Hello, my name is FABULOUS!

I've had this pattern in my stash for a while. I convinced Mr. Incredible to buy it for me when Vogue Patterns were on sale for $3.99 at Hancock. Isn't it fabulous?

I don't have the fabric picked out yet but since I found it while cleaning today I think I'll go ahead and cut the pattern...excitement building!

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

There are so many reasons I love this dress. But mostly because I just bought red velvet crocs that would be awesome with it!

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS. ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Thank you to all those who have fought for the freedom of all Americans!

SCORE!

I love using the term "Score" whenever I find a great deal or an exceptionally perfect thing at the thrift store. So I was excited to see that term in conjunction with a super fun event

Score! is like a huge swap meet. It cost $5 to get in, you bring your unwanted things, then you can take as much as you can carry, all for free.

The sad part, it's only in NY. I don't live in NY. But, if someone is looking for a great venture and has some free time, PLEASE start one of these in TX and I'll be there!

On another note, here's my outfit today. I have been looking for an opportunity to wear an outfit centered around these fabulous sunglasses! I love them! I got them at an Antique store.

I'm going to my God sister's graduation party and I wanted to be dressed for being outside but also hip with the young scene;o)

Off to get things ready for my husband's surprise no longer a surprise birthday party tomorrow.

Self

Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of yourself, by yourself when all you have is:

A self timing camera,
A BBQ pit,
And a nosy dog?
Not too hard:o)
I start my new job one week from tomorrow. I love my blog, as little as I attend to it. So I'm going to try to keep up with it by posting regular pictures of myself. Maybe something I wore or made, or me working or being mommy. I don't know if there will be many words as the Lord has already assured me he will be giving me many words to speak in the community. There may be few left for random musings.

Thanks to those who follow and know that I probably check your blog at least once a day, even if I don't comment:o)

2 days and counting until I hop on a plane and fly to (hopefully) sunny Florida! I have not been away from my children overnight for 6 years. And the last time was my honey moon and I only had Moosekat to be away from.

I'm so excited about this trip to the Heartbeat International conference.

Here I will learn more about how to work in a pregnancy care center. There will be speakers like Pam Tebow and Anne Pierson. There will be spiritual renewal sessions as well as in-depth sessions on subjects like Innovative Ideas and Fundraising Dynamics.

Best of all I get to share this trip with an absolutely amazing woman who has served in our local pregnancy center for about 5 years.

Mr. Incredible is going to manage things on the home front for 5 days. If you think of him, pray!

Bon Voyage!

Happy Mother's Day

This has been the best mother's day ever for me:o)

This morning the kids (with dad's help) made me an amazing breakfast. I even got sweet tea in a wine glass.

I got to surprise my mom by going to church with her and giving her a gift certificate for a massage. The pastor facilitated a discussion of our first memories of women in the church (for us it was my grandmother, the organist and the real person in charge) and my brother sang like a girl to all the hymns. Until I poked him and told him everyone thought it was me so to STOP!

Then we went to lunch at our favorite burger joint and discussed (in a civilized fashion) the pro's and cons of various political and social moves.

After that grandma took the big kids home for a little bit so I could hit Ross up for some more work clothes. I hit it big getting two more pairs of pants, a dress, and a shirt all for $34.

I then came home to retrieve my big kids and receive a beautiful necklace symbolizing inner strength from my mother.

Now I'm home preparing to sew and blogging. Doesn't get much better than this. Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Title Change

Notice the change in my blog title? The seasons have once again changed.

I have been offered the position as Development director for our local Pregnancy Resource Center. This is a ministry I have been involved in for about 5 years now. I was lead to this ministry by the Lord after having experienced my own crisis pregnancy at age 17. I served as a peer counselor and for the last three years as a board member.

To say I am passionate about this ministry is really an understatement. My sin turned in to my service, which turned in to my passion, which has turned in to my job.

This is going to be a great opportunity for our family and a much prayed about decision. I am looking forward to furthering the gifts the Lord has given me and supporting my family in a new way.

• "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
• He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king." Daniel 2: 20-23

A Frock By Friday

A Frock By Friday

Remember this post Fabric Flowers? You should because it was only 2 posts ago. Anyway, I followed through on making myself one of these necklaces.

See? With some help from a friend at You're So Crafty I was able to put the flowers together to make this beautiful but simple necklace. I'm ready to get creative with these!

The State Fair Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

It's almost summer and I have been craving (can you crave clothing?) something fun and summery to wear. This just may be it!

The State Fair Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

Fabric flowers

I want one of these. I LOVE these! I can make these!

And so can you!

Rolled Flower Jewlery

But if you still want one but you don't want to make it yourself check out
Allora Handmade

Flowers and slackers

The bluebonnets are out and they are beautiful!

