Happy Birthday Little Man!

Happy Birthday Nator!I love that you are so completely unique and different from your brother and sister. I love that you have "red" (orange) hair. I love that you have good manners and that you some times call me mom just because your siblings do. I love that you still want to cuddle with me and that your puppy footy jamies are your favorite. I love the little man you have become and I look forward to the next _____ years.

Love,

Mommy

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday Moosekat! It has been an incredible 8 years. You are super smart. I love the way you tell me what you saw on the "advertisement" or how you ask a million questions until you get right down to the source. Ok so maybe I don't love the million questions, but I love that they're what make you you. I love that you are my oldest. I love that you are kind and gentle with your siblings. I love that you're sensitive and easily forgive. I love that you're cool with "whatever" even when it means the plans have changed. I love that you're handsome and still cool with wearing a yellow shirt with the #8 on it.

I love you little man!

- Mom

Seasons change

I made the decision to put my oldest son in a private school today. This is a MAJOR season change for me. Aside from day care my son has never attended a formal education school. I have been his teacher in pre-k, kindergarten, 1st, and half of 2nd grade...and I have the binders stuffed to prove it.

This was a completely appropriate decision for our family. Moosekat is a highly social kid and he was showing great signs of needing a different learning environment.

I'm not really scared to let him go. I know he'll be alright. The thoughts of "no one understands my kid like me", and "he's a talker" give me pause, but I still know this is right.

He's excited and I am too. A lot of things will change though.

I'll have two little ones at home that will really be getting to know each other. I will probably start concentrating on teaching Boo boo princess all the things her older brother had mastered by her age.

Though my Nator does not need anymore attention than he already gets...he'll be the man of the house during the day.

My day will be on a 8-3 schedule and there will be fewer late nights out for us.

So...seasons are changing again. Just wish it wasn't so cold around here...this isn't normal!

Pattern test

I did some pattern testing for Patty Young of Modkid Boutique. These are the outfits I made. This pattern is now available for pre-sale to retailers and will be out soon. Make sure to pick one up. It was super fun to make! Boo boo princess doesn't yet own an American doll (this one was borrowed) but I think she soon will and it will have a wardrobe full of custom made clothes!

The 8 O Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Call me strange, but I really like this color of yellow. Maybe I wouldn't if I saw it on me, but I like the dress shape too. Check it out!

The 8 O Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Christmas party dress

I can't wait to post pictures of the Christmas dress I made from scratch. I found a dress I really liked but since it was $95 I decided I would attempt to make my own look alike. For now here is my inspiration.

Please note the final dress did not turn out looking like this, but I love the 50's inspired look I ended up with instead.

This is the Christine dress from Modcloth, which is no longer in stock...sadly. Maybe that last size L will be under my tree come Christmas morning. (A girl can dream)

Anywho, look for my reveal some time in the next couple of days.

- Shara

Maturing

I used to think some day I wanted to be a grandmother of dozens of sweet little children. I would babysit ALL the time. I would cook big meals and have all the kids over and be the center saint along side my husband. I would be respected (of course) loved, adored, stern, but ever the spoiler.

Maybe it's just my current season...but right now what I look forward to is those days when Mr. Incredible and I go to breakfast by ourselves. When my hair is graying and his is all gone, but we're still hopelessly devoted to each other. When we can really get to know each other and pursue random interests or maybe just stay in bed all day.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want to wish away my children, but, for right now at least, I wouldn't mind if they choose to live in on the other side of the country when they grow up:o)

Chubby Baby Car Seat Cover GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

If you know me at all, you know my youngest son rides in a pink carseat. As much as it used to make me wince and get him out quickly before anyone saw now I'm used to it. However, if I were to win one of these I would be very happy!

Chubby Baby Car Seat Cover GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Blogsition time?

I have been thinking for quite some time about transitioning my blog to more of a hobby blog instead of a family album type thing. Here's the thing...

If I transition my blog in to a hobby blog, mainly sewing, then I feel as though there is more pressure to come up with fun and entertaining things to post. I would also love to host some giveaways and tutorials, but I hear there are new rules in the blog world about all that.

I know that currently I may only have a very limited number of readers. Mostly family and friends, so that means that a change would also mean a whole new readership that will come from ??? Well I don't know if they'll come at all. Which also means I'd have to put a lot more time in to the blog in order to make it something random people interested in sewing would want to take time to read.

I love blogs like Grosgrain where she has almost weekly giveaways and is super creative. She makes many of the things she gives away and occasionally has a tutorial.

Then there is ModKid blog of fabric and pattern designer, Patty Young. She of course is fabulously creative and her posts always entail her adventures as a designer. And who doesn't want to see what it takes to create your own line of fabric and patterns?

Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing is another one of my favorites. She is working through a book of vintage Vogue patterns and always has great tips. She is very witty and super gorgeous! It is so much fun to see her creations!

