"JoAnn Fabric Is Having A Sale?!"

Like the sport itself, baseball shirts rock my world. Pink, though? What has gotten into me? Nonetheless, I expect I'll be making many more of these ... even though I already have about 4.

The Loungewear Collection

Picking the right fabric for pajama pants takes careful consideration. In the era of Fantasy Sports, team allegiances come and go. And who wants to be stuck with last year's trendy flannel? Not these kids! Never fear - Rob's love of Waffle House shines morning, noon, and night. Scattered, smothered and covered - pick it up!!

Confession

I've let you down, dear readers. Not only did I brick it and NOT enter any jams in the state fair (for no good reason either), I also neglected to make it to the Education Building and check out my would-be competition! My meager excuse is that we were caught in (well, "readily wandered through" might be more apt) a torrential downpour. And we were dismayed that the Pig Races were called off due to rain. And we were likely in a sugar coma. I mean, look at this thing!



Long story short - I paid for my jam apathy. Next year I will make it right.

Crafting For The Future

NC State Fair: A Crafter's View - October 2007

This year, my faithful fair companion Kathy and I decided to start our day with a spin around the Village Of Yesteryear, rather than speed around it at closing time while all the lawn trolls, wood carvings, and colonial teddy bears are being put away for the night. This year we saw it in its full glory, but with a touch of underlying sadness.

No need to dance around it - The Village Of Yesteryear is in danger of dying out. There are some young-ish (read: middle aged) booth operators, but even that is telling. The "Whippersnappers" are older than my parents. In the not-too-distant future, who is going to wear the bonnet and extol the virtues of braided rag rugs? Wooden spoons? Hell, even corn shuck dolls?

Perhaps I should seek out an apprenticeship with the knitter. Or the rag rug maker. The real money is in goat's milk soap, though. Those people had a line! I wonder if my grandma's lard based unscented soap would draw a similar crowd ... it's WAY more yesteryear than that rose hips-chamomile stuff.

Attitude Sold Separately

Kathy and I went to the Scrap Exchange last Friday and I first saw these. I thought about them every day, and finally went back to the store on Wednesday and bought them all. I think there are 10 total, almost all are Joan Collins related. Some are bona fide bad ass. Some are just frightening. But they are ALL awesome. I present to you a small selection from McCall's DYNASTY collection.

Only $0.25 - How Can I Resist?

I'm kind of in love with the white pants, white kerchief outfit.

Pillow Shams!

These were a cinch. The designs were inspired by a recent trip to my favorite tiki bar. Fun stuff! Now when I sit on the couch I will feel much more inclined to sip a fruity drink out of a giant fishbowl. But only if it's also on fire.

Instant Inspirado

Found these at a local recycled junk store for $0.25 each. I bought a few patterns there several months ago, before I had actually created anything with my machine. Now, it's like there's a whole new world open to me - combining my favorite things: Craftiness and Thriftiness. Does your mom or grandma still have old patterns laying around? Find them!!

Pet Sweater Update!

Here is Zoe in all of her glory! Pretty damn cute!

The Yard Is Done!

After a solid month's worth of weekends, we have completed our front yard renovations! This was basically an unplanned project that we worked on when we felt like it - which sort of makes it more satisfying. It was never a chore or unpleasant. By the way, Rob totally rocks! Always with the good attitude and clever ideas. He has another trick up his sleeve which I'll post when he's finished. Now I guess the only thing that's left to do is to sew our year's worth of decorative, seasonal flags! My Ides Of March flag is going to be the envy of the neighborhood. United Nations Day? Totally covered.

So Far, So Good

Just need to add the zipper and hem it. Am about to try it on to see if it will even be worth it - but at least it looks nice on the hanger, if nothing else!

Patterns 101

Dude. Patterns. Totally a foreign language. I can't tell you how many times I have to re-read the steps before I actually move forward. I'm at a good place with this project, though. About to move into uncharted territory with the sleeves ... we shall see ...

My New Favorite Pants

I really can't get over how comfortable these things are. I made them out of stretchy material, which was the total saving grace. I'd make another pair in a heartbeat!

Sanctioned Pet Attire - Apocalypse Now?

Never thought I'd see the day where I would put clothes on my pets. Or make clothes for pets. Or get really excited about having done both these things. Here it is. The "Casey's Coat" dog sweater from Stitch N' Bitch Nation, customized for the Philadelphia Eagles-loving Chihuahua, Zoe. Modeled here by the unsuspecting Murray.