Sometimes I Sew

See ya later, aligator

2010-10-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

An opportunity came up at my school & I took it! So, I now teach full time. I'm loving it, but with 4 hours less in my day, I have to let go of a few things. This means the end of this blog. At least for a while. I've enjoyed it & done it at my own pace. Thank you to everyone who has visited & taken the time to read my words. Off on my new adventure I go!!

Where I "work"

2010-09-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

My classroom this year is sporting a snappy new paint job thanks to a few friends!

Quiet Library Corner

Circle time! Where we read stories, sing, dance, play group games & learn a lot.

Centers...Where we play!

Wednesday was the first day of school. Then, Thursday was the first day of Pre-school..& we all had a fantastic week! Teacher, students, & even my 2 middle schoolers. (Yikes!! I have 2 middle school boys!) I'm very very excited for all this year has for us. Bring on the School year!!

Wanty want!!

2010-09-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

I love Dr Seuss. I sooo want this entire fabric line!! Celebrate Seuss by Robert Kaufman! I think I need it for a school quilt!

2 left!

2010-08-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen ~C's post about this quilt...her pictures are great!

I am so proud of this quilt! It's from Quilts, Baby! I've finally decided to abandon sewing my binding on all at once with a zig-zag, and it's made such a difference! I think this is the best binding I've ever made! I guess there is good reason to follow instructions. sometimes.
The back is just the off-white. I should have taken a picture...With the pieced binding, it really is pretty.

This leaves me with just 2 quilts in my unfinished box...And I've been working diligently on one of them all weekend.
Um...I did just sign up for & pick out my fabric to start another quilt for a quilt along. This one is to practice free-motion quilting! I am very excited!! (though with school starting in a week, free time is about to become very rare)--I'll post a link to the hostess next weekend as Ive forgotten to save it & Can not for the life of me remember which of the 300+ blogs in my bloglines it is!!grrrr.

Blueberry Days

2010-08-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sorting, measuring & storing blueberries.

Pie dough pigs.

I look forward to blueberry season every year. The last few years a dear friend & I have gone together. Its a tradition I'd like to keep. I think she drives every year, too...thanks for the ride!
Her 2 little helpers were great, too! My friends have seriously amazing, adorable kids. I enjoyed their help! The funniest joke of the morning? Putting green berries in our buckets...hilarious!
Though, maybe next year, I'll fill 2 buckets...after pies & snacks & a batch of muffins I only had 2 bags to freeze. We all love blueberries in this house.

Jersey

2010-08-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

Not Like New Jersey!...The fabric. Stretchy, cozy, t-shirty jersey. I love it! I think I'd be pretty happy if all my clothes were knits.
So, I bought this black jersey knit skirt a year ago and I LOVE it. so cozy, so versatile! I wanted more...but no jersey skirts to be found! Enter 1/2 price Jo-Ann deals! I bought 2 yards of grey & green. traced my fave skirt & made a green jersey skirt! --Thank you walking foot and super stretch stitch!! (sewing knits is very tricky--so is cutting it for that matter! )

Here is a very unflattering picture of my new very cute skirt...I'm hoping to make 2 more...maybe I'll try a real pattern for one.Trust me, it's cute. Honest.

Giveaway!

2010-08-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Not from me...from this very cool looking shop: Imagine Childhood . I think some of my friends with little ones would really enjoy a peek around there! Right up your alley! Beautiful toys to encourage imagination & developing little minds! Go...check it out! ('cept I want to win cool new preschool toys!-I love new preschool toys)

MMMMM...Cake

2010-08-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

White chocolate pound cake with strawberry butter cream. So yummy!
The butter cream freezes pretty well, too...this cake is glazed with the last cup from a previous batch of cupcakes.

The berries are from my sad little garden (the strawberries are the only thing not sad)

Both recipes are from The Cake Mix Doctor. As one who seems incapable of making a nice cake from scratch, this book is an absolute favorite! Every recipe starts with a box & you fix it up...always fantastic!
This frosting is a favorite...but it always turns out more like a thick glaze for me. Maybe it has something to do with my refusing to put in the entire amount of sugar. Tastes so very, very yummy no one will complain!
My sweet lunch guests didn't :)

When the kids are away...

2010-08-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

My kids have been fishin'/campin' with their grandparents for a long weekend. So, My super-cool husband took the opportunity to spend some real time together! He booked us a hotel, I got to ride the light rail, I had such a fantastic time! All for a...Date day to the Seattle Art Museum! I love it!! I love the artifacts & everyday useful items as art! All the china, some centuries old furniture, church bits, antique silver, cloth, etc! I think every day items as art is such a fantastic, yet somehow obvious idea! Of course it's art, someone had an idea and executed it with their own hands! Awesome. (and, I love all the paintings, sculptures & stuff, too)
The Andy Warhol exhibit was so intriguing. Everything was stripped down & so intimate and eerie. Photo booth portraits, Polaroids, etc...Brilliant. Loved it. There was a photo booth there, but it was out of order...sad me.(only for a second!)
I loved the Kurt Kobain exhibit, too...what a diverse collection. I love being reminded that everyone expresses themselves in a different way. That we all see and process the world a little differently.

The robot was actually in the street...I like him & figured he fits the art theme. I love Seattle.
(We also spent an eve out for dinner & a movie with friends, had a sweet family to our home for dinner, I enjoyed a day all to myself...I'd say we took full advantage of our time!) I'll be so glad to have them home.
Thanks for reading me crazy long um...essay! Guess I had a lot to say.

Almost...

2010-08-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Almost through my unfinished quilt box!..I've finished & delivered the baby quilt to my tiny friend. I'll post pics soon (though ~C's are so lovely!)....A side note on the above pic: That's 2 quilts on a half-price batting! Good deal!

Today, I got to spend the whole day home alone. Sweet! I get plenty of "me" time but, today was a special treat! To celebrate, I gave myself a break from quilts & made a jersey skirt. All that's left is the hem...I must say I'm pretty proud of it & have one or two more planned for the fall!
It was so nice to eat on my own schedule & finish something without being interrupted in the middle of a seam or be called for while my hands are full, etc...I'm so refreshed!

