Another place to put stuff!

Dragon Mittens

2012-01-13T17:39:00.000-06:00

Just made two pair of mittens for Isaac.
I saw the idea on Martha Stewart's web site.

I used this sites pattern for the mittens themselves.
I had to get my daughter to send me a picture of of my Grandson's hands on a dollar bill for sizing. I will post a picture on him next time he's in.

When I made the first pair I accidental made the underside both right so I just made another pair out of the material I picked up yesterday.

If it was colder here in Texas I'd line the polar fleece.

Colman mine

2011-12-28T22:44:00.002-06:00

We did a lot of rock gazing when we visited Hot Springs AR. We visited the Ron Colman mine

I love this black crystal I plan on some jewlery out of this

I never looked at Slag like I did today. I saw parts for jewelery and cos-play costumes.

I'm hoping to add some pictures to my web sites wallpapers.

A million marbles.

Sorting through beautiful stones.

This piece of Amethest is over 1000$

I want to think of something to use these in. They really caught my eye.

Glass slag

What we picked up at one of our stops.

Brought home some Amethest for Deb and Justin to make jewelery out of.

I want to mount these on staff's for selling at one of Deb's Anime Con visits.

I'd like to wrap these in metal sorta like stainglass.

This piece is so much prettier in person. I want Hubby to mount it on a shelf and light it from behind. Spots in it glow with light behind them. We will probably use a mirror behind because both sides are so nice.

Day out

2011-12-28T22:29:00.001-06:00

I woke up feeling a bit sickly yesterday so we didn't go out driving for our anniversary. We made up for it today and ran up to Hot Springs, AR.

We found a bit of Hot Springs we had only driven through once before it's a Gorge. I just love the bridge. I want to come back after it greens out and take some more pictures.

The water looks perfect for slipping off the shoes and wading a bit. I'm going to visit here in the summer and try it out.

I feel a story coming from this bunch of pictures.

A Dr. Who Christmas Order at the last minute

2011-12-25T21:30:00.001-06:00

My first emergency order was for an Adipose baby.

This cute little Fat Baby is an Adipose Baby from Dr. Who

He's really a cute little plush toy.

My second order was for a TARDIS Lunchbox

(Time and Relative Dimension in Space)

Sides

Lining

It made my son in law very happy! So I'm happy and so is my daughter.

Hidden Elephant purse

2011-12-22T23:11:00.000-06:00

Hidden elephant purse

This is 2 inches bigger than my original blue purse

Firestarter

2011-12-15T23:38:00.000-06:00

At the end of last year we ran out of fire starter and no one had them in the stores so I remembered the fire starter I saw on Martha's site and improved on them.

First I gather all my stuff. I used Raffia to tie the bundles I bought it at Hobby Lobby and used a 40% coupon so I don't feel bad about burning it up.

I save my dryer lint to add a little bit more burnablity LOL I don't think that's a real word.

Hubby used a little axe and some donated wood (Thanks Browns)

I find rolling it up this way I don't have the problem of the paper splitting at the mid fold. If you look close I put a bit of dryer lint on the newspaper.

I just start working it up in a loose fan motion I don't roll it.

It's just a back and forth sort of motion.

Then I twist and twist when it's tight fold it into a U keep the ends close.

Now twist the two sides together it will hold after all the twisting.

I build on Martha's inspiration and lay the newspaper link bundle on a piece of raffia, I add 3 sticks of wood and tie a knot.

I wrap it well, sometimes even one or two individual wraps around each stick. I toss them in the basket and I'm done.

I don't watch the starting as well as hubby so I stuck two in the fireplace put in two logs started it and walked away.

I had a nice warm fire before long with no trouble.

Prettier pictures of the Bazaar Crafts

2011-12-02T10:32:00.001-06:00

Went out and took some better pictures.

Yes these are those no bake cookies I make.

Christmas Bazaar Saturday Dec 3.

2011-12-01T21:27:00.001-06:00

Please Come vist Grace Church in Nash Saturday Dec 3. I need people to buy up all my crafts. :) 7am till 2pm

Here's a basket I put together.

I've been crocheting cute girly washcloths and even making some soap.

I enjoy embroidering on polar fleece for these tissue holders.

Here's the operating side.

Ok! so all of you I expect to see you there. They are serving food for breakfast and lunch.

Oh I made no bake cookies and Peanut butter cookies too. Yummy!!!

Description Pancake breakfast- 7;00 am - 10:00 am $5.00 per plate

Bar-b-que lunch- 11:00 am- 2:00 pm $7.50 per plate

Advance tickets for both meals- $10.00

Children 4-11 $3.00(either meal)

Children 3 or und...er-free

Bazaar- 7:00 am- 2:00 pm

Crafts Bake sale Door prizes Lots of item!!

VENDORS WELCOME! $25 each space

Call 903-792-3106 or

903-278-2574 and leave a message for more information.

Space is limited-so call now to reserve your space!

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR OR FROM GRACE CHURCH MEMBERS.

Ticket purchase puts your name in the drawing for door prizes!

COME AND SHOP FOR THE SPECIAL PEOPLE ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST!

Been working on YuleCon crafts

2011-11-15T16:58:00.001-06:00

I've been making bottle necklaces.

I really enjoy filling the bottles but I don't enjoy the making of the necklace.

I really enjoy the mix, thinking up a story.

I will have to buy some Love Confetti next valentines day. They don't sell it even at party stores around here.

I think maps are so cool

This one has a skull and a bat it's my favorite.

All the love confetti was from a wedding I attended.

This is my second favorite. I think of it as traveling.

Little bits of crystal fit in a number of these.

Pink micro beads.

No sunlight today so had to do inside pictures this shows the difference a little light makes.

Recycling Blue Jean Pants

2011-11-05T18:25:00.000-05:00

I just love this purse. I really enjoy using up my old jeans.

