Monday, December 31, 2007

...And a Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I've been a very bad blogger, not keeping up at all with my blog posting or reading. I find the holidays so very busy, probably because I think I can do more than I should and I'll admit to being a bit disorganized. (Does that sound like something to address in a resolution?) I spent the last days before Christmas feverishly finishing gifts, cleaning, wrapping, cooking, decorating, shopping, etc. So much so that I found it hard to relax and enjoy. Well, it's over. A few more days of the Christmas holiday with my husband and children home and then things can get back to normal, or so I hope.

I have a long list of things to do in the new year. At the top of the list is my Winter Doll Quilt for the Four Seasons Swap. I have an idea and have actually looked through my stash for fabrics. I hoped to make it entirely from my stash, but don't have everything I need. After that, I have to spend some serious sewing time making some new things to stock my Etsy shops. I would love to be successful on Etsy, but know that I need to become much more dedicated to do so.

May your New Year bring you joy and happiness!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Snow Day!



Pretty, isn't it? As long as I don't have to drive in it, I can look out and say, "Oooh! How pretty!" Unfortunately, a lot of people did have to drive today and the roads were a mess. I think the first snowfall every year catches people off-guard. They have to remember they need to slow down a bit, this stuff is slippery! I think we had about 5-6 inches. So we had a snow day today, no school, no errands. I worked in my sewing room and the kids played video games. I did manage to wrestle the snowblower out of the corner of the garage and get it started. What a back saver that thing is!

Today I worked on a t-shirt quilt, a special order. I've got the front all together with the borders. I'd show a picture but it's meant to be a gift so even though it's highly unlikely the person receiving it would see, I'd better not. It's turning out quite nicely. Tomorrow after bowling, I'll get it sandwiched and quilted. I stitch in the ditch along the sashing and border and tie inside the squares. I'll be happy to finish this and move on to the next thing on the list.

I got my Hinterberg frame down to the basement. Poor thing is leaning up against the wall in all the mess down there. I've kept it up all year in the living room, but haven't used it as much as I'd like. I needed to take it down for the Christmas tree. My plan is clean out part of the basement and get a few area rugs and set it up permanently down there. I'll need the help of an electrician, as there are only 4 little light bulbs and one outlet in the whole basement. That can wait until January...

Well, back to the sewing room!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Shop Update



I finally made a couple of these little patchwork zipper pouches to put in my Etsy shop. I've been thinking about them for awhile and finally sat down today to make them. I'm planning more, as I have more fabric squares that I think will make cute little pouches. I'd like to make some bigger ones, too. They'll be great gift ideas, especially for those last minute ones that just seem to pop up. Even better if you put a gift card inside.... My shop is here.

Last week was a busy week. I can finally cross my SIL's kitchen window treatments off the to do list. They turned out quite nice; she was very happy with them.

This coming week will be absolutely crazy. My son has a food allergy challenge tomorrow am. My daughter has an appointment for braces removal on Tuesday am. And Wednesday am, they have to go the the eye doctor for a check-up. In the future, I really need to plan these appointments out more. Then Thursday is Thanksgiving, of course. And Friday, we head out of town for a few days. I don't think my sewing machine will be running much this week.

I doubt I'll have the opportunity to post again before Thursday, so have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 9, 2007

It's November!

Oh my goodness! Another month is over. I've been so busy, I've neglected to post to my blog. Not that I've accomplished much sewing lately. My list of things that must be finished before Christmas is growing and growing! And once November arrives, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day with all the seasonal things that need to be done.

Back to October and Halloween, I did finish the costumes in time and the banana actually looked like a banana. Not quite perfect, but good enough and my son was delighted with it. And that was the most important thing anyway. The pictures were all a bit blurry; I guess my hands were shaky after the marathon sewing session!

I've been working on a custom order for Etsy. It's about finished. And then I want to make a few more Blythe dresses. They're just so much fun to make! I have a pile of fabric waiting to become tote bags and purses. My idea of getting these in the shop in time for Christmas shopping is looking harder to achieve. I have to finish a custom window treatment and a t-shirt quilt and then I can get back to working on things for my shop.

Today, I signed up for the Winter Four Seasons Quilt Swap. The Autumn Swap was lots of fun and I already have a pretty good idea of what I'd like to do for the winter one, provided it meets my partner's requirements. The quilts aren't due until the end of January, so I won't have to start until after Christmas. There seems to be alot of interest, so the sign-ups may close quickly. Click on the Four Seasons Quilt Swap button for a link to the site and more info. It's a great chance to try something new and fun to swap little quilts.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Busy Weekend!

Wow! What a busy weekend! I've been working on my children's Halloween costumes -- a Renaissance princess and a banana. The Renaissance princess is from a published pattern, so other than requiring major alterations for fit, that was pretty easy. Still needs hems and trim attached. The banana is another story. I'm using yellow felt and of course, there is no pattern. It's testing my creativity a bit. I'm hoping it will be wearable by Tuesday night...

My daughter came home from DC in one piece, and all of her things seem to have survived the trip as well. It rained alot, but they seem to have had a good trip.

