My Sewing My Sanity

What a Weekend

2010-05-04T07:44:00.008-05:00

As I sit here this morning drinking my coffee and watching HGTV I can't help but think about the great weekend we had. We took a trip to San Antonio to see a concert. The line up was Randy Rogers Band, LeAnn Womack, Reba, and George Strait. I have to admit I was not very excited to see Reba...but that girl can sing!!! She is worth seeing even if you don't like her music. As always George Strait was absolutely amazing!!! We took my baby sister (about to be 15) with us which was an adventure of its own. She is great fun!!! Of course, we had to do things like see the Alamo (which we have done a million times), and hang around the river walk. The greatest part of the trip was eating Bar-B-Q on the river walk at 1 am after the concert...how fun that was!!! The wild flowers were just gorgeous on the way down and back. Although the trip was a blast I am so glad to be home again sipping coffee...but now I am off to work...hope ya'll have a wonderful day!!!

Best One Yet??

2010-04-27T12:47:00.005-05:00

Well, you guessed it....another diaper bag. These things are getting quite popular. I have to admit that this one is my most favorite. I used a burberry patterned pink fabric on the outside. The inside is what brings it all together with the black fabric. I made this bag as a gift for my hair dresser. My major issue was she wanted me to pick out the fabric. There are so many amazing fabrics that the decision was a tough one...especially when it's for someone besides yourself. I do have to say though that it turned out great and I'm sure she is going to love it!!!

Breathing Easy

2010-04-06T22:32:00.006-05:00

Spring, good music, and road trips...one of the many things in life that makes me sigh with pure happiness!!! What a wonderful time of year it is. We are planning several fun adventures for this spring and summer, including several concerts. We will start off with Elton John this coming Friday (one of those once in a lifetime events...really...how often does he come to Texas!!!) We will then go see George Strait in May along with Reba, Leann Womack and the fabulous Randy Rogers Band. If you have not heard of Randy Rogers Band I suggest you check them out. Texas country is HOT no matter what state you live in, and these guys prove that point. This last weekend we ventured to the lake for some fun and fishing. Along with catching several bass we also saw a few Indian writings...WOW...nothing else can be said. And of course I have been sewing...diaper bags as usual...but everyone around seems to be having babies!!! Well, I am going to make a better effort to post more...hopefully once a week but no less than every other week...we will see how long I can keep that up ; )

Thanks To Angry Chicken

2010-01-11T20:22:00.002-06:00

I have just recently made ANOTHER zebra apron just like in my last post. I have say they are quite popular and I am so thrilled that everyone likes them. Special thanks goes out to Amy Karol and her Angry Chicken blog for an awesome how to on bias tape. The usual method is so frustrating. She makes it easy and achievable. Without her video my aprons would not be successful!!! Here's the link so you can take a look: http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2008/03/bias-tape-tutor.html

Zebra Apron

2009-12-27T14:24:00.009-06:00

I am finally back to sewing since moving to our new home!!! This apron was made for one of my co-workers to give as a Christmas gift. It couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. I have made this apron before but with upholstery like fabric. This time I used regular cotton fabric and it was easier to sew and looked so much better too. I am now thinking of making one for myself...but maybe with different fabric. I have posted this apron on my etsy site for anyone that loves it...just click on the link on the left to be directed to my page.

IT'S BEEN HOW LONG!!!!

2009-12-22T19:57:00.010-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been since September!!! I must say that I do have a good excuse though. My husband and I are official first time home owners!!!!! The moment I have been waiting for...we are now apart of the American dream. It is an old ranch house that was built in the 40's. There was lots of udating done by the owners before us. This charmer has so much character...now all we have to do is decorate to our taste. The back yard is wonderful and as you can see...beautiful sunsets. If anyone has any pointers or cute decorating ideas please send them my way.

The Sweet Love of Football and Homecoming

2009-09-09T21:39:00.007-05:00

Well, here it is in all its glory...the beloved and adored homecoming mum. Cheaply made but highly overpriced ribbons and plastic charms...but yet we (as school aged girls) cherish them so. I have to say that once they are put together, if done right, they turn out quite gorgeous (that may just be the southern girl coming out in me). Can you believe that one of these beauties has a proud price tag of about $120!!! It is well worth it considering how proud it makes a young girl feel.