Even managed to put a pocket in.

I think this material is so pretty.

This is what I have left when I finish with a pair of jeans. If I had a heavy duty machine that didn't cost a lot of money I'd probably even use this little bit but it's so heavy I don't dare. :)

Creating as if chased...

2011-11-04T15:54:00.001-05:00

These are purses for badges and buttons at Yule Con

I like having at least one pocket in each purse.

Another Badge and button purse with a slit to put the badge through.

Lots of pockets in this one.

This just popped into my brain and I had to make it. The red eyes are a leather scrap from the Ren Fair (and paid way to much for.)

Again lots of pockets, but it is a bigger purse.

I really like long straps.

I'm reading a blue eyed vampire book so I just had to make this change purse. These are window eyes.

Nice zipper work. I'm getting better.

I've made three of these I think. Just quick small bags for Yule Con

Really like this lining.

I hope these go over well because I really enjoy making them.

I'm very aggravated that commenting on these posts is so hard for some people. I wish Blogger would work on that issue. I'd love it if you just clicked one of the buttons under this post if you can't post. It lets me know someone is looking. Thank you.

Big Vampire Baby

2011-11-02T21:09:00.002-05:00

As soon as I dressed my vamp in black Denim I liked him.

Corset strung diaper

Happy Vamp with an ascot.

Vampire babies-Mini

2011-11-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Well I've been creating like crazy the last few days.

I cut out lots of Teddy and Kitty's to make vampire babies

I worked up an embroidery on my 5D software then placed the cut out blanks on the hoop using a bit of stick glue to hold them down.

Just love the eyes

I used a layer of stiff interfacing and a piece of old sheet as the actual material in the hoop.

Everyone got cut out and trimmed up.

I forgot my original in the picture but it's just a bear, not a vampire bear. Almost everyone got a bow or a hat. I get board easily so I made everyone different.

Some had paws some didn't. I don't think I'll be doing these guys again for awhile. I'm not into mass producing.

Writing

2011-10-19T22:04:00.000-05:00

I've been writing and proofreading more than crafting this week. I'm supposed to be making the window purses for YuleCon. My daughter is going to have a booth.

Hubby and I went for a drive up into Mena AR Tue and it was wonderful. I'm thinking about working a trailer out of the pictures.
I've already put together two. The flower one I really like.
The second I think I'm going to have a friend do a voice over for. The words just don't seem to work for me.

There were two paths I photographed for possible trailers.

It was perfect hoody weather.

I guess I should admit that the car we just bought might have been part of the reason for the trip. :)

I can just see a trailer from these pictures.

He stormed down the path determined to find her no matter the cost. She would learn to never defy him again... Giggle

Making Windows for my Purse (Tutorial)

2011-09-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

The other day I was sewing while watching Numbers Season 1 and had to stop the show to remember how to make a window. I thought I'd show you how to make one.

Pick a decorative print and the lining. I'm using white for my lining and scrap uniform pants for the outside.

The lining is easier to handle if it's a bit big.

This is a double window with heavy vinyl sandwiched between.
This is my original learning sample and I couldn't stand to throw it away so I made a purse for it. :)

I lay out the material right sides together. Then draw the shape I want. I used disappearing ink on this one.

Sew around the window, try to make your corners sharp.

Cut out the shape, if it's curved do it slowly and with a bit more care, the more cuts on the curve the nicer it will lay.

Poke the lining through to the back.

Keep working it out.

Pull as you iron flattening the lining.

Press the front making sure the lining shows how ever much you want. You can have a thicker lining show just by pressing it that way. You can also pull the lining back so you barely see it. It the lining matches the decorative fabric you barely see the lining.

Here's the purse. I made the shapes first then laid them out on the inside of the purse. Then I made slightly bigger windows and sandwiched vinyl between the two. I used a new blue jean needle. I also slapped a piece of tissue paper on the back so the vinyl wouldn't stick. I used on sheet of Vinyl so I didn't have to juggle the little pieces.

You can see the vinyl on the back here. I used clear packing tape folded over to a 3 thickness and made backings so the pictures would slide in and stay positioned. Then I sewed it again.

I slid in pictures so you could see. I'll be placing my grandson's pictures in these spots, or maybe Johnny Depp, David Bowie or maybe even Crispin Glover. :)

Closeup of the triangle

I needed to clean up the inside and used up the end of my brown duct tape roll.

Picked a very pretty purple lining.

Inside view before I sewed it.

I used the button extender pins that you see on TV for the purse. I found them going for .50 cents a box at an office supply store and grabbed them up. They are like big post earrings.

I sewed Velcro on the insides of the side with the pictures. and just folded over and attached lining to the purse after putting in the handle. So I can open the purse and change the pictures.

I know it has a long handle, I made this purse for me.

Very happy with my new purse.

Facebook does it again :(

2011-09-21T06:08:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning and was going to quickly check my FaceBook before I started a busy day and Whap, Bang, Kaplow!
It's new again.
I accidently pressed a blue triangle taking my favorite site out of my flow? I think? Can't figure out really what I did.
The recent is way down when that's all I want. I don't want the Headlines they pick for me.
I'm so disapointed I wish they would have just left it alone. Now I have to go Google how to fix a blue triangle thingy cause their help is so lacking.

Finished 2 purses

2011-09-15T17:24:00.001-05:00

Finished my flamingo

Mom came in saw the purse and snatched it up.

Finished Teddy Bear purse

Added a closure.

No pockets.

I'm very happy with how these two purses turned out.

I added a zippered attatched coin purse because of the lack of pockets. :)

A Wedding, A Flamingo and a Teddy Bear

2011-09-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

Hopefully I’m back. It’s been a strange month or two. My DD got married; outside in the middle of Fort Worth TX on one of those over 100 days we had in August. I’ve been recovering from this very sudden Elopement (with people following).

