i have to say...

meet seamus

We decided yesterday.  It took Craig and I making a decision, but not an entirely popular one.  Hopefully everyone will get used it.

Seamus is Irish, pronounced SHAY-MUS.  It just seems to fit the little guy.

So far Seamus is occasionally standing by the back door to let us know that nature is calling, and he also gets into his crate when he is tired at night.  Of course, in the morning he is hollering to get out, but after only a week I think he is doing OK.

We are pretty much smitten with Seamus.  He is a good fit for us. 

And I am pretty sure that he likes us too.

a little bit at a time

Where can I buy some big blocks of time?

When I sit down to sew I like to have an hour or so to myself, and when I am done I like to clean up my mess until the next time. 

Lately there are no big blocks of time available, or at least they are used up filling orders and maintaining my shop.

Little bits of time come up frequently but I hesitate to attempt something "big" because that leaves me feeling undone.

Well, that's the way life is right now so I am going to try to take advantage of what I have.

Yesterday I sat down to sew for 15 minutes and (gasp!) I left my mess sitting there when I was done.  That project is waiting for some attention today, even if it is for just a few minutes.

Now I need to mention that I added bias tape to a top that I am sewing for Aubry.  Unfortunately I added the tape to the sleeves instead of the neckline, leaving me to spend a few more minutes picking it out.

Lesson learned.

Even when you have only a few minutes to do a job, don't rush.

A little bit at a time, slowly.

Hopefully I will have a finished project to show here soon.

Happy sewing!

i'm lovin' these links!

  ***Have you heard of the Fat Quarterly ezine yet?  This one looks great!  It's put out by a great group of bloggers and it contains 6 original project patterns, interviews with Lizzy House and Cosmo Cricket (and more!), and lots of other goodness.  Plus it's only $8!  Click here to get more information.

***The Little Purse Tutorial yields an adorable little bag, plus it shows in detail how to add a zipper.  I need that!

***In the mood to make a spring-y dress for your little girl?  This tutorial shows how and it gives directions on sizing.  Very cute!

***Did you know it's possible to make your own deodorant?  Me neither!

***I am enjoying this new-to-me food blog.  A couple of recipes are sitting on my kitchen counter waiting to be made.  I'm hungry, are you?

I hope you have lots to smile about today!

meet mordecia, doug, desmond, simon or wilson

We can't agree on a name.  For now I am calling him Mr. Super-Handsome.

I can't believe that we have a puppy again, but the timing seemed right.  The kids are ridiculously excited and willing to help (we are going to hold them to that) and he is a perfect fit.  Great temperment, only a couple of potty accidents so far, and he sleeps a lot.  So far, so good.

Or last puppy experience was a giant disaster.  We ended up having to find a new home for her because she was (in our opinion) untrainable.  It left us all feeling like we didn't want to attempt that again, but at the same time, still wanting a dog.

My husband was the biggest hold-out, maintaining never again!" until recently.  Now here we are, doing it all over again.

Those eyes.  Isn't he the cutest?

So, my blog might become a puppy blog for a while, but I will still make sure to keep up with the crafty stuff and recipes and randomness.

As soon as we figure out what to call him I will let you know.  For now, Mr. Super-Handsome needs to be taken outside to his "potty-area".

Have a great day!

shop notes: "make it perfect" patterns

I have the new Make it Perfect patterns in my shop as well as a couple of not-so-new-but-great ones.  The top looks so comfy for lounging in on a hot summer day. 

Can't wait until hot summer days start, can you?

relief is in sight!

It's official!  My daughter is going to come work for me in June.

I don't know if I can be patient for that long.

This feels relieving and very right.  Her employer has sold her successful business and Em needs work.  What a blessing that I can provide it.

Honestly, this is going to be a bit of a stretch for me money-wise, but I am willing to try it.  I need to get some of my time back so I can be more focused in important areas.  I love my little business, but it feels like it is swallowing too much of my life lately, and I am not willing to let my family slide.

So, for now I am will stretch my arms out wide, lay on the grass, and breath a long sigh of relief. 

Metaphorically, of course. 

Really I am sitting here at the computer eating Corn Nuts and drinking orange juice while trying to make sure I don't get any of the powdery stuff on the computer keys.  Not sure if I am succeeding or not.....

See you soon!

sometimes you just have to....

...run across the creek with your husband so you can beat the kids to the car.

...eat some Corn Nuts along with a glass of orange juice.

...paint your toenails purple...or turquoise.

...buy something just because it's pretty...or fun...or perfect.

...drive with the music loud and the windows down.

...start doing The Shred again.  Aaargh, it hurts!  But it is so effective!

...make yourself some spring skirts.  All I need is some time.

...hire someone to help in the shop.  A scary step, but one that is necessary.

...have a girl's night out.  Must plan one of those soon!

What about you?  Anything that you just have to do?

energy food

Have I ever mentioned that I don't like eating breakfast?  Until about 11:00 in the morning, food just doesn't sound good to me.

However, I tend to get dizzy and a bit scatter-brained if I don't eat something earlier, especially when I exercise.  Coffee doesn't take me through my morning like I wish it would.

I made some granola bars that I like quite a bit, although I made a bunch of changes to the recipe based on what I had in the cupboards.  Cashews stood in for the almonds, Flax Seed replaced the Wheat Germ, and all I had were dried apples.  They came out tasty, not too chewy and toasty-flavored.  I  like that.

Next time I will reduce the baking time by 5 minutes so they don't brown so much.  Although that might affect the toasty taste.

Have a great day!

my sewing-class girls

The girls in my sewing class are just adorable, aren't they?

We made patchwork pillows and they came out so cute.  I love that they were so bold with their fabric choices.  No shyness about bright and crazy colors in this group!  Of course, there was some camera shyness, so the shoes in the right corner represent a pillow-maker.

Over the summer I am going to have three sewing classes for girls and we will make a tote-bag, a skirt and one undecided project.  I can't wait, but I am also nervous about how it will go.  Did I schedule enough time?  Will I have enough help?  Will the girls have fun?  Aaack, I just decided to jump in and give it a try.  These summer classes feel more formal somehow than the ones I do at co-op.

Also, I am going to have sewing nights at my house for friends.  Really, I love to do that!  A group of friends sewing and crafting together leads to refreshment and fun.

Have a great Monday!

shop notes: freebird and coming soon!

Freebird by Momo is in the shop! I am loving the greens, reds and browns in this collection and I think they would make an eye-catching quilt, don't you?

Would you like a sneak peek of Amy Butler's new line, Soul Blossoms?   It won't make an appearance until September, but this one is worth waiting for!

Also, Early Bird by Cosmo Cricket will be arriving very soon and I can't wait!  I guess I have a thing for the greens, reds and browns, eh?

See you all on Monday!