sewing with an occupied mind

House Update: Dining Room

2011-11-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

So, we have been in our house for over a month, and we have been SO busy! After ripping out that dining room carpet, we painted it and have now started decorating. The painting was done by myself, my sister, and my youngest brother. We are still not quite done, but we are really enjoying the change so far.
Still on the to-do list:

Remove 3 mismatched light fixtures
Install 2 matching light fixtures
Repair and repaint ceiling
WETT inspect fireplace and do any repairs (scheduled for Monday!)
Choose and install baseboard trim
Choose and install crown moulding

And this little one is the new baby mentioned last time! Beautiful baby Amber is my newest little niece, enjoying some cuddles with her bigger cousins :-)

Company Girl Coffee & House Surprises

2011-10-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

We are now officially IN our new house, and it feels great! After a tough month of not knowing if we were submitting enough personal and financial information for even the most illiterate of people to commit identity theft, and just plain waiting, worrying and praying...we got the keys on Monday night.

We don't have everything moved in yet (the rest is in a storage unit), but apparently we have the essentials: portable dvd player, a Dora movie, and 2 foam chairs:

We don't plan to do a lot of renovations right away, we just want to live in it and get settled. But after less than 48 hours, I had to vacuum the CARPET in the DINING ROOM, and decided to check out what was under that carpet:

We are excited about this new house and being able to be settled together close to family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, although we are waiting until next weekend to celebrate - there's a baby on the way this weekend!

Counting Down

2011-09-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Company Girls!

I am very excited to share that we own a house! We take possession in 14 days...and looking forward to the countdown.

This house comes with a story. We rented in 3 years ago from a family whose mother had lived there and recently passed away. When we moved out and away to another town, we sometimes joked about if we ever moved back that it would be neat if we could buy that same house.

We moved back to Dryden in July, and spent the summer looking for a house. We were about to give up and just rent again, when this house was listed for sale by owner. We immediately called to look at it, and made an offer the same day. After a little negotiation, we agreed on a price, then worked with the lawyer to get the offer put together and submitted. Now, after 2 long, frustrating weeks of submitting A LOT of information to the bank (from pay stubs to birth certificates!), and just plain worried, impatient waiting, we got the written and verbal confirmation of approval yesterday!

So did God take care of us, even when we weren't sure doing what we were doing and felt like giving up? Definitely. And it was worth the wait.

So now we have the countdown of stuff to do:

Set up insurance, utilities, etc.
Recruit help to move
Repair & paint walls
Move in
Clean up yard/gardens
UNPACK!

Cakes! And Rhubarb Crisp!

2011-09-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

This year, August brought us together to celebrate 4 birthdays...all on the same day! Alexzander (2 years),Janae (3 years), Cathy (23 years), and Louis (over 50 years!).

Each one needed a special cake...and of course my mom and I were happy to oblige!

I made Janae a Strawberry Shortcake castle cake...my first attempt at making and using rolled fondant. Check out the great recipe! I used a 6" and a 4" springform pan, so it's quite small actually.

For Alexzander, a little round cake with fondant circles and 2 gummy bears :-) Made with a 5" spingform pan.

My mom made Cathy's cake...all I did was the little flowers!

And for Louis, who is diabetic, I made a rhubarb crisp. Unfortunately I didn't get much of a close up of the dessert, but here's the recipe:

Filling:

3 cups frozen rhubarb, cut into 1" pieces

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Cook over medium-low heat until rhubarb is soft and slightly mushy. Pour into lightly greased 8x8 pan.

Crumble Topping:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup quick cook oats

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon brown sugar

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Mix together until crumbly. Sprinkle over rhubarb filling.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, or until slightly golden.

Whipped Topping (the best part!):

2 cups prepared whipped cream, cool whip or nutriwhip

2 teaspoons finely chopped chocolate mint leaves

Mix chopped mint leaves with whipped cream. Refrigerate at least an hour to allow flavour to escape into whipped cream. Top rhubarb crisp generously with mint whipped cream and enjoy this unique flavour combination!!

Lemon Cranberry Scones

2011-09-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Last week, my dad requested that I make something with his "real" cows milk (from a farm) that was a little sour. So I searched for recipes using buttermilk and found a great scone recipe. I made a few changes, but here's the original recipe. The scones were a hit and a repeat 2 days later!

My modified recipe:

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 teaspoon lemon extract

Glaze:

1/2 cup icing sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1-3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add butter and buttermilk; stir until a soft dough is formed.Mix in cranberries and lemon extract.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press dough into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick and 4 inches wide. Cut into 8 even sized pieces.
Place the scones on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Mix icing sugar and lemon juice. Gradually add milk until slightly runny.
Cool scones 10 minutes then frost them with glaze.

We are here

2011-08-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

We have arrived and somewhat settled here in Dryden. We are staying with my parents for the time being as we look for a house. It's a tough game - house hunting!

Friday Coffee

2011-07-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

The boys in the Tranquility Garden...

Happy Canada Day Company Girls! There were many things going on in our little town to celebrate our country today, and it was a tough decision of what to do. There was a pancake breakfast, kids crafts and games, kids fun fair, festival of music, RC boat races...the list goes on! But in the end we decided on something a little simpler to do together. A local plant shop Heritage Line Herbs, hosts a Canada Day BBQ, half price herb sale, kids scavenger hunt, kids gardening learning centre and garden tour. Although it's not free, we opted for this less busy option because it just doesn't provoke tantrums like waiting in line for 10-20 minutes for a 5 minute turn on a bouncy castle...

He actually posed for me!! He never does that!!

We are trying to teach our kids the importance of sharing and waiting their turn, but we also know that it is just in all of our best interest to allow opportunities for kids to learn how to behave - which they did! And even allowed us to take some pictures of them, which is a rare occurrence for them lately.
As I mentioned yesterday, we are moving, and it's causing us all a little bit of stress, naturally, so today was a much needed relaxing day :-)

Checking out the potted flowers

Playing in the sand, and learning about gardening, but most importantly, playing TOGETHER!

Also, if you're interested, I've posted some great favourite recipes this month, so be sure to check them out, if you're looking for something new to try - just click on the "recipe" tag to the right.

Enough

2011-06-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today's Small Thing is to recount the ways in which God is enough for you. This year might be finding us without a lot of the "extra's," we want, but I want to be like Habakkuk and remember that God is my strength. I want to run surefooted on the heights and to rejoice in God, my Salvation. There are good things ahead for us, because we can trust Him. I believe that with all my heart. - from Home Sanctuary

SO true! We are moving, and I've been researching prices of renting a moving truck to go the distance we need it to go and WOW upwards of $3000 to get the truck and car to our new destination! Needless to say we've been worrying about how we are going to pull this off...and buy a house when we get there! This past Saturday, we met with a family who owns a truck big enough to move us, and they offered to move us, at the coat of gas...can you believe it!? Just when we were feeling so frustrated and overwhelmed, God gently reminded us that He's in control :-) Now if only someone would volunteer to pack us.....lol :-)

God is continually showing us as a family that He is enough. He provides everything we need in a multitude of ways. He's aligning our path during this stressful time of preparing for a very big move - 19 hours NORTH of where we are. And although we have had times where we are just exhausted and overwhelmed - I'm there right now! - He provides what we need...my sister is coming to visit next week to help us out and just be here for support until we move.

