Wondering: Saying Goodbye

Recently we have had a rash amount of saying goodbye.  Some goodbyes are harder than others.

The boys favorite local Auntie moved away.  Sweet Aboye, I will miss you my friend, you made such an impact on my life and the life of my children.  But, I shall think of you every time I paint my nails another glorious shade from the collection you left behind for me to treasure.
Since a picture shows a thousand words and all:

And we finally were able to place Napoleon (the cat) at PAWS.  This was a hard decision and a long time coming, but necessary for the health and sanity of us all.  He was our first baby...

 From being just a baby to meeting the new babies, his life altered vastly.  It was at this moment that he realized he was no longer the center of our whole universe.

with the wonderful people at PAWS

*You can follow Napoleon's status here: http://www.centrecountypaws.org/cats/Cats2.cfm?ID=3239
The boys don't seem too upset, but they at times wander the house saying 'meow, MEOW?' and looking at me as if to ask - 'Hey where'd that furry thing go?'

With saying goodbye comes saying hello; hello to new opportunities, to new neighbors at the park, and to a new month of my baby girl's life. (4 months already!?!?!)

Tears and smiles will forever be mixed in the forward moving journey of life.



****Don't miss Friday's update post on Operation Project $0 - no clue what I'm talking about, check out the first two posts here:  Post One      Post Two

Project $0 - Inspiration and sneak peak (week 1)

Here is a glimpse at some of my inspiration for my boy's fall/winter wardrobe.  There are some amazing mommy bloggers who have started, over just the last few years, to focus on sewing for boys - their inspiration and tutorials are part of what got me excited about sewing for my own little men.

INSPIRATION

Here are the links to the inspiration (in order from left to right, top to bottom):
1) Oceans Eleven, impeccable suits, Clooney&Pitt -'nuff said
2)Slim Fit Tee Tutorial from Schwin&Schwin
3)Basic Grey flat front pants (sorry I grabbed this as an image, it had no identifying info)
4) Gorilla Tee  (can you believe this thing costs $80?!?!?!?!)
5) Shirt w/ shoulder button detail
6)Skinny cuffed Trousers from Schwin&Schwin
7) MADE 90 minute shirt
8) Upcycled Sweater from Me Sew Crazy

*you can see more of my inspiration on my Pinterest board:  Where The Boys At?


OPERATION STATUS:
So far I have 5 shirts DONE, 3 pants almost done (I just need to do the elastic and waistband, arghhhh the finishing), and a lightweight jacket patterned and cut.  The suits are becoming a lesser priority at the moment, sigh.... Obviously basic shirts have not been an obstacle - in fact they are quite fun.  The jacket I am working on is a different story, so many details, so many things I am figuring out and making up as I go along, design decisions that I am terrified to commit to.   Part of me wants to say that I am not allowed to work on anything new until the jacket is done - part of me thinks it might get so stressful that having an easy project to complete in the middle might make me at least feel like I am moving forward.  WHAT SAY YOU???
*I actually started sewing their wardrobe about 3 weeks ago, don't think I got all of this done in one week!!!


And a glimpse of what I have been working on.

 So happy with this outfit!!! (no, the waist is not done in the pants, thus photographed on the floor and not on a boy - leave me alone, I said this was a sneak peak!)  And no, I did not make the shoes - I found them at that store I was telling you about, Kid2Kid - so cute, so perfect for this outfit (and I paid $0 for them because of the store credit I had).

This is the outer shell of the jacket starting to come together - it will be fully lined, have a zipper, collar, cuffs, waist band, and HOOD!  The pockets aren't sewn down because I don't know what to do with them yet - they are different (one is a zippered pocket and one is a tab pocket - not sure if I want them perfectly aligned/same exact size, etc...).  HELP!

 This is the first 90 minute shirt I made - it is my favorite of the FOUR I have made (I really like this style)

A loving his new shirt. Dance, dance, dance!  I am making everything a bit big as the boys are still growing fast and they wont wear these for a few months still. (*And B has a good 5-7lbs on A, I need things to work for both of them ;op)

What have you been working on????

