tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162677035624092762024-03-13T11:41:53.638-04:00Theresa's To-DosDocumenting life's projects one to-do at a time.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-43622425835605023102014-06-22T16:45:00.001-04:002014-06-22T16:45:01.396-04:0031 By 31 Final Update<p>I have been 31 for about a month and a half now, so I thought I would do a little recap of my goals. (This is a list of 31 goals I wanted to accomplish before my 31st birthday.) Life got pretty stinking busy this last year, so I’m not going to be disappointed because I didn’t meet most of my goals. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TzGGRbLA4io/U6dASDGNG5I/AAAAAAAACJ0/5AW4MZXBOcs/s1600-h/31x31%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="31x31" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="31x31" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PB_KgZHbgBY/U6dASynp4MI/AAAAAAAACJ8/L2W1KQeksog/31x31_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="308"></a> <p>Lets take a gander: <p><u>Home</u> <p>1. <strike>Paint, and decorate dining room.</strike> *<strike>I think</strike> I am focusing on the office and eat-in part of the kitchen this year. I picked out colors, and bought paint already. <font color="#008080">Have the paint, and a direction I want these spaces to go in, but not the time.</font> <p>2. Build a display shelf for hubby’s decoys. *<i>Have some ideas. <font color="#008080">Not this year…</font></i> <p>3. Finish piano project. <font color="#008080">Nope.</font> <p>4. Build a piece of furniture. <font color="#008080">Nope.</font> <p>5. <strike>Plant garden</strike>. <strike>Can/preserve</strike>. <i>*Garden is planted and looking great! I picked and froze berries in July. Made some refrigerator pickles. Froze zucchini and peppers. My father-in-law canned tomatoes for us.</i> <p>6. Put together 31 meal binder. <font color="#008080">Maybe later…</font> <p><u>Family</u> <p>7. <strike>Potty train boys</strike>. <font color="#008080">We have been diaper free for almost a year!</font> <p>8. <strike>Go on a family vacation</strike>. <font color="#008080">We had a mini vacation around Christmas. (I’m counting it.)</font> <p>9. Make a new chore chart. <i><font color="#008080">Been using last year’s, need to complete new one!</font></i> <p>10. <strike>Mail Christmas cards</strike>. <font color="#008080">Managed this one!</font> <p>11. <strike>Have Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving</strike>. <font color="#008080">Maybe next year…</font> <p><u>Marriage</u> <p>12. Have 12 date nights (at least one a month). <font color="#008080">We were very sporadic with this one. We need to plan ahead.</font> <p>13. <strike>Go on a mini-vacation with hubby</strike>. <font color="#008080">We were able to manage 2 overnight trips.</font> <p>14. <strike>Go to a Tiger game</strike>. <font color="#008080">Hubby took me for my birthday!</font> <p><u>Personal</u> <p>15. Read 12 books. <font color="#008080">I read, but failed to document. (Do textbooks count?)</font> <p>16. <strike>Start nursing clinical</strike>. <font color="#008080">If all goes as planned, I will be a RN next April!</font> <p>17. <i><strike>Get a 100 bowling average</strike></i>. (<i>Don’t laugh! I have been working on this for five years now.</i>) <font color="#008080">I ended the season with a 106 average!</font> <p><u>Money</u> <p>18. <strike>Whittle down debt.</strike> <font color="#008080">We managed to get rid of all of our small credit card debt, big thanks to selling my crocheted hats.</font> <p>19. <strike>C.N.A Recertification, start working part time</strike>.<font color="#008080"> I work <u>very</u> part time, but that is about all I can handle right now.</font> <p>20. <strike>Sell crafts (somehow; etsy/farmer’s market/craft fair)</strike>. <em>*Opened </em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theresastodos"><em>Theresa’s To-Dos</em></a><em> on etsy in August. Need to spend some time in shop. I also have been selling crocheted hats via word of mouth. </em><font color="#008080">Update: My etsy shop is still opened (and I had a sale), but it is sorely neglected. I have been busy selling crocheted hats.</font> <p><u>Cleaning/Purging/Organizing</u> <p>21. Clean out and organize garage. <font color="#008080">Hopefully we can get to this in the next couple of weeks.</font> <p>22. Find a system for paper. Tackle paper clutter. <font color="#008080">Nope. I think I am going to go shred happy pretty soon!</font> <p>23. Go through cookbooks. <font color="#008080">Not the year for this goal.</font> <p>24. Organize photos. <font color="#008080">Didn’t manage this one either.</font> <p>25. Work on blog organization. <font color="#008080">Ha! I have been lucky to get a post a month up. Let me tell you, I have some great projects to share also, just looking for time.</font> <p><u>Creative</u> <p>26. Sew everyday for 31 days, only using stash. <font color="#008080">This is still a goal I want to complete.</font> <p>27. Crochet a hat a day for 31 days.<font color="#008080"> I tried this one in August, and only made it halfway through (that was the same month we potty trained the boys).</font> <p>28. Make a quilt. <font color="#008080">Nada, I don’t see this goal happening in the next year either.</font> <p>29. Work on one photography skill a month. <font color="#008080">I was lucky to remember to get my camera out at important times.</font> <p>30. Complete 31 pins. <font color="#008080">I tried a ton of pins, but didn’t document any.</font> <p>31. Do 31 refashions. <font color="#008080">I would venture to say that I got about halfway done with this goal. What really happened is I kept sewing, but stopped keeping track of my projects.<i> </i></font> <p><font color="#000000">I know that this list looks a little sad, but i am just proud that we survived the last year. Everyone was fed. The house was in okay order. I made it through my first year of nursing school. The boys are potty trained (<em>if we can only get them to make it in the toilet now…</em>). I stepped out of my comfort zone and started selling my crochet. An even bigger accomplishment this last year (<em>one I kept secret</em>), I quit smoking.</font> <p><font color="#000000">As you can see, not too bad of a year. I think I may pick and choose just a few goals from this list to try to work on the next year. But most of them can wait until this crazy season of our life (<em>aka nursing school</em>) is over.</font> <p><font color="#000000"><strong>Your turn: What tips do you have to make it through a busy, and trying season of life?</strong> I want to enjoy every moment that I have been blessed with, but find that I am always saying, “after April..”</font> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-43205779571389288572014-05-16T08:00:00.001-04:002014-05-16T08:00:42.125-04:00Wild Flower Top<p>The boys and I stopped at Jo-Ann’s to browse the clearance section. Their clearance fabric was 50% off the clearance price this visit. I know I shouldn’t have stopped, but I couldn’t help myself. This is the only time that I buy knit fabric new, when it is 50% off the clearance price. $3.00 a yard is golden for me!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0apDFK6GFIc/U3X9v_JelnI/AAAAAAAACHU/zbmhR3PQIKE/s1600-h/TheWildFlowerTop2.jpg"><img title="The Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="The Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jBRey2TfsAY/U3X9wUFHs3I/AAAAAAAACHc/m0zXxLeKgAo/TheWildFlowerTop_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"></a> </p> <p>I have been buying patterns when they go on mega sale, but have not had the time to sew them. All of those sales, and packages get me every time.</p> <p>This pattern is the <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1338799&c=ib&aff=268958&cl=190243" target="_blank">Wild Flower Top</a> by <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=190243&c=ib&aff=268958" target="_blank">Blank Slate Patterns</a>. (<em>affiliate link</em>) I purchased it through the last Pattern Anthology pack; Just Add Jeans. (<em>Yes, that means I have three more patterns to sew up!</em>)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxrn4HvuaoM/U3X9xadqh6I/AAAAAAAACHk/cBxGjWIwvnQ/s1600-h/WildFlower12.jpg"><img title="Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MPu1U0VZm90/U3X9yALyIQI/AAAAAAAACHs/tr0fcoCiQq0/WildFlower1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="529"></a> </p> <p>I had planned on making myself some more clothing, so I picked out a few fabrics and had the boys pick which one they liked the most. They picked out this brown, purple, teal and gold fabric. Not really my favorite, but they liked it, so I obliged. </p> <p>The colors and print are starting to grow on me.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1338799&c=ib&aff=268958&cl=190243" target="_blank">Wild Flower</a> (<em>affiliate link</em>) has an inner bodice in the pattern (<em>so you don’t have to layer it with a tank, perfect for summer</em>). I choose not to add it this time, only because I didn’t have fabric to coordinate with this print. But I do have a few tanks that go with the fabric okay.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nYnNQajOQn0/U3X9y5L5c0I/AAAAAAAACH0/pTzRXb4Oafk/s1600-h/WildFlower22.jpg"><img title="Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n7f3V--Ga9U/U3X9z4_d9iI/AAAAAAAACH4/TifcA8a1eXs/WildFlower2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="609"></a> </p> <p>I made one more modification to this pattern. I sewed up the V about an inch. Now I can wear this top sans tank on date night with the hubby. (<em>If we ever get a date night…</em>)</p> <p>Melissa includes instructions to custom fit the top to your body. I love this feature because I have a long torso, medium top, and large bottom. </p> <p>This pattern went together very quickly. The only step that took me a little extra time was pinning the pleats, this fabric is a bit slippery, and I had to re-pin a few times.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DvH4GegTbMY/U3X90k5BLAI/AAAAAAAACIE/GqJ2HK6CabE/s1600-h/WildFlower32.jpg"><img title="Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eovkjyA4iQo/U3X91j10HYI/AAAAAAAACIM/G29OluXWrk8/WildFlower3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="623"></a></p> <p>I always enjoy sewing up one of Melissa’s patterns. She has a knack of simplifying the sewing process, yet yielding professional results. I always feel like a sewing rock star after sewing a <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=190243&c=ib&aff=268958" target="_blank">Blank Slate Pattern</a>. (<em>affiliate link</em>) </p> <p>This pattern also features three different sleeve options, long, short, and bell. I already have dreams for future projects…solid top, sleeveless..or modify it to a dress, maybe bell sleeves? </p> <p>Are you missing the boys? Here are a few photo bombs:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qqf-1SKF-JQ/U3X92dSCQYI/AAAAAAAACIU/siKTdvLf_u8/s1600-h/WildFlower43.jpg"><img title="Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rwo2geFjSZI/U3X93P62TOI/AAAAAAAACIc/aQ3Q-3Sbu2w/WildFlower4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="405"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wQavGk2Lb2c/U3X936Q-uCI/AAAAAAAACIk/a84pRrTtudM/s1600-h/WildFlower59.jpg"><img title="Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ROj_5asD37I/U3X94slKQwI/AAAAAAAACIo/tYEMbSs1OKY/WildFlower5_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="467"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X25UPNJsXuU/U3X95A0c6XI/AAAAAAAACIw/jHb-NzwmNuI/s1600-h/WildFlower62.jpg"><img title="Wild Flower Top" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Wild Flower Top" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GJML6OY1TBg/U3X95-uDQTI/AAAAAAAACI4/890j3LVIw_o/WildFlower6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="438"></a></p> <p><em>*Links are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through the links and make a purchase I receive a small compensation. Pattern was purchased by me, and all thoughts and opinions are mine.</em></p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-82916387171335785822014-05-01T14:20:00.001-04:002014-05-01T14:20:13.573-04:00Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag<p>Mama Nene did it again…came up with the most awesome, practical, useable pattern! </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=924144&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Faccessory%2Fhands%2Dfree%2Dasymmetrical%2Dbag%2D%2F95178" target="_blank">Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag</a> pattern (<em>affiliate link</em>) has been released today. I have the pleasure of being on the Serger Pepper Testing Crew, so I have already sewn one of these babies up. First the eye candy:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7r6lsDdryVA/U2KQNrorYrI/AAAAAAAACF8/ojEscgN63nY/s1600-h/Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag%252520Front%25255B7%25255D.png"><img title="Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag Front" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag Front" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hHp9fyIJ5cM/U2KQPH2VrSI/AAAAAAAACGE/OMqVZc0y0U0/Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag%252520Front_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="450" height="642"></a> </p> <p>When I hear about a new project at Serger Pepper I think of two things: refashioning and color blocking. As you can see, this pattern has the option of color blocking, or monochromatic. There is also the option to add piping. </p> <p>One of the (many) things that makes Mama Nene's patterns stand out from the rest is the refashioning tips she includes in every pattern. Most of the time, she even sews up a few of each pattern using her refashion tips. These tips are gold to me(<em>I have actually bought patterns just because of the refashioning tips included</em>). I love having extra inspiration to reduce and reuse. </p> <p>All of the fabric used for this bag has been in my stash for (<em>too many</em>) years. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wCEF2Tb9bkI/U2KQQj24kvI/AAAAAAAACGM/-CG8yX8b7Tk/s1600-h/Back%252520of%252520the%252520Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="Back of the Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Back of the Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aj-iiG1uQMc/U2KQR59ulAI/AAAAAAAACGQ/hQXrMb03aj8/Back%252520of%252520the%252520Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="450" height="585"></a> </p> <p>The color blocking continues through the back.