I’ve been fighting some stress related stuff in my head and stopped creating for a bit. Then…I started editing my work again and found my muse. I’m not writing new stuff yet but I’ve started to sew again.

I purchased a clutch pattern a few months ago and pulled it out. This is no clutch it’s a full blown purse, because of the size I modified it a bit to have straps. Only a linebacker could hold this thing in a hand.

I riffled through my embroidery (in the machine) patterns and found a cute flamingo and popped that baby right on the front of the purse. Then I added some hand sewing ( I know shock!!!) silk ribbon embroidery and some seed beads to pop it up a bit.

While I was searching for a silk ribbon needle I found a cute little teddy bear I'd done a long time ago. The moment I saw it I knew I had to make a purse for it. I had to make my husband pause Numbers so I could figure out how to do the window in the side of the purse. I found a teddy bear material for a lining. I forgot to put in pockets so I think I might make a change purse to match.

The strap is denim and says Teddy Bear along the length. I'll be setting the strap in the purse tomorrow.

I also found a pile of Silk Ribbon Embroidery I made. I'm going to make purses for these too.

Vampire Baby Dolls, Yes I know but I can't help myself, please don't judge me harshly. :)

2011-07-26T21:59:00.000-05:00

I spent the last two days working in my 5D Embroidery program. I used Fonts to make Embroideries, yes Fonts...Letters. It's just so COOL!

5 D Embroidery lets me print out the pattern on paper. I marked what order they would print since I made these up myself and don't know how to assign order yet. (Note to self...Ask nice lady at Sewing Machine shop)

This is the the bright eyes face.

Here is the I'm going to get you one.

I'll be posting as I create here. I want to document the process. So if I mess up you'll get to see. :) Posting here doesn't seem to work so feel free to comment on my FB page. Only want and need positive feed back. :)

5D Embroidery Software

2011-07-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

My new motto

This is my first embroidery from the 5D Embroidery software on Captain Jack (Baby Lock Ellure Plus Sewing Machine)

I've spent all week just making the Embroidery on the computer then erasing and making new ones. I finally found one I want to sew out. I'm going to try it next on one of my black tank tops I wear all the time. I'm not sure what colors I'll be using. I want the face very bright but I want the words readable.

This will be worked into a purse at some point. I'm thinking of cutting it out in a soft rectangle and fraying the edges. I'll probably sew it on the purse front with a pretty stitch in matching colors.

If you've been trying to post comments thanks. So far no one I've talked to has been able to. I'm going to work on moving this blog to my web page but I have to get some time with my son to do it. The Blogger posting problems been going on for years. I went back and did a bit of research when I couldn't post easily on others sites.

These little purses are addictive.

2011-07-14T21:59:00.000-05:00

Tried it a bit different this time. I cut out the front in an entire piece then did the lining in 2 pieces.

I remembered to put the button, the loop, do the embroidery and add the strap before I sewed the pieces together.

I know you can't see it but on the outside of the white shield is a black shield in triangles. I sewed so you can see the lining on the outside. I just love this material.

The lining was so easy I just folded it under and stitched.

My inspiration was this cool necklace I got at Hot Topics for 1$

Little bags

2011-07-14T09:06:00.000-05:00

I doodled with my new machine (Captain Jack) and then pulled out the Janome (Old machine) and doodled on it too. It's so strange to have two working embroidery machines. I'm sorting and trying to arrange it so I can use both regularly. I know it sounds like a luxury but they both are different. Captain Jack is a very quiet sewing machine while the Janome I'm already experienced at. LOL you should have seen me try to remember the threading :)

These bags are so simple. I tried out a embroidery on Captain Jack and decided it would make a perfect flap so I added the JOY, the placement tools on the Ellure Plus are SO AMAZING compared with what I've been working with. It seems like a miracle when I know for sure where the embroidery is going to land.

I added the words not in the embroidery looped section but I just sewed them, LOL SO COOL! I'd add 3 .'s next time instead of one.

I just slipped the top inside did a bit of folding and sewed it down. I don't think I'd ever use the belt loop but the original had one.

Little purse laid out.

Since I did green leaf variegated thread on the front I used this print.

I made sure my phone would fit.

This embroidery was my test on the Janome I added green leaves on Captain Jack. There are so many cool stitches in just the sewing area of Ellure plus.

I sewed and flipped the second purse so I had to add the top on the outside.

I added grommets and a chain link to hold a strap.

I'm very happy with how they both turned out. I think the inside of the second purse would be a perfect place for a Captain Jack pin. :)

Tuesday's fun

2011-07-12T20:13:00.000-05:00

The fabric I had cut last night and not turned into bias tape.

Stretching it out.

Pinning and pressing, I didn't bother to find the startch so I couldn't just press and pull. "Let's all say Lazy"

That's two FarScape shows worth of bias tape. Time to stretch out my back.

Smaller bib

Back side of the two bibs is a light fleece

Bigger bib

Wow I've had a busy day, didn't get much editing done but got some done. I enjoyed the Farscape first two shows. Now I just have to talk my hubby into watching it.

Evenings play

2011-07-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

All the bias tape I got done during 1 Dr. Who (David Tennant). Dr. Who is great for making Bias Tape.

Found these table cloths for 1.89 at Wal-Mart I bought 5 for Bibs.

I cut out 2 diffrent bibs and will edge them with the bias tape I just made. Then I'll take them to church and try them on kids and see which one I want to make. :)

Tim came visiting again and I'm at a loss what to do.

2011-07-11T19:07:00.000-05:00

Tim came over while I was driving to Paris TX and Hubby was putting in windows. He pushed around the solar panels and broke one.

We were lucky to not have more damage.

