Someone came into Becca's quick trip, trying to sell some things to raise the money to go see her daughter, so Becca bought a sewing machine off of her for $25. A Brother, with several stitches built in. I'm excited to see how well it works, and now I have another machine to add to my collection and to fall back on when we have more people sewing than I have room for. What a great gift
and now on to the studio space ..... seems to be the needed first step in getting back to work after so long. Except for just a couple of things, I haven't been in the sewing room since before vacation, and it rather looked like it.
I make these endless lists of things that need to be done, but I seem to have no way to get them done because I am too busy cleaning and organizing. I have a "new" method of gathering all the items I am going to need for the project and getting them into one of my bins, and then adding a sticky note to my board that tells me where I put the bin. There are so many projects and I simply have to get more of the marked off and see some progress.
My knitting is going well. The new scarf pattern is working well (even tho I was confused) and is knitting up pretty quickly.
I have got to get sweaters in the mail, so the other sewing may have to wait until then. It takes much longer than I was told to get things to Megan, and I am already way past the date as to when they should have been mailed.
their weather is just now turning chilly, so the sweaters will be all in good timing, at least!
today a bit of child care before I can finish my morning and get on with my day. An appointment this afternoon is going to take time away, but I'll be able to knit tonight I'm sure, and be able to get things moving along again in no time.
Start the new year with a new plan and stay busy. Its so much better for me when I do!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. EVEN DAYS THAT ARE TOO BUSY AND STRESSFUL.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
UFO sighting
I always have this huge long list of projects that should have been finished a long time ago, and of course as we move into the new year, I have to say that the list has never been longer or more ignored. There are things that I had wanted to do for Christmas that are still sitting and waiting. Nothing changes unless you make it change, and yes, it does only take that first step, but then you have to keep stepping after that.
Since I got sick at the end of November, I haven't gotten my energy back, and so it has been very hard to get back to work. Schedules are off and the right time to sew just doesn't seem to show up.
That has to change, I am hoping starting right now. Today is a good day to begin, and that is just what I intend to do. The first set of UFO's need to be lined up, all the parts found, set up and ready to sew, including the mending bin. It's time for things to change and they are not going to change by my making lists of all my failures. This year I need a book of successes. It's time to get moving!!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
Since I got sick at the end of November, I haven't gotten my energy back, and so it has been very hard to get back to work. Schedules are off and the right time to sew just doesn't seem to show up.
That has to change, I am hoping starting right now. Today is a good day to begin, and that is just what I intend to do. The first set of UFO's need to be lined up, all the parts found, set up and ready to sew, including the mending bin. It's time for things to change and they are not going to change by my making lists of all my failures. This year I need a book of successes. It's time to get moving!!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Christmas success
All of the crochet and knitting that I did for Christmas worked out very well. Becca and Ariel's afghan is great. The size is just right and they seemed very please.
Bobbi liked her hat, and like the fact that I was able to find gloves in almost the same color as the hat. It was such a fast piece, I think I'd like to make more to put on etsy.
Brett's hat.... in my opinion, was perfect. I'm not sure that he'll ever wear it, but it fit and looks great. I almost wish I had made it longer, but seeing as it was more something I wanted to make than that he wanted and will wear, I did the right thing.
I found a blog today that has me inspired to create my retro dresses. I've been collecting patterns and I really need to put them to use. I need to refer back to the blog, which gives great directions on creating the crinoline that goes under the dresses, and how to make the gathering at the waist adjustable.
I have a lot of projects on my list, so this might have to wait for a little while, but be assured, it is going to be something I'll be looking for fabric to put away and create these wonderful 1950's dresses that I love.
For now, I must be content with finishing some old projects so that I can move forward with a sewing room that is not so cluttered and allows me to work efficiently! Gotta love that word in my life. Effect and Efficient!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!!
Bobbi liked her hat, and like the fact that I was able to find gloves in almost the same color as the hat. It was such a fast piece, I think I'd like to make more to put on etsy.
Brett's hat.... in my opinion, was perfect. I'm not sure that he'll ever wear it, but it fit and looks great. I almost wish I had made it longer, but seeing as it was more something I wanted to make than that he wanted and will wear, I did the right thing.
I found a blog today that has me inspired to create my retro dresses. I've been collecting patterns and I really need to put them to use. I need to refer back to the blog, which gives great directions on creating the crinoline that goes under the dresses, and how to make the gathering at the waist adjustable.
I have a lot of projects on my list, so this might have to wait for a little while, but be assured, it is going to be something I'll be looking for fabric to put away and create these wonderful 1950's dresses that I love.
