschool class.  I had bought some material at the end of the year but never did anything with it.  Then, the other day, I found this on interest: http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/TIPS/boxcover.html

or http://laracameron.com/index.php?p=tutorials

I have plenty of project that I need to work on and finish.  I am hoping that national sewing month will help me do what I need to do to get projects complete and actually work on things that I enjoy!

Happy Sewing!!!!

Amy

Goal: Living Naturally

One of my new goals this new year is to live more naturally.  For me, this means making things when possible, not using harsh chemicals when possible, eating healthy, and other things like that.  I would love to try not to buy things at big chain stores when possible, but unfortunately, the state of our financial affairs makes it so that we have to find the best price possible.

One thing I am trying to do, is to cook more at home.  I am trying to make my own products when possible instead of relying on pre made items.  I am trying eat healthier too.  When I shop, I am trying to make sure that I only shop the outside perimeter of the store.  I am trying to plan my meals in advance so that I am not wasting food.  planning in advance and not wasting foods are 2 things that I really need to work on.

I have been cloth diapering since my twins were 6 months old.  They are now going to be 3.  Thankfully we are getting to the point of potty training and then we will be done with diapers (hopefully).  A couple of months ago, I decided to start making my own "mama pads".  I was a little afraid that I would be grossed out or that my husband would be grossed out.  After talking to another twin mom friend, I decided to try making my own.  Turns out, my husband is extremely supportive of this and I am on my 3rd cycle of using them and am really happy that I made the switch.  Unlike cloth diapering, if I am traveling I will use disposables.  My goal, now, is to refine my pattern and make better pads.  Pretty sad, but I am really excited about making the switch!

I am trying to not use harsh chemicals in my house.  I love how clean things get with bleach, but am not a fan of the smell, or having it around with little ones.  My goal is to only use it occasionally and I plan on using white vinegar and baking soda more often.  I have used both of these products depending on what I am cleaning and I have been happy with the results.  I now need to get some recipes and find natural way of making an anti-bacterial cleanser that is not bleach.  I also need to get organized (which is another goal) so that I am cleaning on a schedule (I hate cleaning!!).  I am also trying not to use harsh chemicals in my health and beauty products.  Again I am trying to stay away from buying pre made items in stores when possible and make my own from supplies!

I would love to make my kids clothes and even my own.  My problem is that I am not that good at sewing clothes and I don't have a ton of time to practice.  I try to use hand me downs for the kids so that we are not always buying new.  I am trying to plan on making toys and learning experiences for them instead of looking to the store to get what I want.  My next book to get is:

"Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects Using Cottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Home Dec, Oilcloth, Wool, and Beyond"

I am also trying to up cycle when possible.  We try to donate unwanted clothing, but I would love to try to use it to make things instead of just giving it away (also a way to save money and not rely on stores all the time).  I am using old receiving blanket for cloth wipes and my "mama pads".  Again, this way I don't have to buy new material and spend money after throwing away perfectly usable cloth!  My next goal is to go to a thrift store and actually buy clothing for cheap that is totally outdated and try to update it and make it current.  I am totally inspired by http://www.newdressaday.com/ and would love to be as creative and thrifty!

Hopefully I can really start to work on these goals and make it so that I can feel good about doing what I can for my health, my family's health, and the environment!  I think that, for me, it is good that I am writing this down so that a) I see it in black and white, and b) there are people who read my posts and hopefully this will make me more accountable.

Amy

Newest Projects

My friend Liz over at http://www.goddessinprogressblog.com/quilts/ posted a fun bag she made from http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/free-diaper-bag-pattern.html.  I couldn't wait to make this bag and I finally pulled out a bench of material to make it.  I love that I used some material that I had bought before my wedding (shhhhh, don't tell anyone, I was supposed to make bridesmaids gifts that never happened).  I Love how it came out!  I can't wait to make another one.  I probably have enough material at home but not the interfacing (which I didn't use for my first bag). 

Sewing this bag re-ignited my passions for sewing and any other craft related item.  I just joined in a table runner swap over at http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/.  I am so excited!  I love aprons, but I love that this is a table runner swap.  We are in the process of making some small renovations to our kitchen so this will be a nice addition to the kitchen!  I missed out on the last swap since it was during the summer.  I just figured that there wouldn't be enough time to sew it and get it out in the mail, but with school back in session, I think this will work, plus I am trying to tell my husband that we both need to make time for our hobbies (he needs to get back into his wood shop), but we are just so tired by the time the kids go to bed!

