It IS FINISHED!!!

Here is the finished bag. I feel pretty good about it. It's super cute. I brought it to work yesterday to get people's reactions & it was a hit. I have several people wanting one. It's funny because one of my coworkers was saying, "Oh, we need to market these. You could make them for craft fairs & I would work your booth for you. . . " Totally hilarious! And do I think I could? Sure. . . now that I've got this one under my belt the difficult part is done. . .the designing that is. Of course, my prototype is being gifted today so I won't have it on hand. . .but I have many pics.

I might get to the tutorial on this within the week so please be patient with me. I have never done a tut so I am not sure how to go about it. Suggestions to where to create it online???
I think if it were for an adult I would make the straps a bit thinner & longer to fit shoulder length. And I may even make the dimensions of the bag part deeper. These will surely be one of a kind bags as there is no way to keep them consistent.

This design needs a name. . . I could call it The Maddie - it's for my niece, Madelyn. Feedback please:)

What kind of Handle??

Here is the exterior body of the bag all put together. This wasn't as difficult as one might think. Then again, I kind of made a boo boo with the flower (note to self, don't apply any embellishments until AFTER sewing parts together). Now I need to figure out what kind of handle/strap to make. Any suggestions? I need to have this finished by Saturday. . .so I'm on time constraints here. I was originally planning to do 2 longer shoulder straps. Now I'm considering 1 longer strap & attaching it across from narrow side to narrow side (do you smell what I'm steppin' in?) Then again, should I do 2 shorter tote type straps?

Putting on the Cape

This summer I will be Super Mom! We're not sending the 6 & 7 year old boys to daycare or summer school this summer. So I decided that we'd do some summer schooling of our own instead. I want them to continue to learn new things & be exposed to new adventures. So I'm planning on making it fun. Ideas??? Well, thanks to my neighbor, I have the idea to teach them (Oh, & learn myself) Sign Language. I think they'll like this (as they already learned a not so nice sign!) & this is something the 2 year old can learn as well. In fact, I think "Silent Moments" could be part of a daily ritual around here & much appreciated for our sanity.

Other ideas include: basic Spanish, gardening, natural resources, underwater basketweaving. . .OK, maybe not that. We will of course continue reading everyday. I think this is fundamental no matter what. But I think I shall put on the cape &, follow me here, schedule our time! Oh NO! What did I just type?? ME, structured with my "FREE TIME?" Never! I'm going to try it. It just might lead to less stress & more stuff getting done. Maybe. . . I'm willing to try.

The little guy is sleeping. . .so I'm going to work on my bag. Hopefully I'll have an update & pics later today:)

Should I departmentalize???

The blog, that is. . . I've been surfing blog wonderland tonight & have seen many different formats. . . I don't really want to have a bunch of separate blogs to address my eclectic life. but I also realize that certain people don't give a hoot about my new obsession with designing bags & God only knows what & on the same note. . .many people don't care to read about the latest issues I'm having trying to balance my boys, career, health, hobbies & the list goes on. .

So I'm sure I'll ponder this in my sleep (if I get to sleep tonight). The boys have been making nightly rendezvous to our bed. . .they don't usually arrive all at once. And they don't usually get escorted back to their own rooms all at once either. We would never be THAT fortunate. It's one at 1:30 AM cuz he's scared. Then it's another one at 3 AM because he needs his "pup" (a.k.a. cup) & then yet the other one because one of the others woke him up in the process of coming or going or he has to pee & feels the need to inform us of the much needed event before, during or after said event. Gotta love boys! I thought this kind of waking every 2 hours bull$#!t was over after infancy! What to Expect When You're Expecting doesn't share with you all of these joys. . .I skipped the sequel. I truly love being a Mom. . really, I do. I am getting OLDER people! I NEED MY SLEEP!!! And yet, given the opportunity to crash early tonight I sit here typing like a mad woman. What? Am I on a mission to take over the Super Woman throne? Yeah, not gonna happen. I am in no way, shape or form Super Mom, Housewife, fill in any domesticated thing a ma jig here that you want. My house is a catastrophe at present time (which, for those who really do know me, will be of no surprise). I have MT. Laundry errupting from just about every laundry basket known to man(if only clean laundry would fold & put itself away). . .plus a laundry room reaching critical mass. My dishes are not done. Dishwasher. . you guessed it. . . clean & not emptied. Bed, - HA! I'm getting back into it anyway. (YUP, Mom & Dad, you wrecked that one for me. I'm rebelling by NOT making it. The only way dust mites die is by exposure to sunlight. . .so that's my story.) I think we have an island in the kitchen as well as a table. . .but I might have to hire someone to find them. I don't know how SAHM's do it! And Single SAHMs. . .They wear the real capes!

