Living My Creative Life

Baby gifts are the best!

2011-09-24T08:48:00.001-07:00

I love baby girl gifts, the amount of cuteness is limitless. I aslo love sewing baby gifts, because they really are a great way to work on sewing techiques. Espically for me just learning how to sew. This project, as many first time projects for me. I started off with the Made by Rae Itty bitty baby dress, I loved working on this because I have never worked with piping before. I was really happy with the results, I just worked very slowly with my zipper foot and the results look pretty good. The only modifcation I made to the pattern was to exclude the bias tape at the bottom.

I then moved onto the Bib, I've had this bib pattern forever and it's my "go to". Unfortunatley I don't have the origination of the pattern to share, but there are alot of good ones out there. Now for the applique flower, I tried free motion quilting for the first time. I still need alot of practice, I found I just couldn't get a comfortable hold on the garment so there was a wholelota slipping going on. But I love the messy finished result.

Once I was done with the bib, I still wanted to work with applique because I was inspired by Sew Like My Mom I've never tried applique with the zig zag stitch. So I created the burp cloth with the baby's first Initial. I was kinda surprise at how easy it was, I just went super slow and it all worked out...I think with some more practice I'll be a pro. I think I might have to try Bean-Bag Initials next, I'm going to a 3yr old's birthday pretty soon and I think this might just be the perfect gift.

Overall I'm extremely happy with the gift and I hope Mommy loves it as much as I enjoyed making it for the little one. Here is my favorite shot seeing it all together.

I also had to make sure the gift was wrapped and presented with love! Stamped a little tag & we were ready to go party!

If any of you are just learning to sew, I would recommend any of these patterns. The really go quick and the cutting isn't entimidating and the end poduct is just full of cuteness!

Happy Creations

Yes, I'm still Knitting

2011-09-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged lately about any of my knitting projects, seems as if I never have quite enough time to share all my crafting stories with you. I found some time this beautiful Sunday to take some pictures of my recent finished and current WIPS!

First finished item is my Summer Flies, this shawl was so satisfying to knit because it was super quick...only 3days of knitting! The yarn from The Fibre Company The Fibre Company is "A"mazing, I loved every knitting minute of it and will be stock piling more of this in the future.

Next up is the Wisp, what can I say about this pattern I just love it I think this is the only pattern that I can say I've knit multiple times. It's a simple pattern that creates a timeless scarf/cowl. I love the sparkle in this yarn!

My Grandma has requested a neck warmie...so the easy knitted neck scarf is the result from that request. This took me forever to finish, I think I started this right before my sewing purchase so this kinda took a back burner. But I remembered when I picked it back up why I loved it so, this cascade epiphany yarn is just beautiful to knit with I mean 60% Alpaca/20% Silk/20% Cashmere what could be any better?

I think with the thought that cooler weather is soon to come it was time to cast on for something comfy & cozy. So I was at knitting knit on Friday and picked up some new yarn Cascade eco-cloud, needles and the pattern kouyou and I was off. I don't know if there is a pattern with the yarn purchases lately, but I'm loving the alpca/wool blends. Let me tell you this yarn does not disappoint the chain ply is so cool and the softness/squish factor is to die for! I've made it thur the SS repeats and working on the lace repeats now...this will hopefully be finished within the week.

Well that's about all I have for now, I've been knitting away and planning for the new projects. Now I just need the weather to work with me and start cooling off. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Happy Creations!

Summer beach/bath Robes

2011-07-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially begun, so what was my first summer project you ask...Beach Robes! I'm fairly new to the sewing world, but since my recent purchases I have been getting back into it and loving every minute of it! With my newest addiction I've found alot of great blogs out there that are so inspirational...one of my favorites is Made she has alot of great tutorials out there, so when I saw the Beach Robe Pattern I figured I would give it a shot. Plus extra bonus it had alot of surging, so I was able to test run my newest toy...

Ok so cutting out the pattern wasn't challenging, because there really isn't alot of pieces...but, trying to ensure you have the nap right when cutting out was kinda challenging, for 3 of the robes I ended up going with short sleeves because I just didn't have a towel big enough. I should have taken measurements of the towels I used, just to be mindful of my next towel purchases. Although, I think the short sleeves here in FL are the best solution, it's just too dang hot here sometimes for long sleeves. I also had to modify the pattern for the ties, I just couldn't get one long length for the ties, but I loved how that looked going around the whole body, so I did them in pieces...as you can tell from the picture. Some turned out better then others, but I think that was my lack of pinning ;o).