I heard the neighbor pounding in more stakes last week and was surprised. A day later Eugene comes in and says Tim the Bull visited again.

Hoof Print

He took out 3 pear trees, the only ones to survive the TX heat.

I don't know if they are going to be able to come back from this.

This tree was covered in beautiful fruit just days ago. :(

Neighbor added some big poles finally but not the entire length of our fence. 100" I think.

Present Tim left us.

I just don't know what to do. After Tim knocked out my bedroom air conditioner years ago I started panicking when he got out. He was circling the house and eyeing my big glass doors. Eugene fenced the back yard but being honest Tim could just wander right through it.

We thought Tim was going to head off to see Jesus, he's around 12 years old but he recovered and seems to be leaving his yard all the time. It bothers me we didn't even know he'd escaped again. What if we wandered out to the mailbox before we saw he was loose. UGH!

Time to do a bit more praying on this animal.

What I've been doing

2011-07-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

I've been doing a lot of sewing with my little Kenmore even though I haven't been posting regular. I'm going to try and see if I can blog again without going over my air card data plan.

DD (darling daughter) brought home a little pouch/sling purse and asked if I could make them. I think it took two hours with pattern making to come up with this version.

Pockets inside

Here's the belt loop on back. The next one will be Embroidered!!!

I added a change purse to my small shoulder purse.

It took about 5 zipper change purses before I really liked what I was doing.

My Mom ended up with the short Kimono.

My wonderful day

2011-07-06T21:09:00.000-05:00

Surprise, surprise we're going to get your new Embroidery machine today!

I'd decided on a Baby Lock so we had to leave town and head to Longview TX.

Here is my Baby Lock Ellure Plus doing it's first bit of Home Embroidery! I'm so excited I'm giddy.

The day my Janome broke I had two people ask me if I could do shirts. LOL

I couldn't wait to get material in this thing.

Sewing a stunning daisy pattern. The stitch moves right to left and forward, I can't figure out how to keep it straight so this is my first question when I go back.

Second design was just as difficult. I'm going to work on this.

http://www.sharmanssewingcenter.com/

My husband bought the machine for me at Sharmans Sewing Center in Longview. I'm thrilled. I thought I'd be getting it for a Christmas present maybe. :)

They gave me a One and a half hour lesson today. The software 5D Embroidery had to be ordered so I'll have time to get used to the machine before I have to learn the software. LOL I feel like I have brain overload at the moment. That's something like brain freeze but warm.

I've been keeping up on my sewing without posting. The overages really scared me on my air card. I'm going to try to be a bit more consistant.

Kimono

2011-06-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

I fell in love with this material months ago and knew it would be a kimono. I made it short for summer and think it's beautiful, but it's so hot I can't wear it at all. Just tossing it over my shoulder makes me pant. I think I'm going to try again with a thin cotton lining and no sleeves. So once this one is hemmed it's going to go in my sell pile.

I wonder why this mannequin doesn't have a name?

I really love this material and the way it lays. I think I'll have Deb model it, it looks much better on her. She says it's not hot at all. :)

If I kept this I'd put a draw string in the sleeve to pull it up so I could do things around the kitchen.

This is so my style. :)

Xmas Book

2011-06-14T22:28:00.001-05:00

I bought at least 7 panels of Xmas book material. I think I have 3 diffrent books.

I cut up a poor quality sheet we bought that no one would use and lined each page.

I think I'm going to use grommets to bind the book.

My sewing machine can't take the 3 pages into the machine. I'm hoping my next sewing machine will have a high foot throat (hope that's right) so I can just stick on a short foot and put through this really thick stuff.

I just love the pepperminty look of this book.

A quarter to help get the size.

May and June business

2011-06-13T13:04:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of May I went out and snaps some pictures of my little garden. I wasn't too impressed with any of the plants growing upside down. The tomatoes on top were taking off and the couple of bean seeds I pushed in the soil.

I did consider it is Texas and it is hot so I've been watering almost daily.

Put some crook neck yellow squash in a bit late.

The peach tree Tim the bull tried to break and just leaned over is way too loaded.

Husband and I went back out and all the low pears were eaten by deer so the tree might survive the overload. We are pulling off any damaged pears as soon as we find them but it's hard to pull of the beautiful ones. :)

My husbands been busy splitting a couple of loads of wood we bought. We were down to nothing and we like to be prepared. Our house runs on only wood for heating.

My favorite wild flower is blossoming. Every time I try to move one of these it dies so I've just put a little fence around this one.

Now it's mid June and we did a little shifting of my container garden. I've been pulling stink bugs off the squash and tossing them in rubbing alcohol. Poison just hasn't worked in the past even seven dust.

Happy Squash, the newest strawberry got eaten by a bird :( guess I need to cover this with some netting.

We pulled all the gardens up into the shade with the first one that seemed to be happiest. It's really helped but still the bottom plants are just not doing as well as the top.

The bell peppers are finally starting to grow now that they are in the shade.

My first squash of the season. It doesn't have many more days before I pluck it and do some sauteing.

First tomato in the new style garden.

The only tomatoes on a bottom plant.

I must admit I'm really enjoying the no kneeling gardening. I'm trying to decide if I want to get a second hand banquet table (one of the long ones) and turn it into a raised garden for next year. I could add more tomatoes and bell peppers. I'm sure I'll do the squash again in buckets. Now I just have to get hubby to put together a drip system for us. We have the pipe but not the gumption up to this point.

3 Reasons to Blog

2011-06-04T21:18:00.000-05:00

3 reasons to blog

Two years ago when I heard the word blog I felt confused. Now I’m addicted.

My 3 reasons for blogging are

1 I love to create, and sharing the creating makes it even more fun

2 I need a platform (another thing I didn’t even pretend to understand 2 years ago) for my writing. (platform = a form of self promotion)

3 I find I’m addicted to sharing my crafty work as much as my writing.

I have found myself encouraging others to start blogging recently.

