Sewing Addict

She's Getting a New Friend

2012-01-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

We've had Francesca for nine years. We always thought we would breed her but whenever it came time we got cold feet because we didn't want to risk something happening to her. We've probably waited a little too long to add another Yorkie into her life but we're bringing home a pup on sunday. It's actually her niece. We have been so pleased with Francesca that we went to her breeder to get another one. We met the pup last week and she will be ready this weekend. I'm a little nervous about how "Frankie" will do and about all the work that comes with having a new pup but super excited about the joy that they bring to our family.

We're naming her "Gizzy." Lewis and I saw "Gremlins" on one of our first dates but we will see if the name is a good fit. I'm wondering how much this will take away from my sewing time?! But I'm already thinking about making her some pjs and a bed and both the girls matching collars. You know I can't resist.

148 yards of hemming

2011-08-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Monkeying Around

2011-08-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

This is a shower gift ensemble I put together. When I heard the nursery was going to be monkey theme, I just had to try this monkey laundry bag. It is a pattern from Amy Butler's Little Stitches book. I am so happy with how it came out. The rest of the ensemble includes: 2 baskets, blanket, bib, booties, 2 burp cloths, and a pacifier pouch. Also, I embroidered three outfits with the baby's name.

I think I actually have enough material to make another set. Hmmmm, anyone?

How my garden is growing

2011-08-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

My garden is doing crazy good. I can't even keep up. If you live close to me please come and get some! Serious!!

I Just Can't Stop Making these Hats

2011-05-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

I needed a hat to wear to a gardening event recently and although I'm not a hat wearer(?) I decided to make this large brimmed hat to wear. I made it in white - my fav color! I was really pleased with it. Now I've made four more. They're reversible too! This coordinating apron has a large pocket in the front for clothes pins or gardening tools or for gathering flowers and vegetables. I also have a birthday order for some huckfinn bags on sticks and a fort kit. Don't know why I'm on my computer when I should be sewing. Super busy time for me trying to add to my stock for local farmers markets. They actually start in about two weeks. What are some things you like to look at when you attend your local market?

Sew A Long

2011-04-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have to have some encouragement to sew right now. I don't know why but I just can't push myself to sew. I think it is because I feel so busy with work that I just can't seem to focus on sewing. But this morning I ran accross this sew a long and so it is perfect timing for me. I bought these patterns a month ago and they are still sitting on my cutting table. I just couldn't decide which one to start with. Now I know I will start with this one. I'm so excited! I just love all the patterns and now will just have to decide on some fabric to use.

I love this baby!

2011-04-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

I made this faux chenille blanket for my niece. Ugh, she's adorable. You can barely see the quilt through all her cuteness I know! These faux chenille blankets are so easy to make. I took five one yard cuts of flannel. All are layered up except for the backing which is layered face down. Then you pin the heck out of it and sew diaganolly every 1/2". Surprisingly, it goes pretty fast. I think I finished the sewing in about an hour. Then I have a chenille cutter and it just zips right through. I only cut the top 3 (leaving the fourth layer and backing uncut). Next I rounded the edges and attached binding. I think I want to make more and more and more. So simple and they just look so soft and fuzzy.

Time flies When you're having fun

2011-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

22, Twenty-Two!! years ago I got married to my highschool sweetheart. It just doesn't seem possible but three kids, three houses and countless cars later I guess it would have to be possible. I look around and see all that we have accomplished together but the biggest accomplishment is still being together. And I love him. I really love him.

This is what I'm getting for our anniversary since the gift is "copper". We are planning on taking a train ride together next month at the Royal Gorge. What the rest of the year holds for us I don't know but we are ready to experience it together.

L&J Forever

My Valentine's Bling

2011-02-15T21:27:00.001-08:00

0214110946.jpg, originally uploaded by joeysews.

I'm thinking about putting them on a chain and wearing them around my neck. They're so pretty!

Apologies

2011-02-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a post with no pics (and I hate that) But half of my blogging delay is due to the inconvenience of posting pics. Ugh! I've been busing sewing and would love to show you but thought at least I could just give an update and post some pics later. I've sewn about 28 diaper covers (oh they're cute) and about 12 pairs of booties and 4 baby throws. This is all for a vintage linen baby line of items I will sell at my Farmers market sales this summer. I will also be making some dresses and bibs to match all of the other items. My problem is this . . . Vintage sheets just aren't very "boyish". I need to find a fabulous vintage linen that will work for some boy items. Or do you have any ideas?

Christmas Aprons

2010-12-03T19:27:00.000-08:00

Shhh, don't tell anyone from the Pueblo West Quilters but this is a gift I am donating for our annual Christmas party. Well, one of two. I made two of these and still have enough of the tablecloth to make ten more. I don't know if youcan tell from the picture but the apron is two layers. The top panel is made from a vintage tablecloth. I got some requests for Christmas aprons but just hadn't made any. Guess I will make some of these for next years' sales or if anyone one wants one this year, I can custom make you one too. I have so many things to make for Christmas - hope to get half of them done.

I've been busy

2010-11-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

These are cell phone carriers I make. They are made using a combination of upcycled 100% linen and new material. The front pocket is great for holding your i.d., debit card, a few bucks of cash. Your cell phone goes in the larger area. The side loop is for carrying. There is a back velcro strip that you can use to attach the carrier to your purse strap or your pants belt loop. These have been quite popular at my farmers market sales here in Colorado but this batch is going to Oregon. If you want one, and it doesn't sell in Oregon, I should have them back in a couple of weeks. Just in time to add to someones stocking! (only $6)

Farmers Markets

2010-10-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun this summer with all my farmers markets. They are a lot of work but so fulfulling. I love how people love my stuff. With each sale I am still amazed that someone wants to buy what I have made. I actually started jumping up and down a couple of weeks ago when a customer wanted to purchase a couple of my bags.

I actually covered that bike seat and basket. It's adorable. It was made for my display at a local Apple Harvest event (hence the apples in the basket). I wanted to let people know I do custom sewing also. I don't mind doing custom sewing - it's not as fun as just going into my sewing room and creating whatever I want but I do it. What I don't like doing is alterations. Ugh. I don't even like to do my own! And it's stressful. If I mess up, I mess up a whole garmet. But it helps during the slow times to make some extra cash. So I do them.

I have some exciting news to share but it will have to wait until next post. Stay tuned.

I picked . . .

2010-09-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

wild strawberries and ate 'em all. For being as tiny as they are they are so flavorful. We went to the mountains and these are what I found. I don't think I have ever found them before. I get excited over the little things. We went about 6 weeks ago and we are thinking about going again this weekend to see if the Aspens are beginning to change. It should be beautiful.

My Garden

2010-09-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

We are growing cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and pumpkins. I get excited every day to go out and see the changes. This is my first time growing pumpkins and it is so exciting. I have 14 pumpkins! The cucumbers are coming along okay. We get about 5 a week. I think I would like to get 5 a day but really? how would we eat all of those. And the cherry tomatoes!! They are doing so well. The plants look like a jungle - it is so fun to go pick them because I won't pick them by myself so Lewis and I pick them together. I won't pick them by myself because I am afraid that I may find a snake when i am digging through the bushes. No snakes yet!

I'm Back

2010-09-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

First off, I want to apologize for not updating my blog for so long :( - I keep handing out my little business cards to all the great people I am meeting at my Farmers Markets and I keep apologizing about my blog because i haven't updated a post. And where to begin? Well, I have been sewing like crazy for the Farmers markets and I have been busy with the markets as well. There is a lot of time and effort in loading the car/setting up my booth/tearing down my booth/unloading the car. Oh, and the hours I spend AT the farmers markets. It's been tons of fun though. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE talking to people about my projects and giving them inspiration or hearing all the kind words people have to say about my sewing. And every time I make a sale it surprises me a little. Like, really? You really want to buy something I created. I'm lovin' it!

Thanks for coming back to read my blog and I once again, will TRY to post more frequently.

Oh, I met a new friend. Check out her shop. I should share with you how we met. She visited my booth at the Farmers market and told me she had an online fabric store. My sewing friends and I were invited to shop at her house and we did. I think it's so funny to actually meet someone out there in "blog" land. Her fabrics are so cool and she's very sweet.