Done whining. . .well, I was just stating facts. I know I have to get my crap in order & do it. So, instead of tackling any of these things tonight, I've worn myself out making the list so now I'll go to bed hoping to awaken when the sun rises (NOT BEFORE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE LET ME SLEEP! Well, as long as everyone is OK that is.) Maybe I'm bipolar. . . nah, just PMS.

Progress on Patchwork Raggy Bag

I might have to try my hand on a tutorial after this adventure. I'm taking pics regularly & I'll see. . . but here is some of the progress I made today on my new bag. The first pic is the front side with the bottom/sides just laying together. . .

The other is the front, back & bottom/side attached at just the bottom. Now for the fiddling to get the sides sewn up. . .and then to the lining. I'm impressed thus far. I designed this bag from the workings of my brain. . . so I'm very excited to see it come to life. I need to remember to make the handles yet too! And to sew the pink button onto the flower before putting the lining in.

Stay tuned. . .this has got to be done before Saturday. I'm planning to give it to my 7 year old niece for her birthday.

DAVID COOK!!!! wow

Ok, so I don't normally blog about American Idol. ..but I just watched this on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVAs2zmb0ig&feature=related & if you go watch/listen to it you will most likely agree that this guy is going to do very well in the industry!!!

I'm just in awe. . . go check it out, you know you want to:)

Coming Along

I stayed up LATE last night & went to town on this bag. Wow, Can you say "LINT?" I was covered in white fuzz from the quilting stuff in the middle. I'm recycling for this bag & using a coverlet type quilty thing for the inner fluffy stuff. Did that make ANY sense?
(removed image. . .go so the finished bag:)
I'm excited about this as it takes shape. I still have to figure out how to put it all together & how to do the lining & the zipper. . . maybe I will just do a snap??? We'll see. As it comes together I'm considering this for part of my 7 year old niece's birthday present. I think she'd like it. It's a bit small for an adult sized bag. It will surely be a one of a kind as I'm not following a pattern.
Now to clean up my mess & hopefully get to work on the bag a little more later today.

Buttons, Buttons Everywhere!

Thanks to an idea from Bridget http://bridgetbaxter.blogspot.com/, we now have our own Button System complete with jars & lots of BUTTONS! I still have to make my lists & get them looking cute. I had a blast buying buttons. I got these beauties from Hobby Lobby. While I was there I also found some really cool fabric in the bargain bin & some awesome ribbon (30 yards!) - 16 different pieces (I actually got a bonus yard so it was 31 yards - yay!).

It's AMAZING how motivating this technique has been with my boys. . .especially Spencer who just could not wait to get the jars made. (And I need to add their letters to the jars yet too.) I couldn't get the holes in the lids so I improvised with cut plastic bags & rubberbands for now.

Spencer & Parker are constantly asking, "If I do this. . . does that mean I get more buttons?" For the LOVE, they think they get extra buttons for everything. . .but when they go above & beyond they get more - so that excites the living daylights out of them. Carter, well, he couldn't care less for the most part. . .but he join in anyway.

While I haven't gotten any scrapbooking done, I have done some sewing. Here is my latest endeavor. When finished, it should be a patchwork, raggy edged purse. I do hope it turns out. I plan to try a zipper for the first time too. I know, ambitious. It is once again Winter here in Wisconsin. After one week of Spring, we skipped summer & fall completely & just dove right back into Winter.