And so is my princess!
Wow, how long has it been since I blogged? I have excuses. My computer got a virus. I've been really busy sewing. I started working out (yeah like at a gym) and it has become my new obsession. Busy, I have been busy.

It's easy to slack on blogging when it's really just an online diary and there are no expectations to be met. However I am sewing some things I hope to blog about soon. In the mean time check out these great blogs!

Sweet Blessings (my friend Nicole)

Stop Staring Start Sewing (Sew do it already!)

Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing (Another fun sewing blog)

Allorahandmade Party Sunny Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Allorahandmade Party Sunny Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I have loved the necklaces from the moment I saw them. I have an anniversary coming up. 6 years March 14th. This seems like a good anniversary present to me;o)

I'm just cool like that!

So I happen to know several very talented photographers. Some professional, some not, some just getting started. My friend Nicole is one of those just getting started, but I can tell she's going to do well.

Check out these photos she took of our kids the other day.

Sweet Blessings

Winter Olympics

Welcome folks to the 2010 winter games. Today you will see, dirt track racing, frisbee throw, ballon race, and ballon bounce. Lets check in now with our reporter, Salli.

Thank you Chuck. Right now we are awaiting the start of the dirt track race. We have two fine competitors. Note their sophisticated running attire. Clearly they have been training for at least five minutes in preparation for this race. And they're off!

And it's Mr. Incredible by a flip flop. Wow what an exciting race!

Next on to Sandra with the ballon races. Thank you Chuck. What we have here is a sport dating back to the time when latex balloons were invented. This sport takes dedication, determination, and a willingness to look like a fool on the world wide web. The race has started.

Wow, look at the form executed here. There has been some serious training going on. Oh, and it's Shara to the finish line first.

Now we go to Samantha for the balloon bounce. Thank you Chuck. This is a sport that is truly for everyone. Our competitors are Boo Boo Princess and Nator.

It looks like Boo Boo Princess will take the gold! What a proud moment for her.

And finally we have the frisbee toss. Checking in now with our reporter Stephanie. Chuck we are on pins and needles out here awaiting this last game of the evening. Will the gold go to Shara, Mr. Incredible, Boo Boo Princess, or the only one who has yet to win gold at these games, Moosekat. The stadium is silent as we wait with baited breath for the games to begin.

And the other competitors are in SHOCK Chuck! Moosekat has won his first ever gold! The crowd goes wild!

Well there you have it folks! Another successful olympic year!

Seeing Red?

Tired of all the RED on my blog lately? Me neither, but how about some pink to shake things up a bit!

These sweet little things are for Moosekat's Valentine's Party tomorrow. You can get the tutorial over at MckMama's Blog. I have never done so much for valentines in my whole life. A new dress, shoes, and lipstick. Treats and handmade Valentine's for Moosekat's school. We're going to a Valentine's Banquet at church tomorrow night and Mr. Incredible is taking Boo boo Princess out on a date Saturday.

I will happily celebrate this holiday of LOVE!

Cherry Pop Refashion Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Fun giveaway! With my new found love of red, I could see adding this to my collection. I bought red shoes today and I need more things to wear with them.

Cherry Pop Refashion Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Super Bowl Sunday = Super Sew Sunday

I'm not much of a football fan, so I will use this unique not so uncommon opportunity to finish up a dress I've been working on. I've got it all put together I just need to get the zipper and finishing touches in place.

What do you think?

Grammy Fashion

The Grammies are set to begin in about an hour (I think). I'll be watching it, but for the fashion not for the awards.

So as I was cooking pancakes in my jamies for my kids this evening I was thinking about a very fortunate friend, A, who is working in LA towards a career in TV and Film. She recently posted pictures of herself with a couple of celebrities. And she, like the poised and confident individual that she is, doesn't bat and eye at the presence of stardom!

Thinking about A hanging with celebrities like it was no big thing combined with thoughts of the upcoming fashion show (aka Grammies) gave me a fantastic idea!

What if celebs commissioned average joe dressmakers/designers to come up with their outfits for anything from award shows to every day wear? This could have great potential really!

They would be creating jobs in America, helping small business owners (who would be buying their supplies in America), boosting the economy, and likely getting a lot of attention for doing good!

The benefit to the wearer would be great too. They would get one on one personal attention for them and their dress. Attention to detail would be incredible. As a dressmaker I am super vigilant with any garment I make for a customer. If I were to ever make something I knew was going to be photographed, or on T.V. you better believe it would look perfect!

Of course they would want quality designers and they can find them among the non famous! I work for just such a dressmaker!

So what do you say rich and famous? Are you willing to give the working class designers a try, help out our economy in a time of need, and look fabulous doing it?

All dressed up with somewhere to go.