I do have to say that I have had this finished now for about a week but I have become so busy I have neglected my precious blog. I do feel that I must let you know what my crazy life consists of so maybe I will get some sympathy from somebody ; ) I am of course still working full time (how can you not in today's times), I am taking violin lessons weekly, my husband and I are taking dance lessons (country dance for those who are curious), and I am now officially working on my bachelor degree. I have decided to take only one class this semester...good thing because there is enough work involved to make up for a full time college schedule!!! On top of all that mess we are trying to buy our first home. I have to say...trying to find the right home for the right price is a major stressor!!! OH BOY...I am going to be doing a lot of preying this semester...I am already feeling a little overloaded and it has just only begun. But, enough complaining and carrying on...now that I have it out you won't hear it again.

It's That Time of Year, Already!!!

2009-08-30T16:45:00.002-05:00

Cooler weather, leaves changing, children back in school, and football...autumn is almost upon us and I am so ready. I love the change of season, especially this one. There is nothing like a crisp cool Friday night football game. Speaking of football, I have decided to make a homecoming mum for my brother to give to his girlfriend. What an interesting southern tradition of having one football game dedicated to giving your date a huge corsage of ribbons, plastic charms, and cowbells. This is every southern girl's dream...and the bigger the better!!! I can't wait to get started on making this one; I just need a few more things before I can get going. I will post a picture as soon as I am done.

Digging Up the Past

2009-08-16T16:45:00.005-05:00

So, I made this for my sweet mommy for mother's day and failed to post it on my blog!!! I was so excited to give it to her I never took pictures to post it. Well, now I have and here it is. It is a great sewing organizer that goes under your machine. It has pockets and a tape measure (I can't tell you how many times I am at my sewing machine and have to get up to get my tape measure...it is so annoying). I also made a cute pin cushion that acts as a caddy that will hold your sewing essentials such as scissors, seam rippers, etc. My mom loves to sew too but always says she has no motivation. I thought maybe this would give her a little. She says she loves it and it makes easier access to everything she needs. This also makes a great gift for any seamstress. I will post it on my etsy site for anyone who might be interested.

Back From Boston

2009-08-07T22:16:00.011-05:00

Paul Revere's House

The Old City Hall

This was a cool looking building. It looks as if it is going to crumble into the water at any minute.

Well, I have been back from Boston for almost a week now and I am still completely exhausted!!! What a beautiful city that is so rich in history. You would have to spend days upon weeks in order to cover it all. We went by Paul Revere's magnificent house. I absolutely love old homes and this one takes the cake of them all. We were also able to see things such as the building where Ben Franklin was Baptized, Samuel Adams grave, the first school built in the 1600s, and the list goes on and on. This city is for sure a great vacation spot for the history buff. On top of site seeing we caught The Blue Man Group and Jersey Boys. Both were awesome. Although I had lots of fun I am grateful to be back home.

A Fun and Fast Sunday Project

2009-07-26T19:16:00.003-05:00

My Sunday afternoon has been spent making this super cute tote bag. I am going out of state to Boston on Wednesday and decided that I just had to have one to carry my things on the plane. After going through my fabric stash I came up with black and white polka dot and a pretty pink. The pictures don't show the pink very well but it is a lot darker than the pictures lead you to believe. I can't wait to carry it out to see what everyone else thinks. Hope you all had a great weekend!

I have decided to bring on a new hobby

2009-07-18T23:31:00.002-05:00

I have to say that I have always wanted to knit but just haven't ever gone any further than just thinking about it. Well, today that thought grew into an extreme interest and desire. I don't really have much time to take an actual class so I have decided to try to teach myself. I basically taught myself how to sew; I think I can do the same with knitting (at least I hope I can). Please let me know if any of you have any pointers, recommended books, or websites. And of course, wish me luck!!!