I finally managed to list some Blythe dresses in my Etsy shop. I made and listed six, four have sold already! I'm delighted by this. They were very fun to make so I will be making more this week (after the costumes). I also have plans for some new handbags and tote bags, and other assorted items. I've got a couple of custom orders in the works, one through Etsy and the others are local. So it looks like I'm going to be a busy girl! I can't believe how close Christmas is! I really need to improve my time management skills. The days just fly by!

Back to the big yellow thing that will be a banana...(the power of positive thinking)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

She's Off!

My daughter is on a bus headed for Washington, DC. She'll return late Friday. Hopefully it will be an incident-free trip that will be a memorable 8th grade experience for her. I'll just be glad when it is over.

I heard from Anne B., my swap partner in the Four Seasons Quilt Swap. My little quilt finally arrived at her home in England. Yay! It was in the postal system so long I feared it might never find its way out. But it arrived safely and she likes it! So, that's a happy ending for that project!

Now, which projects to work on to keep me busy and not thinking about Washington, DC for the rest of the week...

Sunday, October 21, 2007

No Houston For Me--This Year...

I am very sad not to be going, because I have enjoyed my little quilting vacation for the last 2 years. I will miss Houston this year. It is such a unique experience. So many quilters gathered together from all over the world! The wonderful classes and fabulous quilts, not to mention more shopping than you can manage in a day, all under one very large roof. I've been to the International Quilt Festival three times in total, and every time I've gone alone and met such nice quilters to share a meal or chat with about projects. I've had fun and learned so much in the classes. I will miss my very special "me" time, when I got to indulge in my love for quilting away from my ordinary life. I'll need to build something into my schedule, because I don't think I can go a whole year without a good quilt show fix. So if anyone knows of any good shows coming up, let me know. And if you're lucky enough to be going to Houston this year--ENJOY!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Busy days

Well, I've not posted lately. I've not completed anything photo- or blog-worthy. I've been working on prototypes for things I hope to have in my Etsy shop soon. I've got a custom order I'm still awaiting all the fabrics to get started. I've been trying to catch up on some housework and yardwork, too. The weather has moderated a bit, but it is still warmer and drier than it ought to be. It rained today, so maybe the weeds will come out of the ground a little easier tomorrow. So much to do, so little time.

My oldest heads off to Washington, DC for the 8th grade trip next week. That is a source of anxiety for me. Such a large group of kids, such a busy city. We've taken the children to DC a couple of times and visited many of the monuments and museums, so at least there will be a little familiarity with the environment. The school tells me they've never lost anyone, yet. I guess this is supposed to make me feel better.

My little quilt has apparently not reached its destination yet. I do hope it eventually gets there. I would be very sad if it went to some package limbo, never to be seen again.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Look what I found on the front porch!


2007_1007fuji0010
Originally uploaded by On a Whim Creations
We arrived home from a long, hot day on the soccer field yesterday to find a small box on the front porch. I couldn't wait to get it opened because I knew something special was inside. I was right! It was my darling doll quilt made by Jane C. And I love it! The colors are perfect and the hand quilting is lovely. I can't wait to find the perfect spot for it in my home. Now I have to pull out the rest of my fall decorations and get ready for the season!
Here are a couple of pics of some of the detail. Isn't it just perfect?



It was a busy weekend, with two soccer games in the heat and some furniture shopping thrown in. The weatherman predicts a change in the weather coming Tuesday and I can't wait! It is not supposed to be 90 degrees in October and it just doesn't feel like fall. So maybe autumn will arrive to stay in a couple of days. The furniture shopping was not much of a success; I find committing to a couch for our family room beyond difficult! I'm starting to feel like Goldilocks (too big, too soft...)nothing just right, at least not yet!

Hopefully this week will bring some cooler weather and some good sewing progress. I'll be back with updates!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

What Happened to Autumn?

Well, it's October 4 and 85 degrees in Ohio. It really isn't supposed to be this warm. This is supposed to be sweater weather. But no, we're still in shorts and flip-flops. I'm really not complaining because I don't like the cold and today was an absolutely lovely day. I'm just afraid we won't get fall this year. We'll wake up one day and it will be snowing and time to bundle up. And cuddle up with a nice quilt and a good book! Now there's a way to spend a Saturday.

This weekend will bring another soccer game. The game is at a field near a lake, which is known for fall color. It's still a little early for much color, but I might get a few pictures to share. It has been so dry that most of the leaves will probably just go brown. There is also an Oktoberfest this weekend that always attracts some good artists/craftsmen with their wares. It's good for early Holiday shopping.

I didn't accomplish any sewing today and won't tomorrow, either. Yesterday, I did work a little on a couple of prototypes for my Etsy shop. I find that very time-consuming. I have to work out all the little bugs and quirks so I can be happy with the finished product. Tomorrow I get to have a day out with friends which will be quite fun! We've got a little shopping trip planned.

That's all for now!

Monday, October 1, 2007

Focus!