Blackberry Season!

2010-08-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I Love, LOVE blackberries. They grow like mad right in my neighborhood, too! Last night I just wandered across the street & picked the first harvest. Then, my kids did it, too! They are rarely interested in picking berries when I invite them, but the one time I don't, they really got excited! Funny boys. It wasn't much..not yet (unless you have a thorn-proof suit! Why do the very best berries grow just out of reach?) The boys enjoyed theirs with "too much" cool whip. (Too-much just means LOTS) I made mine into delicious muffins for breakfast. Though, blackberry season does mean summer's end is near. But there'll be pie soon!

My latest favorite touch for fruit muffins is to sprinle lots of vanilla sugar on top. It makes them all crunchy & yummy!

Two down...

2010-08-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

3 to go! The quilt box is slowly empty-ing!

The first is actually a repair job...It's one of my very first quilts. I think it's still the biggest I've ever made. It was sewed 11 years ago as a wedding gift. I didn't cut the binding on the bias & it split!! So, i took it all apart, put in new batting (i also under-quilted it o, the batting ripped & bunched), added to the backing & put on new binding! I hope it lasts another 11 years.

The Christmas quilt I made & quilted last summer...It' a hop-hop quilt. Mom & I spent 4th July weekend last year driving down the Oregon coast & she gave me all her free quilt block. I think I'll hang it by my sparkly kitchen Christmas tree.
Next up...one of 3 over due baby quilts!

Sometimes I paint

2010-08-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

This seems to be the summer of big projects! Last weeks project: painting my entire classroom. I have my own little building and it really was quite a job. I did have some fantastic help & support, though! A very good friend drug her 2 little ones to the paint store to act as my color consultant & another friend Came with her 4! kids every day-all day to help paint(and then on the weekend & this week, too!)! This same amazing woman has already spent countless hours sorting, cleaning, organizing all my materials, toys , and curriculum! A job that I have been in the process of for 3 years she completed in 2 months! Bring it on, September!!
I now have the most beautiful room in all the school!!
Ongoing summer project: finish all the quilts in my quilt box
This weeks project: clean out a garage
next weeks project: prep classroom for school
Whew!

Floor pillow!

2010-08-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

It's enormous...and a hit! (that's my 11 y/o pretending to sleep) The fabric was a birthday gift & I made a long, thin pillow as a seat for our fire place but it was a FAIL. No good, looked silly. So, I took it apart, folded the fabric wide & DONE! It's being used right now to play video games. I so love seeing the things I make being used. Happy me!

I really should have done a birthday post in May, too! It was such a good one, it still makes me smile! Though, I did start dying my hair...I'm just not ready for all the lovely silver hair coming in!

P.S...can you believe it's already August!! Yikes! Only 5 weeks 'till school starts!! Double yikes!!

More Yellowstone!

2010-07-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

We took ove 1,000 pictures between the 4 of us...these (this post & last) are just from ky camera so, there aren't good wildlife pics (the boys took all the good wildlife pics!) The drive was long (16hours), but my husband knows how to make those fun...books on tape, trivia, music...pleny of water/potty stops...the boys (11 &13 so no small fry here!) were crammed in the back of the truck cab & never compained! Not once. They are amazing like that sometimes! I think they had a great time! We took a week there (including a stop at the Lewis & Clark caverns on the way...amazing!) and I think my boys enjoyed the whole thing!---well, I may have over done it for them with the hot springs & mud pots etc...but, c'mon!! How awsome are they!! The earth is boiling right under your feet!!RAD!---oy...I could go on & on. but, I won't. Have a great August! Thanks for looking!

For the enjoyment and enrichment of the people

2010-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Or...My trip to Yellowstone National Park! I LOVED this place! We saw at least 5 different bears, a coyote, herds of elk & deer & anelope & bison (oh, I love the bison!), & ground squirrels (they're a lot like prairie dogs) & all kinds of birds. We went river rafting (then out for pizza!)The Hot springs & geysers are fantastic! We must have heard 6 different languages on any one day...The very idea of standing, hiking, camping in the bowl of the worlds largest active super-volcano is so awesome!! If you have the chance..GO!! Soak it all in! (these pics don't do it justice...they're just a taste)

The thermal features are my favorite part!

Mission Accomplished

2010-07-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Time to get makin'!! (I hope)

Messy, messy, messy

2010-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

It looks like I've been productive...but, not really! This summer is flying by!! It hasn't been full of sewing and making but, it HAS been full of friends & family. So, really, how can I complain. AND we just get home from a week in Yellowstone National Park! I'll have to post about that soon. (my new favorite place!)

So Far, So Good

2010-06-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hello, Summer Break!

2010-06-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's here! Summer break!! This summer is already looking full and busy with a smattering of rest in between! Perfect! We have camping, a big road trip, creek swimming, dinners with friends, etc planned. Very exciting stuff!! PLUS big sewing & cooking plans!! With that, I think a weekly update here is in order! Starting...NOW! See you in a week or less! (Right now, I'm too busy sitting on the couch to put up pictures or be interesting! YAY Summer Break!)

Hedgehog

2010-05-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is why I love spring-time at pre-school! This is what we work all fall & winter for! I think they're ready for whats next.

That's right!

2010-04-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

My man still makes me mix tapes! He loves me. This is a particularly good one...I am particularly digging Regina Spektor. Good stuff. I love my boyfriend! thanks, Babe.
Wanna see the play list?
Regina Spektor-On the Radio
Amos Lee-Black River
Mat Kearrney-Where We Gonna Go From Here
Band of Horses-No One's Gonna Love You
Timmy Curran-Blue Eyes
Phantom Planet-California
Straylight Run-Existentialism on Prom Night
Matchbox Twenty-How Far We've Come
Elastica-Stutter
Cowboy Junkies-Sweet Jane
Ray LaMontagne-Trouble
Rooney-When Did Your Heart Go Missing
Matchbox twenty-Hang
Ben Lee-Catch My Disease

It's been a while

2010-04-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

So, I've made a few things, done a few things, celebrated a bit etc...