Banner

2010-07-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

I co-co-co-co hosted a babyshower for my sister-in-law the other night for their second little girl, Alexandria. I decided to make a penant banner for the shower decoration and also thought it would make a unique gift for decorating her room. The pic shows the banner and the mom (those girls are really lucky). If you click on the picture it makes it a little larger for better viewing. They're going to call her Allie. Really cute because her older sister (who by the way is ONLY 13 months older) is named Addison but we call her Addie. Cute, Cute!

BIG and small

2010-06-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny where our sewing will take us? Who knew when I started sewing yesterday that I would make a couple of BIG bags and then in the evening be making a couple of small bags. (and lovin' it!)

The Big bag is my own design - it doesn't "wow" me but it will do. It needs something . . . but it would still be very functional. It is roomy enough to take to Farmers Markets or the Beach or would be great as a diaper bag. If I was going to keep it, I would use it to transport a sewing project to a friends house.

The small one is from here. I don't know how these things find me but it was perfect timing because I was looking for bag patterns and I had to control myself from buying all of the patterns. I love that you are able to make things from the patterns to sell if you give credit to the pattern maker. I like that alot of designers are giving their permission for you to sell things made from their patterns. So generous.

I purchased another pattern from their site. Hoping to make some up today. Any guesses on what pattern I bought?

Yoga Mat Bags

2010-06-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

I host a sewing group on Monday nights and we are working on projects from One Yard Wonders. We made the Yoga mat bags. I love a project that teaches new techniques and poses some challenge BUT . . . there is a mistake in the book so no amount of skilled sewing is going to get you through that. The pattern calls for you to cut out a circle with a diameter of 16 1/2" - that's a pretty big circle! Thankfully, some of the girls actually take yoga and we realized that there would be no way the bag would need to be that big. so after cutting the circle down, and cutting the circle down and cutting the circle down some more we arrived at a diameter that would work. This morning I found this. LOL. I think I will make at least one more to boost my sewing confidence - because not getting it right makes you feel like a failure and now I need to know I CAN sew if I have the right dimensions.

Nearly famous

2010-04-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

I entered the "Official Spring Sewing Tops" on flickr and one of my entries made it to Made By Rae blog. Oh, I am so thrilled. I know it really doesn't mean alot in this big blogging world but it means alot to me. The judging gets started next week. Let me see, I think first they narrow it down to the top 50 so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I make it to the top 50. These are pictures of two of the three that I entered. To see the third one, click on the "made by Rae" link above. I am in the first row of pictures of the pink shirts. It is labeled "pinkie by Joey sews".

Makeup Bags

2010-03-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

It's so nice when my girls want to sew! So the three of us recently spent an evening in the sewing room making these makeup bags. The robot material is an old shirt of my youngests. She loved that robot print so of course we didn't throw it out when it got too worn. Nope! I knew we would be able to use it. She actually had cut out the individual robots then roughly stitched them to another piece of fabric. It's really cute. The white makeup bag is made from a piece of sheet leftover from some lounge pants that I had made and the third one is made from the "stash".
I recently purchased a "ruffler" foot at the thrift store for $2 and so now EVERYTHING gets a ruffle. That little attachment is Amazing! No more "basting two lines of sewing only to have one of the threads break halfway through pulling"! I am having a little trouble judging how much material to use to get it to "fit". But there is a little "give" in the ruffle after it's been through the machine so so far that has worked. The ruffler foot allows you to make regular ruffles and also does a pleat. On the makeup bag, I cut a narrow piece of fabric (2") and serged both long ends and then ran the ruffler stitches down the middle then attached it to the bag front. Could only be more pleased by that fact that my 16 and 18 year olds like to sew too!

Super Easy Bag

2010-02-25T05:54:00.000-08:00

We made these bags at my sewing group that I host at my home every monday night. The pattern we used is from this book, although, I believe I have seen the pattern many places. The pattern calls for round purse handles and I couldn't find them locally so we ordered some online but I couldn't wait for them to come in so I made some fabric covered handles. The exterior of the bag is a fabric sample remnant (given to me) and the interior lining is a thrifted table cloth. I am very pleased with how the bag turned out. I think my girls liked it to. It's nice to be able to impress your teenage daughters. (as you can tell from one of the pictures, I think the bag could be reversable).

BINGO!!

2010-02-24T05:33:00.001-08:00

I'm afraid I just don't have a pic to go along with this post. But I did want to tell you about another great local place to eat. Bingo Burger. My friend, Tammy, told me about the place and we decided to try it last Saturday. They advertise that they have "locally grown, grain fed meat". MMMM, MMM, MMM, good. Although, I might just skip having a burger altogether to have their sweet potatoe fries. Oh, those are so delicious. Who came up with that? Thank you!

This outing wasn't a "date day" in the thought that it would be just me and my husband (21st anniversary on Thursday!!!!). Our two girls came with us. No complaints from them either on the food. Pretty good. You know how hard it can be to try and please teenagers. Not sure why it is called "Bingo Burger". Hmmm will just have to go back and do some asking (and have some sweet potatoe fries).

JOEY

LUV quilt

2010-02-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

I originally joined our local quilt guild with the intentions of donating quilts for kids. But I have sadly failed in this area. I seem to have good intentions but too many projects. Anyways, maybe I can beat my last years total of 1 LUV quilt donated. That would seem a more reasonable objective. This LUV quilt top I started two years ago. I fussy cut all the blue squares to get cookie monster facing just right. Then it sat. and sat. and sat. Until last night. I pin basted the top/backing/batting, quilted and bound it all in about 1 1/2 hours! Really? Why does it sit for two years only to get done in so little time. I like how the backing came out. I think I will try to do something similar to all my quilt backs. The quilting was just "eyeballed". One of my specialties. lol. But I like it! I hope there is some little kid out there that will like it too.

Requests Anyone?

2010-02-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

These are some fabrics that I recently purchased.These are some home dec weights. Great for bags.
Gotta love ANYTHING with browns.
The yellow/black combination is really quite stunning (and I'm not a huge fan of yellow but it works)
New birdie combo! Birds are everywhere with fabric right now.
See!! More birds!
And gotta love the turquoisy scroll pattern. mmmm!!mmm! mmmm!!

These are some fabric combinations that I purchased recently. Planning on making some bags/aprons/wallets/lunch totes for some upcoming craft sales. Would be SO willing to take special orders and make some sales now if anyone is interested? LemmeKnow!

JOEY

She's here!

2010-02-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

Remember my post about this? So here's the story. I found a piano for sale on craigslist. My son and one of his coworkers moved it to the house. It tooks my husband and I about three months to sand and paint it not because it was hard work but because we just don't have time. My fatherinlaw fixed the leg on the bench. Yes it has a bench. The seat flips up to store your music. He is an amazing woodworker. I don't know how he got the leg to match the others. It is slightly tapered at the bottom and it matches perfectly. I want to make a padded seat for the bench and cover it in something from here. My daughter Brooke has taught herself to play. Row, row, row your boat, jingle bells and do your ears hang low! Oh, there is some bad news! We scratched the wood floors when we moved it into the house. We were trying to be so careful but there is a scratch about 1/2" wide by 5' FEET!!! We will try to sand it out but it is covered by the front entry rug.

Does this count?

2010-02-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

So, my new years resolution was to sew two items of clothing a month for myself. So does it count if I sewed two shirts for my daughter. Only one is pictured because it is quite the ordeal to get a picture of her. She has to want to wear the shirt that day, her hair has to be just right, she can't be getting a text, the lighting . . . .the list goes on. This shirt is made out of some voile fabric I got at Walmart for $1.50/yd. Ooh, it was tricky to work with - so thin. And the zipper in the back is kinda heavy for the material. The other shirt was made from a thrifted plaid sheet. The zipper went in so easy and it turned out really cute. Good thing I made that one first. I have about half a sheet left and am hoping to make a shirt for my other daughter. There were complaints! "how come she gets a shirt" "when did you go to the thrift store". Aww, the struggles of splitting your time with your mom or your BOYFRIEND!

