Stitching By Numbers: 1/1/11

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Baby Stuff

Rachel (my son's girlfriend) and I went to a baby shower yesterday. The couple is expecting a baby boy in a few weeks. I decided to make something cute and useful!

I made two burp cloths and two matching bibs. What new mom doesn't need these? Funny, I had never heard of burp cloths until I started reading blogs! When my kids were babies, we just threw a receiving blanket or cloth diaper over our shoulder. I like this idea much better. I used an Amy Butler print for the fronts, and the backs are a super soft chenille. I lined them with soft absorbent cotton. And, because I had fabric left over, I just had to make these!

Aren't they cute? If you read my last post, you'll know that there will be many more burp cloths and bibs in my future! I'm also thinking of adding some to my etsy shop. What do you think? Have a great day, and happy sewing! Anne

FOLLOWERS

New Beginnings

As promised in my last post, today I'm going to let you all in on a special secret. A few short days before Christmas, my son and his girlfriend came to me with news. They are expecting a baby. I was the only one they told, and while I was honored and grateful that they felt comfortable enough to come to me with this, I didn't know what to think. With preparations for Christmas going on all around us, I felt like we were in a small private world of our own. I had one special friend that I was able to talk too, and I will be forever grateful to her for her kind words and understanding. I was not angry with the kids, just shocked and bewildered. They are both so young, (18 & 20) and have so much life ahead of them. My friend helped me realize that all I could do was love and support them in whatever decision they made. It is incredibly difficult not to tell them what to do. I am still a mother after all. In the days and weeks following their revelation, as more people were involved, it became even more difficult. Everyone had their own opinions and idea's and tried to force them on the kids. I've found myself being mediator a dozen or so times, trying to convince people that we cannot decide for them. All we can do is guide them to information about ALL options available to them, and make sure they understand the outcome of each. No one is in a position to judge them either way. There have been many tears and reflections in the last weeks, but I am happy to say that a decision has been made. They are keeping their baby. I am so happy that this is what they decided to do. While others may not agree, I believe this is the best choice. While this may not be an opportune time for them to be parents, I have to believe this happened for a reason. God doesn't make mistakes.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Playing Catch Up....

That's all I seem to do these days. Life has thrown a few curve balls in the last few weeks, and I am still reeling. Needless to say, my blogging is not the only thing that has suffered. My sewing plans have been on hold for some time now, but I am slowly easing myself back in. I have dozens of ideas roaming around in my head, but have lacked the ambition to put them into play. Sorry to be so cryptic. I will be explaining myself in the next couple of days, I promise! Suffice to say that life doesn't always go as planned. Okay. Needless to say you all have issues (good and bad) in your own lives, and don't want to listen to me complain. So, onto the good stuff!

Ansel, at Allness World, gave me the Stylish Blogger Award!

Wasn't that sweet of her? She really made my day! Ansel talks about her new life in Canada, after moving here with her family just over two years ago. I have to admire the bravery it takes to make such a drastic move. Moving across town is hard enough sometimes, but to a new COUNTRY? I just can't imagine it. In order for me to receive the award, I have to fulfill a couple of requirements. They are,

- Thank and link back to the person giving you the award.
- Thank you Ansel! I really appreciate it! -

- Share seven things about yourself.
- Award 15 other newly discovered (by you) bloggers.
- Contact these bloggers about their award.

So. Seven things about me?

- I love to sew. (Gee, really?)
- I have four of my own children, and two stepchildren.
- I don't like winter.
- I probably have enough fabric in my stash that I need never buy fabric again in my lifetime, and still not run out.
- I have red hair
- I love double chocolate donuts!
- I don't like talking about myself. (or had you already figured that out?)

Next, I have name 15 bloggers. To be perfectly honest, that's not going to happen any time soon. Not that I don't want too, but I have to decide who to pick. I'd love to just give the award to all of you, because you all deserve it. In fact, I think I will. Just leave your blog address in the comment section, and take your award! Congratulations! Now you will all have to work on your acceptance speeches, and pick out a gown to wear.

I have done a little sewing this week. My daughter asked me to make her a gathered clutch, using the tutorial by Anna at Noodlehead. Thanks Anna!

It is slightly smaller than Anna's, because I had a shorter zipper. Hillary also requested a handle, and little pockets inside.

I think she'll be happy with it, don't you? I am going to a baby shower on Saturday, so I'm working on a few things to show you in the next day or two. Happy Sewing ladies!

Link up you latest project every Wednesday on the Elle Belle Creative Your Way Wednesday link party!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

A New Year....

I know, I know, I'm a little late jumping on the 'Happy New Year' bandwagon. Our Christmas and New Years were wonderful. Full of family and friends coming together to celebrate. My wonderful children gave me a new laptop for Christmas! I am so lucky to have such wonderful kids. Unfortunately though, I haven't been blogging! I've been reading everyone else's blogs, but just haven't felt up to doing it myself. The holidays were stressful, and it has taken some time to recuperate. Fibromyalgia doesn't take a holiday! Stress intensifies my pain and other symptoms, so I have been content to relax and enjoy your blogs! I'm starting to get back into my grove, and hope to pick up my blogging where I left off.
I have done a little sewing. Well, more embellishing than sewing! My daughter saw two tee-shirts embellished by Sachiko from Tea Rose Home, and she asked me too make some for her. They were both easy to do, and look so cute when they are finished. The first one I did was the 'Ruffled Shirt'. Sachiko made her's from a cream coloured sleeveless tee, but I used a black 3/4 length sleeve top.

Before,

After,

Black is so hard to photograph!

The second tee is another ruffle shirt, this one with rows of vertical ruffles.I started with this,

And this is what I made,

I think they both turned out ok, but next time I make the vertical ruffles, I will sew them even closer together. Thank you Sachiko for the great tutorials!
My daughter is pleased with her new tops, and that is all that matters. Have a lovely day ladies! Anne