For now, I must be content with finishing some old projects so that I can move forward with a sewing room that is not so cluttered and allows me to work efficiently! Gotta love that word in my life. Effect and Efficient!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Successful shopping....
Yesterday's shopping trip went better than I had thought that it would, leaving me free all day today. I had a day out planned, but when that fell through, I think I'll use the time to stay quiet and work on a gift or two. I don't have much to finish and it'll be so good to be done.
I knew that if I waited long enough, the decisions would be made for me, and that seems to be just the case. It's funny how hard you work in one direction, and the forces seems to just work against you. Giving in really is the best thing when you can't make it go your way.
It is a lesson I learned long ago, when my sister in law said she just made the clay into what it wanted to be..... I learned that sometimes you tend to force something to be something it doesn't want to be. Your project comes out badly and your time and energy feel wasted. Such as the case with this project, although it was not art related, it was creative and it has slipped through my fingers. Conversations planned that now will not happen.
A hat and maybe cowl to make, and I'm done for this year. Wrapping everything is all that is left to do. That feels really good!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
I knew that if I waited long enough, the decisions would be made for me, and that seems to be just the case. It's funny how hard you work in one direction, and the forces seems to just work against you. Giving in really is the best thing when you can't make it go your way.
It is a lesson I learned long ago, when my sister in law said she just made the clay into what it wanted to be..... I learned that sometimes you tend to force something to be something it doesn't want to be. Your project comes out badly and your time and energy feel wasted. Such as the case with this project, although it was not art related, it was creative and it has slipped through my fingers. Conversations planned that now will not happen.
A hat and maybe cowl to make, and I'm done for this year. Wrapping everything is all that is left to do. That feels really good!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Happy Yule!
The solstice has arrived, it is now offically winter. And we did get some snow last night, so it even looks like winter. Sort of. Not very much snow.
It does remind me, however, how much I'd like to be somewhere else this year. Winter just isn't as much fun as it used to be.
As people we posting on facebook yesterday about finishing gifts, I got this great idea of creating a group of gift exchanges, where everyone would make something that they are really good at, in exchange for something that they are not so good at. It might be fun to see if it would work one month. I'm afraid everyone would have to put the money value on it, tho, and that might deter some people from joining. We'll have to see if we even get the Christmas group off the ground at all.
I am down to a couple of hems and elastics, and one dress and one hat. The only one that I am at all concerned about is the dress, but being out of money and not out of fabric, this can and will be done. I can do some more wrapping tonight so that I have room to cut fabric, and then all will be good.
The hat will be a nice relaxing project and again, not much time will have to be put into it. I do wish it could be more, but I'm afraid it will have to do this time.
Off and running today, so much to get done. Only a few more days and a good part of the stress will be over.
Then I can begin to worry about Next Year!!
WHAT CREATIVE THINGS ARE YOU DOING TODAY?
It does remind me, however, how much I'd like to be somewhere else this year. Winter just isn't as much fun as it used to be.
As people we posting on facebook yesterday about finishing gifts, I got this great idea of creating a group of gift exchanges, where everyone would make something that they are really good at, in exchange for something that they are not so good at. It might be fun to see if it would work one month. I'm afraid everyone would have to put the money value on it, tho, and that might deter some people from joining. We'll have to see if we even get the Christmas group off the ground at all.
I am down to a couple of hems and elastics, and one dress and one hat. The only one that I am at all concerned about is the dress, but being out of money and not out of fabric, this can and will be done. I can do some more wrapping tonight so that I have room to cut fabric, and then all will be good.
The hat will be a nice relaxing project and again, not much time will have to be put into it. I do wish it could be more, but I'm afraid it will have to do this time.
Off and running today, so much to get done. Only a few more days and a good part of the stress will be over.
Then I can begin to worry about Next Year!!
WHAT CREATIVE THINGS ARE YOU DOING TODAY?
Friday, December 16, 2011
Free Art Friday
The idea behind Free Art Friday is to create something and randomly leave it behind for someone to find, and I think this sounds like such a fun idea. I'd like to get involved in this, and maybe I can find some thing that I feel I'm good enough at to leave for someone. It would almost have to be a graphic design if I was drawing, because I just can't seem to get my hand and mind to talk the same language when I am drawing.
Yesterday I spent some time cleaning the sewing room and finally finished the two items that have to be mailed today, so I felt pretty good about that as I was wrapping presents last night. Everything that has to be mailed is finished, and although I know everything is going to be late, it is at least ready to get out of my house. That can't be bad news no matter how you look at it.