Had a fantastic spring break! I had tons of girl time with friends, slept in lots sewed a bit, worked at school. Celebrated Easter twice. Decided I like Easter almost as much as Christmas. I will be doing something about that next year. (yo-yo garland, a few bunnies, bowl of eggs, and some hot cross buns should do the trick!)

This last weekend was great, too! We went clamming. In the rain. I shucked my first oysters. (in which we fount 7+ tiny pearls!) Had yummy seafood for dinner then, 3 days in a row! (I did not eat any oysters. yuck!)Did some yardwork. in the sun. Lots of good family time. I'm looking forward to this weekend, too!

I've got 2 quilt tops, 2 pin cushions & 2 skirts to show off!

I'm helping out with the boys' 5-8th grade track team too. That's pretty fun. I'm "coaching" long jump. Yeah...don't tell the kids but, I have no idea what I'm talking about!! (On day 2 of practice I ran a relay drill with all the kids & felt like puke after!! I am too lazy and flabby to run that much. Yikes)

That sums it up. I'll have some show & tell soon. Maybe a track picture.
Have a great week all!!

In Progress

2010-04-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

I've finally been able to sink my needle into a few things! I hope to follow up with a finished project soon.

No sewing here yet...

2010-03-21T20:50:00.001-07:00

bag
Originally uploaded by sometimes Julia sews

But soon!! I'm back to half time starting Tomorrow. Hooray!!
This bag was actualy made at Christmas time as a gift. Made from my favorite bag pattern: Pleatd hand bag from Bend the Rules Sewing.

Now that I'll be able to scrape up some sewing time, I'm hoping to finish the stack of 4 quilts at various stages of assembly! Very exciting!

Also, it;s spring! hooray! That means time to start planning, prepping, etc the end of this pre-school year. always exciting and a little sad(just a little. I love sending them out, but I will miss 'em)

Just words (and a link)

2010-02-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

I so wanted to have an adorable heart pin or two to show, or a finished quilt, or a little skirt, or some couch pillows, or anything, really! But, alas!! I have been working full days the last 4 weeksand will for at least the next two. I'm still working very hard to keep up with the housework and I must say my house is a much nicer place to be! Not at all disgusting and a bit cozy. Well worth the effort, but leaves little time to sew.

I do love my job, so that helps(I am so happy to be there!). I get so tired, though! It's exausting! My poor family!
All you moms who work full time, I admire your stamina!! Good job!!

Now, something crafty... ...checking out my bloglines today, I was lead to THIS brilliant post!! It's a seam-allowance tool!-read it! I am making one today!! Awesome.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's nice to think about the people you love! Even if the hearts and over sappy sentiments don't inspire you! I hope you feel loved today!

Winter? Spring?

2010-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

I took this pic today! Crazy.

And...just to ramble on...both boys made honor roll again!! Yay!

My Clean House 2010 project has been put on hold for some extra hours at work (Yay! I do like subbing!) Snuck in some sewing time to work on my SIL's wedding quilt. Etc...I like my life!

Still Cleaning

2010-01-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

Whew!! Clean House 2010 is still in motion. It has slowed down a bit, though. Lots of babysitting, a very important wedding and some extra hours at work coming up will put the whole project about 2 weeks behind.
So happy to have a clean bedroom and kitchen (well, nearly. didn't get to the fridge or floor)! Woo-Hoo!! It's amazing how much stuff we don't need hangs around this house(and garbage. Wow!) Good riddance, Dirt & Junk!

Sometimes I Clean

2010-01-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

But not often enough...So, I'm putting aside my needles & thread while I beat this house into submission with duster & vacuum. All corners will be scrubbed and all closets will be sorted!

I'm calling it "Clean House 2010" There are many lists and a scheduled plan! Week 1-master bedroom-was already a success!(We even painted it "herb tea"-after 4 other color tries) Next up--a 2 week plan to clean the kitchen. (I'd show before & after pics, but then you'd see just how dirty it is!)

Mmonday was Mmarvelous

2010-01-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

Mmouse has the Mmeasles
Mmitten Mmatching
My favorite Mmouse stories
Mmusic
Mmarbles (they look like treasure!)
Mmagnets
Guess what letter we are learning at school this week!

Goodbye Holidays

2010-01-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas time so! And it lasts for such a long time that I always feel a bit let down when New Years comes and it's time to put Christmas away. That's what keeps it special.(putting it all away is so much work, too!)

These are some of the gifts I made this year. Several were completed the day before they were opened, of course and some you've already seen. I think the recipients were all very happy! (not pictured:one more cupcake skirt, a pretty bag, cute potholders, and a set of ugly but sentimental napkins, and 6 gift baskets of snacks each including a mix CD of Chrismas songs, or a DVD of family photos made by my love)I wanted to make lots more, but had to get realistic and let it go.

Yummy!

2009-12-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

I might need a candy thermometer so I can make This. Yummmy! (found via My Paper Crane)

AND! today is the first day of Christmas break!(oh, so many reasons to love being a teacher!)I am celebrating by sitting on the couch for hours.Then, some important Christmas work!(and one niece b-day party)

Swapping Is Fun

2009-12-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

(yes, craptastic phone pics were used for this post. Lazy blogger!)
I love them!! For a better look go here! Too bad we couldn't get ALL of them! So many fantastic ornaments!(and look at the cute card, too!) Thank you, Small Fox!!

Happy Me

2009-12-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Making Merry

2009-12-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

I've made a few things...and attended a few parties and baked a few things(like a yummy chocolate peppermint cake!-alright, it was dry ... but yummy!)
(pics=paper chain of dictionary pages, glittered paper house from twelve22 , and an ice wreath.)

Christmas Cookies Are Good For Breakfast!

2009-12-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

I love Cookie exchanges!!

