Wow. I don't know why but I haven't been able to sign in to my Blogger account, I don't know what I did, but finally! I've had things to post and it's been frustrating especially when you think you know what you're doing, but you really don't!

So, this is the last FOUR months in a nutshell!



I made this tunic using some fabric from my stash not sure what fabric for the bodice is, but I know the cuffs and neck are Amy Butler. I used Simplicity pattern 2696, view F. I had started out using Butterick B4856 What A Nightmare!!! It was the most maddening sewing experience I have ever had! It was suppose to be a "Fast and Easy" pattern, it was anything but! I was ready to give up sewing. FOREVER! I wouldn't call myself a novice but I don't have that much experience sewing clothing so I called in reinforcements, my Mom! Usually between the two of us we can figure it out, but not this. It frustrated us both and usually I take on the challenge and don't like to give up there is just no way this pattern makes sense! So I did it-Gave up! I had almost the whole tunic made! I don't think I will ever buy another Butterick pattern as long as I live! Simplicity on the other hand, they were great! There was something that was omitted in the instructions and after my awful experience with the Butterick pattern I was thinking it was just me. At least they have a help line you can call-couldn't find one for Butterick or help online. A real live person called me back from Simplicity and was very patient with me and agreed that they had left a step out of the instructions! Other than that, it went very smoothly and I was pleased with the outcome. As for the Butterick tunic- I salvaged what I could and used the fabric to make a smocked shirt from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing! No pic of that one-will work on that.


Okay, ignor the goofy picture, it was the only one I could find! I made this from some fabric I picked up from Joann's and used Heather Ross' Mendicino dress pattern. It was fun to make! A little trouble getting the pattern printed to scale from Staples, but got it close enough and made it work!




These were cut outs of my Dad through the years that my Mom and I made to use for table decorations for my Dad's 75th surprise party. They were the hit of the party!







This is the newest addition to our family. Our brother, Rob, married Sara this summer. This is from the rehearsal dinner, me in the center and my sister to my left and my brother to my right and our new sister-in-law across our laps! A great fit! Too bad she's so shy and hates to be the center of attention!




I used my Mom's cricut and etched these for gifts for the shower we had for Sara. The cricut was also used to make the cute little place mats and favor boxes.



And by we I mean my Mom and Aunt, they pretty much did all the work! I showed up with a gift! (That's the most important part anyway, isn't it?)

That's about all the craftiness for the summer!

The chairs are finally done! Unfortunately not much else has been happening around here. Lindsay's birthday is on Monday, I had made so many cute things for her last year. Not sure what happened this year!



I did make a couple cases for her camera and gps, and a card case I thought I'd put some gift cards in! Both were quick and easy from great tutorials.

Like I said not much happening around here. Hopefully some more exciting things soon!

I have been working on reupholstering my dining room chairs. The chairs are by Baker, probably from the 1930's and were last recovered (in pink fabric) in the 80's, so they were in desperate need. The chairs, table, sideboard and china cabinet were all still in the house when we bought it and we tried to purchase them from the deceased owner's son but he had already signed papers with an auction house. They came and moved it all to the auction house and I kept trying to tell the movers not to bother because it was just all going to come back! It did! I went and bought it all for a VERY good price and moved it all back-they should'a listened! Everything was in pretty good shape except the seats of the chairs, a bit droopy!

After tearing them apart, I can see why!

All nice and new now-just hope I got them tight enough and they stay that way for a while.



I reused the old padding (horse hair) and batting, it seemed to be in pretty good shape. Put some new muslin on, and it's ready for the good stuff!

Good as new! Actually, better than new, because I wouldn't be able to afford these new! Not anything that will still be around in 70 years and in this condition anyway! It's true what they say- they just don't make 'em like this anymore!

So far no eruptions! Laurie has decided that since there is a chance of an eruption and all that ash will be falling that there is no reason to dust. I agree, but somehow I don't think that excuse is going to fly in Ohio, ya think? Really, it looks like there's already been an eruption-in my house!



Went to my favorite yarn shop and worked on my socks. Interesting group of characters that get together on Saturday mornings and knit. VERY helpful and knowledgeable shop owner, awesome selection of yarns, and dogs (lots of dogs, very cute dogs)--what more could a girl ask for!?! Still working on the socks.



We went to my Mom and Dad's and ate our way through the Super Bowl on Sunday, in fact I'm still at it, we had so much food it was ridiculous (but good)!



Yes, we are a bunch of dorks! We had fun cheering on our hometown boy, Ben Roethlisberger! What an exciting game!

I've been trying to learn some new things with my new camera and trying to figure out some things on my computer. you know how time consuming, frustrating, and unproductive that can be! That's pretty much been the week so far.

Well, there has been a whole bunch of nothing going on around here! We have had lots of snow days, in fact we haven't had a full week of school since before Christmas. Lots of lazy days! This is what we woke up to Wednesday...


Laurie and Kiska made it home safely and she is now getting their volcano emergency kit ready! They live 60 miles or so from Mt. Redoubt, which is ready to blow in hours, days or weeks according to what I just read on CNN.com. Yikes! Just a big waiting game, and not a fun one. Keeping our fingers crossed that they're waiting for nothing.

I made this little case for Lindsay's Blackberry Pearl for Christmas. I used a heavy duty snap and I think it's too big and heavy (weight wise) but I like the way it looks, so did she and didn't want me to change it-so I guess that's all that matters!



Off to work on something-I'm determined to do something productive today (or at least fun)!

Sad day today, my sister and Kiska left today. The weather is definitely better this week for traveling. Doesn't matter how long she stays-it never seems long enough!


I should be digging in and starting all those projects I've had on my mind! I was here and here and saw this hat and I am sitting on my hands to keep myself from running up and digging through the stash and starting this. Nope, not starting anything new until I get those socks done! Unfortunately I don't feel like running up and getting those and working on them. The thrill is gone. I hope it's back soon, it's only half a sock left to do!

Finished up the earrings and necklaces today (no pics). Not really sure what else I did. I had good intentions, but you know how those go sometime. We didn't have school today and it is already canceled for tomorrow. Yesterday it was getting so bad out that I left three hours early to go get Nick.


My Mom and sister came over tonight and brought Thai green curry my sister made, her favorite and I made my favorite (so good and sooo easy)! They were both really good.



After dinner we made these (French Chocolate Bark) from Ina Garten's newest. All I can say is they were yummy, chewy,nutty, and chocolaty goodness! Oh, and really easy. We just made individual ones instead of one large one like in the recipe.


This is my sister, right before gobbling down her masterpiece! Half an hour later she went home with a tummy-ache. Not me, I'm a pro. I paced myself! (Not really, I just ate too much curry!)