I have all of next week to finish the Christmas sewing for those here in town, but the energy is still pretty low and I'm not at all sure that I'll be doing as much as I want to. This, of course, leaves me with the knowledge that I need to cut back in several areas and simply do what needs to be done.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY.
Yesterday I spent some time cleaning the sewing room and finally finished the two items that have to be mailed today, so I felt pretty good about that as I was wrapping presents last night. Everything that has to be mailed is finished, and although I know everything is going to be late, it is at least ready to get out of my house. That can't be bad news no matter how you look at it.
I have all of next week to finish the Christmas sewing for those here in town, but the energy is still pretty low and I'm not at all sure that I'll be doing as much as I want to. This, of course, leaves me with the knowledge that I need to cut back in several areas and simply do what needs to be done.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Use it up...
Most of my knitting and crochet projects have to do with using yarn that I already have, and when I needed some mindless work last night, I gave myself permission to start new hat. It will be very fast, in crochet, and I'll use two light weight wools worked together to make a nice, but still light weight. Most of the patterns I found asked for bulky yarn, but I didn't want anything that heavy right now.
So after searching for a free pattern that I liked, starting and ripping out 4 times, I finally decided on a simple single crochet with bands of double crochet every three rows. It'll be fine. The crown is magenta and black, but i'm thinking I'm going to change to the other two colors and see if I can use up all of the yard of that type that I have left, alternating them in wide stripes. That will be fun and acomplish one more thing used up and no longer stored.
It is sort of frustrating how fussy I got over a hat pattern, and how hard it was to read a pattern with my head hurting so much. What I ended up with was not that far off from the first pattern and then, of course, I know how to make a hat without a pattern, so I lost an hour doing the trial and error part of the hat.
I actually hope to finish it tonight. I wonder if pledge time on PBS is over and I can go back to my Thursday night shows. I hope so, because tv and crochet sounds like the perfect way to end this day.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. IT FEELS SO MUCH BETTER WHEN YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO SOMETHING. ANY LITTLE CREATIVE SOMETHING!
So after searching for a free pattern that I liked, starting and ripping out 4 times, I finally decided on a simple single crochet with bands of double crochet every three rows. It'll be fine. The crown is magenta and black, but i'm thinking I'm going to change to the other two colors and see if I can use up all of the yard of that type that I have left, alternating them in wide stripes. That will be fun and acomplish one more thing used up and no longer stored.
It is sort of frustrating how fussy I got over a hat pattern, and how hard it was to read a pattern with my head hurting so much. What I ended up with was not that far off from the first pattern and then, of course, I know how to make a hat without a pattern, so I lost an hour doing the trial and error part of the hat.
I actually hope to finish it tonight. I wonder if pledge time on PBS is over and I can go back to my Thursday night shows. I hope so, because tv and crochet sounds like the perfect way to end this day.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. IT FEELS SO MUCH BETTER WHEN YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO SOMETHING. ANY LITTLE CREATIVE SOMETHING!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
One more done
Birthday sweater number 9 for this year is finally completely finished, and number one for next year is more than half way done. I'm getting excited again, the progress is good for me.
I've not had to buy very much year this year, making do with what I have for a while yet. I know it is not going to be so much longer before I have nothing "fit" to work with, but for now, I think I can manage a couple more kid sweaters and I have several sweaters picked out for myself to knit. All for me.
I'm getting anxious to get started on one of them, but I promised myself I'd finish the scrap afghans before I start another project. That won't be too bad once the next couple of sweaters are done. I am sure I can make myself wait it out and I know that I'll feel so much better if I do.
In the meantime, the yarn sits in a basket in the corner of my sitting room, teasing and taunting me. Such wonderful colors, a knubby yarn called Dragon, with pinks and bright teals in it, that I plan to mix with other yarns and other colors, to create a diagonal striped long sweater. Of course, I am always worried about having enough yarn to do the sweater the length that I want to, so there will have to be some careful planning.
Of course before I can begin on that, I need to finished Alex's sweater, Antonio's sweater and at least Cameron's sweater, not to mention said scrap afghans. I can do this. Honest I can!!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. DO LOTS OF THINGS ON SUNDAYS! IT'S SO GOOD FOR THE SOUL
I've not had to buy very much year this year, making do with what I have for a while yet. I know it is not going to be so much longer before I have nothing "fit" to work with, but for now, I think I can manage a couple more kid sweaters and I have several sweaters picked out for myself to knit. All for me.