So sewing them together was a breeze and the pattern directions were clear and alot of great illustrations, this was the first time for me setting in a sleeve. I still have some work to do on getting that just right as some of my sleeves ended up smaller then the sleeve opening. But, that was because I wasn't mindful of my needle position and moving it back and forth when I was attaching the bias tape. So I was excited to get to work with my serger on a real project, boy did I have my challenges. Surging in the round is just not easy, any tips from the experts out there in the blogging world?? I couldn't find one video or tutorial about this, so my first one was the blue one and I didn't do a perfect job, but some stitches where looser in some areas then others. Next one up...green one and I totally cut a hold...ugh and had to do some repair work. For those keen seamstresses you can probably spot the patch job. But I still love it and I know my friends little girl will get great use out of it.

Overall I love this pattern and will be making more. Guaranteed I will be back to make some more patterns released by Made. Next item is her tutorial on the kid-shorts, plan on using seersucker material I picked up on sale.

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Creations!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

2011-05-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

I'm finding that a couple of different types of projects are keeping me pretty happy lately. So this is what I've been busy working on...

My first quilting project in years, and I can tell you now I have NO idea what I'm doing. It's been fun researching tips and tricks to getting points right, how to cut correctly, ironing techniques. I can say I have a long way to go with getting my points spot on, but I'm enjoying the process. I stumbled on this Little Miss Shabby and found the Birdie Stitches Block of the Month and I was hooked. This quilt is using the Moda, Prayer Flag Jelly Roll.

Along with this project it has also allowed me to brush up on embroidery techniques. I love the back stitch results. This is Feb block, I'm currently working on March, April and May's. Considering weather I should be use woven interfacing for the remaining blocks, as the light blue is showing embroidery floss more then I would like.

As for sewing projects here are some of my finishes...This was a fun project I sent to my Mom for her puppy "Milo" so he could dress up for her b-day! Isn't just the cutest? Thanks to Dog Under My Desk for the great tutorial!

Well that's it for now, hope you are having a wonderful creative week!

Confession Time, "oh yes I did"

2011-04-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to share a finished item, remember the Ava Tie top dress? Well, here is the finished dress. I'm so excited about this dress and I see many many more in my future. As a matter of fact, I've almost finished the matching one for the recipients little sister.

Now onto the confession, so when I took the lesson I was surrounded by beautiful machines and well I may have took one home with me. ;0) So I'm now in the process of making a spot in my house for my new Bernina 430. I've been playing ever since, buying fabrics, reading about technique, and dreaming of future projects. I've made a couple of pillow cases and an applique tie t-shirt for my friends little boy. I have begun cutting for Amy Butler, Reversible Sunday Sling (I will share when cutting attacks lessons learned soon once I can get pictures)!

I would love to hear the stories about how you started the love of sewing and what machines you started out on and any tips and tricks I should remember as a new sewer.

Thanks for stopping in, Happy Creations!

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a beautiful Easter day with Friends and Family. Fun project to be added into the easter baskets this year using old crayons and candy molds.

Learning to sew the correct way

2011-04-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Since I've been home for the last three weeks I'm trying to take advantage of the time I have. So tomorrow I'm taking a day for me to take a sewing lesson. I've been a self taught sewer, my Mom got me a sewing machine one year for Christmas and I've been trying to sew ever since.

I found a local fabric store Paula's Fine Fabrics and they were holding a class for Shirring Made Easy, and the dress pattern is what sold it for me. The pattern is by Lizzy & Ivy Ava Tie Top Dress. Isn't it just the cutiest, I've got all the materials picked out and I'm ready to go. I plan on making 2 of these for a friends little girls, I thought the fabric was different but still full of spring colors. I don't know about you but I'm all about yellow this season, I just wish it looked good on me.

I have a feeling this newest adventure of mine, may lead me down the path of looking into a new sewing machine. Any sugguestions on ones I should be considering?

Hope everyone is having a beautiful day, thanks for stopping by!
Happy Creating!

Totally Cute Stitching

2011-04-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Quick time to share a cute quick project I worked on for a recent swap package. Since I do so many different crafting projects I try to keep them small and easy so I have time to enjoy a little bit of every craft. So one of my favorite places to go when I want a super cute stitching project I tend to window shop andwabisabi. Talk about super cute cross stitch patterns, right? How could you resist? Totally what I thought when I saw this pattern. It was super easy, probably at the most a 3 day project when all was send and done. Now I have to get to it and stitch another one for my soon to be craft room.