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BzmQk49LRbU/U2KQS5u-YCI/AAAAAAAACGU/ARL5bnTllMc/s1600-h/So%252520many%252520pockets%252520inside%252520the%252520Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag%252521%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="So many pockets inside the Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag!" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="So many pockets inside the Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hgAOSP1HpMU/U2KQUEpK2_I/AAAAAAAACGk/Sj6kU5BVRAk/So%252520many%252520pockets%252520inside%252520the%252520Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="450" height="376"></a></p> <p>This is by far my favorite feature; all of the pockets and compartments. </p> <p>First I want to issue a disclaimer: all of these pockets and compartments are optional. But if you have the option for more pockets, why wouldn’t you? </p> <p>So being a glutton for pockets, I made every.single.one. There is an elastic pocket on the outside of the bag, perfect for keys or a phone. The inside features two (2!) lined zippered pockets, customizable patch pockets, and a water bottle elastic.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jq8aRm8T5v4/U2KQVLLasPI/AAAAAAAACGo/A4G0VcfglNo/s1600-h/The%252520best%252520bag%252520for%252520busy%252520mamas%252521%252520The%252520Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="The best bag for busy mamas! The Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="The best bag for busy mamas! The Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DH7tcuYN1ag/U2KQWfU6i1I/AAAAAAAACG0/FjwlAETtfZw/The%252520best%252520bag%252520for%252520busy%252520mamas%252521%252520The%252520Hands%252520Free%252520Asymmetrical%252520Bag_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="450" height="522"></a> The arrow detail on the strap is what makes this bag POP. I have received so many compliments on this bag.</p> <p>Now my thoughts on the pattern and experience: Number one, I LOVE working with Mama Nene! She is such a creative and inspiring person. Every pattern and tutorial of hers I have tried resulted in a positive experience that let me wishing I had time for more.</p> <p>Number two, the bag: This bag is awesome, but it is not for the faint of heart. This pattern is more of an intermediate pattern. But PLEASE, do not let this deter you from trying the bag. Every step and skill is broken down into step-by-step instructions (<em>another reason why I love Mama Nene's patterns</em>). She also links to tutorials throughout her instructions, so no guessing or googling when you are stumped on a step.</p> <p>I found that for this bag, I had to break it down into a bunch of tiny steps. While it is possible to finish the bag in a day, I took several, doing one small step a night. This is how I manage to squeeze sewing projects into my busy schedule.</p> <p>So what are you waiting for? Head on over to <a href="<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=597357&u=924144&m=29190&urllink=&afftrack=">online pattern store</a>" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> and get your <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=924144&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Faccessory%2Fhands%2Dfree%2Dasymmetrical%2Dbag%2D%2F95178" target="_blank">Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag</a> pattern! (<em>affiliate links</em>)</p> <p>*Want to see more of my Serger Pepper projects?</p> <p><a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2014/02/sheer-plaid-top-review.html" target="_blank">Sheer Plaid Top</a></p> <p><a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2014/03/basic-leggings-for-boys.html" target="_blank">Basic Leggings</a></p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-24283370225327018422014-04-30T15:43:00.001-04:002014-04-30T15:43:32.765-04:00Sewing For Mama; Centerfield Raglan x4<p>Good day! I have a few weeks off from school, so I figured now’s the time to get some sewing and writing done. </p> <p>Have I ever mentioned how much I love PDF patterns? No, oops sorry- I LOVE PDF patterns. </p> <p>I love the fact that you have the opportunity to connect with the designer on personal level (through their blogs, face book, twitter, etc.). This also means that you have a means to ask questions if any arise. I like that the patterns are designed for real people to wear, not a model or mannequin. PDF patterns usually cover a wide array of sizes. And my favorite feature; they usually have many variations. So you can be certain no two items will be the same.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J7n1IKRPtIA/U2FSQBOwYmI/AAAAAAAACEU/krUkWPaF6lk/s1600-h/Theresa%252527s%252520To-Dos%25252C%252520Selfish%252520Sewing%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Theresa's To-Dos, Selfish Sewing Centerfield Raglan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Theresa's To-Dos, Selfish Sewing Centerfield Raglan" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XhG13UBPp1s/U2FSSHwWtdI/AAAAAAAACEc/rODc9X9NXos/Theresa%252527s%252520To-Dos%25252C%252520Selfish%252520Sewing%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a> </p> <p>A great example of a versatile pattern is the <a href="http://greenstylecreations.com/products/centerfield-raglan-t-shirt" target="_blank">Centerfield Raglan</a> by <a href="http://greenstylecreations.com/" target="_blank">Green Style Creations</a>. A while back I had the pleasure of testing this pattern. Let me tell you; WOW! These ladies have thought of it all; multiple sleeve lengths, different torso lengths, scoop neck or regular neckline, and optional elbow patches are a few modifications this pattern offers. This pattern comes in sizes XXS to 3XL, how’s that for size range?</p> <p>The first Centerfield I sewed up was extra-long sleeved with a regular neckline…in March. (<em>and I am just now blogging about it?</em>)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0mamjklMjo4/U2FSS8oUgMI/AAAAAAAACEk/U8QPPX7HSqs/s1600-h/Sewing%252520for%252520Mama%25253B%252520Green%252520Centerfield%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sewing for Mama; Green Centerfield" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sewing for Mama; Green Centerfield" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UObBJgLHYL4/U2FSTbA8C3I/AAAAAAAACEs/MyUvc7eC2jw/Sewing%252520for%252520Mama%25253B%252520Green%252520Centerfield_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="452"></a>This shirt sits perfectly at the waist, so no embarrassing muffin show when I play with the boys. It also features an extra long sleeve length. This is by far my favorite feature (<em>I have monkey arms</em>).</p> <p>I have been seeing “<a href="http://imaginegnats.com/selfish-sewing-week-lets-get-making/" target="_blank">Selfish Sewing Week</a>” all over the web this week, so I decided to add a few more raglans to my wardrobe. These next three are all short sleeved, scoop neck.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oDRgrMfeyL4/U2FST7PVGUI/AAAAAAAACE0/SmkfSRgNDOY/s1600-h/Selfish%252520Sewing%25252C%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Selfish Sewing, Centerfield Raglan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Selfish Sewing, Centerfield Raglan" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d5Wd7EsDZMo/U2FSUo7OCTI/AAAAAAAACE8/QfA-JCJYm8U/Selfish%252520Sewing%25252C%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="679"></a> This fabric has been in my stash for a very long time, like more than a decade. Have you noticed the 30+ pound weight gain? No (<em>I’m hoping you said no</em>)? That’s because the Centerfield has the perfect hourglass shape. Every top I have made seems to hug in the right place, and cascade beautifully over my problem areas.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PGNf0uzC2Ck/U2FSVER2OhI/AAAAAAAACFE/fJHHCo2ZJU8/s1600-h/Sewing%252520for%252520Mama%25252C%252520Striped%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sewing for Mama, Striped Centerfield Raglan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sewing for Mama, Striped Centerfield Raglan" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T0pxTv4nNy0/U2FSV6lLpII/AAAAAAAACFM/_hZzALxaCXU/Sewing%252520for%252520Mama%25252C%252520Striped%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="582"></a> This next one was the same fabric I used for the <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2014/02/sheer-plaid-top-review.html" target="_blank">Sheer Top</a> I sewed in February. Umm, I am glad this fabric is almost gone…I hate these stripes! I was so careful to match up the stripes, and they still didn’t match. I almost chucked this shirt right into my refashion pile. But I remembered a few testers tried ruching the sides, so I sewed about 3 inches of elastic on each side. I can still tell the mistakes, but nobody else notices. In fact my 12 year old step-daughter has mentioned a few times how much she likes this shirt. That’s a win in my book (<em>or a lose, because I know she will be the happy recipient…</em>)</p> <p>Last but not least, my FAVORITE one:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-idw0-BVK5wY/U2FSWh3h_JI/AAAAAAAACFU/jXRy2PyVWvo/s1600-h/Selfish%252520Sewing%25252C%252520Sheer%252520Sleeve%252520Centerfield%252520Front%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Selfish Sewing, Sheer Sleeve Centerfield Front" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Selfish Sewing, Sheer Sleeve Centerfield Front" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TGG9ftwCz1M/U2FSXeelELI/AAAAAAAACFc/en6rftso5DE/Selfish%252520Sewing%25252C%252520Sheer%252520Sleeve%252520Centerfield%252520Front_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="660"></a> Check out those sheer sleeves! I cannot take credit for the idea, my inspiration came from <a href="http://melissaesplin.com/2013/07/chiffon-american-eagle-baseball-raglan-tee/" target="_blank">Melissa Esplin</a>. The day I saw her post I happened to find myself at Jo-Ann’s. This cute little cheetah print chiffon was sitting in the remnant bin begging me to take it home. I have never been so glad to have such weak willpower in the fabric store.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ojPvHvQSdy0/U2FSYDD16PI/AAAAAAAACFk/PDoDDBO3GJY/s1600-h/Selfish%252520Sewing%25252C%252520Sheer%252520Sleeve%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Selfish Sewing, Sheer Sleeve Centerfield Raglan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Selfish Sewing, Sheer Sleeve Centerfield Raglan" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jcr-M_ODy8A/U2FSYipmvcI/AAAAAAAACFs/T54cujr-A_s/Selfish%252520Sewing%25252C%252520Sheer%252520Sleeve%252520Centerfield%252520Raglan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="594"></a> The only thing I strayed from the pattern on was hemming the sleeves. I choose to do a rolled hem, to try and keep the sleeves a bit dainty. Otherwise, another successful Centerfield!</p> <p><strong>Have you been sewing for Selfish Sewing Week?</strong> If so, leave me a link, I would love to take a gander. I have plans for a few more tops this week and maybe a dress. We’ll see…</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-6817728308057619462014-03-28T13:05:00.000-04:002014-05-01T14:07:10.505-04:00Basic Leggings for Boys!This post should have been posted a few weeks ago, but life precedes over any other obligation –so here i am.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0-jYKriWe4/UzWqKjHzd6I/AAAAAAAACDA/IDkKLzwseyY/s1600/Boys+patiently+waiting+for+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Refashioninng Long Johns using Basic Legging Pattern" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0-jYKriWe4/UzWqKjHzd6I/AAAAAAAACDA/IDkKLzwseyY/s1600/Boys+patiently+waiting+for+Spring.jpg" height="265" title="Refashioninng Long Johns using Basic Legging Pattern" width="320" /></a></div>
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It has been a long cold winter here in Michigan. It actually snowed yesterday! Usually we make it a point to get outside most days, but this winter has been so cold, we have been cooped up indoors.<br />
On the days we have ventured out to play, I found myself wishing that we had long johns (or long underwear) for the boys.<br />
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<i>*I understand long johns may not be a common thing, they are tighter fitting waffle knit clothing worn under regular clothes to add warmth.</i><br />
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Mama Nene to the rescue. If you don’t know, Mama Nene is the woman behind <a href="http://sergerpepper.com/" target="_blank">Serger Pepper</a>. The blog is full of useful sewing tips, tricks, and tutorials. She has also started writing/publishing sewing patterns. (Remember my <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2014/02/sheer-plaid-top-review.html" target="_blank">Sheer Top</a>?) I am so fortunate to be on her pattern testing crew.<br />
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This time around she needed testers for <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=924144&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Fclothing%2Fbasic%2Dleggings%2D3%2Dto%2D14%2Dyears%2F88597" target="_blank">Basic Leggings</a>. I almost passed on this one because the boys in this house don’t wear leggings. But then the wheels in my head started turning…leggings look a lot like long johns!<br />
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I started by digging through my refashion pile.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a_0904JoNoQ/UzSDGJPDI7I/AAAAAAAACCI/_r3isXoIMwY/s1600-h/RefashioningLongJohns7.jpg"><img alt="Refashioning Long John's" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3nsCV9xbEzk/UzSDG2ahEcI/AAAAAAAACCQ/M2L_8MdXmxs/RefashioningLongJohns_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Refashioning Long John's" width="404" /></a><br />