Why you should blog

1 It’s an amazing feeling when you put your art, craft, or musings out for others to see.

2 Blogging opens you up for new friendships.

3 When you know you will be sharing your work causes you to try just a little bit harder to make your work better.

If you have something to say or even something to share jump in and join us. You might find yourself and your craft growing.

Empty

2011-06-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

I cleaned my White Board off today.

My White Board is a tool I use to make notes I want to mull over in my mind. For Hostage it was full of quotes about "The Moore" a woman of great psychic powers. I needed to remember names from Afraid of Love 1 and 2 and also from New Life. One family had over 10 kids and remembering their names was just not happening so I threw them up on the board too.

This is what a slice of the board looked like when I was working on AOL 2 near the end.

Today I'm posting words to use instead of Move and Look. LOL AOL 1&2 were top heavy with those dull words. I'll keep them to the right over my keyboard so I can just glance up when I have 4 looks in one paragraph.

Hopefully soon it will be full of a new book. I have a large pad of paper (3'x4') that I've had hanging beside my bed for months now with notes about another Shape shifter book I've got about 30,000 words done on. I'm waiting on the spark to get back to it. I've got about 40 books that are what I think of as starts. They range in size from 25 words to half a book.

I read them often and if I have more words I add them, but often I'm just aggravated I can't read more when I get to the last word I've written. :) I know someday most will be books.

My I have written a book board. I need to add Hostage to this board. :)

I found I was forgetting just how much I've written so I made up a white board and put post it cards on it with the name of the book, the words written, if it was a series and the main characters. I'd eventually like it to include a pitch for each book.

Having the books so clear on my wall helped me feel like I'd accomplished something even if I've not sold anything yet.

I guess this is just a day to take stock and realize I need to get some of the real work done. I need a Proposal for each of those books and a synopsis. Writing the story is the fun part the rest of this is work I need to learn how to love.

If you made it this far thanks for listening.

Lina Inverse

2011-05-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

Ok so I've been trying to figure out why I'm eating up so much bandwith. UGH! Can't wait for GoZoe to get over here to my house. I have 188 days till my Sprint Air Card contract is up.

I've been doing little sewing, like putting the backs on my postcards, a couple of shorts for my Grandson.

Then I took pictures of all my stuff I've not given away. I'll be posting it here soon. It's all for sale. What I don't sell here I will post on Etsy and try to sell to strangers. :)

I've been editing Afraid of Love 1 and 2 and enjoying it. I really do write for myself. I read a new author and really enjoyed the new look at vampires and immortals.

So today I thought I'd catch up on my sewing for DIL This is the base costume for Lina Inverse

It doesn't look exactly right on Mary-Elizabeth, DIL will fill it out better. :)

This is what we are hoping to end up with.

I have a vest to do tomorrow then I'll be caught up for DIL till she can get over and tell me what else I need to get done.

Contest and shorts

2011-05-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

Well I didn't win the Sci-Fi/Fantasy contest with my shapeshifter book but it was a paranormal romance I guess. I'm glad they finally announced, they got a surprise when 700 submissions showed up in there email box. I'm still hoping that someone read what I wrote and it will be a start.

Finished 2 more shorts for Grandson, he just loves to wear the clothes I've made. LOL I was discussing with my husband how old he'll be when he starts asking for real jeans. :) I think I forgot to take pictures of the new shorts they are a dog print.

I did a different Thomas the tank engine shorts too.

He likes pockets a lot so I always try to add them. I think I need to slip a inside pocket onto the pattern but I've been using such busy material that the pocket breaks up the material.

Cards I sent out for the Postcard swap

2011-05-21T10:19:00.001-05:00

I'm embarrased to say I didn't take a picture before I sent out my postcards, LOL. So I'm guessing on the cards that I sent. I believe the swapper at TenTwoStudios is going to post pictures. When she does I'll fix it if I find out I was wrong. (The joys of my memory!) I was over my data minutes on my aircard and didn't post, so didn't bother to take a group shot.

This isn't backed yet.

I really like crazy patch.

Got my Postcards from the Lisa Vollrath swap.

2011-05-20T18:46:00.002-05:00

http://www.tentwostudios.com/041311swap/

Each Postcard is so different, The cats have bead eyes and a light netting over it. It was HAND sewn LOL mine were not. The second has such a nice edge and the weight is just perfect. The third glitters!!! and is so whimsical.

One card says 44Cents postage but my postal lady has taken mine for postcard rate again and again and they are a bit thicker. I use PellTex as the base.
All the backs are so professional. And that little tag!!! I just love it.
Thank you each!

I am sooooo excited. They are wonderful cards!!! Thank you so much ladies.

Dianne who made the kittys had this to say about her card:
About the kitty cat postcard . . . I wasn't sure if I liked the netting covering it. At first I was thinking it looked as though they were looking through a screen. But then I thought the netting took away from the quilting. The quilting is done with silk buttonhole twist.

My Grandson choose the kitty card as his favorite. :)

Martha Pullen's PBS show

2011-05-15T18:58:00.001-05:00

I was watching Martha Pullen's PBS show and saw Linda McGehee make this awsome little bag.
http://www.ghees.com/html/handbag_patterns.html

Quick Zip Bags (#3409) Duration: 29:00 CC DVI TVG

Constructing a small zippered clutch; Sew Quick, Sew Easy messenger bag; And Sew On segment on converting a shorts pattern to make skorts; Hand embroidered shell stitch. Guests:, Linda McGehee, Kari Mecca, Wendy Schoen.

I knew the moment I saw it I had to try it.
I didn't have any zippers and really didn't want to buy them so I just made it without.

It's a long bag for when you don't want to carry the big purse.

It has three pockets.