So if I were to aspire to have a sewing blog I would want it to be a combination of the three of these. I know these women put a lot of time and thought in to their posts. They have great pictures, and well thought out writings.

This is really me just thinking out loud here, but perhaps I will begin to transition. Maybe not....

Until then!

- Shara

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

These are super sweet, modest, girly, and modern! I love these patterns!

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

This lovely adoptive mommy began creating her own bedding/clothing after she adopted three girls. I think her clothes are beautiful, creative, and still very kid friendly!

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Halloween Fun

Here are the costumes I was working on for Halloween. One for my girl and one for another. Enjoy!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

A-MA-ZING!!!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is about the cutest, non human, thing I've seen around here.

I guess this is what happens when you're the only sister. You improvise, I think it's cute.

And then of course there is this little bit of sweetness

A brother kissing his sisters baby doll. So sweet:o)

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I would absolutely LOVE to have this! If you sew you need one of these!

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happiness

In Honor of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing and her self proclaimed honesty month I thought I would follow her latest post listing when I am at my happiest.

There are a lot of things to put here:

I am at my happiest working on a sewing project unhindered.

But, I am also at my happiest when I have put the sewing project aside and given in to cries for Mommy play with me and I do actually play.

I'm at my happiest when I know I'm going to see a fabulously feminine play about BIRTH with my equally fabulous (and highly recommended) midwife and friend Salli.

I am at my happiest when Dave doesn't have to work and can spend time with the family.

Today I get to do all these things:o) That makes me happy!

I have new projects to post about.

I finished a shirt to go under my suit for the banquet I am M.C. for this week. I'm going to wait until Friday to post pictures of the shirt so you can see the complete outfit with hair done and everything instead of a poorly snapped quick shot.

I got the fabric for a 1900's riding Habit for my daughter yesterday and hope to begin construction today. The riding habit will have to be done by the 11th. I may wait to post pics on that as well.

I should be all complete with the colonial costume early next week as it is due in to the fair by the 7th.

I also hope to begin a bolero to go with a crazy corset dress I got and want to wear to the fair.

Until then!

The Pleated Poppy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I love the opportunity to share the talents of stay at home moms. Being a mom is such an important job and I love that we are once again looking to ways to be with our kids and help contribute financially. So check out this giveaway and maybe help support this super talented mom!

The Pleated Poppy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Colonial Costume

Whatcha' think?

Change

Some things will never change...

Like how I love my boys!
But other things...

Like how they wear their hair...
Are ever changing expressions of their creativity....
Personality...
And all around cuteness.
Don't cha think?

The big reveal...well sorta

Here is the entrance to my "sewing room"

The "waiting area". Imagine this as a place for mom or friend to sit as the fitting is taking place.

Here is the desk at which I sew (duh) and my selves for thread, fabric, books, junk.

Here is Ethel, ain't she a beaut! She's a 1950's singer. A lovely piece of machinery and technically my first sewing machine. It was my mother in laws.

Here's Jennifer. She's sleek and new, but her performance does not compare to that of Ethel.

This my friends is Betsy. She is beautiful and wonderful and mine... A most incredible Craigslist purchase. So what if she's already been in to the shop once since I have had her. She is at least 20 years old, beautifully constructed. She and I have and understanding. Leave no seam un-finished!

Here is my lovely, totally awesome, custom made sewing table. The idea for this table was not mine. I took the idea from Mrs. Patty Young. I had my daddy build the table top for me. A better table (at a better price) could not be found!

This mirror is covering a lovely piece of memorabilia left behind by my brother in the years in which this room was his. It's a biohazard symbol. He did a good job painting it, but I didn't want customers to get the wrong idea;o)

Here is a bit more memorabilia. I was probably 12 when I put this puzzle together. My dad sprayed it and mounted it to this piece of wood for me. And there it hangs...still after 12 years.

This is the closet so that I can hang garments waiting to be worked on or already completed. The dress on the outside is the colonial garment I am still working on. The clipboard holds the cards of any customers projects I am currently working on. I am happy to say that I really do have work:o)

This is my prized (new) possession outside of Betsy that is. It is my seamstress grade Sapporo gravity fed steam press iron. I'll tell you a secret. It does magic!

Hmm...seems there was one more picture. The one of tweety bird painted on the door, but well I can't find it so that will have to wait for another post. Well, there you have it. My creative center!

Virtual Variance of Vestiture

I wanted a vest...one to wear over thin shirts so I didn't have to worry about having the right color bra. One that I could throw over a too tight or too short shirt. Something that gave me shape and form. One that Vivaciously Volumized my Voluptuous Vanity...ok, not really but I was going with the V's and yes I know I made up a word.

So here's my new denim vest. Total I spent about $15 on all the materials and if I had sat down and sewn it all in one setting it would have taken me maybe 5 hours.