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I found a few castoffs that the older kids have outgrown.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UoL2hKZ8Cj8/UzSDHrEcZMI/AAAAAAAACCY/9iD3HV1L-dY/s1600-h/LongJohnRefashion7.jpg"><img alt="Long John Refashion" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CbI_uZVIIFY/UzSDIZ0RscI/AAAAAAAACCg/gsMNYTLwDsw/LongJohnRefashion_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="682" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Long John Refashion" width="404" /></a><br />
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I used the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=924144&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Fclothing%2Fbasic%2Dleggings%2D3%2Dto%2D14%2Dyears%2F88597" target="_blank">Basic Legging</a> pattern. I choose a size 4, in hopes that they will fit the boys next winter too. (<i>Because winter will end soon, right?</i>) The pattern is sized from size 3 to size 14, so this is another pattern that will grow with your child.<br />
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This pattern was so easy to cut out and sew, and Mama Nene’s instructions are very clear. This pattern would be a great confidence builder for a beginner.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lE5lbuNicYk/UzSDJPtbcWI/AAAAAAAACCk/_TH__Y0hOXE/s1600-h/BasicLeggingsBoyVersion5.jpg"><img alt="Basic Leggings, Boy Version" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lWVpTnCnL-4/UzSDJykAspI/AAAAAAAACCs/Xaoxae3TLYY/BasicLeggingsBoyVersion_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Basic Leggings, Boy Version" width="404" /></a> <br />
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This pattern has two features that I feel make it a must have to any pattern library.<br />
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#1 Long leg length. I love that my boys can run and play (<i>in the huge mountain of snow we still have</i>) without the legs riding up. This feature also makes this pattern perfect for comfy pajamas.<br />
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#2 High waist. My boys <b>hate</b> when their butt is falling out of their pants. And honestly, while I’m talking about it does it really cost that much more to add an inch or two to the waist height? Too many of our store bought pants barely cover the boys’ tushies. I couldn’t imagine if they were still in diapers. <i>Okay, I’m done ranting</i>.<br />
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This pattern covers their rump, and keeps it covered while they are playing.<br />
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Head on over to <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/welcome/friend?ext=ShareASale&utm_source=Affiliates-Share%20A%20Sale&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=Affiliate&SSAID=924144" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> and get your pattern. New to <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/welcome/friend?ext=ShareASale&utm_source=Affiliates-Share%20A%20Sale&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=Affiliate&SSAID=924144" target="_blank">Craftsy</a>? It is quick and easy to sign up, then grab your Basic Legging pattern!<br />
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<i>pattern was given to me to test, but all opinions are mine</i><br />
<i>Craftsy links are affiliates, I receive a small bonus if you sign up or make a purchase through my links.</i><br />
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<b>What would you make with this pattern?</b> I have plans to whip up some pajama pants from my t-shirt stash. There were so many cute girl versions too. The possibilities with the pattern are endless.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-77354192826225343902014-03-03T13:40:00.001-05:002014-03-03T13:40:47.265-05:00Spring Break<p>I am on spring break this week. I decided to use this week to play catch-up, and hopefully even get ahead. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8V-fw3IF_lI/UxTMqy7s52I/AAAAAAAAB_8/UNWp3MRo_E4/s1600-h/Spring%252520Cleaning%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Spring Cleaning" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Spring Cleaning" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Y_kDT-_BR0/UxTMrUdoNjI/AAAAAAAACAE/eko3AyMPTyc/Spring%252520Cleaning_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="484"></a> </p> <p>On my to-do list:</p> <ul> <li>Study for exam and finish school work. (I know, on spring break?)</li> <li>Finish orders. I have three crocheted hats, a chef’s hat and apron, and two zippered pouches.</li> <li>Finish up on this week’s pattern testing.</li> <li>Sew an outfit for each one of the boys. *Bonus, refashioning some clothing in the process.</li> <li>Write blog posts for all the projects that are waiting to be shared.</li> <li>Make some freezer meals to get us through the semester.</li> <li>If I have time….I may clean….. (<em>Or let the boys clean</em>)</li></ul> <p><strong>If you had a week with some extra time, how would you use it?</strong> I know I am a little crazy, and I should be relaxing or something this week. But…most of the things on my list are relaxing to me. So stay tuned, hopefully I can stick to it!</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-22469152266702757352014-02-07T08:21:00.001-05:002014-05-01T14:44:47.633-04:00Plaid Footed PajamasTwo posts in one week, what the?!!<br />
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This past fall I may have bought a <i>huge mess</i> of sewing patterns at a deeply discounted price…<br />
One of those patterns is the <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1198182&c=ib&aff=268958&cl=236729" target="_blank">Classic Footed Pajamas</a> from <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=236729&c=ib&aff=268958%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">peek-a-boo pattern shop</a>. <i>(affiliate link)</i><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DL_GsySO9-o/UvTdwhQODjI/AAAAAAAAB-g/OInjiSDhqpY/s1600-h/PlaidFootedJammies3.jpg"><img alt="Plaid Footed Jammies" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VPpv2NZhJDA/UvTdxVmxiqI/AAAAAAAAB-o/lb8SMMZ5BwM/PlaidFootedJammies_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="460" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Plaid Footed Jammies" width="454" /></a><br />
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It is so hard to keep these little guys to stay still for very long. Needless to say, they like their jammies.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdxUOhJWljo/UvTdyLBO9dI/AAAAAAAAB-w/3joQj8AnPhY/s1600-h/RedPlaidJammies3.jpg"><img alt="Red Plaid Jammies" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mAkJ68FnSSo/UvTdy-oeqrI/AAAAAAAAB-4/CHuEYyw9CZw/RedPlaidJammies_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Red Plaid Jammies" width="324" /></a><br />
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I would call this pattern an advanced beginner, borderline intermediate sewer. While the pattern was not hard, there were a few more advanced techniques. Fortunately, there are detailed step-by-step instructions for said techniques (zippers anybody?).<br />
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I made these late at night (<i>and any of you who have followed me for some time, know I tend to make mistakes when the sun sets</i>), so there were a few spots that I had to re-read the instructions.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qEOfar0lNMI/UvTdzexWLYI/AAAAAAAAB_A/6SP4B_6dctI/s1600-h/GrayFootedJammies2.jpg"><img alt="Gray Footed Jammies" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jQ5WZ4yDMYU/UvTd0M3x1UI/AAAAAAAAB_I/-qPIyQWSJPw/GrayFootedJammies_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Gray Footed Jammies" width="266" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0KXG2AXZmP4/UvTd0r74BrI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/_lOTECBsC6E/s1600-h/RedFootieJammies2.jpg"><img alt="Red Footie Jammies" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TIB2eji2ItI/UvTd1OQKfzI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/IxYRYBi7piE/RedFootieJammies_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Red Footie Jammies" width="276" /></a> <br />
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Both pairs are made from fleece, and the sleeve cuffs and neck binding are made from t-shirt scraps. The sleeve binding was a little tricky, but patience paid off.<br />
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The only problem I have had with these pajamas is that the zipper irritates the boys at times. This is <b><u>not</u></b> the fault of the pattern, I choose to skip the zipper facing. Next time I will definitely add the facing. <br />
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I love that this pattern (and most of the patterns in <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=236729&c=ib&aff=268958%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">the shop</a>) comes in sizes 3 months- 8 years. I have been thinking about making all of my nieces and nephews pajamas for next Christmas, and this pattern would have them all covered.<br />
<b>Have you made footie jammies before?</b> I am not sure that these are actually cheaper than buying pajamas from the store, but they sure are cute! And I love that little sense of accomplishment I get seeing the boys run around in footed pajamas that I made for them. Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-58788359639961092902014-02-04T09:17:00.001-05:002014-05-01T14:09:47.467-04:00Sheer Plaid Top ReviewAt the beginning of January I was asked by Mama Nene to be a part of the <a href="http://sergerpepper.com/" target="_blank">Serger Pepper</a> pattern testing group. I was beyond excited, because the first pattern was a woman’s top. (This mama needs a few additions to her wardrobe.) <br />
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The pattern, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=924144&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Fclothing%2Fthe%2Dsheer%2Dplaid%2Dtop%2F81758" target="_blank">Sheer Plaid Top</a>, is simply amazing. For starters, it is extremely beginner friendly. Secondly, it features professional finishing techniques (French seams). Third this pattern is so versatile. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DKlTFJMWVA8/UvD2U8SUIjI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/W1Uz7aTbq98/s1600-h/sheer%252520top%252520pattern%252520test%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sheer top pattern test" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VMGD1Z0glO0/UvD2VgT-KDI/AAAAAAAAB9g/8WQdw7PJd5A/sheer%252520top%252520pattern%252520test_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sheer top pattern test" width="454" /></a><br />
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The first top I made was in a jersey knit from my stash. I almost backed out. Seeing the fabric laying on the floor waiting to be cut, all I could see was an adorable maxi skirt or dress. Obviously I rose above my fabric cutting fears and dove in.<br />
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No regrets, I have wore this top once a week since I finished it. Here’s a glimpse at the hi-lo hem (and my stripes match!):<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FJo-jJbnfyo/UvD2WAgb4dI/AAAAAAAAB9o/ibOn4EM0gkk/s1600-h/Knit%252520Top%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Knit Top" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VD4gvoTEh_E/UvD2WkGRIMI/AAAAAAAAB9w/gYppn9yEKzM/Knit%252520Top_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="515" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Knit Top" width="454" /></a> <br />
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The top is designed to be a loose fitting and flowing top (which is perfect for me, since i have been eating my stress away…). The kimono sleeves, a cowl neck, hi-lo hem, and oversize fit make this one of the most versatile tops in my closet. It can be worn over a long sleeved top, a turtleneck, or a tank in the summer. <br />
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I loved this top so much, I had to make another. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Loqdr6VgvqI/UvD2XIdUwYI/AAAAAAAAB94/YYvu2RS6zwo/s1600-h/Floral%252520Sheer%252520Top%252520by%252520theresastodos.blogspot.com%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Floral Sheer Top by theresastodos.blogspot.com" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FxzIk4De-8s/UvD2X8HQ_HI/AAAAAAAAB-A/C5lmzLozqQw/Floral%252520Sheer%252520Top%252520by%252520theresastodos.blogspot.com_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="521" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Floral Sheer Top by theresastodos.blogspot.com" width="454" /></a><br />
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First, I want to explain why the first top was not sheer. One of the first sewing projects I tried to tackle was curtains. Sheer curtains. It didn’t go so well. Every time I pushed the foot pedal, my beautiful sheer green fabric disappeared. My borrowed machine was eating my fabric! After many swear words and fighting with the machine, I packed it up and promptly returned the machine to my mom. “I’m buying my curtains!” <br />
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Recently I went to Jo-Ann’s. They had fabric 50% off of the clearance price. That is bad, real bad. (If you haven’t realized, I am a fabric hoarder, and a clearance junkie.)<br />
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I found this beautiful sheer fabric for $2.00 a yard, and 50% off that is…$1.00 a yard! That my friends is when I made the commitment to sew sheer. I was only losing $2.00 if things went the same route as the curtains, right?<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IFFSG0SqG_Y/UvD2YkOFwlI/AAAAAAAAB-I/r4hyzzA1J3g/s1600-h/Sheer%252520Floral%252520Top%252520Belted%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sheer Floral Top Belted" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oS_Q1jAqBvA/UvD2ZcpSjrI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/ys5-cGg_OOE/Sheer%252520Floral%252520Top%252520Belted_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="675" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sheer Floral Top Belted" width="454" /></a><br />
<i></i><br />
<i>(So sorry for all of the awkward remote pics.)</i><br />
