Dedication to Lyndsi

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

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

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

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"

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!

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

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