I never claimed to be a model, so you get what you get:o) Also I haven't finished opening the button holes so I didn't do a view with all the buttons buttoned. Reason for that: you should not use seam rippers or the pinch and cut method to open button holes. It rips the fabric and causes frayed uneven edges. Instead get yourself a pair of button hole scissors (I don't have one yet). They have an open slot towards the back of the scissors that allows you to cut into the button hole without cutting the fabric beyond or behind the button hole. They are also adjustable so you get just the right size cut.

And, here is a sneak peek at the colonial costume. It is coming along quite nicely.

And my next project is...

This fabulous early American costume of course! More specifically the one in the lower right hand corner will be made with reds whites and blues to resemble a Betsy Rossesque period costume.

It's not for me; however if time permits I may try to make view B for myself for the same event. I have made one costume before and other than some misguided cutting on my part it turned out decent...Thanks mom for wearing it even though it had it's flaws! I am a bit more seasoned in the art of sewing now so I am certain this one will be lovely!

Off to cut out pattern pieces!!!

We interrupt this blog for some random cuteness...

T-Shirt

I made my first t-shirt today. I bought the fabric at Wally World a while back and it had been calling out my name.

I call this the 70's meets the 80's top. The print is colorfully 70's but the style is undeniably 80's. It has a wide neck line which almost drapes off the shoulders (probably because I made it too big on purpose). Once I find my white camisole (I can never find that thing when I need it) I'll try it on for a better picture.

I actually like it especially for it's vintage appeal. The pattern was very easy. I can see it with a belt around the waist or just draped with an artsy pair of jeans and some it's not fall yet sandals (note to self, buy a pair of sandals).

Anyhow, pictures taken at night don't do justice to anything, but here it is. I promise to post better pictures when I find that darn cami. Until then!

Why I don't pray for patience as told by Shara in the form of a run on sentence

When I sit down to lunch after serving all the little ones around me I almost immediately receive a request for more of something, drink, food, napkin, ect to which I ponder the thought of telling them they must wait so that I can have a few minutes to eat but I put aside that thought knowing that the empty plate/cup/dirty face will remain that way as long as I procrastinate tending to it, so I instead decide to get up and deal with the issue at hand and most assuredly as I rise from the table, tummy still grumbling, someone (usually someone small) spills the contents of their cup either all over the table threatening the meal of all those surrounding it or on the floor which tilts ever so dramatically towards the east side of the house and the contents of said cup quickly runs under the refrigerator (or point of no return) if not hastily sopped up so I must first deal with the spilt liquids which usually cause me to forget why I got up in the first place but I need not worry about that as the original need will be proclaimed with shrill voices if not tended to in a timely manner so once I have cleaned the mess and poured fresh liquids into the cup of the one who cried mom first I take steps towards my seat in hopes that I might now be nearing nourishment of my own; however, as I sit I realize that I did not in fact refresh the cup that was spilt and the crackers I so lovingly buttered pre serving of the meal are becoming dangerously low in number threatening another need to be met, I decide this time to put aside these needs and aim for a few precious bites, that is when my 7 year old gets up from the table, washes out his own cup, and pours himself a glass of milk without even asking for my help...

Love September Favorite Skirt Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I like this:o)

Love September Favorite Skirt Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Busy

I'm busy working on my new sewing room complete with a new custom sewing table made after this model created by Patty Young and her husband.

I made new curtains today and got my Saparro Iron set up. So be looking for pictures soon of my lovely and spacious sewing room!

Shop Vintage

So I guess the "new" thing is vintage and vintage inspired clothing. Mixing and matching different periods and styles such as Classic and Bombshell are in. I happen to be in love with this fashion trend and I am all for the vintage thrift stores as well as the new clothing stores with vintage inspired pieces. Like Modcloth for instance.

Today I convinced my husband to walk around the nearby college town scoping out the fashion savy stores. Here's what we found

Strut - their website is a little vague, but they definitely had some neat stuff. All new, but vintage inspired and the prices weren't bad.

Emeralds - again their website doesn't showcase their clothing, but I could have spent hours in here, just trying on shoes. Their pieces are organized by color which is kind of different, but neat. Also, their prices seem to be reasonable to me. It seems as though college towns are the place to shop if you're looking for a good price.

Badabling - I loved this little shop! It is a consignment shop and most of their clothing is modern, but they had great prices. I got a pair of Gap jeans for $2. I didn't even bother to try them on it was such a great deal...(they fit perfectly). They also sell handmade one of kind jewelry. I'm to lazy to deal with all the bling, but this is where I'd shop for it if I wasn't.

There were several other shops all within walking distance of each other. A couple were strictly consignment and had some great vintage finds, but they will have to wait for a day when I do not have three children in tow. If you're thinking vintage at a reasonable price head to downtown San Marcos, you won't be disappointed.