I'm getting anxious to get started on one of them, but I promised myself I'd finish the scrap afghans before I start another project. That won't be too bad once the next couple of sweaters are done. I am sure I can make myself wait it out and I know that I'll feel so much better if I do.
In the meantime, the yarn sits in a basket in the corner of my sitting room, teasing and taunting me. Such wonderful colors, a knubby yarn called Dragon, with pinks and bright teals in it, that I plan to mix with other yarns and other colors, to create a diagonal striped long sweater. Of course, I am always worried about having enough yarn to do the sweater the length that I want to, so there will have to be some careful planning.
Of course before I can begin on that, I need to finished Alex's sweater, Antonio's sweater and at least Cameron's sweater, not to mention said scrap afghans. I can do this. Honest I can!!
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. DO LOTS OF THINGS ON SUNDAYS! IT'S SO GOOD FOR THE SOUL
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Decorating!
It is so time to get some of the Christmas boxes out of the dungeon...er.... basement, and go through them. I want to make some merriement and joy, adding color to the end of the year, and light to remind the sun to shine as well.
I bought some new lights from the Target cheap bin yesterday, and some fun little swirls that I hope to add to my tree. Maybe today I can get two bins done. Is that a good goal? I sure hope so. And maybe I can also make some decision on what Christmas I'd like to keep and what I can get rid of now. There is just too much for me, so much that is not used.
My creative outlets today include a long list. I simply must get cloth cut and sewed into gifts. I only have a couple of things that have to be done right now, so I'm not too worried. I want those two boxes sealed by tomorrow night.
I want to put my tree up in my sitting room, but I want to move furniture around first, and seeing as taking a deep breath is difficult, that will have to wait a few more days. I can, though, get some other things out and make the room begin to look festive.
I need to finish one birthday sweater and get it wrapped, ready to be mailed on Monday as well. The post office must love me
I need to press and take pictures of all the Christmas items that should have been on Etsy weeks ago.
And I need to keep re assessing the list of things I'd like to get done over the next year. What is it that I really want to be remembered for? I need to think harder about this.
SO OF COURSE TODAY'S COLOR MUST BE RED. I NICE BRIGHT CHRISTMAS RED.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. TODAY, DO SEVERAL THINGS!
I bought some new lights from the Target cheap bin yesterday, and some fun little swirls that I hope to add to my tree. Maybe today I can get two bins done. Is that a good goal? I sure hope so. And maybe I can also make some decision on what Christmas I'd like to keep and what I can get rid of now. There is just too much for me, so much that is not used.
My creative outlets today include a long list. I simply must get cloth cut and sewed into gifts. I only have a couple of things that have to be done right now, so I'm not too worried. I want those two boxes sealed by tomorrow night.
I want to put my tree up in my sitting room, but I want to move furniture around first, and seeing as taking a deep breath is difficult, that will have to wait a few more days. I can, though, get some other things out and make the room begin to look festive.
I need to finish one birthday sweater and get it wrapped, ready to be mailed on Monday as well. The post office must love me
I need to press and take pictures of all the Christmas items that should have been on Etsy weeks ago.
And I need to keep re assessing the list of things I'd like to get done over the next year. What is it that I really want to be remembered for? I need to think harder about this.
SO OF COURSE TODAY'S COLOR MUST BE RED. I NICE BRIGHT CHRISTMAS RED.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. TODAY, DO SEVERAL THINGS!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Free Art Fridays
I tend to leave my sewing days for "work" days, and my art days for a spirit lift on Sunday, but Mark Lipinski's blog mentioned Free Art Fridays this morning, and I thought this sounded like such a good idea. Free Art. Doodle? Maybe that is when I would like to work on my Great Idea's Deck, drawing a few cards and then doing some doodling.
Friday is my desk day. Financials. Money this and that. End of the month that should have already been done. Goals for the next month. Pushing to figure out a way out of this horrible lack of basic money.
A good reward would be Free Art. I just love the idea all the sudden.
I have a few of the pattern companies on my face book, and I just saw a new fancy apron pattern that I love. It would be fun to have a fancy hostess apron for Christmas, to go with the "everyday" aprons that I sell.
There was also a wonderful pattern for a wedding dress that had the most amazing sleeve design, made to look like a flower at the shoulders. I might have to get that pattern as well and think about how to make that.
In a magazine I bought a few months ago is a pattern for a wrap dress that promises to be easy, and there are skirts that I'd like to be doing as well, in several sizes, for sale.
