First the good. I met a fellow PR member at the Puyallup Sewing Expo! Her name is Michelle. She told me she recognized me from my reviews, but said she hardly has time to post reviews and such because she's really busy with her job (she's a teacher). We chatted for about 10 minutes in front of the Simplicity booth and I told her she must email me so we can stay in touch. It's so great to meet other sewing fanatics - you know, someone who's eyes don't glaze over the minute you start talking about sewing. ;-) If you're reading this, "Hi Michelle"!!!!! :-)
I had an okay time at the expo. It was a bummer that my good friend and I didn't get to go together. Her boy is stilling nursing so she can't leave him all day and it's an all day event when you have to travel 2 hours to get there. I did run into a gal I met in my Palmer/Pletsch fitting class so we hung out for a few hours and looked around - that was fun. Also, maybe it's just me, but it seems like it's the same old stuff every year. I'm tired of the same old thing and wish they'd mix it up a bit. I would also love it if they'd organize the event so all the garment booths were together, quilting together, embroidery together, etc. It would make it so much easier and maybe the traffic would flow a little better.
I didn't come away empty handed, tho I only spent $14 (yep, I'm a cheap date!). I got striped knit that reminded me of an Ottobre shirt for my youngest son. I'm not sure if it's too pastel-ish now that I have it home, maybe it is, we'll see once I get around to making the shirt. The red is supplex for swimming trunks (a $2 remnant), and then the black is a poly knit to make myself another New Look twist dress.
Another "good" is that Lori nominated me for Sisterhood Award - thank you Lori, I appreciate it so much!!!! I know I'm supposed to nominate others for this, but I'm bowing out on that part because the "bad & ugly" part of my post and I honestly can't think right now (sorry Lori, please forgive me! lol).
So now the bad, I just learned today my mail was stolen on Monday. Apparently it happened to the whole block of mailboxes in my neighborhood, but still, don't people have anything better to do than cause trouble? In the mail was my new Driver's License that I just went to get last week (I went on a "good hair day" in hopes it would be a decent picture - yes I know it's not "Glamour Shots" - right Leslie?? - but still I have to look at the picture for 5 years). Also taken was something I ordered for my friend, my phone bill, and most likely my BWOF mag since I haven't gotten the March issue still. Tomorrow I'm off to Home Depot for a locking box. I feel so violated and I'm angry about this. So I've spent the entire day worrying about this and cleaning up the mess. Needless to say I have gotten nothing done. :-(
And now the ugly, my kids seem like they've been sick more than they have been well. Two are on their second round of antibiotics for ear infections and one is on his first round for an ear infection. They all have colds that won't cease. Hubby is now sick with some sort of cold/flu thing. My youngest ran a fever all day Wednesday and threw up all over his bedroom right at bedtime (thankfully it appears to be an isolated incident, tho I'm still being very cautious). I'm saying my prayer I will get me through without any of this nasty crud. I hope this is the end because I've shelled out $400 in doctor's office copays, rx's, and OTC meds since January 1st.
Now on to sewing. In an effort to reduce some knit scraps, I made my youngest a few pairs of undies. The picture is missing one pair - they had M&M's on them, but I managed to get the rest in a quick snap-shot. I made them using a great undie pattern you can get here ~ ThatDarnKat Etsy store. My son loves his new undies and it makes me feel good to use up my knit scraps and that they are made in the USA.
Two of my boys were invited to birthday parties (one was actually yesterday). I'm sick of buying cheap crap at the store and really most of the time I have no idea what the child even likes anyway. I'm also sick of everything being made in China, so I decided to get the boys some "Made in the USA" gifts. I inquired with the older of the two party goers to find out if said birthday boy likes to cook with his mom in the kitchen and maybe an apron with his name on it would be cool. My son didn't know, but informed me he really likes football. I thought a personalized pillow case might be cool and my son really liked that idea too. When I picked him up at the party yesterday the mom and a few other moms were so impressed with the gift and couldn't believe I could "just whip this up". It actually was pretty quick to make. The embroidery puckered a little on the football one, but the second one I used three layers of stabilizer and it looked perfect. The other recipient likes Curious George so I hope it's a hit with him too. My youngest wants one for himself and keeps pulling out fabric for me to make him one. I think I shall do that project right away for him. It's a good way to reduce stash and use up smaller pieces. Here is a little tutorial I found to follow. Sorry the picture is going the wrong way, dang Blogger (guess you get what you pay for).
Also I made a super hero cap for my youngest for tomorrow's birthday party. I have yet to take a picture of it, but will for my next post. It's from Ottobre 4/2004.
Okay, whining is over, I'm off to make dinner. :-)
20 comments:
Oh no! That really sucks that your mail with so many important things was stolen. What a hassle.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mail being stolen!! I hope they catch the people before too much damage is done.
A note of encouragement: I really enjoy reading your posts and seeing the pix of all you "whip up"! I'm intrigued that you make your sons underwear. I have no sons, but can't imagine making my girls' underwear! What a loving mom!!!