Date Day

2010-02-03T05:21:00.000-08:00

I love our little hometown. This is a favorite place of mine to go eat mexican food. The people are so nice and remember us everytime we go in. Our waitress even gave me her recipe for making tortillas, bean and breakfast potatoes with green chili. She doesn't know that I don't cook but she did talk to me very slowly and repeat herself, it must be that obvious. Funny thing is that the next place we went, a complete stranger gave me HER recipe for making tortillas. Is this a sign? Maybe someone is trying to tell me something. "you need to make tortillas and not sew" or maybe "sew something round like a tortilla!!" I'll go with the second one. ooh, we also saw went and saw "Blind Side", which I always want to call "sidelined". Being that we go to the movie theatre like once a year I'm not that big of a critic and I have to say it was good. I cried nearly from the beginning. Most of the tears where tears from missing our son play high school football. Sandra Bulloch looks great! Just ask my husband. Now, I think he will have to be banned from seeing anything with her in it. I mean how many times do I need to hear how "hot" she is still. Nah, I'm really not the jealous type. In fact, i'm thinking of getting her bangs. If you can't fight em, join em. Right?

Wardrobe Refashioning

2010-01-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

This dress for Addie is made from a tshirt from my girls (size M - adult). I just took up the side seem and shortened the length. With the extra material I cut off the bottom I added the ruffle. The neckline was a little big so I made a gather and attached a button. I have three other tshirts to make into other clothes for her too.

The legwarmers were made from a ladies pair of long socks. You cut off the toe and heel and reattach the middle piece to the sock by serging. These really help protect her "crawling" knees right now. And she looks cute in them too.

New Buffet/Hutch

2010-01-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Any suggestions for decorating it? The China is my Grandma's and I would like to display some of it but also want a more modern look. Oh, don't you just love it. I don't know what style this is but I love it.

What to post about? What to post about?

2009-12-28T20:48:00.001-08:00

So many things to post about, so little time. These little cuties I got for Christmas and have taken them off only to sleep. I love them, love them, love them. (thanks Lewis!) I posted all my christmas photos over on my FB page. Go check it out there. Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas - seemed so short because husband had to work so much. Hoping he has a three day weekend this weekend to enjoy some time together. Ya!

JOEY

Tree Skirt

2009-12-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is our NEW tree skirt this year. You see, I made the stockings a couple of years ago out of old sweaters and knew that I wanted to make a tree skirt. So I went to one of my favorite stores (ARC thrift store!!!) and purchased an off white blanket last year only to decide I REALLy needed more than one blanket. So, I HAD to make another trip to the thrift store and I actually found five sweaters that were in the off white color scheme and that would be long enough to make into my tree skirt sections.

To construct the skirt 1) cut a large circle from muslin to serve as the backing (and help with construction) 2) fold into fifths to get the measurement for the pie shapes 3) cut out the sweaters (I used the fronts and backs of five different sweaters) 4) lay them in a pleasing pattern and serge one to the other leavingg two disconnected - see the picture? 5) lay the sweater "top" right sides together with the muslin circle and sew down both sides and the entire bottom 6) turn inside out and I encased the small inner circle with bias muslin strip.

I do need to add some ribbons to tie the skirt around the tree but with all of the sewing I've been doing for Christmas I just didn't have time. I figure it will be under the tree and noone will see anyways. Funny thing is . . . I wonder how long it will take me to get the ribbons on??

JOEY

For Sale

2009-11-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

I just sent these to Oregon for a craft sale that my mom is participating in this weekend. I hope I sell some things. The wallies would make great wrappings to stick a gift card in for a teacher/friend/swap etc. Or they make great stocking stuffers. I also sent my coffee cozies which make great stocking stuffers too. Some were made of fabric and some I crocheted and put large buttons on. They look like little sweaters for your disposable coffee cups. But you could put a gift card in an empty disposable cup and then put the coffee cozie on the outside and attach a cute gift tag. Wish I had a pic of that. Both of these items sell for $4 each.

I made two of these short aprons. I just fell in love with that fabric. The other apron actually has a row of pockets on the bottom instead of the ruffle. I also sent a matching mother/daughter (size 2-4) apron set made from vintage fabric and linen. Short aprons are $12 and matching set is $30.

If any of it doesn't sell and you are interested - let me know. I expect to receive unsold items in about a week and a half.

Thanks

JOEY

Advent Calendar

2009-11-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

I love advent calendars. I use to call them countdown calendars then I figured out that the real name for them was Advent Calendar. I hope to make and collect them and I have a wall picked out at the house to hang them all on.

I just hope to have this one finished BY Christmas. Then i hope to make at least one type of advent calendar a year. I really like them.

I will post a pic of the finished one hopefully by next week.

JOEY

Fall Wreath

2009-10-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the fall wreath inspired by Thrifty Decor Chick. I auditioned it inside the house on a few different walls but liked it best on the front door. That front door is what sold me on this house. It is an 8 foot door (standard doors are 7 feet). The front porch is at an angle and makes it difficult for decorating. Plus I like to decorate very symetrically and the porch is just not even on both sides. Any ways, hope to add more deocrations to the front porch and post soon.

JOEY

Thrifty Finds

2009-10-04T18:18:00.001-07:00

These are two of my most recent thrifty finds. The top one I got for $2.50 and the bottom one for 50 cents. Chaching!

I was thinking of putting some small pumpkins in the top one and some qtips or cotton balls in the bottom one and using it for the bathroom. Not very original I know. Any suggestions?

Wait til you see my next post with pics from a wreath i made. Inspired from Thrifty Decor Chick.

Ooh, it's hard to photograph glass.

JOEY

Gotta love these rub-on letters

2009-10-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've been eyeing these rub-on letters. Seems they are everywhere. But I found some at my local Hobby Lobby store and purchased them this weekend. I think it took longer to open the package then to apply the lettering. Hoping to add some more family pictures to this wall (hint, hint Kari, Jenny and Mom). Oh, this is in the foyer of our home. It is the first thing you see when you walk enter. Most of the frames I purchased either at garage sales or thrift stores and spray painted them black. I especially love the center one. It was one of those frames that has a mat with 50 openings! Seriously? Who has a whole bunch of 2" photos? So I purchased the larger mat 16x20 with an 8x10 opening and I LOVE IT!!! I think I've spent maybe $20 on all of the frames/mats/paint and new lettering. Pretty impressive if I might say so myself.

Happy Apple Orchards

2009-09-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Brooke with her beautiful eyes

Britt and Brett (say that five times fast!)

Lewis - gettin' me some apples

Me and Francesca.

This is how we spent our last sunday morning. About 20 minutes from home is a place called "Happy Apple Orchard". It is so picture perfect there. We actually timed our trip just perfect. The raspberries were ripe (and not all picked through) and there were apples still on the trees.

Brett (the new boyfriend) thought it was going to be lame but actually had a really good time. Pretty impressive to be able to happily entertain 19 year olds.

The people there are so friendly. My daughter thought she lost her billfold there and I called 4 or more times and they just kept looking! (never did find it though).

I made an apple pie (disgusting! - not that sweet flaky crust like my sister-in-law Jennifer makes). I made apple crisp - couldn't gag it down disguised in ice cream (just more tart than sweet) What is wrong with me? I can't cook or bake. I don't like to cook but would like to make things edible. I like to bake but continuesly have issues. I really want to make some apple jelly but I need my mom here to help. I called her today just to tell her that. I miss her. I have about 4 pounds of apples just going to waste. I don't want to destroy them by attempting another recipe. ugh! I guess I just slice them up and serve with some peanut butter and get on with sewing. Why fight it, right?

Tattoos

2009-09-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

These hummingbird tattoos are in memory of my husbands late mother, Kathleen. Our whole family plans to get matching tatttoos. Kathleen's "cb" handle was hummingbird. We were at the Colorado State Fair parade when I took this picture of the girls. We were eating the yummiest breakfast burritoes. The weather was beautiful and all 5 of us attended (no picture). Cody has the tattoo on his shoulder. I really, really, really wanted to get a tattoo. I thought the ideas was so honoring but after seeing Brooke get hers . . . Ya, not so sure. She was in a lot of pain. We'll see and I will post a pic if I do.