The problem is that I want to do a bit of everything. I really need to settle on something that I can master well, and then move on to something else to add to it. Clothing seems to be my best idea, because that is where I started learning to sew. Everything else needs to be icing on the cake, so to speak.
It's time to go through patterns and decide just how many I want to keep, and just where it is that I want to keep them. I have way too many in my sewing room for comfort, and it is past time to downsize them into a managable amount.
Creative today is going to be a little creative bookkeeping, pressing some items to take pictures of to sell, and fiinding the room to cut out some Christmas items. I'm not sure how much sewing I'll actually get done, but I certainly am heading in that direction.
Every year the "new" color of the year for the industy is announced. This year it is a nice vibrant orange. I'll have to look up the name again, but I think that will be my color of the day. Energy orange. Orange is good when it makes you get off your butt and moving forward.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!! TODAY TOO!!
Friday is my desk day. Financials. Money this and that. End of the month that should have already been done. Goals for the next month. Pushing to figure out a way out of this horrible lack of basic money.
A good reward would be Free Art. I just love the idea all the sudden.
I have a few of the pattern companies on my face book, and I just saw a new fancy apron pattern that I love. It would be fun to have a fancy hostess apron for Christmas, to go with the "everyday" aprons that I sell.
There was also a wonderful pattern for a wedding dress that had the most amazing sleeve design, made to look like a flower at the shoulders. I might have to get that pattern as well and think about how to make that.
In a magazine I bought a few months ago is a pattern for a wrap dress that promises to be easy, and there are skirts that I'd like to be doing as well, in several sizes, for sale.
The problem is that I want to do a bit of everything. I really need to settle on something that I can master well, and then move on to something else to add to it. Clothing seems to be my best idea, because that is where I started learning to sew. Everything else needs to be icing on the cake, so to speak.
It's time to go through patterns and decide just how many I want to keep, and just where it is that I want to keep them. I have way too many in my sewing room for comfort, and it is past time to downsize them into a managable amount.
Creative today is going to be a little creative bookkeeping, pressing some items to take pictures of to sell, and fiinding the room to cut out some Christmas items. I'm not sure how much sewing I'll actually get done, but I certainly am heading in that direction.
Every year the "new" color of the year for the industy is announced. This year it is a nice vibrant orange. I'll have to look up the name again, but I think that will be my color of the day. Energy orange. Orange is good when it makes you get off your butt and moving forward.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!! TODAY TOO!!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
I lost my studio!
I know where it used to be, right there at the end of the hall, behind the door that keeps the cats out, but last night when I opened said door, I realized that Christmas has taken over. And not in a good way.
My creative push yesterday was more toward some organization of Christmas so that I can get it wrapped and packed. Lists are being made and re made. Lines crossed out and re written. Now why did I buy.....
Today after the funeral is going to have to be a shopping trip. Some of the things that I bought on the last trip just didn't work, and I'll either take them back or use them to add to gifts to round out numbers. I'm leaning towards taking them back. There isn't very much money left right now to spend on the last of the things to be mailed, but I am also out of time and I really need to get things moving.
I'll be running some elastics and hemming some sleep pants, and the rest is just for wrapping right now. I'm looking forward to this time of year less and less all the time. I actually had a stress breakdown yesterday, and I know that I just take too much on myself and somehow think that I can do it all, and have it all done in time as well.
So today's color is black. The color of mourning for this family. We have to say goodbye to my children's grandfather, and then slowly turn and look toward the future. The death was a relief of sorts, the pain is gone, as is that need for caregiving.
DO SOMETHNG CREATIVE EVERY DAY!! EVEN ON THE DAYS THAT YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT.
My creative push yesterday was more toward some organization of Christmas so that I can get it wrapped and packed. Lists are being made and re made. Lines crossed out and re written. Now why did I buy.....
Today after the funeral is going to have to be a shopping trip. Some of the things that I bought on the last trip just didn't work, and I'll either take them back or use them to add to gifts to round out numbers. I'm leaning towards taking them back. There isn't very much money left right now to spend on the last of the things to be mailed, but I am also out of time and I really need to get things moving.
I'll be running some elastics and hemming some sleep pants, and the rest is just for wrapping right now. I'm looking forward to this time of year less and less all the time. I actually had a stress breakdown yesterday, and I know that I just take too much on myself and somehow think that I can do it all, and have it all done in time as well.
So today's color is black. The color of mourning for this family. We have to say goodbye to my children's grandfather, and then slowly turn and look toward the future. The death was a relief of sorts, the pain is gone, as is that need for caregiving.