Now as the knitting, my mojo is totally gone. However, I did visit the new location of my LYS and of course added to my stash that I hope that will help me find that mojo.

Happy Creating!

Have I really been away for that long?

2011-03-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

New look and feel to my blog, to start posting more on a regular bases! Looking forward to sharing and learning from fellow blogger's and finding creative inspiration in everything we do! Here is a stitiching project that I started this year, hope to have it all stitched up by the end of the year!

I {heart} my Pink iPod

2008-06-26T10:01:00.001-07:00

I just celebrated my b-day and was lucky enough to get the new pink iPod. I'm totally lovin' it right now. (Please excuse the bad picture, but the only one I have at the time) My new iPod will not only help me track my progress with my runs for TNT, but it's also a catalyst to my knitting obsession right now. That's right, I have been introduced into the podcast knitting world!!

I have dived into the podcast world and I've found some great knitting ones that I can listen too while I knit. Which, I've enjoyed completely because I'm learning all about different yarns, stores, projects...etc. The amount of information is limitless.

The ones I've been trying to catch up on are:

http://www.stashandburn.com/

http://limenviolet.com/

http://www.cast-on.com/

I'm really enjoying the Stash and Burn at the moment (Ironically when this picture was taken I was wearing my I {Heart} SF) which is Stash and Burns home base. I totally can't wait until Womens Nike Run in SF. Hopefully I'll have some time to hit some of the local yarn stores in which Jenny and Nicole talk about in their podcasts.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!
Happy Creations

Productive Day

2008-06-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love when I feel like I've had a very productive day, lately I've felt very productive. Must be because I still haven't started working, so I have all day to get things done. (Are you laughing at me?) That won't last for long so I'm going to take full advantage while I can. I have a bunch to share today...so lets get too it.

On the Stamping front...

I was able to participate in the Sketch Challenge on SCS I love these challenges because they always help me out of the design rut, if you've never participated I would highly recommend. I broke out the Always stamp set from SU, if you can believe it this is the 1st time this set has seen ink. I love it, I just never now what to use it for...to me it makes very elegant cards and that is really not my style. I decided to make this one fun with bright colors. I stamped the heart with my Glue Pad then added the Art Glitter to add some extra sparkle...isn't great? I love the Art Glitter w/ glue pad, however it takes some patience as it seems to take forever to dry...I typically give it 24hrs before I put it in an envelope. I then stamped the backgrounds with versa mark and sponged around the edges for the finished look I embossed that fantastic bird and there you have the finished card!

On the Knitting front...

I have finished a quick dish cloth project. I love having homemade dish cloths around the house as well as ready to give as quick gifts. Micheal's has their Lily Sugar'n Creams on sale for $1.00 so I stocked up. I was looking on Ravelry for some patterns and found the Modified Feather & Fan. So this is my Feather & Fan...isn't is lovely? I love the colorway it's Sunny Sky. I will make a yellow and green to go with it as a set. Not to mention a fantastic card to coordinate with it all, these have the pastel colors so they might have to go into the baby stash.

I have casted on a new project...this is the start of my new and lovely (hopefully) Clapotis. Using Shepherd Sport Lorna's Laces "Vera". I originally thought this would be a Christmas present (yes, I have to start early I'm still a newbie in the knitting world) however, I might have to keep this one to myself. I have had a little bit of a tough time with this, I think I'm just over thinking the pattern. Last night I started over and it seems to be moving along nicely. Can't wait to start ripping out the stitches to get the vertical lines in the pattern!!

On the Running front...

I've been really good about getting in my required miles in for the week, yesterday I ran 2.5 miles tomorrow I will get in another 2mils and this Saturday is the group run and I believe that will be 3mils. Luckily we are starting at 7:30am to try to beat the heat, from here on out we will running as early as 5O'clock in the morning...dang FL weather. Happy to report I'm feeling healthy and the miles haven't been too damaging. Good thing I'm only training for the 1/2 marathon.

Well that's it for now...see I told you I've been productive. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

Happy Creations

Team In Training

2008-06-04T08:23:00.001-07:00

I've signed up to participate in my 1st 1/2 Marathon as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(LLS) Team in Training in October 2008. Which basically means for the next 5mths my body will never feel the same (constant pain)! My soreness is nothing compared to those who battle this cancer. I can do this !!

