I Sew Can!

For a Sister

2009-10-17T19:06:00.001-07:00

I found a really cute black military jacket at Old Navy
and decided it would be a perfect canvas to make a little something
for my sister.
After all she did turn the big 2-5,
which according to Jessica Simpson is
"like, almost mid-twenties".

I digress.

I heard some buzz that she is loving octopi these days,
so....

An octopus she got!

I don't think my pictures do the little guy justice,
I actually impressed myself.

And the best part?

My sister loved it too!

I have big plans for my next project...
more to come soon!

For a Dad... Again.

2009-09-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Another golf head cover thingamabob!

And it doubles as a hat for small children!
BONUS!

Happy Birthday Pops!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my dear sweet Dad saw this magazine at the book store,
picked up the phone and called his eldest daughter (me) and asked her if she'd like it.

I did!

Upon delivery there were a few hints dropped about a certain character in the magazine and how cool it would be to have one that could be used as a golf club cover.

Since I only aim to please, I created this little guy for my dear ol' Dad in honor of Father's Day.

I think I may have made the bottom a little too small, but I'm still loving him!

I am pleased to say I cranked this guy out in 2 evenings. One to cut out all the pieces,
and the next night I sewed him together. It was the first time I felt pretty comfortable using the sewing machine.

Now, once again, I've got the itch to make more!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2009-04-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

My little sis is moving to Portland this week,
and since she is heading
to one of the most environmentally friendly
states in the union,
I figured she needed a cute reusable tote
to do her part.

So Saturday afternoon,
I hauled out the old sewing machine and got to sewing.
I found my mom's manual last weekend
when they were cleaning out their garage,
so I was able to re-thread the machine,
and put my applique talents to use!

Thanks to some felt, a fabric scrap, a canvas tote, and my "artistic" skills -

Voila!

Now, I need to try my hand at my apron.
I think I may be ready!

Special Deliveries!

2009-02-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

These arrived today!

so I may make this

and this is on the way...

I can't wait!

I Did It!

2009-01-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

The two best Aunts in the world came bearing fabric, a pattern & love.

They patiently guided me through the use of my new machine*
and a bag was born!

(*Sadly, Oma's machine was a no-go. This led to a covert sting operation,
rescuing my mom's machine from its hiding place deep in the bowels of her cabinets.)

I did it, I conquered my fear of the sewing machine! Now, I can't wait to do more!

More adventures here!

3 Dolls

2009-01-02T16:14:00.001-08:00

I finally finished the dolls I wanted to make for the girls. I went in a totally different direction then I had first intended. I screwed up the pattern on the faces on the last two, so that is all I see when I look at them. Except when I line them up like this....

It kinda bums me out because I do really like that each doll is holding the animal that we call the girls by.

There's Hailey Cat...

Sascha Bear ...

and Rory Bird ...

Now if only all the faces looked like this one... (sigh!)

But I'll try to focus on the positive:
I made the pattern myself!
I sewed everything by hand!
They are already much loved!

Sweets for a Sweetie

2008-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

One more down!

This was so easy to do! I found the canvas tote at WalMart for $2.50. Made the cupcake pattern and letters with my good friend Felt. Then I took some hot pink bugle beads and sewed them on as sprinkles. My other great friend, Felt Glue, helped me put them all together and TA DA!

A cute bag for my pre-teen niece!

Personally, I think it is stinkin cute. I would rock this tote. Fill it with my library books and walk on over to the Annex to pick up some more. Hopefully she'll be able to put it to good use!

One Down, Two to Go

2008-12-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

I am trying to make as many presents as I can this holiday season. It's making it hard to keep up with this blog! :)

Today I finished a little dinosaur for my nephew.

The girls LOVED him. I had to hide him from Rory so he will still be cute and cuddly as he makes his way across the country.

Up next, I'm working on a bag for my niece. Pictures to come!

As Promised

2008-11-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

My project can finally make it to the blog!

I was making my sister an Advent Calendar as a surprise!

Chelsea: "Where did you find this pattern?"

Me: "I made it myself."