Help me pick a pattern

2009-07-06T21:14:00.017-05:00

I am sooooo indecisive on what pattern to use for my "burberry" bag I'm going to make (remember I have found some burberry look alike fabric and instead of buying a $1,000+ bag I'm just going to make my own). I need your opinion to help me make my decision. I think that I am so concerned with it being perfect that I am having a super hard time. Following are some pictures with my comments on each one. Let me know which you like the best...or if there are any other patterns you know of that would be better please make a suggestion.

First of all, here is a picture of a burberry purse so you can get an idea of what type of fabric I am talking about.

Bag #1

This bag is very cute. My concern is that it is going to be way too small. One positive is that the pattern calls for a real leather handle. The finished size is 11.5" wide by 7" high. I would have the outside fabric be burberry, the inside fabric red, and the leather handle in black.

Bag #2

This purse is another cute one. My sister seemed to think it was too beach bag like. My plan was to make the outside burberry fabric, inside red fabric, and the handle and side ties in black leather. The finished size of this bag is 27.5" wide by 12" high by 7.5" deep. I would consider making the handles a little shorter...I like my purses to fit under my arm.

Bag #3

And again, another cute one. I am afraid this one my be way to big. Although it is so flattering. The finished size is 28" tall (including handles) and 18" wide. Same thought as far as layout goes: burberry outside, red inside, and black leather for the top/handles.

Bag #4

These bags may be my least favorites. If I did one of these it would probably be style B. I am a little unsure how I would layout the fabrics on this one. If you like this one give me some ideas.

Bag #5

Out of these bags I like the ones on the right side. I have seen the bottom right one made out of fabric that looks similar to burberry and the top/handles were made out of black and white polka dot fabric. I do like it but not as crazy about it as some of the others.

Bag #6

I have to say that I love love love this bag (the one on the left...style B). I think it is way cute. My question is...would it look good with burberry fabric? I think it would. I love these sack/slouchy looking bags.

Well, let me know what you think. As I said, if you have any other patterns in mind, please do let me know. I like the sack/slouchy bags and this last one is the closest I could find....if you know of any other patterns like this let me know. Thanks so much for your help. I hope you have fun helping me decide. I do have one other pattern in mind but my camera is on the fritz. It is a hobo like bag and pretty cute too.

Oh So Pretty

2009-06-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

This bag turned out great. The fabrics all so went together well. The embroidery on the front was just the perfect touch. I will be attending the baby shower for the girl receiving this bag and I can't wait to see her reaction. I always gets tons of great comments on the fabrics I buy. I actually get the at Hancock Fabrics (which is a large retail fabric store). The fabric is actually really cute and usually 1/2 off!!! I love the local shops in town but their fabrics go as high as $50 a yard. I would never be able to sell my bags if I paid that much. I do buy their fabric though when I am wanting to make something for myself. In fact I am planning on starting a project for myself. I am wanting to make a Burberry look alike purse. If you know of any great patterns please let me know. I have found a few I just can't decide if they are really what I want....in fact, what I may do is post all of my options (including ones that anyone else suggests) and get some advice from you all. I will work on that within the next few days.

Here We Go Again

2009-06-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

Well, here we go again with another diaper bag. Have I mentioned that I love making these yet?....because I do!!!! But, I do apologize if it is getting old with all the repetition. It does give my customers an insight on the progress of their bags though. If you will recall, I stated a few posts ago that I would tell ya'll about my new adventure (and I mean ADVENTURE) of taking on violin lessons. What possessed me to all of a sudden do this you ask?...Well, I love hearing the fiddle more than anything else. In the back of my mind I have been wanting to learn. Well, come to find out, a guy that my husband works with has a fiance who plays...and she is REALLY good. Next thing I know, I am taking lessons. It is sooooo fun. The sad thing is I can get on youtube and there are 3 and 4 year olds playing the things that I am learning. But, I guess it's never to late for a new hobby. I just wonder sometimes...why do I keep adding more and more to my busy life....I guess because it keeps me going and entertained...but like I always say...my sewing is my sanity!!!

Soooo Cute!!!

