The Ides of March

My projects from the weekend included making birthday cards for my friends Michele and Melissa. I'm new to this card-making business, and I have a limited supply of stamps and inks and papers, but here's what I came up with:




A paper mache bowl: (coming in July)

And the beginnings of a new purse. I got the pieces cut out and I ironed on a stiffer backing to give it more structure. Now I just need to sew it all together.

A Close Call

(The house before the snow)


I saw my life flash before my eyes... Okay, so it wasn't that close of a call. But I did wonder what it would be like to blow up.

Tuesday night after our Youth activities at the church, Ryan and I drove up to our Woodland Hills house, which we'd been away from since Sunday night. As soon as we pulled into the garage we heard a sound as of "rushing wind," and smelled that dangerous smell. Natural Gas. We quickly discovered the source of the sound and smell--the gas meter. It was smashed and broken. Who would do such a horrendous deed? Old Man Winter.

Let me start by saying we still have several feet of snow on the ground up there. The snow built up on the roof, melted slowly to form a thick layer of ice (topped with more snow), and finally slid off the roof landing on the gas meter. We expect there must have been some acrobatics involved, judging by the location of the landing.

Upon the discovery of the source, we immediately called the gas company. They told us we could shut it off with a wrench, so we shut it off, opened all the windows in the house (avoiding turning on any lights or doing anything that might cause a spark), and waited outside in the cold for 45 minutes. Finally the gas man came and replaced the meter. We created a shelter to prevent another incident with the gas meter, and closed up the house. And FYI, the gas man does relight your pilot lights for you (so we knew it was safe).

In the end it all turned out fine (minus the hefty gas bill we will soon recieve--and the hundreds of dollars we will be charged for the meter replacement and visit). But we kept thinking of the house in Saratoga Springs that blew up from a gas problem last year. We were grateful for the uneventful outcome that we were blessed with.

Customized 3-Ring Binder

{Notice: picture temporarily removed. Check back in July.}

This weekend I played with paper. I only had time for the one project, because I also went skiing, and enjoyed myself completely (for the second time--I'm finally learning to enjoy it). So here is my paper project. A customized 3-Ring binder using Stampin' Up papers. I'd love to do a set of 3-- each with the same patterns, but moved around to a different location. For example, green on the spine, brown on the front, and flowers on the inside. Wouldn't that be cute?

Blogging Education

Today, with some help from a friend of a friend (well, help from her blog really), I changed the design of my blog. I whipped up this little background design and learned how to set it into my background, and make a white space for text. Slowly I'm learning. For more information, see the sidebar under "Credits." Hopefully my blog will continue to evolve as I continue to be educated.

I'm already starting to this this background is a bit distracting.

The Prototype

I was unable to find any fabrics I wanted in the local stores, so I will be ordering online. But I had some time this weekend so I bought some cheap fabric and did a test run of the purse I want to make. I learned a few things to change for next time, so I can make the perfect item.
First, this green purse was one of the inspiration pieces. This purse was just printed though, not separate pieces sewn together (looked kinda cheap).


So here is my prototype, and I was surprised and pleased with how it turned out (regarding quality). Things to fix next time: 1)Make the top panel taller and the bottom panels shorter. 2) Round the corners more. 3) Maybe do 5 panels instead of 4?

4) Make the side/bottom panel wider or else leave it out all together.

5) Add pocket to the interior.
6) Add stiffening material so it's not quite so floppy.

I think that when this is done with the right fabrics, it will be really cute.

I'm Sew Obsessed!

So obviously I've become obsessed with sewing lately. More in thought than in action though, I'm afraid. I can't keep up with all the things I want to make. Mostly I just need to get some good fabrics and I'll be on my way. Well here are some purses I'd love to make, and hopefully will soon!






I want to do this red one, but with 3 panels of fabric on the bottom part, and another fabric for the top band. The great things about doing it myself are 1. I can customize the size to what I want (most I see for sale are too big for me), and 2. I don't have to pay $60-$80 for it, and 3. great experience!
I have found some good fabrics on Sew Mama Sew, and I love Amy Butler fabrics. But I'm going to try and find something locally before buying online... If you know anyone who makes great contemporary/funky/fun fabrics, let me know!

My next sewing project?

Okay so I haven't gotten to the apron yet, but maybe these will have to come first because they are so darn cute! No I'm not pregnant, so I'll just have to give them to my sisters who are! The pattern is by Heather Bailey.