My sister and my youngest son, out for a walk

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-06-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I found a super deal at a yard sale - a BRAND NEW still in the box KitchenAid stand mixer...for $120! So, of course, this week I've been testing it out for some different recipes. My cinnamon roll recipe, that usually is really time consuming to mix by hand, turned out great with the slower stir setting on the mixer.I used some leftover crumble mixture on these cinnamon rolls, but they are very tasty without as well!

Recipe card:

Enjoy!!

Raspberry Muffins

2011-06-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

So, I really meant to feature recipes using Pampered Chef stoneware in May, but I took an unexpected 3-week trip to visit my family! So I was a little busy. But while I was away, I found, at a yard sale, 2 pizza stones, 1 muffin tray, and a mini-loaf tray - all Pampered Chef stoneware products. And guess how much I paid? $10 - for all of them!! What a steal! So now I get to share with you my new favourite muffin recipe (and I promise I'll be posting more soon!):

Company GIrl Coffee - finally!

2011-05-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

As usual, it's been a while since taking time for the Company Girl Coffee link-up, but that's ok right? I always enjoy checking out the other girls' blog posts and seeing what's going on in their lives as well as sharing a little of what's going on in mine.

March and April were months of busy-ness and frustrations with kids, housing and church. I felt like we were on the go constantly, and our kids really felt it in a huge, stressful way! Those boys put up with so much, but finally they had just had enough and started showing it by tantrums, not sleeping and arguing with us. My husband and I still have a somewhat busy schedule for May, but we are resolved not to let our schedule take control over our kids needs. Also, I am learning to say yes to offers of help. As a pastor's kid and now a pastor's wife, I'm just so used to always being the one to offer whatever is needed to others around me. And while I still whole-heartedly believe that's what I am called to do, I also need to allow others to bless my family. I appreciate the people in my church who have babysat for us, made us meals when we first moved here, helped us move here, help us relocate auction/yard sale finds into our home that wouldn't fit in our car. I appreciate the playgroup moms I have connected with and become close friends with who we now swap kids with when we need a break. I appreciate the care packages from my parents and Andrew's parents with treats for everyone or thoughtful necessities like toilet paper or Purolator bags! I hope that the people around me see me as someone who shows gratitude, because that's how my parents raised me.

Also, we bought bunk beds from IKEA for the boys (and I built them!), and they are enjoying sleeping together on the bottom bunk...go figure - brotherly love and cuddles!

If you enjoy baking/cooking, you might enjoy my new feature this month: baking with my new Pampered Chef Pan!

I pray that you are blessed this week as you celebrate Mother's Day!

Spinach and Garlic Pizza

2011-05-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

So here's my idea: during the month of May, I will create and share recipes using the Pampered Chef Bar Pan, as a way of "breaking in" the new one I have just bought, complete with printable recipe cards. I hope you will enjoy these new recipes with me! Of course, if you don't have the same pan as me, I have included on the recipe card alternate pans that can be used :-)

Today's recipe: Spinach and Garlic Pizza
*note*This is my own take on the recipe used at the Pampered Chef show that I went to.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Roll out pizza dough. Set aside.

Mince garlic and mix with olive oil. Spread evenly over pizza dough.

Chop spinach with knife, scissors or in a food processor.

Sprinkle spinach, cheese and Italian seasoning over pizza dough.
Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is slightly browned.

Allow to cool 3 minutes before slicing and serving!

And here's an easy-to-follow 3.5 x 5 recipe card that can be printed out for your convenience:

Enjoy! And don't forget to check back all this month for more recipes using the Pampered Chef Bar Pan!

Wifey Wednesday: Thoughts on a past lilfe....

2011-05-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

...and no I don't mean re-incar nation!!
Once in a while I reflect on my past. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes it's no so great. I used to write poetry, a lot. And it was a kind of release for me; a creative outlet to get out my extremes of happy or sad emotions. I haven't written any poetry in a few years, but here's what came to me last night during my devotional time:

If I could rewrite
All the mistakes of my life
I wonder where would I be?

If I had the control
Over all of the world
Could I really do any better?

I confess I just might
If only for one night
Repair some wrongs I have done

If we are meant to learn
From the pain and the sorrow
Please, You'll have to show me how

If it were up to me
I'd see it isn't so easy
To sit back and let our wills

Be free

So to connect this with Sheila's Wifey Wednesday...in the same way that looking at old pictures, reading old love letters, etc., could lead you down a road you'd rather not be on in your married life, also texting or chatting on FB could also vey easily take you down a road you'd rather avoid. The Bible says we are to "flee sexual immorality", to not have "even a hint of sexual immorality", and to "never cause a brother/sister to stumble".

When addressing the issue of whether or not it is appropriate to be communicating regularly with someone of the opposite sex, I totally agree with Sheila's statement "I'm just saying that if you're tempted to turn the computer screen away so your husband won't see, you have an issue."

Bottom line here is the same as when you were dating: if you woudn't do what you're doing in front of your dad, don't do it...if you wouldn't do what you're doing in front of your husband, don't do it!

We all mistakes, and if we could change our past, we would, right? But since we can't change what we have done, we can only take that knowledge now and use it to protect ourself from falling into the same trap again, and to help others.

Be blessed this week!

Wifey Wednesday: Proverbs 31

2011-02-23T06:33:00.000-08:00

Today I'm linking up with Sheila for Wifey Wednesday!

I read Proverbs 31 a few times before I was married and thought, "Sure, I can be this kind of wife. I'm a pretty good person, pretty domestic, etc. I have what it takes." Then I got married. And was that ever a bursting of my perfect little dream I thought marriage was. It's hard work! It's picking up dirty clothes from really random places. It's staying up all night with a cranky baby who just wants you to hold him. It's sacrificing my independence and being constantly "on call" for someone else. It's coming up with three interesting/healthy meals a day, 7 days a week. It's listening to my husband's needs and putting them above my own. It's teaching my kids right from wrong and to have respect for others.

Being married and being a mother are a lot different than I thought it would be. I think I'm finally starting to accept that and be ok with my faults instead of always beating myself up about them. I know that I am a pretty quiet person in general and being with two noisy boys all day is really tiring. But instead of being frustrated at the end of the day, I need to just enjoy my time with them and then have my quiet time when they are napping or sleeping. This week, I re-read Proverbs 31, and came up with this "to do list" from it:

I will be a noble wife who keeps the confidences of my husband
I will be honest but not hurtful to my husband
I will fulfill my daily tasks with joy
I will prepare healthy meals for my family
I will make wise investments of my time and money
I will take pride in my creative abilities instead of being afraid to use them
I will make sacrifices to help those in need
I will teach my children modesty and respect
I will create a sanctuary my husband looks forward to coming home to
I will encourage and respect my husband
I will not worry about the future because I know that God is my family's solid foundation

To me, creating this list has really changed my perspective.
Have a blessed week!