Chelsea: "Well, you bought these letters, right?"

Me: "Nope, I made them myself."

Chelsea: "OMG! You are the coolest, most beautiful,

amazing sister in all the land!!"

Ok, I definitely made that last part up, all by myself.

Absent

2008-11-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

I have been absent for quite awhile now! What a month this has been. I have a big project in the works that I will reveal at the end of the month.

I know you are at the edge of your seat!

Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!

Score!

2008-11-06T12:53:00.001-08:00

I took a trip to my favorite thrift store yesterday and the place was exploding with Christmas items. I cruised through to the craft section, where I found a lady in no hurry to let anyone else near the bin. I was itching with anticipation, hoping to find something exciting like last time. I watched as she snatched magazine after magazine of cute Christmas craft ideas. My girls were in no mood to wait for this lady to finish, so a little dejected I moseyed over to the book aisle and hit the Christmas Jackpot!

I found books from Betty Crocker, Martha Stewart, and this gem from Better Homes and Gardens circa 1974.

This book is awesome! It is filled with pictures and projects, even patterns. And for $1 - what a steal!

Here is just a small sampling of some of its coolness...

(I apologize for the wonkiness of this last picture, my camera was not cooperating.)

What I LOVE about these decorations is they all use non traditional colors. Bright pinks, blues, yellows! Plus, I am digging the Dutch vibe most of them have. I just want to braid my hair, throw some clogs on, and get to creating!

I will share more as we get more into the season, it still feels too early, but I couldn't resist sharing.

That lady would be kicking herself if she saw my goodies. Ha!

Get out and VOTE!

2008-11-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Exercise one of the greatest freedoms we have...

Let your voice be heard!

And then go get a free Starbucks coffee

or a free scoop at Ben & Jerry's!

The choice is YOURS!

Projects!

2008-11-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Today I ran over to Michael's Sister to pick up some accoutrement for my latest project and was disappointed to see candy canes decorating the parking lot. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the holiday season, but it still feels a little too early. BUT, it is not too early to get hopping on Christmas projects, at least that is what I'm telling myself.

So, my BFF's are bringing their legacies over and we are going to churn out some cute Christmas decor. I'm thinking the mitten and Christmas tree garland is a must! I need to get some patterns made pronto.

I've also already decided on a few Christmas gifts, but unfortunately my family reads this blog so I won't be able to show them off until after Christmas - but at least I'll have fodder for the blog! Since my girls don't read the blog I am able to divulge that I will be making dolls that (hopefully) will look like them. I'm really excited, I'm hoping that each will reflect their different personalities.

Sew much to do!

Do you have anything you'll be working on before December arrives?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T23:16:00.001-07:00

To you and you and you!

Sew Darn Cool

2008-10-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first ever "Sew Darn Cool" link!

"Sew Darn Cool" will be links to

exciting, interesting and/or amazing things

that I find on my journeys around the

world wide web.

Today's link will take you to a free pattern!

Make a cute lil bird for your mantle,

or make one all black as a ominous Halloween crow,

or make one to carry around on your finger as you sing

A Spoon Full of Sugar

while you clean your house

by snapping your fingers!

The possibilities are endless

and the choice is yours!

Click here or here or here!

Tweet tweet, my friends, tweet tweet!

And if you venture to make one,

leave me a comment and let me know how it went!

Copy Cat

2008-10-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am growing wary of being a copy cat. I love the little things I have made, but I long to come up with a new fresh idea of my own. I see so many things that I like, everywhere I go, and it feels good to know that I can duplicate them. But there is this part of me that slightly cringes at the thought of copying someone else's cute idea, yet again.

That being said, and disregarded,

I saw these at Target today in the bargain bin for a whopping 50 cents. Had to buy them both. Pages and pages of cute little monsters, that I can copy. MEOW!

and don't even get me started on The Land of Nod catalog that showed up last week. These will be mine once I get past Thanksgiving. MEOW!!

Old habits die hard, I guess. I think I just need to try a little harder and attempt to manifest my own ideas. After I finish these, of course.