I beat the sheer! <br />
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I omitted the cowl on this top, and did rolled seams instead. I added three inches to the length, and kept the front and back hems the same length. <br />
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I also timed myself. About one hour, start to finish, French seams and rolled hems. You can’t beat that!<br />
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Mama Nene is offering the pattern for only $2.90 right now. So I suggest you head over and get your very own <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=924144&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Fclothing%2Fthe%2Dsheer%2Dplaid%2Dtop%2F81758" target="_blank">Sheer Plaid Top</a> pattern quick! <br />
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<b>What have you been creating?</b> Leave a link, I would love to check it out.<br />
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Posting my project here:<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.vintagezest.com/search/label/do%20tell%20tuesday" title="Do Tell Tuesday"><img alt="Do Tell Tuesday" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TYge-InNjs/UspPRh3yC8I/AAAAAAAADz4/TRo3I6OkmCI/s1600/Do+Tell+Tuesday+Main+%2528large%2529.jpg" height="200" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-50789234840545828202014-01-30T08:42:00.001-05:002014-01-30T08:42:43.828-05:00Beyond<p>Last time I was here (which seems like a long, long time ago), I shared what I wanted to focus on for 2014. Recap: I want to step outside my comfort zone; push myself, regardless of fear. I had a heck of a time coming up with one word that encompassed the direction I wanted to take this year. </p> <p>I had commented on a post on <a href="http://mellysews.com/2014/01/word-year-delve.html" target="_blank">Melly Sews</a>, and Melissa had e-mailed me some great suggestions. And I choose….</p> <p><strong><em>Beyond</em> </strong></p> <p>Wow, have I stepped beyond my comfort zone. </p> <p>It all started with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theresa.kain.52" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. You see, I am not too hip to social media. I stayed away for so long, trying to protect my time from being lost to the internet. But then Irene from <a href="http://sergerpepper.com/" target="_blank">Serger Pepper</a> invited me to be a pattern tester (more about that in a few days). She asked that I was on Facebook and I obliged. (Thank you Irene!)</p> <p>Next thing you know I had crochet orders coming out the wazoo! Here are a few:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jPgkQieHnJ0/UupWuTK66VI/AAAAAAAAB7w/QBDkd-m2NbE/s1600-h/black%252520knitted%252520ear%252520warmer%252520with%252520bling%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="black knitted ear warmer with bling" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="black knitted ear warmer with bling" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kui2LwvgiRo/UupWu-k8m2I/AAAAAAAAB74/4FxKTKXtgNk/black%252520knitted%252520ear%252520warmer%252520with%252520bling_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="454"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1rkz2cQ4AMo/UupWvRjMHxI/AAAAAAAAB8A/qvfTGG2N_8M/s1600-h/Crochet%252520Horse%252520Hat%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crochet Horse Hat" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Crochet Horse Hat" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CsCkpU10kX0/UupWwOE8GYI/AAAAAAAAB8I/AWStgXCh4z4/Crochet%252520Horse%252520Hat_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="554"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rScptCYFCcs/UupWwv6P8qI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/vAq8K4fHMcg/s1600-h/Black%252520Slouch%252520Hat%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Black Slouch Hat" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Black Slouch Hat" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QlNxWt7LKv8/UupWxEmATJI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/F7pYuBuc3e0/Black%252520Slouch%252520Hat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="454"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EDPk9BvomJE/UupWxlWsYPI/AAAAAAAAB8g/l0WXxKbGhg4/s1600-h/University%252520of%252520Michigan%252520Ear%252520Warmer%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="University of Michigan Ear Warmer" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="University of Michigan Ear Warmer" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mctiCSO3G0Q/UupWyHA6rdI/AAAAAAAAB8o/f4hNXsk76Zc/University%252520of%252520Michigan%252520Ear%252520Warmer_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="454"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gvCjdlGGRrQ/UupWy-8QifI/AAAAAAAAB8w/KY_7LTAaXEk/s1600-h/Black%252520Earwarer%252520Silver%252520and%252520Black%252520Flower%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Black Earwarer Silver and Black Flower" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Black Earwarer Silver and Black Flower" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i0YQg9w7JGs/UupWzVVbabI/AAAAAAAAB84/A--fRxGE3VA/Black%252520Earwarer%252520Silver%252520and%252520Black%252520Flower_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="454"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sVnNP0-WiWE/UupWz43x97I/AAAAAAAAB9A/LXi3EgMbkv8/s1600-h/University%252520of%252520Michigan%252520Brimmed%252520Hat%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="University of Michigan Brimmed Hat" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="University of Michigan Brimmed Hat" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ojoR13DxFYU/UupW0WnKnhI/AAAAAAAAB9I/gADOtut7Jp8/University%252520of%252520Michigan%252520Brimmed%252520Hat_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="454"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This is just a small sampling of the orders I have made in the last month. Add in school and a busy family, and that is why things have been quiet around here. (<em>I do have some super awesome sewing projects to share too, if I can find time to sit and write up a proper post.</em>)</p> <p>I hope to post a little more frequently (<em>we will see how that goes</em>…). But in the meantime I will be studying my heart out and hooking my hands off. ;)</p> <p><strong>How is 2014 shaping up for you? </strong>Are you working toward any specific goals?</p> <p>Thanks so much for stopping by!</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-74666137641740436282014-01-03T16:10:00.001-05:002014-01-03T16:10:48.619-05:00Welcome 2014<p>Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.</p> <p>Ours was great. Although this was actually the boys’ third Christmas, it felt like their first. This year they understood some of the concepts of Christmas. It is so amazing to see the awe and amazement on their faces as they experience ‘firsts’.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GnfKcguKVBg/UscnUlUmy0I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/u68RCEqoLWQ/s1600-h/01532.jpg"><img title="Merry Christmas" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Merry Christmas" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_JtZPX0GjXg/UscnVn2qHJI/AAAAAAAAB7g/epJymIV2WFA/015_thumb33.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="323"></a> </p> <p>And now it’s 2014.</p> <p>Last year I choose a word to focus on for the year instead of a resolution. My word for 2013 was <strong><em>deliberate</em></strong>. Although I didn’t post much about being deliberate, I loved focusing on this word throughout the year. (<em>Hmm, maybe I should have been more deliberate about blogging…</em>)</p> <p>For the last couple of weeks I have been hunting for a word to take through 2014. I’m still not settled on a word (maybe you can help), so let me share my thoughts. (I am apologizing ahead of time for the rambling you are about to endure.)</p> <p>In the year 2014 I want to push myself <strong>outside of my comfort zone</strong>. I want to focus on things that I have been scared to do. I’m not a person that is afraid of trying anything, but instead I am scared of failure and rejection. If I am being honest with myself, I can say failure is my biggest fear (<em>even more than snakes</em>). </p> <p>I am so lucky to have the best cheerleader ever on my side (my husband). He is always encouraging my to put myself out there and market my skills. (<em>Get your minds out of the gutter people. I’m talking about creative skills</em>.) I often feel like I have failed him, only because I am afraid of putting myself out there. </p> <p>I also feel that it is our duty as parents to show our children that life isn’t always comfortable or easy. You have to push yourself outside your comfort zone to better yourself and the world around you. I want to teach my children to live up to the awesomeness God intended you to be, to use the skills he planted within you.</p> <p>So long story short, I want to push myself beyond what is comfortable. In 2014 I will stop making excuses “why I don’t,” and instead do. I will put myself out there in 2014! </p> <p><strong>Here’s where I need you to chime in: What word best describes ‘getting outside your comfort zone?’</strong> The only word that comes to mind is uncomfortable. That word seems too negative to focus on for a year. (<em>Yet the one word was great last year</em>.)</p> <p>Have you set any goals or resolutions for 2014? What do you do to get out of your comfort zone? </p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-54125340897883683022013-12-25T14:30:00.001-05:002013-12-25T14:32:18.662-05:00Merry Christmas<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6nemqlBwwbU/UrsyUj9NSaI/AAAAAAAAB6I/39ZLppqPQj0/s1600-h/Christmas%2525202013-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Christmas 2013-1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Christmas 2013-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d8_4VUuQrEU/UrsyVw-CROI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/s9TxpZ0_mU8/Christmas%2525202013-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a> <strong><font size="4" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas!</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Bradley Hand ITC"> With Love,</font></strong></p> <blockquote> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Bradley Hand ITC"> The Kain Family</font></strong></p></blockquote> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-73177600588372174592013-12-20T08:51:00.001-05:002013-12-20T08:51:22.520-05:00Sweater to Slipper Refashion<p>It seems that most of my projects these days are necessity projects. Today’s project is no exception.</p> <p>Yesterday I debuted our new space (<em>sewing space for Mama, and play space for the boys</em>). Since our new space is in the basement, the floors tend to be cold (<em>a bonus in the summer, but gives you shivers during a Michigan winter</em>). Another problem with the floors….when in a sewing frenzy, Mama tends to drop pins. I’m getting better, but I still do not to risk one of my little guys stepping on one.</p> <p>I had a solution. </p> <p><strong>Slippers</strong>.<strong> </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NQH76AxPMJg/UrRLP_TMywI/AAAAAAAAB4w/6wFBv1uZzss/s1600-h/ToddlerSlippersRefashionedfromSweate%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Toddler Slippers Refashioned from Sweater" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Toddler Slippers Refashioned from Sweater" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GEG68PCrM5U/UrRLQi8U2fI/AAAAAAAAB44/EnRxaN3TYbA/ToddlerSlippersRefashionedfromSweate.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="333"></a>My husband had chucked a wool sweater into the donate box. I quickly pulled it out knowing I could do something with it, <em>it was wool</em>. Unfortunately I don’t have a before picture because I cut into the sweater pre-blogging days. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sfykdtoPIlI/UrRLRcx0QoI/AAAAAAAAB5A/pyij3Tz5mjU/s1600-h/SweaterRefashionedtoSlippers5.jpg"><img title="Sweater Refashioned to Slippers" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sweater Refashioned to Slippers" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hMsWqUsTnxo/UrRLRyBCWjI/AAAAAAAAB5I/7YBEseXMgqE/SweaterRefashionedtoSlippers_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="448"></a>I used this <a href="http://leafytreetopspot.blogspot.ca/2011/01/fleece-toddler-slippers-tutorial-and.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> and template from <a href="http://leafytreetopspot.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Leafy Treetop Spot</a>. The slippers in the tutorial are made with fleece. I have plenty of fleece, but I was envisioning something warmer and a little bit sturdier.</p> <p>The outside upper slipper, and inside sole are cut from the felted sweater. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jn_FfPGIwTk/UrRLSr9icyI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/CgMfkXQbQ-E/s1600-h/SlippersFromSweaterandBlueJeans5.jpg"><img title="Slippers From Sweater and Blue Jeans" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Slippers From Sweater and Blue Jeans" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kJKmI4ZF3s4/UrRLTH9d4KI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/4uDXVOeJNY8/SlippersFromSweaterandBlueJeans_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="448"></a>The bottoms are made from <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/07/blue-jean-buttercup.html" target="_blank">Blue Jean Buttercup</a> leftovers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-biTdl57qYTo/UrRLTwjAK2I/AAAAAAAAB5g/tJbhref6X-k/s1600-h/SweatertoSlippers3.jpg"><img title="Sweater to Slippers" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sweater to Slippers" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--B1IIrcIcKo/UrRLUooG6VI/AAAAAAAAB5o/XitJZK_wSlk/SweatertoSlippers_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="429"></a>I used some red fleece left from the boys’ <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/11/diy-thing-1-and-thing-2-costumes.html" target="_blank">Halloween costume</a> to line the slipper uppers. The Velcro is also from my stash (which is why it doesn’t match).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LCI7UvsmNtU/UrRLVWi65rI/AAAAAAAAB5w/3nhax56ZUpY/s1600-h/SlippersfromWoolSweater4.jpg"><img title="Slippers from Wool Sweater" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Slippers from Wool Sweater" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mmkva4EV0xg/UrRLWRPRJBI/AAAAAAAAB54/l0vYq783iUU/SlippersfromWoolSweater_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="520"></a></p> <p>I made size 10/11. They are quite big on the boys right now, but they’ll grow into them. The tutorial is very easy to follow, and would make wonderful last minute Christmas gifts.</p> <p><strong>Do you dive for wool sweaters? If so, what are your favorite wool projects?</strong> That sweater barely touched the donation pile before I snagged it up. It seems like wool sweaters are a little harder to thrift these days. </p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-56147513270439038882013-12-19T10:34:00.000-05:002013-12-19T10:34:00.398-05:00My New HavenThings have been productive around here. Well, maybe not whole house productive, but craft/sewing space productive. <br />