Company Girl Coffee Time

2010-11-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome Company Girls,

I'm glad you stopped by this weekend! For this week's coffee time, I wanted to share with you all some of my notes from a book I'm reading: Extravagant Worship, by Darlene Zschech. I've been really taking my time reading this book and just trying to take it all in and I am really getting so much more out of it by taking notes and even *gasp* writing in the book! The chapter I'm currently on is called "Excellence Matters".These are my notes on my reading from today:

God HAS TO have first place in my life
I need to continually review my priorities and adjust if God's high-priority position is slipping
My testimony and personal experiences with God will bring passion to my worship
I am a part of a generation that God wants to bring excellence back into the sanctuary
Exodus 35:35 tells me that excellence means details
Philippians 4:8 tells me that excellence means discipline and commitment
John 17:20 and Psalm 133:1 tell me that unity is essential because it shows God's love
Unity is a decision that I need to make. I need to decide to give up grudges against people. I need to decide to release the feelings of offense I have harbored. I need to decide to speak freely words of encouragement to AND ABOUT church members.

I can't even explain how much this book is changing my perspective and changing how I feel about worship. I used to think that worship was just the fast music progressing to the slow music at the beginning of church services. But I am not really realizing and grasping just what it means to "live a life of worship". All it really means is to do everything you do in a way pleasing to God and that brings honour to HIM not me.

I strongly encourage anyone who can get a copy of this book to take a look through it for yourself; it is changing me! Blessings to you, Company Girls! Have a wonderful week!

Menu Plan Monday {November 8-14}

2010-11-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

Monday

Lunch: Kraft Dinner (It's a favourite of my dad's - and me! - and today was his last day visiting with us...)

Supper: Eating out on the road

Tuesday

Lunch: Pepperoni Rolls (I stumbled across these last week through Menu Plan Monday, and WOW they are great!) and Caesar salad

Supper: leftover Mexican Rice Casserole

Wednesday

Lunch: Waffles, apple and pear slices

Supper: Chili and multi-grain biscuits

Thursday

Lunch: Peanut butter and jam sandwiches, orange slices

Supper: Omelettes

Friday

Lunch: Squash soup (recipe to follow soon!) and crackers

Supper: Tomato, Spinach and Cheese Quiche with shredded potato crust

Saturday

Lunch: Grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup

Supper: Leftover Quiche

Sunday

Lunch: Potluck lunch at church - I volunteered to make soup...and I have NO clue what kind to make! Any suggestions on a budget-friendly soup that will feed hungry church members...?

Supper: leftovers/sandwiches

Don't forget to check out some of these menus for more inspiration!

This weekend my dad visited with us for a few days. It was SO great to see him and spend time with him. The boys had a very fun time with "Dude", and were sorry to see him go. Love you lots Daddy, have a safe trip home!

Menu Plan Monday...Wednesday-Style!

2010-11-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I'm a little late posting my weekly menu. We had a distracting week/weekend: in-laws visiting, car broke down, traveling around Oxford County...but here it is:

Tuesday

Supper:

Mexican Rice Casserole (This was SO SO SO GOOD!)

Wednesday

Lunch:

Squash/Pumpkin Soup

Garlic Bread

Carrot and Chickpea Salad

Supper:

Ham & Brown Sugar Sauce

Perfect Potatoes au Gratin

Salad

Thursday

Lunch:

Whole Wheat Bagels with herb & garlic cream cheese

Apple and pear slices

Supper:

Eating out at someone's house (So excited to be invited out!!)

Friday

Lunch:

Sandwiches on the go

Supper:

Eating out at Swiss Chalet with my dad and grama

Saturday
Lunch:

Eating at family's house

Supper:

Not sure yet where we will be!

Sunday

Lunch:

Mexican Rice Casserole

(Yes, it was that good, and I know my dad will really like it!)

Supper:

Leftovers

Snack for the week:

Pumpkin Creme Pies

This weekend is going to be another busy one - we are going to pick my dad up for the weekend and going to visit Great-Grama and some other family in the area!

Have a yummy week :-) Be sure to check out the other menus here!

Menu Plan Monday!

2010-10-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Well, although planning my weekly menu is not a new thing to me, this is my first time linking up with Menu Plan Mondays, and I'm excited to share this week's menu:

Monday

Lunch:

Turkey wraps
Coleslaw
Fries

Supper

Chickpea and carrot salad
Homemade pepperoni and spinach pizza

Tuesday

Lunch:

Supper:

Pizza Casserole
(leftover) chickpea and carrot salad

Wednesday

Lunch:

Salsa and cheese whole wheat bagels
Coleslaw

Supper:

Sausage
Chicken nuggets
Fries
(leftover) Coleslaw

Thursday

Lunch:

Slow cooker butternut squash soup
Open faced grilled cheese sandwiches

Supper:

Shepherd's Pie
Multigrain biscuits
Greek salad

Friday

Mother in law's creations

Saturday

Lunch:

Pancakes
Bacon
Eggs
Fruit
Yogurt

Supper - Eating out

Sunday

Lunch:

Slow cooker hashbrown casserole
Caesar salad

Supper - Leftovers

And to close, I just wanted to share a cute picture that my mom send me of my oldest son, Jonathan (who is now 3) on his first Thanksgiving at 3 months old...how time flies! Have a wonderful week cooking for your families :-)

Multi-grain Biscuits

2010-10-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is the tested and true Shearer Family Biscuit Recipe that I am sharing with you today...enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup multi-grain flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons margarine
1 cup milk

Directions:

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Add margarine; mix until dough resembles coarse oatmeal. Make a well in centre and add milk, 1/4 cup at a time, until dough sticks together. Roll dough out about 3/4" thick and cut out with a small glass or round cookie cutter. Bake at 425 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until golden on top. These yummy buscuits can be eaten with pretty much anything, but in my family they are"traditionally" served with shepherd's pie, and smothered with butter...mmmmm!

Carrot and Chickpea Salad

2010-10-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is the first-ever salad recipe I have created...enjoy!
Ingredients:

1 16 oz can/2 cups fresh cooked chickpeas
1 cup (approx 1 medium) carrot, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
President's Choice Basil Parmesan Dressing - amount to your taste/preference

Mix vegetables and chickpeas in medium sized bowl. Add dressing, chill overnight for added flavour.
*Added Nov. 3: here's a link on how to cook dried chickpeas

BurdaStyle Minna

2010-10-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

BurdaStyle Minna #6007Pattern Description:
Ladies top or dress
Pattern Sizing:
34-46
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Pretty much
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were great!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like that although the model was skinny and a little sleazy looking (in my opinion) the top also suited my body type - which is very important to me in choosing a pattern to use.
Fabric Used:
Teal lightweight cotton twill, and a light cotton-polyester (mystery fabric!) scrap from the scrap bin for the shoulder straps
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened it to a top instead of a dress, used fabric instead of trim for the shoulder straps, and added a modesty panel to the centre front, as I found it to be quite low cut!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
For sure, I have another cut out and waiting to be sewn!
Conclusion:
I think this is a great wardrobe builder, as it can be worn as a dress, a dressy top, or a casual top depending on the fabric it's made from!

My review on Patternreview.com

Friday Coffee and some SEWING PROJECTS!