My friend J and I went to a concert the other night. The first in a loooonnnnggg time for me.

The name of the band was Samantha Finlay and the Love Liberation Army. If the name says anything you can tell it was kind of a hippie resurgence band:o) Seems appropriate considering our economy. Anyway if you wore a flower in your hair you got in free, so we did!

J's very talented cousin owns a photography business with her husband. It's called Outlaw Photography. She took this picture for us.

I had a blast bringing out my inner hippie and wearing my new Modcloth dress.

Thanks Samantha and LLA for a great time! I look forward to coming out and seeing you guys again.

Sew Much Ado Ruby Lou Doll AND Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I attempted to make a doll for a charity once...it didn't turn out. It wasn't scary or anything, it just didn't look right. I'd really enjoy having a pattern for one of these snuggly customizable dolls!

Sew Much Ado Ruby Lou Doll AND Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

RED!

Can red strawberry blonde orange haired people wear red?

Undoubtedly Julianne Moore looks fabulous here, in red. But she's closer to an auburn than an orange, as I like to describe my color.

And of course Amy Adams is smokin! But again, she sports a darker hue of red.

Here Jessica Rabbit is sporting a more orange tone, and looks well... like someone should get her a jacket and some sweat pants just fine.

But in reality, can a true orange wear red? I have been contemplating making myself a sheath style dress like this one for Valentines day.

A quote from the "You look Fab" blog says "In reality ”red” hair is more orange than red and these two colours (red and orange) work beautifully together. It’s much like mixing red and orange tulips in the same vase"

What say you? Will red make me look like a beautifully manicured garden of red and orange tulips or a color blind leprechaun?

Update: when I said a sheath style dress "like this one" I was NOT referring to the dress Jessica Rabbit is wearing. There is a link to a simplicity pattern!

Clothing Swap?

I've been following a simply fabulous blog called "What I Wore" . Jessica takes a picture of what she wears each day and posts it on her blog. She experiments with different pieces and comes up with some really great looks. I love that she is bold in her choices and wears what pleases her with confidence.

She has been a great inspiration to me. Her latest blog post has me excited about possibilities! She did a clothing swap with a fellow blogger. She sent several items from her closet to see how her blogger buddy could put them together for her own look.

A clothing swap! What a neat idea! You get something new to you for just the cost of shipping something you aren't wearing to the other person.

I'd love to hook up with someone and do a little swapping!

Sketch

While out at my favorite craft store today I picked up a sketch book. I have middle of the night epiphanies that simply must be written down.

The other night a vision came to me of a fabulous not to fancy, very original, but keeping with the current fashions dress. I've yet to sketch it, but I will.

The problem is though, that I do not have good drawing skills. My dad is a cabinet maker. His math and drawing skills are superior to my own. My brother is a graphic artist, and a very good one at that.

I got the short end of the stick when it comes to proportionate drawings. So, my dream tool is one of these:

Do not be fooled, this is no ordinary notebook! I has 34 pages of instructional information followed by 130 female figure templates. The figures are traceable and plain so it is easy to draw over them, making it look like you've mastered the art of fashion sketching. Fashionary is actually quite well priced for what you get.

If you too have been looking for the tools to sketch out your design ideas, check out Fashionary by fashionaryonline at Etsy.

Makeover!

My mom was the lucky and willing (well I think mostly willing) recipient of a full style makeover for a local magazine Moxie!

The big reveal was tonight. It was very "What Not To Wear" style. A bunch of her co-workers showed up to surprise her, and I'm so glad they came!

I concluded that I could not go to this event looking less than fabulous as there would be lots of picture taking with my mom. So I called upon the help of a very gifted friend for a mini style makeover myself.

Here is the result...well sort of. I changed the hosiery to a standard pair of nude color.

If you want to see my mom's fabulous transformation, look for February's issue of Moxie Magazine.

Funk

I'm in a sewing funk today. I have some alterations that I'm not to excited about doing and frankly I just want to sew something new!

Normally I love doing alterations and it's not bad that I get paid for it:o) But today, it's not so much fun.

I miss my mentor. I haven't gotten to work with her since September as she had emergency heart surgery. I miss her wisdom and guidance. There is so much I have to learn about being a seamstress and a dressmaker.

After I get this weeks alterations out I think I'll get started on the dress I wanted to make for myself. That would make me feel more inspired.

I still need to take pictures of Boo boo princess in her Kyoko dress by Patty Young and post some pictures of the things I made for family for Christmas. I think my mom really like the table runners I made her. They're reversible. I made two one with Winter and Fall and one with Spring and summer patterns on them. I made my first mens shirt for Mr. Incredible, but I got the buttons and pocket on the wrong side...I want to make another attempt at that.

Well that's all for now folks!