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It all started when I posted my <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/11/four-simple-tasks-by-2014.html">4 Simple Goals</a>. Remember the state of the basement and my sewing space? Hmm, well take a moment and click back to that post because I am too embarrassed to post those pictures twice.<br />
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Sadly, it took me less than an hour to get both spaces back in tip-top shape. (<em>And for the record, I am not talking about shoving everything to the side so I could take a blog picture. I mean everything in its place and a place for everything!)</em><br />
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A couple shots of the clean basement:<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HW63EgYDcQk/UrMQkZw_a7I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/6qh94V8S0p0/s1600-h/CleanBasement.12.jpg"><img alt="Clean Basement.1" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WK60u4XYHi0/UrMQlLjjuuI/AAAAAAAAB3g/8ajttLfMXAw/CleanBasement.1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="477" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Clean Basement.1" width="404" /></a> <br />
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Why yes, there are a few more appliances. We were given a “new to us” refrigerator and dryer. The old fridge is for our overflow, and hubby plans on fixing the dryer.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZSBdjjBHTLs/UrMQmB06vYI/AAAAAAAAB3k/_9QjI4Y41KI/s1600-h/Clean%252520Basement%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Clean Basement 2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VtuITrJBfU0/UrMQmzNFNcI/AAAAAAAAB3w/K9ySTDgdhio/Clean%252520Basement%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="254" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Clean Basement 2" width="404" /></a> <br />
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Spacious enough for some toddler exercise! After cleaning the basement, I brought in the boys’ tricycles. Now they love doing laundry!<br />
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Lets check out my space. Drum roll please…. (just kidding, please don’t expect anything spectacular.)<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EH2Lb9VG-EM/UrMQn3iR82I/AAAAAAAAB34/nSvon7VIWr8/s1600-h/Clean%252520Sewing%252520Space%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Clean Sewing Space" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nl8MDH-nU0k/UrMQosogXRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/D5bSQGVaZoU/Clean%252520Sewing%252520Space_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="243" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Clean Sewing Space" width="404" /></a> <br />
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Now before you scoff at my pride and joy, I fully understand that this is not anything to share with Martha (as in Stewart), pin to Pinterest under great spaces, or post to BHG fan page. But this is what I have to work with, and it works wonderfully for me.<br />
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Want to see my favorite part? <br />
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Let me give you a little back story first: Hubby came down and looked at our newly clean basement. He was impressed. Yet, he was a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to use my space often, you know since I am the Mama of two and a half year old twin boys. Who.Destroy.Everything.<br />
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So he took action.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qVPApd0oLCg/UrMQpqa-UlI/AAAAAAAAB4I/cQJQkZHbX_k/s1600-h/Boy%252527s%252520Corner%252520in%252520Sewing%252520Space%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Boy's Corner in Sewing Space" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UxiBdJAU75Y/UrMQqQfVY0I/AAAAAAAAB4M/J1HwZN7JXZ0/Boy%252527s%252520Corner%252520in%252520Sewing%252520Space_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="265" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Boy's Corner in Sewing Space" width="404" /></a> <br />
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We had an old television in the basement that just got shoved from corner to corner. It had not been turned on in at least ten years, and I may have occasionally begged my husband to take it out with the garbage.<br />
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Boy am I glad he didn’t take it to the road! He set up the television and a DVD player in the corner opposite my sewing table. I brought the art easel down, and a basket of toys. The boys can watch a movie, play, or create while Mama sews them up a new wardrobe. Win-win!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D1ClAn9gnsI/UrMQrXQBRUI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/pDgWVKRtSX0/s1600-h/Including%252520the%252520Boys%252520in%252520Mama%252527s%252520Sewing%252520Space%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Including the Boys in Mama's Sewing Space" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QguBaSYQNK0/UrMQr0wvQSI/AAAAAAAAB4g/e7kCRCuKT0g/Including%252520the%252520Boys%252520in%252520Mama%252527s%252520Sewing%252520Space_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="315" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Including the Boys in Mama's Sewing Space" width="404" /></a> <br />
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The chair was a more recent addition. We had to move it to put up the Christmas tree,and if the boys have anything to say about it; the chair is staying!<br />
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<strong>What challenges did/do you face with toddlers?</strong> I personally love this stage so much, all of the learning and imagination these little guys display. But sometimes it seems impossible to get anything done. This stage really helps us to stretch our parental creativity (like including a space for them in my space.) <br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-8298634089768599372013-12-12T10:26:00.001-05:002013-12-19T10:34:35.644-05:0031 by 31 Update, Halfway There!This semester is coming to an end. I have to take the final exam on Monday, and then I get a bit of a reprieve. My <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/06/31-by-31.html" target="_blank">31 by 31</a> goals have been set on the backburner during this semester, so I thought it might be a good time to update them and make plans to bump a few out while on break. I only have six months left….<br />
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<em>*For those of you perplexed right now, my 31 by 31 list is a list of things I would like to do before my thirty-first birthday. Nothing earth shattering, just a little list of fun things to accomplish.</em><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bDAfPl5AsTo/UqnVkZhCGzI/AAAAAAAAB20/twXFMeHrxJY/s1600-h/31x31%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="31x31" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kk_vZs7UDUI/UqnVk8T2B4I/AAAAAAAAB24/Klh3EKRRaOc/31x31_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="31x31" width="404" /></a><br />
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<u>Home</u><br />
1. <strike>Paint, and decorate dining room.</strike> *<strike>I think</strike> I am focusing on the office and eat-in part of the kitchen this year. I picked out colors, and bought paint already.<br />
2. Build a display shelf for hubby’s decoys. *<em>Have some ideas.</em><br />
3. Finish piano project.<br />
4. Build a piece of furniture.<br />
5. <strike>Plant garden</strike>. <strike>Can/preserve</strike>. <em>*Garden is planted and looking great! I picked and froze berries in July. Made some refrigerator pickles. Froze zucchini and peppers. My father-in-law canned tomatoes for us.</em><br />
6. Put together 31 meal binder.<br />
<u>Family</u><br />
7. <strike>Potty train boys</strike>. *<em>What a job! </em>8. Go on a family vacation. *<em>Not going to happen this summer, possibly during Christmas or spring break.</em><br />
9. Make a new chore chart. <em>*Been using last year’s, need to complete new one!</em><br />
10. <strike>Mail Christmas cards</strike>. <em>*Um, not going to happen this year.</em><br />
11. <strike>Have Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving</strike>. <em>*Not this year.</em><br />
<u>Marriage</u><br />
12. Have 12 date nights (at least one a month). <em>*We did good up until September. We need a date night desperately!</em><br />
13. Go on a mini-vacation with hubby.<br />
14. Go to a Tiger game.<br />
<u>Personal</u><br />
15. Read 12 books. <em>*I have been reading, need to document my reads.</em><br />
16. <strike>Start nursing clinical</strike>. <em>*One more test, and first semester is done!</em><br />
17. <em>Get a 100 bowling average</em>. (<em>Don’t laugh! I have been working on this for five years now.</em>) *<em>My average has been over 100 for the last two months! (It has been dropping the last few weeks though.)</em><br />
<u>Money</u><br />
18. Whittle down debt. <em>*Just paid off small credit card last week. Technically this isn’t whittling down debt though, because of the student loans we are accumulating.</em><br />
19. <strike>C.N.A Recertification</strike>, start working part time.<br />
20. Sell crafts (somehow; etsy/farmer’s market/craft fair). <em>*Opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theresastodos">Theresa’s To-Dos</a> on etsy in August. Need to spend some time in shop. I also have been selling crocheted hats via word of mouth.</em><br />
<u>Cleaning/Purging/Organizing</u><br />
21. Clean out and organize garage.<br />
22. Find a system for paper. Tackle paper clutter. <em>*Seriously, I think I am going to go shred happy pretty soon!</em><br />
23. Go through cookbooks.<br />
24. Organize photos.<br />
25. Work on blog organization.<br />
<u>Creative</u><br />
26. Sew everyday for 31 days, only using stash.<br />
27. Crochet a hat a day for 31 days. <em>*I tried this one in August, and only made it halfway through (that was the same month we potty trained the boys).</em><br />
28. Make a quilt.<br />
29. Work on one photography skill a month. *<em>I totally forgot about this goal. I had better make myself a list…</em><br />
30. Complete 31 pins. *<em>So, I have been trying some of the projects/recipes I have pinned, just haven’t taken pictures or blogged about them. I’ll catch up, its not like I have a shortage of pins or anything.</em><br />
31. Do 31 refashions. <em>*12 done, 19 to go. I have quite a few ideas. (Some started already!)</em><br />
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Whew! I’m exhausted just reading this list. This month I am going to print my list so I have a visual to keep me focused.<br />
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<strong>Do you have any grand plans and to-dos?</strong> We are heading into the new year, the time for resolutions.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-11690899937242096312013-12-06T17:55:00.001-05:002013-12-06T17:55:41.393-05:00A Few Completed Christmas GiftsIs it already a week into December? My, how time flies when you are drowning in schoolwork. There is less than two weeks left in this semester, then life around here <em>may</em> go back to normal for a few weeks.<br />
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One of my <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/06/31-by-31.html" target="_blank">31 by 31 goals</a> was to have Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. <em>That didn’t happen</em>. I know a lot of people love shopping this time of year, but I despise it. I hate the crowds, the disgruntled store employees (no they are not all disgruntled, but it seems there is at least one), the rude shoppers, all of it. I would just rather stay out of the stores this time of year. <br />
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So instead of facing the holiday crowds, I have been busy trying to sneak in a few moments here and there making a few Christmas gifts. I thought I should share them with you guys, since they are all quick and easy this year.<br />
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Today is the crochet segment.<br />
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I highly recommend the <a href="http://www.cre8tioncrochet.com/2013/03/crochet-hipster-hat/" target="_blank">Crochet Hipster Hat</a> by Lorene of <a href="http://www.cre8tioncrochet.com/" target="_blank">Cre8tion Crochet</a>. This hat is a super cute and equally fast project. <em>(I made two hats last night!)</em><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b2CJj5kgyH8/UqJTgRxSG9I/AAAAAAAAB18/YiRHreuIaZY/s1600-h/Crochet%252520Hipster%252520Hat%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Crochet Hipster Hat" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9dGqpcFtEQw/UqJTjlk1XJI/AAAAAAAAB2E/dP8blYxW6cY/Crochet%252520Hipster%252520Hat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Crochet Hipster Hat" width="454" /></a> <br />