Made the second bag a little bigger

Pockets are a bit wider. Sis suggested a change purse that matched.

Wish my embroidery machine was working for the front of this one.

ABC Fabric Book and a Couch blanket

2011-05-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

Found a different type of fabric book panel at the store and picked it up. It was cut poorly or returned so I thought the sale price was reasonable for a trial.

My 2 year old Grandson inspires most of my sewing right now.

I was concerned about the thickness of the book when I realized it was even smaller than what I've been used to, so I recycled an old shirt a little thicker than t shirt material.

It took me a little to figure out the set up. I'd just assumed it would be like the Xmas books I've been sewing.

Free handed the words on my machine. A first!

Each letter was stitched to batting for ease of washing.

Realized how pretty the material was after I flipped it over.

Added a tie using a piece of my bias tape I made during a marathon bias tape making day of watching Dr. Who.

I only stuffed ABC on cover to prevent the book from being too thick.

I also outlined any letters outlined in white. :) Randomness

Finished book. I'm not sure why the makers of the panel didn't make the cover bigger but the book is a pleasant size and texture with the batting I picked.

Hubby and I realized that we have more Grandchildren in Isaac's brothers and I just can't help but create for those I love. :)

This is a summer couch throw so I used a sheet like fleece to be the batting. I outlined the squares then added the corduroy and outlined the figures as the quilting. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Lack of posts

2011-05-07T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts here. I'm trying to find out where my puny air card data is going. Almost went over again.

I've been busy sewing on shorts for Grandson and doing a few quilt blocks to make mug rugs.
I'll be posting later.

Finished my 23rd novel, the working title is Hostage, it's a continuation of a duet; Afraid of Love 1 and 2 and New Life. In AOL 1 I made up a group called the brotherhood then in New Life I invented another brotherhood. Hostage brings all the books together and finishes out the stories.

I'm trying to get some letters out to literary agents but that part of the work is challenging. :)

Hostage is my shortest book ever 60,000 words. I wouldn't be surprised if it grows on editing. I was talking to my sister about the last 6000 words and had to admit I couldn't remember most. I was writing so hot and heavy it just poured out.

I'm still waiting on the Supernatural contest I sent "The Pack" into. It's my romantic werewolf, vampire, and fairy book.

I'm editing at the moment but I've been feeling a story building. I thought I'd work on my the shape shifter book I have about 40,000 words on but I'm just not seeing it. Things change fast in my brain and a bit of music or a picture might change my mind.

If you haven't read any of my work yet go visit my web page and read a few pages of Michael Zane.

Just click the picture above to go right to the story.

Pants weekend

2011-05-01T18:23:00.001-05:00

I made 3 pair of pants this weekend. Isaac was wearing the third pair at the time of this photo.

I have one pair of shorts almost done and one cut out.

Isaac loves pockets so I put a big one all.

Two of the pants are Thomas the Tank engine.

I put a label on the back of them all so he'd be able to find the back.

Thomas

Curious George

I can't believe how much I got done. They are all a bit long but he's due a growth spurt so we're rolling up the pants. I made the shorts long so when he falls his knees will have some protection.
Isaac runs all the time but looks to the right or left as he goes forward, that makes for a lot of spills.

Finished up the two shorts Sunday evening

You can barely see the pocket.

Two new purses

2011-04-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

This is the inspiration for my two other purses. This was made out of a girls jean skirt all ready decorated with the patchwork.

I was asked to make two purses just like the one I'd made.

My friend Suzie gave me boxes and boxes of great material and I pulled out this denim and the corduroy from those boxes. This is a pocket divided down the middle.

I did a blanket stitch around all the patches.

I added a few more pockets.

I always need more pockets.

I really enjoyed picking out the colors and sizes of the squares.

I put in one large pocket inside and divided it.

More pockets on the second purse.

I made the straps long but they could be knotted for smaller people.

I had a lot of fun doing these. I just cut them out free hand.

Hope you enjoy the purses Suzie!

How I'm making my roses

2011-04-27T21:47:00.000-05:00

I got a really cute cheap material at Hancocks.

The only problem is I don't <3 Will.

I <3 Captain Jack

I layered lots of cuts of material and sewed it down free style with the foot down.

And came up with this.

I have lots of Wills left to use and I just don't throw material away so here's what I did with Will.

I folded the material and crimped it.

Then tacked it down adding stems and leaves.

This was the other postcard I made last night.

Easter

2011-04-25T22:51:00.000-05:00

Grandson Decorated Eggs for the first time. It was a funny process with a two year old.

All dressed up for Easter

My little bunnys

Cool dude all dressed up for Easter Sunday Service

Shopping

2011-04-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

Paris TX Thanks Liz for finding the hat for me!

Michaels had little wooden boxes that had issues for 49 cents. I just couldn't pass them up.

LOL I don't know what we'll end up doing with these but they were under 50 cents and sometimes we have trouble passing up deals.

Still working on my wall and the well goes out! UGH!

2011-04-25T22:42:00.000-05:00

My Handyman

Got back all three outlets!

Put up insulation

11:30 pm I went to brush my teeth and NO Water!

We've had a slow leak in the well since the last repair so we decided to pull the foot and all 55 feet of pipe x2.

Forcing the pipe out of a tight coil

40 foot down to water.

Heating the blackpipe for ease of connection

It always makes me nervous when we have to lean over the well.

Rolling the lid to the well to slip it back on.

Had water before bed time! Thank you wonderful handyman hubby.

Had to share this cute tutorial

2011-04-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

I have such an issue storing plastic grocery bags that seeing this cute folding made me smile. http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2009/03/grandmothers-apron-carryall.html
Sorry I don't have a picture but believe me and visit her site.

RenFair tomorrow

2011-04-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Sleeve for underdress

Love the length of this

Put eyelet lace at foot too.

