Refashionista

I've been sewing.

I always surprise myself when I engage in something crafty. I'd say it happens about 4 times a year. My mom is incredibly crafty so whatever skill I eek out must come from her. So yes, I've been sewing.

I've recently lost some weight (said subtly because while I want to scream and cheer, "I'VE LOST WEIGHT", I've realized I'm a sugar-addicted, carb-loving stress-eater and I can never fully declare victory on my overindulging tendencies.) I'm down 42 pounds (42 POUNDS) and a few sizes (FEW SIZES) and so my clothes do not fit. I came across some blogs that show before and after pictures of refashioned clothes. I thought, why not try that on some of my clothes?

So out with the sewing machine. My abilities are simple, but I've taken in 3 pairs of pants, 1 top and 4 skirts so far. I'm pretty impressed with myself if I do say so. Here is the link to Refashion Nation blogs for your own inspiration.

I didn't feel comfortable taking my own before and after photos. But I will include pictures of a couple scarves I made out of T-shirts - last quarter's DIY efforts. No sewing involved for those!

Ruffle scarf (red) instructions here
Fringe scarf (blue) instructions here

Laura's Having a Baby

Okay I've had 6 nannies in as many years. Very "Murphy Brown" of me for those of you who remember that show where a new assistant came quite often. It's been circumstantial and we enjoyed every one of the women who have watched the boys. This summer we saw Katie (nanny #3) get married. Mitchell was the reason the she met her husband so we felt quite proud being in attendance. See Katie took Mitchell to therapy for a while 3 days a week and the therapist there introduced Katie to Sam.

We are now joyful Laura (nanny #4) is having a child of her own. We met Laura through a church small group - we're still together so we see Laura often. She is expecting a baby girl in December. I helped organize a shower for her this past weekend. She was so overwhelmed and appreciative of the event.

My primary role was to help with decorations. Our friend Dayna cleverly put together an activity for us instead of a game. We each made a hair clip for Laura's little girl from ribbon, felt and buttons. They were all so cute, but I walked out without a picture of them. Boo! Tonia found organic soaps online and had them customized with the baby-to-be's name, "Oakley Mae". Laura's pictured below. So fun to bless her yesterday!

Another Wreath

Really...I'm not very crafty, but I had all the supplies to make the wreath I found here: http://theredthreadblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/paper-christmas-wreath-tutorial.html (If you have trouble go to http://www.theredthreadblog.blogspot/ and search for wreath.)

Here's the inspiration:

Here's my creation. Took less than 1 hour. I used scrapbook paper, original made of heavy wrapping paper. Next time maybe more leaves and a little more curve to them. But not bad! I'm going to hang it on the sliding glass doors that lead out to our screened in porch. Like it?

Did I Say I Wasn't Crafty?

Today I made a Fall wreath for our front door. It's embarrassingly easy, but what a sense of accomplishment! I think it's pretty. All you do is tie ribbon around a wreath form. I made a smaller one last year with Christmas grosgrain. Now I can't wait to make one for spring!