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I made the first one exactly as the pattern is written, bow and all. I used Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Oatmeal, and a size I hook. I love that the stitch looks detailed, yet is so simple once you get the hang of it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t7cMNhseQ0s/UqJTldgg8ZI/AAAAAAAAB2M/DTO0tHJaZv0/s1600-h/Crochet%252520Hipster%252520With%252520Brim%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Crochet Hipster With Brim" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SzvTCBbjEWk/UqJToOWSUoI/AAAAAAAAB2U/Rmj1Rd422Gs/Crochet%252520Hipster%252520With%252520Brim_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Crochet Hipster With Brim" width="454" /></a> <br />
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This second hat is a request from my step-daughter….made <em>last May.</em> Oops! At least now I have a handmade Christmas gift for her. ;)<br />
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She had requested an orange hat with a brim. We went to a few different stores looking for yarn, and she choose Lily Sugar’n’Cream cotton in Hot Orange. Let me tell you, this stuff is magic for dishcloths. Horrendous for hats. I had crocheted and frogged three different hats from three different patterns before finding success.<br />
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This hat is also a Crocheted Hipster hat, with a twist. <br />
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I used a size J hook, and worked the pattern through the eighth row. Then I crocheted the brim from Lorene’s <a href="http://www.cre8tioncrochet.com/2013/03/newsboy-slouch-crochet-hat/" target="_blank">Newsboy Slouch</a> pattern. *<em>For more info, see my </em><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mrskain/crochet-hipster-hat--fiona-2" target="_blank"><em>project page on Ravelry</em></a><em>, or leave a comment below.</em> <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NXgYJZZ0-bU/UqJTo8FwzZI/AAAAAAAAB2c/oAaULuCF53Y/s1600-h/crocheted%252520teal%252520earwarmer%252520with%252520flower%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="crocheted teal earwarmer with flower" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7b8PAdkutI/UqJTqSlVtgI/AAAAAAAAB2k/r_Jraj0iP2s/crocheted%252520teal%252520earwarmer%252520with%252520flower_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="crocheted teal earwarmer with flower" width="454" /></a> <br />
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Next up is from <a href="http://imfrayedknot.com/2012/12/30/easiest-headwrap-ever-2/" target="_blank">Frayed Knot Crochet Patterns</a>, Easiest Head Wrap EVER!!! <br />
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If you haven’t noticed, I am all about easy this year. And this pattern did not disappoint. I used Red Heart Soft yarn in Turquoise, and a size H hook. <br />
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The neighbor girls have been hinting about ear warmers, so I know I will be making a few more of these before Christmas.<br />
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<strong>What handmade gifts are you making this year? </strong>Please share any links! I will do all I can to avoid the Christmas crowds.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-60570213846305734832013-11-07T16:42:00.001-05:002013-11-07T16:48:31.129-05:00Four Simple Tasks by 2014I have decided to join the end of the year goal-setting bandwagon….not that I <em>need</em> to put more on my plate. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/10/four-simple-goals-before-2014.html" target="_blank">idea</a> comes from the girls at <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a>. <br />
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The rules are pretty easy; choose four simple goals to reach by 2014. These goals need to be positive, activity-oriented goals that will make your life richer.<br />
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Now, I’m going to admit…I tend to be a rule breaker. My goals are not going to infuse a joyful spirit deep within my soul. But they are simple goals, things I have been putting off for too long, and will enrich our lives (somewhat).<br />
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Here they are (with horrendous before pictures to boot!):<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--WQIA9uKJYs/UnwJLP7_iCI/AAAAAAAAB0I/uQ21scbmA_A/s1600-h/Basement%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Basement" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S-N_ibaMN6k/UnwJL9jZZeI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/dNTLvz9917U/Basement_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="305" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Basement" width="454" /></a> <br />
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1. Clean the basement. This picture is embarrassing. And if I’m being all honest here; I had taken care of <strong>four</strong> baskets of clean clothes before taking this photo. Sadly, this room in the basement had become a dumping ground.<br />
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My goal is to clean it up. I think the boys would love to ride their tricycles around in here this winter. This would mean that Mama can spend a little time in her sewing room, which is right through that door…..<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3JX_F2-Ns6I/UnwJMvra1-I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/t-Dj77mrdac/s1600-h/Sewing%252520Room%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sewing Room" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CG2wk2aaMcI/UnwJNK4jwwI/AAAAAAAAB0g/BX8Vy88sW4g/Sewing%252520Room_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Sewing Room" width="454" /></a> <br />
<strong> What the???</strong><br />
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2. Get my sewing/crafting space back in shape. I am so lucky to have all of this space, I need to pick it up so I can use it.<br />
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<em>*This room isn’t always like this. Lately I have had to sew while the boys are awake, which means on the kitchen table. So I would have to run downstairs, find my material(s), run back upstairs, realize I needed to iron, run downstairs, you get the picture.</em> <br />
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3. Winterize the windows. (Sorry, no photo.) Winters in Michigan are cold, especially when you live off of the bay. The windows in this house are old. To save a little money and keep the house draft free I try to put plastic up on the windows. Its that time…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WG1L8RPopEc/UnwJN-YyH3I/AAAAAAAAB0o/NU7l1dIhgqo/s1600-h/Boys%252527%252520Chothes%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Boys' Chothes" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDrAu0WCHLM/UnwJOivaFpI/AAAAAAAAB0w/uec8dOXEsbw/Boys%252527%252520Chothes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Boys' Chothes" width="454" /></a> <br />
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4. Switch over the boys’ clothes. This is pretty simple. The boys have grown too tall for their pants. It is time to switch out the summer clothes, and move the next size in. (<em>I started already, the pile above is the pile that needs a home in their dresser.</em>)<br />
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Like I said, not exactly following the rules. But will benefit the family nonetheless. <br />
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<strong>Do you have any end-of-the-year goals?</strong>Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-1515380001757160852013-11-01T09:26:00.001-04:002013-11-07T16:50:38.914-05:00DIY Thing 1 and Thing 2 CostumesLately I have been feeling spread thin. There have been so many demands, but not enough me. It is so weird to hear myself complain about this, in my younger days I strived on being busy all the time. <br />
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Now, as a thirty year old wife and mama I long for a slower pace.<br />
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Enough whining. <br />
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Growing up, my mom always made our Halloween costumes. (She did a pretty darn good job, too.) She was amazing, we would tell her what we wanted to be, and she would fabricate the perfect costume. (You should see the Ninja Turtle costume she made for my brother, AMAZING!) <br />
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Making my kids’ costumes is something I also look forward to every year (<em>even if some years they are simple</em>).<br />
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This year the holiday sort of crept up on me. I have been busy with school and other areas of life, I just forgot how close the holiday was. Sunday night I had a mini-breakdown, “I am a horrible mother…I don’t even know what my kids are going to be for Halloween…” <br />
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The hubby suggested going to the store and buying a costume. GASP! Can you believe it! What was that man thinking?<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yYBdTFlBMwc/UnOrz2GMGnI/AAAAAAAAByg/hq_R5vBkUDM/s1600-h/Thing%2525201%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Thing 1 Costume" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p_VIvY2Gz30/UnOr06rbtZI/AAAAAAAAByo/g-ccxfARhqk/Thing%2525201_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DIY Thing 1 Costume" width="248" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4F-6kvTmrZw/UnOr1tqXCBI/AAAAAAAAByw/CZrdQZ-RNk0/s1600-h/Thing%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY Thing 2 Costume" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fwmxt3dADZM/UnOr2bXmm3I/AAAAAAAABy4/qM0k1RlC0s8/Thing%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DIY Thing 2 Costume" width="275" /></a> <br />
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Monday I stopped at Wal-Mart on my way home from school. I had to figure a costume out now! (<em>Thinking about it, I bet my family would have appreciated it if I had also figured something out for dinner.</em>)<br />
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I found a pattern (<em>I have looked and looked, I cannot find a link to this pattern anywhere</em>) Simplicity Sew Simple 0892 ($0.97). It is actually a bear costume, I just omitted the hood, bow, and footies.<br />
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I grabbed three yards of red fleece (at 2.97/yard), two blue hats ($0.87 each) four skeins of blue yarn ($2.97 each) and two pair of red gloves ($0.87 each). I had the notions in my stash. For about $25 this is what I came up with:<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GFopcIWHmDo/UnOr3t0tQbI/AAAAAAAABzA/Cabz3OEmDHk/s1600-h/Halloween%2525202013%252520Thing%2525201%252520and%252520Thing%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Halloween 2013 Thing 1 and Thing 2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-__EB_458-T4/UnOr4hZfi3I/AAAAAAAABzI/SE_1XVQnwEU/Halloween%2525202013%252520Thing%2525201%252520and%252520Thing%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="446" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Halloween 2013 Thing 1 and Thing 2" width="504" /></a> <br />
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I used <a href="http://thecreativecollage.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/thing-one-quick-yarn-wig-and-shirt-tutorial/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> as inspiration for the wig. My sewing machine was not very fond of this method. Instead I looped and stitched (by hand). So sorry I didn’t take pictures along the way, maybe in the future…<br />
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I downloaded the logos from <a href="http://fussymonkeybiz.blogspot.com/2011/08/dr-seuss-thing-1-thing-2-shirts_04.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I printed them on printable fabric (because I had it in my stash), and sewed them on.<br />
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I am so glad I decided to use fleece. It was a cold and rainy night for trick-or-treating. The fleece helped keep my little guys dry.<br />
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This year was so fun watching the boys figure out Halloween. They were very polite saying, “Trick or treat,” “Thank you,” and “Happy Halloween costume.” <em>Yup, you read that right. Happy Halloween costume, we may need to work on that one…</em><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8v-yi5Wyx40/UnOr5U0eBgI/AAAAAAAABzQ/Hm_i-0M85eQ/s1600-h/Happy%252520Halloween%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Happy Halloween" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1GOLD_XgdgA/UnOr6xaYFTI/AAAAAAAABzY/xaBEvsF6fpA/Happy%252520Halloween_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="322" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="Happy Halloween" width="504" /></a> <br />