I have so many projects that I want to do.  I really need to start working on the kids Halloween costumes.  I can't wait to make them, but I am not looking forward to cutting and sewing satin material.  I probably shouldn't complain, but I hate the slipperiness of the material.  After that, I really need to start on my Christmas gifts.  I am really hoping to make a lot of our gifts this year, partly for financial reasons, but also partly because I love it.  I am really finding that I need to make time for my creativity and I hope that I can really make a point to do what I love!

Amy

Projects That I Need To Start!

I have a couple of capes that I need to sew.  I found a link to the the capes (http://www.georgialeigh.com/?p=57) at my friends blog http://www.goddessinprogressblog.com/quilts/.  My son Thomas is thrilled when we help him "fly" and he says superman.  I decided to make all 3 kids the same cape so that there wouldn't be any fights over them.  They love "Super Why" on sprout so I decided that I will be making the super why applique for the back of the cape.  This seems like such a simple project, that even though I have other projects to make, I am going to start with the capes.

The next project I need to work on  are the Halloween costumes.  I think they will be somewhat easy, but maybe time consuming, so I really need to start soon.  I have all or at least most of the material to start cutting.  I am hoping that I can get my serger to have the right tension since I think it will make a nicer product.  The kids are going to be a maiden and squire.  I am also hoping to get to King Richard's Faire this year and I would love for them to be able to wear a costume to the fair.

I also have a bunch of projects to start for Christmas.  The most important projects are for the kids, then my husband and then my mom.  There are quilts to make, toys to make, maybe even jewelry to make, maybe some knitting or crocheting, never mind the potential of making my own Christmas cards.  I haven't been very good at making time to complete projects.  I feel so much better when I do, but for some reason, I have just been finding anything and everything else to do.  I am hoping that with have a routine back, I will be able to get myself into a routine with laundry, house cleaning, kids, and time to create as well as making time to sleep.

I have a lot on my plate, but I am really going to try to find time to create.  I should plan some take along projects so that when I am at work and it is slow, I can be productive vs just sitting on the computer.  I am thinking that knitting and crochet projects are good projects to take along to work as well as maybe some small hand sewing projects!

A little ambitious, but I am really looking forward to this.
Amy

Latest Project

My friend T.J. from http://www.any-given-moment.blogspot.com, asked about my latest projects that I plan to make for my newest niece.  She was wondering if I am going to use a pattern or make up my own.  I guess the answer to that question is both.  I plan on using this basic design here at http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/09/ribbon-blanket-and-block.html and then moving on to make it my own.  I plan to use 4 monkey wrench blocks since my sister is doing a monkey theme.  I figured I would go with some traditional and some very basic blocks so that it is simple yet personalized.  I am also planning on trying the ribbon block from that same site also.  For the burp cloths, I am just planning on adding a personalized strip down the middle and maybe the bottom of some pre-made cloth diapers.  I got some like that for my 3 kids and I love them.  I am trying to figure out what to do with them now since I no longer need burp cloths and I would rather not use those for dust rags.  Actually, after writing this post, I am thinking I am going to pull out my embroidery attachment to my sewing machine and embroider the squares for the ribbon block as well as personalize it with my nieces name Hannah!

So T.J., when I finish my project, I will post pictures.  Maybe I'll even post some in progress pictures.  I can't wait to find time to actually make these gifts!  I am really looking forward to it!

Amy

Complete and Utter Failure!

Thankfully I don't have a ton of followers and not too many people read my blog.  I have been a complete and utter failure with my eating.  The only good thing I've done is try a couple of new recipes that were how I wanted to eat!  Unfortunately, I ate horrible along with them so it basically negated any good that I did.  What is it about being healthy that I can seem to follow through with?  I have a feeling that this blog is going to be more of an online therapy session for me.  It will be a place for me to talk about the issues that I have and hope that some how I can figure out what the hell is wrong with me and why I can't seem to be the healthy person that I want to be.  I will keep trying to get to the point I want to be at.  I am due to complete week2 day 3 of the C2 5K.  I am hoping that after I put the kids in bed, I can head out and go by myself.  I want to see if I do better without pushing the stroller with 2 kids. 

On a more positive note, I finished my apron for the flirty apron swap I am in.  I am always happy when I can make the tuck-ins.  For me, I feel like I want to make them since we are creating an apron.  I want to create the tuck-ins I send also.  I need to mail it out tonight and then I get to wait for my package.  I am truly loving sewing and I am pleased to say that even though it is a simple apron, I made it without a pattern and I actually love it and would have been happy to keep it for myself!