I got it

2009-09-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

I got a piano. It's a Baldwyn upright. It is currently painted white and I don't know if I will keep it white or paint it another color. I originally saw this one and immediately decided I needed a piano. I need some help on deciding what color to paint it. I love the green but one of the walls in my room is painted a pumpkin orange. Maybe I should keep it white. The mouldings in the house are white. Or maybe black. I have accented alot with black (i.e. kitchen table, kitchen hardware, barstools) What do you think?

A bag Give-A-Way

2009-09-06T17:41:00.001-07:00

Go check out crafty mama's blog and you too could enter yourself in her giveaway for this adorable little bag. Read about her dreams to open a fabric shop. I'de go there! Sounds perfect.

hinterburg Frame

2009-08-28T10:24:00.001-07:00

hinterburg Frame, originally uploaded by joeysews.

You can not believe the incredible deal I got on this frame. It is such a good deal that I am seriously embarrassed to tell you how much (well, little) I paid for it.

And because of some great friends they led me to the frame. It was at a garage sale and two of my friends were there and were talking (they didn't know each other) and decided I should be called because I would need to buy it. And I did! I nearly cried transporting it home. Then after doing some research I discovered it was a Hinterburg frame (Not a Grace like I was told by the seller) AND . . . get this, I ran into another quilting friend at Walmart and she has one and called me later that day and offered to come over the next day to look at it with me. Her and her husband gave me lots of great information and even offered that my husband and I could come check out their set up. I am just amazed at how it all fell together.

I hope to at least quilt the five quilt tops that I have had completed for five plus years.

Thanks friends!

JOEY

Dedication to Lyndsi

2009-07-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends' granddaughter passed away May 27th. I haven't been able to post since. I've been having a hard time trying to think about writing about anything fun because I feel so sad about her loss. So I want to dedicate this post to her.

I can't remember how Mary and I met exactly. I've thought about it many times. I think we've always been connected. But I do remember seeing her at one of the Elementary school functions about 12 years ago and talking to her and wondering why she was there. She told me she was there for her granddaughter, LYNDSI, and imagine how shocked both of us were when we realized that my daughter, Brittney and her granddaughter LYNDSI were becoming bestest first grade friends. It was amazing. Those girls were such opposites and just perfect for each other. Brittney was/is so shy and Lyndsi was so outgoing. So outgoing! They were together during school and on the weekends pretty inseperatable too. Lyndsi was at our house or Brittney was over at Lyndsi's house. Thank goodness their first grade teacher "looped" and for second grade they were in the same class. AND . . . third grade - same class! The girls ended up going to different schools for fourth and fifth grades but stayed connected still. In middle school , they were back together and in eighth grade were the closest they had ever been.

The girls played volleyball and basketball together and we saw alot of each other and our families during practices, games and tournaments. Their family was especially there when our family had a medical emergency at one of the basketball games. I had no worries because I knew Brittney had Lyndsi. The girls were crazy together. Lyndsi allowed Brittney to let loose. They wore these goofy black/orange striped socks, shared hairbands and traded shoes for games.

Highschool brought alot of drama. Lyndsi continued with basketball but Brittney did not and so they no longer had that tie with sports. But the girls still shared . . . and boys. Sometimes that was okay and sometimes not. Sometimes a love/hate relationship with the girls. and so that is how the girls ended . . . they were not getting along. But you see, we always thought she would be here. I figured the girls would go to college and Lyndsi's grandma and I would talk about it. I figured they'de get married and we'de talk about it. I figured they'de have kids and we'de talk about it. And I knew eventually the girls would start talking again. I never in my wildest dreams thought we would lose Lyndsi. Everyday we are saddened in some way by it. I know someday we will be happy when we think of her but I just don't know how. We miss her so much and I can't imagine what her grandmother (and mother and father and brother and grandfather) are dealing with.

I am not a writer and i can't express my feelings but just thought I should let you know why I have been gone.

JOEY

Summer is Here

2009-05-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

My girls' last day of school will be tomorrow. Bring it on, Summer! I am so ready and so are they. I hope, with help from them, to get more sewing done throughout the week and set up a booth at the local Farmer's market every week.

I am a little concerned about our computer situation. The girls have computers (in which I have been using for blog posting) but they will turn them into the school tomorrow and our home computer is SO slow. I will either 1) have to have the home computer fixed or 2) go to the library a couple of times a week. Both have their pros and cons i.e. the computer fixing will cost $$$$ but I won't have to leave the house to use it and I will have to leave the house to use the library computer BUT it is a brand spankin new library and it is gorgeous!!! So, we'll see.

Actually, if I just sewed instead of being on the computer I could get so much done.

JOEY

Dress and Bloomers

2009-05-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know how you bloggers/sewers do it. I mean I love to sew and blog but I'm just not good at doing both. You see, I made this little dress with adorable little undies and seriously . . . I think it took me JUST as long to 1) find the right hanger 2) find a place to take a pic of the dress 3) adjust the dress so it didn't look like I was drunk when I was sewing 4) find the camera cord to upload the picture and 5) beg the teenagers to let me have a little computer time. I KNOW it took me as long to do all that as it did to make that dress. Wow! Maybe I should stick to just sewing (I'm not even sure anyone reads my blog anyways) :(

I wanted my new little niece to have something that actually fits when they are only 1 week old - and it took like no fabric at all. I wanted to also make a pair of booties but haven't yet but will before I see her on sunday. Guaranteed I won't be posting a picture on the blog - just can't justify the time! I could sew her a whole nother outfit! Sounds good to me.

Charming Handbag

2009-05-05T05:55:00.001-07:00

I had wanted to sign up for the BTR (Bend the Rules) Charming Handbag swap but I just missed the deadline. I tried to email to get in but partners were already passed out. BUT then I did get an email asking if I wanted to "angel" a bag. and I did. Sent it yesterday. It was fun to make. My girl said she liked orange and brown - hope it's not too juvenile looking for her.

How cute are those "bunnies"

2009-04-22T10:48:00.001-07:00

How cute are those "bunnies", originally uploaded by joeysews.

I can't complain. This is my "work". Ya right! Aren't they just so cute. Those little kids.

Makes it easy to ignore the fact that the landscaping is hidious. Pretty much prairie all around us. and I don't mean pretty prairie, I mean weeded prairie. Good thing I have those "bunnies" to look at.

JOEY

I made that!

2009-04-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

I made that beautiful girl and that dress! I've dreamed about making my girls' prom and wedding dresses since they were born. It was a little stressful because we were on a short time frame but she was good about all the fittings (I think there were 6 or more). I was stressed because not only did I want it to fit perfectly but I wanted her to love it. I think I scored on both of those.

Yes, we are saving the dress forever! No, my younger daughter will not be wearing it because. . . I will be making her her own prom dresses.

I can not imagine the wedding dresses - this was pretty darn stressful - but I WILL make them. I've always told the girls they have two choices for wedding dresses 1) I can make theirs or 2) they can wear mine. (Hope one of those works out)

JOEY

I

lounge pants

2009-04-07T09:37:00.001-07:00

lounge pants, originally uploaded by joeysews.

I made these lounge pants from Amy Butlers book "In Stitches". I adapted the pattern to omit the side seam so they go together super quick. The owl fabric I had purchased about a year ago so finally got to use it.

The t-shirt was given to me and I added an owl applique from the pants material and made a drawstring casing to give it an empire waist look.

Although I am happy with the pajamas, I am very unhappy with my weight right now. Goodnews is that we did just join a health club so I hope to shed a few (ok, ALOT) of weight.

JOEY

I NEED

2009-03-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

a Piano - Really! I saw this post at Portabello Pixie and I am breathless. Anyone have a piano they want to give me? lol - a girl can dream!

JOEY

Charming Handbags

2009-03-25T11:13:00.001-07:00

Charming Handbags, originally uploaded by joeysews.

