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I've been on a bit of a binge lately. A fabric binge, that is. No plans for it, I just wanted it. Mmm, yummy!
All these fabrics are pretty great, but not as special as these two:
My own fabric!! Today I received my order from Spoonflower and couldn't be happier! Yeah, I know these designs aren't anything spectacular, but they're my own creation. I think the bumble bee will be a dress for Ava and the big flower will be a tote for me. Fun stuff!!
It's been a lazy weekend. We didn't have anything planned, which was nice for a change. I picked some veggies from the garden and have my fingers crossed that we eat them before they go bad. I know, shame on me! With laziness comes lack of desire to cook...I'm still amazed that I actually grew those!
We're still living with a broken dryer. I wish we had gotten that clothes line put up, but for now, the fence will do (along with clothes on hangers hung up throughout the house). A broken dryer we can live with, a broken AC, not so much (that's a whole other story - I'm not going there right now - happy thoughts, happy thoughts).
I also did a whole lot of knitting. I'm still working away. I do enjoy the process, but I want to be finished so that I can move on to something else - I already have my second knitting project picked out. Darn you knitters with your pretty knits! I'm so easily tempted!!
I'm trying to tap into the urge, though all I managed to do was cut out a few bags. That's as far as I got. Can you see a theme there? I seem to be into black & white at the moment. (Ha! I'm even wearing black & white today) I did that two nights ago. Last night I planned to cut out the linings and interfacing, but my dryer broke, so went out to dinner.
Dinner was a total disappointment, so then I really didn't feel like working on any sewing projects. We all watched a movie instead.
Interestingly, while I was looking for the dryer manual I came across this old thing. I think I could have some fun with this. It sure brings back memories. If I don't get around to my sewing projects any time soon, at least I have something new to play around with (you know, while I'm not doing any laundry!!).
I think my slump is finally lifting. After not feeling much like sewing for the past few weeks, I'm feeling the urge again. Boy, am I ever happy about this! I hate when walking into my sewing room does nothing for me, but that's how it's been. 
I'd walk in there, take a look around at the fabric scattered everywhere, my messy work table, and a pile of unfinished projects, then want to run away. Blah, that's so not me. 
After working on my attitude, finishing up a few unfinished projects, and losing myself in knitting for a little while, I'm feeling more like myself. I'm ready...after I tidy up a bit.
While I was procrastinating building up the courage to work on the diaper bag, I started working hot and heavy on my knitting project. I decided to go with the ChicKami. Boy, knitting sure takes a long time, or perhaps I'm just incredibly slow. (I'm willing to bet on my slowness) Of course, ripping it out three times didn't help with my progress. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but my 1x1 ribbing looks horrible. That's okay, I've moved on. I look at this as a learning experience. Even if I never wear this thing, I'm happy to have finally discovered something to do in the same room as my husband while he watches sports. Knitting makes ESPN so much more tolerable!!
Well, I faced the beast and conquered Butterick 4560. I'm embarrassed to admit to how long it took me to complete this, but is was many, many hours.
I'd like to burn this pattern. It wasn't particularly difficult, it just took f-o-r-e-v-e-r. All those freaking pockets!! There are no less than 8 pockets in that thing.
If you want a huge diaper bag with a ton of fussy pockets, then this pattern is for you. Personally, I'm not a pocket person. I lose things with too many pockets. Also, the strap is way too long. I reduced it by 6" and it's still too long.
I did it, it's done, and I never want to do it again. Now that I'm done with it, I do think it turned out pretty cute, just not cute enough to attempt it again!
I was the lucky recipient of 4 fillings today, all on my lower left side. Yay me. I also learned that I will most probably need a crown on one of those teeth and I may need a root canal. Double yay. NOT!! During this wonderful procedure the anesthesia started to wear off, so I had to get even more shots in my mouth. I was not a happy camper. I wasn't planning on filling the pain meds the Dr. gave me, but as the day went on and the throbbing started, I changed my mind.
While filling my prescription I picked up a few magazines because I plan on spending the evening lounging around. I wish I had known that there were two packages waiting on me at home. I finally got them - two of the books I have projects in. It's so exciting to see your name in print, especially with the word Designer by it! Finally seeing these books sure made me feel better : ) (but I still took the pain meds)
For the past few weeks I've let Lily play around with my little Canon Elph. She LOVES it. Tonight I finally got around to taking a look at all her work. The girl took over 420 photos! Lots were blurry, but some turned out well. There were LOTS of photos of feet - hers, mine, ours and lots of photos of plants & flowers. She also created quite a few still lives, many including shoes and toys. Of course there were photos of us, some, um, not so flattering *cough*, some really cute and candid. Life is interesting through the eyes of a 7 yr old. I definitely have a budding photographer on my hands.
That's it. I don't like sewing bag patterns other than my own. Especially bag patterns that include 16 pieces. Yes, 16 pieces!!! I have my doubts that I know what's going on with this thing (the directions are as confusing as hell), but I'm gonna give it my best shot. I'm making this for a friend who will be a grandma in a few months. It's a diaper bag pattern that has lots of pockets. Lots and lots. I think it'll be really cute when it's done, but I have a feeling I'll go through hell getting there, LOL! Wish me luck, I'll be sure to report when the mission is complete :)
P.S.
I'm taking notes on what NOT to do when I make my own bag patterns...
I've been preoccupied lately. It all started with Matt's father's day present. I'm not particularly fond of large non-discreet TV's, but the addition of one to my living room has turned my little world upside down. (truth be told, our new TV isn't all that big, but it's a change from what we had before.)
I was up until midnight moving this over here, and that over there. Now I have a whole new list of projects I want to do - paint some pieces of furniture, sew some slipcovers, hang some curtains, get a new rug, new lamps...the wheels are turning. *sigh*
I'm not completely in love with my new arrangement, but I'm getting there. Sometimes change is good, even if it's only temporary.
I couldn't bear to get rid of this table, so it'll be a desk (minus the pile of laundry). Maybe having a nice desk area in the living room with the big TV will help me stay on top of all the bills. Yeah right! I have a feeling my butt will be planted on the sofa (which I want to slipcover) watching that TV!! Hmm, I don't think that'll get me anywhere on my to-do list. Hey, it's summer time - relaxing is the name of the game, right?
