Projects, projects, projects

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

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

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

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

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 ????

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

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