Upload your photos to the flicker group http://www.flickr.com/groups/operationproject0/  

or

Leave me a link in the comments, I'd love to feature you down the road!

linked up: http://candacecreations.blogspot.com/2012/08/scrappy-saturday_18.html, http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/08/linky_party_101/, http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/2012/08/saturday-spotlight-98-craft-link-up.html, http://www.michellelunt.com/2012/08/fabulous-friday-linky-party-31.html, http://www.shwinandshwin.blogspot.dk/2012/08/link-party-29.html, http://cherishedtreasures-terry.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/sunday-blog-love-linky-party.html, http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-42/, http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/08/think-pink-sunday-no-74/, http://www.niftythriftythings.com/2012/08/nifty-thrifty-sunday-71.html, http://todayscreativeblog.net/handmade-crafts/#more-12081, http://imtopsyturvy.com/topsy-turvy-tuesdays-97/, http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/2012/08/sew-cute-tuesday-82112.html, http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/2012/08/things-ive-done-thursday-50.html, http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2012/02/threading-your-way-clothes-for-boys.html, http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/

Whatnot: If I only had a brain...

As you can possibly imagine, I have a hard time keeping everything in my life straight with the three babes running around (*ok, baby girl doesn't run, yet, but she can sure roll!).

 
WAHOOO! Baby girl on a roll!!!

My brain has been eaten by two back to back pregnancies and way too many months of sleep deprivation.  I have no short term memory, spotty long time memory, and I am terrified of losing something or someone!

This is especially bad when I run a business that counts on some measure of organization and keeping many projects in the air at once.  If I forget to edit someone's pictures, that is bad; if I delete someone's pictures, that is REALLY BAD!  If the boys swallow a card and we end up in the hospital......  tooo scary, can't even think about it.

Needless to say, I need a brain - an organizer that wont let me forget what is complete and what is left to be done.

So I came up with this - a dry erase cork board, my new brain.  The dry erase sections allow me to keep track of what stage I am at for each client, while the hanging pocket keeps my cards safely out of arms reach.  The cork board also allows me to pin up inspiration from magazines or recent thank you notes.  I keep it right by my computer and can quickly asses what I can get done during a nap time or which client needs to be wrapped up next.

I made this from an old cork board/picture frame that I have had since college (one of the very few things I have held onto for this many years).  ****you can use any multi-opening frame, just chose one to be cork, replace the glass for that opening with the cork you can buy at any craft store by the sheet or roll.****

Here's how I did it - and you can do it too!

  

 Remove the glass and cork board from your frame - prep your surface and paint

 Let your paint dry - already looking better!

 While the paint dries, cut out your fabric.  Use the cardboard backing from the picture holes as a template to cut your fabric rectangles

 I have FOUR because there are four picture openings

 Next, cut the piece to cover your cork board - you want there to be a slight amount of overhang but not much.

 *Iron your fabric smooth before gluing it to the cork.  Glue using a spray adhesive or scrap booking glue (the kind with the bristle end for smoothing it very thin)

 Place everything back into the frame and admire your work!!!

 I love how my thin cotton ends up looking almost like lace with the cork behind it.

check, check, check...

Here it is hanging on the wall (* yes, that is a ziplock bag holding my SD cards, I will make some cute fabric pouches in the future, but this keeps them out of A&B's reach for now)

And my AWESOME magnetic dry erase pens - yes, these are attached to my computer..... WAIT, don't freak out.  They are attached at the back where the fans are.  DO NOT PLACE MAGNETS ANYWHERE NEAR A HARD DRIVE!!!  Hubs, a computer science engineer, placed these for me (my computer tower is HUGE, about 3x4 feet).

The great thing about this project is that you can customize it to your taste and style.  It may not be the perfect solution, but it will work for now!

How do you stay organized???

