End of Summer

I can hardly believe the kids go back to school this week! We went to Santa Barbara for my daughter's soccer tournament this past weekend and took a break between games to feel the sand between our toes and cold water at our ankles. The lighting was perfect because it was slightly overcast. It rained a little, was cold, then super-hot. Southern CA's summer weather has been so different this year. Most days are in the high 70's. Usually in August its in the 90's- It's been great!! I can't believe I am starting to wash my Christmas fabric to make some Christmas throws to make. The start of school always signals me to begin Christmas projects. I'm glad we got some beach time in!!

New Photos

I decided to take a new photo for my avatar in various places. A much farther-looking photo that doesn't accentuate the negatives. Also, I love the idea of a quilt background. The one in the background is one waiting to be sent out and I absolutely love the colors, so there you have it. I got a couple of pics of my daughter and her friend, mother-daughter and just me. I am somewhat happy with mine since they are farther away, and I think it conveys bright, cheerful, summer. What do you think?? I think our Christmas pic this year might need to be a Christmas quilt in the background. Fun thoughts already for December!! We have one week left till the kiddos go back to school then I can get back to a normal schedule. The countdown begins. It has been a great summer!!

Meghan Peasant Pattern

I just had to blog about a new pattern I tried called the Meghan Peasant.I enjoy sewing quilts & purses, but tend to stay away from clothing. The patterns can be too confusing, but this pattern just called to me because it is so versatile- short sleeve top, long sleeve top, short sleeve dress, long sleeve dress. I have to admit I was drawn to it because there are no zippers! It is a collaboration between Jennifer Paganelli (one of my fav fabric designers) and Carla Crim, the Scientific Seamstress. This is what I love about this pattern:

*Multiple options

*Multiple sizes 0-3XX

*Downloadable- you could start it right now!

* Lots of directions & pictures- there was no confusion!

* Totally customizable the whole way: how deep the neckline, how long the "skirt"

*Photos of others who made this on flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/scientificseamstress/pool/

I used all Jennifer Paganelli fabrics: Elizabeth Rose Ice on the bodice, Leann stripe on the "skirt", Casey Scroll on the sleeves. I omitted the elastic on the end of the sleeves because I liked the look when I tried it on. I cut the "skirt" 14" to have a shorter look. I am just so happy how it came out. However, I am just not photogenic, so I cropped my head. My son said, "Wow! You made that mom?" and he also was the one who took the pics of me and agreed with the crop! I am wearing the necklace he made me for my bday. Where to find all this cuteness? but here is where I downloaded the pattern: http://youcanmakethis.com/. The pattern-maker's blogs: http://scientificseamstress.blogspot.com/ and http://jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com/ and the photographer extraordinaire: http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/ I will definately make this again and again. I'm sure when my daughter gets home from a vacation with her friend, she will want one too!!

A Quick Visit

I made a quick visit to my brothers house with Holly and enjoyed my time there so much. I also got to visit my 92 yr old grandma, Busia as we call her in Polish, who asked if I could bring her chicken nuggets and fries from McDonalds. She is hilarious. There was a time she held the record for most Big Macs eaten. The story is told for future generations to admire! :) Right now she was content with chicken nuggets!!! While I was staying at my brother and my sweet sis in law's house I made curtains and a pillow for my niece's room to match the throw I had made her for her bday. I tell you I am in the right business because I was super excited to sew on my visit. My sis in law does sew, and shes really good at it, but its not a priority for her. I was glad to help her out! I used Amanda Fleur in aqua and Flower Mural in brown for the curtains. The pillow is also the Flower Mural. Sheri made the runner on the nightstand with the Flower Mural and a small strip of Marie in aqua in the middle. All fabrics by Jennifer Paganelli. I am sad that I only got a pic of Holly with 1 beautiful cousin as she has 2 more who were in the other room! I guess as usual I got overexcited to take the pic and forgot!

:(((((((

Bday Gifts Made with Love

These are the handmade gifts from my kids for my birthday! My daughter made the sachet filled with lavender from our garden. I am really proud of her sewing skills and use of wonder under. I keep this next to my bed to remind me of her and I can smell the lavender! My son is amazing with polymer clay and he made this pendant for me to match the fabric from Jennifer Paganelli- Loopy Vintage Turquoise. My daughter told him it was my favorite fabric! I have been wanting to make a summer skirt with the fabric, but always put stuff for me off. Now I have an incentive as I want to wear the coordinating necklace! :) I love these gifts so much and will always cherish them!!

Pajama Girl

I really love making pajamas. They are so quick and so much cuter than what I can buy! My daughter loves this aqua color by Jennifer Paganelli- Casey Scroll and Pinwheel Stripe. All of her friends get pajamas this year. I figure that if I cycle through I will get everyone- then I need to come up with something new next year. One of MY friends wants them- but in pants for her bday- so she will be easy this year!

My Favorite Colors

Aqua and fuschia are my favorite colors right now. I was itching to make a blanket with those- especially since I picked up a BUNCH of both fuschia and aqua minky. These fabrics- mostly Jennifer Paganelli- just sing! My daughter has tagged this as her favorite so far, but it seems that changes, too. I am grateful that she has the fabric bug at 11 and knows how to coordinate colors. I like to ask her opinion when posting colors and often she will say, "My favorite is this one, I don't like that one." I am making pajama shorts with applique tshirts as gifts for her friends' bdays and always have her pick the fabrics and coordinate. A sewer in training! :) I want to do a totally aqua patchwork blanket next.