I've realized that I've been neglecting my little Etsy shop. This isn't a new realization. Rather, it's been there; I've just been ignoring it. So, I am going to try to focus on Etsy this week and make a few new items for my shop. Heaven knows, I've plenty of ideas, fabric and supplies to get started. Some of the fabric needs prewashing, so I've sorted and trimmed some to get ready for a trip through the washing machine. I use my pinking blade rotary cutter to minimize fraying; it really helps. It is not fun to pull a tangled mass of fabric from the dryer. Now if the fabric stores would start cutting with a pinking blade...
So for the rest of today, I'll be spending some quality time at the cutting mat and ironing board (Oh Joy!) so I can get an early start on a couple of projects tomorrow.

I also spent a little time on Flickr looking at some of the finished Fall Four Seasons Swap Quilts. There are some amazing ones! Go check them out here. More should be posted every day since the deadline is past. Can't wait to see what the mailman brings me!

Friday, September 28, 2007

And Into the Mail!


WSFallQuilt-01
Originally uploaded by On a Whim Creations
Well, it's off! I've sent my little quilt out into the world. Hopefully it will get there safely. I hope my partner likes it... I'm a little jealous. My quilt gets to go somewhere I've always wanted to visit. Maybe someday.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Voila!



Finished! I admit I was a bit panic-y yesterday. But, now it is done. It doesn't have a name yet, or a label. Usually a name comes to me while I work on a project, but so far this one is just "Autumn." I'll give it a quick wash and dry, get it labeled and into the mail. The back isn't as pretty as I'd like, but I'm happy with the result, and even happier I've got it done with some time to spare. (A rarity for me...)

I know I haven't posted much lately. I've been a bit bogged down. It seems I've more projects than time, and with the kids activities and dh's travel schedule, I feel like I've been going backwards. But finishing this little quilt is a step in the right direction. Tomorrow looks like another good sewing day, so I'll start working my way down my project list. I love to cross things off.

The weather here has been a drag, too. It is about 90 degrees again today. It is supposed to be in the low 70's this time of year. It also hasn't rained in weeks. I think tomorrow it may rain. It is likely too late to save some of my landscape plantings. They were well-established, and I've watered some, but in this heat I think it just evaporates. The ground is like concrete so not much soaks in. I have some plants to move when it cools a bit and I'd love to get my borders in order before winter. That hasn't happened the last couple of years and then it is such a mess in the spring. It will be interesting to see which plants come back in the spring.

Until next time!

Wendy

Monday, September 24, 2007

Just Quilting Along

Well, today was a productive day - sort of. The Four Season Doll Swap Quilt is very nearly finished. I'll get a picture of it up tomorrow. No time to grab the camera and set something up just now. If I was a better machine quilter, I'd be a lot happier with the result. The center portion of the quilt is all quilted and I'm content with it. The border is another story. I appliqued a design of flowers, leaves and acorns. I think I should quilt an outline around these elements. They are on a beige mottled background. The back of the quilt is dark green and brown. I did one part, in a light thread to match the background. I really do not like how it looks from the back. The tension was off some, making the stitches on the front look rather ugly. So I spent a large amount of time picking out small, uneven stitches. Tomorrow I'll re-stitch, but I'm stressed about the color of thread. Light looks bad on the back, but I'm not confident enough to use a darker thread on the front. If I use light on the front, and dark on the back, I may still have problems if the tension is not perfect. So I'm off to run the kids to their after school activities and I'll be thinking how to resolve my dilemma. I had really planned to be sewing the binding on tonight, but tomorrow will have to do.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Time Flies...

When you have too much to do! I'm slowly adjusting to having the kids back in school. I've been trying to get organized so I can decide what to do first. It's just another form of procrastination. But I have been busy, doing a little of this, a little of that. My swap quilt is coming along nicely--I've been working on the needleturn applique border while sitting in the car at swim or soccer practice. This evening will be an applique-fest for me. I need to get done so I can move on to quilting and binding. The deadline is starting to loom!

I've joined a bowling league, temporarily. A friend broke her foot and needed a long-term sub, so I'm in for at least a month or so. It's fun and it's a regular morning out. I've been trying to do my errands on the same day so I can concentrate on projects at home the other 4 days.

My Blythe dolly arrived! I've been looking at clothes patterns for her - she can wear Skipper-sized clothes, and made a couple of "muslins." They're lots of fun to make and very small so they go together quickly. I'm thinking of adding a section for them in my Etsy shop. I've certainly got lots of fabric bits and pieces. I've always loved making doll clothes. I can remember dressing my Barbies in Kleenex and toilet paper when I was a child.

Well, it's about time to get all my little people upstairs so I can have some applique quiet time.

Until next time -- hopefully some pictures then!

Wendy

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Progress!

Well, after a rather tedious day in the sewing room, I can report some progress on my autumn swap quilt. It's ninety degrees again today and it gets hot up in my little workspace. My little triangles wanted to twist under the feed dogs, which annoys me. But, at the end of the day, I have the center part of my little quilt together! Usually piecing goes a little smoother, but I guess I'm a bit out of practice. I think the result looks pretty good, though. Now I have to figure out the rest; I've changed my idea for the border. Enough triangles already! I've always thought I would applique some leaves and acorns around the border. I've got lots of sit and wait time coming up (swim practice starts soon!) so handwork is good way to pass the time.



