coffee break

I'm trying...once again...to ease up on my coffee intake. I really do like tea, but I LOVE coffee.

This is day one.

more from the wonderful world of bending the rules

the 'artsy clutch' and a variation of the 'no cash wallet' from bending-the-rules. I got the material from a garage sale around the corner from my house. I wasn't sure of it at first because anyone who knows me knows that I'm pretty standard grey & black with a few punches of colour, but I've been taking a few colour risks lately (1 or 2) so I decided to get it. I'm super happy with the outcome!

spaz-m

has anyone ever had a spasm in their calves? wow can I tell you the pain? After my soccer game last night I got a big one in my left calf as I was getting into the car. Thank god my sister was there -- she told me to get into the seat quickly and she would massage it, but as I was getting in I got one in my right calf! It's a very weird feeling... I feel like a big wimp 'cause I think I yelled pretty loud but oh well...

bending the rules

I was so excited to recieve a book delivery yesterday -- three sewing books! Inspired by my grandmother's creations and all of the patchwork goodies I see everywhere, I decided to purchase two quilting books: Denyse Schmidt Quilts, and Make Your Own Contemporary Quilts. The photos in both of these books are so inspiring and I love that they have quilt patterns and instructions especially for newbies like me.

Of course I had to get bend-the-rules sewing by Amy Karol because I've been reading all over the blogsphere about how great it is. I was amazed at all the fun projects there were so I got started right away... well after hours from my 'real' job of course!

This weekend I have a baby shower so decided to try out Amy's bib design as a gift. It was so much fun I made three! They might be a tad big for a newborn but I figure the baby can wear it when he/she is 2 or 3 ;). I can't wait to try out some of the other designs. Thanks Amy!


--yes more denim -- I have a lot of it around here!



--a cute grey cotton bib -- I put a pink ribbon on one side and a blue one on the other because my friend doesn't know what she's having!



--all three bibs

little wonders

M and I planted a garden in the back yard this summer and I thought for sure the racoons and squirrels would get to it before we were able to see any of it. But, I had heard that planting marigolds helps keeps the little critters away, and so far so good! Here are our first two cherry tomatoes -- and were they ever good!

nuptuals

after a three-year engagement, my dad finally got married this weekend! it rained but it was a great weekened. here are a few pics of the festivities!

cute little top

when I was growing up, my mom always found out about my shopping purchases, even when I tried my hardest to hide them. she'd ask: "Oh is that a new cute little top? How much was that?" And I'd make something up saying that I got it months ago. Now that I'm older, I still here her voice in my head when I go shopping -- well her voice and my fiance's voice saying the same thing.

They will love to know that I have made my first cute little top and for next to nothing! A few weeks ago I went to a garage sale around the corner and got a few pieces of fabric for $1.50. I was so excited to get them for so cheap, but I didn't know what I could make as I only really started sewing. Then I came across a children's dress that Martha made over at Uniform Studio and fell in love. Instead of a dress however, I modified it and made a cute little top!





I couldn't be happier with the outcome -- I am going to wear it to my dad's wedding rehearsal dinner next week!