So wish me luck with this adventure. I'm not using a pattern so I hope it turns out. I have ideas in this crazy head of mine:) don't you just love the flower & the button? I've been wanting to use that big old flower on something for a long time.

Inspired to Scrap!

I need to get back to my scrapping! My supplies & pictures are just sitting there (many in digital limbo) awaiting my clever hands & mind. Of course, I have a curious & ambitious 2 year old who would love to "help" me create. And I have my lack of motivation lately. . .I think I need to knock that lazy self right off her butt!

I'm reading Body by God right now. . .well, not right this second as I'm typing. But you get the point. . . I will let you know what I think. So far, I've read that there is a difference between inspiration & motivation. I need inspiration first & then will come the motivation. So my inspiration is my kids & wanting to tell our story. Gotta work on the motivation & light that proverbial fire under my butt.

I believe that I need to clear the clutter first! I'm always inspired/motivated when I see those fancy, awesome, cool scrappy spaces like: http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1321279&f=n# & http://www.scrapjazz.com/guides/organization/ so maybe if I can just get organized. . . . HA! How many times have I mentioned THAT??? It is true, clutter in the environment indicates clutter in the mind. . . and less productivity. Of course, I cannot life heavy objects today (excuses, excuses) as I wrenched my back (seriously, I have already gone to the chiropractor today & have another visit Wednesday morning). So, I will do what I can to get the other things done so I can get my crap together this week!

OK, enough whining. . .I must to check on the 2 year old. He is eating his "wunch" right now. I should eat too. . .but my appetite is not so good. (perk to the injury? doubt it! The cookie I ate not too long ago was NOT a good choice!) I will Clear My Clutter!!!! And I'll take before & after pics to prove my journey!

Plastic Packaging!!!!

Plastic packaging. . .you know the type. . . with the heat sealed edges??? Not the SOFT packaging, the hard, cannot rip open type. . . it's royally pissing me off lately. I've incurred multiple cuts to my hands & fingers as a result of trying to open these crazies. I can't take it anymore. I might start a petition. . HA! Or maybe I should sue for physical harm & emotional distress. I mean, really. . . how much protection do these things need? Why not just put a lock & key on them or inbed an ink torpedo in them for anti shoplifting protection?

I digress. . . anyway. I opened the Tag-a-long that I thought was such a screamin' deal from Shopko the other day. I really don't see myself using this much - probably as much as the Quickutz that I have. . . which is just about never. It's all good in theory. . but when you have to cut your paper to that small of a width & mess around with all of the parts. . plus you have to purchase different dies to put through it. I just don't see myself using it. I might have to sell it. I should sell my Quickutz too.

Happy Easter. I need to get to bed. I work Monday & Tuesday. . .so I'll get back here soon.

Today

I'm regretting the GS incident last night. Getting out of bed this morning was NOT an easy task. Now whether that is from the aches in my body from the great Wii workout on Monday or the cookies taking their toll. . .I'm not sure. But either way, it's workout day again! I'm being sidelined slightly by my almost 6 year old, Parker, who is home today not feeling so great. I think he may need a little Mom time more than he's ill. . .but that's OK. Right now he & Carter (2) are watching a Pokemon movie in the living room. That's where the Wii is. . .so I need to occupy myself with other "important" duties like blogging.

I also have to fill out my NWTC application online today. I've kind of been hired already to sub for clinicals in OB - just need to officially apply now. Tee hee. Love the backwardness of it all. I'm excited to do this. Scott is excited because he really wants me to get out of the 12 hour shift work & into teaching somewhere with State benefits. What a dreamer! I'd need to get working on my Master's degree. . . not sure I'm ready for that yet. I love being a labor & delivery nurse. And as long as I get my body back in shape I should be able to perform my duties for quite a while yet. Wouldn't want to get too soft!

Maybe I'll get to work on some of my creations today! I have so many pieces of fabric either in jeans/corduroy form or pieces I've collected. . . they need some sewing action! I also need to alter a couple of tops so that I don't need to keep yanking on them to keep my bra from showing! Oh the joys! Maybe I just need bigger boobs! Ha!

STEP AWAY FROM THE GIRLSCOUT COOKIES!!!