Onwards and upwards to becoming the healthy person I want to be!
Amy

Inspiration

I have been reading a ton of food/health and craft blogs lately and I am so inspired!  All I want to do know is sew and cook.  Unfortunately I have many other priorities that take precedence over my desire to do this!  Fortunately I have 3 beautiful children that need my time and attention, but I just wish that I had more time, or that they would be interested enough in sitting for a craft project so we could all do something creative.  Hopefully when they get a little older they will sit longer.  Fortunately, I have a house to clean and a job to go to that also take up my time.  All of these things are things that everyone deals with when it comes to prioritizing their lives.  The good thing is that I have a family to cook for so that helps with my desire to try out new recipes.  Unfortunately my kids take after me and are picky eaters.  I am hoping that behavior changes.  As they get older, I will explain to them how much fun it can be to try new foods!

I love reading blogs.  Any time I feel in a slump about being creative or being healthy, or being green, etc, all I need to do is read a blog and I get inspired all over again.  I just need to make time to enjoy the things I love all while taking care of myself and my family, ie: getting enough sleep!  I have written about my goals for removing tv from my life, or at least incorporating the things I need/want to do into watching tv.  I have been doing better with this, but as always it is a work in progress.  I think I need to start putting pictures on this blog.  I tend to put pictures on my family blog, but nothing really here.  I plan to put pictures of the things I create, the food I cook, and the gardens that I have. 

For now, I am off to figure out how to sew some more tonight!
Amy

This Weeks Goals

I have a few goals that I want to complete for this week.  The first is actually following my menu plan.  I pretty much have this week planned, now I just need to go shopping.  Unfortunately, I will have to take my 3 kids along for the ride, so I'll be making a couple of trips.  Some day, I'll get myself to a point where I get my meal plan done and I can go by myself on the weekend.  So far the meal plan looks pretty healthy and I think I can deal with it for now.  I was hoping to start the anti-candida diet, but these meals are certainly not on that diet plan.  I'm sure that I could finagle them to fit an anti-candida diet and I may just do that for me and leave it the normal way for the rest of the family.

I just started the couch to 5K program today.  I got an app for my phone and the first day went well.  I may need to buy some exercise clothing for the spring weather.  I ran in my sleeveless shirt and shorts today and while I didn't freeze, I wasn't exactly as comfortable as iI could have been.  I think I really just need some long sleeve shirts and can wear my shorts, but I may get some capri length running pants to go along with it.  I am really hoping to stick with the couch to 5k plan and really hope to run a 5k this summer, maybe with another twin mom friend.

I went to the twins sale this week to get some spring and summer stuff for the kiddos, but foolish me thought that I was meeting up with another twin mom to shop with her first, but she had meant the night before and I didn't realize it.  So, I didn't end up buying some things I need like Easter outfits.  So, my plan is to make a dress for Ms Eva Rose and then make ties for the boys.  Hopefully the material I picked out with coordinate enough to look really cute.  As much as I feel bad that the boys will be in ties, I think they are going to look adorable.

I have long wanted to shop the thrift store in the area, not that I really know of a ton, execpt for The Salvation Army on Route 1.  As much as I would love to be like the author from the blog, http://newdressaday.com/, I am totally nervous about going to the Salvation Army.  I don't know why, I think I have some mind block about going to a Salvation Army for clothing, but I am so inspired by that blog, that I just want to try it out.  My friend Chantal has done some great things with pieces that she has gotten from there, and I am toally inspired by her and all the things that she creates.

So, to recap, my goals are: 1) follow menu plan, 2) keep up with exercising, 3) make eater outfits, and 4) get to the Salvation Army to get some cheap ethings to re-do!

Amy

Finding Time To Sew

I have way too many sewing projects that I need to work on.  I had planned to sew my daughter a doll for her 2nd birthday and my son a carrying case for matchbox cars (he loves his cars).  Now, here it is the Thursday before their birthday on Sunday and I haven't done a thing.  What else is new?  I may try to get some sewing done tonight, or at least get the pattern cut out.  We are, again, having another snow storm here in New England.  I am so hoping that it just gives us a dusting, but maybe it will force me to get some projects done!  If I can get these 2 things made, then I will feel good.  I do still need to get out and get a bunch of matchbox cars for my son.  I am hoping that they will really like these gifts and I can feel good about giving them something that I made!

