People Make All the Difference

My team at work is fantastic!

I've been super busy, not only because it's just a busy time at work, but because my boss has been on vacation for a week.  My work load triples when he's gone.

So this morning, I got a phone call, saying "Jessica, could you come in here for a second, please?"  I was thinking "great, what exploded?"  I walked in to find cake, balloons, and my whole team singing me happy birthday.  They're such sweethearts!

Ruth doesn't like to have her picture taken, but Sheree was trying to get me in action.

I don't like to keep people waiting for cake, so I went ahead and cut it.  Emory called it the "cake autopsy" photo.  We have verified that it is in fact Red Velvet cake.

Who doesn't wear black on their birthday?  I don't.  It's tomorrow. :)

Left to right, Julia, Chelsia, Jacki, Nancy, Annie, Emory.
They'd kill me if they knew their photos were on the interwebs.  ;)


Thank you all so much! You're a wonderful bunch of people to work with!

New House - Week 1

We've spent four nights in the house, and despite the fact that it's in complete disarray, it feels more like home than any place I've lived since I left for college.  Maybe it's just the knowledge that it's ours, and we can do with it what we want.

Now that all the madness is over and the dust is starting to clear, I'm trying to get my life back in order.  I haven't met my two creations a week goal in a very, very long time.  I'm making up for some of that time this week though.  I had last night to myself, and cut out two handbags and two totes, both from the 241 design.  The handbags feature the same teapot fabric as well, but one is in red.  The two totes are in Amy Butler and Robert Kaufman prints.  And I've managed to use a ton of the strange teal fabric my grandmother gave me.  I wonder how much I have left....

It's fantastic to have a designated studio space again.  I can't tell you how badly I need that.  And Rachel has her office, which is another splendid thing.  She can have as much scary stuff in there as she wants!  There is so much work to do, to make it our own.  If I think about it all at once, it becomes rather daunting.

So for all you people who have a secret creative life at home, how do you balance it all?

And how do you organize all your stuff......???

I am...

a homeowner!!!!

This is me, giddy with excitement!

There's much to do, to update it from its 70's glory.  You all can look forward to lots of photos of our journey: me, Rachel, and the house!

Exercise for Moving

What's the workout you should be doing to prepare yourself for an upcoming move?  Yoga!  I'm always an advocate (not that I look it).  

If you're having to lift heavy, awkward objects, hold them for a long time, climb over things in your storage unit/apartment/home while holding them, yoga will prepare you!  

Do you need to not fall into all of your valuable belongings, damaging them, and you?  Yoga can give you the balance you require!

Want the mental stamina to get you through hours of this grueling labor?  Center yourself with this ancient practice!  

All I can say is, I really wouldn't have survived this weekend if I hadn't been working towards that perfect half-moon pose.  

Teapot Purse for Spring

Two things happened:

1. I bought a pattern for the 241 Tote from Noodlehead.
2. I found DELICIOUS fabric at Sew to Speak that I just had to have!

The purse I had been using was a little too small, and very very autumn-y.  Thus, I went on the hunt for springy stuff.  Naturally, I found the perfect fabric for this pattern.  After reducing the size of the tote (we all know I prefer smaller purses) and adding some teal fabric from my stash, I came up with something that I'm rather pleased with!

The Teapot Purse

Side Pockets!

I bought enough fabric for a few more, so once we get settled with this move, expect to see some in the Etsy shop!  The more I sew, the better things turn out.  Who knew!  But I'm also building confidence in messing with the patterns.  It's been rather enjoyable, if I may say so!

One of the greatest thing about making things or having a skill, is being able to barter for them.  When I posted this photo, a friend of mine said she wanted one.  Well, she happens to cut hair, and very well.  She's my go-to gal.  So I said "Hey lady, want to trade purses for haircuts?"  Naturally, she said yes.  So get out there and learn something new.  Put those hands to use!  It will pay off.  It will!

The Ginko Shawl

I showed you the beautiful yarn I got from the Yarn Chef.  Now, I'd like to show you what I made from it.

The Ginko Shoulderette Shawl.

It was a project of many firsts, for me.  First shawl, first time blocking, first time working with wool.  And this was 100% wool.  I was surprised at how soft and springy it was.  It's just beautiful to use!

I don't have finished photos, but these are from the blocking process.  Oh yeah, it was the first time I tried that, too!

It's amazing how much control you have over the shape of the object.  If I had realized that, I might have started blocking much sooner!  Then again, I haven't exactly knitted much that required it. I might just block everything now!

There are a few flaws where I lost track of where I was in the pattern.  I think I'll keep this one, for that reason.  Mostly.  I'll definitely be giving it another shot in the future.  Keep an eye out for it!