2009-06-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

The bags are now finished and they turned out great!!!! I can't wait to get feedback from girls who are receiving them (Remember I made two of theses exactly alike). They are soooo fun to make and are the perfect size for carrying everything a new mom needs. They are about 16 in. wide by 11 in. tall by 6 1/2 in. deep. There are two pockets on the outside and four on the inside. There is a divider that separates the two main compartments. The divider is made out of two pieces of peltex. I now have one more order to fulfill just like this but with different fabric and I can't wait. I will be sure to post updates as they come.

Long Lost but Now Found

2009-06-02T18:06:00.000-05:00

I know, I know it seems as if it has been a lifetime since I have posted anything. I would have to say that I have been a bit of a slacker. There are several things I am working on at this time including a scrub top, burberry look alike purse, the block of the month quilt, and violin lessons (yes, I said violin lessons...I will go more into that another day). The most important project I am working on right now is another diaper bag. Actually two of them (but both will be exactly the same). These bags are just way too adorable. I have been working on them tirelessly

and trying to make them perfect. So far so good. The fabric is way cute. The bags are for baby girls and instead of the boaring same old pink it is mostly green with pink, yellow, and cream. Let me know what you think so far. I will post more pictures and give more details when I am finnished.

A Long Road of Quilting

2009-03-22T18:20:00.001-05:00

I have officially begun what I have been anticipating for sooooo long. I finally get to work on the Texas quilt that I have recently mentioned. I first saw an add for it in a magazine several months ago. This is the type I have been dying to do ever since I decided I was going to be a quilter. It is a block of the month and will last a total of 13 months!!! A lot of it is done by hand which I think really adds a special touch you don't see much anymore. I can tell you, as much work that is going to go into this (especially since so much is by hand) it will be a wall hanging quilt rather than one I will use. I am so excited and can't wait to post my progress as I complete each block.

No Worries, I'm Still Alive

2009-03-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay...I know I said I would post pictures as soon as I got back from my trip...but what can I say...I have been extremely lazy!!!! After a jam packed weekend and a very busy work week I have wanted to do absolutely nothing. The trip was so much fun. On Friday we went to Sea World. It was cold and rainy so we were one of the only ones in the park...perfect. As you can see we got up close and personal with some cute friends. The rodeo was awesome. This picture was the best one we got. It is mostly people's heads we don't know but you can see a little bit of George in there. We did get to shake his hand though!!!!!!!! I was in utter disbelief...and yes, I have washed my hand. It was a blast and every George Strait fan/rodeo fan should go at least once in there lifetime...ESPECIALLY YOU MOM!!! Let me know if you want details about were it is and how to get tickets if you are ever interested.

Off For a Fun Weekend

2009-03-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I am extremely excited for a great fun filled weekend. We are heading to San Antonio to go enjoy George Strait's team roping rodeo!!!! It will defiantly be different seeing George and not getting to hear him sing at all...but maybe/hopefully he will surprise us. I will be sure to post any pictures when we get back into town. Along with that we will be going to Sea World since neither my husband or I have been since we were little bitty. We are just going to act like big kids all weekend ; ) Also, an update on my sewing adventures: I should be starting a block of the month quilt hopefully next week. It is going to be a heart of Texas quilt which will include block with the Alamo, bluebonnets, pump jacks, longhorns, and several other things that will be hand sewn. I have been waiting to start this quilt for months!!!! When I get back into town I will post up my diaper bags and the zebra apron on my Etsy site ( http://www.knpink13.etsy.com/ ) so I may have more orders soon too. Have a great weekend!!!

Ooh Baby Baby

2009-03-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

This baby/diaper bag is soooooo cute. I whipped this one out in just one weekend!!!!! I was a little challenging but a great lesson learned right.....just like everything else in life. I did learn that on the next one I do I need to not make the elastic so tight on the inner pockets. As you can see by the picture it causes it to pull on the sides some. It still looks great though. And by the way, this is an Amy Butler bag from her book Little Stitches. I have to say that I absolutely love all of her designs!!! Right now at this point I don't have any more orders to sew anything else. Maybe I can work on something for myself or hopefully get some more requests. I love making things for other people; it is such a joy!!!!!