All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. Especially my family, we have suffered a significant loss due to this cancer. Pictured above is my Grandfather and his siblings which out of the 4 of them 3 of them battled Leukemia. We also lost my Great Grandfather due to Leukemia. I have a vested interest in this society to help find a cure for future generations and that is why I'm determined to help make a difference.

These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure! Please join me in this fight by contributing to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society , which is 100% tax deductible. I will do the physical part, but I ask for your support and encouragement in my endeavors. Every bit helps and will make a big difference!!

I know the economic situation is rough and gas prices are outrageous but if you're thinking of contributing to something this year, please consider me! And feel free to share the link with anyone who might be interested as well!

If you would like to donate please visit here: Jen's TNT for Grandpa

I'm actually joining my 1st group run tonight and meeting my coaches for the first time. I'm looking forward to meeting the coaches, however I'm a little nervous about the running. It's 3.5miles tonight and I haven't been running due to family circumstances. Please wish me luck. I'll keep you posted as I progress. Maybe have some photo's to share!

A Sad Post

2008-06-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

If you have read any of my post in the past, you know I typically like to keep them fun and up beat. But, today is a sad post for me...so I hope you can bear with me because I can use as many willing listeners as I can get.

Last Thursday I lost a very special man in my life...my Grandpa Gary. He was diagnosed early May with CLL Leukemia during testing stage for treatment options they found Lung Cancer, Tumor on his hip and then he contracted pneumonia. Unfortunately his body just couldn't fight any longer. So needless to say it's been an emotional exhausting time for the family. I will miss him like crazy, but I'm at peace knowing he is no longer suffering in pain. I'm very thankful for the wonderful memories we do have together and I will cherish them always.

This picture was taken in March '08, as Grandpa kicked off the first ever
"Annual FAAS Golf Tournament". Of course he took home the trophy as the "Low net golfer" while I took home the "High net Golfer". Doesn't he look stylin' in his red get up. I have to say he was always active, he loved to cycle and was even crazy enough to ride his bike from Cape Coral, FL all the way to his home town of Iowa for his 50th High school reunion. He was 68yrs old at the time and made the crazy 2,400 mile journey all on his own with his bike. (Stories from that trip I won't forget). Boy if nothing else he was always determined.

Even though Grandpa is not hear with us today, I will continue to cherish the memories we did make and those moments which only we shared together. Because of him we have a wonderful family dynamic, full of love and support and for that I'm so thankful. So I leave this post with one of my all time favorite pictures with Grandpa, Chris and I hiking in TN.

Happy Knitting and Stamping

2008-05-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Who said you can't combined the love of all your hobbies? I maybe a little crazy because I've signed up for yet another addictive hobby which enables me to hoard yet another wonderful stash. So now my stash of rubber stamps are expanding to wonderful colorful yarns. Although I'm committed to only purchasing yarns I intended to use...no really! I know I said that about stamping, but I think I only have a couple of stamps which have never seen ink. No really why don't you believe me?

Anywho, back to why I'm here...this post is to celebrate my knitting adventures. As of today, I have been knitting for 5wks and I'm officially hooked! Right now I have two projects in process a Knitting Needle Bag for me and my 1st pair of socks. The bag is completed just need to get it lined and seemed up. I'm super proud of this project because I read the pattern all by myself. Using Lambs Pride Bulky for this project I love the color and the feel of this yarn knitting with it was great would sometimes split but all in all a great yarn and a good price.

Now to continue celebrating I mass produced some cards with Ellen Hutson knitting stamps. As you can see I kept the design very simple in order to mass produce. Envelopes coordinate with the cards and I love how the turned out. I had fun coming up with color combos for the balls of yarn. I'm sure I could find a yarn to coordinate with this...maybe jitterbug? My hopes for these cards are to sell them to help in my fund raising efforts with Team in Training (another post to follow about this). So what do you think? Next post will talk about my Sock project and then another one to talk about my new running adventures. Thanks for taking some time today to celebrate with me.

Happy Knitting & Stamping!

New Blog!

2008-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've decided I wanted to blog about more then just my stamping life. So, I'm combining my love of all my hobbies here on

Living My Creative Life

I hope you will come and visit me regularly!!