I love this book. It is due back at the library today - ugh! I used the "charming handbag" pattern for these three bags. They will be donated to a Young Life banquet/Auction for this saturday.

So, as many of you know, I didn't follow the rules. I wanted to add the embroidery and had this idea with the circle that I had to try. The first one was my trial and by the third I think I perfected my idea. You would not believe how simple it was to get those circles like that.

The embroidery was not done on my embroidery machine but on my regular sewing machine that has monogramming letters to choose from. I like the way the words look - Hope, Faith, Love.

Check out my flickr for other pictures of the bags/embroidery.

JOEY

Thrifty find

2009-03-23T16:19:00.001-07:00

I really needed a candy dish. I found this at the ARC for $1.99. I had put some candy in it but that only lasted a day. I like it although, I doubt it has any real value - I don't think it's expensive or old but I like it anyways.

I got a few others things that evening: 1) children's cd - actually, I had never browsed the cds before because it is a little hard to browse through all of those titles. 2) owl necklace (will definately need to post a picture - although, it is kinda big and therefore I hung it in my sewing room 3) target bag - daughter picked it up at the last minute 99 cents!

The staff was picking through all of the stuff to pull the items with "blue" tags. I was disappointed because I would have liked to have gotten in on some of the 1/2 off blue tags that they were throwing in baskets. And then where do they go? I passed on buying any sheets because I figure I need to work on the stack of 3 or 4 that I have already purchased. I mainly make lounge pants out of them but am going to start on a couple different quilts with all the scraps. Yea!

JOEY

Pleated Beauty

2009-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry sister! I had all intentions of sending you this bag

but I have fallen in love with it. You will get one . . . but later! It is a pleated beauty bag by Amy Karol from her book Bend-The-Rules Sewing. Oh, my goodness, I just saw that she has a new book coming out August 2009! I already love THIS book. She is so talented and creative. Oh, she's from Oregon. So many talented people there, like my niece Avery. She will be taking sewing lessons from my mom and I am so jealous that I am not the one to be giving her lessons. ugh! But how special for her and grandma!

I went to my sister-in-laws baby shower this weekend and I made her a quilt and bibs and burp clothes - but no, nope, no pictures. Hmmmm. Will have to see if I can get a picture to post. You're all waiting aren't you?

And plans for Spring Break? Haven't even paid attention to what the weather may be like because I will be in my sewing room making a tshirt quilt that should have been done months ago. MONTHS!!! I think I'm aproaching the year marker! People, you have to give me deadlines - I am horrible at "oh, whenever!" That turns into months, ahem, a year!!! (that's bad, really bad!) Ok, but I will have it done next week. Think positive!!!

JOEY

St Patricks Day Apron Swap Sent

2009-03-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is the apron that I sent to my partner for the St patricks Apron Swap. I made the top panel from a vintage sheet. There are pin tucks at the top,Tiny white binding around the pockets and giant rickrack at the bottom hem. I didn't want the apron to be all "shamrockie" but I am afraid the only things st patricky about it is that it is green. I hope my partner can at least get more wear out of the apron, but should've signed up for a "spring" apron swap for this one. :(

JOEY

Rascal Flatts

2009-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Rascal Flatts tickets $180, dinner $50, parking $15, tshirt $30, 20 Year Anniversary with Lewis : Priceless

I love . . .

2009-02-18T13:36:00.001-08:00

how you can turn just a bunch of flat pieces of fabric into "things". It is so exciting! I took all this valentines' fabric and made little aprons for little kids (8!) The two on the far right end are for Boys. The frills of the other fabric would have made a few dads mad :( - but they still came out cute. I used a tan ticking fabric with red pin stripes. Cute!

Costumes in February?

2009-02-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's not Halloween and I'm definately not prepared enough to have my costumes for Halloween already made. I made these costumes for my nephews school auction fundraiser. The princess dress is just fluff and frills and I think any girl would love it. The best part about the postman's costume is the bag - how fun to pretend to deliver letters. Do kids know that email is not the only way to send letters? The scrubs outfit is so cute with the little hat. The doctor's coat can be worn seperate or over the scrubs and the chef's hat and coat is my favorite. I altered a couple of coat/shirt patterns to make the coat look like the "real" chefs coats. I will try to remember and post how well the auction went after I hear about it.

Just like the real scrubs (and hat)

The Dr. is IN

My Fav!

Bad Hair Day (always)

2009-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

So how do you do it? I wake up excited to sew (or plan to sew, or find some ideas on the internet to sew) and therefore I rarely do my hair. You see my hair isn't even long enough to put in a pony tail but I do it because it takes less time than straightening it and therefore giving me more time to sew.

On Saturday, while putting on my makeup I got a sewing idea and hurried to finish my makeup so I could go write down my sewing idea. Later my daughter was trying to get the big blob of mascara off the side of my face. So how do you do it? How do you manage to take care of your hair and makeup and Sew? I really need to reprioritze here.

JOEY

20th Anniversary

2009-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are going to see Rascal Flatts in Denver for our 20th Anniversary. I am just so excited. This is my collection of cds and they are all Rascal Flatts because those are the only cds I own.

Please feel free to come by the house and check up on the teenagers while we are gone. We are seriously considering a "babysitter". Who would have thought you need a babysitter for your 15, 17 and 18 year old. Oh yes, we do!

JOEY

Hearts and Kisses Apron Sent

2009-02-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is the apron that I sent to my Hearts and Kisses apron swap partner, Betty aka Fudgie. I like how it turned out (I hope she does too). The wide apron ties make the apron very comfortable and surprisingly, all of those layers of gathered material didn't take too, too long. The apron she sent me is just amazing. I really, really like it. I wore it all day on Valentine's day until my teenage daughters friends came over (it would have really embarrassed my daughter).

I've been tagged

2009-02-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by Betty AKA Fudgie to show you what is in my purse. How fun! So, I see the rules are 1)show you my bag and its contents 2)tell you how much the bag cost and how I bought the bag 3) tag four people who have a blog.

My bag was originally like $14.99 at Hobby Lobby but . . . I used my 40% off coupon. That's how I roll. I really like the bag. It's big and I like the houndstooth fabric (which my girls always call it saber tooth fabric - haha!) Although this is the bag that I usually carry.

The contents inside are:

receipts, gold C coupons, heart pen (that lights up - ooh, ahh)

sharpie pen (my daughters and I love sharpies), credit card billfold,

notepad (gotta have a notepad at all times), 3 bills that need paid

notecards I received in a swap, knitted Starbucks gift card holder,

checkbook holder (it's embarrasing - I really need to make a new one)

And . . . .

my new business cards

Here are the people I'm tagging

Also, Make sure you link back to this post. I think that's it - can't wait to see what's in your bag too.

Thanks for participating with me.

JOEY

BlogaVersary

2009-02-11T09:13:00.002-08:00

I just discovered that my 1 year blogaversary has come and passed. As with me,I am always late with birthdays and anniversaries so what would be different here.

I looked back at my first post. It is a picture of my family. Awww! So much has changed - I think I cut off 10 inches of my hair (and I hate it) One of the girls went blonde and the blonde daughter went brunette AND now are back to both being brunettes. Gotta love Miss Clairol!

The husband is still at his job (and in these times - thank goodness). Seems everyone complains about their jobs but you must be thankful to have a job right now.

The boy started college and quit college and that's ok (neither one of his parents finished college either) So many things are changing for him. He wanted to be out in his own place by his birthday (March 3rd) but looks like that will be a little late too.

I will have a giveaway soon too. So keep reading.
JOEY

Swap Package

2009-02-05T07:59:00.001-08:00

Swap Package
Originally uploaded by joeysews

I received my package from the "Hearts and Kisses Apron Swap". It arrived on Tuesday and when I saw the box I had totally forgotten about receiving an apron because I've been working on the one I will send out. Pictures will be posted after my swap partner receives the package.
The apron I received is perfect! It is two layers, with binding and a heart shaped pocket on the front with a giant "J" monogram embroidered on that. She also sent two fat quarts (I'm thinking of making a bag with them) and 4 pieces of JUMBO ric-rak (oh really cute)!
The thing I'm experiencing about joining in these swaps is even though you're given at least a month, I wait till the last week to get mine together. I also joined a St Patricks day swap (see button on the right). I'm gonna have quite a collection of aprons in no time.