Concee

2008-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here is "Concee", Daddy's green monster. :)

One for Daddy

2008-10-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have been commissioned by one Sascha Ryan to create a "green monster" for Daddy. After a quick google search, she chose this one...
I only have one sheet of green felt, so I'm going to have adjust the shape a bit. Off I go!

Finito Bandito

2008-10-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sascha has stated that he is a she, and has named her Ello.

The never mentioned sister of Elmo, maybe?

Sneak Peek

2008-10-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of "Red Monster".

Hopefully, I will finish him tomorrow. :)

And sew it is...

2008-10-20T20:29:00.001-07:00

As I was browsing a cute shop online today, Sascha came and sat next to me just as this little guy popped up...

"Oooh, Mommy! Make me that!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Mommy please make me the red monster!"

And then she ran and began to pull out the colors of felt I would need.

I can't resist her.

So, off I go!

Here he is...

2008-10-17T19:33:00.001-07:00

When Hailey discovered what I was making, she informed me that the picture I took the idea from is a Skeleanimal. A skeleton of an animal - stuffed. I don't like that idea too much, so my little guy is a black cat who has dressed up as a skeleton for Halloween.

I think he came out cute if I do say so myself.

And I do.

Blame it on the Internet

2008-10-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Or the lack thereof....

Today my internet went down for six hours! Oh the humanity! I never realize how much I use the internet during the day until it is not there for me to use. My dinner plans were based on a recipe that was on the internet, so I had a sandwich. Not nearly as yummy as the goat cheese enchiladas I was planning. At least I don't have to plan dinner for tomorrow!

The free time left me itching to do something, so I started a new project! I saw this little guy on a website and thought it would be a cute little addition to my Halloween decor.

Now, I had to make the pattern myself so this should be VERY interesting! I'm trying to apply things that I learned from making my other little toys, so hopefully this won't be a catastrophic disaster! Wish me luck!

Feliz Cumpleanos!

2008-10-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday!

Happy Birthday Chelsea!

For your birthday, I've arranged a dance for you with Troy Bolton!

I'm sure Leland won't mind...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Hope you have a great day!See you tonight!
And here is another gratuitous picture of my Countdown for good measure!

Geëindigd, Terminé, Beendet, Τελειωμένος, Rifinito!

2008-10-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, I'm finished!

Ta Da!

And here is the little guy I made to use as our day marker...

My first major project done!

I think I will make a few tiny toys

before I jump back into something big.

Maybe a pumpkin... or a turkey... or...

Road Block!

2008-10-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have reached a road block (I'm watching Amazing Race right now, can you tell?) on my project. I feel flabbergasted about how to put it together. Here are my main questions, any help or ideas are greatly appreciated!

1.) What is the best way to attach the blocks onto the black part to assure that they are evenly spaced?

2.) Should I attach the blocks to the front of the fabric and leave extra fabric to create a back, so you cannot see the stitches?

3.) Am I crazy for attempting to do all this by hand, because I am scared of my sewing machine?

I am losing confidence that this will come out well. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Just please don't U-Turn me. :)

Almost There!

2008-10-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've finished all 35 squares!

Now it is just the matter

of putting them all together.

And I'm already dreaming of this...

Seriously??

2008-10-10T16:27:00.001-07:00

When Hailey got home from school today she immediately asked, "Mommy can I sew?"

I found this pattern here.

With very little help (I cut the felt, made the face, and some starter stitches) half an hour later...

It's wrong to be jealous of an eight year old, right?

I mean, seriously, that puts Beary Bear to shame.

Way to go Hailey!

Bitten

2008-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hailey has the bug.

Every day she asks me when she can sew.

Today was the day!

Now, if I can just get her to finish the countdown! :)

7 Down, 12 to Go

2008-10-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

From Unproductive to Nonproductive.

2008-10-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Instead of working tonight, I went and got my hair done. I read and chatted, and my hair was given the TLC it has gone without for the over 2 months my gal has been on maternity leave. I was channeling Emily Valentine a la 90210, major roots. Not cute.

Now back to the business at hand...