I've been watching too much tennis on TV. The US Open is in the second week and some of the matches have been very good. My TIVO has been busy! But soon it will be over and there won't be much to watch until the Australian Open next year.

I've also been distracted by a doll. I saw these on the internet awhile ago and remembered them from my childhood. Well, I've become obsessed and finally decided I would not be content until I had one. It's the eyes I think, kind of like a sad puppy you want to bring home. My Blythe doll is on her way from Hong Kong and I'm already planning her wardrobe. And here I'd thought I'd finally grown up... Maybe if the clothes turn out, I'll add them to my Etsy shop. I really need to rationalize somehow...

Until next time!

Wendy

Thursday, August 30, 2007

And They're Off!

First day of school! I saw my children off to school today and then rattled around the house most of the day. Weird, to be alone all day... I did some organizing/cleaning of my sewing room which always seems to be needed. I thought about what projects I need to get started on; I've a rather long list...

Anyway, I did take the time to clean and oil my precious Featherweight today. It was once my mother's. My father found it at a garage sale and brought it home. Yes, it was one of those once in a lifetime finds. It was a bit neglected and smelly, but my mother loved it. Since you don't get to take your Featherweight to heaven, it lives with me now. All the pieces are there, in the original case. Some of the accessories are pitted and rusty. It runs fine, after a bit of tinkering and oiling and sews a beautiful stitch. The machine smells faintly of mildew even after a couple of cleanings, which puts me off using it much. I'm not sure what to do about that. The case is not usable, the smell of mildew is overpowering. I've not put the machine back in the case for years, but the machine is still a bit stinky...



The fabrics in the photo are the ones I plan to use in my Four Season Swap quilt. I need to get them washed and pressed and ready to go. Tomorrow morning, I suppose. I've got the pieced design ready to go, I just have to decide on the applique part of it. I can get it all pieced first though. I've wandered around the other swappers' blogs a bit. Looks like there will be a lot of great doll quilts flying around the world!

Until next time,

Wendy

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Decisions, Decisions...

I really have to decide on a design for my Four Seasons Doll Quilt Swap quilt. There are just too many choices! I've been playing with EQ5 and can't make up my mind. I've always wanted to try a sunburst block, or something else with curves. But I really like needle turn applique, and could see something featuring that in the center block, maybe with oak leaves and acorns... I have given myself until Friday morning to decide as I'll have a child-free opportunity to pop into the fabric shop to pick up what I need. My last swap quilt was almost entirely made from stash fabrics - actually leftover from another project. This time, I don't think I'll have the right colors to pull it off. Given the size, I won't need much of anything and I'm always looking for a good excuse to add to the stash. As though it's not big enough already...

We finally had a bit of rain last night and this morning. Yippee! Everything green has been suffering through a drought and it is just not possible to water everything enough as the heat just sucks the water up. I guess our rain was the leftovers from Tropical Storm Erin. We could have used a bit more rain, but given the flooding others suffered, I think I'll be content with what we got.


I had the opportunity to see some excellent tennis on Saturday afternoon. Every August, a town about 1/2 hour away hosts a Master's tournament that all the top men come to play. My tickets were for the afternoon semi-final, which happened to be
Roger Federer and Leyton Hewitt. The weather was good, the tennis was excellent and Roger won at the end of a long, close match. What a joy to watch him play!

Til next time,

Wendy

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Two Weeks to Go...

My children return to school 2 weeks from today. The big yellow bus pulls up in front of the house at 6:38 am and takes them away! The only positive aspect of that horribly early start time is that I am up and busy and can have much accomplished by noon! I will be very sad to see them off to school. They are starting 7th and 8th grade this year. Not that many more years before I'll be taking them off to college. So we have a list of things to do in the next 2 weeks that we haven't managed to accomplish yet this summer. It will be a busy time!

I made some cute little zipper pouches for my Etsy store. I will be listing these over the next day or so. My plan is to try to list something every day or two -- and I'm trying to have a wider assortment of items. We'll see how well I stick to it...


I'm also excited to report that I have signed up for the Four Seasons Quilt Swap. I've added the link in the sidebar. I got my partner's name. She lives in a place I've always wanted to visit. So I'll get to send my little quilt along to a wonderful place! I have been thinking about what sort of quilt I'd like to make this time. The theme is Fall; typical fall colors aren't my usual palette. But I've seen some beautiful batiks in rich colors that might be just the ticket. And the greatest thing about these little swap quilts (other than the deadline!) is the opportunity to try a new technique in a small format. Lots of fun!

Until next time!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

August Already?

It can't be. Summer always flies by so quickly. A few more weeks and my kids will be off to school again. I know some districts have already started. Unbelievable! I never like to see them go back to school, but then I can get back on a schedule that allows time to sew.