Uber cool undies and pillow cases. How horrible about your mail. I hope your BWOF is just running a bit late, somehow I can't see a thief truly appreciating it.
SO sorry about your mail. I live in a townhouse community and can't convince the HOA that we need to have locking mailboxes.
On a happier note, love your pillowcases and little boy undies. I don't have children, but I can't imagine the whole birthday gift run around. You've created the perfect and impressive solution and it works for both genders. Brava!
First of all, here is a big hug (((((XXX)))))! God only knows how many you have sent to me in the past months, as I sit here still coughing (the remnants of my last flu). I am sorry to hear about the bad and the ugly. Especially the mail issue. I have had a month of getting someone else's mail instead of mine. It worries me that my mail may be landing in someone else's mailbox and not getting through to me. If your mail really is getting stolen I hope they catch the people as well.
As far as the flu is concerned and all the rest of the crud going around, please relax Melissa or you will inevitably get sick too. I know these things. I always feel like such a bad mom when everyone gets sick. I always wonder whether I washed their hands, cleaned everything in their room, or should have left them at home when shopping at Walmart. LOL. My doctor told me that they have a viral epidemic going on right now. She also told me to avoid Walmart (LOL) at all costs. Don't be so hard on yourself. This too shall pass.
I really laughed out loud, when I read you had sewn a "couple" pair of underwear. You are an unbelievable sewer, and I wonder how fast you got those 12 pair of underwear sewn up? I loved every single pair. I want to make them for my son, but he did not like the Ottobre ones at all, so I am hesitant to waste my time. I also loved the pillowcases. Great gift idea, and I am going to make a note of that one.
Don't apologize for the whining. Sometimes writing it down, and getting it out is the best medicine. I know how strong you are, so I know something positive will come out of it. Take care of yourself, sew up that top, and have a cup of tea. It always helps me.
Hugs.
I hope everyone has speedy recoveries from ear infections and flu. It's really awful that your mail was stolen; such an incredible annoyance!
Oh no - what a day to have your mail stolen! Your driver's license and BWOF! :( I am on the Ottobre Yahoo group with you and wanted to say hi. The underwear is awesome and looks comfy and I love the pillowcases!!
Sorry to hear about the Bad & Ugly. Stupid mail thieves. What a pain in the neck. I'm still hanging onto a remnant of a cold/laryngitis myself so I commiserate. On a happier note, your Made in the USA projects ROCK!
I too am sorry to hear about your bad & ugly. Life sometimes sucks! I have 2 small children and all the birthdays can drive you crazy! You must be reading my mind because I just said the other day that I need to start making gifts. I don't like buying cheap commercial things either and want to give the gift of hand & heart made. I am potty training my little guy so I need to get that undie pattern. You rock for making your own.
Sorry about the shitty few weeks. But hey! I LOVE the undies! I have this pattern and never have appropriate knit scraps to use. So I had to order some. Hopefully now I can get some kid friendly undies going. Good work!
Your Made in the USA projects look great, Melissa. What a rotten week though! I hope next week is better and you stay well.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mail and sickness! I hope they got tons of junk mail instead of important things. I'm crossing my fingers they catch the person(s). I love the undies, btw.
Love the Undies...........Sorry about your mail,ugh.........
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oh.my.gosh. cannot believe you?? the mom's were impressed?? I'M impressed!! that you sewed all these scukers up and made adorable presents too. i feel incredibly ashamed of all the fabric i just gave away instead of finding a way to "reuse".
That's terrible about the mailboxes! And for them to get your BWOF is just beyond. Hope everyone feels better soon.
I'm with you--I hate buying yet another toy that the recipient probably doesn't need and may not even like. I love the pillowcase idea--thanks for the link! For girls, I've make personalized t-shirts. To save time, I use a purchased t-shirt (probably NOT made in the USA, unfortunately). Then I applique their first initial in the middle with their name embroidered somewhere on the letter.
Wow Melissa! What a bummer about the mail....I hope everything gets resolved easily.
Great job on the undies. Do you have a bias binder attachment for your sewing machine or serger? I don't but was looking at them at the Expo--kinda pricey.
My DS is now requesting me to make him some sweatpants with seam pockets. Kwik sew has a pattern-do you know of any others?
Michelle ;)
What a rough time! I have a neighbor who had their mail stolen (all our mailboxes are lined up.) I'm seriously thinking about getting a locking mail box. On a positive note, those undies are just too cute! Great use for scraps. Too bad the pattern didn't come in larger sizes. =)
Getting your mail stolen is so terrible. I would be getting a locking mailbox too!
You have a good idea about putting together similar types of booths at Expo. It would make things easier to find. I think I got the same stripe fabric for my son too. I don't think it is too pastel for a boy. The black print will make such a beautiful dress.
Wow, you can make undies for your kids!! I am completely jealous!
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