She's Getting a New Friend

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

Monkeying Around

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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".