We have been having a horrible heatwave this week. The forecast calls for one more hideously hot day, then just regular hot days after that. We've either been at the pool (up to our necks in the water), or hiding out somewhere with A/C. The A/C at home can't keep the second floor cool enough and that's where I have my studio. It's been too stuffy to spend much time up there lately. Hopefully it will cool down a bit soon.

I've been thinking alot lately about what items I'd like to make for my Etsy shop in the fall. I've got some ideas, but need some creative time to play with them. I have lots of fabrics to play with, and a few new ones on the way! And I have a few quilt ideas in mind, too. It seems I never lack for things to do, just time to do them....

Until next time,

Wendy

Monday, July 30, 2007

It's Here!

Oh Happy Day! My doll quilt arrived today from far, far away. Half way around the world it travelled, all the way from Australia! It is lovely--all hand stitched and hand quilted! In yummy colors that will go perfectly in my sewing room. And as if the quilt wasn't special enough, the package was loaded with goodies, too! My thoughtful swap partner, Samantha, included some very cute fabric with a back-to-school theme and the current issue of Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine. What a treat for me. It's a wonderful magazine that I pick up at the fabric shop sometimes when I'm in the mood for a bit of a splurge! So, here are the photos:




Isn't it great! I had so much fun doing the Doll Quilt Swap II. I hope they do it again, I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Now I have to bake a cake - wheat, milk, and peanut-free, for my son who is having a birthday tomorrow. And wrap presents...


Better get busy!


Wendy

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

My Doll Quilt!

The Doll Quilt I made arrived at its destination last week. So, here are a few pictures of it. The colors really didn't photograph very well, but it was raining so going outside was not an option. Here is "Hollyhocks & Honeybees"...



I wanted to try something different with this quilt, so I machine appliqued the leaves and stems and used yo-yos for the hollyhocks. I wanted them to have fuzzy centers, so I used my pinking shears to cut small circles and attached them with embroidery floss tied in a knot with long tails. All in all, I am very pleased with the result. I learned some new things in the process and realized I need to spend more time machine quilting on pieced quilts to develop my machine quilting skills. Practicing on plain fabric just doesn't give me the same result. Maybe I get nervous or something, but I don't seem to be able to control the pieced quilt as well as plain fabric. I've got lots and lots of fabric in my stash, so I see a number of small quilts in my future. Practice makes perfect....I enjoyed the Doll Quilt Swap experience; it was lots of fun to design a quilt for the first time. I am still waiting, more or less patiently, for my quilt to arrive in the mail.

Until next time!

Wendy

Monday, July 23, 2007

Busy Days...

Well, it's Monday and today was the first weekday this summer that my kids didn't have to be at swim practice! So we slept in a bit, then got up and got to work. I did a little cleaning, a little laundry and thought alot about what I'll be making to put in my Etsy shop next. Before I can do that though, I have some window treatments to make for my sister-in-law, and my sister. But then my little shop needs some serious creative effort. I understand things can be slow in the summer, and I haven't put any effort there for awhile, so my lack of sales is not a surprise. But, I really want to turn things around in the fall so time to plan!!

I'm still anxiously awaiting the arrival of my swap quilt. I mailed mine off to Florida last Wednesday, so it should arrive there soon - if not already. But the mail lady came today with no packages, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow. I can't wait to see it. The anticipation is killing me!!!!

So tomorrow morning, its back to swim practice then home to sew!

Bye for now!

Wendy

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Finish Line!

We've reached the midpoint of the summer and my early summer activities are wrapping up. My children's summer swim team had its championship meet last night; our team won! I completed half a dozen totebags over the weekend to be given as gifts to swim team helpers. They are very cute, but I forgot to take pictures before I delivered them. And, most importantly, I've finished my swap quilt for the Doll Quilt Swap. I'll be mailing it tomorrow after I try to get some better pictures of it. I think it turned out well; it's my very own design -- no patterns here! I call it "Hollyhocks & Honeybees." Here's a sneak peak...more pictures after it arrives at its new home.


Now to decide which project is next....

That's all for tonight!

Wendy

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Summertime!


Well, I'm back from vacation. We went to Acadia National Park in Maine. I have never been to a more beautiful place. Absolutely breath-taking! We hiked and drove around the park, and wandered through all the little towns and harbors. We were there just before peak season, so the crowds weren't there yet. We went whale watching and saw 2 whales. That was amazing! Such enormous creatures! And best of all, it was still spring there! So I got to enjoy wildflowers, rhododendrons, azaleas, lupines and other spring flowers all blooming abundantly. That was an unexpected and lovely surprise. I took many, many photos. Here are a few.



Well, now that vacation is over, it is time for me to get busy and get some new things in my Etsy shop. I haven't listed anything new for awhile, but I have some ideas for some new things. I just have to figure out when I'm going to sew. My kids are keeping me very busy running them to swim practices.

I also got my partner's name for the Doll Quilt Swap. I designed a little quilt today, so now I can get busy and put it together. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

That's all for now!

Wendy

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

One more day...

