A haircut and a tote

Jaxon got his first big boy haircut! *sigh* He doesn't look like a baby anymore!



Yesterday when I picked up Jaxon from daycare (*ahem* early childhood education center) I was reminded that this is one of his teacher's last week. I threw this bag together today with fabric I had in my stash. I've been hoarding the Alexander Henry Wahine fabric, but I think Susan will appreciate it. The bad thing about me doing something last minute -- I tend to make lots of mistakes. The biggest one: I sewed the strap on the inside of the bag. At least it was an easy fix.

Some bad news but a good day

My right hand has been locking up for a couple of months when I do things like write or use scissors or hold a steering wheel. I had an electromyogram yesterday and it ruled out carpal tunnel. That means I more than likely have psoriatic arthritis, an arthritis related to psoriasis and skin inflammation. I'll find out more when my family doctor calls next week.

But despite this I had a really good day. I met my friend Becky and her daughter Julia for a little shopping. We hit up a sale at the fabric store where I got some seasonal fabrics:


And then the bookstore, where I picked up Sublime Stitching and this book on the clearance rack. I also picked up this book for Jaxon on the clearance rack.

When I got home I had a package from Svea at Belle and Pepper's waiting for me. That was super fast! Here is what I bought (the darker green fat quarter was a bonus) to go with my Here Comes Santa Claus:


I have my eye on this, and this, and maybe this, as well. And maybe some more Here Comes Santa Claus. I can't get enough of it!

Now I need to get sewing!

PS Does anyone know of a good resource for buying minky? I usually wait until it goes on sale at JoAnn, but I a looking for a broader color selection -- but I don't want to pay $15-$18 per yard!

WIPs and a very cute baby

Hi all:

In my last post I mentioned that with the reno on the kitchen, not much sewing would get done. Add to it that I have a horrible summer cold and Jaxon has strep throat (although you'd never know it) and there is not much of ANYTHING getting done around here.

I did get two bags cut in the last couple of days. The one on the right is one of the vintage necktie bags, and I'm actually using neckties this time. The one on the left is for my grandmother. She was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this month, and was supposed to undergo surgery this past Monday, but my grandfather had to have emergency surgery on a ruptured hernia. For those of you who believe that these things happen in threes -- my mother had surgery on her heel this week. So we've had enough surgeries this month! Anyway, the bag on the left will be a small bag for yarn and crochet hooks, and I got a small book of dishcloth patterns. I assume that during her recovery my grandmother won't have the endurance for large projects.



And just to cheer everyone up, here are some pictures of my adorable Jaxon!


I had tied a scrap of fleece from the elephant stroller blankets around my head to make Jaxon laugh and then left it lay. He put it on this morning and was very proud of himself.



Sometimes Artemis is a good kitty. Sometimes.

Some time at home...

We've finally returned home with no trips in sight. We had fun on our travels, but it is good to be home!

Jaxon got to see the Pacific Ocean and went to the San Diego Zoo, his first MLB game, and lots of fun hands–on museums. Here is a look:






I managed to make a couple of fleece stroller blankets yesterday using my June Tailor Fancy Fleece Slotted Ruler. I can't believe the deal I got on this thing -- I saw it online for $30 -- I paid one tenth the price! Which edge do you like better -- the waves or the large pinking?




We are desperately trying to finish the kitchen so I am on full time Jaxon duty -- there probably won't be too much sewing going on for awhile!

Travel Crafts: Day 3

"What is it?" you might ask...A bunch of fleece? Modern art? Well, yes, but it is also a restaurant highchair cover. You know those wood one piece highchairs with a strap that NEVER get cleaned? Well, I have thus far refused to use one with Baby Jaxon. We take our Fisher Price Healthy Care Booster Seat everywhere, but I don't think I'll be able to carry it on the plane. So I whipped up this seat cover from a pattern on Jan Andrea's Web site (of course). I used the recommended fleece so I didn't need to line it or finish the edges. And I made it in about half an hour (which is good because I spent most of the day at the office waiting for the FedEx deliverer to show up). The pattern called for a yard of fabric which is really generous -- although fleece is wider than 45". I have over half a yard left. Maybe a stroller blanket is in order?

Travel Crafts: Day 2

Yesterday I threw together a laptop cover to coordinate with my beach bag, which I will be taking along as my airplane carryon. It didn't quite workout the way I planned -- I made the exterior so tight I couldn't fit the lining in. Oh well, I think I'll turn the lining into a bag!



Also, I attempted to take a picture of Jax in the Mei Tai, but when I followed the directions for getting him into it on my back it was madness! I'm just not that coordinated; I think it will take a few tries to get it down. I'll get Charlie to help.

I'm hoping today's sewing project will go together really quickly -- I'll share more later.

Travel Crafts: Day 1

So we're leaving for another week away Friday. I'm heading to a conference in San Diego and Charlie and Jaxon are coming along. This will be Jaxon's first airplane ride. Any advice?