2010-10-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome Company Girls! Sorry about the nasty creature you see on the left, but I just had to share it. I discovered this nasty creature ~~attempting to tackle me to the floor and bite off my leg~~ just minding its own business on top of my DRYER last night. My immediate reaction was to squash the ~~beast~~ bug repeatedly, until he stopped moving and basically scaring the life outta me...do we do that in life? Squash the life out of people who scare us without even evaluating whether or not they are trying to hurt us? My goal this month has been to try new things, to meet new people, even if that means leaving my comfort zone - and you know what? I've met 1 new exciting lady this month because of it! Oh, and by the way, I'm pretty sure given the right provocation/opportunity, that little creature would have taken a chunk outta my leg...I'm just saying....
Well, it's Friday again already - this week definitely flew by! We had a great Thanksgiving weekend visiting with family 2 weeks ago, and it took me this past week to recover from it :-) I do love to browse the other Company Girl's posts each Friday, even if I don't always have the time to write one of my own. Isn't it funny how we sometimes think it's so time consuming to write a quick blog post? But for me, I am trying to take more opportunities to share what's on my mind. It makes me feel relaxed, to know that I have been able to get the thoughts our before I forget, which happens a lot with toddlers always running around the house.
I am a creative person, and my normal creative outlet is to sew. But I haven't been doing much of it lately. And that makes me understand my feelings of being unfulfilled. But really I know I shouldn't feel this way, because I am raising two awesome boys (with the help of my super husband!) but at the end of the day when the kids finally go to sleep for the night, I just feel drained. I pour my love and attention into their lives all.day.long and it's kinda tiring! Is it being too selfish to desire to have some time to myself do just relax, create, or whatever I feel like doing for a little while? I struggle with feeling guilty for looking forward to nap time or bed time, but then when it comes, I fight with myself over whether to do housework (what I think I should be doing), or something I want to do (what I would like to do). Is this a common question?
Now I have said that I haven't done a whole lot of sewing, but here are a two projects I've managed to complete in the last 6 months...
BurdaStyle Minna (completed in June):

And a frumpy wool jacket refashion (completed this morning):

I do enjoy the daily "Small Thing" very much, and it really helps my create a daily sense of accomplishment. I pray that every one of the Company Girls has a blessed weekend, and a wonderful week! I look forward to this coming Sunday, as we announce the start of Operation Christmas Child boxes - we love putting together a box as a family!

An Honest Wednesday

2010-10-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Small Thing was to say "yes" to God. As a pastor's wife (and a Pastor's daughter too!) you might think I say yes to God a lot. Well, I must admit that I do say yes a lot in life, but not always for the right reasons. For instance, when someone from my church asks me to do something, I almost always say yes, no matter the physical, financial or loss of family time consequences it will have on my life. However, when I clearly know that God (who of course is SO much superior and important in my life than anyone else!) is asking me to do something that would make me uncomfortable, I have to say that I don't always give it a lot of thought before dismissing it as just another "pipe dream".
Can I give you an example of this? I used to love leading worship with Andrew before we were married (before we were dating even!) and since we got married, I have never sang with him. It's not that I felt called to stop, or any other spiritual reason, I just was scared. And I can't even explain why. It's not a good thing to be afraid of your church congregation. But I was...alot. My dad was the pastor, and my husband was the volunteer youth and worship "pastor". I'd love to say that I was super discerning and knew something wasn't right about the place, but honestly if I said that I might just be using my current knowledge to over-spiritualize the situation. So why am I sharing this? Because at our current church, Andrew and I have been here almost two years and never sang with Andrew on a Sunday morning. I encouraged women in the church that we knew sang well to help him. I encouraged our youth to sing with him whether they were any good or now - it's the act of obedience to God in worship that's important. What a hypocrite I have felt like!! This past weekend, I gave myself a huge shake and practiced with Andrew and 3 other ladies on Thursday night, then sang with him on Sunday morning! Was it scary? You bet! But did I feel refreshed? Defiantly! And will I do it again? For sure, providing there is nursery available for my kids! I'm a very shy person by nature, but I am committing from this day forward to say "yes" to God. To do whatever he has planned for me, no matter the consequences. And I challenge you to do the same. Amen.
*added 5 minutes later* I just read Sheila's post for Wifey Wednesday "What do you do well together", AFTER writing this post...Can we say Amen again? Andrew and I "do" worship well together. We know each other, we work well together musically and we both love to worship! We also have committed together to strive to point out the good things each day that each other has done, whether or not it was done for/to each other or not. (for example, me telling him that he did great last night leading the youth Bible study!)
Let's keep encouraging our spouse and building them up!!

Friday Coffee Time

2010-09-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's good to be back participating in the Small Things! Already I have cleaned a slate, cleaned up my living room furniture and I am now contemplating 5 things (plus 5 bonus things!) to throw out/throw in Salvation Army donation bag.
This summer has been a busy one around here. We went on a family trip to Newfoundland in July, my sister visited for the month of August, the boys celebrated birthdays #1 and #3 in July and August, Alexzander just weaned himself from breastfeeding, Alexzander learned how to walk last week, Alexzander slept through the night the past 3 nights and Jonathan is finally progressing very well in potty training. It is with mixed emotions that I write about the milestones my kids are achieving, because it means they are growing up so quick! I don't want to miss a moment of my kids lives, because they are so much fun to be with (most of the time).

Can I be a little honest today? There's a change coming in our church and I'm not sure how I feel about it all right now: 2 weeks ago, our senior pastor resigned. We are excited for thier family as they follow God's leading in what they are calling "an Abraham adventure", but of course we are very sad to see them go. Although we have only been the Assistant Pastor here for 2 years in November, they have been here for about 11 years! So please be in prayer for our church board as they seek God's will in this search for a new pastor to lead our church.

Have a great week everyone, and be safe through this coming hurricane all of you on the eastern coasts!!

Getting Back on Track with the Small Things

2010-09-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I took a summer break from doing the "Small Things" with Home Sanctuary, but it's now September, and I'm getting back to normal life...
Yesterday's small thing was to create a clean slate - mine was to clean the dining room, something that has been needed for a long time! I also spent a bit of time planning some fall sewing projects - which I will hopefully get around to soon. So watch this spot for some sewing projects and some Christmas gift ideas coming up in the next few months!!

Welcome to Coffee Hour!

2010-04-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I took a couple weeks off from Coffee Hour, but I made time for it today. I love visiting everyone's blogs and finding out whats going on in thier lives each week! This week has been a busy one, as usual, since having two boys unter 2 is always busy!! You can check out Wednesday's post for an update about how my boys are doing. Also, check out this one about a cool picture I picked up at an auction - I'd really like to know what someone other than my husband thinks of it! So last night ANdrew and I took the boys to Shackelton Auctions...it's so much fun even if we don't really get anything. But of course I did - 5 plastic storage bins, a laundry hamper, a dirt devil sweeper thing (not really sure what it is exactly, but I will try it out later!) a shoe rack, garbage can, and a mini broom. Not exactly necessities, but hey, it was fun, and the storage bins will definately be made useful!! Also this week, I got a new haircut..unfourtunately my camera is not available for a picture, but hopefully soon it will be. And I am prayerfully working towards starting a home-based daycare! I have my interview and house inspection next week, and I already have a waiting list. This is a big venture for me, but I hope to provide care for children in a loving, safe environment. Andrew and I are both very excited about it - we even bought a little doll stroller to get us going in this new direction (we have boys, and no girl toys). Please be in prayer for me as I go through this stressful start-up time.
Well, I hope everyone has had a good week, and I'm off to visit other Company Girls for a bit before I go to a dentist appointment!! Ahhh scary!!