(what I'm not going to show you is the ugly mess of a lemon tart I just made! It was supposed to be for my dear SIL's bridal shower. Bummer. I think I will be buying cream puffs on the way out.)

Advent

2009-12-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

Let the Christmas season begin!!

Thankful Monday

2009-11-23T21:35:00.001-08:00

I can hardly believe it is already Thanksgiving week! Yikes! (and woo-hoo!!)

And so...

Today I am thankful for all the people in my life who are so supportive, kind, loving, etc. There are a lot of you! People I work with, am related to, live with, am friends with!! I'm pretty sure I would fail miserably without my family, friends, co-workers, etc!

People to learn from, people to lean on, people to comfort me, people to give me advice, people to fix my mistakes, people to tease me(keeps me humble, people to admire! Amazing people. The list is long & in some way, I think includes everyone I know!
My life is not perfect, of course, whose is. If it was, I wouldn't need all you guys!

Thank you for being part of this life with me.

Flea Market Fancy

2009-11-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

Yes. I love giveaways! Especially when they are for fabric by favorite designers!! Flea Market Fancy is a great line! It's out of print & I've joined the masses hoping to inspire a re-print!

First Annual Small Fox Ornament Swap

2009-11-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

After having such a great time with the Busy Little Quilting Bee quilt block adventure, I could not resist joining this ornament swap!! The First Annual Small Fox Ornament Swap (Plus I love her blog, she's sweet & makes cute stuff & is a children's librarian--I want to do that when I grow up!) Here are some blurry photos of my contribution.

I'm pretty happy with what I've got going here. Of course, it's way less blurry in person.
There's lots more to share, but I've got pies to bake, a house to tidy, pre-school to plan & party with, family to visit, friends to see, & holidays to prepare for! (and all the unexpecteds of life in between! Those can really get you!)

If I don't say so later...Happy Thanksgiving!!

Handmade Holidays have begun!!

2009-11-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things!! I just wish I had more time to really make things--like everyday!! For now, I settle for thinking about making things everyday. Check out Sew Mama Sew's 3rd run of Handmade Holidays...HERE!!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T07:34:00.001-08:00

Finger pretzels. Yummy.

Hope you had a fun & safe Halloween night!! We sure did!

Sewing Tuesday

2009-10-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

I've been meeting a friend to sew together on Tuesdays. Sew what? Christmas gifts & stuff!! --cancelled today 'cause one of my boys was a bit sick, just in case...but he's fine. I really missed it though!! It is one of my favorite days.--refreshing to be productive and have a good visit. (plus I adore her kid!)

Poor me.

But...

Today I did play my first game of football ever in my life! Adults vs. our 5th-8th grade flag football team at our school. It.was....AWSOME!! I'm excited for another at the end of next years season, too! Felt good to run & goof off with the kids! I think I may be sorry tomorrow..worth it!

Rail Fence

2009-10-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

Strip piecing is fast! I like fast quilts! Purple is not my favorite color. But...this is for a little girl. Little girls like purple. Pink would've been better. and glitter.

One more Christmas gift done! It isn't pink, but I think she'll like it. (pink is the recipient's favorite color)--I've got a cute idea for matching gifts for my 2 nieces that I'm hoping to get to before Friday...if only my house would clean itself.

I'm working on a really fun Halloween project right now. Fun & nervous actually!! Lots of red felt & no pattern...

Tiny Harvest

2009-10-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is it. the last offerings of my little garden. There were actually 3 of those little zucchini but, one rotted on the vine and the other rotted on the counter. I was hoping this last one would get bigger for one last loaf of bread. Oh well. I think the pumpkins did well considering our planting procedure. (smashing all the pumpkins left decorating the house in the yard)

Lots of sewing going on, too. But I'll show that off later! Thanks for lookin'!

Binge baking

2009-10-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

I tend to bake in binges. Once I start the oven & get out the mixing bowls it's just so easy to keep cooking!

Yesterday, I made a double batch of apple pie filling to freeze. Then, I made apple bread. Yum!! I will be making apple bread again. Soon. The boys loved it! (I thought it was a little dry, they said it was so good they didn't care!-What Nice Boys i have.)

Today, I made a lemon meringue pie. For a very important birthday gift. If I wasn't on my way out the door, I'd really like to bake up a cake and maybe some cookies for the freezer. Mmmmmm.

On my mind today...

2009-10-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'm currently thinking about 2 things more than anything else...people(good! yay friends & family-I'm conviced I have the best of both! & bad! Boo mean people. boo) and HOLIDAY SEASON!! Hooray!
With Halloween just around the corner and Thanksgiving right after, I've got Christmas on the brain. Big time!! I can hardly wait to dig out my boxes at home & put up the little tree at school. I've been watching Christmas movies & listening to Christmas music for a month now. With all the holidays coming up so quickly, I think it's List Time!! Today's list is:

Gifts To Make

2 sock monkeys
10 ornaments for a swap!
15 ornaments for friends & family
2 little skirts with tulle (maybe 3)
a little Bleu stocking (almost finished)
fabric bowl
a set of coasters
another felt board (so fun last year...I know another little one who needs one!)
tote bag
2 super-hero bath towels (again, maybe 3-I know lots of great litte kids!)
a set of garden stakes
fingerless gloves
2 pair pajama pants
little pink bunny hat

Whew! I have a head start...there is a small pile of finished gifts stashed away but, I better keep busy! I think I'll sew today & clean the house next week!

Today I...

2009-10-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Met a bear saw a show at the theater

Administered first aid for a construction accident ("I didn't see that the saw was coming right at me!! I just need to rest.")

Cleaned a kitchen after being served a gourmet meal. (I'm not sure they're up to code but, the waiter was cute.)

Went to the jeweler's. (Fancy!!)

Took an exotic pet for a walk in his custom collar. (from the jewelers)
Did some studying (about bears-which I learned ARE real, but don't live under the stairs)
Played with my friends. (at the zoo, washed bugs out of our hair, discussed theology, danced, made noise, sat down together...)
Had a snack.