JOEY

Linking

2009-01-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

I think I figured the whole "link" thing out. Where you say "I blogged about this picture HERE" and then when you click on HERE it takes you to another link. I have been trying to figure this out for months. Months! And All along it was right there in front of my face. Right in front of my face - literally.

Tonight my friend told me how to do it. She explained it in all about 5 seconds. Telling me how it should be on the box where I type and it looks like two little links.

I rushed home and hello! there it is. I did it! I did it!

I do vow to limit my links per post. I hate when there are so many links in a post that you get lost in the links before you even finish the paragraph.

So, for a final link I will send you here .

Fun stuff.

JOEY

Giveaway

2009-01-17T17:22:00.001-08:00

Not my give away (I'm still working on something special) but I entered to win a camera strap from here: http://www.springtreeroad.com/springtreeroad/2009/01/shey-b-giveaway.html#comments

I really like them and hers are so cute.

JOEY

Tagged

2009-01-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I inivited myself to be "tagged" from : http://heatherhalesdesigns.com/blog/. So I post a picture of myself (ugh) and tell you 16 things about myself and "tag" 16 other people.

1) I like to make lists (I made this list before I came to post it)

2) I like eating outside.

3) I hate to swim in reservoir, lake or ocean water but love swimming in swimming pools.

4) My all-time favorite movie is "Grease"

5) If I could drive ANY car I wanted it would be a convertible Volkswagon Bug (preferablly red)

6) I love thrift stores second to only JoAnns

7) I'm the middle of 3 sisters

8) I watched all of the Dawson Creek episodes 3 times (and it was before Katie Holmes was so cool)

9) I love the summer heat and hate the winter cold

10) Almost all of my closest friends are twenty years older than me and I love them dearly

11) I love to run (but I don't) and dream about it often.

12) I am a morning person not a night owl (although with three teenagers I have to kinda work on staying up late to communicate with them)

13) I wish I knew how to do that blogging thing were you say "look HERE" and when you click on "here" it takes you to another link - I just have to copy and paste the whole link.

14) I hate driving under bridges when trains are crossing and sometimes pull over until the train has passed.

15) I grew my nails out after being a "biter" for 37 years.

16) I like to teach sewing, serging, embroidery, knitting to my friends

JOEY

Adorable!

2009-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Look at those pajamas! And that really cute family! Both a-dor-a-ble! I made the matching pajamas for my sister and her family and sent them off in plenty of time before Christmas IF Portland, OR , didn't get such a bad snow storm and therefore no mail was delivered for days to my sister's house. They were sappose to be pajamas that they wore on Christmas Eve. Well, they ended up being New Years Eve pajamas. Ugh!

I purchased a king size set of sheets for the stripped fabric and accented with red flannel. My town has only 3 choices for fabric purchases (one of which is Walmart) and you usually can't find exactly what you want. So when I saw these sheets I knew it would be perfect. Yes, I got all five pieces out of the king sheet and have bits and pieces leftover (keeping, but don't know what for yet).

Last year I met my sister and her family in Denver while they were there on a layover to Florida. We drove for 2 hours to see them for one and I wish that would work out again. Due to health and job setbacks a couple of years ago we haven't been able to go there BUT . . . my little sister, whom, lives in Washington, gave us news on Christmas that she would be getting married in August and we are trying to figure out how to save up to go out there and we would be able to see everyone! Yeah.

A new creation

2008-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Projects, projects, projects

2008-12-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

I used the tutorial from here:

http://jonag.typepad.com/stop_staring_and_start_se/2008/12/your-christmas-gift-from-mean-apron-in-an-hour.html
to make this apron and actually I made two aprons, 2 towels and 2 potholders. One set was for a gift for a good friend and one set was for a gift exchange. The monogramming was done on my embroidery machine and Ilove this design that also stitches the snowflakes. After doing these I wanted to do a half dozen more for other friends and family but hello! I will have to remember to make some for next year. Time is just running out.

JOEY

Slipper Swap

2008-12-15T13:52:00.001-08:00

I participated in a slipper swap (see button at right). I got my package off in the mail on Saturday and my partner received it TODAY. Pretty impressive for the USPS. The pattern that I was going to originally use got lost somewhere in my sewing room :( So I used the pattern from my "Sew Pretty Homestyle" book. I really like the way the slippers turned out. And after seeing them, my daughter wants us to make 5 pairs to give to her girlfriends for Christmas. That's so exciting! Both that I get to sew more and that I get to sew with my 15 year old daughter.

Check out my other flickr photos of the slippers. I had once seen that you can use puffy fabric paint to make a non-skid surface on the bottom of slippers and I used this idea for this pair.

JOEY

These Only Took 4 Years To Make

2008-12-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

I had this idea to make stockings from thrifted sweaters and off to the thrift store I went. But I got stuck at only 4 sweaters and I neeeded 5 stockings. I wanted them to be a little larger than normal too so I really needd the 5 sweaters. Therefore, the 4 sweaters were tucked into a bag. To sit and sit and sit. I did think of them every Christmas. They moved with us to. First to our rental while our house was being built and now at the new house. Last year I finally found another sweater and finished the stockings and am just thrilled how they turned out. Just Thrilled! (Except, we've also added a dog and a cat and I need two more small stockings for them. )

Then my husband suggested that I make a tree skirt out of sweaters to match the stockings. So off to the thrift store we went last weekend. I actually found a throw in the cream colored knitted sweater look but there really isn't enought material in it to make a tree skirt. I'm really just hoping it doesn't take 4 years to make the tree skirt.

Oh, by the way. We don't have a fireplace or a mantel of any sorts and I found this faux mantel at a local craft sale that like 7 women host INSIDE their home with every room filled with crafts to purchase. I love it, I love it, I love it. (The craft sale and the faux mantel)

JOEY

Music To My Ears

2008-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, I added some music to my blog but you have to go ALL the way to the bottom of the page to listen to it. I can't figure out how to get it to post with this post. But I did make a play list and post it to my blog. I'm excited about that but frustrated that I can't have it with this post. Anyways, enjoy some of my favorite music.

JOEY

Assembly Line Sewing

2008-11-11T20:47:00.001-08:00

Assembly Line Sewing
Originally uploaded by joeysews

I have some orders for some bags (yea!). This is about all the assembly line sewing I can do. This is two bags of the same pattern. It's the Amy Butler "frenchy" pattern. I love that pattern. I have gotten a few orders in the last week and am so excited. I love to sew and I love making extra money (although, it always feels like it goes into the checkbook and from there I don't know where it ends up). But at least I get to sew.

I also have an order for 10 pairs of lounge pants made from "vintage" sheets. I have that order about half finished. They are coming out so cute. Each one I make I think "ooh, these are my favorite" then I make another pair and "ooh, THESE are my favorite"!

And then I have a long list of items to make for Christmas which involves more assembly line sewing. I had it planned out where I could sew on Saturday for 8 hours but that hasn't happened yet. And how many days til Christmas? and how much time do I need to send stuff to the West coast to arrive by Chriistmas? Did I mention I love to sew? I really do there's just not enough time!

JOEY

For ????

2008-11-06T10:06:00.001-08:00

McCalls 5697
Originally uploaded by joeysews

I just love this pattern from McCalls and I wanted to make this jacket for our local quilt guilds holiday fair but didn't get it finished in time. Actually, I still don't have the buttons on it either. It's a size 7 ( would probably fit up to size 10) Might send it to my niece (lucky girl) but will have to ask her mom if it's her style- you know how girls can get picky!

It is made from a sheet I thrifted at a local thrift store and here's a funny thing. It's from IKEA. We don't even have an IKEA in Colorado (but I have heard rumors of one coming to Broomfield - anyone???). It's funny how these things just seem to find me and at the right price too. I think I spent $3.