Then school is out for the summer! The year has been long and I'm glad it is over. I still have to figure out when I'm going to get my sewing time in...we rarely seem to be at home in the summer. But, since we leave for vacation on Saturday, I'll have lots of time to think about it.

I always try to take a sewing project - or two, along when we travel. I can work in the car and in the evenings after the kids are in bed. I'm planning a hand applique project, but I still have to gather up my fabrics. I wanted to use only my stash, but I'm a little short of greens and yellows. I'll just have to stop by the fabric store for a last minute fix before we load up the car.

I was wandering around the internet as I often do in the evening and I found a wonderful doll quilt swap that I've signed up for. I'm really excited to participate. What fun to make a sweet little quilt to send to a new friend and get one in return. Here's the link: http://dollquiltswap.wordpress.com/

Well, that's enough for today's post. I don't know when I'll have internet access while we're travelling so that might be it until I get home. I'm going to be very busy the next few days. But I should have lots of pictures!

Until then!

Wendy

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Blue Moon

I heard we're having a blue moon tonight. Seems like that should mean something really special or unusual should happen, but it is a very ordinary sort of day; and week for that matter. Of course, having a holiday on Monday always makes the week seem a little strange, I keep forgetting what day it is. But the kids still have school and tonight they had swim practice in the outdoor pool. So summer is almost here. And yes, my son did need a cast for his broken wrist, but that waterproof stuff is great!

My dog, Callie, had a haircut today! She doesn't care much for the process and turns her head at inopportune moments but she was very good today and her haircut looks pretty good. The eyebrows look a little off...but otherwise pretty good.


I also have a picture of my baby robins. Two of the three eggs hatched. They have disappeared from the nest since I took the photo and I haven't seen them around the yard. I have seen a couple of cats prowling around...I really hope the babies are safe somewhere.


I really need to sew. I've been working on some clothing for my daughter and me for our upcoming vacation. But, poor Etsy has been a bit neglected by me. My store really needs some new stuff. Maybe tomorrow; it looks like it will be too hot to work in the yard.

Wendy

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Bad Day

Bad 2 days, actually. Yesterday, my son hurt his arm at school - in gym class. I took him to the doctor and had an x-ray. The verdict: not broken. So off he goes to school today and I went off to do the things I had planned. The doctor called 10 minutes after I left home, on my home phone, and left a message that I would have to bring him in for a splint and take him to see the orthopedist because the radiologist sees a possible fracture. Ugh! I didn't get the message until 2:30, after which the plans for the rest of my day went haywire as we had to go all the way back to the doctor for the splint. The orthoped appointment is Saturday am, which should determine whether it is truly broken and what treatment is necessary.

I did accomplish the main thing I intended to do today; make my Memorial Day visit to my parents' gravesite to tidy up a bit and place flowers. My hometown is about an hour away, so while it is not too far to make the trip impossible - it's just far enough to make it more that a quick stop by the cemetery. I combined the trip with stops at every fabric store between here and there in search of a fabric for a potential customer. Didn't find what I was looking for, but I did find some other fabrics that I just had to have. So now I've added to my stash, again. I really need some quality time in the sewing room to turn some of these treasures into irresistable Etsy merchandise!

So tomorrow, I intend to stay home and sort through my piles of fabric. I have many ideas, too many maybe. They are all racing around in my head and I really need to focus on one at a time. I'd like to try to get some prototypes together so I can test out some of my designs. I think I'll try to pick one idea to get on paper and transformed by fabric and thread. Gotta start somewhere...

That's all for now,

Wendy

Monday, May 21, 2007

Monday, Monday

I know my titles aren't very original. I'll try to work on that. I'm up late; just got a Treasury on Etsy and I think I've finally figured out how to put an image of the whole thing in my blog. Let's see if it works...




Yay! I love figuring things out! I also made it a link to Etsy; click on it and you'll go to the Treasury at Etsy! I'm very happy with how this Treasury list turned out. Sometimes the items just come together and look really good.


More tomorrow, I hope...


Wendy



Sunday, May 20, 2007

It's Sunday and...

I'm reading forums and reading blogs when I really should be out in the yard, digging up weeds in the garden. I'm doing this post to claim my blog with Technorati. Hope it works!

Wendy

Technorati Profile

Thursday, May 17, 2007

I really meant to...

Post something new today. But I keep getting sidetracked. And this whole end-of-the-school year thing is wearing me out. I think the evening activities are just about over. Maybe just a couple left and then school's out! I haven't yet thought about how I'm going to work crafting/sewing time into my summer schedule. Hmm...I'll leave that for later.

I did some sewing this week. A dress for my daughter. But the style was less than flattering, so we went with store bought this time. I used a darling fabric, so I'll invest some time trying to redeem the dress. I think some shaping will save it, it sort of just hangs from her shoulders. It was meant to be a simple shift style, but it just isn't a good look. Probably needs a zipper, too...UGH!

I completed my first custom order for Etsy. It was lots of fun; hopefully more orders will come eventually. It was nice to make something that I knew had a home already. Thanks to Kim!