And saw some treasures! Then, I went home to plan another week! whew.

Cute and handy!

2009-09-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

cottage-needle-book
Originally uploaded by sometimes Julia sews

Made these for a friend. Because she's super-fantastic!!

Pin cushion is from Pretty Little Pincushions. I Love that book! I have it from the library. constantly.

The cottage needle book isa free pattern from the Pattern Bee. www.patternbee.com/MENU.html
Super cute stuff there, too!

Sometimes I Sew Skirts

2009-09-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Here are all the skirts that I've made & have been hanging in my closet. You'd think I wear skirts all the time...but, I don't. I really prefer jeans. I do like to make the occasional skirt, though! (I really wish I had more of that pink&brown stripe--it's so cute & cosy!)

This one, I made two of. Like 2 or 3 years ago. One was too small and one was too big. Now, this one fits perfectly...boo! It's the big one. Maybe, I should go for a walk or something. Ah well. I sewed the hook on it a few weeks ago...now I can wear it to work!

Summer's End

2009-09-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

The 10 Year old lost a tooth on the trail while taking a sip from his water! It's been wiggly for a couple months.

The first week of school was a raving success for my pre-school classes AND my boys! Old friends, new friends, field trips, new shoes, fresh school supplies, the comfortable & familiar routine. I do love it. (I think the kids all do, too!)

This week, the summer seems to be giving us one last hurrah! (90 yesterday, 85 today!) So, we headed out to do some family hiking! It was so nice to be out in the woods together! We spotted tons of mushrooms that I photographed so I can identify them later! (I love mushrooms!--It's fun to be able to tell what things are outside!)

I'm excited for the fall & winter seasons AND...The holidays!! I'll take the sun while it's here, but when the rain comes, I'll be ready with blanket and book in hand!

Found it!

2009-09-01T18:54:00.001-07:00

I found my camera! Hooray!!--And I didn't even have to clean my house!!

But I did have a house full of kids... who worked on building a fort in the back yard! Rad!!(between playing video games & watching movies. They'll miss the summer so!!)

While I tried to work on lesson plans. If I focused & wrote things down all at once & stayed on task I'd probably be planned for half the year already!! But I did get some practice sheets printed, folders & name cards labeled & uh...thought about stuff. (Stuff like "I really like turquoise" & "birds are nice" & "I wish the library didn't limit book holds to 25!!"--Yep, just like my students.)

I also Baked!!--I made 2 cakes for our church potluck on Sunday & by the time I got there--They were only crumbs!! I was sad. So, i re-made one today YUMMMM!! Chocolate bunt cake with chocolate glaze & sprinkles. I think it looks like a giant donut!!

AND...I finally picked some blackberries. Muffins for breakfast, anyone?

Just words

2009-09-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Because I lost my memory card for my camera. Then, hooray!, I found it! Only now, I can't find my camera! It's around here somewhere. Maybe if I tidy up a bit...

My Summer Vacation

2009-08-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

This summer has been full and busy! We've done so many fun things (visit friends, zoo, drive-in, swimming, sleepovers...) A few useful things (huge workday at school, fund-raisers, yard sale...) And some things we did not do nearly enough ( hang at my mom's, have friends over for dinner, freeze pies, go camping...) But, I think I'm satisfied. Maybe this fall and winter things'll slow down just a little...but not likely...these boys keep me hopping.

In crafty news...I really wanted to try batiking fabric this summer. I have a 70's craft book with a couple cute batik dolls in it. I want to make them! School starts in just 2 weeks! That means Back to work for me! I wonder if I can still squeeze it in. Maybe.

I want to rearrange and maybe paint the boys room before school starts, too. It's gotten a little scary in there! And crowded. Time for stuff to go.

AND...I have TWO quilts that are so close to being finished! Oh Summer, where did you go?!

Busy Little Quilting Bee. The end.

2009-08-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, these are the last blocks for the last person for the Busy Little Quilting Bee. I've completely enjoyed this game!! And I got to make a lot of quilt blocks that were hidden away in my head for later! Like these! I saw a quilt once in a shop made of similar blocks and have wanted to replicate it since...now I have!!

And This is my Quilt! It is so perfect!! (ok, plenty of flaws, but I won't mention those!) Just what I envisioned!! I really really hope my nephew loves it!-The back has some skull & cross bone fleece and some red fleece pieced..shoulda had a pic-oh well! I really think it is one of the best I've made!--And I love that 16 different women all over the country had a hand in it! So rad!!

So, that's it. the end of this sewing adventure. Now I'm off to finish the 3 other quilts I have in various states of progress. Hopefully sometime before the end of the decade!(or2)

Sometimes I Mend

2009-08-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Poor Blue Bear. (He's damp and smelly, too. Why do some kids chew fabric? Ew.) Stitches and fresh guts first. Then, a bath for Blue Bear.

My Green Thumb

2009-08-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is my garden. It is a little weak and meager compared to some of my friends, but I'm so proud of it! I haven't tried for a few years, and I've never had much success. My green thumb is a little wilty. Even so, I've already overcome blossom end rot all by myself! Now I have 2 biggish zucchini in the fridge that I grew!! Yay! They will soon be zucchini bread. How's that for homemade!
Tomatoes! I always have mild success with tomatoes. it makes me happy.
The one in the middle was tiny (3 inches tall) and broken and sad when I planted it. It's the tallest, happiest one. Good job, tomatoes.

My "self-planted" pumpkins are doing all right, too! There are 2 hardball sized baby pumpkins and several very tiny baby ones. The leaves and vines aren't as big as other people's plants, but I'm so proud of mine!

In the box my love built for me, I have happy lettuce, stunted radishes and carrots, used up green onions and (unpictured) stunted kohlrabi. This is the second crop of radishes I've planted this year. I'm gonna try again, but I'm not very hopeful. who cant grow radishes! Me apparently.