If I had to guesstimate, I would say that I will be done with the Countdown in one week. That will give my family 17 days of utter enjoyment, and then hopefully many years thereafter. I get antsy very easily and try to think of ways to cut corners, but then I have to remind myself that I would like this to last longer than 17 days, so no shortcuts allowed.

Goal for tomorrow? 10 blocks. Fingers crossed. :)

An Unproductive Day

2008-10-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

All I completed today was block #14. :(

It is now 8 pm, and normally I would have 2 hours of kid free time to work on my project. But, and this is pathetic, I think I am going to call it a night and go to sleep.

I'm sure I'll have dreams of felt and pins and

super sharp (amazing) scissors.

My New BFF

2008-10-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

So, this weekend my BFF and I got to hang out A LOT!!! We watched TV together, we sang along to the Mamma Mia soundtrack, we even read some blogs together. Plus she helped me out with my project. What a lifesaver!

Thanks BFG, you're my BFF, 2 good 2 be 4 gotten!

Slowly, but Surely

2008-10-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

It's coming along..

I only fear it may look like

my 8 year old put it together.

Cut it Out

2008-10-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Finally! I have cut everything out!

Now, I just have to put it all together.

Stay tuned!

Sister Shout Out

2008-10-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Look what my sis made!

His/her? name is Hooter!

Which makes me think of this....

Go to the 1:10 minute mark, I'll wait...

Hooter!

Hilarious, and far superior to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Whenever my girls want to make me laugh they shout, HOOTER! just like Michael.

Ahhh...good times.

Now I'm going to be singing

We Are Here to Change the World,

ALL DAY! WOOO!

Anywho, way to go Mahoney! Now, what's next?

Special Delivery!

2008-10-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

I love getting mail. Well, mail other than bills, catalogs and junk mail. Today I opened my mailbox, and low and behold there was a package for me!!

I recognized the return address, and immediately started guessing what it could be. Deep down I was hoping it would be this, and you know what? It was!!

THREE CHEERS, HOORAY!

Am I the luckiest gal, or what?

Thanks, Aunt Des! :)

Felt, Felt, Bo Belt...

2008-09-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

I'm up to my ears in felt. I gave in and headed back to Joann's, luckily I was able to return the dreaded gold felt since I bought it in precut sheets. Now I have 1 yard of nice orange felt begging to be cut into 4" x 3 1/2" squares. I have cut out everything that required purple felt, and 90% of the white. Now, I'm off to do yellow. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some pictures to show off. :)

Temptation, thy name is Foamies

2008-09-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today I went to 3 stores to get the supplies I need to finish my project. Each one had a box of Foamies - On Sale Now! - with pieces that would easily work on my countdown. I may be stubborn, or a little crazy, but I want to do this myself. No Foamie help. I may not be able to fashion the little skeleton or Frankenstein perfectly, but I'm going to try.

Yes, I'm determined! That is why when Michael's was sold out of orange felt - how is that possible? Halloween is right around the corner? I just think the sales girl did not want to go to the back to get me some. - I drove over to Joann's. (Michael's sister? Hmmm....) I picked out what looked like pale orange felt. Cut to me back at home taking out what is clearly gold felt. 7 sheets of glorious GOLD felt, will not work on my countdown. Now I have to decide if I want to take care of this tonight, or tomorrow. My goal in driving all over the OC this afternoon was to ensure I wouldn't have to for the rest of the week.

This week I will receive the gold star for sighing. I can already tell.

And so it begins...

2008-09-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

We'll see how it ends. :)

Darn You, Pottery Barn!!!

2008-09-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake of flipping through the Pottery Barn Kids Catalog that came today. SO many cute things that I would just love to have - IF I had $500 lying around.

Something that caught my eye was the Halloween Countdown Calendar. After checking ebay, I found last years calendar which I personally think is cuter than this years.

And now I am tempted to duplicate it. I found this site, which will really help. Only thing is October starts in exactly three days, which doesn't give me a lot of time. Maybe if I can relinquish some control we can work on it all together as a family. Hmmmm... maybe....