DO SOMETHNG CREATIVE EVERY DAY!! EVEN ON THE DAYS THAT YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
What To Do Today?
I did just a bit too much yesterday, adding a couple loads of laundry to my wish list of already done items, but it did feel good to do something, even if it meant getting to that shakey tired feeling.
I did work on my December schedule, color coding the different types of activities. Green was yesterday's color, so all my work hours and jobs were written in green. Green for money. Green shows up so nice too. I like green. Maybe I should look for some green yarn and see if I an make myself a green sweater soon.
The first draft of the schedule was actually done in the morning, sitting at my desk, looking out the window at the crisp fall air. I watched the squirrels playing and had an entertaining time while I thought about how I was wanted to arrange my day and get enough in it to make myself feel like I am moving forward
I also re wrote my project goals for next year already, because the goals for this last year were not met very well. I did get most of my orders and birthday sweaters done, and even a few Christmas items, but as for anything else..... not really.
So today is going to have to be quieter day. I need to remember to rest and take care of that need to over do. I've already moved a couple of things in the sitting room, making room for a furniture move that i hope to do this week yet, and for some Christmas decorating.
Maybe today's color should be blue. I am almost to the blue part of the sweater that I am knitting and blue is a nice calm color. Blue it is
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
I did work on my December schedule, color coding the different types of activities. Green was yesterday's color, so all my work hours and jobs were written in green. Green for money. Green shows up so nice too. I like green. Maybe I should look for some green yarn and see if I an make myself a green sweater soon.
The first draft of the schedule was actually done in the morning, sitting at my desk, looking out the window at the crisp fall air. I watched the squirrels playing and had an entertaining time while I thought about how I was wanted to arrange my day and get enough in it to make myself feel like I am moving forward
I also re wrote my project goals for next year already, because the goals for this last year were not met very well. I did get most of my orders and birthday sweaters done, and even a few Christmas items, but as for anything else..... not really.
So today is going to have to be quieter day. I need to remember to rest and take care of that need to over do. I've already moved a couple of things in the sitting room, making room for a furniture move that i hope to do this week yet, and for some Christmas decorating.
Maybe today's color should be blue. I am almost to the blue part of the sweater that I am knitting and blue is a nice calm color. Blue it is
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Christmas is coming!
I think the timing of going to visit my sister, and then to get So sick when I got home has really put some pressure on me to get some work down on Christmas, and to revise next years goals already. Many of the goals for this year simply were not met, not even tried to meet them. Every year I set the same goals and every year I fall short
Birthday sweaters for the grandchildren are the top of the list right now because it is so difficult to be on my feet, or even sitting at the sewing machine, for very long. It won't be long, and Christmas in this house is often late. There seems to be now way around that.
The sewing room turning studio is going to be a priorety this year, and in so many more ways than it was in the past. The boxes and bins of fabric need to start going away, so that it is easier to see and understand what it is that I have left to work with. And then I need to pick a clear direction and move toward that end. Each bit of cleaning that I can do will help. Today I am starting to organizing the first boxes to be mailed, and I have decided that moving some furniture is going to be needed to make the space just a little easier to use and move around in.
The goal board needs to be re-done to reflect only the goals for that month and nothing else. I am looking too far ahead and not allowing my brain to figure out each project. Perhaps the right side of the board could reflect some other crafts that I would like to be doing, to remind myself that there is more to my art than sewing.
With more than 25 people that I would like to help with Christmas with, I need to be able to complete at least two projects every single month, and so that is going to have to be reflected in the purple book with this rest of the goals for Etsy and the house, let alone myself.
This can be done, and with less frantic energy than I have used in the past. It is time for there to be health in all areas of my life..... not just physical health, but spirit, acedmeic, financial, relationships, etc.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. TODAY'S COLOR IS GREEN. WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH GREEN TODAY!
Birthday sweaters for the grandchildren are the top of the list right now because it is so difficult to be on my feet, or even sitting at the sewing machine, for very long. It won't be long, and Christmas in this house is often late. There seems to be now way around that.
The sewing room turning studio is going to be a priorety this year, and in so many more ways than it was in the past. The boxes and bins of fabric need to start going away, so that it is easier to see and understand what it is that I have left to work with. And then I need to pick a clear direction and move toward that end. Each bit of cleaning that I can do will help. Today I am starting to organizing the first boxes to be mailed, and I have decided that moving some furniture is going to be needed to make the space just a little easier to use and move around in.
The goal board needs to be re-done to reflect only the goals for that month and nothing else. I am looking too far ahead and not allowing my brain to figure out each project. Perhaps the right side of the board could reflect some other crafts that I would like to be doing, to remind myself that there is more to my art than sewing.