Once these projects are done, it's time to move onto the new apron swap.  I still have to get out and buy new material.  I am thinking maybe tomorrow after we go to EI group, I'll stop at the fabric store.  I think I am going to make a half apron.  It's kind of funny that I got a half apron for the last swap and I made a full apron, and then this time, I am making a half apron and requested a full apron!  I can't wait to go and  look at material.  I love craft shopping and even though I can't afford to buy more, bot in terms of money and space, I always look forward to having a reason to buy something  new!  I am also getting together with a friend on Monday and we will be making some tutus for the girls.  I can't wait to have another friend to create with.  Also she told me that she has been making some mama pads and I can't wait to see them.  I have been tempted to make some myself, but I really need to see how it's done.  I am such a visual person.  I am hoping that once I see hers and see what materials she used, I can start to make my own.  Hopefully that will be one more thing that I can cross off my list of things that I buy.  I have also been toying with the idea of using cloth for toilet paper.  At first, I thought that it was disgusting, but then I realized I use cloth wipes on the babies so why not on me too.  I think it will be cleaner, less impact on the environment, and less paper product that I have to buy.  Now that I am writing about this, I am thinking that I may work on some more cloths for the kitchen, both wash cloths and towels.  I have some towel material that I got as a remnant and I can knit some wash cloths.  I really need to be less dependent on paper towels.  I really need to bleach the cloth that I now have and it they are still gross, I need to just get rid of them.  Thanks to http://ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/, I am thinking a little more about what I clean with!

Happy sewing and knitting, especially for the home,
Amy

Oh, and BTW, I still need to make a cake for the kids birthday!  Nothing special, just a cake with stars, I think!

Newest Events

I got may partner for the next flirty apron swap.  I am so looking forward to this swap.  This swap's theme is Valentine's Day and/or baking.  I now have a reason to go out and buy new material, but I have to wait until Thursday when I get paid again.  One goal/decision/resolution that I absolutely have to keep is no credit card use unless absolutely necessary.  That means, I only go to stores when I have money bugeted and/or when I have to.  So, no Joann's Fabric unless I can budget money for it.  I am hoping that I can make something with maybe a yard of new fabric and use some of my stash.  Now to pick out a pattern.  the best part is my partner decided on letting me choose the style of apron so I get to be really creative if I wish.  I can't wait, then it's on to quilts for my kids and my sister's soon to be new baby.

I entered a give away on citylifeeats.com for stevia.  I wrote a blog about my love for stevia in my tea and am so happy to say that I won free stevia.    For some reason, I had stopped using stevia in my tea and started to use honey.  I really didn't like the switch so now I am back to stevia.  I like honey, but only for certain things.  I can't wait to try this new stevia.

I have gotten rid of dairy for my kids and now I need to completely get rid of it for me too!  I am doing so much better, that is until tonight.  I even had coffee which I drink with cream.  That was a really bad decision, but as of right now, I am back to eating the way that I know I should be eating.  I really need to work on losing weight.  It really hit me tonight, just how much I need to lose weight.  I am back on track as of right now!  No more fun and games.  It's not only important for how I look, but for how I feel and my health!  I'm always fighting blood pressure issues and if I can't get my weight and my eating under control, I could be in some trouble!  I don't have a ton to lose.  If I lost even 15 pounds, it would be helpful, but in reality, I'd really like to lose more like 30 pounds.  I guess for now, I'll focus on the 15, then I'll look to lose more.

I can't wait to start sewing and eating well!

Amy

Finished

Yay!!!!!!  I finished my first apron swap project.  Ok, I finished the apron portion, but still have a little more work to do on the tuck-ins.  I am so looking forward to finishing up and sending off the package.  I love making things for others, and then getting a great surprise in return!  I love swaps and really miss participating in them.  I am really looking forward to getting my apron, since I am doing a lot more cooking lately.  And with the holidays around the corner, I will be doing even more.  I want to do a good amount of baking for the neighborhood and get the kids involved.  I still need to complete the tuck-ins which will be
A-angel
N-notecards (angel)
G-ginger tea
E-earrings (angel)
L-lavender/geranium/lemon bath salts

I hope my partner likes her package as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

My first apron folded

A little of the front and most of the back side of the apron

When I was growing up, my grandmother used to always say, wear and apron when you cook or bake.  I can't wait to get my apron and start using it.  I may even have to buy a new book on apron patterns.  I love how my apron came out and I want to make more.  I want to make more that are even a little more challenging.

Lately, I am loving sewing.  I love almost every kind of craft, but lately  sewing seems to be my favorite thing.  I will be working on Christmas cards soon.  We need to get the kids their pictures taken with Santa and then get pictures printed for the cards.  Other than working on Christmas gifts, I plan to do a lot more sewing!

Happy creating!
Amy