Year in Review 2011

Hey everyone!

I was debating whether or not I should even do a year-in-review for my blog this year because, as you know, I really fell off the blogging wagon for a while towards the middle of the year.  There wasn't any particular reason for it, I just couldn't bring myself to keep up with one more thing in my life.

Anyhow, though 2011 was NOT a productive year for me at all, I am looking forward to 2012.  I may need to teach myself how to sew again!!

Here are the things I accomplished in 2011:

Ok, so I threw in a few things that I didn't sew, but still made, in order to make myself look a little more productive, but that is all.  Though I didn't sew much, I did have a great year!

As far as the Tim Gunn Sew along goes (see right), I still want to finish what I started, though I may end up substituting different patterns for the ones I originally picked, depending on my style and taste.

Right now I don't have any big plans for next year.  I think my main goal is to make time for sewing, and that will require some sacrifices I have to be willing to make.  So much of my time has been bogged up with household responsibilities that I feel burned out.  As always, I'm taking one step at a time, one day at a time, but I definitely don't want to get to December 2012 and see I slacked in sewing again.  Besides, I enjoy sewing!!  I love sitting in my sewing room with the whir of the machine as I create something with my own hands.  It brings me joy!

Thanks again to every reader of my blog who has stuck around with me throughout this year!  You all are wonderful, and I am grateful for each and every one of you.  I hope you had the merriest of Christmas's (if you celebrate), and I also extend to you a Happy New Year!

Stay sew-filled!

Early Spring 2012 Simplicity patterns

I almost missed the new early spring Simplicity patterns because I have not been able to get out to Joann's in a while.  I usually go there, bring a cup of french vanilla cappuccino (yum), and peruse the newest catalogs.  It is a heavenly time, I must say--far away from children interrupting my thoughts with their pleas, and close enough to a whole world of crafty goodness.

Anyhow, I'm not quite sure how I came across these new patterns (maybe via email), but when I checked them  out I was pleased!  There are some nice new ones, and though I am not looking to buy, I may be able to be persuaded on a few of these:

This style is featured on the front of the new Simplicity catalog and it is cute!  I like the vintage feel of the outfit.  It has a very Jackie O. quality to it.

These next two are great styles from the Amazing Fit line of Simplicity patterns.  I have to say, I have yet to sew one of these patterns, but I like the concept of achieving great fit in a sewn garment when you are still a novice.  By far, fit is the thing I am most concerned about when I go to sew!

Then there are always the tunic tops.  I don't think spring is complete without a tunic top, is it?  I prefer them most days, if I say so myself.

I like this top because of the variations of the neckline and hemline.  In fact, I am a woman who likes to have options!!  When I see a pattern that takes the guesswork out of adding options, I am more intrigued to buy.

Simplicity 1916 is also a simple knit top with many different variations.  I am a big fan of the pink version pictured on the model on top.  I like the soft touch that the flutter sleeve adds since I am broad-shouldered.  And this seems like a great pattern to build a basic wardrobe from.

There are also some adorable options for children too:

Check out this cutesy dress with cap (in red).  I just found out another one of my friends is expecting in May, so I need to explore what I will be making for her and baby.  She is not finding out the sex of the child, so this would not be an option until after she had her little one.  But, anyhow, it's adorable!!!

Somehow, I still plan on sewing a toddler dress.  I may have to finish the one I started, or start a new, more simplified version.  This Project Runway version is sweet.  It would be fitting for any little girl!

I definitely could not overlook these pillows, either!  I think they are a great accent to any room.  I really like the caterpillar pillow(s) and the bird next to a tree.

And what about these cute little snuggables?  

Obviously, there are a lot of nice new additions to Simplicity, and I am looking forward to when they release their Spring line.  

Have a happy holiday, and if you are interested in seeing the whole Early Spring line, click here.

Stay sew-filled!

Butterick winter faves

Hey everyone!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?