I was doing so well!!!! And then I had to open the freezer. . . . Girlscout Cookies!!!! And not just ANY Girlscout Cookies. . . . Thin Mints!! And they're frozen!!!! Isn't that the only way these should ever be consumed? Holy Hell, there goes my "good eating." I've already devoured half a row & I see no end in sight. I'm trying to fend them off. . .but my defenses are low & my hand just keeps reaching over for another & another & another. OMG! I am going to die!
And so I start my little techniques to try to consume less. I take a small bite off the edge of one & set it down. . .take another small bite & put it down. . . WHO AM I TRYING TO KID, PEOPLE???? This is a full blown, highly vicious, cunningly calculated conspiracy. How can I compete with such dastardly design??? (By the way, I have no idea if dastardly actually fits there. . .just sounded good with the "d" sounds.) Oh crap, another thin mint is in my mouth! I'm so WEAK!!!! Somebody save me!!! All of the Wii boxing in the world isn't going to counteract this tomorrow.

And I happened to see a box of those coconut & chocolate cookies. . .I always forget the name now that they've changed it. I think they were Samoas at one time or another. Why did they change it? I don't get it. Again, it's another conspiracy I'm sure of it. But whatever the heck they're called, I'm thinking I might have to try one. . .or two. . Hell, I may as well just eat them all in one sitting. It would be saving the kids from eating them & me from the aftermath of them eating them. . .which is pure agony in & of itself. They go nuts. So if I eat them all right now I might be able to fall asleep fast from the sugar low that follows the probable sugar high (thus leading to a catastrophic collection of fat on my lower regions.. . wish it would collect in the breast tissue only. . .but that isn't my situation!)

It's 10 PM. . .WHAT THE HECK!? Of course the coffee I drank at 4 PM is still working. How is it that at 7 AM I can drink all the coffee in the world & still feel tired? (Nevermind the incessant shaking & heart palpitations & oh, the nonstop urination that occurs secondary to such actions.) But at 4 PM I can drink one blasted cup of diluted coffee & at 10 PM (when the 6 hour half life is OVER!) I still feel wide awake & perky? Of course, DH is able to fall asleep 5 minutes after drinking full strength, thick as molassas, Starbucks. Then again, don't most husbands fall asleep within 5 minutes of most things?? Tee hee, just kidding:) But then again, NOT!
Now to find those other cookies. . . there is still half a row left of the Thin Mints. . .I mean 1 and a half rows!

Yeah, still Samoas. But unless I want to work on breaking another tooth I should use caution with eating these babies frozen. (broken tooth? Yeah, broke a tooth on a frozen cookie at work when I was first working there. Duh, thaw it out first!)

Good! Only ate one of those. Now I had better get my butt ready for bed so I can take advantage of my insulin dump. I need to STEP AWAY FROM THE GIRLSCOUT COOKIES!!!!

Blue Corduroy

Here is my Blue Corduroy Creation. I didn't follow a pattern for this. I just winged it. The lining & belt are made from leftovers that I had from a skirt from last summer. The handles are made from a pant leg. I had some issues with the lining being too big so I had to adjust it. All of the pockets are usable & this comes in handy for keys & my cell phone. Where do you usually put your keys? The front right pocket! I have mine on a carabeener (sp?) so I hook them on the belt loop & put the keys in the pocket. Cell phone goes in the left front pocket & the back pockets I use if I have a coupon or what not that I don't want to go digging for later. Back pockets are also great places for business cards!

I would have liked to bling this up a bit. . .but didn't have anything on hand at the time. It's simple but sometimes that is a good thing. I think my next creation will be a more contrasting for the liner & belt. Let me know what you think:)

Been Busy but I Got Big Plans

I've been surfing through other blogs & see so many amazing artists in the sewing world out there. I still didn't take a pic of my newest bag. . .which isn't very new anymore. . .but I do get some compliments on it. I used light blue corduroys to make a bootie bag. . . and it is cute. I think I need to get adventurous though. I need to get flashy with the colors & the design. I have so much stuff & just need to USE IT! What am I waiting for?

