Its Just Me

Education

2011-12-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. ~John Dewey

Forgiveness

2011-12-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast. ~Marlene Dietrich

37 Weeks!

2011-11-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

From 37 Weeks to Birth!

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

This is it! My last fruit picture!

Life in Chains

2011-11-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key. ~The Eagles, "Already Gone"

Tutorial Tuesday: The 90 Minute T-Shirt

2011-11-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a bit of internet surfing for sewing little things for little boys.

Here's one that I can't WAIT to try out.

The 90 Minute T-Shirt by Made.

Tutorial Tuesday: T-Shirt to Newborn Gown

2011-10-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to try this tutorial from This Mama Makes Stuff for our newest addition!

I'm a huge fan of "upcycling" -- because I love reusing,

especially when it comes to sewing!

Tutorial Tuesday: Plush Alphabet Set

2011-10-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Yet another tutorial that I want for my kids!

What an excellent resource for phonics, spelling and learning to read!

And Super-Duper-Schmuper-Cute!

A Plush Alphabet by Chez Beeper Bebe.

Tutorial Tuesday: Plattie the Platypus

2011-10-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of obsessed the the Fundamental Latter Day Saints (Polygamists).

I'm also sort of obsessed with the platypus.

I know. Its weird.

I keep thinking I'll make one of these for Emma. For Christmas maybe?

Plattie the Platypus on CraftBits.

33 Weeks!

2011-10-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

From 33-36 Weeks....

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

Its getting closer, y'all!

Tutorial Tuesday: Wallet for the Tech Geek

2011-10-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to make one of these wallets for my brother in law for at least 2 years now.

Maybe this year, I'll get around to doing it.

There is always hope!

Wallet Tutorial by Zieak on Instructables

Tutorial Tuesday: The Best Tote Ever

2011-09-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

This really is the best tote tutorial ever.

It has closed seams and its only one layer of fabric.

This makes excellent grocery bags (among a million other uses).

And it only uses one yard of fabric!

Tutorial by Irene of Sew Mama Sew.

Tutorial Tuesday: Another MUST HAVE Bag Accessory

2011-09-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

A Wallet! This is the best wallet tutorial that I've ever found.

That*Darn*Kat is a beautiful seamstress and her tutorials and patterns

are well written with excellent pictures!

Tutorial Tuesday: Pocket Tissue Holder

2011-09-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love sewing bags.

Its clear based on how many new bags I've sewn for myself.

But have I shared the second part of the obsession????

Accessories from the same fabric!

Here is a cute one from Skip to My Lou -- The Pocket Tissue Holder!

29 Weeks!

2011-09-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

29-32 Weeks.....

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Tutorial Tuesday: Messenger Bag

2011-09-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is a serious tutorial with amazing results!

The tutorial is easy to follow and the directions are clear.

I have sewn two of these bags and I loved them both.

This is a great tutorial to expand on to create just about any size zippered messenger bag.

And hey -- no pattern required for purchase! Double Win!

Zippered Messenger Bag Tutorial care of Heart of Mary.

Tutorial Tuesday: Car Litter Bags

2011-08-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

My husband would agree --- I need one of these car litter bags --- VERY BAD!

Not only functional but very CUTE!
Hard to pass up for a quick project!

Tutorial can be found thanks to Allyson Hill: Her Journal of Crafts.

Tutorial Tuesday: A Baby Shower Gift

2011-08-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

You know, in case you needed any crafty ideas. :)

Excellent tutorial by Juicy Bits!

Tutorial Tuesday: T-Shirt Into Ruffley Cardigan

2011-08-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest t-shirt re-do for women!

Doesn't look hard, either! Just a bit of gathering!

Thanks to CraftyStylish for the excellent tutorial!

25 Weeks!

2011-08-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

For Weeks 25-28...

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Tutorial Tuesday: Peasant Skirt

2011-08-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

These skirts are so dang cute!

But whenever I find one in a store, it always seems so super expensive.

I have never been able to bring myself to buy one because it just seems so easy to sew.

Here is a great resource for the math required for a good peasant skirt. Enjoy!

Thanks goes to J Caroline Creative for the resource and tutorial!

Tutorial Tuesday: A "Mother" Load of Maternity

2011-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

I've been perusing lots of materning tutorials.

Especially lately because I made a few dresses in preparation for a fun night out in Vegas

(sans kids! Thanks again, Mom)

I came across this round up and felt like I had struck it rich.

Thanks goes to LuvintheMommyHood for her 2010 and 2011 Maternity Tutorial Round Up!

Baby Sewing....

2011-07-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is why Ian says I'm nesting.

I sewed those last weekend. And this weekend:

Four pairs of Little Comet Tails Crescent Moon Yoga Pants. Size Small.

I suppose he could be right.

Ian says I'm nesting

2011-07-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not so sure about that...

I think of nesting as that crazed cleaning and purging spree in late pregnancy. Maybe even early labor.

But I'll have to admit to spending quite some time planning and preparing... and then sewing and purchasing.

I sort of didn't expect to purchase much for this little guy. I have a minimalist approach to babies - plus what I use/need I have to operate my daycare.

But that didn't stop me from buying this little set. I've never been a wool diapering mama. I'm not converting. But I could.not.resist the soft, sweet, warm and squishy-ness of this set.

I'm beyond excited for this new experience coming my way... having a winter born newbie.

Double Yes!

2011-07-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone should read this article.

I got a bit teary (ok I full on cried) in parts.

But its an important read and makes excellent points about breastfeeding and covering up. (or not covering up as the case may be)

http://thebabeandbreast.blogspot.com/2011/07/real-reason-not-to-cover-up-nursing.html

Tutorial Tuesday: My Favorite (And Most Used) Tutorial of All Time

2011-07-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I would kick off posting again with a bang.

And my favorite tutorial.

Does this look familiar?

This is the dress pattern that I use for nearly ALL of Emma's dresses.

I've now lengthened the dress because Emma's grown taller.

But it still fits her very well everywhere else.

My favorite is to use knit fabric because the drape is so much better.

But cotton wovens work really well too.

A HUGE THANKS to Samantha from Little Comet Tails for posting this tutorial for free. The "Spin Around Dress" has made clothing history -- at least at my house!

Samantha makes beautiful patterns. I own at least 5 of them. They are by far my favorite. She may very well be my Favorite pattern designer.