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Anyways, so sorry for being MIA lately. (I still cannot promise regularity.) I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-59333990401086872442013-09-28T16:02:00.001-04:002013-09-28T16:02:36.348-04:00I’m Still Here…<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C5fSv3Z7aw4/Ukc11S-rNxI/AAAAAAAAByA/M5-U7llXmbo/s1600-h/I%252527m%252520Back...%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="I'm Still Here..." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="I'm Still Here..." src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_t_SAFyvZZA/Ukc12Qi0XNI/AAAAAAAAByI/7E5SF-f8FL8/I%252527m%252520Back..._thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="304"></a></p> <p>Hi folks! Its Theresa checking in. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words on my “I need a break” post!</p> <p> I wasn’t intending on being away for well over a month. But I am glad I took some time. </p> <p>On that particular day (August 21), we were well into potty training. The boys were doing pretty good actually, peeing in the potty the majority of the time. <em>Number 2 was a different story</em>. </p> <p>I had been putting them in their room for “quiet time” (because they decided that naps aren’t ‘cool’). I had put a pull-up on the boys, tucked them in, and closed the door. I took a shower (because on this particular day the boys also decided to wake up two hours earlier than normal).</p> <p>When I stepped out of the shower I heard laughing, giggling, and “POO-POO! POO-POO! POO-POO!”</p> <p>Upon hearing chants of POO-POO, I dressed as quickly as possible, and ran into their room.</p> <p>Standing there were my two angelic boys. Proud faces. </p> <p>Pant-less. No pull-ups. <strong>Bare bottom</strong> except for chocolate like smears coating their chubby legs. (<em>I’m so sorry. I didn’t react the way a blogger would, I didn’t take a picture.) <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RID13vwsaRA/Ukc12pL66gI/AAAAAAAAByQ/fQYnjNNVwsc/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></em></p> <p>Yup. First they had decided to pull every piece of clothing from their dresser. In the meantime they pooped. Then took off their poopy pull-ups. And smeared fecal matter EVERYWHERE.</p> <p>Take a few days like this (not the same, but similar) + our upcoming life changes (mama being away from home) x fear of ‘how the heck are we going to do this’ = one stressed Mama that needed a break.</p> <p>Anyways, I am happy to say we are adjusting fairly well. The boys prefer to use the potty (<em>inside, outside is a whole ‘nother story</em>). School is going great. And the hubby has been tremendous, helping with housework, dinners, and giving Mama an empty house to study in.</p> <p>As you can see, <em>most</em> of our life is settling into place. There is one aspect of my life that is lacking. My sewing machine has been neglected, as well as any other creative hobby I enjoy. I <strike>want to</strike> need to reconnect with my creative outlets. I’m just not sure how to fit it in. Do I stay up late or get up earlier? Do I set a timer? Write it on a schedule? Wait until an empty slot of time opens up? HELP! </p> <p><strong>What are your tips, tricks, or methods for fitting your creative outlet into a busy schedule?</strong> Please share your secrets! </p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-87912498875819437962013-08-21T15:49:00.001-04:002013-08-21T15:49:28.549-04:00I Need a Little Break<p>Things are busy again. Life is about to become even busier. </p> <p>The last couple of weeks have drained me. The boys not taking naps and potty training have wiped me out. On top of these parenting changes I have been trying to get everything ready for school.</p> <p>My creative outlet has suffered immensely. I have learned that I have to/want to/need to create. </p> <p>While I love writing here and interacting with you all, I feel like lately I have just been posting crap for the sake of posting. </p> <p>I have decided that we would all benefit from a little break. I plan to re-bond with my sewing machine, spend time with my family, and get acclimated to my new workload. </p> <p>I won’t be gone forever. I may even pop in sooner than planned. My goal is to recharge.</p> <p>Thank you so much for understanding. Hope to see you in a couple of weeks.</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-2374778102289296752013-08-14T14:28:00.001-04:002013-08-14T14:54:40.029-04:00Mama Carries Lunch In StyleSomething glorious happened today. Right now, as <strike>we speak</strike> I write. <br />
I would climb our rooftop and sing praises to the heavens, <em>if I wasn’t afraid of violating the peace</em>. (One thing this mama should never do in public is sing!)<br />
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So what is all this celebration for? <br />
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My sweet little boys are taking a nap! (They are sweet <u>right now</u>, because they are sleeping.) They haven’t napped in over a week. This mama was getting tired.<br />
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Anyways, wish me luck that they are back into the groove. In the meantime, I have some hats to catch up on. So to hold you over, I wanted to share a sewing project I finished last month.<br />
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<strong><u>Mama’s Lunch Tote</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ag5ZBqVIwgI/UgvMN-l7XQI/AAAAAAAABxE/WhJL7B3ATkA/s1600-h/Back%252520to%252520School%25252C%252520Mama%252527s%252520Lunch%252520Tote%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Back to School, Mama's Lunch Tote" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l5-RQV6iVHE/UgvMOonisSI/AAAAAAAABxM/TI0uZJdmNBw/Back%252520to%252520School%25252C%252520Mama%252527s%252520Lunch%252520Tote_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="408" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Back to School, Mama's Lunch Tote" width="354" /></a><br />
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As you know, I start school soon. Buying lunch is out of the question. Not only does our budget love when we take our lunch, so does my waistline and energy level.<br />
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The fabric, a corduroy, is from my stash, and has been in my stash for at least seven years. <em>Oops.</em> The lining is made from a vinyl tablecloth (bought on clearance from Target last summer). The Insul-Bright is also from my stash. I bought a zipper and webbing for the handles.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2n7-Sv12fJ0/UgvMPedR9xI/AAAAAAAABxU/tB1zZQgYPDQ/s1600-h/Bright%252520Stripes%252520Inside%252520Mama%252527s%252520Lunch%252520Tote%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Bright Stripes Inside Mama's Lunch Tote" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BPFkR8tyEDc/UgvMP3f7-TI/AAAAAAAABxc/CSG1Lebu_ek/Bright%252520Stripes%252520Inside%252520Mama%252527s%252520Lunch%252520Tote_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="275" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bright Stripes Inside Mama's Lunch Tote" width="354" /></a><br />
Isn’t it so bright and cheery in there?<br />
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I used <a href="http://zaaberry.blogspot.com/2011/07/insulated-lunch-tote-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> from Zaaberry. The pattern is well written and easy to follow. It would be really easy to change the dimensions to fit your needs.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FoEyxaMRako/UgvMQv8A6aI/AAAAAAAABxk/BLCtGYKnQnI/s1600-h/Back%252520to%252520School%25252C%252520Lunch%252520Tote%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Back to School, Lunch Tote" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3uU-HGDCNTA/UgvMRcyoPRI/AAAAAAAABxs/PSg8IFiFOeQ/Back%252520to%252520School%25252C%252520Lunch%252520Tote_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Back to School, Lunch Tote" width="332" /></a><br />
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I have been using this tote daily for over a month, and it is holding up great. I absolutely love how much this tote can carry. I easily fit four Sippy cups, a sandwich, applesauce, and a couple of ice packs.<br />
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I do need to make a couple more lunch bags this month, so stay tuned. <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Are you doing any back to school crafting?</strong> Lunch bags are my top concern right now. Having a child with a food allergy means that I have to pack the boys’ lunch every morning too. (<em>It gives me a good excuse to try out some other tutorials I have pinned.)</em><br />
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<em>Sharing here:</em><br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2013/08/whatever-goes-wednesday-183.html" target="_blank">Whatever Goes Wednesday</a>Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-67942007988499334702013-08-12T15:47:00.001-04:002013-08-12T15:47:45.071-04:0031 by 31 Three Month Update<p> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TW3DTdo-WSg/Ugk72cG7dQI/AAAAAAAABwk/FrXymvK4M-c/s1600-h/31x31%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="31x31" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="31x31" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dtxqu-A3UfU/Ugk73AaiaKI/AAAAAAAABws/7PDy0CsHxJ0/31x31_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left">It is that time again, another month closer to thirty-one. </p> <p align="left">The last couple weeks have been crazy. Our routine is out of order, and looks like it will never be the same again. The boys still aren’t napping. We just started trying to potty train. I have many final details to work out before school starts. And the list continues.</p> <p align="left">Anyways, here is a 31 by 31 update:</p> <p><u>Home</u><br>1. Paint, and decorate dining room. *I think I am focusing on the office and eat-in part of the kitchen this year. I picked out colors, and bought paint already.<br>2. Build a display shelf for hubby’s decoys. *<em>Have some ideas.</em><br>3. Finish piano project.<br>4. Build a piece of furniture.<br>5. <strike>Plant garden</strike>. Can/preserve. <em>*Garden is planted and looking great! I picked and froze berries in July. The zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers are in full swing. Made some refrigerator pickles.</em><br>6. Put together 31 meal binder.<br><u>Family</u><br>7. Potty train boys. *<em>Oh my gosh…we started this last week…what a job!</em><br>8. Go on a family vacation. *<em>Not going to happen this summer, possibly during Christmas or spring break.</em><br>9. Make a new chore chart. <em>*Been using last year’s, need to complete new one now!</em><br>10. Mail Christmas cards.<br>11. Have Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. <em>*I just realized I only have three months!</em><br><u>Marriage</u><br>12. Have 12 date nights (at least one a month). <em>*June we went to see a friend’s band play. July we picked blackberries in the rain, and are had a golf date tonight (I golf almost as good as a bowl…). August- went to local beer tent after hubby’s softball tournament, <u>and</u> we were so graciously surprised with an awesome gift- a babysitter and gift certificate for dinner tonight!</em><br>13. Go on a mini-vacation with hubby.<br>14. Go to a Tiger game.<br><u>Personal</u><br>15. Read 12 books. <em>*I have been reading, need to document my reads.</em><br>16. Start nursing clinicals. <em>*Start in less than three weeks!</em><br>17. Get a 100 bowling average. (<em>Don’t laugh! I have been working on this for five years now. This IS my year!</em>) <img alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YmWkL0BxuqU/UaotQaZzVlI/AAAAAAAABdE/W0eXOv01czQ/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"><br><u>Money</u><br>18. Whittle down debt.<br>19. <strike>C.N.A Recertification</strike>, start working part time.<br>20. Sell crafts (somehow; etsy/farmer’s market/craft fair). <em>*Opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theresastodos" target="_blank">Theresa’s To-Dos</a> on etsy at beginning of this month. Need to spend some time in shop. I also have been selling crocheted hats via word of mouth.</em><br><u>Cleaning/Purging/Organizing</u><br>21. Clean out and organize garage.<br>22. Find a system for paper. Tackle paper clutter.<br>23. Go through cookbooks.<br>24. Organize photos.<br>25. Work on blog organization.<br><u>Creative</u><br>26. Sew everyday for 31 days, only using stash.<br>27. Crochet a hat a day for 31 days. <em>*This is my challenge for August. I am a little behind- but I am giving myself grace.</em><br>28. Make a quilt.<br>29. Work on one photography skill a month. *<em>I have some catching up to do!</em><br>30. Complete 31 pins. *<em>Started planning…So many pins, not enough time.</em><br>31. Do 31 refashions. <em>*11 done, 20 to go</em> <p><strong>Your turn, are you working on anything special, big or small? I love reading/hearing about your latest projects! </strong> This last week has been so trying. The lack of ‘me’ time due to vanishing naptime syndrome combined with potty training twin (boys!) has got me worn down.</p> <p><em>*Maybe I can muster up a twin tip for tomorrow….Toilet Nightmares… <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jMjcXTf9Q7I/Ugk73_pWIgI/AAAAAAAABw0/ydwPjJTcDwA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></em></p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-24196943503611187582013-08-07T16:59:00.001-04:002013-08-14T14:34:14.701-04:00Crocheting 31 Hats in 31 Days, Week 1 Update<p>We have been experiencing naptime refusal around here. There hasn’t been a nap since Saturday. To add to (or contribute to) the nap-less-ness Zeke has learned how to escape his <strike>cell</strike> crib. His favorite place to escape is right into his brother’s crib. Xander would like a nap.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EiPNe1l5oFo/UgK0KLQ4UkI/AAAAAAAABvM/0w2iAanqfks/s1600-h/006%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LF09pk145dM/UgK0PBBMCKI/AAAAAAAABvU/YZ42LN2JW-8/006_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="280"></a></p> <p>I know most two year olds are in toddler beds, but we have been prolonging the transition. It is so nice putting the boys down for a nap/bedtime and knowing that they are safe (<em>and the potential for them to get into mischief is greatly reduced</em>). Yet we knew this day would come.</p> <p>Needless to say, my routine has been out of whack. </p> <p>Here’s a quick update on my <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/08/theresas-to-dos-open-for-business-and.html" target="_blank">31 hat project</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ayFr4RXiBS4/UgK0U52tEhI/AAAAAAAABvc/BsgYJNU7LBQ/s1600-h/Crocheted%252520Detroit%252520Tiger%252520Beanie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crocheted Detroit Tiger Beanie" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Crocheted Detroit Tiger Beanie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X-wfcG3SF54/UgK0Z7Zlw8I/AAAAAAAABvk/i2wtw8Z4D_M/Crocheted%252520Detroit%252520Tiger%252520Beanie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="365"></a></p> <p>I used <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114401084/crochet-pattern-detroit-tigers-inspired?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">this</a> pattern from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ACrochetedSimplicity?