There are strawberries back there, too. I thought I'd killed them in June but, there are now happily producing there second crop! (the first was about 10 or so berries one or two at a time that the bugs ate before we could--this crop is about the same minus the bugs).

This is my garden. I will definitely try again next year! maybe my wilty thumb will turn green after all!

This & That

2009-08-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

I made another drawstring bag. This one to match my beach bag!-(Thanks friends! It's so perfect I made accessories!) The bag will hold my suit or water shoes. Yay!

And...I'm still working on Christmas gifts. Oh, yes. I said Christmas! It's really just around the corner. Merry! Merry!

Another giveaway!

2009-07-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here. (Sheree's Alchemy) Sereiously! It's like Christmas!! I'm so excited. If you win, let's share!--And It is another lovely craft blog! I think I'm addicted to other people's projects!

It's hot here!

2009-07-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy hot!!-We broke 100 yesterday and all the chocolate chips melted in my cupboard!
It's supposed to be over 100 today and tomorrow, too! Yikes. I've been making ice as fast as the water will freeze, I put 2 quilts and all the rice bags I could find in the freezer. And we have plans to swim later then, have dinner with friends who have air conditioning AND live on a lake(actually it's BBQ night for our small group, but the timing is perfect!)

But what about dinner tomorrow?? No way am I turning on the stove! How about grilled pizza?

heat up some super hot coals, clean & oil your grill rack.
Roll your dough out thin(1/4 inch)-keep it personal pizza size.(I kept each one on a floured piece of wax paper)
brush one side with olive oil-grill oiled side just a few minutes-keep a close eye, it goes fast-oil the uncooked side of dough.
flip the crust onto a cookie sheet grilled side up.
cover thinly with sauce, cheese and toppings.
carefully slide pizza back onto the grill until bottom of crust is cooked.
move pizza to indirect heat to finish melting the cheese and warming the toppings.
repeat for remaining pizzas
Sooo GOOD! We did this on Friday and Monday and will be having this one more time this week!

Drink lots of water! Stay in the shade! Have a great day!

Sometimes I don't have time to sew.

2009-07-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

This is turning out to be a very busy summer! The last couple weeks I've been too busy fundraising, hangin' with friends & family, havin' nephews over, going places, and hangin' out at our favorite spot on the creek!(hi Daddy & Mom!) Though I am of course hoping to finish a project or two sooooon! I have several very important ones going right now. Off to sweat (it's 94!!!)and get ready for some nephews to spend the night!

Mini golf & Zoo while on stay-home-vacation.

Helped set-up, run & clean up huge yard sale to raise $$ to send my 7th grader and classmates to Wa DC in the spring. (and did a car wash...this is relentless work)

ahhhhh! the creek! We may be there a bit tomorrow!

Give away day!

2009-07-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's giveaway day at The Fabric Shopper Again! This time it's something I really want to win!! A gorgeous apron pattern AND the fabric to make it!! Check it out HERE!--(I really want this, so if you win...give it to me!)

Coldplay

2009-07-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

Sold out show at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Friday. So great!! And I decided Will the drummer is my favorite band member!

The weather was perfect! It looked like rain to the left. It looked like rain to the right. But it didn't rain on the amphitheatre!!

Our spot was very near the center. Great view. The lights and video were great! The performance was so good!

They did a great job keeping the audience engaged and made it feel like they were playing for you!--Right down to thanking the crowd for giving them our Friday night!! So fun.
There were 2 mini stages! one in the back of the seating and one in the front of the lawn.--this pic is our view when they played on the lawn! I love the close to stage stuff! James pulled me at a run to get such a great spot! and the crowd was pretty considerate of every one's space-considering!
Highlight--Being 8 or so people back from the stage for an acoustic cover of "Billie Jean". Awesome!!

Pirate booty

2009-07-09T14:57:00.001-07:00

What could this be?

A pirate's treasure map! Fantastic! All the plunder none of the pillaging!
(if I turn it over...)

Yo-ho. Yo-ho. A pirate's life for me!

I'm so excited about this toy! I have just the nephew to give it to! I think it'll get quite abused and used. Nothing would make me happier! (I know it's a winner because my own boys told me I should make one for them, too!)

Shop Hopping!

2009-07-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

I spent 4th of July weekend with my mom driving down the Oregon coast just the two of us! All the way down to Florence (and a bit past Coos Bay from there). It was the most relaxing, spoiled time I've spent I think ever. I did miss my men a bit when the sun started to go down on Independence Day and no one was lighting anything on fire but, it was so nice to take a break from all the day-to-day stuff and just chill (and sew). Thank you, Mom, for a great time!!

The fun of the Shop Hop is getting a kit to make a quilt block a each shop. Mom doesn't quilt so, she gave me hers. I sewed them all up right away an will have a "free" quilt to show soon! I also bought a lot of fabric. So fun to see the different styles in each shop (The one in Wheeler is my fave).

I now have several more projects to do! I've planned a quilt & a pirate map & a Christmas stocking for myself & a pin cushion with all this great fabric. I love new fabric!

One reason I read The Fabric Shopper

2009-07-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

So, cutest bag ever being given away here!

In the freezer

2009-07-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

The first pie has gone into the freezer!! Along with a double batch of strawberry muffins and 2 batches of strawberry jam and 1 batch of apricot jam, Yum! (we ate the pie in the picture...plain strawberry is not my favorite pie...Shoulda got some rhubarb!)
Processing and preserving food for my family for later makes me feel happy.

As to the Pie Makin' Apron for Tie One On...Didn't do it. But I finished 2 quilt tops so, those should be done sometime this summer!

All caught up!

2009-06-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

These are nearly the last of my Busy Little Quilting Bee blocks! There is one more pack of fabric and then it's over. Dana has already finished her quilt...My top is finished, I just need to buy a backing. So excited to have time to sew now school is out. I do need to get back into a getting things done mode soon, though. But not now, It's Saturday!

Balloons

2009-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how many balloons it takes to fill a bathroom doorknob deep? About 180.
This is where the toilet should be. (there is an inflatable monkey in it)

The sink.