These are my kids

2010-04-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

So these are the great little sweaters my Grammy made for the boys! Aren't they too cute!?!? It was very very challenging to get a picture of them together, but look - we managed to get one of Alexzander showing off how he can sit! He is now sitting all on his own and can crawl on hands and knees - no more army crawl. He used to be content sitting on my lap, or in his sling, but now he gets wild when I try to hold him because he just wants to GO!! He loves to play with Jonathan's cars and trains.

Jonathan borrowed this balance block set from our toy library. See how well he can balance? He's loving his "big boy" independance, not having to be in the stroller for most walks, and he gets to help with the baby too. He also has "big boy" chores too, like making his bed and putting away clean laundry, sweeping the floor, (and his new favourite) vaccuming out the furniture! He has a very large vocabulary of words and can usually communicate in somewhat full sentences.

Well, thats my update!! Hopefully I will get around to this more often :-)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar...part 2

2010-04-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, it took a LOT longer to get through this book than I thought it would. We went away for 3 days, then had my grandmother stay with us for 4 days. It was great visiting family, but wow, I was tired when it was all over. So, here's a recap of what we did with this book:

A kit from our Ontario Early Years Centre, including a maze, colouring pages, and butterfly crafts
Paint stamping with butterfly stamps
A 3-d spring picture (with egg carton daffodils, bunnies, apple tree, etc.)
Went for a nature walk
Planted seeds, and we are now watching them grow

Next up is Something From Nothing.

Here's some pictures from our weekend away in Barrie with Andrew's cousin...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Day 1

2010-03-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

For the next week and a half, we will be using "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" story during our Tot School time. 1+1+1=1 has a great tot pack based on this book, which I downloaded and created for Jonathan.

Day 1 (Monday):
Foam letter "C" caterpillar on a leaf

"How Many Butterflies" 1-4

Caterpillar Size Sequencing

We also read the book (of course!), and then used picture flash cards of different items in the book, and I had Jonathan match the cards with the page that talked about that item: butterfly, carrot, apple, pear, orange, leaf, etc. Then he used the cards and sorted them by colour.

Friday Coffee Time

2010-03-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Last week was pretty busy for me. But it was a very blessed week - at least the weekend was. From Thursday to Saturday, my husband and I took 6 of our youth, one other leader (and our 2 kids!) to a Genesis Youth Conference in Essex, ON. We were challenged to stand up NOW, because now is the time to serve God. Physical, spiritual and emotional healing took place. Our youth prayed for a young man with cancer and saw the results of thier prayers taking place almost immediately as they saw swelling (caused by his radiation treatments) diminish in his hands and feet. Our leader had a neck injury healed. The list of healings go on, and our youth (as well as us!) have come back from this conference refreshed and with a new sense of urgency and boldness to do something for God. They were encouraged that whatever they are doing, whether at home, school, church, work, with friends, be doing it as an extension of God and as an example. Along with the blessings of the weekend, we were also able to continue to bond and connect with our youth and this is such an important part of our ministry. Although Andrew is the youth pastor, I am quite involved with youth ministry, as much as I can be with two little ones, and we strive to be a positive example to our youth.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have also had a great week, and I look forward to next week's coffee time :-)

Friday Coffee Hour

2010-03-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome back Company Girls!
Well, I think I will keep with my "theme" of sharing a recipe during our Friday coffee hour, because its quite fun for me to come up with an interesting one to share each week! So this week's inspiration comes from Cookie Dough Ice Cream, that is just too expensive to buy regularly:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough + Vanilla Ice Cream = Cookie Dough Ice Cream!

I've just mixed up a batch of these mini cookie "blobs" and are now in the freezer, waiting for this evening when I will share them with our company.
Also this week, I have finally been able to fit some sewing into my life. I made a baby sling, and I have a t-shirt cut out and on its way to the sewing machine. Thanks Rachel for Tuesday's Small thing of getting back into a rhythm. As for today's Small Thing - Finding a slice of heaven - I'm going for a much-needed hair cut & restyle this afternoon - in about 2 hours actually! Can you hear my excitement?? Get ready for a totally new hairstyle and hopefully relaxed me in a few hours. Well, off I go to finish getting ready for my company who will be here later tonight for the weekend, and also to visit some other Company Girls - don't forget to do the same!

Jonathan's Funny Moments

2010-03-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

Jonathan enjoyed his chicken ceasar wrap with a car toothpick/candle in it and showed his little personality to say thanks Mamah for the cool cars!!

Jonathan loves to play in snow piles. He calls them "big no". These adventurous pictures are from our walk on Sunday afternoon.

A new baby sling!

2010-03-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well, you may have noticed that I've been neglecting the sewing side of my life lately...so have I! So here's my first completed project in a long time:

I used instructions here and I am quite happy with it...even though I don't really look like it in the picture :-)

It was also a stash buster project that I will enter in the Pattern Review contest this month, using 4 yards.

Friday Coffee Time

2010-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome back Company Girls!

I missed last week's coffee time, but this week I made sure I had the time! It's been a busy week, with unexpected childcare, but it's been great to have a playmate for Jonathan! Those two boys just love playing together. I've enjoyed the small things this week - especially cleaning the tub - now don't peg me as crazy for enjoying cleaning my tub - it was the nice fresh shower the next morning that made me enjoy cleaning the tub the night before...at about 10pm. I think my favourite small thing this month was appreciating my dude. With two small boys, it's so easy for my dude to get neglected some days, so it was a good reminder to take more time doing special things for my husband and showing him that I appreciate the small things he does for me, like getting up with Jonathan at 7 am, carrying the heavy wet laundry down the basement stairs, shoveling the snow, etc.

Well, that's been my week - now I'm off to take my bread out of the pan!!

Snowman

2010-02-24T16:05:00.001-08:00

Jonathan and Matthew (friend from church) made a snowman in the backyard! Thanks Mamah for the snowman kit :-)

Valentine's Week Crafts

2010-02-17T16:06:00.001-08:00

Family Day - Family Tree (template found here - I just opened it in paint, and erased the pictures, and printed my own of our family) It was a great little activity to help Jonathan understand who is in his immediate family. Daddy was also off this day, so offered his help in colouring the tree.

Heart mobile - learning to match up the same-sized hearts and gluing ribbon together.

Scissor skills: cutting squares from strips of construction paper and gluing them inside a heart shape

"J is for Jellyfish"

Jonathan pointed out a "J" on Daddy's t-shirt, and I was surprised that he knew letters! So we will start focusing on different letters now.

Heart Ladybug Craft - used this template and cut it out of foam and added a magnet on the back!

Creation Wrap-Up

2010-02-17T15:50:00.000-08:00

So, we really did finish our Creation activities, it just took about 2 1/2 weeks to complete! We did so many fun activities together though, and it was really a great learning experience for me as this was our first real "theme learning".

These are some of the activities and crafts we did:

Creation for Kids presentation

Number recognition

"Fishbowl" sky and seas

Understanding that clouds and in the sky, and water is below (sponge painting, and gluing cotton balls)

Planting sunflower seeds

"Built" a sunflower

Welcome Company Girls!

2010-02-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Company Girls! I'm new to this group, but I've been enjoying the "small things" each day and it's motivating me to do a little more housework each day that I would normally keep putting off for another day. As suggested, here's my recipe for the chili I made yesterday (and had planned by 10 AM!!):

Ok, so I'll admit that it doesn't look super exciting in the slow cooker dish left in the fridge from last night, but seriously, it was good!