Linked on: http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/08/13/made-by-you-monday-114/, http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2012/08/making-the-world-cuter-3/, http://diyshowoff.com/2012/08/12/diy-project-parade-and-diy-highlights-2/, http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2012/08/party-time-craft-o-maniac-monday.html, http://todayscreativeblog.net/diy-lantern/#more-12029, http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2012/08/we-did-it-wednesday_14.html, http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-10.html, http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/08/show-me-what-ya-got.html, http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-814/, http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/08/giveaway-directory-120.html, http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/08/sns-148-creative-hooks.html

Whatnot: Operation- Project $0

We've established that I hate spending money, right?  Hate may be too strong a word; struggle, dislike, insanely fearful of not being able to swim in my silo of gold coins in the bank (wait, I'm not Scrooge McDuck? ohhhhh)

When you have three kids and have decreased your personal pay (because we are not even going to discuss the cost of having them all in even part time child care) every penny seems to count just a little more.  You can't just say - 'Nope, I'm not buying you diapers this week' or 'hmmm - none of your clothes fit, but that's ok, you can just be Naked Baby in the PA winter'.  Sadly, there are NEEDS of your children that must override your own desire to spend as little moolah as possible.

But I have skills - Mad Skilz, yo (oh, I'm not a 90's rap star? wow this is just a post full of self disappointment).  I can draw with my toes - hmmmm, the art market is down due to the economy.  I can sing - but not nearly good enough to win any money on The AmericanVoiceIdolFactor - that isn't all the same show? pshhhh now you are just pulling my leg.  I can change three diapers in under 3minutes - but sadly, there is no gold medal for that.  I can sew, but - wait, I CAN SEW!!!!!

Thus begins Project: Operation $0

gab this button from the sidebar!----->

Mission: to spend as close to $0 on the boy's fall/winter wardrobe (shoes will be the Achilles heel I fear, but that is why I say 'as close')
Plan of attack: Make at least 10 shirts, 4 pairs of pants, 2 sweaters, and 2 suits (ok, the last one makes even me giggle - I'm going to make a suit, for two not quite 2year olds????  BWAHAHAHAHAH - I laugh because suits typically take measuring, fitting and tailoring, have we met my boys?)
Weapons: My old beat up Bernina, a very small fabric stash, and a large pile of unwanted/unwearable used clothes from the closet of myself, my husband, and my dear friends.
Deadline(because nothing in my life is accomplished without a deadline): October 1st (because that is essentially the start of fall, and if I am making these clothes they are going to wear them for AT LEAST two full seasons (fall/winter)

YOUR JOB:
-If you would like to join me on this endeavor, simply let me know by leaving a comment.  Feel free to link to your own projects in the comments section (sorry, new to blogging so no linky/flicker/etc... at this point, if I figure it out I'll let you know***Update, flicker group link at end of post).  I will highlight things that are inspirational along the way.
*You can participate by making one item, a collection, or an entire wardrobe.  The only guideline is to try to use fabrics/notions you already have.

-Hold me to account!!!  If I post a project and don't show you my hem or finished waistline, CALL ME OUT!!!  I am bad about not always completing the finishing details, and these need to be WEARABLE clothes.

Think I can do it?????

***There are a few key reasons this MIGHT be possible.  A: my mother loves to buy the boys clothes here and there as gifts.  Thus they already have a couple of play wear sets, a few long sleeved t's, and their winter coats for this year.  B: we have this totally awesome local store called Kid2Kid that buys and sells used kids clothes.  I sold back some of the boys stuff from last year and made enough to walk away with 2 pairs of dark rinse jeans, 3 dress shirts, 1 argyle sweater (that will become a pattern), 1 sweater hoodie (that will become a pattern), and one sweatshirt hoodie (that might become a pattern) without spending a dime.  I have a few more things to sell back and a little credit left - so hopefully I can translate that to winter shoes.  C:  I have the best friends and family around!!! I have a few friends who have given me hand me downs for the boys (and some pants from the spring still fit and will work for fall before it gets too cold).  And both my mother and friend, Erin, have given me clothing destined for Goodwill - not everything will work as an upcycle/refashion, but a lot of it will!!!


Why don't we live in a world of trade anymore???  I'l barter my photography for half a cow!!!