Closing the door was tricky. My cheeks were a little achy for a while after this but so worth it!(This is how my husband tells his dad he's loved!)

(I don't know why the first bit is underlined...wonder what I bumped...can't make it go away!)

Almost there Busy Little Quilting Bee!!

2009-06-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

I'm really pleased with these!! And Have the last two all planned (in my head anyway!) Spent the day today at the creek with my boys and nephews! I love the creek!--Summer has officially started!

Extra entry!

2009-06-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

There is a giveaway over at The Fabric Shopper....the best giveaway! 30 fat quarters of Denyse Schmidt's Katie Jump Rope line!! It's my favorite line ever!! So, if you win, can I have it?!?! 9I get an extra entry for blogging about it, too)

UPDATE: Another super giveaway over at The Fabric Shopper!! This time from a line called Hippie Chick. I really want it...in highschool, I worked so hard to be a "hippie Chick" I feel entitled to win. You know, 'cause of all my hard work avoiding the Gap and hemming mumus into mini dresses.

Monday was

2009-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Layout for Nephew's quilt from my Busy Little Bee blocks

1/2 a set of napkins from an Ikea duvet

Bettyninja's Busy Little Bee block (took most of the day)

Great!!! It was my birthday. And I got the whole day to myself to sew! And I did! Between visits and gifts and treats and phone calls from family and friends! I felt so loved. So very loved! My husband and boys cleaned the house and made me a tasty dinner and I wore my pajamas all day! Just what I wanted. I'm so grateful and still counting my blessings! (and counting the days till school's out*15*)

Tomorrow's Project

2009-05-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Salad garden! These will grow in a container together! Fun, huh.

MMMM Strawberries! There won't be enough for pies or jam, but I'm excited!

These are pumpkins. There are dozens! The October before last, my boys & I smashed a pumpkin in the yard to see if it would grow. This year we re-seeded the lawn, so the yard has been watered every day. Apparently that is just what our smashed pumpkin seeds have been waiting for! I'm especially excited to see what these do!

Makin' an apron

2009-05-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

So, I've been following Tie One On for EVER...I love it! all about aprons, A theme, and the gallery after time's up! RAD! I have never submitted one. Though I looove making aprons. BUT...Now's the time. The theme is Pie Makin' Apron! How perfect. (I love makin' pies!) It's not due 'till July1-I ought to be able to squeeze in sewing time for a little ole apron by then. Especially one for makin' pie in. --I'm thinking a nice sturdy one for catching all the fruit juice. (And I love Amy Karol-She's the author of Tie One On. Bend The Rules Sewing is likely my favorite craft book.)

Home Stretch!

2009-04-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Only 7 weeks of school left! Time to pull together all the projects at school we've started, plan my final field trips, end of year celebrations, track meets(and practices), field trips for my boys, fundraisers (to send 7&8 grades to Wa DC next spring), birthdays, one family reunion (including soup, bread, muffins and cookies to make ahead to bring), and all the day-to-day. All great stuff!! Here I go sprinting toward June 11!!!

200 Cupcakes

2009-04-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Attended a precious wedding last night. The bride was absolutely stunning! The evening was full of sincerity and love from family and friends of bride and groom! Congratulations Danica & Eli!!
This is my contribution. 200 cupcakes!

My good, good friend Shalisa baked half and taught me how to use the decorator bag. She also helped me decorate them. all of them. (Thank you!) It was a little all consuming and I'm glad to be done, but I think I'd do it again. Later. Like in a year.(Amy?)

The table was impressive covered in a mass of cupcakes-the gaps are where people already started eating them (before dinner!)! The room smelled delicious and my house still smells a little chocolaty.

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Phone pick of my first ever attempt at hot cross buns. (I used craisind instead of raisinsand added orange extract to the glaze) Yummy!

Wishing everyone a happy, hopeful, generally lovely Easter!!

More Blocks

2009-04-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

These are my latest Busy Little Quilting Bee blocks. I love them! Of course there are other things being worked on, these are just the only things I finish(well, mostly)!! I realy must improve my time management skills--or give up sleep.

Another generous blogger!

2009-04-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

My computer is back! And I've lost all the pictures and documents that were saved on it BUT I've learned a valuable lesson about backing up! It is nice to be up & running again, though...so, to pick right up--
This is the completely adorable house softie I won from LaBelle Avenue. She makes lovely things and is really worth a cruise around! Thank you LaBelle I love him! Someday I'll actually make a house quilt! I must have a dozen patterns saved--I love house quilts!

I just decided...

2009-03-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

I need a loom so I can learn to weave. I think I'd really enjoy it. I could keep it in the living room and watch movies and weave away! That'd be cool! Because what I really need is another hobby! (but a loom would be cool!) Then, once I'm really good at it, I could get a spinning wheal and spin my own fiber!!

Be back soon!

2009-03-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

It'll be pretty quiet here for the next 3 weeks or so. I dropped my laptop on the floor and it is now at the laptop hospital. Hopefully, I'll have a few things to show off when it comes back! "till then--Julia

more bee blocks

2009-03-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

In a little hurry, I've got some tidying and shopping to do in preparation for a certain boy's 12th birthday party (smelly boy sleepover tomorrow!)So quick pics today! I am hoping to sneak in sewing tomorrow while the boys party down with the wii and movies all night!-they won't need me :)

Playing catch-up

2009-02-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

Last week was mid-winter break, so I had a 3 day cleaning marathon and now my house looks like it did before except no dust and fewer cobwebs. oh, well. It felt good to get it all done. I hardly sewed a stitch...working away on my busy bee blocks when I get a minute to sew...I've (as always) a few other things finishing up and the ever growing list of things I'd love to make.

I also saw Coraline last week...I loved it! I'd see it again! It's a little lovely, a little creepy, a little reminiscent of good old Alice...right up my alley!