Well it is rather late and tomorrow looks like a busy day, so I'll sign off.

Wendy

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Mother's Day

Mom & Me
Happy Mother's Day to all moms everywhere!

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Unfaithful Blogger

Well, it's been awhile since I've added any updates to my blog. May is an incredibly busy month! I somehow always forget that. The last month of the school year and every activity in which my children have participated is having some sort of awards thing, concert, party or somesuch. So, my sewing time has been limited and I have not blogged.

I have been trying to keep up with Etsy; following my store and the forums. I did have a Treasury over the weekend, which is always fun to do. I am worrying a bit over the new postal rates due to take effect next week. I've been reading the USPS website and it's very confusing...

I did do some sewing late last week and over the weekend. I made a couple of tote style bags that I'm testing out. They're pretty cute, but more on those later. I think I have to figure out the shipping stuff first. I'll try to update Etsy later this week.

It's late and my little dog is sleepy,

Wendy

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Rainy Day

Well, the weather guys were a little off today. I was expecting sun again, but it's been gray and rainy all day. Which is really OK, because I overdid it in the yard yesterday and have numerous small aches and pains today.

So today I sorted through some fabrics and magazines in my sewing room. I am trying to decide what to introduce next to my Etsy shop. I'd like to list a new item or two tomorrow if possible. I got zippers in the mail today from www.zipperstop.com, so I can complete a couple of small zipper pouches that were waiting for the right color zipper. I'm also waiting for a couple of items I purchased last weekend on Etsy. I love Etsy! But I think I'm spending too much time browsing--I just love looking at all the great stuff. It's like having a really great arts and crafts show that is open 24/7. I love going to shows, but they are mostly in the summer.

Anyway, I didn't take any new photos today. But here is one of an item in my Etsy shop. I really like this cherry fabric. The lining is a bright lime green with tone on tone stripes and little black circles. It really stands out against the black. I've been carrying a purse like this one (in different fabric) since February and I really like this style. The strap is long enough to wear across the body which I like because I always find my bag sliding down my arm which is awkward when shopping... I like both hands free.

Well, enough for today. I'll put new photos up when I have something new to photograph. Hopefully tomorrow...

Wendy

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

May Day


Today is an absolutely beautiful day. The sky is a lovely blue and it is very warm. Yesterday, I worked in the garden and made a small dent in my very long list of things to do. I need to go back out there today, but first I thought I'd update my blog.


I grabbed a new treasury list on Etsy today. This one is all about robins, a tribute to my little nest in the front yard. I check on it daily. Everything seems OK. I just hope the neighborhood cats don't find it. Anyway, the link to the treasury is here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1178046934467U101298 It's only there until Thursday morning.


I tried to walk my little schnauzer today. She had other ideas. It is a little hot and she decided she would rather sit in the shade. So after stopping at every shady spot on the street, I abandoned the walk idea. I guess maybe we'll have to work up to a nice long walk.


I need to come up with some new Etsy ideas. My little store is getting a little attention, but sales are very slow. So, I think I need to introduce a little variety. I've got a couple of ideas, but I need to spend a little more time thinking about them. Maybe tomorrow I'll play with some fabric. But today, I'm going to garden. It seems like a perfect way to spend May Day.


Off to find a sun hat!


Wendy

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Tiny Treasures


You never know what a day is going to bring. I was just going to water my pansies when an unexpected flash of blue made me look closer at a bush I walk by daily. I found a robin's nest with 3 beautiful, perfect little eggs. What a nice surprise! I'm a little concerned about mama robin's choice of a nesting place. It is very close to the ground...I'll have to keep an eye on the nest.
I'm having a very pleasant day. I worked in my sewing room early and posted 2 new items on Etsy. My dupioni silk zipper pouch turned out very elegant, in my opinion, and very close in color to the little robin's eggs I found. I got my daisy bag listed today as well. I've listed several things lately; people are looking but no sales...maybe soon....Anyway, I also dug up a place in the yard to move some iris that have outgrown their old place. And now, I am writing in my blog and listening to music...Joshua Radin. I like his sound, very peaceful. And my sewing room smells wonderful. I got Pink Lemonade tarts from www.WoodcraftsandCandles.etsy.com. I highly recommend her shop. The tarts smell great, and I only set one out on a shelf. I think I'll have to try some other scents, too, but now I am enjoying this lovely, lemony one.
It is about time to start dinner, so I'll end this now.
'Til next time...
Wendy

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Mission: Accomplished!

Yay! Today was a very good day! I set out to sew, and sew I did. I finished a very cute shoulder sling purse in a darling cherry print on black. I finished another zipper pouch/cosmetic bag with flowers and bees on it. I also cut out some other things to sew on when I get a chance. While my daughter was at swim practice, I spent an hour editing photos. And this evening, I finally updated my Etsy shop with several of my new items. I'm not entirely happy with my photos...I'll have to look into why they look fuzzy-they look fine until they get to Etsy- and try something else. I have been learning all sorts of things about websites and html and all that other stuff that goes with the territory. I would never have thought it likely a year ago...