I've made two other jackets with this pattern but this time I made the flouncy sleeve version - ooh, I really like it.. I want to make more, more more. I want to try one with a lining. Hmm, will have to think about how to adjust the pattern. Ok, off to the drawing board for that one.

JOEY

Aunt Pitty Pat's: Cozy up by the Fire.... House Slipper Swap

2008-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Aunt Pitty Pat's: Cozy up by the Fire.... House Slipper Swap

That's my next swap. Sounds like fun and I love slippers and coffee. Deadline to enter is November 14th so you can still join too. And packages are to be sent out by December 12th. Quit making excuses and sign up. Come on, it'll be fun.

JOEY

One of My Favorite Tools

2008-10-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

"Wallies"
Originally uploaded by joeysews

I have had plenty of items ruined by using my scissors to push out corners. I believe I won this tool at the Pueblo West Quilters. I love it. It's for turning corners and sometimes I use the rounded end to flatten rounded edges. It is amazing. I don't think I've ever pushed too hard and made a hole in the fabric.

Go get one of these. Although, I'm not really sure where to go to get one but I'm sure your local quilt store or craft store would sell them.

The "wallies" I made to put in our Quilt Club's boutique. They are cute and convenient. You can slip your i.d. and credit card and a little change inside and put it in your pocket or just use it as a small wallet in your purse. I hope they sell. Our quilt club alsot gets 15% so I feel like I'm helping them too. It's a win/win situation.

JOEY

Being Thankful

2008-09-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile because I just haven't had time to get a good picture. The girls and I are sharing the one camera and so that usually leaves me at the end of the list for getting the camera. But they take awesome pictures so I like them to be able to use it.

So I thought I'de write about what I'm thankful for: (of course, I am blessed with my husband and kids and family and friends but beyond those blessings this is what I'm very thankful for now.)

1) My husband's job. Although it's sucky the hours that he works. With the news of our economy right now I am thankful that he HAS this job.
2) Our health - always our health! I realize how our health can affect us so suddenly. And we just welcomed a new baby into the family (a great-nephew! not my new baby!) that even though he gave us a little scare, he is healthy)
3) Our Cars - two of them are barely holding on and I am thankful for everyday that they get us to our destinations. (Update: one is down :( - ugh!!!!)

I know there is a day coming when I won't have the kids around to take my camera. But strange as it may sound, I am thankful that they are around now - and it's ok if they take my camera - One day I will have all these things and no kids around and that will be sad. So take the camera!!!

2008-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Taylor Reservoir Park is beautiful. And we saw alot of it. We drove around for two hours trying to find the kids' PaPa. I was so happy when we saw him!!! He was ok, he knew we were ok - let's fish! The rain held out until the next day and then that wasn't much either. We slept in a tent (reminder to self: Need airmatress) brushed our teeth outside, built a fire, hunted for firewood, saw deer, played games in the camper (during the rain) and fished. Could've only been better if we were able to stay another night. I mean, no cell phones, no computers, no home phone with 3 teenagers makes for some memorable times. (ahem, hence the video above).

See my flickr for more pics of the trip.

JOEY

McCalls 5697

2008-08-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

McCalls 5697
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

This jacket is made from brown (hello!) fleece and lining and accents with pink/brown houndstooth corduroy. The buttons are with 1 1/8" covered buttons. The pattern has four different variations and I wanted to do the variation with the flounce sleeves but didn't get enough of the brown fleece or the houndstooth. So I went with the straight long sleeves and I do love the button tab detail. Will take this to show my quilting friends and then off to my niece.

I am working on a similar jacket for myself - Actually, bought the pattern last year - but still love it. Just need to find some material and with my selections being Hobby Lobby and Walmart it's pretty slim pickins.

Hope to have it done for this winter.

How I Feel

2008-08-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Cars needing repair, sewing machine breaking, embroidery machine breaking, cordless phone dying, computer crashing, embroidery smart box not working, Big screen TV went out . . . I could add at least another half a dozen, I'm sure!

But . . . I did fix the sewing machine and embroidery machine! And the computer has allowed my "messenger" to start working again - woo!hoo!

I am only able to do my "posts" from my daughters' laptops when they're not doing school work i.e. myspace, messenger, facebook.

I though they said bad things come in 3s. Well mine was to the 3rd power. I do have to be thankful for our health! Can't complain there and thank goodness! I stumbled across the article re: plane crash in Arizona which killed the pilot and the husband and wife onboard are in critical condintion. It has touched me immensely. Click on the pink button on the right top of my blog and read more. I can offer prayer and know that prayer can bring miracles.

No Tv, sewing machines, phones, cars . . . we are healthy so I'm done complaining.

Ahhh!!!

2008-08-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have lived in Colorado almost my whole life. I've been to Manitou Springs at least once every year for the last 20 plus years and never noticed this sign! It's an actual street sign. Ahhh! I should have MADE Lewis take his picture with me. Not that he doesn't LOVE me, he just HATES pictures.

By the way, we had stopped in Manitou on our way back from Breckenridge. Took the kids to the penny arcades. They seriously have games you can play for a penny! I love the old buildings, the wood floors and pinball. My Fav!!! Oh, ok, maybe skeeball is my Fav. Goodtimes. Goodtimes!!

New Camera

2008-08-08T21:18:00.001-07:00

New Camera
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

NOT taken with my phone camera! Yes!! I got a new digital camera. Purchased at Walmart on clearance (cause that's the only way I would have bought it) I've been having a lot of fun playing wih the different settings and it's so fun to delete if I don't like the pic. This picture was taken when it was actually dark outside. So I was pretty impressed with myself (well, the camera).

I'm so torn . . . sew? take pics? sew? take pics? sew!!!!! sew!!!

JOEY

Say "Cheese"!

2008-07-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

Breckenridge

July 2008

Me and my girls. All of us spent 3 days in Breckenridge. It was relaxing. I love having the whole family in the car. Now that they're older (and now 2 of the 3 drive) it's hard to find time that we're all together. Sad to say this was like the only vacation we had this summer. Cody and Brittney both had jobs so it was hard to arrange get - a - ways. We are planning a camping trip for Labor day weekend. I really hope it doesn't rain on us the whole time. Oh well, if it does, I guess we spend the whole time in the tent together. Not a bad situation when you have 3 teenagers. Gotta enjoy 'em while they're around.

"Blowfish" shoes

2008-06-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

"Blowfish" shoes
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

I took my girls to the mall last night and I found these "blowfish" shoes. I really, really like them. (You should have seen the poor salesman's face when I took the pic) My girls already think I'm crazy and a total embarrasment to them. What can I say, they're teenagers!!!

They are now my motivation to sew lots of stuff to get ready for the 4th of July Craft Booth. I need to make money to buy them.

Come and see me at the Pueblo West 4th of July Extravaganza and help me buy these shoes!!!!

On the ride home, I looked at both of the girls and had this overwhelming sense of pride. I got super lucky, our kids are good and I realized they are good people! The world will be a better place with them in it!!!

Vintage Sheet Fat Quarter Swap

2008-06-10T08:43:00.001-07:00

Vintage Sheet Fat Quarter Swap
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

These are sheets I will be cutting into fat quarters for this swap

http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2008/05/vintage-sheet-patchwork-swap.html

I'm not totally sure what I will do with the fat quarters I receive . . . Maybe a quilt? A Bag? An Apron? Probably depends on what the fat quarters I receive look like.

Any suggestions?

JOEY

He Did It

2008-05-26T19:26:00.001-07:00

Graduation
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

Our first one to graduate. We are so proud of Cody. My mom came from Oregon (after moving out there 11 months ago) and my sister came from Washington with her family. My mom flew but my sister and famly drove with a diesel truck and a fifth wheel filled with 4 wheelers. Lewis' family all came (most from Pueblo) with one sister and family from New Mexico. We also had family join us from Frisco and Denver and many family friends from Pueblo came. This was all very exciting for us. We bought WAY too much food (except for cake, which we only had a small piece leftover) and now we will be eating hotdogs and hamburgers for the WHOLE summer.

Cody is going to start a community college in the fall and will work this summer for a local landscaping company. His girlfriend's family took him the last few days to go fishing in the mountains.

