Ya Know, Sometimes I Pretend to be Domestic

Back in December the Mister and I were hanging out at a Christmas party eating crackers and chatting it up with others. I'm pretty sure that was like the 5th Christmas party that we had been to that month. It seems like in the month of December people are crazy over parties.

Somehow the ladies at the table started talking about sewing machines. I've been curious about sewing but wasn't sure that I had the patience to do it. My only previous experience with sewing was when I was in the 10th grade and I land up being such a headache that my teacher called my mom asking her to help me out.  My home ed teacher  told me that I would never have the patience to sew. It wasn't meant to be. And I believed her.

So here I was talking sewing machines with the ladies. All of a sudden I felt that I could totally do it, I could see all kinds of sewing projects in my near future. With pride I announced to the group that I wanted a sewing machine for Christmas. Husband overheard my announcement and asked "Why do you want a sewing machine, you've never wanted to sew before?"

I responded "Well you see, I really like to make things. And well all my friends are getting knocked up and I'd really like to learn how to make baby things so I can have cute baby stuff to give them." I'm pretty sure my response embarrassed him. Sorry babe!

I signed up for a sewing class, got a sewing machine from the hubs and other sewing gadgets from my mom. I was on my way to learn how to make baby stuff for all the pregors that I encountered.

Here is what I have made so far:

Burp Cloths

A Bib and a Pacifier Clip

I had no idea that the pattern was upside down until after I had finished the project. Hey at least the baby can look down and see a cute pattern facing them!

A Baby Blanket

I made this blanket specifically for this little one.

Applique Onesies 

I used this tutorial. Super easy and I loved how they turned out.

I think that I want my next project to be a quilt. I love this online tutorial were it shows you step by step instructions. Yay for being domestic and stuff!

First Sewing Project

For Christmas I got a rad sewing machine along with a fun sewing book from the cute boy. It was the motivation I needed to learn how to sew, so I signed up for a sewing class at one of my favorite fabric shops here in Seattle. It was a month course and we made the Amy Butler Swing Bag. I haven't had a chance to make the sash yet, but when I do I'll post more pictures.

The bag is reversible, which I really love! Two bags in one is really a brilliant idea. The bag wasn't too hard to make, although I was intimidated by it since it was my first real project. The pattern was hard for me to understand, so I was grateful that we went over it in class.

The class also taught me other sewing skills like hemming and making button holes. The fabric I picked out for the bag were from Amy Butler's August Fields and Love collection.

I missed my chance to sign up for the advanced sewing class, but I'm going to be signing up for the quilting class. Look at me being all domestic and stuff.

Makin' Me Smile

This cute boy...

Spontaneous rockstar friends...

Singin' the Boot Scootin Boogie....

 

Sporting my feather headbands/clip that I made...

Fantastic blue silk dress that I got at a thrift store for $8...

 

 And these green beauties for $4....

Other smile worthy moments:

*A little old lady at church told me that she thought my husband was a dashing lad.

*Having a missionary tell Brock that I would get along with an investigator because I was peppy, fashionable and outgoing.

*Girls night last weekend and again this weekend. I love hanging out with just the ladies.

*Making crafts like a mad woman. Being unemployed is awesome.

*Spiced pumpkin hot chocolate! You use real pumpkin in this heavenly drink.

*One concert down, one more to go! I am so so excited to see Muse next Tuesday.

*Christmas parties galore! 

*Two more weeks until I get to see my mom, brother and Emily! Hooray for family!

Holiday on a Budget

Are you strapped for cash this holiday season? Are you trying to be creative with your gift giving and want it to be affordable? Domino magazine is featuring 20 gifts that you can make or buy for under a $1.00. Check it out and let it spark your creative side.

Marble Mania

Last night Brock and I hung out with a couple from our ward. Tiffny and I planned on making marble magnets and before you know it, the boys joined in on the fun. I first got the idea from not martha.
To make these lovely little thing, you will need some flat marbles (found in the floral section), strong round magnets, pictures, and silicon sealant. I spent my whole Saturday morning going from one craft store to another trying to find silicon sealant. No one at the craft store seemed to know what that was. To save any one from having that issue, buy e6000 medium viscosity clear. Make sure that it is clear otherwise the glue will show. For complete instructions, visit not martha. She gives pretty good step by step instructions. I'm not at all crafty and I had tons of fun making these.
Micheal's had really cute tins to put them in. The tins were a dollar a piece and I couldn't resist. All of my pictures came from magazines. I'm sure that any pictures would work. I think they would make really cute birthday, Easter, Christmas or just because gifts. I'm also thinking about gluing them to push pins and large paper clips. The possibilities are endless!