I have four sewing projects I'd like to complete before we go. That's one a day!

I did complete one today. Jaxon is a bit too heavy for the sling, but I'd like a way to smuggle him onto the expo floor at the conference -- no strollers! I thought I'd try a Mei Tai. I found this pattern via Jan Andrea's Web site (the same place I found the diaper pouch pattern).



Sorry for the crappy picture, Baby Jaxon was already in bed so I substituted Big Footed Bunny. No excuse for the soft focus. I'll take one with Jax ASAP.

I got the fabric at JoAnn. The home dec fabric was on clearance for $3/yard and the corduroy (for the straps) was on sale for $2.99 yard. I bought 2 yards each and I have a lot left so I think a bag is in order! I think in all the Mei Tai cost me about $8. And the pattern is the best kind -- super easy but the results look great!

Here is my favorite part...the "muff" style pleated pocket.


I almost didn't add it because I was afraid of how it would change the pattern of the fabric, but it's a really functional addition and I think looks great. I have a bag idea rattling around my head that will use something similar. I love that you can get to the pocket regardless of how you wear the Mei Tai (front or back).

How I altered the pattern: My pocket is a half inch less wide and is mounted an inch higher on the panel than called for. I only did this to match up the center flower in the pattern. My shoulder straps are 12" wide instead of 9". Also, I didn't add the tie up straps for the sleeping hood. I seriously doubt Jaxon will be in this long enough to sleep, but really I got frustrated trying to turn the straps right side out. I really hate doing that. I told Charlie that if we ever win the lottery I am going to hire someone whose sole responsibility is to turn my sewing projects.

In other news, my pattern review is up on Sew, Mama, Sew! Check it out when you have a chance. I made these three bags from Indygo Junction's "Handle with Style" book:

Vacation: The End

I'm home from vacation and all unpacked.

Days away from home: 11
States crossed: 4
Books read: 3 (including Harry Potter, which I am refusing to discuss because that would be admitting it's over)
Craft projects completed: 4 (small embroidery projects from Sublime Stitching)
Babies who enjoyed playing in the sand: 1


A success!

In other news:

My Tiki softies have been included at Softies Central!

I returned home to find Martha Stewart on the cover of my Wired Magazine with a Wii cake. A little surreal.

This week's Sew, Mama, Sew! Free Fabric Friday topic is about craft room organization. My craft room/office is the LEAST organized room in the house right now due to our kitchen remodel. It looks more like a pantry with scraps of fabric everywhere, and the dining room has become my sewing central. So I thought I'd share a tip instead of talking about organization. I keep a small plastic box stocked with a project all ready to go. That way if I'm headed somewhere I'll have to wait, or on a long car ride (while NOT driving) I can grab my craft box and have plenty to do. In the example below I have a small embroidery project in a hoop, coordinating thread, needles, and scissors.


PS I always hate coming home to a messy house after vacation -- but coming home to a house without a kitchen is far worse!

Vacation, had to get away

Sorry for The Go-Gos reference...

Just two days left of vacation! How time flies!

We spent three days in Raleigh with our friends Marc and Traci and then headed to the beach for a week. Jaxon was a bit unsure at first but has really taken to the sand and the surf (still unsure about the pool).

The weather has been lovely, the food even better.

Jaxon trying LOTS of samples of fresh watermelon at the Raleigh Farmers' Market

And at the beach...

Vacation Preparation

We are leaving Wednesday for vacation, yeah!

But I have so much to do before we go. Beyond what I needed to get done for a project at work, I needed to complete my review for Sew, Mama, Sew and make a new bag for the beach (of course)!

I made three bags from the pattern book SMS sent me, I now just have to write the review. I won't spoil the surprise, you can see the bags when the review goes up. But don't fret -- here is what I created yesterday (and finished this evening):


This was all made with fabric I had on hand and inspired by a bag I saw in a book. The tote in the book used vintage ties as straps. I bought some vintage ties from eBay but couldn't come up with a combination I liked. Yesterday I decided to make a bag for the beach (to carry all my embroidery, knitting *I'm trying!* and craft magazines). I wanted something casual enough for vacation that I could still use for work. Because I didn't have neckties I wanted to use, I traced one (vintage, so very wide and I made it longer) onto muslin. Then I created a patchwork from some Moda Summer in the City fat quarters my sister gave me. The body of the bag is leftover upholstery twill I used to slipcover a chair. I had a couple of issues, especially turning the necktie right side out after sewing it together (leave a turning hole at either end!), but I am really pleased with the result.


Here is the interior. I made lots of divided pockets for suntan lotion, magazines, sunglasses, etc, and nested two smaller pockets inside the larger ones for things I need to get to quickly (cell phone, cash, etc). I added a "keyper" (it's tucked into a pocket so it's not visible in the picture) and a magnetic closure. I think this also might make a cute diaper bag.

Now if only our bags would pack themselves!