At Last

2009-03-03T18:13:00.001-06:00

The aprons are now complete. The zebra apron has really come together not that the pockets are added and name embroidered. Believe it or not I am ready to conquer another!!! The few people who have seen it really love it and are wanting me to make them one. It is cute in the picture but even better in person!!! The camo apron is now finnished too. It is so manly compared to the zebra one. I had the name on it embroidered in bright orange which really completes it. My next task is an Amy Butler diaper bag from her Little Stitches book. I am sooooo excited about this one and post up my progress as it comes along.

Almost There

2009-02-28T19:09:00.000-06:00

Well, here is what I have done so far. Sewing the bias tape on (made out of silky ribbon) is a major and trying task. I have found that it really takes a lot of patients. I still have to finnish and sew the pockets on but for now I need a break from this one. I have handed it over to my friends at Spirit Creations to have a name embroidered at the top in pink. Once all is said and done I will be able to breath easier. I have actually said several times while making this one that I will never attempt this pattern again....but I am sure that I will. I know the next one I do will come so much easier now that I have a better idea of what I am doing. So far I think it is very cut. What do you think???

And Then There Was Another

2009-02-26T19:32:00.000-06:00

This week I have started on another apron. This one is going to be more cute and girly compared to the last one. It will be zebra (obviously) and hot pink. This one has been a great learning experience for me...so far. The accents (done with bias tape) on this apron is where the hot pink comes into play. I have never used bias tape before and it sure was a great lesson learned. (I have to give a special thanks to Amy's Angry Chicken blog for the video lesson.) In fact, I actually made my own bias tape out of silky hot pink ribbon. I couldn't find pre-made in hot pink anywhere (the manufacturer's idea of hot pink is actually a sweet pink). I hope to have this project done by Friday. As soon as it's done I will post up the picture.

An Apron A Day

2009-02-19T19:50:00.000-06:00

It has been an extremley busy week. Sometimes I wonder how I find the time to sew...But somehow I always do. So here is my latest project. I have been working on it in between the normal rituals of work, homework, and keeping a tidy house and a husband happy. This one was so much fun to work on. Nothing too strenuous on the brain; just something simple to help keep me sane. I made this apron from the request of a friend. She said she wanted one for her boyfried that was a little more manly than most aprons. Before I give it to her I'm going embroider his name on the chest in a bright hunter's orange. I think it will add a nice touch. Don't forget, if you love this apron check out my Etsy page http://www.knpink13.etsy.com/ .

My Introduction

2009-02-17T13:22:00.000-06:00

I am a 26 year old woman who works full time, goes to school full time, and somewhere in the mix I am also a wife. Sometimes I feel like the only thing that helps keep me sane is my love for sewing. It is my time to forget all of life's little worries and escape into the wonderful world of being a seamstress. I have been sewing since I was a little girl. I had always used old sewing machines that have just been handed down to me and were hardly running. The last sewing machine I had was from my mom; it was a sew mini and was great but only for small tasks. Finally for the first time ever I have a real "big girl" sewing machine. My wonderful husband along with the rest of my family surprised me with an awesome brand new Janome for Christmas (even though I actually received it a few weeks early)!!!! How exciting!!!! Since then, my sewing capabilities and desires have skyrocketed. Since I got my machine early I was able to make the girls of the family their gifts for Christmas. I whipped out the cutest tote bags; different for each person depending on their personality and likes. Since then, the word has gotten out about these bags and I all of a sudden have several requests to make them for other people. There is no feeling greater than making something that other people like so much they want to have one for themselves. Because of the huge volume of requests for my tote bags, I have decided to post them up on Etsy. If anyone wants to see these bags and even purchase one I have them posted up on http://www.knpink13.etsy.com/ . If anyone does decide to order one just keep in mind that I don't make them until requested. I do that so each person gets exactly what they want. I even take the time out to embroider the bags with whatever initial desired. It takes about 3 - 7 days to get the bags made up and sent out from the time they are ordered.