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

Chopped onion (amount of your preference)

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup corn

1 tomato, diced

1 can white kidney beans

1 1/2 cups leftover rice

1 - 2 jars spagetti sauce ( I use Classico Florentine spinach and cheese - yum!)

Chili seasoning ( I use the Club House slow cooker seasoning, usually about 1/2 a package)

Brown ground beef in either a frying pan or the slow cooker on high for about 20 minutes, then drain excess grease. While ground beef is browning chop veggies. After draining beef, add all other ingredients and cook on low for 3-5 hours, or until celery is fully cooked (I use the celery as a guide, and it normally takes as long as the meat does to cook.)

Serve warm with grated cheese melted on it and a few warm biscuits.

Learning Creation, Day 3

2010-02-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Day 3:
God made trees, plants and flowers
It's been pretty exciting to see how much Jonathan enjoys his "make" time and actually seems to remember what we've done.

Today we painted flowers and trees, coloured flowers, made planter tags, and planted sunflower seeds!

Learning about creation

2010-02-03T06:01:00.001-08:00

This year I am commiting to spending more learning time with Jonathan. He's now 2 1/2 and he is really very smart and catches on so quickly! Every morning during Alexzander's nap time which is about 30-45ish minutes, Jonathan has my full attention and we "make" as he calls it. We read, do a craft, colour/paint, and the first thing he wants to do when Daddy gets home at lunch time is show him what he "make". We put his crafts and pictures up on a bulletin board that I made for him in the dining room.

Right now we're working on learning about Creation, with a focus each day on numbers, colours and shapes. Here is our Creation board that is on our basement wall to display our Creation book:

This "Balloon Shapes" puzzle is just something I made up for him from a template found here. I cut out the balloon and all the shapes, mounted the balloon onto a piece of cardboard, and covered it all with "self adhesive vinyl" (a great recent find at Dollarama!) and used stick-on velcro to attach the shapes. So it's basically a home-made learning tool that he loves to put together over and over again!

Advent Crafts: Day 14, 15 and 16

2009-12-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

Day 14: Trees

It was Andrew's day off, so our routine was thrown off a bit, but we still managed a quick craft: painting Christmas trees. But not just painted with boring old green paint - we added some mint extract to it and tried to teach Jonathan how to sniff...he just blew out his mouth when we said to smell the tree...oh well, he still had fun painting with Daddy. Unfourtunately, I already put his tree in a box for Nanna and Poppy, and forgot to take a picture of it! But he did a good job, and covered it with glitter.

Day 15: Baking!

Cherry Chews and

Butter tart squares

Recipes to follow in a couple days.

Day 16:

When Daddy gets home we will attempt to put some lights outside!!

Day 12: Donkey Friends

2009-12-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Day 12 - Donkey Puppet

Jonathan did great on gluing the body parts in the right places!

Then I had him trace some lines, and wow was I surprised at how well he did following the dots!!

Advent Crafts - Day 11

2009-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Day 11: Angels, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

Today we made little paper angels! Each angel is made from a triangle, a circle and a cone coffee filter cut out with fancy scissors. Jonathan did so well with them - I just showed him each step on one angel and he repeated it on the other 3! He even was able to stick the little pieces of hair onto thier heads. I can't wait to Andrew's face when he finds all the glitter on his little boy :-)

We also read a story about angels and coloured a picture of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus that Jonathan really liked - especially the donkey - so tomorrow we will make a donkey!

Jonathan is still loving his little "bay" :-)

Advent Crafts - Day 10

2009-12-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

I've come to a point in my usually hectic life as a mother of two, that the kids have somewhat of a routine. Alexzander and Jonathan both get up around the same time, but Alexzander usually has a nap around 10 each morning. During this nap time, Jonathan and I have our quiet time to read, colour or do some early lunch/supper prep. Since it is Christmas time, I thought it would be nice to do some Christmas themed activities with him. I came across this wonderful website that gives suggestions for crafts to do each day of December. Since today is the tenth, I'm starting a little late, and using it as more of a guideline.

Day 10: Lambs and cows

The cow is covered with ground cloves, and smells very nice, and the lamb is covered in cotton balls. We also read The Crippled Lamb, by Max Lucado, a beautiful story about a lamb who feels left out, but ends up finding his purpose as a source of warmth for the new baby Jesus.
Jonathan loved the book, and pointing out all the animals, especially the cow. He also had a great time gluing the cotton balls on the lamb, and shaking the cloves out of the spice shaker onto his "moo".

Family Christmas Time

2009-12-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

It's that wonderful time again...Christmas! It finally looked a little like winter this past Monday with a few hours' worth of snow, but of course the rain this morning took all that away. Anyways, we have our Christmas tree up, covered in decorations and sparkling with "chights". Jonathan is very very happy that we have "chights" in our window, and on our tree. He also enjoys the decorations on the tree, and so far is doing well with leaving them on the tree. We are looking forward to this Christmas season of celebrating our Saviour's birth through family time, baking, and gift giving!

Life Changes

2009-09-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

The baby is here!! He's 5 weeks old now.

Alexzander Geoffrey James was born August 23rd at 2:55 am. He weighed 10 lbz 3 oz, and was born after about 7 hours of labour...with no drugs. Yes he was born with that much hair, and still has it! He's a great baby, and Jonathan loves his new little brother "Bay". Now I'm trying to fit in a little bit of sewing in between feeding kids, changing diapers, doing laundry, etc - so needless to say I'm not accomplishing a lot, but hopefully our routine will be established soon and I can get some sewing done :-)

I really haven't been slacking off...

2009-06-26T11:27:00.001-07:00

Honest, I have been sewing in the past two weeks...just not for myself. I re-covered patio cushions for a customer...I am very proud of them, and after delivering them this week, the customer is also quite happy with them!

I also picked up this fish bowl and accessories at a yard sale last weekend, and so I put it together for my son. He just loves his "fishies".

And I made a purse for a little girl's birthday

First Children's Sewing Entry

2009-06-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Little pajamas for Jonathan, from a cotton car print. He had so much fun pointing out that there were "beep beeps" on it. Review here

And here's the little man again, showing how much he loves spaghetti!!

Sugar Cookie Recipe

2009-06-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a great recipe I've been using for a few years, that I found in an old cookbook from my Grama Jardine's house. These are my all time favourite cookies!!

Grama Jardine's Sugar Cookies
Makes approx 6 dozen

1 cup softened butter or margarine
1 ½ cups sugar
1 egg
½ cup dairy sour cream {½ teaspoon vinegar plus ½ cup milk}
1 teaspoon almond, vanilla or lemon extract
4- 4 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice

Cream margarine/butter and sugar. Add egg, milk and extract. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl. Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Add additional flour if necessary. Chill dough for 15-20 minutes. Roll dough on floured surface about ½ ” thick for chewy cookies, and about ¼” thick for crunchy cookies and cut into shapes. Bake for 8-11 minutes at 375º. Freezes well.

Enjoy!!

New Purse

2009-05-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finished my mini-wardrobe, and I decided to change gears for a couple days and make myself a new purse. I bought the pattern a few weeks ago at a yard sale for .10!! And it was uncut!! Now that I have made this purse, I just love it, and can't wait to make another. This is a really great pattern with endless options just for this view alone - and there are still 5 others to try out.

