Projects ...

I've been sewing up a storm - especially since Brian let me purchase some things to organize my sewing room for Mother's Day.  I LOVE making new stuff.  Here are some of the things I've been working on/modifying:

A purse for myself.

 

The pleats on both sides were a fun challenge.  I made it one long strap across the shoulders rather than the two short ones that the patter called for.  I also added a C-clip for my keys, a magnetic fastner for my safety conscious husband, a few pockets for sunglasses and my phone, and a zippered pocket.

A Car Organizer

 

This is from a craftapple pattern (highly recommend her, btw - great patterns and instructions).  I has a divider, 2 D rings to hold a trash bag, pockets for pens, cell phones, stuff.  I splurged on some Amy Butler fabric and was SO in love with it (Nigella Collection).  Beautiful and funky.

A Purse/Tote

 I made this for one of Stephen's teachers.  I added the webbing and snap across the top on a whim and ended up loving it.  I'm planning on making a few more.

Little Artist Case

Made for a little boy who was a new big brother.  I used a shoe-string for the closure, hoping it looked a little like a rope.  :) I made my nephew Evan one just like it.  

Re-usable Sandwich Bags

A new experiment.  It's a special fabric on the inside called PUL - what they make re-usable diapers out of.  It can be wiped clean or washed and dried on hot.  It's sealed with velcro.  I gave a few to a friend and am anxious to try some out this summer with fun fabrics on the outside.  

Thanks for looking and following!  I'm having a lot of fun - to the detriment of my cleaning and laundry.  :)  Brian's encouraging me to try and sell some things on etsy.  Anyone have any experience with that?  Makes me a bit nervous.  

Abstract

Abbie is our little artist.  If you want to make her happy, give her a legal notebook (not sure why they are her favorites), a pen or pencil, and give her lots of praise.  

We've noticed that she's starting to work on things a little more abstractly.  Once she drew a picture of a red square on top of a blue rectangle.  I asked her what it was - she said "red and blue" and looked at me as if I might be less than intelligent.  

Here is her most recent drawing:

I asked her about what she drew, and she said "I drew sharing."  No people, no objects.  I looked at her a little confused - and once again, she pointed out that there were different colors.  

Hmmm.  I wonder if our nanny while we were in Tokyo, Melissa (a fantastic abstract artist), had anything to do with this.  :)  

Last Day of School

So - after a LONG absence from the blogging world - I hope to be back. I've had several entries running through my brain and just lacked the time to put them down. Ready or not, here I come!

Most recent first:

Yesterday was the last day of school for my kindergardener. Seriously. 

We've become good friends with our neighbors who have two girls just Stephen and Clara's ages.  Kristin and I talked and decided to have a "happy summer break" party with the kids. The idea was inspired by my creative cousin Mary. The kids had a blast. Check out the results!

The work paid off. After Stephen got off the bus and was walking home, I noticed that his head was hanging a little low. I put my arm around him and he started crying. "Mom, I just loved kindergarden. I'm so sad." 

We kept walking and made it to the back yard where the 'party' was waiting. He lit up with a big smile. That night when I asked what his favorite part of the day was (thinking his favorite part of the school day), he said "Oh, definitely the party, mom!" Score one for mom.