Two more years till the next one graduates!

(Check out lots of pics on my flickr page (see to the right, click!)

Two Posts in One Day!

2008-05-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

Lovin' the lunchbox pattern
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

Two lunch boxes too! I made one for my little sis who will coming next week for my son's graduation from high school and one for my friend who will be taking care of my dogs while we are gone to New Mexico this weekend to see Niece graduate.

I made two of these yesterday! I think it took me just over an hour from cut to finish! I just love the pattern and the way they come out. I would like to try to make them with the iron on vinyl but would have to travel about an hour away to purchase it from JoAnn's. I am wandering how well they will keep their lunches insulated, just hoping they put them in the fridge if needed.

Pattern is from here:
http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/vintage-pillowcase-lunchb.html

I see many more lunchboxes in my future! They are great gifts!

Busy Busy Busy

2008-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I actually have some followers that have been wandering why I haven't posted. That was a surprise to me! Well, a couple of reasons 1) My son is graduating next week!!!! 2) family is coming for the event 3) my husbands been home recovering from surgery and 4) I thought I was going to figure this whole "posting" thing out to make my "posts" cuter (but NOPE, not yet) Anyways, thought I'de just tell you that I'm so excited that people actually look at my blog and my pics on flickr. And hopefully in a couple of weeks I will be on a more regular schedule of posting! (and hopefully get better at it)

Thanks for reading, friends!

Joey

I want it!

2008-04-21T14:13:00.001-07:00

Oh Fransson Lunchbox Swap
Originally uploaded by joeysews5
I finished my lunchbox bag today. I was nervous about making it that I actually made one BEFORE this one. So with that under my belt I was able to build up enough confidence to finish this one. My swap partner likes orange. I hope she likes the floral print. I must say, my sewing skills didn't fail me on this one. Everything came out great, if I must say so. I actually took pics of the interior as it looks just as good as the outside.

Check out my other pictures on my flickr site (link to the right - yes, just click on those teeny tiny pics - it'll take you right to my page!)

This was so much fun! Can't wait for another swap. And that Oh, Frannson! She's genious! I used her pattern/tutorial for my bag. Amazing she is!
http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/vintage-pillowcase-lunchb.html

I'm a Winner!!!

2008-04-10T12:19:00.001-07:00

coffee cup
Originally uploaded by joeysews5
I won the drawing over at HeatherHalesDesigns!
http://heatherhalesdesigns.com/blog/april-vogart-pattern-winners/

So many things are coming to thought! I can't believe I won, I never win! Oh my gosh! She's linked to my bog! I have a blog?! I better get some better pictures taken! I better get a camera! (all so far have been taken with camera phone :( I better get more sewing projects completed. And oh my gosh, there are so many things I want to start sewing!

I have been so inspired by pictures posted to flickr and by the blogs I stalk (look to the right!). This is so much fun. I'm also really wanting to learn how to spice up my blog page. I'm still learning all this (might get the kids to help me if they didn't think I was such a dork!)

Anyways, thank you Heather (see I don't know how to have your name highlighted so that when people click on your name they're directed to your blog, so I put it in like this!

http://heatherhalesdesigns.com/blog/april-vogart-pattern-winners/

Thanks Blog friend! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now for some coffee and some blog stalking! Go Me!!

Pueblo's Quilt and Stitch Expo Purchases

2008-04-08T12:51:00.001-07:00

frenchy bag
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

They had Amy Butler patterns and fabric at the Pueblo quilt and stitch expo this past weekend. I could barely breath! I bough her "frenchy Bag" pattern and two yards of her fabric. I was able to make two bags with the use of a few remnants from my stash for the lining.

I've recently joined the Amy Butler group on flickr and noticed someone was wanting the bag to be roomier. So I decided to modify the pattern and added some darts to the corners of the bag. It helped give it more room and wasn't that much more sewing.

Amy Butler fabrics are amazing! I have been a follower of her for 3-4 years. Our local fabric shops don't carry her fabric or patterns so I've called upon my sister, who lives in Portland, OR, to visit the shop nearby her house to make purchases for me - and she does. And she buys more stuff for me to make for her or my niece. She probably thinks it's work for me but really it's just lots of fun!

Quilted Mug

2008-04-03T10:08:00.001-07:00

quilted mug
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

I've been wanting to find some coffee mugs with lids that have the inserts but haven't found any. Well, A popular coffee shop has them but then they're $15. Anyways, my friend Danielle found these at Hobby Lobby. Wish it had a lid. I think my mom will like it for her soda. I will be sending it to her.
It was super easy to do. I took the coloring insert out and traced it onto interfacing then sewed the pieces of fabric onto the interfacing. Finally, I bound the edges. Fini!!
My mom will probably be cursing me out as I think to wash it she will have to seperate the two pieces everytime and then reinsert the quilted piece. I was thinking about finding some glue/caulking to make it water tight! Ooh, and I do love going to Lowes!!

Give-Away

2008-04-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy Heather Hales Designs (see in Favs list to the right) and she is hosting a giveaway http://heatherhalesdesigns.com/blog/april-give-away-request/ . She is also looking for a "fluffy cake" to embroider. Check it out. Her embroideries are so adorable and the combinations she puts together are so refreshing.

All Dog's Done

2008-03-31T17:40:00.001-07:00

all dog things
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

Finally finished the burps, bibs, onesies and blanket. The flannel is from JoAnns with dogs printed on it and I used brown and yellow solid flannel. I really think they came out cute. Funny thing is that after I had purchased the fabrics for this project the front of my next JoAnn's add had this fabric on the front made into a dog bed! A dog bed, not cute little items for a dear, precious newborn baby!! Maybe they should have used my pic (HaHa). Anyways, a month after I purchased the project is done. I will take it to "SewNShare" at my quilt meeting on Monday and then the gift goes to my friend.

puppy onesie closeup

2008-03-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

puppy onesie closeup
Originally uploaded by joeysews5

Just getting a feel for how to post from my flickr page. This really is a lot of fun and I feel so smart! I might be boring you now, but I'm working on "knocking your socks off" with my cute stuff!!

2008-03-27T20:49:00.001-07:00

I found a Puppy!!

2008-03-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

For my family members, No, not a real puppy, a puppy to embroider. I know they were probably saying a few choice things about how I do not need another animal. Probably because I spend too much time sewing and not enough time with the animals. Well, I do have a Yorkie and she does get plenty of attention. Probably because she likes to be in my sewing room with me.

I am making a blanket, burps, bibs and these onesies for a friend who is due at the end of next month. I will post the whole set when I have it all done. I was looking for an embroidery pattern of a dog and found one. It's from Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers #3989 "Bonnie Bonnet Too". You'll have to look really hard at the pictures because it's mainly of "Bonnie". The puppy is at the bottom. There's also a really cute bird eating seed. I hope to use that design on something too. Don't know if I'll embroider any of the Bonnies but her polka dot dress is adorable. Can just imagine doing countless french knots. (Would make my Grandma proud!)

One Lucky Girl (that's me!)

2008-03-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

For our 19th Anniversary (Yes 19 years!) my hubby surprised me with a little getaway to a cabin in Woodland Park. It was a short stay, since both of us weren't able to take any time off work but It was wonderful!

On our way, we stopped in Old Colorado City to purchase something for dessert for our dinner (two pieces of chocolate from the candy shop) and we had parked next to a cute little shop I had eyeballed walkig to the candy shop. So on the way back to the car he asks "You wanna go in there?" Well, if You want to. Silly!!! Oh, I could barely breath! Probably 100% of the items were handmade. And handmade very well at that. Everything was just so adorable! I had spent plenty of time looking at these necklaces so he noticed and bought one for me! It looks kinda like fabric to me so I really like it and it's reversible but I rarely wear it on the red side. One of the daughters wanted to wear it and I wouldn't let her and I share everything. I really like it!!!

Easter Stitchin'

2008-03-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

Started making one Easter Egg and said I would not make anymore. Well, ended up making 8 eggs/8 chicks and 5 bags. I was addicted and couldn't stop myself.

The Snows!

2008-02-06T13:07:00.001-08:00