Excitement!!

I am so excited!! I have always wanted to learn how to sew with a sewing machine and do all those seamstress things. Its finally going to happen!! I start classes next week! I have had a sewing machine for 10 years now...I used it for the first time, 4 years ago. I self taught myself the basics, like threading, replacing stuff, sewing in a straight line, and turning. I know nothing about how to sew from a pattern. I have bought several patterns over the years, some I even get as far as cutting out the fabric, but I just couldn't seem to do it. I know I must sound completely crazy, but I want to make those 50's housewife dresses!

The cats...

One thing I have been doing I have been doing a lot of is spoiling my kitties! My youngest, a boy, loves little mice, so one day when I was sewing I thought I should try making a mouse for him out of my scraps...he loves them!! What a great way for me to use the extras, plus I don't have to buy them anymore! As for my darling girl, she loves to sleep all day...so I thought I'd make her a new cat bed. She loves it! Maybe now she'll stay away from my new blanket!!

Bizzy Bee...

I have been terribly busy lately!! I guess because of all of my new resolutions!! I have kind of stuck a new one in there...I have been a little more eco-friendly lately as well. Mostly for the the saving money aspect and not because I think I am going to save the world! What have I done? I think its pretty major...at least in this house! I stopped using paper towels! Thats not to say that I don't have any paper towels...we just stopped using them. We bought a whole bunch before Christmas - you know, one of those ultra big packs...so we still have some for now. What am I using as a replacement? Those cheap-o wash cloths you buy from dollar stores, rags, and cloth diapers for big messes. So far all I have used are the wash cloths, we haven't had any big messes yet, like cat puke...so we'll have to see how that works. I have to say I love the wash cloths, their great...they last longer, and they were cheap!

I am also in the process of of switching to cloth feminine pads I have purchased some, but I have also been making some. I am having a custom order made from honeybeehill Here is a pic of some of her work...



She sells jewelry, and tea and other stuff too. I had LOTS of questions and she was very helpful.

As I said earlier, I am also making some as well. I have been hand sewing them, as I am not very good with the machine...and I didn't feel like dragging it out. I may still drag it out though...I am most likely going to need a lot more! There are all kinds of free patterns out there. So far, at least as far as hand sewing goes, I like this one. I also like this one. Which is the same thing, only longer. This is a great site with a lot of great info on fabrics, where to buy, how to make, other reusable options, and the whys of it all. Actually the biggest reason, aside from the obvious cost savings, and eco thing...is comfort!! They are so much more comfortable!!

Enough of that rant! Updates on the resolutions I have lost a little more than 3 pounds so far, I haven't bought any beads, but I did buy fabric for the pads, but I did use gift cards plus a little more. I am still working on the time thing...I have gotten better, but obviously not too much better, otherwise I would have posted before now!

I haven't been making jewelry lately, mostly because I am on my sewing spree. Aside from pads, I have made a couple monsters, some eye pillows, and overall just kind of playing around. I did finally finish my scarf, and felted it. I am also working on decorating some canvas bags for when I go to the grocery store. So basically, I have been doing everything but jewelry making!

I will try not to stay away for so long in the future. I need to get back to my once a week thing again!!