Check out my more detailed review here

Mini Wardrobe Conplete!!

2009-05-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here's my completed Mini-Wardrobe:

3 tops, 1 bottom, 1 closet item = 1 Mini Wardrobe!!
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=39929

Mini-Wardrobe Update

2009-05-12T08:00:00.001-07:00

Here's an updated storyboard. I have now completed the brown velour shirt, denim capris, and yellow blouse! Photos are on the way, hopefully later on today.

More April Updates

2009-05-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

Monday we went to Port Stanley beach...why? Because it was 26 degrees!!! We had a nice time, although just a short visit before heading to St. Thomas to do some shopping. Jonathan had lots of fun throwing his football in the water and watching Daddy run in to catch it...and no the water was not warm....

April Updates

2009-05-01T07:48:00.001-07:00

Jonathan being cute in SHORTS

Youth Retro Day

Jonathan found his nose! (oh boy...)

Went to CN Tower...

Saunders family visited from Newfoundland for 2 weeks...

My growing belly! And we're definately having a boy :-)

Mini Wardrobe

2009-05-01T06:19:00.001-07:00

A new month, a new Pattern Review contest!! A 4-piece wardrobe that also co-ordinates with one existing item in your closet. Since I'm making maternity clothes anyways, this is a perfect opportunity to add to this slowly growing wardrobe.

Completed Diaper Bag

2009-02-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

Finally, this diaper bag is finished!! All it's been needing for about a week and a half is some sort of a closure, but I was pretty undecided. Finally, yesterday I decided to use no-sew snaps. They are easy to install, and pretty durable.

In Progress - Diaper Bag

2009-02-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of the Diaper bag adventure!!

Finished side zipper pocket:

Decided on a lining - recycled quilted table protector:

I used spray adhesive to bond the lining and outer bag together...just to make my life a little easier when I sew it all together:

I've got this brown corduroy strip pinned to the top, and will use it as a casing for a drawstring. I still have to decide what to use for straps...the cotton print? brown corduroy? something else? I'll sleep on it, since my toes are freezing so I have to stay where it's warm - which is definately not my sewing room!!

In Progress - Diaper Bag

2009-02-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

This is entry #1...in progress for the handbag contest, and

probably also the stash contest. I bought this fabric last spring to make curtains for Jonathan's room. We moved twice since then, and I never got around to it. So now it's becoming a diaper bag/purse for me & Jonathan, but that Daddy can use too.

One of the requirements for the handbag contest is to use interfacing. I have lots of fusible interfacing, so that's what I'm using:

I'm using a lighter weight (white) interfacing for the sides, and a heavier weight (black) interfacing for the bottom and pockets.

Side pockets - one for sippy cups/bottles that is elasticized, and one for smaller things with a zipper.

That's all for now, since Jonathan is awake now and it's too cold out in my sewing room for him to play, but I did let him out with me for a bit while I was finishing up. He found his Mr Potato Head toys and this is what he did:

...isn't he the cutest?? He just loves Mr. Potato Head.

Handbag Contest

2009-01-31T11:29:00.000-08:00

Pattern Review.com is having a handbag contest for the month of February...I'm pretty excited about that - because I love purses/bags, but I've only ever made a few. So this is my chance to expand my sewing creativity and make some handbags!

Some "Pursalucious" Links:

http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/
http://henriettashandbags.com/Craft_Ideas.html
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=1920 - I think I am definately going to make one of these!!

I think my focus is going to be a dual-purpose diaper bag/purse. With a busy little man always needing *something* and another on the way, a diaper bag is very important in my life. But I hate trying to juggle the diaper bag, purse and baby...so my solution is to make a purse/diaper bag combo that I like and that Andrew isn't embarassed to carry around as well.
Check back for more updates on my handbag entries!!!

Laundry Basket

2008-11-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

1. 2. 3.
4. 5.

1. Before shot of the original canvas laundry hamper. I found this and the frame all in pieces in the basement of the last house we lived in...I kept it tucked away of course, planning to put it back together for my son's bedroom!

2. It collapses really compact.

3. The fabric is detachable. The loops are sewed on to the outside of the hamper, then flip over the frame. I sewed ribbon to the inside of the loop and attached grommets to the outer part. The ribbon threads through the grommets and ties on the outside. (Hopefully that makes sense!)

4. In the spirit of refashioning/recycling, I hot glued old buttons from "the stash" along the outer 2 frame pieces. I *almost* glued them to all 4 sides, BUT something clicked in my mind telling me that it wouldn't collapse if I did that...glad I thought of that before I glued all those buttons!!

5. Full shot - the fabric is from Wal-Mart. A childish Noah's Ark print that coordinates with my son's quilt and bedding set I made him last year.

Brown Skirt & Pants

2008-11-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

1. 2. 3.

1. New Look 6843 Skirt Front: This skirt is made from $7/metre stretchy polyester fabric from Fabricland. I bought 1.75 metres of it, and managed to get both a short skirt, and dress pants from it!! So that's a skirt and pants for less than $14...not too bad a deal I think :-) This fabric is sooo pretty - when the light hits it, you can see silver streaks through it, which I really like.

2. Instead of darts at the waistline, I made pleats, and sewed cute co-ordinating buttons over the pleats. This is also the first *fitted* waistband I've made in a LONG time. I think this means that I'm starting to meet my weight loss goals!! *yay*

3. I just love the tutorial posted on Amanda's blog about using bias binding to finish seams, and I used this method to finish the inner waistband. I used contrasting purple binding, and now I'm really loving the colour combination, so I might just have to find some purple fabric to make a top to go with this skirt as well! This picture also shows the actual fabric colour much better then the first two.

4. Just a sinple zipper closure, with a button and loop closure.

Pants:

These pants were self-drafted and somewhat copied from a really comfy pair of maternity dress pants I have. They are pretty basic cut, but with an elastic waistband that I really enjoy. Tey fit perfect and they are just the right length for me. I just wish I had made pockets for them...ooops!
Layout before skirt - the skirt pieces *just* fit at the top!

New Look 6807

2008-11-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

This pattern was true to its "2 hour knit top" description. The only alteration I made was to lengthen the sleeves a few inches. It's made from burgundy velour with an all over design. It's actually very pretty fabric and I had a hard time deciding what to make from it.

This is item #3 in the Endless Combinations contest on Pattern Review.

Car seat Cover

2008-11-10T12:15:00.001-08:00

I just made this car seat cover one for my neice for Christmas. I used a cover I already had as a starting point, but I personalized it and made it more girly (mine was for my son).
It's a pretty simple construction, it's just a little time consuming to do the buttonholes for the straps to go through. The star has a bit of batting in it to give it some shape. I used 2 burgundy separating zippers, so the top half can come off all the way.

Plaid Shirt

2008-11-10T06:58:00.001-08:00

Simplicity 2962

I've used this pattern twice before and liked how it turned out. I decided to try it in a heavier weight fabric (wool!) to match the Garbo skirt. I'm in the Endless Combinations contest on Pattern Review. The fabric is a very soft wool...gold, rust, brown, green plaid. I really love the colours and I wore it yesterday to church! I finished hemming the sleeves on Sunday morning so I could wear it. For the hem, I sewed a straight stitch across the bottom, 1/2" from the edge, then pulled the threads to give it a look that I've seen before on kilts.