It's a girl!

2008-09-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Miss Ella Fonte was finished today!

She weighs barely anything, and is 4 1/4" tall. :)

Miss Rory greeted her with a big kiss.

Next, I think I owe Sascha a well put together tiny toy,

she so loves playing with her sisters'!

I wonder what she'll choose this time?

Solved!

2008-09-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Case of the Missing Kangaroo

2008-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

2008-09-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is where I keep my sewing gear. Not the typical way to store my stuff, I know. But really, my things consist of a couple of pieces of felt, some sewing needles, a pin cushion and a pair of scissors. I also have a measuring tape around here somewhere, it's never where it needs to be because my girls love to play with it.

I really like some of the little creatures on this box and bag. The colors inspire me. I'm hoping to make the bunny into a little doll, minus the fangs. I'll let you know how that turns out. :)

I'm still working on Rory's elephant, my white felt has disappeared and I realized I do not have grey embroidery floss. So, there will be a trip to Michael's this morning for me and the little ladies.

So, in the spirit of inspiration, please share what inspires you!

Look what I found!

2008-09-22T18:43:00.001-07:00

When I was a wee lass, I used to adore thrift shopping.

I would match old adidas jackets with polyester blouses from the 70's,

and old man's corduroys.

The boys would come a runnin! :)

I hadn't been to a thrift store in years, but after my sister found

a cool couch locally, I decided to check it out.

In the craft section I came across two beauties that I just had to snatch up:

First up:

Someday I hope to take these secrets and make a quilt.

Plus I just loved this little picture on the top of the quilt...

Next up was this gem from the 70's, it just made me giggle...

Now you can scare your children with this frightening hand puppet

Grrrruff the Dog

Or how about a bodiless duck?

Good times, and good finds!

A new look!

2008-09-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

I did a little redesign on the blog today, any thoughts?

I worked on a starfish last night,

and my dear husband was kind enough to ask,

"What on earth is that supposed to be?"

I think the baby will be getting an elephant instead.

Special Delivery!

2008-09-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I received an e-mail from my good friends at the library, saying there was something special waiting for me at the annex. So, this afternoon I grab my little ones and we walk over to see what is in store, since I had no clue I still had items on my waiting list!

I punch in my code, my little cubby goes "pop" and inside I find...

and

My attempts at crochet have been pitiful. Especially working in the round - yikes! One night I spent a good two hours trying out a pattern of an amigurumi bunny, and created what looked like a snowflake not the belly of said bunny. That would have been great if it were December, but not so much in August. I gave up after that. Now with the arrival of the new books, I will have to try yet again.

I taught my oldest how to make a chain and she is having a blast making bracelets. It makes me smile and reminds me of when I was little. Sigh....

I hope I can find something I am good at, something I have a knack for.

My hands are just itching to create.

Krystal the Kangaroo

2008-09-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here she is... Krystal the Kangaroo!

I'm so proud! It actually looks like a kangaroo! And I made it, with my own two hands! I'm feeling super exclamatory!

Next up will be something for the baby. I want to use some scraps of her old clothes for material, I just don't know what to make. It has to be simple, no small pieces, maybe a starfish?? Guess you'll have to wait and see!

Introducing "Beary Bear"

2008-09-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today my little sis came over and we had our own little sewing circle as the girls took a nap. Actually, we watched Tivo'ed episodes of Gossip Girl as we both worked on our tiny friends. My sister chose Sheldon the Sea Turtle, and she needs to get me a picture of her finished product, because I'm sure it is adorable.

Tiny teddy is.... well, wonky. :) She doesn't have eyes, and I think I inadvertently gave her butt cheeks. This picture was snapped after a few hours of cuddling and playing and now that I see her up close, all of my mistakes really stand out! Though, I like the mistakes, they give her character. So, try not laugh.. but here she is...

I put my daughter's initials on the feet, and she loves to show them to anyone who will listen...

She has renamed her "Beary Bear" and as I type this she has no idea where she is....ahhh the fruits of my hard work. :)

Next up, my oldest has chosen a kangaroo. I am a little fearful for how this one will turn out especially since she wants hers to look like an actual kangaroo which means no funky mix mashed color scheme. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, I'm gonna need some serious luck for that one!