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">A Crocheted Simplicity</a>. The hat was crocheted with Red Heart Super Saver yarn. *Pattern comes with crochet pattern for Old English D. I choose to use felt like <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/07/detroit-hat-update-and-weekly-to-dos.html" target="_blank">these</a> ones.</p> <p><em>The beanie above, and the three below are for customer orders.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tMYp4i07eMs/UgK0y8AJtxI/AAAAAAAABvs/aQ_ryhQ3b9s/s1600-h/101%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="31 Crocheted Hats in 31 Days" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="31 Crocheted Hats in 31 Days" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--ZYapu1tsJo/UgK012UISJI/AAAAAAAABv0/IHc57PZnWdE/101_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="310"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-64NtSQdGMBQ/UgK05SnaTOI/AAAAAAAABv8/FO6QRYlCWxA/s1600-h/100%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pink Crocheted Visor Hat" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pink Crocheted Visor Hat" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wNeja4XLYe4/UgK06un5tmI/AAAAAAAABwE/Gw2A_pdsaTU/100_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="310"></a></p> <p>These three are waiting for their “D” appliques. I used <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75802057/crochet-pattern-newsboy-newsgirl-beanie?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=108" target="_blank">this pattern</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoshPatterns" target="_blank">Posh Patterns</a>. The pink hat, and bottom blue hat is made using Caron Simply Soft, top blue hat is made with Red Heart Super Saver.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RfxUxgO8K3M/UgK1DpyBqhI/AAAAAAAABwM/tK8FTWZpYLY/s1600-h/095%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="31 Hats in 31 Days" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="31 Hats in 31 Days" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t1U6NetzkaQ/UgK1FASGzUI/AAAAAAAABwU/n4ldRFQhL7M/095_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="248"></a></p> <p>This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-girl-bonnet" target="_blank">Big Girl Bonnet</a> by Karla Rae (free <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> download). I used Caron Simply Soft and size G hook. This hat did end up smaller than I had anticipated, but that always happens to me. (I <u>never</u> check my gauge.) This pattern was easy to work up, and is very cute. The pattern was a little confusing while working the brim. I believe this was due to our naptime quandaries. It was clear once I re-read the pattern a few times.</p> <p><em>*I am short a couple of hats (five hats in seven days). I had figured this would happen, so I sourced a few patterns for ‘quick’ hats in case I had to play catch up.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Signing off, praying for naptime….</em></strong></p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-27512879298382291712013-08-02T19:35:00.001-04:002013-08-02T19:35:38.889-04:00Egg-Free Friday; Muffins, Muffins, and More Muffins<p>Just when I thought I was done with berries for a little bit, the U-Pick blueberry signs went up. This past month I have been busy picking, cleaning, and freezing strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries. And now blueberries.</p> <p>My stepson requested blueberry muffins. Since I am a huge fan, I set out to find a <strike>decent</strike> good egg-free recipe. I tried a few, but they were just ho-hum.</p> <p>This morning the sweet little baking angels prodded me to try Google one more time. I stumbled upon <a href="http://artofdessert.blogspot.com/2010/01/egg-free-blueberry-muffins.html" target="_blank">Art of Dessert</a>. </p> <p>This blueberry muffin recipe is mind blowing! I don’t think I have ever tasted muffins this good. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y5bLHurxQFE/UfxCPfyDcTI/AAAAAAAABto/wCuXmOrMflw/s1600-h/Egg-Free%252520Blueberry%252520Muffins%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Egg-Free Blueberry Muffins" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Egg-Free Blueberry Muffins" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y79eaOgGsUQ/UfxCQZrn1EI/AAAAAAAABtw/J3DrkDnBh-w/Egg-Free%252520Blueberry%252520Muffins_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="362"></a></p> <p>If you have an abundance of blueberries, you have to make <a href="http://artofdessert.blogspot.com/2010/01/egg-free-blueberry-muffins.html" target="_blank">these muffins</a>. *<em>If you don’t have an abundance of blueberries, stock up when they are on sale!</em></p> <p>Okay, I’ll stop with the blueberry muffins. Lets talk zucchini.</p> <p>For those of you with a garden, you know that once the zucchini is ripe its hard to keep up with. We picked our first zucchini less than a week ago. We have ate the lovely vegetable for dinner almost every night for the past week. We have given it away. I have been baking like a fool. (<em>Seriously, I am a fool. It is August!</em>) </p> <p>Well the boys have voted on their favorite zucchini muffin recipe.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mzTorzGG0K0/UfxCRN0fzOI/AAAAAAAABt4/UjUNjoala7U/s1600-h/Egg%252520Free%252520Chocolate%252520Chip%252520Zucchini%252520Muffins%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Egg Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Egg Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OMVxLnkyEK8/UfxCSevHRmI/AAAAAAAABuA/NvlnPhDv8a4/Egg%252520Free%252520Chocolate%252520Chip%252520Zucchini%252520Muffins_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="354"></a></p> <p>Yup, you read that right. Egg free chocolate chip zucchini muffins. (<em>Say that three times fast</em>.) The recipe is adapted from Madhuram’s Eggless Cooking, and can be found <a href="http://www.egglesscooking.com/2013/02/22/mini-zucchini-chocolate-chip-muffins-recipe/" target="_blank">here</a>. I did make a few adjustments, but I’m sure the muffins would be perfect following the recipe (<em>if you haven’t noticed, I tend to use recipes loosely</em>). I’ll share my adjustments later.</p> <p>*This recipe made 24 mini muffins, and 12 regular muffins. While I was washing up the dishes, my sneaky boys were pulling muffins off the counter behind me. There were six muffins of each size left by the time I caught on, so I guess this recipe is a keeper!</p> <p><strong>What are your favorite zucchini recipes?</strong> I have a feeling we are going to need all the recipes we can get!</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-28398635041451478752013-08-01T13:55:00.001-04:002013-08-14T14:34:14.703-04:00Theresa’s To-Dos Open for Business, and My Newest Challenge<p>So I finally did it. I have had enough of the self doubt and procrastination. </p> <p>I finally opened my Etsy shop. It still needs work, and I don’t have everything listed, but I had to put an end to the excuses. If you would like to take a peek, click over <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theresastodos" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Right now I have my personalized bibs/burp cloths and gift card coffee cozies listed:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qlWW-bdSXuw/Ufqg7k5JHUI/AAAAAAAABtA/WVpGEf0mejo/s1600-h/custompurpleprincess1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="custompurpleprincess1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="custompurpleprincess1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UiRct8TrIF8/Ufqg8bS8gHI/AAAAAAAABtI/F4vR93vl0tk/custompurpleprincess1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fa4i3q_ndqc/Ufqg9S07ziI/AAAAAAAABtQ/VPMQjsAhVgo/s1600-h/coffeekisses4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="coffeekisses4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="coffeekisses4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-To0rETKLWjA/Ufqg-CEE9HI/AAAAAAAABtY/COSbW4Lh-Z0/coffeekisses4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="354"></a></p> <p>I hope to list more by the end of this weekend. Realistically, it may not happen until next week. I also have plans to list some crocheted hats. </p> <p>*<em>If any of my projects here caught your eye, and you would like them listed, please let me know!*</em></p> <p>Oh yeah, I was supposed to tell you about my latest crazy challenge. #27 on my 31 by 31 list is to crochet a hat a day for 31 days. I have decided to attempt this challenge in August for three reasons. 1) I had a few more hat orders to complete (<em>and more requests from the family</em>). 2) I start school next month (and a hat a day may not be possible after that). and 3) There is a local craft fair in November that I would like to participate in.</p> <p>I plan to post my progress weekly, so stay tuned!</p> <p>Finally, I would like to thank all you guys for keeping me accountable. I love and appreciate your encouragement!</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-916267703562409276.post-44822446321263641462013-07-31T13:52:00.001-04:002013-07-31T13:52:25.719-04:00Ending Refashion Month with Tanks, a Tote, and a Wristlet<p>Today is the last day of <a href="http://houseofestrela.blogspot.pt/2013/05/july-refashion-month-announcement.html" target="_blank">July Refashion Month</a>. I didn’t finish 31 refashions like I had intended (<em>one of my <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/07/31-by-31-two-month-update.html" target="_blank">31 by 31 goals</a>, but I still have 10 more months)</em>. I did manage to whip out a few more projects. Today I want to show you a couple refashions I finished, but haven’t posted yet.</p> <p>First is two more muscle shirts for my boys.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rP42KXj8C-U/UflOucWj2oI/AAAAAAAABro/Rchfn8wnK9s/s1600-h/Boys-Muscle-Shirt-Refashioned-From-M.jpg"><img title="Boys Muscle Shirt Refashioned From Men's Shirt" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Boys Muscle Shirt Refashioned From Men's Shirt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vZeTnCTp7pc/UflOvnXCbPI/AAAAAAAABrw/tSLQWS1zDqY/Boys-Muscle-Shirt-Refashioned-From-M%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sBthZSo0LkE/UflOwhRPIXI/AAAAAAAABr4/pYzcBW5nnJ4/s1600-h/Refashioning-Mens-T-Shirt-into-Boys-%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Refashioning Men's T-Shirt into Boy's Muscle Shirt" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Refashioning Men's T-Shirt into Boy's Muscle Shirt" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b2mjvkmKfkI/UflOxgTAXOI/AAAAAAAABsA/9LSuzcIpJlg/Refashioning-Mens-T-Shirt-into-Boys-%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="484"></a></p> <p>These were made from two men’s 2XL t-shirts. I was able to cut two tanks from each shirt. I had completed the first two shirts in June, and mailed them off to <a href="http://patternrevolution.com/" target="_blank">Sewing to Rebuild</a>. The other two sat on my sewing table cut out and ready to sew for way too long.</p> <p>The next one was a super quick project.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CCQ4NGdUTiw/UflOyaJqEhI/AAAAAAAABsI/GIceX2cQAm0/s1600-h/Wristlet-From-Shirt-Sleeve-Cuffs3.jpg"><img title="Wristlet From Shirt Sleeve Cuffs" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Wristlet From Shirt Sleeve Cuffs" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VaM5MsgaDn0/UflOzGtUj8I/AAAAAAAABsQ/KWOrzDxq6ys/Wristlet-From-Shirt-Sleeve-Cuffs_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="207"></a></p> <p>The boys’ <a href="http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/04/preppy-shorts-part-two.html" target="_blank">preppy shorts</a> left me with two sleeve cuffs. (Which had adorable pearl snaps.) I kept looking at the cuffs, trying to decide what to make of them. </p> <p>I stitched the cuffs together using a wide but short zigzag stitch. Then I covered up the stitching with ribbon. The ribbon also helped the project look a little less masculine (<em>the ribbon has sparkles!</em>). I cut a piece of ribbon for a strap. Then I folded the rectangle into a pouch, tucked in the ribbon, and topstitched along the original seam.</p> <p>This last project is also one that has been sitting on my sewing table, cut out, for way too long!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N7-NQYysrx4/UflOzslFQaI/AAAAAAAABsY/Ul04JUQlK00/s1600-h/Reversible-Tote-From-Repurposed-Bed-.jpg"><img title="Reversible Tote From Repurposed Bed Sheets" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Reversible Tote From Repurposed Bed Sheets" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oXM8tJ8nf1c/UflO0WFlOII/AAAAAAAABsg/wxCBhOFc2rw/Reversible-Tote-From-Repurposed-Bed-%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="347"></a></p> <p>I have made so many of these bags. They are made from bed sheets, and can be made in any size. </p> <p>I use these as my reusable shopping totes, beach bag, overnight bag, and just about anything you can think of bag. These totes are my favorite for three reasons. 1. They hold so much stuff. 2. No need worrying about getting them dirty. Just toss in the washer. 3. They fold (or in my case roll) up super small. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vafSKTiI1VE/UflO1ThNa8I/AAAAAAAABso/s_8P0VTlrDk/s1600-h/Roll-up-Reversible-Tote-From-Repurpo%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Roll-up Reversible Tote From Repurposed Bed Sheets" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Roll-up Reversible Tote From Repurposed Bed Sheets" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-43AsyNTZf10/UflO2IpnL5I/AAAAAAAABsw/w63ckcfIFWU/Roll-up-Reversible-Tote-From-Repurpo%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="324"></a></p> <p>*<em>I know it is hard to tell, but the bag rolled up is smaller than a soup can.</em></p> <p><strong>Did you participate in Refashion Month? </strong>If so, share a link. I would love to see your creations.</p> <p><strong>Do you have projects that have been sitting in your to-do pile for a long time?</strong> Seriously the tote has been cut out and waiting to be sewn for a couple of years. I know the reason this project sat so long (<em>my machine was acting up and I gave up and packed her away for a few months</em>), but I have quite a few other projects that I do not have an excuse for.</p> Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07490897987636889722noreply@blogger.com3