Pumpkin Adventures

2008-11-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

Our church had a Thanksgiving display recently, and it fell to Andrew to take it down last week. He brought home this BIG pumpkin for me to "do something" with...Well first, Jonathan had to play with the "ball!!!" Then Andrew and I cleaned it out, cut it into 4 pieces, then baked it. It's now sitting in the fridge waiting to be pureed and frozen for pumpkin pie, bread, muffins, etc. (We called my mom for some help with how to "take care" of this pumpkin)Does anyone have any recipe suggestions??

Since Andrew is the new Associate Pastor here, the church gave us a grocery shower last night. It's not a huge congregation here, but wow, they REALLY blessed us! Not only do we have enough non perishable foods for at least 3 months (!!!!!) we were given a LOT of gift cards that will really really help us out. We are very thankful to God and our new church family here at Bethel for providing this basic but sometimes expensive need.

Garbo Skirt

2008-11-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is my first BurdaStyle creation...the "Garbo" Skirt. I LOVE this skirt! I just finished it last night, and I tried it on today, and I really like how it turned out. I hand stitched with yarn along the bottom...quite challenging to sew through corduroy I must say, but I used this handy little rubberized pad called the "grab it" that I picked up from Fabricland a while ago and that made pulling the needle through a lot easier.

Flat-felled seams Yarn sewn along the hemline

And we are now moved in to our new place in Tillsonburg, ON. I'd love to hear from anyone who lives close to here!! So because of this move, I get to make more curtains! So stay tuned for some creations and re-fashions of old curtains.

Sweater chop-up

2008-10-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Before:

A red sweater with black flecks through it and black ribbing at bottom and neckline. $3.00 from Salvation Army yesterday.

I put the sweater on, and marked just under my bustline, then cut it

I turned the hem up 3/4" and zig-zag stitched it.

After:

A cute cap-sleeved sweater. It looks good with a black shirt or collared blouse underneath it!

Black Shirt

2008-10-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

New Look 6807:

I actually made this shirt about 2 weeks ago, but I forgot to post it. I made a few design changes: due to fabric shortage, I didn't have enough to cut the sleeves properly, so I cut the pattern piece in the centre and made a split-sleeve. For the neckline I still gathered it as the pattern said to, but instead of making a band and letting it tie up in the back, I used stretchy black lace around the neckline. The neckline ended up being too wide for my taste, so I just tucked up the fabric and sewed a button over the tucks to keep them in place. You'd never know by looking at it that it was an unplanned thing... :-)
See my review for more info!

Orange Skirt

2008-10-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Made from New Look 5100, my renewed favourite pattern! I've had this fabric, heavy weight orange brushed cotton and the trim in my stash for a few years. It was a quick skirt to make, and I added pockets with cute little orange buttons:

Brownish Skirt

2008-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

New Look 6807, View E

This pattern is out of print, but I just love it! There are 6 different versions, all unique and very easy to make and customize. I finished this up Saturday and wore it to church on Sunday! Quick and easy - I love this skirt!

Check out my review

Purse

2008-10-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

I made this purse yesterday for my sister in law, for Christmas. I first cut the purse from white broadcloth, then used spray adhesive to piece scrapf of fabric all over it. After trimming the excess fabric away, I sewed black ric-rac over the joins, then added a few buttons. Overall a quick, easy gift.

Refahions and Creations To Date...some of them!

2008-10-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Pajamas for Jonathan (Christmas gift)

Skirt:

Jumper for neice:

Flannel P.J Pants for Jonathan:

Dress shirt for Andrew:

Pajama Pants for myself:

Warbrobe Refashion

2008-10-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

I, Alicia pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings!
Signed Alicia Saunders

So I've been working on this since September 1st, I just haven't gotten around to posting it on here...my pledge will be done November 1st, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep going another 2 months.

2008-09-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just finished this shirt last night. It is made from Simplicity 2962. It is made completely from fabric out of my scrap bin. Due to the smaller pieces of fabric I had to work with, I ended up having to cut the shirt shorter than I wanted to.

So that's where the white satin piece was perfect. And to tie it all together I made satin bias binding from scraps for the armholes. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and I can't wait to wear it!!

Jacket Re-fashion

2008-09-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Before:
This jacket has alternated between my closet and a box...but never getting worn. It doesn't fit me, and it's not really fashionable either.
So to the cutting table it went!
First, I cut 14 inches off the length, and then I ripped out the side seams. I used the part I cut off to create a cute little insert for the side, to allow it to fit me!

I also shortened the sleeves, because they just were a strange length, and too tight so I thought that shortening them might fix the fit issue. But it didn't...so I tried cutting the lining out of the sleeve, and problem solved!
Now it fits, and I'm very happy with it! I am hoping it is cool enough tomorrow to wear it to church, and I can get a nice finished picture of it :-)

White Shirt

2008-09-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

My little sister goes to a private school, with a dress code of white shirts, dark pants. She needs some white shirts, so of course big sister is going to make her some unique white shirts to fit that dress code! Here's the first
New Look 6407, view D, in size 10.

Bedroom Curtains

2008-08-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

These curtains are definately my favourite curtains I've ever made! We have just moved into a new house and all the windows have blinds, which are nice, but they are kind of boring, and not as effective as curtains can be at keeping out the bright morning sunlight. The gold and black portion of the curtains are actually much less complicated then they look. I plan to write up more info on how to make them as they are very elegant looking, and quite simple to make. The solid gold part, is just a fold-over top pocket with enough fullness to cover the window, plus a little extra.
For more construction pictures, click here:http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i87/gladtidings/curtains/

The Little White Skirt

2008-08-19T11:08:00.001-07:00

September 1st Front View
This skirt went together pretty easily. I did end up having to line it, but I just used a lightweight white broadcloth, and I love how it turned out! There's a little purchased ruffle on the bottom. The amount of this trim is what determined the bottom width of the skirt, which is a little restricting when chasing after a little one year old, and climbing over baby gates...but other then that it is perfect!
Back & Side view

For the waistband, it is semi-fitted, with elastic and a zipper. I'm finding this type of waistband comfortable lately, and it's fairly simply to do!

August 19th:
I have drafted this little white skirt, as a solution to the lack of bottom-wear to match a lot of shirts I never wear! It's going to be knee length, slightly flared, with pockets, and cute little ruffled trim along the bottom. It's to be made from white cotton, and lined in white broadcloth.
I've got it all cut out and ready to sew!

Yard Sale Patterns

2008-08-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

I went to a few yard sales last night...My younger sister was with me and noticed 4 boxes of old patterns, 10 cents each...how could we resist looking through them?? So these are the ones we picked out. She wants some shirts made for school and picked out some patterns she liked. I can't wait to get into the new house so I can get started!
Also we got an old Civil War-era dress pattern, and a little boy's dress shirt and pants pattern. I am especially excited to try out the dress shirts, to make for my little boy :-)

Tie Bag

2008-08-16T06:36:00.001-07:00

I made this little purse 2 nights ago. It was kind of relaxation therapy for me. We're moving, and I ran out of boxes...moving is stressful, so therefore I needed to do something to relax for a bit until someone came home with more boxes for me to fill!
The instructions can be found here
I just can't wait to make some more of these! My scrap bin is calling to me to make more :-)