Trying Tiny Teddy

2008-09-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going to brush past the fact that it has been 3 months since my last post. Excuse me as I hide my face in shame, but I still haven't opened the sewing machine! I could give you my laundry list of excuses, though I'd rather just give you my laundry. :)

My neighborhood has a fabulous Library Annex that is within walking distance from my house. I can browse the catalog from my computer, request it and within a few days it's in the annex waiting for me! Well, a few weeks ago I received a book called,
"Sewing Tiny Toys" by Carolyn Vosburg Hall. Realizing that it was time for me to return it, I thought maybe I'd give one of them a try. Turns out most of them can be hand sewn, so I can put off my sewing machine fears for a little while longer.

Now, the most I have ever hand sewn has been a rouge button here and there, but I am nothing if not determined when I get the urge to do something. I turned to my three year old and asked her to pick one, and eyes wide with excitement she said, "I want the tiny teddy!" So here we go, tiny teddy it is...

Here is my hi-tech pattern...

She chose brown felt and bright pink thread, so this is going to be one fierce little bear!

TO BE CONTINUED......

Sewing for Dummies

2008-06-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

My dear, sweet Oma (that's "grandma" for those out of the loop) has bestowed upon me her sewing machine! I'm on the track, but I've had it now for two weeks and have not opened the case. I have however opened the manual and was tickled when I saw the following...

Congratulations, Madam! I love it! Makes me feel like a 1950's housewife, but in a good non-anti-feminist way.

The sewing machine is from 1974, purchased on Christmas Eve by my Opa (grandpa) for my Oma. I should probably take it in and have someone look at it since it hasn't been used in years. Now where does one do that if one is so inclined? Joann's, maybe? I don't know of any other stores that sell sewing machines around here.

I've also picked up a copy of Sewing for Dummies. All it is doing is making me nervous. So much to remember, and it all seems so complicated. But I'm determined! I will learn!

Next step... taking her out of the case. I just know she's a girl too.

Sew Now What?

2008-06-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have always been interested in making things. As a kid I loved art class. I loved to get my hands sticky with glue and glitter. I would work hard on my drawings, even though I had no talent. When I was around 11 or 12, we took a camping trip with a bunch of other kids and one of the girls was making bracelets out of embroidery floss. I LOVED it, I got myself a clipboard, a rainbow of colors, and a little plastic box to house them in. I could spend hours making those friendship bracelets. As I got older I put more of my creativity into writing and performing. Then my senior year of high school I took Clothing 1, mainly because I thought it would be an easy A. Not so much. I made a really horribly put together pair of cow boxer shorts, and for my final project a pink bag with a long strap and contrast blue stitching. I think I still have it somewhere. In college I channeled my creativity into singing in a band, and got into the rave scene. That led to my roommates and I spending hours making bracelets out of brightly colored beads to go along with our obnoxiously large pants. Flash forward a few years and here I am, a stay at home mom of three crazy little girls. Now I channel the creativity into making hair bows and tutus, but lately I've been wanting to do more, and it's all their fault.

Who's fault, you may (or may not) be asking? Quilt Taffy. A blog I frequent every day run by two incredibly fabulous women, who just happen to be my Aunts. I read and marvel at all the things they are able to make, and think, "I want to do that!!!" So, I blame them. I blame them for this sudden urge I have to learn to sew. I also blame them for the dreams I now have of making cute little animals, and clothes, and maybe one day a quilt. I blame them for my new obsession with Japanese fabrics. And one day (hopefully) I will be able to thank them for all the inspiration they provide, and say, "Hey, look at what I made for you!" And (hopefully, again) they will say, "WOW, that's wonderful!" and not "Oh, that's....nice?"

So, I'm now embarking on this new journey, and I'm sharing my journey with the blogosphere in hopes that maybe the people who find this blog and read it will be able to offer advice, suggestions and maybe even some more inspiration!

Sew...here we go!