With more than 25 people that I would like to help with Christmas with, I need to be able to complete at least two projects every single month, and so that is going to have to be reflected in the purple book with this rest of the goals for Etsy and the house, let alone myself.
This can be done, and with less frantic energy than I have used in the past. It is time for there to be health in all areas of my life..... not just physical health, but spirit, acedmeic, financial, relationships, etc.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY. TODAY'S COLOR IS GREEN. WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH GREEN TODAY!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Sewing, Sewing, Sewing
I got to spend a couple of weeks at my sister's house in November, and it was really good for my sewing. I have some put away items almost done now, including a queen size quilt top, two wall hangings, an afghan and a birthday sweater. Now pictures yet, because they will all be gifts in this next month
Now I need to find some very quick things to make for Christmas. A stay in the hospital has robbed me not only of money but of energy to get anything done at all. I'm still able to knit and sew, but finding things that can be done quickly is getting to be quite difficult
I'm thinking all sorts of bags for most of the ladies. Big carry all bags and small jewerly type bags. Maybe some scarves for the younger girls. I think the boys are always the hardest to figure out, but if I put my mind to it, I'll come up with something that will be just as fun.
I really can't wait for December to be over so that I can get back on my January list from last year, and maybe I'll actually get the things done this year. That would be so exciting for me. I can't wait to see what my needles turn out this time
Time to make a list of the must buy items and see just how far I can stretch my meager budget plus postage.
HO HO HO
Now I need to find some very quick things to make for Christmas. A stay in the hospital has robbed me not only of money but of energy to get anything done at all. I'm still able to knit and sew, but finding things that can be done quickly is getting to be quite difficult
I'm thinking all sorts of bags for most of the ladies. Big carry all bags and small jewerly type bags. Maybe some scarves for the younger girls. I think the boys are always the hardest to figure out, but if I put my mind to it, I'll come up with something that will be just as fun.
I really can't wait for December to be over so that I can get back on my January list from last year, and maybe I'll actually get the things done this year. That would be so exciting for me. I can't wait to see what my needles turn out this time
Time to make a list of the must buy items and see just how far I can stretch my meager budget plus postage.
HO HO HO
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Where is that list?
Summer sewing is over. I still have MANY projects from winter and spring that never got done. Rachel was able to give me more sewing than ever, and so my own project list suffered greatly. I certainly am not complaining, but it is so good to get back to creating what i want to do again.
I've had a nasty bit of pnemonia that is zapping my energy and any desire to work, but I'm also taking a CFIDS self help class and learning some pacing techniques that seems to be helping. Instead of not sewing at all, I am trying harder to sew for just a few minutes and get done what I can.
Last week's sewing time as all taken up with business paper work that had built up since May, but now that is done and the dreaded Shadbelly coat is more than half way done. I need to find the cords to my camera and phone so that I can get some pictures up.
Today I finished a long robe for myself, doing one of the pockets twice because I had placed it wrong. I am finished with the main knitting for Gabbi's birthday (long past due of course) and I started altering a shirt for Ariel's costume.
Tomorrow is desk day, so it is going to be hard to fit sewing time in, but I will have to do just that on the costume, and maybe a few other things too. I'm really getting anxious about that very long to do list.
New items up on Etsy.com. Feels so good to see pictures of my things, all waiting to find new homes.
The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
Albert Einstein
I've had a nasty bit of pnemonia that is zapping my energy and any desire to work, but I'm also taking a CFIDS self help class and learning some pacing techniques that seems to be helping. Instead of not sewing at all, I am trying harder to sew for just a few minutes and get done what I can.
Last week's sewing time as all taken up with business paper work that had built up since May, but now that is done and the dreaded Shadbelly coat is more than half way done. I need to find the cords to my camera and phone so that I can get some pictures up.
Today I finished a long robe for myself, doing one of the pockets twice because I had placed it wrong. I am finished with the main knitting for Gabbi's birthday (long past due of course) and I started altering a shirt for Ariel's costume.
Tomorrow is desk day, so it is going to be hard to fit sewing time in, but I will have to do just that on the costume, and maybe a few other things too. I'm really getting anxious about that very long to do list.
New items up on Etsy.com. Feels so good to see pictures of my things, all waiting to find new homes.
