Happy Earth Day!

My family makes a good effort to take care of our planet. We recycle, don't make unnecessary trips to town, turn the water off while brushing our teeth, heck I even cloth diapered my last two in hopes to eliminate diapers going into the landfill (and no it's not *that* gross people, poop is poop, you're dealing with it regardless of how you diaper your babies).

I was flipping through some magazines in my stack last weekend and I found a few stats on garbage courtesy of January 2008 RedBook Magazine (page 31 if you're interested).

*4.4 lbs - the average amount of waste generated per person per day in the US as of 2001

*50% of the world's garbage is produced by the US and we're only 6% of the world's population

*1896 - the year America's first recycling center opened its doors

In my efforts to celebrate Earth Day, I repurposed three t-shirts and made them into t-shirts for my boys. Two were freebie ones that weren't hubby's size and the other was a holy shirt headed to the rag bag. I am happy with the outcome and the boys are too!

Besides my recycle project, I've been working on pj's for my two nephews (a request from my sister), another pair of jeans for my oldest son, a few things for my daughter's summer wardrobe - all boring things. I have honestly not been much in the spirit of doing any of the projects, but I'm trying to get my "to do" list whittled down so that I can get on to some things for me. I took 6 huge bags of clothing to the local donation center yesterday so I feel like my closet is rather bare. And part of my slump might be the darn Pacific NW weather - it's been anything but sunny. We've got rain, hail, and even snow lately - it's rather depressing actually.

In closing, I'd like to thank you all for your sweet compliments on the Hamburger Cake - you're all so darn sweet and I appreciate all your wonderful comments you took the time to post!!!

Happy Birthday Dear Will!

How can six years have possibly passed since my sweet William was born? We celebrated his birthday with family over the weekend complete with pizza and a "Hamburger" cake made by me!

And just in case you'd like to make your own hamburger cake, you can find the directions at WomansDay.com. The article that I kept appeared in an issue at least 7 years ago (I made this cake once before for my hubby's birthday right after I saw it). I didn't follow the directions for using pound cakes and store bought frosting. Instead I made my cakes using two boxes of regular cake mix (Funfetti variety of course) and then made a batch of chocolate frosting for the burger and peanut butter frosting for the bun (much easier than trying to tint white frosting tan). It's been a hit both times I've made it and it really is easy to make. I'm definitely not a cake decorator, but I do enjoy making fun cakes like this for my family instead of buying a bakery cake. It must be the "Susie Homemaker" in me - I figure they'll remember the cool cakes I made them, but the bakery cakes are just a dime a dozen. Besides, I think homemade cakes taste better and they are definitely made with more love.

Happy birthday Will - mommy loves you and is so proud of you!!!!

P.S. Will just learned to tie his shoes last week - yippee Will! :-)

*E* is for Excellent!

It always warms my heart to think anyone is interested enough in my sewing and such to read my blog. Thanks to Tamara of Knit Sew Much for nominating me for the "E" for Excellent blog award!

I'd also like to thank all my readers for the nice comments you leave on my blog - you're all so sweet! I feel like I might have mislead some of you with my last posting tho. I didn't created all those garments in a matter of a few days. It was a several week span and I was just getting around to posting my reviews. I did have a mini sewing marathon last week tho sewing for my daughter during spring break. I made her three pairs of pj's (pants & shirts for each set), three shirts (two more cut out and ready to sew), four pairs of capris (one more pair cut and ready to sew), and two baby gifts. It felt good to get all that sewing done and it was all from stash!!!

Lastly, I'd like to answer a question GuruJ left. He asked if I ever teach classes in Seattle or surrounded area or offer private lessons. First off, I'm flattered you think my sewing is professional enough for me to actually teach others to sew - wow! I actually live closer to Portland, OR so I don't come up to Seattle very often. I haven't really thought about teaching anyone how to sew, possibly that is something I'll think about doing in my local area when my children get a little older and are all in school. For now, it's just me sewing for myself and my family.

Have a great Sunday & happy sewing everyone! :-)

Reviews Posted!

I got some reviews published on Pattern Review tonight. I'm not going to reiterate all the details of each garment here, but if you're so inclined please read the reviews. I will say I love everything I posted tonight - all great patterns!

First up is blouse #114 from BWOF 8-2007 ~ review


Next is wrap top #107 from BWOF 4-2007 ~ review

Then #108 wrap dress from BWOF 4-2007 ~ review

And lastly is Jalie 2793 ~ review

Sorry this is so short, but thanks for peeking!

Happy Spring Break!

My kids have spring break this week and I'm busy trying to stash bust and make some spring/summer clothes for my daughter. Before I had been on the fence about sewing for her, but I had her pick out specific fabrics and pattern styles and so far so good as she has liked everything I made. I also made her a few new pairs of pj's over the weekend too and she loves them.

Anyway, that is just a little update in case anyone might be wondering since I have posted in a week. I know I still have to post a few reviews for tops I made recently that I promised last time. They are still on my "to do" list - note to self, I need to get myself a battery pack so I can go all night while the kids & hubby sleep! ;-)