I got the lady up in my craft room. We had to cut off 4 inches so it would hang. I'm using the piece we cut off as a rotary cutter ruler.

Baby rug and teddy

2011-04-15T13:57:00.000-05:00

This is a blankety rug I'm making for a 3m old. I quilted some of the leaves so that it would be easy to wash. I used green on the bright side and white on the dragonfly side.

I drew out a teddy to go with the rug.

Pretty Pretty, running it through the wash before I send it out.

Suprise Suprise

2011-04-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

We went to put our window in pulled out the paneling we'd installed for decrative purposes and guess what was hidding.

My Great Hubby

Glass Nails we swept all day

Out of order:This is when he pulled the siding.

Got the wall up at 8:30 pm by flood light. LOL We'll be finishing everything else later.

Magpie Shinies Giveaway

2011-04-12T23:26:00.000-05:00

I follow Magpie Shines Blog because of a great tutorial she posted on dollhouse furniture She's having a giveaway on her blog. You might want to go over and visit.

Reading then maybe writing

2011-04-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

I’ve been reading Lynn Viehl’s Darkyn series. UGH! I thought it was only 7 books. I get to the end of 7 and NOOOO!

I just don’t read series’ often that are not done. It drives me nuts to not be able to finish the story. I live with the fact I’ll never finish Laurel K. Hamiltons two series because she’ll never stop writing them. (Thank heavens) I don’t know what I’ll do if she starts a new series. Yes I do, I’ll buy it.

I have to start collecting the Kyndred books because the series was so enjoyable.

I must admit I like sexy dark romance. I enjoy bad guys who just won’t take no for an answer.

The only problem with enjoying such wonderful authors is I don’t write while I’m reading them.

I’m rereading Sarah the book that inspired all my Psycho Dad books. I’ve realized recently that it’s a comfort book for me. When I feel sad or scared I pull out Sarah and watch how she was strong in an awful situation.

I let my characters become real in my mind, LOL no I don’t actually let them, they just do it. I just go with the flow trying to be true to what they want.

I want to finish this Hostage book and then move back to the shapeshifter book I started awhile back.

I’ve realized that I’ve let months go by and not submitted any books to agents. I did get one book off to a Del Ray contest but that’s not good enough. It’s time to buckle down and get some proposals mailed out.

Can't stop sewing.

2011-04-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

I ran into Hancocks fabric and saw this tree skirt material. I bought two panels and turned it into a rug.

I used a piece of very soft blanket instead of interfacing.

This postcard is made out of Isaac's pants (made into shorts) and his shirt (sleeves shortened)

Baby tag toy

2011-04-06T14:32:00.003-05:00

I saw a really cute baby toy at

Oikology 101

and just had to try it myself.

Three in a row was too much. LOL

Wrist Pin cushions

2011-04-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

Down loaded a log cabin pincushion pattern that said it made a 4" pin cushion. LOL I did something wrong and it turned out about 2".

I've had an old bluejean slap

Bracelet sitting around waiting for this mistake.

I stuffed the pincushion with steel wool and old couch batting.

I try to reuse everything I have because I'm cheap :)

Commission for DIL

2011-04-04T22:04:00.001-05:00

My DIL wants me to make a Moogle for her

This is a Moogle.

She asked me to make it the same size as the elephant I made.

I've been putting it off for awhile because I wasn't sure how to make it happen.

I found a blog that told me how to make a bomb for angry birds.

I printed the pattern then changed the piece

I drew out what I thought would work.

I printed out the pattern here then added my modifications.

I sewed the two pieces together by hand. (I really dislike any handwork)

If this meets DIL approval I'll make one out of white polar fleece and add the wings and the pompom.

I think I will insert the antenna though the entire body for support.

I'd take any ideas. I have some wires used to hang ceiling tiles on drop ceilings that I am concidering using one of those.

Inspiration

2011-04-04T16:12:00.001-05:00

I was inspired by a relatives artwork. Stephanie is a wonderful artist. I just had to make my own version as a postcard.

Stephanie told me it was an assignment for art and her teacher told her to add color to it and do warms and cools. She said she thinks it's Alaska... and its made out of colored pencil.

I made mine as a sunset.

This isn't on the postcard heavy stock yet so it curls a bit but I'm very happy with the outcome.
I used faux silk for the buildings.
I'll post another pick after mounting it on the heavy backing.

New things

2011-04-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

I've had these boxes for a long time. I found little bottles of chalkboard paint on sale at the store and POOF I knew what to do with the boxes.

The color is closer to this photo. The green is also chalkboard paint.

Two coats then 24 hours till I can use chalk on them.

I've tried something a bit bigger than the fabric postcards it's called a mug rug.

Here are some of the new fabric postcards

The bluebird on the rainbow postcard is where my machine broke.

Janome Memory Craft

2011-03-29T22:33:00.001-05:00

I was sewing the other day and my Janome (12 year old used embroidery/sewing machine) locked up. :(

I went into severe and instant withdrawals.

My old machine
Janome Memory Craft 5700

My sweet husband sent me to Sears.

New Machine
Kenmore (170$)
This will be my temporary main machine till I get my christmas present. If everything goes well I've been given a budget for my new embroidery machine.

We went to Longview today to

Sharman's Sewing Center

I was introduced to the Babylock Ellure
Oh My Gosh!!!!
I had not realized I was sewing in the darkages. Seriously if my Janome were a computer it would be Dos and this would be Windows Vista. I have to add in the Software in the equation it was amazing.

I can't wait to get my hands on this machine and will probably be visiting it again just to drool. :)

I'm hoping we can swing this thing by xmas. I'm going to try to be patient but I know it's going to be hard.

Ren Fair costume

2011-03-29T21:57:00.000-05:00

I saw this simple white umbrella at hobby lobby and decided to cover it to compliment my costume.