Anyway... here is a photo; just a sample of what I did on Etsy today. Don't forget to check out my shop.

Now I am going to put my laptop to bed and get some rest myself so I can get up tomorrow and do it all again! Hurray for Friday!

Wendy

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Busy Wednesday

Why is it that some weeks seem to be over before they get started. I'm having one of those busy weeks. It often happens in Spring. I'm busy in the house; busy in the yard; the kids are busy...and so it goes. I have spent a little time in my sewing room, trying to squeeze a little productive creating time into the rest of my day. Tomorrow should be a good work day. I have nothing planned except some quality time with my sewing machine. But here is a sneak peek of a new cosmetic bag/zipper pouch that will be on Etsy soon. It has a lovely yellow lining.




If tomorrow goes as planned, this and several other items will pop up in my store very soon.

Have a great night!

Wendy

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Earth Day



Happy Earth Day! It is an absolutely beautiful day in Ohio. The sun is shining; the sky is bright blue. Just the right temperature, too. Warm enough to sit in the sun, but not so hot that you have to find shade. Lovely, lovely day. I enjoyed it with my family in the backyard. I found violets blooming near the woods. My dad always thought they were weeds, and tried unsuccessfully to kill them. For me, they are a welcome sign of Spring.


Etsy was down today for site maintenance. I was disappointed to have it down; I like to check in on my store and I had a new treasury posted -- this one was all quilts. But, the maintenance was necessary and I can wait a day. I made a couple of pincushions and thought about some other ideas that have been living in my head for awhile. I think maybe tomorrow I'll try to commit some of them to fabric. I'll put the pincushions on Etsy tomorrow, too.


I took some photos of my little dog today. Her name is Callie; she is a black and white parti color miniature schnauzer. She is a very affectionate and playful companion. She is 1-1/2 years old and rarely sits still long enough to photograph. Today, she was chewing a bone outside and I got a few photos. I still have not managed to get a picture that captures the real Callie.
Time to enjoy the rest of the day!
Wendy

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Goodbye Sanjaya!

Well, it finally happened. He seems like a nice guy, has a beautiful smile and lovely hair...but he can't sing. Or at least not on TV. So, finally he's gone. I wonder what he'll do next.

Today was sunny, so I worked in the yard. My poor garden is in very sad shape. So, a little at at time, I'm trying to clean it up and get ready for Spring. I think maybe Winter has finally given up and gone away. Tomorrow, I need to sew. I have many ideas for new items to try in my Etsy shop and they are not going to create themselves. So I will try to be productive tomorrow.

Tonight, I got another Treasury on Etsy. My second one. This time I chose violet items that would be good Mother's Day gifts. Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1176989490392U101298 I really need to figure out how to copy the image here. It would be so much nicer...

So, it's time to put my computer to bed. Looking forward to a busy day tomorrow!

Wendy

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Such Sadness...

I'm watching the news today with such sadness over the events at Virginia Tech yesterday. Why do people do these things? I can't understand choosing to cause so much pain. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering.

Be kind to someone today...

Wendy

Monday, April 16, 2007

Mondays...


I think maybe Mondays are my lucky day. I've had 2 Etsy sales so far, both on a Monday. Today my pretty little pincushion found a new home and will be on its merry way tomorrow. Both my children were born on a Monday; and we brought our darling puppy home on a Monday. I think maybe I need to change how I think about Mondays, because Monday has been good to me...
Until next time,
Wendy

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Rainy Sunday


It is Sunday and it is raining. Very dreary... I hope all the people affected by the storm on the east coast will be safe. It's just cold here, with a bit of rain and maybe some snow. Not dangerous...


Today is a good day to read a book and sew something. And maybe cook something really warm and satisfying. I haven't been to the library lately, so I'll have to read one of my old favorites, like "Emma." And I think I'll spend some time organizing my sewing stuff. I don't have much room and I always seem to be hunting for something. And eat chocolate--that's always good...


Saturday, April 14, 2007

First Blog Post

Hi! I guess that's a good way to start. Welcome to my blog. Never would have thought I'd have a blog--but I do. And this is my first post.

A year ago this would have never crossed my mind, but I discovered Etsy in the fall and decided that I just had to try it. I love to make things, but never know how to sell them. I really don't like asking people to buy my things. Shy, I guess. So, I decided to start an Etsy store and here I am with a blog. It just all seemed to go together.

I got my first Treasury on Etsy Friday. It was fun putting it together. I choose spring flowers as a theme. My spring flowers were frozen and I think I'll have to hope that I'll get to enjoy them next year. I found lots of pretty ones on Etsy. You can look if you like...
http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1176563012373U101298
It will be there until Sunday evening.

I made another pincushion today, and put that one on Etsy with 2 others that were waiting. They are fun to make. I took a class at the International Quilt Festival in Houston and learned some new piecing techniques. It was good to put them to use. I have some other ideas I'm working on. Some will be for Mother's Day.

I think that's enough for a 1st blog post. I'll show you more of my sewing and stuff another day.