Latest bee blocks

2009-02-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

They aren't quite what I'd pictured, but I'm pretty pleased. After finishing these, my head started popping with ideas for rainbowy blocks (that's what Sarah asked for for her Busy Little Quilting Bee blocks; fun huh!) Things like a red circle surrounded by the other colors, or a pinwheel or stripes on point or overlapping shapes in different colors or a small color wheel...maybe I'll have time to try one more...I like my "new" ideas better than what I did.

I've still got 3 packs of fabric to sew & send out for the bee! They are all calling to me!!

valentine drop

2009-02-14T15:45:00.001-08:00

valentine-drop
Originally uploaded by sometimes Julia sews

I've spread a little love today. I love the Toy Society!

Funny Little Valentine

2009-02-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

(this was given to me by one of my pre-k students!-with giggles)

Happy Valentine's Day!!! Sending much love!

I have a cold and it's snowing!!

2009-02-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

the cold is yucky, but the snow makes me happy(I may be alone here, but it's so cozy and pretty!)
So, I only made it three days of finishing ufo's!...and one day sewing mustaches to fulfill a spontaneous promise to my class. I had to do a little research for ideas and was highly inspired by lupin's disguises(check out Etsy for more great mustache stuff)!.

Here are the projects I did finish:

Another sock buddy! These make great baby gifts!!

A wall hanging for a fairly patriotic little nephew.( the quilting is sideways, but I am NOT picking it all out!)

And this crazy apron made of neck ties. This will be a gift...it's made of her Dad's old ties!

Up next?...a pile of busy little quilting bee blocks! how many can I finish in one day?

Sewing away!

2009-02-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Sewed 14 mustaches for pre-school today...I have 2 finished ufo's to show when I have time...and I've started a valentine softie, I've my Busy little bee blocks to do (2 for Jan and Feb's fabric is on the way!)AND really want to play along with the Sew Mama Sew doll quilt sew along Whew! Good times :)

finished project week!

2009-01-31T12:18:00.000-08:00

Check out Artful Ties for a link to the necktie snake instructions--I didn't really read all the directions, so mine's a little different. I like him, though.

I've set myself a goal for this week...Finish one ufo each day for 7 days! I'm off to a good start-I finished these TWO projects last night!! On the table for today...well, there's plenty to choose from! I'd better get busy!

Looks like so much fun!!!

2009-01-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

Must...resist....urge...to ....sign....up...for...this....swap!! (you should see what everyone did last year...Amazing)I don't realistically have time to participate and make a mobile to send someone...But I really want to!!! I have to make it all the way to Friday(that's when sign-ups end). I really want to play along, though!! The Busy Little Quilting Bee quilt block swap has been so much fun and inspiring, wouldn't another one be even more fun!!? but there just isn't time...

keeping warm

2009-01-25T09:01:00.001-08:00

grey-gauntlets
Originally uploaded by sometimes Julia sews

I whipped up these fingerless mitts (gauntlets) from the book Sew What Fleece. They are a little too long and the thumb holes are just a bit too small, but that'll be easy to fix. The grey fleece was a remnant, so 50% off AND on sale so another 50% off Super cheap!!(like $2.50 for the yard!) so these were less that a dollar to craft!!

I have been busy sewing on a couple of quilts, but those take forever. All the trimming and ironing is a little boring. But in a good way :)

For your reading pleasure...

2009-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Wanna check out a few blogs I really enjoy?...
The Crafty Crow is great for kids crafts, links, party ideas, games and an occasional giveaway! (like today!)There are great ideas for my little nieces & nephews and I've bookmarked lots of posts for use in my preschool class! Good stuff.
Bad Bird is Andrea Zuill's blog...Her embroidered quilts are amazing! I also so love her drawings...I've not bought any of her prints, but I plan to!! (I love her chickadee-so cute!)
The Toy Society is a project who's purpose is to spread some handmade love around--and asks nothing in return! I love this! How sweet to be going about your day and find a gift left by a stanger just hoping to brighten someone's day! I paticipated in the Christmas drop and plan to do it again as soon as I can pull another little package together.
And...ThreadBanger is full of inspiration, projects and how-to's! Especiallyif you like DIY fashion! (I don't really make clothes, but I like to read and think about it a lot!)
That's jus a few, I love a good blog! Have a nice day all!!

64

2009-01-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

That's how many little triangles I sewed wrong, picked off, ironed, and pulled the threads out of. Ugh. I don't like un-sewing.
Now I get to re-sew them to the quilt blocks.

Not so busy bee!

2009-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

I finished Stephani's Busy Bee quilt block! Bring on January's fabric! This was so FUN! I loooove 2 color quilts-especially red & white. I'm excited to see this put together-beautiful!!

I had 5 hours all to myself yesterday that I'd planned to sew...but I watched movies, laid on the couch, and generally just rested! It was WONDERFUL!! I had a headache most of the day but, it felt kind of good-more like pressure leaving through my temples. I feel much more able to tackle the day than I have felt in weeks. ahhhhhhh. Off to enjoy a Post office tour, picnic in the park, make soup, fold a mountain of laundry, run a few errands, write up some stuff, and maybe squeeze in a minute to work on a project! Bring on the day!

Tweet tweet!

2009-01-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

Spool sewing pattern

Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts bird. Both are made with an Ikea duvet cover (I rescued it from my MIL's garage!) and a vintage (sounds way cooler than "old")sheet. They just happened to go so well together!

I was going to make LOTS of these to give out to family and friends like Christmas cards. But I ran out of time. ah well. Maybe this year.

If my kitchen was clean..

2009-01-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

And if I had time...
I'd bake gingerbread men and cardamom bread.
Right now! yum!

Deserving of It's Own Post!

2009-01-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

This is the mug my first born made me for Christmas!! His teacher is a potter and offered the kids pottery lessons during thier recess time. My son (to my great joy) cranked out quite a pile of lovely things! and so thoughtfully saved his first project for ME!! (the other things, he gifted away to his grandparents and I forgot to take pictures.) It is so fun to see his work improve with each piece...I really hope he makes more!!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, happy, productive 2009!! with love.