I am going to use my stuff. . . and not wait for a "better project." I need to get my butt in gear & get doing what I have been putting off. I know, it's kind of late for New Year's Resolutions. . .but I don't really do those anyway. It's more like time to kick myself in the @$$ with just about everything. You can read about my weight loss efforts in my other blog: http://jenswellness.blogspot.com/

I will do my best to keep this updated. I will actually post my blog link so others can read it if they want to!!!!

Wish me luck!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Another year, another birthday. . .what to do today? I am kid free & work free today. . . What should I do? I could sew, scrapbook, shop. . . shop for sewing stuff. . . Hmmm, I think I shall ponder this while I shower to loud music & flat iron my hair. I should get a pic of my new hairdo on here. It's WAY different than my old do.

I was scoping other blogs last night. WOW, can I just say how impressed I am with the talent that is out there? The blogs alone are amazing let alone the work that is showcased on them. My goal is to get my blog to be as cool and worthy as those. I have a lot of learning to do. My journey begins. . .hmm, perhaps something for me to start today??? We'll see. Shopping sounds somewhat nice. Maybe I will ask my dear Mother to join me. We do want to get some purses made for craft fairs. . .

OK, wish me luck with my newly 33 year old self today! (Who am I kidding? Nobody reads this yet!)

This satchel was my 2nd bag ever. . . and it was challenging. I made it from Vogue pattern V8439. It's red quilted material with black faux suede lining. The handles & the snap were a challenge for me as well as the thickness of the material. I am learning so much!

Blue corduroy

Here is the bag I made using this pattern: http://www.tinyhappy.typepad.com/tiny_happy/2006/06/shoulder_bag_tu.html

I modified the way I did the handles because I needed to cut them out seperately anyway. I also added my creation - the cuff pocket - to the inside. I didn't use a closure - and I'm not sure if I should or not. . . let me know what you think!

New Hobby for me!

Like I need a new hobby, right? But this one ties into my scrappy hobby & is a very creative outlet. I've started to SEW! AND I'm ADDICTED!!! I think I have an addictive personality. I find myself daydreaming about ways to design purses, clothing, just about anything. . . I think I get my creativity from my Mother. . . she always has had a knack for the creative.



Here is the 3rd bag I've ever sewn. I really like this design but need to learn how to add zippers. . .

Other things I'm working on: scrub tops - I've actually designed my own pattern for this with inspiration from a top I currently own. I couldn't find a pattern for it so I just guessed & tweaked. I'm very pleased with my creations & will try to get some pics up in the future. I have a ton of corduroy pants from someone on freecycle & plan to use them for sewing. . . patchwork bags, regular bags, maybe a vest. . .we'll see!

Happy Sewing to you!

On a mission

I hesitate to put this in writing. . .but I've worked out 5 out of the last 6 days. I only did the 8 minute Tae Bo workout the first 4 times & today I did the 20 minute one. I am going to be sore later. . . but that is OK. I need to get back in the habit. Scott already said he can see more definition in my arms.

I am also working on not eating late at night. It's common for me to sit down & have a snack before bed. I am curbing this habit. It's not easy though.

We're off to a surprise 40th birthday party for a friend's husband this afternoon & we'll also watch the Packers' Playoff game there. I'm hoping it's not smokey as we will have the boys with us. If it is, we will probably leave right before half time. That way we can get back home without missing much of the 3rd quarter & well before the traffic jams up Hwy 41 South.

Go Pack GO!!!

Jen

Welcome Back to ME!

My last post was about a year ago. Wow! So much has happened. I won't begin to try to list everything that has changed for me & my family.
The highlights:

• settled into new home
• Scott is now the Director of a local college
• I cut down to 2 twelve hour shifts at the hospital
• picked up an educator position there part time
• Spencer started 1st grade
• Parker started kindergarten
• got a cleaning lady!
• started to sew after purchasing my own sewing machine
• Carter had surgery last January on his eye lump - no problems
• I had surgery end of August - no problems

I think that covers the big stuff. I will most likely change the focus of my blog to sewing type materials. I'm getting quite crafty here. Looking forward to sharing lots of ideas!

Jen