***Although this is a challenge to save money, I am also doing it because I LOVE a challenge, I love to sew, and I love the prospect of accomplishing something over the next two months that has the potential to help grow my skills and stretch my creativity!

Who's With Me???

***UPDATE: flicker group now available to show off your creations
http://www.flickr.com/groups/operationproject0/

GO TO:

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
Week Seven
Round Up

Whatnot: Mirror, Mirror

A nursery is all about the details, the little things that make it feel warm and cozy and uniquely created for this special babe.  When I did the boy's nursery I had the whole thing done by the time I was 31 weeks pregnant, with baby girl it was another story all together.  I had my theme from the moment I found out it was a girl - modern & understated Little Red Ridding Hood.  And with the theme, my planning stopped.  At 36 weeks pregnant, I finally ordered a crib, clicked 'buy' on the wall decal I wanted for the room, and had amazing friends move the furniture out of the Guest Room so that it could now be baby girl's room.  Needless to say, it was a scramble the last couple weeks and not all the details were even remotely close to accomplished before her arrival.
I knew I wanted a mirror - babies love mirrors!  And every little girl needs a mirror of her own.  So I set out thrift store shopping and yard sailing to find the perfect piece.  I stumbled across this gem at a yard sale for $1 -yep ONE DOLLAR, how could I say no?  It might be dirty, it might be plastic, and it might not look like much yet, but I knew it had potential.
Paint would be my friend, paint can be yours too - and here is how you can create this!

here it is in all its unfinished glory

-You want to start by giving your mirror or other object a good cleaning!  Then flip that baby over and remove the screws holding the backing and glass in place. (it helps to place the screws in a ziplock baggie so that curious little hands don't discover them)

-Remove the glass and backing from the mirror so you are left with just the frame

-Get our your paint (I used Martha Stewart Satin finish) -I like to use paper or plastic cups for small projects like this.  Just cut them down to about 2 inches high.  Then you can throw away everything at the end, easy clean up!

I used a 1.5 inch bristle brush - if doing this project again, I would have used SPRAY PAINT, but i didn't have any on hand.

 -Now start painting, you want to start with the inner lip of the frame, don't forget all those nooks and crannies.

 -all 10 THOUSAND nooks and cranies...

 -Why oh WHY didn't I go but spray paint for this project?!?!?

Notice that the mirror is sitting on two small wooden skewers. You want to find something to give separation between the paper and your project so that it wont dry glued down by paint and you can get all the way to the bottom of the inside and outside edge.

Almost done!!!

WAHOOOO!!!

-  Now let your painted perfection dry.

  - I waned to glaze the frame to give age and depth.
- Take about a tablespoon of paint of the glaze color you want (in my case black).
-Put water in a second cup.
-Wet your brush and lightly dip it into the paint.
-Dip it back in the water and brush against the edge of the cup lightly
-Now slather that watery- ness over your frame (you really can't put on too much, because we will wipe the excess off, but you can always start light and add more!)

before wiping it down - I like to stipple (dab dab dab) with a paper towel to take off the excess. Pay attention to anywhere the glaze may have dripped.  If it is too thick anywhere, wet your brush and wash over that area with water and stipple again.

Look at those yummy details!!

fits the room perfectly!

- Let it dry OVERNIGHT before hanging!  You do not want to mark the lovely walls of your room by hanging a tacky mirror up!

And there you go: A gorgeous mirror to complement an adorable nursery for the fairest of the all - wrong fairy tale, oh well ;op


Featured on:  http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/2012/08/showcase-saturday_11.html

Linked up at: http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2012/08/making-the-world-cuter-2/,  http://www.sewcando.com/2012/08/crafttastic-monday-link-party.html,  http://diyshowoff.com/2012/08/05/diy-project-parade-and-this-weeks-diy-highlights/ , http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/2012/08/market-yourself-monday.html,  http://www.somewhatsimple.com/blog-link-party-with-silk/, http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/08/best-diy-projects-and-link-party-68.html, http://www.733blog.com/2012/08/sugar-spice-124.html, http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/2012/08/tutorial-tuesday_21.html