Tiki Party!

I promised more about Jaxon's Tiki–themed first birthday party, so here it is! I visited Hawaii a couple of years ago and fell in love. Add in my love for Mid-Century Design and that equals an obsession with kitschy Hawaiiana. This is evidenced by my guest room and nursery decor (perhaps more on that later).

So we found Jaxon a Tiki shirt and I got a vintage Hawaiian dress and we were in business!

So here's a look at putting together a baby Tiki party:

Lots of homemade bunting -- all from tropical fabrics I had laying around the house, cut with pinking shears and sewed to double fold wide bias tape.

More bunting and some "No Punch Mai Tai Punch" from the book "Trader Vic's Tiki Party!"

The cake table with the Tiki cake inspired by the divided plate and napkins from Target (the non-existant kitchen is hidden by a table cloth!!)

A close up of the Tiki cake -- made by my favorite bakery, Resch's.

The Tiki head softies made by me!

They grow uo so fast...

Today is Jaxon's first birthday. This time last year I was in labor, and now he's barely a baby any more!

It's hard to remember life without Jaxon. Of course I remember being able to go to the movies whenever I wanted, or sleeping in until after 5:30...but somehow the happy days are happier, and the responsibility is staggering!

Charlie came down with a cold today and he went to take a nap so it has been just me and my boy for the last couple of hours. I don't mind!

Here's how Jaxon spent his birthday -- both the "Tiki Party" on Saturday and today's lunch. More on the Tiki Party later. I had trouble deciding so prepare yourselves for too many baby pictures...

Too much renovation

Shew!

So much is going on!

Check out our new decks! My uncle, with the aid of my dad and Charlie replaced our existing deck off the dining room and added one off our bedroom. Don't they look great (they ran out of spindles on the bedroom side so that one will be completed tomorrow)? Just in time for Jaxon's birthday party!




But what won't be ready for Jaxon's party, you ask? The kitchen! Here's what it looks like right now:


Can you believe it?

I just can't think about that, or it will stress me out. Instead I like to concentrate on all the crafts I still need to make by Saturday (as well as the food). I have a little more control over that.

Any more guesses on the softie pattern from last post? Sorry, Jane, definitely not related to clowns or ducks! Here's a WIP of one of the pair, without a face:



And so I will match the theme of Jaxon's party, this came today in the mail:



Vintage 50s, homemade...hand stitched! I think the fabric may have been from curtains! :-) Not only did I find this on eBay, but the seller lives in the same tiny town as we do! It was meant to be, except I have to take the dress out a bit. :-)

Some mistakes and a happy accident

I needed to get two gifts done for a joint baby shower this weekend. I can't be there so I had to have them ready to ship by tomorrow!

I might have rushed a bit, causing a few mistakes, and, as usual, I was tying to do three or four things at once...

I cut the fabric for the patchwork blanket, but I assembled the burp cloths first. I had this idea to use cheap handtowels in between two layers for extra absorbency. So I cut a layer of the novelty fabric, a layer of handtowel, and a layer of thin terry and pinned them together. This is where the problem began. I did this while watching a rerun of "The Office." I just can't get enough...

The terry was just a bitch to sew. It kept stretching and folding in on itself. I was really upset, but when I turned the burp cloth right side out, I had pinned it incorrectly -- with the handtowel on the outside and the messed up terry on the inside. Luckily I had bought blue handtowels that happen to match the novelty fabric. Happy accident!! I went ahead and made them all like that.


Things went a little better with the patchwork blankets. I love the minkee backing. The only problem I really had with these was with the fleece square. I've never sewn with fleece before and it, too, stretches under the presser foot.


Finally, I made wipes and diaper pouches from Jan Andrea's pattern. I added a grommet and made a handle attached to a keychain. That's one thing I wish I would have added to mine. I guess I still could.


And here it is all put together and ready to ship tomorrow:



Next up, lots of stuff for Jaxon's first birthday...softies from the previous post's pattern, decorations, a special bib, and maybe something for me to wear...we'll see.

My first softie design

I want to make Jax a softie (or two) for his birthday, like Easter, but couldn't decide which to make. I have Put Together Book #2 from Wee Wonderful, but I am saving hese guys for Jaxon to be a bit older (have no idea why). I thought a monkey might be good, so I talked to Jhoanna over at One Red Robin, but her Chimp pattern is not available in the US yet. What to do??

And then inspiration struck. Forget the monkey, I will make my own softie pattern!! So I did, and I had it printed at Kinko's on their large format printer (3' x 2'). So much fun!


Can you guess what it is?

Also, we attended the Washboard Music Festival here in Logan. We went for the greasy fair food (hhmmmm....elephant ears!!) but ended up looking through all the vendors' booths as well. We picked up a tie dyed romper for Jaxon (and a tie dyed polo for dad). Doesn't baby Jax look cute? You may have to ignore the cat scratch toy and the drooly chin (3 teeth coming in!!).