I used the same white eyelet lace that I made the underdress out of.

The eyelet material is so soft and bright.

I sewed at each end of spines then in about 6 in so I could shut the umbrella and the material wouldn't flutter up.

It shuts well.

I can't wait to try all this on. I just have to finish the skirt waist band issue.

Scrap Monsters Post

2011-03-25T18:53:00.003-05:00

Sat down at the sewing machine and picked up a piece of denim in the big scrap pile and saw the little guy in the front on the left. It just grew from there.

I can't seem to sit down and watch tv instead I pick up more scrap and start looking for monsters in it.

I've been told I'm a little strange but each of these guys called to me from the scrap pile. LOL

I've given away a few but I think after I've collected about 30 I might start an etsy shop.

I'm amazed at how relaxing sewing these scrap monsters is.

I was trying to explain the process to my sister states away and just told her to pick up a scrap bigger than her hand. Then look at it turning it around until she saw a spot for a mouth and eyes. You just work out from there.
Happy Sewing

andhttp://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/

New Windows

2011-03-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

Old Windows we believe they are original to house.

Hubby and the empty window

Hubby's friend helping so I don't have to! :)

Living room window all done.

Very excited to have nice new windows with E glass. This is a southern window and in TX that is a very hot window. I'm looking forward to better cooling.

I am so out of shape.

2011-03-23T18:28:00.002-05:00

Planted my gardens.

Raised Gardens

Tomatoes 1

3
Bell Peppers

Finally found Font !

2011-03-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

I've been making the fabric postcards for a bit now and I've been trying to find a font to use for the address side. Most mini or tiny fonts were too big. I sat down at my Win 98 computer that has my embroidery software on it and started going through the 1000 of embroidery files I have. I'm happy to say in some of the free software I got when I bought the magic box converter I found a mini block font and it's perfect.

It fits!

Close up of my embroidery foot and the start of my name

In case you noticed, yes I'm using scrap to hold the back of the postcard in place. I'm sooooo cheap. I just can't stand to waste any thing. The interfacing I've been using is actually an old queen size sheet I've sliced up. :)

Commissioned Elephant

2011-03-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

Mom asked me to make an Elephant. I looked at some coloring pages after a failed attempted to remember what an elephant looks like. :) I made a card board pattern then cut off the head and added a new one. Hubby said the tail was wrong so I came up with this one.

I think this is one of my favorite creations. I love the material and the way it turned out.

Hope you are enjoying it Sue!

New Postcards and tissue covers

2011-03-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

I had some polar fleece I turned into little tissue holders

The bottom

The top

Silvery Night

Rainbow I think I'm going to add a pot of gold on this one, have to find the gold material.

Rainbow fields I'll probably put a couple of birds on this one.

Post Cards Ready to leave home and travel

2011-03-18T23:28:00.002-05:00

Postcards looking for a home.

2 Gone, flying to WI

3 Gone, flying to WI

Nieces skirt/purse

2011-03-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

What do you call your nieces daughter? My first niece? Hummm Oh well I call her my niece. She outgrew her wonderful skirt and asked if I would turn it into a purse. I can't believe I forgot to take a before picture! Here is what I came up with. The felting was already at the bottom of the simple A line skirt.

I lined the purse with a bright multicolored material

I added a bottom, would that be a gusset? I put it in like it was.

I sewed the lining in and left it open at the bottom so I could turn the purse.

I pinned the pinked edgle of a fat denim tube for the strap

I used more scrap for a catch and a knot for the catch to hold. I used the back pockets to make a pocket for the purse. I sewed a doubled over piece of the lining then added the pocket section so really I ended up with two large pockets and the two small pockets.

I'm very happy with the way this turned out. I spent from 8:30pm to 10:30pm on it.

New Post cards

2011-03-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

This is the same brown material as above but it just wouldn't let me get a good pic.

I'm mailing out my first postcard today. If you'd like one private message me at FB with your address.
Feel free to ask for a certain one.

Older Postcards Link

2011-03-14T22:11:00.004-05:00

Covering all the eyelets with thin black ribbon

Mary Elizabeth helping me. Finished Hat, Eyelets on right covered those on left waiting for tomorrow's Dr. Who

My other job

2011-03-12T19:20:00.000-06:00

I've been a writer since I turned 40. I remember seeing a picture of Tim Curry on the back of a book he read, one of the Martha Grimes books I believe. I heard, "What am I going to do with you." That was the line that started my first real novel.

My Webpage

I'm excited today because I've submited my werewolf book to a DelRay contest. :) I've got my fingers crossed.

If you'd like to read a bit of one of my novels here is a link.

2011-03-12T16:53:00.000-06:00

Skirt for Renfair costume Lots of material

Did feel like gathering thread so I used lots of pin and pinched in all the material. Doubled the height of the waist band.

Ignore the neon pink ties I'm going to go to hubby's shoe store and get something better.

Going to pin up the skirt a bit on each side so white underdress shows

Having an issue with bodice sleeve staying up. Might have to put in a strap across back. Not sure what I did wrong.

I still have a cap to sew and the hemming of the skirt plus a bit of shoulder work on the bodice but I'm done for the night.

Finishing up stuff

2011-03-09T08:50:00.000-06:00

Finished HS (Handsome Son's) Shirt

cut and sewed underdress for my Merchants wife costume

Used French seams on the entire thing.

cutting out sleeves on my drafting table. The rotery cutter mats were an xmas present years ago.

Had to add length, the costume was more pirate wench and I wanted respectable matron length. :)

Commissioned Pot holders

2011-03-07T09:59:00.001-06:00

These went to my mom

Fronts of Starwars

Backs, I was so suprised they both ended up with a full Darth Vader pic

This little strip is all I have left of the StarWars materia. LOL
Hope everyone likes there potholders.