I can honestly say that I am!  Every year I like to take the day before Thanksgiving to do some cooking prep work, such as baking the cornbread for the dressing, and assembling what I need for my various desserts.  Of course this is all usually a big undertaking that takes all of Wednesday, and early rising on Thursday, until Thanksgiving dinner around 3:30 or 4:00.  Well this year I decided that simple is best.  I am still making a wonderful meal, but I won't be investing all of the time into preparation and cooking.  Instead, the hubby and I decided to get a pre-cooked turkey (from Popeye's chicken), frozen desserts that only required either thawing them out or placing them into an oven, and simple sides.

So I am spending today with a smile on my face!  Partly because of the ease of the day, and partly because I know tomorrow will not be hurried and crazy, either.  The only way this year could be better is if I didn't cook at all, and got invited to dinner, but alas, I do love to cook!

Okay, okay, so I didn't post today to talk about Thanksgiving, but I just had to.  If you want to share what you are doing for the holiday, I would LOVE to know!

As many of you may or may not know, Butterick released their winter patterns a week or so ago.  I got around to looking at them today, and there are a few really good ones.

Butterick 5700

This first one is Butterick 5700.  It is a See & Sew, or a easier to sew pattern for a top and dress.  I like the loose fit of the top with the neck gathering (though I hate gathering) and drawstring casing around the waist.

Butterick 5700

Butterick 5711 is also another fave of mine!  It is a petite sized blouse with four different variations.  I think all of the blouses are quite flattering, especially since I do not own many blouses.  I really like the one to the lower right (below) with the tie in front.

Butterick 5711

This next one is a cute top with belt.  It is from the Butterick Fast & Easy series, and my favorite is the orange top.

Butterick 5709

Simply lovely

The last one I noticed is another See & Sew, though it looks a little more complicated upon first glance.  What caught my eye first was the beautiful seafoam color of the outfit, and then the beautiful details:

Butterick 5699

Butterick 5699

I like the appropriately placed darts, and the bias yoke at the waist!

That does it for the Butterick winter collection.  If you want to check out the rest of the collection, you can see it here.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and you find many things in your life to be thankful for!  As for me, I am thankful for each and every one of you, my readers.  I am also thankful for my family, and each day I wake up with breath in my body.  And whether I sew tomorrow, or next year, I am thankful for the ability to creatively express myself!

Stay sew-filled!

Checking back in

Hello everyone!

I know I "disappeared" for about a month, and I am sorry.  My daughter is almost 2 1/2 years old now, and has been having difficulty sleeping at night, after sleeping wonderfully for over a year.  Needless to say, I have been the one suffering.  I was so excited to have three mornings a week of free-time to sew, I didn't account for little things like this that would throw off the whole dynamic.  Now I find myself sleeping on my free-time just so I can function when I pick the kids up!

So things have not been as ideal as I hoped, but I am working on it.  The last place I left off, I had been working on boys' trouser pants for my son.  They are still a UFO, but I am determined to finish them so that I can break this bad habit I started of abandoning sewing projects.

Overall, everything else has been going well.  My son will be turning 5 next month, and he is learning so much at preschool!  He is starting to spell simple words, write his name, and develop his fine motor skills by cutting paper.  My daughter is a bubbly, joyous, fun-loving 2 1/2 year old who is potty-training, and learning to make friends.  She loves to give hugs and kisses, but she also loves to assert her independence!

Here is a picture of them with some homemade Playdough we made recently:

I never knew making playdough could be so much fun, and the kids played with it for an hour!

In other news, do you remember this outfit I made for my friend's first baby boy?

Well, I finally got to see her son in the outfit!!!!  Besides my own children, I have never seen something I have sewn on another person before (let alone a little person).  I was moved to tears!  He just looked so precious!  The colors fit him perfectly, and everyone in our bible study group kept commenting that they thought he was wearing "Carters."  Now that has to be one of the best compliments I've ever received!

I wish I could show you all a picture, but you'll have to trust me that he looked as wonderful as I described.

Lastly, I must say that God is so good!  The reason I say this is because sleep deprivation has a way of making you crazy.  I was going crazy too, because I didn't know when I would ever blog, only because I didn't know when I would get back to sewing.  Well, while away, I continued to receive a few comments from all of you, and even some more followers!!!  So, through you, I was reminded why I love to blog, love to sew, and will continue to hang in there through this transitional time, knowing that you are all hanging in there with me!  Thanks!

Stay sew-filled!