The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
Albert Einstein
Friday, January 21, 2011
projects list growing
i wonder how many projects i can get started. i have myself surrounded with knitting bags and yarn, all over the place.
two scrap afghans are in the works. one of them is almost done, but i'm already eyeing another afghan
my fur sweater is more than halfway done, and yet there it sits this week, while i work on birthday sweaters
cameron's was started before christmas, but the knitting on the small needles is slow and so i've set it aside a bit
antonio's is now almost half way, but i've realized i don't have enough yarn. i'm goind to have to think about how to fix that. i can not buy any more yarn
and so i started selena's sweater, which i think is the one that i am supposed to be working on this month. it is coming out really nice, love the colors. i'm going to convert the knit sleeve directions into crochet i think. i'm liking how fast this is going
and then i have a pair of socks that i started month ago, my take along project. i guess i quit going places....
let's see if i can mark off one of these before i start another project!
two scrap afghans are in the works. one of them is almost done, but i'm already eyeing another afghan
my fur sweater is more than halfway done, and yet there it sits this week, while i work on birthday sweaters
cameron's was started before christmas, but the knitting on the small needles is slow and so i've set it aside a bit
antonio's is now almost half way, but i've realized i don't have enough yarn. i'm goind to have to think about how to fix that. i can not buy any more yarn
and so i started selena's sweater, which i think is the one that i am supposed to be working on this month. it is coming out really nice, love the colors. i'm going to convert the knit sleeve directions into crochet i think. i'm liking how fast this is going
and then i have a pair of socks that i started month ago, my take along project. i guess i quit going places....
let's see if i can mark off one of these before i start another project!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday is cut day
I need a mantra or two to remind me what it is that I'd like to be doing at the moment, in order to be the most productive and the most creative at the same time.
I promised myself, several times over the last few years, that I would start Christmas in January and work on through, shopping and sewing and getting things put away. I had great luck in finding the perfect sweater on sale and so that has been put away. And then, in going through some bins, I found some boxers I had made for the girls years ago that were not quite finished. They are finished now, and today I cut out sleep pants and boxers for seven of the grandbabies and one adult. That feels really good. Something on the list that can be finished and marked off the list, that will actually make my life so much easier next year.
Its hard for me to finish things, and that has been a goal for a long time as well. Last year I did really well and this year, the list of FINISHED is going to be even longer and it is going to include even more use of old fabric or started projects. This is going to be the best year yet. I have no doubt.
I have made the decision to close my website and move to etsy. i need to take pictures of everything I have made, taking the photo's in esty style, and get things listed as soon as possible. It can not sell if no one knows it is available.
Great plans, perfect goals. Now I need to put them in to action.
I promised myself, several times over the last few years, that I would start Christmas in January and work on through, shopping and sewing and getting things put away. I had great luck in finding the perfect sweater on sale and so that has been put away. And then, in going through some bins, I found some boxers I had made for the girls years ago that were not quite finished. They are finished now, and today I cut out sleep pants and boxers for seven of the grandbabies and one adult. That feels really good. Something on the list that can be finished and marked off the list, that will actually make my life so much easier next year.
Its hard for me to finish things, and that has been a goal for a long time as well. Last year I did really well and this year, the list of FINISHED is going to be even longer and it is going to include even more use of old fabric or started projects. This is going to be the best year yet. I have no doubt.
I have made the decision to close my website and move to etsy. i need to take pictures of everything I have made, taking the photo's in esty style, and get things listed as soon as possible. It can not sell if no one knows it is available.
Great plans, perfect goals. Now I need to put them in to action.
"Problems can not be solved on the same level of thinking that created them"
Einstein
Sunday, January 9, 2011
back to work!
i think i took a little too much time off, because i can tell i'm out of sync and can't seem to get moving in the "finishing" direction all the sudden.
but finishing is just what i need to be doing!
first on the list is putting the flowers on Gabi's dress. it just needs to be pressed and it'll be ready to go
next of course will be finishing Liam's clothes, just buttons and elastics now. that should be easy enough for tomorrow.
some success always motivates me to keep moving in that direction. maybe i could actually do alex and Cameron on Tuesday? finish wrapping and sealing the boxes to get all of them in the mail. i can't wait to get them off the table!
creative minds are rarely tidy
but finishing is just what i need to be doing!
first on the list is putting the flowers on Gabi's dress. it just needs to be pressed and it'll be ready to go
next of course will be finishing Liam's clothes, just buttons and elastics now. that should be easy enough for tomorrow.
some success always motivates me to keep moving in that direction. maybe i could actually do alex and Cameron on Tuesday? finish wrapping and sealing the boxes to get all of them in the mail. i can't wait to get them off the table!
creative minds are rarely tidy
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